How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

What You Need Truly to Succeed…

I first posted this 5 years ago now, spring 2014.  I have brought it back to the top of the list of posts today, April 19th 2019.  Because it’s timeless.

Many of you will have heard of Dale Carnegie – one of the greatest self-improvement authors of all time (you will for sure have heard of his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People).

He also wrote a book called “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” and there is one short section in there that is utterly priceless. I commend it to you.

In the section I am going to give you a link to an an extract below, Carnegie talks about psychology and the spiritual aspect of our mind’s workings. There is a massively practical application of the kind of mindset he is talking about.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that…

…if you haven’t yet had the success or found the peace of mind you desire, this is why!

I interviewed Henry Ford a few years prior to his death. Before I met him, I had expected him to show the strains of the long years he had spent in building up and managing one of the world’s greatest businesses. So I was surprised to how calm and well and peaceful he looked at seventy-eight. When I asked him if he ever worried, he replied: “No. I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn’t need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe that every-thing will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about?”

Today, even psychiatrists are becoming modern evangelists. They are not urging us to lead religious lives to avoid hell-fires in the next world, but they are urging us to lead religious lives to avoid the hell-fires of this world-the hell-fires of stomach ulcer, angina pectoris, nervous breakdowns, and insanity.

….

One of the most distinguished psychiatrists living, Dr. Carl Jung, says in his book Modern Man in Search of a Soul (*):
“During the past thirty years, people from all the civilised countries of the earth have consulted me. I have treated many hundreds of patients. Among all my patients in the second half of life-that is to say, over thirty-five-there has not been one whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious outlook on life. It is safe to say that every one of them fell ill because he had lost that which the living religions of every age have given to their followers, and none of them has been really healed who did not regain his religious outlook.”

I don’t want to make this post too long, but there is one other excerpt from the same chapter I would like to give you.  It touched my heart, and I hope it will touch yours:

“I am calling this woman Mary Cushman, although that is not her actual name. She has children and grandchildren who might be embarrassed to see her story in print, so I agreed to disguise her identity. However, the woman herself is real- very real. A few months ago, she sat in the armchair beside my desk and told me her story. Here is how it goes:

“During the depression,” she said, “my husband’s average salary was eighteen dollars a week. Many times we didn’t have even that because he didn’t get paid when he was ill-and that was often. He had a series of minor accidents; he also had mumps, scarlet fever, and repeated attacks of flu. We lost the little house that we had built with our own hands. We owed fifty dollars at the grocery store-and had five children to feed. I took in washing and ironing from the neighbours, and bought second-hand clothes from the Salvation Army store and made them over for my children to wear. I made myself ill with worry. One day the grocer to whom we owed fifty dollars accused my eleven-year-old boy of stealing a couple of pencils.

My son wept as he told me about it. I knew he was honest and sensitive-and I knew that he had been disgraced and humiliated in front of other people. That was the straw that broke my back. I thought of all the misery we had endured; and I couldn’t see any hope for the future. I must have become temporarily insane with worry, for I shut off my washing machine, took my little five-year-old daughter into the bedroom, and plugged up the windows and cracks with paper and rags. My little girl said to me: ‘Mommy, what are you doing?’ and I answered: There’s a little draught in here.’ Then I turned on the gas heater we had in the bedroom-and didn’t light it. As I lay down on the bed with my daughter beside me, she said: ‘Mommy, this is funny-we just got up a little while ago!’ But I said: ‘Never mind, we’ll take a little nap.’

Then I closed my eyes, listening to the gas escape from the heater. I shall never forget the smell of that gas. …

“Suddenly I thought I heard music. I listened. I had forgotten to turn the radio off in the kitchen. It didn’t matter now. But the music kept on, and presently I heard someone singing an old hymn:

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief’s to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

As I listened to that hymn, I realised that I had made a tragic mistake. I had tried to fight all my terrible battles alone. I had not taken everything to God in prayer. … I jumped up, turned off the gas, opened the door, and raised the windows.

“I wept and prayed all the rest of that day. Only I didn’t pray for help-instead I poured out my soul in thanksgiving to God for the blessings He had given me: five splendid children- all of them healthy and fine, strong in body and mind. I promised God that never again would I prove so ungrateful. And I have kept that promise.

