Pastor Calls Flock Devils, Demons
Members say they were refused Communion
Updated: Tuesday, 15 Mar 2011, 6:39 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 15 Mar 2011, 6:39 PM CDT
HOUSTON - Members of the small congregation at Houston Unity Baptist Church said when they refused to give the pastor their tax refunds; he refused to give them their Communion.
Some members of the church spoke with FOX 26 anonymously.
"He said for all those who are getting a tax refund, ‘How many are you are going to give it to the church’?" James said.
Pastor John Goodman said while he refused Communion, it wasn't because his members didn't donate their tax refunds to the church. It’s because they've failed to step up and do what's needed to keep the church afloat.
"I asked if there were any other members, which I know it is, that got income tax money. I ask if they would like to contribute it over here to the new parking lot."
When asked if he withheld Communion, Pastor Goodman said absolutely but it wasn’t because of the tax refund issue. He said it was because of internal issues in the church he refused to disclose.
Goodman said only 4 or 5 members in the church actually help with bills, but he called the rest of his congregation devils and demons.
Pastor Goodman said he was attempting to get donations to build a new parking lot at the church.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Who loves "causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings"? May u be removed fr your post soon
Home Ministry urged to release Bibles
By STEPHEN THEN, RINTOS MAIL and ALLISON LAI
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Sunday March 13, 2011
MIRI: The Sarawak Government wants the Home Ministry to release all impounded or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state government could not understand the rationale behind such a treatment of the Bible or why the Bahasa Malaysia version could not be imported into the country.
“The state government is also willing to print the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia if the ones from Indonesia are not acceptable,” he told reporters here on the latest controversy over the impounding of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan said there never were such problems in Sarawak and he could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians”.
“In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side by side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other. We don’t have any problem with race or religion.”
The Home Ministry has said the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Dr Chan said state government leaders would discuss the matter at the next state Cabinet meeting and also bring up the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Asked if the state government was worried about any potential political repercussion during the coming state election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not over political reasons, but because such acts went against justice.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated in churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Other politicians have joined in the call for the release of the Bibles.
PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas said the usage of Bahasa Malaysia had increased, and that it was only natural that other religions would also use the national language in their religious literature.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called for the release of the Bibles to preserve the country’s peaceful practice of cultural and religious diversity.
Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita) head Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the Malay language was the language for everyone in the country.
“We cannot prevent people from using the language just because (a certain group) wants to use it for its religious reasons.”
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said since the Government had allowed Christians in Sarawak and Sabah to use the word “Allah”, it had no reason to ban the Bibles from being brought into the two states.
“Pakatan has no qualms about Christians using the word ‘Allah’,” he said at the launch of the PKR Convention in Kuching.
By STEPHEN THEN, RINTOS MAIL and ALLISON LAI
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Sunday March 13, 2011
MIRI: The Sarawak Government wants the Home Ministry to release all impounded or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state government could not understand the rationale behind such a treatment of the Bible or why the Bahasa Malaysia version could not be imported into the country.
“The state government is also willing to print the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia if the ones from Indonesia are not acceptable,” he told reporters here on the latest controversy over the impounding of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan said there never were such problems in Sarawak and he could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians”.
“In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side by side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other. We don’t have any problem with race or religion.”
The Home Ministry has said the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Dr Chan said state government leaders would discuss the matter at the next state Cabinet meeting and also bring up the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Asked if the state government was worried about any potential political repercussion during the coming state election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not over political reasons, but because such acts went against justice.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated in churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Other politicians have joined in the call for the release of the Bibles.
PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas said the usage of Bahasa Malaysia had increased, and that it was only natural that other religions would also use the national language in their religious literature.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called for the release of the Bibles to preserve the country’s peaceful practice of cultural and religious diversity.
Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita) head Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the Malay language was the language for everyone in the country.
“We cannot prevent people from using the language just because (a certain group) wants to use it for its religious reasons.”
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said since the Government had allowed Christians in Sarawak and Sabah to use the word “Allah”, it had no reason to ban the Bibles from being brought into the two states.
“Pakatan has no qualms about Christians using the word ‘Allah’,” he said at the launch of the PKR Convention in Kuching.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
You helped me once
Source
There were once two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got desperately low, and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital and devote the profits to their board and tuition.
The great pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of two thousand dollars. The students, undaunted, proceeded to stage the concert. They worked hard, only to find that the concert had raised only sixteen hundred dollars.
After the concert, the students sought the great artist and told him of their efforts and results. They gave him the entire sixteen hundred dollars, and accompanied it with a promissory note for four hundred dollars, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment and send the money to him. "No," replied Paderewski, "that won’t do."
Then tearing the note to shreds, he returned the money and said to them: "Now, take out of this sixteen hundred dollars all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest."
The years rolled by--years of fortune and destiny. Paderewski had become premier of Poland. The devastating war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the starving thousands of his beloved Poland.
There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski and his people. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Polish premier.
After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him.
"That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski," was Mr. Hoover’s reply. "Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole."
Compassion is an investment that brings great returns!
There were once two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got desperately low, and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital and devote the profits to their board and tuition.
The great pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of two thousand dollars. The students, undaunted, proceeded to stage the concert. They worked hard, only to find that the concert had raised only sixteen hundred dollars.
After the concert, the students sought the great artist and told him of their efforts and results. They gave him the entire sixteen hundred dollars, and accompanied it with a promissory note for four hundred dollars, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment and send the money to him. "No," replied Paderewski, "that won’t do."
Then tearing the note to shreds, he returned the money and said to them: "Now, take out of this sixteen hundred dollars all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest."
The years rolled by--years of fortune and destiny. Paderewski had become premier of Poland. The devastating war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the starving thousands of his beloved Poland.
There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski and his people. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Polish premier.
After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him.
"That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski," was Mr. Hoover’s reply. "Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole."
Compassion is an investment that brings great returns!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A subversive force for love
Source
There are many examples of people, both ancient and contemporary, who have hungered for righteousness and proven themselves to be filled with the fire of God's love.
I think for example of Maria Skobstova, an aristocrat who became an intellectual, an intellectual who became a nun, a nun who became a subversive force for love.
She sought to make straight that which had been made crooked among the poor, in prisons, in insane asylums because she saw every human being as intrinsically valuable, as an "icon of God."
In 1942, when Jews were being rounded up in German-occupied Paris, Maria managed to organize the rescue of children who she smuggled out of the sports stadium in garbage bins with the help of garbage collectors.
She did not relent in her work on behalf of the oppressed even though she was aware she was under Nazi surveillance.
Finally, she was sent to the concentration camp at Ravensbruck, where, still burning with the holy passion and hunger for righteousness, a desire that had become a flame of love, she continued to assist and care for those who were suffering with her.
She nearly made it to the end, and even as Russian troops were advancing on the camp, she put herself in the place of another woman condemned to die, and died in her place.
Her hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied as she herself became righteous, and, like Christ, she become one who helped others in the cause for justice.
There are many examples of people, both ancient and contemporary, who have hungered for righteousness and proven themselves to be filled with the fire of God's love.
I think for example of Maria Skobstova, an aristocrat who became an intellectual, an intellectual who became a nun, a nun who became a subversive force for love.
She sought to make straight that which had been made crooked among the poor, in prisons, in insane asylums because she saw every human being as intrinsically valuable, as an "icon of God."
In 1942, when Jews were being rounded up in German-occupied Paris, Maria managed to organize the rescue of children who she smuggled out of the sports stadium in garbage bins with the help of garbage collectors.
She did not relent in her work on behalf of the oppressed even though she was aware she was under Nazi surveillance.
Finally, she was sent to the concentration camp at Ravensbruck, where, still burning with the holy passion and hunger for righteousness, a desire that had become a flame of love, she continued to assist and care for those who were suffering with her.
She nearly made it to the end, and even as Russian troops were advancing on the camp, she put herself in the place of another woman condemned to die, and died in her place.
Her hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied as she herself became righteous, and, like Christ, she become one who helped others in the cause for justice.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Are you ready to rumble?
ACPE Word of the Lord 2011
Each year, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE) meets to seek the Lord for the prophetic word. This is a team of respected prophets who have the conviction that they are an Acts 13:1-3 model. This passage notes that it was the Holy Spirit giving the word as a consensus among the group and not just to one prophet. So, even though this is a compilation of the prophecies that we have each brought to the round table meeting, it was the general consensus of the ACPE members that the Holy Spirit was speaking the following prophetic words to us.
The ACPE has met now since 1999. This year, for the first time, we invited a group of emerging young leaders to join us. As a result, we probably had the most powerful time of seeking the Lord that we have ever known. At the end of the meeting, a time of impartation took place.
While we are calling this a prophecy for 2011, it is to be understood that the time frames for the fulfillment of prophecies cannot only be confined to a calendar year period, thus this constitutes more of a seasonal prophetic word.
It is also a given that, in some cases, the obedience of the people to respond can either delay, change, or alter what we have seen by the Spirit during this time.
The Year of Transitions
This will either be a year of open heavens or a year of the perfect storm.
The number 11 has the biblical meaning of transitions. 2011 is the year where we are transitioning from one place to another. Where we will end up at the end of this time depends, in many regards, on how we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
2011 will be a year of great pressure and stress, particularly, the first three months when it will seem as if we are in a toe-to-toe battle with the forces of evil.
This is a Tipping Point Year
If, in the middle of the pressure of the season, we faint and lose heart, the scale will tip away from us and there is a possibility of great loss and defeat.
The Year of the Straits
The number 11 can be likened to places in the earth such as the Straits of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. We will, at times, feel constricted, but the narrowing of the way will only cause us to go to the new place that God has for us in the season if we do not fail the test during the pressure.
The Birth Canal
Another analogy that the Lord gave us was the number 11 is like a birth canal. The baby being born is going from the comfort of the womb to the stress and discomfort of being born into a new, large life.
Dreaming Dreams
Joseph shared his dreams with his 11 brothers; represented by 11 stars in Genesis 37:9 and it caused great relational stress. God will pour out a season of dreams and visions this year even among the very young. Watch out for relational stress and keep your heart right in the middle of it.
The Year of Great Expectations
Expect the unexpected in this coming year.
Hebrews 11:11 is key:
“By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
Expect a miracle! God wants to break the barrenness in your life of hope deferred. Many have given up on their dreams and downsized what they believe for because of the times. God’s Kingdom is an ever-increasing Kingdom and He is for advance and not retreat.
This is not a time to compromise what God has said to you, but rather to believe that all things are possible. God is not a man that He would lie. If He said he would do something, He has not changed His mind.
A Time of Preparation, Going Deeper into God and Intimacy
New assignments will be passed out in this year of transition for those who do not draw back in the season of testing and fire. Go deeper in God and draw refreshing from His presence and you will make it to your new place of advancement and anointing.
