Understanding Faithful Religious Followers - Why Do You Believe in Your Religion

How can you honestly understand someone else's opinion if they sincerely differ from yours? For years I have been trying to understand the beliefs portrayed by organized religions around the world. Whenever someone is explaining part of their religion to me and I bring something to their attention, about their religion, and they don't know the answer, their replies always seem to be based around faith. You just need to believe.

I've been asking people for years, why do you believe? The answers vary from time to time but the essence of the answers are similar. Our conversations seem to start out with a few facts, which leads us into a friendly discussion about their religious beliefs and how they were formed. Whenever I start to dig a little too deep or ask some of these people questions that they don't have the answers to, the conversation always ends abruptly and the word faith always seems to appear.

I feel like this is the easy way out for religious believers.

I'm sure that they get frustrated with me, asking them questions about their religions, that they can't answer. Most of these people won't even bother to find the answers for themselves either, this has often irritated me, but at the same time I think I understand. Most people want to be a part of something but won't take the time to be involved in it. Living a life based on a little information, a lot of hope and the rest completely immersed in faith, seems like a life that is lived without questioning the most important thing in your life.

If I went to a place of worship and asked this question "What's the Most Important Thing in Your Life?" I would imagine most of these people would tell me it was their God or gods. God seems to be the main focus on their lives but they don't seek to understand how he came to be, why he doesn't help the poor, why won't God communicate with us, or even something as simple as understanding some, at the least 10% of your religion.

I don't believe there's anything wrong with living a faithful life. I have faith in things that are out of my control and am still seeking answers to their origins and existence. The sun, Earth, air, water and even God. I suggest to religious, nonbelievers and spiritual people all over the world, to gather a little more information about your beliefs, if they are indeed important to you.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Heal Your Life

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility . It's based on overindulgence.

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Structuring Your 24 Hour Day

Hoping to Enter Heaven - Religious Views Based on Hope

I was told by an advertising executive one day that all of your advertisements need to deliver some sort of hope for the people you're trying to persuade into buying your products. Funny, if you think about it, I got some and great advice about life from someone in the advertisement business.

Most people are looking for hope, in everything they do. Most of our daily activities revolve around hope and this gives our lives some sort of direction. If you believe in an almighty being and creator of the universe, often you will try to please him, ....or her, ....or it, in hopes of entering the kingdom of heaven or the promised land after you die.

Often our fears will increase our levels of hoping, the fear of doing something against your religion can often inspire you to become a more spiritual person, a good and moral person. Fear of making the wrong choices will inspire us to make better, moral choices, all for the sake of acquiring a ticket to Heaven or Nirvana. You're hoping, your good deeds on earth will earn you a place in heaven.

Most people are afraid of dying and leaving this world, for good. They don't know where they're going and that seems to scare most people. If we can offer someone a little hope, that they are going to a much better place than here, we can often ease the pain and suffering associated with death. I have to admit, most religions of the world promise another world, after we're done with this one.

If you're living a honest and moral life with the hopes of living a bountiful life in heaven, could you be wrong. What if you're seeking Hope in the wrong religion? If you're a Christian and the Hindus are right and you're wrong, do you get to enter there eternal kingdom.

Think about this question, I'm about to ask you. What if spend your whole life studying your religion and it's wrong? There is no heaven and when you die, that's the end of your existence

Have you ever wondered why you believe in your religion and someone in another country or even a couple of miles away believes in something entirely different.

Don't get mad at me or yourself, simply think about the question for a while, this question has transformed my life and put me on a wonderful spiritual path of learning.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Intention

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

Starting With Simple Things

Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? - The Good People Get to Go to Heaven Also

I found a website that was recommended to me and it had the comment, is Jesus the only way to heaven at, Gotquestions, seems like your typical Christian website that replies with biblical quotes and simple to follow information. If I was lost, they will help me find a way. There's even a button at the bottom that states, I have accepted Christ today. I guess if I was to push that button, I get to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Hard to imagine, avoiding a life of burning in hell could be as simple as pushing a button and uttering a few simple words.

I found this question and began reading their comment. The first comment is from somebody answering as a nonbeliever in Christianity. It states something like, if I'm basically a good person and live a moral life, I get to go to heaven, right, only the bad people like murderers go to hell.

Now the answer that the website gives, seems to create fear if you do not belong to Christianity and provide you with hope if you join the group.

It mentioned Satan as the ruler of the world, and he can plant these thoughts into your head if you're not a Christian. He also controls your mind and let's you believe, that it would only make sense to any rational person, they get to go to heaven if they're good.

