Godserver Articles

Indoor Gardening in Winter by Roger Tagg

Even though it's not spring, summer or fall doesn't mean you
have to give up gardening. You can enjoy your green thumb by
growing things in the winter as well. Gardening in the
winter involves enjoying plants indoors - on window sills
and near windows. Some plants do go into a sleep during the
colder winter months - their blossoms fall off and their
leaves turn brown. There are several things you can do to
encourage full green foliage and lush blossoms throughout
the winter months. All it takes is a bit of practice and
patience.

One of the most important things for you to remember is
that you don~t want to over-water your plants. When plants
are in a resting period they need less water to sustain
them, even if they look brown and dry. If you over-water
your indoor winter plants you~ll find the leaves will start
to fall off. Winter gardening means that you have to adapt
the way that you water your plants.

Try to add some moisture to the air in your home if you can
when you are gardening in the winter. You can increase the
moisture by either buying a humidifier, which will benefit
you as well, or by simply boiling a pot of water on the
stove and letting it simmer for a while. The moisture in
the air will ensure that your winter plants don~t get too
dry.

When it comes to winter gardening you may have to realize
that there are some plants that simply won~t last for a
long period of time. These plants include Gloxinia,
Chrysanthemum, and Cyclamem. Try to focus your winter
gardening efforts on plants other than these three plants.
Anytime that you purchase an indoor plant make sure that
you find as much information about the plant as you can.
Find out how much light and water the particular plant
needs so that you don~t over water the soil or keep it too
dry. If you make sure that the conditions are right for
your indoor house plants you increase your chances of
seeing bright flowers lining your window sills during the
winter months.

You may find that there is more of a bug problem during
winter gardening than during the other months of the year.
If you find bugs on your indoor plants make sure you find
out what measures you need to take for each particular
plant before applying just any kind of chemical. Try to
encourage as much light in your home as possible when you
are winter gardening. For plants that require a lot of
sunlight make sure to find a window that gets the most
winter sun during the shorter days.

A terrarium is another option for those that struggle with
producing blooms while winter gardening. A terrarium is an
ideal solution for plants with green foliage, herbs, ferns,
orchids, and cacti.

Roger Tagg is the chief editor for Roar Gardening,
the #1 source on the internet for information about
Gardening,
For more articles on Gardening why not visit:
http://www.roargardening.com/articles

A Flower says it beautifully by Johannas Bellume

Perhaps, the most popular gift all over the world is the
gift of flowers. Whether it is a carefully chosen bouquet
of flowers or just a stem, it is sure to convey a warm
feeling to the recipient. It's not only because the flowers
are beautiful and their fragrance is exhilarating, they
carry the freshness of nature and the world outside with
them. They appeal to all our senses and brighten up our
homes and our hearts. Every time we look at them, we feel
grateful to the sender for giving us so much joy.

Flowers and plants have a long history as far as the
ingenious ways in which various cultures have been using
them down the centuries. Each culture has given them a
special significance in their own particular way. For
instance, in early Rome, brides carried flowers to ensure
fertility and keep evil spirits away. In medieval Europe,
people used strong herbs and floral nosegays as preventives
against disease. And this was much before they learnt about
infections and infectious diseases.

Far away from these medieval superstitions, flowers are
simply considered to be signifying an important event in an
individual's life. Flowers are presented as gift in a bevy
of occasions like weddings, births, funerals anniversaries
and congratulations. Even psychologists agree on the fact
that flowers do have a positive impact on human emotions.
Whatever the case, a flower delights us with its fragile
beauty besides being a symbol of eternal love and
affection.

So, you want to give the gift of flowers. Flowers will
accurately express your sentiments? There are almost
as many ways to "say it with flowers" as there are to
say it with words. Whether you put it together yourself,
or have a bouquet created by a professional floral
artist, your bouquet can be as expressive as your
imagination will allow.