Proverbs 20:5:
“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.”
Creative Miracles
The level of the miraculous will increase with the Creator loosing miracles of creation that will directly oppose the spirits of humanism and intellectualism.
The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David
Great emphasis will be upon worship again this year. Worship is the key! Many new 24-hour houses of worship will spring up across the world and result in an open heaven over nations and many souls saved. It is harvest time!
Acts 15:16-17:
“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, says the Lord who does all things.”
Great Harvest of those in the Arts/Entertainment Field
Extraordinary moves of God will occur in the entertainment and motion picture industry. Bold, new, unashamed voices will arise and many will listen to their testimonies.
Word for the United States
The nation hangs in the balance and this is not a time to grow weary of praying and acting on behalf of righteousness and justice. Don’t let the pressure of the season cause you to retreat into entertainment rather than standing on top of what is happening around you.
We must watch for terrorist attacks as many are having dreams and visions of coming attacks.
One of the illustrations given to us was the phrase, “Are you ready to rumble?” This is used among wrestling aficionados as the match begins. It does more than alert the contestants that the match will start; it also creates an excited expectation in the crowd. God is asking the Christians in America today, “Are you ready to rumble?” The game is at hand and there needs to be a climax of excitement as we anticipate God’s next move in the land.
2011 is one of the most critical years in the nation’s history and the foundations are burning and are in danger of being destroyed. We must fast and pray and take extraordinary measures to “rumble” both the heavens and the earth.
The Eleventh Hour 11-11-11
This date will have a special significance in this “eleventh hour” time frame.
John 11:11 says:
“Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I go that I may awaken him from slumber.”
The Mayflower Compact was signed on 11-11, 1620 and God is looking for a new generation of reformers who will make a covenant with God and others to stand and fight to awaken this nation in this dire moment of history.
Proverbs 11:11:
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”
World
There is a worldwide student-led volunteer movement being birthed across the face of the earth. Satan is going to try and start wars such as he did when the first student volunteer movement started around the turn of the 20th century. World War I effectually shut down the movement as students went to war at times against each other. We must pray against the starting of a third world war, as Satan wants to escalate world events for His purposes.
Psalms 110:3:
“In the day of Your power your youth shall be volunteers.”
Korea
Particular prayer needs to take place for Korea as one of the greatest missions movements is destined to come out of this nation that will go to the ends of the earth.
We also strongly felt that President Lee should stand firm against North Korea’s aggression.
Middle East
A more widespread persecution will arise against the believers if we do not begin to intercede for the Middle East. However, there will be a move of God of the youth in nations such as Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia who will not love their lives unto death.
Economy
We must intercede against hyperinflation that will strangle the ability of people of give to world missions.
Intellectual Properties
A great release of new wealth will come from ideas given from God in the form of intellectual properties. A new creative anointing of ideas for those who will use the wealth for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Children
We are on the verge of a great Children’s Awakening that will span the globe. Child evangelists will begin to preach in churches and large arenas and thousand will be saved and healed.
Compiled by:
Cindy Jacobs
ACPE Convening Apostle
January 5, 2011
Each year, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE) meets to seek the Lord for the prophetic word. This is a team of respected prophets who have the conviction that they are an Acts 13:1-3 model. This passage notes that it was the Holy Spirit giving the word as a consensus among the group and not just to one prophet. So, even though this is a compilation of the prophecies that we have each brought to the round table meeting, it was the general consensus of the ACPE members that the Holy Spirit was speaking the following prophetic words to us.
The ACPE has met now since 1999. This year, for the first time, we invited a group of emerging young leaders to join us. As a result, we probably had the most powerful time of seeking the Lord that we have ever known. At the end of the meeting, a time of impartation took place.
While we are calling this a prophecy for 2011, it is to be understood that the time frames for the fulfillment of prophecies cannot only be confined to a calendar year period, thus this constitutes more of a seasonal prophetic word.
It is also a given that, in some cases, the obedience of the people to respond can either delay, change, or alter what we have seen by the Spirit during this time.
The Year of Transitions
This will either be a year of open heavens or a year of the perfect storm.
The number 11 has the biblical meaning of transitions. 2011 is the year where we are transitioning from one place to another. Where we will end up at the end of this time depends, in many regards, on how we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
2011 will be a year of great pressure and stress, particularly, the first three months when it will seem as if we are in a toe-to-toe battle with the forces of evil.
This is a Tipping Point Year
If, in the middle of the pressure of the season, we faint and lose heart, the scale will tip away from us and there is a possibility of great loss and defeat.
The Year of the Straits
The number 11 can be likened to places in the earth such as the Straits of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. We will, at times, feel constricted, but the narrowing of the way will only cause us to go to the new place that God has for us in the season if we do not fail the test during the pressure.
The Birth Canal
Another analogy that the Lord gave us was the number 11 is like a birth canal. The baby being born is going from the comfort of the womb to the stress and discomfort of being born into a new, large life.
Dreaming Dreams
Joseph shared his dreams with his 11 brothers; represented by 11 stars in Genesis 37:9 and it caused great relational stress. God will pour out a season of dreams and visions this year even among the very young. Watch out for relational stress and keep your heart right in the middle of it.
The Year of Great Expectations
Expect the unexpected in this coming year.
Hebrews 11:11 is key:
“By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
Expect a miracle! God wants to break the barrenness in your life of hope deferred. Many have given up on their dreams and downsized what they believe for because of the times. God’s Kingdom is an ever-increasing Kingdom and He is for advance and not retreat.
This is not a time to compromise what God has said to you, but rather to believe that all things are possible. God is not a man that He would lie. If He said he would do something, He has not changed His mind.
A Time of Preparation, Going Deeper into God and Intimacy
New assignments will be passed out in this year of transition for those who do not draw back in the season of testing and fire. Go deeper in God and draw refreshing from His presence and you will make it to your new place of advancement and anointing.
Proverbs 20:5:
“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.”
Creative Miracles
The level of the miraculous will increase with the Creator loosing miracles of creation that will directly oppose the spirits of humanism and intellectualism.
The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David
Great emphasis will be upon worship again this year. Worship is the key! Many new 24-hour houses of worship will spring up across the world and result in an open heaven over nations and many souls saved. It is harvest time!
Acts 15:16-17:
“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, says the Lord who does all things.”
Great Harvest of those in the Arts/Entertainment Field
Extraordinary moves of God will occur in the entertainment and motion picture industry. Bold, new, unashamed voices will arise and many will listen to their testimonies.
Word for the United States
The nation hangs in the balance and this is not a time to grow weary of praying and acting on behalf of righteousness and justice. Don’t let the pressure of the season cause you to retreat into entertainment rather than standing on top of what is happening around you.
We must watch for terrorist attacks as many are having dreams and visions of coming attacks.
One of the illustrations given to us was the phrase, “Are you ready to rumble?” This is used among wrestling aficionados as the match begins. It does more than alert the contestants that the match will start; it also creates an excited expectation in the crowd. God is asking the Christians in America today, “Are you ready to rumble?” The game is at hand and there needs to be a climax of excitement as we anticipate God’s next move in the land.
2011 is one of the most critical years in the nation’s history and the foundations are burning and are in danger of being destroyed. We must fast and pray and take extraordinary measures to “rumble” both the heavens and the earth.
The Eleventh Hour 11-11-11
This date will have a special significance in this “eleventh hour” time frame.
John 11:11 says:
“Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I go that I may awaken him from slumber.”
The Mayflower Compact was signed on 11-11, 1620 and God is looking for a new generation of reformers who will make a covenant with God and others to stand and fight to awaken this nation in this dire moment of history.
Proverbs 11:11:
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”
World
There is a worldwide student-led volunteer movement being birthed across the face of the earth. Satan is going to try and start wars such as he did when the first student volunteer movement started around the turn of the 20th century. World War I effectually shut down the movement as students went to war at times against each other. We must pray against the starting of a third world war, as Satan wants to escalate world events for His purposes.
Psalms 110:3:
“In the day of Your power your youth shall be volunteers.”
Korea
Particular prayer needs to take place for Korea as one of the greatest missions movements is destined to come out of this nation that will go to the ends of the earth.
We also strongly felt that President Lee should stand firm against North Korea’s aggression.
Middle East
A more widespread persecution will arise against the believers if we do not begin to intercede for the Middle East. However, there will be a move of God of the youth in nations such as Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia who will not love their lives unto death.
Economy
We must intercede against hyperinflation that will strangle the ability of people of give to world missions.
Intellectual Properties
A great release of new wealth will come from ideas given from God in the form of intellectual properties. A new creative anointing of ideas for those who will use the wealth for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Children
We are on the verge of a great Children’s Awakening that will span the globe. Child evangelists will begin to preach in churches and large arenas and thousand will be saved and healed.
Compiled by:
Cindy Jacobs
ACPE Convening Apostle
January 5, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
USA has about 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million
Poll: 2 of 3 U.S. Muslim Converts Left Christian Roots
Wed, May. 23, 2007 Posted: 05:10 PM EDT
WASHINGTON – Two-thirds (67 percent) of all converts to Islam in the United States came from a Protestant background, according to the first nationwide survey to measure the demographics, attitudes, and experiences of Muslim Americans.
Not much was formerly known about the Muslim American population in terms of their attitudes and opinions, but the new survey by the Pew Research Center found that Muslim Americans, in comparison to the rest of the world, have the unique feature of consisting of a relatively large number of converts to the religion – nearly a quarter. Almost all conversions are native-born (91 percent) and almost three-fifths (59 percent) of converts to Islam are African American.
Most converts to Islam gave as reasons for their conversions: the appeal of Islam’s teachings, the belief that Islam is superior to Christianity, or that religion “made sense” to them.
Only 18 percent of converts said family reasons, such as marrying a Muslim, was reason for conversion.
The new landmark study seeks to understand the growing segment of American society when little quantitative research about the attitudes and opinions of Muslim Americans has been conducted. It compares the attitudes of the Muslim population with those of the general U.S. population and Muslims worldwide and understanding the similarities and differences of this American population.
The study found that not only are Muslim Americans largely similar to the rest of the country in terms of income, education level, and economic satisfaction, they also share common values and attitudes and, in general, subscribe to a “decidedly” American worldview.
The majority of Muslim Americans have a generally positive view of society and believe in the American dream. A full 71 percent said they believe that if a person works hard they can be successful in the United States.
Moreover, despite the fact 65 percent of Muslims in the country are first-generation Americans they believe that Muslims living in the United States should try and adopt American customs instead of trying to remain distinct from society.
