I recently read a blog about a trend that the author, Staci Shelton, referred to as "Spiritual Bulimia."
You see it all the time on Twitter, Facebook, et al, the endless "spiritual quotes" where Staci questions whether or not the person posting the quotes is really walking the talk.
I want to take this a step further -- a trend I see out in the world versus the sheltered confines of social networking, if you will.
Watch TV, read the newspaper (yes, people still do that!) and it's obvious that there are some mean people out there - you know, the ones that probably have never heard of Neville, Wallace Wattles and "New Thought."
God has recently planted me in an assignment with people who definitely are not amongst my Twitter and other social media site followers.
As an entrepreneur where you're darting in and out of various venues on assignments I have seen a mean-spiritedness in the work force that is absolutely revolting. People showing no respect for management, internal conflicts, an "it's all about me" mentality seems to typify the attitude of a lot of the employees who are are there these days. And forget gratitude for even having a job. It seems that some people are used to having so little it must be hard to truly be grateful to have a job during this economic climate.
Oftentimes, these same people talk about going to church and are the ones who are resolute in saying they can only work during certain hours on Sundays. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Think of the mean-spiritedness you see outside of the workplace. Remember Britney Spears' meltdown last year and that picture of her venomously bashing a car with an umbrella?
So where is this mean-spiritedness coming from in a society that embraces Oprah and her "Secret, New Earth" empire and where some of the biggest troublemakers are the ones who "go to" church?
I think it has to do with a breakdown in our society and spread of false spirituality, i.e spirituality that is not in full alignment with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and a society wherein the door to demonic forces is left wide open through violent movies and video games, the whole Goddess movement, Wicca and other practices which neutralize the Bible and all its teachings.
Jesus clearly says "I am the way and the truth and the life" in John 14:6. "No one comes to the Father except through me," he continues. The problem today is that people aren't even wanting to come to the Father (check the whole Goddess thing) and they're certainly not wanting to come to Him through Jesus (Michael Beckwith of "The Secret" nonchalantly calls him Jesus THE Christ).
A lot of people don't realize it but there is a whole occultist movement at hand, which is becoming so mainstreamed into our society, as to be seamless. Unfortunately, with that movement, God, as in Biblical God, not metaphysical or Universe God is getting edged off the throne for something more homogenized and
user-friendly, so to speak. Jesus' birth, death and resurrection somehow get "lost in translation" in this new spirituality. Gee whiz, a person cannot even claim to be religious these days with being branded with scarlet letter "R."
So given what's happening with the rise of pseudo-spirituality and the decline of claiming to be "religious," is there any wonder there is a mean-spiritedness running rampant in our society?
You're also probably wondering what then is the solution?
Stay tuned for Part 2, but in the meantime, feel free to post your comments.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Worried? Upset? Here's a Memo From God
Someone sent this to me and I wanted to share it during a time which is filled with worry and uncertainty for many:
MEMO FROM GOD:
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need
to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I
may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.
1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you
forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for
you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes
your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR
list. Put it on MY to-do-list! . Let ME be the one to take care of the
problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my
to-do-list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you
put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME
Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs,
your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my
list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your
emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help
you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well,! I'm feeling much stronger now,
I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling
stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care
of them. I also renew your strength and cove! r you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where
you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do
my job.
5. TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But
there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to
me - OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include
me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about
your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with
me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can'! t see from where you
are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't
want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over
you, and meet you! r needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a
much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
MEMO FROM GOD:
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need
to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I
may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in
this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.
1. QUIT WORRYING
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you
forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for
you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes
your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR
list. Put it on MY to-do-list! . Let ME be the one to take care of the
problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my
to-do-list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of anything you
put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME
Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back.
Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs,
your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my
list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list. Problems with your
emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help
you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well,! I'm feeling much stronger now,
I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling
stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care
of them. I also renew your strength and cove! r you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where
you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do
my job.
5. TALK TO ME
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But
there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to
me - OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include
me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about
your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with
me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH
I see a lot of things from up here that you can'! t see from where you
are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't
want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over
you, and meet you! r needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a
much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
What's the Economy Got to Do with It?
By now, I'm hoping most of you have made the association between the title of this blog and the song, "What's Love Got to Do with It?"
