Spoken Word

Mama Butterfly

2009-08-03T22:50:00.000-04:00

My Golden Butterfly

My golden butterfly touches the sunShe sometimes sings to me when day is doneWhen she opens up her wings to fly into the worldI wish I could fly with her and smell the breezeIt must be peaceful with everything she sees
My golden butterfly comes to me when it is nightShe sleeps in my patio until it is daylightI see her in my garden, on the flowers and in the treesShe makes me smile, so delicate and freeLike an angel in the sky, I hope she will stay with meJust her and I
My golden butterfly likes the waterfallShe reminds me of heaven and the beauty of it allButterfly, oh butterfly, give me wings to fly with youYou are like a falling star, wonderful and newTouch the sun every morning, kiss the night goodbyePlease remember me, as in the world you fly.

© 2005Linda Ann Henry

Home Going Celebrations for Malettor Cross

2009-07-07T23:26:00.002-04:00

Sunday July 12th 4-7pm
Memorial Celebration
Detroit’s Afro- American Mission.
1019 Clay Detroit, Michigan 48211
(313) 872-0444I75 & Clay Ave
Monday :July 13th
12-6pm
Mother Cross’s body lies in state
@ “The Dale”
Monday: July 13th 7-9pm
“A Tribute of Testimonies” 7-9pm
Rosedale Park Bapt Church
14179 Evergreen Detroit, Michigan 48223
(313) 538-1180

Tuesday July 14th 10am-1pm
Family hour 10:00 am
Services 11:00 am
Ward Presbyterian Church
40000 6 Mile Rd
Northville, MI 48168

Internment at United Memorial Gardens
Plymouth, Michigan

3:30pm
Repast @ Rosedale Park Bapt. Church
14179 Evergreen
Detroit, Michigan 48223

Funeral arrangements provided by
Wilson Akins Funeral Home.
17500 Fenkell St. Detroit, MI 48227
(313) 837-4440

2009-06-20T20:32:00.002-04:00

How would America be different if we gave the gift of forgivness to all our fathers on father's day

Forgiving our Fathers..... by Dick Lourie...... This poem is read during the last scene in Smoke Signals

Maybe in a dream: he's in your poweryou twist his arm but you're not sure it washe that stole your money you feel calmerand you decide to let him go freeor he's the one (as in a dream of mine)I must pull from the water but I neverknew it or wouldn't have done it untilI saw the street-theater play so close upI was moved to actions I'd never before takenmaybe for leaving us too often orforever when we were little maybefor scaring us with unexpected rageor making us nervous because there seemednever to be any rage there at allfor marrying or not marrying our mothersfor divorcing or not divorcing our mothersand shall we forgive them for their excessesof warmth or coldness shall we forgive themfor pushing or leaning for shutting doorsfor speaking only through layers of clothor never speaking or never being silentin our age or in theirs or in their deathssaying it to them or not saying it -if we forgive our fathers what is left

from the 1st lady @ The Dale

2009-05-26T17:59:00.000-04:00

Stark Reality
• The United States has the world's highest rape rate of the countries that publish such statistics.
• 4 times higher than Germany
• 13 times higher than England
• 20 times higher than Japan.
• Stark Reality
• 83% of rape cases are ages 24 or under
• 1 in 7 women will be raped by her husband
• 1 in 4 college women have either been raped or suffered attempted rape
• Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to the police
Yet we wonder why it is that females, girls and women
… cover up
• Strange Man Effect
When young girls are estranged from their father and don’t know who their daddy is, whether due to abandonment; alienation; isolation; avoidance; denial; separation or divorce and are exposed to “strange men” in the home. (even when the strange man is a step father)
• Strange Man Effect
A strange man can be any man other than a girl’s biological father who lives with her and relates to her in a way that only a father can and should
• Strange Man Effect
Emotional and social development
• Low self esteem
• Constant need of acceptance by men
• Aggressive attention from men
• lack a sense of protection
• Strange Man Effect
• 53% more likely to marry as teenagers
• 111% more likely to have children as teenagers
• 164% more likely to be a single parent
• 92% more likely to divorce if they marry
• Strange Man Effect
• Diminished cognitive development
• Poor school performance
• Lower achievement test scores and
lower IQ scores
• Drop out of high school
• Many never attempt college
• Many drop out of college
• Strange Man Effect
Physical Development
• girls grow up too fast
• One (1) in six (6) girls enter puberty at eight years of age!
• Strange Man Effect
“If we want young girls to delay sex and childbearing, having a loving biological father on the premises is not simply a good idea,
[it is God’s idea], while having [strange] unrelated men on the premises is not."
“There is still no substitution for a father's love and while many females are able to succeed there still exists a place, even though long ago covered up, covered over and buried beneath the business of life, there still remains a place in every woman and every girl ‘s heart, and a part of them that longs to be
‘daddy's little girl’.”

are women more important then men in the developing the foundation of the masculine image?

