CHANGE

As we travel through the winding road of life, we realize that we impact and change life around us while simultaneously life is also changing us. We call this reality. Which in fact is not real because the only thing that constitutes the perception of real , is something that does not change. In our universe everything changes.  Everything changes from your cells,  the planets, the stars and even space itself.  Nothing is real. We are energy changing forms throughout eternity.

I decided to write on the subject of change, because I have had a paradigm shift spiritually. Today I read some of my previous posts on my blog and noticed my own changes. I feel that I have grown a bit more spiritually in the two years absence of my blog writing. I no longer believe the answer to the question on why we exist is because God or some omnipotent power placed us here.  I believe that we are here as generators of this awesome energy that we call love. I believe the universe delights in the creation of this wonderful ether.

I have also become agnostic. I do not believe that man has any definitive proof of the existence or nonexistence of a deity or deities. I would consider myself a possibilian. I welcome open discourse on the subject.  However, I believe that mankind should use its wonderful intellect not on debating between the two dichotomies of beliefs, but rather focusing on what unites mankind instead of systems that divide us.

This is a wonderful period for mankind as a whole. More and more people are becoming spiritually aware. They are waking up. This time period will be known as the flowering of mankind. Like Earth's Cambian period when the first flowers appeared. Now is the time that many  people are blossoming spiritually. This is necessary to actually ensure our survival as a species. Spiritual enlightenment is the next stage of evolution. Without this event becoming a realization, Mother Nature will scrap the human project. Ninety Nine percent  of all species that have ever once walked the Earth are extinct. If we cannot get it right, then Mother Nature will have no problem starting over again.

 The flowering begins by taking a journey and looking at your inner self. Who are you? Once you answer this question  there is a realization of  how amazing and powerful we are as beings. We have not tapped into but a tenth of our potential.  I have witnessed some truly miraculous events as I have  journeyed on my quest for inner peace. I have been transformed by the power of love. I am grateful. I hope to share some of the things that I have learned with you. I want to bloom like the many spiritual flowers before me. Jesus, Buddha, Musashi, Gandhi. There are many people who have found enlightenment and there will be many more of us who will evolve. We will change the world.  Man must change or cease to exist. I hope you evolve. I urge you to blossom.


Energy
You are a form of energy that has no limits or boundaries. You are limitless and eternal. You are one with the universal consciousness. You are far more than what you believe that you are. You are beautiful, unique and an elegant creation of our universe. You are love incarnate. Life and love can transcend great distances, even dimensions. Our essence is not bound by the physical laws of the universe. We are quanta!  This all starts from looking within. Spiritual growth is the prerequisite needed to change our world. Spiritual growth is contagious. A simple thought is all that is needed to transform our reality. Love will bring it into being.
I urge everyone to open your mind, turn off the media and look within.  We all have the answer you just have to look. "When the student is ready the teacher will appear." Chinese Proverb

Help
It all starts with you. If you want to change the world, go no further than your doorstep. You will see someone who needs help. If each of us make an honest attempt to help those less fortunate within our field of vision. Drastic changes will come about. Your purpose is to help others, love and learn about yourself. Follow your heart and guidance will appear.  "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

May peace and love forever follow you!
Your Brother,
Mel

Chaos

I can whole heartedly say that I have found peace in my life. It does not matter if I have money, clothes, shelter, love, or food. I have peace irregardless of these items. The Universe is way more simple than even the brightest minds currently imagine.

Believe it or not 90% of all of your problems. You.. that is right You have the ability to solve. Not just your life´s problems but your life´s questions as well. You don´t believe me? … Simplification of problems underscore the truth or resolution that normally leads to an answer. Example, do most of you remember mathematical equations? How do you logically solve a problem? It is only when we simplify the most complex problem in a logical manner that we are able to deduce the correct answer. It is when we compound our problems that the resolution seems impossible. When looking at any problem it is best to simplify, whether mathematical, physical, spiritual, relationship, or any problem for that matter. The Universe follows patterns. Why not abide by them?

I remember playing a friend in a friendly chess match. When I first met him he was a casual chess player. At the time I was a devout chess club player. After losing repeatedly to me he began to study the game of chess.  He wanted to beat me in a game of chess. Do you know what? He  improved he beat almost every player on campus. He even played The current world champion Viswanthe Anand. In a simultaneous exhibition chess tournament. He was one of the last players left standing in a simul of 200 players that faced Anand. ( A 13 hour chess bout). Yet he never beat me.

