Welcome to the Power of PIES. I apologize to those coming to this site looking for dessert : ) Instead, the PIES represented here is the powerful combination of Prayer, Imagination, Emotion, and Starting now. Read on, and I promise you will be impacted in a positive way. After all, life is sweet. Enjoy it!
“To acquire love…fill yourself up with it until you become a magnet.” – Charles Haanel.
We all want to be and feel loved. It is the thing we humans crave after the most on this earth. Some of us have been lucky enough to experience a great deal of love from those around us, while others may not feel very loved.
It is difficult to control the attitudes of people around us, but if you want to experience love, the key is in the above quote. I believe there are two main ways to accomplish this. One is to do what the quote says and fill yourself up with love. Consciously bring to mind the great love of God and as much evidence of that love as possible. The second thing is to be that love. As much as you can, demonstrate the love of God to others around you by giving and serving in a loving way.
It’s amazing how what we give away comes back to us in abundance. When we give thanks, we are given more reasons to be thankful. When we give money, it comes back in multiple amounts. And when we give love, it’s amazing how it comes back to us from all kinds of different sources.
We don’t give love with the sole purpose of getting back. When you give out the kindness of your heart, you feel an unbelievable joy that makes you want to give again and again. After a while, it won’t even matter what you get back, though I can guarantee it will be an abundance. I challenge you today to be the love you seek, and to give it away as much as possible. You will be truly blessed : )
What is the biggest part of your life that needs change? Most of us can easily and quickly answer this question. What they can’t easily answer is how to do it.
The following is a quote I read recently, and it really had me thinking…”The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind”. William James
It’s simple. What we think about, we bring about. It’s amazing how much control we have in the fate of our lives. However, it’s amazing how little we focus on and use this control. I speak for myself as well, because I did it often in the past, and still catch myself doing it now sometimes.
The key is to keep your mind focused on the highest possible thoughts. Envision the absolute ideal life in all areas. Then, as often as possible, keep focused on the details of that picture. Enjoy it in your imagination as much as possible. You will start to believe it, and eventually live it.
Keep this simple fact in mind today. Alter your thoughts and attitudes, and you alter your life. See beauty and positivity and you will experience it. Think success and you will live it. Think happy thoughts, and your reasons to smile will increase. The list can go on and on. The bottom line is that your thoughts and attitudes make a difference, and you have full control over it. Exercise that control, and live the life you want to live. Enjoy the blessings : )
The above title is indeed an interesting question. The answer is an obvious one, right? People are happy because they are lucky and they’ve been given many great things in life. It’s all chance, right?
If you know me well enough, you know my answer to that response would be…WRONG!!! Happiness is not because of luck or good breaks. The happiest people are that way simply because they choose to be. There’s no luck or chance involved. They simply see the best in all situations, and make the choice that they are going to be happy no matter what.
You may be saying…”come on, that’s it? There must be more! Ok, I agree. There is more. I read a very interesting article today that actually lists common characteristics of happy people. These include being thankful and healthy, being able to stay mentally active, laugh, and forgive, and spending time with other happy people. It all certainly makes sense to me.
The bottom line is that happiness is not a random thing that only happens when things go well. It is a choice, a habit, and a way of being. I challenge you to make the conscious decision to be happy. I understand that sometimes circumstances and people make it difficult. However, you can still choose to see the bright side of things, and keep a smile on your face as much as possible. I know from experience that there’s no greater way to live.
I have included a link to the full article mentioned above. I suggest you check out the list and see how you measure up and how many of the common characteristics you possess. Have a wonderful day : )
The other day, I had a few extra minutes before leaving to work. I decided to check my Facebook timeline. As I read the notes from the past 12 hours, I found a wonderful compliment from a friend about something I had written. It was a heartfelt compliment, and it meant the world to me. My entire day was affected.
It’s amazing what one compliment can do. For me, I had a good night’s sleep and an easy schedule at work, so it was probably going to be a good day anyway. However, this compliment put it over the positive edge. Think about days that were not going to be so good. Can you remember a day where you were struggling, and thinking that your efforts weren’t good enough? Then you received a compliment from someone that completely turned your attitude around. All of a sudden you felt like your efforts were completely worth it. I have had many days like this.
Would you like to make someone’s day? Give a heartfelt, sincere compliment. Show someone how much you appreciate them and what they do. People crave appreciation. Sometimes one word of appreciation can make you a friend for life. It makes a major difference, and you can significantly impact someone’s life in a positive way. It’s also amazing that when you demonstrate gratitude and shower people with sincere compliments, it comes right back at you. You will be appreciated for what you do as well.
Before I close, I will say that I have received many beautiful compliments from my wonderful readers. Every one of them means the world to me, and are absolutely cherished. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that positive encouragement : )
Ok, now I challenge you to think of at least one person you can sincerely compliment today. You have the potential to put a wide smile on someone’s face and totally make their day. I’m quite sure it will put a smile on your face as well. Enjoy the blessings : )
One of the great means of peace while living on this earth is pleasant relationships. It’s not always easy. It is wonderful that God has blessed us with different personalities, gifts, and points of view. However, because of these differences, it is sometimes difficult to live in harmony.
