Tuesday, November 27, 2012

7 Requirements to Be a Leader Today

Ron Edmondson


To be a leader today requires more than knowledge...Especially today. Here are 7 requirements to be a great leader today:
1. You have to be adaptable - Things change fast these days. Real fast. You must lead a team that responds accordingly.
2. You have to be moldable - You must personally change fast too...or you'll be left behind. (This doesn't mean you have to change your values, beliefs or convictions. In fact, that will work against you these days. People would rather be on your team and disagree with you some...difference of opinion is more acceptable today...than for people to think you are whimsical in what you claim to believe. This is actually one culture change that can be a benefit for the Christian leader.)
3. You have to embrace a team approach - There are no Lone Rangers today. (By the way...he wasn't alone either. If I had a helper like Tonto and a horse like Silver...I'd have myself a winning team.)
4. You have to consider social responsibility - People want their individual work to make a difference. They also want the place where they spend their time, whether paid or volunteer, to make a difference.
5. You have to think bigger than today - Tomorrow is coming quicker than ever before and people are looking for leaders who can provide competent direction and consistent encouragement.
6. You have to be willing to serve others- People will no longer follow an autocratic leader. They are less loyal than ever. If you want to remain their leader, you must prove you care for them personally. Trust is more important than having all the answers.
7. You have to allow others to receive credit and assume authority - It's what attracts leaders to your team these days. They want to feel they are playing a part in the team's success.

The Jesus' wife debacle


An interesting point from Peter Williams, warden of Tyndale House in Cambridge, England, reflecting on the increasing expertise and scholarship of evangelicals related to the technical analysis of ancient texts, with the Jesus Wife fragment-forgery as a test case:
. . . To her credit, from the beginning Dr. King released high resolution photos and the technical information she had. This enabled quick scrutiny. Had the person responsible for the fake been better at his or her job the story could have had yet more negative impact. As it was, it's noteworthy that British and British-educated scholars like Watson, Bernhard, and Goodacre mentioned above, along with evangelicals Simon Gathercole and Christian Askeland, played a significant role in exposing the problems with the manuscript and claims about it on blogs and in the media. Andrew Brown of The Guardian was commendably quick to notice and publish the doubts being raised.
It is worth reflecting on the progress here. Evangelicals now make up a significant proportion of those with the technical expertise to tackle a subject like this, and some of them had an intellectual firepower on the subject considerably exceeding that of the Harvard professor. I was contacted by Christians in touch with the media and was able to refer them to Simon Gathercole, a leading evangelical expert on apocryphal gospels. The rapid and informed response by Christians probably went a considerable way to deflating the story.
It is now well known by many who are not believers that there is a vigorous conspiracy-theory industry propagandising against the Christian faith. If Christians are seen as standing on history while others follow spin, even what seems like adverse publicity will ultimately end up glorifying God's name.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Which are the world's most influential countries?