Flowers are truly a gift to us all, not just for the fact
that they make wonderful gifts to give a friend or loved
one, but in the fact that they are beautiful and
fascinating examples of the powerful effect that nature has
on all humans. Flowers can affect our moods, and delight
our senses. They have the power to evoke images and
youth, beauty and happiness, and they are enduring
symbols of the renewal of life. Fresh flowers and
arrangements can be an expression of your thoughts
and feelings for these reasons and many more.

Johannas Bellume
http://www.ypflower.com

God Loves You With the Love of God by Jeremy Hoover

God Loves You With the Love of God

God Loves You With the Love of God
By Jeremy Hoover

Do you ever feel that what you read in some Christian books is not really God’s truth at all, but is merely the opinion of the writer, dressed up in the clothing of truth? Such books are merely imposters and are like the fig tree Jesus cursed—they look promising on the outside, but when you get up close, you find that they, like the fig tree, are barren, written for the glory of the writer and his or her ideas, not for the truth of God and his glory.

Unfortunately, many sermons and teachings fall into the same category. One such teaching is that we have to work very hard to please God, because he is just about fed up with us because of all our shortcomings. This is a teaching that is just plain wrong, according to Darin Hufford, and in his book, “The God’s Honest Truth,” he sets out to correct it.

“The God’s Honest Truth” is a great book. Its premise is that knowing God is based on love, because God is love and he loved us first (and continues to love us). Too many conceptions of God, Hufford points out, are based on faulty images of our human fathers that we transfer to our divine father. Thus, we see God as demanding, abusive, absent, or passive-aggressive, because that is how we (sadly) see our human fathers.

But God is not like that; rather, God is love, and to frame his teaching, Hufford uses the pure and true description of love from 1 Corinthians 13 to guide his discussion about God and our relationship with him.

As an example of what this book is really about, Hufford cites the problem of “loving” God more than we love our spouse or our children. God does not compete for our attention, and if we set up our relationship with him in such a way that we must choose between time with God or time with our family, we act as though God is insecure. Instead, Hufford writes, “The only way to love God more than your spouse is to love God through your spouse. Your husband or wife would be the direct recipient of that love” (p. 169).

Hufford’s book is filled with similar true-to-life examples and the corrective truth the Bible offers. The most important thing we can realize and understand is that God loves us purely. By studying what love truly is (in 1 Cor. 13, for example), we can sincerely and simply love God more and more.

Jeremy M. Hoover is a book reviewer and Christian minister. You can request a review by emailing him at jeremyhoover@gmail.com. He also sells a set of 11 ebooks on prayer, which you can find here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

A Life That Is Purpose Driven by Vaughn Pascal

A Life That Is Purpose Driven

A Life That Is Purpose Driven
By Vaughn Pascal

I started reading the book "The Purpose Driven Life" about 45 days ago. This book is written by Rick Warren. It is one of the best books I have ever read and It has changed my life. It is a really good book and I am out there trying to get people to read it and acknowledge the difference it makes in your life. I had been waiting to read it since it first came out but I kept putting it off. It took my approximately 40 days to complete it and that is because he ( Rick Warren) wants you to sign a covenant with him stating that you will take that time to realize your life and path that God has chosen for you. I made the promise and the commitment and I took it to heart. I missed one day in reading that book and the very next day I read two chapters to make up for it. It does take you, going by his directions, approximately 40 days to complete. I started it around the time I wrote the article 40 days and 40 nights. 40 being represented in the bible and a significant number that God has used. I took the time to read this book every morning when I awoke, one chapter a day until I completed it. It has a lot of spiritual information and a lot of information period. I really loved it and I suggest everyone read it. I don’t want to part with my book but I plan to buy at least three more for friends and family and have them pass it on. It is encouraging and enlightening. There are many things one will learn by reading what he has written and I feel it was totally God inspired.

What is one of the greatest gifts you can give to family and friends? I believe it is their relationship with God and the understanding of His words. Jesus paid a great price and having a relationship with God through Christ is an essential part of our being. It is the reason we exist. I also want to mention a movie I watched recently, I had seen it before but I watched it again not long ago. The movie is titled, ‘Pay It Forward’. That is a good example of kindness and love. We tell people who are dear to us, hopefully on a regular occasion how much we care and how much they mean to us. Do you ever go out of your way to help anyone else in need? What and how do you do that? I started thinking how a lot of times people only help and reach out to their immediate friends and family, sometimes we may get encouraged to help a stranger if you hear of a tragedy or devastating experience they have been put in, but do you ever just help because it is a humanely thing to do? Do you ever just offer a hand when it is inconvenient?

