Every now and then I discover a book that immediately captures my attention. Not since I haphazardly picked up “Facing Co-Dependence” by Pia Melody 5 years ago this month, have I felt so certain I was intended to find a book.
“Conversations with God” has profoundly altered my mindset. Finally my nagging questions about why I haven’t been comfortable “wanting” money & success have been answered.
Though part of me fears that sharing just this tiny piece of the material presented in this book may minimize its impact, I have faith that if you’re truly interested you will make your way to a library or used book store, find a copy and read it yourself.
So, I’ll begin by sharing that part of why I’m sharing this story has to do with the random nature of this book’s appearance in my life, and the uncanny timing.
I’ve made a mental note that this is not the first time I’ve received messages from my God through books. I encourage you to consider that your God may be speaking to you in uncanny ways, too.
As I completed my Saturday volunteer tasks at Trash 2 Treasure Creative Reuse Center, I gathered up 4 boxes of books to scan, record and send off to Betterworld Books for distribution. In the first box, the title “Conversations with God”, laying at the top, caught my eye. As I picked it up, my thoughts wandered immediately to “Do I really need to read another spiritually based self-help book?” … yet, I considered I might at least open it before I packaged it up.
It had been a very long week. A series of small, but poignant challenges had really derailed me, and I was tired. Really, really tired. I was teetering very close to that “I just can’t do this anymore” place in my head that comes right after fear tells me “This is just too hard.”
Maybe “God” could explain, “Why Me?”.
I began 2011 with a true belief that this would be a significant year for my business growth. I’d set some big goals and I was working a big plan for the Wise Well Women Community and 12 Baby Steps Coaching. But these first three months had been tough, and I found myself struggling more than ever before. I had convinced myself that it was my old “money story” getting in the way, that somehow I lacked drive or ambition, or I simply hadn’t set my goals high enough. I was sure I must not want success badly enough!
So I’d set out to “fix” my money story, by creating vision boards full of images of $1,000,000 bills, expensive cars, and jewelry I’d never wear. I recited affirmations about “desiring to make money”. I studied definitions of success and theories of motivation and methods of instilling discipline. At each new level of seeking, something just didn’t feel right about trying to condition me to “want” money. It was de-motivating, rather than energizing. At my core, I could feel it wasn’t working, and I kept asking myself, “What is holding you back?”
Frankly, the last thing I had envisioned doing when I got home Saturday night was opening yet another book, and especially not one with the word “God” on the cover. But as I got out of the car, I was compelled to turn back to pick the book out of the bin and carry it in the house.
My Inner Wisdom was speaking, and thankfully, after years of practice, I listen sometimes without consciousness.
This was one of those times.
I stopped in the kitchen and poured a glass of cool water, sat down and opened the book. Years ago, I began opening a new book naturally, letting the pages fall where they may. I did that as usual.
And from that place I read:
“Does that mean I cannot ask for anything I want? Are You saying that praying for something actually pushes it away from us?
And God replied:
This is a question which has been asked through the Ages – and has been answered whenever it has been asked. Yet you have not heard the answer, or will not believe it.
The question is answered again, in today’s terms, and today’s language, thusly:
You will not have that for which you ask, nor can you have anything you want. This is because your very request is a statement of lack, and your saying you want a thing only works to produce that precise experience– wanting– in your reality.
The correct prayer is therefore never a prayer of supplication, but a prayer of gratitude.
And at that moment, reading just those few words, I experienced a sense of power knowing, a deep understanding of the source of my recent anxiety.
In this single paragraph was the key to the answer I’d been subconsciously seeking for weeks, and really, for years.
Somehow I’d known that forcing myself to “want” symbols of success was not my solution. Setting goals defined by “wanting” a particular thing or amount of money, and asking for it, had clearly created a self-perpetuating sense of inadequacy and lack for me. Somehow I knew that pushing to achieve milestones based on that “wanting” was actually causing greater hurdles to appear along my path.
It was so clear to me, now. Intuitively, I must have known I’d been right to reject “wanting”!
I was struck with a wave of relief.
And here, on page 11, of “Conversations with God- an uncommon dialogue”, was the wisdom that I will carry with me forever. It was the simple affirmation that read:
When you thank God in advance for that which you choose to experience in your reality, you, in effect, acknowledge that it is there… in effect. Thankfulness is thus the most powerful statement to God; an affirmation that even before you ask, I have answered.
Therefore never supplicate. Appreciate. “
And I know now that when my ego-mind asks as the author did:
“But how then can I be truly grateful for something I know is not there?
