Reality: Really Real, Pseudo-Real, or Unreal? Part One

Reality..Reality! It's second nature to us.It is what we live our entire lifetime in and are forever within that lifetime surrounded by.Reality isn't just interacting with matter and energy (and associated forces); ditto time and space, but in lots of less intangible ways like comprehending the names of objects and their nature; dates, and their importance; and places (we've never been to).And there are other concepts you can't really grasp in your hand yet which you'd consider real - like Wednesdays and blueness and freshness.And there are also your mental realities of memories and knowledge and emotions, etc.You often interact with reality in degrees of ignorance just because that reality is just the way things are, and are done, even if you don't know the full evolution of why it came to be that way.But is reality really real in the sense that it would still be an identical reality even if you didn't exist, or yet exist, or that your equivalent halfway across the world, or the Universe or as someone generations ago or to come experiences it? You'd probably agree - surely rain a million years ago has the same wet reality as rain you or your equivalents experience.The stars would still shine even in a lifeless Universe.You believe it, but can you prove it?Reality must also be an individual's experience.You can experience something creative - a painting, a song, a book, a garden, interior decorations, or a work of common or extraordinary architecture.That's one reality.But you can't share or come to terms with the nature of the reality experienced by the creator part and parcel in creating that work.So your perception of reality is somewhat limited.As the song title goes, "Is that all there is?" The answer is "No".Your reality isn't another person's or species reality, and further more, your day-to-day reality is but a small subset of all possible realities, reality here equated to environments, past, present and future and just beyond your event horizon.It's self evident that a NASA astronaut has a quite different day-to-day reality relative to that of an Australian drover who road the range a century before.While you of course have some say in expanding your personal reality event horizon, you could change jobs or move halfway around the world, or win the lottery, some environments and associated realities are forever beyond your reach.You can't experience life a thousand years ago, or in the future; you can't currently live on Mars; if you weren't born an American citizen, even though you're now an American citizen, you can't become President of the United States.Of course if there is such a thing as reincarnation (which I seriously doubt), then you might eventually experience other realities, elsewhere and else-when.Then too, if there is a Multiverse, then in other universes you might just be living and experiencing other lives and lifestyles and times.Who can say?But wait.What if reality is all in the mind - your mind? You are the sum total of all there is.Then anything you want is yours.If you imagine living on Mars, then Mars is your home! Assuming however you're not the be all and end all of life, the Universe, and everything, an associated question might be if you have never heard of it, or experienced it, or imagined it, does 'it' have reality? Even if you have heard, but forgotten about it; experienced it, but not at this very moment; even if you have imagined it, but not currently, does 'it' have reality?Before getting to the nitty-gritty of reality, I'll just point out that there are various components to reality.There are lots of ways those components can be put together - as Black Holes, as planets, even as people.But the most mysterious component of all is probably mind - a construct of reality and by reality that can comprehend reality.You are an example of reality's way of comprehending reality - or some of it anyway!Is Reality Observer Dependent or Independent?One of the most important players in all things quantum is the observer - that person or instrument that makes a measurement will decides between all possible outcomes.Even though the Copenhagen Interpretation says that Mother Nature only makes up Her mind - collapses the wave function of possibilities to a specific outcome - when an observation or measurement is made, and until then all possibilities are, well, possible, then I have to ask, how on Earth (or in the Universe) did anything happen before any life (and associated mind) evolve? Taken to its logical conclusion, the Copenhagen Interpretation would say that prior to the origin and evolution of life, the Universe didn't exist because there was nothing with sensory equipment and a comprehending mind around to observe it and give it existence.[Of course if the Universe (actually Multiverse) has always existed and therefore if life has always existed somewhere or other, that would take care of that little problem quick-smart.] Regardless, how does Nature make up Her mind today in those parts of the Universe where there are no observers? Observers, to my mind, are an irrelevance and while a part of reality, do not determine what reality actually happens.Reality exists - it is what it is and what it is exists independently of any observer or mind or consciousness.Another important player in all things quantum is the concept of probability, or chance, or randomness or uncertainty or indeterminacy.That's in stark contrast to classical physics where all things are predetermined and where cause and effect rule the roost.Now to my manner of thinking, quantum uncertainty, the core of which is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, is only uncertain because there are observers trying to measure things, although fundamentally they can not ever get a precise measurement, no matter how good their instruments are, or ever will be.You can't measure things in the micro realm without affecting the every thing you are trying to measure.However, remove the observer from the picture and things are as certain and predetermined in the micro world as they are in the macro (classical) world.An electron might jump around like a flea as it is pummeled with photons of all wavelengths and energies from radio to gamma, and to an observer trying to measure the electron's position and velocity finds it is always somewhat uncertain, nevertheless, at any specific point in time, it's somewhere with precise coordinates, and it's traveling at a specific velocity.Any radioactive substance decays at a known rate - the half-life.If you have 1000 atoms of a radioactive substance, and the half-life is one year, do you really need to interrupt your holidays after one year to check that there are still 500 radioactive atoms left?Now apparently an isolated neutron will decay into an electron, a proton and (I believe) an antineutrino within roughly ten minutes.If you could put an isolated neutron in an impenetrable box, and put it on your closest shelf, do you really need to open the box - other than to satisfy personal curiosity - ten years later to find out what's in the box? If you believe the Copenhagen Interpretation, there's a possibility that there is still just a neutron in the box.Me, I think that's so unlikely a possibility that you could stake the family fortune on the outcome and win hands-down.To flog a dead horse, the Copenhagen Interpretation says that you have to actually observe something in order for it to have reality.Until you observe, all possibilities are, well, possible.Mother Nature makes up her mind when you observe.But it does seem to be possible to know the reality of something without measuring or observing it because of entanglement, where knowing the state of one object, immediately gives you information on the state of something intimately associated with it, but which you don't actually observe.The Reality of Both Nothing and Something..There has to be some nothing as well as some something.If everything were something, then nothing could move as all the Universe would be chockablock - like the fad of a VW, or a phone booth being stuffed full to overflowing with college kids.You couldn't push anything out of the way as there would be no nothing to push it into!The Reality of Something. Matter & Energy..We live in the world of the macro and in the realm of classical physics - the physics you were taught in high school.Your homes, cars and offices are probably filled with electronic gadgets that operate in the realm of the micro - quantum physics (which you probably weren't taught in high school).You'd think that there should be a smooth and continuous transition from the macro/classical to the micro/quantum, and vice versa, as you go up or down the scale of size.However, I'm hard pressed to think of an example in reality where both quantum and classical physical concepts or laws have to be integrated in order to explain or predict something.Again, it's like there are two different sets of software running the cosmos!That said, the reality of matter and energy in our macro day-to-day existence, while obvious, depends on the reality of the bits and pieces that make up the realm of the micro.So, molecules had better be real, and atoms and the particles that make them up - things like quarks and electrons and neutrinos.Thus, it's disturbing to read in various books on particle and quantum physics that these are treated as point (dimensionless) particles.Presumably this is to make the mathematics easier or simpler (and just pick up an academic text in these subjects, open to a random page, and see what I mean).Clearly a dimensionless particle can not have reality as particles have mass.That implies of necessity that the particles must have size - a volume.If you gather up an infinite number of dimensionless particles, you could fit them into zero volume.Since macro bits and pieces have volume - you have a volume - you can not be ultimately comprised of dimensionless micro bits!Further, we have all these high energy 'atom smashers' (particle accelerators) where the objective is to smash one particle into another at higher and higher energies and see what happens.If the particles, usually electrons or protons, had zero volume, they couldn't collide! Despite phrases like 'point particles', particles really have three dimensions (volume), and thus objects around you, including you, have volume.Particles have reality, and so do you.And because mass and energy are interchangeable, energy has reality.If you doubt that, put your hand on a hot stove!In addition, the very fact that we experience variety in matter tells us that there must be more than one kind of matter.If there were only one kind of stuff - say electrons and only electrons - then everything we experience would be just that stuff; only that stuff; that stuff alone.No variety - it's all things electron! That's clearly not the case, so there's more to matter than just, say, electrons!The Reality of Nothing. Time & Space..Go into a dark, quiet room with no sensory distractions.You know that time is passing all around you, yet you can't detect this time with any of your five senses.You can't see time; hear time; smell time; taste time; or touch time.To detect time, you need some intermediary mechanism - look at your watch; listen to the ticking of a clock; feel your pulse.Translated, to detect time (and by the way ditto space), you need matter/energy which time as some effect on.Put another way, if matter/energy did not exist, the concept of time would be meaningless.(Ditto space - in the absence of matter/energy you couldn't detect space with your five senses.There'd be nothing to see, hear, taste, touch or smell.).Space has no meaning unless there is something inside it, and/or outside it, to give it some boundary and hence reality.If there's no matter/energy, there's no need of any space for it to reside in.So, time and space aren't real without matter and energy.Only matter and energy have reality.Since time and space are meaningless concepts without matter and energy, its nonsense to talk about creating time and space.You'd automatically create time and space if you could create matter/energy.Alas, the conservation laws of physics state that matter and energy can neither be created nor destroyed only changed in form.Presumably nothing can create matter/energy - certainly no human being has ever done it - and since I reject the concept of a supernatural creator being (God), I'm forced to conclude that matter and energy, therefore space and time, have always existed and will always exist.