Keep Your Vibration High by Taking Your Thoughts Captive

I’ve written often about the concept of vibration on this site. Basically, your vibration is the level of your emotional state. That makes a difference because your external circumstances reflect what your internal vibration is. When your vibration is high, with emotions like love, joy, gratitude, and peace, you experience joyful circumstances and are given more things to be thankful for. When your vibration is low, with emotions like doubt, fear, anger, etc., you are often faced with circumstances that bring about more of those negative emotions. I realize this truth more every day, as there are countless Bible verses to back this up, and I see it play out in my life experience.

It’s a simple formula. Instead of trying to control the circumstances in life (which is very difficult to do), we are solely responsible for controlling our inner state of being. I find this very comforting since I have full control of my inner state. I think you should find this very comforting too. The problem is that it is sometimes easier said than done. Many people have learned this same fact. Yet it is often difficult to control their emotions. As much as I’ve learned and shared about this regularly, I feel your pain and often have that same difficulty. Instead of trying to control my own state of being, I allow people or circumstances to dictate how I feel. It happens much less than it used to, but I am still learning in this area as well.

So how does one best control their emotional vibration and bring it to a level that will allow the manifestation of the ideal life? There are plenty of suggestions out there. One of the best I’ve been taught is from Esther Hicks. If you want to learn about the Law of Attraction and how to apply it, she would be one of my first recommendations. I have learned so much from her that has enhanced the quality of my life. She has a ton of videos on YouTube, as well as a couple of great books too. In one of those books, she shares the concept of the emotional guidance scale. At the top of the scale are the highest emotions, such as the ones I mentioned earlier. At the bottom of the scale are the lowest emotions, also mentioned above. She suggests using this scale as a guide. The recommendation is to have regular check-ins with yourself to see where you stand on the emotional scale. She then challenges you to deliberately think thoughts that bring you higher and higher on the scale until you are in the highest emotional state. One of the most important suggestions is to take things one step at a time, and not try to go from a lower emotional state immediately to the highest. That could be frustrating and end up defeating the whole process. For example, there are 22 emotions listed from lowest to highest. If I am at level 7 for example, which is contentment, instead of going directly to number 1, I should go to level 6 which is hopefulness, then to 5 which is optimism, and eventually work myself up to the highest emotions. Even if I am much lower on the scale, this is very helpful. For example, if I am feeling frustration/irritation which is level 10, it’s almost impossible to start feeling joy immediately. However, if I go up just one level, which is pessimism. Pessimism is still a negative emotion, but it’s better than being frustrated, so I am already feeling a little better than I was. Then I think thoughts that move me up to the next level which is boredom, and so on, until my emotional state has gone from bad to good, to awesome. Here is an excellent article I found that further explains and helps practice the process.

This process has been very helpful to me. However, like I mentioned before, it is sometimes more easily said than done. Sometimes, especially if I am lower on the emotional scale, it takes a long time to start feeling the higher emotions. That sometimes leads me to give up and I end up further down the list again by getting frustrated. Recently, I found other information that I believe is even more helpful than what I mentioned above. Now I am not going to argue with what Esther Hicks says. She is extremely successful, as she has used the Law of Attraction to bring major blessing into her life, and into the lives of millions of others. Her suggestion is excellent, and I know from experience that it works. However, what I am about to share has worked even better for me, and it has taken away the sometimes long and frustrating process of gradually working my way up the emotional scale.

