DISCERNMENT

1John 4:1 – 3 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world.

2 Timothy 2:14 – 26  Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”

Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.

Today we hear all kinds of “gospels” and so-called messages from God. We have to be careful to make sure that the advice and teaching we receive is authentic and IS from the right place. Just because someone quotes scripture does not mean that it is the truth. Satan knows the Bible better than ANY of us 9he has had the time to memorize it over and over again.  He even tried to use his knowledge of scripture to tempt  JESUS in the wilderness. Every temptation to HIM was from an APPROXIMATE quote from the scriptures , quoted out of context or made flattering assumptions (Luke 4:1-13) . This is a popular tactic even today.

The point of today’s post is to TEST every lesson and verse someone tries to pass as truth. ESPECIALLY if it seems to go against what our spirit Is telling us.  God is consistent in his will  and that is why I question many of today’s “feel-good” preachers that sugar coat salvation or offer alternative paths to heaven. In John 14:6,  Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So we have to make sure that we do not teach or promulgate ANY doctrine that would deviate from THAT path. I say this as well for ME as for any other teachings you may read. IF I offer inaccurate insights, I BEG to be corrected. It is my intention to learn as much or more than I teach and I depend on my fellow believers and followers of JESUS THE CHRIST to keep me in line as well.

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Think and Grow Rich Study - Conclusion

I know that there are remaining chapters in our study of “Think and Grow Rich”, but as I read through them, the information they contained are better digested by meditating on each thought and exercise. So, I have decided to summarize and conclude the study with a few thoughts and suggestions.

Suggestion #1 is to read the book yourself and glean what you can directly. You are an intelligent individual (and many of oyu are A LOT smarter than I am). You can apply these principles to the specific circumstances in your life and  not be tainted by my own prejudices and thoughts. This book is free to download in PDF format at http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/ .

Suggestion #2 is to not restrict your thoughts to material or monetary acquisitions. Wealth is much more than a large bank account or higher income bracket. Wealth encompasses more permanent and durable assets like spiritual maturity, wisdom, health, family and friends. So you can expand your quest to TRUE success and happiness  beyond mere $$$s.

Suggestion #3 would be to gather an inner circle of friends to discuss your own goals and report your progress. You can hold each other accountable to the precepts you have agreed upon and share intimate details in your journey. (It can also be used as an excuse for coffee and snacks to feed a REAL social network as well.

 

My prayer for each of you is to find the success you seek and enjoy the journey along the way. Please stayed tuned to this blog as I explore more ideas and try to learn more about myself and how I can become a more mature Believer as well as a wiser man.

As ALWAYS … You  are more than welcome to join into any discussion with thoughts, arguments or encouragements, as you see fit.

Thank you for your attention and your time in visiting my humble inner sanctum of insanity

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

TIME OUT

Image by Dimitri N. via Flickr

I would like to take a “time out” to ask you, my family, friends and my readers, to circle around me and my family with prayer. We are at a difficult time where Denise’s job is unstable (at best) and my employment situation is insufficient to provide even a meager living. I am not asking for free money nor charity, but we could use ideas and suggestions on how to turn this around to the glory of God and (of course) my family. It seems that a lot of true believers are under real demonic attacks and this is my call to arms for all Prayer Warriors to join hearts and prayers in the battle.

Matt 18:18 - 20 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.”

If you have any ideas, thoughts or suggestions, PLEASE email me at gkelley58@hotmail.com.

Image via Wikipedia

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

POWER OF THE MASTERMIND

THE DRIVING FORCE – The Ninth Step Towards Riches

PLANS are inert and useless, without sufficient POWER to translate them into ACTION.

Napoleon Hill defines POWER as “organized and intelligently directed KNOWLEDGE.” Power, as the term is used here, refers to ORGANIZED effort sufficient to enable an individual to transmute DESIRE into its monetary equivalent.

Now we all agree that our knowledge and thought processes are limited within ourselves. Depending on our age and experiences, we may (or may not) have the required knowledge sets to achieve our material and/or spiritual goals. This is where a MASTERMIND comes into play. The accumulated knowledge of our “inner circle” of advisors can exponentially increase the base of our knowledge.  By wielding that knowledge in a responsible manner, we can “brainstorm” plans and evaluate our progress and process. The “two eyes are better than one” concept will allow us to identify strengths and weaknesses in our “journey to success”.

Many notable and great men surrounded themselves with advisors with specific knowledge and skills. Even JESUS chose 12 normal men to be in HIS “inner circle” to amplify and promulgate his mission on earth.