I was doing some reading today about mind focus, and as I reflected, I was lead to two simple ways to enhance and improve any relationship.
Before I share, I will say that one word can make all the difference. That word is focus. Here’s how:
1. Focus on your best self. At this point you may ask, “aren’t we supposed to focus on the other person’s needs to help the relationship grow?” I will answer yes. However, you cannot give to someone else unless you are aware of your own positive qualities and strong points. When you focus on your own goodness, beauty, and talents you will feel like you have more to give away. Also, the more you love yourself for who you are, the more you will love others for who they are.
2. Focus on the best in others. It is so easy to focus on the faults of others, and the things they do that we don’t like. We all do it at some point, no matter how hard we try not to. The problem is that the more you dwell on the negative traits of others, the more likely you are to see them continuously. The good news is that the opposite is true. When you focus on the beautiful, positive qualities of others, you tend to see those qualities more often. You enjoy their company more. Even if they still do some of those things you don’t like, you are more likely to look past them and not allow them to bother you like they did before.
If you can focus on these two simple ideas, you will immediately see positive changes in your relationships that may be difficult. I have seen it in my own life. The relationship between my wife and I is still far from perfect. However, it is much better than it was simply because both of us decided to focus on being the best people we could be, and trying to focus on the positive qualities of the other. We still communicate any differences, but if there are any disagreements, they are handled in a much more cordial manner. Following these simple ideas has taken a great deal of stress off our relationship.
If you are struggling with any relationship today, I challenge you to focus on these simple, easy to do guidelines. It may not instantly take away all negativity, but you will see immediate positive changes. Enjoy the blessings : )
One of the best books I’ve read about self-development is “The Power of Intention” by Wayne Dyer. It has countless ideas and techniques that will bring you to a higher spiritual level and change your life. I strongly recommend it.
I’ve read this book several times, and each time I read it I find something new. It’s funny how it’s always something I’m going through at that time. The relevant thought this time is this: “If you stay focused on making demands on the universe (God), you’ll feel as if demands are being placed on you in your life. Stay focused on lovingly asking ‘how can I use my innate talents and desires to serve?’ And the universe (God) will then respond with the identical energy by asking you, ‘how may I serve you’?” (p. 156-157)
Bam! This one hit me right between the eyes. I have spent so much time in my life wondering how what I do will affect me. I love and care very much about other people. However, I have spent far too little time thinking about how what I do can best serve them instead of me.
That tide is changing, and I already see results. When my focus is on serving other people, it’s amazing how I am automatically served. It’s like I don’t have to think of my own concerns, because they are divinely cared for.
I strongly believe in taking “me” time. You need it to bring yourself to a place where you can be of best service to others. However, if you are one of those who, like me, is seeking to remove the focus from self to others, I challenge you to think about how you can use your gifts and talents to help others. You will make a difference, will feel great, and in turn see your own needs met as well. If you don’t know what to do, just ask and pray, and God will guide you.
This concept is in a chapter in the previously mentioned book called “Living Life on Purpose”. It mentions how many people are confused in life because they haven’t found their purpose. The author stresses that if you make serving others your purpose, your purpose will find you.
If you are one of those many people seeking your purpose, I recommend you start with the above advice. I can tell you first hand how much of a difference it makes. I certainly hope this information serves you well. Many blessings to you : )
It’s always fun watching young people learn things we as adults already know. My 16 year old daughter never had a desire to drink coffee. However, I had an extra, french vanilla induced McDonalds coffee available and she asked if she could drink it. I obliged, and watched as she enjoyed her new experience with something called caffeine.
My daughter enjoyed the coffee, and especially loved the joyous effects the caffeine provided. We don’t allow her to drink coffee on a regular basis, but at certain times we will share some with her. The other day I shared a portion of a cup. There was not enough caffeine in that portion to have much of an effect. However, my daughter doesn’t know that. She just associates drinking coffee (no matter how little) with caffeine and the extra burst of energy it provides. As a result, even though it was only a small amount, my daughter’s behavior was affected as if she had a full cup. It was a case of mind over matter.
Mind over matter. It’s such a key expression. My daughter is so convinced of caffeine’s energetic effects that we could give her a cup of decaffeinated coffee, and she would still act as if she had a cup loaded with caffeine.
It’s amazing what we do when we simply believe something. It happens all the time. People make themselves sick because they think something may be wrong with them. People do stupid things simply because they believe they are stupid. On the other hand, people do great things simply because they think they can. It’s all a matter of what the mind believes.
Knowing this, I remind you that you can use this to your advantage. You can actually change your beliefs to get the results you want. There are two main ways to do this. One is with your words. The more you repeat something to yourself, the more you believe it. This is true no matter how real it is at the moment. My daughter was so convinced of caffeine’s effects that she kept saying how she was starting to feel it. As a result, the thought was ingrained in her mind. Use positive affirmations to constantly drill positive thoughts into your head. You will start to believe it and act accordingly.
