Don't Criticize!

It's easy to criticize someone but it's harder to criticize ourselves. Do we not see ourselves - our true selves or perhaps we are truly oblivious to who we really are and what we represent.

Before we begin to criticize another individual or pass judgement, we should look closely at ourselves. When we criticise another, often we are really seeing our weaknesses before our eyes. Once looking at ourselves, we should be able to analyse our weaknesses and work on them gradually.

Letting go of expectations is another reason why we shouldn't criticize individuals. We all have expectations about certain individuals, but they are not perfect and neither are we. Throughout our lives, people will disappoint us, but we have to remind ourselves of their good qualities. Leave the expectations to God. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5)

Before the need to criticize, ask for guidance.

Being Still

Being still means just that.We make the mistake of putting the being still process in a box labelled, when, where and how. Sometimes it's not always convenient to shut ourselves off from the hectic world around us. Taking short or long breaks away from the stressful environment is great if one is able to do that, but short, even the shortest bursts are just as effective. And that's all it can take; 5,10, 15 minutes to recharge lost mental, emotional and spiritual energy to start climbing the mountain again.

The short bursts of stillness, gives us time to focus on what we doing and where we are going; quick interludes, five minute breaks. Almost like mini meditations sessions, where the mind is cleared of everything. It is surprising how these short bursts of being still can actually work wonders on our busy lives.

So really, the phrase "I don't have time to be still" should be eliminated from our vocabulary. One can find time whilst waiting for the bus, whilst waiting in the doctor's waiting room, waiting for food, waiting, waiting, waiting. There is no excuse to being still.

Thoughts

Thoughts have power. Thoughts are energy. You can make or break your world by your thinking. SUSAN TAYLOR

Reading with Toddlers

Never underestimate a toddlers knowledge. They are like sponges continually absorbing everything around them and absorbing information is no exception.
"Read to your toddler" is what Childcare Professional tell us. "Read for at least 15 minutes a day."

I agree with what they say, but I also believe they should be encouraging parents and guardians to read themselves, setting examples to children. Children learn by association, so by seeing parents and guardian read ignites their own desire to follow suit. Naturally, this will create an enjoyable experience and environment for both parents and children.

Make colourful book bags for children and hang on the wall. Contrary to what some may say, you can never have too many books for children. The more variety of books for there are at home, the more stimulating the reading sessions. At fifteen months, my daughter was so engaged in reading and would pick up books more than ten times in the day!
Reading with your toddler, ensures a positive and expressive toddler. However it is important to maintain this activity throughout their young lives, including school. I dread to think how her life would be without a keen interest in books!

Stress-Free Mornings for Parents and Children

The mornings before school can be a real battle. Almost like, some sort of daily mad ritual: "Where's your hat" "Can you put your shoes on please?" "Can you hurry up, please" "Where's your rucksack" And so it goes on.

We often forget that we were once children and now, we have to savour the moments we spend with our little treasures no matter how much they drive us to hysteria! Of course, that is if we let them.

Rushing around in the mornings can increase the emotional wellbeing of any calm-natured individual.. When a child sees its parent beoming highly charged, s/he is more likely to act up and may not be as co-operative as the parent would like.

So, what's the answer?

Allow extra time to compenste for lost items, cereal crunching,toast popping, etc. It sounds so simple, yet it's so surprising just how many people don't practice the art of extra time.

Prepare the night before. School kit, shoes, homework, even parents clothing should be laid out. Ironing too, should also be done the night before or even days before.

By following the two simple steps, stress can be minimized and mornings need not be a battle ground for both parents and children. Therefore no excuse for rushing around in the morning!

Seek First the Kingdom of God

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

I give thanks to God for allowing me to come closer to Him and for allowing me to receive my blessings.
I thank God for helping me to get my priorities RIGHT!
He is my number one in my life and that is how it will remain until my dying days.

We all have treasures in our life, such as, family, cars, houses, designer clothing, jewellery, work, money, drugs and so it goes on.
However, for many people, these material things preoccupy their minds to the point where it becomes an obsession and a worship. Yes, a worship. If for example, you are constantly chasing money - wanting money, needing money so desperatly and thinking about it day and night, you are WORSHIPPING money.

In Matthew 6:24, it clearly states:
"No-one can serve two Masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other"

This year, God has showered me with blessings and I know there are more to come. Two days ago, I received another blessing. I have been praying for this for a long while now and was determined to receive it before I entered 2010. I did and I am truly thankful.

So, the moral of this message is:
Stop hammering away at the tentacles of life; trying, pushing, forcing and getting no-where and at the same time becoming frustrated in the process.
Step back, re-adjust your priority and let God be your number one.

Your blessings will follow.

Don't Blame Others!

Over the years, I can't remember how much money I have lost through lending, borrowing, business transactions and just general frivolity. However, I do know that with all my "lost"money I could walk into an estate agent and slap down cash to buy a semi-detached in today's prices!

Unfortunately, this will not happen, because the past is the past. Gone. Disappeared and never to come back again. I used to cry buckets, but guess what? I never came out of my "woe is me" pit. I remained there, until I decided it was time to dry my eyes and move on.

And move on I did.

I gave myself a little of my own advice, but feel free to take my advice if you want.

Never hold anyone accountable as to why your life is minus positive. YOU only have yourself to blame. (Remember, I am still talking about me that was, way back then!).

