The Bible, Marketplace Spirituality & Business

Grief and the Law of Attraction

2011-10-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

I came to reaize that the last time I posted a blog here was in December 2009. That should tell you something.

Unbeknownst to me was the fact that 2010 would be the year my mother passed away and all of 2010 was a buildup to that although I didn't realize it at the time. Her ultimate death was sudden and unexpected but the entire year was focused on her since she had constant knee and back problems -otherwise she was quite healthy.

I could write a tome on taking care of an aging parent when you're also following your dream of being an entrepreneur, but that will be another post.

For now I just want to say the the grief I experienced after her death was heart-wrenching. For all the "arguments" we had and the normal mother-daughter stuff, when I realized she was "gone forever" it was overwhelming.

Despite a wonderful support network or family and friends, I dropped out of site, just wanting to crawl into the cave of grief and despair. I decided to do a "year of mourning."

I'll have much more on the process of grief but I will say for now that despite my sorrow, I never lost site of the the law of attraction and the realization that drowning in my sorrows would only make it worse.

I am just now emerging out of a walking depression, but I am much stronger. While I still feel an immense pain when I think about my mother or talk about her with family and friends, I know that my best course is yes, to think about something positive and to look up and next back. I've said to myself and others I don't want to become a pillar of salt (like Lot's wife) by focusing on the past. After my father's funeral many years ago, when we were waking away from the church, my mother told me not to look back. I didn't really know what she meant at the time, but now I do.

I am determined to stay in a "high vibration" no matter what. I have great work ahead of me and I am determined to help others.

Are you still suffering from grief? Feel free to share your story here. And for others, I would love to hear how you overcame your grief.

"The Lost Message" - Oh, Really?

2009-12-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

It recently came to my attention that a new personal development movie is in the works entitled "The Lost Message." If you go the website, the trailer indicates many of the participants of "The Secret" are involved.

Well, obviously I haven't seen this movie, neither do I know more about it than basically what the trailers say. From the few posts I have read, however, it appears that the movie is some kind of continuation of "The Secret," - that something was left out of "The Secret." Oh, really?

What I DO know for sure is that I feel like saying here we go again. "The Lost Message" mania is about to begin in three months when the movie is released.

I saw "The Secret" DVD early on and didn't have any problem with it since I was well familiar with the Law of Attraction. I had been exposed to the concept in the
1960s. It wasn't until I read the book version of the movie that I became concerned about what masses were being taught. For an in-depth discussion on this, you can visit my website at The Law of Attraction for Christians.

Regarding "The Lost Message" my question is what message could possibly have been lost?

In a world where Jesus Christ is increasingly viewed as just another enlightened master and where Christianity and religion are anathema to many, "The Lost Message" would appear to be another glowing example where people are being led AWAY from the true source of knowledge and how to live your life -- "The Bible."

It's not so much that I view what is taught in "The Secret" as wrong, it's just that without the proper backup, people struggle to "get" the Law of Attraction. As a coach I work with people all the time who say they've been working with the Law of Attraction but not getting the results they want - what are they doing wrong?

The whole strength of the Bible is that it is GOD speaking. And I can assure you that virtually every self-help book that has been written is rooted in Biblical principles whether the author acknowledges it or not.

There are so many mysteries and answers to mysteries written in the Bible it is amazing. Yet a very popular teacher of the Law of Attraction essentially makes fun of "the Good Book" and claims never to have read it.

Which brings me back to "The Lost Message." As I look at the participants listed, I know that at least two of them have publicly acknowledged that they accept Jesus "the Christ" as a teacher but not as their personal savior.

I truly hope that I am proved wrong on this but I can only anticipate that "The Lost Message" will somehow or the other take people even further away from the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

I am almost willing to bet that the so-called "lost message" will come from some obscure source and that people will get even further caught up in the loop of trying to find the truth and the meaning of life. This will mean tons of "The Lost Message" DVDs, books, audios, home studies and other marketing paraphernalia for seekers to feed on and still never get to the true source of wisdom and power.

