God’s Great Gift to All of Us

God has given us many great things in this life. It would be impossible to think of all the great things he has done for us. However, as I lay awake in the middle of the night praying and meditating, I was reminded about one of His greatest gifts of all. What could that be? Why of course it’s…the Present!!

Every present is a wonderful gift. OK, please forgive my play on words here, but here are some thoughts I pondered on…

When does God give us all of these great gifts? In the present moment.

When do we have all control of what we think or do in our lives? The present.

When can we stand before God, fully perfect and forgiven? The present.

When in my life are there absolutely no problems and stress in my life? Now, the present.

When can I have anything I desire in life, at least in my imagination? In the present.

When I can I start my clean slate and try again, forgetting what may have happened in the past? In the present.

You may be thinking that you can’t completely forget about the past. After all, some great things have happened too, and even our failures provide some valuable lessons to learn from. I will say that you are totally correct. However, when can we re-live those wonderful memories and reflect on things to learn from? Yes, in the present.

And I haven’t forgotten about the future either. I know we have to plan for the future. But that planning for the future happens….that’s right. In the present. And as I often share here, our future outcomes in life are determined by our predominant thoughts and emotions, when? In the present.

As I often say, it is very refreshing to know that, in this present moment, we have full control of the thoughts and emotions we feel. When we are focused on the present, we don’t have to worry about stressful and difficult situations. Unless they are happening right at that moment, there is no stress in the present moment. Seriously, if something negative is happening now (and unfortunately they sometimes do) you can deal with it…now, in the present. However, if you’re not in the middle of that situation, then it is not happening now! What in this moment is your problem? Most problems we have in our lives are either something lingering from the past or something we are worried about for the future. In almost all cases, there is not a problem now, in this present moment. And if there is, and you deal with it in the present moment awareness, it is much easier to find a solution and resolve it.

I challenge you and myself to maintain this present moment mentality as much as possible today. Let us see this present moment, right now, as the great gift from God that it is. Whenever I live in the present, I feel an unbelievable peace. I want to experience this peace as much as possible, because it is indeed a gift from God. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Keep Me In The Moment

Singing oh Lord, keep me in the moment
Help me live with my eyes wide open
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me.

These are lyrics from the latest Jeremy Camp song. They serve as an excellent reminder for me to focus on this moment. I often speak about the importance of living in the present moment. It is the only moment where we have full control of our state of mind and emotions. And remember, it is the quality of that state of mind and emotional level that controls the quality of our lives.

People always ask… is it ok to even think about the past? I would answer yes. It is good to think about the past if we are either re-living a positive memory or even using a negative situation as something to learn from and build upon. However, when we do that, we are doing it in the present moment. It is not good to think about the past if we are longing to go back to “the good old days” instead of living in the now. Or it is not good to dwell on the negatives in the past and feel angry or guilty about them and allowing those thoughts to affect your current emotional state in a bad way.

Is it ok to think about the future? Again, I would answer yes. I believe it is sometimes necessary to think about the future because it is valuable to use as a planning tool and for getting a solid picture and goal in your mind for what you want your life to be like. Once again though, you are actually doing that in the present moment. It is not good to think about the future as a way to escape your negative situations you may have today, or to fill your mind with worrisome thoughts about what bad things can possibly happen. Why would you negatively affect your present moment with thoughts of something that hasn’t even happened yet? I know it’s easier said than done, and I would be rather hypocritical if I didn’t admit that I’ve done it myself. In fact, I’ve been quite good at it for most of my life. However, I’ve learned that most of the situations I worried about never actually occurred, and more importantly that the quality of my thoughts and feelings on the inside now, at this moment, determines the quality of my life on the outside now and in the future.

The great news is that we have full control of our thoughts and feelings. And when we do have that control fully? In the present moment. Think about it. At this very moment, as you are reading this, what negative thing is happening? Ok, I guess I shouldn’t set myself up like that. Perhaps the negative thing is you think this article is horrible. Let’s step back from that and assume you’re enjoying the article. Seriously, unless something life-threatening is coming at you right now, if you focus solely on this moment right now, there is nothing negative about it unless you place your thoughts on it. That is true for any moment. There is nothing negative about the present moment unless you believe there is. Knowing this and the fact that you are the only one who can control what enters your mind and heart, I challenge you to pray this prayer to God. Ask for His help in keeping you in the moment. It is a glorious place to be, mainly because God helps keep your eyes wide open and ensures that you don’t miss the opportunities and blessings He has for you.

Prayer is one way that I anchor myself to the present moment. Simply meditating on the presence of God is an amazing way to feel the peace of the moment. Visualization is another way. I realize that we are often imagining future events when we visualize, but the key is to picture them as they are happening right now. When you remain aware of the present moment upon visualizing, it makes the process extra powerful. There are other ways to remain in the moment too, such as immersing in nature, listening to music, taking a warm bath, dancing, and many others. I would suggest you do what works best for you and adds the most joy to the experience.