[Eliminating a creator God from consideration simplifies things no end.].Your Pet's Reality..I'll assume that as your pet (assuming you have one or more), or some other animal you have had a relationship with or observed closely, can't speak for itself or themselves, and as you're totally familiar with your pet's personality, that you're a good spokesperson for them - as good as it's going to get anyway.So, if you were your pet (bird, fish, cat, whatever) how would your perception or knowledge of reality shift - if it does.Firstly there's a near universal reality for all higher life forms - including humans.That universality is expressed in the phrase "empty what's full; fill what's empty; scratch where it itches"!Humor aside let's start with the initial gateways - the senses.We're all aware that our sensory apparatus can and has been exceeded by some animals - including common household pets.Not only is vision more acute in some animals, but extends further into the ultraviolet and/or infrared than ours.Hearing is keener; sense of smell is sharper; pressure gradients more noticeable, etc.Be all that as it may, I can't see that altering basic perceptions of reality in any significant way.Ditto for physical abilities - birds gotta fly; fish gotta swim; horses gotta run.Again, there's nothing significantly different in principle here.The fact that a horse can run faster than you doesn't give the horse a whole different perspective or outlook on the world.Yet, on our home world, there is a life form, with a most alien of realities, at least relative to us or from our perspective.The most alien of realities, from our point of view, must be experienced by that of a fish, even a pet goldfish.Consider, we live for all practical purposes in a two dimensional world - the surface of our planet.Fish live in a three dimensional world.They, for all practical purposes, experience no weather or climate.There's not much temperature variation.They, depending on species and depth, may never experience a day-night cycle, rather live all the time in absolute darkness.They don't experience gravity per say as the water and swim bladders produce neutral buoyancy.From our point of view, I guess, their reality is not only quite different, but certainly more boring - although boring is a rather emotive term.The fish may not have any comprehension of what boring is.So, having a conversation with a fish (a thought experiment obviously) might be about the closest one could come to terms with a substantial alternative reality.Except the absolutes, the basics are still there - survival, food, sex, etc.Reality is ultimately perceived and processed by our brains, and our companion animals have brains, just as we do.Animals have a "The You" component to them.Pets clearly can think, make (to them anyway) intelligent decisions; they can and do dream.They have emotions.They can learn; they have memories.They have a world view.Yet, I'm sure that 99.9% of the time your pets and mine have absolutely no comprehension of what you are doing or why.They may like warmth, but have no idea of what thermodynamics is.They like sex but the purpose and genetics of it all is beyond them.They like food but have no comprehension of agriculture and manufacturing and transport and distribution and money and shopping and all those bits and pieces that put doggie food in the doggie bowl.Yet your activities, warmth, sex, food is of course part of their reality, although not part of their understanding.Now our companion animals are fairly closely related species to us.Felines, of which I have two, have a worldview.However, their worldview, concerns, philosophy, science, etc.Revolves around whether there's food in their food bowl; do they have a clean litter box to access; am I around when required to open doors for them and where are the mice hiding! I often envy their relatively uncomplicated lives.No pondering the great issues like looking at a star and wondering if an alien cat is looking back in this direction; no comprehension of taxes or money so-called compulsory voting or politics.Four billions of years of evolution (assuming an origin of life within 500 million years of Earth's origin) made no demands or requirements for living things to comprehend abstract things like philosophy or science (like cosmology or quantum mechanics) or mathematics, not to mention politics and economics.The sum total of our (meaning life, not just humans) concerns, over those four billion years, our worldview, or our reality, centered on food, shelter, sex and just plain survival.That's also true for the hundreds of thousands of years, all through human evolution, into what we've become now.And that's true today.I'm sure 99.9% of good folks (meaning humans) today pay near zero attention to these abstract non-essentials in their day-to-day existence.It's bad enough that our lives have been enhanced by the abstractions of government and taxes and bills and nine-to-five jobs (or lack thereof).So herein lays my fundamental question.If our companion animals can't come to terms with the Big Picture, ultimate reality, relative to us, but we ourselves are only just that little bit further along in evolutionary (brain-related) advancement (call that advanced IQ or whatever) relative to them, then, what makes you think that the entire vista of reality is comprehensible to you? I sometimes wonder if we're yet fully biologically or mentally equipped to ponder the great abstracts - comprehend the fullness of reality, not just the few bits and pieces that we have come to terms with and think as being the near be all and end all of what's real.Perhaps our worldview of these things are not only limited, but of necessity will be limited.Translated, perhaps further eons yet worth of brain development might be necessary to fully comprehend our reality; what we comprehend currently might be, relatively speaking, just a tiny bit in advance of what our animal friends comprehend! There's a long, long, road to hoe.Personal Reality..For all you know, you might actually be a multi-tentacled, slimy green blob-thing living on the Planet Zork and dreaming that you are a human living on Planet Earth and deriving near infinite amount of civic pride/satisfaction and/or orgasmic pleasure in paying your way (mainly via taxes and rates).Then again, maybe your really Triffid-like, living on some extra-solar hot Jupiter, hallucinating that you're on Planet Zork and consequently dreaming of being a Planet Earth humanoid.Well, maybe not.But be that as it may.It's probably impossible to ever know of experience absolute reality since everything external to us, in order to be experienced, has to be filtered and processed through a complex biochemical laboratory via our eyes, ears, skin, etc.Hence via our nervous system up to the brain.Who really knows what kind of translation happens along the way or what's lost (or wrongly gained) in translation.Our reality might be a total hash of actual reality! But, we do the best we can with what we get to work with.We perceive the reality of the Universe (and its component parts) via our five senses - sight, sound, touch, taste and smell - and through instruments (technology) which, while extending the range of those senses, translate their measurements back into the range we can comprehend with our sensory apparatus.A radio telescope can see and record radio waves, but the (computer or paper) image spat out for our viewing is obviously in the visible light range to cater for our eyes.Ditto our radios translate radio waves we can't see or hear into sound we can hear.While there are probably differences in the perceptions of reality twixt males and females, it's probably also true that these are so minor as to not be really worth elaborating on.No two people ever experience seemingly identical things exactly down to the Nth degree.That is, you and I will not experience vision, hearing, taste, smell or touch in the precise same way.That's quite apart from relativity theory which can illustrate these differences quite dramatically.No, even in our relativity-irrelevant day-to-day life and world, for example, what's blue to someone might appear slightly blue-green to another; what's a perfect C-note to one is ever so slightly sharp (#) to another; what's a hot cup of coffee to one person is only very warm to another, even though the temperature is identical in both cases.Even two people tasting the same food will perceive things slightly differently.Yet clearly the blue/blue-green color has one and only one specific wavelength; the note has one and only one frequency; and the hot/very warm cup of coffee really has just one uniform temperature.[Note that these differences have nothing to do with individual likes or dislikes - that's a separate category of an even more personal 'reality' altogether.].Speaking of temperature, differences in perception extends to instruments which augment our senses as well.We might be able to estimate temperature to within a degree or two.But even two seemingly identical thermometers will register ever so slight differences, perhaps to with 1/100th or 1/1000th of a degree, but differences nevertheless.So what aspects of the Universe do we sense? Well, obviously things that are composed of matter and energy (which are two sides of the same coin).We can see matter and energy, we can hear energy, we can touch matter and experience its energy, and we can smell and taste matter.Yet, those aspects are quite incomplete.Our sense of vision is useless over most of the electromagnetic spectrum.Our sense of hearing is adequate over only a relatively small range of frequencies or octaves.Our reality, apart from vision and hearing is also confined to a relatively narrow range of temperatures, gravitational and magnetic fields, and chemical elements.But we don't sense Earth's magnetic field (though apparently some animals do), which is a tad strange since we can sense or feel the Earth's gravitational field or force.Our senses can't see, hear, taste, touch or smell time, and time is a fundamental aspect to our existence and to the properties of our Universe.And if string or superstring theory is correct, then we exist in a ten or eleven dimensional Universe, yet we can't see, hear taste, touch or smell them.An extra six or seven dimensions to our Universe is not trivial, yet we're not equipped to experience them.That's weird! We've no direct awareness of the quantum world.What would our reality be like at the atomic level or below? I don't know, but it sure wouldn't mirror the comfortable reality we deal with in the macroverse.Although the strong nuclear force holds together all the atomic nuclei in our bodies, we don't feel or sense it, nor for that matter the weak nuclear force.There's strong circumstantial evidence that parallel universes should exist, yet we've no apparent perception of these.We've no perception of what it would be like to experience reality inside a Black Hole, and for that matter, we've only an academic understanding of the reality of the interior of a stellar object, like our Sun, not a personal reality, or for that matter most of the environments in our Universe.Think of all those realities we've never experienced, and probably never can experience.What else might we lack knowledge or perception of that's not yet been dreamt of in our philosophy or science? I shudder to think of all that we're missing!Personal Reality from Two Points of View..Let's return to our favorite imaginary couple, Jane and Clive, one of which sees blue, hears a pure C-note and perceives coffee as hot; the other a shade of blue-green, hears C#, and perceives equally hot coffee as only very warm.Jane is aware of the idea that matter is mostly empty space.Jane knows that neutrinos can pass through light-years of 'solid' lead unimpeded."Why can't I be like a neutrino and pass through 'solid' matter?" she asks.Jane, being a good experimental scientist, decides to personally experiment and test the idea.Both Jane and Clive look up a physics equation, F=ma (force equals mass times acceleration).They ponder this abstract representation linking force, mass and acceleration and how it could be translated into showing that matter was mainly empty space.Jane gets an idea of accelerating a mass (her fist) to provide a force against another mass (say a brick wall), expecting her fist mass and the other brick mass to intersect.[Boy is she going to be in for an unpleasant surprise.] Jane was aware of course that just leaning her hand on the wall wasn't sufficient enough oomph - she needed more force.Anyway, Jane and Clive discuss this practical demonstration of Jane slamming her fist into a brick wall; Clive tries to talk her out of this experiment, but has to capitulate (a woman just has to have the last word) and just observes while a remote camera films the event for posterity.So, we have Jane slamming her fist into a brick wall and Clive watches.We assume that Jane's fist doesn't pass harmlessly through the brick wall - empty space or no empty space.So Jane experiences the physical reality of intense pain; at best black and blue bruising; at worst, broken bones in her hand.Clive of course experiences no such pain (though he'd better show some sympathy or else he just might), but he certainly experiences the intense sound (scream) of Jane's 'ouch'!So one definition of reality could be something along the line, and I'm sure Jane would now agree, is that reality is something that hits back when you hit it! Yet, there's got to be more to reality than that.Later on, we have Jane and Clive watch the film of Jane slamming her fist into a brick wall.Neither Jane nor Clive now experiences any actual pain, yet the mental reality of watching the film will trigger quite different memories in each of the two participants.We have Jane and Clive just think about Jane slamming her fist into a brick wall; we have Jane and Clive dream about Jane slamming her fist in to a brick wall; we have Jane and Clive hallucinate (being somewhat under the influence) about Jane slamming her fist into a brick wall - these are all variations on the same theme.If these mental processes (thinking, dreaming or hallucinating) happened before-the-fact that Jane slammed her fist into a brick wall then that's going to produce quite a different mental image(s) than if these mental processes happened after-the-fact that Jane slammed her fist into a brick wall.So you see, one scenario gives rise to many varieties of reality.There's the abstract reality of the equation.There's the mental reality of what might be.There's the mental reality of what was.There's the physical reality of Jane's pain and Clive's throbbing eardrum! There's the reality of the film to remind them never to try this stunt again!