Never have any regrets. NEVER

A Credit Crunch-Free Day!

Today I meet with my business mentor. Roya a business advisor from North London Business has been guiding me these last few weeks as I prepare to step out into the world of self-employment. OK, taking the route of self-employment is nothing new for me, but I'm preparing for a longer journey to reach my destination. Of course it's a big step, but if I don't do it now then when? I certainly don't want to spend the next thirty years working for someone else, whilst at the same time waiting for a measly pension before my dying days.

And in any case, most people know that working for someone else doesn't make you rich. It's a well known fact.

And the credit crunch? You can't escape from it; from the pricey organic bag of carrots to the dreary tabloids. And of course, there are the negative people with whom I have distanced myself from. I can't take those worn-out and fatigued phrases about the credit crunch situation (CCS) which seems to get the blame for every wrong thing that a person does. I know for a fact, that I have made some wrong moves like a pawn on a chess board, including financially. Oh yes, some serious financial errors, but I take full responsibility. I can't blame the bank, the Local Authority or even the Government. I'm the one who took out credit when I did But hey, it's done, it's past and I'm dealing with the leftovers of my credit crunch meal.

So, today I meet with Roya and go through my Cash flow. Ugh!

Feel the Fear, then let it go!

I must admit, I am feeling very assured with the way my life is going. Living faith, coupled with action. I am now conquering those inner fears that sometimes draw too close to the surface and last too long for my liking.
I had an interesting conversation with a mom from my daughter's nursery. She said, "Fear and anxiety needs to be embraced and one should walk along side them - knowing they are there and can spring up at any time" Now I find that concept just a little disturbing. Why would anyone want to walk with destructive emotions lurking in the background? Fear, I said needs to be stamped out with revolt and not to be accepted at all. If I am to accept that fear can come at any time, it means that I do not believe in what the Creator can do for me. It also means that I do not believe in what I can do for myself.

Another topic came into conversation: I have been feeling very confident, assured and positive these last few weeks. This mom who compares her profession to that of a life coach, said it was not possible to remain happy. At some stage, I will fall from grace (how nice!). And I must expect it. I have to add, I am not in a state of euphoria and I am not on a high, natural or otherwise. I am simply taking control of my life because I do not want the complexities of life to control me. I know problems will come and go, because that is life as we know it. I am also learning not to dwell on a problem, but instead look to the solution. Is that wrong?

Does it mean I have to expect unhappiness, complacency, fear or doubt to try and topple me or do I simply live life without thinking of the worst possible scenario and deal with what comes?

Answers on a postcard please. (I jest!)

The Benefits of Fasting

My fasting episode helped with the development and nurturing of my spiritual journey. However, there are people who follow fasting programs for various reasons, be it dietary, medical or otherwise. There are many benefits of fasting, but first, what exactly is it? Fasting is the abstinence from all edible substances, known as dry fasting. For some groups of people, water is included, whereas others see it as a complete abstinence of food and drink. Let us look at some of the health benefits below:

• Inflammation is removed from the body, for example, in rheumatoid arthritis. the theory behind this concept is that the body is able to rest and detoxify from the allergens in some foods, such tomato juice, wheat, milk and other dairy products, corn and beef.
• The body's need for cravings is reduced temporarily, such as that of caffeine, nicotine, sugar and alcohol. In order for the body not to crave for such substances, a healthy diet consisting of fresh organic fruit and vegetables needs to be adopted. It is said for example, that carrots and celery juice help in the craving of nicotine addiction, because they help in cleansing the liver where most of the toxins are stored.
• The first few days of fasting can sometimes result in skin eruptions and other health ailments due to the elimination of toxins. However, as the fasting process continues over the next few days, a health glow to the skin develops. This is especially so when one is on a water or juice fast.
• Losing excess water is another benefit of fasting, which helps sufferers of bloating. It is therefore necessary to maintain a healthy diet after fasting because just as there can be weight loss, there can also be weight gain in a given period.
• Blood pressure is dramatically reduced. This is according to a study as reported by the Abhor Clinical Nutrition Updates. The study was conducted on 174 participants who were given water and fruit over a given period. It was concluded that 89% of the participants lost weight and their blood pressure was reduced. However, after the study, a vegan diet was maintained to stabilize blood pressure.
• According to Alan Goldhamer, D.C founder of TrueNorth Health Center in California , he states that fasting can dramatically reduce uterine fibroid tumours in cases were surgery is necessary to actually to the point where surgery is no longer needed.

Nowadays, the regimental perception of fasting is moving towards more flexible programs. In "A Complete Idiots Guide to Fasting" by Eve Adamson and Linda Horning, they look at programs, such as the Bi-Weekly16-hour fast, the Weekly 36-hour Fast, the Lunar Two-Day Fast and the Seasonal Three Day Fast. Fasting retreats are ideal for people who really need the motivation of a supervised program. If you want to experience the health benefits of fasting in idyllic surroundings, then contact the Directory of World Fasting Retreats for example, raw food fasting in Greece, Lose Weight Retreats in South Africa and many programs across the globe.

Whether you want to try fasting for a spiritual breakthrough or a fasting detox please seek advice from medical or natural health practitioners and do your own research. The physical, emotional, mental and spiritual make-up of each individual is different, so what would work for one, may not work for another.