I think about all the times I said no when I could have said yes simply because I didn’t make the time or thought I can do it next time. I set down and made another commitment last night. I plan to stick it out also. I have been inspired with 40 as a number in whole. I am going to commit to telling everyone I know that I love them, at least one person a day. I am going to tell them why they mean so much to me and why they make a difference in my life. I actually started last night and it started with my dearest friend, Cristi. I told her that she was my best friend and that I simply loved her. I then proceeded to help out a neighbor in need, I asked my ex husband if he needed to talk, going through a rough time, I wrote 4 of my neighbors letters, not long letters just small tokens of appreciation. I told my son how much I had missed him while he was gone and how much I loved him. I called Jon. I told him I loved him and why. I then went to bed and awoke to many thanks for my thoughtfulness. I called another friend of mine Teresa, and asked how it was going, knowing she has been through a hard time lately. I told her I was here. My sister called. I talked to her told her I was just glad she called, I wanted to see how she was, told her I loved her. I talked to my mom twice both times I told her I loved her. I watched my neighbors little girl while she got things in order to move, she came over, we talked, she said thank you for always being there.

I honestly am not the type of person who needs to hear thank you or I am sorry. I have never expected that, but always appreciated it when it did happen. I make a point in letting people know daily how I feel about them even thought I may not mention it often. This 40 day commitment has been a part of my life for a long time I guess. I am just more aware of it now. I would also like to take one day out of every week and do something for a stranger. Even if it just to say hello. There is a homeless man that I met that I think of often. Something that makes me feel very good is, that when he sees me coming he begins to smile. I see in him a look. It is a look of hope, because most usually when he sees me he knows this is one day I am going to be able to eat. I try to always give homeless people money or something. Even if I see them over and over.

One day while I was out with one of my friend’s son, we saw a homeless man and I said, hand me my purse, and he did, after I gave him a little bit of money and it wasn’t much, just a few dollars, the son turned to me and said, “you know he probably does have money and he is just bumming to get more”. What a horrible thing to come out of a child’s mouth. I was in shock really. I mean even though he was a kid, it just made me cringe. I have heard the same thing come out of adult’s mouths too. Or “maybe they are just gonna buy drugs or alcohol with it”, or “why can’t they just go get a job”. Well there can be many reasons as to why someone becomes homeless, and I will tell everyone this, there was a time in my life where I had no where to go. I was given help by strangers and I was aloud to live in a hotel for about a month. I had no food, no money, no car, and those people at that motel gave me food and a place to stay. They checked on me and they made sure I was comfortable. I had no one in my life at that point in time that I felt like cared, if they did why was I in that situation? I got through that time with faith and God giving me a direct line to strangers who cared enough to say we are here for you. And thanks to God, He got me out of that. I could have easily been that homeless person you see. I do feel sorry for them and I do not know why or how it ended up that way for them. I would love to sit down and figure it out though. I would love to help them more.

You know sometimes by you just saying, I feel for you and your situation, you are giving them the courage to continue on. People can lose everything and everyone in a split second. You don’t know their circumstances and NOBODY has the right to judge these people. I am sure they judge themselves enough as it is. I ask for help for them, because they have no one but you. You can not go out here and save the world. I realized that a long time ago, but you can save someone a moment of sadness just by being a human and feeling for them, say a prayer for those in that situation and give what you can, not just money but a gift of the heart. My heart goes out to everyone in that situation.

