But Teo Bishop, while keeping up a career in pop music, accomplished something less predictable and altogether curiouser. Beginning about three years ago, he began a rise to prominence in the Pagan community. Then, last month, he shocked the Pagan community by re-embracing Christianity.
P.E.P (People Encouraging People) "Encouragement is like resuscitation. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to breathe." (jgr) "Encourage one another daily..." Hebrews 3:13 NASB
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
EX-DISNEY STAR RENOUNCED CHRISTIANITY AND BECAME A PAGAN – BUT THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Mentally Strong People: The 13 Things They Avoid
Amy Morin is a licensed clinical social worker and writer (Image courtesy of AmyMorinLCSW.com)
For all the time executives spend concerned about physical strength and health, when it comes down to it, mental strength can mean even more. Particularly for entrepreneurs, numerous articles talk about critical characteristics of mental strength—tenacity, “grit”, optimism, and an unfailing ability as Forbes contributor David Williams says, to “fail up.”
However, we can also define mental strength by identifying the things mentally strong individuals don’t do. Over the weekend, I was impressed by this list compiled by Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, that she shared in LifeHack. It impressed me enough I’d also like to share her list here along with my thoughts on how each of these items is particularly applicable to entrepreneurs.
1. Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves. You don’t see mentally strong people feeling sorry for their circumstances or dwelling on the way they’ve been mistreated. They have learned to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes, and they have an inherent understanding of the fact that frequently life is not fair. They are able to emerge from trying circumstances with self-awareness and gratitude for the lessons learned. When a situation turns out badly, they respond with phrases such as “Oh, well.” Or perhaps simply, “Next!”
2. Give Away Their Power. Mentally strong people avoid giving others the power to make them feel inferior or bad. They understand they are in control of their actions and emotions. They know their strength is in their ability to manage the way they respond.
3. Shy Away from Change. Mentally strong people embrace change and they welcome challenge. Their biggest “fear”, if they have one, is not of the unknown, but of becoming complacent and stagnant. An environment of change and even uncertainty can energize a mentally strong person and bring out their best.
4. Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control. Mentally strong people don’t complain (much) about bad traffic, lost luggage, or especially about other people, as they recognize that all of these factors are generally beyond their control. In a bad situation, they recognize that the one thing they can always control is their own response and attitude, and they use these attributes well.
5. Worry About Pleasing Others. Know any people pleasers? Or, conversely, people who go out of their way to dis-please others as a way of reinforcing an image of strength? Neither position is a good one. A mentally strong person strives to be kind and fair and to please others where appropriate, but is unafraid to speak up. They are able to withstand the possibility that someone will get upset and will navigate the situation, wherever possible, with grace.
6. Fear Taking Calculated Risks. A mentally strong person is willing to take calculated risks. This is a different thing entirely than jumping headlong into foolish risks. But with mental strength, an individual can weigh the risks and benefits thoroughly, and will fully assess the potential downsides and even the worst-case scenarios before they take action.
7. Dwell on the Past. There is strength in acknowledging the past and especially in acknowledging the things learned from past experiences—but a mentally strong person is able to avoid miring their mental energy in past disappointments or in fantasies of the “glory days” gone by. They invest the majority of their energy in creating an optimal present and future.
8. Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over. We all know the definition of insanity, right? It’s when we take the same actions again and again while hoping for a different and better outcome than we’ve gotten before. A mentally strong person accepts full responsibility for past behavior and is willing to learn from mistakes. Research shows that the ability to be self-reflective in an accurate and productive way is one of the greatest strengths of spectacularly successful executives and entrepreneurs.
9. Resent Other People’s Success. It takes strength of character to feel genuine joy and excitement for other people’s success. Mentally strong people have this ability. They don’t become jealous or resentful when others succeed (although they may take close notes on what the individual did well). They are willing to work hard for their own chances at success, without relying on shortcuts.
10. Give Up After Failure. Every failure is a chance to improve. Even the greatest entrepreneurs are willing to admit that their early efforts invariably brought many failures. Mentally strong people are willing to fail again and again, if necessary, as long as the learning experience from every “failure” can bring them closer to their ultimate goals.
