Do You Have A DREAM?

When opportunity knocks, some people are afraid to open the door. Some people don’t like change. They may be comfortable where they are at or they may be unhappy or even miserable but the fear of change keeps them from new opportunities.

When opportunity knocks for others, curiosity compels them to open the door and take a peek. These people understand that if they keep doing the same thing over and over they will keep getting the same results. These people are the shy risk takers. These people realize that in order to grow you need to take a chance.

Some people welcome change with open arms because they thrive on new and exciting possibilities. These are the endless risk takers. They try different opportunities and eventually find the one that resonates with them and go on to become very successful.

Sometimes well intentioned family, friends or spouses will try to discourage you from you seeking change, taking on a new challenge or going after your dreams. Why? Because they are comfortable where they are at and don’t want you to change or simply because they have been misinformed. The change I’m talking is about your financial situation, your health or both.

If you are curiously looking for change, an opportunity, financial freedom, improve your health, want to fulfill a dream ……… Don’t let ANYONE steal YOUR DREAM.

USANA is an OPPORTUNITY knocking at your door. People’s lives are changed. It’s a step in a positive direction. It can improve your health and your wealth. What could be better than “Work From Home” ? We are all about helping each other. If you’re afraid of change I’ll be there to help you every step of the way. But you say to yourself….I don’t like to sell. I’ll do the selling for you and you can get credit for it. Though I don’t look at it as selling…..I look at it as an opportunity to help other people, to educate and promote healthy living for yourself and others. I will do the talking for you while you learn. Eventually you will love sharing and telling your story. It is one of the BEST HOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY you’ll come across.

To learn more about the USANA products or the business opportunity of a lifetime go to:   http://www.drcarlos.usana.com

On the surface you may be thinking the answer to the question, “Where is your heart?” is that it is in your chest. While this is technically correct I’d like to take it to a much deeper level by asking you to think about the following questions. For example, What is your purpose here on this planet called earth? What is your passion? What do you simply love to do? What is gratifying to your soul? What do you love to do? What inspires you? What do you spend your time thinking about?

Imagine what it would be like to wake up every morning and you can hardly wait to jump out of bed. You love what you do for a living. In fact, you love it so much you could do it seven days a week.

What if you inherited or won millions of dollars? What would you do with your life? Would you quit your job? Would you start the business of your dreams? If you own a business would you sell it? Or would you invest more money into it to make it the very best?

I challenge you to examine your life right now. Are you happy doing what you are doing? What are some goals and dreams that you never pursued because life got in the way?  Where is your heart? What inspires you? Do you have a book inside you that you always wanted to write? Is there a career that you really wanted to pursue but instead you followed in your parents footsteps?

Life is too short to not live a happy and fulfilled life. When was the the last time you experienced real joy? How could you create more joy in your life? Who are your role models?

There is a special place in the world for each and every one of us. Reach into your heart and search for that place if you have not already found it. Use your God given strengths and talents to be the best that you can possibly be. Give the world your very best. Listen to and live through your heart.

Religion, churches, spirituality, spiritual encounter, God, Jehovah, Yahweh, The Maker of Heaven and Earth, El Shaddai, sin, Satan, forgiveness, grace, mercy, bible,  are all topics of interest to me. What about you? What comes to your mind when you hear those words?  Did you grow up in a church? Did your parents talk to you about God? Have you ever prayed to God?  Do you believe in a God?

I was brought up in a Catholic church and attended a Catholic grade school. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin, confession was part of my early teachings. As I grew into my teens, I began rebelling the church. I don’t recall why I just remember making excuses to not go to church on Sundays.

Through my high school years I occasionally would attend a church at the invitation of an acquaintance or friend. It was usually a Catholic church.

After graduating from high school, I joined the Air Force and my spare time was now directed to sports and fitness. I did not attend any church during those years.

When I got out of the service, I returned to El Paso to attend college.  A couple of  months later, my best friend Raul lost his life while we were climbing some mountains. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. It was July 4, 1979. We drove to the Oregon Mountains in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After lounging around for a couple of hours I told Raul to let’s go for a hike. We started hiking on the trails and soon came to the end of one trail. At my suggestion we started climbing up some cliffs. We found it easy to climb and kept going higher and higher. After a couple of hours we decided it was time to start heading down. This is when we realized we could not find a way down from the cliffs we had climbed. We tried to find a way down but everywhere we looked there were steep cliffs. We had no ropes and were unprepared for those steep cliffs.