U.S. Muslims were also more likely than most European Muslims to describe themselves by nationality before religion. Only forty-seven percent of Muslim Americans think of themselves first as a Muslim before an American compared to Britain where 81 percent said they are first Muslim and then British.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of Muslim Americans – nearly two-to-one (63 percent – 32 percent) – do not see a conflict between being a devout Muslim and living in a modern society.
Yet most U.S. Muslims still say that religion is very important to them, similar to other Americans. Most pray every day and four-in-ten attend a mosque at least once a week. The majority of Muslims also accept the Koran as the word of their god, but only half says that it should be taken literally, according to the study. Instead, most Muslims say there are multiple ways to interpret the teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, U.S. Muslims, for the most part, reject Islamic extremism. However, there are sectors of the population where acceptance of the ideology is more popular.
For instance, younger U.S. Muslims are more likely than older Muslim Americans to say suicide bombing in defense of Islam can at least be sometimes justifiable.
Meanwhile, U.S.-born African American Muslims were less likely than other Muslim Americans to condemn al Qaeda.
The Pew Research Center conducted over 55,000 screening interviews in order to find a national sample of 1,050 Muslims living in the United States for the study.
There are an estimated 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million in the United States according to Pew Research Center.
Ethan Cole
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, May. 23, 2007 Posted: 05:10 PM EDT
WASHINGTON – Two-thirds (67 percent) of all converts to Islam in the United States came from a Protestant background, according to the first nationwide survey to measure the demographics, attitudes, and experiences of Muslim Americans.
Not much was formerly known about the Muslim American population in terms of their attitudes and opinions, but the new survey by the Pew Research Center found that Muslim Americans, in comparison to the rest of the world, have the unique feature of consisting of a relatively large number of converts to the religion – nearly a quarter. Almost all conversions are native-born (91 percent) and almost three-fifths (59 percent) of converts to Islam are African American.
Most converts to Islam gave as reasons for their conversions: the appeal of Islam’s teachings, the belief that Islam is superior to Christianity, or that religion “made sense” to them.
Only 18 percent of converts said family reasons, such as marrying a Muslim, was reason for conversion.
The new landmark study seeks to understand the growing segment of American society when little quantitative research about the attitudes and opinions of Muslim Americans has been conducted. It compares the attitudes of the Muslim population with those of the general U.S. population and Muslims worldwide and understanding the similarities and differences of this American population.
The study found that not only are Muslim Americans largely similar to the rest of the country in terms of income, education level, and economic satisfaction, they also share common values and attitudes and, in general, subscribe to a “decidedly” American worldview.
The majority of Muslim Americans have a generally positive view of society and believe in the American dream. A full 71 percent said they believe that if a person works hard they can be successful in the United States.
Moreover, despite the fact 65 percent of Muslims in the country are first-generation Americans they believe that Muslims living in the United States should try and adopt American customs instead of trying to remain distinct from society.
U.S. Muslims were also more likely than most European Muslims to describe themselves by nationality before religion. Only forty-seven percent of Muslim Americans think of themselves first as a Muslim before an American compared to Britain where 81 percent said they are first Muslim and then British.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of Muslim Americans – nearly two-to-one (63 percent – 32 percent) – do not see a conflict between being a devout Muslim and living in a modern society.
Yet most U.S. Muslims still say that religion is very important to them, similar to other Americans. Most pray every day and four-in-ten attend a mosque at least once a week. The majority of Muslims also accept the Koran as the word of their god, but only half says that it should be taken literally, according to the study. Instead, most Muslims say there are multiple ways to interpret the teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, U.S. Muslims, for the most part, reject Islamic extremism. However, there are sectors of the population where acceptance of the ideology is more popular.
For instance, younger U.S. Muslims are more likely than older Muslim Americans to say suicide bombing in defense of Islam can at least be sometimes justifiable.
Meanwhile, U.S.-born African American Muslims were less likely than other Muslim Americans to condemn al Qaeda.
The Pew Research Center conducted over 55,000 screening interviews in order to find a national sample of 1,050 Muslims living in the United States for the study.
There are an estimated 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million in the United States according to Pew Research Center.
Ethan Cole
Christian Post Reporter
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Insert your practice throughout your day
Seize the Moments
Jul 3, 2005
by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
Author and educator John Erskine was 14 when his piano teacher asked him if he practiced an hour at a time. John said yes.
His teacher said, "Well, don’t! When you grow up, time won’t come in long stretches. Practice in minutes. Insert your practice throughout your day — and music will become part of your life."
Years later, when John’s schedule allowed no time to write, he recalled his teacher’s words. He began to write in five- and ten-minute snatches. To his astonishment, within one week, he had a manuscript ready to revise.
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Dreams rarely arrive gift-wrapped in long stretches of time. So we seize the day . . . the hour . . . and the mighty minutes . . . in the high calling of our daily work.
Jul 3, 2005
by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
Author and educator John Erskine was 14 when his piano teacher asked him if he practiced an hour at a time. John said yes.
His teacher said, "Well, don’t! When you grow up, time won’t come in long stretches. Practice in minutes. Insert your practice throughout your day — and music will become part of your life."
Years later, when John’s schedule allowed no time to write, he recalled his teacher’s words. He began to write in five- and ten-minute snatches. To his astonishment, within one week, he had a manuscript ready to revise.
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Dreams rarely arrive gift-wrapped in long stretches of time. So we seize the day . . . the hour . . . and the mighty minutes . . . in the high calling of our daily work.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Do pray for your pastor
Straight Talk to Church Members about Their Pastors
Tue, Jun. 01, 2010 Posted: 11:16 AM EDT
I know. Pastors aren’t perfect. But they do have one of the toughest jobs in the world. Regardless of the church polity, they do have to answer to every church member. Please allow me to speak to you who are church members. I know most of you love your pastor. I know most of you respect your pastor. But you may not know how you can best help your pastor.
I have served as a pastor of four churches, and I have consulted with hundreds of pastors. In many ways, I think I understand the heart of a pastor. So would you allow me to share with you how to demonstrate love to your pastor? I put them in the form of five things not to do, and five things to do.
What Not to Do
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. I’ve tried to streamline the list some.
1. Don’t criticize or make critical suggestions to the pastor unless you have spent much time in prayer over the matter. Pastors have to deal with criticisms every week. It drains them. Also, don’t criticize the pastor’s family.
2. Don’t ask the pastor to make announcements right before the worship service. He needs to be focused on his sermon. Similarly, don’t say other things to him that may distract him before he preaches.
3. Don’t tell your pastor how he compares to other pastors.
4. Don’t expect the pastor to be at all the church events and functions you think he should attend. Most of the other church members want him at “their” events as well.
5. Don’t expect the pastor to be the primary pastoral care giver to all members, their relatives, their distant relatives, and the rest of the community within a 30-mile radius.
What to Do
As I have talked with pastors around the world, they have shared with me some of the steps church members have taken that have really encouraged them. Let me share five of them.
1. Do pray for your pastor. Send him an email to let him know you are praying for him.
2. Do encourage your pastor. He needs it because he’s human, and he needs it to balance the criticisms he hears.
3. Do work with the leadership of the church to make certain the pastor is getting sufficient rest, time off, and family time. Most pastors are on 24/7 call.
4. Do encourage the rest of the church to take on pastoral care responsibility, particularly through small groups and Sunday school classes. The pastor should be the primary care giver for the most urgent and serious of needs. The rest of the church should do the bulk of the ministry.
5. Do be faithful to the ministry of the church. Few things encourage a pastor as much as committed church members.
Remembering Frances Mason
The very first blog I wrote was about Frances Mason. She was one of those church members that every pastor loves. Upon her death, I noted several reasons why I loved her so dearly.
As I reflected back on Frances for this blog, I realized that she was the type of church member that embodied all the great characteristics that are noted in these ten action items for this article. She prayed for me. She encouraged me. She looked after my welfare. She was a totally committed church member.
Many pastors are hurting. Sometimes I think most pastors are hurting. They are looking for answers to help their lives and leadership.
And the good news is that you can be a part of the solution.
Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Thom S. Rainer
Christian Post Guest Columnist
Tue, Jun. 01, 2010 Posted: 11:16 AM EDT
I know. Pastors aren’t perfect. But they do have one of the toughest jobs in the world. Regardless of the church polity, they do have to answer to every church member. Please allow me to speak to you who are church members. I know most of you love your pastor. I know most of you respect your pastor. But you may not know how you can best help your pastor.
I have served as a pastor of four churches, and I have consulted with hundreds of pastors. In many ways, I think I understand the heart of a pastor. So would you allow me to share with you how to demonstrate love to your pastor? I put them in the form of five things not to do, and five things to do.
What Not to Do
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. I’ve tried to streamline the list some.
1. Don’t criticize or make critical suggestions to the pastor unless you have spent much time in prayer over the matter. Pastors have to deal with criticisms every week. It drains them. Also, don’t criticize the pastor’s family.
2. Don’t ask the pastor to make announcements right before the worship service. He needs to be focused on his sermon. Similarly, don’t say other things to him that may distract him before he preaches.
3. Don’t tell your pastor how he compares to other pastors.
4. Don’t expect the pastor to be at all the church events and functions you think he should attend. Most of the other church members want him at “their” events as well.
5. Don’t expect the pastor to be the primary pastoral care giver to all members, their relatives, their distant relatives, and the rest of the community within a 30-mile radius.
What to Do
As I have talked with pastors around the world, they have shared with me some of the steps church members have taken that have really encouraged them. Let me share five of them.
1. Do pray for your pastor. Send him an email to let him know you are praying for him.
2. Do encourage your pastor. He needs it because he’s human, and he needs it to balance the criticisms he hears.
3. Do work with the leadership of the church to make certain the pastor is getting sufficient rest, time off, and family time. Most pastors are on 24/7 call.
4. Do encourage the rest of the church to take on pastoral care responsibility, particularly through small groups and Sunday school classes. The pastor should be the primary care giver for the most urgent and serious of needs. The rest of the church should do the bulk of the ministry.
5. Do be faithful to the ministry of the church. Few things encourage a pastor as much as committed church members.
Remembering Frances Mason
The very first blog I wrote was about Frances Mason. She was one of those church members that every pastor loves. Upon her death, I noted several reasons why I loved her so dearly.
As I reflected back on Frances for this blog, I realized that she was the type of church member that embodied all the great characteristics that are noted in these ten action items for this article. She prayed for me. She encouraged me. She looked after my welfare. She was a totally committed church member.
Many pastors are hurting. Sometimes I think most pastors are hurting. They are looking for answers to help their lives and leadership.
And the good news is that you can be a part of the solution.
Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Thom S. Rainer
Christian Post Guest Columnist
What Millennials Want in Leaders
What Millennials Want in Leaders
Wed, Aug. 04, 2010 Posted: 12:03 PM EDT
The Millennial generation is the generation that has grabbed my heart. I know that my preference is largely related to having and loving three Millennial sons and their friends. But I know that my favoritism also stems from the attitude of hope that this generation brings.