Oh that they simply would dust off their trusty Bible or buy a new one! There's truly a Bible for everyone these days, no need to waddle through the King James Version.

As one who has gone down the new age path long before it mainstreamed itself into our society, I can assure you without a doubt, that all the self-help knowledge can be found in the Bible, no matter when, how, or how many times the Bible may have been written, re-written and all the questions and "controversies" surrounding it.

There is a parable in the Bible about the lost sheep. It is my sincere prayer that they hear the call of the true shepherd's voice and don't get even more lost in "The Lost Message."

If you like this blog, you may feel free to use it in your newsletter or
e-zine with proper credit as indicated below.

Copyright 2009, Paula Quick, Law of Scripture Coach (www.lawofscripturecoach.com)

There's A Mean-Spiritedness Out There

2009-06-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Worried? Upset? Here's a Memo From God

2008-12-23T05:35:00.000-08:00

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?

What's the Economy Got to Do with It?

2008-11-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

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!

Voting and Messy Spirituality

2008-11-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

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.

"Online Marketing Tools for Today's Small Business" Is A Must Read

2008-10-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Pick up your copy today for only $3.98.

The Social Irony of Social Networking

2008-10-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

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!

Do You Have A Business Nebuchadnezzar?

2008-09-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

It's late but I wanted to write this blog while I was thinking about it. I probably will write a Part 2, as well.

Some of you may be aware that I unwittingly entered into a bad business alliance with the result being that the miserly and miserable person I was working with refused to pay me for two weeks worth of work I had already performed as an independent contractor unless I signed a totally outlandish non-compete agreement.

Had I signed the agreement, it would have severely limited me in my own business. It also would have given this creep (forgive me God) rights to an e-book (which has to do with spirituality) that I have 90% completed, which was totally MY idea.

While it is not a lot of money in question, it is still money, which in these days of high gas AND food prices, is still missed. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit told me NOT to sign the agreement since ultimately, God is my provider -- not this infidel.

Well, the sermon today at church dealt with King Nebuchadnezzar and Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego. The pastor told the story of how those three boys refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's image of gold. Even though he had the three young boys thrown into the white-hot the fiery furnace, GOD was STILL with them. The message was that the Bible never says that we won't have problems but that when we walk in faith, GOD is still with us, even threw the fire.

I immediately thought about my situation. This person, this Business Nebuchadnezzar, thought that by my refusing to sign that stupid non-compete that they would throw me into the fiery furnace of submission to them, just to get paid. But as I sat there, repeating to them like a mantra that I would not sign it, I knew that God was providing a hedge of protection around me, a sun and a shield. Why would I want to continue to be associated with a person and company who would attempt to force me to sign something not in my own best interest? This person's true colors came out and they weren't very pretty. I didn't want any parts of them -- something that had been building up anyway and which now was coming to a head.

This person fancied themselves as all powerful -- shamelessly holding back my hard-earned money unless I signed the non-compete - this person's equivalent of a gold image.

As the boys said about worshiping the image of gold and being thrown into the fiery furnace, "...the God we serve will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not,we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship your image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)

God did indeed rescue them from the fiery furnace but that is not the end of the story. Nebuchadnezzar eventually lived through seven years of insanity before being restored to the throne because of his arrogance and pride. God knocked him down to show who REALLY is in control. When Nebuchadnezzar was restored he prayed to God "Now I Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble." (Daniel 4:37).

I can only pray that my Business Nebuchadnezzar is somehow led to this chapter and repents their dastardly ways.

As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance." (Daniel 12:13)

Do YOU have a Business Nebuchadnezzar in your life? Let's talk it out. Contact me for a complimentary coaching consult if this is an issue for you. You don't have to walk through the fiery furnace alone!

Paula Quick

The Lemonade Coach
"Enjoy the Lemonade"
www.thelemonadecoach.com

Twittermania

2008-08-29T00:08:00.001-07:00

Hi, folks!

Below is an entry I wrote for another blog. As I am posting it here I am wondering what is the connection between Twitter (specifically this blog post) and Marketplace Spirituality.