Now this is what makes sense to me but according to this information, I am doomed to rot in hell for eternity, even if I am a pretty good person. All I have to do is accept Christ as God and I get to go to heaven. That seems pretty easy and I wonder why more people don't do it. Just push the button.

I wonder if Satan is controlling, non-Christians minds and that's why there's brutality and war throughout the world. If everyone was a Christian, would our world be better.

Here's a quote from Wikipedia The Crusades were a series of religion-driven military campaigns waged by much of Christian Europe against external and internal opponents. Crusades were fought mainly against Muslims, though campaigns were also directed against pagan Slavs, Jews, Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians, Mongols, Cathars, Hussites, Waldensians, Old Prussians, and political enemies of the popes.

These Christian Crusades killed thousands of people. To give you an idea how many people were killed, all I had to do was type the word crusades into a search engine and it took me to the Christian Crusades.

I guess that rules that out, it seems like the Christians a long time ago were pretty aggressive towards their enemies, I wonder if most Christians would refer to these people as enemies today or are they just being controlled by Satan. Do these Christians from the Crusades get to go to heaven? If people like this get to go to heaven, may be hell is a better place anyway.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Mere Christianity.

Here's something to think about, go to heaven.

Finding Something You Don

What Does God Care About? - Spiritual Thinking

If I ask you to stop what you were doing, get a piece of paper and a pencil and draw a line down the center of the paper and on one side, write down what you think God cares about and on the other side write down things that you think he doesn't care about, would you do it? Make a list for yourself and then ask yourself, if your religious beliefs are on that list somewhere. As long as the side of the list is longer, about the things that God does care about, I guess everything is okay, isn't it.

If God doesn't care about starvation or hunger, I guess I can understand that. It would make more sense because in the real world, the world God created, it's survival of the fittest, right, wouldn't that be a true statement. The smartest people on the planet and the most educated, aggressive, goal oriented and religious believers seem to have the best lives and live in nice homes, don't they. I really never thought much about starvation but I guess God's plan is based around the strong will survive. I'm just thinking out loud here.

I wonder if God cares about people that are poor and uneducated? These are the meek and don't they inherit the kingdom of God, or am I missing something. Do you think poor people and uneducated people are suffering because God wants them to go to heaven only after they have suffered on earth. I can't really understand the concept of suffering on earth to receive rewards later after you're dead. Just doesn't make sense to me.

What do you think God really cares about? How will we ever know if we're right? If you believe in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism or any other religion that believes in a deity, I guess you can open up a book and gather all the answers. This doesn't make much sense to me either.

Reading these scriptures can often lead to confusion if you're open-minded. Examining these scriptures a little closer can provide you with education. Educating your self on other religions can help you understand more of what God really does care about. I believe God does care about love and compassion, all gods.

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

30 Days To Creating Super Habits

Inerrancy of the Bible - Are There Mistakes in the Bible

What does the word inerrancy main? Inerrancy would refer to text that is accurate and totally free of any errors or without any mistakes. Does this sound like any book that you have ever read or have knowledge of. Maybe there is a one sentence book that could fall into this category.

Most books however and even this article has mistakes. If I made a decision to base my life, my entire life and that of my children and grandchildren, I would want to make sure that it was accurate as possible.

Is the Bible, 100%, 90%, or even 50% accurate. Are these stories that were written by people many years ago and the lessons have been helpful but now need to be rewritten.

Does the Bible actually contain the will of God? Some scholars believe that certain sections of the Bible meet this criteria while others do not. How can these people judge if they are not God and how can we believe in this stuff is not true.

If the Bible was inspired by God but written by men, this could actually mean that God had complete control over writing the Bible or does this mean that the man wrote the Bible with gods inspiration. I'm inspired by God daily and often write about it, but don't seem to have enough followers to make it into the biblical Hall of Fame. I'm writing with inspired beliefs right now.

If there are errors in the Bible, how extensive or how many errors are there actually. There are actual stories that can be documented as historical facts. This doesn't mean the rest of the Bible is factual, nor does it mean it is historically inaccurate.

The Bible has some errors in it and some facts that we can prove but leaves us with the question, is this a book from the Creator of the universe or a book written by men, to make us believe, it was written by God and if so why are we still believe being in it. Why do some people read this book and other religious text daily? What motivates them to read holy Scripture regularly but doesn't seem to allow them enough time to find out if they are reading accurate information.