When people asked him after many failed attempts why he could not dethrone me in chess.

His response;  ¨Mel won not because he is intelligent, but because he is good in pattern recognition.¨

At first I took this statement as a slap in the face, an insult.
Spiritual growth has tought me to view his statement as a compliment.

I play chess like I play life.  I am a decent chess player because I am the cumulative effect of many losses. I remember my previous defeats and try to steer clear of similar paths not headed towards victory. I recognize the pattern.

PATTERN RECOGNITION!
That is right pattern recognition! That´s correct you don´t have to be the smartest individual to excel in the game of life, or in chess for that matter. Recognizing patterns in life can help you steer clear of many obstacles in this world. Similar to the movie ¨Matrix¨ look for the Matrix in real life. The pattern, once you find it try to break the pattern. Or use it to your benefit.
  Recognize patterns before they turn distrastrous. Recognize patterns when they may possibly create an advantage for you. Always be on the look out for repetitive lessons that you have learned before. Don´t forget life lessons that you have learned previously.   Example, You are in a relationship with someone and they demonstrate moral characteristics that you don´t approve of. Especially, if you have dated someone in the past that exhibited the same traits and things turned out badly.  The Universe is trying to tell you something.
Use that historical knowledge to make a positive change in your life.  There is a saying. He that does not learn from history is doomed to make the same mistakes in the future. Recognize the patterns. You date an abusive control oriented person, and this person is not the first.  Recognize the the pattern. You procrastinate and don´t achieve personal goals. Pattern recognition.  You seem to always get looked over at work. Pattern recognition.  Recognize and then attempt to do something positive with the data.

Back to our problems

Sometimes we tend to over think our problems. We pass over the simple solutions.

As humans most of us attempt to use reason and logic to resolve most of our problems. Problems ranging from the mundane. Problems ranging from how one should relieve oneself and properly dispose of one´s cellular waste. To questions ranging on the creation of our universe and time travel. SIMPLICITY!... The American Army has a wonderful adage on this. K.I.S.S. The abbreviation means Keep it Simple Stupid.

Is pattern recognition so bad if it provides you with the answer? If you are in combat and it keeps you alive? If it works why fix it? Simplification at times can bring out clarity.

When we compound our problems, when we begin to drive down the wrong path.

When you forgo knowledge and forget previous lessons in life, Chaos wins.  When you chose not to use the gift of thought. You welcome more Chaos into our world into your life.
Be a proponent of logic. Use reason and logic when facing life's problems. Above all simplify! If you have a problem resolve it or remove yourself from the equation. The answer will present itself.

Simplify not just your problems in life. Simplify your Life!  Efficiency is a key to your happiness. Chaos or the lack of order only brings your spirit down.

May you find Peace, May you walk against the current of the world. You are never alone.
Your Fellow Traveler,
Mel

Darkness

The presence of darkness like I have never known fills the room. Accompanied by a cold that can best be described as if you were completely outside naked on a cold December night in Alaska. A cold that permeates your very soul. All was calm and normal in my room only moments earlier. I had just laid down next to my wife. She had already fallen fast asleep. I felt an overwhelming darkness approaching.


Every primitive instinct that most of us no longer use was on high alert. My entire being knew that something very bad was approaching. Time no longer existed, it was as if time had stopped. Only me and the approaching darkness existed within this dimension. An impeding dread swept over my senses. I was helpless. Whatever was approaching was not from our universe. Something that defies logic. Something our minds cannot accept or understand. Yet it exists.

I attempted to scream but no sound came out. I attempted to struggle yet I could not move. This thing wanted my soul. It wanted my soul for warmth. It was the ultimate cold. Somehow the stories of hell seemed like a joyous Floridian resort, compared to my soul being husked away to this place of eternal cold. Bone numbing fear was the only emotion discernable. My only thought, I don´t want to go into the cold. I tried to resist with my entire being. Nonetheless, I felt the darkness pulling my soul out of my body. I hovered over the top of my own body. ( It was quite surreal experience to look down at your own body, all be it, simultaneously numbingly frightening as well. If given a choice I would prefer visiting Disneyland next time.)  I was suspended over my own body in a horizontal position. I had no control. This thing was taking my very life away!

