A Really Great Place to Live!
By Carolyn Porter, D. Div.
Excerpted from the book - 101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life

Much has been said about ways to improve your life; you’re reading some in this book. Perhaps you’ve already tried different approaches, some that helped and others that didn’t. One thing that is irrevocably true is this: anything utilized to improve your life must have its origin in love, for love is all there is! I have discovered one empowering tool that is required for life to flow in perfect harmony no matter what happens in your external realm. It can literally transform your life into one of abundance and continuous bliss because it resides in the arms of love, a really great place to live.

For many decades I lived my life through the eyes of lack, believing there was never enough: not enough money, love, happiness, time, energy and so forth. Lack is simply a by-product of fear (the opposite of love) although I didn’t realize it then. I noticed that most individuals who crossed my path lived through the same mindset and there seemed to be so much negativity in everyone’s life which was downright depressing. But like most people, I fell into the trap of pushing and driving myself to achieve and produce more so I could have what I thought I lacked. That process tore down my health and created an insatiable thirst for what I didn’t have, leaving me miserably unhappy. My thought is that you probably understand this belief.

My life journey continued in the search for the missing things in my life yet wondering if I’d ever find them. I learned how to make more money but somehow it was never enough. (I rationalized the lack was due to raising five children) I tried for years to “fix” my marriage, but that didn’t work either. I changed careers, introduced healthy alternatives to improve my health, researched and studied many new ideas and decided to be a more loving person. I introduced time management and added a “things to do list” to my daily routine in the attempt to reduce stress and accomplish more. But no matter what I did to enhance my life that inner despair which told me something was lacking still existed. These things did help in external ways to improve my life, but I later learned the problem was with my internal self.

One day I began to see a faint glimmer of light as teachers appeared because I, the student, was now ready. New ways of thinking were introduced which began a tremendous shift in my very foundation. An expansive metamorphosis took place and my life opened up in ways that were mind-boggling. I learned that happiness came from within me and wasn’t anybody else’s job to create but mine. I discovered my true life purpose and began to live it. My health improved and I made changes that supported me rather than someone else. Yet negativity remained in my life because I knew deep inside something was still missing.

Several years later the awareness of what was missing in my life was revealed to me through meditation, prayer and study, and it was so simple that it surprised me. One feeling, once taken deep within so that it becomes part of you, will literally change everything in your life so that your entire perception of life shifts for the better. What is this feeling? Gratitude. I mean gratitude for everything, not just the good things but also the things that appear as challenges. Everything in your life is a gift, a truly marvelous gift that helps you grow and become more. When you actually see life through the eyes of gratitude it raises you up beyond what was envisioned before in truly miraculous ways.

Gratitude is an expression of love and is a top-of-the-list tool for empowerment. In fact, without the comprehension and acceptance of gratitude it is impossible to be empowered. The universe provides unlimited abundance which is available for everyone. But if you don’t believe this you actually push it away from you. Beginning with gratitude for all you presently have and are opens the channels of love to embrace you. This isn’t merely the use of the words, it literally means pulling the feeling of gratitude inside so that your life begins and ends through gratitude. In this place it doesn’t matter what appears in your life because you can gratefully accept it and trust the universe to provide the resolution. Gratitude means there is always enough, and when your truth is gratitude in all things it emanates outward to all who are in your presence because you feel it within you.

How does living through gratitude affect your life? It allows you total freedom to be love. In this place you are already okay, a masterpiece from the designer of the universe, which makes you magnificent right now, just as you are. The beauty of living in gratitude is that as you focus in this energy you continually expand it to create more of the same. Thoughts are pure energy and whatever is your focus shows up in your life. As you express your thoughts and feelings from the higher elements of love, only more of the same comes back to you. Gratitude expresses through the essence of love. As Plato once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind that eventually attracts great things.”

My truth says that in order to improve your life on all levels, simply develop the attitude of gratitude. But go a little deeper and develop an aptitude for gratitude. It then becomes more than just a thought or behavior and actually becomes who you are. Amazing miracles will appear in your life that will continuously keep you in awe of the power available to you when you live through gratitude, which is love. While many things can assist you on your path, gratitude is of God as an expression of love, your true essence.