This “committee of knowledge” or MASTERMIND, must be chosen carefully and with great discretion if it is to be useful. The “MASTERMIND” can be defined as: “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose. “ It is this spirit of harmony that will bind and correlate the specific pieces into a cohesive plan of ACTION and thus bring about positive results. JESUS, HIMSELF, acknowledged this POWER when he said in Matthew 18:18 – 20  “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” This is  THE  P O W E R of the MASTER MIND .

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Think and Grow Rich - CH9 Persistence

THE SUSTAINED EFFORT NECESSARY TO INDUCE FAITH

As per Napoleon Hill, “PERSISTENCE is an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting DESIRE into its monetary (or whatever achievement you are seeking) equivalent. The basis of persistence is the POWER OF THE WILL.

Will-power and desire, when properly combined, make an irresistible pair. Men who accumulate great fortunes (and achievements) are generally know as cold-blooded and sometimes ruthless. Often they are misunderstood. What they have is will-power, which they mix with persistence, and place back of their desires to insure the attainment of their objectives. “

Persistence is a state of mind, therefore it can be cultivated. Like all states of mind, persistence is based upon definite causes, among them are:

a.       DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE.  Knowing what you want is the first and, perhaps, the most important step in developing persistence. A strong motive forces one to surmount many difficulties.

b.      DESIRE. How bad do you want it?

c.       SELF_RELIANCE. Believe in your ability to develop and carry out your plan.

d.      DEFINITENESS OF PLANS. Organized Plans encourage persistence (even if they are in the initial stages and need tweaking

e.      ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE. Knowing that your plan’s are sound, based upon experience or observation, encourages persistence; guessing instead of knowing destroys persistence

f.        CO-OPERATION.  Sympathy, understanding and harmonious cooperation with others tend to also develop persistence.

g.       WILL-POWER.  The habit of concentrating you thoughts after building a plan.

h.      HABIT. Persistence is the direct result of HABIT. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feeds.

h.      HABIT. Persistence is the direct result of HABIT. The mind absorbs and becomes a part of the daily experiences upon which it feeds.

A GREAT modern example of PERSISTENCE is in the story of Kurt and Brenda Warner. A grocery-store bagger to SuperBowl Football Legend with  more twist and turns than a Himalayan Mountain Path. You can read the sort and verified highlights on the Snopes website: http://www.snopes.com/glurge/warner.asp .  This story is one of my most inspiring motivators whenever I start to feel down and out and depressed with my surroundings. Kurt and Brenda personifies the old poem, “Don’t Quit”

When things go wrong as they sometimes will.
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill.

When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.

When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.

And many a failure turns about.
When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt

And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Think and Grow Rich - CH8 DECISION

THE MASTERY OF PROCRASTINATION

When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.  - William James

We make millions of decisions every day. Some decisions are trivial and some are more significant.  In studies there is a direct link between failure to meet goals and achieve success  and inability to make a decision. PROCRASTINATION is the opposite of DECISION and is a common enemy which every man must conquer.  Theodore Roosevelt said that “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. “

Image via Wikipedia

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion.  - Chinese Proverb

Once you have reached an intelligent, informed decision, we must be quick to implement the result and slow to change our path. Many times mere persistence will overcome temporary obstacles and pave the way to a successful journey toward your goals. Public Opinion is as steady as a summer breeze. It shifts continuously and can sway our resolve in our quest to success. Remember the fable of the old man and the mule. Everyone had their opinion on how the man could best outfit his trip with the mule. Some said to pack the mule with everything, some even offered that the old man carry the mule to keep him fresh. In the end, both mule and man failed to reach the goal. This is the fate that awaits a shifting decision maker. Do not let anyone deter your decision and only allow your inner circle of “Master Mind” committee members sway your decision.

God gave man TWO eyes and TWO ears and only ONE mouth – Do you think there was a reason for this ???

You have a brain and mind of your own. USE IT. If you need facts or information from other people, delve into your resources and other knowledge sources quietly, without disclosing your purpose.  Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth closed, if you wish to acquire the habit of prompt decision making. If you talk more than you listen, you not only deprive yourself of many opportunities to accumulate useful knowledge, you also disclose your plans and purposes to people that may take great delight in defeating you, because they envy you.

Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently. -William A. Ward

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Think and Grow Rich - CH 7 - Organized Planning

Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Things were a little busy this weekend and (truthfully) I was a little lazy in my reading.