HO RULES THE WORLD? THE TOP 20 IN FULL From MailOnline

1. Great Britain
The Olympic opening ceremony reminded the world of Britain's influence around the globe and achievements such as the National Health Service and the internet. It 'united the nation', 'restored pride in the Union Jack' and was 'a brilliant advert', the magazine said. There have also been continuing sporting and cultural successes this year, whether it be Andy Murray winning the US Open or the new James Bond film.
2. United States of America
Continues to lead the world in investment in world food and health initiatives, plus tackling climate change. But overseas occupations and unmanned drone strikes, plus an insular outlook during the recent election, lost the US its top spot.
Insular: The American presidential election, won by Barack Obama, left America looking inwards rather than to the world, Monocle said
Insular: The American presidential election, won by Barack Obama, left America looking inwards rather than to the world, Monocle said
3. Germany
Enormous business strength and economic leadership in Europe, academic prowess through institutions such as the Goethe Institute and the popularity of the Bundesliga, the football top flight, make Germany the 'undisputed leader' of the EU. However, with this comes a reliance from other, ailing countries to prop up the Eurozone.
4. France
Remains the world leader in arts galleries, museums and cuisine but plagued by economic uncertainty and a new President struggling to make an impression on the world stage. 
5. Sweden
Viewed in a positive light around the world as a friendly and functional country, plus reaping the benefits of a growing base of entrepreneurs. Still struggles to get past stereotypes like ABBA and IKEA, however, in international perceptions. 
6. Japan
Is becoming less insular and gradually opening up to the world in fashion, retail and food markets. Japanese pop music is also a big export and its craftsmen are more in demand than ever. 
7. Denmark
Massive popularity of television series such as Borgen has added to existing strengths in music, art, architecture and design. 
8. Switzerland
Continues to be reliable and capable of doing the dull stuff well. The world leader in investments and banking, and a producer of professional people. 
9. Australia
Increasingly influential in Pacific affairs but need to hone its diplomatic skills to appear friendlier to the outside world. Also needs to tone down attitudes to migrants. 
10. Canada
A resilient economy that has weathered the worst of the global crisis. Also flexing its military muscles more. 
11. South Korea
Now known for more than just good technology, the emergence of K-Pop, as exemplified by Psy's Gangnam Style, is a ready-made export.
Worldwide influence: The Korean singer Psy (right) and his Gangnam style was enjoyed the world over, even by UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon
Worldwide influence: The Korean singer Psy (right) and his Gangnam style was enjoyed the world over, even by UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon
12. Norway
Won worldwide respect for its dignified reaction to the murders of Anders Behring Breivik and also for its responsible re-investment of oil wealth. 
13. Finland
With Helsinki named as the world design capital, Finnish architects have been shouting from the rooftops. Great reputation as a nation of problem solvers and an increasingly important air hub for Europe.
14. Italy
Home to the best fashion designers in the world and excellent cuisine, but handicapped by continuing economic jitters.
15. Holland
Dutch embassies are finally starting to project the country as a place of attractive contemporary culture.
16. Spain
Spain's sunshine, cinema and food remain popular with people the world over, but the Eurozone crisis has struck hard.
17. Brazil
Greatest strength is its 'welcoming' and 'fun-loving' people who are driving an economic surge. Still troubles with corruption, however.
18. Austria
Record breaking jumper Felix Baumgartner has helped shed Austria's old-fashioned image this year. 
Moderniser: Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking jump from the edge of space helped shed Austria's old-fashioned image
Moderniser: Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking jump from the edge of space helped shed Austria's old-fashioned image
19. Belgium
'Does the dull stuff well' - for example, politics and diplomacy - but may not exist in ten years given the momentum of Flemish independence movements. 
20. Turkey
Businesses have been attracted by Istanbul, while its airlines continue to expand. In a difficult geographical position with the ongoing conflict in Syria though.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2234726/Britain-tops-global-soft-power-list.html#ixzz2CfFvHfJ2
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Glenn Beck wants America destroyed because his side lost the election.

What Hubris!!! He wants to see the country go down because the election didn't go his way.


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Priest denies teen confirmation for supporting gay marriage. Good on him.

If you are a Roman Catholic, you must follow what your church teaches, or else, get out of it. If you see your faith as a club, that you can do and believe whatever you want, even there, in a club, are guidelines and expectations from members. So, don't complain if you are rejected confirmation.


One Catholic teen's Facebook post reportedly cost him his confirmation last month after a picture of him holding a sign urging people to vote for "equal marriage rights" was spotted by his priest at a Minnesota church.
Rev. Gary LaMoine of the Assumption Church in Barnesville, Minn., allegedly denied Lennon Cihak the religious rite of passage after seeing him online holding a sign altered to criticize the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports. The amendment would have changed the state’s constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.
 If you go against your church position regarding mariage, why do you want to be confirmed in such a church? Either you want to destroy it from the inside, which is reason enough to be denied confirmation, or you don't understand your faith, and should be denied confirmation until it is proven that you have a proper understanding of it.


Lennon's mother, Shana told, the Forum that she was shocked to hear of the decision after she was called into a private conversation with the priest, according to the outlet.
However, the priest has since told the Associated Press that the teen was not in fact denied confirmation, but declined to explain, calling it an "internal and pastoral" matter.
The mother just doesn't care what her son believes, as long as he is given this rite of passage, and he is happy.

My admiration to this priest, who has a pastoral heart, and wishes for this teen to grow in the fear of the Lord.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Didn't vote, wife runs husband downs blaming him for Obama's win

Conservatives, take a close look at how far some are willing to go to complain their lost at the 2012 Presidential Election.