Begin and end each day by thanking your Creator for everything: your life, home, material possessions, all relationships, internal gifts, capabilities, your body, and so on. Write them down, speak them, think them, live them. Even if there isn’t enough money to pay your bills at the moment, be thankful for the amount you have to pay the ones you can, then be openly thankful to the universe for bringing you the rest you need even though it isn’t seen yet. When a challenge shows up say “Thank you,” and know there is a gift in it. Also know you are greater than that challenge and expect the universe to resolve the situation. Surrender the challenge and go about your life. It will be resolved effortlessly because you are in a space of love when you are grateful for it and know the answer is on the way. Living in the state of gratitude generates continuous abundance and bliss – no stress, no worries, no lack, no fear - and a deep internal knowing that all is in divine order. Try it out and I guarantee you’ll like living there! One more benefit – you’ll smile a lot!

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year in which everything is possible. But even if it’s later in the year when you read this, every day is a new beginning. You are at this very moment creating your next moment and the one after that as well as creating the version of your life according to what you believe. There is a beautiful song entitled “If You Just Believe” and the lyrics say “believe in what your heart is saying, believe in what you feel inside, give your dreams the wings to fly, you have everything you need if you just believe.”

What do you believe? Do you believe in yourself…that everything is possible…that you can have perfect health…that you can do anything you put your mind to do…that you deserve all good…that life is a wonderful adventure…that you are magnificent…that you are abundant in every way? People often say the words, but what is really in your heart, what do you truly believe?

You are a powerful co-creator who is capable of bringing anything into reality that your heart desires. I wonder if you really believe that? Most people don’t because they allow circumstances and other people to dictate what they do, say, think and believe. Yet it is the power within you that has the ability to create into reality any dream you can imagine.

You might be asking how this can happen, being that your life isn’t going the way you wish it would. Maybe your finances are less than desirable or you long for a wonderful partner, or perhaps your job is boring and going no where and you want to do something that feels good instead of just performing for a paycheck. Maybe you desire to feel good about yourself, be calm, regain your health, or simply be happy. Dear friends, all of this is possible if you just believe it.

The key is to put out to the universe (God) your intention (thought), not simply for material gain but for spiritual gain. Always state that intention from an inner space of love and know that once it is thought it has the potential to become a reality. The ONLY thing that can stop that intention from becoming your reality is you and your disbelief in it coming to fruition. And this is precisely what happens to many people – they say the words and know in their head of its possibility, but their heart doesn’t align with that belief and this negates the entire process. I know this well as I have repeatedly blocked the very thing I asked for so that it couldn’t reach me, at least not until I got out of the way. And I believe that at this very moment you are thinking back over all the things you asked for but never showed up, right?

More than likely you’d like to believe that all you desire can be yours but don’t know how to make it happen for you. So I’m going to help you by giving you the answer. Here’s how it works. You have a deep desire for something, let’s say for a wonderful partner in your life. You’ve been dreaming of this for months or even years but nothing. You’ve begged God, praying over and over for this person, and maybe you’ve been angry that God hasn’t brought you your desire. Maybe you’ve gone looking yourself believing God isn’t listening so decided you’d just take over and do it yourself. You might be doubting this person will ever show up and you’re depressed as well as angry.

That’s how it works for many of you and the irony of it all is that you’re the reason your desire hasn’t shown up. Why? Because you’re attempting to do the work. You’re tired of waiting so stepped in to help the process along, or you continually focus on what isn’t there yet (lack), or perhaps it’s your anger that’s in the way. These behaviors are negative and are the very barrier that obstructs the receiving of your dream because you got in the way and blocked the energy flow with your actions.

The beauty and peace in receiving all your desires is in letting go of all details, all of them. You simply state that you desire a wonderful partner with whom to share your life. You tell God the qualities you desire in this person and then THANK GOD RIGHT THEN FOR SENDING THIS PERSON TO YOU, IN DIVINE TIMING! That’s the total, simple way to receive everything you desire. You ask for it from a place of love, you are grateful for the receipt of it before it shows up, and then you simply get out of the way so the universe can begin bringing it to you. And you plan none of the details yourself because if you attempt to do it you’ll mess it up. Sure, you might be able to manipulate some things to appear for you, but most of the time they don’t work out. It’s really this simple and I can tell you from personal experience that the most amazing things have knocked at my door in ways of which I could never have conceived.

So whether this in a new year or a new day, think about what you really would like your life to look life. Dream big because no dream is too big to receive. (unless you believe it is too big!) As soon as you put the thought (intention) out there and get out of the way, the universe begins aligning with that energy to create this for you. Do you wish for a wonderful partner or an improved relationship with someone who’s in your life now? Do you wish for a job that fulfills you and allows you to be creative? Do you long to do something of value for others? Would you like to receive more income? Would health improvement be at the top of your list right now? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but pushed it aside? Are you stressed and lacking in energy and would love to enjoy life more?