More detail about Experiencing God Day By Day

Training Our Memory Using the Experiential Method Not Rote Memorization

Over the past nineteen years I have conducted formalized mnemonic memory training of engineers, NASA scientists, analysts, sales and marketing specialists, doctors, dentists, CEOs and other students.The training method we now use in the memory training workshop is delivered over two days, two 3-1/2 hour sessions.The method we use is experiential and demonstratively more effective than the old rote memorization methods.We are light years behind in the understanding of the brain due to the complexities of this wonderful organ.But on the other hand we are light years ahead in brain research and documented findings.Counterintuitive jar bal is not what I hope to sift out in this article, but a good mind vacuuming of useable collaboration may help in today's think tank.I say this with hopes of creating a true stimulus package not sanctioned, originated or owned by our current governing bodies.Some times the worker bee is more reflective of theory and practicality out of mere experiential exposure than the expert.I see this happen many times by accident.Taking this into consideration I try to keep abreast of current studies on learning and teaching modalities and thread their outcomes into our experiential training approach.In line with that I constantly try to measure the effectiveness of the results.We are passionate in the motivation of others to achieve their individuality of memory styles.We do this based on their, what I will call their fist or inventory, of their biased, unbiased, moral or immoral picture vocabularies.They use these experiences or various cultures to remember new data on a daily basis.I simply believe every one of us has our own unique picture vocabulary.Picture vocabularies gathered throughout the ages, however old they are, lying dormant many times waiting to be repositioned from negative status to positive position.We use these picture vocabularies in our day to day activities as well as our future learning environments.I also believe through positive and proactive placements we can greatly improve our fluid intelligence or working memories.I believe our brain with its growing nature will be able to better serve us if we learn how to train it and use it more efficiently.What we now know of the brains functionality, discovered by all of the scientific testing, measuring devices and observations, we can now prime it to be more effective consciously.I can't even fathom or imagine what levels GOD has built for our use of it and it sometimes boggles the mind.I do wish many of you were in our position to see the blessings of the dedicated individuals looking day to day to improve their lifestyles and daily steps to be more proactive when it comes to remembering.I always reflect back on an article in USA today showing how much time a person spends in their life looking for lost, misplaced or hidden items.The result was that each of us spends one complete year of our life a 365 day, 24 hour day year, looking for lost hidden or misplaced items.That fact is sobering when you actually wrap your mind around what it means to each of us.That very fact is why we have have folded experiential training methods into the formalized memory training we teach in our workshops.We truly see how the mindfulness based stress reducing techniques taught in our workshops are helping individuals achieve 500 to a 1000 percent increase in memory ability.This increase is actually realized in a relatively short period of time.We test our students in the first hour to achieve a baseline starting point of where they are when they start and then teach them for one hour using our techniques.We use conscious and subconscious training methods to teach them the first generation of mnemonics.We do this to show them how even the basic association method can improve their ability in such a short period of an hour.If you could see the facial expressions of individuals of all ages and walks of life how they light up when they realize how quickly their mind can improve.They immediately feel if they would have had formalized mnemonic training in school they too could have competed for the valedictorian position in their schools.I actually feel if I would have learned the system in school instead the way I was taught 19 years ago I could have been a brain surgeon, except for the fact I probably would faint at the sight of my own blood.On a more serious note I could have learned and recalled the 12 cranial nerves faster having had this tool in college.We have thousands of testimonials of the results of the workshops after our students complete the 7 hours of training.I can only imagine where it has taken them to by now and the successes they have had.I am talking about testimonials on personal and company letterheads from the majority of those before mentioned students of memory.I should also say students of all ages from 10 years old to my oldest student a young lady 87 years young.I tell you how active she this 87 year old was she was still taking night classes at the University of Houston with her daughter.She came up to me when the two day seven hour workshop was over and said she wished that she had acquired the memory training 67 years ago.I still remember her charming and endearing face today.You see the problem is back in the late 60's early 70's- achieve, compete and high testing results were the main drive to elevate your position in life.I feel many times we were taught through intimidation instead of affirmation.The toxic environments of corporate, college, and social norms abused us both mentally and physically to not take our body's seriously and the stress level of the fight or flight syndrome could have been alleviated.The technology of our ability to change our Autonomic Nervous System status was not documented to reduce the stress levels, blood pressure etc.The questions we need to ask ourselves today is are we happy in our 40 hour a week job and do we have a good happy family life for the proper social and emotional connectedness we deserve.One of my favorite stories is of the brother of one of Zig Ziglars employees that told me her sibling suffered from ADHD and after her having attended the workshop herself she believed he would benefit from the training as well.She told me he was so heavily medicated on Ritalin that he swayed while standing.She also mentioned he was struggling trying to finish college and this may help to finally achieve his goals.He did come and I knew of his condition and watched him throughout the program.We do a mock cocktail party over the last hour of our workshop (no alcohol) but we use our 6 step process for remembering names to practice in a role play.They are instructed to use the techniques they learned to introduce themselves to other workshop attendees and then review.After about 10 to 15 minutes they sit down and we ask for a couple of volunteers to see how many first and second names of individuals they met using the six step pattern for name retention.The young man I am speaking of stood up and volunteered.I was first reluctant to allow him in fear of his ADHD stressing him with possible embarrassment but then allowed it.I still get goose bumps telling it.I asked all that had met him to stand up and as he remembered their name first name worth 1/2 of a point and or last name the same to then be seated.If you get both names you get one full point.To my surprise 26 people arose and he started firing off first and second names and as they were called they sat down.After completing successfully I should add.He then proceeded to tell the 100 plus audience in that night session that he was ADHD heavily medicated and I knew about it because his sister had set the workshop up for him.He said that for the first time in his life he felt like he could remember things.He also mentioned that he had been struggling to finish college and now felt like he would be finishing faster.You know the exciting thing wasn't just that he went through the announcement of that story, or that he had remembered 26 names.The most exciting thing was that he had actually remembered 52 names because he remembered first and last names and I saw a glow of self confidence he probably had not felt in a long time! It was a blessing to be there and to know he did it all himself.Now why do I feel it is so successful? I will tell you as best I can but without you actually experiencing it yourself it will probably seem impossible.We will personally send copies to anyone who would like to read any of those testimonials to show how achievable it really is.We see the results in the first hour of our workshop.We start with a test of 20 item list having to be recalled after we give it to them.The audience or attendees are not allowed to take notes or write anything down.We actually give them the 20 items in 2 second intervals, then test their results and log it in.We show the counts or test results to them in the workshop immediately.We then teach them the first generation of mnemonics basic association for one hour then test them again.The final startling outcome gives self confidence resulting in the majority getting 6, 7 items right on the first test and 19, to 20 right on the second test.It's like putting them under laughing gas they are ecstatic with their results.Then we tell them they will never use basic association again because it's just not very effective and it doesn't transfer new learned information from the short term memory to the long term memory.They are simply put astonished and then the learning begins.Their teach ability index soars.I promise you it's like watching 80-150 people in the audience realizing for the first time in their life they can learn.It's nothing short of a miracle I promise you and it's like a shot of adrenaline for our instructors and me.Now I know you ask why and how does it work.First let me explain I am dyslexic and being a psychologist I know I meet the criteria for ADHD and probably should be medicated.I was to old to be tested so here I am.Seriously though back in those days they didn't even have testing.The reason it works is because we all have the ability to have a trained memory lying dormant in our mind and it's just a matter of turning the switch on.That switch we turn on is used for the best computer that's ever been developed or ever will be built and God gave it to you it's your brain! You just weren't taught the software program effectively enough.There is where we help them to learn the software program.Now I am going to give you my theory of memory and why I believe formalized mnemonic training will forever be the new way of learning in schools in the near future.It may be a bit over the top but if you can decipher it you will have the truth of memory as I see it.My Theory of Our Memory-Harold Mangum.People do not live in the objective world alone, or in a world of social activity as we ordinarily understand it.We are at the mercy of the picture language which has become the medium of expression or communication of our immediate society.It is an illusion to think that one learns, adjust to reality or perception of our surroundings, based without the use of our picture vocabulary.That picture vocabulary is merely an incidental means of solving specific problems of memory or reflection.The real fact of the matter is the" real world" to a large extent is built on the unconscious picture vocabulary habits of the society or group we live in.No two picture vocabularies are ever sufficiently similar to be considered representative of the same social reality.The worlds in which the different picture vocabulary worlds live in are distinct worlds, not merely the same world with different labels attached.We see, hear and remember and otherwise experience as we do because the memory habits of our community predispose certain choices of interpretation.We dissect our learning life based on premises laid down by our native memories we have built.The memory traces and recalls that we isolate from the world of phenomena are not there because they stare every recollect in the face; on the contrary our memory world is presented in a kaleidoscopic flux of impressions.Impressions, which has to be organized by our minds-and this means largely by the picture vocabulary systems of our minds.We cut nature up, organize it into concepts and assign significances as we do, largely because we are parties to an agreement to organize it in this way.- An agreement that holds throughout our memory community and is codified in the patterns of our memory.The agreement is, of course, an implicit and unstated one but its terms are absolutely obligatory.We cannot talk at all except by subscribing to the organization and classification of memory which the mind decrees.The adaptive unconscious or lock box of our mind, the one which we cannot explain how it got there or even how it checks our bias or prejudice is individual to each of us.So the real world is to a large extent built upon the memory habits of the group.We see, hear and otherwise experience very largely as we do because the memory habits of our community predispose certain choices of interpretation.The memory worlds in which our societies live are distinct memory worlds, not merely the same world with different labels attached to it.- H.M.So again, I leave you with this reiteration, don't use some one else's memories, memory switches brands or picture vocabularies.Use the memory predispositions' you now have, laid down by your maker.The predispositions I speak of are those that you have worked so hard to create and continue to work hard daily to create.You do this in the journey to turn your memory switches to the positive position! When I say positive position I mean the process we all go through of priming our minds to position our learning ability from passive to proactive.When we go through mindfulness based stress reducing methods of focused learning we then move what we now know as our memories, picture vocabularies or memory switches to a compartmentalized inventory.An inventory primed to be recalled by the cues we organized them with.The encoding specificity principle we teach states that through experiential learning stimuli can retrieve a memory as long as the stimuli is coded with a cue.The cue actually retrieves the memory.By doing the skill experimentally instead of reading or seeing it you then structure your memory by laying it down with all of your abilities to remember.These abilities are sensory perceptions, of sight, touch, taste, smell, hearing, emotion, with the added implicit memories in our locked box of unconsciousness.We experientially create our new found memories store them and prepare them for ease of retrieval.We do this by teaching our students using analogies, and stories with spice and emotion that they can relate to.These every day stories are life changing to those students because they are situations they have experienced themselves.Life is fun when you make it fun.We teach students to picturerize their way through life not memorize.That is my friend the secret to mind priming and Rapid Cognition.You see every thing in life is what you make it; it's not what is that counts but how you take it!A life of learning is forever, not just for the young, because our brain has plasticity and it evolves every day.Challenge your life to learn every day of your life.Why spend it any other way?

