Students Of Success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carolyn Porter, D. Div.
Empower Productions, Inc.
Woodstock, GA 30188
678-445-3309
info@drcarolynporter.com
www.drcarolynporter.com

©2004

Carolyn Porter, D. Div., is an Inspirational Speaker, Author of multiple books and audios, Trainer, Spiritual Wholeness Coach and Energy Facilitator whose passion is to help individuals discoer their own magnificence to that they shine like the star that they are.

Life wasn’t easy for cave men. They had to hunt all day, kill their dinner with a club, and drag the carcass to the cave. Then they had to butcher the animal and rub sticks together for a fire to cook it. They made clothes from the leftovers. And I think I have it rough when the husband wants me to cook instead of picking up carry out!

Life wasn’t easy for our ancestors who crossed oceans seeking freedom. It wasn’t easy for pioneers who fought wild Indians, and settled the wilderness. Life has never been easy for past generations. It won’t be any different for us.

I used to think I would arrive some day at that magical age when everything would be easy and problem free. Now I’ve wised up and learned this simple math equation: life = problems.

Trouble is a natural part of life like taxes, Big Macs, bad hair days, and Leave it to Beaver reruns. If you expect to have an idyllic life like Ward and June Cleaver, you may be in for disappointment. No matter how good life can be, there will always be some difficulty mixed in. Expecting to face some trouble can help us deal with it more effectively.

When Herbert Hoover decided to go into politics, he knew he would get criticism, but he went ahead anyway. Later he said, “When the criticism came, I wasn’t surprised; I was better able to handle it.”

The Bible confirms that hardships should not surprise us. The apostle Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Peter 5: 12, 13)

So why am I sometimes surprised when hassles come my way? Loved one get sick or hurt, people lose jobs or homes. These things happen in life: car trouble, financial trouble, and in-law trouble. Unfortunately, none of us is exempt from problems. Do you sometimes feel that trouble attacks you like a swarm of angry bees? You swat one, and two more sneak up and sting you from behind. But don’t let that depress you; we have hope!

I was shocked when I realized life isn’t just about what I want, and I’m not here just to enjoy a pain-free life. When I asked myself what my life’s purpose was, I realized God created me to get to know Him, to serve and glorify Him, and to become more like Him. The Bible says we need to be transformed. (Romans 12:2) That’s not a miraculous happening. It’s a process that involves problems. Problems are not only a normal part of life, but they’re a necessary part too. They prepare us for the future. Not just the future five years from now, but also for the future that comes after our earthly lives end.

Only in heaven is life perfect and easy. But with each problem comes a chance to fulfill your purpose on earth, to learn something new, and to develop a more godly character. It can be difficult to remember this, though, when you’re buried in heartache.

The good thing about pain is that it helps me put my focus where it should be, on the only one who can help me cope. When I practice depending upon Him rather than myself, I fulfill my purpose.

People often learn lessons during tough times that they could never have learned if life had been easy. I’ve found that I more fully enjoy beauty, since I nearly lost my ability to see it.

Think about a frightening circumstance you were forced to endure, and ask yourself what positive result came from it. Chances are you gained some special gift or grew spiritually in some way, not in spite of your ordeal, but because of it. That’s why I say this life is merely a practice run or testing ground. It teaches us, stretches and sharpens us, strengthens us, and prepares us for eternity.

There are many unhappy endings in this life, but we can embrace hope knowing that the next life will not only be happier, but it will have no end.

When we understand that difficulties are inevitable and that we can’t handle them on our own, we realize why it’s important to develop a relationship with the all-powerful God before those trials come. It’s good to know that we have a close relationship with, and are dearly loved by, the only one who can provide the strength, perseverance, and courage we will undoubtedly need throughout life. He’s just waiting for us to ask for His help. “He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.” (Isaiah 30:19)

Author Marsha Jordan is founder of a nonprofit charity called Hugs and Hope for Sick Children (http://www.hugsandhope.org). More of her articles on depression are in her book, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter, a compilation of essays illustrated with drawings by critically ill children.

Pain is never easy, but it’s more bearable with the healing power of laughter; and you’ll laugh with the author as she recounts, in Erma Bombeck style, her search for the perfect purse, camping adventures, her badly behaved toy poodle, and her experience with a new magnifying mirror. Some chapter titles include, “Limburger Attitude, “The Joy of Shopping,” “Is Broccoli Hazardous?” and “Life in the Manure Pile.” She also outlines ten tips for beating depression, written from her own experience of battling this illness for most of her life.