I think what it is I am seeing a lot of superficiality emerging on Twitter where it's not so much people sharing about themselves or their day as it is sharing information. Yes, Twitter to me is becoming a bit of a data dump as opposed to a place where people can truly connect.

Well, read on and let me know what you think!

----------

Here is an entry I wrote for a blog dealing with the "Poetics of Professional Tweeting":----------

Only in America could something as simple as "Tweeting" become a business unto itself.As I understand it Twitter was created as still another way for friends and family to stay in touch. Now, it is being elevated to another stratosphere and suddenly there are all these articles, e-books, rules and regulations on how to best use it.

No offense intended but my question is who appointed anybody to be the grand arbiter of how to use Twitter? How to best use Twitter is a matter of opinion to me, not somebody just making up rules to make up rules.If I want to talk about the new smoothies at Starbucks, so be it. If I want to talk about my new website, so be it. What does it matter? It's only 140 characters and if you follow me, you follow the entire package, not just a piece of me. People follow you at their own discretion. Either they're connecting with you or they're not. How are going to know about my business if I don't tell you about my business? I don't have all day long to sit at my computer and come up with fascinating "news to use" just to pave the way for someone to be interested in my main reason for being on Twitter in the first place and that is to promote my business.

There is SO much information out there already coming from a myriad of sources, I don't need somebody else sharing still another piece of information with me as if they were a walking encylopedia. I rather like those "Morning all, I'm having my first cup of coffee" tweets. Those personal kinds of tweets turn an impersonal, high-tech experience into something more real so that I truly am connecting with another person and not the Wiki Encyclopedia :)To me that's part of the fun of being on the Internet. Making friends or connections in this vast universe with people that you might not ordinarily meet.

It's not necessarily what you know or who you are, but are you a good, sincere, interesting person. Pretty soon we'll have a "Twitter for Dummies" book which in my mind is the ultimate in minutia.It's a trend I see in our society, every little thing becomes a big business unto itself.I think we all just need to lighten up a bit and connect as real people -- not as superficial, voiceless, soulless information robots. And now ... time to unruffle my feathers a bit, return to the nest and get back to tweeting :))))))

God Calling

2008-08-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader:

I've actually written a full-length article about the "Law of Attraction with a Twist," which was the subject of an earlier post.

What's really amazing though, is the subject of today's Rick Warren's Daily Devotional, "We Move Toward Our Focus." It's amazing because I was debating whether to post MY article on a certain social network and when I opened up the Daily Devotional, here is a message on the very same topic. That can only be a little move from God saying "share it."

So here are the links:

To the Purpose-Driven Life article:
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/devotional/todaysDevo/Devotional.htm

To my article:
http://www.thelawofattractionforchristians.com

I hope you are blessed by the articles!

The Temptation for Failure, Doubt and Mediocrity

2008-08-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

If you're in business, then you undoubtedly have dealt with one (if not all three of these issues).

Well, you no longer have to deal with these demons. Doug Firebaugh, one of my absolute favorite teachers in the world, if not my favorite, addressed feelings of failure, doubt and mediocrity this evening in his Success Church.

I won't go into the details here but direct you to pull out your Bible and read through Matthew 4 and the passage where Satan is trying to tempt Jesus.

There's no difference to what Satan tried to do with Jesus and how he still tries to tempt us -- especially in the marketplace.

The key? Come back with scripture. Say "It is written ..." and then pull out the scripture that is relevant for your situation.

When you grab ahold of Matthew 4, you'll be on your way to making feelings of failure, doubt and insecurity a thing of the past!

I hope this information has been a blessing for you! Please let me know if it has.

