“Nothing inspires me more than than people who stand up and say,’ Yes, we can do anything. You don’t have to be special to achieve incredible things.”
Jessica Watson (Australian round-the-world sailor at age 17!)
“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.”
Beach at Natures Valley on the scenic Garden Route, South Africa. Picture by my old friend John (whose “photographic talents” I definitely do not posess!)
web site http://jetpix.wordpress.com/
Article Title: Sharing some Thoughts on the Spiritual Journey
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Inspirational quotes, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment, peace, pursuit of peace
The submitter’s web sites are at:
(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 Thoughts on the Spiritual Journey
Here are some of my notes and thoughts (in point form) that I’ve collected and written down over the years. Some are from authors unknown. I find them uplifting, empowering and inspirational on my own journey “on the path less travelled”. So will share with you and hope them may be uplifting, empowering and perhaps even inspirational to you too. Enjoy…
craig
*
To start off some quotes about my great passion, motor racing and Formula 1…
“People talk about the Zone as a very outward thing, but it’s not. It’s very spiritual. To me, the Zone is when you’re operating at the intuitive level;. You’re not thinking about it, so it happens naturally. You’re at the top of your job. You’ve got your emotions controlled, your energy is channelled and you’re just doing it. That’s the Zone. You’re just doing it.”
– British and European touring car champion driver, Andy Priax
“The driver is expected to explore the inner places of his desire by taking everything to this limit…to translate it into a sublime peak only he can reach; but the trouble is they’re all doing it…. on a narrow ribbon of track, together.”
– fine writing by Christopher Hilton in his fascinating book Inside the Mind of a Grand Prix Driver
The journey is more important and enjoyable than the destination.
Education is food for the family
“My ambition is the souls of men”
You have to know yourself before you can know God.
Spirituality (and religion) is man reaching out to God, but Christianity is God reaching out to man.
“Sin is not having faith in your dreams.”
Have a heart for lost people.
Sow seeds of hope to as many people as possible.
“it fanned the flame of vengeance”
New Zealand has a BIG heart for a little country.
God, Divine Source doesn’t need you to pray.
“The thing always happens that you believe in. And the belief in a thing makes it happen.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright
Humanity and solidarity
Gandhi was a ‘pilgrim of peace’. A story of his experiments with truth. He took the moral high ground.
“Christ gave me the message. Gandhi gave me the method.”
– Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr
God transcends human comprehension.
The Divine (Divine Source) speaks to us (primarily) through feelings and connects us to the Ultimate Source.
How you choose to get through adversity.
The power of decision.
We can all do great things in our lives. Aspire to do significant things.
Here are some thoughts from Dr Deepak Chopra…
The power of:
* intention
* imagination
* information
* wisdom
and
* memory.
Stretch your faith
Christianity is a bridge. God reaching down and touching us.
With clarity comes understanding and with it comes knowledge.
Blend theology with psychology.
You don’t have to have made a good start in life – you just need to have a great finish.
I will instruct you and guide you along the best pathway for your life
– Psalm 328??
I live by what I believe... and not by what I feel
Feelings follow actions.
The Holy Spirit helps me in what honours me most???
Stretch your faith.
CHOOSE to make God as BIG, as you can possibly conceive
“A New God for a New World”??
You have to know yourself before you can know God
“Sin is not having faith in your dreams.”
“The me I see is the me I’ll be.”
What you think is what you become.
“As a man thinketh (in his heart), so is he.”
– Proverbs
Reframing is taking a thought(s) and changing the way you see it/them.
What counts in life is not what in the depths (of the past), but what’s in the future.”
– Auschwitz survivor, Viktor Frankl in his compelling book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’
There are better ways than war to resolve conflict
THE RECONCILIATOR
“Our wish is that the Assad regime, which is now on a knife-edge, does not enter this road of no return, which leads to the edge of the abyss. No regime can survive by killing or jailing. No one can build a future over the blood of the oppressed.”
– Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Prime Minister
*
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
– Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
A NEW HEART
A story of hope, renewal, transformation and ultimately PEACE
“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”
“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”
craig (20th Dec 2011)
“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”
Threads of hope
“Every tiny action by seemingly ‘ordinary’* people may be seen as a pin-prick in a small piece of card-board. Yet it is each ONE of these barely observable holes that makes a miniscule difference… through allowing a glimmer of light to shine through. And it’s the myriad of tiny flickers, thousands and thousands at a time that can shine the brightest light in the darkest of places.”
* what’s that!