 

Before we get started, though, I would like to let you guys know that you can get a free copy of this book online and in pdf format at http://think-and-grow-rich-ebook.com/ .  You  may find it easier to follow along as well as having a convenient copy at your fingertips.  Why Is “Think and Grow Rich” Free To Download? The reason why they can do this is because the original 1937 edition of “Think and Grow Rich” is now in the Public Domain. What this means is that everyone can now enjoy this classic work that has inspired many generations of successful, wealthy people who discovered the secret to finding financial freedom.

Now on to the lesson/discussion

We have learned that everything man creates or acquires, begins in the form of DESIRE. That DESIRE is then moved into the workshop of the IMAGINATION, where we crystallize them into ACTION  by forming and organizing  solid PLANS.

The author suggest that to build this “Master Plan”, we must surround ourselves with allies to assist us in forming and evaluating our plans. We should inventory what each member of this circle of minds brings to the conversation and use the best attributes of each person.  No one person knows all the answers or sees all the projected issues, so we should be alert and receptive to each input or observation.

If the initial plan fails, replace/modify it with a new one. The true “secret” to a successful objective is PERSISTENCE. Temporary defeat only means that the certain knowledge that there is something wrong with your plan.  The US Marines has a motto: “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome”. This attitude will lead to the successful implementation of a solid PLAN.

AS LONG AS YOU ARE MOVING – YOU AIN’T STUCK

The rest of the chapter is dedicated to practical actions and attitudes to develop a successful mindset toward achieving your goals. I will not copy down them here, but suggest that you read them (online or in print). The LEADERSHIP notes are truly invaluable in anything we may seek to pursue.

These points are the foundation of many modern Management Philosophies , today (i.e. Six Sigma, TQS et al)  …REMEMBER these ideas were publish back in 1937!!!! Truly a unique direction at that time.

 

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

 

Think and Grow Rich - CH 6 Imagination

The previous chapters covers the importance of controlling our thoughts and developing the positive thoughts into positive desires and developing a plan of action from them. This chapter addresses the use of imagination in one of two way: Synthetic and Creative.

Synthetic Imagination rearranges old concepts, ideas and methods into new combinations. This typr of imagination does not create anything. It merely works with experience, education and observations to develop a “new’ conclusion.

In Creative Imagination, the finite mind connects with Infinite Intelligence. This is noticed in our hunches and inspirational thoughts and ideas. This is the basis through which all new ideas are received. It is thought this faculty that we may “tune in” with the sub consciousness of others. Great leaders of business, industry, finance and the great artists, musicians, poets and writers became great because they developed the faculty of creative imagination.

Thought the grind of life, most of us has allowed our imagination (both kinds) to grow weak through atrophy. I remember, as a child, having all sorts of ideas that would change the world. Through life, I have allowed obstacles and “reality” to wear down these “dreams” and imagination-driven goals. I have lost faith in my ability to dream big dreams and subsequently mold those dreams into a reality. This seems to be the common malady of “child-like” imaginations. I have replaced my dreams with the cynicism of experiences and failures (mine and others). This dulling of imaginations has costs me the thrill of watching an idea grow from conception to maturity. 

Image by Gilderic via Flickr

We can revive our imaginative faculties through deliberate exercise. Center  your attention on your synthetic imagination faculty (since this is the one that is most commonly used) and mentally rearrange processes and perceptions of a given idea. This may even result in a novel approach to an old idea and thus provide a path to a new result in your life as well.  If we allow ourselves to realease our “adult” restraints and approach a challenge with the trusting, innocent mind of a child, we may find solutions that otherwise  may have been hidden.

We like to be adults and in charge of what happens to us, but having faith like a child is allowing God to lead us through the Holy Spirit. If you pray instead of making decisions on your own, you will find that God answers your prayers acts according to His will. Then your heart will be instructed in the night seasons by either God speaking to your spirit or even in a dream. If we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us we will get good counsel, but if we do it ourselves then we rely on our own faulty ways. The spirit works through the heart as I said:

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

This means not to follow your mind and its ways but be like a child and let your spirit direct you through your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to direct you through scripture before you make decisions. The Lord will look after you. He promises if you have the faith of a child you will enter into His Kingdom. It's time to go with your heart and be a child rather than living like an adult in your mind.

Resurrect that child-like imagination and see if there is a hidden path to success waiting just beyond the shadows of our consciousness.

