I Am There...by James Dillet Freeman

Do you need Me?

I AM there.

You cannot see Me, yet I AM the light you see by.

You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.

You cannot feel Me, yet I AM the power at work in your hands.

I AM at work, though you do not understand My ways.

I AM at work, though you do not recognize My works.

I AM not strange visions. I AM not mysteries.

Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me as I AM, 

and then but as a feeling and faith.

Yet I AM there.

Yet I hear. Yet I answer.

When you need Me, I AM there.

Even if you deny Me, I AM there.

Even when you feel most alone, I AM there.

Even in your fears, I AM there.

Even in your pain, I AM there.

I AM there when you pray and when you do not pray.

I AM in you, and you are in Me.

Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for only in your mind are the mists of “yours” and “mine.”

Yet only with your mind can you choose to know Me and experience Me.

Empty your heart of empty fears.

When you get yourself out of the way, I AM there.

You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all.

And I AM in all.

Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I AM there.

I AM there because I have to be, because I AM.

Only in Me does the world have meaning; only out of Me does the world take form; only because of Me does the world go forward.

I AM the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living cells are founded.

I AM the Love that is the Law’s fulfilling. I AM Assurance. I AM Peace. I AM Oneness. I AM the Law that you can live by.

I AM the Love that you can cling to. I AM your Assurance. I AM your Peace. I AM One with you. 

I AM.
Though you fail to find Me, I do not fail you.
Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never wavers, because I know you, because I Love You.
Beloved, I AM There.

About the Author: Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Meditation For All People

This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success." Joshua 1:8

Because there is not a lot of discussion regarding the practice of Meditation among Christians, we have presented some history for consideration. Meditation is beneficial to all people five years of age and up regardless of their religion or any other consideration. Meditation in Christianity is rooted in the Bible. In fact, the Bible commands meditation. In Joshua 1:8, God says to meditate on His word day and night. The Psalmist said, "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). During my research on meditation, I found twenty-seven references in the Bible that mentions meditate or meditation.

In the Old Testament there are two primary Hebrew words for meditation: Haga, which means to utter, groan, meditate, or ponder; and Sihach, which means to muse, rehearse in one's mind, or contemplate. These words can also be translated as dwell, diligently consider, and heed. The Bible tells us to think about God's Word. Our thoughts determine our behavior and so what we think about is very important as our thoughts determine our life experiences. God simply wishes for us to think about His Word, or meditate on it. God considers meditation to be a vital exercise of the minds of His children. What should we focus on in Christian meditation or in any meditation for that matter? Scripture says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (KJV) The Dalai Lama says that all major religious traditions carry basically the same message of love, compassion and forgiveness…the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives. Meditation is an activity that encompasses all of these thoughts.


The benefits experienced by people who practice meditation as a part of their daily lifestyle are numerous. People who Meditate: are much happier…are much healthier…have extended life spans…dramatically reduce and even reverses disease of all types especially cancer…awaken dormant abilities…answer life's mysterious questions…are much smarter…have brains that function at a superior level…it is easy to see why many of history's greatest inventors, philosophers, and scientists received their revolutionary, future-transforming ideas during their daily meditation sessions…produce immensely more euphoric brain chemicals… the same chemicals that flow through your system on the days when you have never felt better, and these euphoric brain chemicals are produced constantly…sleep much better… need fewer hours of sleep every night because their minds and bodies are completely refreshed and rejuvenated during their highly pleasurable meditation sessions. Meditation is many times more powerful than sleep…far superior mental and emotional health…perfect mental and emotional balance…more satisfied and content with their lives.

In addition, there are specific health benefits that are a result of meditation which are: Heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and oxygen consumption are all decreased…People who meditate are less anxious and nervous…they are more independent and self-confident…75% of insomniacs who started a daily meditation program were able to fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to bed…Production of the stress hormone, Cortisol, is greatly decreased, thus making it possible for those people to deal with stress better when it occurs…Women with PMS showed symptom improvements after 5 months of steady daily meditation and reflection…Thickness of the artery walls decreased which effectively lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke by 8% to 15%…Relaxation therapy was helpful in chronic pain patients…60% of anxiety prone people showed marked improvements in anxiety levels after 6-9 months.