2009-05-10T20:05:00.002-04:00

Psychiatrist Dr. Jack Raskins of Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and the University of Washington says a mother’s presence is especially important in the early stages of a child’s life.
The key is “the child’s close, unbroken attachment in the early months to the people who care for him.
Jean Flemming points out that “a mother’s presence throughout infancy and the entire preschool stage is important because more learning takes place in the child’s first five years than in any comparable period of life.
Too much disruption of this imbeds in the personality traits that can be disruptive for a lifetime....
Attachment to the people who love him and who respond to his needs is nothing less than the foundation of the child’s personality
Experts agree that as much as eighty-five percent of a child’s character is developed by age five, and the way a child is raised in the early years accounts for at least twenty points of his IQ

lost battle but a winable war?

2009-04-08T11:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583/page/2

spin to win

2009-04-01T19:07:00.000-04:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123664427493678121.html

who is the older brother

2009-03-24T16:44:00.000-04:00

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/03/24/im-the-older-brother/

does this have implications for today

2009-03-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.
You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."Dr. Adrian Roge

"You In?"

2009-02-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/02/18/love-godend-poverty-why-im-going-to-the-mobilization-to-end-poverty/

is this social gospel

2009-02-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

Christians on Left, Right Push Plan to Aid the Poor - WSJ.com 9:21pm
Source: online.wsj.com

tight but right?

2009-02-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/19/AR2009021903512.html
does this let the gov't off the hook from God's perspective?

Shalom Ministry

2009-02-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

Shalom Ministry

Change we can believe ?

2009-02-06T21:35:00.001-05:00

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/02/04/audio-shifting-how-we-have-church/

is this uncommon

2009-02-06T17:53:00.001-05:00

http://globalgrind.com/source/blackpoliticsontheweb.com/384409/man-who-beat-rep-lewis-in-1961-asks-forgiveness/

from da boss

2009-02-06T08:52:00.000-05:00

A Letter From The Boss

To All My Valued Employees,There have been some rumblings around the office about the future ofthis company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, theeconomy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges.However, the good news is this:The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten yourjob however, is the changing political landscape in this country.However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might helpyou decide what is in your best interests.First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers againstemployees, you have to understand that for every business owner thereis a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowedby what you see and hear.Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home atlast year’s Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxuryconjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY: I started this company28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studioapartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted intoan office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company,which by the way, would eventually employ you.My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spentwent back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with adefective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, Istayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking andpartying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work,discipline, and sacrifice.Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made amodest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashycars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes.Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, Iwas trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing itemthat didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friendsrefinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however,did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with avision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford theseluxuries my friends supposedly had.So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 A.M., mentallycheck in at about noon, and then leave at 5 P.M., I don't. There is no"off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and youhave a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have thefreedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day.There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Everyday this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year oldspecial-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of thatgarden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you neverrealize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made.Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all theright decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the peoplewho didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feelentitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade ofmy life for.Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid issteep and not without wounds. Unfortunately, the cost of running thisbusiness, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold ofmarginal benefit and let me tell you why:I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't payenough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales anduse taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemploymenttaxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all thesetaxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him.Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goeswith it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check tothe US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, theguy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the singlemother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for hernext welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is theeconomic stimulus of this country.The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'dquit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts.Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agreewhich is why your job is in jeopardy.Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economyyou need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly governmentmandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead ofdepositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would havespent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economicgrowth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut inthe form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don'tdefibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back tolife, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at theheart of America and always has been. To restart it, you muststimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washingtonbelieve the poor of America are the essential drivers of the Americaneconomic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this isthe type of change you can keep.So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple. If any newtaxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift andsimple. I'll fire you. I'll fire your co-workers. You can then pleadwith the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and yourchild's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem anymore.Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, andretire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes theproductive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and toprovide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; itwill be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through thiscountry, steam rolled the constitution, and will have changed itslandscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on abeach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....Signed, THE BOSS