The second way is through visualization. Actually see your desires coming to pass in your mind and feel the positive emotions you would feel as if it were actually happening. Once again, this confirms the belief in your mind, and you act accordingly.
I will say again that your mind believes whatever you convince it to be true, even if this contradicts reality. You will act according to those beliefs. Since you have full control, deliberately think thoughts of faith, success, and the way you want things to be. You will eventually see it play out in your life.
I would write more, but I need to tend to my daughter who is a bit out of control from another cup of coffee. I’ll be back later. Have a great day : )
A friend of mine recently shared a very inspirational video with me. It’s a movie called “The Shift”. The movie combines the stories of several families, along with the teaching of one of my favorite authors and speakers, Wayne Dyer.
There are many gems of advice provided throughout the film. However, what stood out most was when Wayne challenged people to ask an important question. That question is…what can I do to serve others?
One of the reasons God put us on this earth is to love and serve those around us. However, many people get caught up in their own worlds and sometimes can’t even serve themselves. I include myself in this category because there have been times in my life where this question had no part in my conscious thinking.
Think of how you feel when you spend time serving others. No matter how big or small the task, the people you serve are blessed, and your own life is touched as well. We are also fulfilling our mission here on earth, and we will be rewarded for it. Jesus Himself said that he was here to serve others, and taught His followers to do the same. I believe it’s a great example to follow.
I challenge you along with myself, to ask that question at least once a day. What can I do to serve others today? The answers will arrive if you seek them, as will the blessings for you and those you serve.
As always, I invite you to share your stories and victories here. Enjoy the blessings : )
Sometimes there are many burdens that we have to deal with in our lives, and at times we lack the strength and energy to deal with them.
I heard a song today that I hadn’t heard in a while, and it reminded me that we don’t have to handle these burdens alone. The main chorus from this Ryan Starr song says…
“Breathe, just breathe. Take the world off your shoulders and put it on me.”
I don’t know if the artist intended it this way, but it reminds me that when we cast our burdens on the Lord, He handles our difficult situations for us, and we no longer need to spend time worrying about them. He will show us the steps to take, and use it for great things.
I recommend you check out this beautiful video for more on this great message. Have an excellent day : )
I had a difficult week this week. I returned to work, took on some new responsibilities, the work load was non-stop, and I did not sleep well. As a result, I didn’t get some things done that I wanted to. When this happens, I sometimes get down on myself and return to my days of doubt and incompetence, rather than faith and determination. It seems as though countless other people around me are also going through difficult personal times.
The following is a chapter from my e-book “30 Days To A More Powerful Life”. As I thought about my situation and the hurting people around me, God immediately brought this concept to mind. I do not exaggerate to say that, when I re-read this and reflected on it, all of the difficulty from the past week was washed away. I hope the same happens for you, especially if you are going through difficult times or doubt yourself….
One of the most fun and rewarding jobs I ever had was as an announcer for a Christian radio station on Long Island in the early ’90s. During that time I was able to meet several Contemporary Christian Music artists. The one that stands out the most is being able to, not only meet, but spend an entire day with one of my favorite artists at the time named Michelle Wagner.
I was recently reading a book by Joel Osteen. It stresses throughout the book that, because we are creations of God, we are “beautiful” and should see ourselves that way . It reminded me of that day with Michelle Wagner and one of her greatest songs called, “You’re Beautiful”. The song is based on I Peter 3:3-4 which says “your beauty should not come from outward adornment….Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight” It’s main message is that, as long as we are creations of God and remain close to him, we are beautiful and of great worth to Him.
The chorus goes like this…
You’re Beautiful
Like a diamond in the sun you’re so beautiful and you’re becoming brighter
You’re Beautiful
And the world needs so much to see all the treasure in your soul
You’re Beautiful
At that time I led a youth group and gave several talks about this song and its theme. I had the kids think about something they created. A picture or painting they did, a sculpture, anything. Then I had them think about how proud they were of their creation after they completed it. Maybe not everyone thought it was great, but nothing could take the beauty out of the eye of the one who created it.
God feels the same way about us. Maybe not everyone sees us as beautiful. In many cases we don’t see ourselves that way. However, our Creator is very proud of the one of a kind creation He has made. He sees us as beautiful, and as someone that can make a difference for Him.
We are beautiful in God’s eyes, so let us see ourselves that way in our own minds. Let us also use that Godly knowledge to show that beauty to those around us, and remind those in our lives about their beauty as well. With God’s help we can and will make a difference and make this world a “beautiful” one.
Action Plan: Spend several minutes a day focusing on your beautiful, positive qualities. Focus on them throughout the day. Before long, it will be automatic, and you will soon realize others are seeing that beauty in you as well.
I remind you that a free copy of this e-book is available for download on this site. Feel free to check it out and share it.
If you really want to be inspired, I recommend you check out the song and corresponding video here. Have a beautiful day : )
Posted by joedalio 
Power of PIES 