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Three Ways to Avoid Relationship Groundhog Day

Most people fall quickly into the clone-relationship trap.They come out of a bad experience and think, "Now I'm out of it I'm free to start afresh." The confident ones are able to conjure up a new date pretty swiftly.Others take some time, maybe a little more cautious this time round, perhaps even trying a dating website or club.After a while, they begin to notice the same old issues re-surfacing.Within a short stretch of time, you find yourself sucked into the same disagreement, niggles and patterns as before.This indicator is telling you that you still haven't learned the lessons from your previous relationships.And there is no point blaming your opposite because you cannot in a million years change another person.The only person you can change is yourself.No matter how many times this knowledge is passed on, until it becomes part of your self-awareness practice, you might as well remain celibate or stay exactly where you are.It seems a harsh thing to say but I know this from experience and I know also from experience that taking one hundred percent responsibility for who you are and how you act is virtually guaranteed to bring you closer to the relationship and the person of your dreams.You can try all the dating systems in the world.You might even succeed in finding a partner, but the chances of the relationship enduring are slim to none if you haven't changed some of the characteristics that caused the breakdown of your previous relationships.Give the dating system a chance and some new raw material - your new self - to work with.This is no big secret and it is relatively easy to change a couple of character traits and be a newer you.Try these three.1 - Relax.Nobody likes a desperate 'partner hunter.' This is definitely a pre-qualifier to a destructive relationship.If you are desperate then you may become willing to be a person you think or assume the potential partner would like best.You may be tempted to not be yourself, hiding parts of you for fear they may not like or love you.2 - Take one hundred percent responsibility for whom you attract.If you are thinking, "I want someone who doesn't wake up too early, who isn't untidy, who doesn't snore or have any bad habits" you are likely to attract someone who, over time, displays those qualities or displays similar qualities which give you the feelings you didn't want to experience.This is because you were focusing on what you didn't want.Whatever you focus on, you will get.If you're focusing on a person who doesn't smoke, you are actually focusing on smoking.So, in this instance, you would focus on a person who appreciates clean, healthy living and the chances of attracting a smoker are vastly reduced if not completely eliminated.3 - Remember some of your annoying and self-centred habits from your previous relationship? Eliminate one or two of those and you are on your way to new ways of relating, so long as you replace them with new, positive habits.For example, if you were the one who left the top off the toothpaste and you didn't have a problem with it but your ex did; put the top on and 'voila,' you have changed something."If you want things in your life to change, you have to change things in your life." Brian Tracy.Do some positive work on developing your character and you will attract someone who is doing positive work on developing their character.This is another way of experiencing the Law of Attraction at work and giving yourself more chances of avoiding relationship groundhog day.

