Organizing for America | Posts with the tag faith

Posts with the tag faith

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I am looking for a few good men, women, children!

By Contenthermit - Oct 23rd, 2009 at 6:42 am EDT

I stand here, weeping for my country.

Where is the country I grew up in? Where are the jobs? Where is the faithfulness of a grateful nation. One Nation United?

Honesty, Integrity, faithfulness, honor, respect for all kind?

We the People......................WE THE People.................We are the people...........are we full of anything worth saving?

1. Find healthy food (DEMAND REFORM)

2. Return to your faith, whatever that may be

3. Throw away all your pills. (yes, all of them! Western Medicine does not cure you, only addicts you to harmful chemicals that hurt you)

4. DEMAND equality in health care, all available health professionals should be allowed to practice medicine. This includes, herbalists, natural healers, chinnese medicine, Shamans, and whatever.

5. If doctors do not know how to correctly diagnose and cure, do not keep them as licensed health care professionals! First do no Harm

6. OUtlaw all drugs. Do not support these proven killers with tax dollars.

7 . Give WE THE People more choices in health care. Drugs are not the answer. They are the problem in America. And we are infecting the whole world with our harmful chemicals that are a poor and harmful copy of what God has given us for our health and wellbeing.

8. Clean up our food! Remove all the harmful chemicals, additives, hormones, antibiotics and GMO vegetables. Our people are starving because there is no food fit for human consumption in our stores. There is more nutrition in the cardboard! This is a sorry state we have fallen into.

If you want to live..................read, learn............grow healthy food and stay as far away from Doctors who only push drugs for big business as you can. They do not even offer you a cure for anything anymore. They do not posess the skills to diagnose and treat illness.

They only treat symptums. They listen to the big pharma companies and prescribe harmful chemicals to pacify our weak, pathetic need to be drugged into a stupper.

I am poor.

I am ill.

I will not eat anything that comes in a box or that has been processed.

It cost too much to find meat that is free of harmful chemicals, hormones, antibiotics and feed that is not fit for the animals to consume. Do not feed it to your families anymore, if you want to live, be healthy, energetic and vigerous. Find clean, healthy whole grain foods and fresh vegatable that are grown organically and without genetically altering the genes of the plants.

There is warnings in the good book not to alter our plants, yet we are. We are in danger of releasing these GMO's into the ecosystem and distroying this planets ability to sustain life.

SPEAK UP NOW .......................It may already be too late to save mankind.

Just because a scientist CAN do something, does not mean they SHOULD do it!

WAKE UP AMERICA before it is too late to save yourself, your family and this beautiful world our Creator blessed us with.
ContenthermitCriesOut.blogger.com has some other information you might like to read.

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Rich Christians In An Age of Hunger!

By Greg M - Aug 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm EDT

Also listed in: 7 groups

Dear Friends,

I have recently been re-reading Dr. Ron Sider's seminal book, "Rich Christians In An Age of Hunger," in its most recent updated publication, 1999.

This is a life-changing, and challenging, book to read. I have become convinced that world hunger, both in and outside of the United States is indeed the human cause dearest to the heart of God. Yes, certainly there are others nearly as important, general poverty, world-wide disease, fair trade, human rights. However, hunger is certainly the most basic and important to human life itself. And yes, there are certainly causes that are particularly near and dear to my heart because they effect me directly and those I love dearly. However, again, while there are a Billion of my neighbors in the world who are literally starving to death, my personal causes admittedly shrink in importance. This does not mean that they are not important, and not a priority for me, but, it does mean that I am compelled to fully, biblically, prioritize my efforts if I am to feel certain that I am working where Christ would most want me to be working first, and where Christ is obviously working.

In my mind, conquering the world hunger issue first would provide the working basis to begin to conquer all of the remaining issues. We simply cannot expect starving people to highly desire to learn and incorporate effective economic practices, education, apporpriate health practices and focus on human rights issues. Also, in general, poverty is the root cause of disease, violence, terrorism and violations of basic human rights, and hunger is a prominent feature of poverty.

I hope many will be gripped by the Holy Spirit and galvanized to the cause of ending hunger in our time and for all time, so that we can then work toward ending poverty, effectively battle disease, conquer all issues of human rights so that each of our neighbors experiences freedom to be who they were created to be, and thereby end the causes that recruit for violence and terrorism.