There is no better time than this very moment to decide what your year or day should look like. Your thought right now is already in the works for creating your tomorrow. Some extraordinary miracles have shown up in my life and sometimes surprise me when they appear. Of course they shouldn’t surprise me because I intended for them to appear and created them, but we’re simply human at times, aren’t we! I wish for you the most wonderful year (or day) that you can imagine and create into reality. Start dreaming my friends, because you are at this moment creating your next moment!

 

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Your Greatest Gift

If I asked you what your greatest gift is, some of you would answer very quickly: your spouse, your children, your successful career, winning a gold medal, or maybe when you won the lottery. Others of you might take a moment to decide which gift is the greatest. While you might agree with one of the above gifts, you could mention a situation in which you saved another's life, the experience of overcoming an illness, escaping from near fatal harm and so on.

Every one of these are fabulous gifts, a gift that can keep on giving for a lifetime. In fact, if you became introspective a moment or two, you'll probably think of another, then another, and yet another gift, for every life is truly blessed with a continual parade of gifts.

No matter what you believe is your greatest gift, I am asking you to put it aside to make room for the most important, most spectacular, most unique, most magnificent, most beautiful gift you'll ever have -YOU!

That's right, you are your greatest gift. Without you there could be no spouse, no children, no career, no medal, no escape from harm. You see, you are the center of your universe just as each of us are. Because of you there can be a knowing of the gifts; it happens within you.

So let's talk about you, the Gift. You are created by the Creator of the universe and are part of your Creator as is every other created being. You are unique, a one-of-a-kind design. You are blessed with many abilities and an inner beauty that wants to be revealed. You are made from the energy of love so that you can spread love. You have natural intuition and a divine connection. You are part of the abundant universe and have unlimited power available to you simply by aligning with your Creator. As the sky is endless, so are your possibilities. You came to live in this life experience so you can expand into higher awareness and learn much. You are so special because you have something special within you to share with the world. So is there a gift greater than this?

It is time for you to acknowledge your worth, to know your value and recognize your greatness. So often an individual has been conditioned to believe their value is governed by their production level and whether or not they measure up. As a human being it is easy to "fall short of the mark," and a chain reaction comes into play that says not good enough, failed, messed up, has limits.

Through divine awareness my belief says I'm of worth by just being me and is not measured by anything I do. My understanding says that my Creator (God) is perfect and only creates perfect designs, all from love. As part of my Creator and a perfect design, I can be only of great worth. It has nothing to do with my productivity: I am simply me, God's perfect love.

You too are a perfect design of God. Do you think God messes up? The very fact that you are breathing the breath of life at this very moment is a gift. The reality that your birthright is the essence of pure love with unlimited power is a marvelous gift. Knowing this reality of your birthright expresses the mindfulness of your absolute value.

As you shift to the realization of your origin from perfect love and accept the birthright of greatness, you can then understand how you are your greatest gift. From this greatness you came into this life experience with your gift within you It is your responsibility to share it with the world. This gift is yours and yours alone, like no one else's, not a duplicate anywhere. Now that's pretty special if you ask me. And to think we each have one (or more) of these special gifts within us.

Have you remembered that special gift of yours? So often it remains hidden from the view of the world and perhaps even from you. But once you uncover this precious gift your entire life will change, and as you share it with others their lives will change. The gift within you becomes you.

But because individuals doubt the endless supply of possibilities as well as their own power, they don't believe in their true value. Instead, they believe they must earn their worthiness through what they achieve, acquire or do rather than who they are.

You were created from love and are love, and this love is who you are - a great gift to this world. Unwrap the package of you and step into the light so you can shine brilliantly. It's not what you give nor what you receive, but who you are that is your greatest gift! Thank God every single day for You!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Victim Or Victor?
Count Your Blessings - A True Story

Let me introduce you to Harry O'Brien - a human being extraordinaire…

It was a beautiful fall day in early October, October 3, 1983 to be exact. The sun was shining brilliantly and the crisp coolness of autumn filled the air. The day had presented only wonderful visions of fantastic possibilities.

Harry was quite content with his life. He and his wife were happy together and he was doing things that he loved to do - rebuilding older cars, playing bass guitar in a traveling band, and was a technical assistant in a recording company. He loved music and loved to dance. In fact, as Harry drove away from his morning meeting, he was smiling and singing along with the music that floated to his ears from his car radio. He was en route to see about purchasing another "over the hill" car so he could "fix her up."