This is not the way it was suppose to happen! People say they want to die in thier sleep. Think again, How about this? I DON´T WANT TO DIE AT ALL!  To lose my soul to some unknown parasite that seeks my life energy as warmth. I was out of my element struggling was useless. Whom of us knows how to steer our soul after it has left the body?

  I am sad, But most of all afraid. An indiscribable panic grips the whole of my being.  I am now floating away towards something dark, cold and unnatural. This is it? This is how my life ends? All I represent, my life, my dreams, my thoughts, my cares. It boils down to this? I am nothing more that some other dimensional monster´s cup of coffee?

I think of my wife that I will leave behind and our unborn child. I love my wife dearly. I love her with all of my heart. The emotion of love is all that I have. I am at peace. I have love.  I am love.   Whatever happens, I feel strong again because I have found love.


I realize that I am no longer moving towards the darkness. Love is stronger than this creature. It is over as quickly as the whole episode had begun.  The darkness lifts.  I pull my wife closer to me. Kiss her gently on her forehead and hold her close for the remainder of the night. Had I imagined all of this or I am alive today because of love?  You decide.

The Canvas

The Canvas

Our lives are similar to blank canvases. One has the ability to paint with vibrant colors and hues. Or paint morosely, using placid colors shades of black and gray. It is ultimately you who is the artist. In the end it is you that must live with your painting. So why not make it a masterpiece? One interwoven with tales of adventure, love and fulfillment. A painting that when viewed upon by onlookers, there upon seeing it, leave with a little bit of envy. Or better yet, wanting you to share your secrets of how you paint so well.

We all started with a blank canvas. The canvas of life is one that is extremely interactive. You are painting in a classroom full of other artists. Sharing details, experiences, even at time simultaneously painting on each others canvases. Like many painters, we strive to improve our paintings, our lives, our very perception of this world.

Since we are all on a journey towards a higher state of enlightenment. I am reiterating things some of the best travelers have said before in the past.

1. Rid yourself of Negative People
   These are artist that don´t really like their paintings and are happy if somehow they ruin yours as well. Surround your self with positive supportive people.  Positive people give off good energy. In turn you will learn to reciprocate. I would be willing to bet that most positive people are great artist already. If in someway you are not able to free yourself at this moment from someone negative I.E a family member, parent or spouse. Protect your canvas as much as possible from thier negative energy.
   You can also try to help them paint or become positive. Unfortunately many times this may not be an option. Look to either help this person, limit contact or sever this person from your life. Techniques on managing a relationship with this person or winning them over to the positive side are written in a myriad of books. Once again I like Dale Carnegie. Realize most people don´t change until they want to. It is possible to help them, but ensure that your environment is healthy first. Seek positive friends, social networks, support groups and churches outside the realm of negativity for support. Remember, in regards to negative people, the closer the proximity to you the greater the venom and tissue damage!

2. Follow examples.
   If you want to emulate success would you not want to follow teachings of someone successful?
   If you are inspired by someone whether it be in business, sports or anything for that matter would it not make sense to gain knowledge from that individual who is successful? If you are a Christian study about Jesus, Nihilist study Ayn Rand, Buddhist Dalai Lama. I actually would encourage you to study them all. To have an open mind, to take what is good and apply it to your painting. Maybe you discover that one style, technique or religion may be better suited for you. Use your mind. Opening your mind to new spiritual encounters, it can strengthen your spirit. It can also give you a unique and wonderful look on life.   An open mind is a wonderful thing that unfortunately many individuals don´t have. It is a blessing. Use it.
   I actually found the 18 steps  or rules to living life quite helpful. I added a link to a video for your convenience.
   
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSOR7gGk11c
   
   
   
3. Prayer an meditation.
   Think of prayer as if you are asking the art teacher for help. Be patient the teacher will come and help you. You must believe that he will help. Meditation is a wonderful practice to clear and focus the mind. If life is our canvas, then meditation would be you cleaning your paint brush. Dipping the tip in water so that you may paint again. If you have never meditated or don´t know how, I would encourage learning it. Buddhist have used the powers of meditation for centuries. I would definitely try adhering to their techniques. However, like prayer there are many different styles and methods and ways to meditate. I have supplied one my favorite sights on matter.
    http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/8GABFu/how-to-meditate.org/
   
   
   