The biggest problem I have with the inerrancy of the Bible is the fact that most people tend to ignore certain truths and cling to their childhood beliefs about religion. If this is not the way or the truth, I would want to start looking for it, instead of following someone else's dreams or religious doctrine.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion. Religious Education And Fear

Backup Plans Feel Good

The Bible's Power Over One Child

I mentioned Sean in another one of my articles, the story of a young foster boy that we were taking care of. Sean's father was my ex-wife's uncle, and they were going through some tough times for a while and their three children ended up as wards of the state. We eventually ended up taking the oldest child because he was the hardest one to place and another home. His brother and sister ended up with a family that wanted to adopt them and eventually Sean went to live with them and I believe all three of them were adopted by this family. I don't know this for a fact though.

Sean was a emotionally damaged child. His parents would punish him with some strange and bizarre punishments. They weren't really physical punishments but seemed to leave the emotional scars on him and I often think about where he is and what he is doing.

We watched him for about a year and I learned quite a bit from this young man. He was in the third grade but was still at the first grade level for reading and math. I would spend a couple of hours each night during the week helping him with his schoolwork, I seem to have created some sort of allusion that I would be able to bring him up to the third grade level within a short period of time. Wrong. He must've had learning disabilities and of course I don't think I was that good teacher.

Sean was easy going, polite and extremely obedient. He would do anything to avoid getting in trouble and often blamed others for his mistakes. His punishments must have been more than he could bear before he arrived at our home. I think you're getting the picture about what kind of a child Sean was.

One day I found myself in a dilemma with Sean, I couldn't get him to tell me the truth, even though I knew he was lying. I forget what the problem was but I remember a hollow look in his face. It was almost like he wasn't really there. It was almost like he was just doing time, sitting on the bed, listening to me asking the same question over and over again, "Sean are you lying", but he wasn't even paying attention.

I normally would not punish my children for accidents, and never tolerated lying. I was trying to explain to him that he wasn't going to get in trouble, I just wanted to know the truth. He wasn't budging at all and stuck to his story. I remembered that his mother and father were Catholics and feared the church, almost as much as they loved it.

That's what I came up with my evil plan. I don't know where I come up with these ideas, but every once in a while one pops up in my head and I run with it.

I told Sean that I was going to bring the Holy Bible in, and if he could swear on the Bible that he was telling the truth, I would accept that and this would be the end of our conversation. I couldn't believe my eyes, as he started crying and screaming, frantically and excitedly as a yelled out, I did it, I did it, don't bring the Bible in, I won't do it again.

I couldn't believe that was all it took to get information from him. I have always been a pretty good interrogator and found myself gathering information from those people easily, but this was amazing. His fear of the Holy Bible got me thinking about how powerful this book actually is to some people. I remember when I looked upon this book, pretty much the same as Sean did.

It's just a book, like any other book. It's not made at a holy factory or a secret monastery in the Swiss Alps somewhere, it's made from paper and ink and can be damaged and destroyed like other books. I would be surprised if I threw the Bible into the fire, that it wouldn't burn. I would be even more surprised, if I seen three men standing in the fire, wait a minute that's another story in the Bible.

Is it possible for this book to actually control the lives of people. It seemed to control Sean, I wonder if I, could have actually been driving a nail home that his parents started. Could I have added to his belief, that the Bible is a book from God the creator of everything.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion. Simple Words Create Powerful Beliefs.

Starting With Simple Things

Success Starting in Your 40s

You're going to find it hard to believe, but very seldom does an individual peak with creativity until they reach the age of 40. The average individual usually makes the most money between the age of 40 and 60. This doesn't have anything to do with retirement. Most highly creative people keep producing until they die.

If you're 55 years old and looking for a new career or can't seem to find a job in the profession you have worked at your whole life, don't be alarmed or fearful. Do you think you could start your own business? Is there something, you have always wanted to do but have put it off until retirement, or until you had enough time to do it?

Why wait, if you can't find a job in a business you never truly enjoyed, maybe you can find a new job doing something you love.

I have worked in construction for 30 years and at 44 years old started to pursue a career in writing and plan to create award winning websites and best selling books, for the rest of my life. This doesn't mean, I won't work in construction ever again, but I will become a best selling author within the next 20 years.

Most people don't take the time required to learn a new profession. If you're sincerely interested in another career, and you're 50 years old, there is plenty of people out there to give you hope and inspiration.

If you would like some proof, here's a couple successful American businessman who succeeded after the age of 40. Henry Ford is probably one of the most popular and became extremely successful after the age of 40. Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialists who transformed the steel business and did not start reaping the rewards of his efforts until he was well past the age of 40.