Happily cruising as he hummed the tunes, he noticed a car sitting by the roadside with a man looking under the hood. Harry signaled to pull off the road to see if he could help this man in distress, since fixing ailing cars was one of his specialties. The man was obviously quite pleased to see help arrive and asked Harry if he would jumpstart his car. Harry hooked up the cables between both cars then went to prime the man's carburetor. He was standing in front of the man's car, priming the carburetor, thinking he'd have this guy on his way in short order. But suddenly, in a split second, his life abruptly ended as it had been.

There was a loud explosion and flames engulfed Harry's face, head and chest, for the stranded man had decided on his own volition to crank the engine. Remembering a creek he had seen over the embankment when he walked up to the disabled car, Harry turned and darted straight for that creek. Not being able to see anything as he felt his flesh burning, he literally dove into the creek head first, quickly extinguishing the flames that were searing his chest and face.

The man's car at the top of the embankment was rapidly burning, flames skyrocketing out of control. Harry couldn't move. As he came up to the surface of the water he noticed his legs, coming from behind, falling over his head. He felt nothing, absolutely nothing of his legs. He knew he wasn't dead, at least not yet, but he wondered if he was in the process of leaving this earth. He had hit the top of his head on a rock that he couldn't see, and his head hurt. He attempted to get up but nothing happened; he couldn't move. He thought of his wife and his family and prayed they'd be okay. His diaphragm was tightening and his breathing was shallow. He felt he was floating away, far away somewhere. Then, a man appeared out of nowhere, talking to him, asking how he was. It wasn't the man who Harry had helped that was by his side, it was a passerby who stopped at the sight of the burning automobile and noticed Harry in the creek. In fact, the man who Harry stopped to help never came to help him or ever got in touch with him at any time thereafter.

Harry invalidated the odds and lived, even though the doctors gave almost no hope he'd survive. He spent two weeks in intensive care and four months in two different hospitals recovering. Scars from the burns were almost non-existent; he had accomplished what he set out to do as he ran for the creek to extinguish the flames. But what he didn't ever expect, couldn't possibly have dreamed would occur, not in a million years, was that now he was paralyzed from his chest down. For Harry, just 28 years old, a wheelchair became his legs. His life began all over again.

Excruciating pain, grueling hours of physical therapy, learning to do simple, take-it-for-granted things like handle a fork and feed himself, became Harry's way of life. Life was seen through different glasses now. But people saw no bitterness. How could this be? How could anyone survive something so devastating, altering ones present life experience so completely, and not be bitter?

During the few moments while Harry laid in the creek-bed, feeling nothing, waiting for someone to come to his aid, he had a spectacular spiritual experience. During our interview, Harry expressed it so beautifully as he said, "I felt pure peace envelop me, like someone was hugging me. I began noticing nature all around me and it felt like nothing mattered, nothing at all. At the same time I had a sense of tremendous excitement - like a kid getting a new toy - and I had this sense I was going to learn more about myself than I ever could have dreamed of before. I remember thinking this was nuts, but that's what I was feeling."

Harry ran the gambit of anger as anyone would, questioning "Why me?" But Harry was strong, and he had now gained an inner strength he didn't know he had before. His story was carried in many cities across the country by a journalist named Lewis Guissard. Hundreds of letters poured in from well-wishers, and a letter came to him from the White House, written and signed by President Ronald Reagan, citing his remarkable humanitarianism and courage. The President and Nancy Reagan prayed for God's blessings on him as he continued his journey of healing.

Harry's life changed so dramatically in a way most of us will never have to face. He and his wife divorced after a while and Harry discovered he could no longer play his bass guitar in the band - his fingers just didn't work the same. But he continued fixing those older cars and has a beautiful 1968 Impala Super Sport in burgundy and black sitting in his garage at this very moment. And he drives it as well! He continued at the recording studio, finding a place of fulfillment until one day, he decided it was time, time to move out on his own.

He bought his present home in Kennesaw, Georgia fifteen years ago and created his own recording studio within those walls. Adorning one wall are two impressive plaques signifying his recording of Tap Team's "Whoomph, There It Is," a recording that rocked the world as it hit triple platinum status. He's recorded both not so known and known musicians, one being Travis Tritt. Even his garage displays recording equipment of all description where he has cleverly created a ramp that extends from his den doorway into the garage, making it wheel-chair accessible. He told me he has had entire bands in his garage recording many times.

