Darkness Can Not Exist in Light

We all know at least once person that is covered in darkness. Not actually physically, but have you ever known someone who just lacked the capacity to be happy for others? If you got a promotion, they would remind you how much more work it will be. If you bought a new home they would just say you have no idea what you're getting yourself into.

And down the road when you say you're tired from working so much or you aren't sure how you're going to scrape together the money to pay for a home repair - these same people whip out a great big "I TOLD YOU SO" and it's a little demoralizing to hear. And they actually seem stronger for having said it to you.

Do you know why? That is spreading darkness and it when you allow your own personal light to be extinguished by someone else's darkness, it actually gives them power. The key is to pull deep within yourself and ask that you be given strength. The Divine will listen and no, a miracle sack of cash won't drop onto your front porch from the sky - but ask for strength and the ways to handle your problems will be shown to you. You may happen upon a television show about time management, your boss may suddenly feel your workload is too much and give you an assistant or disburse your duties to other employees; help with your home repair may come in the form of a relative offering to help with a loan or maybe a contractor that is willing to give you a form of credit for the repairs - the key is to have your eyes open after you ask and then remember to stay strong and never let anyone extinguish your inner light through deeds or words again.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

If You Feel Empty Inside..There is a Cure

The holiday season is fast upon us and it makes a number of people feel just awful.

I want to remind you of a great quote from St. Alphone Liguori, "The more we empty ourselves to make room for God's love, the more he fills us with himself and the more united to him will we be".

And this is so true. When you have that empty feeling of loneliness come over you, simply ask to have your heart filled with love. You'll be amazed how quickly it will happen. You may feel warmth wash over your body and that is God's embrace.

The emptiness you feel is because you aren't walking with the Divine. It's just a matter of asking. It's God's plan that he will always be there for you , but you must go to him and ask to walk the path and you will be welcomed with open arms, no matter what sins your past holds - remember - above all that the Divine loves you and understands even more than you do your own failings as a person and your true capacity to be a good person.

If you're ready to have a great feeling from within this upcoming holiday season, just ask!

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Finding Joy Through Patience

There are many times in our lives when we end up getting overwhelmed with everything going on around us. With busy schedules, demanding jobs, ongoing bills and so on, it is a wonder that we can even muster the slightest smile. After all of the things that can come about, one thing that you need to remember is that patience truly is a virtue.

When you have children or other people in your life that you need to care for, it can end up being quite difficult to remember that everyone is only human. Being human means that you can only do so much, and that everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Remain patient and let the others in your life know that you are there for them to guide them and lend a helping hand wherever you can. This little bit of patience can really go a long way, especially when it comes to children.

Although you may feel like you have had enough and you are just about ready to give up and snap, patience can guide you through even the toughest of obstacles. Once you are able to remain patient, you will see that the calm that you will feel can help you to process your feelings better. These thoughts and feelings can then trickle down to others around you, making whatever comes your way dissolve before you know it. While patience isn't always something that comes easy, a quick second to remember how much it can help can make a world of difference in your whole day.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Stand By Your Beliefs

If you end up finding yourself in a situation where there is an overwhelming presence around you where people do not share the same beliefs, it is very important that you stand true and stick to what you believe in. All too often, folks will begin to feel as though their feelings and beliefs are the minority, so they end up keeping their thoughts bottled up inside. Because you are stronger that that on the inside as well as the outside, you should never be afraid to let your ideals and personality shine through no matter what the majority thinks.

One thing remains true, and that is that you can always gather strength from within. No matter what negative comments or forces come your way, you always have your true thoughts and identity on the inside that you can hold onto. Even the person who tries their hardest to knock you down will never be able to succeed as long as you have that inner strength through your faith and beliefs.

When you stand your ground and stick to your beliefs, you are then able to shed some light on them to others around you who may be in need of guidance. While preaching and persuasion is never a savory thought, you can simply be there to lend a few words about the strength that you have if they are looking for you to share. One thing will always remain true, and that is as long as you have the faith and inner strength to keep you grounded, you will then be able to share in love, joy and life with everyone around you.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Prayer Can Heal From The Inside Out

Long, long ago, people learned that there was something special and rewarding to come out of prayer. No matter what kind of forces surround you or what kind of path you take, it remains true that the power of prayer is truly indescribable. All you have to do is speak with someone who was touched with the answering of prayers and you too will see that there is something special behind such a time honored practice.

