Heaven & Hell

After watching the documentary on 20/20 last night by Barbara Walters....about Heaven and Hell...it got me to thinking....

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I was indeed sooo sleepy after a full week of up and down but thank God for technology I was able to watch it again online [http://abcnews.go.com/2020/]. She is indeed one of the best journalists of our era and I look to her for inspiration. She gave us food for thought and raised the question of what will happen after death to the many people of different religions other than Christianity or even those who don't believe in God. This is a good question. It makes one wonder, if Christianity is the only way? Ms. Walters even interviewed some of the muslims who were incarcerated in the Middle East who thought that being a martyr (suicide bomber) would get them a ticket to heaven. She chatted with the heads of most religions including popular pastors, priests and even the Dali Lama. 

She spoke with scientists who believed that a "heaven or God" gene could explain why some people would believe in God and not others. Ms. Walters also interviewed some of the non-believers - atheists who gave their perspective and also spoke with persons who had near death experiences and saw a glimpse of heaven. Her colleague explored the concept of hell and the different versions adapted over the years including Dante's Inferno. Barbara also looked at the media, music and entertainment/movie industry's use of heaven as a lucrative form of advertising and marketing. She looked at surveys and polls done over the years to show Americans belief in the concept of the afterlife.

After absorbing all of this information, it's difficult to form just one opinion of heaven and hell. Each religion has it's own beliefs and they all have the right to it. But what do I believe? I believe in a God. A God who is just and also forgiving. I believe that He gives us many chances to right the wrongs before it's too late. I believe in a hereafter...what shape it takes is something I cannot comment on because it's an enigma. I believe that if you try to live a good life and make amends for your sins, follow the commandments and be at peace with yourself, others and your God, you can hope to see God's face someday. 

I do believe that charity and outward displays of Christianity are not a guarantee into the pearly gates. I don't believe that your contribution to society gives you a guaranteed ticket to heaven either, since there are lots of people who do good but are not good role models. I believe it's what's inside that counts....what's in your heart and mind and how you live. Only God knows this and it will be apparent in the blessings that you receive. To have a forgiving spirit is something that a lot of us find difficult but to practice humility and forgiveness is a commendable virtue. I believe in a God and I believe life is a continuous journey to prepare us for the afterlife. What you give, is what you get - so get it right and life right. The message is everywhere, it's what we do with it that matters. Be careful with what and who you believe. We all have a second chance starting now. Make it count!

Peace.

Congrats!!

SPECIAL CONGRATS to all the SEA students in T&T that have passed their exams today and all the proud parents!!! You did it:D Hard work surely pays off...keep it up!! xo

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A little late...:(

Soo much happens when you're away...my apologies...I  know it's late...but Belated greetings to my US neighbours on the nation's 236 years of Independence!!

Hope your 4th July celebrations was just awesome!! xo

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Let the vacation begin!!

Happy July 1st folks...it's officially "summer" for our temperate neighbours...and vacation time for the kiddies....for some parents too. Who's going to Disney World, Europe or visiting the Caribbean?....For us folks that have to work...there'll be A LOT less traffic...which translates to MORE ZzzzZ. Whichever way you're spending the holidays....Remember to Make it Count!!

Here's a tribute to 80s Sunday...the Legend himself------->

Feature speaker

Hello all,

I was asked to give the feature address tonight to the graduating class of 2012 of my alma mater - Providence Girls' Catholic School. The theme was "All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians: 4:13. 

This was truly a rush! Ladies and gentlemen I think I have found my calling:D

On to the next!

Thanks for 10,000 HITS!!!

It's been a long journey...

THANKS for your support....

Could not have done it without you. 

My first 10,000 hits!! 

Let's celebrate this milestone with #virtual drinks on me:)

Cheers!

Freedom

Weekends really rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. There are many things I am wishing for in the next few months...before the year ends. Most are apparent to those who know me. A change is coming and I don't know when or what exactly... but I can feel it. When change comes, it sometimes slowly creeps up on you and without even realizing it...BOOM! It's upon you. Although I can't make all of my innermost desires vocal here on this blog...I will say this...

All of our actions have repercussions and it impacts in some way our own lives or someone close to us either positively or negatively. Not all the time we realize this and we let our emotions get the better of us without thinking. Most times karma catches up with us when we least expect.

This week had it's ups and downs. Recently I feel like sometimes I am boxed into the confines of a routine I am not always happy with but then I look back and look around at all of the strides I'm making and I am thankful. When looked at in a holistic way...life is really fabulous and beautiful with lots to be grateful for. I realize that everything can't happen all at once and things can't be all fun and smooth sailing ALL the time. Sometimes it takes baby steps to get from A to Z. Right now I think I'm at M....somewhere in the middle. Sometimes we may back peddle but most times we need to keep looking ahead and try to surround ourselves with uplifting people and engage in constructive activities that allow us to forge ahead and stay positive towards our goals. 