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

WAKE UP CHRISTIAN AMERICA !!!! Not so Fast

I interrupt my book review/report to bring you a Message FROM GOD  through Isaiah the Prophet. 

Isaiah 58:1 “Shout loudly! Don’t be quiet! Yell as loud as a trumpet!

Confront my people with their rebellious deeds; confront Jacob’s family with their sin!

58:2 They seek me day after day; they want to know my requirements, like a nation that does what is right

and does not reject the law of their God.

They ask me for just decrees; they want to be near God.

58:3 They lament, ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?

Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’

Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, you oppress your workers.

58:4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by arguments, brawls, and fistfights.

Do not fast as you do today, trying to make your voice heard in heaven.

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want?

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

58:6 No, this is the kind of fast I want.

I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke,

to set free the oppressed, and to break every burdensome yoke.

58:7 I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people.

When you see someone naked, clothe him! Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood!

58:8 Then your light will shine like the sunrise; your restoration will quickly arrive;

your godly behavior will go before you, and the Lord’s splendor will be your rear guard.

58:9 Then you will call out, and the Lord will respond; you will cry out, and he will reply, ‘Here I am.’

You must remove the burdensome yoke from among you and stop pointing fingers and speaking sinfully.

58:10 You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed. Then your light will dispel the darkness, and your darkness will be transformed into noonday.

58:11 The Lord will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions. He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring that continually produces water.

58:12 Your perpetual ruins will be rebuilt; you will reestablish the ancient foundations.

You will be called, ‘The one who repairs broken walls, the one who makes the streets inhabitable again.’

58:13 You must observe the Sabbath rather than doing anything you please on my holy day.

You must look forward to the Sabbath and treat the Lord’s holy day with respect.

You must treat it with respect by refraining from your normal activities,

and by refraining from your selfish pursuits and from making business deals.

58:14 Then you will find joy in your relationship to the Lord, and I will give you great prosperity,

and cause crops to grow on the land I gave to your ancestor Jacob.”

Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Think and Grow Rich - Ch 5 Specialized Knowledge

They say Knowledge is power. I disagree. Knowledge is only the POTENTIAL for power. Unless that knowledge is inventoried, collocated and used, it is merely clutter in the brain. We must inventory, catalogue and develop a plan for using our personal knowledge. With the advent of the internet,  vast volumes of knowledge is at our fingertips. This fact (I think) levels the playing field when we need a specific tidbit of information. The difference comes in our specialized accumulation of knowledge and experience and how we perceive our accumulated knowledge in practice.

Wealthy people like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and many others did not necessarily personally hold a great general knowledge of things, but they DID understand how to tap their resources and how to implement their plan and dreams into action. We can take a lesson from this. Specialized Knowledge can be quite helpful in achieving our personal and financial goals.  I have studied computers and networking since 1976. I have a in-depth comprehension of the principles in this field. I do not consider myself a totally ignorant man, but I would not even attempt to try brain surgery. Does this make a surgeon any smarter than me? I do not believe so. It is just we have different specialized knowledge. I am certain that he would not attempt to design and implement a Frame Relay Network with Maximum Packet Switching between remote rural nodes. See what I mean? Our Specialized Knowledge includes our personal experiences, talents, skills and personality as well as what we learn from interacting with those around us.

Experience is learning from your mistakes

                       Wisdom is learning from OTHER’s mistakes

The trick, (the way I understand this chapter) is finding a marketable way to implement your personalized, specialized knowledge to your advantage. This requires thought, self analysis and imagination.  Once you have conceived your goal in using YOUR personal attributes, you must construct a PLAN to implement this journey to success.  Also we must use the previously noted  steps for success and reaffirmation to continually motivate ourselves and convince our psyche to make this Plan complete.

Like the old adage states:

Plan your Work

&

Work your Plan

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

http://twitter.com/gkelley58

"Think & Grow Rich - Chapter 4 - Autosuggestion

The medium for influencing the subconscious mind – the 3rd step toward riches

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

If you tell yourself something (or hear it often enough) it becomes reality

This statement can be seen in almost everything we see and do today. Commercials tell us over and over and over and … again how wonderful their product performs and how much better it is for us. By hearing that repeated over and over again, our reality included that product. How in the world did we EVER survive without Google or the internet or cell phones???? Marketing has injected the requirement into our reality and now it has become OUR reality. Why would this not work with our own “propaganda”? By focusing our mental input to what WE dictate, we can mold our reality to our goals.