The Elevated Eleven” tips on Meditation

(1) Desire - The first thing that has to happen before anything else matters is the desire and determination to meditate. Once you have those two components, you can find for yourself the other ten...but until you have the desire...the others don't matter.
(2) Posture - Be comfortable...sitting or standing…If you have back problems you may want to sit on a pillow.
(3) Breath- Your breathing should be slow, even and from your diaphragm.
(4) Attitude- Create a relaxed, confident attitude before you start to meditate. There is no "right or wrong" Close your eyes & relax
(5) Consistency- Meditation brings awareness
(6) Method or Style-Find Yours-There are many methods of meditating and the important thing is that you find the one that best fits you.
(7) Become Calm - Meditation is calm and focus...Simply relax and contemplate the timeless nature of your soul.
(8) An Open Mind- Meditation opens our minds and hearts to a deeper level...if your mind wonders...re-focus....
(9) Shhhh...Quietness- Make sure you are in a quiet room with no distractions...Listen intently to the silence
(10) Time Allotment...Allow adequate time for your meditation...1 minute per your age…Remain relaxed and silent for as long as possible.
(11) Lifestyle- For more tools, tips and techniques on meditation and abundant living visit http://yourelevatedlife.com/get_lifted

We sincerely hope that you desire to find yourself engaged in the practice of meditation for Your Inspiration, Happiness and Peace of Mind, which will lead directly to “Your Elevated Life.”

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Anonymous Thoughts

“A List To Live By”~Anonymous~

The most destructive habit, Worry

The greatest joy, Giving

The greatest loss, Self-respect

The most satisfying work, Helping others

The ugliest personality trait, Selfishness

The most endangered species, Dedicated Leaders

Our greatest natural resource, Our Youth

The greatest “shot in the arm,” Encouragement

The greatest problem to overcome, Fear

The most effective sleeping pill, Peace of Mind

The most crippling disease, Excuses

The most powerful force in life, Love

The most dangerous pariah, A Gossip

The world’s most incredible computer, The Brain

The worst thing to be without, Hope

The deadliest weapon, The Tongue

The two most power-filled words, “I Can”

The greatest asset, Faith

The most worthless emotion, Self-pity

The most prized possession, Integrity

The most powerful channels of communication, Meditation and Prayer
The most beautiful attire,  A SMILE!

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Wishing You Love, Inspiration, Happiness, & Peace of Mind

Thanksgiving Prayer

~Lama Surya Das~

May the lamp of Love
which eternally burns above
kindle divine fire in our hearts,
and fan that innate spark of divinity into flame-
illumining all, opening our eyes
and consuming our differences,
driving the shadows from our faces.

As Love dawns on the horizon,
may our community awaken
in the kingdom of true communion,
which is at hand always.

May we learn to Love one another better
even than we Love ourselves.

God is great-
may His Grace be made Manifest.

Love is stronger than death…

Amen.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Faith Is A Law

Faith is an oasis in the heart, which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking.~ Kahil Gibran ~

Our topic this week is Faith.  What is Faith and what thoughts do we have regarding faith?  We are focusing on the book, The Varieties of Religious Experience to aid us in our exploration and discussion of Faith.  You can download this book free from our website.  In The Varieties of Religious Experience: (1902), William James offers a sense of validity to the formerly abstract idea of spiritual experience. With an understanding of physiology, psychology, and philosophy, James studied cases of religious inspiration and concluded there were specific aspects of human consciousness that contained energies that could come to a person's assistance in time of great need. The result is what he refers to as the religious experience. William James is also known as the Father of American Psychology and is the author of the following statement, "The greatest discovery of the 19th century was not in the realm of the physical sciences, but the power of the subconscious mind touched by Faith. Any individual can tap into an eternal reservoir of power that will enable them to overcome any problem that may arise. All weaknesses can be overcome, bodily healing, financial independence, spiritual awakening, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams. This is the superstructure of happiness.”

The character and attributes of the things in our mind become substantial to us because of our Faith. The practice of Faith is to take abstract ideas and give them definite form in substance. Ideas are abstract and formless to us until they become substance, the substance of Faith.  Faith represents substance, the underlying, basic principle of all manifestation. "Faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen."  It is Faith when we are fully conscious of "things not seen" and have the "assurance of things" not yet seen. In other words, Faith is that consciousness in us of the reality of the invisible substance and of the attributes of mind by which we lay hold of it, or just as William James said earlier…the power of the subconscious mind touched by Faith.  Faith is the perceiving power of the mind linked with a power to shape substance.  When we practice Faith in spirit, Faith in God and we use wisdom and spiritual judgment, and we add love and express all of these elements together in our thoughts, the results are remarkable.  Some have said miraculous things happen and Faith is the lightening rod. "There is no such thing as a lack of Faith. We all have plenty of Faith; it's just that we have Faith in the wrong things. We have Faith in what can't be done rather than what can be done. We have Faith in lack rather than abundance but there is no lack of Faith. Faith is a law." ~Eric Butterworth~