God has replied:
Faith. If you have but the faith of a mustard seed, you shall move mountains. You come to know, it is there because I said it is there; because I said that, even before you ask, I shall have answered.”
And:
The process of prayer becomes much easier when, rather than having to believe that God will always say “yes” to every request, one understands intuitively that the request itself is not necessary. Then the prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving. It is not a request at all, but a statement of gratitude for what is so.”
I will close, with the writing of the author, Neale Donald Walsch, in the opening paragraph of this book:
In the spring of 1992 – it was around Easter as I recall– an extraordinary phenomenon occurred in my life. God began talking with you. Through me.
So here we are – the day past Easter 2011. This is my journey. I share it with the hope that someone hurting might find strength in knowing he or she is not alone in the quest for understanding. I reference “God” in a way that works for me. Change the language to suit your belief, or not. In the 12 Step world we say “take what you need, and leave the rest”. Allow your Inner Wisdom to be your guide.
In the spirit of wisdom, well-being and wealth-
I wish you well-
P.S. This is just one of the many “ah-hah” moments I’m sure I will have as I continue reading “Conversations with God”. I’d love to share in the wisdom of your experience, too. Add your comments below if you’d like.
Wow, such profound glimmers of God’s wisdom. That sounds like an amazing book! I don’t think I have ever felt like God talked to me through a book, but have heard Him in other ways.
I do love the part about thanking with gratitude instead of asking out of lack. I know when I ask God for things, I often feel that sense of lack. But when I’m grateful for all the things I have in my life, I naturally feel like my needs will be supplied.
That’s why i have gotten into the habit of before falling asleep at night, I think of 5 things I was grateful for that day. It’s amazing how much better I sleep.
Cathy-
Thank you for reminding us all of the practice of giving thanks before bed.
Very powerful indeed.
Wishing you well-
Nanette
I loved this post. You know I always had “issues” with the whole vision board thing anyway. Over and over again I find that the wisdom I really need is in the 12 Steps – which tells me to “pray for knowledge of Gods will for me and the power to carry that out.”
Did you by any chance see Tom Shadyac on Oprah last week? He has a new movie called “I Am” which I want to see when it comes out. The thing he talked about that rang so true for me is how in nature only what is needed is taken. (The lion kills one elk, not the whole heard.) The exception is cancer, which takes more then it needs and ultimately kills its host and itself. I do trust that my needs will be met – and I have never been disappointed. While I might like to have a Rolls Royce I dont need one. And, I am truly grateful for my car which provides safe, reliable transportation and is probably a much better expression of who I am than a Rolls anyway.
Hope to see you soon.
I didn’t see Tom Shadyac last week, Elinor, but the movie sounds very interesting. Boy does that ring true for me “in nature only what is needed is taken.”
I am grateful for your wisdom, and so glad to call you a part of my “Inner Circle”-
Wishing you well-
Nanette
Hi Nanette,
I enjoyed reading your very personal experience told in this post.
I am so pleased that you got the answer you were looking for. It is true that God speaks to us when we are ready and in ways that we least expect it. Your story once again demonstrates this.
‘Conversations With God’ is a book I recall from way back.
In fact reading your post almost prompted me to go searching for it which of course would have just been a way for me to not do what I must be doing right now , so thankfully I managed to nip this in the bud and I will look for it another time. 🙂
What you reveal in this post by reference to the book resonates with me strongly. Years ago I used to have certain goals that I was never able to realize so they were permanently on my goal list.
This was fine for a little while but then they started to haunt me since they became ‘the evidence’ of my not being successful and of course the more I focused on not having achieved them so I just manifested more of the same.
The ‘having of something’ is separated by a very thin line from ‘the not having of it’.
Trusting that it is already given and being thankful for it in advance allows it to come into our reality. When I removed my ‘problem goals’ from my list I achieved them all with ease because I stopped focusing on not having them.Such a subtle change of emphasis and yet so effective.
Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to reading more of your insightful posts to come.
~Marcus
I actually took this book to church on Easter along with my Bible. Although I was with my parents, I hadn’t been to church in years and I knew we would have to wait since we arrived early. Since my illness last year, I have to come reconfigure and define my relationship with Jesus. So, I have believed that a leap of faith is like jumping into a river. Continuously flowing, you will find items along the way which will help you. Often times, this occurs spontaneously even when you aren’t looking for them. This has been occuring so miraculously in my life since I began “letting go”. It’s so great to begin reading a book again & realize how you have grown and developed since you last read it. I have found that it also has allowed me to look at my past as a guide and to realize that the present moment will never “make sense” until later.