As I have shared in other writings, my son, Jess Rainer, and I just concluded writing a book about this generation with the basic title, The Millennials. The book will be released in January 2011. Our work was based on a massive research project led by LifeWay Research, where that team asked 1,200 older Millennials dozens of questions in multiple categories. The responses were fascinating.
Who Are the Millennials?
As a reminder, the Millennials are America’s largest generation, over 78 million in number. They are slightly larger in number than the well-documented Baby Boomer generation.
The Millennials were born between 1980 and 2000, though our research included only the older portion of this generation, those born between 1980 and 1991. The study included demographic sampling that well represents the generation in total.
The Leadership Factor
Though we asked relatively few questions about leadership in our study, the intensity of their responses provided clear indication that this subject was one of great interest to many in this generation. At the conclusion of our study, we found four major leadership foci among the Millennials. We dubbed them simply “What Millennials Want in Leaders.”
1. Mentoring. This generation has great respect for those older than they are. Most of them have good relationships with their parents. They have learned from older people all their lives, and they don’t want to stop now. They want to be led and taught in their places of work, in their churches, and in their families. They particularly want to learn from couples who have had long and successful marriages. Many Millennials see such examples as heroes to emulate.
2. Gentle spirit. This category is easier to describe by what Millennials do not want in leaders. Divisive, loud, and acrimonious persons turn them off. They loathe politicians and political pundits who scream at each other. They are leaving churches to some extent because they see many Christian leaders as negative and prone to divisiveness. They are repulsed by business leaders with harsh and autocratic spirits.
3. Transparency and authenticity. I wish Jess and I had counted the number of times that Millennials used the word “real” to describe leaders they want to follow. As one Millennial told us, her generation “can smell phony and pretentiousness a mile away.” They don’t want phony; they want authentic. They don’t want pretentious; they want transparent.
4. Integrity. The Millennials are weary of politicians who don’t keep promises. They are tired of Christian leaders who fail basic moral standards. They are fed up with business leaders who are more concerned about personal gain than serving others. They want leaders with integrity.
Looking for a Few Good Leaders
The Millennial generation has much to offer. As a whole, they desire to serve others. Most of them are very family oriented. And they really want to listen and learn from others. Indeed they are looking for a few good leaders to follow. When they find them, they will follow with commitment and enthusiasm.
Our study of this generation was one of the most encouraging research projects in which I have been involved. I found great hope in the Millennials. I see great promise in many of them. And I found among them a hunger to learn from leaders they respect.
May we who have come before them be that type of leader.
The largest generation in America is watching us closely.
Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Thom S. Rainer
Christian Post Guest Columnist
Wed, Aug. 04, 2010 Posted: 12:03 PM EDT
The Millennial generation is the generation that has grabbed my heart. I know that my preference is largely related to having and loving three Millennial sons and their friends. But I know that my favoritism also stems from the attitude of hope that this generation brings.
As I have shared in other writings, my son, Jess Rainer, and I just concluded writing a book about this generation with the basic title, The Millennials. The book will be released in January 2011. Our work was based on a massive research project led by LifeWay Research, where that team asked 1,200 older Millennials dozens of questions in multiple categories. The responses were fascinating.
Who Are the Millennials?
As a reminder, the Millennials are America’s largest generation, over 78 million in number. They are slightly larger in number than the well-documented Baby Boomer generation.
The Millennials were born between 1980 and 2000, though our research included only the older portion of this generation, those born between 1980 and 1991. The study included demographic sampling that well represents the generation in total.
The Leadership Factor
Though we asked relatively few questions about leadership in our study, the intensity of their responses provided clear indication that this subject was one of great interest to many in this generation. At the conclusion of our study, we found four major leadership foci among the Millennials. We dubbed them simply “What Millennials Want in Leaders.”
1. Mentoring. This generation has great respect for those older than they are. Most of them have good relationships with their parents. They have learned from older people all their lives, and they don’t want to stop now. They want to be led and taught in their places of work, in their churches, and in their families. They particularly want to learn from couples who have had long and successful marriages. Many Millennials see such examples as heroes to emulate.
2. Gentle spirit. This category is easier to describe by what Millennials do not want in leaders. Divisive, loud, and acrimonious persons turn them off. They loathe politicians and political pundits who scream at each other. They are leaving churches to some extent because they see many Christian leaders as negative and prone to divisiveness. They are repulsed by business leaders with harsh and autocratic spirits.
3. Transparency and authenticity. I wish Jess and I had counted the number of times that Millennials used the word “real” to describe leaders they want to follow. As one Millennial told us, her generation “can smell phony and pretentiousness a mile away.” They don’t want phony; they want authentic. They don’t want pretentious; they want transparent.
4. Integrity. The Millennials are weary of politicians who don’t keep promises. They are tired of Christian leaders who fail basic moral standards. They are fed up with business leaders who are more concerned about personal gain than serving others. They want leaders with integrity.
Looking for a Few Good Leaders
The Millennial generation has much to offer. As a whole, they desire to serve others. Most of them are very family oriented. And they really want to listen and learn from others. Indeed they are looking for a few good leaders to follow. When they find them, they will follow with commitment and enthusiasm.
Our study of this generation was one of the most encouraging research projects in which I have been involved. I found great hope in the Millennials. I see great promise in many of them. And I found among them a hunger to learn from leaders they respect.
May we who have come before them be that type of leader.
The largest generation in America is watching us closely.
Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Thom S. Rainer
Christian Post Guest Columnist
5 Brainstorming Tips
Empower Your Team: 5 Brainstorming Tips by Jason Wilson
A new year is upon us, and with it comes all kinds of incredible possibilities! Have you made a plan for what worship will look like at your church in 2011?
Many churches have discovered the benefits of team worship design, but have yet to fully implement it. Ideas generated as a result of group creativity are exponential, and potential bad ideas can become launching pads for creativity.
Are you ready to soar on wings like eagles and make 2011 a year of transformation? A worship design team can make it happen, but first you have to know how to get off the ground…
In our latest book, Taking Flight With Creativity: Worship Design Teams That Work, we explore what it means to go from initial formation of a team to thriving creativity on a weekly basis.
Here are 5 brainstorming tips from Chapter 12 on brainstorming (edited down here in bite sized chunks):
1. Keep the brainstorming team small
Studies have shown that the most effective brainstorming groups consist of around 4 to 7 people. Any more than that and it’s hard to narrow down ideas and form consensus. Any less and it’s hard to have enough minds focused to generate good ideas.
2. Even the playing field
The best creative groups find a way to check hierarchical structure at the door. No one wants to look bad in the eyes of their superiors, and brainstorming (from an ego standpoint) can be pretty risky. The “flatter” the team feels organizationally, the better the brainstorming will be.
3. Keep the group closed
As stated, brainstorming can be risky business that encourages team members to expose their ideas, and themselves, to both praise and honest criticism. In our experience, the best balm for criticism is trust. A closed team – the same exact group of people, meeting together regularly – can build up enough trust and small group intimacy to allow honest critique to thrive without bruising egos too badly.
4. No bad ideas
It is an oft-stated maxim of group brainstorming that no idea is a bad idea. This nugget of truth applies particularly to the early development stages of a brainstorming session. Although this rule often plays out better in theory than in an actual creative meeting, it is important to allow for “popcorn” creativity. Good brainstorming allows the conversation to flow, even if it seems radically unfocused. A group freedom of thought is essential to new idea formation.
5. Make it fun
Brainstorming novices may initially find the process of creative worship design intimidating, but will soon learn that there is much fun to be had. New teams discover over time that this level of fun will grow. On the other hand, veteran teams may become tired of the process.
Whether building a new team or responding to potential creative burnout on a veteran team, be intentional about finding ways to inspire. Here are a few suggestions:
a) Spice up your environment. Conference/classrooms aren’t the most inspiring places to meet, even though they are commonly used for brainstorming meetings. Use color on the walls, hang posters, and maybe even add a ping-pong or foosball table to the room. Ditch the uncomfortable chairs for sofas, recliners, and beanbags.
b) Play games with a creative bent such as Balderdash, Cranium, Pictionary, etc. This will exercise team creative muscles in a fun and semi-work related way.
c) Fellowship together in a way the team hasn’t before. Eat dinner/lunch together. Go to the movies. Visit a theme park as a group. Go on a retreat.
d) Change up the brainstorming process by throwing an object (such as a ball) around the room. When the ball is caught, the catcher has to shout out an idea immediately, and then toss the ball to someone else.
If you’re ready to take the leap into the world of collaborative worship design, check out Taking Flight with Creativity: Worship Design Teams That Work. It’s like a worship design bootcamp in a book!
A new year is upon us, and with it comes all kinds of incredible possibilities! Have you made a plan for what worship will look like at your church in 2011?
Many churches have discovered the benefits of team worship design, but have yet to fully implement it. Ideas generated as a result of group creativity are exponential, and potential bad ideas can become launching pads for creativity.
Are you ready to soar on wings like eagles and make 2011 a year of transformation? A worship design team can make it happen, but first you have to know how to get off the ground…
In our latest book, Taking Flight With Creativity: Worship Design Teams That Work, we explore what it means to go from initial formation of a team to thriving creativity on a weekly basis.
Here are 5 brainstorming tips from Chapter 12 on brainstorming (edited down here in bite sized chunks):
1. Keep the brainstorming team small
Studies have shown that the most effective brainstorming groups consist of around 4 to 7 people. Any more than that and it’s hard to narrow down ideas and form consensus. Any less and it’s hard to have enough minds focused to generate good ideas.
2. Even the playing field
The best creative groups find a way to check hierarchical structure at the door. No one wants to look bad in the eyes of their superiors, and brainstorming (from an ego standpoint) can be pretty risky. The “flatter” the team feels organizationally, the better the brainstorming will be.
3. Keep the group closed
As stated, brainstorming can be risky business that encourages team members to expose their ideas, and themselves, to both praise and honest criticism. In our experience, the best balm for criticism is trust. A closed team – the same exact group of people, meeting together regularly – can build up enough trust and small group intimacy to allow honest critique to thrive without bruising egos too badly.
4. No bad ideas
It is an oft-stated maxim of group brainstorming that no idea is a bad idea. This nugget of truth applies particularly to the early development stages of a brainstorming session. Although this rule often plays out better in theory than in an actual creative meeting, it is important to allow for “popcorn” creativity. Good brainstorming allows the conversation to flow, even if it seems radically unfocused. A group freedom of thought is essential to new idea formation.
5. Make it fun
Brainstorming novices may initially find the process of creative worship design intimidating, but will soon learn that there is much fun to be had. New teams discover over time that this level of fun will grow. On the other hand, veteran teams may become tired of the process.