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How To Have A Great Day Every Day - Create An Attitude Of Gratitude

Sometimes it's the simple things that can have the greatest impact on our lives.Allow me to share this empowering, simple exercise with you.Perhaps you already know about it, or even use it already in your daily life.If you do, then you know how powerful this little exercise is and you are already experiencing joy every day.I must admit that when I first heard this concept, I thought it was kind of silly.However, sometimes desperation will make us re-think silly things; at least it did in my case.I was angry, depressed and tired.The way I was dealing with everyday troubles was not working well for me, so I thought I'd give this a try.I had nothing to lose.I tried it and it worked like magic.I have since turned it into a game I play when things are not going my way..If ever things are not going the way you had planned.If ever you are having a challenging day.If ever you don't see a way out of a so-called "bad situation.".If ever you are sad about something.If ever you are feeling mad about something.If ever you just feel like giving up.Here's the solution..Say, "Thank You.".Be still and think of all of the wonderful things you do have to be grateful for and say, "Thank you.".Are you still breathing? Be thankful for that.Can you breathe without the aid of machines? Be thankful for that.Surely there is something for you to be grateful for.Do you have two ears? Can you hear - even a little bit? Be grateful for that.Can you walk? Can you talk? Did you eat today? Does someone care about you? Do you care about somebody?Find that something or things that you can be thankful for and silently (or loudly, depending on where you are and who you are with) say, "Thank you Universe," or "Thank you God," or "Thank you God-in-me (or however you address the greatest infinite power) for these wonderful blessings!" Say it like you mean it.Yes, you are counting your blessings.This is not a new idea; however few of us realize how potent the idea is.Focus on what is right in your life.Focus on what is good in your life.Be grateful for these things.I promise you that one or all of these five things will happen when you create an Attitude of Gratitude..1.The way you view the negative situation will change for the better.2.The situation will change for the better.3.The situation and the way you view it will change for the better.4.Fear and anxiety will move out of your way.5.You will experience a sense of calm that will allow you to think more clearly.Try it.I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.Even if you are convinced you can't think of anything to be thankful for, just say the words "thank you" repeatedly for at least a couple of minutes or more, either to yourself or out loud.Teach your young children this exercise as a game.I call it the "Gratitude Game." Let them take turns telling each other what they are thankful for.The gratitude game is a great game to play in place of a prayer or meditation before a meal.Children of all ages (this includes you) will benefit greatly from playing this game just before bedtime and/or first thing in the morning.There is no way you can have a miserable day if you create an Attitude of Gratitude.Every day will be a great day!

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Reminiscences Of A Day In A Life - The Libertarian Way of Life

A woman has discovered that everyday can be one of joy and pleasure.Here is her story of another wonderful day in her life.Morning.As soon as I awoke I knew it was going to be a great day.It seems that this is a common occurrence since I discovered the secrets of a joyous life.Now after experiencing this wonderful day I embrace my pillow for a night of sweet dreams--reminiscing about all of my experiences.During my meditation this morning--my mind alternated between sublime thoughts and stillness.I receive much enlightenment and euphoria from the quiet of my universal connection.However some of my most profound moments come from when I feel the ecstasy of my body, mind and spirit.Ever since I discovered Libertarian Pleasures and The Libertarian Way--I continuously experience pleasure and ecstasy on a daily basis.No longer do I suffer as I once did.I think the biggest surprise of my life is how much I have grown spiritually and intellectually.While meditating I suddenly experienced myself as sexy and sensuous as if I am pure sex and sensuousness.Then all of my energy rose to my crown chakra--resulting in great euphoria and oneness with all there is.This transformation from pure sex to total oneness can only be known through the experience.Suddenly my powers of reason expanded.My intuitive powers kicked in.I remembered my creative ideas and later wrote them down.When I finished my meditation I prepared breakfast for my family.Finally we were all seated at the breakfast table.Breakfast is a wonderful way to connect to my food--and to my family.I now savor the taste of all I consume.My taste buds are more sensitive to every single bite.Almost everything I eat is a culinary delight.The liquids I drink delightfully tease my tongue before I swallow.My husband, the man who is the love of my life, sits at my right.We look briefly in each other's eyes and smile.We now connect in many ways.Even little things mean a lot.He thought this libertarian stuff was nonsense at first, but once he noticed the change in me he embraced it.Our moments together and our love life are more satisfying than when we were newlyweds.Our daughter sits across from us lost in her thoughts.She looks up with sleep still in her eyes and briefly smiles.She is so precious I wish I could freeze the moment.At one time I would have let it pass without a thought.Now it will live in the recesses of my mind forever.It was a few magic minutes in a day of the almost 3500 days we will have together--before she is a young wife with pains, joys and magic moments of her own.Afternoon.Since it's Saturday many people are off work.As I take a walk around the neighborhood on a clear, sunny day I connect with everything around me.The deep blue of the sky makes me feel I could reach the heights of an eagle or a jet airliner.At one time I would have walked along lost in thoughts that scattered in every direction--oblivious to my surroundings.Since I discovered Libertarian Pleasures I am sensitive to all I see, smell, hear, feel and touch.I thrill in all of my experiences.There is Mr.Jones mowing his lawn.He takes pride in the way it looks.I don't know if he is aware of the enjoyment his lawn is supplying me.The rich green of a neatly trimmed lawn and the aroma of the freshly cut grass sends me in a state of instant pleasure and reverie.It reminds me of something from my childhood, but I can't quite place it.Whatever it was it makes me feel more joy and pleasure.And there's Mrs.Johnson attending her flower garden.She's such a nice lady--and she knows how much I enjoy the reds, blues, yellows, violets, pinks, etc.Of the wonderful garden she so tenderly created with her own hands and spirit.Sometimes I become so entranced with the colors that I feel as if I could be a flower in that very garden.When I come out of it I'm grateful that I am a fully functioning individual--capable of experiencing all of my highest values.A fulfilling life means creating values and enjoying them.She also has a garden that displays the reds, pinks and yellows of her prize winning roses.For a short while I become lost in the life of a rose.I look up and take another glance at her flower garden.Finally I force myself to walk away.For a few minutes I am surrounded by a rainbow effect from all the colors I experienced.I move along feeling every muscle in my body as I walk.My legs feel slender and powerful.As my arms move forward and back I know I am propelling myself into a glorious future.It has to be since the present moment is so glorious.Everyone comments on how great I look.People notice when you're a being of high self-esteem and self-worth.I love my days off but I also love my work.This is a wonderful day but so are the days I am producing values.It seems the better I feel about myself, my life, those around me and all of my experiences the more enjoyable my work is.I receive great satisfaction from it.That euphoric feeling I receive from my meditation and from my experiences of living The Libertarian Way and enjoying Libertarian Pleasures is with me most of the time.I did many other things today.I listened to some of my favorite songs.They used to be relegated to background music.Now they are a major force in my life.I dance to the upbeat ones feeling as if I am a teenager again.The beautiful songs move me to tears.I used to cry from the pain and sorrow in my life.My tears are now a source of joy.One song I heard today--about how someone would give his life so lightly for his gentle lady--for his highest value--caused my tears to freely flow.At one time I wouldn't have believed that crying could be so pleasurable.Early Evening and Nighttime.I also had some chores to complete.These used to be sources of resentment for me.Loading the dishwasher, doing the laundry, vacuuming the carpet, cleaning the bathroom--God what drudgery.Something happened when I finally realized the pure joy of my existence.The chores became something less than drudgery.Since we are connecting better, my husband sometimes chips in, although I still do most of them.Now when I do them I put on some albums I haven't heard for awhile or think of all the Libertarian Pleasures I will be indulging in.Sometimes I even have the ability to view what I'm doing as sublime.I won't say they are as enjoyable as my favorite activities but they're definitely not a source of displeasure anymore.Dinner with my family was almost another version of breakfast.My daughter looked more bright eyed and bushy tailed than she did this morning.She was also excited about the pajama party that is taking place at her best friend's house.My husband is beginning to get that lascivious look in his eyes.I know what kind of night this will be.As we watch a movie we thrill in each other's presence.There are the tender caresses and kisses during commercials.Afterwards he makes me feel like a woman who has blossomed to her full sensuality and sexuality.Sometimes I think I'm receiving all the orgasmic thrills during our love-making, but he assures me the pleasure is all his.He calls me his Candy Girl.As I remember the day--I drift off to sleep with the satisfaction from knowing there will be many more like it.

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The Only One Who Benefits From Middle East Crisis Is Big Oil