   
4.  Activate.

Not everyone was born as Heidi Klum or has a washboard stomach like the trainer for the 8 min abs video. However, being active in your life, goes a very long way. When you work out, your body actually releases positive endorphins that can uplift your mood. You can increase your metabolism through a healthy diet and exercise has been proven to boost your energy levels throughout your day. Not to mention it can help boost your self esteem, especially when you look in the mirror and notice subtle changes. You don´t have to live at the gym. You can do little things to burn calories. Set parameters on yourself like discontinue using the remote control when you watch television. Walk as often as you can. Spend more time outdoors. Don´t drink or do drugs if your sad, or better yet don´t drink and do drugs period. The world pressures everyone enough about physical beauty. You don´t need your own internal pressure as well. Do the little things. Set small attainable goals like diet and a feasible exercise routine that you can stick too. Take care of your self. It is a lot easier to do a little now, then to have to start when a Doctor has told you that you have to. Oh, that reminds me make sure you get regular medical check ups.

5. The Good Samaritan.
   Give to a stranger, be a good friend, Do something nice for another individual. This goes a long way spiritually. However, don´t stop there. Be a good receiver as well. Allow people to give to you when you need help. Be as good as a receiver as a giver. If our life force and interacting with others is an exchange of an unseen energy. Then by giving positive energy to another may mean that positive energy will return to you. But never give in the expectation that you will receive something in return. Give because that is Love. The most powerful energy in the universe.

Remember the longest journey begins with a step. As you continue on your journey realize that there are other travelers like yourself. They strive for what is right. What is good in all men. They believe in hope and like you, they desire to change not only themselves but the world into a better place. You are not alone. I urge you to find others and share a forum of like minds.

Your Fellow Traveler,

Mel

The Egg

Occasionally I prefer copying and pasting. Of course only if a story deserves merit.  I hope you enjoy this story. It really coincides with my blog.  I did not write this story. However, unlike the last person who used the Author´s story, I gave credit where credit was do.  Enjoy!

Author’s Note: I wrote this some time ago and posted it here. Later on, someone posted the entire  text to without my name, and then re-edited  an image of that page. Somewhere along the way the authorship got lost in the shuffle. So to be clear: Yes, I wrote this. No, it’s not a repost from somewhere else. This page is the original source.

The Egg

By: Andy Weir

You were on your way home when you died.

It was a car accident. Nothing particularly remarkable, but fatal nonetheless. You left behind a wife and two children. It was a painless death. The EMTs tried their best to save you, but to no avail. Your body was so utterly shattered you were better off, trust me.

And that’s when you met me.

“What… what happened?” You asked. “Where am I?”

“You died,” I said, matter-of-factly. No point in mincing words.

“There was a… a truck and it was skidding…”

“Yup,” I said.

“I… I died?”

“Yup. But don’t feel bad about it. Everyone dies,” I said.

You looked around. There was nothingness. Just you and me. “What is this place?” You asked. “Is this the afterlife?”

“More or less,” I said.

“Are you god?” You asked.

“Yup,” I replied. “I’m God.”

“My kids… my wife,” you said.

“What about them?”

“Will they be all right?”

“That’s what I like to see,” I said. “You just died and your main concern is for your family. That’s good stuff right there.”

You looked at me with fascination. To you, I didn’t look like God. I just looked like some man. Or possibly a woman. Some vague authority figure, maybe. More of a grammar school teacher than the almighty.

“Don’t worry,” I said. “They’ll be fine. Your kids will remember you as perfect in every way. They didn’t have time to grow contempt for you. Your wife will cry on the outside, but will be secretly relieved. To be fair, your marriage was falling apart. If it’s any consolation, she’ll feel very guilty for feeling relieved.”

“Oh,” you said. “So what happens now? Do I go to heaven or hell or something?”

“Neither,” I said. “You’ll be reincarnated.”

“Ah,” you said. “So the Hindus were right,”

“All religions are right in their own way,” I said. “Walk with me.”

You followed along as we strode through the void. “Where are we going?”

“Nowhere in particular,” I said. “It’s just nice to walk while we talk.”

“So what’s the point, then?” You asked. “When I get reborn, I’ll just be a blank slate, right? A baby. So all my experiences and everything I did in this life won’t matter.”

“Not so!” I said. “You have within you all the knowledge and experiences of all your past lives. You just don’t remember them right now.”

