Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat.
-Malcolm S. Forbes
This is so true. Abraham Lincoln may be the best example I know where perseverance is concerned. If you've never put it on the line and lost, you can't really appreciate the value of success when you achieve it. This ties in closely with the concept of we learn best what we learn hardest.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Podcast
I've been struggling lately with posting to my blog not wanting to "talk for the sake of hearing my own voice" so to speak. In keeping with that vein, here is a link to a recent podcast interview with New Consciousness Review about my book, Finding Your Own Truth. While I have done a local radio interview courtesy of my friend and neighbor, Steve Evans, this was a first for me. Being interviewed by a complete stranger that reviews books for a living is a little more intense but thoroughly enjoyable. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-soldiers-spiritual-journey/id387253557?i=86714558
Friday, August 20, 2010
Choice, not chance
“Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” ~ Aristotle
There are no "chance" occurrences in life. Each decision you make leads you down a path. Good choices can lead to good outcomes, bad choices to bad outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't always good versus bad. Sometimes it's degrees of good or bad. Even so, the choices you make set you up for the consequences that follow. All you can do is make the best choice possible under the circumstances and understand that God and the Universe will deliver the result that best suits your situation. Then your task becomes understanding why that particular outcome is what you need most.
There are no "chance" occurrences in life. Each decision you make leads you down a path. Good choices can lead to good outcomes, bad choices to bad outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn't always good versus bad. Sometimes it's degrees of good or bad. Even so, the choices you make set you up for the consequences that follow. All you can do is make the best choice possible under the circumstances and understand that God and the Universe will deliver the result that best suits your situation. Then your task becomes understanding why that particular outcome is what you need most.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Spirit passing through
“As soon as there is life there is danger.” ~ R.Emerson
Contemplating this thought today as I reflect on the recent loss of our grandson, Easton Reed Critchfield. Easton came into this world facing some tall odds. And as the poem below will tell, he put up a good account of himself. But in the end, he succombed. And while I believe we will ultimately join with him at a later time, I can still feel the loss. So, this is for you, Easton. God Bless.
The Lion's Roar
I heard a lion roar today. I saw his courage on display.
His heart beat true within his chest as he faced a most fearsome test.
He fought for life...yet showed no fear and his battle cry rang in my ear.
This lion is no jungle king, no hero of which legends sing.
He is no larger than my hand. Yet, against all odds he makes his stand.
And tho' he cannot speak a word, I look at him and am assured,
That tho' he cannot scratch or bite, he's putting up a lion's fight.
Will he prevail? I cannot say. But I heard a lion roar today.
From the den of faith and the lair of love to Easton Reed Critchfield.
Born June 16, 2010
Died June 21, 2010
Contemplating this thought today as I reflect on the recent loss of our grandson, Easton Reed Critchfield. Easton came into this world facing some tall odds. And as the poem below will tell, he put up a good account of himself. But in the end, he succombed. And while I believe we will ultimately join with him at a later time, I can still feel the loss. So, this is for you, Easton. God Bless.
The Lion's Roar
I heard a lion roar today. I saw his courage on display.
His heart beat true within his chest as he faced a most fearsome test.
He fought for life...yet showed no fear and his battle cry rang in my ear.
This lion is no jungle king, no hero of which legends sing.
He is no larger than my hand. Yet, against all odds he makes his stand.
And tho' he cannot speak a word, I look at him and am assured,
That tho' he cannot scratch or bite, he's putting up a lion's fight.
Will he prevail? I cannot say. But I heard a lion roar today.
From the den of faith and the lair of love to Easton Reed Critchfield.
Born June 16, 2010
Died June 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Do your best
“Doing your best is more important than being the best.” ~ Shannon Miller
Doing your best is the best way to show God that you are grateful for your blessings. It will also help you to get the most out of life. You can't expect to receive the best if you are not willing to give the best. Sometimes this means climbing out on a limb, getting out of your comfort zone and "going for it". You don't know what you can do until you try to do it.
Doing your best is the best way to show God that you are grateful for your blessings. It will also help you to get the most out of life. You can't expect to receive the best if you are not willing to give the best. Sometimes this means climbing out on a limb, getting out of your comfort zone and "going for it". You don't know what you can do until you try to do it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Lesson from an Elephant
Not sure if this link will take you to the video but there is a lesson we can learn from a couple of God's "lesser" creatures about accepting those who may be different from ourselves. When_elephants_retire.wmv
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fate
“How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is.” ~ Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt
I love this thought! Why? Because each of us has a commitment to God and the universe to fulfill the measure of our creation. Fulfillment of that "fate" is far more important than the fate itself. This speaks to self-mastery and ultimately to "mastering the long trip".
I love this thought! Why? Because each of us has a commitment to God and the universe to fulfill the measure of our creation. Fulfillment of that "fate" is far more important than the fate itself. This speaks to self-mastery and ultimately to "mastering the long trip".