When Everything Goes Wrong ...from Doug Firebaugh's Success Church

2008-07-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

I cannot BEGIN to communicate the power of the message from networking marketing guru Doug Firebaugh tonight, "When Everything Goes Wrong and is Falling Apart."
According to Doug, that simply means that promotion and elevation are on the horizon -- it's part of scripture and part of the promise.
Most importantly, he said that in these circumstances it is CRITICAL to PRAISE God, not just pray, but PRAISE.
PRAISE is the way out and he cited Psalm 71 as the 911-God Psalm.
There are no surprises for God because the war is already won. Instead of being in a "What's Wrong World" we need to focus on the "What's Right World of God."
I hope this information is a blessing for whoever reads this.
This is one of the most incredible messages I have heard concerning the power of Praise. Ironically enough, Joel Osteen gave a very similar message about Praise tonight, but not nearly as powerful and moving as Doug's message.
Moreover, I have been talking about and meditating on positive versus negative thinking all week.
This was the culmination. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Praise God!
Part Two of this message will take place on Success Church next Sunday. Call 712-338-8000 1315# at 10 p.m. Eastern. You'll be blessed!

New Social Media Training Site for Home Businesses

2008-07-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

I just learned about a new and FREE social media training network. Learn how to maximize blogs, networks, etc. for your businesses. Now what sets THIS network apart is that it was created by network marketing guru Doug Firebaugh. If you've been in network marketing for a while you should recognize that name. He is a powerhouse -- AND he is a Christian. His Sunday night Success Church is an amazing and incredible experience. So I invite you to join me at:http://socialmediatrainingnetwork.ning.com/profile/PaulaNQ

An Interesting Twist on the Law of Attraction & Religious Programming

2008-07-24T23:00:00.001-07:00

For a variety of reasons I have spent the past year looking at religious programming on TBN daily, having it on in the background most of the day. This, instead of watching the news and secular programming (except for some soap operas that I like -- oops) thinking that I was doing something really big, obedient and good.

At the same time I have been giving a spate of talks about the Law of Attraction. One of the things that Lynne Grabhorn wrote ("Excuse Me My Life is Waiting") is that anything you focus on for 16 seconds (good or bad) begins to manifest in your life.

Well, this week I had a big a-ha moment. While it may be RELIGIOUS programming, most of those programs are really focusing on negative things -- what people DON'T have in their lives (lack of money, lack of relationships etc.). Paula and Joyce go on and on about how they were abused, messed up, etc. Of them all I think that Joel Osteen is the most upbeat as far as living your life is concerned, as well as my favorite Gregory Dickow with his 40-day Thinking Fast. Mark Chironna's programs (and I really love to hear Chironna speak) all deal with some big heavy problem that if you weren't thinking about it -- you are now. The "in your face" promos during his program all deal with some big hairy and scary problem or issue.

So I have decided to cut back on watching these programs as I have come to the conclusion that they're causing me to focus on negative things (what I don't have) versus what I DO have. Moreover, I think when you walk around thinking that life is just one big spiritual warfare battle and that demons are everywhere, it can (Law of Attraction) put you in that mindset and attract unexpected negativity into your life.

I'm not so sure that the non-compete fiasco written about here was just some transmutation of a negative focus from watching these programs that dwell on people having hardships versus people who are experiencing blessings. Of course, I totally get the "testimony" part -- adversity before blessing and repentance and all. I just think that at the end of the day, rather than being uplifting, some of the programs are really downers from an LOA standpoint and are not what you want in your "Vibrational Bubble," as LOA expert Michael Losier would say.

So now rather than watch so many of these programs I will focus on listening to my favorite music and duh-- going to the original source -- reading the Bible and truly focusing on all the positive and good in my life versus constantly hearing about poverty, illness and lack. For it seems like "dwelling" on these things from a religious programming standpoint is no different from reading and hearing all the negative stuff in the secular realm, either.

The most successful people I know and read about, only focus on positive things and outcomes(Whatever is pure, noble, of good report, etc. Phillipians 4:8)) and have cut negativity to the core -- on all counts.

So HGTV here I come!

Lemons into Lemonade Life Formula

2008-07-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

Paula's Lemons into Lemonade Life Formula

3 parts water which represents the river of life

1 part the juice of lemons, such as disappointment, disillusionment, worry, anxiety, illness, stress, financial woes

To taste: faith, forgiveness, praise, worship, humility, encouragement, the fruit of the spirit. All of these will add sweetness to the lemons.