11. Fear Alone Time. Mentally strong people enjoy and even treasure the time they spend alone. They use their downtime to reflect, to plan, and to be productive. Most importantly, they don’t depend on others to shore up their happiness and moods. They can be happy with others, and they can also be happy alone.
12. Feel the World Owes Them Anything. Particularly in the current economy, executives and employees at every level are gaining the realization that the world does not owe them a salary, a benefits package and a comfortable life, regardless of their preparation and schooling. Mentally strong people enter the world prepared to work and succeed on their merits, at every stage of the game.
13. Expect Immediate Results. Whether it’s a workout plan, a nutritional regimen, or starting a business, mentally strong people are “in it for the long haul”. They know better than to expect immediate results. They apply their energy and time in measured doses and they celebrate each milestone and increment of success on the way. They have “staying power.” And they understand that genuine changes take time. Do you have mental strength? Are there elements on this list you need more of? With thanks to Amy Morin, I would like to reinforce my own abilities further in each of these areas today. How about you?
Monday, November 04, 2013
RELUCTANT JESUS FOLLOWER
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
THE STATION
village halls.
But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination--for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands
playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
"Yes, when we reach the station, that will be it!" we promise ourselves. "When we're eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that 450SL Mercedes-Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!"
From that day on we will all live happily ever after.
Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The station is an illusion--it constantly outdistances us. Yesterday's a memory, tomorrow's a dream. Yesterday belongs to a
history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday's a fading sunset, tomorrow's a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.
So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and
fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
"Relish the moment" is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener.Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
The popular quote....Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today....is excerpted from The Station by Robert J. Hastings and was published in The New York Times, June 29, 2001.
A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Dr. Hastings wrote inspirational books and material for Broadman Press and the Baptist Sunday School Board. He wrote an insightful autobiography titled A Nickel's Worth of Skim Milk about his childhood in Marion, Illinois, USA, during the Great Depression. It won the Illinois State Historical Society's Superior Achievement Award for 2004. Hastings also created and recorded the audio stories Tinyburg Tales (c) that currently airs on Bible Broadcasting Network. A minister for 55 years, Dr. Hastings preached thoughtful sermons and performed many weddings and eulogies. He baptized his first converts in a strip mine pond as a young minister at Crenshaw Crossing, IL. Later in his career, Hastings became a storyteller on radio and guest lectured at writing workshops.
Friday, September 13, 2013
THE HAPPY SECRET (SHAWN ACHOR)
Friday, September 06, 2013
IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN
What I Wish I Knew Then: Arnie Thomas
Written by Rebecca Gale
“If you want someone who never made a mistake, ask a prophet.”
Today’s “What I Wish I Knew Then” is with Arnie Thomas, president & CEO of the A Thomas Group LLC. Previously, he served as senior vice president at CQ Roll Call and as the director of LEGI-SLATE at The Washington Post.
Q. What was one of your earliest professional experiences that shaped your current outlook?
A. Teaching 5th and 6th grades at Shepherd Elementary School in D.C. I locked the regular reading textbooks in the closet and bought “Lord of the Flies” and “Animal Farm” and taught how to think, in addition to how to read.
Q. Best advice given to you?
A. It was from a 95-year-old man. I brought 10 teenagers to a nursing home to interact with seniors, and his advice had two parts.
One teen asked him, did he ever do anything he was not proud of. He answered, “Yes, I cheated on my wife and had an affair. If you want someone who never made a mistake, ask a prophet. But you came to me for wisdom and that wisdom came from my mistakes. My wife and I worked it out and we lived a great and honest life together from that point forward.”
Later he added, “Everything in my life now makes sense and all the pieces of the puzzle fits together. My only regret is that the puzzle isn’t larger. If I can’t sleep, it’s because of what I didn’t risk.”
Q. What I didn’t know then but I do know now:
A. That my personal world of reality is only mine. I thought that first everyone saw the world as I did, but then I understood that my worldview was based on my own past experiences, thoughts, beliefs.