Whether building a new team or responding to potential creative burnout on a veteran team, be intentional about finding ways to inspire. Here are a few suggestions:
a) Spice up your environment. Conference/classrooms aren’t the most inspiring places to meet, even though they are commonly used for brainstorming meetings. Use color on the walls, hang posters, and maybe even add a ping-pong or foosball table to the room. Ditch the uncomfortable chairs for sofas, recliners, and beanbags.
b) Play games with a creative bent such as Balderdash, Cranium, Pictionary, etc. This will exercise team creative muscles in a fun and semi-work related way.
c) Fellowship together in a way the team hasn’t before. Eat dinner/lunch together. Go to the movies. Visit a theme park as a group. Go on a retreat.
d) Change up the brainstorming process by throwing an object (such as a ball) around the room. When the ball is caught, the catcher has to shout out an idea immediately, and then toss the ball to someone else.
If you’re ready to take the leap into the world of collaborative worship design, check out Taking Flight with Creativity: Worship Design Teams That Work. It’s like a worship design bootcamp in a book!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pray for me as I wld be flying to Kuching tis Fri - and we all hate delays!
AirAsia plane skids at Kuching airport
By SHAUN HO
Published: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:16:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:25:39 AM
KUALA LUMPUR: An AirAsia flight to Kuching skidded off the runway on Monday night and landed on the grass verge leaving four passengers with minor injuries.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said flight AK5218, which is an Airbus A320, was carrying 124 passengers and six crew members.
“The plane was landing during a downpour and that is when it skidded,” he said.
Kong said the plane had landed on soft soil on the verge of the runway. AirAsia and Kuching International Airport staff have been working to remove the plane for checks.
As a result of the incident, services at the airport was disrupted, with up to 11 flights to the Kuching International Airport affected.
“I expect services at the airport to resume by noon,” he said after opening the National Maritime Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia Group Chief Executive Datuk Tony Fernandes tweeted the incident and said that his staff were working to remove the plane.
“Working hard to remove aircraft. All passengers are home,” Fernandes said in his tweet.
Kuching International Airport closed temporarily to facilitate AirAsia aircraft removal works
Published: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:50:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:55:26 AM
KUCHING: The Kuching International Airport is expected to be closed until further notice Tuesday for arrival and departure flights, A Malaysia Airports Bhd statement said.
This was due to an incident on Monday night when an AirAsia flight AK5218 from Kuala Lumpur, upon landing on runway 25 at 10.02pm during heavy rain, skidded and veered of the runway at Kuching International Airport. All passengers were evacuated safely from the aircraft.
Actions to remove aircraft, together with AirAsia Engineering Team, are currently undertaken but the removal works are currently hampered by the continuous heavy rain since Monday night.
Only one flight was released for departure from Kuching International at 7.30am Tuesday - flight MH2505 to Kuala Lumpur.
At the time of release, the affected departure flights are:-
AirAsia
1. AK6036 departure to Kota Kinabalu at 6.10am
2. AK5203 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 6.15am
3. AK6562 departure to Bintulu at 6.20am
4. AK6526 departure to Bintulu at 8.35am
5. AK5201 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 9.35am
6. AK6673 departure to Singapore at 9.50am
7. AK5843 departure to Johor Bharu at 10.30am
8. AK6546 departure to Miri at 11.10am
9. AK5205 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 11.55am
10. AK6505 departure to Penang at 12.20pm
11. AK5207 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 1.55pm
Malaysia Airlines
1. MH2802 departure to Miri at 7.00am
2. MH2290 departure to Bintulu at 7.20am
3. MH2266 departure to Sibu at 10.30am
4. MH643 departure to Singapore at 10.40am
5. MH2507 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 11.05am
6. MH2653 departure to Johor Bharu at 12.05pm
7. MH2564 departure to Miri at 12.35pm
8. MH2513 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 12.45pm
MASWings
1. MH3692 departure to Sibu at 6.00am
2. MH3904 departure to Bintulu/Miri at 6.40am
3. MH3690 departure to Sibu at 7.00am
4. MH3711 departure to Tanjung Manis at 7.25am
5. MH3411 departure to Mukah at 9.10am
Passengers are advised to contact their airline’s offices to enquire about their flight status departing or arriving at Kuching International Airport.
Malaysia Airports is currently working closely with AirAsia and other related agencies at the airport to expedite the resumption of flight operations at the airport.
By SHAUN HO
Published: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:16:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:25:39 AM
KUALA LUMPUR: An AirAsia flight to Kuching skidded off the runway on Monday night and landed on the grass verge leaving four passengers with minor injuries.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said flight AK5218, which is an Airbus A320, was carrying 124 passengers and six crew members.
“The plane was landing during a downpour and that is when it skidded,” he said.
Kong said the plane had landed on soft soil on the verge of the runway. AirAsia and Kuching International Airport staff have been working to remove the plane for checks.
As a result of the incident, services at the airport was disrupted, with up to 11 flights to the Kuching International Airport affected.
“I expect services at the airport to resume by noon,” he said after opening the National Maritime Conference in Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia Group Chief Executive Datuk Tony Fernandes tweeted the incident and said that his staff were working to remove the plane.
“Working hard to remove aircraft. All passengers are home,” Fernandes said in his tweet.
Kuching International Airport closed temporarily to facilitate AirAsia aircraft removal works
Published: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:50:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday January 11, 2011 MYT 11:55:26 AM
KUCHING: The Kuching International Airport is expected to be closed until further notice Tuesday for arrival and departure flights, A Malaysia Airports Bhd statement said.
This was due to an incident on Monday night when an AirAsia flight AK5218 from Kuala Lumpur, upon landing on runway 25 at 10.02pm during heavy rain, skidded and veered of the runway at Kuching International Airport. All passengers were evacuated safely from the aircraft.
Actions to remove aircraft, together with AirAsia Engineering Team, are currently undertaken but the removal works are currently hampered by the continuous heavy rain since Monday night.
Only one flight was released for departure from Kuching International at 7.30am Tuesday - flight MH2505 to Kuala Lumpur.
At the time of release, the affected departure flights are:-
AirAsia
1. AK6036 departure to Kota Kinabalu at 6.10am
2. AK5203 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 6.15am
3. AK6562 departure to Bintulu at 6.20am
4. AK6526 departure to Bintulu at 8.35am
5. AK5201 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 9.35am
6. AK6673 departure to Singapore at 9.50am
7. AK5843 departure to Johor Bharu at 10.30am
8. AK6546 departure to Miri at 11.10am
9. AK5205 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 11.55am
10. AK6505 departure to Penang at 12.20pm
11. AK5207 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 1.55pm
Malaysia Airlines
1. MH2802 departure to Miri at 7.00am
2. MH2290 departure to Bintulu at 7.20am
3. MH2266 departure to Sibu at 10.30am
4. MH643 departure to Singapore at 10.40am
5. MH2507 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 11.05am
6. MH2653 departure to Johor Bharu at 12.05pm
7. MH2564 departure to Miri at 12.35pm
8. MH2513 departure to Kuala Lumpur at 12.45pm
MASWings
1. MH3692 departure to Sibu at 6.00am
2. MH3904 departure to Bintulu/Miri at 6.40am
3. MH3690 departure to Sibu at 7.00am
4. MH3711 departure to Tanjung Manis at 7.25am
5. MH3411 departure to Mukah at 9.10am
Passengers are advised to contact their airline’s offices to enquire about their flight status departing or arriving at Kuching International Airport.
Malaysia Airports is currently working closely with AirAsia and other related agencies at the airport to expedite the resumption of flight operations at the airport.
Not be reborn as a dog in its next life?
No expense spared for ‘daughter’ living in style
Tuesday January 11, 2011
A COUPLE in Singapore with no children are treating their pet dog Little Snow like their own daughter, reported China Press.
They feed it with good food, enrol it in social classes, take it to the spa and even to the Buddhist temple to join in their prayers.
Identified only as Liu, in his 40s and working in the publishing industry, the dog’s owner said he and his wife love three-year-old Little Snow like their own daughter.
To ensure it has a comfortable life, Liu said he buys for the dog organic vegetables and fish and sends it to salon and spa sessions every month.
They spend as much as S$500 (RM1,150) a month for these purposes as well S$400 (RM920) for the dog to “learn to socialise” by enrolling the dog in a training class, which is a 10-week hour-long session.
“We cook for the dog. A veterinarian told me it will not take dog food anymore once it is given cooked food,” said Liu.
Since they are Buddhists, the couple also take the dog to the temple from time to time “to seek blessings so that it will not be reborn as a dog in its next life”.
Another dog lover, retiree Lan Ping Chang, 59, said all his family members love dogs.
Besides dried food, he would buy organic vegetables, pumpkins, potatoes and brown rice to ensure his pet dog has enough nutrition.
He also shared his fish liver oil, bone and joint supplements and grape glucose drink with the dog.
Tuesday January 11, 2011
A COUPLE in Singapore with no children are treating their pet dog Little Snow like their own daughter, reported China Press.
They feed it with good food, enrol it in social classes, take it to the spa and even to the Buddhist temple to join in their prayers.
Identified only as Liu, in his 40s and working in the publishing industry, the dog’s owner said he and his wife love three-year-old Little Snow like their own daughter.
To ensure it has a comfortable life, Liu said he buys for the dog organic vegetables and fish and sends it to salon and spa sessions every month.
They spend as much as S$500 (RM1,150) a month for these purposes as well S$400 (RM920) for the dog to “learn to socialise” by enrolling the dog in a training class, which is a 10-week hour-long session.
“We cook for the dog. A veterinarian told me it will not take dog food anymore once it is given cooked food,” said Liu.
Since they are Buddhists, the couple also take the dog to the temple from time to time “to seek blessings so that it will not be reborn as a dog in its next life”.
Another dog lover, retiree Lan Ping Chang, 59, said all his family members love dogs.
Besides dried food, he would buy organic vegetables, pumpkins, potatoes and brown rice to ensure his pet dog has enough nutrition.
He also shared his fish liver oil, bone and joint supplements and grape glucose drink with the dog.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wrong beliefs lead to wrong actions
Hubby dumps wife and kids – on medium’s advice
By SHAUN HO
shaunho@thestar.com.my
Thursday January 6, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR: A superstitious husband stopped having sex with his wife after a temple medium convinced him she was a danger to his life.
The wife, who only wanted to be known as Loh, said her husband has now abandoned her and their two teenage children and is refusing to meet them as he fears for his life.
Self-employed Loh, 44, said her husband first started consulting the medium to solve personal problems.
She claimed her husband’s personality changed after daily meetings with him.
“The medium told my husband I had been casting spells on him for the past 15 years and that I was a demon trying to kill him.
