Tending the Fire

In old buildings there was a boiler room where men stood shoveling coal or wood into a furnace to keep the whole building warm. If they didn't tend to the fire, the place went cold. The same is true in our lives. We need to tend the inner fire so our lives do not go cold.

Made for Success is based on the fact that humans are made up of three parts: The body, the soul and the spirit. The Body is that part that lives in the physical world. The Soul is the mind, will, and emotions. The Spirit is that part of us that transcends this life and is able to commune with God. It is my belief that success comes from the inside out. That is, it starts in the spirit, which affects the soul, which enables the body to do what we need it to to achieve success. With this understanding, it is imperative that we tend to the fire of the spirit on a regular basis. I thought I would share with you this issue a couple of ways I do this, in order to keep my spirit strong.

I read every day from a book that focuses my mind on spiritual things. This usually happens in the morning, though any time is sufficient. Sometimes it is the first bit of time I am at the office. This gets my day off on the right track and gets my spirit in the right place. You might say, "I wouldn't know where to start." Let me help. One thing I do, is to read from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It is full of practical, spiritual advice! And to make it easy, there are thirty-one chapters there. If it is the seventh day of the month, guess what chapter I read? Exactly. Another book I have found to be helpful is a book called Face to Face, which you can order at your local bookstore or through Amazon. It is essentially three months of short daily bible readings. And it is non-sectarian, so you don't have to worry about a bias.

I also pray every day. Now, in the field of self-improvement there is a lot of focus on doing it yourself, disciplining yourself, etc. But I know that I need God's help in every area of my life - and I ask Him for it on a regular basis!! Praying brings me back to what is important, and gets me the help and strength I need.

I involve myself in a church. I know, some of you are thinking, "Church people, no way." Well, sometimes, I couldn't agree with you more! But there a couple of things that being involved with a group of people who share your religious beliefs does for you. One, it gives me strength to have others who encourage me on that path. The other is that I have found that the times I have grown the most as a person have come in times of being involved with the frailty of humanity. It isn't when everyone is behaving perfectly that I grow. That doesn't stretch me. What stretches me is when I am living in a community and I have to tolerate others and forgive others. So even the weakness that is inherent in living in a community of faith can become a strength if we make it so. Whatever community of faith you are involved in, make it your goal to grow when others fail.

Let me encourage you. Tend to the fire of your spirit. It is the first step to a successful life. Without it, you may achieve all sorts of things in this life and when you get there, ask, "What it the meaning? Where is the purpose? Where is the happiness?"

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.



Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting

There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More

Case Closed

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 27,... Read More

One Woman?s Story of How Her Smile Increased Her Confidence

For one who takes pride in being involved with different... Read More

Thoughts Are Like Seeds - Are You Planting Flowers or Weeds?

"You can't harvest what you don't sow. So plant your... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (2)

As year 2004 winds up and professionals and corporate bodies... Read More

Let Change Be Your Friend, Mentor, and Inspiration

People have a tendency of anticipating pending change on the... Read More

Beyond the River: Kabbalahs Guidance for Our Times

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and... Read More

A Resurrection Story

My mother often wound up in the hospital during the... Read More

Recipe for Success

"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More

Does Your Childhood Hold You Back?

Have you come to a point in your life and... Read More

A New Strategy

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 3,... Read More

The Art of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a critical element in becoming self actualized and... Read More

Character is Whats Left When You Leave

1 Samuel 16:7"...The Lord does not look at the things... Read More

Pattern of Ripples

The Emmaus Journal Pattern of RipplesPicture within your mind an... Read More

Your Self-Image - How Is It Working for You?

"All that you desire or require is already on your... Read More

Have You Been Lucky In Life?

Each moment in life, "lucky" or "unlucky", is to be... Read More

The Essence Of Freedom

Life is too hard and too risky in the eyes... Read More

What Company Does Your Business Keep?

A man is known by the company he keeps. We... Read More

Letting Go Of Perfection

"The power of discovery enables us to achieve excellence without... Read More

A Bit Of Turbulence

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 1,... Read More

Your Turn On The Holodeck

Good morning Roy, good morning Joseth.Roy? You have in your... Read More

Finding Hope In Trying Times

Growing up, as a child of the 60's, peace, love... Read More

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More

Passion: What It Means To Live With It

Passion can guide you, not just to live, but to... Read More

What is Passion?

What is passion? Recently after a presentation, I was once... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language:
 

العاب منتديات هيدى الزاوية الحمراء

Pharaohs products    egypt products    Egypt shopping   Shopping in Egypt   sho  Egypt Bazaar Pharaohs Shoping Center   Egypt  Pharaohs