David Cross & Black History month

2009-02-05T20:37:00.001-05:00

In our conversation about whether Black History Month should be eliminated let’s not forget the context out of which the month evolved. America’s record of excluding African-American history and achievements cannot be ignored when we discuss the continuing need for Black History Month, the progeny of Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s week. Recognizing that America was already divided along lines of race that denied any black contributions to American and world history, Dr. Woodson created Black History week as a remedy, not as a way to divide America. I believe that folk who see this occasion of recognizing black achievement in America and the world as divisive are misguided. Black History week was created not so much to celebrate black American history, especially in competition with any other group, but more to recognize black achievement where it had never be acknowledged before; Dr. Woodson’s efforts were intended to be remedial and the month continues to serve this necessary purpose. There is still too much undiscovered black history to uncover for us to start talking about ending the one time during the year that we focus on our history. American history is what it is, and it is inextricably bound to Black History Month and the context out of which it evolved.Of course, there is a natural celebratory aspect of the month today and it is not a bad thing; Black History month should remind us all to celebrate how our democracy developed to include more of its citizens. African-Americans possess a most unique history in America as do Native Americans; our stories deserve special attention. Black History Month should also serve to remind us that we still have work to do.Black History Month hardly places African-Americans on a pedestal above others and should be seen not only as an educational piece for all of the world but also as a solemn reminder of America’s past thereby insuring that we never venture anywhere near that path of exclusion again.

evangelical friends

2009-01-24T22:55:00.001-05:00

The Lord sent me and my family to DC for the Inaugural festivities and it was truly incredible. I want to share some observations regarding the 'evangelical' church's response and reactions to the hoopla and Messianic tendencies toward Obama. This is rated 'M' for the mature. :-)As I have been hearing from the Lord, this really is a wake up call for the Church. Could it be this is the Judgment of God, because we have not lovingly presented the real Messiah, Jesus our Lord! Could we have possibly neglected our call to be witnesses to a corrupt generation and because they couldn't see Jesus in us...they have found a Savior in an ideal! The ideals of the World are counterfeit to the blessings of the Kingdom! We, the Church have been given the keys to the Kingdom. As the Church goes...there goes the Land! 2Chronicles 7. The American evangelical church is about to make the wrong mistake she has always done...we are being known as critics instead of Lovers! Instead of criticizing people who we believe are misguided and deceived and instead of operating in defensive mode and depression, Let's live out the Kingdom with passion and reckless abandonment. Let's show America there is a better alternative to the ideals of man. Let's show them Jesus! Speaking negative about what's happening doesn't help people to change their hearts toward the cause of Christ. It makes them more militant. I was among them I know this. The question is where will the church be when this ideal of man's is shattered. When reality sets in that no government, institution or man can save them/us from the coming catastrophes of life (the worship of conservatism shrouded with religion won't save either)...Will we say "I told you so" with an arrogant attitude or will we be like the Father in the prodigal son and welcome them home and give them the best seats at the table.... Cmon evangelical church get over yourself and seek His righteousness not yours....offer His Kingdom not a moral one!And lastly while I'm on my soapbox...I think Jesus would have looked over the sea of humanity and wept! He wouldn't have mocked them or look at them with disdain. He would see a people without a shepherd...and would have compassion on them. Where is the sincere Compassion?!? Are we that angry because a people who never felt a part of this country now are proud to be Americans? A realization that some of us always cherished and revered almost idolized! It was beautiful to hear and see black Americans express a love for this country. No longer feeling invisible but now proud and having a sense of belonging, raising the American flag with reverence and pride. Don't we get it...? That we helped shaped this godlesss atmosphere and environment because the Savior we presented was mean, racists, sexist, blond/blue eyes, condescending and condemning? The most tragic out of all of this is that I saw more hope, more passion, more joy, more diversity and more unity on Inauguration Tuesday than what I see on Sunday mornings in our dry places of worship! Don't blame the 'liberals' on that one...that's our fault! Again, I believe Jesus wouldn't rain on their parade with petty comments, but rather He would love them and rebuke and admonish the evangelical church! The Harvest is plentiful but the Laborers are few. Church of the Living God get up shake the dust off...stop casting stones...stop acting like a sore loser...you have already won! View people with His heart and His eyes. The fields are ready more than ever for Harvest but do you really care?Sincerely and in Love, Devoted Follower of Jesus Christ, Dennis

the Dale in DC

2009-01-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

the Dale in DC

2009-01-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

the Dale in DC

2009-01-23T22:05:00.001-05:00

were you apart of History's handfull?