This chapter take advantage of the knowledge that we control OUR thoughts and

OUR actions. By reaffirming our desire, belief and faith, we cause ourselves to mystically create our own reality. This works both for and against our goals. If we hold on to negative thoughts and influences, we will reap negative results.  That is why I think it is so important to fill your thoughts with positive contents and affirmations. Paul wrote to the Philippians just that sort of thing when he commanded them to think on “… whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.” (Phil 4:8 NET)

Our mind believes whatever we tell it – IF we tell it often enough.  Recall the steps I listed in Chapter 3 on reading your list aloud so that you actually HEAR your desires with your ears.  This is a form of autosuggestion. Concentrating on this truth will allow you to see it come into fruition.

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." - Shakespeare

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

"Think & Grow Rich - Chapter 3 - Faith

Visualization of, and Belief in Attainment of Desire – The 2^nd Step Toward Riches

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. (NETBible)

We have previously discussed the roles of controlling our thought processes and building a Desire to achieve our goals of success (financially and other values in our lives). Today, we get to address how FAITH plays a very important part of this transition from poverty thinking to wealthy thinking.

Hill  describes Faith as “á state of mind which you may develop at will, after you have mastered the thirteen principles, because it is a state of mind which develops voluntarily, through application and use of these principles.

Repetition of affirmation of orders to your subconscious mind is the only known methods of voluntary development of the emotion of faith. “

I urge you to read the entire chapter on your own as it is filled with wonderful examples and illustrations of how faith can play a dynamic part in developing a successful attitude and change your perspective on life’s events. The Bible talks about the power of faith on many occasions. Jesus, Himself, emphasized the power of faith throughout  his ministry. He told several of the people He healed that it was their FAITH that realized the miracle.

Faith work both good and bad. It is not a respecter of morals. If you have faith that something will come to pass (or the you will be a certain way) the inertia of that faith will pave the way for your faith to come to pass. Hill suggests that you may benefit, by passing on to your subconscious mind, any desire which you wish translated into its physical, or monetary equivalent, in a state of expectancy or belief that the transmutation will actually take place. Your belief, or faith, is the element which determines the action of your subconscious mind. There is nothing to hinder you from “deceiving” your subconscious mind when giving it instructions through autosuggestion.

To make this “deceit” more realistic,  conduct yourself just as you would if you were already in the possession of the material thing which you are demanding.

Thoughts which are mixed with any of the feelings of emotions constitute a “magnetic” force which attracts other similar or related thoughts.

Mr Hill’s Self Confidence Formula bears repeating and emphasis. Make this commitment to yourself and we will see the transformation in your life. It is as follows:

First:  I know that I have the ability to achieve the object in my definite purpose in life; therefore, I demand  of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

Second: I realize the dominating thoughts of my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality; therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for thirty minutes daily, upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture.

Third: I know through the principle of autosuggestion, any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object back of it; therefore, I will devote ten minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self confidence.

Fourth: I have clearly written down a description of my definite chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying, until I shall developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

Fifth: I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built on truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects. I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people. I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others. I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself. I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory, and repeat if aloud once a day, with full faith that it will gradually influiuence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant, and successful person

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

In Memory of all those who died

Image via Wikipedia

This was written in 2008 by my nephew. I thought it would be appropriate to post …LEST WE FORGET

September 11th: in memory of all those who died

United we stand
No matter the plan
for what you did at ground zero
turned every civilian into a true American hero
and yet you thought our country was soft
but all you did was piss us off
even though our strength comes from the heart
don’t ever think it will split us apart
now every person does their part
as bombs go flying
soldiers are dying
from all the training they bleed without complaining
as he eats his daily rations
he hopes to God nothing happens
and at the end of the day
he kneels to pray
he hasn’t much to say
But PLEASE God help me through another day
His words are well spoken
his prayer goes straight to heaven
as he remembers 9/11.
-Aaron Brickey

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Chapter 2 - DESIRE your Dreams

‎"Success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying." - W. Clement Stone

Cover via Amazon

The first chapter was concerning our thought process. By directing our thoughts to positive ideals and ideas, we invite similar situations into our circle of living. Have you ever noticed that when your day starts out good, it carries on into the rest of the day? The same thing when it starts out rough …  We can alter either one by focusing our thoughts on certain situations and circumstances.  Smiling at a stranger, greeting your neighbor or offering to open the door for a respected elder. These can turn the shade of your day from bad to good. Remember, the ONLY two things YOU actually control are 1) Your thoughts and 2) YOUR actions

Chapter 2 involves translating our mere thoughts into DESIRES. Thinking is a good start, but until we transform our thoughts into a true desire,  that is as far as it will go. Once we get that burning fire of achieving a goal, things seem to work toward that goal.  Through failures and setbacks, IF we feed our desires, we will overcome and succeed.