My day has not ended yet, I took my friend and her daughter to lunch, I will go take a drive and visit my grandpa who is a veteran today is Memorial Day. I will talk to him and tell him how much I care. I know he gets lonely and sometimes he just needs someone to listen and I love hearing his stories. What a legacy he has passed down with his own stories of life. I will tell him I appreciate that. I will come home and play with my son and be there when the phone rings, for whatever, a talk, a question, if someone needs something I will be there, because I am not here to take something for me but to give back to everyone whom has blessed my life by being a apart of it. I will also go to bed knowing I did the best I could today to help someone who needed it. I will also close my eyes knowing I told someone I care. Doesn’t everyone deserve to know what a difference they make in your life? Doesn’t everyone deserve to know that somebody out there really cares? I do care, I always have, I always will. Thank God I am open enough to see and believe in this world and in you. God Bless You On Memorial Day..

God Bless Each and everyone of you. To all veterans and those whom have passed Thank you for your many gifts and God be with you and your families. Thank you God, for my many, many blessings and thank you Jesus for the greatest sacrifice of all...

I love you Bub!

Vaughn Pascal

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Are You Facing Some Challenges? by Daniel N. Brown

Are You Facing Some Challenges?

Are You Facing Some Challenges?
By Daniel N. Brown

Are you facing some challenges in your life right now? If so, rejoice! “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

We all know that athletes need endurance training for physical stamina and mental toughness. When game time arrives, he or she will be ready to do battle and will have a greater chance at victory. If the athlete does not go through the necessary preparedness, he or she may not even be allowed into the game.

Do we really think we can just ask God for some great position in life with out any preparation? Not hardly. Read Psalm 107. This chapter tells us that God sometimes brings storms into our lives to accomplish a purpose in us. And that purpose, I believe, is to prepare us for greater things.

If you’re facing challenges today, ask God to hold you up, strengthen you, and help you learn what He is trying to teach you. “Blessed is He who endures.” (James 1:12)

Please keep in mind that not all storms in our lives are from God. Many times, we can create our own storms by making poor decisions. The best thing to do in these cases is to ask God to help you learn from your mistakes.

God can use your own storms to teach you things and use them to bring you increase. “All things work together for good to them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Be encouraged if things are not what you think they should be. God has a wonderful plan for your life and He may just be working on the inside of you right now. God is faithful to His word! Remember, “The desire of the righteous shall be granted.” (Proverbs 10:24)

Daniel N. Brown is the publisher of the "Living your Abundant and Prosperous Life" Newsletter. A FREE weekly publication that teaches how to live the abundant and prosperous life. Receive a FREE 7 page report entitled, "How to Receive from God" when you sign up. http://www.secretplaceonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Hear from God by Daniel N. Brown

How to Hear from God

How to Hear from God
By Daniel N. Brown

We want to hear from God so that we may be led to pursue the right things. Unfortunately, there are always three voices in every ones head at any given time; God’s voice, the devil’s voice, and the voice of our own flesh. So, how are we to be sure to hear from God with all the noise going on?

It really is very simple. If we want to hear from God, we need to shut up the other two. So, how do we do that?

First of all, the devil is easy to shut up. Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Satan will have to flee when we begin praising God because the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. The devil is not gonna stick around while you shout “Hallalujah” to the Lord.

Just shout out your praise to God. Praise Him for who He is, praise Him for what He has done, praise Him for His promises, and praise Him because He deserves it. As you are praising God, you will not hear from the devil.

Our flesh is the more difficult to control because it never can get enough and is never satisfied. It is also the most difficult to control because it is extremely self-centered. Even still, Jesus said, ”Deny yourself and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Your flesh doesn’t want to follow Jesus. That would mean having to give up many things. It doesn’t matter. We are to crucify the flesh. (Galatians 2:20) It is a decision.

When you quiet the evil twins, the devil and your own flesh, it is much easier to hear from God. Now, that does not mean you will hear an audible voice, although you may, but not likely.

God speaks in many different ways. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Clearly, before we can know God’s voice, we must be like sheep. What are sheep? Only the dumbest animals on the face of the earth. We must become like dumb animals, knowing nothing, in and of ourselves. Being completely dependant upon God. This goes back to crucifying the flesh.

You can hear from God, and you should. It could be something from His written Word (logos). It could be His audible voice (rhema). You can also get His rhema Word spoken through a friend. Or, it can be nature, convictions, open and shut doors of opportunity, and the most likely, internal peace.