2009-01-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

In my fifty four years of life I never had the need or the desire to be at an inauguration event until this year. I felt a strong push to be there from the beginning of President Obama election he seems to make people proud of whom they are. And it showed in Washington D.C. From the first night we arrived to the drive home there was so much electricity to be part of the dream that Prophet Martin Luther King said forty years ago that a man will not be judge by the color of his skin but by the content of his mind. The streets were full with all color of people who were celebrating the change in American. White men embracing black men yellow people sharing their heart to all people black people eyes full of pride and honor you would think we were just given forty acres and Cadillac. Standing in lines for three hour, to ride a metro train that normally takes twenty three minuets on a normal day, some people took cuts but most stay their course with out conflict. One of the other amazing things but believe me there were million was to see so many people from all over the world to come and celebrate with America the Inauguration of the first black President of the United States. God showed up and showed out
Roy D Harlin

a king lived among us

2009-01-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968

Daddy in the house

2009-01-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/news/2009/01/barack-obama-letter-to-my-daughters.html

does this speak of our youth?

2009-01-05T22:47:00.001-05:00

http://www.worthynews.com/3144-study-religious-teens-wait-to-have-sex

trend or temporary

is this just a spin

2009-01-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhfdN1Dqg2iiqCv00z

can we salt & light these issues

will the church in America ever become "post racial"

2009-01-01T21:23:00.003-05:00

huffington_post:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-fauntroy-phd/enough-of-this-post-racia_b_154497.html

Barack Obama's historic presidential campaign and pending presidency has catapulted the concept of a "post-racial" America to the top of our politico-socio lexicon. The "post-racial" America, as some have called it, refers to a country that has moved beyond race (in an almost Colbertian way). It is touted by liberals and conservatives (though for different reasons) as evidence that the country is healing its racial divisions. It is a concept that is used in polite society to suggest a level of societal sophistication to which we all should aspire, while "focusing on race" or "getting bogged down by race" is the old way of thinking and shows a backward orientation. Thus, being "post-racial" is the frontier to be embraced and anything short of that is to be belittled. Celebrating a "post-racial" America is premature and those doing so may well be unwittingly leading a dangerous new attempt to overlook and ignore America's racial history and avoid public policy approaches to the systematic racial prejudice that still pervades our society. If we are beyond race, the argument can go, then why do we need new public policy to deal with racial issues? And if we don't need new policy, then we probably can do away with the old stuff too!
Let me be clear: I believe the country has come an incredibly long way as it relates to race. There is no question that African Americans of my vintage do not have to carry the burdens of race in the same ways that our parents and previous generations did. We do not have to live under the cloak of Jim Crow and threat of racial reprisals for the smallest of issues. That is a benefit for which we all, regardless of race, should be proud. We are getting closer to the promise of America that is held up as an example for all the world. However, getting closer does not mean we can see the finish line from here. On too many issues, race is still a big problem and electing an African American president doesn't mean they will magically go away.
Those who see America as "post-racial" may well be guilty of prematurely hoisting the "mission accomplished" banner. They should be aware of some unfortunate truths that still frame the world in which many Americans still live. For example, African Americans comprise nearly half of the 2.4 million people incarcerated in the United States, but make up but 12 percent of the total population. African Americans also suffer from disproportionately high school dropout and poverty rates.
I believe that some of what ails Black America is self-inflicted. But I also believe that public policy at the local, state, and national levels have contributed mightily to this current state of affairs. "Post-racial" doesn't get us any closer to solving these problems; indeed, it can be seen as a polite diversion from a solution. I think we are better served by having a political discourse that acknowledges, respects, and embraces racial differences. That is a better alternative than our historical approach -- belittle those who look different -- or the new view on the horizon -- act like we don't need to talk about race anymore.
Michael K. Fauntroy is a professor, author, political commentator, and columnist. He blogs at: MichaelFauntroy.com.