“Even after we lost our home, and had to move into a little country schoolhouse that we rented for five dollars a month, I thanked God for that schoolhouse; I thanked Him for the fact that I at least had a roof to keep us warm and dry. I thanked God honestly that things were not worse-and I believe that He heard me. For in time things improved-oh, not overnight; but as the depression lightened, we made a little more money. I got a job as a hat-check girl in a large country club, and sold stockings as a side line. To help put himself through college, one of my sons got a job on a farm, milked thirteen cows morning and night. Today my children are grown up and married; I have three fine grandchildren. And, as I look back on that terrible day when I turned on the gas, I thank God over and over that I ‘woke up’ in time. What joys I would have missed if I had carried out that act! How many wonderful years I would have forfeited for ever! Whenever I hear now of someone who wants to end his life, I feel like crying out: ‘Don’t do it! Don’t!’ The blackest moments we live through can only last a little time-and then comes the future. …”

The full pdf of Carnegie’s book can be found here.  It’s life-changing.

My friends and subscribers, turn your hearts and minds to God, whoever you see as God.  He can help you more than any IM system.

And if I can help you find Him, please let me know by replying to john at nationalhomebusinesscenter.com and I’d be delighted to help you.

All the best,

John

82 Comments

  • Todd Lovingood

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Amen. It is comforting knowing that their is someone in IM that believes…..thank you for your share and heartfelt encouragement. Be blessed.

    • Ira

      Reply Reply April 19, 2019

      Words to live by. Thank your John. I wish you and everyone who celebrated Easter, a joyous and blessed Easter. If you celebrate Passover, I wish all of you a gzunt, freylach aun kasher Pesach.

      • Tatiana

        Reply Reply August 25, 2019

        Thank you for sharing. It’s so true about Heavenly Father plan for us. Pray and listen tiny voice which always guiding to right direction, just listen tiny voice! Thank you again; it’s timeless advice.

  • Ed Ryan

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John,

    Thanks for taking the time to do this and for this great resource..Happy Easter to you and your family across the Atlantic.

    Cheers,

    Ed

  • Neil

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thanks John – I was just writing an in my daily diary and you email arrived. That last quote surely did touch me. My diary entry is about how I am now starting to conquer the worry and self-doubt that has bedevilled me for years. They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Thank you – I will read every page of the Dale Carnegie book.

    Have a fulfilling Easter.

    Neil

  • Manny charles

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Fantastic peace for sure. Love it. Thanks

  • rss41

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    This is a great story that can bring people to understand that killing the pain the have inside of them by committing suicide is the easy way out. The life that can be had beyond suicide cannot be imagined and it can be a life that becomes the opposite of what is being lived at the moment.

  • Jeff Osborne

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hey John,
    I just wanted to say that I believe this is an excellent book to recommend for reading, maybe along side your regular Bible reading. We can all learn from each other’s mistakes, as well as our own, if we will just open up to one another. I also believe that sometimes God allows us to experience certain things in our lives to make us better. 1. To help us learn and grow closer to Him.2. To help others who are going through some of the same things. This way by having experienced those things, we are able to help others too. I could go on, but I think you understand what I mean by this comment.
    Thanks and keep up the good work, directing them toward God.
    Jeff Osborne

  • Tony

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John,

    Thanks for this. I first read Dale 30 something years ago and forgot how succinct, profound and sometimes poignant he was. Nice share. Happy Easter to you and those you love <3

    Tony

  • Stan

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you so much for taking the time to send this post. I am a true believer and run my business with God in mind, always. God bless you, your family, your staff, and all those in this group.

  • Ben

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    What a bunch of crap. Strength in Jesus. This invention whom so many turn to in desperation should remember one thing, this omniscient and omnipotent being has the power to end all suffering, nay stop it from ever being in the first place, yet forces you to ‘love him’ so that you may be saved on the other side.

    The regurgitation of the masses whenever something bad occurs, be it by man’s hand or nature ‘Oh pray to Jesus for healing of the dislocated or injured or diseased or whatever’. Do you instead think of what a sick bustard to allow it to happen in the first place and why should he care after the fact. Only if you pay reverence will you be delivered as well.

    Not only does he not care, he also requires your debasement at his feet when, and get this, whether he’s screwed you over or allowed you to be fruitful.

