Thoughtful Tuesdays: Amazing Grace

I tried to find a way to create an introduction that will emphasis how much I believe in this excerpt without getting too personal. I tried to think of something clever to say to transition into the post. The more I thought about it the more I realized I should let the beauty and truth speak for itself.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

Amazing Grace 

For those who walk the path of the inner voice, grace is the ultimate blessing. Not only are we guided by grace, but it is grace that has enable us to take the first step on this wondrous journey.

Think of times when you were lifted out of disaster at the eleventh hour. Recall those turning points when unseen forces intervened in your life. The right job turned up when you needed it. Through a series of seemingly coincidences, you were led to a person who provided the help you were seeking. An unexpected source of money arrived to pay the bills. 

As a cloud-covered sky can block out rays of the sun, so our doubts and fear can block the perception of God's grace. Still, the sun is always shining, even when we can't see it. The help is still there, even when we don't realize it. And in the midst of our unbelief, grace still enters our lives. 

We are not alone. We may call it a guardian angel or unexplained good fortune, but there is a benevolent force at work in our lives, guiding us each step along the way. More than anything else, the experience of grace gives us the courage to continue listening to that inner voice. for the love that has guided you to this point would not have done so unless it was prepared to lead you on - to the fulfillment of your highest and truest calling.

Affirmations

1. I give thanks for the good that has graced my life.
2. I am truly blessed.
3. I appreciate all the help I receive.
4. My life overflows with abundance and prosperity.
5. The light of God surrounds me.
6. Your Own______________

Thoughtful Tuesdays: The Eleventh Hour

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Eleventh Hour

Recently I witnessed the birth of my friend's third child. Because of the infant's large size, labor proved more difficult than expected. After eight hours of strenuous contractions, in pain and totally exhausted, the mother resigned herself to a Caesarean section. 

Then a gentle and sympathetic doctor arrived. He suggested that we elevate the mother's legs and slightly rotate the hips. With these subtle changes, the momentum shifted. The birth process accelerated. Beginning with the head and then the shoulders, a healthy baby Patrick sprang from the womb. 

The experience can only be described as miraculous. At the moment everyone gave up, grace descended. A force outside of ourselves intervened and "in the twinkling of an eye" the situation  changed. Before we knew it, the birth had occurred.

The next time you are stuck and feel like there is no way out, think of baby Patrick. Like him, you may be just moments away from a glorious new life. Soon, you will be pushed through the birth canal into the light of day. 

Affirmations

1. I am in the process of being reborn.
2. I can see sense the light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Just when all seems lost, help arrives.
4. I call on the Universe and am lifted to safety.
5. I am never given more than God and I can handle.
6. Your Own ___________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Keep the Faith

I'm a big worry rat. In fact I'm an over-worrier. It can be incredibly draining and at times a very large waste of energy. For awhile I worried about my art classes. Would there be a demand? Would they be successful? Then I worried that the classes would not be enough to support myself financially so I began to worry about finding another job. My latest worry is finding a way to balance both a full time job and the art classes. It seems that once again Bloch's book came to the rescue for me with another well timed post. So I will keep this in mind during the next few weeks as I make some major and minor changes to my lifestyle. I will definitely practice affirmation number 2 and 4. I will also try to spend less time worrying about everyone and everything and instead focus on celebrating my accomplishments and successes. Things will work out exactly as they are destined to.


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Keep the Faith

When following the inner voice, one must deal with the experience of uncertainty. The future is not laid out and neatly planned. There are no guarantees. In the end, it all comes down to trust - trusting that the support will be there; that the money will come; that if one path does not work out, another will open up. 

We can develop this trust from experience/ We step out in faith the first time, and the Universe supports us. We step out again and the assistance is there. After several  experiences, we begin to feel comfortable living by faith - our "invisible means of support." We no longer need to know ahead of time how everything will work out. 

So make the decision. Let go of the worry, the anxiety, and the doubt. Have faith in your connection to universal principles, for it is here that your true security lies. The Universe will not abandon you if you maintain your connection to it. Keep the faith, and the faith will keep you. 

