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.
Latest News
Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher PR Web (press release), WA - Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ... |
Teen's inspirational story hits home MayoClinic.com - I was preceded in the program by a 17-year-old woman who was inspirational as she shared her story with the audience. At age 13, she was an athletic, ... |
Have an inspirational story? We're all ears Orlando Sentinel, FL - Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ... |
OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you SouthCoastToday.com, MA - Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ... "Teacher of Year" nominations accepted |
 DevilsDigest.com | Duck Awards Banquet The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ... Nick Reed Tabbed as Ducks' Most Outstanding Player |
This is a Film About How One Remarkable Life Can Inspire Many ... MarketWatch - "Bridging The Gap" is an inspirational documentary film about an equally inspirational teacher who has raised the quality of life for hundreds of students ... |
 Voice of America | As proud African American, Rice calls Obama 'inspirational' AFP - WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday called President-elect Barack Obama "inspirational," saying his election marked "an ... Video: Rice Congratulates Obama on Victory Rice calls Obama "inspirational", promises smooth transition Rice hails 'inspirational' Obama |
 New York Times | 'Milk' brilliant, inspirational Chicago Daily Herald, IL - Dan White (Josh Brolin) chats with fellow city supervisor Harvey Milk (Sean Penn) in the tragic fact-based drama "Milk." By Jamie Sotonoff | Daily Herald ... Sean Penn Stars In Inspirational Gay Rights Tale "Milk" Get the Spill on 'Milk' Play It Again, Harvey |
Paralyzed School Shooting Survivor Writes Her Inspirational Story MarketWatch - PADUCAH, Ky., Nov 24, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Dec. 1 will mark the 11th anniversary of the Heath High School shooting in Paducah, Ky., ... |
IDCA conducts inspirational forum IndiaPost.com, CA - CHICAGO: In its continuing series of monthly forums, IDCA held an educational and motivational forum on Saturday, November 22 at the Oakbrook Library. ... |
Resources
-
Fit Over 40 - Anti Aging - Life Extension - Senior Fitness - Masters Athletes - Longevity
Look younger and sexier, boost your metabolism, gain muscle, lose weight safely and naturally, and read over 50 incredible, inspiring real life success stories which prove that this will work for you too, regardless of how old or out of shape you are!
-
Screensaver Quotes - Inspiring Motivational Screensavers
Motivational Screensavers with Inspiring Quotes - Inspirational Screensavers with Beautiful Colors, Sunsets, and Rainbows :)
-
Ordinary Words Extraordinary Power, A Dictionary of Distinctions by Danish Ahmed
'Ordinary words ~ Extraordinary Power
-
Healthy Christms Book Offer
Discouraged about your weight? Uplifting and fun support for women. Recipes, tips, prayers, success stories, more. Darling Inspirational bracelets: 4 for $10.00.
-
Inspirational Kids Stories
Inspirational kids stories. Stories with a moral, so that your child can learn about the life
-
Inspirational Quotes and Short Motivational Stories
Inspirational Quotes and Short Motivational Stories for Everyday Living
-
Success Motivation Inspiration
Success Is Your Birthright Too! An Inspirational ebook and mp3 audio program that helps everyday people achieve the success they thought was reserved for everyone else. Motivational quotes, goal setting, dress for success, ebooks.