Here we go again.Every time there is a crisis in the Middle East, the price of gas immediately goes up.What I do not understand and have a real problem with is.Why?All the gas that is in tanks at stations ready to be pumped, and that stored in containers awaiting shipment have already been bought.Until these reserves and tanks are used, there should be no increase in the price at the pump.Immediately raising the price of gas equates to price gouging.In this last week of February 2011, gas in my city has gone up over 30 cents per gallon.Even if the average stations gas tanks holds 4,000 gallons(1) of gas at the time of an increase, and, that gas is projected to earn the station an average 10 cents per gallon, a one day increase of 15 cents yields an additional $600.00 per tank.No wonder they want to raise prices immediately.Small stations do not benefit at the rate of the super stations, and it is the super stations that really benefit.They pay less per gallon, make more per gallon and are usually the first to raise prices as much as possible.They have as many as 20 pumps making them a hefty additional profit.CITGO, Shell, BP and other huge corporate oil companies own or have interest in stations bearing their name.They laugh at the American public every time they raise the price.Why do they laugh? Say BP owns 100,000 stations and their average station has 10 pumps, with an average 4,000 gallons in each tank, raising the price 15 cents per gallon equals.60,000,000 in unearned income.Is it a wonder they make the fabulous incomes they report? The American public simply shrugs their collective shoulders and says, oh well.The oil companies roll in the aisles.Have you seen their latest quarterly profits? Of course you haven't.You are too busy trying to survive day to day without worrying how much these tycoons are making.Last week, I drove 50 miles from my home to another city.The difference in the price of gas from one city to the next was 24 cents per gallon.Don't even think of buying gas near the interstate it was even higher.How are these enormous differences allowed? Isn't this price gouging? Or maybe it is GREED!I believe stations should be required to sell their current inventory before being able to raise their prices.In many instances, the short term events that drive up the price of oil, does not justify an increase at the pumps.Watching prices jump 10 cents in one week to only drop 10 cents the next week is unnecessary.Oil companies use every excuse available to make additional profits.Federal and State regulations need updating.With the price of everything going up, cities and states are losing revenue at unheard rates, and are discussing raising taxes to remain solvent.The American taxpayer does not need be paying millions of additional dollars for gas, because oil companies and speculators see unearned income every time an oil well burps in the Middle East or elsewhere.We are experiencing an extraordinary financial crisis in America.Every day some new crisis occurs.Housing values continue to fall; unemployment is destroying lives with bankruptcy and foreclosure daily ruining the American dream, our government is out of control, the future is yet to be written, people fear America will never be America again.With all this, why would we worry about the increase in the price of gas or how much the oil companies are earning?Where does it end? Who protects the average American? Passing laws that prevent oil companies from raising prices until reserves are expended, and a thorough evaluation of the short or long term impact of an event can be studied to help stabilize prices and prevent the constant fluctuation of prices based on speculation rather than fact.Americans need some stabilization in their life.Their incomes are limited enough.Constantly raising gas prices can cost an additional $25.00 or 30.00 a week.Driving has become a necessity.In today's economy, many families may not have the additional money to pay inflated gas prices.They have to give up something else to by the gas.What they give up is not paying a bill, buying fewer groceries, or less participation in their children's; school activities.They should have to give up nothing, and would not have to if we can get the lawmakers to pass and enforce strict laws on when Oil companies can legitimately raise gas prices.Big Oil has few choices.They can continue to operate the way they currently do, they can change their policy and give the American people a break, or we can come together and demand all cars must run on electric only or a combination of gas and electric within five years.I for one would not miss the greed of the oil companies and look forward to taking on the greed of the electric companies.It is sad; we never really do get a break.(1) The average storage tank at a service stations ranges between 6,000 and 10,000 gallons.

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God's Peace Available in Daily Life