“He refused to eat or drink at home because he thought I poisoned the food,” Loh told a press conference held at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department yesterday.
Loh also said there were no prior family problems and that her husband was very loving although he was superstitious.
“I know he misses the children and although my son calls him almost every day urging him to come back, he still refuses to see the children as he is afraid I will kill him through them,” she added.
She said her husband, a factory manager, moved out of the house on the medium’s advice in August and had been paying very little for living expenses and their children’s school fees.
He withdrew the children’s savings totalling RM37,000 before moving out and recently asked for a divorce.
Loh is worried the medium is taking advantage of her husband’s trust in him, claiming the medium is also heavily in debt.
Loh had also found a newspaper report published in 2002 about another man who had neglected his family after he was “helped” by the same medium.
Loh has lodged two police reports.
“We have known the medium and his family for 20 years. I do not know why he is doing this,” said Loh.
Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he had received three complaints this month involving victims who were duped by mediums.
By SHAUN HO
shaunho@thestar.com.my
Thursday January 6, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR: A superstitious husband stopped having sex with his wife after a temple medium convinced him she was a danger to his life.
The wife, who only wanted to be known as Loh, said her husband has now abandoned her and their two teenage children and is refusing to meet them as he fears for his life.
Self-employed Loh, 44, said her husband first started consulting the medium to solve personal problems.
She claimed her husband’s personality changed after daily meetings with him.
“The medium told my husband I had been casting spells on him for the past 15 years and that I was a demon trying to kill him.
“He refused to eat or drink at home because he thought I poisoned the food,” Loh told a press conference held at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department yesterday.
Loh also said there were no prior family problems and that her husband was very loving although he was superstitious.
“I know he misses the children and although my son calls him almost every day urging him to come back, he still refuses to see the children as he is afraid I will kill him through them,” she added.
She said her husband, a factory manager, moved out of the house on the medium’s advice in August and had been paying very little for living expenses and their children’s school fees.
He withdrew the children’s savings totalling RM37,000 before moving out and recently asked for a divorce.
Loh is worried the medium is taking advantage of her husband’s trust in him, claiming the medium is also heavily in debt.
Loh had also found a newspaper report published in 2002 about another man who had neglected his family after he was “helped” by the same medium.
Loh has lodged two police reports.
“We have known the medium and his family for 20 years. I do not know why he is doing this,” said Loh.
Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he had received three complaints this month involving victims who were duped by mediums.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
There are people who are worse off than I am right now
Unemployed Father Takes In Homeless Family For Christmas
Posted: 12-22-10 05:01 PM
Earlier this month, Gregory Schauer, 50, says he looked around his large, one-bedroom apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and realized that he was barely using his master bedroom. Since he slept on the couch most nights anyway, he decided the best thing he could do with all of his extra space would be to invite in a homeless family for the holidays.
"I wanted to help someone else out by at least providing them a roof for shelter and a Christmas tree," he told HuffPost. "I can just barely cover all my bills, but I know there are people who are worse off than I am right now."
Schauer, who has been collecting unemployment checks since he was laid off from his engineering job in late July, posted an ad on Craigslist offering up his empty bedroom to a needy family. He would take care of rent and utilities, he promised, as long as they could afford to feed themselves. A homeless woman with three young children responded to the ad.
"I took in a mother and her three kids who were living at a shelter," he said. "It's a very nice, cozy apartment where they don't have to worry about bills or going from shelter to shelter. At least I can give them that."
Schauer said his new tenant works at Anthony Wayne Services Foundation, an organization that helps disabled people be more independent, and is on food stamps to supplement her modest income and feed her children. All Schauer does, he says, is keep a roof over their heads.
"I try to give them their space," he said.
Meanwhile, Schauer has five children of his own, all of whom live with their mother. He has been scouring Craigslist for extra work this holiday season to be able to afford presents for them.
"I am unemployed but I want to be able to give my kids a Christmas," he wrote in a Craigslist ad. "I'm very educated and also very handy. Will do just about anything for Christmas money so I can get my kids some presents to open on Christmas morning."
Schauer said he has received no replies to this ad so far, and since he has been paying 50 percent of his unemployment checks to child support, the prospects of buying presents for his kids this year look grim. But despite a disappointing job search, he said he still feels "blessed" to be able to provide Christmas shelter to one other family.
"If it inspires anyone else to open their doors or their hearts to help anyone out, it was all worth it," he said.
Comments section
stoves48
11 hours ago (10:36 AM)
For all of you cold hearted skeptics out there who thought this was a stunt, I wrote to the author to see if I could send this guy some cash and this was the response that was sent from Greg Schauer,
"Please let them know that the best thing they can do is pass it on so to speak. Instead of sending me anything, call a shelter, sponsor a family for Christmas, give to the food pantries, spread the spirit of Christmas to as many people as they can. This would be Truly wonderful. God Bless everyone who wrote such nice things. To me you are wonderful people. The warmth and love in my heart for others has never been greater."
What a fantastic person this guy is. I aspire to be so generous in action and in spirit.
Posted: 12-22-10 05:01 PM
Earlier this month, Gregory Schauer, 50, says he looked around his large, one-bedroom apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and realized that he was barely using his master bedroom. Since he slept on the couch most nights anyway, he decided the best thing he could do with all of his extra space would be to invite in a homeless family for the holidays.
"I wanted to help someone else out by at least providing them a roof for shelter and a Christmas tree," he told HuffPost. "I can just barely cover all my bills, but I know there are people who are worse off than I am right now."
Schauer, who has been collecting unemployment checks since he was laid off from his engineering job in late July, posted an ad on Craigslist offering up his empty bedroom to a needy family. He would take care of rent and utilities, he promised, as long as they could afford to feed themselves. A homeless woman with three young children responded to the ad.
"I took in a mother and her three kids who were living at a shelter," he said. "It's a very nice, cozy apartment where they don't have to worry about bills or going from shelter to shelter. At least I can give them that."
Schauer said his new tenant works at Anthony Wayne Services Foundation, an organization that helps disabled people be more independent, and is on food stamps to supplement her modest income and feed her children. All Schauer does, he says, is keep a roof over their heads.
"I try to give them their space," he said.
Meanwhile, Schauer has five children of his own, all of whom live with their mother. He has been scouring Craigslist for extra work this holiday season to be able to afford presents for them.
"I am unemployed but I want to be able to give my kids a Christmas," he wrote in a Craigslist ad. "I'm very educated and also very handy. Will do just about anything for Christmas money so I can get my kids some presents to open on Christmas morning."
Schauer said he has received no replies to this ad so far, and since he has been paying 50 percent of his unemployment checks to child support, the prospects of buying presents for his kids this year look grim. But despite a disappointing job search, he said he still feels "blessed" to be able to provide Christmas shelter to one other family.
"If it inspires anyone else to open their doors or their hearts to help anyone out, it was all worth it," he said.
Comments section
stoves48
11 hours ago (10:36 AM)
For all of you cold hearted skeptics out there who thought this was a stunt, I wrote to the author to see if I could send this guy some cash and this was the response that was sent from Greg Schauer,
"Please let them know that the best thing they can do is pass it on so to speak. Instead of sending me anything, call a shelter, sponsor a family for Christmas, give to the food pantries, spread the spirit of Christmas to as many people as they can. This would be Truly wonderful. God Bless everyone who wrote such nice things. To me you are wonderful people. The warmth and love in my heart for others has never been greater."
What a fantastic person this guy is. I aspire to be so generous in action and in spirit.
Rally together to address the problem of broken homes
Man arrested, charged with murder of three-year-old boy
By Faris – December 23rd, 2010
A man has been arrested for causing the death of a three-year-old boy, who was beaten and subsequently died from his injuries.
Muhammad Raffiq Jaffah, 23, who is a friend of the toddler’s 22-year-old mother, was arrested and charged for causing causing grievous hurt to Danish Iman Abdullah on Dec 15, reported The Straits Times.
Currently in remand, he will appear in court next Tuesday and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Muhammad is alleged to have hit the boy in a Geylang Road apartment between 5.30pm and 6.15pm on Dec 15 by using his hand to slap the toddler’s face, causing him to hit the wall.
Danish was then taken to the intensive care unit of the hospital and six days later, he succumbed to his injuries at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital at 3.30am on Monday.
According to Singapore’s Malay newspaper Berita Harian, the child’s death certificate states that he died from a traumatic injury to the head.
A family friend who had visited Danish at the hospital told the paper, “His whole body was covered in black and blue bruises, his left leg was broken in eight places and the doctor said he suffered brain damage.”
He was buried at the Pusara Abadi cemetery in Chua Chu Kang on Tuesday. A man believed to be Danish’s father declined to be interviewed when Berita Harian approached him at the funeral.
It is understood that Danish and his mother used to live with his maternal grandmother in a four-room flat at Serangoon Avenue 2. However, neighbours said they had not seen both mother and child in recent months.
A neighbour, Ms K. Packyaletchumy, 48, said she used to see the petite, young mother walking with her son to school in the morning.
“The boy was very cute and chubby. He would always cry when he had to go to school and when he came home,” said Ms Packyaletchumy, a patient care assistant.
Another neighbour, Mr Ho Soon Chye, 55, said the family had moved into the flat about three years ago but he had stopped seeing both mother and child a few months ago.
The toddler’s death is the latest in a string of child abuse cases involving Malay families in recent years. Since 2006, there was a total six incidents of such child abuse cases which resulted in deaths.
Last year, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim, called for the Malay community to rally together to address the problem of broken homes. This comes after the death of six-year-old Muhammad Nor Rashidy Rahmat, who was allegedly killed by a family friend.
On Wednesday, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong GRC, Madam Halimah Yacob, said such abuse cases occurred mostly in dysfunctional families.
“Part of the problem is having young couples that are not mature enough to handle stressful situations that arise from marriage and parenthood,” she said.
Mdm Halimah added that further stress is created in families where parents remarry and bring in children from previous marriages.
The situation is also made worse by the fact that these families tend to belong to the lower income group and face pressures trying to make ends meet.
“Although there are many counselling programmes in place, most of these couples have to work all day, and they cannot attend the sessions.
“The challenge is in reaching out to them,” she said.
On the other hand, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, an MP for Hong Kah GRC, said understanding the profile of such families would help to target them more effectively.
He added that in the past year, he had seen changes in attitudes within the lower income group, and with parents wanting to do better.
Highlighting that the cases were not representative of the Malay community, Mr Zaqy said, “But once in a while, you get cases like these that make us take notice and reflect on whether we have been able to reach out to all corners and all sectors.”
Thank you for the incredible, amazing response to Yahoo!’s Fit-To-Post blog so far. We continue to welcome your views and comments but please don’t abuse this opportunity. Be nice. Be courteous. Be sensible. Respect the feelings of others and refrain from using any kind of offensive language. And in the spirit of great conversations, please don’t stray from the topic at hand.