"The Elevated Eleven” tips regarding Faith

1.  Faith starts with your Breath & Heartbeat…(assuming you will wake…is Faith) Begin by expressing gratitude

2.  Elements of Faith include tolerance and forgiving of all people

3.  Faith grows in Silence-practice being silent on a daily basis…just listen

4.  Meditation practiced daily enhances Faith

5.  Service and the act of giving is Faith in action

6.  People practicing Faith also practice loving-kindness

7.  Believing that ALL things are possible…even those things you cannot see…is Faith

8.  People who believe in a higher power live longer and have healthier attitudes because of their Faith

9.  Faith allows us to use what we have learned to enlighten and inspire others

10. Always do what is right simply because it is the right thing to do…is an exhibition of Faith

11. Visit yourelevatedlife.com to download your free book by William James and for further information on Faith

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Loving Kindness

Let me be free of greed, hatred and delusion
Let me be generously giving, understanding 
and my insight be clear...Let me be free.

May my free heart center be filled with 
Loving Kindness until it overflows...
And fill my whole being and then radiate beyond me
To a healthy, happy aura which no evil thought, 
word or deed can penetrate...I am protected.

From this new found haven of Loving Kindness I send loving kindness to
All beings for whom I have affinity...
My parents, the teachers who have shown me the way, my family
And all those who are near and dear to me.
May they be free from suffering, may they be well and happy.

I send Loving Kindness to all beings of the world for whom I have neutral feelings
People I meet during the course of a day, people who I have yet to meet...
People living on the other side of the world, babes yet to be born.
May they be free from suffering, may they be well and happy.

I send Loving Kindness to all animate and inanimate objects
I send Loving Kindness to the four corners of the Universe; North, South, East and West
All points between both, above and below
A whole Universe filled with Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness to All...Loving Kindness to All
I accept Loving Kindness from all beings without exception

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Intentional Chocolate: Love the Taste of Dark Chocolate? The Science of Taste & Smell..

Dark, gourmet chocolate is indeed a beloved to our taste buds...but do you know why?

From Science Daily is an article about the science of taste and smell! Truly fascinating - here's more from the article on ScienceDaily.com: 

"...Most people don't realize that most of what we call taste -- enjoying a meal or a fine wine -- is actually smell," Karen Kalumuck, a biologist at San Francisco's Exploratorium, tells DBIS.

Kalumuck says 75 percent of what we call taste is due to what we smell. "Think about when you've a cold. You've got this stuffed up nose. I mean, what did things taste like? Not so great," she tells DBIS. "That's really because we can't have the odorant molecules meet up with the sensory receptors in the nose and transmit that information to the brain."

You can see how the nose and the mouth work together if you pinch your nose and eat a piece of candy, then unplug your nose while it's still in your mouth.

The nose has 5 million odor receptors that can detect 10,000 unique odors. On the tongue, there are taste buds. Inside each bud could be 50 to 100 taste receptor cells. Each receptor cell detects one of five different types of taste, sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.

What's umami? It detects the amino acid glutamate and was added to the list in 2000.

"Most ... have probably experienced glutamate in the form of MSG," Kalumuck says.

Also, spicy foods are not part of our taste or smell receptors ... They stimulate our pain receptors. So people who love spicy have a high tolerance for pain! And taste is all genetic! Your genes determine the type and number of sensors you have, so you can blame mom or dad if you don't like your food.

Kalumuck says you can learn to enjoy foods that might -- at first bite -- taste unpleasant."

Read the rest of this interesting article here.

All Honor to Her

Our hearts send loving-kindness and compassion and strength and a humble “thank you” to all of the Soldier’s Wives for your sacrifice.

All Honor to Her

He offered himself for the land he loved,

But what shall we say for her?

He gave to his country a soldier's life;

'Twas dearer by far to the soldier's wife.

All honor today to her!

He went to the war while his blood was hot,

But what shall we say of her?

He saw himself through the battle's flame

A hero's reward on the scroll of fame;

What honor is due to her?

He offered himself, but his wife did more,

All honor today to her!

For dearer than life was the gift she gave

In giving the life she would die to save;

What honor is due to her?

He gave up his life at his country's call,

But what shall we say of her?

He offered himself as a sacrifice,

But she is the one who pays the price.