The only problem with what I am about to share is that I don’t remember where I found this excellent information. I do so much reading and research on this topic, that I sometimes don’t save my sources. I cannot properly cite where I found this wonderful information. I can simply tell you that I can’t take credit for creating this idea myself. However, I can also tell that you that it is incredibly powerful, and it has really helped me increase my emotional state, and its resulting manifestations. Here it is… instead of starting from the emotion you are currently feeling and working your way up to the highest emotions, consider this… those highest emotions of love, joy, peace, and gratitude are your natural state! I recently wrote an article about that topic that you can check out here. Remember that the spirit of God lives in you. And the fruits of the spirit are those emotions I just mentioned. Love, joy, and peace are what you naturally are! The only reason you are not feeling that way all the time is because you allow other emotions to block those out. Here’s an illustration. I live outside of Buffalo, New York. This city is known for its snow (over 90 inches or about 250cm per year). From November to April we almost never see the sun. However, it doesn’t mean the sun is not there. The sun is still shining. We just don’t see it because there are clouds, and snowflakes that get in the way and prevent us from experiencing the light. (just for the record… from June through October the sun shines regularly here, and the weather is more beautiful than in many other places).  It’s the same with our emotions. The light of God is always there, right with us. If you are not seeing it and feeling negative emotions, it isn’t because that light of love and joy has disappeared. It’s just that the negative clouds and darkness are blocking the light and the corresponding positive emotions.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says that we “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” That means we watch our thoughts to make sure they line up with the truth of what Jesus says. In fact, another version says that we take it a step further, and “We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.” Here’s how I use this with what I was discussing earlier. I first reflect on who I am. I am a child of God, created in His image. I have all of His attributes. For that reason, I reflect on the fact that love, joy, peace, and gratitude (the highest emotional vibrations) are my natural state. In fact, I Thessalonians says they are God’s will for my life. In other words, God created me and you with the intention that we would live in love, joy, and peace, and have plenty of reasons to be thankful. When I get into this mode of thinking, I am starting off with a bright and clear sunny day. I am already feeling amazing! Now, I deliberately focus on my thoughts. If any clouds or raindrops come in, I cast them out. If they persist, I speak against them, reminding myself again that my natural state is love and joy.

I have found that this way of thinking and living is highly effective. As I start with my focus feeling and believing on the highest emotions, those positive manifestations begin to occur, and even begin to multiply! Then it gets even easier to stay in that high vibration. Instead of living in dark and cloudy Buffalo, I am living in bright and sunny Los Angeles! And even if there is some temporary smog that blocks the sun, if I continue to live in this state, it eventually burns off and becomes perfectly sunny and clear. I will say this though… the more you live in this higher vibration and continue to take your thoughts captive to maintain this high emotional level, the smog, clouds, and even storms tend to disappear. Even if they don’t completely go away (God says we will ultimately face trials in our lives) you can still deal with them on a much higher level and find positive solutions much quicker and easier.

Remember, you were created to live joyfully and lovingly. That is who you are. When you make the effort to control your thoughts and emotions to ensure you are thinking those kinds of thoughts, you will end up living those kinds of circumstances. The great thing about it is that it’s all in your control. So take that control and enjoy the blessings 🙂

3 Easy Steps For Manifestation

If you are familiar with the Law of Attraction, you’ll know that one of its greatest teachers is Esther Hicks. I have read her book “Ask and It Is Given” several times, and I have watched and learned from many of her videos as well.

In many of her teachings, Esther provides a very simple 3 step formula that helps you rapidly manifest the desires of your heart. Whether you’ve never seen these before, or if you are familiar but need a reminder, here are the steps:

1. Ask. In this first step, you simply determine what you desire and ask God for it.

2. It is given. Matthew 7:7 in the Bible says exactly what we’re doing here… ask and it will be given to you. Could it be that simple? Hicks says this is the most simple step of the process because it is a step we don’t even take. This is God’s part of the process, not ours. In the book, we are reminded that when we ask for something, God responds immediately.  She says, “Every question is answered. Every prayer is answered. Every wish is granted. But the reason that many would argue with that truth, holding up examples of unfulfilled desires from their own life experiences, is because they have not yet understood and completed the very important Step 3—for without the completion of this step, the existence of Steps 1 and 2 could go unnoticed.”

3. So what is that all-important step 3? Allow your desire to manifest. You’ve asked, and God has answered. God doesn’t always answer exactly as we would expect, but he does always answer. Now you make yourself ready to receive. There are several ways to do this. The main advice provided in the book is to match the emotional vibration of your desire. In other words, feeling the joy of your desire as if you already have it. Think about what it would be like to be, do, or have what you are seeking. Maintain and carry that feeling with you wherever you are, and you will set yourself up to experience it. The Bible also says in Mark 11:24 that “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Your acting like you already have it is believing you have received it. Remember, you have already received it because according to step 2 of this process, God responds immediately. So you do already have it. You just have to focus on this truth, and live according to it. You can also speed this process up by taking necessary action. The remainder of the Matthew 7:7 verse says… “seek and you will find. knock and the door will be opened to you.” Start looking for opportunities and places God may be leading you. Then take whatever action you feel inspired to take.

