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   

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   

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   

Finding the Will to Move On

When tragedy strikes, and it will, staying stuck in the moment will not anyone any good. Life is made up of the hills and valleys, and the good and the bad. Moving on with one's life means understanding that things are going to happen, and not always as we've planned them to. It means that we must come to an understanding that we are measured not by what happens to us-but rather in how we choose to respond.

The best approach is to deal with what is happening with an open mind, and not take the attitude "Why me?" There are going to be many things in life that will leave us perplexed, and wanting for a viable explanation. Sometimes, the answer will not be there. However, in every situation and experience, there is something valuable that we can learn if we allow ourselves to open up to it.

This also means that one has to have faith that there is a higher source working behind the scenes, and that all things are working towards the advancement and betterment of mankind. This belief is essential, because it frees us from the fear that we are alone, and that life is just a random act of circumstances. The pain becomes durable, and in time, we find the inner strength to move beyond the challenges. We develop the faith that our trials and tribulations are honing and preparing us for something better. And, if we can do this, we get one step closer to finding the will to move past the things we feel are bad, as well as the things we think are good that might be impeding our journey.

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

Being Strong Has Nothing to do With Your Strength

Have you ever been faced with a hard situation? The loss of a job, losing a loved one to a terminal illness or accident; illness in yourself, break up of a relationship or other reason can all take their toll and it can leave you feeling defeated and depressed.

However, time passes and the Divine will lend you strength as you truly need it and you'll find looking back at situations you may not even be certain how on earth you handled tough times. The reason is that you may not be a physically strong person but that has nothing to do with the strength within yourself and the ability to draw strength from above.

People will say "God has a plan" for everything that happens and they are right. There really is a plan and sometimes we have to go through some tough times to grow as people - but grow we do and just remember that you're never truly alone and when you need strength to help conquer a tough situation, ask for help and you'll be carried by faith through the worst of times.

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

 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   

Chasing the Spirit

We all have a friend like this: they are forever doing body cleansings, prayer meetings, even trying new religions and sects of religions and yet they go back to the same life style again and again and continue to make the same mistakes over and over with people and choices - and then they blame the divine because "good things" don't happen to them. Do you see the pattern here?

As a spiritual person, you know that is no way to make your spirit grow. You can't make it happen and you have to make big changes in your life, your lifestyle, the people you associate with and also within yourself if you want your life to change. It's a matter of opening doors. The Divine will show you the way to make changes but you have to walk those roads yourself and the work for change must be done by yourself. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there are no colors, crystals, no foods and no books that can increase the spirit of the self.
The only way to grow as a person is to give.

That doesn't mean you have to go scrape the change off your dresser, take any extra money you have and donate it to causes. It's great if you can afford to do that but more importantly it means to give your time and your energies towards positive efforts.

You can volunteer to help people in many ways. Collect coats for homeless, if you've been through a hard divorce, death of a loved one or other trying time - you can take how you coped and counsel others that are walking the same hard road as you once were. If you don't want to deal directly with people, volunteer to stock books at your library, plant flowers at a rest home for the residents to enjoy. There are a huge number of things you can do that will help others in small ways and as a result, you will feel better about yourself and you will break the cycle of self destruction that has kept you from changing.

Remember, the more you give, the more you grow.

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

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Do Unto Others.... Does Anyone Remember That One?

I've seen a rise over the years of people just unable to be nice to each other. It's easy to forget your manners and to have respect for others and only think about the fact that you're in a hurry and someone is holding you up or that you need something done now and nothing is more important than your own needs.

But when the shoe is on the other foot, how does that make you feel? If you work in a service type of industry and you get a call from someone that needs something done and they want you to drop everything else you're doing because nothing is more important than their own needs - sound familiar?

It takes effort to be impatient and short. It raises your blood pressure and can ruin your day. Don't walk that road. It's okay to be annoyed when you're held up in a line or in traffic but don't let it loom to large within. Step back and remember, you're not the only one in a hurry and ask for patience - it will be given to you. It's up to you to use that gift after you receive it.

You will find you are a lot less bothered and it takes a lot less effort to treat people with common kindness and courtesy. Starting today, do unto others as you would have them do unto you - it's catching.

Labels: habits, positive-thinking

 posted by Friends of Leah   

Changing Habits For Your Well-Being

Any time that you find yourself forming certain habits, you end up falling deeper and deeper into a routine that might be hard to break in the long run. In order to keep your true self happy and content, you might want to look inside your soul for a little bit of help to change these habits that have been holding you back from moving forward.

There are many different reasons why people can end up forming habits. Whatever your reason may be, it is important that you realize that anything can be changed for the better as long as you give it a try. After all, nothing is going to change unless you put a little bit of effort into it. It is never a good idea to stay stuck in a certain pattern simply because it is one that is familiar to you. All that this can lead to is an unhappy and unhealthy place in years to come.

Taking control of your life could be one of the smartest moves that you will ever make. Stamp out insecurity and fear and let your life become one that will set a shining example for those around you, including your friends and family members. You are sure to find that by making some simple changes in your life, you will not longer have to sit back and watch happiness pass you by. Instead, you will be living the life that you dream of, never afraid to take a chance and living life to its fullest!

Labels: habits, well being

 posted by Friends of Leah