All honor we owe to her.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

THE THINGS THAT MAKE A SOLDIER GREAT

In honor of all of the Veteran's of this great Country, thank you for your service. I am proud to be the Daughter,the Mother and the Wife, the Sister-in-Law and the Aunt of courageous men who chose to serve their country. May God Bless all those who serve.

THE THINGS THAT MAKE A SOLDIER GREAT

~Edgar Guest~

The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,

To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,

Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,

The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,

The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:

'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all.

'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;

'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;

For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam

As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.

Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,

You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.

What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees?

The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,

The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,

Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.

The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome

But to the spot, where'er it be — the humblest spot called home.

And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there

And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;

The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,

And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.

He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,

And only death can stop him now — he's fighting for them all.

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. Her passion is assisting others in becoming aware of and fulfilling their unlimited potential. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!

Fear is Only a State of Mind

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. ~ Les Brown

Our show this week was about fear. Fear is only a state of mind and this story as well as the "Elevated Eleven" tips are designed to assist you in reaching "Fearlessness" in your life. To help with understanding exactly what Fear really is, here is a short parable about the "Ghost of Fear."

Once upon a time, Jake and Fear were friends. Fear was Jake’s constant companion, and Fear helped him a on a daily basis. Fear saved him from trouble and danger, and helped him choose the correct paths in life. Whenever Jake would carelessly go with questionable “friends” or make a very careless decision, Fear would butt in and remind him of his father’s counsels and admonitions. When walking right in danger’s path, Fear would whisper a word of warning to dissuade him from proceeding. Fear would also tell him the proper behavior when Jake was in front of the elderly and other people in authority. Fear would give him the ability to do and say only the respectful and kind words to people. Fear would also tell him to be polite and humble when there was a conflict with people he was related to. In short, Fear has been helping Jake and was really a friend. Jake liked Fear’s company.

One day, Jake met Doubt. Doubt seemed very concerned and sincere about Jake. Doubt said his closeness to Fear was remarkable — but alarming. Doubt spoke lies about Fear, distorting the truth that Jake knew to be true about Fear. To make matters even worse, Doubt said Fear was actually taking him in a perilous direction, with Jake being unaware.  Jake asked Fear about the things Doubt told him. They had some discussions that somehow went terribly wrong. They parted ways with severe misunderstandings.  Later, Jake heard that Fear had suddenly died.  Doubt lost no time in scaring Jake about Fear. Doubt said that Fear’s premature death and his unsettled “dispute” with Jake might cause Fear to come back from the dead. Thus, the ghost of fear started to haunt Jake. He would remember the times when Fear accompanied him and warned him of bad things. But this time, he feared the voice of Fear.  The more Jake listened to Doubt, the more he became afraid of Fear. Fear seemed to be no longer a friend, but a frightening entity that sought his destruction.  The best way to “exorcise” or get rid of the “ghost” of fear is to make fear a friend again. You can only use it to help you if you face the truth about it. Your crazy and negative imagination creates your “ghosts.” A crazy imagination is good if you use it to create a “friendly” ghost.  Friendly ghosts create "Fearlessness."  The book of Proverbs says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  Let your heart lead the way...

“The Elevated Eleven” tips to lead you to “Fearlessness” in living Your Elevated Life

1. First and foremost, understand that you always have a choice about how to respond to and  deal with fear

2. Recognize your fear (s)

3. Become acquainted with and know the source of your fear (s) take action as taking action defeats fear

4. Seek the company of and surround yourself with supportive, positive people who engage in faith

5. Focus your attention in the present moment and remember to breathe

6. Motivate yourself; read affirmations and/or books, poems, or quotes dealing with fear

7. Embrace your fear (s) with desensitizing or positive action…exercise positive faith
8. Remember that fear is only a state of mind dealing with past memories or future “what ifs”

9. Highlight your “Fearlessness” in terms of opportunities and possibilities rather than entertaining negative    conditioning.

10. Exert a conscious effort to change and maintain your mindset…live your dreams

11. Consider working with a Coach if you continue to have issues…it is one of the most effective ways to deal with fear or anxiety…for additional information contact yourelevatedlife.com

Savannah Blue is a Freelance Writer, a Spiritual Comforter and Motivator, and an amateur photographer and is also a publisher and entrepreneur. She is the Co-founder and Co-producer of  Yourelevatedlife and YourElevatedLife Radio Show. She is "Living her Dreams" at the beach with the love of her life and working from home doing what she loves to do...help others live their Dreams!