Make this year purposeful.

NOTE: Susan Mckenzie my friend has the ability to turn my articles into bullet format that makes a lot of sense. Here is another one of Susan's miracles.

Make this year purposeful. Here’s how, says Mike Ghouse
http://abetoday.com/2012/01/02/make-this-year-purposeful-here%E2%80%99s-how-says-mike-ghouse/

INJECT MEANING

Whether you are with your family, friends or alone, you can make your new year meaningful and reflective.

KNOW THYSELF
For many years, I have set aside “TWO HOURS” yes, just two hours on New Year’s Eve or Day and have focused on different aspects of my life and found a lot of peace and tranquility in knowing who I am and what I want out of life.

DEFINED REFLECTION
In those two hours, I allow nothing else to crawl on my mind or deviate from the job I sat down for – knowing and defining myself.

HIT THE HEADLINES
All you have to do is write down a few headlines like family, friends, job, business, personal budget, travel, gratitude, freedom, society, volunteerism, spirituality, physical fitness, entertainment and finally your role in family and the society.

SHORT AND SWEET

You can write on the palm of your hand, notes section of the cell phone or a napkin in a restaurant.

JOURNEY INWARDS

This is a trip to yourselves, you’ve been to places, done things, met people… it is time to visit yourselves and enjoy the connection. You’ll love it.

TIED UP IN LOVE
FAMILY – Thoughts on strengthening the bonds and spending more time with family – first I would write randomly with no sequence or priority, but just thoughts in bullet format, then I go back and enhance and reflect on each relationship within my family.

FRIENDLY RELATIONS
FRIENDS – same process, who are my closest friends, what kind of things I need to continue to do to nurture the relationships? Reflect on each friend and what I want to happen with that relationship.

PLAIN SAILING OR FORK IN THE ROAD?

BUSINESS/PROFESSION – Where am I going with it, where will I be in a year, two or five years? I don’t have to be perfect and precise, but just a thought of having an idea of where I will be is good. Then develop from it. Those employed securely need not worry, you are blessed.

LOVELY LUCRE
BUDGET -- Take a look at your income from all sources and then put down monthly fixed payments that you have to pay. Then add those payments that you can do away with or add on to. Figure out what to do with the shortage or surplus.

DREAM DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL – At least dream about it.

TIME TO THANK
GRATITUDE – Who all we need to thank for the good they have done.

FREE TO LOVE AGAIN
FREEDOM -- Who all we need to forgive for the pain they have given us, and the misery we have heaped on them. How do I free myself from that apprehension? My blood should not boil when I see them or I should not get the urge to punch them upon sight.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
SOCIETY – I scream out loud that things are not right; there is injustice, corruption, bigotry … Am I going to do something about it? Would I become their enemy or find a solution for all of us to co-exist and mind our own business.

PILLAR OF SUPPORT
The least I can do is support someone who is standing up for justice and making efforts to create a better world for everyone. From just saying, I appreciate your work, to sending them a check to volunteering with them spreading the word and everything in between.

POINTS OF VIEW
YOUR ROLE -- What role do you want to play in the society? Speak up when you see something is wrong, write a comment on blog or newspaper, or tell friends that there is another point of view to consider… make a genuine effort to see another point of view.

SOOTHING SITUATIONS
On my part I have determined that whatever I talk, think and act will lead towards mitigating conflicts and nurturing good will and I will make every effort NOT to aggravate a situation. What is that you want to do? You think about it.

TOUCHING SOUL
SPIRITUALITY -- have I taken the time to visit myself, am I in tune with myself? Can I make a serious effort to spend 5 minutes in the morning and 5 in the evening – just to close the eyes and remain calm, do nothing, think nothing and refresh myself. Or take a course in meditation, or a video… you don’t need to say any words or invoke God, just you and you with stillness.

FORGE AHEAD
2011 -- How did you do it in 2011? No need to brood, instead use the time to improve on the things you have done wrong and cherish on the things you have done right.

YOUR LIST
You can make your own list, please do this exercise, it is worth your time and you will start finding meaning in your life.

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
Make your own list… at the end of the two hours, you will find relief, comfort and a sense of purpose in life.

CREATING COHESION
On my part I am committed to build a cohesive America, and have laid out the outline at the website www.AmericaTogetherFoundation.com . If you like it join me, together we can do our share of work in creating a better world. You can volunteer, you can organize events, you can write or you can send a check from $50 to $5000 and see your time and money work for a better America. We are a non-profit organization and your monies are tax deductible.