I stopped walking and took you by the shoulders. “Your soul is more magnificent, beautiful, and gigantic than you can possibly imagine. A human mind can only contain a tiny fraction of what you are. It’s like sticking your finger in a glass of water to see if it’s hot or cold. You put a tiny part of yourself into the vessel, and when you bring it back out, you’ve gained all the experiences it had.

“You’ve been in a human for the last 48 years, so you haven’t stretched out yet and felt the rest of your immense consciousness. If we hung out here for long enough, you’d start remembering everything. But there’s no point to doing that between each life.”

“How many times have I been reincarnated, then?”

“Oh lots. Lots and lots. An in to lots of different lives.” I said. “This time around, you’ll be a Chinese peasant girl in 540 AD.”

“Wait, what?” You stammered. “You’re sending me back in time?”

“Well, I guess technically. Time, as you know it, only exists in your universe. Things are different where I come from.”

“Where you come from?” You said.

“Oh sure,” I explained “I come from somewhere. Somewhere else. And there are others like me. I know you’ll want to know what it’s like there, but honestly you wouldn’t understand.”

“Oh,” you said, a little let down. “But wait. If I get reincarnated to other places in time, I could have interacted with myself at some point.”

“Sure. Happens all the time. And with both lives only aware of their own lifespan you don’t even know it’s happening.”

“So what’s the point of it all?”

“Seriously?” I asked. “Seriously? You’re asking me for the meaning of life? Isn’t that a little stereotypical?”

“Well it’s a reasonable question,” you persisted.

I looked you in the eye. “The meaning of life, the reason I made this whole universe, is for you to mature.”

“You mean mankind? You want us to mature?”

“No, just you. I made this whole universe for you. With each new life you grow and mature and become a larger and greater intellect.”

“Just me? What about everyone else?”

“There is no one else,” I said. “In this universe, there’s just you and me.”

You stared blankly at me. “But all the people on earth…”

“All you. Different incarnations of you.”

“Wait. I’m everyone!?”

“Now you’re getting it,” I said, with a congratulatory slap on the back.

“I’m every human being who ever lived?”

“Or who will ever live, yes.”

“I’m Abraham Lincoln?”

“And you’re John Wilkes Booth, too,” I added.

“I’m Hitler?” You said, appalled.

“And you’re the millions he killed.”

“I’m Jesus?”

“And you’re everyone who followed him.”

You fell silent.

“Every time you victimized someone,” I said, “you were victimizing yourself. Every act of kindness you’ve done, you’ve done to yourself. Every happy and sad moment ever experienced by any human was, or will be, experienced by you.”

You thought for a long time.

“Why?” You asked me. “Why do all this?”

“Because someday, you will become like me. Because that’s what you are. You’re one of my kind. You’re my child.”

“Whoa,” you said, incredulous. “You mean I’m a god?”

“No. Not yet. You’re a fetus. You’re still growing. Once you’ve lived every human life throughout all time, you will have grown enough to be born.”

“So the whole universe,” you said, “it’s just…”

“An egg.” I answered. “Now it’s time for you to move on to your next life.”

And I sent you on your way.

Water

Have you ever sat on a beach and watched the ocean? The feeling of tranquility is indescribable.

The ocean is so tranquil, entrepreneurs cash in using the sound of the ocean for meditation and relaxation therapies. It is soothing, comforting. Your mind can escape to a better place. I have been blessed by living 100 meters from the Pacific Ocean. Sunny Costa Rica. I sleep amidst the sound of the ocean. I wake up and swim in my pool. Water has become my life.

I have also found time to pounder life´s questions and uncertainties. My biggest qualm is how we treat each other as human beings. My last blog entry I concluded by saying if you have not, that you really should read the book. ¨How to Win Friends and Influence People.¨ I cannot say enough about this book. Most people really do not know how to act and interrelate with other individuals. This is an excellent handbook. Yesterday, I had a friend post a comment on the Internet on how an individual stormed into her office and said such horrible things it would make the most hardy sea legged sailor cringe.

Which brings us back to walking towards the path of Peace. How do you feel? Knowing that your not going to go to Hell? Kind of liberating huh? Especially if you subscribe to the Judo-Christianity principles that most of us are quite familiar with. In no means having this knowledge gives a person a free pass to do whatever you like. On the contrary. Living in excess will only put you back in a state of being unfulfilled. Life is a journey. Life can be difficult. You have help, You have resources. No matter how it may seem at times. You are never alone.