Monday, May 17, 2010
Courage
“The highest courage is to dare to appear to be what one is.” You are not necessarily who you think you are or even who you say you are. But, if you are true to yourself, then you are what you show you are. If not, then you are a hypocrite.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Destiny
“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” ~ W. Bryan
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Sorry this is a day late but the sentiment is still there. You mom's are the single greatest influence in your child's life. So to you young mom's, please never forget how much your love means to your children, whether they ever show appreciation or not. To those moms who have already raised their kids, I thank you for the love you gave (and still give) and for your devotion to raising your children. There is not a more important job given out to any mortal soul.
Sorry this is a day late but the sentiment is still there. You mom's are the single greatest influence in your child's life. So to you young mom's, please never forget how much your love means to your children, whether they ever show appreciation or not. To those moms who have already raised their kids, I thank you for the love you gave (and still give) and for your devotion to raising your children. There is not a more important job given out to any mortal soul.
Find something to believe in...
“Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” ~ Alexander Hamilton
As this quote implies, we need to find those values, beliefs, or causes that speak to us and then embrace them as ours. In short, Find Your Own Truths!
This speaks to why I am so passionate about the message contained in my book. I don't know what is "right" for everyone. It is for each of us to figure that out and for none of us to judge another. Each of us can be our own person, yet still contribute to the whole.
As this quote implies, we need to find those values, beliefs, or causes that speak to us and then embrace them as ours. In short, Find Your Own Truths!
This speaks to why I am so passionate about the message contained in my book. I don't know what is "right" for everyone. It is for each of us to figure that out and for none of us to judge another. Each of us can be our own person, yet still contribute to the whole.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Local Author at Bitter Creek Books
Yesterday the following article appeared in the Vernal Express Weekly Newspaper.
Vernal author Reed Critchfield will be signing copies of his new book “Finding Your Own Truth” on May 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Bitter Creek Books, located at 660 W. Main Street in Vernal.
Critchfield combined over 30 years of personal research, study, prayer and life experiences in his book that invites readers to take courage as they journey through life — and just embrace it all.
“When I started, it was just about me; putting my own house in order. Then, it occurred to me that perhaps other people are struggling to find the truth too,” says Critchfield.
Critchfield graduated from the University of Utah with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and spent 27 years in the Army culminating in his assignment as the Commander of the 1/211th Attack Helicopter Battalion based in West Jordan, Utah.
So, now I'm officially famous, at least in Vernal,UT (LOL).
Vernal author Reed Critchfield will be signing copies of his new book “Finding Your Own Truth” on May 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Bitter Creek Books, located at 660 W. Main Street in Vernal.
Critchfield combined over 30 years of personal research, study, prayer and life experiences in his book that invites readers to take courage as they journey through life — and just embrace it all.
“When I started, it was just about me; putting my own house in order. Then, it occurred to me that perhaps other people are struggling to find the truth too,” says Critchfield.
Critchfield graduated from the University of Utah with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and spent 27 years in the Army culminating in his assignment as the Commander of the 1/211th Attack Helicopter Battalion based in West Jordan, Utah.
So, now I'm officially famous, at least in Vernal,UT (LOL).
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Waking Up
I did my first (of many I hope) radio interviews today with our neighbor and friend Steve Evans. Steve owns and operates KVEL 920 AM and KLCY in Vernal, UT. I believe it went quite well but with room for improvement. Preparing did give me pause to reflect on what brought me to write my book. There are any number of significant influences but the overriding factor was simply that one day I woke up and realized I didn't believe in who I was. I won't say I was living a lie, but I was not living my truth. Once that realization occured, I became focused on finding out just exactly who I am and what I'm supposed to be doing.
Paul Brady, who helped me through the early development stages of the book expressed it best when he said, "I have never read a compilation of so much truth so well and astutely organized. I suppose the highest compliment I could pay you is not that I am better-informed or that you have certainly assembled an impressive amount of well-researched information, but rather that I am a better person for having read the book. I feel elevated and feel a strong desire to be a better person, neighbor, father, son and brother. I feel like my mind has been opened to possibilities I have never considered but which are real and true despite my ignorance of them or my laxity in pursuing them."
Paul Brady, who helped me through the early development stages of the book expressed it best when he said, "I have never read a compilation of so much truth so well and astutely organized. I suppose the highest compliment I could pay you is not that I am better-informed or that you have certainly assembled an impressive amount of well-researched information, but rather that I am a better person for having read the book. I feel elevated and feel a strong desire to be a better person, neighbor, father, son and brother. I feel like my mind has been opened to possibilities I have never considered but which are real and true despite my ignorance of them or my laxity in pursuing them."
Friday, April 30, 2010
Self-Mastery
In his book The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz states, “Wherever we turn our heads, all we see is the truth, but with the agreements and beliefs we have stored in our mind, we have no eyes for this truth.