WRITING TALLYBy the way, I will be writing another reflective article on New Year’s. I wrote 315 Pieces this year thus far… and hope to write a few more by the end of the year. They are all at www.Theghousediary.com

PARADISE BECKONS
Enjoy this beautiful song on the theme of visiting myself. It is one of my favorite songs.

I've Never Been To Me by Charlene with lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQWND9jKDA&feature=player_embedded 

Mike Ghouse
Committed to building a cohesive America
www.MikeGhouse.net

Life with Vim, verve and vital.

Inject your life force with vim, verve and vital

Note: Susan Mckenzie is an incredible organizer of the words. She has successfully reorganized my articles to make a lot more sense than the original. I admire her talents. I am making a few exceptions to this Blog where I post only what I write and I am including Susan’s piece here, this is her 2^nd piece. – Mike Ghouse

 B: Boldness adds zing (vim, verve and vitality) to your steps.

 L: Living in a vital way should be top priority. 

 E: Every festival opens opportunities to enjoy what others hold dear, and enjoying enhances vim, verve and vitality. Enhance everything by absorbing enormous enlightenment from all excellent sources and enjoy exciting experiences (essence of vim, verve and vitality).

 S: Share vim and just watch the extra bounce (vim) in your step.

 S: Spice of life is variety and we can spice up our lives by being more open to other cultures’ ways of life.  

Y: You can do yourself and others so much good when you see the goodness, vim and vitality in all creation. Your life force is an energy (as is vim, verve and vitality),  so when you enhance vim, verve and vitality you are enhancing life force.

 O: Open to learning from every possible source.

 U: Ultimate enlightenment (upping your vim) takes place when you become Brahma, a state where you do not have any barriers between you and what surrounds you. Utterly enlightening and beautiful are the major religions that explain how to reach a similar state of being.

 1. FESTIVE FUN

 “My family has come to believe that all festivals are meant to celebrate and share the joy with the people you know.” (Mike Ghouse celebrates all festivals)

2. Wholeheartedly wholehearted

 “No matter what you do in life, do it wholeheartedly.” This brings joy to oneself and the others who will consume the work.” (Mike Ghouse).

 3. CHERISH THE WISE

 Mike Ghouse has always cherished Abe Lincoln’s statement “with malice towards none.” Practicing this bestows peace. 

4. OPEN SESAME

 “I am open to learning from every possible source,” says Mike Ghouse. Are you? 

5. TRUTH BE TOLD

  ”Don’t let prejudice stop you from learning all the good you can learn from all religious teachers.” I believe learning about other faiths simply enhances one’s search for the truth. 

6. ULTIMATE BEAUTY

 The ultimate in learning is when you become Brahma, to borrow from the Hindu philosophy, whence you do not have a barrier between you and what surrounds you. That is precisely what the Qur’aan means when it asks you to submit to the will of God.Krishna means surrender to him, or Jesus when he says follow me. You cannot go wrong with their advice and the wisdom of all other beautiful religions. (Mike Ghouse) 

7. FAITHFUL BEAUTY

 As beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, religion is in the heart of the believer. Each faith is beautiful to the believer and we should honor that. 

8. NOURISHING QUEST

 “Each one of the holy books nourishes me in my quest for the truth. It is quite inspiring to open each book and draw an enormous amount of wisdom from it.” (Mike Ghouse). 

9. GREAT GOODNESS

 Think of the good you can do to other beings, the goodness you bring to God’s creation (Mike Ghouse inspired by Prophet Muhammad).

10. PEACE AND HAROMONY

 God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; that is indeed the purpose of religion, any religion. We cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves. 

11. I BELIEVE

 “I believe each one of us is created by the same creative process with a singular source [GOD] for such creation. I believe that respecting each one of its creations is the best form of praising, worshipping and honoring that creator. I believe knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance and appreciation of people with a different point of view. If we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of the 6 billion of us then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.” 

12. MIGHTY MENTORS

 Mike just cannot sit quiet when he feels he can raise his voice. He was inspired by Prophet Muhammad’s quote that when you see injustice, the least you can do is to speak up. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of Mike’s mentors, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly”. Reverend Moon insists that the world would be a better place if we all care for each other and the Native American Chief Seattle said something to this effect. We are merely a strand in this world wide web, if we mess one, we mess the others. 

13. DARE TO DREAM

 Ray Bradbury inspires Mike Ghouse: Whatever you can do or dream that you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. 