Q. What pays off in the long run?
A. Authenticity and Integrity. To be authentic, you will never need to take off your masks and reinvent yourself. It takes so much time and energy to put the masks on and so much drama to take them off. Integrity defines you as person of trust, and trust will continue to open the doors to opportunities.
Q. Fill in the blanks in this sentence:
A. Don’t waste your energy: trying to fool others, but do put the extra effort into: not fooling yourself.
The article:
Friday, August 16, 2013
ALCOHOLISM AND CELEBRITY
WATCH: Laurie Dhue opens up about her struggle with alcoholism and her road to recovery
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
WHEN DO WE SAY, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"
TEN KEYS TO CREATING YOUR EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
Recognize that you are enduring. | |
Do you feel that you never have time to stop? Do you distract yourself with eating, working, volunteering, cleaning, etc.? Do you resent that you never have time to do the things your spirit longs for? Do you feel resigned rather than inspired? If you wake up most mornings feeling anxious, bored, or numb, looking forward to some imagined future time when you will feel happier - "when my children finally start school," "when my bills are paid off," "when I retire"-then you are enduring. |
Release your self-judgments. | |
Your negative beliefs about yourself that are holding you back-you're untalented, too fat, not smart enough, etc.- are probably rooted in your childhood. Why would you let your "inner seven-year-old" run your life? These judgments are real but they are only as true as you have believed them to be. Give yourself compassion for having carried the burden of your self-judgments. Replace them with affirmations and find new evidence to support your willingness to believe in them. Affirmations are as true as you allow them to be. |
Question your limiting beliefs. | |
When you tenaciously hold on to the belief that the world works in one particular way (against you), or that there is only one right way to do something (and you are doing it wrong), or that your actions will inevitably result in a specific and predictable outcome (bad), you are strapping on blinders. Make a commitment to take off those blinders. It will take practice and patience to stay out of "limiting belief territory," but eventually it will become second nature. You'll quickly start to see that life no longer feels boring and predictable. |
Drop your acts. | |
When you put on the armor of an act, you sacrifice your authenticity for protection. For instance, you think no one can hurt you if you’re tough enough…or that everyone will love you if you’re nice enough…or that everyone will respect you if you never admit to being wrong. Your acts will become your prison. Instead, give yourself joyful permission to become more of who you really are. You will feel free and you will find that who you are is much more interesting than any character you could possibly play. |
Face down your fear. | |
What fear is keeping you from living your extraordinary life? Whatever it is—quitting your unfulfilling job, leaving an abusive marriage, telling the truth about your past—you must face it head on. Recognize that F.E.A.R. means “False Evidence Appearing Real.” Think of the worst-case scenario and see yourself living through it with dignity. Get support from others. Create an affirmation, such as, “I am now courageous.” Then, just do it. Remember that no matter what the momentary outcome of facing down your fear brings, your worth as a person is constant and never in question. |
Free your feelings. | |
If you feel bored, you are probably ignoring or avoiding something. Make an effort to connect with your feelings. Sit in a quiet place and close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Check in with your body. Do you feel any tightness or pain? Give that pain or tightness a name, such as fear, hurt, anger, resentment, sadness. If your body feels light and open, give that an emotional name such as joy, love, happiness. Whatever emotions you feel and name, just allow them to be. If they change, let that be. Let yourself be. Learn to honor your emotions. Give them an opportunity to inspire you. |
Heal your anger and resentment. | |
When you can acknowledge that your resentments are fueled by your personal regrets, you free yourself to step out of the victim role. It is not that you are letting others off the hook for unkind or unfair behaviors; they are still responsible for their intentions and actions. But the moment you uncover your regrets, you are empowered to let go of resentment. |
Forgive yourself. | |
Make a list of the wrongs you have done to others and to yourself. See them as results of survival strategies. Acknowledge the consequences of these strategies to yourself and others. Grieve for your losses and your mistakes. Make amends with yourself and others. Create an affirmation to replace the self-judgments that drove you to using your survival strategies. And remember to treat yourself the way you would want others to treat you. |
Know, speak, and live your truth. | |
Commit to being truthful in all you say and do. Realize that being truthful is not synonymous with being honest. Truth is a complex blend of honesty mixed with compassion and vulnerability. When you are “brutally honest,” you are expressing your judgment but not expressing your truth. Your spirit knows the difference between truth and honesty. When you express your highest thoughts and intentions, you are able to live a true life, not just an honest one. |
Create your extraordinary life every day. | |
To live in your truth is to allow your spirit’s energy into every cell of your being and into every thought and action. Here’s what this means in everyday terms: When you tell the clerk at the grocery store checkout counter that she has given you too much change, you make truth and spirit matter more than money. When you hear gossip and don’t pass it along, you make truth and spirit matter more than your momentary desire to feel important. When you tell someone you love him or her, unsure of whether he or she will say it in return, you make truth and spirit matter more than your fear of rejection. Make these decisions every day. It takes courage and commitment to be your extraordinary self. You will be amply rewarded with a rich and fulfilling life. INTERVIEW WITH JANE STRAUSS: http://www.mamashealth.com/interview/enough.asp |
Friday, June 07, 2013
HAPPINESS: THE ILLUSIVE GOLDEN RING THAT SEEMS TO ELUDE SOME PEOPLE
– Dalai Lama
Here's the article...