FORGIVE. Move ahead
I have a passion for mutual tolerance, moderation and self-responsibility.
“I ‘work’ for the betterment and upliftment of humanity, working for and attempting in some small way to advance the cause of peace… or at least a slightly better and more peaceful world.”
I write to impel some kind of ACTION (or reaction) in readers. YOU CAN , one person at a time, make some impact on the world, through planting “seeds of hope” (from ‘Seeds of Hope to Endless Possibilities’, ‘Far and Grand Horizons’)
Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.
The great power of LOVE to effect transformation…in lives, in countries…everywhere.
Together, you and I, let’s march bravely into a bright new tomorrow
Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
****************
“Lord,
Let me be a channel for your peace, a window for Your light to shine through… to everyone I meet.
Lord
Use my ‘little’ life as a focus for your (infinite) possibilities
Let YOUR Spirit shine through these words.
“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 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
“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 brilliant light on the path (road) up ahead… that is your life
Picture by my old friend John (whose “photographic talents” I definitely do not posess!)
web site http://jetpix.wordpress.com/
Article Title: What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)
Author: Mohammed F Thompson
Submitted (with permission) by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, Islam, Jesus, faith, beliefs, peace, spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual unity, unity of religion (religions)
Web site: www.voiceofislamtv.com
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS? (from BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM)
Introduction:
Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles/ for his novel ‘A New Dawn: Let the Journey Begin’. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ And as I share these basic principles regarding the Islamic faith, I learn too. Hope this piece may be of interest to you.
*
The Miracle of the Holy Quran, the Spirit of Truth.
# Islam is a Complete Way of Life: A Muslim’s whole purpose in life is to worship Allah (God). The concept of Allah in Islam is that there is only one Allah for ALL of mankind. He is the Allah for Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists and all human beings, whether they believe in Him or not.
# Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people
# Prayer is the foundation of Islam, which literally means “submission”
The nearest to Muslims are the Christians.
*
CHRIST IN ISLAM
Muslims believe in Jesus. The Muslim belief in Jesus Christ (pbuh) as a prophet of Allah is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one the most distinguished apostles of Allah. A Muslim believes that the greatness of Jesus (pbuh) arises from the fact that he was chosen by Allah and honoured with His word. Then he was entrusted with the revelations of Allah and commissioned to teach His message.
The Qu’ran Affirms the 2nd Coming of Jesus. It has been revealed in the Qu’ran that Jesus Christ (pbuh) will be returning to this world before the day of resurrection.
All Muslims believe, that Jesus (pbuh):
* Was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.
* That he was the Messiah
* That he was conceived miraculously
* That he gave life to the dead with His (Allah’s) permission
* That he healed those born blind and the lepers by His (Allah’s) permission
In fact, no Muslim is a true Muslim, if he or she does not believe in prophet Jesus, his works, his teachings and his miracles.
* *
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN BELIEF?
The oneness of Allah: In Islam the greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah. It is forbidden for a Muslim to adolize any person or thing, like movie stars, singers, saints or any created beings (living or dead). This is why a Muslim cannot accept either that Jesus (pbuh) could be the son of Allah, or the notion of trinity.
The rejection of trinity: “Christ Jesus, the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah.”
Jesus was NOT crucified. Holy Qur’an: An-Nisa (4) Ayah:157-158 157. That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” “But they killed him not, nor crucified him; but it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely they killed him not.” 158: But Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
However, Jesus (pbuh) is NOT Allah. A Muslim is not considered a Muslim, if he does not believe in Jesus (pbuh); but we believe in him as a Prophet, not as a God or the only begotten son of Allah and so on. The acceptance of Jesus Christ by Muslims is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one of the most distinguished apostles of Allah.
Islam is the way of ‘Unity’. Any relationship with Allah is direct and personal, without the mediation of a priest or Imam (learned Islam scholar). Only Allah can forgive sins.
INFORMATION SOURCED (directly with permission) from a booklet BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM by Mohammed F Thompson
(Published by Voice of Islam. Copyright C 2005
website: www.voiceofislamtv.com
* *
QUALITIES OF CHRIST IN THE QU’RAN
Sura 2.87 He is endowed with the Holy Spirit.
Surah 3:45 He is the Messiah, the Christ.
Surah 3.45-46 He is the Mediator.
Surah 3.49 He healed the sick and raised the dead.
Surah 4.158 He ascended to God.
Surah 4.171 He is a messenger of God (Allah), the Word.
