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2008-07-27

I am glad to present the initial article for the soon to be published book - "Inspirational Thoughts and Stories of Bloggers All Over The World"

Inspiration
By Nicholas Chase

Inspiration is defined by Merriam-Websters On-line as:
1 a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions2: the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs3 a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired 4: an inspiring agent or influence
— in·spi·ra·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— in·spi·ra·tion·al·ly adverb
Pronunciation:
\ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\
Date:
14th century

For the purpose of this article, I gave some thought to what has inspired me in my life.

I am inspired by God, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, three-in-one. I was inspired by my father’s life and his father’s and so on. I was inspired by my brother-in-law, and his life challenges that eventually ended his life prematurely at the age of fifty-four.
Photo by Eliezer Borges
I live on a planet that has everything I need, and you need, to sustain our lives. Water, air, sunlight, food, clothing, minerals, loving grandmothers and grandfathers, dedicated scientists and doctors, passionate nurses and lab technicians, sacrificing teachers and coaches, awe-inspiringly patient and kind mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, great thinkers, gifted artists and craftspeople.
The only contribution I have made to occupy this miracle earth I live upon is to be born into it. The ’everything’s I need’, listed above have been placed here for my use, long before my birth, and I believe they will sustain after I have passed on.
When you actually stop and think for a moment, about all of the things that were provided here before you arrived, it is inconceivable to think anything else but, that this planet had a Creator and a Designer.

Here is something to think about. "This planet earth weighs approximately seven-trillion tons, or ten septillion pounds. Septillion is a number with twenty-four zero’s!"
Source: Users.hubwest.com
So, if mankind could even figure out how to suspend a planet that weighs this much in space, powered by some kind of engine designed by you and me, how much fuel would this engine consume per minute, and where would we obtain the fuel to keep the tank full? Obviously I am describing a force much greater than any engine could provide, and gravity is immensely more powerful than any creation of man.
Photo by Fleur-Design
Then there is the sun. Positioning this is critical to insure planet earth is not burned to a crisp, or too far away so that the cold of space freezes everything. I have not been able to locate any kind of crane constructed with such a material that could perform this critical positioning, without melting long before it could get close enough to lift a burning sun.

Oh, and all of the stars and planets placed in such perfect designs, and groups to inspire study by generations of artists, scientists and scholars for an eternity?
Therefore, I have concluded that this planet did not just ‘happen’ into existence. This is truly inspirational, because it means that someone much greater than myself, loved me enough to go through unimaginable planning for my needs. The mind that conceived of all of this can only be attributed to a loving God.
Photo by Jesus Presley

Consider this, all of the wonderful computers we use to write our blogs, books, newspapers and articles, were designed upon the materials found on a beach, basic grains of sand! Converted to silicon through fire and manufacturing processes so complex, most of us give up trying to understand how this is possible. Did man provide the sand on the beach, certainly not!

Did a Creator provide man and woman with sufficient brain function to have an insatiable curiosity in discovering that sand could be converted into a device so powerful and useful that computers exist today in virtually everything we buy that has a power source? Absolutely!

Did a creator provide an architect and an engineer with a mind that could conceive to design and build buildings that reach ever closer to the lower atmosphere? Absolutely!

I think of the accomplishments of the last 100 years that my grandfather witnessed in his 92 year-long life. The invention of radio, television, polio vaccines, medicines that cure disease, man landing on the moon, lasers, Ferrari’s, medical procedures and surgeries that people can now survive. None of this is by chance, but reveals a superior mind so complex in its creative processes, that there are unlimited endeavors available to all of the inhabitants of this world.
Photo by Glutnix
We only need to pick things up from our planet, or drill and mine them from below the surface, and decide what we want to do with them next! Who could fathom all of the inventions we take for granted, without realizing that the basic building blocks of everything we touch, see, feel and do were given to us for free, here in this world. The chemicals and tissues that are inside of our bodies have found out where they need to be in order to function, not through anything we have done to create or guide them. This is truly inspiring!

The genetic program, our human DNA, that has slowly been revealed using a creative, scientific approach, indicates that this is not mere chance. How does the heart find its way into the chest, and connect itself to the aorta and blood supply in a growing fetus, in order to begin to beat at the precise time when the other contributing organs and bone marrow, supply the blood that it is designed to pump throughout the body? Inspiring? ..Yes!
Photo by jurvetson
I have yet to meet anyone here who has the fortitude to sit at a lab bench and assemble this incredibly complex helix of data, into a functioning human being without some kind of biological glitch causing complete failure of the data to assemble a person resembling you or me!
Inspirational? Without question.