With all the media on the troubled economy, it struck me in one article I was reading (although I try not to dwell too much on it), how the last "recession" was in 1973-1974.
It was amazing because I thought back how much my life has changed since then.
In fact the period of 1973-1974 was the beginning of a heydey for me. I had just recently graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism. I had a choice of two jobs, one was working for the Associated Press (in Des Moines, Iowa, no less). The other was working for advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather off Madison Avenue in New York City.
I was living in Brooklyn with my parents -- in the projects I am proud to say (the Linden Houses to be specific).
In other words, if there was a recession, I did not know it. It never occured to me that I could not get a job, it did not occur to me that my life could not be great. The only thing I remember around that time is about the gas lines -but since I didn't drive (it was New York mind you, the hub of public transportation), even that didn't matter.
All of this was BEFORE the Law of Attraction became the rage and so on. Of course, I always have been a positive thinker. I simply did not dwell on any negativity. In fact, I did not even acknowledge it.
I received a recent loving message from a friend along these lines which reaffirmed what I had been thinking about the past several days.
In challenging times, whether they be economic or not, the essence of who we are DOES NOT change. If we have a history of being successful and overcoming any supposed obstacles, then we can continue down that road because success is in our blood! And even if we don't have an stellar history of success, scientists now say that we can re-wire our brains for something different. It's called neuroplasticity. So see, no excuses!
In conclusion, if you are going to dwell on anything, dwell on your past successes and how God hasn't let you fail before and he won't let you fail now!
By the way, I wound up taking the job at the Associate Press in Des Moines, Iowa. It was one the best years of my life. I met the most amazing people and yes, I learned to drive there!
With all the media on the troubled economy, it struck me in one article I was reading (although I try not to dwell too much on it), how the last "recession" was in 1973-1974.
It was amazing because I thought back how much my life has changed since then.
In fact the period of 1973-1974 was the beginning of a heydey for me. I had just recently graduated from New York University with a degree in Journalism. I had a choice of two jobs, one was working for the Associated Press (in Des Moines, Iowa, no less). The other was working for advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather off Madison Avenue in New York City.
I was living in Brooklyn with my parents -- in the projects I am proud to say (the Linden Houses to be specific).
In other words, if there was a recession, I did not know it. It never occured to me that I could not get a job, it did not occur to me that my life could not be great. The only thing I remember around that time is about the gas lines -but since I didn't drive (it was New York mind you, the hub of public transportation), even that didn't matter.
All of this was BEFORE the Law of Attraction became the rage and so on. Of course, I always have been a positive thinker. I simply did not dwell on any negativity. In fact, I did not even acknowledge it.
I received a recent loving message from a friend along these lines which reaffirmed what I had been thinking about the past several days.
In challenging times, whether they be economic or not, the essence of who we are DOES NOT change. If we have a history of being successful and overcoming any supposed obstacles, then we can continue down that road because success is in our blood! And even if we don't have an stellar history of success, scientists now say that we can re-wire our brains for something different. It's called neuroplasticity. So see, no excuses!
In conclusion, if you are going to dwell on anything, dwell on your past successes and how God hasn't let you fail before and he won't let you fail now!
By the way, I wound up taking the job at the Associate Press in Des Moines, Iowa. It was one the best years of my life. I met the most amazing people and yes, I learned to drive there!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Voting and Messy Spirituality
No, I am not talking about spirituality within the context of politics, which truly can get quite messy.
I went to vote at 6 a.m. this morning at my local precinct which is in a small church.As I was standing in line I was looking at the artwork on the wall and some oversized postcards that had mini-devotionals on them. I was drawn to a statement about "Messy Spirituality.
Basically, it made reference to the idea that we are all broken and in need of repair. In fact, we are messy. But through it all God is with us. The statement ended with words to the effect that how spiritual it is that even with our mistakes and messes God still allows our light to shine through.
I found this to be very powerful and hope that this sharing encourages someone today.
I went to vote at 6 a.m. this morning at my local precinct which is in a small church.As I was standing in line I was looking at the artwork on the wall and some oversized postcards that had mini-devotionals on them. I was drawn to a statement about "Messy Spirituality.
Basically, it made reference to the idea that we are all broken and in need of repair. In fact, we are messy. But through it all God is with us. The statement ended with words to the effect that how spiritual it is that even with our mistakes and messes God still allows our light to shine through.