Surah 5.49, 110, 111
In Surah 5.49, it says about Jesus:
‘Confirming that which came before him in the Torah, we sent him the Gospel.
He brought the gospel of guidance and light.
Surah 6.85 He is Righteous.
Surah 19.19. He is Pure and Holy.
When the angel announced to Mary the ‘gift of a holy son’ in Surah 19.19, it meant that he would be faultless, without sin.
Surah 43.61 He is coming before the hour of Judgment.
And in the Bible St Paul declares that it was actually Jesus who brought this gospel to the world.
As Paul writes in Romans 1.
16: ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
and
17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
‘The just shall live by faith.”‘
website: www.voiceofislamtv.com
*
ISLAMIC WEB SITES
Listed below are some useful web sites (for you to browse), if you are interested to know more about Islam and Muslims
* *
I hope that this information may be of interest to you…and perhaps get you thinking about these “deep and serious subjects”… and that’s my reason for sharing.
“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”
“The way we live is far more important than what we believe.”
“Those of us who long for moderation will continue to hope for understanding of complex issues with reasoned dialogue and a spirit of understanding between different faiths.”
Humanity has far more in common than our differences, what separates us.
So isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US?
With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.
Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy
Shared (with permission) by craig
Former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu once said these wise and inspiring words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”
“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”
– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India
“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.”
“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.”
“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”
Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”
– craig
“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”
“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”
– Albert Einstein
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”
– craig
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.
Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.
The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” (including A New Dawn’ ) are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future (for tomorrow)”
“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.
These writings may be freely published with acknowledgment to the source (Mohammed F Thompson), thanks
What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.
Article Title: Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Faith, inspirational quotes, books, new books, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, Jesus, Jesus Christ, peace, pursuit of peace, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and 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 A FEW NEW SPIRITUAL “TORTS” ON FAITH (PART ONE)
These are some notes (in point form) on “airey-fairey spiritual matters” and on faith, many from from authors unknown, that I’ve collected* and jotted down over the years in my little “Spiritual” note books. I have also included a few miscellaneous (big word that) thoughts on other matters, like writing and South Africa (still “the beloved country” – at least to me!). Hope these words may be as encouraging, uplifting, empowering…and perhaps even “inspiring” to you as they are to me. So am sharing. Enjoy
* instead of stamps or bottle-tops *
Unity in diversity
Unity in truth
Find unity in a common search for truth.
“All rivers eventually reach the ocean.”
??
“Faith is the trigger that releases divine power”
“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” -Emmett Fox
My journey has enlarged Job’s concept of God
Tackle some new exciting possibilities…TODAY!
The most valuable gift is invention. Your imagination is your greatest wealth (treasure)
God’s Providence is my inheritance
* “My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”
– Gandhi (again)
Fill me with knowledge of YOUR will. Show (reveal to) me YOUR Honour and Glory
Make God, the Creator of the Universe as BIG as you can possibly conceive.
“Edwin Markham + circle quote”
We need a monitored long term truce
South Africans extraordinary sense of humour * generosity * kindness * humour and * freedom
The first key to writing is simply to write. 1st draft: write from the heart 2nd draft: write from the head
Hope is irresistable
“God, the Mystery of Life”
Use my past to change other people’s futures. “From mess to message.”
My life is now built on something completely different and not on what I feel.
*
The hand of God is on the ground helping people
God’s strategy is people – working in and through US.
Working with God: * God’s plans * God’s agenda * His energy
Helen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
Books are the fruits of our experiences. SHOW rather than tell. God has already given us all that we need to succeed.
Don’t talk to God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big God is. Brings honour and glory to Him (through divine power)
Joel Osteen (Texan preacher): You WILL overcome obstacles. God knows how to get you to your final destination
From success to significance
“Bend the arc of history toward you”???
Show me Your Glory
Lord, Reveal knowledge of Your will
Every choice has a consequence
With faith and the political will there IS a solution to every problem. Each ONE of us can play some part in encouraging that process.
I WILL write stories (true) of hope, forgiveness, faith and renewal. 30/08/2010
“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you’ll hit neither.” – CS Lewis
Don’t limit God. Make GOD as BIG as you can.
Nothing is impossible with God.
Forgiveness
“With forgiveness comes atonement”
A voice of hope, faith, forgiveness and renewal.
Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a decision, a commitment, a state of mind. Book ‘No Enemy to Conquer’ by Michael Henderson
“Lord, Give us forgiveness for the past, strength for today and hope for the future.”
the bright morning star (Rev 22:16)
He’s not the brightest spark on the chandelier!