Peace requires sacrifice

2008-12-29T01:09:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yXqpalAuQM
The Tower of the Flockwas used for birthing ewes, and the surround fields were where these shepherds grazed their flocks. These shepherds customarily kept their flocks outdoors twenty-four hours a day every day of the year, they brought the ewes in to deliver their lambs where they could be carefully cared for. It was to this place that Joseph took Mary. It was in this special place at "Migdal Edar" that Christ was born! How do we know? Micah tells us so!Micah 4:8;5:2 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
In Micah 4:8 we read about the "watchtower of the flock", or in Hebrew, "Migdal Edar." According to the "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah", by Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish believer in the late 1800's, Migal Edar was the location where the Messiah was to be revealed. This watchtower stood as a place of protection for the city from approaching enemies, but it was also utilized by shepherds to watch over the specific flocks from which sacrificial Passover lambs were taken.The shepherds who were tending these particular flocks were no ordinary shepherds. They were specifically trained by the Rabbis for a holy task. They had to insure that, as much as possible, every lamb was free of any blemish or injury, in order to be used for the Passover sacrifice.The shepherds had strong hints of Messiah's advent in the very town where they lived, so that when the angelic host appeared announcing his arrival, they responded immediately and went to worship Him.What difference does it make that peace has come to earth ?Why don’t we have peace between us?Mark 9:49-5049 For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."Jesus declaredthat all His followers will be seasoned with fire,that every sacrifice is seasoned with salt,that the salt must retain its flavor,that it will bring peace among us.

Ten Tips for Thriving in This Economic Winter

2008-12-25T23:09:00.000-05:00

Many of you have read and commented on our recent conversation about how it's a season to sow, how there's so much fear in our world right now and how it's related to some of the universal laws that modern society has forgotten. How to thrive in this economic winter and how to apply the knowledge you learned during our conversation... So here you go!

Clearly define what inspires you.There's a big difference between taking action out of inspiration versus desperation. Use this season as an opportunity to hibernate into the recesses of your own mind and define what you choose to create in your next spring.
Control your focus.Energy flows where attention goes. Are you focusing on lack or opportunity?
Feed your mind.What's your constant mental diet? Do you spend hours in front of the scare news or are you reading good books, attending more positive seminars, watching uplifting DVDs and listening to powerful CDs?
Strengthen your body.Your physical health and vitality have a tremendous impact on your performance as well as your mental and emotional fitness. Exercise releases stress as well as strengthen your body and mind.
Inventory your friends.Doom and gloom attracts more doom and gloom. Jettison those "energy vampires" around you and surround yourself with opportunity seekers.
Quiet your mind.Take time to meditate daily and to slow down if only for a few minutes. Ten to fifteen minutes of meditation will relieve hours of stress and increase creativity and resourcefulness.
Rid your life of escapist activities. Overindulgence in TV, sleep and alcohol only accelerate the problems you're attempting to avoid.
Make a daily gratitude list.Focusing on all the good, gifts and God in your life puts you in the right line of thought, feeling and their subsequent actions, which will attract and create more good, gifts and God.
Change your attitude.Realize that everything that's happened in your life thus far is here to serve you, teach you and help you grow. Find the lessons in your past results, forgive yourself for anything you could have done better and apply the lesson to move forward and create a better future.
Get resourceful.For the next three days, go to a place where you can have uninterrupted time... Come up with 20 new ideas to grow your income, create new results and improve your life. You cannot leave your spot until you have twenty. And no editing! All ideas are good ideas. Do this for three successive days with 20 new ideas each day.Now take your list of 60 unique ideas and pick the three to five most powerful and leveraged ones to put into action. Pick these three to five based on: ease of implementation, rate of return and speed of return.
And so during this winter season, remember: It's not about resources... there are plenty of them. It's about resourcefulness. Get resourceful and get busy.
To your continued wealth and happiness,
James Arthur RayPresident/CEOJames Ray International

2008-12-24T22:20:00.001-05:00

Joshua Neuman: What Happened to Kwanzaa? 8:58pm
Source: www.huffingtonpost.c...

What Happened to Kwanzaa? - The Huffington Post
is this a lost cause?

2008-12-23T19:01:00.000-05:00

Characteristics of 21st century instruments of peace
• they are impressed with divine accuracy: “just as the angel said”

• the accuracy of the messenger
• Gives credibility to the message
Characteristics of 21st century instruments of peace
• 2. they investigate with a spirit of urgency, “ hurried off” “ to see”.. pursue peace
• “become an action-oriented person”
• Get Onto the Fast Track
Get A Reputation for Speed
the faster you move, the more energy you have. The faster you move, the more you get done and the more effective you feel. The faster you move, the more experience you get and the more you learn. The faster you move, the more competent and capable you become at your work.
Characteristics of 21st century instruments of peace
• 3. they illustrate compliancy [the state or act of conforming with or agreeing to do something]
• “Let’s go”, no shepherd left behind

Characteristics of 21st century instruments of peace
• 4. they instigate evangelistic advocacy “spread the word”

• “the word on the street is Peace is on earth

5. they ignite worship intensely .. they glorified & praised God

2008-12-17T23:51:00.000-05:00

Peace on earth?
Pax Rommina
Pax America
Pax Americana, Africa
Pax Biblica
Pax Madea

in Luke 2

angels & agents affirmed & announced the gospel of peace.
did what they have in mind resemble the popular paradigmns of today

Pax Romana (Latin for "Roman peace") was the long period of relative peace and minimal expansion by military force experienced by the Roman Empire in the first and second centuries AD

Despite the term, the period was not without armed conflict, as Emperors frequently had to quell rebellions. Additionally, both border skirmishes and Roman wars of conquest happened during this period.