I gathered this information from the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. There is a section in the book where he talks about people after the age of 40 with phenomenal success. Anyone who's interested in gaining wealth through spirituality or finances should read this book.

I've often heard the statement, "People Often Over Estimate What They Can Do in a Year and Often Underestimate What They Can Do in a Decade." If you want to accomplish something after the age of 40, I would advise you to start with a plan and then put that plan and the action. Your plan could take five to 15 years to achieve or longer but think about the rewards, whether spiritual or financial.

Gregory Vanden Berge is working to promote personal development ideas and spiritual reform. He has started a web site for videos and articles based on current information about subject he is very familiar with.

"Education has freed me, to pursue other ideas and release me from the bondage and fear of organized religion."

Gregory Vanden Berge

Starting With Simple Things

Are You Good All the Time? Spiritual Advice

I wonder how God would feel, if it came down to earth and walked around for a couple weeks, visiting other countries and walking in and out of peoples homes, and they never even knew he was there. What would God really think about the programs we watch on television, how we treat our children and parents, what our conversations consist of and who we really choose to love.

If God came to your home and was just another fly on the wall, you never even knew he was there, would he be proud, would you be okay with the way your living or would he be disappointed. Are you one of those people who goes to church once a week and puts the bare minimum in required, just so you can tell your friends or show your family what a wonderful person you are. But behind the scenes, you're lying, stealing, cheating or doing something else that God wouldn't be proud of.

Is the fear of going to hell enough to keep us in line for the rest of our lives? You know most people live their lives in fear of something and religion seems to be at the top of their list. If they do something morally wrong, like stealing, they start to live in a world of guilt and wonder why they did it. Is it the fear or guilt that starts to eat away at these people. If I do five good deeds, maybe it will wipe out the bad one, you might have to do more good deeds if it's a really big bad one.

Do you live your life like God is watching you all the time? Are you one of those people who does everything right, because you are afraid that the almighty omnipotent all-knowing God is watching everybody, always. In your heart and soul, are you doing everything you can, every single thing possible, that you could think of, to be a good person. Does guilt play a big part in your life? Consciously or unconsciously.

If God was to find you doing something wrong, would you try and explain your way out of it, even though you're talking to God and he knows everything about you. Or would you start apologizing, like you do with everyone you know, I'm sorry god please, please, forgive me for my sins.

What kind of person are you really? Ask yourself this question honestly and if you believe that you can do better with your life, why not put the effort in, for real, really put the effort in and try to become a better version of yourself. Your children, parents and friends are counting on you.

Some Men Aren't Treated Fairly in Christianity

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Getting Up Earlier

The Wisemen Weren't Very Wise - Christianity

Here's a verse from Matthew in the New Testament, read this first and then I will explain why the wisemen weren't very wise.

"9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."

The wisemen traveled great distances from around the world to see the new King. The star in the sky obviously pointed the way to his birthplace and when they saw him, they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, and incense and myrrh. It doesn't really say how much or what the value of these gifts was, but if I was to guess, it would've been around $1 trillion dollars. Okay that's pure speculation and let me get back to my point.

Here's the part I don't understand, if Jesus was born King of the Jews, how did we get Christianity. How come the Jewish faith didn't become stronger and more powerful with this newborn King. I know, there's probably all sorts of things you could say in Christianity's defense, like the Jews killed him or even the little dying on the cross incident, kind of put a damper on things, but the Jews lost there king and the wisemen disappeared, never to be heard of again.

Now if I was one of the wisemen or the Magi, I would have been smart enough to stay in contact with Jesus. I couldn't have e-mailed him but could have used the stars somehow to find him, like they did originally. If it were smart enough to use the star in the first place, he could have been found using the solar system a second time. Don't you think.

What it all comes down to, is this, if these Magi were so smart, why didn't they seek Jesus's advice or counsel in days to come. Why would they have given him these gifts, only to never be heard from again in the Bible. Another thing to think about on your religious path to spiritual enlightenment.

Oh by the way, what the heck did Jesus's parents do with the gifts.

Hope in Religion

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Habits To Prevent Losing Things

Three Questions to Ask Yourself If You're a Christian

I was talking to someone on the Internet the other day through e-mail and I found myself asking them the same questions that I have asked others to think about. That's when it dawned on me that I should make this list available to everyone who is either involved in Christianity or is thinking about becoming a Christian.