Other essays in thee book include, “More Than I Can Handle,” “Ten Tips For Beating Depression,” “Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayer?” and “What Did I Do To Deserve This?” Order the book or learn more at http://www.hugsandhope.org/book.htm

You might be tempted to ask what golf has to do with inspiration. The inspiration in golf, for me, comes from playing it. It is a microcosm of life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Every shot you take can either be a success or a failure. Each shot you play results in the next shot you have to play. Each shot a result of the shots up to this moment. You can love it (fairways) or you can hate it (out-of-bounds) or you can lie in all the grey areas in between (rough, sand, water).

It is said that once you know the basics of golf, the game is 90% mental. And so it is with life. If you think you can make the shot, you probably will. If you think you can’t, you’re right as well. To become a better player, you must learn what you can and can’t do. And if there are shots that you can’t make right now, practice them until you believe you can do it.

Most golfers will remember the best round they ever played. I’m no different: it was a round of 84 (at handicap of 18) on a par 72 course. And if I must say it myself, I played darn well! And so many of us relive the glory days. Instead of moving on and continually striving to improve, we just sit around and talk about the good old days.

But life, like golf, can and should be so much more than a good memory. Don’t ever stop and think that the best is behind you. Play every shot as if it is your last. Play every shot to the best of your ability. Accept that mistakes are part of the game, but don’t dwell on them. And remember that you aren’t playing alone, so do make a stop on the 19th hole.

Don’t be so focused on your own game that you don’t notice the good shots of your fellow players. Compliment and encourage them to play the game as it should and could be played. Try to forget about the things outside of the here and now. Focus on one shot at a time. Don’t just play on one course all your life. Get out of your comfort zone and go and see the scenery (hopefully not the bush and the sand and the water) on other courses. Learn from those more skilled than you are and if they are willing to learn, those less skilled than yourself.

We try to avoid the obstacles that are presented to us (sand, water, etc.) but once in a while - sometime more often than not - we have to face them. And how you face them tells something about your character. You could cheat, you could go for an impossible shot or you can go for safety. Whichever way you choose to go, remember that it is only you that will have to live with it. So make your choice something worthwhile.

So whether you are playing the best or the worst round of your life, do it in courage and truth. Courage to believe that you can always enjoy the game and truth so that you may know that whatever the result is, you are important in the big scheme of things. May your golf and your life hold fairways and greens and once in a while a hazard, just to mould your character!

About the Author

Leon van der Walt is an aspiring netrepreneur in the fields of inspiration and financial freedom. Leon has a masters degree in quantitative risk management and when not working on the Net is a bank employee. He strives to continually improve himself and is focussing on increasing financial literacy.

Copyright 2005 www.financial-inspiration.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic city for dining than San Francisco. And with over 3,000 restaurants just waiting to be discovered, it will be a while before you exhaust all the fine restaurant options here.

Here’s our pick of just a few of the best spots for romantic dining in San Francisco…

Moonraker:

The Moonraker is part of the Best Western Hotel Lighthouse Hotel in Pacifica, 7 miles south of San Francisco Intl Airport. It’s definitely worth the drive down the coast to enjoy a romantic dinner at this seaside restaurant. The view of the sunset over the waves is just gorgeous, there’s seafood like Salmon and Rock Lobster along with a nice selection of wines and some live piano music as well. Pick a nice day, check for sunset times, reserve a window table, and enjoy. 105 Rockaway Beach Ave, Pacifica, CA (650) 359 0303

Bistro Aix:

Very reasonably priced French/Californian/Italian Bistro down at the Marina. Both Traditional and “cutting edge” favorites are on the menu here. White tableclothe settings, artwork and a wraparound bar make for a warm, inviting and quieter atmosphere. Bonus: outdoor dining on the patio very romantic. 3340 Steiner St. San Francisco, CA (415) 202-0100

First Crush:

Critically acclaimed wine lounge and restaurant. If you love your wine, especially California wine, this is a great place to dine. Over 400 different vintages available here. The menu changes by the season and allows you to put together a combination of tastes to fully bring out the “flavor of the vine”. Casual but classy atmosphere, priced reasonably too. 101 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco, CA (415)982-7874

Pier 39:

Not just one romantic restaurant, but at least 10 establishments along this popular Fisherman’s Wharf section of the San Francisco waterfront. Our choice for romantic dining for two would be Neptunes Palace Seafood Restaurant. The view across the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz is outstanding. Neptunes has been called one of the finest seafood restaurants in San Francisco. (415)434-2260

Copyright © 2005 Excellent Romantic Vacations

Greg Mattson is the editor of Excellent Romantic Vacations - A guide to great romantic vacations & getaways in the USA and around the world. You can find out more about romantic dining in San Francisco in our Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco page.

With visions of an ATM in every neighborhood in China, foreign banks and investment firms are queuing up to join the “China Club.”