    • John Pearce

      Reply Reply April 19, 2014

      Ben – it is interesting everyone’s reactions to this piece. I’m not sure if you are a believer or not from what you say. If you are NOT a believer, you are missing the point in Chapter 19 of Carnegie’s book and I encourage you to read it. If you ARE a believer but not a follower of God, you need to think a little more through what you say because it is superficial and makes no sense 🙂 ! As I said, I don’t know how to answer you further because I don’t know which of those camps you fit in. But if I can help, please email me. I would love to help. In the meantime, read chapter 19 of the book! You can either sit in splendid indignation, and benefit nothing, or you can benefit from the key principle Carnegie identifies. I truly hope you find truth, Ben.

      PS your last comment about debasement at his feet – was it Jesus who made his disciples wash his feet, or was it Jesus who washed his disciples’ feet?

    • Ronald Slyderink

      Reply Reply May 2, 2015

      It is not ‘crap’ Ben. Where is the harm if you seek solace in someone who has solutions, even if temporarily you may have it hard, but there are explanations for why if you see the bigger picture. The God of the Bible makes it clear to those who are open to hear what life is all about and who he is and who we are and the purpose and meaning of life, including how best to live life in a world which is marred and degenerate with suffering and death all around us – that is the reality we observe and it doesn’t depend on our ‘beliefs’. The explanation given in the Bible is still in my mind (and many others) the most comprehensive one possible (how do you fully explain it?) and the good news that Jesus Christ offers people (who are a major problem) hope and a way out from impending death and doom is a living hope for the future. The God of the Bible is both love and just and gives people the choice to follow him or not, but the consequences of not heeding him, ignoring him, blaming him, brings pain and destruction, it separates us from his love and what is right and good and imputes his judgment and wrath on a rebellious, lawbreaking people. The scene is no different to a court and judge who preside over persons who have broken the law and are accountable for their crimes and punished. No one in their right mind would excuse and ignore ‘lawbreakers’ and people who abuse and inflict suffering and destruction on others and property. Love is shown through righteousness, truth and justice. Yes God does care, very much and wants people to relate to him as the awesome Creator he is, even more the Saviour he from the sin that binds us and the death that results from it. It is humble open hearts he wants (that is a healthy ‘debasement’) not proud, self-righteous and stiff necked ones, so he can lift us out of the mud and darkness into his light and up to the heights in fellowship with him and one another opening up the door to peace and joy…forever.

    • Richard Seegers

      Reply Reply April 15, 2020

      Hi Ben,

      I know it’s six years after your post, and my hope is that you get the chance to read my reply here in April 2020.
      Please allow me to bring a different perspective from those who have replied to you in the past.
      Firstly, your post conveys to me that you have a lot of hurt in your life. I understand hurt, because I have been hurt so often in the past decades of my life, and am being continually hurt as i write.

      But the longer I live, the more I rejoice in knowing my Saviour, Yeshua Hamashiach (Jesus Christ) and Adonai Elohim, His and my Father.
      Ben, God doesn’t believe in atheism. That’s fact. By simple logic, no living person on this earth should either. when an atheist can explain to me how we came to be on this earth, I will believe him, but so far, none have. Man is a creature, created by the Living God. Ask yourself honestly, what answer can atheism give us?
      How did man come to be here? Creation by God is the ONLY answer.

      • Richard Seegers

        Reply Reply April 15, 2020

        Hi again Ben,

        I didn’t want to make my first post too long, but I need to ask you a few questions.
        > You haven’t mentioned death. When death ends your life, what if you have been wrong about your having being created, and you come face to face with your Maker?
        Belief in God will bring you joy, but unbelief will cause Him to turn His face from you. Are you prepared to risk being wrong?
        > Jesus died a terrible death to atone for our sins, so that we who believe don’t have to pay the price for our sins in order to see justice served. What a loving Creator !!

        > Last question, if we look around us, everywhere there is proof of God’s creation…like the stars above us, the earth around us….the seas, the mountains, the forests…
        His word in the NT of the Bible tells us that the evidence
        of His creation is so compelling that if we don’t believe, we will be without excuse……(Romans 18-30 ) which is a very sobering message and warning to mankind.

        Every believer’s prayer for you, Ben, is that you come to believe, and when you do, you will find out that His love
        will overwhelm you and wash over your soul with
        unimaginable ecstasy, and even the angels in heaven will
        rejoice in your coming into the Kingdom of God….

  • Joanne

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Wonderful post. Absolutely spot on. Thank you. God bless you and your family.