I believe this is a very simple process, and it is very powerful if used correctly. If you want an even more simple way to remember this, I was provided a similar formula in church this past week. It’s amazing because as I was thinking of sharing this formula here, a woman in the church spoke for the children for a few minutes. Due to current restrictions (this was our first service back in the building since the COVID lockdowns began in mid-March), the kids don’t have their own activities up and running yet. This woman shared this same formula in a more basic version. God always seems to speak to me when I have something on my mind. It was a confirmation that I should indeed share this info here with you. Here is the more basic version that was provided. She provided the comparison of getting ready to start a race:

• Ready – Pray for what you desire
• Set – I love the explanation that was provided for this step. She said to “expect God to act, and wait in joyful expectation for His response.”
• Go – Similar to step 3 above, this involves doing what is necessary to enhance the process. Have faith that God is answering, and taking the actions you are inspired to take.

I have seen in my own life that this process is powerful. I also know that it is fast. I don’t always get all answers in the blink of any eye, but there have been times where I feel like God is acting immediately(although he always is). The same is true for you. I believe if you follow this process, you will quickly see things starting to happen. It is then up to you to keep moving in that direction. Keep believing that God has already answered your prayer. Keep feeling joyful and thankful. Keep seeking and knocking, and those doors will keep opening. You will see your desires manifest sooner than later. And as a whole, your life will be more joyful and rewarding. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

A Powerful Quote to Bring Positive Change to Any Situation

I read a quote yesterday that I’ve read hundreds of times. I’ve also believed these words, but for some reason when I saw the quote again this time, it impacted me more than it ever has. The quote is from one of my favorite authors, Wayne Dyer. It says, “change the way you see things, and the things you see will change.”

As I said, I’ve always believed this. One book where I first read this idea discuss a situation where a woman loved her job but began to truly hate her boss. It detracted her passion so much that she came close to quitting this dream job. She then learned this concept and began practicing it. The result was that her strong distaste for her boss disappeared quickly. In addition, the boss’s attitude towards her became different. The boss seemed to treat her much more fairly, even asking for her input and knowledge on important projects. A simple change of attitude towards this boss changed the whole atmosphere at the job, and her love for her work there returned.

I have also experienced this truth on many occasions. Whether it’s people or things, changing the way I’ve looked at situations has dramatically changed them. I can relate to the job story. I am proud to be a middle school teacher. However, there have been times where my passion has been lost. I work in an environment that can become very negative. Many of my students are low-income city kids that don’t exactly take education seriously. It is easy to get sucked into the negativity and look at my job as a burden. It is easy to think negatively of difficult students who I sometimes feel are learning nothing of what I am teaching them. However, I have learned that as soon as I shift my thinking, the circumstances dramatically change. When I think about how lucky I am to be in the position I’m in that can positively impact lives in a major way, those impacts start happening. When I think positively about my students, they don’t instantly become educational geniuses. However, they do seem to respond much better to what I have to say. This all changes my emotional state for the better.

This concept is true in other areas of life. My wife and I are as different as night and day, and this causes much friction in our marriage. There have been plenty of times where I did not guard my mind and I allowed negative thoughts about her to dominate my mind, or even fearful thoughts that something I said or did would cause a negative reaction in her. This only makes things worse. When I catch myself and change my thinking, things become much more peaceful. Instead of thinking negatively about her, I become thankful that God put the ideal wife and mother of my kids in my life. I pray for her asking for God’s greatness in her life. When I change the way I think about her, it’s amazing how there is so much less tension, even if a negative situation comes up. She is much softer to me, I am much more at ease, and the overall environment in the home is amazingly positive. We have also had difficult financial situations that have been changed by changing our thinking. I went from thinking about the difficulty to being thankful for the money we had, even if it wasn’t quite enough at the time. I changed the way I looked at our situation, trusted in God, and the situation improved sooner rather than later. It didn’t put a million dollars in our account, but somehow the necessary funds showed up, and we got through the difficult situation.