Finally Raul, my best friend, was trying to jump down to a ledge to see if he could climb down from there. His last words were, “pray for me” as he jumped onto the ledge which was maybe six feet below him. I never heard a scream or anything other than three thumps. He had hit the ledge and bounced right off and fell about a thousand feet to his death. I crawled out to the ledge where he had made his way into a crevice to jump from and I could see his body at the bottom of the cliff. I was terrified and not ready to die. I cried out to God and begged him to not let me die. It was a terrible tragic accident and one that left me with many questions about death, dying and God.

I started attending church again in my search for answers to so many questions I had again. Why did he die and not me? I felt guilty for his death. I struggled with those feelings for about a year. Attending church was not enough. I still had a lot of questions unanswered. Life went on.

By the time I was accepted to Chiropractic school I was thirty years old and living in Dallas, Texas.  Who am I? What is my purpose on earth? Who is God? Is there a God? Is the bible for real? I continued to have questions about life and religion. I met a young woman who was Mormon . In my search for God I attended her church and learn about her religion. About half a year later, I met a young man at a local gym and he invited me to his church. He was Baptist and I attended his church and a bible study he held every Wednesday evening at his apartment.

It was interesting to contrast what I had learned in my childhood and grade school years with what I had learned about the Mormon and Baptist religions.

My search for answers is far from over. I have come to know God in a very different way.

Since then I have had many conversations with God.  I have attended many different churches and bible studies. I know there is a God. He has comforted me and given me strength when I was so depressed and did not want to live anymore.  I continue to search and walk in God’s grace, love and mercy. I share my stories with my patients to give them hope. Too many people have lost their faith and hope because of bad circumstances and blame God.

How about you? What have been your experiences with God? Religion? Spirituality? I would love to hear your stories. I know there are many others who would also love to read your experiences and stories. Won’t you please take some time now and share?

I received the following in an email and wanted to share. 

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday  Morning  Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.  And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.  I don’t feel threatened.  I don’t feel discriminated against. That’s what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn’t bother me a bit when people say, ‘Merry Christmas’ to me.  I don’t think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto.  In fact, I kind of like it.  It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn’t bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in  Malibu .  If people want a creche, it’s just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don’t like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don’t think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians.  I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.  I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country.  I can’t find it in the Constitution and I don’t like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren’t allowed to worship God as we understand Him?  I guess that’s a sign that I’m getting old, too.  But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different:  This is not intended to be a joke; it’s not funny, it’s intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham ‘s daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and  Jane Clayson  asked her ‘How could God let something like this happen?’ (regarding Hurricane Katrina )..  Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.  She said, ‘I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.  And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out.  How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?’

In light of recent events…. terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.  I think it started when Madeleine Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.  Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school.  The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself.  And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide).  We said an expert should know what he’s talking about.  And we said okay.

Now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.  I think it has a great deal to do with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.’

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.  Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.  Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it… no one will know you did.  But, if you discard this thought process, don’t sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards,  Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Comments by Dr. G: What a great letter!  I can surely empathize with Mr. Stein… I too have felt how millions of people idolize hollywood actors/actresses, sports celebrities, musicians,  etc. I know a lot of it has to do with Hollywood and  television. But alot of it also has to do with parents. Teach your children well. Teach them that although it’s ok to be a fan of so and so… There should be no greater love than for oneself and our Creator.

I’m sure you have heard this saying before, but what does it really mean? I’m sure all Christians would agree that Christmas is that time of the year that we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Our Almighty Creator sent his son so that we could have a relationship with Him; God the Father and with God the Holy Spirit and with God the Son.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world. He came to offer us salvation so that we could have everlasting life.

The wall that was between us and God has been removed. It is the wall that went up when sin entered the world through Adam. Jesus coming to earth reconciled us to him for those that believe. Sin entered earth through one man and salvation through one man…. Jesus.

No matter what is in our lives today, no matter how we have sinned in the past, all we need to do is to believe, repent and accept Jesus as our Savior.

He wants to have a relationship with us. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us. The war against evil has already been won. Victory is ours for the taking! He wants to build circles of Love and not lines of division.

When I know and truly believe that GOD wants to have a relationship with me then my life will have purpose. My life will also have real meaning. Then I will know how meaningful “I AM” that the God of the Universe…the Almighty God wants a relationship with ME!  WOW, I must be pretty awesome.  That gives my life SIGNIFICANCE.  Because my life is significant then I will make better choices and decisions.  James 1:14

We can receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

This Christmas season let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. With that thought firmly in our minds, let us enjoy our family reunions. Let us be grateful for the gifts we receive and give. Let us savor the delicious meals that are prepared. Let us be entertained with the Christmas trees and the lights and decorations.