I know that many of my peers in the upwardly mobile, white, Christian world still today only care to react to these issues in fear. For whatever reason we tend to recoil and act defensively when someone dares to suggest that we may play a significant role in the causes of world-wide hunger, poverty, disease and violence, and therefore play a significant role in the causes of terrorism. No matter how vehemently you attempt to deny this truth, you will never be able to escape it. I have come to peace with it and fully accept my responsibility in it all. And, therefore, have chosen to do all that is in my power to continue to work toward being part of the solutions, rather than living in denial and fear, which only leads to the continuation of the vicious cycle we are in.

I love my country, and I love my faith, and I certainly love Christ. It is Christ at work within me through His Holy Spirit that brings me to these convictions and gives me peace about my part in world-wide sin. I am a major patriot. I'm the crazy guy you see at the fireworks displays on July 4th standing, shouting, clapping, cheering, and yes, crying! I love the United States of America. However, historically, as much good as our country has done for the world, we have also carelessly wreaked havoc in the name of democracy, while the real impetus was our own selfish economic ambitions. Prior to that, my European ancestors, both governments and religions, also wreaked havoc throughout the world for centuries, all supposedly in the name of God, but actually for the same selfish ambitions. And, still today we are dealing with the aftermath of efforts in dominating the world, colonialism, slavery, wars, and even Enlightenment/Modernist philosophy that provided learned arguments for white supremacy.

I fully realize that many of my friends and family reading this, if they read it, are angry at this point that I would say such things. However, they are most certainly true. I don't mean to acuse or cause anger in anyone, but, rather, to motivate toward actively seeking out answers to these problems. I am not promoting that we grovel in the dust and moan and groan for our sins, although, that too would be in order. I am promoting that we simply begin to acknowledge the truth of these realities, to open our eyes and our hearts to repentance, and to take responsibility for our part in becoming part of the answers rather than ignoring and denying everything and thereby bolstering the continuation of the problems.

If you feel so moved, and desire to look more deeply into these things and take a step toward becoming part of Christ's life-giving, reconciling, restoring, mission of bringing about the Kingdom of God here and now in this current dimension, please do some reading and study, and praying, and fasting, and see if God's Holy Spirit doesn't begin to lead you to the same conclusions that I have come to. I have solidly decided that asking "What Would Jesus Do?" is not the correct question to ask. I now ask "What Is Jesus Doing?" and when I see it, I try to do likewise.

There are many good books on these topics, but I highly recommend Dr. Ron Sider's, "Rich Christians In An Age of Hunger," and Brian McLaren's, "Everything Must Change." I also highly recommend Brian McLaren's novel triology, "A New Kind of Christian," "The Story We Find Ourselves In," and "The Last Word, and the Word After That." I also highly recommend any works by Rev. Jim Wallis, of Sojourners/Call to Renewal, especially, "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It!" Other great books can be found by viewing my Virtual Library here on Facebook.

Finally, please take a few minutes to view this series of 5 short videos, video journalism from World Vision, "5 Days of Hunger," athttp://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/advocacy-newsletter-200906-five-days-hunger?Open&campaign=1139052&ppi=

Blessings to you as you seek God's direction... Greg McCaw

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The News From Buffetville: Kansas Church Protests at Easter Services

By Greg M - Aug 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

OK, the following is not my writing, nor that of one of my favorite bloggers, from whose blog I stole this post. It is, of course a fictitious newspaper article, but I found it as enlightened as Eric did, so I wanted to post it to my notes here. I found this in the blog of Eric Reitan, an award-winning scholar and writer who teaches philosophy at Oklahoma State University. His blog can be found at this link... http://thepietythatliesbetween.blogspot.com

As follows from Eric's blog...

The News from Buffetville
Just yesterday, a loyal (if fictitious) follower of my blog sent me the following fabricated clipping from the Buffetville Scallion-Picayune. I thought it worth sharing with other followers of my blog, and so I reproduce it here.

Kansas Church Protests at Easter Services

By J.J. Loganberry
Senior Staff Reporter

This past Sunday, Easter services at Buffetville Baptist Church were disrupted when the congregation of Kansas-based Eastburro Church, led by Pastor Phred Fleps, came to Buffetville.

Lining the easement surrounding the Buffetville church, Fleps and his congregation of relatives greeted approaching families with jeers, derisive laughter, and signs declaring “New car owners die, God laughs!” and “New car owners burn in hell!” As services began, the Eastburro group began chanting, “God hates new car owners!”

Lilly Thesbit, a retired school teacher who has been attending Buffetville Baptist Church all her life, was distressed by the group and its message. “I don’t understand it,” she told reporters. “They’re ruining my Easter. Nobody even noticed my new hat.”