Do not be afraid of success, nor the desire of it. If your thoughts and goals are pure, and your intent is righteous, then God will bless the journey through the fire and trials of adversity.

Luke 11:5 – 13 Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has stopped here while on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' Then he will reply from inside, 'Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though the man inside will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man's sheer persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

 "So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Take note that merely "asking" initiates a powerful force in our lives. Persistence perpetuates that force into action and subsequent action transforms that desire into a reality.

Napoleon Hill lists six ways to turn Desires into Gold.  Remember I said earlier that currency is a personal choice and the word "gold" can signify ANY value or trait or whatever you prioritize in your life. But I digress. Here are Hill's listed steps

1)      Fix in your mind the exact amount of money* you desire. Specify a definite level of success. ( There is a psychological reason definiteness which will be described in a later chapter).

2)      Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for your goal (There is NO such thing as something for nothing)

3)      Establish a specific DATE (or deadline) as to when you intend to achieve your desire

4)      Create a PLAN to carry out your desire. BEGIN immediately, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.

5)      WRITE out a clear and concise statement of your goal, name the time limit, state what you intend to give and describe clearly your plan.

6)      READ YOUR WRITTEN STATEMENT aloud, twice a day. Once when you get up in the morning and again just before retiring for the night.

These steps are repeated in several other "motivational" books and philosophies. Although we are specifically using one text as our guide, truth is truth and transcends limited "ownership"

Plan your Work

Work your Plan

Aim High.

I remember when I was in High School, The US Air Force had this as their motto in recruiting. But there is a greater wisdom in this saying ….

Remember that there is no more effort required to aim high in life than is required to accept misery and poverty. A great poet has correctly reflected this universal truth in these lines:

"I bargained with Life for a penny,

And life would pay no more,

However I begged at evening

When I counted my scanty store.

"For Life is a just employer

He gives you what you ask,

But once you have set the wages,

Why, you must bear the task.

"I worked for  a menial's hire,

Only to learn, dismayed,

That any wage I had asked of Life,

Life would have willingly paid."

There are no limitations to the Mind except those we acknowledge

***

Both Poverty and Riches are the offspring of Thought

Matt 21:18-22  Now early in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry. After noticing a fig tree by the road he went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, "Never again will there be fruit from you!" And the fig tree withered at once.  When the disciples saw it they were amazed, saying, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" Jesus answered them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen.  And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive."

Tomorrow's Chapter reveals the role of FAITH ….

As Always, ALL your comments, questions and suggestions are solicited and appreciated :

 

May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58

Chapter 1 - Thoughts are Things

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. [Proverbs 23:7]”

“Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)”

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This concept is addressed in many books and places. Most recently in “The Secret”.  By directing our thoughts to positive ideals and ideas, we invite similar situations into our circle of living. Have you ever noticed that when your day starts out good, it carries on into the rest of the day? The same thing when it starts out rough …  We can alter either one by focusing our thoughts on certain situations and circumstances.  Smiling at a stranger, greeting your neighbor or offering to open the door for a respected elder. These can turn the shade of your day from bad to good. Remember, the ONLY two things YOU actually control are 1) Your thoughts and 2) YOUR actions
 

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. -  W. Clement Stone

Persistence and Faith plays a big part in the success of a plan and/or idea. Mr. Hill gives several examples of such actions. He states: Success come to those who become success conscious. Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious.

“The Master of Your Fate”

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul…” Henley

This is because we have the power to control our thoughts. Our brains become magnetized with dominating thoughts and attracts us to the forces, the people and circumstances of life which harmonize with the nature of our dominating thoughts. (the laws of attraction).




In order to change our path from poverty to wealth, we must first take control of our thoughts and align them to generate and attract positive situations that would enhance our desire to improve our circumstances. So whether we believe in the laws of attraction or not, we still can use this tool to re-direct the path of our day and can enjoy the fruits of happiness regardless of the state or our finances or whether our coffee is too weak or too strong.

SHARE a Smile, it may be the only one that person gets all day

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May God Bless You and Yours

Gene

You can also follow me on Twitter @gkelley58