Harry didn't allow his catastrophic physical challenge to get in his way. He's created his life that shows the world he's not a quitter in any sense of the word. He lives alone and manages his life without inhibitions, knowing that everything is perfectly orchestrated, even if he doesn’t completely understand it. It was through my search of a recording engineer that I became acquainted with this extraordinary man, a man that shows the world how to live in spite of.

As an author and a publisher, I now have the privilege to assist Harry as he writes his story, a story of courage, determination, never giving up as he came out on top. I wonder if we could have done the same? He's known for some time he was to write a book but didn't know where to begin. Since neither of us believes in coincidences, we know our paths crossed so this necessary element of his life could come into reality.

Harry has a dream. He wants to move his recording studio outside his home for several reasons: he wants to get out of the house more, feels it would be more professional, can connect with the business world more readily, acquire additional recording jobs, but mostly because his heart knows it is time to take this step.

Harry has many friends and is loved by many. He continually touches lives and hearts and he believes, as I do, that there are many more lives to touch in magnanimous ways. He wants to inspire others, particularly those with physical challenges, so they can plough through their challenge, all the fear and pain, and become stronger because of it. He wants these individuals to know that hope for the future is indeed bright if they can just see it, and he wants to help them see it.

Harry is a model of undaunting courage in overcoming what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles. We, as individuals, get so caught up in our own stories of misery, yet it's doubtful your story comes close to the hurdles Harry has faced. As I am in his presence I become humbled, realizing my great blessings in simply being able to swing my legs over the side of my bed every morning and stand up.

So I ask you, "Is Harry a victim or a victor?" You decide, but you already know the truth, for truth stands tall as the victor!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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A Journey To Love

 

You and I are on an incredible journey at this very moment, dancing in an exciting adventure that takes us into a new expansiveness beyond our imagination. It is a journey of love, one that knows no limits, has no fear, is authentically powerful and reaches for all possibilities. Is this your experience right now? Is your heart smiling with loving endless energy that you are radiating throughout the world, or are you lost in your own fearful limiting patterns, stuck in a box of your making, stagnant in movement?

I invite you to walk this journey with me for a while. I have been on a journey most of my life searching for love, wanting to know and understand this love, and only recently found it in the most unexpected place. Through my journey I often asked other people about love. Many responses were given about what it meant according to their perception - companionship, security, someone to come home to, sexual intimacy, procreation, sharing space, good feelings, belonging, feeling of family - but it wasn't enough. I knew there was more to real love than was being revealed. So I kept searching. Perhaps you too are searching. You see, finding love is the innate desire of all beings on this planet.

Most people search for love in the physical realm. You know, that zap of "chemistry," candlelight dinners, warm fuzzy feelings, making love, being together and sharing it all. This is love in the physical realm. Although wonderful and exciting, it does not begin to comprehend the vastness of real love. We all know that physical love can change rather rapidly - our divorce statistics certainly equate this - for physical intimacy provides only short-term gratification with connection that lacks depth. So if physical connections - whether partner/partner, friend/friend or parent/child - do not provide the filled up, satisfying, overflowing love, well then, what does?

The search continued. First was a long marriage, but the love faded away until it was gone. There were five children - they kept me busy and fulfilled and happy for a while it seemed. I was too busy to look further so just accepted this was it, even though I longed to know more. Funny thing though, the kids grew up and moved onto their own path, leaving me behind. I tried one business after another, did well in all of them, but something was always missing. I was empty and my soul cried out for that love. My face told the story of my heart's condition, for what one is on the inside is mirrored to the outside for all to see. I kept looking.

I continued my journey and some revealing insights came to me. I looked at other people walking past me or even beside me, and saw the same emptiness in many of them. I was puzzled, but also relieved that I wasn't the only one searching. Most were doing what I was doing, hurrying here and there thus avoiding time to think about the emptiness, filling their lives with busyness. Sadly, the more I accomplished, the more accolades I received, the busier I became, the emptier I was. What a mystery. It surely wasn't turning out as I had been taught - get married, raise a family, take care of everyone's needs, work a job perhaps, go to church, live by the "Golden Rule," give and give, and you will know love.

Oftentimes I'd look back and try to figure out where I went wrong according to my perception. I must have done something wrong or taken a wrong turn. Of course, I thought, the problem is with the marriage; I must have married the "wrong" person. No wonder I couldn't find love. So perhaps I'll find another partner who is the "right" one. Ever traveled this path?

