What Blocks Are Holding You Back From Being Wealthy?

Raise your hand if you DO NOT want more money in your life. Just as I thought, few hands went up. We can all use more money and we can afford to be more wealthy. I am not saying money has to be the guiding force in our lives. Being happy and living the life God wants us to live is what we should most center our thoughts on. However, I cannot deny that more money and the freedom it brings not only can make you happier but can also help you do God’s will more effectively.

I have learned in recent years that receiving more money doesn’t have to be difficult. This has been proven, as I have received far more income in the past year than I ever have before. Yet the problem for me and many others is that we make it more difficult than it has to be. This is because we have mental blocks about money ingrained in our subconscious mind. These blocks prevent us from taking steps to increase our wealth.

I recently wrote an article that identifies some of these blocks and provides solutions to remove them and move you towards the wealth you are seeking. You can access the article here…

Why Am I Not Wealthy? And How Can I Change My Fortunes?

If you want to take an even more in-depth look at some of the blocks you may have about wealth, I found another excellent article by Tony Robbins. Click here for more info…

Anthony Robbins’ 12 Reasons Why People Don’t Get Wealthy

Don’t block yourself from enjoying the greater freedom that more wealth can bring. Instead, see yourself as worthy of this God-given freedom, and be sure to share it with those around you. Enjoy the blessings 🙂

Increase Your Air of Money

There are many people in this world who have large amounts of money. On the other hand, it’s a sad reality that many don’t have much. The question is often asked, especially by those at the low end of the money totem pole. How is it that a small percentage of people have such a high percentage of the world’s money?

I believe the answer is two-fold. One is that it’s a mindset. Along with that, it’s these richest people that believe they are worthy of having what they have, and they simply expect it.

Here is a reality that I was reminded of a few days ago. I’ve read it in several places, and I realize its truth more each day. There is no lack of money in this world. There is an abundant supply that is available to anyone. If you believe this fact, and fully understand your worthiness to have your share, you can quickly begin to increase the amount of money you see in your life.

An analogy that is used in these articles is that of air. There is an abundant supply of air available to every human being. We are all aware of this availability, and we feel worthy to use all that we need, never fearing that it will disappear. Sometimes, especially if we are stressed or just completed some type of physical exercise, we strive for more air, never doubting the fact that we are completely entitled to it without the accusation of being greedy. The only time it would be a problem is if we deliberately try to take air that belongs to someone else, and we all know that people normally don’t deliberately try to do that.

It will be very helpful to you to adopt this attitude in your beliefs about money. Just like air is readily available to use by all (there is no my air, your air, his air. It’s just air), so is money. An abundant supply is readily available. It has no one’s name on it. It is simply available to anyone who believes they are worthy of it. I am not saying we don’t have to work for it or provide something of value in order to receive it. However, I am saying there is no reason you or I deserve any less than the millionaires on this planet. We just need to adopt their attitudes about money and let go of the belief that money is limited or that we don’t deserve it.

I will conclude with the fact that money is not evil. It’s the love of money and greed for it that the Bible defines as the root of all evil. Just like it would be wrong to take someone else’s air, having lots of money that belongs to someone else or was taken from them is indeed evil. However, that’s it. If it is earned rightfully, it belongs to you as much as it belongs to the next person.

If you are struggling with money today, I challenge you to change your beliefs starting now. Realize the abundance of money. It is as abundant as air! Remind yourself constantly that, just as you are fully entitled to the air you breath, you are completely entitled to your part of the unlimited source of money. Your responsibility is to gain it rightfully, then manage it well and share it generously. Once you realize how abundant and available money is, and how worthy of it you are, you will find rightful ways to manifest it into your life. Once you do, it’s priceless 🙂

A Selfish Way To Positively Impact Many People

If you are like me, you have a sincere desire to positively impact those around you.  I am constantly trying to find ways to better serve others and bring people to a higher level. In fact, that’s the main reason for this blog!

I once read a very interesting fact in a Wayne Dyer book (I’ve actually read many interesting facts in his books). It said that when we are in a high emotional state, we can impact many people because of it. This is not only true for those around us, but it says this high energy you create can impact many beyond people your realm. He also says that if your energy is negative, it can have negative effects. He jokes to watch your energy level because you could be potentially depressing someone in Bulgaria(or whatever far away place) right now.

At first, I questioned how this could be true. However, I went with it because I know the importance of maintaining a positive, high energy emotional field. However, as I’ve learned more, I realize the potential we have to impact many.