Others were equally dismayed. “I don’t know why they have to come here on Easter Sunday of all days,” said 17-year-old Joey Dick. “I mean, if they’ve got a problem with our pastor’s new Acura, why not protest it on the third Sunday in Pentecost or something? Why Easter?”

The offending vehicle, which Pastor Bill McCune of Buffetville Baptist Church purchased less than a month ago, was parked throughout the protest in the designated pastor’s space behind the church. Police were on the scene to make sure that none of the protesters vandalized the car.

“It’s bad theology,” declared Pastor Bill. “They read a few scattered passages in the Bible that say we should care for the poor, and they interpret it to mean I can’t enjoy a new luxury car with my hard-earned money. I mean yes, technically I could make do with a used car, and technically the money I saved could be sent to Oxfam and would help save the lives of a few thousand malnourished children. But come on. I really liked the leather seats!”

Fleps has a different view. “Jesus tells us that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And you remember what he told the young rich man who asked about what he needed to do to earn eternal life? Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give it all to the poor.”

“It’s not just about the pastor’s new car,” Fleps continues. “That’s a symbol of a bigger problem. Just look at all these people flouncing into church in their brand new outfits. Look at all those fancy cars in the parking lot! These people who claim to be Christians are spending money on luxuries while children are starving! It’s an abomination! The least he could've done is gotten himself a hybrid car.”

But Steve Lisp, one of the deacons at Buffetville Baptist, thinks that for Pastor Bill to keep driving that six-year-old Cadillac “would give the wrong message.”

“We’re not one of those poor churches that can’t afford to pay our pastor a nice salary,” insists Lisp. “Half our congregation belongs to the country club!”

“I don’t understand why they can’t be like those Wetsboro folks, and protest real problems like gay marriage,” says Pastor Bill. “I mean, the homosexuals are destroying this country, right? The Bible’s full of stuff that condemns those homos. Me, I’m just living the American dream. God wants his obedient followers to have nice things.”

“For a pastor,” says Fleps, “Bill doesn’t know his Bible very well, does he? Jesus never mentions homosexuality. And aside from a couple of verses in Leviticus, a book that no Christian today treats as authoritative, the only unambiguous mention of same-sex acts is a passing comment in Romans. But the Bible is obsessed with caring for the poor. Let’s face it, if you’re going to be biblical about things, the controversy shouldn’t be about gay pastors, but about pastors who enjoy luxuries while there are people in the world who go to bed hungry. That’s why we’re here.”

But little Jenny Fisher, who attends Buffetville Middle School, knows the truth of the matter. “They just want attention. I mean look at them. They’re dressed like the nerd contingent at my school. They weren’t popular in school, and now they’ve found a way to get people to pay attention to them.”

As this reporter’s mother used to say, “From the mouths of babes…”

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Letter to An Unnamed Evangelical Leader... Garry Wills

By Greg M - Aug 12th, 2009 at 1:50 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

Those who know me are aware that I am a voracious reader. A book I have recently acquired and am currently enjoying is What Jesus Meant, by author Garry Wills. "Garry Wills has written many acclaimed works on religion. His Papal Sin and Why I Am Catholic were New York Times bestsellers. He studied for the priesthood, took his doctorate in the classics, and taught Greek for many years at the Johns Hopkins University. He is now Professor of History Emeritus at Northwestern University. His works on American history have received many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Lincoln at Gettysburg." (…quoted from the jacket of the book)

While reading this morning I came across this letter that Garry includes in his book from an unnamed writer to an Evangelical leader. Garry admits not knowing the source of the letter, but seems to simply omit the recipient. Still, the letter is so poignant that Garry felt it was well worth including in his book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought many of you would as well. Here it is straight from Garry's book, What Jesus Meant, C. 2006 by Garry Wills, published by Penguin Group, Inc., chapter 2 The Work Begins, sub-chapter Are Some Still Unclean?, pages 33 – 35.

"Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination – end of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is: how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor to the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there degrees of abomination?
7. Leviticus 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Leviticus 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Leviticus 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Leviticus 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)? Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev. 20:14)?

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident that you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging."

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Stewardship of God's Creation!

By Greg M - Aug 12th, 2009 at 1:47 pm EDT

Also listed in: 6 groups

I would encourage any Christian who holds to that always distinctive and classic evangelical notion that was deeply planted within us from very young that "Jesus is coming again soon and this world's going to burn, so I don't want to waist my energy focusing on the enviornment, but rather keep an eternal focus," to go back and truly look into what the scripture actually teaches us and not just blindly repeat what we have all heard for so very long, which I'll admit, up until the past decade of my life I repeated blindly too.