“I was (stuck) in the wilderness of life.”
Hope is the anchor of the soul.
“The time of the singing of the birds has come,”
Religion is reaching out to God; whereas Christianity is God reaching out to us.”
God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then follow our own truths.
Develop the conquering spirit of a champion.
God responds to desperation.
“I don’t believe in God. I know God.”
– David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst
Insight doesn’t come from the natural mind.
“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.”
– Emmet Fox
May you all see God’s brilliant light on the path (road) up ahead
Together, you and I, let’s march together into a bright new future (tomorrow)
Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
About the submitter:
In his life mission Craig hopes 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.
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 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and 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”)
“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
PPS
God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.
What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig
May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead
picture from http://www.photobuck.com
Article Title: How to Make the Most of Your Mind: How to Get What You Most Want In Life
Author: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Mind Power, Mind Control, Success, Success Skills, Self Help, Self Help Books, Personal Growth, Success Skills, Achievement, Empowerment, Positive Psychology, Spiritual, Spiritual Thoughts (enough there for now!).
Web Sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
http://ogmandinobooks.wordpress.comwww.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
Other Articles are available at:
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 andnhttp://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(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:
The following article is an extract from Craig’s new manuscript (on which he’s currently working) on the link between the mysteries of the human mind and spiritual truths. We hope that it may be helpful and uplifting to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. If it uplifts or perhaps even “inspires” others “out there” in any way, then we’re very happy. This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MIND – How to Get What You really Want in Life
“The mind is the citadel of the soul, wherein is housed the connecting link between the conscious thinking process of man and Infinite Intelligence. The only thing the Creator has given man is the right of absolute control – it is the most important of the gifts of the Creator…and the means by which man may control the major part of his earthly destiny.”
– Napoleon Hill
“Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.”
– Maxwell Maltz
“What would you do in life, if you KNEW you could not possibly fail?”
INTRODUCTION
In this work we’ll explore the link between the mind and spirituality, by taking a brief look at the relationship between the psychological and the higher dimension of the spiritual realm. This work is a practical guide to help you make the most of your circumstances, through utilising the amazing power of the human mind.
I hope that it will help you, as much as it has helped me in writing my journal (keeping a daily record of my thoughts and progress). If I’m on the wrong track, I’ve really made an ass of myself!
This work is a practical look at the steps to take to see one’s wildest dreams turn into reality…through making the most of the amazing powers of the human mind.
I have brought in some spiritual aspects, as I believe we are all on a spiritual journey in an “earthly existance” (and the spiritual is just another and higher dimension to psychological principles and truths of life). We are spiritual beings; because we humans do not live solely by instinct, as we have the POWER to make CHOICES in our lives – to make them better and more comfortable, or to help others in some way ( as we live at a higher plane than animals…at least most of us!).
So I’ll be sharing some philosophical principles in life, based on MY beliefs.
1. Firstly, ask yourself this vitally important question:
WHO AM I?
This is the “core of you and the real essence of our being”. What excites you and makes you “tick-tock-clock”. It is not WHAT I am (in other words what you DO or a living), eg truck-driver, laywer, sales clerk, nurse, accountant (oh dear!) and so on.
It is father, husband, wife, provider, encourager, carer, and so on.
Secondly…
2. What “fires you up” with passion?
These are what brings you most pleasure, activities that you are best at, ie. your God-given gifts. I love writing to “touch” and hopefully help in encouraging others to be all that they can become and so live more joyful and fruitful lives.
For most people their jobs (= “just on broke”) are merely a means to the end – paying the bills and earning a living, but the means usually becomes the end in itself. That is how most people define themselves, eg homemaker. Incidentally, if you are really stuck in the deep brown stuff, our greatest problem is also God’s greatest opportunity – to workmiracles in our lives. I truly believe that!
3. Ask yourself this important question:
What can I do to make my life more SIGNIFICANT?
and finally
4. What is your PURPOSE – your reason for taking up space on the planet?
This is closely related to your concept of the meaning of life.
For example, many people think they believe that life is about
sharing their blessings of time, talents and money with others. Great!
Everyone has unique gifts and we are all different.
I truly believe my purpose is to be an encourager and “bridge-builder” through the power of words. Anyway what “normal” job would be suitable for someone like me!
All one needs to do is follow ones heart and TRUST fully, taking one step at a time in total faith…then one step leads naturally to the next.
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Now, HOW TO GET THERE?
Firstly,
Analyse where you are in life and how you got there.