  • John Alexander

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Excellent – simply excellent.

  • stephanie

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John,

    Thank you for such a thoughtful and inspirational gift. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Easter!

    Stephanie

  • Clive Joseph

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    John,

    Thank you so much for sharing that very inspirational story. It was like a breath of fresh air to hear a mention of the God who created all things, in the often lonely pursuance of IM success. I encourage you to deliver more of the same tasty tips for us to digest going forward.

    Easter blessings to you all.

    Clive.

  • Lee Kania

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you John for the article. I am Christian and yet it is shameful how many times I give myself over to worry when I know deep down I have a God that is watching over and protecting me every moment of the day. Hopefully I will renew my efforts to give everything I might worry about over to God. There is a scripture in one of books of Peter that says “to cast all your cares on the Lord because He cares for you,

  • Dennis

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    John,

    Thanks for stepping out and sharing.

    God Bless,

    Dennis

  • Christopher Kelly

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hear Hear John-I was blessed with the gift of desperation (GOD) and had a life changing awakening.

    My faith is unshakeable and, if I live in gratitude. life is wonderful and I can serve others-the gift of giving!!

  • Renee

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    How timely your article is! I have agonized and worried over an upcoming biopsy this week. But, your article and excerpt from John Carnegie’s book reminded me how to let God take the wheel and steer this course!

    Thank you again and may you have a Blessed Easter!
    Renee

  • Tony Brayley

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you, John.

    It’s Easter weekend, and what a great gift you’ve sent us all.

    You’ve touched me.

    Thank you agan,

    Tony.

  • Giovanni Dattoma

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    A very helpful respite from all the preoccupations with SEO, marketing and other worldly things. I didn’t know that insightful book from D. Carnegie. Thank you for suggesting it.

  • Evangeline

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you for taking the time to send this.It gave me much to think about. It’s good to know that some people in IM do think further than the almighty dollar.

  • Matt

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you for sharing this!

  • Jim

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thanks John
    Just what i needed.
    God Bless

  • Michael

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you for thes words. I and my wife have spent $60,000.00 and have only seen $700 or so back. My wife lost her job four mouths back, making good money, I because of mirror vission, deslexea, not spilled right but there in lies my next thing I tried to get writing done and not bin good at all. Lots of foo paws. Wary about all types of stuff. The store returned me back to thanks giving, for that thank you!

  • James

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you John, just what I needed to here !
    Thanks for sharing this with us and if ever there was 2 books that one would recommend to anyone it would be Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and the above “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”
    Cheers,
    James

  • Audrey Ciraulo

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    It is truly amazingly wonderful to be reminded that a grateful heart for all that has been done for us and given to and for us is the best attitude. It is even more amazing to hear it in the IM world. Thank you for your boldness and courage to share the good Word with others. Blessings

  • Tim

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John

    Thanks for this what a great Easter gift, I’ve read Dale C’s HTWF&IP but not come across this, feels quite apt after what I’ve been through recently, as Todd previously commented its good to know that there are fellow IM’ers who believe.

    Wishing you and your family a great Easter, enjoy your time.

    Tim

  • Ai Min

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    The blackest moments we live through can only last a little time-and then comes the future. …”

    Great quote. Thanks John.

  • Robertino Bedenian

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hello John,

    thank you so much for sharing this message! Eastern is the indisputable proof that we should never give up for our God is alive and will lead us into total victory in the end.

    Many blessings to you,
    Robertino

  • JP

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John,

    Amen to that, this story serves as a great reminder of how blessed we are and how ungrateful we can be, especially when we focus on our selfish wants instead of focusing on other peoples needs.
    I thank God for redeeming us and set us free.
    God bless you brother! 🙂

  • Daniel

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hey John,

    Been following your work for about a month or so now, and you always over deliver!

    But this time you went overboard! This is your best post ever!!!

    Happy Easter and All the Best.

    Kind Regards,

    Daniel

  • Nick Martello

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    So right on the mark John! From me and my wife… we hope you have a Blessed Easter and we surround you and all that are present with Blessings and Well Wishes from across the pond!
    Thanks John!!!

  • Paul Boyer

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thank you John, much appreciated. I also second the comment from Todd, too few are actually connected to their wider being, oreven believe that there actually is one 😉

  • Penny Montague

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    To: John and Chris

    Without Easter, Christmas would mean nothing.