Back to the ocean. Why does the ocean seem to pacify most people? What is so special about the ocean that I see tourist upon tourist spending money they don´t necessarily have just to come and walk on my beach? Simple, Water.

It´s also because you are witnessing a miracle. The caress of the warm sand under your feet. The salty tingle of fresh air that can only be compared to the fresh smell of air after a warm rain. The spectacular vistas that leave you awestruck and breathless. The crashing of each wave that reminds us of how powerful and revitalizing water can be. Beaches have long since been known as places of meditation. Places of sanctity.

The must important aspect of the beach is it´s water. Every religion known to man uses water as an element of cleansing. We all know the aspects of water.

As you go about your day today and every day, make sure that you include water. Water is an element for cleansing. A crucial element of life itself. Cleanses your body, your internal organs and most importantly your soul. When you feel down, or you need to rejuvenate allow water to comfort you. We are close relatives of water. We are comprised mostly of this wonderful element. Use it during meditation, prayer. Yes, Prayer. Pray in the shower, in a bath tub. All Christians were reborn from this element. Water is a wonderful blessing. My friends and family I wish you all a wonderful day. And a pleasant walk. May Peace always be with you.

Your Friend and Brother,

Mel

The Secret

I felt it is time to share the secret since no one is guaranteed tomorrow. It would be a shame if something happened to me before I could help others. Ok.. How should we start...Well, since life starts with pain lets dive into suffering. Ah.. oops, before we dive into that we need to set some basic parameters about humans.

Defining ourselves:

We define ourselves or compare each other using various standards. Many of us allow media to dictate which standard we hold more important in the valuation of fellow human beings. Here are the standard four criteria most of the world uses to assign value on another individual.

   1. Success, money, fame fortune etc..

2. Intelligence
3. Physical Attributes, I.E strength, beauty, size, stature and health
4. Spirituality

For the most part the world views number one as the best way to value an individual in the game called life. We strive to increase our value intrinsically and externally using these measuring sticks.

Many of us focus more on the top 3 items and very little on the fourth. Many of us who focus on the 4^th find it confusing and a bit unfulfilling. The purpose of this blog is to share with you bread for the 4^th category Spirituality.

The funny thing about the fourth criteria. If you have an abundance of spirituality...... Let me put it in a different way. If you are spirituality strong you can make up shortages in the other three categories and live a happy and fulfilling life. You can make it through any problem or terrible event whereas others may falter . Those that are weak spirituality are prone to encounter additional problems that rob them of precious time here on earth and life energy. Unfortunately a time true method of gaining more spirituality is to suffer.

Our most Spiritual leaders, Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Buddha, Mohammad shared the common experience of suffering. They suffered and desired that mankind would learn to walk a different path towards enlightenment. Something every human has in common... We all have suffered.

I journey the path toward spiritual enlightenment as well. I believe that I have advanced a bit further than some of my fellow brothers and sisters here on our beautiful planet. I want to share with you what I have learned.

I like many of you are no strangers to suffering. I was an abused child, product of the ghetto, father was a crack head etc etc etc. But that is not point of this blog. This blog is more a map on how to walk and find peace within. To find like minds to share and grow together from all walks of life. To look at the bigger picture. However, to suffer is to rejoice! Says the the Bible. We will touch more on this on later blogs. Ok. So lets get started shall we.

What is this big secret that I possess? I can only relate this through the Christian perspective so bear with me. Most of my spiritual training in my life was learned through Christianity. I have studied Islam and I am currently studying Buddhism. So I will relate it to you through the eyes of a Christian. But please bear with me the concept embraces us all.

Ok.. My problem with faith started after reading the book of Job in the Bible. I am not sure you are familiar with this story. I will summarize it as best as I can. The story starts with Job, God and Satan. Basically God is proud of Job. He has a conversation with Satan and Satan says. The only reason Job is such a faithful servant is because he has not suffered. Long story short God allows Satan to affect Job´s life. Job loses his fortune and wealth. Job´s wife asks Job to curse God for their misfortune. She states that Job has always honored God and this is the the thanks we get. ( Man, I know this lady from somewhere.) Job refuses. God is happy and proud. Satan says basically ¨ Ok, Mr. G!  Job passed the first test but let me take his health away. I bet he will curse you then. God gives the Satan the green light to hit Job with sickness, boils you name it everything under the sun. Job is balled up in a corner writhing in pain unable to wear clothes because the pain would be to unbearable. Enters the wife again. Curse God! You don't deserve this! ( I am positive we all have met this woman in our lives lol.) Job refuses and suffers through it all. God is proud, Satan is unhappy. ( I am sure you see where all this is going.)