Oh well, that’s another book!
MEDITATE
This state provides clarity of thinking through drawing on intuition, the “still calm voice within”. I find it helps me greatly in choosing the path ahead, the “road less travelled”: to give me an opportunity of clear thinking and total peace of mind on where to put my mental and physical energies. To know where you want to go, you first have to know where you are standing on the “map of life”.
And thank goodness we are all unique creations wanting different things out of life!
So
Ask yourself…
What do I most want out of Life?
PRAY, if you do that. Prayer operates through the subconscious mind connecting to God, “Infinite Intelligence”, the Creator of the Universe, “Higher Self”, Divine Wisdom. You are drawing on a ‘Higher Dimension’ we can’t (nor are we supposed to) understand. The subconscious mind is your gateway to unlimited power.
Write down a mission statement for your life. What is your main PURPOSE for being on this planet? Not just to take up space or inhale oxygen, please!
Who do I want to really Be?
It all starts with DESIRE (intense/burning).
The first step is making a DECISION:
I really want to be a writer, who uplifts and inspires people to reach for their ultimate dreams and become all they can possibly be.
“My dream is trying to make some difference through encouraging and helping other people to fulfil their potentials , to reach for and even realise their dreams.” Crazy???
This is the path I KNOW that I am headed to achieve my destiny, even though “logical/rational” (and some “well-meaning” acquaintances have said it’s impossible from here in “Sleepy Hollow” near the bottom of the world). I took the DECISION to work really hard, follow my heart and not my mind (logic) and just TRUST the universe for a favourable outcome to my endeavours.
I truly believe God, Infinite Spirit, the Ultimate Designer of the Universe, Creator of Life itself, has a plan or EVERY life, but it’s up to each individual to FIND it themselves. Once discovered, then we have to take the decision to follow that path, “come what may”. I know its scary, but it DOES work out! Life is all about CHOICES…and making the right ones for YOU in total FAITH.
In so doing, I believe we glorify our Creator. The purpose of life is expressing our individual talents for the good of humanity and I believe, God is happiest when we can express our love back to Him/Her/It. ( I CHOOSE to think that, whereas my good analytical deep-thinking friend thinks “God doesn’t care a jot , but just observes us).
“Every man has his own destiny; the only imperative is to follow it, no matter where it leads him.”
– Henry Miller
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the seemingly difficult path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
– craig
“Our talents are our gifts from God… but what we do with them are our gifts TO God.”
*
Here are some recent notes from my journal (as I believe my path illustrates the practical principles that I’m writing about in this piece…
I DECIDED to put my main FOCUS into studying the human mind and writing this account (“hence”- nice word eh?) this journal. I am just TRUSTING (unlike a ‘net’ colleague, who purely look at the financial rewards for the effort) and “some sane” acquaintances who say, “get another proper job”. I believe GIVE FREELY, without expecting, then you’ll be surely blessed.
Signed off with an attitude of GRATITUDE that I love my fascinating “work” and am living the perfect life (“crazy” to others) for ME.
Thursday 8th April 2004:
My goal or the Easter long weekend to is work on this manuscript and read more on the unlimited powers of the human mind (don’t worry about mundane domestic issues, like housekeeping, gardening and mowing the lawn). Who cares about those things!
So made the decision to continue along this path.
The four “D’s”:
It all starts with:
* DESIRE (intense, burning and passionate…insatiable)
What do you really want out of life?
What is your DEFINITE PURPOSE?
* Make the DECISION to go for it and neglect boring domestic chores, like mowing lawns.
In order to get there, you’ll need to develop
* DISCIPLINE (self) – usually in big doses.
(I’m typing this on a “wild” Saturday evening in “Sleepy Hollow” near the ends of the earth).
CHAPTER ONE:
DEVELOP A SENSE OF PURPOSE OR YOUR LIFE:
What are your deepest DESIRES and VALUES?
2. SET YOUR PERSONAL GOALS:
Make the DECISION to go for your deepest desires, your wildest dreams.
Are you honestly prepared to make all the sacrifices, no matter how long it takes to “get there”? Man was made to create through the amazing powers of the humanimagination. What do you like CREATING most? I believe our Creator is happiest when we are our “Authentic Selves” doing what we are “destined to do”.
What is a miracle? I don’t think a miracle an only be defined as an occurrence violating natural laws. In fact, I see my situation as a miracle, considering how far I’ve come and where I am now in my life with my resources.
I truly believe my calling is building bridges through the net at this stage and still believe my path and vision lies in electronic publishing.