    Penny Montague

  • Ian Pritchard

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Hi John

    I’m not a’ believer’ although I do have faith in each person’s innate ability to right by others. I also think that if everyone truly followed the main teachings of the major faiths in their everyday lives there would be a lot less hypocrites kneeling on Sundays and Fridays and a darn site less suffering in the world. But you don’t have to be a ‘believer’ to acquire some knowledge and insight from Carnegie books. I just try to put all the mumbo jumbo to one side. Thanks for the post.

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    John, perfect timing with this and I’d like to suggest it doesn’t matter which ethnic group or variant of a religion you are derived from. Love for higher, aware, conscious processes of creation is a true universal of human potentiality in my book! I just placed a gold star on my Web page to symbolize that we do, as you say, have higher levels and processes to reach out to… God in the traditions… thank you so much for affirming this Great Reality once again! Geoff Dodd, New Zealand.

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Ben, oh Ben! You have to look higher, towards universal laws and principles my friend… The ‘love’ teachings are very much for this world. The ‘believing’ is for strength and mind power in THIS World… focus on higher values than you as an individual. Focus on love, harmony, truth, beauty, justice and integrity. Feel it….

  • Yvette

    Reply Reply April 19, 2014

    Thanks for posting this John.

  • Reece

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Great post John… Thank you for sharing! I read Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People many years ago it is a great book. It’s been a while since I’ve read a self improvement book, so I will definitely read How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. I worry too much about everything and feel like quitting a lot of times! Happy a Blessed Easter and continue the good work you’ve been providing us!

  • Mike Alford

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Hello John,

    Life as it really is. When you read this, you realise how lucky you are, simply because there is always some poor soul who is experiencing something far worse than you can imagine – many thanks for sharing your thoughts – good & kind thoughts for the remainder of your life

    Mike

  • George Fowler

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Thank you John. Most important was that you said “turn your hearts and minds to God, whoever you see as God.” You passed no judgment in that statement for anyone’s faith and I have great respect for that.
    It is very hard to do it alone in this world. A person (me) does need to believe in something that is greater than us and say thank you for the many blessing we see so clear in our life and also for those blessings that aren’t so apparent.
    Thank you for your words and the gift.

  • juan

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Hello from Spain.
    It is very nice to find that there are some in the IM that think money is NOT the first thing.
    Would not be interesting to have a christian internet marketing site with a “God First” perspective instead of having money as the first goal?
    God Bless you All

  • Sam Simuzoshya

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Thanks a lot John for this post. I admire and respect a man who can stand for what he believes.
    You have reminded me of what I should do every day – renew my faith in God and be grateful for all I have received and continue receiving. Above all for the gift of forgiven sins through Jesus Christ.
    I believe that Business is about relationships. How rewarding would business be if only we can learn to forgive one another. I agree with you that I don’t need PPC, SEO or FB if I work on my relationship with my subscribers, suppliers, buyers and all who I need for my business to grow because I have something to give them. Only after I have given, will I receive from each one of them and that’s how my business has grown based on the principle of sowing first, then reaping.
    Blessings.

  • Wendy

    Reply Reply April 20, 2014

    Thank you for that encouraging story John. Although I am not religeous, I do believe there is a strength in all of us that we can tap into when times are tough.
    This is the best email I have recieved all Easter!

  • Herman Williams

    Reply Reply April 21, 2014

    John,

    What a wonderful gift at Easter. Thanks for sharing your faith.

  • Glenn

    Reply Reply April 22, 2014

    John,
    How refreshing to know I am doing business with someone I can trust to treat me honestly and fairly. Thank you for reminding me to reread a book I have had for many years!

  • Archie

    Reply Reply April 30, 2014

    Hi John. Your post comes at a great time for me…and for many I’m sure. My 2 ecommerce sites have been hammered by Google penalties and I am on my last leg (financially) to survive. I have a family to feed and this is my livelyhood. I have great faith in God but sometimes he challenges us to the edge. It is very difficult to “keep the faith” when all hell is breaking loose around you. Thanks for the much needed inspiration.

  • Sean

    Reply Reply May 19, 2014

    Hi John,

    thank you so much for sharing this message! Eastern is the indisputable proof that we should never give up for our God is alive and will lead us into total victory in the end.