You need the sweetness and the tartness to make a great tasting pitcher of lemonade, just as in life we often have to take the bitter with the sweet. It's always a matter of balance and perspective. And as the Bible says, "Count it all joy!" (James 1:2)

Now garnish with some fresh mint from the garden for a real treat.

Copyright © 2008 by Paula Quick, The Lemonade Coach, www.thelemonadecoach.com. This recipe may be be used in your newsletter or other communication provided that the above credit is given.

What They Don't Teach You About the Law of Attraction

2008-07-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

This came up fast. Hope you can join the call tonight. I will be speaking at 9:30 Eastern. This is sponsored by the Black Business Cafe', open to everyone!Join in on The Power Wednesday Cal lWednesday July 16, 2008 @ 9:00pm -10:30 ESTTopic:The Law of Attraction"WHAT THEY DON'T TEACH YOU"Guest Speaker:Paula Quick"The Lemonade Coach" and "The Idea Genie"Conference Call #: 712-432-1600Access #: 100749#

The Philistine and the Non-Compete

2008-07-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Now back to that non-compete.

Everytime I think about the audacity of that person to throw this unreasonable non-compete in my face and really think that I would sign it, I get mad. Just plain mad. And I know that isn't the Christian way, even though one of my Christian Warrior friends reminds me that even Jesus Christ got mad.

Tonight I listened to a message from one of my favorites, Joel Osteen, and it was right on time.

He talked about being a conqueror and an overcomer and standing on the promises of God.

"No weapon formed against me shall prosper." How much that rings true regarding the non-compete.

Osteen reminded me that in this situation where they are holding my pay hostage to my not signing the non-compete, God is in COMPLETE control. It is a fixed fight. God had a way out of a situation that was starting to become troublesome anyway. He will deal with them and give me double for my trouble. The owner of the company thought that they could bully me into signing a non-complete that even a monkey would have enough sense not to sign. "Who IS this uncircumsized Philistine" that he should defy the armies of the living God" (I Samuel 17:26). This is what David said, not giving even calling Goliath Goliath.

God is still on the throme. It is part of my heritage that everything I touch shall prosper.

"He who dwells in me in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in him I will trust."

I am mad, no more, but joyful in the Lord!

House Church

2008-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended a House Church. It was held in the home of an older couple from England, so that made it an experience unto itself. It had a slightly Dickensian feel to it. The food was wonderful -- most of it made from scratch.

The House Church was very interesting. For some people in the group this is the only "church" they go to. They call it it "simple church" going back to the way church was during the age of the apostles.

Coming from a Baptist background with some recent pentecostal thrown in, the subduedness of it all was all I can say "different."Of course, I will be going back because it was such a diverse group of people -- a guy who is shopping a screenplay, the British couple, my fellow coach friend from California, a very friendly guy in a wheelchair, a plain ole couple from Richmond, and then me. The common denominator is everyone's love of the Lord. So the lesson for me is that the love of the Lord doesn't have to be loud and pedagogic, it can be quiet -- but with the utmost devotion.

I'm Bigger than I Thought I Was

2008-07-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

No, that is not meant to be the ultimate in braggadocio.

I came across the following quotes from Juanita Bynum, no less ,who appeared at the Essence Music Festival. Bynum was allegedly accosted by her estranged husband Bishop Thomas Weeks III in an Atlanta area hotel parking lot last summer and the fall-out has become public. She has become in the minds of some, the new face of domestic abuse.

'Baby, let me tell you something: You're only attacked from the range of who you are, and if that declares who I am, then guess what? I'm bigger than I thought I was. If you're going through a hard time right now, it's because somebody is afraid of your destiny," she continued yelling at a decibel that shook the rafters of the super-sized convention center. "Somebody is recognizing on your job, in your family that you are bigger than you thought you were."

These comments really hit a cord in light of the "non-compete" situation that I found myself in. The non-compete agreement was a total joke and had I signed it, I would have essentially put myself out of business and become not even a particularly well-compensated employee of the company who wanted me to sign it. I wanted to say to the owner, "You CRAZY," but bit my tongue.