How do the animals of the earth find food, water, each other, and everything they need to survive and thrive? From their Creator of course and the tools He provided for them to live. The complex design of the earth’s food chain is way too intertwined to have just happened. The co-dependent systems of our home planet, such as gravity, sunlight, water, soil, insect pollination of crops, and the cyclic repeating of all of these processes year after year, without any of man’s interventions required, is simply astounding and completely inspired in its design and operation.
Photo by sanctumsolitude
For us to believe that any of this was of our doing, is to ignore the tremendous, energy, skill, intellect and sustainability of it all to be anything but the work of a loving, caring, nurturing and philanthropic God. Asking for nothing in return, but to return his love, we are sustained here on this planet with every conceivable provision required.

I welcome your thoughts about this article. I have certainly exposed some controversial points of science and spirituality. It has taken me 56 years of living in this incredibly complex, wonderful world to be sufficiently prepared to write it and share it with an audience.

It is freely offered to you in the hope that you will come away from the reading of it, with some well formed questions to ask about what inspires you?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

NICHOLAS CHASE from San Francisco is still new to the blogosphere but his dedication to blogging could not be questioned.


This could be proven by his four active blogs with different interesting topics namely :
The Debt Blog, The Diet and Weight Loss Blog, The Guitar Blog,
and The Way To Success Blog.

He is a proficient writer who can discuss any topic with ease and confidence. (Visit this link to read his unique article about TV violence). He has various interests and one of them is blogging and sharing his thoughts on significant topics that could prove to be informative and thought provoking - just like this article.
Thank you Nicholas for this inspiring post.
Visit his site and read about his personal thoughts, blogging experiences and challenging endeavours.

2008-07-23

What True Friendship Is All About

Jhayson and Timothy -" The Best of Friends "

Webster defines the word "friend" as "one attached to another by affection or esteem."

For centuries, people gave their own definition of the word in several, unique ways.

Here are some noteworthy quotations related to friendship.

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand,
nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship;
it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when
he discovers that someone else believes in him
and is willing to trust him."

By: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.

By: Elbert Hubbard

Indeed true friends are like precious jewels who lighten up your load and brighten up your days. Friends are not judgemental they understand your limitations and make room for them. They always believe the BEST in you even when the whole world shuns you.

They find time to listen to your woes. They tell you the ugly truth in gentle ways that makes you aspire to be a better person.

They don't gossip behind your back but defend you instead against wagging tongues and malicious persons.

They cry, laugh and walk with you along life's road.

Before you can find a true friend; however, be a true friend first!

When you find one, treasure him/her for life, for true friends are rare to find.

Jhay says, Tim is his true friend because " He listens," And when Tim is asked the same question, he answers: " Because he understands."

Simple requirements for being a friend.

Do you have someone you consider or have considered a true friend? What makes him/her different from the rest?

2008-07-22

7 FACTS ABOUT ME MEME

Chica and Pumuck had tagged Island Wench at Living in Seychelles and , Island Wench tagged me in return.
Here are the rules:
1. List these rules in your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself in your blog.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

Here Are Seven Facts About Me:
1. I prefer staying at home and reading a book than go partying.
2. I dislike confrontations and I tolerate something as long as I can.
3. I love cakes and sweets. If I don't have a dessert after a meal I don't feel full.
4. My zodiac sign is Libra - the balance . Photo by Soul2Love

5. I love to read and write, but my full time job has little to do with writing.


6. I would rather be in jeans and T-shirt than wearing an evening gown.
7. Blogging is my "relaxer". I feel inspired and rejuvenated when I'm blogging.

I have 8 blogs and I try to keep them all "functional and running".

I tag these 7 blogs:
Tasha's Take, The Big Picture, Happy Family Matters, Humane Blogging Tips, HotMomma, Jenn Was Here, Maiylah"s Snippets

2008-07-16

"Entrecard powers up. Partners with SezWho to add about 20 quality comments to your posts"



As bloggers, one of the things that we look forward to, are the comments we receive for each article we post. Comments visibly demonstrate that a blog is alive; that people are reading our posts and that they find them interesting and worth to comment on.