  • Kim Schuett

    Reply Reply June 1, 2014

    Oh my soo true! THANK you for reminding me to be greatful and letting go of worries or thinking I have to do it all by myself. My Higher Self & God knows and gently nudges me along my co-created path. AMEN

  • James

    Reply Reply June 6, 2014

    Thank you John for this reminder that we should always give thanks for what we have, even for those, like me, who do not follow a religion.
    I’m looking through How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. Looks as relevant today as ever, if not more so!

  • Geo Malave

    Reply Reply June 30, 2014

    Thanx for this article John. Nice to see something a little different than marketing tactics.

    Geo

  • Joe Gambill

    Reply Reply March 2, 2015

    I have this very song type-written in a Notepad file on my desktop — I open it periodically.

    Thank you for sharing a great thought and song.

  • Tim Odum

    Reply Reply March 28, 2015

    sorry for the long post… I hope this may help someone…

    Wow – thanks John! That was a refreshing and unexpected post to read from IM’er. That story really hits close to home for me. My background was in real estate and mortgage finance and I had a great 14 year run in that industry. – nice cars, gadgets, material stuff, never really worried about money.. That all came to an end in 2009 when my finances could not keep up with the lifestyle we were accustomed to. I started dwelling on all the things we couldn’t have or do anymore – vacations cars etc.

    Then things got really bad – There were times when I would go to the grocery store and be filled with anger and resentment looking at the people with carts overflowing with food when I was there to see how far I could stretch the $40 in my pocket. A year and half ago we almost lost our home and we moved in with the inlaws (longest four months of my life…) It was gut wrenching leaving behind the home and memories we built for 15 years – and it was really hard on my kids too.

    Trying to make a long story short – We ended up working out something with the bank and moved back into our home. My kids literally cried tears of joy when we told them about it. It was a very hard time for me as the father, the provider – to watch my family go through this. I started to wonder if they would be better off without me. Looking back I now see how foolish we were getting caught up in the materialistic pursuits of the world. There is nothing wrong with having money or wanting more of it – but it can not consume you or be your highest priority.

    We are not out of the woods yet, but things are slowly getting better. My family is now genuinely grateful for all the things we DO have. When was the last time you opened your refrigerator and been filled with gratitude for having plenty of food in it? We go through different seasons in life and I firmly believe God allowed me to go through this so I would draw closer to Him.

    Matthew 6:25-27 is a passage I leaned heavily on during that time – and I still do today. Lastly – I wanted to share this song/video – it is very powerful! Happy Easter!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE

  • Evan

    Reply Reply April 3, 2015

    John,

    Its good to know that people still evangelize for the Lord Jesus.

    Evan

  • Paul Steur

    Reply Reply April 3, 2015

    It did touch my heart. And what a priceless lesson. Thank you.

  • Alan R. Whitt

    Reply Reply April 3, 2015

    John,

    Thanks so much for the reminder that we all need to thank god on a daily basis. Sometimes we get caught up in worry over the most material things. I have known Christ some 26 years now. Lately not as much as I should.
    Thank you for reminding me, he is here with me on a daily basis.
    God Bless you and Chris for what you do.
    Happy and Blessed Easter.
    He ahs Risen!

  • Emmanuel

    Reply Reply April 3, 2015

    Hi John.
    Thank you for this email and post. It’s great to see how many like minded believers there are who follow your advice. It shows that you are genuine. I know that I’ve been trying to learn IM stuff from you for almost 2 years and haven’t got very far but for some reason there is a trueth and something very trustworthy about you and your teachings that I and many others believe with your help as our teacher can succeed. Happy Easter! God bless you.

  • ozmarketing

    Reply Reply April 3, 2015

    thanks John

    Happy Easter

  • Patric

    Reply Reply April 4, 2015

    Thank you for sharing this John, one gets so caught up in IM and everyone trying to sell but every now and again you come across a message that someone has written with no agenda other than pure CARE AND GOODWILL and I must say it catches you off balance. I’ve had a rough time getting my dream to his stage of my life and its an inspiring email.

    thanking you for not have an IM agenda and just sharing something of importance.

    Patric

  • Nathern Jutson

    Reply Reply April 4, 2015

    Amen and Amen. Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. Be lessed.

  • George Negron

    Reply Reply April 5, 2015

    Thanks, John, we often way more about the things we have no control over versus enjoying what we already have. Great way to start off my Easter Sunday..