Living in a world full of trouble, cares, and plenty of anxiety, worry and stress, we can forget as Christians that God's peace is available to us any time of the day and no matter what we are facing.God's peace comes not from the outside of us but rather it comes from the inside of us, out of our born again spirit.Galatians 5.22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace,.God's peace is available to us as a result of God, the Holy Spirit, living inside of our recreated spirit.God cared enough for you in this troubled, mixed up world; that He placed Himself inside your spirit so you could have continual contact with Him and He could release His peace to you.God's peace, the Bible says, passes all understanding; in other words, you shouldn't in the natural have such peace in such difficult times.Jesus told His disciples, God, the Holy Spirit, would come for our benefit.John 16.7 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away.Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].God, the Holy Spirit came and lives in your spirit for your profit, your advantage in this world, to have close fellowship with you and to act as your Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby in this earth.In other words He is here when you need help, need someone to talk to you and give you excellent advice and direction for your life.When we received Jesus as our Savior our spirit was born again, become brand new and was filled with the Holy Spirit and peace coming from His presence.As a result of this, we are as peaceful as God is right now in our spirit concerning everything we are challenged with in this world; we just have to notify our soul, which is our mind will, emotions and intellect.The Holy Spirit is as close to you as your inner man, your spirit.We have to remember we have God's peace available to us at all times and then yield to this powerful, supernatural force of the fruit of the Spirit so it can work things out.That means we must not allow our soul and circumstances control our thinking.That's why I am writing this article to let you know of His presence in your life and the peace that comes from Him.Isaiah 1.19 If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat.NLT.Daily the Holy Spirit of peace is calling out to us to let Him help us.When we allow His help and allow His peace take control of our mind, then He will be our supply Source.I am reminded when God supplied the children of Israel with all they needed in the wilderness for 40 years.He will do the same for us as we allow the Holy Spirit to help us.God, the Holy Spirit wants us to ask for His help and not take the care of this world on our own shoulders.Philippians 4.6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.KJV.The peace of the Holy Spirit is that peace available to us in the most difficult of situations and is the same peace Jesus told His disciples He was leaving with them.John 14.27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you.Not as the world gives do I give to you.Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.].Yielding to this peace on the inside of us will keep us from being troubled, afraid, agitated, fearful, intimidated, cowering down to difficulties on the outside and becoming unsettled in our minds.This is reality in the life of the spirit.Learning to live out of our spirit will allow the Holy Spirit to be in control of our life's situations.With the Holy Spirit of peace comforting us, counseling us, helping us, strengthening us and interceding through us; then we will make the right decisions for our lives every time.If we are not living in this peace at the present, we either do not know about the peace that comes with His presence or we are ignoring Him.Maybe you weren't even aware of the ministry of the Holy Spirit to comfort you, counsel you and be your Helper.Now you do and that should be comforting and peaceful.There is no problem you have His peace cannot get you through.In the Old Testament, there is testimony after testimony of people who experienced extraordinary deliverance from God in the most difficult and impossible times.You can read of testimonies of supernatural debt cancellation, supernatural favor, supernatural wealth, and supernatural deliverance from enemies and on and on.Maybe you have some impossibility you are facing today.Now is the time for you to have an extraordinary testimony of deliverance yourself.He is the same God and He has the same abilities available to use on your behalf.So just allow God's peace to overtake your soul today.God doesn't want us to be full of care about nothing.Ask for the Lord's help, give Him thanks and then fully expect the peace of the fruit of the Spirit to show up and keep or guard your mind so that you have peace beyond human comprehension working on your behalf until the end.It's this peace filled mind, the mind that is stayed on Him that releases God's supernatural help.That's what happened to Jesus in the garden before His crucifixion.In His anguish of facing the cross, the peace and joy of God helped Jesus make the right choice to do Father's will and go to the cross.The anguish over things you face in your life may not have caused you to sweat drops of blood like Jesus, but still maybe you have sweat under the pressure of it all.Jesus our High Priest knows what it's like to face pressures in the mind, will and emotions.That's what makes Him a compassionate High Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.He is also called the Prince of Peace.Jesus our Prince of Peace is available to us every day.He lives inside of us and we can be as peaceful as He is about our situation.God's peace is what the enemy of our souls comes to steal from us day after day.God's peace is God's guarantee of one victory after another for us.So make a decision to yield to God's peace right now and continue to yield no matter what is going on.People who do not know the peace of God is available to them will be destroyed for lack of knowledge.Even Christians will experience hardship and one heartache after another, as they seek for some peace on the outside of them through people and things instead of looking to God and His peace on the inside of them.Our brand new, born again spirit contains supernatural forces called the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance) that work in the most difficult situations to turn things around.God doesn't want us to depend on natural people or natural things to deliver us since He has placed these supernatural forces on the inside of us to do the job and then it's supernatural on our natural.God wants us to be supernatural in these days.That's why He came to live inside of us.Expect the supernatural ability of God inside of you to move to the outside of you today and every day.Facing so much today we can forget God's peace is available to us just like the disciples did when they faced a terrible storm on the lake with hurricane winds and their boat was taking on water.Jesus, so peaceful, was sound asleep.Can you imagine that? So they awakened the Prince of Peace and asked Him, "Do you not care if we perish?".Have you asked Him that question or something similar? He understands and is touched with the feeling of your infirmities.Remember He walked the earth as a man too.Your Prince of Peace is here today and every day to help you in every difficult situation, as He did with the disciples.Realize He gives you peace and the other fruit of the Spirit to aid you, help you.He will never take control of your life since the fruit of His presence gives you control of your life.Colossians 3.15 is a wonderful scripture to use as a confession, enforcing the truth of the peace of God giving you right answers just at the right time so that it always turns out for a win, win situation in every decision you make.Colossians 3.15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live].And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]."And let the peace".We must "allow" the fruit of peace on the inside of us help us make correct decisions, guaranteeing we won't end up with shipwrecked lives.God's peace causes us to know in our spirit whether things look right or look wrong for us.God's peace acts continually as an Umpire in our spirit; helping us decide and settle once and for all the questions that arise in our lives in a peaceful state.As members of the Body of Christ we are to live in this peaceful state.Peaceful is what we are in this world through Jesus Christ no matter how chaotic it is in this world right now or will be! We need to remind ourselves every single day God's peace is in us and available to us; for it will only get worse in the world that we are living in but not living out of.In Christ, Kingdom of God living, spirit living is our way of living now and through which we experience God's peace that passes all natural understanding in this chaotic world.Whatever is going on around you that may be stressful and may bring concern to your mind, just stop whatever you are doing and wherever you are and just look to the God of peace Who is on the inside of you and listen and yield to what the Holy Spirit says to do or not to do.His direction will always be right, even though His direction at times can seem like the craziest thing you could do.Remember He is God of the universe so He knows just how to handle your situation.As His child, through learning process, His mercy will cover your mistakes if you just ask.Colossians 3.15 tells us we are to live in the state of peacefulness.It is a fruit of our spirit.Apples are the fruit of an apple tree and peace is the fruit of our spirit now that God the Holy Spirit lives there.Peace is always there in our spirit and that's where we can go when all is chaotic around us.It's like going into another world, a peaceful world.That's how precious God, the Holy Spirit, living inside of us can be to our life.I think sometimes with all that is going on around us we wonder if He really cares if we perish just like the disciples did.Jesus was right there.The Prince of peace was right there and the Prince of peace is right here with us to calm the storm of fear in our soul so that things on the outside turn out right.In that peace we can allow God to speak through us to those storms of life and command, "Peace, be still!" This supernatural force of peace calms us, calms situations and calms people around us.Peace comes as well as we get to know our heavenly Father for He is loving, joyful, peaceful, good, faithful, kind, patient, self-controlled and gentle.He is always looking out for you and will take care of any bad situations if we yield to His peace and do not worry and try to work them out on our own.Take some alone time with the Lord and allow His presence, His peace, His hope and His power fill your soul and start affecting what is on the outside that brought you fear, worry, anxiety and stress.In His presence is fullness of joy.Joy is another fruit of the Spirit that is available to you as you enter into His presence and His peace.You can then be peaceful, joyful, and hopeful.That's when it becomes beyond human understanding.There is still the problem you are facing but you are peaceful, joyful and have all the hope and expectation to see the problems solved and see the changes you so desire.You will remain constantly in a peaceful state of mind when your mind is constantly stayed on Father God and His Word, you lean on Him and hope confidently in Him, the Rock of Ages.Isaiah 26.3-4 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.4 So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].The fruit of the Spirit, the work which His presence accomplishes, listed in Galatians 5.22 are unbeatable forces.Think about it, love, God's unconditional love never fails and causes you to never fail as it is allowed to flow out of you.The fruit of the Spirit joy, fortifies you with supernatural power when you feel weak in your mind.(Nehemiah 8.10) Then the peace of God under girds you and helps you make correct decisions that lead you to a successful, healthy, vibrant life.The peace of God brings with it hope, the God kind of hope.The peace of God will produce all the hope we will ever need in this world.This hope is a supernatural force on the inside of you that is more than just wishful thinking.This God hope actually will make you come to the place where you earnestly, intensely expect something to happen.And then before long you will actually experience it.Remaining peaceful, just like staying in faith, is trusting God is with us and is working out all our situations.I believe there is not much peace and hope in Christians' lives today because they fail to look to God inside of them and fail to yield to the fruit of the Spirit on the inside of them that will change their lives.Let's make a quality decision, one from which we will not retreat, that we will live from the inside out and allow God to work in our lives.This may not be easy for us at first.We like handling things and we have been trained well by our parents and others to handle things on our own and be worried, stressful and anxious.This can be changed as we get to know Him more in an intimate way.I suggest you spend some alone time with the Lord so that His presence, His love, His peace, His hope and His power that floods your spirit; can flow out like a river, affecting your soul (mind, will, emotions and intellect) and start affecting what is on the outside that brings all the care and anxiety to you.In His presence is fullness of joy.There may still be the problem staring you in the face, but you are peaceful, joyful and have all the hope and expectation He is working things out.Spending time meditating scripture promises to you, especially in the New Testament, will also allow the peace of God fill your mind instead of the problems.So get started filling your mind with the Word of peace so you remain peaceful in all circumstances and make right decisions guaranteeing your success.If you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior and experience His peace, just pray this simple prayer, "Father God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner.I believe Jesus came to this earth, died on the Cross for all of my sins, past, present and future and He rose again from the dead so that I could be justified in Your sight.Come into my heart, Lord Jesus Christ.I receive you now as my Savior and Lord.Holy Spirit of peace come and live in my spirit now.".Welcome to the family of God! Please let me know you received Christ.Here are scriptures I want to share with you speaking of God's peace coming to you..Job 22.21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace. thereby good shall come unto thee.KJV.When we become intimate with the Lord then we remain peaceful and good things will result in our lives.Psalms 34.14 .Seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!We must seek, crave the peace of God and even pursue or go after the peace of God every day since we live in a chaotic world.God's peace does not come automatic.We have to seek spiritual things and seek our spiritual life in Christ in order not to live a carnal life where the flesh controls us and determines our outcome.Psalms 37.37 Mark the blameless man and behold the upright, for there is a happy end for the man of peace.Peace always is the state of mind for the man who knows he is right with God.So it is of utmost importance we know our righteousness comes only through Jesus' finished work at Calvary.Christ's righteousness always brings peace since it eliminates striving on our part to be righteous.Christ's righteousness brings peace that produces a life of true happiness.Christ's righteousness is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions striving to obtain their own righteousness.(The Bible says our own self-righteousness in the sight of God is like filthy rags.).Psalms 85.8 I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him).God speaks peace daily to His children when they will listen expectantly for Him to speak.His words of peace bring an end to all conflict and confusion in our minds and our affairs, and so that's why it is so urgent we listen with expectancy for Him to speak.Be assured and expectant to hear Him speak to you every day.This scripture is a wonderful daily confession.Psalms 119.165 Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.Great peace, think about that! Not a little peace but "GREAT PEACE" comes to those who love God's Word! God's Word brings peace and keeps us out of offense and from stumbling through life.Isaiah 48.18 Oh, that you had hearkened to My commandments! Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a flowing river, and your righteousness [the holiness and purity of the nation] like the [abundant] waves of the sea.Did you notice the punctuation at the end of the first sentence of that scripture? The exclamation point emphasizes we must listen to God and do what He tells us to do! For its then our peace and prosperity will flow like a river.What a confession this would be for our daily lives! Wow!Jeremiah 29.11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.KJV.Jeremiah 29.11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.So you have been worrying about your future.Take comfort and remain in His peace for God has it all planned out! Stop worrying and trying to plan it out for yourself! His plan is for your welfare, instead of you seeking welfare from the government, a peaceful state instead of evil and hope and expectancy for your God planned final outcome! Here again is a wonderful scripture to use as a daily confession instead of speaking the problems.John 16.33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence.In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.[I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.].Jesus did not tell us life would be all rosy and great.Jesus forewarned us of facing tribulation, trials, distress and frustration while living in this world.But yet in the midst of all of it, Jesus said we can have peace.Then He told us to be of good cheer, have courage, be confident, certain and undaunted by it all, because He Who lives inside of us has overcome the world, deprived it of it's power to harm us and has conquered it for us.Remain at peace, resting in the truth of Jesus' Words and the fact that He has overcome everything the world has to throw at us.He has deprived it of the power to harm us and has conquered it for us.Here's another daily confession to allow God to be in control in our outcome.It's not just you against the world, but you and Your God living inside of you, Who has already conquered its power to do you harm.So remain mindful of the One Who lives in you and the fruit of peace along with the other fruit that will supernaturally put you over every time.So yield to God's peace and not the pressures of life and spend more time with Him in the difficult times.Intimacy with the Lord and meditating His Word will cause Him and His ability to rise up bigger on the inside of you, just like what happened to David facing Goliath; to bring your giant down! This is living in the spirit.Romans 8.5,6 shows us the results of living out of the flesh and out of the spirit.Romans 8.5-6 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter].But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].Living out of the senses and reason you will be living without the aid of the Holy Spirit and this leads you only to death and misery.But living according to the Spirit we are controlled by the desires of the Spirit and we will be setting our minds on Him and seeking those things that gratify the Holy Spirit, which only leads to life and peace for us in this world.Romans 14.17 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.Kingdom living is what we are suppose to be experiencing in this earth at this time and not just when we get to Heaven.Kingdom living provides the food and drink and all else we need and produces the righteousness of God, peace that all is well and joy that brings mental, emotional strength and all this by the Holy Spirit living inside our spirit.This is true Kingdom living.2 Corinthians 13.11 Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.We can remain joyful, encouraged, consoled, and comforted because the Author and Promoter of peace is with us all the way through the difficult and challenging days of our lives.Hallelujah! Let's rejoice about that!Philippians 4.6,7 has been a real blessing to my soul and I pray yours.Philippians 4.6-7 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.God's peace, we can experience at any time goes beyond human reasoning.God's peace garrisons and guards our minds so that no matter what comes against us we remain secure in what Christ has made us to be in Him and has provided for us in Him.We will remain calm and confident that greater is He Who is in us than he that is in this world.Every day of your life you will have to make the choice to yield to the peace of God that is already on the inside of you.Just yield to Him, the Author and Promoter of Peace.You can even make that choice before you begin each day, before you get out of bed.Make the choice you will not allow anyone or anything steal your peace.Pray a simple pray, something like this.."Father, I know you live inside of me.You are my peace.I make the decision right now I am going to allow the fruit of the Holy Spirit flow through me today.I will walk in the peace this entire day.I will not allow anyone or any thing steal from me the peace of God.God's grace and peace are multiplied to me today.I call on your help, Holy Spirit, my Helper, Comforter, and Strengthener.Amen.".My earnest pray is you will be strengthened with all might by the Spirit and the peace of the Spirit that is on the inside of you.I pray you live your life from out of your spirit where God resides.Be at peace in Jesus' name.Amen and Amen.