“A duality exists within us. It is a negative energy field based upon a materialistic value system causing a network of false beliefs and useless fears. We need to awaken from our slumber and separate from this energy. To realize our full potential as individuals, we must take responsibility for our own minds and find our own personal Truths.” Understanding that your mind is the most powerful tool you have and then being clear about what you want allows you to take the necessary steps toward accomplishing this goal."
This process of taking responsibility and learning your own mind opens the road to Self-Mastery.
“A duality exists within us. It is a negative energy field based upon a materialistic value system causing a network of false beliefs and useless fears. We need to awaken from our slumber and separate from this energy. To realize our full potential as individuals, we must take responsibility for our own minds and find our own personal Truths.” Understanding that your mind is the most powerful tool you have and then being clear about what you want allows you to take the necessary steps toward accomplishing this goal."
This process of taking responsibility and learning your own mind opens the road to Self-Mastery.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Value of a book
“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” ~ James Bryce
There are any number of valuable ideas to be gleaned from reading a good book. Some are expected, others completely blind side you!
There are any number of valuable ideas to be gleaned from reading a good book. Some are expected, others completely blind side you!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Amazon Author Page
My Amazon author page is up. You can check it out at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003IDOWEQ
Monday, April 19, 2010
WISDOM
“The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
Monday, April 12, 2010
The chain of conditions leading to the discovery of Truth
“A wise man changes his mind, a fool never” ~ Spanish Proverb
Why I like this - When we change our minds, it means we are thinking in a critical manner and our minds are open to new ideas. This is the last link in the chain of learning. First, we must have humility in order to learn. Humility allows us to open our minds. An open mind embraces wisdom. With wisdom we can assess the proper stand on a given subject and that can lead us to change our minds when confronted with the truth.
Why I like this - When we change our minds, it means we are thinking in a critical manner and our minds are open to new ideas. This is the last link in the chain of learning. First, we must have humility in order to learn. Humility allows us to open our minds. An open mind embraces wisdom. With wisdom we can assess the proper stand on a given subject and that can lead us to change our minds when confronted with the truth.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Look inside yourself and you can find yourself
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” ~ Carl Jung
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Goodreads Forum Discussion
From a Goodreads forum about my book, "Finding Your Own Truth", Brian wrote: "Welcome to the forum Reed. For those who believe in God, the ultimate good, do you observe many people who blame him for everything from disasters, death and war, for example? I believe much of our problems have been created by ourselves, mankind that is. As early as the 1960's scientist warned of global warming and predicted exactly the effects we experience today. Do you believe as I do that the complete destruction of Mother Earth is close at hand? There is ample evidence to support my claim. I really do not believe about the ancient date of the end of the world, especially as an exact date, do you? If so why?
Brian,
First let me say that I appreciate your very insightful question. From a purely selfish standpoint, you can't imagine how good it feels to have people want to discuss the current world situation and the role that man plays in it.
To the first question, yes, many people blame God for their plight or for the atrocities perpetrated by man or natural disasters. But it is not God's fault. If I may, I'd like to share a few quotes from my book in support of this contention.
"The circumstances of your earth life are not random luck. Nor did God dictate them to you. Just as you are responsible for your own happiness, you are responsible for your life conditions. It’s part of our free agency and personal accountability. Agency because we had a choice in what our life on earth would be like and we are still free to make decisions once we are here. Accountability because we are responsible to honor the choices we made in writing our life plan and accepting the consequences of our decisions while we are here. Every decision you make either moves you closer to or farther from your path.
This gives answer to the question forever posed, why would God permit horrible atrocities, intense pain, or cruel suffering? He permits it because we ask for it. Zukav tells us, “Without the knowledge of its soul, reincarnation and karma, it is not always possible for a personality (mortal being) to understand the significance or meaning of the events in its life.”
"One day I was talking with Cindy. Nothing too deep, just an exchange of ideas and she explained the concept of us writing our life plan in between incarnations in order to continue our progression. Then a light came on. I had put these challenges in my life plan."
Now, as to the impending end of the earth, here are a couple of pertinent quotes from my book on the matter.
"Some may say we approach the singularity. But others claim that we approach a crucial decision point, or chaos point, where our present economic, political, and social systems become unsustainable."
"Collectively, we’ve been a shortsighted, selfish lot. We’ve mortgaged our future, and the bills are now coming due. Current events seem to have many people’s head in a spin. If it’s not about the imploding U.S./world economy, it’s about the constant loss of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, or about some grave threat from one of America’s “enemies.“
Just look at the road signs. Spurred by our technology, greed, and insatiable consumerism, global warming is for real. There are conflicting opinions about that. Actually, I don’t care what you call it or where it comes from because we are realizing the effects of ignoring a delicate ecosystem right now. Man has driven so many species into extinction that scientists are forced to refer to our current era as the sixth planetary extinction event. The World Wide Web has brought people from disparately developed cultures and societies in all corners of the planet closer together than ever before. Soon communications will be so fast and all-inclusive that mankind will begin to react to stimulus not as individuals, countries, or regions but as an organism. There is even a name for such an occurrence. It is known as the Gaia hypothesis."