Graham, the ever active administrator of Entrecard, had proven for himself that comments play a major role in succesful blogging - that indeed comments are a significant part of blogging - in fact - the most important aspect of blogging.

This prompted him to seek ways in which entrecarders can utilize this blog's feature to ensure a blog's success. That was how the partnership with SezWho materialized.

According to Graham and I quote: " The SezWho system is so robust, so powerful, that your comments are leveraged tremendously via their suite of features, to deliver an incredible amount of exposure and traffic..."

That was enough reason for me to register! and you can too. In three simple steps.


All an entrecarder has to do is to:
1. Register
2. Install the script in his blog.
3. Comment and rate comments (and in the process, earn extra credits)

Make sure your comments are well thought of and truly contribute to the post written.
Don't spam. Spamming has bad repurcussions.

All Photos from Entrecard

This enterprising move by Graham will hopefully set a beautiful trend of successful blogging by participants ensuring maximal exposure and a tremendous increase in traffic and readership.

What do you think?

Would Entrecard's latest "power - up" move be successful?

Click on the SezWho link and register now, to see for yourself!

2008-07-15

BE A PART OF A NOBLE ENDEAVOUR!!!

Photo by FreeWine





Books are treasure troves.

Almost all successful and famous persons I know have been "wide readers".

I have always wanted to share inspiring stories with readers.

It is a dream I know I have to fulfill in this lifetime, or I'll never rest in peace in the other realm.

This book project I will be embarking on would be entitled : "Inspirational Thoughts and Stories from Bloggers All Over the World."

The projected time of completion and publication of the book would be 1 year.

If you have an inspiring article, story or poem that you know could brighten up someone's day or that could enlighten and give hope to people, send them and earn 5,000 ENTRECARD CREDITS.

These are the criteria:

1. The contributor must be an Entrecarder.

2. The length of the article or story should not be less than 1,000 words.

3. If it is a poem, it should not be less than 15 lines.

4. If contribution is accepted, one (1 ) complimentary copy of the book where your article will be featured, will be sent to you (free of any charge ) as soon as publication is completed.

5. As the blog's owner, I will screen and select entries for inclusion in the book. You will be notified through your EC dashboard if your contribution has been accepted or not.

6. You can send up to three entries in any of the categories.



6. For any question, feel free to send a message through my EC widget/dashboard.
( Gewgaw Writings) or leave a comment in this post.

SEND YOUR ARTICLE NOW, AND BE A PART OF THIS NOBLE ENDEAVOUR TO INSPIRE THE WORLD WITH YOUR WORDS!!!

LEGENDS ANTHOLOGY

I remember the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" starring Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan and Bill Pullman and I am transported back in time when the radio was considered as one of the primary source of entertainment for people.

The movie was about how the radio played an important role in allowing Sam(Tom Hanks), a widower to eventually meet the woman of his dreams Annie (Meg Ryan).

The alias that the DJ gave to Sam - was "Sleepless in Seattle."

This reminscing of radio programs leads me to a popular radio program in our locality entitled "Legends Anthology", at GVFM - hosted by "DJ Legend".


The program features artists of the past and present who have proven themselves worthy of being called a legend. R & B hits of the past like "So Sick" by Neyo, "With You" by Chris Brown and present R & B hits like "No Air" by Jordin Sparks are featured.



Hip Hop music like "Elevator" by T. Pain and Hip Hop Police by Chamillionaire are also aired.

Just like several radio programs, listeners can request songs to be played for them. The DJ -The Legend - is an unassuming and good- natured, young man who is simultaneously studying as a junior college student in a local university.

I admire his drive to study hard and work conscientiously.
Although school is "toxic", he says he enjoys what he is doing and find it relaxing and invigorating after a stressful day in class.

We should support and encourage people in the radio industry, especially people like
"The Legend", as their brand of entertainment is clean, entertaining and worthy of general patronage.

My hats off to you - The Legend!

2008-07-10

Six Fears, Necessities, Hardships

As promised, I voluntarily got this TAG from Ray of "The Esoterical Journey"

I would like to write about my fears because wise men say, talking about them - in one way or another - exonerates them from your system. ( I surely hope so!)

Anyway, here goes:

Fear is a natural human emotion. Fear makes us wary and careful of any undertaking we plan to do and therefore makes us less prone to mishaps and misfortunes.

Without fear, we become less human.