Whether you come from a strong religious background or you are just now finding your path in life through a higher power, prayer can be an amazing way to build you up from the inside out. Some people will say that they turn to prayer on a daily basis in order to give them that little extra push that they are looking for to help them not only to meet, but to exceed their goals. By having even the shortest time to think or pray about something that is on your mind, you can receive the benefits ten fold.

If you happen to find yourself in the terrible situation where you have been stricken with grief or some sort of strife, prayer can be a wonderful way to heal. From self-spoken pep talks when you are alone to prayer groups where you feed off of the strength of others around you, the power of prayer is truly a force to be reckoned with. The next time you feel as though you have nowhere else to turn, perhaps some form of prayer will be helpful in your healing process.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Holding Onto Faith During Trials And Tribulation

No matter what life ends up throwing your way, you should try your best to remain true to yourself as well as your faith in a higher power. As human beings, we all have a series of hurdles to jump and paths to cross. It is only natural that you will feel overwhelmed once in a while no matter how strong you are on the inside. For many people, finding their place in life with their faith behind them holding strong is the best way to get through anything that they may encounter.

Often times, you are put into situations where you simply cannot believe you can take any more emotional struggle or pain. Perhaps you have a close friend or a family member who has been diagnosed with some sort of illness or they are going through a tragedy in their own life. These, as well as many others, are situations where you will find that your faith and inner strength will come through for you, giving you a way to carry on and remain solid for everyone else around you.

Although you will end up confused and overwhelmed when faced with tough situations, it is nice to have a great foundation of faith and strength that you can turn to. Many people before you will be quick to tell you that life can go by quickly, however only a select few can share with you that they really learned a lesson about inner strength and the value of faith along with all that it can do for you when it counts the most.

Labels: forgiveness, love, peace, positive-thinking, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Words are Endowed with Power

Words can be extremely powerful, and how we use them in our lives is a very critical matter. We have the power to build or destroy lives and relationships at every level by our choice of words. While thoughts are always the derivative of words and actions: it's our words that can become the most obvious indicator of what we are thinking.

Everyone, no matter what his or her station in life, needs approval and encouragement. We often see stark and moody pictures in our minds of those in charge withholding praise from an employee or associate for a job well done. Or, another picture that comes to mind is a child hoping without success, that a parent, teacher, or friend, will acknowledge their achievements. While praise and words of encouragement should never be the main focus in a physical world, a word given in a positive manner at the right time can work miracles in someone's life.

The opposite can occur as well! The right word given, if the intent is to harm, at the right moment can do a great deal of damage to a person's confidence and faith. On the receiving end, a person has to move forward and ignore the power of negative words. If you're the kind of person that is self-confident, and aware of where you fit in the world, the negative energy won't find lodgment within your mind or soul. Most importantly, a kind word used in response of a negative one, will put the power right back in your hands-where it needs to be.

Labels: forgiveness, love, miracles, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Success Leaves Clues

Life is not as complicated as we often think! Success leaves clues that are easy to follow. The term and meaning of success, will be as varied as there are people on the planet. However, if we look at success as the act of attaining or achieving a goal or dream, then the clues can easily be discovered.

First, nothing happens just by chance. A person may in fact be at the right place and time for an event to occur; but it's no mystery that opportunity meets up with those who are best prepared! It's always good to note that opportunity is always looking to express itself through someone's talent or abilities. If you examine someone's life that appears to be successful, more often than not, the preparation phase has been on going throughout his or her entire lives.

It all starts with the preparation phase. Yes, there are going to be many that seem to be connected in the right ways from birth. There are also going to be many people less fortunate that any one of us. For the young or old, rich or poor, or the culturally aggressive or culturally oppressed, the need to find one's self prepared is always going to be the biggest and most important challenge.

This preparation will take the form of knowledge, skills, commitment, opportunity, and being socially connected to the people, places, and circumstances that allow us to move forward. Preparation is the key, and this will be the most important clue in the lives of the successful.

Labels: forgiveness, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

The Gift of Struggle

Struggles are often the least thing that any of us want to experience. However, it is our struggles that set us free to achieve the greater things in life. Struggles are the experiences and challenges that set the stage for accumulating knowledge-and knowledge as we all know is power.