To be honest, we don't really know what will happen with the actual earth after Jesus returns for us. Most hold that it will be utterly destroyed, and perhaps this is the case, but actually the Bible is in no way clear about that. It says that humanity will cease to exist in the flesh, thus, "there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth." (Matthew 24:30 NLT) But, unless you're a hardline dispensationalist fundamentalist, you can admit that there is really no way to know the fate of the earth. Yes, there is the passage, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." (Matthew 24:35 NLT) However, does this refer to actual places? or perhaps states of being? who is to say? And everything Jesus says earlier in this same chapter has probably already taken place just as Jesus prophesied when the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70; at least this was the actual perspective of Matthew himself.

Either way, the way Matthew 24 ends is the clincher for me, as to our role as good stewards of God's Creation. Jesus uses the example of a faithful and sensible servant in the household of the Master. Of course, if we're to honestly translate Jesus' meaning here we have to recognize what God's household is. It is certainly not some actual house on the earth, nor would God's household servants who need to be fed only be humans in an earthly house. Jesus is certainly referring to all of God's creation in this passage.

"A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 NLT)

I'll take the frightening challenge of putting this scripture into words we might be able to relate to our situation today: "A human who is a Jesus follower is one to whom Jesus can give the responsibility of being a faithful steward of all of God's creation. One who will see to the proper use, protection and distribution of the resources of the earth, even the universe. If Jesus returns and finds that his follower has done a good job, there will be a reward... But what if that human believes that Jesus will not return in a very long time and begins to treat God's creation in ways that please himself or herself or only select humans? What if this human says 'I have everything I want at my figertips and I will use it all as I see fit and will eat, drink and be merry, and so will my friends. Besides, Jesus won't care all that much anyway since He is going to just throw it all away right after He returns!' Jesus will return unannounced and unexpected, and will be deeply hurt and disappointed with how the human He entrusted God's creation to as a steward of it has utterly misused and destroyed God's creation." I'll be kind and leave the rest for everyone else to translate for herself or himself.

As for me, I've decided to throw out the old picture from my fundamentalist past of being a Christian on a sinking ship (the earth) with my eyes to the sky waiting to be rescued off the ship before it sinks with everyone else on it! I don't even necessarily believe I'm on a sinking ship anymore. But, even if I am, I've discovered that my eyes had better be fixed on caring for the ship and all of the people on it as best I can so that when Jesus does come for rescue, many, many more will hopefully be rescued, and who really knows? maybe even the ship itself! Blessings... Greg

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A step of FAITH

By SummerLovin77 - Jul 9th, 2009 at 1:07 pm EDT

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. -Martin Luther King Jr.

I reflected on this quote for a minute. I was very hesitant before I decided to become political. I felt I was not experienced or educated enough when it comes to politics. President Obama was the first person I ever voted for--I'm 32.

Before Mr. Obama became president, I honestly did not have faith in our GOVERNMENT for obvious reasons (The last 8 years). I took the FIRST step of faith, became a registered voter, and decided to make change in my own life. Maybe it was Mr. Obama's powerful & very moving speeches or the drive of other volunteers during his campaign that sparked the flame that is burning within me to serve as a volunteer for HEALTH CARE reform.

I'm learning! I anticipate to learn more for I believe all Americans should support our LEADER and our great NATION. My prayers goes out to President Obama, his family and staff.

God bless us ALL.

Thanks for reading. ^_^.

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Controversial Author Claudette Milner is now being represented by WWSA (Wise Women Speakers Association)

By Claudette Milner - Jun 25th, 2009 at 1:15 am EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Claudette Milner is the author of a five book series entitled Children of Plains Estates. The current books in the series include “Children of Plains Estates”, “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates and the third book will be entitled “Unshed Tears”: Children of Plains Estates. In December 2008 Ms. Milner’s current release “Unheard Voices”: Children of Plains Estates received honorable mention at the London Book Festival.

Ms. Milner has given interviews on Let’s Talk Honestly with George Cooper, The Maxine Shaw Show, Artist First, and Global Talk Radio and has been featured in the Charlotte Post, Pasco Times, Black Coffee Magazine, and The New York Review. Ms Milner has conducted book signings in several NC libraries, and bookstores and festivals throughout the United States. She recently joined Jerome Imes and Edward Garnes in conducting the James Weldon Johnson Seminars and Workshops in Durham North Carolina for the upward bound program and facilitated an economic education seminar for middle school students for Citi-Bank. Her most recent speaking engagement was entitled a Call to Service delivered to the Village of Louisville, a nonprofit organization for At-Risk children.
Ms. Milner has worked in several capacities as an educator, CRA officer, Trainer, Manager, CSR, and Counselor but her mission is to minister to all God’s people worldwide through her writings and the visions that God has placed in her heart. God's will for her life is to minister to those that do not know God’s unconditional love and compassion and to bring them closer to God by being a follower of Jesus and not just a Christian. Join her in reaching the world with the love of God by ministering to the lost.