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Journaling the Coincidences of God

You may have heard the expression "there are no coincidences only God incidents." When you start hearing and experiencing God's living word you will begin to notice God's message and the movement of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of your life.Your wonder will turn to wonderment as you begin to pick up messages and lessons from God throughout the day.God wants you to experience his love and creative spirit in music, friendships, nature, articles, and so much more.Journaling about your day and prayer life will help you to connect coincidences to God and you will know that God is in the midst of all those incidents.Journaling is a great tool to find subtle nuances in your life.You will see opportunities where you did not see them before, which will contribute to your success in revitalizing your prayer life.Your prayer life will become more colorful and vibrant.You will see your life unfold in colored pictures versus black and white.You will have a variety of shades of color like what you would find in a paint store.Soon you will be able to string together a number of subtle differences that you felt were unrelated or disconnected before.Your journaling and prayer life will stimulate deeper conversations with the people you are in relationships with, as well as with strangers you may meet.You will start to trust in the movement of the Holy Spirit in all decisions and actions.You will be in tune with what direction your life is taking and where God is leading you in your journey.One of the best Journaling tools that you can use to track God working in your life is called Summaries.If you are in the practice of journaling or writing a prayer log I would suggest after each writing session that you would reread what you have written and circle any words that jump out for you.The next step would be to write a very short sentence, summary or insight from the writings you reviewed.At the end of the month I would encourage you to read only the summary sentences and reflect on how God is working in your life.I'm sure that you will gain some insight and have some surprises as your track your life through Summaries.Happy journaling and enjoy all the God incidents in your life.

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Let Us Make A Name For Ourselves

In the generations that followed the Great Flood, there was a tower built in the land between the rivers, the land of Shinar, perhaps better known as Mesapotamia.This was the Cradle of Civilization, located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the area of modern day Iraq.It was there that men became quite advanced.Hebrews Chapter 11 reveals the hope of Abraham.He was looking forward to a city "whose architect and builder is God." (1) But men became impatient waiting for the city God would build so they took upon themselves the task of building a city.It would be a city built, not to bring glory to God, but to satisfy the desires of the human flesh."Let us make a name for ourselves", they said.(2) Has that not been the theme of man down through the ages? I walked into our new multi-million dollar public library in Columbus, Georgia recently.Near the entrance I saw a plaque with the names of major contributors to this community structure.It is fundamental to a race of fallen men to have an urge to "make a name for ourselves." It is the basic tenet of humanism; stealing glory from God and elevating man.The Tower of Babel was a religious tower.The purpose of its construction was to reach God.But their motive was corrupted by their desire to make a name for themselves.There is a corner stone on many churches I've seen."Erected in the year ________, to God be glory".As the years pass, the glory of God fades from the institution while the centrality of man emerges.In a God-centered church the purpose of music is to bring glory to God, in a humanistic church the purpose o music is to entertain people.A God-centered church has a God-centered pastor whose primary goal is to preach for the glory of God.A humanistic church wallows in spiritually shallow waters with a pastor who is often humorous and can entertain people with catchy quotes and funny stories.Humanism has so invaded our culture that God has been relegated to a back burner.We are not atheistic, atheism leads to a despair that few can endure for any length of time.Many in the American culture are more interested in calling the shots when it comes to God.God is placed on a shelf to be reached for at our own convenience.Our "don't call us, we'll call you" attitude toward God indicates that we think ourselves more important than he.The words of the Psalmist are foreign and confusing to us, "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God." (3) Our callings to God are now limited to 911 calls.We have little thirst for God but we are quick to pull him off the shelf if we are experiencing a crisis in our lives.I have read recently of three people in the state of Georgia who are suffering from an infection called Necrotizing fasciitis.One of those is Aimee Copeland who has had one leg amputated at the hip and her fingers removed in an attempt to save her life.This is a horrifying disease for which there is no cure.Humanism as infected our culture and the church like a flesh eating disease.The spirit of the church is being consumed by a philosophy that makes the happiness of man a priority and conveniently ignores the glory of God.Liberalism in the church flowered in the mid-1800's.Charles Darwin explained away the role of God in creation.Humanist philosophers taught that the chief end of man's existence was his own happiness.Religious liberals embraced the cancer of humanism when they declared their uncertainty about the existence of God, heaven or hell.Their unbelief made it impossible for them to offer any hope beyond our earthly existence so they began to address the happiness of man in this world.They offered a watered down version of Christianity that focused on the happiness of man in this life.The doctrines of sin, eternal life and hell were avoided and the focus was on "Your Best Life Now.".A movement arose in answer to the liberals of that day and they called themselves fundamentalists.But humanism is not selective in its choice of victims and fundamentalism also became a victim of the deadly virus of humanism.Fundamentalists grew as a conservative movement because of their common beliefs in holding to the traditional teachings of the word of God.They defined themselves as those who belief in the divinity of Christ, the creation, the holiness of God and the authenticity of the Bible.If you believed in this list of essentials you were labeled a conservative fundamentalist.In successive generations, fundamentalists began to teach that one might be saved by simply giving mental assent to a list of basic scriptural doctrines.The measure by which one became a Christian was not the confessing of sin and experiencing a Holy Spirit- induced soul cleansing.The evidence of one's Christianity was a simple vocal affirmative to a few basic questions regarding the nature of God.A radical change in one's lifestyle was no longer associated with true Christianity.A card carrying Christian was no longer expected to demonstrate righteous living or freedom from the bondage of sin.Experiential Christianity was thrown out the door in favor of a simple "I believe.".Liberalism set about focusing on this life instead of the next life.The assortment of social programs developed to improve the lives of the masses are too numerous to mention.Great declarations were made about eliminating poverty, drugs and war.But their utopian goal was shattered when the First World War erupted and men set about to destroy one another.The War to End All Wars was followed by another horrendous war and men began to question the idea that the heart of man is essentially good.Then men proved how short their memories are and liberalism made another great comeback.L.B.Johnson declared his War on Poverty.The flower children of the 1960's demanded the end to all war.Liberalism continues its march through the modern age.Al Gore seems nearly insane and certainly delusional in his attempt to create a better earth.Our first lady is strongly dedicated to manipulating the diets of our children.The liberal says that man must be made happy while he lives on this earth.The fundamentalist says that man must be made happy in the afterlife.Both have succumbed to the primary teaching of humanism. the happiness of man.When a fundamentalist preacher declares that a person ought to accept Christ so that he can escape the fires of hell, or so he can live in eternal bliss, is he not focusing on the humanistic idea of the happiness of man? Should men not accept Christ because he "deserves to receive the reward of his suffering.".Christ did not walk away from the glorious splendor of heaven and submit to the humility of humanity solely to make us happy.Christ did not drag his cross to Golgotha and allow the Romans to pierce his hands with spikes and his side with a sword only to make us happy.Believing that or preaching that is replacing God with man as the central purpose of our salvation.Does this not border on blasphemy? Did Christ not go to the cross and die for men because it was the only way men might be saved and thus bring glory to God.It wasn't so much about saving us from hell or making us happy in heaven, it was all about bring glory to God.How many today get saved as a way of making a deal with God? It is true that salvation comes with benefits but the benefits are a byproduct.Modern day ministers will one day be accountable for the steady stream of lies that come from their pulpits.We are no longer being told that sin corrupts the soul.We are no longer told that the grace of God can bring deliverance to hungry hearts.Instead, we are being fed a steady stream of heresy.We are being told that if we accept Christ he will make us millionaires, he will cure our diseases and dedicate himself to our happiness.We are being sold a bill of goods.Humanism teaches us to look for human solutions to human problems.We are the most over-medicated society in history.We run to counselors instead of running to Christ.We read self-help books written by pop-psychologists instead of turning to the word of God.If we would only turn to the right source we could find a cure to alcoholism, to drug addiction, to sex addiction and to dysfunctional families.But all of this is frosting on the cake.The true motive for submitting to Christ should not be "to make a name for ourselves" or for our own happiness, it should be because doing so is the only possible way an earthly soul can bring glory to a deserving God.1.Hebrews 11.10.2.Genesis 11.4.3.Psalm 42.1.

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