At any rate this person obviously felt pretty threatened by me, although I only had the HIGHEST intention for the owner and the company.

Guess I am bigger than I thought I was!

To God Be ALL the Glory, too!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Yes, Make Lemonade

2008-07-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

God is simply amazing!

It had been a lemon of a week, what with my money being held hostage by a miserly company for which I had been doing some consulting. At the same time my friend Mary (name changed to protect her privacy) had had a pretty rough week herself.

Oddly enough at the beginning of our conversation she mentioned something about stem cells --and turns out a product that I had just ordered is one that came up for her this weekend. So you see, God already was in the middle of this conversation.

As the conversation progressed, we quite unexpectedly started to brainstorm on a project we both will become involved in.

You could literally feel the juices flowing as we started to scale up this project. We BOTH felt an excitement inside our bones that had been dormant lately due to disappointments and disallusions. More on this in a future post ...

But in the meantime, remember that when life gives you lemons make lemonade because God is in the midst of it anyway. In other words:

The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

God Is My Supply

2008-07-04T02:44:00.001-07:00

As I look back on the aftershock of walking out on a consulting job after an attempt to coerce me (or better still extort me) into signing an unreasonable non-compete agreement, I must confess that as a Christian I am regretful that a relationship had to end on such an ugly note.

BUT as tempted as I am, I am taking the high road in not mentioning the particular company, individual or industry involved.

Some people essentially have asked me if something could have been worked out. Well, my choice was to either sign the non-compete and get paid or NOT sign it and NOT get paid my compensation due, which by the way was nice to have but not a humongous amount of money. Some choice, huh? I suggested I might consider a non-disclosure, non-solicitation or mutual non-compete agreement and they looked at me like I was crazy. I think only an idiot would have signed the non-compete and clearly these underhanded people are not people with whom I want to be associated anyway.

I fully believe their intention was to get me to sign the non-compete so I could indeed get paid, then say you're outta here, and stick me with the non-compete. Shysters and moneychangers are the only way I can think of them.

What's probably more frustrating for me though is that I really wanted to go into the meeting calm, cool and collected. However, my frustration had been building up for at least six weeks because of this and some less than ethical things I had seen taking place, as well. In other words I went ballistic at the meeting!

I had begun to see a pattern of where the owner seemed to think that I was a volunteer working there, putting in precious hours with pay not commensurate with the time I was spending. $25 an hour is pretty decent for the type of work I was doing. But on a day when we had just one client and I magically found myself in the office for 5 hours, answering phone calls or doing paperwork that she didn't want to pay me extra for, then that $25 an hour became $5 an hour, just above minimum wage.

A retail friend suggested to me this person knew what they were doing when setting up that pay scale in the first place-- knowing that there would be extra hours involved beyond the main $25 an hour.

After I complained about the disappearing $25/ hour, the owner tried to "entice" me with compensation of 33.33% of service fees as long as I signed the non-compete. What service fees? I could never find a schedule in the office that had all the services listed in one place so essentially I had to do my own payroll. Not only that, this laughable agreement also said that because of the "substantial" commission, there would be certain marketing costs I would be asked to bear myself. Oh, like what? In typical fashion these "costs" were not defined. They just wanted me to sign the dotted line ... and fast! Oh, let me also mention that this business is not doing well financially, so the 33.33% commission is all predicated on clients actually coming in the door.

So needless to say I was seething at the meeting even though I had called on the Holy Spirit to allow me to "take dominion" over the meeting. I could barely see straight. My dander was up because I knew in advance I had no intention of signing the non-compete.

But you know what? Even though I was livid the Holy Spirit WAS indeed with me. God became a "sun and a shield" protecting me from falling into the trap of signing the non-compete JUST for the money so I could get paid. It would have been easy (well not really) to sign the agreement so I could simply collect my pay and know that the agreement would probably be held unenforceable anyway. But I didn't want to get into that battle.

So as angry as I was, the anger, as I look back on it now, probably was sheer determination not to be tempted by the owner's bogus offers. The Holy Spirit allowed me to be strong and steadfast when many people would have caved in.