Wise Women Speakers Association (WWSA)™ is a faith-based national all-women's speakers bureau. While most bureaus focus on secular speakers (usually with a much higher emphasis on male, secular speakers), we have identified the top faith-based female voices of today and tomorrow. We provide the top motivators, leaders, experts and entertainers to all audiences, for all occasions.

Wise Women Speakers Association (WWSA) was founded primarily to fill two needs. Whether you need a speaker for your event or you are a speaker who needs someone to coordinate your engagements, we can help.

For Speakers
From booking engagements to negotiating contracts to travel arrangements; WWSA can help. WWSA can do as much or as little as you like, depending on your desires.

For Organizations/Clients
Choose from our experienced, talented and gifted list of speakers and entertainers to help make your event a resounding success. WWSA speakers are available for retreats, conferences, keynote speeches, weddings, church services, and many other occasions. Whatever you need, we stand ready to assist.

Our History
Founded in 2007, WWSA is the fruit of a God-given vision of its founder, Carrie Johnson Pegues. It's purpose is to impact lives of individuals for Christ and by extension their families, churches and communities through professional and wise presentations inspired by a love and knowledge of God.

WWSA is a faith-based for-profit ministry. It serves as a Godly channel through which Christian female motivational speakers and artists can share their God-given gifts, talents and abilities in a way that is honoring to God. WWSA is a premier speakers organization through which Christian, civic and community organizations will have access to qualified, professional and wise female speakers and artists who will engage and inspire their audiences on issues of importance to them.

Whatever you need to help your speaking ministry, we stand ready to assist. Don't delay starting on your journey. WWSA is here to help you follow your vision and reach your goals.

To Book Ms. .Milner or for additional information VISIT – WWSA.biz

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The "Right" and wrong

By Soi Disant - Feb 4th, 2009 at 12:08 am EST

Professor Frank Furedi in an article entitled "More Than the Facts" (appearing in the April 2008 issue of Ode) argues that "the language of right and wrong has been displaced by the phrase 'the research shows' ".

It would be hard to refute the assertion that scientists and their disciples are capable of behaving dogmatically. Paradoxically, this most often unfolds in areas of inquiry where what is definitively known remains still in doubt, or in fields (e.g. anthropology, psychology) where the act of staking a claim carries with it inevitable political or philosophical implications.

However, Professor Furedi seems to skirt around some important reasons for this--even as he cites instances of agenda-driven 'science-chopping'. Recent US political events suggest why many people are choosing the language of fact over the language of belief.

Perhaps the single most important reason in the US for this as been that the Right (as in the political neo-con Right) has successfully sought to rhetorically (and illegitimately) capture the right in "right and wrong" as though an accident of the English language automatically verified their opinions and views.

They made this capture, those sitting in prominent positions of power and influence on the Right, in the name of an agenda that those who are not-Right find dangerous and ethically repugnant, hence a renewed interest on the part of the dissenting not-Right in basing what is to be believed on what happens--on checkable information--and not on what is wished to be true, or is believed-in on basis of a comforting mythology applied to situations outside its proper domain.

It is precisely the self-corrective aspect of science which "...still invites criticism and skepticism..." and renders its authority subject to scrutiny and critique that for many people gives science its authority.

Dogmatism anywhere is dangerous, science not excepted. I am as much an enemy of dogmatism in science as I am in anything else. (In fact in other media I have written against just this.) That being said, still, in politics and religion (and in religion-as-politics) there seems to be no mechanism for self-correction, other than total defeat of the entire system of thought. (In saying this, I would point to Bishop Spong's telling observation that "Christianity must change or die," further remarking that it looks like Christianity isn't particularly interested in changing.) In science we do have a built-in self-corrective mechanism that makes it possible for mistakes to be corrected, for blind spots to be filled in, and for the arrogance of dogma to be replaced with renewed humility.

Why does this matter now? Because, with upcoming political debates around legislation having to do with stem cell research, abortion, when a when human life appears in the womb, the science of global warming, and other matters for which the agenda has been dominated by the Right, we can be sure the familiar rhetorical devices that have worked so well over the past 14 years will be dusted off and oiled up for another try.

Here is the answer that all dissenting replies need to include, explicitly or implicitly: "You're right because you're Right? Wrong. Check the facts."