I found this to be very powerful and hope that this sharing encourages someone today.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
"Online Marketing Tools for Today's Small Business" Is A Must Read
Hello, Everyone:
With today's new Internet and the rise of social networking, this book is a must read for anyone doing business on the Internet now!
Come join me on this interview with author Rita Cartwright as she shares insights on herself AND her new book.
Also, want a free copy of the book? Rita is giving away a free copy of her e-book to a randomly selected participant at each of her Vitual Blog Tour stops. To qualify, post a comment or question.
PQ: Why did you write this book?
RC: My goal was to create a handbook, which entrepreneurs and small business owners can refer to when they are searching for online marketing tools and/or new marketing ideas. I wrote it for new entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as for those who have been in business a while.
PQ: Tell me about yourself
RC: I’m originally from Arizona and now reside in California. I earned my bachelor’s degree (with Magna Cum Laude honors) from Arizona State University when I was 44 years old. After graduation, I couldn’t find a job; therefore, I decided to start my own business offering online word processing services, which was 6 years ago. At that time, I was not aware of the virtual assistant industry, which I am now a member of. So, I guess you can say I was ahead of the curve.
PQ: What qualifies you to write this book?
RC: Approximately 2 years ago, I started maintaining a blog and writing articles in order to implement the article marketing strategy. (I talk about using this strategy as a marketing tool in my e-book.) Also, while attending college, I learned how to write. I had to write. I remember my English professor saying I should be a writer, because he thought I had the skills. I didn’t take him serious. I was just trying to get through college.
In regards to the subject matter, my background and education in marketing and my experience from operating an online business provide me with the necessary qualifications to write this e-book on the topic of online marketing tools.
PQ: How long have you been an entrepreneur?
RC: I have been an entrepreneur since October 2002. Although I started out as a small business owner, I have become an entrepreneur. There are differences between entrepreneurs and small business owners. In fact, I wrote an article on the differences. It is titled, “Are There Any Differences Between an Entrepreneur and a Small Business Owner?” Ezine Articles is one of the article banks where you can find it.
PQ: What is the e-book about?
RC: This e-book contains information on various online marketing tools, along with some examples and in-depth descriptions of the tools. There is also a resource section that lists websites where you can find the online marketing tools, including “live” links to the websites. The resource section will save your readers a lot of time in Internet research when they are searching for information on online marketing tools.
PQ: What do you want the readers to get out of this e-book?
RC: I wanted to provide those readers, who have a shoestring marketing budget, with information they can use in their online marketing plan or, at least, generate new marketing ideas. Most entrepreneurs and small business owners do not have a large marketing budget. The marketing tools I discuss costs little to no money.
PQ: Can we look for more books from you in the future?
RC: Yes. One of my clients, who is a coach of Christian leaders, and I are currently working together on an e-book. It will be geared towards Christian leaders and Christian virtual assistants. So be on the lookout for that in the near future.
PQ: How can the readers contact you if they have any questions?
RC: Your readers can reach me at 760-631-1335 or toll free at 866-651-3073 or send me an e-mail at rjcartw@rjswordprocessing.com.
PQ: Rita, thank you for stopping by my blog on your tour.
RC: You are very welcome. Thank you, Paula, for having me.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Join Me on Rita Cartwright's Virtual Blog Tour and Enter to Win Her E-Book
On Thursday Oct. 30, Rita J. Cartwright will be stopping by my blog on her virtual book tour to promote her new e-book. Join me and comment or ask a question to be entered into the random drawing to win a copy of her new e-book, "Online Marketing Tools for Today's Small Business". Rita J. Cartwright is a Virtual Assistant and owner of RJ's Word Processing Services and has been in business since 2002.
In 1998, she received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from Arizona State University with a minor in Spanish. She is also a member of Virtual Assistant Networking Association and Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. In order to offer her clients quality service, Rita continues to enhance her skills through various teleseminars and webinars, as well as network online and offline with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Rita’s background in marketing and experience in conducting her business online qualify her to write an e-book on the topic of various marketing tools and strategies. Having to operate on a shoestring marketing budget, provided her with necessary knowledge and skills, which were required in order to implement these same strategies into her online marketing plan.