Nonetheless, as the interior of the Empire remained largely untouched by warfare, the Pax Romana was an era of relative tranquility in which Rome endured neither major civil wars,

such as the perpetual bloodshed of the third century AD, nor serious invasions, or killings, such as those of the Second Punic War three centuries prior.

during this time, Roman commerce thrived, unhampered by piracy or marauding enemy troops.

The implementation of what could be called the Bush doctrine's Pax Americana, Africa was outlined in a September 28, 2003, article by Mark Mazzetti in US News & World Report:

'What is underway means far more than simply moving troops and tanks around the globe like a real-world game of Risk. What the military is grappling with is how to put into practice the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive military action.

'We also have to say we dissuade military competition and we prevent wars from happening--and then posture ourselves around the world to do that.'

"Without another nation expected to challenge U.S. military supremacy in the near future, strategic planners now concern themselves with threats along what they call the 'arc of instability,' a swath of territory running from the Caribbean Basin through most of Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Southeast Asia.

The plan is to defend forward--"moving troops and equipment into these areas in order to respond more rapidly to global crises--and to pre-empt attacks by an elusive foe that can move easily through ungoverned deserts and teeming cities"

and to move quickly, with a "new focus" "placed on serious forward bases, ports, and airstrips closer to potential flash points

New bases also mean new listening posts in parts of the world where the United States has had difficulty gathering intelligence." At Camp Lemonier in Djibouti,

"civilian and military intelligence analysts sift through information gathered by satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and human sources to map out the terrorist threat in the Horn of Africa."

"Sitting in his office at Camp Lemonier, the unit's commander often sounds more like the president of the World Bank than a Marine Corps general. 'You have the stewardship to do more than just kick butt,' General Robeson says. 'That's not the long-term solution. The long-term solution is nation building.'"

Given the prominence of the concept of Pax Romana, historians have coined variants of the term to describe systems of relative peace that have been established, attempted or argued to have existed, usually under the dominion of one power or of an idea.

These include Pax Americana, Pax Assyriaca, Pax Britannica, Pax Europeana, Pax Germanica, Pax Hispanica, Pax Minoica, Pax Mongolica, Pax Ottomana, Pax Sinica, and Pax Syriana.

all's fair in love & war?

2008-12-17T15:29:00.000-05:00

Cheney & torture. "Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he was directly involved in approving severe interrogation methods used by the CIA, and that the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should remain open indefinitely."

are there Just wars?

2008-12-15T15:55:00.000-05:00

The Myth of Redemptive Violence: The Day the Earth Stood Stillby Logan Laituri 12-15-2008 http://www.sojo.net/blog/godspolitics/?p=4679

will we ever

2008-12-10T22:33:00.001-05:00

this is the change we can appreciate

Dr. Manis
When Are WE Going to Get Over It?
For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, we white people have been impatient with African Americans who continued to blame race for their difficulties. Often we have heard whites ask, "When are African Americans finally going to get over it?

Now I want to ask: "When are we White Americans going to get over our ridiculous obsession with skin color?
Recent reports that "Election Spurs Hundreds' of Race Threats, Crimes" should frighten and infuriate every one of us.

Having grown up in "Bombingham," Alabama in the 1960s, I remember overhearing an avalanche of comments about what many white classmates and their parents wanted to do to John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Eventually, as you may recall, in all three cases, someone decided to do more than "talk the talk."

Since our recent presidential election, to our eternal shame we are once again hearing the same reprehensible talk I remember from my boyhood.
We white people have controlled political life in the disunited colonies and United States for some 400 years on this continent. Conservative whites have been in power 28 of the last 40 years. Even during the eight Clinton years, conservatives in Congress blocked most of his agenda and pulled him to the right. Yet never in that period did I read any headlines suggesting that anyone was calling for the assassinations of presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, or either of the Bushes. Criticize them, yes. Call for their impeachment, perhaps.