Years had gone by, illness overtook me, recovery was slow because of the internal pain. It was during that time that I understood another dimension of illness - emotional pain. As I journeyed this path and explored every nook and cranny for answers, I discovered some wondrous insights and was divinely prompted to write my first book - A Woman's Path to Wholeness: the Gift is in the Process. My intention had been to write a different book, but I was led down this path. I realized the core of most physical illness is found in the emotional and spiritual realms and many needed to hear these insights. Then one day I came to a crossroad that offered several possibilities. Which one was the right path? How could I know? God intervened and a cosmic two-by-four, strategically placed, got my attention so that I realized I needed to step out of my comfort zone and grow. My entire life began to transform and new doors opened in miraculous ways. My intuition literally exploded with massive force as realms of enlightenment overtook my beingness. Perhaps you've experienced this process.

One day, as I rounded a bend, there it was, staring me right in the face, the love I had been searching for all my life. How could I have missed it all this time I wondered? For the love I had longed for, cried for, dreamed of, prayed for and searched for was with me all the time. It was inside of me, right there in my soul and heart, and I couldn't see it. It was on the other side of the fears - the anger, hurt, shame, guilt, defectiveness, bitterness, blame, manipulation, control, jealousy, pain, and revenge - completely shadowed by them. And the love inside of me was reflecting the love of God from whence I came. I am a child of God! At that moment I realized how magnificent I am, a woman of worth, the embodiment of divine, unconditional, boundless love.

 

I had work to do to uncover this love. Release, let go, surrender became words to live by. I quit resisting the love and it spilled out to heal the multidimensional wounds of my life experience and let them go. Learning to retrieve the love from its hidden place and remember from whence one came, is not an instant realization. It involves steps to allow it to be revealed, like peeling away layer upon layer of encrusted negative patterns. I had to unconditionally love myself - not an easy assignment after a lifetime of self-incrimination - and to accept that we are all perfectly created from nothing but love. We've never been anything else but love as part of the universal, perfect love of our Creator; we just forgot.

So there it was - the secret to finding love - be the love you are seeking and it will find you. I replaced the fear and all its derivatives with loving energies - forgiveness, gratitude, compassion, appreciation, kindness - and the love grew and grew. I glided down the path now without the weight of the past. I forgave the people who according to my perception had hurt me, going beyond the dimension of human comprehension, and there I found love, real love, that moves above the externals of the physical realm and sees the divine light in every soul. I claimed my birthright power in this process and felt the most healing expansiveness I had ever experienced, way beyond the realm of my past knowingness.

Knowing this unconditional love shifts everything in your mindfulness. I looked at the world - all these people screaming out for love - feeling such depth of sadness that it was eluding them as it had me for so long. I wanted to shout from the rooftops that they already had it within them, but I knew they wouldn't listen. The world looks with different glasses so love seen by their misguided eyes is simply need. This is why love fades away for many - they are trying so hard to use this interpretation of love to validate themselves, to fill up the empty caverns within them, to feel secure, approved of, connected, complete, desired - all of ego.

Most amazing of all is that love doesn't need to be achieved, it simply is. It's always there for us and in us just as air is always present to allow us to breathe. Such is real love, divine love, our life-force breathing out to all people on this planet. It has no judgment or expectations. It allows for you to be yourself, standing in your own magnificence, complete as you are. Real love doesn't require approval, does not judge, and isn't a manipulative force.

Again my divine guidance came with urgency to put aside the book I was working on and write The Realness of a Woman, A Journey for Seeking, Remembering and Being Who You Are. As the words poured through me I realized the powerful effect of this Divine Consciousness for a world that needs to remember.

The journey to love begins and ends within our hearts and souls. The mirror of life reflects only what it sees. Does your mirror reflect the divine eternal love of your Creator so that your heartspace radiates love to those who walk the path of life with you? Or is your love obscured by the shadows of doubt and fear and hidden from the view of the world as you hide in the "box" you created for your life? Our journey is for our spiritual awakening to the glorious awareness of a life of love. The love you are seeking begins as you!

Written by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Porter, speaker, trainer, energy healer, publisher, minister and author of A Woman's Path to Wholeness, The Realness of a Woman and Put the Dynamo in Your Communication. The following excerpt is taken from her book, The Realness of a Woman, A Journey for Seeking, Remembering & Being Who You Are.