Satan asks for one more opportunity. ¨ Ok.. Let me touch him and take away what he loves. Let me touch him with death. He will curse your name and the day he was born then.¨ ( I am paraphrasing the story. Feel free to open the bible and read the story on your own.)

Thereafter Job´s children die. The wife comes to Job sobbing in tears.. Please curse God.. You have been a loyal servant we did not deserve this. Job remains loyal and does not curse God. God is proud and rewards Job with his fortune, health and more children. .. Here comes the kicker! Job then asks God after his wager with Satan. Why? Lord... Why? What have I done to deserve this?

God´s response.... Who are you to ask me why I did what I did? Where were you when I created the earth and the seas! Basically rants on a bit longer about him being all powerful. Etc..etc etc.

As a child I had a serious problem with this portrait of God. This can´t be the God that we serve,

or is it? If you don't believe the story I just told. Pick up a Bible and read the book of Job.

So brings us to the next question.

Why are we on earth?

Well if you ask any religious person we are here to praise God. ( After reading the book of Job I was not to happy about this answer.)

Scientist, Atheist, Evolutionist- response to the before mentioned question. We are here specifically for the purpose to reproduce. To ensure the survival of our species. ( Don´t really like that response either.)

So why are we here on earth? My simple answer.. Well because God put us here.

Stay with me here.

Next question. Does he exist?

That is a personal question that you have to wrestle with. I can help you in how I concluded that there is an existence of a higher power.

Ok..so does he exist? Well lets look at that.

Ah.. My fellow scholarly evolutionist. How I love Science. The Question of the existence of a God. Hmmm... Here goes. Speaking with limited knowledge of science there are a couple constants that seem to arise throughout Science and Math. Has it ever puzzled you that everything has order to it?  You don´t have to be a Scientist to appreciate the beautiful order in science. Even the smallest electron follows a path that can be computed mathematically. Take electricity for example from Ohms law to Amperage you have to admit the order and how everything works is both efficient and mind blowing when you step back and look at the grand picture. How everything can equate from both a mathematical chemical and physical perspective. How Albert Einstein searched for the Holy Grail of Science with a theory that unifies everything. Nature, Mathematics... The Golden Ratio.. forget PI, look at PHI..Good Ole 1.6180339. The reoccurring number that resides in all organic organisms. Order normally stems from intelligence, Chaos the lack thereof. The Greatest Scientific minds of all time agreed that there is an existence of God.. Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci the list goes on and on. I am not as smart as any of those individuals but they reached a similar conclusion. However please feel free to believe in what ever you like. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated. Share your thoughts. I know that it is quite benign to try to persuade you that there is God through science. ( I think that is the realm of Scientology. Not the greatest fan of L. Ron Hubbard. A great author nonetheless. Feel free any Scientologists to share you viewpoint as well.) Back to my point, I truly believe order stems from intelligence

Back to spirituality and the secret. Part of secret is Love but let me explain it and how it works and the context. Love is a form of energy immensely powerful. It has rescued countless lives and probably killed and ruined that same exact amount. Take the greatest author of a love story ever written, William Shakespeare. He never found true love. Yet that did not stop him from writing about it. Because of Love he is no longer considered a mere mortal.

Which brings us back to God, and Job.... That picture of God displayed in the book of Job was not one of Love. Let me understand how this works from a Judo-Christian perspective. I am placed on earth to live a limited number of years. Lets say 100. I do not remember signing up or requesting life from God. But lets pretend we were all in heaven. But we get to go through a test called life. If we pass the test we return to heaven with some sort of improved status. Maybe we become Angels who knows.  Since we want to praise God and we love him dearly, we accept this lopsided bet of life vs eternity.  Of course the test is going to be extremely hard, lots of temptation, sin feels good. Satan has home field advantage, But we take the plunge anyways.