Christian Zionism worships Israel not Jesus

Listen to Hagee saying in min. 3 that Israel is the focus of the Bible.

Is he a Christian anymore? Not even Jews think that, they consider God the focus of the Bible, and Jesus taught his followers that he is the focus of the Bible, Luke 24:27; John 5:39.

Well, if you don't believe me, listen to this heretic teacher yourself. 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

More statistics on the US 2012 Election

I know it's a bother, but there must be a kind of reason why the Republicans are turning out to be the party of the whites and old too.

I offer you what the Washington Post has researched about the American electoral demographics.




HISPANICS
17 percent of U.S. population
Share of 2000 vote: 7 percent
How they voted for president:
Gore: 62 percent
Bush: 35 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 10 percent (up 3 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Obama: 71 percent
Romney: 27 percent
___
BLACKS
12 percent of U.S. population
Share of 2000 vote: 10 percent
How they voted for president:
Gore: 90 percent
Bush: 9 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 13 percent (up 3 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Obama: 93 percent
Romney: 6 percent
___
WHITES
63 percent of U.S. population
Share of 2000 vote: 81 percent
How they voted for president:
Bush: 54 percent
Gore: 42 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 72 percent (down 9 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Romney: 59 percent
Obama: 39 percent
___
SINGLE WOMEN
26 percent of U.S. population age 15 and older
Share of 2000 vote: 19 percent
How they voted for president:
Gore: 63 percent
Bush: 33 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 23 percent (up 4 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Obama: 67 percent
Romney: 31 percent
___
MARRIED WOMEN
25 percent of U.S. population age 15 and over
Share of 2000 vote: 33 percent
How they voted for president:
Bush: 49 percent
Gore: 48 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 31 percent (down 2 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Romney: 53 percent
Obama: 46 percent
___
WHITE MEN
31 percent of U.S. population
Share of 2000 vote: 38 percent
How they voted for president:
Bush: 60 percent
Gore: 36 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 34 percent (down 4 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Romney: 62 percent
Obama: 35 percent
___
WHITES WITHOUT FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE DEGREES
46 percent of U.S. population age 25 and older
Share of 2000 vote: 46 percent
How they voted for president:
Bush: 57 percent
Gore: 40 percent
Share of 2012 vote: 36 percent (down 10 percentage points)
How they voted for president:
Romney: 62 percent
Obama: 36 percent
So there you go, population shifts do have an impact on how to target an audience.

Friday, November 9, 2012

You don't need to be Blasphemous to bring more customers

And that's exactly a cafe in New Zealand has done:


With a name like Chapel Bar & Bistro, one can assume its advertisements would take on a religious motif. What some may interpret as clever allusion, others may interpret as blasphemy. 
Chapel Bar & Bistro, located in Ponsonby, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand, is celebrating its seventh anniversary. In honor of "seven years of almighty nights," Chapel released an ad depicting "Jesus" and "Mary" in a compromising position.

And apparently this is not the first time they show their idiocy:
Chapel has used religious imagery in its advertisements before. Previous ads showed Jesus and Mary in stained glass with pizza pies as halos and dinner and drinks deals written in scripture scrolls.
But those who are asking for liberty of expression, whatever the expression may be, are also awarding the depiction of the Christian's saviour in such a manner:
The shocking ads may be working. Owner Luke Dallow says Chapel has been"creating miracles since 2005," with a string of devoted celebrity and local fans, and various awards to its name, according to Voxy.
Those who want liberty to advertise, should be more bold. Put Mohammed in a compromising position, and watch your establishment burn the next day.

Christians are easy targets, and don't have any protection from the government. But hey, some of us are so much into defending others, that we forget to defend our own. We deserve it, in a way.

Friday, November 2, 2012

When Christ Returns, He Will Reign in Jerusalem, and Missour, according to Romney

I was dismayed when Billy Graham took of Mormons from his heretics lists.

I wonder if he now agrees with Mormons regarding their eschatology?

How about you Christians who are so sure to vote for this Mormon? Do you think his beliefs are going to be left at the door of the White House? We have seen that Obama didn't do that, why should Romney do it?

Open your eyes, you still have time.