"Real love doesn't need to be achieved, it simply is. Once you have obtained the knowingness of love as the Universe intended us to feel, nothing in your life will ever be the same again, and you will see that the love of the world is not really love, it is need. This awareness can transform your life and create a passion that grows and grows, a passion for life itself as you realize the greatness already within your being. It is recognizing this greatness that already lies within you that gives you realness in being the wonderful woman you really are, one who is genuinely in love with herself!

This book is written for those women who seek more from life, who know they are more and are searching to be revealed. Your journey through these pages is solely to substantiate enlightenment of your soul, the place where you are real. As you read this book, yearn to understand the relevance of knowing the depth and breath of divine love, for the love you are knowing is you. Love is all there is."

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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Who Are You Really?

If I asked you who you are I'd probably get your name and maybe something about your life as an answer. Most people identify themselves by a certain name in a particular body, who is married to so-in-so, has these particular kids, lives in a certain house, in a particular neighborhood, works in a particular job, has certain friends, and that's who they are. It's as if they're neatly tucked into a certain "box" of existence and are destined to live a certain way, in a certain place, with certain people, doing certain things, and that's who they believe they are. Most people believe they are at least three dimensional beings, but see themselves as this neat little "package" in the physical realm. What a limiting experience this life is.

This life exists in the earthly dimension, but you are so much more than this. You are really a spirit come to earth to experience this life so that you can expand and evolve past your present state as you reach out and touch other lives in loving service. That is the true nature of our human beingness - a spiritual being enjoying a human experience. Most people believe they have a "soul" or "spirit" inside of them, but do not realize the importance of honoring their spirit. Instead they think of themselves as only a human being with a spirit (soul).

So you must first understand this concept if you're ever going to move past the limitations you have put on your life. You've tucked yourself neatly into this comfortable "box" with all the sides up around you, as you snuggle inside. Feels good, right? Of course you open the lid from time to time and maybe venture out, but more often than not come right back to your "safe" environment and settle into that comfort zone.

Well guess what, that's a dormant lifestyle. You can't expand and grow into who you are really meant to be if you're only reality is based in the physical realm, in that comfortable space you've created for yourself. Of course it is necessary to be in the physical form in order to grow and reach higher spiritual awareness while learning the lessons of life, and it's good to experience the wonderful things you deserve. So often however, a person stops right there, and as their life progresses through the years they might question what it's all about. They've never expanded out of their neatly created "box."

People are busy, busy, busy, and as one is busy there's little time to listen to one's spirit. They're busy accumulating things and people - education, money, life partners, children, friends, businesses, careers, and so on, and then don't have time to reflect on their inner beingness. Don't get me wrong, it's great to be busy and productive, but often the busyness is merely that of collecting external "feel goods." The real person gets lost in all this busyness - a cover up actually, and life just streaks by without fulfillment and happiness.

Everyone in this world desires happiness. Generally speaking though, we base our happiness on the temporary gratification of external pleasures, whether it be people or things. It's so easy to get caught up in this belief pattern, and the problem here is that people and things don't ever bring real, genuine happiness. After all, things can break and get old or tarnished, relationships can change form, businesses and careers can fall apart. If your happiness is based on these you'll become very unhappy with your life, harboring many negative feelings like anger, bitterness, resentment - all part of fear.

So how does one become genuinely happy? Happiness comes from within you, and only you can create happiness in your life. It always involves listening and expanding your true inner self - your spirit. How does one accomplish this feat? By reaching outside of your comfort zone "box" and doing the impossible. You've probably heard the song entitled "The Impossible Dream?" Realize there is no impossible dream. All you need do is stretch past your own limitations and begin living that "impossible dream."

Stretching past your limitations can involve different steps. One step is to break down your biggest barrier - fear. Fear is an illusion, a product of your imagination, but affects the reality of your life. The way to break the fear cycle is to feel it first, acknowledge it's existence, and then take the steps that hurdle you right through that barrier. Once you begin the step-wise process, your fear diminishes and will probably dissipate. Let's take the example of public speaking, one of the greatest fears people experience. It was mine a few years ago. Shakily, I took a public speaking course and then began speaking in front of various groups. You might say, "Why do that? Why not do something else that doesn't 'scare' you?" The answer is simple - I listened to that wee little voice inside me, my spirit, that kept saying "You need to do this and help people by sharing your gifts and insights. Go ahead, you can do it." So I did, and as I continued to experience audiences, it became easier and easier to speak without fear. You see, I took steps totally out of my comfort zone by listening to my inner guidance, and the rewards can never be measured by anything on this earth. There's a peace and freedom knowing you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing at that time in your life, and as you take those steps in faith you'll be blessed beyond what you can imagine.