One way you will not hear from God is through your emotions. Emotions are dangerous ground because they are never consistent. They’re up one minute and down the next. You can’t make important decisions based on something so erratic.

Many times, you will not get a definite answer on something specific. The Bible tells us that we are to live our lives by faith. We are to step out and try things that we feel God is leading us to do. Maybe this will work, maybe that will work. We just have to step out see. “In the morning sow your seed…For you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecc 6:11)

One thing is for sure, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23) Trust God for direction as you take a step of faith toward what you feel He is calling you to. He will let you know whether it is really Him or not.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Your Attitude Determines Your Future by Daniel N. Brown

Your Attitude Determines Your Future

Your Attitude Determines Your Future
By Daniel N. Brown

Do you realize you are creating your future by the very attitude you posses?

Take a look at Proverbs 15:15. The Amplified Bible says it this way, “All the days of the desponding afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and foreboding), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances).”

We have an “either - or” situation here. Have a glad heart and a continual feast, or have your days made evil by “stinking thinking.” It’s all an attitude.

Your attitude is supported by your beliefs and your beliefs are vital to your success or failure in life. Jesus said, “As you have believed, let it be done unto you” (Matthew 8:13).

Whatever emotion you experience at any given time is supported by a particular belief. If you are experiencing joy, there is an underlying belief that supports that emotion. If you are experiencing discouragement, there is an underlying belief supporting that too.

If you know God is taking care of you and watching out for your best interest, then relax. Have a glad heart and know He is in control, for the peace of God surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

If, for some reason, you are experiencing some negative emotion, you’re believing in something that is causing it.

So, the next time you’re exuding a poor demeanor; slumped shoulders, shallow breathing, a sagging facial expression, just stop and ask yourself, “What is the belief that is supporting this behavior?” Once you recognize it, you can change it. It’s just a decision.

“He who has a glad heart has a continual feast, but all the days of the desponding afflicted are made evil.”

Notice the phrase, “desponding afflicted.” The word “desponding” means losing hope. As long as God is alive, there is no reason to lose hope. “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph 3:20).

This power that works in us is our faith. Jesus said, “According to your faith let it be done unto you” (Matthew 9:29).

You are creating your future by the very attitude you posses. Don’t worry, be happy and trust God.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

People May Let You Down by Daniel N. Brown

People May Let You Down

People May Let You Down
By Daniel N. Brown

Is your hope in God? Or, is it in people?

I will tell you this, people will let you down. Only God is infallible.

So many people put so much faith in another human being by putting them up on a pedestal, and it is very sad. All they are doing is setting themselves up for disappointment.

We serve a great God who loves us dearly and wants to take care of us. He wants us to put our hope in Him. Jesus said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22).

You are reading this article right now because you either subscribe to my weekly newsletter, “Living the Abundant and Prosperous Christian Life,” or you found it via search engine, recommendation, or by some other means. Whichever, I believe you truly want to live an abundant and prosperous life. Therefore, your hope must, absolutely be in God!

You will never experience the fullness of what God has for you unless you are believing in Him. The bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Whatever any situation may look like, just know God is in control.

Don’t put your faith in a person. I know people have good intentions, but they are only people. God is your rewarder and He is perfect in all His ways. He will never let you down. He knows right where you are and just exactly what you need. Live by faith, not by sight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Keeping The Faith by Vaughn Pascal

Keeping The Faith

Keeping The Faith
By Vaughn Pascal

Well I had a website that I was posting on but have since decided my writing works should be meant for friends and family .I have been writing articles on and off for awhile now. I used to do it sporadically but then I found it was great therapy and started doing it whenever I felt an ache, such as a heartache .I have changed a lot especially in the past two years. I talk of the past as if it were 20 yrs ago, but I have come such a long way in the past couple of years. I felt the need to elaborate .I feel as if I have lived a lifetime. Two years out of 31, which is now how old I am. The past year has been a major change for me. Why was this past year so much more significant than any of the others? Because I believe that was my year of awakening.