Christmas is truly a special time of the year. Let us invite someone into our home who may not have family. Last but not least, let us remind our children that Jesus is the reason for the season.

I came across this storyon the internet and wanted to share it with all:

It takes just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present. ~ Author Unknown

Comments by Dr. Gonzalez

This is such a wonderful story and so true. When we take our thinking off ourselves and focus on others, not only do we encourage and help other people in need but often times we forget about our own problems.

Imagine what a different scenario it would have been if the blind man only complained about not being able to see.

We can get so caught up in this world… there plenty of things to complain about.

Regardless of our economy, the war, a lousy boss …… we have it made living in the United  States. Let’s focus on all the good things in our lives.

Let us give thanks and praise to our Creator.

Let’s help one another. Let’s be encouraging to our spouses, children and friends.

It is so gratifying to help others even if it is with only a few kind words. 

How many times have you wondered, what is my purpose in life? I know I have thought about it many times, especially when I was younger. I wanted to do, be everything. As we get older it seems like our choices get fewer and narrower.

Isn’t it strange how events in our lives sort of lead us into what many of us end up doing in life? It happened to me. After hurting my back really bad I went to see a Doctor of Chiropractic.

It took only one treatment and my back was feeling so much better. In fact, I was so impressed how Chiropractic helped me so fast without the use of prescription drugs or surgery I decided I wanted to become a Chiropractor myself.

After much prayer and soul searching I went ahead and enrolled to Parker College of Chiropractic. That was twenty six years ago. Now I feel that God is calling me to do something greater.

What about you. Have you found your purpose in Life?

I have always had the belief that we need to do what we love. We need to find that unique talent that is in each and every one of us.

I have counseled many young patients and students and told them that whatever they do in life, be the best they can be. And if they find that they don’t enjoy what they are doing then find something they enjoy doing and love.

Sometimes our wants and wishes get in the way and distract us of our true intentions. But one of the keys to a happy, healthy and long life is to do what we love and love what we do.

When we enjoy our work it doesn’t seem like work. Assuming that is our purpose in life, then it becomes pleasurable. We receive satisfaction knowing that we are affecting other human beings in a positive way.

We are pleased and happy to know that we are doing our part to make this planet a better place for all. It is in giving of our self that we can attain true happiness. Loving what we do and giving love unconditionally without any expectations in return.

I believe God has a purpose for everyone. But I also believe that you have to want it. And not just want it. You have to really want it with all your heart, mind, body and soul. Don’t ever feel like you are stuck in a rut. I know sometimes it feels like life is just a rat race.

I also believe that God uses people that want to be used to do His will.

Maybe you are wondering if you are doing the right things with your life. Are you using what you have right now the best way you can? Are you making the best of your situation? Are you grateful for what you have?

If you are not happy with your life, if you feel that you are not fulfilling your life destiny maybe you need to pray and ask God for wisdom. Maybe you need to change your thinking.

I read the following in an email and really liked it. I’d like to share it with you.

There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family, and you will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success. ~Author unknown

Here is another quote whose author is also unknown.

“Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes… your DESTINY…. ~ It’s all a matter of making BETTER CHOICES.”

So do you know what your purpose in life is? Are you fulfilling your destiny? If not, what do you need to do now?

“All it takes for evil and failure to prevail is for good man to do nothing”

If you are not happy with your life you need to ask yourself why/ why not? Do you feel that you could be doing something different? Bigger better things? Move ahead in spite of fear. You can choose to stay where you are or you can choose to move ahead. It’s all a matter of choices.

Do you know what the definition of insanity is? It is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. It’s not going to happen

You have to change what you’re doing to get different results.

It’s like driving to work the exact same way and expecting to see different buildings, houses, signs and scenery. It’s nonsense. It’s insanity.

Make the move. Move ahead in spite of fear. If you don’t risk you won’t gain anything. Be smart about it though. Don’t do things with out doing your homework. And that includes praying about it.

It’s all about what you choose to believe. The power to choose and the freedom to believe. It doesn’t matter what you have done or not done. The past doesn’t matter.  What matters is… what are you going to do with your life from this day forward?

With God it’s not where your life has been it’s about where your life can be.

Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together .

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is LOVE. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those that are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Working for God on earth doesn’t pay much……but His retirement plan is out of this World.