"God...

is Everything or else He is nothing".

This statement is probably the only black and white statement that has a valid application and point in my book. The funny thing is, my tendency has been to apply the "black and white approach" to everything but this statement, at least up until recently.

In the circles I run in (makes me sound like a gangsta, doesn't it?!;) I hear this statement frequently. In the past it has made sense to me conceptually and intellectually, but it just recently made the transition from my head to my heart.

I am one of those people who cannot live successfully in this life without the help of a Higher Power. I have a deep, very strong desire to connect with whatever it is out there that is powering the Show.

I have attempted to do things on my own (with solely my ego at the wheel) and for a time I seem to be able to find some measure of success, but none at all of contentment. And for me, life without contentment isn't worth living...

So, I have played with this statement with some very big things in my life. I have given up control to my higher power -whom I choose to call God- in some major areas of my life and what do you know? Complete success. But, there were/are other things that seem "to small for God to handle". I mean surely I don't need help with everything?! ...Uh, ya. 'Fraid so.

The good new is I can help God help me. I can use the gifts I have been given of will power, self control, determination, patience and faith. I can use these gifts to change the things that need changing in my life, with God powering them from within me. I tried this and have had tastes of success. A whole new level of contentment and peace becomes available to me. At first it was only situational for me but then a whole day, then days and even weeks of peace.

But, as with any other thing this is something that will take continual practice and even though I don't always feel the same level of peace and joy; I know they are always there now somewhere in the background.