Affirmations

1. I am led by my Higher Power.
2. I trust my intuition to guide and direct my way.
3. My will and the Divine are one.
4. I release my need to worry and doubt.
5. Every day my faith is growing stronger.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: God Does Great Things Through Me

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

God Does Great Things Through Me

When the renowned composer Johann Sebastian Bach was praised for his music, he responded, "To God goes the glory." When a well-known writer was asked to reveal his secret, he said"I am simply the person whom the words came through." Like many who have excelled in the field, those artists knew that it is God who makes us great, that it is the spirits within that express its perfect purpose through us. 

God wants to do great things through you, too. In your prayers and meditation, as that Infinite Intelligence  work through you for the highest good of yourself and others. Ask to be a channel for the expression of the Divine plan. Then trust that spirit will guide you each step of the way, ensuring the right outcome of every situation and providing for all your needs. 

You have a purpose and a mission - something to contribute during your stay on earth. Even now spirit is beckoning you to fulfill your unique greatness. Listen and you will hear the call.

Affirmations

1. God is doing great things through me.
2. I am a  channel for the Divine inspiration.
3. Each day creative ideas are revealed to me.
4. I listen to and follow my inner voice.
5. I am in a partnership with the Infinite that leads to success.
6. Your Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays: The Strength to Overcome

 I really enjoyed reading today's excerpt from Douglas Bloch's book Listening To Your Inner Voice. It was a well timed reminder for something I need to keep fresh in mind presently in my life. I'm sure I have shared this with you before but I will share it once more. Someone who I respect greatly in my life once told me to 'change the focus' when presented with a problem. If I only look at the situation from one angle, I could miss an opportunity to see a larger picture and to recognize room for personal growth. For the last several months since being given this advice, I have held it close to my heart. It has helped me in keeping a wise mind during moments of 'crisis'. It really helps. Lately it seems I have forgotten just how powerful it is. Thank you to Bloch for the reminder. Hope you find it just as useful!

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

*Feel free to change the word 'God' to fit your belief system. I directly quoted Bloch's work.

The Strength to Overcome

Life is a process of meeting and solving problems. Solving problems is a way that we test and develop our spiritual muscle. Think of outstanding people such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, and Helen Keller. Lincoln faced the problem of a divided country; Ghandi, an oppressed India; Keller, her personal handicaps. In rising to meet their challenges, these individuals expressed the qualities of vision, courage, fortitude, and compassion. They became great not in spite, but because of their problems.


Problems often come to us in the form of crisis. The Chinese glyph for the word crisis contains two symbols: one means danger and the other opportunity. When an obstacle is before you, use it to create a beneficial result. As with Lincoln, Ghandi, and Keller, let your problems bring out your greatness. 

Rather than pray for a life that is problem-free, ask for one that is solution-full. Instead of requesting that God remove the mountain before you, seek the strength to climb it. Remember that the best students always get the toughest problems. Love the problems you have, and their priceless gifts will be yours. 

Affirmations

1. My problems strengthen and bring out the best in me.

2. I face my problems courageously.

3. I uncover new challenges in my life.

4. I uncover hidden blessings in difficult circumstances.

5. When a crisis arises, I acknowledge the danger but embrace the opportunity.

6. You Own _____________.

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Healing the Inner Child

Oh how I love today's excerpt. Since 2008 I have been practicing this way of living. It has made a world of a difference to my quality of life. It was introduced to me as a tool to help me cope with a traumatic childhood. At first I struggled with the concept so I printed off a picture of myself as a young child and glued it on a canvas surrounding it with paint, glitter, and an affirmation. This helped me visualize the concept of healing my inner child and made it easier to implement into my life. With time it became easier to listen to my inner child without using a visual. I have found a lot more balance in my life since I started healing and listening to my inner child. In my opinion it's definitely worth a try!


The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Healing the Inner Child

The other day I passed by a homeless person sleeping in the street. I studied his face - rough, tired, defeated. As I experienced compassion for his situations, I went back in time and imagined what he looked like as an infant - full of hope and expectation. I also realized that despite the outward circumstances, this inner child was still alive within him. For the next few days I perceived the inner child behind the masks of all whom I encountered.

What does the inner child want? It wants to be held, touched, and loved. It wants to belong. It wants to have fun, laugh, and play. What does this inner child provide? It gives us aliveness, energy, joy and vitality. It gives us curiosity and a sense of wonder. It gives us life.