1. Why Do You Believe in God?

Have you ever given it much thought, how or why he became a Christian. Were you raised a Christian and now consider yourself a Christian or have you converted from another religion to Christianity? Were you a nonbeliever and now are a believer? Are you someone who was indecisive and didn't really give much thought to Christianity but then met someone and they convinced you to follow the Lord.

2. Do You Use God?

I've heard so many people talk about God when things are going bad but rarely talk about God when things are going good or even give God much thought. When you're having problems, do you pray for God to give you the answers or maybe even a little help? When people are dying, they're reaching for anything that can promise them hope, that this isn't the end of their life. Is God your safety crutch in life, only to be used when there's a problem?

3. Would You Be a Good Person without God?

Is fear the only thing that keeps you in line? You don't want to do anything bad, because you might not get to go to heaven. Is it possible for you to live your life as a good person, an honest person and maybe even show a little compassion towards others, without God. Do you think we could live in a world and be good people without fear or judgment?

I don't really know if these three things are going to help you but if just one of them gets you thinking about Christianity, then I've done my job. Learn a little bit more about your religion and how you came about your beliefs.

Jesus Missing Years

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Backup Plans Feel Good

What Happened to the Wise Men's Gifts - Thought Provoking Religious Ideas on Christianity

Do you ever wonder what ever happened to the Wise men's gifts that were given to Jesus's parents? Nobody ever talks about it and it was never mentioned again in the Bible. If it was mentioned again I would love to have somebody e-mail me some more information on what Joseph and Mary did with the gifts, that were given to the newborn King or in other words Jesus.

I didn't come up with this idea on my own, I was reading a book by George Seaver called Albert Schweitzer "The Man and His Mind." I found the book in a thrift store near Seattle, Washington while on vacation visiting one of my relatives. I heard a lot about Albert Schweitzer from various personal development and spiritual books and thought this book would be give me some insight on the man.

I really had no clue, that I would find something like this within the first few pages.

Here's a quote from the book.

When I was eight my father, at my own request, gave me a New Testament, which I read eagerly. Among the stories which interested me most was that of the Wise Man from the East. What did the parents of Jesus due, I asked myself, with the gold and other valuables that they got from the Wise men? How could they have been poor after that? And that the Wise men should never have troubled themselves again about the child Jesus, was to me uncomprehensible.

Now this is coming from an eight year old child, not someone who has researched biblical scripture their whole lives. What else are we missing in the Bible that doesn't make sense but we were trained to believe in our religions without ever questioning your religion . It's definitely something to think about and the next time you're reading something or listening to the news on TV, try to figure out if it's fact or fiction.

You definitely cannot believe everything you read or hear from outside sources. I heard once that the only things that are truly real are the things that never change. If you think about it, most things change and therefore would not be considered real.

Ponder That for a While.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Here's a good website if you're interested in, religious classics and looking for evidence.

Greg is currently working on a religious and motivational articles filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Success Through Inspiration - Reading One Book

Could one book, read by one person change the world. One book written by Henry David Thoreau called "Walden", changed the lives of people in India and the United States of America. These people were treated like second-class citizens and soon were inspired to change because of one person gave them hope that they could.

This man died when he was 46 years old and I wouldn't consider him a world of success at that time but he did live his life, the way he wanted to live it, for the most part. He has inspired great people like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He had no idea, at the time he was writing the book, the impact "Walden" would have on the world.

He wrote his book on daily experiences that he had living in a cabin for just a little over two years. Two years of his life and he created this wonderful masterpiece. It's amazing how the few hours a day, for a couple of years could create something that would inspire others to become great leaders and provide the world with inspiration.

People for years have been inspiring others to change their lives. If I had to make a list of all the people who had inspired me, it would be pretty long. There are a few books, movies, documentaries and individuals who have inspired me more than others. I'm sure you have lists of people that you look up to also. Changing the world to make it a better place will take individuals who are inspired by others, educated by others and helped by others to become who they are today.

Henry David Thoreau has inspired other people, and was also inspired by others. Never underestimate the success that you can be created through inspiration. Continue to receive your inspiration from great people and provide inspiration for those who need it greatly.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Structuring Your 24 Hour Day

Council of Nicaea Conclusion - The Origins of Christian Belief

In the year 325A.D the emperor of Rome, Constantine gathered a group of church bishops and other leaders who believes in Christianity. The purpose of the meeting was to define the true God for all Christians and eliminate any confusion within Christ's church.

By the end of this council, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit were considered one and the same. Before the council, there was confusion about, whether they should believe in one God, two gods or three entities.