"I know, I know, it sounds a lot like Chicken Little. It’s just that these observers and their statistics are slightly more credible than that intrepid little fowl. Excuse me, but Calleman flat nailed it. Humankind is being led toward self-destruction by modern society. As Apollo 13 astronaut John Swigert Jr. said, “Houston, we have a problem.” Indian novelist turned activist Arundhati Roy exclaims, “What is happening to our world is almost too colossal for human comprehension to contain.” Then again, it’s always darkest before it goes pitch-black."
"Some would say it’s all a sign of the times. The end is near. That is certainly a possibility. But that isn’t really my main concern . . . because, quite honestly, we’ve heard that all before. Various would-be prophets and doomsday groups have been saying that for centuries. The end of the world always seems to be right around the corner."
All this said, I don't think that the destruction of the earth and the end of humanity is inevitable. I believe that as a species we approach a critical decision point as explained above. The future of this world depends on what we decide. Again, from my book...
"But it is our job to become the right people. As humanity journeys toward its destiny, we have a choice as to where the bus will go—to destruction and mayhem with pit stops in chaos and anarchy, or to universal peace and prosperity with layovers in unity and unconditional love. I’ll be the first to step up and admit I’m not there yet. But I can see the possibilities that open up for those who make the right choices."
Brian,
First let me say that I appreciate your very insightful question. From a purely selfish standpoint, you can't imagine how good it feels to have people want to discuss the current world situation and the role that man plays in it.
To the first question, yes, many people blame God for their plight or for the atrocities perpetrated by man or natural disasters. But it is not God's fault. If I may, I'd like to share a few quotes from my book in support of this contention.
"The circumstances of your earth life are not random luck. Nor did God dictate them to you. Just as you are responsible for your own happiness, you are responsible for your life conditions. It’s part of our free agency and personal accountability. Agency because we had a choice in what our life on earth would be like and we are still free to make decisions once we are here. Accountability because we are responsible to honor the choices we made in writing our life plan and accepting the consequences of our decisions while we are here. Every decision you make either moves you closer to or farther from your path.
This gives answer to the question forever posed, why would God permit horrible atrocities, intense pain, or cruel suffering? He permits it because we ask for it. Zukav tells us, “Without the knowledge of its soul, reincarnation and karma, it is not always possible for a personality (mortal being) to understand the significance or meaning of the events in its life.”
"One day I was talking with Cindy. Nothing too deep, just an exchange of ideas and she explained the concept of us writing our life plan in between incarnations in order to continue our progression. Then a light came on. I had put these challenges in my life plan."
Now, as to the impending end of the earth, here are a couple of pertinent quotes from my book on the matter.
"Some may say we approach the singularity. But others claim that we approach a crucial decision point, or chaos point, where our present economic, political, and social systems become unsustainable."
"Collectively, we’ve been a shortsighted, selfish lot. We’ve mortgaged our future, and the bills are now coming due. Current events seem to have many people’s head in a spin. If it’s not about the imploding U.S./world economy, it’s about the constant loss of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, or about some grave threat from one of America’s “enemies.“
Just look at the road signs. Spurred by our technology, greed, and insatiable consumerism, global warming is for real. There are conflicting opinions about that. Actually, I don’t care what you call it or where it comes from because we are realizing the effects of ignoring a delicate ecosystem right now. Man has driven so many species into extinction that scientists are forced to refer to our current era as the sixth planetary extinction event. The World Wide Web has brought people from disparately developed cultures and societies in all corners of the planet closer together than ever before. Soon communications will be so fast and all-inclusive that mankind will begin to react to stimulus not as individuals, countries, or regions but as an organism. There is even a name for such an occurrence. It is known as the Gaia hypothesis."
"I know, I know, it sounds a lot like Chicken Little. It’s just that these observers and their statistics are slightly more credible than that intrepid little fowl. Excuse me, but Calleman flat nailed it. Humankind is being led toward self-destruction by modern society. As Apollo 13 astronaut John Swigert Jr. said, “Houston, we have a problem.” Indian novelist turned activist Arundhati Roy exclaims, “What is happening to our world is almost too colossal for human comprehension to contain.” Then again, it’s always darkest before it goes pitch-black."
"Some would say it’s all a sign of the times. The end is near. That is certainly a possibility. But that isn’t really my main concern . . . because, quite honestly, we’ve heard that all before. Various would-be prophets and doomsday groups have been saying that for centuries. The end of the world always seems to be right around the corner."