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The Access Process

By Minister Tee - Feb 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm EST

Also listed in: People of Faith for Obama

During these economic times it is important to understand what is happening and how and where does it effect you as a person of faith.Join us for this this forum on Sunday as we share...united together, bridging the gap!If you're in the Chicago area....The Bridge Network International invites you to 'The Access Process' -- click here to view the invitation and submit your response:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptdtc

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BEST OBAMA SONG EVER-Change Is On The Way

By Jason from Pittsburgh, PA - Jan 28th, 2009 at 3:17 pm EST

This is my way of congratulating our new President, his staff, First Family, and our nation. Please watch, enjoy, and leave comments if you wish. click or paste this link to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWsXbXTQHj4&fmt=18

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We Have A New President!!

By Ani - Jan 21st, 2009 at 1:53 pm EST

Barack Obama transformed himself from a candidate claiming his campaign is about the voters to a President putting the nation in our hands, as his partners. I muse today just how I may transform my self from a believer that a new day will come to an informed citizen dedicated in loving service to my neighbors, country and world in this new day that has come.

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Livingstons of Orangeburg County, SC genealogy

By Howard Livingston - Jan 10th, 2009 at 10:08 am EST

Looking for LIVINGSTON descendants of slaves from Orangeburg County, South Carolina and the following towns: North, Livingston, Elizabeth TWP, Bull Swamp P.O., Neeses, Norway, Willow.

Also in Cannon, Newberry County, SC.

Tony Livingston - 1820
   Wesley Livingston - 1862
           John W. Livingston - 1896
             Ernest Livingston - 1915
             Idella LIVINGSTON - 1916
            Victor Livingston - 1919
        Charley Livingston - 1900
          Herman Livingston - 1924
                Howard Livingston - 1953 (me)
     Paul F. Livingston - 1897
         Pauline LIVINGSTON - 1918
           Gertrude LIVINGSTON - 1920
             Paul F. Livingston, Jr. - 1922
             Edith LIVINGSTON - 1925
             John W. Livingston - 1928
            Clifton Livingston - 1929
       Phillip Livingston - 1901
         Dorothy LIVINGSTON - 1919
       Dan Livingston - 1903
        Clifton Livingston - 1904
             Emily LIVINGSTON - 1905
        Lonnie Livingston - 1906
        Wilson Livingston - 1908

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The Wonder of Christmas

By James - Dec 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am EST

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Those two newspapers were leaning against my front door this morning. I can't find the envelope with my cash tip inside. What am I going to do? I stood, newspapers in hand, and looked down my long driveway. It is a white nightmare down at the end of it. Overlapping plows in unwitnessed combat have crisscrossed the cul-du-sac and left jumbled 'Tiger Teeth' of piles strewn everywhere down there. I cannot imagine making my way into that mess to find my papers. I have got to tip this mysterious elusive newspaper person. Christmas stress. I read Judith Warner, a replacement columnist for David Brooks in the New York Times. Where is David? Oh, he needed a break for Christmas, I guess. These 'princes of press' must have their rest. I mean, after all, it takes intensive labor to sit and write something interesting. Another Christmas crock. Like the garbage Judith wrote this day. Brainless. Let's see, she writes about the fact that reason and logic are triumphing over the forces that make Christmas what it should be...wonder, marvel and faith. I am paraphrasing, as her stuff is not worth memorizing. She calls this the 'Woody Allenization' of Christmas. I do like that line, however misplaced and addled it is. You see, Judith is lost in the combating and overlapping mythologies of Christmas in our culture. She is all caught up in the Santa Claus thing, I guess. I am so very sorry Judith, but even though Norad has been tracking Santa's Christmas Eve flight ever since 1955, he is not real. We made it all up to have fun with our kids...and quite possibly for control and discipline purposes as well.

Christmas is filled with wonder, marvel and faith. You just have to look beyond the mythologies. The wonder that people can take a bit of time and think about the plight and condition of others around them. The marvel that they will go out and spend time and money to get something for somebody else that is just right, just to have that person feel a little bit better about life, and maybe them. The faith that something is at work of goodness, driven by, well, you don't have to know. You just have faith that there are more people like you out there, buying stuff not totally out of obligation but because you really want to get stuff for them. There was an old school joke about faith that always liked, even thought the underlying premise was discomforting. Johnny is sitting in the back of his grade school class when his teacher asks the big question. what is faith? Johnny raises his hand, which the teacher tries to avoid, as Johnny is a notorious trouble-maker (i like that part as I was always in that coat closet in my Catholic School for shameful questions). But the teacher caves in when there are no other hands. "Alright Johnny, go ahead...," the teacher says, with disappointment and a bit of trepidation. "Faith is believing in something that you know is not really true," Johnny responds, in his normal fashion. Johnny went, of course, straight to the coat closet, to inhale the aroma of all the little girl's coats hanging there, if he was like me. But the premise of that story is not true. You can have faith in any number of things that may or may not be true. We just don't have enough data or life experience to know. God is like that too. Is He there? Is He a He? What is the deal? I think He is, but I am not sure. I am beginning to sound like Woody Allen, who I never liked, although he is funny...but with some real bad personal habits.