Thank you so much for posting this. Your experience is so much like my own. Isn’t it great when you are able to simply follow your intuition and open a book or turn the radio on or even up an old box and find your answer 🙂 Take care and enjoy the book!
Kristi-
I am so glad you’ve re-opened this glorious book, and have recognized the pure power of “letting go”.
My “letting go” lessons came first from Pia Mellody and Melody Beattie and I continue to be blessed with reminders of how embracing that awareness has changed my life, and the lives of those around me.
I am so glad to share this journey with you, and send you many, many blessings-
Nanette
Nanette, aloha. Thx so much for sharing your journey with us. How much better you must feel and how excited for your future you must be.
It is easy for people to become confused because we are taught about vision boards and so often the things on them are, as you say, “symbols of success” yet they are not really what we want. Rather, they are what we should want.
To me, an Attitude of Gratitude is all important. Each evening I end my day by jotting down in my Gratitude Journal a few items for which I am grateful that day. These do not have to be about business, Nanette, rather they are things that make me feel good–a long walk,a beautiful flower, etc. A friend of mine takes a daily photograph for her gratitude journal.
Nanette, this post will help so many people. Thank you for expressing what you found so well. Aloha. Janet
A significant part of this process for me, Janet, has been about recommitting to my gratitude journaling.
During various times, I’ve used that tool, but drift away from it when other things seem to take precedence. What I know for sure is that from now on, nothing will ever distract me from the daily practice of recording my Attitude of Gratitude.
With sincere thanks for your support –
Nanette
Hi Nanette,
Thanks for sharing this honest and impassioned story… I love the way that the right messages find their way to us at the right time like this!
The point that you made here is such a powerful one – when affirming or manifesting, it’s so crucial to emphasize the gratitude for it’s existence. When we focus on wanting something, we are perpetuating the state of ‘not yet having’ so that’s what we are given.
When all’s said and done, the state of appreciation brings such warm and wonderful feelings anyway – whatever will come will come, and you enjoy the journey…
Thanks for the beautiful and powerful reminders you shared in this post!
All the best,
Jym
Hi Nannete,
If your vision is to GiIVE money instead of GET money, then I think you are comfortable with your vision. Why would God allow you to comfortable with goals that are against the goals He has for you? And He does control the way you feel about what you are doing. You are on the right track.
Lou Barba
Hi Nannete,
Thank you so much for sharing your very personal journey. Although I have not read this specific book, I have read similar teachings and they have a common theme – to have the faith to thank your God for things you may not yet have in your life… to come from a place of abundance rather than want.
It somehow always seemed natural to ask God for things I did not have — money, a wonderful relationship, a house full of children, etc…. rather than thanking him for all I have and all I will have.
It’s a subtle shift, but it makes all the difference in the world.
Again, thank you for having the courage to bring us along with you on your personal journey of success!
Hi Nannete,
This is another awesome post, I’ve come across today. You did great work with this article. I don’t know about “Facing Co-Dependence” ebook but will defiantly going to check it out.
Thanks for sharing this great post and fantastic story. Have a great weekend.
Dev
Amen to that! This a very moving post and makes me realize a lot of things I have forgotten lately.. Thanks for sharing,,
Lynne
Lynne-
If you haven’t already found/acquired the book, I really encourage it. There is so much wisdom here.
Wishing you well–
Nanette
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, let alone the content!. Thanks For Your article about A Surprise Discovery – Wisdom for a Lifetime in “Conversations with God”
| Nanette Saylor's Wise Well Women, Inc. .
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Laura, I’m glad you found this article helpful. I hope you’ll discover some of the other books by Neale Donald Walsh, too.
Wishing you well–
Nanette
Thanks Nanette-I needed to read that this morning! Hugs..
I’m so glad you “stopped by” today, Pam. Yes, this reminder was helpful to me, too.
Wishing you well– Nanette
Very nice write-up. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work!
Thank you Elliott. I’m glad you’re finding this site to be a positive resource for you.
Wishing you well– Nanette
I merely want to mention I am a beginner to blogging and site-building not to mention I just like this site. Definitely I am gonna bookmark your website . You definitely include remarkable content and reviews. Bless you for sharing your blog.
Thank you for the vote of confidence. It is my hope that you’ll continue to find inspiration and motivation here so you will find great joy in blogging and site building as you grow.
All the best–
Nanette
Howdy! This article could not be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
I always enjoy hearing stories like yours, Renate. And I love when my thoughts connect for others, too. This book remains one of the most influential books I’ve read. I’m exploring more of this series now, too.
Wishing you all the best —
Nanette
Thank you, Estella. I hope you’ll find some of my other posts inspirational, too.
All the best–
Nanette