  • Dennis

    Reply Reply April 5, 2015

    Thank you

  • Bernard

    Reply Reply April 5, 2015

    Fantastic peace for sure. Love it. Thank you

  • Sounder Raj

    Reply Reply April 6, 2015

    Hi John & Chris,

    Happy Easter.. thanks for the wonderful Gift..
    We Must understand this First.. “SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD,. EVERYTHING WILL FOLLOW YOU”.

    Regards,

    Sounder Raj.

  • Nicholas

    Reply Reply April 15, 2015

    THANK YOU! It is refreshing to see authentic Christians in IM. Thanks for the gift. ….If you chase money it will elude you. But if you try always to provide Value, then you will ultimately win. You my friend have shown your true heart and that is rare. Thanks for standing above the fray in a world of insincerity and commercialism. You will attract that which you are. God Bless, brothers.

  • Malcom

    Reply Reply December 25, 2015

    The whole concept of a god is complete nonsense. I recall incidences where people have survived earthquakes and have then explained how god has saved them from the earthquake. Of course god didn’t create or allow the earthquake that just killed all the other people!!
    Religion has caused the deaths of thousands, if not millions, of people on our planet because these obsessive beliefs, that defy common sense, often create such intolerance towards anyone who has an alternative view that they have to be killed. I know that, as an atheist, I display more tolerance and kindness towards my fellow human beings than many religious people who carry out hatred and violence towards anybody who doesn’t share their views. Hypocrisy is rife among religious people in our world and we would be better off if we could forget about it and just develop a common code of conduct that serves us much better

    • John Pearce

      Reply Reply January 2, 2016

      Thanks for your comment Malcolm and for sharing your faith as an atheist – for yes you can neither prove nor disprove God’s existence. A belief either way is faith based. You are right that hypocrisy, and indeed great evil, is rife among some who claim religious beliefs, but that is no more evidence against the existence of God than is a fanatical stalker proof of the wickedness of whatever celebrity he is targeting. Rather, it is further evidence of man’s wickedness without God, for such people as carry out these atrocities do not do so based on anything taught in monotheistic religion.

      There is a further practical benefit to a faith in God which Dale Carnegie outlines in his book, and to which I wished to draw attention with this post.

      From a scientific perspective, there is actually much evidence for the existence of a) a spiritual realm and b) further to that the Christian God in which I have faith.

      I am glad that you display tolerance and kindness towards your fellow human beings. The implication that atheists in general do so is deeply flawed.

      God bless you,

      John

    • Graham

      Reply Reply April 19, 2019

      John, the book you quote has carried me through many hard times in my life and allowed me to continue to strive for better. Wholeheartedly endorse it as a must read.

  • Richard

    Reply Reply April 19, 2019

    Thank you for sharing this, John – very good of you and much appreciated 🙂

    Have a Happy Easter!

  • Mary

    Reply Reply April 19, 2019

    What a beautiful story Happy Easter 🙂 x

    • Jacq

      Reply Reply April 21, 2019

      Great post – thanks for sharing! It’s refreshing to see someone unafraid to share what’s helped them so that it might help someone else, even if it might offend others that don’t agree or miss the point of the passage (a faith in a higher power in whatever form that takes for the indivual, and for a divine plan of some sort that will work things out for the good). I first read that book like 20 years ago – clearly it’s time to re-read it bc the text alert I got for this post caught my attention b/c it was so timely and apropos – exactly what I needed to be reminded of today!! Thank you again so much for sharing!

  • Stevo

    Reply Reply April 19, 2019

    John, to you and your family, to Chris and his family, Happy and Blessed Easter.

    Thank you for taking the time to write the post and share the stories. It is a reminder to stop, reflect on our own life and be thankful for each and every day.

    God Bless You!

  • Sam

    Reply Reply April 20, 2019

    Thank you John,

    You are a good man.

    All the best

    Sam

  • Matt Olejarczyk

    Reply Reply July 20, 2019

    John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    Love the post John. Thank you so much for sharing. Please know that your work here is both significant and timely in God’s kingdom. May God continue to direct your every step, your every word, and your every thought.

    To the group, consider that discovering John and his work were not by chance – God has you here for a reason that is far greater than money and material things.
    — “For where two or more gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20

    Grace and peace, Matt

    http://BaptizedAndAlive.com

  • Stefana

    Reply Reply March 3, 2020

    Thank you John for these words. It was something I needed to remember.

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