I look back over the articles from the past and all the words I put down. I look at all the patterns. What was it I wanted to say, more importantly what was it that I wanted. I noticed I spoke a great deal about my friends, but rarely of family. I noticed I spoke of loyalty, my son and the people who I relied on. I spoke of disappointments, but I also spoke of pulling myself through. I noticed I used the word support a lot. I believe I wrote many times, “I am a person who needs support”. I want you all to see the new patten I have created, the one that is going to take me far. It is a pattern of true love, and Faith. Loving who? Loving what? Faith in who? Faith in what? Love is loving the world and all that inhabit it. Every person in this world. I look out at them as I would my dearest friend. I have learned to forgive and I mean really forgive. Sometimes forgiving is simply forgetting. Before I would have said it is impossible to forget things, certain things. But it isn’t. To truly forgive is to start over. On a clean slate and all memories need to be at the least extinguished, maybe not completely blocked out but you think of it in more of a what did I learn here state of mind and all can be forgiven.

Nothing happens to us that we don’t in some way, no matter how major or minor, allow to happen. I say that because it is the decisions we make that leads us down a certain road. Where we end up is a result of that first step. Do you understand what I mean when I say that? I know how to love unconditionally. I knew anyways right, didn’t you? I have a son. I love him unconditionally. The most precious gift I have received of this world. How do I love others unconditionally? I love them through the act of knowing that they are human. As well as myself. If I expect you to over- look all of my flaws and mistakes, do I not owe you the same respect? I may never say again that you are an enemy. I will simply say you are my friend. And I will mean that I know all in all people are genuinely good. Everyone no matter who you are has the ability to be a great person. And to do great things. That is our purpose here to do what you can to initiate the good in someone else. Do you believe that?

Now onto Faith. Kind of a small word with a huge meaning. To have faith to have faith in what? In who? Well I put my faith in what has never let me down, never disappointed me, never turned away from me, never left me alone. That is my creator and yours, God. I put my faith in my Savior, and yours if you allow him to be, and that is Jesus Christ. I was raised with knowing and believing. The majority of my family are believers, to different degrees and passions. I have started to write articles on my faith many, many times but in the end I felt I didn’t have the capacity to do it or the justice so I never printed them. I can tell you right now I got it. I don’t just say I am a Believer, I truly believe. I don’t just say I am a Christian, I really am. I am a spiritual child of God. I am devoted, truly a devoted daughter of The Almighty. My Savior is the One and Only Jesus Christ. I don’t know anyone out there that would give their body for me and all of you. I don’t know anyone who would stand up and say you have done all of these unholy things, you are a sinner with no remorse you are in a constant state of, what can you do for me, what will the world do for me? And even though you have done all of these wrong things, committed all these sins have even committed these sins against me. I am going I am going to die for you, bleed for you and die for you, suffer humiliation for you and die for you. Because I love you, and I do not expect anything back except your acknowledgment of what I have done for you, acknowledge My name and who I am, and your salvation will be awarded you. Who would do that for you?

I have been through the ringer in my life. Many times I have felt alone. But I also had the ability to look inside and actually feel the Presence of something bigger something better. An inkling that I wasn’t really alone. You will see that in articles I write I always dedicate then to my son. And to God and Jesus. I always said thank you. It was then and there that all this was coming to play. They have never deserted me or abandoned me, and folks I was unworthy of it. I have made some mistakes. I still struggle with making mistakes, but They were a constant in my life. Even from a very young age I knew when things got bad I only had to pray and a sense of peace flooded me until I was calm. I have been reminded over and over that They have been with me through every cross- roads, journey, heart break and heart ache. Every small thing to the grandest of things.

When I confessed all of my sins, and I said these words it changed my life. I cannot do this without You, when I have had nothing and noone You were with me. I always felt You near me, I was comforted in that feeling, You waited on me, I cannot live my life without You, I don’t ever want to live my life without You, please always stay with me and guide me, I cannot do it without You, I cannot function without You, I couldn’t take another breath without You, I am nothing without You, but I am everything with You.