Here's a statement from got questions, a popular Christian website, "The Council of Nicea affirmed the deity of Jesus Christ and established an official definition of the Trinity-the deity of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit under one Godhead, in three co-equal and co-eternal Persons."

This was a pretty interesting article, if you've got time to read it, I would also suggest checking out Wikipedia for more information about the Council of Nicaea.

Here's Some of the Problems I Have with This Small Group of Proclaimed Christians.

If I'm reading this statement correctly, a group of people or religious leaders, 1700 years ago decided that Jesus, God the creator of everything in the universe and the Holy Spirit are the same. What does this mean to you? To me it establishes as a fact that a group of men, at a meeting, under the control of the Roman empire and the Emperor Constantine, made an agreement within the Council of man, not gods, that the Trinity was now a fact.

If this one thing was created by a group of men, doesn't it get you thinking about other things in your religion that might be false or even misleading. These are some of the facts that most Christians tend to either ignore or don't even have a clue that they exist.

I believe more Christians and other organized religions should inspire their followers to learn more about how their religions were formed and where they came from. I cannot verify that the Council of Nicaea ever took place, I'm basing this information on historical writings from man, that I either gather on the Internet or through books. I don't know if any of this is true or false, always use religion responsibly.

I don't need to believe the information, I don't need to believes the information in the Bible, I need to research and gather more information and with this information I can make an educated guess, and be happy with that, I suggest you do the same.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing, marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Developing Wealth Building Habit

Applying the Secret - Part 5 - Defining Your Purpose, Vision and 7 Steps For Setting Goals

You can define your purpose by looking at your talents and the special gifts that have. Your purpose is the reason why you are here. Your purpose gives your life direction and meaning. Your purpose may be to be the best parent you possibly can for your children, or it may be to teach or heal others, whatever it is it defines who you are inside. If you can't determine your purpose, everything else is wrong. You're not sure which direction you're headed, so you are just wandering around aimlessly.

Your purpose should be something you really love to do. Don't think that if you have a special talent you may not be able to make money from it. You can make money doing anything if you know and believe that you can do it well. Don't settle for the safe bet - what you can do, which will surely earn you money. This is the easy way out and will not challenge you. You should do what you really love and absolutely fall in love with that idea. Then go for it!

If you fall in love with an idea, your conscious and subconscious minds are resonating (they are in sync with each other). We have already learnt that what you think creates your vibration which causes actions and reactions. So it is important that your purpose is something you love. If you truly love an idea, it will guide you... you don't have to guide it.

When you are in love with your purpose, it will keep you highly motivated and eager to continue working towards it. You will find a hidden ambition driving you. Time will pass so fast without you noticing it and you will never have enough hours in the day to do it. You will feel like you can continue doing it all night long.

Purpose gives meaning to why you are doing what you are doing. You need to get past the negatives to find your truth. Really figure out for yourself what you are good at, regardless of what others might think. Keep in mind that negative images (aka old limiting paradigms) have been influencing you from shortly after you were born. Remember that everyone has failed in life, but it is not really that we have failed; it is more like we have not been in harmony with what we were trying to achieve.

You are a unique individual with your own particular strengths and talents. If you can focus on your strengths that come to you in perfect harmony, you will see the wonderful complex person you are - a uniqueness that is only within you.

Do only what YOU want to do... not what others want you to do. And once you have found your purpose, don't let anyone else dissuade you or diminish what you are trying to achieve or to tell you how to do it. Always believe in yourself.

When you have the right purpose, you will easily develop the right vision. When you have the right vision, you will quickly recognize the right goal.

To express your purpose you need to create and maintain your vision. Your vision is the strategy behind the fulfillment of your purpose. Vision is what connects your daily goals and your lifetime purpose.

There are 3 levels of vision:

1. Who you want to BE
2. What you want to DO
3. What you want to HAVE

To form your vision you must address all 3 levels, starting with 'BE', then 'DO' and finally 'HAVE'. To do this successfully you must remove all limitations off your mind and purpose. Remember: all things are possible. Then you need to look at the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of each of the 3 levels of vision. Your vision should state what you want versus what you don't want and should always be written in the present tense (I am / I have etc).

Your vision will appear in physical form when the necessary gestation period has elapsed and that gestation period is governed by the Law of Gender.

Whatever your purpose is, you first need to plot your course to get there. You just can't start trying to manifest financial freedom... you need to work out the various steps and route you are going to take to get there. Set out short term goals that will lead you to your long term goal.