As I live more in the present moment, I have a greater longing to remain there. Hanging on to the guilt of the past just isn’t attractive to me anymore. Worrying about the future is not worth it to me. I share this with you in the hope that you will join me in this peaceful, joyous place called the present moment. There is no better place to be. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

It’s All a Matter of Perspective

Today I saw a picture of myself from ten years ago. I thought, “wow, I looked so much better then than I do now.” However, I then looked in the mirror and thought, “wow, I look so much better now than I will ten years from now!

It just reminded me that life is all about perspective. And whatever perspective we have is what we live. I can live with the first perspective, but I wouldn’t be happy longing for past, younger days. Or I could choose the second perspective and enjoy what I have now. That would make me much more content.

You have the same choice. Will you choose to live longing for the glory days of the past? Or will you live for today, creating new glory days that you can reflect on in the future? Even if things are difficult for you today, I’m sure you can find something to be thankful for and happy about. Focus on those things, and you will find more to be thankful and happy about. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Try This to Stay in the Present Moment

I love how my 13 year old daughter has embraced the classic rock music I listened to at her age and still do today. One of our favorite songs is “Feels Like the First Time” by Foreigner. As I was humming this tune the other day, I was reminded of a great piece of advice I read about remaining focused on the present moment.

There are so many benefits to staying focused on the present. When you live in the moment, there is no room for guilt or regret from the past, or fear and worry of the future. You are also operating at your highest possible vibration. Of course when your vibration is high, you are thankful and joyful for the great things in life, and you open yourself up to receive them.

So let’s go back to the song in our intro. One of the best tips I’ve heard in a while about remaining focused on the present is to do things as if you are doing it for the first time, even things you do every day. When you sit down for a meal, savor and enjoy it as if it’s your first time doing so. Use all five senses to see the appetizing creation that is nourishing your body. Hear yourself chew it. Smell the wonderful aroma. Feel as it as goes into your mouth and stomach. And savor the delicious taste. When you take a shower, see and be thankful for the hot water that pours down. Feel it as it cleans your body. Smell the beautiful fragrance of the soap that is also cleansing your body. Hear the water pouring out. Again, experience it with the awe and wonder you would if it was the first time you were doing it.

This may seem simplistic, but it does wonders in helping you enjoy activities in the present moment. I recommend you try it. All things you do today, focus on it as if it’s the first time you are ever doing it. Then, as you focus on the present moment, be thankful for all that you are and all that you have at that moment, and for the opportunities you have to do all the things God has enabled you to do. You will enjoy life so much more than hopefully you already are. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

A Simple Way to Remove Negative Emotions

I write often about negative emotions and the importance of not letting them hold you back from accomplishing your goals and dreams. I will admit that this is often easier said than done. It is natural that we all experience negative emotions. After all, we are human beings.

Many people are aware of the importance of releasing those negative feelings. The problem is that many don’t know how to do it. After doing some quality reading this week, I found a consistent theme that can be an instant help in removing those nagging negatives from your mind.

Are you ready for this quick and helpful fix? It’s as simple as focusing on the present moment. I’ve learned so much about present moment living, and I’ve shared much of that knowledge in this space. As the days go by, God is making it ever more clear that living in the present moment is of the utmost importance and benefit.

I say it often and will share it again. When you live in the present, you don’t allow the mistakes of the past to get you down and hold you back. And you don’t let worries of the future prevent you from moving ahead. It is incredibly empowering because you have absolute full control. This is your moment and you can use it IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CHOOSE. How empowering is that?

Knowing this, you have a quick and easy way to remove negative thoughts. After all, negative thoughts are most often caused by past failures or doubts and worries about the future. When you remove your focus from those time frames and put it solely on the present, you have the power of decision to allow positive, solutions-based thoughts to enter your mind instead. Then you can take positive, focused action on those thoughts. This usually results in much greater productivity, which only produces more confidence and positivity, ultimately carrying you where you want to go.

The next time you find negative thoughts invading your mind, first stop, acknowledge them, and catch them. Realize they are only thoughts and they have no power over you. Then focus on the moment. Think of all the good around you at this moment. Think of all of the reasons to be happy and thankful at that moment. It’s amazing how quickly this can change your emotional state. In this greater positive frame of living, remain focused on the moment and consider what you can do joyfully in this moment to bring yourself closer to where you want to be.

Our minds wander often and it is easy to get taken away from the present moment. However, the more you can make it a habit to reel yourself in and remain focused on the present, the more power and positivity you bring into your life. I have found that with practice, it is entirely possible, and I am beginning to experience these benefits on a regular basis.

What are you happy and thankful for right now? Think about it, enjoy it, and stay in the moment as long as you can. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

What Is It Like To Be A Human Who Is ‘Present’?

I have been making a strong effort to place my full focus on the present moment. It is one of the greatest ways we can add power and joy to our lives.

I know God is helping me because He places great information like this in my path. I share it with you in hopes you will receive the same empowerment that I have 🙂

ameliapinter

Also ‘fully Present’ / ‘having Presence’ / ‘Being in the Present moment”/ ‘In the here and now’ / ‘in the NOW’.

What is this like? My best description is a list, as I realize it can be difficult to imagine for those who have not yet attained it, and can have little or some idea only of what all the fuss is about! 😉  It sure is the place to Be!