Mike Ghouse

 Mike Ghouse is a contributor of www.abetoday

 For more information about Mike check out the list of contributors at www.abetoday.com and also  http://www.mikeghouse.net/ProfileMikeGhouse.asp 

About the author

An I CAN READ English specialist with over 20 years teaching experience, I have worked in the British Council and Linguaphone, well-known language institutions. I am a London-trained lawyer and have been the public affairs officer at the British High Commission, Singapore, as well as an editor in an international book publishing house and a national magazine. In 2006, I was appointed as an Ambassador of Peace (Universal Peace Federation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace). I am also co-author of two law books: English Legal System and Company Law, published by Blackstone, Oxford University Press. For enquiries about I CAN READ classes, email susanmckenzie2003@yahoo.co.uk. FOR DAILY BLESSINGS: www.abetoday.com

Let us build a better world together, says Mike Ghouse. Here’s how

It is a delight to read my article reformated by my  friend Susan McKenzie,  making the article more meaningful and powerful. Thanks  you Susan - Mike Ghouse

The website is Abe Today
Link: http://abetoday.com/2011/11/06/let-us-build-a-better-world-together-says-mike-ghouse-here%e2%80%99s-how/

November 6, 2011

by Susan McKenzie

WHAT DOES LIVE AND LET LIVE MEAN?
We need to think about this as our neighbours may be of a different religion and culture. In America, Australia, Asia and Europe – your neighbours could be Hindus, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, Wiccans, Zoroastrians and all manner of others as well.

LET A THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM
Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for others?

THE PLURALISTIC FACTS OF LIFE
Other people follow different beats in their hearts and even if we find it difficult to understand why they don’t embrace our faith we should respect their way of life.

LEVELS OF ACCEPTANCE
We may not want to take part in the prayers and ceremonies of Jewish, Muslim or Hindu religions if we are Christian, but we should have enough respect in our hearts to realize that devout Jews, Muslims and Hindus could never be expected to become Christians, or embrace all aspects of secular culture.

EXTENDING RESPECT
We should also respect Christians and others who are prepared to attend the prayer sessions of other religions because they believe in pluralism, harmony and as a way of showing respect to others.

ACTION FOR GOOD AND GODLINESS
In fact, these actions confirm our beliefs in the overall goodness of religion. Embracing our fellow man and partaking in his religious ceremonies actually gets us closer to God. Think about it – what would you be doing if you were not doing that? You might be at a ball game (nothing wrong with that) or watching television (nothing wrong with that either), but if you are in a Temple of God, a Mosque of God or a Church of God then you are drawing nearer to God.

DRAW NEARER TO GOD AND GOODNESS
Jesus (PBUH) was a Jew and worshipped in synagogues – if what is good enough for Jesus, it must also be good enough for us. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also worshipped God with non-Muslims. Hinduism may not be about one God but nevertheless we could look upon this religion as encompassing all aspects of God from different perspectives. At the very least it is about holiness and respect and that can only be good.

WHY WE SHOULD BUILD UP OTHER’S FAITHS
Look at your world – do we have enough Godliness in it? The world would be so much better if everyone had a religion and practised it as best they could. We should make it our life purpose to build up Godliness in all and that includes respecting and supporting all religion.

WHAT EACH FAITH IS
Mike Ghouse: Each faith is dear to the believer and no faith is superior to the other either. Faith is about humility. All faiths are designed to bring solace to its followers. Religion is a mechanism that gives hopes and restores one’s balance with what surrounds one; people and the environment.

LET US BUILD A BETTER WORLD BLESSING
B: Building up should be our aim in life. Build up the Godliness within us and then we can help others.
L: Live and let live, because living in a respectful way leads on to building better communities and societies.
E: Embrace Godliness by showing respect to all good and wholesome religions. Every major religion (Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hinduism, Buddhism and more) have good and wholesome values at their core.
S: Show respect and make this a better world.
S: Showing respect will increase the amount of respect in this world, including respect for your beliefs and religion.

Y: You are an ambassador of your religion if you say you have a religion, so do remember to be the best ambassador that you can be.
O: Our world will be so much nicer if we put respect at the forefront of our understanding of the practices by people with other religions. Other people follow different beats in their hearts and even if we can’t understand why they don’t embrace our faith we should respect their way of life. Our heart should be a heart of respect.
U: Understand the interplay of religion and culture and seek to increase the understanding in the world by being the personification of the good aspects of your religion.

BEST BLESSING: Building respect leads on to building understanding and with understanding we may have more respect. Respect and understanding leads to a more harmonious society – a more peaceful society where more people can operate together and flourish. Will you help in this grand scheme of building up society in this way? Encourage everyone to practice their religion by really respecting the practice of religion generally. Godliness and being godly and goodly in our natures is what makes the world a better place.