Today in our world there is more negativity than ever before. As I write this, we are in the middle of a global pandemic that has kept us locked up in our homes, kept many people out of jobs, in addition to getting many people sick, and even dying. In the middle of all that are racial riots, political chaos, and much civil unrest. It’s easy to get sucked into that negativity, and even this generally optimistic person has at times. I’ve looked at the inconveniences of stores being closed, not being able to watch sports, and had doubts about my own health, even though I know God has told me through His word that I’ll be fine. However, as soon as I change my perspective, my emotional state changes. There is still a pandemic, and the racial protests haven’t stopped. Yet when I change the way I see this whole situation, it’s amazing how the personal blessings manifest. I thank God that because I have so much more time on my hands, I can write more. I can spend more time with my family. These blessings have been priceless. I realize how much the protests (the legal ones) are helping to bring about the much needed social changes our society needs. It’s seeing things this way that puts me in a better state and opens me up for greater blessings.

The Law of Attraction says that you will experience in life what you think in your mind and feel in your heart. The Bible says we reap what we sow. It then makes sense that the way we look at things determines how those things turn out. Knowing this, I challenge you (and me) to watch the way you look at things. Do your best to see the good in people and in things. Look for positives in every situation. When you do, those positives will manifest, sometimes in miraculous ways. Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

More Biblical Reflections of the Law of Attraction

I often discuss the power of the Law of Attraction, and the amazing effects it can have on your life. More and more people are beginning to see this. However, sometimes my fellow Christians cringe at this idea that we can actually control the quality of our lives with our thoughts and emotions. After all, we are supposed to leave control of our lives up to God.

I understand this hesitance, especially because I was there at one point. I think so many people have problems with the Law of Attraction because of how it can be used in a negative way. Many people use it in a greedy manner to try to gain as much as they can for themselves. People see that and are turned off by it. I tend to see the Law of Attraction in a positive way and like to promote ways to use it that way. I understand and believe that God should be in ultimate control of our lives. However, he has also given us free will. I believe using that free will to ensure the quality of our thoughts and states of being is using it in a responsible and productive manner.

I have written several articles providing biblical examples of the Law of Attraction. I strongly believe that this law is biblical and as true as the laws of gravity, electricity, or any other. As I research this topic further, I continue to find more examples in the Bible. If you are not familiar, the Law of Attraction states that the quality of your outer life is directly related to the quality of your inner life…your thoughts and emotions. When you think positive, high-quality thoughts and maintain high-level emotions, the life you live is also high quality and rewarding. If you think negative thoughts and your emotions are low-level, you receive more of the same in life.

The most recent verse I found was actually by accident I was looking for something totally different. It comes from Proverbs 27:19 and it says, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” To me, that describes what Law of Attraction is all about. Your outer life reflects what your heart is like. If it is positive and loving, your life will reflect that. If it is negative and nasty, your life will reflect that.

The wonderful thing is that we completely control the quality of our hearts! You can use the God-given free will I mentioned earlier to “guard your heart” (a verse I mentioned in another recent article) and control what you are thinking and feeling. Just as sure as you will fall if you jump off a bridge or receive electricity if you put a plug into an electrical outlet, you will manifest positive experiences if you think positive thoughts. If you feel negative emotions all of the time, you will find yourself in negative situations all of the time. It’s your choice.

As I’ve believed for a long time, and as this verse confirms, your outer life is a reflection of your inner life. Even if you’ve consistently allowed negative thoughts to dominate your mind, this concept doesn’t have to be one you fear. You have full control and ability to monitor your thoughts and feelings. Isn’t that easier than trying to change people and situations that you can’t control? I’m not saying that everything will be totally perfect in your life. God says you will have trials, and negative people aren’t going away. However, I find it empowering that by simply taking control of your inner world, you can make your outer world a very positive place for you and those around you. Once again I ask, what is easier to manage…the billions of other people around you and in our world, the unlimited circumstances in you can encounter, or your own thoughts and feelings? I’ll let you decide 🙂

A Law of Attraction Poem

I always see such excellent poems on WordPress Reader, and I truly admire them. I like to try poetry myself every once in a while. In no way do I compare to the other great poetry writers, and this one will be more quirky than beautiful. However, it’s about the Law of Attraction and it is all true. So here ya go…

LOA is a law that is always true

It works perfectly for everyone, and that includes you.