Most of us have paid too little attention to the child within. In a culture where striving for success makes a life of "serious" business, we suffer from a common malady - a lack of connection with our childlike nature and the joy it brings. 

It is said, "Unless you become as little as a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God." Resolve each day to ask your child what he or she needs or wants. Spend time getting to know him or her. Then note the increased vitality that comes from connecting with that central part of yourself. 

Affirmations

1. I love my inner child.

2. I give my inner child the attention it asks for.

3. I now allow my inner child to participate in my daily affairs.

4. My life is filled with joy.

5. I create ample time for play.

6. Your Own ________________

Thoughtful Tuesdays: Better the Pain Than to Remain the Same

Finally I have found the time to post 'Thoughtful Tuesday' for this week. I have a very very dear friend from up away visiting me. Her first time to the east coast! So our days have been filled with adventures, sight seeing, and oodles of fun. All this fresh salt air had us both in bed too early yesterday. I have lots to I want to say about this blog,  but I will leave it just as the excerpt and let it stir up thoughts in your mind. Feel free to share in the comments. Well it's time for me to sign off, we have another adventure calling us!

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Better the Pain Than to Remain the Same

The Babara I met at my high school reunion was not the same person I had known a decade ago. A sensitive and caring person stood in the place of the driven and manipulative individual I remembered.  Her soft gaze spoke of new compassion and understanding. I asked a friend of Barbara's how this transformation occurred. "It's very simple," The friend replied. "She's been to hell and back".

Babara's story is universal. It is the experience of pain - physical, emotional, or spiritual - that inspires us to start the search for  something more. Many great teachers and healers began their spiritual quest as a way to cope with the pain of an illness, divorce, or similar loss. This discomfort forced them to abandon the status quo and take a new and uncharted course, a course that led to a major transformation. 

Is pain the only way we can grow and transform? Not necessarily. As we work on ourselves and learn from out mistakes, the ups and downs of life become less intense. Lessons come in a more gentle manner. Once the heart is opened, it takes less effort to keep it that way.

You are moving to that point where joy and bliss are all-encompassing. Until then, your pain can be your greatest teacher.

Affirmations

1. I make my pain holy by finding meaning in it.

2. A broken heart is an open heart.

3. Because of my trials, I am wiser and more compassionate person.

4. My pain has deepened me.

5. As I learn the lessons of my pain,  my need for the pain decreases.

6. Your Own ___________________

 

Thoughtful Tuesdays : Each Must Carry His Own Burden

I've spent a lot of years working on my strong need to be a care giver. Learning how to step outside the role of 'rescuer' and allow others to grow from challenging experiences. I agree completely with this concept from today's excerpt. While offering someone support can be a great benefit for both the individual and yourself, it is important to know where to establish boundaries so that you do not put yourself at risk of giving too much of yourself to another person, and so they can also learn from the experience as well. It's all about balance. Although you may  not be able to help them to the extent you want, remember that using words of encouragement, hope, love, and remaining positive for them can make a world of a difference as well. Believe these messages as well. Believe in this person you love.

The following is an exact excerpt from the book Listening To Your Inner Voice by Douglas Bloch. I in no way possess any ownership of the following. I am simply sharing the thoughts, expressions and words of an author who has inspired me.

Each Must Carry His Own Burden

One of the great spiritual truths is that each person must work out his or her own personal salvation. When a person you care about is in trouble, you can reach out to support his or her healing, but past a certain point you can do no more. No matter how much you love, you cannot carry another person's burdens. 

What can you do when someone you love is in pain? First affirm that there is a purpose behind the experience. Know that the soul has some important lesson to learn that will be of great value to him or her. 

Second, although you cannot directly intervene, your positive thoughts  and prayers do make a difference. Visualize your friend surrounded by light and love. This type of healing acts directly on the soul level and does not encounter resistance from the conscious mind.

Finally, know that Divine protection is present. The forces of light are always available to the person who requests help. Ultimately, no soul can be lost; as all who ask will be guided to the safety of their spiritual home. 

Affirmations

1. I take responsibility for my own life.

2. I allow others to take responsibility for their lives.

3. All things are working together for good in the lives of my loved ones.

4. I give others the freedom to discover and pursue their own paths.

5. I release the need to have others conform to my expectations.

6. Your Own ________________.