“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…”

soaring eaglehttp://mandelamadiba.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/our-deepest-fe-2/

Also see http://mandelamadiba.wordpress.com/tag/a-tribute-to-nelson-mandela/

Craig’s books on Madiba are at http://www.amazon.com/Tribute-Nelson-Mandela-craig-lock/dp/1491216867
http://www.amazon.com/A-Tribute-Nelson-Mandela-Madiba-ebook/dp/B0073I4IUK (Kindle)
and http://www.amazon.ca/What-Learn-Nelson-Mandela-Madiba/dp/1494745593

“Together, one mind, one life (one small step at a time), let’s see how many people we can encourage, impact, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

Each ONE of Us Can Learn From the Character and Life of Jesus

SUNrisechrist

Article Title: What Each ONE of Us Can Learn From the Character and Life of Jesus
Submitted by craig
Key Words: Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, faith, inspiration, human potential, empowerment, breaking down barriers, building bridges, words of encouragement, empowerment and upliftment
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockm   http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at:http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 (Personal growth,self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

Publishing Guidelines:

These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*
WHAT CAN EACH ONE OF US LEARN FROM THE CHARACTER AND LIFE OF JESUS
Here are some traits/points/characteristics on the “person”, that was/is Jesus that I’ve collected, as I’ve studied his life. No matter whether you believe or not (and no matter how “secularly” you may think), I hope these qualities may be helpful. Perhaps even inspirational to you too…
in your work and in your life.

THE CHARACTER OF JESUS

He was compassionate, humble, meek and mild…yet masculine, strong and bold.Definitely something many timid and “wimpish” members of the “churchy” fraternity don’t seem to follow that characteristic/trait (“stirrer” and no judging now please, c!).

He treated the poor with respect, children with love and tenderness, and accepted ALL the way they were. Jesus displayed the utmost integrity in his short life. He was pure, selfless, sinless with immeasurable mercy, love and grace.He always saw the best in people, calling (inviting) them to be the highest (best) they could become.

Jesus said: You shall know people by the fruit that they bear: fruits like compassion, justice, righteousness, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and so on.”

*

The unique character (and spirit) of Jesus:

“When our charm wears off, one needs character.”

Jesus’s:
* Compassion for his fellow man (and especially those in difficulty, facing hardships)
* Supreme Love for humanity
* Kindness and compassion
* Selflessness (and unselfishness)
* Strength (he was definitely not weak, nor timid, as many people believe, through teaching ‘turning the other cheek’ to mistreatment)
* Honesty (was totally honest, truthful with people, yet kind)
* Sincerity (absolute integrity)
* Spirit of FORGIVENESS

“When you forgive (another person or country), you empty your mind of negative thoughts (perhaps even thoughts as strong as hate). Then the infinite Spirit of God makes a fresh space in our hearts to allow new positive feelings to take their place.. to pour into our hearts. The ‘freed’ person then moves forward with a new spirit…which takes root in people’s minds, hearts, spirits and even in the deepest recesses of their souls.”
– me

* Firmness (when required – as in overturning the tables at the money-changers in the temple)
NB

*Faith(Trust in God): Jesus often prayed to God, the Father asking Him for help to accomplish what he couldn’t do on his own (something each one of us can apply in our own ‘little’ lives, as one of us have access to the Ultimate Source, when things get too tough for us to handle on our own). That’s when God turns the seemingly “ordinary into the extra-ordinary”…and “little miracles” happen in our lives!
* Security in his beliefs and himself, no matter what others thought.
* Optimism (he was the greatest “Possibility Thinker” who ever lived!)
* Reasonableness
*Lack of judgement (better heed that one, c!): Jesus accepted people as they were and chose to be, yet continually encouraged others to be all that they could BECOME.
* Charisma (and poise): “When our charm wears off, one needs character.”
* Originality (hiscreativity)
* Mastery of communication – (the “KISS” principle – getting his message across in a simple, yet creative way through telling parables).
*Enthusiasm
*Passion(for God, “the Father”, fellow man and especially the truth).
* Breadth and clarity of vision (which gives power). Jesus Christ had a vision of God and a ‘grand vision of man’ which set the nation and the world on fire.

“Without a vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs

* Honesty (absolute): “You shall know the truth…and the truth shall set you free.”
* Virtuousness: he was the only man, who ever lived who was without sin.
*
He:
* Liked having fun (had a good sense of humour – not like so many “goody goody two shoes straight churchies” – NO MORE JUDGING now, craig. Strike three and you’re out!)
* Treated all people equally and with the dignity they deserved (women, as well as men), no matter how lowly a person’s station in life
* Was attractive and ‘manly’ – a very good-looking, masculine man!
* Developed good habits, like rising early
and set aside time for prayer, contemplation and meditation
* Rested and removed himself from situations, when he got exhausted.
* Thought the highest thoughts – always expecting the best in others.
* Tested his own limits (as a human being living on earth*), but believed in the “seemingly impossible”. “

*on earth he lived as no more than a man!

What with man was impossible , but THROUGH God, The Father ALL things are possible.”

#
He was:
* Never a ‘bore’
* Always true to himself and his highest values (ie. living a life of absolute integrity)
* A great encourager (supporter) of people
* A “free spirit”, his “own man”
* Self-reliant for his ownmotivation
yet he enlisted the co-operation of others to achieve worthy common goals
* Honourable and fair to everyone
*Respectful to the humanity in every person he met.
*The greatest “Possibility Thinker” who ever lived: Jesus expected miracles to happen … and they DID!
He had:
* Good time management skills to fit in what he accomplished
(pushing himself to exhaustion at times, so took time out to rest as needed)
* Infinite Wisdomand Insight
* A great sense of Purpose– he knew what His life was all about
* A sense of Chivalry
* Generosity (Infinite) towards his fellow men and women (more time spent on others than giving away money, of which he had little, like us writers!)
* An attitude of Gratitude and joy (gladness)
* A strong will– great will power
* Humility

“If the Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”

– a wife (I won’t say whose!)
* Patience (endless). ‘Time to work on that one now, Craig!’