It’s quite simple the way it is taught

It’s up to you to take captive every thought

Consider closely what you think about

Though I recommend you have faith and do not doubt

Focus on what you want, the way you want things to be

Then they will manifest quickly you will see

Be sure to be positive and grateful, keeping joy in your heart

It is then you will see your blessings really start

I know this is weird, and some will call it sappy

Though if you follow these guidelines you will be thankful and happy

Thank you for reading, I wish you the best

I hope you are blessed on this day and all of the rest 🙂

6 Powerful Manifestion Steps

https://images.app.goo.gl/QCd1XwmvR3oEuqMc8

I found this info today about successful steps to take to successfully manifest your goals and desires. It always helps me to have things listed in a step by step process, and I felt the need to share. I hope this helps you too 🙂

Your Ultimate Guide to Manifesting Your Dream Life

I found this excellent step-by-step guide for the manifestation of your goals…

Journal with Haley

The idea of “manifesting” change in your life might sound a little woo-woo, but it’s more than making a wish and idly standing by until it comes true.

Manifestation can be defined as “bringing something tangible into your life through attraction and belief” — but it’s also the act of taking radical steps toward change. It’s not only about hope and belief, but also about action and power.

Through the active practice of manifestation, you can make real changes that lead to living your dream life. I’ve read about enough people using this practice to get their dream jobs, attract a loving partner or make their wildest fantasies come true that I believe it works.

I don’t pretend to understand why, but whether psychological or spiritual in nature, manifestation is the real deal — and here’s how to start using it in your own life.

Understand the Law of Attraction.

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A Biblical Perspective on the Law of Attraction

One of my main goals in this space is to show how the ideas on Law of Attraction and those in the Bible go hand in hand. I firmly believe that the Law of Attraction, and dare I say many of the laws of science are Biblical.

In essence, the Law of Attraction says that what we receive in life is a direct reflection of the thoughts we think in our minds and the corresponding emotions we feel in our hearts. Basically, if we think and maintain positive thoughts, along with emotions such as love, joy, and gratitude, we will experience them in our lives.

I have studied this and lived it enough to know that it alone is totally true. As a Christian, I have found plenty of Bible verses to show that this is not just some modern-day thinkers trying to brainwash people into New Age philosophy. It is actual Biblical truth. It gets a bad name because many people use this law (which is as true a law as gravity, electricity, etc.) in a greedy fashion instead of using it for the greater good of humanity.

One key Bible verse that I’ve reflected on recently, is from Proverbs 4:23. The verse says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. An even simpler version says, “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” I also love the Expanded Bible version which says, “Be careful what you think [^LAbove all that you guard, protect your heart], because ·your thoughts run your life [^Llife flows from it].

In my opinion, it can’t be any more clear that there is a direct correlation between the thoughts we think, what we feel in our heart and the quality of our lives. As a Christian, I understand that God’s will is supreme. I know that life is not always great, and there are reasons (often unknown) for that. Overall though, it is a simple fact, and if you don’t want to believe in the Law of Attraction information that the world supplies, go with the Biblical information that God Himself provides for us.

I will say it again, and I believe it more firmly every day. If you want a high quality, joyful life, then think high-quality thoughts. Follow the Biblical advice of thinking on whatever is good, honorable, and worthy of praise. To experience full joy, start from within. Be grateful for the big things and even the little ones. Then you will experience situations in your life that will be joyful for you and for those around you. When you create positive emotions, you will be given life situations that will also create those positive emotions.

I can write books on this topic (I actually have), and I hate to limit it to a short space here. However, as I further reflected on this verse, I found other articles that communicate the same message. I share them with you here…..

How to Guard Your Heart

What Does Guard Your Heart Mean in the Bible?

Remember what the verse says…protect your heart because your life flows from it. Be sure to think beautiful, joyful thoughts. Then the Bible says the same type of life will follow. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

 

A Sick Reminder of Who I Really Am

I have been a practicing Christian for over 30 years. I have also been a student of the Law of Attraction (which I believe works hand in hand with Christianity) for the past ten. Even with those long time frames, I still receive reminders that I am not applying the power of each in my life as much as I could. Here is a recent example…

Over the past weekend, I was battling a sickness, a mini flu bug. On Sunday, it was a major project just to get off the couch or out of bed. I didn’t eat much, so I was further weakened because of that. I missed a fun family gathering, but passed the day watching a Nascar race, and just enjoying a peaceful day.