I have learned a great deal lately about the power of connection. In fact, I recently wrote an article about it that you can check out here..https://powerofpies.wordpress.com/2013/07/16/a-connection-to-an-old-commercial/ 

How does this power of connection help you impact people? This principle states that you are connected to everything and everybody in this universe. This is because the Godly spirit that is a part of you is a part of everything else.

Ok, so how can I take advantage of this connection to positively impact those around me. you ask? My answer may seem very ironic at first. However, once you read the explanation, I believe the light will go on for you as it did for me. In order to impact the most people, you need to…pay strict attention and focus on giving the absolute best to….YOU!

Have I lost you yet? How can focusing on the supreme best for you help others? Again, it’s all in the principle of connection. You are connected to everything. When you enhance the good for you and take yourself to the absolute highest positive energy level, you are automatically doing it for everyone else. Since you are connected to everyone else on this planet, when you shine your own light brighter, you are literally shining the spiritual light of everyone else. You are adding energy to the universal light if you will.

This can enhance your life in other ways too. For example, if you want to “add light” to your bank account, just increase your positive vibration when you think about money. Know that you are connected to every single dollar in the universe. When you increase your own positive vibration about money, you are in turn increasing the positive vibration for all money as a whole. As a result, you attract more to yourself. I believe this is one of the big reasons that the world’s economic situation is as difficult as it is. There are so many individual minds thinking negatively about money that it impacts the negative energy about money itself as a whole.

Remember that you are connected to everything and everybody in this universe. Which part of that connection do you have total control of? That would be you. I remind you again that when you maximize the positivity and greatness of your part of that connection (which you automatically have in the Spirit of God that is part of you), you maximize the qualities of the connection as a whole. In this case, it’s OK to be selfish because in your “selfish” act of making yourself better, you are automatically taking everyone and everything else with you. Hopefully that’s a great idea you can connect with. Enjoy the blessings : )

What Has He Done?

Ah, the beauty of blogging : ) I say that because what I’m about to write here today has nothing to do what I originally intended. It’s happened before, and it’s one of the quirks of writing that fascinates me.

As far as my intended topic today, that will have to wait. Instead, I write about something I read about twice in today’s Bible reading. Usually, that means God is trying to tell me something. Since He told it to me, I will share with you.

The first reading is from Deuteronomy. Moses is about to die, and he is giving a farewell address to the people. In this address, He reminds the people of all the great things God has done for them and all of the miracles they’ve witnessed. I then read Psalm 78. The message was the same! It was a reminder of the great things God has done for the people up until that time. I will say that I did not purposely read these verses. It just so happens that they were scheduled for today on the one year Bible plan I am using. Coincidence, however? I don’t think so.

This caused me to reflect on my life today. In one sense I have a very happy life. In another sense, I am far short of some of my goals, and I seek greater things. I may be getting a bit personal here, but it definitely helps communicate my point. I take the 6 main areas of my life and what I am shooting for:

1. God – As good as it is, my faith can certainly be better.
2. Family – I am still not the family leader I believe I could be.
3. Money – I am still far from the goals I have set.
4. Career – My dream is to touch thousands of lives a day by writing from home or traveling to speak and motivate others. Not there yet.
5. Health – I want to be in better shape and have more energy.
6. Friends/Extended Relatives – I strive to be a better friend and relative.

Am I complaining about the things I mentioned above? Not really. I’m just saying I am striving for great things. However, as I thought about this today, here is what I was reminded of:

1. God – Jesus died for me, and God is extremely proud of this creation. I am special and worthy in His eyes.
2. Family – I have been blessed with the most wonderful family. Better than I could have ever asked for.
3. Money – I have a house, two cars, computers, smart phones, readily available food and clothing. That means I’m richer than 90% of the rest of the world.
4. Career – Although politics have ruined it, and I strive for greater things, my dream job was to be a teacher. I am in my 10th year teaching, and I write this on my Spring break.
5. Health – I look and feel better than I should for someone my age. Also, I have never had any major injuries or sickness in these first 46 years. Neither has anyone else in my immediate family.
6. I am blessed with the most wonderful relatives and friends.

I don’t say this to brag by any means. I haven’t done anything to deserve it, and they are all gifts from above. I say it as a reminder based on what I read today. Let us look back on our lives and realize how much God has done for us. Let us remember the miracles He has already done as we seek greater ones. Even if your life has been difficult, there are things I’m sure you can find that are blessings.

One final thought is this…it has been proven to me that the more thankful we are for what we have and the more we reflect on what God has already done, the more the blessings continue to pour into our lives. I challenge you to reflect on the miracles you have seen in your life, and the great places you’ve been, whether you can count them on one hand, or you have a long list. Focus on them and be thankful for them. If you do, you can expect more to come. Enjoy!