Too many years ago to remember the exact date, I remember standing in a beautiful woodland area in Ohio, and watching the caterpillars emerge after a long hibernation from their cocoons. I was fascinated with nature, and the endless variety of birds and insects that filled the woods on any given day. That day was a special day, as I decided that I would help the slow process of nature along, and help free the caterpillar form its prison.

I didn't know that the unfair struggle through the tiny opening of the cocoon was an act that would force the fluids through its body-and out into its wings. The struggle of the tiny butterfly is an indication of what many of us will go through in life. If we can we just hold on and endure what seems life unfair pain, there is always a magnificent reward that will follow, and we'll soar the heavens rather than grovel on the ground.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

It's a Good Thing that Habits are Hard to Break

We often think of habits as being a negative thing, but the truth is that anything we practice often enough-will become a habit. This of course means that the habit can be a good one, or a bad one. The root source of every action is thought! What we choose to think on a habitual basis, is what we will manifest in our lives. This is why there really are no mysteries when we peer into our own lives, or the lives of others. What you see is usually the result of a lifetime of habits that are hard to break.

The thought patterns can be seen in how people live, how they interact with others, and what they've accomplished in life. Taking the creative gift of God , thought, and applying it with care and diligence, is a continual step in achieving what God desires for us in life. If our thoughts and desires are clean and wholesome, then we can bet that they are God's desire for us as well. On the other hand, the thoughts we think and the habits we form, are not always in God's best interest for us.

It's often been said that success leaves clues, whether the success is spiritual or pertaining to some worthy endeavor in life. And, you can count on the fact that the clues will always lead back to individuals that have good habits that are hard to break. Like anything else worthwhile in life, it takes practice.

Labels: forgiveness, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Learn to Find a Quiet Place

Life can be trying on a day-to-day basis. There are pressures all around, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. These are the times it pays big spiritual dividends to find that quiet spot deep within ourselves. And often, it's necessary to find a quiet place where we live or work that can serve as a resting spot to put things back in perspective. If you're at home, it can be a moment where you can reflect on the events of the day, and seek guidance on how you should proceed.

At work, you might find a moment or two during a lunch break to calm the mind down and work on a plan of action that will place you back in a balanced state of mind and spirit. Somehow, returning to a peaceful state of mind or spirit allows the answer to manifest itself. Excessive worry has a negative effect on the spirit, and before long, problems begin to manifest in your physical health.

Things in life have a way of working themselves out, and there is nothing any of us can do to rush the process. We can however, make sure that we've done everything possible on our end to influence a positive outcome. This in itself creates a certain measure of peace and calm. Knowing this, we can then balance a pro-active spirit against events that we have no control over. So, whenever you find the tide of controversy rising, first check to make sure all of your affairs are in order-then the quiet place will be a safe and comforting refuge.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, positive-thinking, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

The Purpose of Life

Finding the purpose in life is a mystery that we all wrestle with, and for those fortunate enough to make the discovery, their lives are never quite the same. One thing is for sure, if you have life, movement, and being; your purpose is buried deep within you. Watching children at play is interesting to say the least, but if we look close enough, there is a hint early on what a child's hidden talents might be.

If given enough love and encouragement to express in a positive manner, these little ones will develop a mindset that will align itself with divinity, and thus their faith in God will allow them to develop the skills and talents that will be helpful to a world sorely in need. When you peel away all of the hype, the true purpose of life has to be a service that will uplift mankind through each of us-if only by one small degree at a time.

The world is an extremely busy place, and we've all seemed to have forgotten the fact that true spiritual growth is implemented the moment we personally decide to make a difference in our own lives, and the lives of others. So, take a moment and reflect on the talents you've been given! Great or small, there will always be someone or some cause that can benefit by your dignified expression of them. And, the immediate reward is the wonderful feeling that you've somehow made a difference.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Trust?

It's so easy to say you trust someone. You trust God, you trust you neighbor and you may trust your friends; but do you really?

Many people have learned the hard way that trust isn't something to be freely given to other people; misplaced trust has caused more hard feelings than almost anything other action known to humankind.

The one trust that you can rely on is the trust in God. Circumstances may become hard, or you may not understand why things are the way they are; however once you look back on a hard situation how often have you said to yourself, "I would have never met/done/learned such a thing if I had not gone through that".

And it's true. You may not always be able to rely on the your neighbors, friends and relatives but trust above all, God loves you and you will always be able to trust His word above all.