All this said, I don't think that the destruction of the earth and the end of humanity is inevitable. I believe that as a species we approach a critical decision point as explained above. The future of this world depends on what we decide. Again, from my book...
"But it is our job to become the right people. As humanity journeys toward its destiny, we have a choice as to where the bus will go—to destruction and mayhem with pit stops in chaos and anarchy, or to universal peace and prosperity with layovers in unity and unconditional love. I’ll be the first to step up and admit I’m not there yet. But I can see the possibilities that open up for those who make the right choices."
Monday, March 29, 2010
Finding Your Path
“You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be.” ~ Lou Holtz
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Your Own Truth is now available - No, really, it is.
After a false start due to a production glitch, my book entitled, "Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self" is now officially available. Please visit my website at http://www.yourowntruth.net/ for additional information and to order from the publisher.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Discipline
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.”Author Unknown In my book, Finding Your Own Truth", I discuss discipline at some length. It's a subject that gets more lip service than actual focus. If you truly want to accomplish something of import it takes discipline to do it. Look at great athletes, musicians; virtually any endeavor. The truly great ones have both natural ability and the self-discipline to harness it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Recovering
There are four things you can never recover. 1. The stone, after it's thrown. 2. The words, after they're spoken. 3. The occasion, after it's passed. 4. The time, after it's gone.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Conquering Evil
GOD WILL NOT CONQUER EVIL by crushing it under-foot—any god of man's idea could do that—but by conquest of heart over heart, of life over life, of life over death, of love over all. --George MacDonald
Friday, March 12, 2010
What do you do with kindness?
“The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.” ~ Julia Alvarez
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Truth is here!
Just received my author's copies of my book in the mail today. Up until now it's all been a little bit surreal. But actually holding a hard copy of the book in my hands brought a strong dose of reality to it. I know I'm prejudiced but I think it looks fantastic! Just like a real book from a bookstore and everything!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Live & Learn
So, after all the hubbub, I discover that my book is available on http://www.xlibris.com/ but for now that is it. It will apparently take 60-90 days before it becomes available on reseller sites such as Amazon, B&N, Borders, etc.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Truth is out there!
My publisher has just notified me that my book, "Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self will be available in 24-48 hours! This is huge to finally see all the work come to fruition. The book particulars are:
Library of Congress Control Number: Pending
ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4500-3940-6
Softcover 978-1-4500-3939-0
Ebook 978-1-4500-3941-3
It should be available on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. Please order yours now. Eventually, I will have a website, http://www.yourowntruth.net/ . Just not sure when that will be stood up. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at reedcritchfield@yahoo.com .
Library of Congress Control Number: Pending
ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4500-3940-6
Softcover 978-1-4500-3939-0
Ebook 978-1-4500-3941-3
It should be available on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. Please order yours now. Eventually, I will have a website, http://www.yourowntruth.net/ . Just not sure when that will be stood up. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at reedcritchfield@yahoo.com .
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Flight
In reflecting on it, I tried to find out what it is about flying that just captivates me. Perhaps it's because up in the air, I feel closer to God. Maybe, but I think that it may be more of the feeling that in the air, it's just me (assuming I'm solo), the plane, the wind and God. It can be almost surreal and, when things go awry, it can certainly put the fear of God in me.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Master Yourself
“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” ~ Lao Tzu
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Book Review - The Awakening Heart by Betty J. Eadie
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Ms. Eadie experienced one of the most profound near death episodes on file. I believe there is a lot to be learned about the nature of God and our mortal journey from studying such experiences. However, while her first book told of her experience, this book tells of her road to getting "Embraced by the Light" published. I stopped reading at page 108.
While Ms. Eadie appears to be a very spiritual person, I just cannot relate to her. She talks of all her trials while she seems to almost flaunt her relationship to God and Jesus Christ. For whatever the reason, I just got the feeling that she felt superior to the rest of us poor schmucks who have never had a near death experience. I don't think that was her intention at all but I couldn't shake the feeling. When I compare the telling of her experience to that of Lori Newman in her book, "Here All Along", it's night and day as to empathizing with the person and the siutation. Ms. Newman comes across as real, Ms. Eadie does not.
View all my reviews >>
Ms. Eadie experienced one of the most profound near death episodes on file. I believe there is a lot to be learned about the nature of God and our mortal journey from studying such experiences. However, while her first book told of her experience, this book tells of her road to getting "Embraced by the Light" published. I stopped reading at page 108.
While Ms. Eadie appears to be a very spiritual person, I just cannot relate to her. She talks of all her trials while she seems to almost flaunt her relationship to God and Jesus Christ. For whatever the reason, I just got the feeling that she felt superior to the rest of us poor schmucks who have never had a near death experience. I don't think that was her intention at all but I couldn't shake the feeling. When I compare the telling of her experience to that of Lori Newman in her book, "Here All Along", it's night and day as to empathizing with the person and the siutation. Ms. Newman comes across as real, Ms. Eadie does not.