By Faris – December 23rd, 2010
A man has been arrested for causing the death of a three-year-old boy, who was beaten and subsequently died from his injuries.
Muhammad Raffiq Jaffah, 23, who is a friend of the toddler’s 22-year-old mother, was arrested and charged for causing causing grievous hurt to Danish Iman Abdullah on Dec 15, reported The Straits Times.
Currently in remand, he will appear in court next Tuesday and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Muhammad is alleged to have hit the boy in a Geylang Road apartment between 5.30pm and 6.15pm on Dec 15 by using his hand to slap the toddler’s face, causing him to hit the wall.
Danish was then taken to the intensive care unit of the hospital and six days later, he succumbed to his injuries at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital at 3.30am on Monday.
According to Singapore’s Malay newspaper Berita Harian, the child’s death certificate states that he died from a traumatic injury to the head.
A family friend who had visited Danish at the hospital told the paper, “His whole body was covered in black and blue bruises, his left leg was broken in eight places and the doctor said he suffered brain damage.”
He was buried at the Pusara Abadi cemetery in Chua Chu Kang on Tuesday. A man believed to be Danish’s father declined to be interviewed when Berita Harian approached him at the funeral.
It is understood that Danish and his mother used to live with his maternal grandmother in a four-room flat at Serangoon Avenue 2. However, neighbours said they had not seen both mother and child in recent months.
A neighbour, Ms K. Packyaletchumy, 48, said she used to see the petite, young mother walking with her son to school in the morning.
“The boy was very cute and chubby. He would always cry when he had to go to school and when he came home,” said Ms Packyaletchumy, a patient care assistant.
Another neighbour, Mr Ho Soon Chye, 55, said the family had moved into the flat about three years ago but he had stopped seeing both mother and child a few months ago.
The toddler’s death is the latest in a string of child abuse cases involving Malay families in recent years. Since 2006, there was a total six incidents of such child abuse cases which resulted in deaths.
Last year, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim, called for the Malay community to rally together to address the problem of broken homes. This comes after the death of six-year-old Muhammad Nor Rashidy Rahmat, who was allegedly killed by a family friend.
On Wednesday, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong GRC, Madam Halimah Yacob, said such abuse cases occurred mostly in dysfunctional families.
“Part of the problem is having young couples that are not mature enough to handle stressful situations that arise from marriage and parenthood,” she said.
Mdm Halimah added that further stress is created in families where parents remarry and bring in children from previous marriages.
The situation is also made worse by the fact that these families tend to belong to the lower income group and face pressures trying to make ends meet.
“Although there are many counselling programmes in place, most of these couples have to work all day, and they cannot attend the sessions.
“The challenge is in reaching out to them,” she said.
On the other hand, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, an MP for Hong Kah GRC, said understanding the profile of such families would help to target them more effectively.
He added that in the past year, he had seen changes in attitudes within the lower income group, and with parents wanting to do better.
Highlighting that the cases were not representative of the Malay community, Mr Zaqy said, “But once in a while, you get cases like these that make us take notice and reflect on whether we have been able to reach out to all corners and all sectors.”
Thank you for the incredible, amazing response to Yahoo!’s Fit-To-Post blog so far. We continue to welcome your views and comments but please don’t abuse this opportunity. Be nice. Be courteous. Be sensible. Respect the feelings of others and refrain from using any kind of offensive language. And in the spirit of great conversations, please don’t stray from the topic at hand.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
You're not some guy's fun time
Should You Ever Date a Guy Who is Separated but Still Married?
Dear DDHG,
I have a big problem and I'm hoping I can turn to DDHG to some advice. I'm a single, 28-year old woman with no kids. I have a good job, own my condo and have been supporting myself since I was 17 years old.
I put myself through college and am working on another degree right now. About three weeks ago, I met a really nice guy who seemed just perfect. There was one problem though, he said he was "separated, but still married". He told me about all the problems he had with his wife and why they were divorcing. He hasn't filed for divorce, neither has she, but they live in separate houses. Is this the kind of guy I should be investing my time in? Should a guy like this be on the dating scene in the first place?
- SEEKING ADVICE, New York
Dear Seeking,
The answer is no, this guy should not be on the dating scene. He should wait until he is divorced and so should you before you even think about dating him long term. Guys who have recently left marriages aren't really emotionally equipped to jump right into another serious relationship.
"Most guys want to play before they settle," says DDHG resident male The Average Guy. "If a guy has been in a marriage or committed relationship and it ends, the first thing they want to do is find something new. But they're not looking for a serious relationship, they're looking for fun."
You're not some guy's fun time. You're better than that. It seems like you've accomplished a lot in life and you don't need a guy who is still married to weigh you down. :)
Dear DDHG,
I have a big problem and I'm hoping I can turn to DDHG to some advice. I'm a single, 28-year old woman with no kids. I have a good job, own my condo and have been supporting myself since I was 17 years old.
I put myself through college and am working on another degree right now. About three weeks ago, I met a really nice guy who seemed just perfect. There was one problem though, he said he was "separated, but still married". He told me about all the problems he had with his wife and why they were divorcing. He hasn't filed for divorce, neither has she, but they live in separate houses. Is this the kind of guy I should be investing my time in? Should a guy like this be on the dating scene in the first place?
- SEEKING ADVICE, New York
Dear Seeking,
The answer is no, this guy should not be on the dating scene. He should wait until he is divorced and so should you before you even think about dating him long term. Guys who have recently left marriages aren't really emotionally equipped to jump right into another serious relationship.
"Most guys want to play before they settle," says DDHG resident male The Average Guy. "If a guy has been in a marriage or committed relationship and it ends, the first thing they want to do is find something new. But they're not looking for a serious relationship, they're looking for fun."
You're not some guy's fun time. You're better than that. It seems like you've accomplished a lot in life and you don't need a guy who is still married to weigh you down. :)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Hang on, God will give us the victory!
Be faithful
Adoniram Judson and his sweet wife, Ann, were missionaries in India and Burma. During their tour of service, Adoniram was arrested as an enemy agent when his homeland, England, and the nation in which he served became disenchanted with one another. Immediately, Judson was imprisoned. The tiny cell in which he was incarcerated was so crowded and small that the prisoners had to take turns sleeping. There was not enough room for all of them to lie down. The hot sun beating upon the dingy cell caused unbearable suffering through heat prostration. The stench also became obnoxious as the men were never allowed to bathe.
One day the government officials decided to punish the prisoners and Judson was hoisted into the air by his thumbs. Pain filled his body as he remained suspended in mid air for hours at a time. His precious helpmeet, Ann, would come by the cell daily, look inside, and weep. However, this soldier of the cross always encouraged her man by saying, "Hang on, Adoniram. God will give us the victory." As the days and weeks past, faithful Ann no longer made the visits and Adoniram's loneliness increased. No one had informed him that she was dying. All he had now was a memory of his sweetheart saying, "Hang on, Adoniram. God will give us the
Months later, upon his release, he immediately began the search for Ann. As he approached the area where he formerly lived, he saw a child so begrimed with dirt that he failed to recognize the little one as his own. He the dashed into the tent and saw the form of one so small and weak from malnutrition, that she appeared to be a skeleton. Her beautiful flowing hair had also fallen out and she was
As Adoniram called, she failed to respond. It seemed as though she were already dead. He took her in his arms and wept. The hot tears dropping on her angelic face revived Ann and she said, "hang on, Adoniram; God will give us the victory."
Adoniram lost his sweetheart, but not his faith and courage. He continued under dire circumstances to preach and to build churches, and when this man of God was buried, scores of churchs had come into existence through his labors. Adoniram and Ann ran the race faithfully unto the end and experience the "abundant entrance" I have been proclaiming. What will your homegoing be like, Christian?
Adoniram Judson and his sweet wife, Ann, were missionaries in India and Burma. During their tour of service, Adoniram was arrested as an enemy agent when his homeland, England, and the nation in which he served became disenchanted with one another. Immediately, Judson was imprisoned. The tiny cell in which he was incarcerated was so crowded and small that the prisoners had to take turns sleeping. There was not enough room for all of them to lie down. The hot sun beating upon the dingy cell caused unbearable suffering through heat prostration. The stench also became obnoxious as the men were never allowed to bathe.
One day the government officials decided to punish the prisoners and Judson was hoisted into the air by his thumbs. Pain filled his body as he remained suspended in mid air for hours at a time. His precious helpmeet, Ann, would come by the cell daily, look inside, and weep. However, this soldier of the cross always encouraged her man by saying, "Hang on, Adoniram. God will give us the victory." As the days and weeks past, faithful Ann no longer made the visits and Adoniram's loneliness increased. No one had informed him that she was dying. All he had now was a memory of his sweetheart saying, "Hang on, Adoniram. God will give us the
Months later, upon his release, he immediately began the search for Ann. As he approached the area where he formerly lived, he saw a child so begrimed with dirt that he failed to recognize the little one as his own. He the dashed into the tent and saw the form of one so small and weak from malnutrition, that she appeared to be a skeleton. Her beautiful flowing hair had also fallen out and she was
As Adoniram called, she failed to respond. It seemed as though she were already dead. He took her in his arms and wept. The hot tears dropping on her angelic face revived Ann and she said, "hang on, Adoniram; God will give us the victory."
Adoniram lost his sweetheart, but not his faith and courage. He continued under dire circumstances to preach and to build churches, and when this man of God was buried, scores of churchs had come into existence through his labors. Adoniram and Ann ran the race faithfully unto the end and experience the "abundant entrance" I have been proclaiming. What will your homegoing be like, Christian?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Permissible Man-Slaughter
50 FACTS ABOUT WOMEN
1. Women love to shop. It is the one area of the world where they feel like they're actually in control.
2. Women especially love a bargain. The question of "need" is irrelevant, so don't bother pointing it out. Anything on sale is fair game.
3. Women never have anything to wear. Don't question the racks of clothes in the closet; you "just don't understand".
4. Women need to cry. And they won't do it alone unless they know you can hear them.
5. Women will always ask questions that have no right answer, in an effort to trap you into feeling guilty.
6. Women love to talk. Silence intimidates them and they feel a need to fill it, even if they have nothing to say.
7. Women need to feel like there are people worse off than they are. That's why soap operas and Oprah Winfrey-type shows are so successful.
8. Women don't need sex as often as men do. This is because sex is more physical for men and more emotional for women. Just knowing that the man wants to have sex with them fulfills the emotional need.
9. Women hate bugs. Even the strong-willed ones need a man around when there's a spider or a wasp involved.10. Women can't keep secrets. They eat away at them from the inside. And they don't view it as being untrustworthy, providing they only tell two or three people.