But there were no bounties on their heads. And even when someone did try to kill Ronald Reagan, the perpetrator was a non-political mental case who wanted merely to impress Jody Foster.

But elect a liberal who happens to be Black and we're back in the sixties again. At this point in our history, we should be proud that we've proven what conservatives are always saying -- that in America anything is possible, EVEN electing a black man as president. But instead we now hear that schoolchildren from Maine to California are talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."

Fighting the urge to throw up, I can only ask, "How long?" How long before we white people realize we can't make our nation, much less the whole world, look like us? How long until we white people can -once and for all- get over this hell-conceived preoccupation with skin color? How long until we white people get over the demonic conviction that white skin makes us superior? How long before we white people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with non-whites?

How long before we get over our expectations that we should be at the head of the line merely because of our white skin? How long until we white people end our silence and call out our peers when they share the latest racist jokes in the privacy of our white-only conversations?

I believe in free speech, but how long until we white people start making racist loudmouths as socially uncomfortable as we do flag burners? How long until we white people will stop insisting that blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become President of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do?

How long before we start "living out the true meaning" of our creeds, both civil and religious, that all men and women are created equal and that "red and yellow, black and white" all are precious in God's sight?

Until this past November 4, I didn't believe this country would ever elect an African American to the presidency. I still don't believe I'll live long enough to see us white people get over our racism problem. But here's my three-point plan:
First, everyday that Barack Obama lives in the White House that Black Slaves Built I'm going to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect him and his family from us white people.

Second, I'm going to report to the FBI any white person I overhear saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening nature about President Obama.

Third, I'm going to pray to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, when white people can "in spirit and in truth" sing of our damnable color prejudice, "We HAVE overcome."

Andrew Manis is author of Macon Black and White and serves on the steering committee of Macon's Center for Racial understanding.
It takes a Village to protect our President!!!

Day of service

2008-12-10T13:39:00.001-05:00

4 days of inaugural events feature day of service
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_inauguration
we must follow this example & maybe attempt to surpass it on the grass roots level. Every church must pour out of our salt shakers & turn the porch lights on in the Hood

Trumped by God?

2008-12-08T23:30:00.001-05:00

According to Trump
God’s has the whole financial world in his hands !
Trump was sued last week by a German bank for failing to make a loan payment. In recent court filings, Trump cited the “Act of God” clause in his contract as sufficient reason for missing the payment and needing an extension. The court will now have to decide if God has sufficient fault in the recent market problems to warrant the blame
What is God doing? Is he simply allowing descions to play out to there foregone conclusions . Some saints say what is going on is the work of the evil one, do you think both have a hand in what’s going? With their being human responsibility involved a 3rd hand? Well to make it complete a wicked human hand & the church must have a hand in this stuff? Or is it all in God’s hand?

Simple or strategic

2008-12-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

Is this a simple solution to a complex problem, Americans give more than any country in the world. Will God not honor our past giving to the poor during our present time of need?

To whom are Americans indebted: Almighty dollar or God almighty?
Kendall Wingrove
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812020306
Instead of legislating, taxing and spending our way out of this mess, it's time to realize that the solution has been around for 2,000 years.
While we drown in debt and beg for bailouts, Jesus offers a peace that can calm the storms of life. In John 14:6 in the Bible, he said: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Earlier in the book of John, it chronicles how Jesus went to Jerusalem and found men around the temple selling cattle, sheep and doves and others sitting around exchanging money. He drove them from the sacred area, scattering the coins of the money changers and overturning their tables.
According to Jesus, a person's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. The real value is found in a person's soul. The day of reckoning has arrived, and all must ask: Does the almighty dollar merit worship, or is it in God that we trust?
A new occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue might make a difference. But let's have the audacity to hope that Americans are able to change. Yes we can.

crisis crunch church's?

2008-12-02T00:31:00.001-05:00

Churches Stand to Lose Several Billion Dollars in Lost DonationsDue to Economic Downturn

Millions of Americans have already suffered serious financiallosses in the wake of the sub-prime mortgage crisis and othereconomic challenges. A new survey from The Barna Group describeshow Americans are dealing with the hardship and the impact thedeclining economy will have on churches and non-profitorganizations. The survey revealed how churches are attempting tohelp people cope with the situation, and also reports on thelevel of optimism people have about an economic recovery. To readthis new study, click hereChurch Donations: http://m1e.net/c?31365529-F38Jx/YWNR19w%403796676-dbMLdI73wOJUA

PC
I have been in the business of financial advising and planning for +30 years now. At the core of my work, I see the complete financial picture of families that work with me. The good, the bad and the ugly. Today is the roughest I have seen since the 70’s.