Optimism is a choice... It's a mindset. Depression is also a choice although in certain situations...it may feel like a disease that cannot be helped. But the mind is a very powerful thing. If you condition yourself and choose wisely what you consume (not only food and drink...but everything around us....books, people, entertainment, seminars, projects) I think there will be little time and energy for negative thoughts. Go outside...step out of the confines or shackles that bind you mentally and physically and therein you will find freedom, peace and strength to move beyond your present state of mind and make the change that you need.

I have good news to announce...I will have my second speaking engagement coming up next week. Details and photos to follow:)

Hope all is well where you are. Have a fab weekend. Till next time....Ciao. 

For more please remember to "like" my fan page on facebook--->  

https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingoutLoudbyCarolynCorreia

I've come to realize...

I've noticed that I haven't been blogging substantially as much as I want to. Now is a good time as any to get back into the groove of things. I returned from vacation and quickly got absorbed back into the world of work and well life. Things have been going well for the most part. I just received my first royalties for my book...that feels great! I have been doing some reading, networking and research online and I realized that there are sooo many more writers and talented people out there! What is different however I've come to realize is how people view their world and where their inspiration comes from. Although I can't expect everyone to have the same ideologies as me, it saddens me when people don't believe that there is a God. It makes me wonder where their source of inspiration comes from. I know I could not have accomplished anything without my belief in a Higher Being and I owe everything to Him as I could never have done anything on my own. I am by no means perfect but I believe it's my faith that keeps me afloat in a world where there is soo much chaos and confusion, hatred and deceit.

With age brings reason...these are some astonishing truths I've discovered over time:

photo credit - claudiam.com

1) I've come to realize that sometimes people fail you including family and friends but what is ever present is your faith and willpower to bring about change in your life and rise above all challenges. 

2) I've come to realize that sometimes we can be our own worst enemy with thoughts of self-doubt, fear and negative thinking where we blame ourselves for our past and present circumstance. We live in the past and allow things and people to affect us adversely. Sometimes your inspiration can come from the strangest places. You may need to step outside of your own cocoon just for a minute to get air and change your perspective.

3) What I've noticed is that: times change but people rarely do. Someone once told me a long time ago that "a leopard can never change their spots." We often expect loved ones and those around us to alter their behaviour and become more like what we would like them to be but there's a slim chance of that happening. We either love them unconditionally (with faults and all) for who they are or limit our exposure to their negative effects ---sometimes for our own sanity. This doesn't mean that we love them any less but sometimes even the most potent elixir needs to be taken in small doses for maximum benefit.

 4) Know thyself. Sometimes many years pass us by and we still don't know who we really are underneath it all. What are our true talents and purpose in this world? What are our weaknesses and our strengths?  That's why sometimes we find ourselves in the same sticky situations time and time again and keep making the same mistakes of yesteryear. Sometimes we need to take an introspective look inside so as to avoid making some bad decisions. If we have true friends to pull us back and remind us every once in a while then I believe that you have found a little angel in your midst.

5) Fear and procrastination are our biggest downfall. Sometimes we are soo fearful of the unknown that we let procrastination get the better of us. We become so stuck in a comfortable routine that we allow it to hold us back and stop reaching for our dreams. We allow what people would say if we fail to keep us back from even trying. Sometimes we need to take a little risk to gain happiness and peace overall. Therein we will find greatness.

I think I need to post this up on my wall, that way I'll remember to take my own advice;) 
Thank you God for blessing me with these insightful thoughts and wisdom.

Infinite love and thanksgiving to You alwayz.

Cheers!

Happy Father's Day!!

Warm greetings extended to all dads on this special day. Special greetings to those new to this role as well as those dads who have stuck around through thick and thin.

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This is an excerpt taken from my book THINKING OUT LOUD

Tribute to all Dads especially my Dad...

He…

Gives you the best advice without even asking what the problem is

Taught you how to ride a bike and drive

Believes in you even if no one else does

Is the best storyteller and comedian of all time

Knows when you need a hug or a good laugh

Knows how to fix most things around the house and taught you what you know about positive and negative in a battery pole

Can be counted on to find a solution to any problem

Taught you the value of a dollar and the importance of saving for a rainy day

Makes the best sugar cake and punches in the world

Knows how to keep the peace

Dad we love and thank you.

                                                       ©   Carolyn K. Correia all rights reserved

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