Follow these simple 7 steps for effective goal setting:

1. Your long term goal may be your ultimate purpose. Start with setting an annual goal.

2. Break that down to quarterly goals.

3. Once the quarterly goals are set, you can make monthly goals

4. Then weekly goals which will lead to the successful completion of your purpose.

5. Once you have a weekly goal in place, then you need to define what you are going to do tomorrow to achieve your weekly goal.

6. It is important for you to write down your schedule for tomorrow at night before you sleep. Be sure to include the necessary routine tasks you need to complete along with the actions required for the completion of your weekly goals.

7. By writing down what you are going to do tomorrow, you mind will be working on those tasks whilst you sleep. This gives you a valuable head start in the morning. On a subconscious level you will know what to do and when.

Follow this instruction every day and you will be sure to reach your ultimate purpose.

Once you have worked out what your goals are, you cannot expect them to just appear magically. You have to put in the effort and actions to make them work out. And don't get so busy planning the actions in your vision that you end up not doing anything. This is fear in disguise. The plan does not have to be perfect, just get the basics going and the rest will follow.

Don't confuse your purpose with your vision. As Bob Proctor once said, your purpose is what the sun is to the solar system. It does not change and it doesn't move. Your vision and goals are the planets that revolve around your purposes perimeter.

If your goals and vision are not being achieved, it is important to know that you can stop what you are doing, re-evaluate your purpose, vision and goals and continue on. The biggest mistake you can make is ignoring your inner self telling you that you are on the wrong track. Your instincts will tell you if you are going the right way or not, so be sure to listen to them. Learn from your mistakes and keep on going.

To summarize:

• You must believe that you already have what is in your vision.
• You should be specific and think big - remove all boundaries.
• Make sure your vision covers your physical, mental and spiritual needs
• Remember that thoughts are nourished through repetition and belief. Don't lose sight and keep them in your mind always.
• If you have faith and belief in one moment, and then doubt and fear the next moment, you are only going to attract confusion and anxiety.
• So establish your purpose, build your vision and set your goals.
• Make sure you fall in love with your vision and your goals are something you really want.

My name is Lina Atkinson. I am a certified Life Coach specializing in Business and Executive Coaching. My company is Success Consulting and is located in the Maldives. I offer coaching services to people and businesses in Maldives and abroad. Visit my website http://www.successmaldives.com for more information

Copyright 2007 - Lina Atkinson. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms

Finding Something You Don

Get Geared Up For Success in 2009

"Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, wherever you are, however old or young, and bounding out of bed because there's something out there you love to do, that you believe in, that you're good at - something that's bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today." - Whit Hobbs

Are you ready to kick butt this year? Did you jump out of bed this morning ready to go? If you are like most women, you drag yourself out of bed in the morning with a 'ho hum' kind of attitude. And then you wonder why you are not as successful as you think you should be. Newsflash for you. If this sounds like you then you'd better 'Wake up, Alice' because this ain't living and this ain't success. It is sleep walking through your life. It is being resigned to your life. Yuck, who wants to live life like that?

Success is an inside job. If you're not excited and ambitious about where you are and what you're doing in your life, then do something about it - change it.

Now granted, for those of you that know me or have been reading my ezine for awhile know that I don't literally jump out of my bed in the morning. I ease into my day with my quiet time and my coffee. My head is always racing with ideas and things to do so I do some writing (journaling) and read a mediation to clear my head and get myself mentally ready for my day. There is a method to my madness.

Bottom line! If what you're doing right now is not getting you closer to your goal, then you need to stop doing it and start doing something else that will work.

Here are 8 Success Strategies that I use to coach other women who want create quantum leaps in their businesses and their lives.

Now, I know you are probably saying to yourself right now, I've heard all this before. If you know them, use them and are receiving results, read no further. However, if you are not getting the results you want in your business, I think you would be well served to revisit them and take action.

1. DEFINE what success means to you. You can't go there if you don't know where you're going. Could it be more time off to enjoy your successes, more money, more productivity, more fun, more choice. You name it. It's your career and your life. Write it down, make it real. Read "Write It Down Make It Happen" by Henriette Klauser.

2. Use your Core Values to make all your decisions. How many of you know what your core values are? Core values are who we are. They are not who we think we are, who you want to be, or who we think we should be. An example: How many of your current choices reflect your core values? How many are should's and how many are choices.

3. Begin to set boundaries, say No. How many of you have a hard time saying No to everybody else but YOU? Example: How many of you think that just because you have an open door policy in your office that means you have to always be available? How many of you think that you can't say NO because you won't be liked?