Labels: forgiveness, love, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Seeds in the Soil

The beautiful thing about the mystery of God's Universe, is that the answers to some of the most complex things: are right there in front of us. Seeds grow in the soil because they're able to absorb the life-giving qualities and chemicals contained in the surrounding soil. And, the wonderful thing about a seed, is that it contains the blueprint of everything that it can become.

Thoughts that we think are much the same way, and act in the field of God much the same way. This is why we must always be careful what we think. Thoughts have the power to attract the conditions, people, and circumstances into our lives that coincide with our vibrational level of thinking.

This is why the teachings of Christ always warn and individual to be careful of the thoughts they entertain. It's far better to attract good into one's life, then the opposite. And thinking positive, means that one will do things that are positive. Doing positive things in life, such as helping those who are in need, volunteering your time and energy and so on, will place you in a position to reap later on the positive things in life you've sewn.

Of course, the best service is given without the thought of a reward in mind. This frees one from doing things in a selfish manner, even though the intent is grounded in a need to help and be of service. We can see the answers all around us in nature of what will happen to good thoughts well planted and nurtured daily. And, we can also see the effect of what happens if negative thinking is allowed to take over our lives and flourish. Planting good thoughts in the fertile ground of the soul will lead to building a monumental life.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, peace, positive-thinking

 posted by Friends of Leah   

It is Only Your Life If Your Life It

If you have ever found yourself sitting back, wishing that you could do something that you are witnessing others being a part of, you need to take control and live your life. After all, if you do not stand up and live your life the way that makes you happy and fulfilled, then you are not really living at all.

For some people, there is a certain amount of fear that comes over them when it comes to taking a major step and going forward into new areas. This could mean anything from bungee jumping with your friends on the weekend or even standing up and giving a lecture in front of a large gathering of people. However, if you do not take the initiative to overcome these obstacles, you will never end up reaching your final goal. Only with the right amount of drive and mindset will you be able to achieve everything that your heart desires.

The great thing about living your life to the fullest is that everyone around you will start to benefit from your new outlook on life and the way that you are taking charge. You may find that others will be inspired by you, taking the same journey that you are in order to bring their soul to a happy and fulfilled level. Only by standing up and stepping up can you find a true happiness in your life that comes complete with plenty of benefits along the way.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, positive-thinking, thankful, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Conquering Food Addictions

Did you know that there are millions of people who are unaware of the current battle that they are enduring with a food addiction? It is true. All over the globe, there are people who do not even realize the hold that food had taken in their lives. Sadly, many of these souls are lost to their food and eating addiction and before they know it, it is too late.

If you ever find that you are reaching for food in order to help you put out some of the fires that blaze during your daily workings, then you may be battling food addiction. Many people end up taking food as a sort of buffer to help them deal with their everyday problems. For many, certain foods are a wonderful way to comfort them and cradle their emotions.

When you feel as though you are having a problem with certain foods or even a number of foods, it is best to try to get to the core of the issue at hand. Reach inside your soul and find out what the underlying problems may be. Once you face these problems head on, you will be able to step back and wield a firm hand with any foods that you are craving to help quell your emotions.

Know that you are not alone, as there are many others like you finding food as a sort of cushion to help lessen the blow of everyday troubles. Once you realize that food is sustenance, not substance for your life, you will be on the road for a healthier lifestyle, both emotionally and physically.

Labels: forgiveness, habits, love, miracles, positive-thinking, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Forgiven and Forgotten

When someone has caused you pain, part of forgiveness is not to bring up their transgression every time you get angry again. It's common to want to hurt even those closest to you with sharp words when you're angry, but part of forgiveness is to also let the past go and move forward.

Bad old memories can fade and sting a lot less when you replace them with new ones. If someone comes to you and explains how they have gone against you or expresses their sorrow for a situation that has come between you, and you tell that person that you forgive them. Mean it in your heart and understand those are more than just words.

When you forgive someone you have to truly believe that not only are they sorry, but you will have to resist any urges you might have to make that person "pay" for whatever they've done. It's sometimes hard to do - but forgiveness is a two part activity and your part is to uphold the forgiven part and not indulge in petty grievances.

It's easy to forgive and move on, when you have hate and bad feelings in your heart, ask that those feelings be replaced by boundless love and you'll find that it's really easy to forgive and forget.

Labels: forgiveness, love, positive-thinking

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Can Love Heal All?

You already know that you can only truly love somebody once you have been able to learn how to love yourself.