So this brings me to your life purpose, the very thing that can bring you genuine happiness. Each of you have a reason for being here on this planet. You have something to give and share with the world, and this is the deep passion inside you that will ultimately bring you the happiness that you not only crave, but also deserve to experience. Your purpose propels you out of bed in the morning with a smile on your face as you excitedly begin your day. You don't feel that way each day? More than likely your life is not on purpose.

Realize too that your purpose can change. We are constantly expanding if we stretch past our perceived limitations, so our purpose can take on a new direction at any time. This happens particularly if we're in alignment with our divine plan. Maybe you're asking yourself how in the world can you find your life purpose? There is a written exercise that enables a person to discover their life purpose as they allow their spirit to come through to guide their answers on that paper. Or perhaps when you look back through your life's "story" you'll see the gift in the experiences that by growing through them can give strength and hope to others.

As we expand our lives and allow growth of our spirit without the previous limitations, we open up spaces that need to be filled. So often we fill these spaces with external pleasures that provide only temporary gratification. Instead, we should fill those spaces with our purpose, which involves serving others with a loving heart. When we do this, we experience a life of freedom and happiness that exceeds our expectations. It empowers us to be more than we are and stretch past our boundaries to be who we really are supposed to be. This process of life never ends because to really live means to be continually growing. So will the real You stand up and move out of your comfortable "box" to stand in Your own truth and power, and in faith go forward to move mountains! See the possible right beyond what you think is impossible!

Written by Carolyn Porter, D. Div. Empower Productions, Inc.
Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Porter
Published by Empower Productions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

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If You Just Believe

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year in which everything is possible. But even if it’s later in the year when you read this, every day is a new beginning. You are at this very moment creating your next moment and the one after that as well as creating the version of your life according to what you believe. There is a beautiful song entitled “If You Just Believe” and the lyrics say “believe in what your heart is saying, believe in what you feel inside, give your dreams the wings to fly, you have everything you need if you just believe.”

What do you believe? Do you believe in yourself…that everything is possible…that you can have perfect health…that you can do anything you put your mind to do…that you deserve all good…that life is a wonderful adventure…that you are magnificent…that you are abundant in every way? People often say the words, but what is really in your heart, what do you truly believe?

You are a powerful co-creator who is capable of bringing anything into reality that your heart desires. I wonder if you really believe that? Most people don’t because they allow circumstances and other people to dictate what they do, say, think and believe. Yet it is the power within you that has the ability to create into reality any dream you can imagine.

You might be asking how this can happen, being that your life isn’t going the way you wish it would. Maybe your finances are less than desirable or you long for a wonderful partner, or perhaps your job is boring and going no where and you want to do something that feels good instead of just performing for a paycheck. Maybe you desire to feel good about yourself, be calm, regain your health, or simply be happy. Dear friends, all of this is possible if you just believe it.

The key is to put out to the universe (God) your intention (thought), not simply for material gain but for spiritual gain. Always state that intention from an inner space of love and know that once it is thought it has the potential to become a reality. The ONLY thing that can stop that intention from becoming your reality is you and your disbelief in it coming to fruition. And this is precisely what happens to many people – they say the words and know in their head of its possibility, but their heart doesn’t align with that belief and this negates the entire process. I know this well as I have repeatedly blocked the very thing I asked for so that it couldn’t reach me, at least not until I got out of the way. And I believe that at this very moment you are thinking back over all the things you asked for but never showed up, right?

More than likely you’d like to believe that all you desire can be yours but don’t know how to make it happen for you. So I’m going to help you by giving you the answer. Here’s how it works. You have a deep desire for something, let’s say for a wonderful partner in your life. You’ve been dreaming of this for months or even years but nothing. You’ve begged God, praying over and over for this person, and maybe you’ve been angry that God hasn’t brought you your desire. Maybe you’ve gone looking yourself believing God isn’t listening so decided you’d just take over and do it yourself. You might be doubting this person will ever show up and you’re depressed as well as angry.

That’s how it works for many of you and the irony of it all is that you’re the reason your desire hasn’t shown up. Why? Because you’re attempting to do the work. You’re tired of waiting so stepped in to help the process along, or you continually focus on what isn’t there yet (lack), or perhaps it’s your anger that’s in the way. These behaviors are negative and are the very barrier that obstructs the receiving of your dream because