View all my reviews >>
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Stand for Something!
The late Gordon B. Hinckley admonished people to "Stand for Something". It's a simple yet profound idea. Too often we sit on the fence or remain silent instead of standing up for the things we believe. Don't be afraid to stand behind your values and convictions. You will not always be right but I'd rather be convinced of my errors than avoid defending them. That way if I am wrong, I'll find out sooner than later.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Vote for Tolerance & Love
Just so we’re clear, I’ll begin by giving you some relevant information about myself. I’m a married, heterosexual male. Personally, the thought of having sex with another man is repugnant to me. Then again, I don’t like sweet potatoes either. But it doesn’t matter to me if someone else likes them. That’s their business.
For some time now I’ve followed various articles and posts concerning current moral issues such as Proposition 8. Over the years I’ve come to realize that you cannot nor should you legislate individual morality. Our society is very diverse. Not only was that diversity one of the overriding reasons the United States came into being; it is inherently ingrained within the nature of freedom. In a democracy, we are not all forced to conform to one viewpoint. The ‘law’, at least in this country, is supposed to grant citizens equal protection and provide them with a uniform application of justice regardless of their personal lifestyle.
So, in the case of legalizing gay marriage for instance; the overriding question for the law is not to determine if gay marriage is moral. No one is forcing anyone to behave in contradiction to their personal moral code. The question is; does the law provide fair and equal treatment of all citizens? In a democracy the majority decides what societal norms are. That these norms can change over time is a testimony to the progressive evolution of society. As we evolve, we become more tolerant of those who are different than ourselves and therefore the law expands to embrace the once excluded. The women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement of the sixties are examples of this.
The early Mormonism practice of polygamy was clearly outside the marital parameters set by civil law. So the Church had two choices; either conform to the law or change it through the democratic process. Societal norms prevented the latter so the former option was taken. The Gay Rights movement finds itself in this same position today and, as in California, it is the people who decide what is allowed within the definition of societal norms. All the posts; either for or against the legalization of gay marriage, are a part of our constitutionally provided right of freedom of speech. It is two sides of an issue being debated in a public forum. Where these posts descend into mudslinging and bigotry is where they become nothing more than childish rhetoric. I for one hope that we will ultimately outgrow our prejudices and vote for equality under the law for all of our citizens. Whether you agree with their lifestyle or not, that is every Americans lawful right.
For those who wallow in the self-righteous condemnation of the supposed heinous sin of homosexuality please show me where Christ teaches bigotry and intolerance. In scrutinizing Christ’s words found in Matthew 22:39 nowhere does he say, “Love your neighbors except for …” In Matthew 7:1 he says "judge not lest ye be judged". In John 8:7 Christ admonishes, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone”. Anyway you twist it, Christ’s message was one of love; love of God, of self and of your fellow man. With that in mind ask yourself; do my words and deeds reflect the love and compassion that Christ taught or do they reflect a narrow minded bias against someone different than myself?
For some time now I’ve followed various articles and posts concerning current moral issues such as Proposition 8. Over the years I’ve come to realize that you cannot nor should you legislate individual morality. Our society is very diverse. Not only was that diversity one of the overriding reasons the United States came into being; it is inherently ingrained within the nature of freedom. In a democracy, we are not all forced to conform to one viewpoint. The ‘law’, at least in this country, is supposed to grant citizens equal protection and provide them with a uniform application of justice regardless of their personal lifestyle.
So, in the case of legalizing gay marriage for instance; the overriding question for the law is not to determine if gay marriage is moral. No one is forcing anyone to behave in contradiction to their personal moral code. The question is; does the law provide fair and equal treatment of all citizens? In a democracy the majority decides what societal norms are. That these norms can change over time is a testimony to the progressive evolution of society. As we evolve, we become more tolerant of those who are different than ourselves and therefore the law expands to embrace the once excluded. The women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement of the sixties are examples of this.
The early Mormonism practice of polygamy was clearly outside the marital parameters set by civil law. So the Church had two choices; either conform to the law or change it through the democratic process. Societal norms prevented the latter so the former option was taken. The Gay Rights movement finds itself in this same position today and, as in California, it is the people who decide what is allowed within the definition of societal norms. All the posts; either for or against the legalization of gay marriage, are a part of our constitutionally provided right of freedom of speech. It is two sides of an issue being debated in a public forum. Where these posts descend into mudslinging and bigotry is where they become nothing more than childish rhetoric. I for one hope that we will ultimately outgrow our prejudices and vote for equality under the law for all of our citizens. Whether you agree with their lifestyle or not, that is every Americans lawful right.