SOURCE OF THIS POSTING
http://mikeghouseforindia.blogspot.com/2011/11/bigotry-against-hinduism-in-kentucky.html
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer committed to build a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His work is fully indexed at www.MikeGhouse.net

Susan McKenzie is an English teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. Susan has worked in the British Council and Linguaphone, well-known language teaching organizations. Susan is a London-trained lawyer, and has also been an editor in an international book publishing house and a national magazine. In her teens, Susan was a Sunday School teacher and in 2006 was appointed as an Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace. Susan is also a co-author of two law books: English Legal System and Company Law, published by Blackstone, Oxford University Press. For enquiries about the IELTS, practical English and pronunciation courses Susan teaches, email susanmckenzie2003@yahoo.co.uk. FOR DAILY BLESSINGS: www.abetoday.com

Commitment is at the core of Eid. Commitment is the bedrock of life

It is a delight to read my article reformated by my friend Susan McKenzie, making the article more meaningful and powerful. Thanks you Susan - Mike Ghouse 

November 6, 2011

by Susan McKenzie

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MAN OF ALL VIRTUES
The Qur’an describes Abraham as “a man who combined within himself all virtues, devoutly obeying God’s will” (An-Nahl (The Bee) 16:120)

SACRED FAITH, LOVE AND DEVOTION
God wanted to test Abraham’s faith, love and devotion and asked of him what everyone in love asks; “If you love me, you would…”

SACRED COMMITMENT
No one wants the beloved to give up his or her life, but wants a simple assurance and commitment in the relationship.

SACRED LOVE
It was Abraham’s main trial to face the command of God to sacrifice his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to God’s will. When he was all prepared to do it, God revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

SACRED SACRIFICE
Thus the tradition of symbolic sacrifice began. During the celebration of Eid-al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham’s trials by sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, camel, or a goat.

SIGN UP TO RESPECT
Mike Ghouse says that submitting to God simply means subscribing to the idea of a cohesive environment where each human being is respected for his or her place, nourishment and nurturance.

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED
Mike Ghouse wants to emphasize that we are all connected. He quotes a Native American, Chief Seattle who said: “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does it to himself.”

ONE WORLD, ONE WEB
The idea of one web encompasses the idea of the world as one family and the oneness that we really are as humanity.

WHAT EID REALLY IS
Mike Ghouse: God does not need one to sacrifice; it has nothing to do with atoning sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin.

WILLING TO SHARE
The act symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties in order to strengthen and preserve the web and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from God, and we should open our hearts and share with others. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid-al-Adha is given away in three ways; self, relatives and the poor. It is a symbolic act of sharing with people who are malnourished and don’t get to eat the meat as we do.

SHARING SHINE
The attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the right path (subscribing to the oneness of humanity and oneness of creator the God). The creator would be pleased when his creation is nurtured, cared for and sustained. Indeed, to be religious is to be a peacemaker, one who seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence.

BLESSINGS TO YOU – HAPPY EID
Happy Eid
Eid Mubarak
Eid-al-Adha Mubarak

ONENESS BLESSING
B: Blessings to you on this Eid.
L: Love and commitment are at the heart of Eid. Let love reign in your heart and show it in your commitment to God and man.
E: Eid is about the deepest of devoted love, sharing, caring and helping fellow humans. Every moment of our lives we have the opportunity to express love, care and concern.
S: Show your love and commitment through sharing with others, family, friends, and those in need, which is the true essence of Eid and of religion.
S: Sacred and holy is simple love, simple sharing and caring.
S: Sign up to respect: respect for God and for fellow man. Sign up and subscribe to the idea of a cohesive environment where each human being is respected, nourished and nurtured.

Y: You are connected to me and I am connected to you because there is a web of life at work, so don’t rock the boat, keep an even keel as much as you can.
O: One world, One family, One God, One web, so let us be One as much as possible and respect the other.
U: Use what you have to benefit the world and a miracle of good will unfold.

BEST BLESSING: May we all live in such a way that we strengthen and preserve the web of life, the interconnected web that we all inhabit. Blessings come ultimately from God and we should open our hearts and share what we have with others.

CREDIT: This article was first published by Mike Ghouse at http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/n.php?nid=5168&fb_source=message

About the author
Susan McKenzie is an English teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. Susan has worked in the British Council and Linguaphone, well-known language teaching organizations. Susan is a London-trained lawyer, and has also been an editor in an international book publishing house and a national magazine. In her teens, Susan was a Sunday School teacher and in 2006 was appointed as an Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace. Susan is also a co-author of two law books: English Legal System and Company Law, published by Blackstone, Oxford University Press. For enquiries about the IELTS, practical English and pronunciation courses Susan teaches, email susanmckenzie2003@yahoo.co.uk. FOR DAILY BLESSINGS: www.abetoday.com