How To Gain Ultimate Success

“The value of the individual life is not measured by the quality of possessions, but by the quality of existence”.

The above quote is by Christian Larson in his book “The Ideal Made Real” (p. 109). It is easily one of the best of many books I’ve read on personal development. I’ve read it several times, and it seems like each time, a different part of it catches my attention.

What is the significance of the quote? Based on the other information in the chapter, he is saying that instead of striving to achieve “things” and material success, it is far more important to strive to be the absolute best you that you can be. We are all blessed with different personalities. Knowing this, let your unique personality shine as brightly as it can.

I will share more quotes from the chapter that I believe can bring the point across far better than I can…”to find your personality passing through a transformation process, bringing out into expression the finest and best that you can picture in your ideals is something that will add immensely to the joy and worth of living. In fact, this alone would make life not only worth living, but so rich that every moment would become a source of unbounded satisfaction itself” (p.110).

I will add one more…”the average person usually asks himself how much money he can make during the next ten years, but why should he not ask how much happiness he can enjoy during those same years, or how much brilliancy he can develop in his own mind or how much more beautiful he can become in body, character, and soul? He would find that by living for these latter things, he would not only perpetually enrich his life and live a life that is thoroughly worth living, but he would find that the earning of money would be much easier than if he simply lived for material gain alone”(p.110-111).

Once again, the message is this. Focus on being the best person you can be at all times. See the beauty in the unique personality God has given you. Constantly remind yourself that His perfect and loving spirit is a part of you. Be love, beauty, kindness, joy, and all of the other fruits of that Spirit.

When you are the best you that you can be, you are setting yourself up for success. You are more attractive and positive, and you will be drawn like a magnet to positive and successful situations. You will have the confidence to act and take full advantage of the opportunities. Most importantly, you will enjoy a life of happiness, satisfaction, and success. That’s a life we all strive to live. Enjoy those wonderful blessings : )

As a footnote, an acquaintance of mine provided me a free copy of the e-book I mentioned above. If you would like a free copy for yourself, leave a comment or contact me, and I will be happy to share. The book has helped my life immensely, and I believe it will help you in the same way : )

An Easy Way To Increase Your Talents

There are certain Bible verses that I have read numerous times and still have difficulty understanding. One such story is the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). It always bothered me a bit because it says whoever has much will have more, and whoever has little will have less.

Why did this verse bother me so much? Because there were plenty of things I had little of, and only few that I had much of. My question was…I have little money. You’re telling me that my only chance is to have less? I’m not very confident. You’re telling me my confidence will only weaken?

Not too long ago, I had a chance to look at this story again. It’s amazing how, when we persist on learning Scripture God eventually sheds light on things and they make total sense. If you’re not familiar with the story, I’ll provide the basic version. A rich, shrewd man is going on a journey, and leaves his wealth in the hands of three people. To one he gives 10 money units (these units are called Talents. Funny how it fits right in with this story. More on that later). To one he provides 5, and to the other, 1. The ones with the 10 and 5 talents invest wisely and double the amount, while the one with 1 is scared off and just buries the 1, getting nothing in return. When the manager returns, he praises the first two, but punishes the third for not trying to gain more. He takes the one talent and gives it to the man with 10. That’s when Jesus says that whoever has will have more, and whoever doesn’t will have less.

As I studied this story I found three commentaries which clarified the meaning of this for me. Before I share, I will say that I did not go looking for these explanations, but just found them all around the same time. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Anyway, here are the three commentaries:

1. According to the Life Application Bible, the story means we need to use the resources God provides us to the best of our ability. Whether we have many or few, we need to use them responsibly and according to His will.

2. One book I read said that it had to do with the thoughts we think and our overall attitude. The more positive frame of mind and attitude we maintain, the more positive results we see in our lives.

3. In her book “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne, she uses this quote throughout, saying that the more gratitude we show and feel, even towards the smallest of things, the more reasons we will have to be grateful for bigger things.

I must say that I agree with all three of these conclusions. At this point, this previously unclear story is now as clear as the day. You have received many gifts from God. He expects you to use them wisely and responsibly, and will bless you as you do. The more you fill your mind with positives thoughts and outcomes, the more you will see greater positive results play out in your life. And the more grateful you are, the more reasons you will have to be grateful. It’s a simple, but true fact that your talents and whatever else you have will be increased proportionally.