You see, good, bad indifferent, I knew going into the meeting that GOD is my source of supply, not this horrible person. I also felt that if God truly wanted me to stay there, then I would have at least gotten my pay even without signing the non-compete. THEN, I would have calmed down. The truth of the matter is that I believe God wanted me out of there anyway and this was the perfect opportunity to leave and not think twice about it. This was NOT a case of going (and staying) in Niniveh.

God wants us to rely upon HIM, only him. And that's what I am doing.

My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches and his glory.

Am I a Faithpreneur?

2008-07-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

By the power of the Holy Spirit, you bet I am! Read on!---------------

For all of you solopreneurs who may be on the fence about taking a stand on something, I walked away from a tortuous place where I had been doing some part-time consulting.

After some initial excitement, red flags about the company's MO started appearing all over the place. It was nice to have the additional income because of a huge vet bill I had because of beloved dog Starr but I felt that I was paying a huge price.

Long story short the "company" (because it now has only one employee and that is a relative of the owner) literally tried to force/coerce me into signing a very unreasonable non-compete agreement. The carrot? They said they couldn't pay me for my latest invoice lest I sign the non-compete.I'm sure there is something illegal about holding compensation currently DUE unless someone signs a non-compete and I will be making legal inquiries on this for sure.

At any rate, I don't think the owner of the company anticipated that I would walk, but I couldn't sell myself out like that. It will have to rest on the owner's conscience the underhanded deed of holding my payment hostage to a non-compete. I don't understand how this person can sleep at night if this is the way that they operate.

By the way, I was not an employee, although the owner had me sign an employee handbook early on (I was a little reluctant to sign it but since no W-2 ever appeared I figured signing the handbook wouldn't carry much weight). I presumably was an Independent Contractor so I am now in this neverland of not being able to pursue the traditional wage collection resources of payroll employees such as the Department of Labor and even the Employment Commission.At any rate I will get it straightened out even if I have to go Small Claims Court.

I feel a little funny about that being a Christian but the owner has forced my hand.If anyone else has had to battle something like this as an independent contractor,then I would love to hear your story. NO ONE has stayed at this company longer than a year and it seems that most people have left in a cloud of smoke.

I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It was a bad alliance and I have learned my lesson about trusting my gut instinct. Fortunately I only spent about 90 days there. Ugh!

I really don't like to make judgements about who is and is not a Christian but I felt a real uneasiness about being there, especially with the arrival of this relative. The meeting today seemed like something out of "The Firm." Clearly the whole holding my payment hostage lest I sign a non-compete was the devil at work.But you know what? I anticipated this would happen and concluded that GOD is my source of supply, not this diabolical company.

So while I am not thrilled about not having my due compensation at the moment, by the power of the Holy Spirit I was able to walk away knowing that God will fix this and this "showdown" was his way of getting me out of a very un-Godly place.

I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me.

Are YOU a Faithpreneur?

A Chance Witness

2008-06-25T02:17:00.001-07:00

I attended a meeting tonight where there was a laser coaching session. A lady volunteered to be coached who said she had "no idea" what she wanted to do with her life - she indicated that she felt totally unself-actualized.

It was interesting because I come across many people who feel the same way. They don't know what they want their in their lives, they feel powerless and they are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their existence.

I didn't get a chance to speak with her in the room but once I was outside I felt compelled to call out to her as she headed toward her car.

We chatted for awhile and I found myself suggesting that she find a good Bible to read that will explain everything more clearly. I suggested Joyce Meyer's "Everyday Living" Bible because she has all of these great Life Tips and makes the Biblical stories soooo relevant to today. The other day I picked up a KJV of the Bible and I thought, whoa, no wonder so many people struggle with reading it because of the "thiseth" and the "thateh." I LOVE the original KJV of many Bible verses, but sometimes it's almost impossible to get the practical meaning of the scripture in Old English.

That said, I directed the lady to Joyce Meyer's Bible and suggested that she read the book of Romans for starters. It is my favorite book in the Bible and once you understand and truly appreciate the meaning of being a follower of Jesus Christ as told in Romans, it will take on a whole new meaning for you and you will never be the same. It is POWERFUL!