Now let me understand this correctly We have either never existed for eons or lived in Heaven for eons. Irregardless, we say that we will go to earth live a short amount of time and prove that we are loyal and love God. If we fail we go to Hell. Our memory is erased so we don´t remember signing up for this challenge. Yikes!

Ok. Now let me get game correct. Time is infinite. We gamble with this short period of time in relation to total time, eternity. If we lose we spend eternity in Hell. Wow! This is a wager where the odds definitely out favor the player. Maybe if your lucky you get 70 yrs of life, you do bad things. BAM hell for eternity! Some how it seems like the house wins. I don´t like this. Because we are naturally selfish beings with a propensity to do evil. Satan has to feel like he won the jackpot. If he gets some sort of credit for fallen souls.

Now the secret. Welcome back if you just scrolled directly to this part. I boldfaced the font to to help you find this part. In case you did not have time to listen to the above rambling. Ok.. God is love right? The Job example contradicts with this statement. I can only explain this from the perspective of being a father myself. I am a father. I love my children dearly. Of course I get upset with them. I threaten them with harsh punishments. But in the end I would never do anything to hurt my little boys. I say these things to keep them in line. When my children heed my warnings they become great contributors to society. If not they may end up in prison. I am sure God is a much better parent than I. That´s child rearing. The goal of each parent, to help create good people to outnumber the numerous existing bad individuals.

That being said... Think about this

Do you actually believe God created you for 70 or 100 yrs just to send you to Hell if you acted bad?

That is not love. God is love and a loving father. It does not matter what religion you believe in.

Yes, he knows that you are bad at times. That does not mean he is going to send you to Hell. Well maybe Hitler will get to experience Hell in some form. I do believe that there will be punishment. And some sort of reckoning. However, It is a truth that God is a loving Parent. Hell is a place created to scare bad children. To put them in line. Sadly some of us need to know that hell exists. Other wise we would go and do what ever we felt like.

There is a God. He loves you, when you have a coincidences in your life, that´s just him sprinkling his magic.

Pray and believe that he will answer and watch what happens. The power of prayer is an entirely different topic.

Religions were created to give man a set of guidelines on how to behave with one another.

They are great tools. If you are a Christian you should read the Bible, So many Christians don´t read the Bible and would not Jesus if he walked up and said hello.Take the words and your respective religion to heart. ( Preferably read the New Testament if you claim to be a Christian.) If you are Hindu you should study your faith. Jewish, Muslims Etc. studying your religion faith and beliefs are spiritual nourishment that each of us need.

We are all his children. There is no need to fight or condemn another. We should learn about each other adopt wonderful principles. We should strive to walk the path together. Study ideals virtues, that my friends is the point.

To focus your spiritual energy teaching and sharing with others. Not judging. Not fighting, but helping your fellow man. To create a better world. Adopt principles of the great spiritual leaders of the past and learn from their teachings and examples. You will find peace. You are able to see the bigger picture. You have a Father that loves you. He will help you if you ask him.

Back to the topic of hell. Do you think criminals are actually afraid of prison or jail? Yes, somewhat but they continue to commit the crimes. We are a species that reacts better using a reward system versus the use of castigation. I cannot see a God of love sending his or her children to Hell. For eternity. Hell was created to scare those that needed to be scared. You need not live in fear. Once you are spirituality ready to take the next step.

Live a good life and be a good Father, Mother, or Brother or Sister to your fellow human. Not because a religion told you to. Or that you are afraid of going to hell. But because it is the right thing to do. You feel the good within your heart, your soul. We will learn to let go of hate and petty differences. Forgiveness. Endure suffering and remain a strong pillar. To walk a road of light. Different religions, comparing thoughts and mantras. Learning as children together finding and sharing inner peace and spirituality. We are all much closer to that goal than many of us think.

God is a good father. Use nature as an example. The way an arctic penguin cares for his egg. Picture a good mother Bear, How protective and nurturing is she of her children? brother or sister Wolves. How the unit is greater than the whole. We are all family and we have a wonderful father. This who we are, his children. Here is the beginning of your peace. Journey with me share your thoughts and views. Let´s walk the path of light together.
I would also recommend if you have not already read Dale Carnegie´s book ¨ How to win Friends and Influence People.¨ It is a great book and a wonderful precursor to self improvement, dealing with others and the road to enlightenment.   I would suggest each person should have a personal copy. A must read!  I was even thoughtful enough to add a link for you : )  Auf Wiedersehen!