Now that I am fully aware of the true meaning of that story, I do my best to act it out every day. I must say that my walk with God is closer than it’s ever been, and I am being blessed on a continual basis. Even if you feel like you don’t have many talents, God will increase them if you are resourceful, positive, and thankful. Enjoy the blessings : )

Dare To Believe

It’s amazing how I’ve read certain quotes or Bible verses countless times, and then, just once, it stands out so powerfully. One such verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7. it says we walk by faith, not by sight.

I often discuss this concept on this site, yet sometimes forget to follow it myself. When I do follow the advice and walk by faith, great things happen, many of which I didn’t even see coming. The same is true for you or anyone else.

What is walking by faith? It is living by the definition of faith, which is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of what we do not see. You can do this in several ways. First, you need to know exactly what you want. Then, you visualize it taking place. Along with visualizing, it is very important to feel success. Enjoy the positive feelings you would feel if your goal was actually being realized. Another important point is to live by the “as if” philosophy. Be and do as if you alredy have what you want.

This is a great way to build your faith. We often don’t believe like we should because we don’t see the results. For example, people want more peaceful relationships, but they still see strife. We want more money, but still see the low bank balance. We want health and energy but still see a higher number on the scale. When you visualize the success you are seeking, you are walking by faith, regardless of what you see. In fact, when you are visualizing, you are seeing your success.

God provides miracles for people who believe. When you walk by faith you are setting yourself up for those miracles. Then you will also see the success you are dreaming about. I dare you to believe : )

How To Create More Problems In Your Life

I was discussing the concept of reverse psychology with someone the other day. It’s funny that it especially works with kids. You know, when you purposely tell them to do one thing when you want them to do another. For example, when you say “don’t smile”, and actually get them to smile.

I figured I would try to use reverse psychology on this blog today. The above title goes against something I would usually write about. My goal is positivity and to assist myself and others avoid problems instead of creating them. We’ll see if it works  in getting your attention and the point of what I have to say today : )

The sad thing is that most people create their own problems in life. Yes, I know some good people get bad breaks and situations they totally don’t deserve. However, what most people don’t realize is that they create many of their own problems, and continue to make them worse. Some do this in a completely unconscious manner.

What is one way you or anyone else can create more problems in life? Drum roll please…the best way to add more problems to life is to complain. We all do it. Unfortunately when you do, it just adds fuel to the fire.

I often share about the power of the mind, and that we receive what we think about. When you complain, you are thinking about the problem and focusing on it whether you relaize it or not. The result is that you receive and experience more of the problem. Is your boss making things difficult for you at work? Gossiping about it to the other employees will only make it worse. That’s because it is what you are focusing on. Lamenting that your bank account balance is too low? Once again, the continuous focus on it will only bring more red instead of black. Sharing about how your spouse or partner is getting on your nerves? I don’t think I have to say it again. Hopefully you are figuring out that complaining only makes a bad situation worse because you are focusing your thoughts on that negative situation.

How do we reverse the negative trend? Simply focus on the solution. Instead of communicating about the negative situation in your life, think and talk about the positive that it will create. For example, if the problem is at work, focus on the fact that this will motivate you to do better work or the new, better job you will find as a result. If money is the issue, think about having a fat bank account and focus your efforts and actions on making it happen. If you are having relationship difficulties, think about all of the positive traits of that person, and picture the relationship you want to have. Then act towards that positive goal.

I conclude with the reminder that we receive what we focus our thoughts on. When you complain, you are placing your focus on the negative situation, thus creating more of it. When you focus on the solution or the ultimate goal, your action will coincide, thus moving you away from the negative, and towards the desired outcome. That is certainly not something to complain about : ) Have an excellent day!

A Generous Dose of Info To Help Receive What You Want

Is there a special formula that gives you a better chance to receive what you want? In one way, I would have to say no. There are many factors involved. However, if you are looking for a way to enhance your success, reach your goals, and receive the blessings you are looking for, I have something that can help you get there.

How do you get want you want? The answer is quite ironic and may surprise you….give it away! What? How can I give away something I don’t even have? I will say that in most cases, you already do have it. For example, some people are looking to be appreciated more. In that case, the best way to receive that appreciation is to show greater appreciation for others. Seeking more money? Be more willing to share what you already have. Many of us say we don’t have enough time. If that’s the case, give yours away. Spend time helping and serving other people, and watch how much time you will find that you really have. The same is true with the other examples. By appreciating others, you will find people appreciating you more. By sharing your money, you will find it coming to you from unexpected sources. It’s amazing how it works.