I begged for forgiveness. I was grateful for receiving that. Guess what?? I have to remind myself of all that at times, I remember my own words, there are things I want to do at times, but I also think I don’t want to let You down and I know Your plan for me will be greater. I know You are looking out for me and just because I want this now I know in my heart You are trying to keep me from making a big mistake that I will regret over and over gain, so I need to listen and I have been trying my best. I am not saying it is always easy, but I put the effort in and I try. When I do listen my life is perfect. I feel a little sad right now, why? Because I am blessed with so much and I look at my friends and my family and I see sadness and broken hearts. I see lives that are in turmoil and sadness. So I wrote this to reach out to all of you and say look at my life now and look at it back then. For those who have known me for so long. What do you see? Is my life different? Do you know why? And then I proceed to tell them of the glory I have seen. I cannot tell you of all the things I have been given. I am not talking just materialistically either because I don’t care about that. I my need money to live on, but it sure doesn’t make me happy. I may need it to live on but not to live. I have had my share of blessings with money also though and I can’t complain. When I need it, it’s there and I have always struggled with money. What you give you receive believe that. We will always be given what we need to survive, it is a promise and it is true.

My son, my pride and joy, is a healthy young man, and as precious as a child can be, he is smart, he is healthy and happy. That is a gift to me. My family and I are very close. I may not mention them a lot but we are very close. I love each and every one of them. They are all special in so many ways. I wouldn’t know what to do without them. They have also helped shape and form the person I am today. I have a great relationship with my mom, and I love her dearly. She has done so much for me throughout my life and I can’t thank her enough. Also all my aunts, uncles, cousins, brother , sisters, all of these people, my grandpa, they have all been remarkable blessings to me. And they always are. I am proud of my family. My friends, my best friend, Teresa, she will kill me for using her name. I love her to death. She has been my constant through so many things. I hope I give her back a fraction of the loyalty she has given me. My other friends are just as important and special. I can’t name them all but C, R, J, K, B, C many of you. I won’t use all your names just initials. My ex-husband I am grateful for him, because he helped to give me the wonderful gift of my son, Dakota. And he has given me his friendship. He also helped shape the person I am today.

Now down to other things. I have been blessed with a vehicle once again, may not be a big deal to some, but I HAVE A CAR! I have food to eat and clothes to wear. I have a place to call home. And it is my home. I may not own it but it is mine to take care of and I am thankful for that. I am going to school! Who would have guessed and I love it too. I have met a lot of great people, students and instructors. Who instead of calling fellow collegians, I am beginning to now call friends. I have been blessed over and over again. I just needed to take the time and say why, and how and mainly WHO. So please have faith in all you do, believe in your heart you can do it, always have faith in a Higher Power and believe in His love, unending, and prove to Him and yourself that you are worthy and you can and will be somebody special. God Bless and Keep each and every one of you..follow your heart and dreams and pass this on if you know somebody in need. Take care.

Tiffany Dickerson/Vaughn Pascal

To God and Jesus, Thank you.
To Dakota, I love you.

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The Power of Ritual by Reginald Johnson

The Power of Ritual

The Power of Ritual
By Reginald Johnson

As humans, we are the species that operate with symbols. Other animals use familiar signs, landmarks and gestures given by us, or act purely on instinct. Like humans, they too have rituals of gathering food, procreation and even death rituals. Our normal day-to-day rituals include a shower, combing our hair, brushing teeth and preparing for work.

Early in the morning, take ten deep breaths in appreciation for awakening on a brand new day, under a brand new sky with opportunities to start again with a different attitude—one of gratitude. Every action that you perform in ritual has a deep meaning and impact. Although you may not perceive it on the physical level, it does have astral power. There are many unseen forces, whether earthbound or angelic, participating with you upon invitation and invocation. They are there, always watching and participating when the intention is right. I always call on the forces or angels of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

The subconscious mind understands and accepts symbols and ritual as very real and will mirror that reality on the physical level in your experience. The purpose of ritual is to strike a balance in spiritual attainment—whether psychic development or achievement of Christ or Cosmic Consciousness. Only you can achieve and master perfection of your spiritual goals. Prayer, chanting, meditation and ritual are ultimately performed to achieve unity with the Divine.

