Born from Above

There are so many verses in the Bible that many have become so familiar with that they lose their meaning in our minds. These verses may be branded into our thoughts but we need to really meditate on them for a fresh understanding. I realized that this morning while I was reading John 3. Nicodemus approached Jesus saying "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." How many of us can spit that verse out without giving it another thought? Or if we do give it another thought do we have the correct understanding of it's meaning?
The term "born-again" has certain connotations, even to non-believers--it can mean anything from being a "Jesus Freak" to turning over a new leaf or someone "pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps"
In my opinion I believe that some words in the Bible have been poorly translated and thus lose their meaning somewhat. Jesus actually said something more to the effect of being "born from above" not just being "born again. Being born from above is much more powerful than being born again--being born from above gives ALL credit to God in heaven. Anyone can turn over a new leaf or pull themselves up by their bootstraps to get a new lease on life but no one can give life from above to someone.
Jesus also said "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
If we rely on ourselves for any part of our spiritual life it will produce nothing of eternal value and from what Jesus said, will not bring us into the kingdom of God.
I need the kind of life that only comes from God.