For those who wallow in the self-righteous condemnation of the supposed heinous sin of homosexuality please show me where Christ teaches bigotry and intolerance. In scrutinizing Christ’s words found in Matthew 22:39 nowhere does he say, “Love your neighbors except for …” In Matthew 7:1 he says "judge not lest ye be judged". In John 8:7 Christ admonishes, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone”. Anyway you twist it, Christ’s message was one of love; love of God, of self and of your fellow man. With that in mind ask yourself; do my words and deeds reflect the love and compassion that Christ taught or do they reflect a narrow minded bias against someone different than myself?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
~Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self~
Finding your own inner truth is a yet to be released book by Reed Critchfield. After reading it I wanted to be able to give it to some people I know who could benefit from the message it has. Reed talks of finding your own truth by knowing who you are and what understanding yourself truly means and requires.
Reed gives insights into how we can achieve the best of ourselves; he gives us the true core values of what gives us all a balanced, successful present, and ways to continue a balanced future. Reed talks about the importance of balance in our lives and gives us a list of Core truths that guides us in the direction of starting our own list of Personal truths. The key ingredient being to let go of our personal egos so we can remain open to growth. Trust, being the foundation of all relationships and accepting the fact that we are all responsible for our own happiness.
Each chapter has a beautiful poem or excerpts from a song to help set the mood and is summed up at the end to enforce the teachings. There are great metaphors and personal stories to help us identify better with the nature of each chapter’s lesson.
This is a great book for those searching to find balance, peace, and harmony within their own lives. Teenagers and young adults would benefit from this book for it would help them to recognize the importance of a balanced platform for their future. We are all searching for something and in Reed’s book Finding Your Own Truth, Reed talks about the steps one needs to reach self happiness and awareness.
I really enjoyed and appreciated Reed’s message and that he himself accepted he was the one responsible for his own truth and happiness made his message come across with humility and sincerity.
A great book to read for everyone who is looking for the elements to begin or maintain a strong sense of self, this is a must read for everyone.
Stay posted for the release date.
Reviewed by Lori Newman Author of Here All Along
Reed gives insights into how we can achieve the best of ourselves; he gives us the true core values of what gives us all a balanced, successful present, and ways to continue a balanced future. Reed talks about the importance of balance in our lives and gives us a list of Core truths that guides us in the direction of starting our own list of Personal truths. The key ingredient being to let go of our personal egos so we can remain open to growth. Trust, being the foundation of all relationships and accepting the fact that we are all responsible for our own happiness.
Each chapter has a beautiful poem or excerpts from a song to help set the mood and is summed up at the end to enforce the teachings. There are great metaphors and personal stories to help us identify better with the nature of each chapter’s lesson.
This is a great book for those searching to find balance, peace, and harmony within their own lives. Teenagers and young adults would benefit from this book for it would help them to recognize the importance of a balanced platform for their future. We are all searching for something and in Reed’s book Finding Your Own Truth, Reed talks about the steps one needs to reach self happiness and awareness.
I really enjoyed and appreciated Reed’s message and that he himself accepted he was the one responsible for his own truth and happiness made his message come across with humility and sincerity.
A great book to read for everyone who is looking for the elements to begin or maintain a strong sense of self, this is a must read for everyone.
Stay posted for the release date.
Reviewed by Lori Newman Author of Here All Along
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A glimpse into "Finding Your Own Truth" by Reed R. Critchfield
Is mankind on the brink of extinction?
The jury is still out on these questions…or is it? The Maya Calendar, Hopi prophecy, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus, The Book of Revelations; these and many more have weighed in on the issue. Indian novelist turned activist, Arundhate Roy exclaims, “What is happening to our world is almost too colossal for human comprehension to contain.”
These are tumultuous times, are they not? Financial collapse, terrorism, war, devastating earthquakes, killer hurricanes, civil unrest, and unprecedented political issues; all surround us. With all systems on overload, what can we as individuals do to stem the tide of financial crisis, geopolitical upheaval and ecological disaster? Who or what can help us? As individuals, how can we help ourselves?
While it would seem clear that we cannot continue to walk in our current path forever, it is difficult to imagine its end point. The development of technology does seem to be approaching a concrescence point-what some futurist thinkers call the “Singularity.” A great change is coming. The Mayans and other ancient civilizations saw it coming. They established monuments to tell us about it.
But others claim that we approach a crucial decision point or “Chaos” point where our present economic, political and social systems become unsustainable. Collectively, we’ve been a short-sighted, selfish lot. We’ve mortgaged our future and the bills are now coming due.
Whatever you call it, it appears we stand at a crossroads. Humankind will choose a path, whether consciously or by default. There is a path to breakdown and there is a path to spiritual evolution.
The question is, “What can one person do?” The answer is; Isolated … nothing, but as a part of the interconnected whole… everything. Christine Page explains, “As our commitment to the collective consciousness strengthens, we will come to truly appreciate the phrase, “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself,” for now we will understand that there is no differentiation between the self and others.”