About teaching. The Times had an article about teaching in it. The writer combined the plight and conduct of my beloved auto workers with that of teachers. They are unappreciated. That part is true. But auto workers do not stay up nights working on their stuff, worrying about their charges and taking extra time and effort to help a small person who really needs it. Teachers are different. I know one well. I mean one right now, sleeping and shopping away because she is off for the holiday (one of the few small benefits of the profession). This teacher is kinda normal I think. She asked me to write a short story for her grade school classes. So I wrote The Treasure Pool, which is found somewhere back there in these blogs. She gave out forty-nine copies and then had all the students write reviews back to me. She copied and stapled, read the story to make sure I had not slipped in any filth (I am, after all, an ex-Marine!) and then spent time and trouble helping these kids to come to terms with the plot, the theme and the elements of English such necessary educational arrows to have in their quivers. The critiques came back, and they were wonderful. Oh, I got dinged pretty good on my grades in certain areas. I wrote back to those kids who had given me bad grades for the most minor of things. I was stung. I was nice, but I had to say something! But the story is not about me. It is about the extra time and effort this teacher, Mrs. Machado, takes to really help and advance her students. She is an example of what it is all about out here, and in this holiday season. She follows Sister Sarah Fogarty (my fourth grade teachere) and Sister Michael Marie (my fifth grade teacher) in being one of those unknown and unsung saints. Maybe here, in this lonely blog, she will get the only public recognition she ever gets. But she is all about Christmas. The embodiment. And she is filled with reason and logic and understanding the universe. But she is also a thing of wonder, marvel and faith. Merry Crhistmas Anise Machado. We love you.

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FIRST JEWISH PRESIDENT

By WEBMASTER - Dec 14th, 2008 at 1:02 pm EST

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Barack Obama: The First Jewish President?
Chicago circle nurtured him all the way to the top

By Tom Hundley, Tribune reporter

December 12, 2008 / Writer Toni Morrison famously dubbed Bill Clinton "the first black president" - a title he fervently embraced.

Abner Mikva, the Chicago Democratic Party stalwart and former Clinton White House counsel, offers a variation on that theme. "If Clinton was our first black president, then Barack Obama is our First Jewish President," says Mikva, who was among the first to spot the potential of the skinny young law school graduate with the odd name.

"I use a Yiddish expression, yiddishe neshuma, to describe him," explains Mikva. "It means a Jewish soul. It's an expression my mother used. It means a sensitive, sympathetic personality, someone who understands where you are coming from."

Obama, of course, is a Christian. And his middle name is Hussein. In the presidential election, he won 78 percent of the Jewish vote and about 70 percent of the Arab-American vote, according to unofficial exit polling. Obama collected 52.8 percent of the overall vote.

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Don't Forget The Shovel

By TonyXavier - Dec 13th, 2008 at 4:10 am EST

One Sunday morning many years ago the preacher said, "Together, you and God can move mountains. Just remember to bring your shovel."

I never forgot that morning's sermon. It has helped me remember great change is possible, but to help bring the change about I have to do my share. I have to remember to bring my shovel to help move the mountain faith alone cannot budge an inch.

If we all bring our shovels when we seek to achieve the changes we need to make to help President Obama make the changes he envisions so totally possible, we have a chance of success -- an excellent chance. If we believe and work together we can make it happen.

Yes we can.

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

By WEBMASTER - Dec 13th, 2008 at 2:26 am EST

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The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

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Events for change

By Davemc - Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:07 pm EST

Greetings all and thank you for reading this blog. At this time we are creating an event we hope many will come to participate in. We have been fortunate enough to secure a facility for 150 people to have seats but we can squeeze a few extra into the space if needed. We have noticed many of the small gatherings can facilitate perhaps 20 persons, and they have been turning people away. Now we have the space for meaningful numbers, so if you are in the Portland area, then come on and sign up for the event.