TOOK THE DECISION: WRITING (and web publishing) IS MY MAIN PATH in the future – encouraging others through my writings online + people in the “real world”. So made the personal decision to be an “incorrigible encourager” (and an “information and inspiration distributer”).
Make the DECISION:
to FOCUS on your desired outcomes. EXPECT a favourable outcome to your endeavours.
“Blessed are those who expect little… because they will receive little.”
I’d better expect “heaps” then from my endeavours.
Never mind, I’ll just work steadily and see what happens. What the Universe brings forth, but I love the uncertainty of the journey anyway!
“Be bold and unseen forces come to one’s aid!”
The key, I believe is INTENT – the SPIRIT with which you undertake any course of action. ACT. Just DO, without focussing overly on results. Of course, the hardest thing is getting the right balance between objectives (results) and just doing for the pleasure.
(This will depend on things, like your personal needs at the time, mind-set, temperament, outlook on life, attitude – whether optimistic or pessimistic, etc.).
As the sportspeople say, “get in the zone” and “go with the flow”. I find I get my best results when I just do my very best at a particular task or goal, work steadily and consistently each day, taking one step at a time.
Stop striving and simply “let go and let God.”
…and that’s what I’m doing greatly enjoying writing this “work”.
THINK, like a child. Children have incredible imaginations. What were the dreams you had as a child (before the responsibilities and “burdens” of adult maturity)? NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!
As Walt Disney once said…
“It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”
We CAN/we WILL do it with God’s help.
Keep a POSITIVE ATTITUDE at all times, when you encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles (and you WILL),
Trust your intuition/God.
Do not wait! The time will never be ‘just right’.
“Start where you stand and work with whatever tools you may have at your command
and better tools will be found as you go along.”
– Napoleon Hill (author of the classic work ‘Think and Grow Rich’)
“There can be no shadows unless there is a sun.”
Pray about the right path for YOU.
TAKE ACTION (massive).
ACT “as if” you are already successful and visualise “arriving there”. Crazy!
The future does not have to be the same as the past. Say, “everything in my life has prepared me for this journey”.
Follow the Laws of the Universe: ie. the Law of:
1. Cause and Effect
2. Attraction (= Gratitude)
3. Creativity
and
4. the Power/Magic of Belief
“Work as if everything depended upon YOU and TRUST (and pray) as if everything depended on God.”
– anon
Take one step towards God (or Allah, the Life Force, or whatever you understand a higher being to mean to you) and God takes three steps towards you.
Have “heaps of patience”. Your desired results may take months or even years to materialise. Lord, please give me patience… but I want it right NOW!.
What would you DO if you knew you could not fail? Embrace the journey.
Then watch “miracles” happen in your life, as you one day achieve your most earnest desires.
Just do your very best to make A DIFFERENCE in this amazing world and have great FUN along the way. That to me is true success*.
* (like loving a lot, laughing a lot and having good friends).
This path will be used as a testimony to the unlimited power and love of God, our Creator, who know’s each one of us intimately (and consequently our unique purposes) and consequently what’s best for YOU…
so love the magical journey of life.
Happy travelling in finding your true purpose for being on this planet,
ie God’s plan for YOUR life.
How much music can you make out of your life, with the time you have left?
“totally unmusical” Craig Lock (“Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
“The future really does belong to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
“Man is mind
and evermore he takes the tool of thought
and, shaping what he wills,
brings forth a thousand joys,
a thousand ills.
He thinks in secret
and it comes to pass –
Environment is but his looking glass.”
– anon
Thanks so much for sharing with me, dad
“Try not to become a person of success but rather try to become a person of value.”
– Einstein
(Perhaps that, together with “significance” is a true definition of success!)
“I believe that God creates us with different gifts; so that in life’s journey each one of us, experiences challenges (often severe and our attitude will depend on how we get through them), things that give us joy and using our gifts allow us to bless the world around us.”
About the submitter:
Craig has been learning and studying the ‘workings’ of the human mind for most of his life. He believes in (and loves) sharing information, insights and ‘principles’ to try to make some difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy.
“Change YOUR world and you change THE world.
Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s encourage, impact, uplift and perhaps even inspire the world.”
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
“If the Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”
– a wife (I won’t say whose!).
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
http://ogmandinobooks.wordpress.comwww.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children – MINE!
“Change YOUR world and you change THE world.
Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s encourage, impact, uplift and perhaps even inspire the world.”
Beyond the Zone: God and The Spiritual Journey 