1. Remember this is a survey. It asked people their “opinion” but it did not seek facts to verify.
2. In the survey 68% state they have experienced a financial setback. The majority of the financial setbacks have been a “net worth” setback. Not income. Most stock market indexes are down 45% in past 12 months. In fact in the past 10 years there is a negative return in most indexes. Typical giving is from earned income, not net worth. But because of the dominate chatter of bad bad bad, a person with no discernable change in income could grab onto this and find themselves not giving because things are “bad” out there. And from a distance, everyone agrees. Up close and personal, most people do not have an income problem of any greater level today than they did 5-10 years ago. BTW, “most” is used here as more than 51% of the people.
3. If your 401-k is down 50% but your income remains relatively untouched you have no ‘cover” for backing off with giving. I can say with confidence that most families have a spending problem and not an income problem. The savings rate per capita have bordered on negative for the past 5-6 years.
4. Cutting back is good because we did the opposite for the past 25 years. Painful? yes. Needed? yes. That goes for churches and para-churches as well. Interesting how “cutting back” actually accentuates the problems in the economy in the short run, BTW. One of the biggest problems at the macro level right now is the lack of spending! Seriously. But on the micro level with individual families, cut backs are way past due. At most levels of income.
5. The biggest challenge for ministry leaders continues to be this: people need to know what they really need to know. Not just what they want to hear. ....KG

· 70’s elaborate?
1970-no internet, no email, no CNBC, CNN, FOX broadcasting 24/7 about bad bad bad. Things were what they were but the general psyche was not as vulnerable as it is today to mass communication. Ignorance was bliss. Viet Nam ended ugly. President resigned in disgrace. OPEC shut off the oil. Iranian hostage. Home mortgage 12%! Not good.

That funk lasted a decade. Guess what exploded? The entrepreneurial spirit. People were forced to either fold or invent their job. To compete or quit. And a leader stood up and said things that inspired hope instead of exploiting defeat. He spoke to the soul of the nation at a time we were ready to listen. That is why I have come to the conclusion that Obama could become a great leader or just a good (or worse) leader. ..KG

prayer for sis church in India

2008-12-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

The school we built is in Nelamangala, a large town about 25 miles outside of Bangalore on the road to Mumbai. The school and church are safe so far, but there have been some attacks on Christians around the area. There are some new Hindu government leaders in Nelamangala, and they are not quite as friendly to the school as the previous leaders. The new ones are trying to obtain bribes from the school in order to get their permits renewed. A former government leader is the chair of the school's board of directors, and he is using his influence to protest the practices of some of the government leaders there. Thanks for the prayers. I will keep you posted of any urgent news.
Pastor James Martin

attuide of grattuide

2008-11-26T21:31:00.000-05:00

this is my mantra all day thanksgiving day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx_vdEZQnBc

new leadership emerging

2008-11-21T13:44:00.002-05:00

this is from one of the members @ The Dale...........
Today’ newspaper reports that our Detroit City Council refused to approve a measure asking Detroiters if we wanted to review and possibly revise our City Charter. The resolution failed 4-3 with one member being absent for the vote. Even though there are other methods of remedying some of the glaring problems with the Charter short of pulling together a full Charter Commission, it should be clear to everyone that Detroit government is long overdue for an overhaul that should include a Charter review and revision. Now that the resolution has failed Detroiters will not have a chance to get a review process started in February. What Are We Waiting For? Do we need another crisis of leadership? Isn’t it apparent that the Charter needs to be revised, and even if you don’t agree with every possible suggestion for changes to the Charter shouldn’t voters get a chance to say yes or no. As it now stands we may have to wait until 2018 for the next Charter mandated review and only God knows what might happen between now and then.

Detroit needs political leaders and public servants who understand that they cannot substitute their judgment for the wishes of the people. I believe that Detroiters are ready for an official review of its Charter. The Charter provides for a mechanism by which the council at any time can place a request for a revision of the Charter on the ballot during any official election. Yesterday our council failed to lead and failed to give Detroiters a chance to say whether we wanted to convene an early Charter Commission. Perhaps the questions should be – What Is There to Be Afraid Of?

As a candidate for Detroit City Council I support an official review and revision of the Detroit City Charter. As an elected member of the council I will work to build consensus to do the same and introduce or support any appropriate amendments to the Charter within the authority of the council. Together We Can Do This (and we have to)!