Here are the 6 fears/difficulties that continue to nibble at my consciousness:

1. Fear of death - I know death is a natural human process and I don't fear dying per se.

Photo by provia_17

My fear is in the method or way in which I would die.

Will I die of natural causes?

Will I die of cancer?

Or will I die because of an accident?

The unknown way in which I will die, makes me fear death .

(I know, I know..,"To the organized mind, death is but the next exciting adventure." but I just can't help myself....help Ray...LOL)

2. Public speaking - I do speak in public often, but I still have those butterflies in my stomach whenever I am called up the stage to say a few sentences.

I know this is natural even for seasoned performers , but I still feel nervous - so what I do is to take a deep breath and leave my fate to the gods...(grins).

3. I fear that we are - slowly but surely - destroying the earth, that global warming will eventually become worst and that in the future, our children's children would gnash their teeth in turmoil over our irresponsible deeds.

I also fear for them, because of how we subject them now to media violence and gadgets that don't develop their resourcefulness and initiative.

I also observed that nowadays compassion and empathy are less and less encouraged; thereby, creating a society where people are only after their own personal gain at the expense of others.

4. I find it difficult to reconcile the fact that people talk about God but treat others so unkindly and unjustly.

I'm not a pompous prig and I don't pretend to be a "holier than thou" person, but I believe "religion" is felt from the heart and not in the countless religious rituals that we often piously perform.

5. I am having difficulty staying away from sweets altogether.

Cakes, chocolates, ice cream and savory desserts are my weaknesses and I devour them voraciously - no matter what.

I would rather die full and my appetite satiated, than die hungry...(he he he - )





by jmrocher2001


6. Lastly, I have great fear of heights.

I hate standing on the ledge of tall buildings, no matter how awesome the view is - from up there.

I'd rather sing in front of a crowd.

These are my basic fears...I have countless more, but I wanted this article to be "light".

Those who would like to take up the TAG, you're welcome!

Enjoy reading and happy blog hopping!

2008-07-08

TAG FROM HOTMOMMA


Photo by: mysza831


I accepted this tag because it comes from a special friend Mathe of HotMomma

I simply can't refuse the blessings she so generously passed on to me, thanks Mathe....

So here goes.

Start copy


Rules:
1. Simply copy the inspirational story and in the end write down the lesson you have learned out from this.
2. Put your own blog name and link. Pass or tag this to your friends to inspire them.
3. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog.


--- The Best Gift Ever ---

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.
For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.

Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study.
His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.
Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said,
"With all your money you give me a Bible?"
And stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old and thought perhaps he should go to him.

He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.
He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if ye, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly father which is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessing because they are not packaged as we expected? I trust you enjoyed this. Pass it on to others. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for...

PLEASE SEND THIS TO AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE SO AS TO LET THIS GREAT LESSON FLOW AROUND.

End Copy

Lesson Learned:

"Sometimes, things are not what they seem." We often see things as far as our human minds can comprehend, but if we look through a more spiritual point of view, we can recognize the blessing that comes along with these seemingly unsolvable travails in life.

As long as we remember that in every occurrence- even the supposed to be unpleasant occurrences - we can always find something positive in them, if we only try to find them.

HotMomma
Random Thoughts
You're next!

I'm tagging anyone who is interested to take up the Tag, and of course the blessings that go with it. God bless!

2008-07-03

Message For Those Who Are Receptive

Let me start with a famous quotation which goes this way: “ What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.” Or, that of Master Jedi Yoda in Star Wars : “Do , or do not. There is no try.“

These two simply mean that the ultimate secret to success is belief in one’s self…belief that you can do anything you are committed to do.

When you were kids, your dreams know no limits or boundaries. You wanted to reach for the stars, to travel around the world, to become a famous scientist, etc…but as you grew older, the sense of adventure had become vestiges of your atrophying imagination.

You should never lose that pioneering and undaunted spirit. It should always be there (the child within us), You should continue dreaming big and believing you could achieve them. If you persist long enough and never give up, then you will succeed. You only fail when you give up; as long as you keep trying, you still have not failed.

It is easier said than done, but IT CAN BE DONE!! Perception has a lot to do with this. Always see the glass as “half full” and NOT “half –empty”. You have to psyche yourself everyday that you can do whatever you intended to do. It is a continuous process - a challenge that you have to conquer. Believe you can, and YOU CAN!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay-tee-xx/2631921903/
Monologue Theatre