As our soon to be President said, we have the person in the White House to facilitate change, but we still need the people to make it happen. He cannot do it himself, and we all know how Congress and the Senate are rife with special interests and agendas for the status quo. Change HAS to come from US. We have to be prepared to voice our desire for change from the grass roots level. We HAVE to participate in this change, instead of leaving it for others to do for us. We have to be ready to let the career politicians who would stand for the ststus quo, know that we will not stand for obstruction to the plan we are developing here in the trenches of our neighborhoods.

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OBAMA FOR SOUTH DAKOTA

By WEBMASTER - Nov 28th, 2008 at 5:37 pm EST

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Aberdeen * Alcester * Alexandria * Arlington * Armour * Ashton * Avon * Baltic * Belle Fourche * Beresford * Big Stone City * Blunt * Bonesteel * Bowdle * Box Elder * Brandon * Bridgewater * Bristol * Britton * Brookings * Bruce * Bryant * Burke * Canistota * Canton * Carthage * Castlewood * Centerville * Central City * Chamberlain * Clark * Clear Lake * Colman * Colome * Colton * Columbia * Conde * Corsica * Crooks * Custer * Deadwood * Dell Rapids * Delmont * De Smet * Doland * Dupree * Eagle Butte * Edgemont * Egan * Elk Point * Elkton * Emery * Estelline * Eureka * Faith * Faulkton * Flandreau * Fort Pierre * Frankfort * Freeman * Garretson * Gary * Geddes * Gettysburg * Gregory * Groton * Harrisburg * Hartford * Hecla * Herreid * Highmore * Hill City * Hitchcock * Hosmer * Hot Springs * Howard * Hurley * Huron * Ipswich * Irene * Iroquois * Jefferson * Kadoka * Kimball * Kosmos * Lake Andes * Lake Norden * Lake Preston * Lead * Lemmon * Lennox * Leola * McIntosh * McLaughlin * Madison * Marion * Martin * Mellette * Menno * Milbank * Miller * Mission * Mitchell * Mobridge * Montrose * Mount Vernon * Murdo * Newell * New Underwood * North Sioux City * Oldham * Onida * Parker * Parkston * Philip * Pierre * Plankinton * Platte * Presho * Rapid City * Redfield * Roscoe * Salem * Scotland * Selby * Sioux Falls * Sisseton * Spearfish * Spencer * Springfield * Sturgis * Tea * Timber Lake * Tripp * Tyndall * Valley Springs * Veblen * Vermillion * Viborg * Volga * Wagner * Watertown * Waubay * Webster * Wessington * Wessington Springs * White * White Lake * White River * Whitewood * Willow Lake * Wilmot

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Giving Thanks

By Vince from Boston, MA - Nov 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am EST

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Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on what we as American's are greatful for.

Thanks to all of you on the MYBO blog who cajouled, rallied, donated their time and money and shared their thoughts and ideas on all the pressing issues of our time. I'm greatful and proud that I live in a country in which we as a people can come together and move this country forward. Its a true testament to the vitality of our democracy.

I'm greateful that for the first time in my life I could cast my vote for a presidential candidate without any reservations and that a great majority of Americans have vindicated my long held beliefs on what needs to change in this country.

For President-elect Barack Obama and his incredible team of advisers who are moving forward with the presidential transition.

I'm grateful for a great American ... Howard Dean who paved the way for the presidential and congressional victories that will help in transforming our nation as we move forward. Howard's Fifty State strategy has made all the difference and I wish him well in what ever endeavor he pursues next .

Know this .... we in the blogosphere influenced the outcome of this past election and that we will continue to play an important role in the direction our country.

Many people have posed the question about what comes next.

My short answer ....This is only the beginning .... of a new American democracy.

A journey that will require all of us to participate on the pressing issues of our time.

Lets be thankful for everything we have and remember that we live in a country in which our goals and aspirations can be fulfilled .... if we believe in ourselves and our fellow citizens.

Its time to dream again .... Big Dreams .... not of what is .... but a bright new future for America and the world.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Vince Cipriano ;-}

P.S. Say a prayer for peace in Mumbai India that has been under seige by terrorists.

http://www.cnn.com/

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Hope, Trust and Faith

By Marcia--One who believes in Dreams! - Nov 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am EST

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Trust and faith is what we need to have right now for the men, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, we elected to lead our country. We carried this hope and determination all through the primary and the general election. We must hold on to that and believe in this magnificent team, President-elect Obama and Vice-President elect Biden. These are troubling times and it's easy to become disenchanted, but this is the time we must forge on and be positive and help in every way we can to reclaim our country. Change is coming. Please continue to carry the banner of hope, trust and faith!

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