Monday would be my first day back to work after a week vacation. We are discouraged from taking the first day off after a vacation, so since we were experiencing a windstorm in the Buffalo area of almost hurricane force all day and night (an unusual event in our city) I thought maybe the school I work at would close and I would get another day to recover. I actually found out Sunday night that the wish was granted, and an immediate peace came over me as I would indeed get another day to recover without having to call in.

The problem was that when I woke up early Monday morning, I felt just as bad if not worse than I felt the day before. It was then where I realized that a lot of this sickness had to do with my thinking. Sure, I know sometimes God allows us to become sick for reasons only known to Him. And I thought maybe this was one of those times. However, as I lay there, I still decided to get my mind thinking correctly and aligning it to who I really am. You see, who I really am (and who you really are) is a being that shares the spirit of God. The kingdom of heaven is in our midst, which after looking up a true definition of midst, I learned that it means our essence or very being. Another Bible verse says in HIm we live and move and have our being.

I was reminded that the Spirit that I am a part of is perfect and whole. It is never sick, and in fact does not even know sickness. At that moment, I said a prayer asking that I would be led to keep my mind focused completely on who I really am. As I lay in bed and did this, an almost immediate peace took over. I fell asleep for about two hours. When I woke up, I felt wonderful! Sure, I was still stuffy and coughing and had some lingering effects of the sickness. However, I easily got out of bed, made some breakfast, and did my morning routine as if it was a Saturday (even though it was a Monday). I took the day slow, but felt better and better throughout.

Did I heal myself? No, God did. However, I am willing to take some credit for the time frame in which it happened, and I thank God for answering my prayer. I prayed that I would keep my mind focused on who I really am instead of focusing on the sickness. Remember, a key idea of the Law of Attraction is that the thoughts and ideas you focus on are the outcomes that manifest in your life. As that prayer was answered, and I kept my mind focused correctly, I believe the healing happened faster than it would have otherwise.

I thank God for this excellent reminder, and I share it willingly with anyone patient enough to have read this far. Remember who you really are and who you really belong to. God is with you in every moment, and you are with Him every moment. And when you keep your mind focused on this truth and the truth of whatever it is you are looking to get through or accomplish, you are much more likely to see it come into being. Enjoy that blessing 🙂

Maintaining a High Vibration…What’s the Big Deal?

If you are familiar with the Law of Attraction, or those that often promote the benefits of positive thinking, you have heard them discuss the concept of vibration. What is exactly is vibration? It is basically an indicator of the level of positivity we are projecting. The theory is that, since we are all made of energy, the more positive our thoughts and emotions are, the more we project high energy positive thoughts, and create more positive situations in our lives. In essence, when we are at a high vibration, we are full of positive energy that will attract high quality and fulfilling circumstances in our lives.

What type of positive situations can this high vibration attract? Anything you desire, really. As long is it lines up with the will of God, you can “ask anything in my name and it will be given to you”. I wrote in a previous article, Is Vibration Biblical? that when you maintain a high vibration, you are in essence following the will of God in 1 Thessalonians 5 where we are instructed to pray constantly, be joyful always, and pray at all times. When we are at our highest vibration, we are joyful, full of gratitude, and in regular communication with God.

There are other benefits as well. I recently read an article called 12 Manifestations of a High Vibration. This article provides further information about vibration, and the benefits are what many people seek in their own lives. I’m sure you can find one or several that will resonate with you.

Many inspirational speakers say that if you focus on keeping your personal vibration and energy level high, you automatically open yourself up to an avalanche of blessings. Think about it… it’s the people that are most joyful, appreciative, and in constant contact with their Creator that get the most out of life. I recommend you check out the above article to get specifics. So seek God first, appreciate what little or lot of good you have in your life, and focus on remaining in a joyful state as often as possible. You will then experience the benefits that your high vibration offers. Enjoy the blessings 🙂