4. Ask for what you want. How many of you have a hard time asking for what you want? Your success is tied to your ability to make effective requests, promises, and offers. Example: Request/ Components of Request: Speaker, Listener, Action to be performed, and Time Frame to perform action.

5. Say what you mean and mean what you say. How many of you dance around a subject because you're afraid the result it would produce?

6. Master the art of presenting ideas and handling difficult conversations. There are guidelines. Most people get blindsided and don't get what they want because they don't clear about what it is that they want before having conversations. Example: Promotion, Management Idea, Breakdown with Employee.

7. Plan to succeed daily. How many of you start your day off in a dead heat run and before you get to the office you're already fried only to be met with one breakdown after another? Planning to succeed insures your success. Example: Every morning I start my day with an Intention Statement.

8. Carve out "YOU" time regularly. How many of you schedule You time? How many of you don't even ask for some time for yourself? If you want You time, you will have to plan for it to happen. If you don't take time out for yourself, you become resentful and resigned. If you have trouble asking for time off, start small. Example: Put a 'Do Not Disturb Sign' on bathroom door and pamper yourself with a long hot bath (at least 30 minutes). Doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you never do it, it is a really big deal.

Do yourself a favor this year. Start off on the right foot, with the right strategies and the right mindset so you can get the most out of your time and expertise.

Sign up to receive my FREE Report, '50 Ways to Take Back Your Power Right NOW', my FREE ezine 'Monday Morning Coffee with Cookie', at http://www.SuccessSource.biz all brought to you by Cookie Tuminello, Your Personal Power Mentor!
Visit People Pleaser No More today to get your copy and check out my "People Pleaser No More" program.

Developing Wealth Building Habit

Goals As Guideposts - Not Tombstones

One of the first questions we're asked as children is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" In the United States this question literally begins our life-long process of goal setting, especially in our careers. We are encouraged in our culture to set goals, goals and more goals. We are taught how to set them, what they should be, and that when we hit them, we are a success. By the time we choose a college, many of us are on the hard and fast road of judging ourselves to be failures simply by missing the bull's-eye. We lay out our life paths by eighteen and then judge ourselves forever by that innocent childhood question, "What do you want to be?"

But what happens to us when we realize we answered the question the way we thought we were expected to, instead of what brought us joy at that moment? What happens when our goals are for things and titles instead of for life satisfaction and happiness? Perhaps the path should be its own success. The lessons we learn at thirty, forty and even fifty should reorient our decisions. Those lessons should change our course. This comes at a high price, however, in a society that says the goal IS the reward.

Often, we don't even enjoy the journey because we're busy looking for the brass ring.

* I'll be happy once I finish grad school.

* I'll be happy after I'm married.

* Having children will make me happy.

* Once I get out of this job, then I'll be happy.

What if we decided that happiness was really the goal? No matter what our culture tells us, we can be empowered to set goals for now, instead of forever. While it might seem unconventional, or even risky, the power to choose deeply personal objectives while walking our life path is a ticket to freedom. Setting goals like inner peace, free time, day-to-day joy - these are personally determined, and thus, attainable and even adjustable.

No matter what age you are or what your circumstances, stop right now and ask yourself: What do I want? (Remember, money is a cheater's answer - what would you want from the money?) Quite simply, what would make you happy? Don't edit yourself - there's no right or wrong.

Your answers might surprise you. If you loved going to college, but hated the career you ended up in, the answer might not be a new job - but to go back to college! You got the six-figure, C-level career, but deeply wish for more time with your family. Guess what? You get to pick again. You realize a week before the wedding that you fell in love with the wrong person. Trust that. Be courageous. This is your life. It is not the dress rehearsal. You are not the star in someone else's dream -- not your parent, not your spouse, nobody.

The goals we set are powerful, but should be guideposts. They are organizing principles and benchmarks to focus our energy. They should not be strangleholds, held so tightly that we kill ourselves going after the wrong thing. The process of being human means asking and re-asking the important questions. It means redirecting. It means changing our minds. These shifts in course are the right use of willpower.

Sometimes the most empowering act in our lives is simply being able to embrace that a goal we set previously - and even attained - is no longer the right goal to continue our life's path of happiness.

To your success! Dr. Success, Andrea Goeglein, Ph.D. Expert in Positive Psychology and Executive Mentor http://www.ServingSuccess.com.

Dr. Success (aka Andrea Goeglein, Ph.D.)

http://www.ServingSuccess.com

DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

(702) 243-4040

Structuring Your 24 Hour Day

You Can Heal Your Life

You Have To Watch This Video

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Heal Your Life Moving

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.