This information is well backed in the Bible. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” Proverbs 11:25. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap” Luke 6:38. These are just some of the many verses that stress the importance and benefits of generosity.

A key concept is to avoid doing things for others simply because you want to be blessed yourself. Don’t go seeking the blessing. When you do for others, you will atomatically have it done for you. Besides, there is the verse in Matthew 25 where Jesus says, whatever you do for the least of these people you do for me. You are doing it for Him and His glory. You will be blessed as a result. In addition, think of how you feel when you give to someone else. Doesn’t it feel great? That great feeling will give you more positive energy, and you will feel like you can do more with your time. The desire to give to others simply becomes natural.

Today, think of what you can do for someone else. Think especially of what it is that you are seeking in your life. Then give as much as you can of it to someone else. You will see major blessings for them, and especially in your own life. I encourage you to make it happen. Please share your results : )

A Crazy Man’s Way To Rapid Manifestation

I have read many different articles and books that talk about using the Law of Attraction to manifest the things we desire in life. Before I go further, I will say that I am one who doesn’t often talk about the Law of Attraction. I strongly believe in it and know that it can add a great deal to our lives. However, as a Christian, I believe it is ultimately God that brings us the blessings we are seeking in life, and I am not big on using this law to attract a Mercedes, million-dollar home, etc.

Upon saying that, I will again say that this is a powerful law, one we can use to enhance the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us. If you’ve read some of the popular books on the topic, like “The Secret”, you will know that some people have come up with a number of different strategies to create the positive feelings that make the law work.

I decided to take this to the test the other day. It’s a bit crazy, but it’s helped me already, and I welcome you to try it too. I was feeling a bit down as the beautiful tax return I had received was gone before I knew it, and we couldn’t even use it all as we had planned. I decided then that drastic measures had to be taken. What I decided to do was take the amount of money I desire to earn this year ($120,000) and broadcast the fact that I was receiving it. I was driving, and as each car on the road passed by I said the following to them…”God is giving me $120,000″. Anyone I saw walking on the side of the road…same thing. Then I went into the supermarket. What do you think? No, I didn’t have the guts to actually tell these people I was receiving $120,000. I don’t want anyone else (besides me and my readers) thinking I am crazy, but in my imagination, I did tell these people about my new wealth.

At first, I thought I had officially flipped. However, as I continued to do this, I realized it was following many of the Law of Attraction manifestation guidelines. Here are some examples…first, a great deal of the Law is based on feeling. I was only going to make my situation worse by feeling bad about my lack of money. Instead, I was having fun with this! As a result, I was creating good feelings about money that were replacing the bad. Another positive factor was affirmation. It’s a fact that the more we tell ourselves something, the more we believe it. I was actually beginning to create the belief and convince myself that this money was coming my way. Here’s another fact. As a teacher, I have researched that the best way for my students to retain knowledge is to share it with someone else. I set up activities regularly which enable them to do this. In this case, I was doing the same thing. I was sharing with others that I was receiving this money. Even though it was only imaginary,  this was helping engrain it into my mind. Once again I was beginning to believe it more and more. I was feeling the feeling of having this money now.

Those are some examples of effective Law of Attraction guidelines that were being followed by this exercise. It was also amazing how my whole demeanor changed because of this. I was walking around with a smile on my face as I was enjoying this. As a result, some people that passed me by in the store actually smiled back. And they didn’t know what I was thinking, so I don’t think it’s because they thought I was crazy! I honestly think it’s because they felt the positive vibrations.

You may now be asking…Joe, what’s the bottom line? Did this work? I will say that I’ve never been more convinced of the power of this great law. No, I haven’t yet received $120,000. However, in the three days, since I began doing this, I received the opportunity to earn $75 extra dollars that I hadn’t planned on receiving. Another powerful part of the Law of Attraction is gratitude. Believe me, I expressed major gratitude after this which continued the positive feelings.

So why not try it? You don’t have to do it exactly like this, but why not have fun in proclaiming a victory you are looking for, whether it be financial help, better health, more fulfilling relationships, or anything. Before it happens, give God the credit, and tell as many people as you can either for real or hiding in your car. Enjoy proclaiming victory, create positive feelings, create faith, and be ready for opportunities to capitalize on making it a reality. Be thankful for every small victory, you will see your success accelerate, and your desires will manifest rapidly.

There was an old song that asked…aint it great to be crazy? I say sometimes it is. Enjoy the blessings : )

For more on rapidly manifesting your desires, I recommend this free e-book. It provides step by step suggestions for you to play your part in the manifestation process. Click here for yours…

The Ease and Keys of Rapid Manifestation