Martin Luther King once told the world of his dream. I’m certain that from where he sits today, Martin Luther King looks at the recent U.S. election as a monumental step forward toward attaining that dream. But, it is so very myopic to think it is just about African-Americans. President Obama was elected to serve as President of the United States. He intentionally left race off of his platform and ran on the need for change. The timing of that message was perfect. Change is needed, but it will be change on a scale that neither King nor Obama anticipated. Daniel Pinchbeck explains, “The revolution that faces us is different than any previous one because it encompasses the entire earth, requiring the non violent supersession of the current order, and the shift into the truly compassionate global culture, one that harmonizes with and protects natural systems rather than seeking dominion over them.”
Native American wisdom teaches, “There will come a time when all colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole earth will become one circle again.” Dreams and legends are for humanity as a whole. It’s time for humankind to unite, to join together and make the dream reality. Corinne McLaughlin states, “Unity is needed before there can be lasting peace in the world, and peace is needed before there can be shared abundance. Jesus was talking to all of us when he said,” every house divided against itself shall not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Myth-based civilizations and traditional cultures believe that human beings are inseparable from natural laws and cosmic cycles. We must understand our codependence and interconnectedness with our larger earth family including the creatures of the natural world. If enough people do this, there is hope for humanity.
If we care one whit about our posterity, then we owe it to them to reach out beyond our little corner of the planet to the rest of creation. Patricia Mercier says, “It’s time for some of us to lose our naivety and start to sharpen upon our real reasons for being here on Earth at this crucial point in history. Ask yourself: can you as an individual take responsibility for your mind, and find truth, your own truth, to realize your full potential?”
Is our planet dying?
Have we passed the point of no return?
The jury is still out on these questions…or is it? The Maya Calendar, Hopi prophecy, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus, The Book of Revelations; these and many more have weighed in on the issue. Indian novelist turned activist, Arundhate Roy exclaims, “What is happening to our world is almost too colossal for human comprehension to contain.”
These are tumultuous times, are they not? Financial collapse, terrorism, war, devastating earthquakes, killer hurricanes, civil unrest, and unprecedented political issues; all surround us. With all systems on overload, what can we as individuals do to stem the tide of financial crisis, geopolitical upheaval and ecological disaster? Who or what can help us? As individuals, how can we help ourselves?
While it would seem clear that we cannot continue to walk in our current path forever, it is difficult to imagine its end point. The development of technology does seem to be approaching a concrescence point-what some futurist thinkers call the “Singularity.” A great change is coming. The Mayans and other ancient civilizations saw it coming. They established monuments to tell us about it.
But others claim that we approach a crucial decision point or “Chaos” point where our present economic, political and social systems become unsustainable. Collectively, we’ve been a short-sighted, selfish lot. We’ve mortgaged our future and the bills are now coming due.
Whatever you call it, it appears we stand at a crossroads. Humankind will choose a path, whether consciously or by default. There is a path to breakdown and there is a path to spiritual evolution.
The question is, “What can one person do?” The answer is; Isolated … nothing, but as a part of the interconnected whole… everything. Christine Page explains, “As our commitment to the collective consciousness strengthens, we will come to truly appreciate the phrase, “Do unto others as you would do unto yourself,” for now we will understand that there is no differentiation between the self and others.”
Martin Luther King once told the world of his dream. I’m certain that from where he sits today, Martin Luther King looks at the recent U.S. election as a monumental step forward toward attaining that dream. But, it is so very myopic to think it is just about African-Americans. President Obama was elected to serve as President of the United States. He intentionally left race off of his platform and ran on the need for change. The timing of that message was perfect. Change is needed, but it will be change on a scale that neither King nor Obama anticipated. Daniel Pinchbeck explains, “The revolution that faces us is different than any previous one because it encompasses the entire earth, requiring the non violent supersession of the current order, and the shift into the truly compassionate global culture, one that harmonizes with and protects natural systems rather than seeking dominion over them.”
Native American wisdom teaches, “There will come a time when all colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole earth will become one circle again.” Dreams and legends are for humanity as a whole. It’s time for humankind to unite, to join together and make the dream reality. Corinne McLaughlin states, “Unity is needed before there can be lasting peace in the world, and peace is needed before there can be shared abundance. Jesus was talking to all of us when he said,” every house divided against itself shall not stand.” Matthew 12:25
Myth-based civilizations and traditional cultures believe that human beings are inseparable from natural laws and cosmic cycles. We must understand our codependence and interconnectedness with our larger earth family including the creatures of the natural world. If enough people do this, there is hope for humanity.
If we care one whit about our posterity, then we owe it to them to reach out beyond our little corner of the planet to the rest of creation. Patricia Mercier says, “It’s time for some of us to lose our naivety and start to sharpen upon our real reasons for being here on Earth at this crucial point in history. Ask yourself: can you as an individual take responsibility for your mind, and find truth, your own truth, to realize your full potential?”
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