http://www.lifed.com/22-things-happy-people-do-differently
(Quoting from the article...)
1. Don’t hold grudges.
2. Treat everyone with kindness.
3. See problems as challenges.
4. Express gratitude for what they already have.
5. Dream big.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
7. Speak well of others.
8. Never make excuses.
9. Get absorbed into the present.
10. Wake up at the same time every morning.
11. Avoid social comparison.
12. Choose friends wisely.
13. Never seek approval from others.
14. Take the time to listen.
15. Nurture social relationships.
16. Meditate.
17. Eat well.
18. Exercise.
19. Live minimally.
20. Tell the truth.
21. Establish personal control.
22. Accept what cannot be changed.
Read more at http://www.lifed.com/22-things-happy-people-do-differently#6wSXtUoYAGAfBlTI.99
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, RECIPE FOR MISERY
--John Stuart Mill
In an article in LINKEDIN (below), we are given insight into the huge mistake of a hot pursuit for the golden ring of happiness.
Common mistakes in the pursuit of happiness:
1. Asking myself, "Am I happy?"
Failure to experience FLOW. (See " Magical Parent, Magical Child" by Joseph Chilton Pearce)
Enjoy the moment!
2. Overestimating the impact of life circumstances on happiness.
The grass is NOT greater on the other side.
3. When we look for happiness, it’s only natural to focus on ourselves.
"Self -focused attention undermines happiness and causes depression."
LONELINESS is linked to a continued focus on the pursuit of and focus on assessing whether or not we are happy.
3. Happiness is driven by the frequency, not the intensity, of positive emotions.
CONCLUSION: : “Change your actions, not your circumstances."
READ THE ARTICLE:
http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130513113934-69244073-does-trying-to-be-happy-make-us-unhappy?_mSplash=1
Image credit: Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
MARK LOWRY PUTS IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE
Saturday, April 06, 2013
HOW TO DESCRIBE THE BIBLE IN 50 WORDS
God made
Adam bit
Noah arked
Abraham split
Joseph ruled
Jacob fooled
Bush talked
Moses balked
Pharaoh plagued
People walked
Sea divided
Tablets guided
Promise landed
Saul freaked
David peeked
Prophets warned
Jesus born
God walked
Love talked
Anger crucified
Hope died
Love rose
Spirit flamed
Word spread
God remained.
at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries,
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY (Spanish Subtitles)
With the rise of the celebrity and popularity of this inspiring pediatric neurosurgeon, the life story of Dr. Benjamin Carson becomes even more compelling. This YOUTUBE video of the movie, based on the autobiography of Dr. Benjamin Carson, gives the foundation of his amazing life and chronicles why his success is so very inspirational.
Here, in it's entirety (with Spanish subtitles) is the movie, "GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY"
Other video interviews and speeches by Dr. Carson can be accessed at:
http://joanrhoden.blogspot.com/2013/02/dr-ben-carson-gifted-hands-and-gifted.html