For more information on RJ’s Word Processing Services and Rita, please click here.
Summary of e-book: Entrepreneurs and small business owners in any industry can use this e-book as a reference guide. Whenever you need fresh online marketing ideas or need online marketing information, you can refer back to this e-book. Nowadays, we are so overwhelmed with information, Rita wanted to simplify the search for online marketing techniques by organizing some of that information together into one location, her e-book.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Social Irony of Social Networking
I belong to several social networks and noticed that many of them are coming up with rules about spamming and promoting your business.
Granted, some of them are special interest (non-business related) groups so I can fully understand and appreciate wanting to eliminate spam. It is becoming wearisome to accept those friends' request only to get a barrage of invitations to explore that person's product or business.
BUT, let's get real here. If you took a a poll of those people joining social networks just for the social part of it versus the business generating part of it you probably would find that most people, certainly those who have businesses, are joining in order to attract business.
A common practice I see is people posting information like machines in order to provide "value." But of course, what they're really wanting to do is to attract more clients. There is something very duplicitous about this in my opinion. It seems too much like a bait and switch tactic to me -- advancing an unproven cyberspace friendship with a "real" agenda of doing business.
With so many social networks out there and so many people blogging anyway, I do not have the time to be an encyclopedia of factoids to provide some amorphous "value" to readers in the hopes that this perceived value will translate into clients. I am seeing so many factoids and article redirects now that my eyes are glazing over. The field is way too full with people taking this more "subtle" approach.
Oftentimes, people are providing so much information, I don't even know what their primary business is. I just know that they are a repository of information. In live networking such as in BNI, each person has to provide a 60 or 30 minute "commercial" about their business or at least tell whom whey are looking for.
Why is this straightforward approach getting so lost in the social media realm where any reference to your business is viewed to as "spam" in some circles?
If someone is posting and posting just to add "value" and I do not even know what their business is or whom they are looking for, then they haven't accomplished a whole lot in my opinion.
In "real" live networking a key theme is giver's gain. How can I help you? How can I help connect you to someone I know? I can't do that if I don't even really know what business you're in because it is being masked through an information dump. It also kind of says that maybe you don't need any help. You're home free. You just want to keep providing information so that I might want to do business with you. The question is how does that cycle back to me?
Rather than hiding behind the guise of information purveyor, just be up front about your business and what would take you to the next level. It could be the start of a truly beautiful friendship which is what social networking is all about!
Granted, some of them are special interest (non-business related) groups so I can fully understand and appreciate wanting to eliminate spam. It is becoming wearisome to accept those friends' request only to get a barrage of invitations to explore that person's product or business.
BUT, let's get real here. If you took a a poll of those people joining social networks just for the social part of it versus the business generating part of it you probably would find that most people, certainly those who have businesses, are joining in order to attract business.
A common practice I see is people posting information like machines in order to provide "value." But of course, what they're really wanting to do is to attract more clients. There is something very duplicitous about this in my opinion. It seems too much like a bait and switch tactic to me -- advancing an unproven cyberspace friendship with a "real" agenda of doing business.
With so many social networks out there and so many people blogging anyway, I do not have the time to be an encyclopedia of factoids to provide some amorphous "value" to readers in the hopes that this perceived value will translate into clients. I am seeing so many factoids and article redirects now that my eyes are glazing over. The field is way too full with people taking this more "subtle" approach.
Oftentimes, people are providing so much information, I don't even know what their primary business is. I just know that they are a repository of information. In live networking such as in BNI, each person has to provide a 60 or 30 minute "commercial" about their business or at least tell whom whey are looking for.
Why is this straightforward approach getting so lost in the social media realm where any reference to your business is viewed to as "spam" in some circles?
If someone is posting and posting just to add "value" and I do not even know what their business is or whom they are looking for, then they haven't accomplished a whole lot in my opinion.
In "real" live networking a key theme is giver's gain. How can I help you? How can I help connect you to someone I know? I can't do that if I don't even really know what business you're in because it is being masked through an information dump. It also kind of says that maybe you don't need any help. You're home free. You just want to keep providing information so that I might want to do business with you. The question is how does that cycle back to me?
Rather than hiding behind the guise of information purveyor, just be up front about your business and what would take you to the next level. It could be the start of a truly beautiful friendship which is what social networking is all about!
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