I have put everything I could think of that may help, some word definitions overlap, but some may trigger in some of you that others do not, so I include them. Also I include some maintenance thereof, assisting tips.  I personally like to do zero negativity also, for all the extra benefits that gives Life, the Universe and Everything!

🙂  So, to Be present is :

Being in a state of : ~-

-Wonderment.
-Bliss.
-Gratitude
-Joyful acceptance of…

View original post 341 more words

A Perspective That Never Gets Old

I had some extra time recently and was looking through some old pictures from about 15 years ago.  I was amazed by how much younger I looked in those pictures. Although I still look decent for my age, I realized that I’ve aged significantly. I really don’t stress about getting older, and I don’t obsess about the way I look, but I admit I was a bit saddened  by this.

Shortly after this I passed by a mirror and took a look. First a thought entered my mind, then a smile came to my face as I reflected on this fact…I look so much younger today than I will 15 years from now!

As I thought about it, it made me realize how often we tend to be saddened by the past. We get down about lost youth, lost opportunities, and allow negative situations to continue haunting us. I took this as yet another reminder to focus on and completely appreciate life as it is NOW. Enjoy every part of it. If we don’t, we will look back 15 years from now dwelling on those same lost opportunities and looks.

Please don’t do that to yourself. Enjoy each day as much as possible. Instead, 15 years from now you will look back on how great life has been, how you’ve learned from any negative situations, and that even if your youth isn’t what it once was, you are a far better person on the inside than you were then.

Go ahead. Look in the mirror and see how great you look. If you don’t believe it, fast forward the clock 15 years from now and think again. Put things in perspective and fully enjoy what you have now. That’s when life looks great 🙂

Inspirational Affirmation – I Am Present

I am a firm believer in the use of positive affirmations to make effective changes in life. I have been using them regularly for several years, and I have seen dramatic changes in my confidence and attitude as a result.

Based on some ideas I have been reading lately, I began using an affirmation that is extremely powerful. It goes like this…”I am present”. It’s very easy to remember, and has a positive and powerful effect for two reasons.

One component helps maintain focus on the present moment. I have read so much lately of the power of the present moment and putting all of our energies there. Focusing on the present is extremely peaceful and powerful because we are not wasting energy dwelling on the past, and we are not holding back because of worry for the future. This affirmation is helpful in maintaining that present moment focus.

Another concept I’ve run into a lot lately (I know it’s because God is purposely revealing it to me) is the power of I Am. In the Bible, God is referred to as I Am on several occasions. I am learning that when we say “I am” about anything, we are essentially referring to the “I Am” that is part of us. Being conscious of that fact has added a great deal of peace and power to my life in the past few months that I have encountered this. This affirmation is a great reminder of the excellent “I Am” power that is part of my being.

I am sure that someone else has already used this same affirmation in the same way. However, my discovery of it has empowered me immensely, and I now share it with you. As many times through the days as you can, focus on those words…I am present. As you do, be thankful and engage completely in the present moment. Then focus on the next part and feel the comfort of the “I Am” that is all around you and a part of you.

I guarantee that meditating on this affirmation will bring a sense of empowerment, and it will happen very quickly. I’ve only been using it for a short time. I’ve experienced its almost immediate effects, and can’t wait to experience the long term effects as I continue to meditate on these words and this powerful idea. I share it with you and look forward to hearing your success stories as well. Enjoy the blessings : )

Bedtime Lessons From Kids

Why is it that kids never want to go to bed? It doesn’t matter that it’s their normal time, or that they are incredibly tired. On many occasions bedtime and getting kids settled down is a difficult time.

Before I reveal my answer, I will say that this doesn’t always go away once we leave childhood. I often stay up later than I should because I simply don’t want to go to bed, even though the stresses of the job and other parts of life have me completely worn out.

So what’s the big deal? Why is it so difficult for kids and some adults to get their already tired bodies to bed? It is simply that they are are fully engaged in the present moment. Think about it. Kids are so engrossed in a fun project, game, or tv show. They are enjoying the moment to the fullest and putting their entire heart and soul into it. Going to bed takes them away from that. It’s the same for me. I often delay going to bed, no matter how tired I am, because I am completely focused on something that I have probably found the scarce time to do. It could be anything from watching or playing a game, working towards my goal, reading, listening to music or a serrmon, or whatever. No matter what it is, I am completely focused and engaged on the present moment, enjoying it to the max.

It has been recommended to me, and I pass this to you, to take this bedtime philosophy and use it throughout your day. Focus and enjoy the present moment completely. Act like it’s minutes before bedtime, and you will delay moving on as long as possible until you have completely lived that moment.

I find that this type of present moment living creates more joy in life, and takes away guilt about the past and fear for the future. You are also more productive because you are completely focused and all of your heart and soul is on the task at hand. There is no room for procrastination, worry about failure, or making excuses.

My bedtime is not for another 12 hours, but I’m moving on to my next project that I will be fully fcoused on as if I had to go to bed in 12 minutes. I recommend living your life in the present moment as much as you can. You will be blessed beyond expectation. Enjoy : )