I sincerely hope this lady will find the "peace that surpasses all understanding" in reading and embracing scripture.

I didn't go to the meeting thinking that I would wind up sharing marketplace spirituality. But I did and it turned out to be a "chance witness."

Looking forward to Success Church

2008-06-22T01:25:00.000-07:00

Ah, another Sunday and another Success Church to look forward to with Doug Firebaugh tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern. Last week he spoke about a fast from negative thinking and will continue that discussion tonight. If you would like to get plugged in, go to http://www.successchurch.com and get as Doug says, a "glory bomb" dropped into your life!

The D28 Zone

2008-06-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

I wish I could claim this thought as mine, but unfortunately I cannot. It is the brainchild of one of my favorite success teachers and trainers -- Mr. Doug Firebaugh. The D28 Zone refers to all the promises God gives in Deuteronomy 28. I won't go into detail here but all I can do is encourage you to read the first 8 verses of Deuteronomy 28 and claim it all as yours. I also encourage you to check out Doug Firebaugh's success church which takes place on Sunday nights at 10 pm. Eastern at http://www.successchurch.com/. If you need to get a "fire" started in your life, then Doug Firebaugh is the man. He is an ordained minister and just one of the most articulate people I know to break down the Word of God into bite-size pieces so that you finally get it. Thank you, Doug, for a powerful session tonight and last week, too!

You Can Always Start in the Middle

2008-06-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

In case you missed out on the start of the 40-day Thinking Fast, this is something that you can always pick up in the middle. So many people are concerned about detoxing and fasting from food, they need to be concerned about fasting from negative thoughts. This fast has truly changed my life and I know it can change yours, too!

I will be posting soon in neuroplasticity. Believe it or not, this fast is all about the Bible, the brain and neuroplasticity! For a preview, visit my website: http://www.coachlikeme.com.

Join the 40-Day Thinking Fast

2008-02-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Any way you slice it your thoughts determine your life. This is a powerful concept when it comes to results, and it applies to success in business.

We must come with expectation that we WILL be successful in business, not wondering why we are NOT getting business at this particular point in time.

Gregory Dickow, a TBN televangelist, has introduced a 40-day Thinking Fast and I'm summarizing below his recent program on this topic. If you are an entrepreneur, I highly urge you to join this fast -- which doesn't even involve food!

He says your flesh is not your body, but a way of thinking. When the Bible says to crucify your flesh, it means to "crucify" your thinking. As a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs). He also talked about meekness. He said meekness is not weakness. Meekness is "controlled power." For example, when a horse becomes meek, his power becomes controlled by the bit and harness.

Also get this. Dickow explained that in the book of John Jesus says his words are spirit. Then Dickow said in Galations (I think that is the book) it says the flesh opposes the spirit and spirit opposes the flesh. SO, in that case anything that is not from the Word of Jesus is opposed to your flesh and your flesh is actually the way think. Wow! It is the if A = B and B = C, then A = C principle.

HOLD YOUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE TO THE WORD OF JESUS!

To join the 40-day thinking fast you can go to Dickow's website, www.changinglives.org or call
1-800-760-5089 and he will send you a daily e-mail to give you "replacement" thoughts based on scripture.

Introduction

2008-02-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

This blog is dedicated to one of my favorite topics, the Bible, Marketplace Spirituality and Business.

It is my third attempt to maintain a blog. My previous efforts have pretty much faded in the sunset.

I decided to give this another try however, after posting some spiritual messages on one of my Ryze networks - Are You a Faithpreneur?

I realized how much I enjoy writing about the Law of Attraction, how your thoughts affect your life and how all of this is explained in the Bible.

I have TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on practically all day (and night) and I simply LOVE sharing what I have heard or learned with others.

Since I am posting all the time on Ryze anyway, I thought, wow, I could place those posts onto a blog. So here goes. I hope you will be a frequent visitor and that you will post your comments.

Be sure to visit my websites http://www.bridalsuitereflexology.com/ and http://www.thelawofattractionforchristians.com/