After that, do you think that it is actually possible to let love heal? Some people may not realize just how strong the power of love really can be. It can come in all shapes and forms, and once you are able to experience it, you really cannot deny all of the power and strength that love can give to everyone who allows true love into their hearts and souls.Living by the moment and taking in every special occasion along the way are a couple of the side roads that true love will take you on.

When you are actually able to experience a love the is not selfish, one that does not judge, you will be able to look outside yourself in order to give of yourself to others in a way that is stronger than you could ever imagine. Whether your love comes from within or you feel as though you have a true love connection with a higher power, the feeling that divine and inspirational love can provide is simply phenomenal.Is joy something that you have been searching for?

Letting love enter your heart is one sure way to guarantee you will be able to experience immense joy. After finding out what true, inspirational love is really all about, it is simple to see that love really can heal. Whether or not you allow love the ability to heal all is a choice that you have to make from within.

Labels: forgiveness, love, peace, positive-thinking, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Keeping Your Spirit, Body And Mind In Check

Although some people tend to run around in circles when it comes to taking care of their health and well being, others are on the road to an even road when it comes to their spirit, body and mind. Once you find the right formula to take care of yourself as a whole, you might even find that maintaining such an even degree of happiness and faith is easier than you had originally thought.

With only a little bit of effort and a whole lot of faith on your part, everything else should just end up falling in line,Of course, when you are talking of an all around healthy balance, you need to take your diet and physical endurance into account. Only a well-oiled machine is going to be able to work properly. Keep track of the best foods and the right amount of exercise to keep your health on an even keel.

After your health is in check, you certainly need to look to your faith that guides you. The right amount of faith will help you to achieve just about any goal that you end up setting in front of you. Some people will even say that with the right amount of faith it is possible to get through even the most difficult of times. The only way that you can truly grow as a person is to have a clean slate to work with. Cleansing yourself of anything that is negative and letting your hope and faith shine through will allow you to grow and achieve in a way that some people can only dream about.

Labels: forgiveness, miracles, positive-thinking, thankful

 posted by Friends of Leah   

True Giving And Your Soul

Have you ever stepped back to reflect upon the kinds of things that you like to do for others from time to time? Generally, there is nothing more rewarding than being able to give of yourself in order to really brighten another individual's day. Sometimes, it is even the smallest gestures that count towards a feeling of warmth along with an uplifted spirit.

Whether you are giving your precious time to help out your local charity or you are even taking the initiative to give care to a friend or loved one who has a certain illness, truly giving of yourself can be an incredible feeling. If you think about the rewards that can come along with giving, it almost seems unfair that such a stunning feeling can come about without having to spend any money whatsoever. True giving comes from the heart and soul. The kind of giving of yourself that overflows with kindness and utter joy is something that many people wish they could achieve.

Giving can be look at in so many different ways as well. Think of the last time you shared a word of wisdom with an individual who was younger than you and quite impressionable. Perhaps you even gave up your seat on the bus in order for a pregnant woman to take it over and rest her feet. The little things can mean so much that when you give even further you can really move mountains and make a difference, not only in your life but also in the lives of everyone who you come into contact with.

Labels: forgiveness, love, miracles

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Forgiveness is Good for the Soul

Take a moment this Easter and if you have someone in your life that you are holding a grudge against, take a moment this Easter Sunday and forgive them in your heart. Whether or not you want to tell the person is entirely up to you, but the Divine will know that you have let your strife go and you have forgiven the person that has hurt you.

It takes a lot of effort to remain angry at someone. You have to dwell on the reasons why, remember things said in anger that you may or may not have truly meant, hateful things and actions said and done towards you - and all you have left are bad thoughts and you spend time rehashing the situation. All of that takes time and it is very negative. The time is now to let it go.

For one last time, look at the situation just for argument's sake, consider that the other person may have been correct and try to see their side of the situation, it may give you an entirely new perspective. Then sit down and write a letter either by hand or on email and hash out the situation and say everything you want to say no matter how hateful, rude or foul - the idea is to get it out. Then sleep on it. The next day, get up and read it and then delete it or tear it up and throw it away.

Now, forgive the person. You've said all you want to say and now is the time to let it go - it doesn't matter if their ears heard your words or their eyes read them - the fact is you got those feelings out and it's time to move on.

Labels: forgiveness

 posted by Friends of Leah