“Lord, give me more patience…but I want it right NOW!”
* Courage (= Heroism)
* Indignation (he got very angry at times (eg overturning the tables of the money-changers in the Jewish Temple). He became especially angry with injustice– not towards himself, but others)
* Reverence (for God and others, treating the lowest with dignity)
*Definiteness of purpose
* Holiness (Divinity): Yet on earth he lived as no more than a man!
* Greatness

and finally, he possessed
* God’s (His Father’s) Supreme Grace.

“You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.”
– Oliver Goldsmith

“Jesus is a soul with a body.”

In Jesus God became man. Jesus, “Author of Reconciliation” was the human face of God. He was totally human, yet also totally divine.

No matter what each one of us may or may not know and believe about the person of Jesus Christ, who lived 2000 years ago, each one of us has the power to CHOOSE to aspire to His supreme values…. and in that sense He is still with us.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

PS:

“True success is just being the person you really want to be.”

“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”

“Success to others may be apparent in what you DO; but significance, meaning and purpose lies, then reveals itself in what you ARE and BECOME down the ‘river of life’ – how and the spirit with which you face, then overcome the daily obstacles, the frequent trials and tribulations along the often rocky path-way of life’s magical and mysterious
journey. Light your path brightly.”
– craig

“Let the light of your BEING shine brightly; so revealing Who You Really Are. Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source, the Essence of Life (and Ground of our very Being).
Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path.YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths. For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, wisdom, beautyand especially love…and it lies within each one of us. Through your actions and your being, let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world, like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight.”
– me (as adapted from Neale Donald Walsh in‘Conversations with GodBook 3′).

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
– Hebrews 12.1

“I press towards the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:14

About the Submitter

Craig likes (no loves) to share information and insights to encourage others to be all they are capable of being.

He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us. In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, economic, political and religious barriers.

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockm   http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and his various other ones are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage … and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world… for the better”

“Let us reach for the world that ought to be, that spark of the divine, that still stirs within each one of us.”
– the words of Barack Obama in accepting his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

Lord (God), expand my spirit and reveal to the world your living spirit of faith, hope and especially love .

craig

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

“Don’t tell people so much about Jesus; but rather SHOW his Spirit (Infinite) working through your life”

– my good friend, Lindsay (“The Prayer-Warrior and Prophet”)

 

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our “uniquenesses”, let not our different beliefs divide us, but the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us.”

– “little old” me

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from http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Picture by my old friend John (whose “photographic talents” I definitely do not posess!)

Picture by my old friend John (whose “photographic talents” I definitely do not posess!)

web site http://jetpix.wordpress.com/

Article Title: Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Inspirational thoughts, Oprah Winfrey, spirit, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, inspiration, empowerment, words of encouragement, empowerment and upliftment

The submitter’s web sites are at:

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

This piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow

                                              *
SHARING SOME SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS FROM OPRAH WINFREY.
Here are my notes (in point form) from Oprah’s final show (after twenty-five years on TV)
I hope they may of interest and perhaps even “enlightening” to you. Enjoy…
Find YOUR spark and illuminate the world.
SOME THOUGHTS ON CHANGE:
Each ONE of us has a platform – no matter how small and insignificant we may think it is. It’s wherever you ARE that is your platform, your stage… and that is where your power lies.
EVERYONE is called… to service of others.
YOU are responsible for your life.
* Accepting this gets (sets) you free
* You aren’t alone – never!
* Demonstrate your power
There is a common thread that runs throughout our lives.
– we may think we are unworthiness of happiness
We often block blessings, because we don’t feel we are good enough, beautiful enough??
You ARE worthy, because you were born… and are HERE!
All the many troubled people on my shows wanted something simple validation. It’s a common desire – everyone wants to be heard.
Validate people. Say to them: “I hear what you say – it matters to me!”
God’s Grace (infinite) is omnipresent.
I felt a voice bigger than myself “talking” to me. A still voice – know it and wait to hear it. I wait and listen to the voice “greater than yourself”.
God is love, God is life and speaks to you in whispers – subtle at first. Then if you don’t pay attention, the voice gets louder and louder (like a brick gets thrown at you). Patterns seen in my life.
What is whispering to you? What is God saying to YOU?
Be a safe harbour for SOMEONE ELSE! Embrace, liberate and especially love. What you have to say really matters. There are no co-incidences in life – only divine order, God’s Grace.
*
OPRAH’S FINAL WORDS (to her audience)
From you I learned what love is. YOU are the love of my life. I do it with a great sense of gratitude – the opportunity to have done this work… and embraced you all. Sharing a “yellow brick road of blessings”.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable…

and receives the impossible.”

– Corrie Ten Boom

“When you were born,
you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life so when you die,
the world cries and you rejoice.”
– Indian saying

Thanks, dearest mom, your spirit will live on…forever
craig

About the submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes (and loves) to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/  http://www.craiglockbooks.com and www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock    http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html   and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” – Chinese proverb

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”…no, on reflection it was Groucho Marx)

“Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

Image

Magnificent East Coast sunrise by Ngaio Keelan in the “scenic and tranquil little haven” that is New Zealand (or ‘Godzone’, as it is often affectionately known)