For true spiritual growth, practice is the key and so is persistence. If you are a Christian this week and Wiccan next week, then “Houston, we have a problem.” Why? Because rituals and symbols fueled with action and belief must be consistent for them to be actualized.

If you read the sacred text of the Bible, you find that Jesus declared often, “Be it done unto you according to your faith.” What a tremendous example of Divine conduct, discipline and unconditional love Jesus was, through his use of rituals, symbols and prayer. When ritual and symbols became too theological and extreme, he rejected the priests of the day and placed importance instead on right action—the ultimate ritual. Unfortunately, many well-meaning “religious” folk in traditional faiths have become spiritually shipwrecked by one-sided “my way only” belief systems.

Prayer is a ritual and “link” to the Divine. Buddha, too, rejected fussy, intensely cerebral ritual of the Hindus during his time, replacing them with his EIGHT-FOLD PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT:

1. Right View
2. Right Aim
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Thought
8. Right Contemplation

Find the religion and ritual you feel the greatest comfort with. Don’t judge yourself. God knows who you are and will assist you in your search. No religion works for personal growth unless right action is intended. You cannot love God and hate your neighbor. Divided kingdoms do not last. You cannot hate the sinner and love the sin or judge anyone. Unconditional love is the key.

In my studies of Wicca, or “Craft” of the wise, I found that it is an amazing belief system, which out of reverential respect for nature’s beauty, consistency, and color—in the sunshine, moon, storms, stars and rivers—evolved into the varying aspects of God (gods), or Divine aspects of God. There could not have been God without Goddess, or the Great Mother. Many of the great religions on earth have been greatly influenced by Wicca, including Christianity. For example, there is a statement in the Bible which stipulates “As Above, So Below.” That is an ancient Wiccan saying. I saw a bumper sticker and repeated it to several Wiccan clients which reads, “Christianity has Pagan DNA.” Wicca is a peaceful religion that respects life and nature. Anything that does not promote peace, balance, love and respect for all sentient beings and one’s self is not a good practice to be in.

Ritual is necessary to awaken deeper levels of your own consciousness. You use everything—sense, sights, chants, fragrances or any number of cues that you evoke to deepen your own awareness and contact your levels of knowing to make change occur in yourself and your world. Rituals are not mere mindless exercises to effect change. You must be consciously aware and disciplined for change to occur. There is a thin veil or membrane between physical life as we know it and spiritual reality.

It should be our mutual goal that despite our differences and affiliations, we should provide combined, positive sources of spiritual energy and inspiration to renew our lives on the planet for everyone in spite of our differences. From the esoteric perspective, ritual is designed to successfully impact spiritual growth, understanding and commitment to God while in your body on the planet. Ritual is to remind you of your integral part in the mysterious continuum of life which is much larger than this reality. Your organic self-observation of who you are permits you to participate in ritual only on that level. However, you will bridge and accelerate reality on the astral plane, with practice, to eliminate the barrier or restrictive falseness between yourself and what we call God. God loves you whether the ritual is a simple prayer or an advanced exercise in magick or Wicca. It is your intent. As a human, it is difficult to achieve mastery in every part of your life. But please master the daily ritual of a thankful heart, a loving smile, a greeting to a neighbor and a song to the Universe.

Ritual brings us into alignment with the power of God—the ultimate awareness. Once alignment is attained, there is a breakthrough of understanding on all levels and you will evoke material transformation in your character. We all have that ability and are linked on the Pathway of Energy to who God is, whether through salvation, mediumship, meditation or telepathy—it is up to you to find it, and you will.

From the book, The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within by Reginald G. Johnson, Ph.D., a practitioner in past life therapy, spiritual psychotherapy, and soul coaching. He is a teacher, lecturer and speaker who has appeared in print, on radio and is the host of an anticipated national television show dealing with spiritual transformation from several different viewpoints. For private sessions with Reggie, call toll free (866) 711-8324.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/