11. Women always go to public restrooms in groups. It gives them a chance to gossip.
12. Women can't refuse to answer a ringing phone, no matter what she's doing. It might be the lottery calling.
13. Women never understand why men love toys. Men understand that they wouldn't need toys if women had an "on/off" switch.
14. Women think all beer is the same.
15. Women keep three different shampoos and two different conditioners in the shower. After a woman showers, the bathroom will smell like a tropical rain forest.
16. Women don't understand the appeal of sports. Men seek entertainment that allows them to escape reality. Women seek entertainment that reminds them of how horrible things could be.
17. If a man goes on a seven-day trip, he'll pack five days worth of clothes and will wear some things twice; if a woman goes on a seven-day trip she'll pack 21 outfits because she doesn't know what she'll feel like wearing each day.
18. Women brush their hair before bed.
19. Watch a woman eat an ice cream cone and you'll have a pretty good idea about how she'll be in bed.
20. Women are paid less than men, except for one field: Modeling.
21. Women are never wrong. Apologizing is the man's responsibility, "It's there in the Bible". Hmmm, who was it that gave Adam the apple?
22. Women do not know anything about cars. "Oil- stick, oil doesn't stick?"
23. Women have better restrooms. They get the nice chairs and red carpet. Men just get a large bowl to share.
24. The average number of items in a typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.
25. Women love cats. Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.
26. Women love to talk on the phone. A woman can visit her girlfriend for two weeks, and upon returning home, she will call the same friend and they will talk for three hours.
27. A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, or get the mail.
28. Women will drive miles out of their way to avoid the possibility of getting lost using a shortcut.
29. Women don't try as hard as men during sex; after all, they don't fall asleep afterwards.
30. Women do NOT want an honest answer to the question, 'How do I look?'
31. PMS stands for: Permissible Man-Slaughter. (Or at least men think it means that. PMS also stands for Preposterous Mood Swings and Punish My Spouse.
32. The first naked man a women see is "Ken".
33. Women are insecure about their weight, butt, and breast sizes.
34. Women will make three right-hand turns to avoid making one left-hand turn.
35. "Oh, nothing," has an entirely different meaning in woman-language than it does in man-language.
36. Lewis Carroll's Caterpillar had nothing on women.
37. Women cannot use a map without turning the map to correspond to the direction that they are heading.
38. All women are overweight by definition; don't agree with them about it. Women always have 5 pounds to lose, but don't bring this up unless they really have 5 pounds to gain.
39. If it is not Valentines day and you see a man in a flower shop, you can probably start up a conversation by asking, "What did you do?"
40. Only women understand the reason for "guest towels" and the "good china".
41. Women want equal rights, but you rarely hear them clamoring to be let into the draft to cover the responsibilities that go with those rights. All women seek equality with men until it comes to sharing the closet, taking out the trash, and picking up the check.
42. Origin of the word "woman" is: woo-man.
43. If a man ticks off a woman she will often respond by getting a fuzzy toilet cover which warms their rear, but makes it impossible for the lid to stay up thus it constantly gets peed on by the guys. (which gets them in more trouble)
44. Women never check to see if the lid is up. They seem to prefer taking a flying butt leap towards the bowl and then chewing men out because they "left the seat up" instead of taking two seconds and lowering it themselves.
45. Women can get out of speeding tickets by pouting. This will get men arrested.
46. Women don't really care about a sense of humor in a guy despite claims to the contrary. You don't see women trampling over Tom Cruise to get to Gilbert Gottfried, do you?
47. Women fake orgasm because men fake foreplay.
48. It's okay for women to dance with each other and not be gay. You don't see straight men dancing together.
49. Women will spend hours dressing up to go out, and then they'll go out and spend more time checking out other women. Men can never catch women checking out other men; women will always catch men checking out other women.
50. The most embarrassing thing for women is to find another woman wearing the same dress at a formal party. You don't hear men say, "Oh-my-GOD, there's another man wearing a black tux, get me outta here!"
1. Women love to shop. It is the one area of the world where they feel like they're actually in control.
2. Women especially love a bargain. The question of "need" is irrelevant, so don't bother pointing it out. Anything on sale is fair game.
3. Women never have anything to wear. Don't question the racks of clothes in the closet; you "just don't understand".
4. Women need to cry. And they won't do it alone unless they know you can hear them.
5. Women will always ask questions that have no right answer, in an effort to trap you into feeling guilty.
6. Women love to talk. Silence intimidates them and they feel a need to fill it, even if they have nothing to say.
7. Women need to feel like there are people worse off than they are. That's why soap operas and Oprah Winfrey-type shows are so successful.
8. Women don't need sex as often as men do. This is because sex is more physical for men and more emotional for women. Just knowing that the man wants to have sex with them fulfills the emotional need.
9. Women hate bugs. Even the strong-willed ones need a man around when there's a spider or a wasp involved.10. Women can't keep secrets. They eat away at them from the inside. And they don't view it as being untrustworthy, providing they only tell two or three people.
11. Women always go to public restrooms in groups. It gives them a chance to gossip.
12. Women can't refuse to answer a ringing phone, no matter what she's doing. It might be the lottery calling.
13. Women never understand why men love toys. Men understand that they wouldn't need toys if women had an "on/off" switch.
14. Women think all beer is the same.
15. Women keep three different shampoos and two different conditioners in the shower. After a woman showers, the bathroom will smell like a tropical rain forest.
16. Women don't understand the appeal of sports. Men seek entertainment that allows them to escape reality. Women seek entertainment that reminds them of how horrible things could be.
17. If a man goes on a seven-day trip, he'll pack five days worth of clothes and will wear some things twice; if a woman goes on a seven-day trip she'll pack 21 outfits because she doesn't know what she'll feel like wearing each day.
18. Women brush their hair before bed.
19. Watch a woman eat an ice cream cone and you'll have a pretty good idea about how she'll be in bed.
20. Women are paid less than men, except for one field: Modeling.
21. Women are never wrong. Apologizing is the man's responsibility, "It's there in the Bible". Hmmm, who was it that gave Adam the apple?
22. Women do not know anything about cars. "Oil- stick, oil doesn't stick?"
23. Women have better restrooms. They get the nice chairs and red carpet. Men just get a large bowl to share.
24. The average number of items in a typical woman's bathroom is 437. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.
25. Women love cats. Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.
26. Women love to talk on the phone. A woman can visit her girlfriend for two weeks, and upon returning home, she will call the same friend and they will talk for three hours.
27. A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, or get the mail.
28. Women will drive miles out of their way to avoid the possibility of getting lost using a shortcut.
29. Women don't try as hard as men during sex; after all, they don't fall asleep afterwards.
30. Women do NOT want an honest answer to the question, 'How do I look?'
31. PMS stands for: Permissible Man-Slaughter. (Or at least men think it means that. PMS also stands for Preposterous Mood Swings and Punish My Spouse.
32. The first naked man a women see is "Ken".
33. Women are insecure about their weight, butt, and breast sizes.
34. Women will make three right-hand turns to avoid making one left-hand turn.
35. "Oh, nothing," has an entirely different meaning in woman-language than it does in man-language.
36. Lewis Carroll's Caterpillar had nothing on women.
37. Women cannot use a map without turning the map to correspond to the direction that they are heading.
38. All women are overweight by definition; don't agree with them about it. Women always have 5 pounds to lose, but don't bring this up unless they really have 5 pounds to gain.
39. If it is not Valentines day and you see a man in a flower shop, you can probably start up a conversation by asking, "What did you do?"
40. Only women understand the reason for "guest towels" and the "good china".
41. Women want equal rights, but you rarely hear them clamoring to be let into the draft to cover the responsibilities that go with those rights. All women seek equality with men until it comes to sharing the closet, taking out the trash, and picking up the check.
42. Origin of the word "woman" is: woo-man.
43. If a man ticks off a woman she will often respond by getting a fuzzy toilet cover which warms their rear, but makes it impossible for the lid to stay up thus it constantly gets peed on by the guys. (which gets them in more trouble)
44. Women never check to see if the lid is up. They seem to prefer taking a flying butt leap towards the bowl and then chewing men out because they "left the seat up" instead of taking two seconds and lowering it themselves.
45. Women can get out of speeding tickets by pouting. This will get men arrested.
46. Women don't really care about a sense of humor in a guy despite claims to the contrary. You don't see women trampling over Tom Cruise to get to Gilbert Gottfried, do you?
47. Women fake orgasm because men fake foreplay.
48. It's okay for women to dance with each other and not be gay. You don't see straight men dancing together.
49. Women will spend hours dressing up to go out, and then they'll go out and spend more time checking out other women. Men can never catch women checking out other men; women will always catch men checking out other women.
50. The most embarrassing thing for women is to find another woman wearing the same dress at a formal party. You don't hear men say, "Oh-my-GOD, there's another man wearing a black tux, get me outta here!"
Do you sell heart medication?
Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:
'Are you the owner?' The pharmacist answers yes.
Says Jacob: 'We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course we do.'
Jacob: 'How about medicine for circulation?'
Pharmacist: 'All kinds.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis? '
Pharmacist: 'Definitely.'
Jacob: 'How about Viagra?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?'
Pharmacist: 'Yes, a large variety. The works.'
Jacob: 'What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?'
Pharmacist: 'Absolutely.'
Jacob: 'You sell wheelchairs and walkers?'
Pharmacist: 'All speeds and sizes.'
Jacob says to the pharmacist: 'We'd like to register here for our wedding gifts, please.'
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:
'Are you the owner?' The pharmacist answers yes.
Says Jacob: 'We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course we do.'
Jacob: 'How about medicine for circulation?'
Pharmacist: 'All kinds.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis? '
Pharmacist: 'Definitely.'
Jacob: 'How about Viagra?'
Pharmacist: 'Of course.'
Jacob: 'Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?'
Pharmacist: 'Yes, a large variety. The works.'
Jacob: 'What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?'
Pharmacist: 'Absolutely.'
Jacob: 'You sell wheelchairs and walkers?'
Pharmacist: 'All speeds and sizes.'
Jacob says to the pharmacist: 'We'd like to register here for our wedding gifts, please.'
Blur husband
You Don't Need to Be a Weatherman...
It was two o'clock in the morning and a husband and wife were asleep, when suddenly the phone rang.
The husband picked up the phone and said, "Hello? ... How the heck do I know? What am I, the weather man?" -- and promptly slammed the phone down.
His wife rolls over and asks, "Who was that?"
The husband replies, "I don't know. Some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear."
It was two o'clock in the morning and a husband and wife were asleep, when suddenly the phone rang.
The husband picked up the phone and said, "Hello? ... How the heck do I know? What am I, the weather man?" -- and promptly slammed the phone down.
His wife rolls over and asks, "Who was that?"
The husband replies, "I don't know. Some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear."
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