Moneybags Communism

The initiation fee for the “China Club” is straightforward and pure moneybags communism: invest cold hard cash in its largely insolvent state-owned banks, put your reputation on the line, reassure nervous foreign investors about upcoming IPO’s, and share your risk management, corporate banking and other expertise with eager Chinese executives. The benefits of membership in the China Club are alluring but mostly maybes. Perhaps you will get some of your money back by underwriting an IPO or working in China with the bank in the areas of wealth management, credit cards or corporate banking.

But the temptation is too much too resist and they are lining up for membership. Bank of America, the German bank Allianz, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have all agreed to or are in ongoing negotiations to take equity stakes in China’s big four state-owned banks. There is another twist to the tale. Membership fees are not the same for everyone but are negotiated one by one and this can leave a sweet or sour taste depending on the deal that’s cut.

Paying More for Uncertainty

The recent deal inked by the Royal Bank of Scotland led consortium is the best so far and beats the well publicized Bank of America deal hands down.

Bank of America purchased a 9% stake in China Construction Bank for $3 billion. The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) invested $1.6 billion for a 5% stake and brought along Merrill Lynch and Hong Kong tycoon Li-Ka Shing along to share the risks bringing the total investment to $3.1 billion for a combined 10% stake. The RBS group also paid less than Bank of America which paid 1.2 times stated book value. Even better than putting up less cash and getting slightly better value, the Scots were able to extract a life preserver from their Chinese partners. While details have not been released, the RBS group will get some of their money back if there are black holes in the books, if the IPO scheduled for early next year is cancelled or if the banks just don’t see eye to eye.

Thank You. May I Have Another

The question is will membership fees decrease over time or get steeper? Goldman Sachs and Allianz are in talks to pay about $1 billion for a stake in China’s largest state-owned bank - the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. China favored UBS is also discussing an investment of $500 million in the Bank of China to cement its lead underwriting role in next years IPO.

This rush by foreign banks to get a piece of the China action should make shareholders pause. Just like when you join the local country club, there are unforeseen risks and expenses. Soon the monthly dues are raised and then there are the dreaded “special assessments” for new greens, a swimming pool or a new irrigation system.

Risk, Return - Maybe?

China’s large state-owned banks have an enormous burden of non-performing loans made over the years to poorly performing state-owned companies. With a small minority stake, foreign banks will have very limited say about the management of their partner bank. As the old banking adage goes, if you owe the bank a little money, the bank owns you, if you owe the bank a lot of money, you own the bank. For investment banks, the payoff seems even slimmer. Investment banking and underwriting fees are notoriously slim in Asia and IPO after market appreciation will have to be substantial to enjoy a risk-adjusted return.

And don’t even think of missing a payment. Last year Citigroup was chosen to underwrite a $5 billion listing for China Construction Bank after offering to purchase an equity stake. It was later dropped like a hot potato after failing to follow through.

I hope all of these banks make lots of money in China - but it may not be wise to trade billions of hard earned capital for a maybe.

Carl Delfeld is head of the global advisory firm Chartwell Partners and editor of the Chartwell Advisor and the Asia Investor Intelligence newsletters. He served on the executive board of the Asian Development Bank and is the author of The New Global Investor (iUniverse:2005). For more information go to http://www.chartwelladvisor.com or call 877-221-1496

Have you seen a living, breathing dragon in person lately? Me neither. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

The history of dragons goes back at least six thousand years, and there are dragon tales and legends from every continent except Antarctica. In some places, dragons have been considered helpful to people — they were the national symbol of China — but in European history, they have generally been considered to be evil, often hoarding treasure or about to devour a fair maiden. Men who succeeded in slaying one have generally been acclaimed as heroes and saints. Some famous dragon-slayers include Siegfried, Sigmund, Beowulf, Arthur, Tristram, Lancelot, Saint Michael, and Saint George.

While most people today don’t worry much about dragons, until about a hundred years ago, everyone took them seriously. Sightings were reported worldwide. One dragon in France was said to kill over 3,000 people before the twelfth century.

There have been many different types of dragons and they have been reported to live in the center of the word, the middle of the ocean, in caves and other dark and damp places, and in fire. At the time of Christopher Columbus, when the world was flat (or at least people thought so), maps said “Here Be Dragons” at the edge of the world.

It may be that dragon stories partly grew out of people finding dinosaur bones. Since the concept of dinosaurs didn’t come into science until the 1800s, any large fossilized bone found before then had to from a dragon, a giant, or in some parts of the world, an elephant.

Whatever the actual origins of dragon tales may be, dragons are immensely popular now. They turn up in video games, films, books, and other art forms. There are many dragon posters. Dragons have become powerful symbols of the forces that exist in our world, and of the complexities of the human spirit.

About the Author

Rosana Hart is a reference librarian turned webmaster. Visit her site at http://www.infoandhelp.com/posters/ for a selection of popular posters and articles about their subjects.