Tending the Fire

In old buildings there was a boiler room where men stood shoveling coal or wood into a furnace to keep the whole building warm. If they didn't tend to the fire, the place went cold. The same is true in our lives. We need to tend the inner fire so our lives do not go cold.

Made for Success is based on the fact that humans are made up of three parts: The body, the soul and the spirit. The Body is that part that lives in the physical world. The Soul is the mind, will, and emotions. The Spirit is that part of us that transcends this life and is able to commune with God. It is my belief that success comes from the inside out. That is, it starts in the spirit, which affects the soul, which enables the body to do what we need it to to achieve success. With this understanding, it is imperative that we tend to the fire of the spirit on a regular basis. I thought I would share with you this issue a couple of ways I do this, in order to keep my spirit strong.

I read every day from a book that focuses my mind on spiritual things. This usually happens in the morning, though any time is sufficient. Sometimes it is the first bit of time I am at the office. This gets my day off on the right track and gets my spirit in the right place. You might say, "I wouldn't know where to start." Let me help. One thing I do, is to read from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It is full of practical, spiritual advice! And to make it easy, there are thirty-one chapters there. If it is the seventh day of the month, guess what chapter I read? Exactly. Another book I have found to be helpful is a book called Face to Face, which you can order at your local bookstore or through Amazon. It is essentially three months of short daily bible readings. And it is non-sectarian, so you don't have to worry about a bias.

I also pray every day. Now, in the field of self-improvement there is a lot of focus on doing it yourself, disciplining yourself, etc. But I know that I need God's help in every area of my life - and I ask Him for it on a regular basis!! Praying brings me back to what is important, and gets me the help and strength I need.

I involve myself in a church. I know, some of you are thinking, "Church people, no way." Well, sometimes, I couldn't agree with you more! But there a couple of things that being involved with a group of people who share your religious beliefs does for you. One, it gives me strength to have others who encourage me on that path. The other is that I have found that the times I have grown the most as a person have come in times of being involved with the frailty of humanity. It isn't when everyone is behaving perfectly that I grow. That doesn't stretch me. What stretches me is when I am living in a community and I have to tolerate others and forgive others. So even the weakness that is inherent in living in a community of faith can become a strength if we make it so. Whatever community of faith you are involved in, make it your goal to grow when others fail.

Let me encourage you. Tend to the fire of your spirit. It is the first step to a successful life. Without it, you may achieve all sorts of things in this life and when you get there, ask, "What it the meaning? Where is the purpose? Where is the happiness?"

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

The Best Gift to Give Yourself and Others

I'm often asked the question, "How can I best help... Read More

Moral Obligation & Responsibility

Chances are you have seen some type of disturbance in... Read More

Being Relatable in Todays World as a Christian

There are reasons we cross paths with those that we... Read More

Garbage In Its Place

There is nothing worse than seeing garbage blowing down the... Read More

?Back to CYA on a Mission?

Six former wards came back to the California Youth Authority... Read More

A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Acceptance

A WORD FITLY SPOKENA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More

FEAR Don?t Let it Control You!

Fear. What is it? Can you touch it? Can you... Read More

Melting Snow

I love the sounds of melting snow-plink, plink, ting, ting,... Read More

The Power of One

It was one of those once-in-a-life-time moments. The entire World... Read More

Lifetime of Discoveries: Moments of Peace and Renewal

There are discoveries all around us—small gifts of joy that... Read More

Lewis And Clark Pay Attention

As I write this Southern California has just ended its... Read More

Anamcara - The Blessing of Peace

"Come out of the circle of time and into... Read More

Experiences in My Life Prompted Me to Never Give Up

Many people think that their life is a disaster that... Read More

All You Want is Within Your Reach

If there is one thing that I believe with all... Read More

Never Jump to Conclusions

Human mind which is well known as a fluctuating prodigy... Read More

Save the Planet with Your Joy!

Your own level of frequency raises or lowers the overall... Read More

Turning 40

Most of us, at one point or another, take a... Read More

Small Steps, Great Strides

Sacred space, sacred timeBelieve in your personal power, retrieve if... Read More

Moneys Sad Lack of Intrinsic Value

A good number of my columns deal with finances and... Read More

Brilliant Autumn: Reaping a Bounteous Harvest

"But if in your thought you must measure time into... Read More

A Resurrection Story

My mother often wound up in the hospital during the... Read More

How to Pray on Water! Announcing Life-Changing Bible Code - Discover Amazing Water Scriptures!

Water is the source of life, yet so few of... Read More

How to Overcome Loneliness

Nowadays the majority of people live in very large cities.... Read More

A Lifetime In Love

We let ourselves love but are afraid to say I... Read More

Tending the Fire

In old buildings there was a boiler room where men... Read More

Numbers

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 19,... Read More

Breaking Bonds

I am just out of high school, and I have... Read More

Vistas

The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow... Read More

Everyone Has Been Hurt...Part 3

Continued....When I turned 18 years old, I met a new... Read More

Passion: What It Means To Live With It

Passion can guide you, not just to live, but to... Read More

Change Your Landscape by Seeing with New Eyes

A Story (Source Unknown) ? One day a very wealthy... Read More

Just Say, I Love You to Those Who are...

Life is beautiful and lovable with the type of people... Read More

Anam Chara - Healing the Heart Matters

Are you prepared to make your heart matter? Are you... Read More