Stanley Hauerwas On Healthcare

We have lost our way. There is no longer that seriousness in the pew on the stole. All of us care our physicians credential more than they care about their minister credential. Ain't that the truth. I too care more for my physician's credential than I do for my minister.

Here I Am To Worship

Not Charity But Justice

Ancient of Days

O Ancient of Days

Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto the Ancient of Days.
From every nation, all of creation, bow before the Ancient of Days.
Every tongue in heaven and earth, shall declare Your glory.
Every knee shall bow at Your throne, in worship.
You will be exalted O God, and Your Kingdom shall not pass away.
O Ancient of Days. Repeat

Your Kingdom shall reign over all the earth, sing unto the Ancient of Days.
For none can compare to Your matchless worth, sing unto the Ancient of Days. Bridge

Let My Words Be Few

Let My Words Be Few

You are God in heaven
And here am I on earth
So I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You

Chorus:
And I'll stand in awe of You, Jesus
Yes, I'll stand in awe of You
And I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You

The simplest of all love songs
I want to bring to You
So I'll let my words be few
Jesus, I am so in love with You

Are You Redeemed? Test Yourself?

Even our redeemed self falls at times, so don't be too harsh on yourself.

Are You Sure About That?

Perhaps, that is very true. Nevertheless, one has a better shot on getting a hit on the question than getting one directly from God. Not sure if people are well aware of this but God is quite silent in this country. There are lots of reports in other countries about the appearance of God or of hearing God's voice, but in this country, for the most part with the exception of a few self-righteous delusional spiritual leaders, God is most silent.

Top 10 Endangered Exports

As climate issue keeps on mounting, the world may soon come to realize that certain well loved joys will soon be no longer available. Time magazine has a list of top 10 most endangered exports. The list covers a broad area from Italian pasta all the way to Colorado Ski Resorts. If our current way of impacting our environment does not drastically change for the better, the next great war will be to secure our very limited resource of fresh water. This will have great geopolitical outcomes. The very countries we know will no longer be one nation but perhaps multiple fragmented states united under a common rare resource of fresh water. One such nation could be located in the Great Lakes area in this country. Other possible geopolitical change of wealth could be shifting further away from the Equator as the temperature rises. Greenland could become the greatest beneficiary of the rise temperature as more land in Greenland actually becomes more green. This could greatly influence migration patterns in the world. The Equator could soon become the wasteland - "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" (T. S. Eliot). Humanity seems to have arrived at a cross road. Where shall we go?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1945317,00.html

Top 10 Endangered Exports

1. Italian Pasta - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945293,00.html
2. French Wine - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945294,00.html
3. Argentine Honey - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945297,00.html
4. German Beer - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945298,00.html
5. Vietnamese Rice - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945299,00.html
6. Spanish Fruit and Vegetables - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945301,00.html
7. Maldivian Tourism - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945302,00.html
8. Northern European Vodka - hhttp://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945304,00.html
9. Colorado Ski Resorts - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945305,00.html
10. Malian Cotton - http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1945317_1945308_1945306,00.html

The Wonderful Cross

A Matter Of Perspective

This is certainly true of Wall-Street. They suck the life out of main-street. It is ashame that "Frontline" doesn't work on either Wall-Street or on Washington.

Bill Moyers Interviews Richard Dawkins

This world is truly amazing and life is grandiose. But would life be so grandiose for those who hadn't the good "fortune" to experience this so-called grandiose life?

Ph.D. Digs The Dumpster

Baby and Father in the Crib Together!

We all need some funny moments in our life to keep our sanity.

Two Interpretations Based On One Event

Atheism Militant Declares Jihad

I do hope Dawkins accomplish what he set out to do.

Governments Lie, We Die

Alister McGrath and Richard Dawkins

Stanley Hauerwas On Worship

At the end, television or any form of media will win against worship because in the end television is good at entertaining us. However, when liturgy is of the people by the people it moves us beyond ourselves and ultimately its is much more than entertainment, it is life giving.

Strange Fruit

Still the most power reminder of our fallen humanity. How easy it is to fall from grace! Let us stay vigilant against any violence on the humanity of others and of own ourselves.

Word Of God Speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

Take A Look At This!!!

Nature Furor

Check This Out!!!

McGrath versus Dawkins

Bill O'Reilly Neutered

The Decline of the ELCA

There is a magic number in the air. The number is ten percent, which the goal of the ELCA. This is the target number for the ELCA to change its image as not so very much white church. As many are well aware, this lack of minority presence is not merely a problem of the ELCA. All of the mainline churches have issues with minority presence. Nevertheless, out of the largest mainline churches, the ELCA has the worse minority representation particularly if one is to consider the number of membership - some 4.5 million members. These will be a difficult task particularly as the ELCA also face decline membership. The ELCA will not be saved by reaching out to minorities because the root of its decline is not merely lack of reaching out to minorities. What the ELCA needs to do is to address the real issue of their decline; and to do this they must find the issue for their decline.

Here I Am To Worship

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Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
to see my sins upon that cross--

Stanley Hauerwas on what only the whole church can do

Confession

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Your Grace Is Enough

Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me

Great is Your love and justice God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me [x2]

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me

Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God I see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me

For me

Prayer 4 Birthdays

Watch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase. Bless and guide them, whenever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Mighty To Save

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

O Worship The King

O worship the King, all glorious above
O gratefully sing His wonderful love
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days
Pavilioned in splender, and girded with praise

O tell of His might, O sing of His grace
Whose robe is the light and canopy space
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm

O measureless might, ineffable love
While angels delight to worship above
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend

Chorus:
You alone are the matchles King
To You alone be all majesty
Your glories and wonders, what tongue can recite?
You breathe in the air, You shine in the light

Wonderful, Merciful Savior

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and friend
Who would have thought that a lamb could
Rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we hopelessly lost the way

[Chorus:]
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

[Chorus:]
You are the one that we praise
You are the one we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Don't believe your lying eyes

How does this influence our notion of interpretation?

God of Wonders

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth (2X)

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth (2X)

Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (3X)

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy

Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (6X)

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

Early in the morning
I will celebreate the light
and as I stumble through the darkness
I will call your name by night

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal your heart to me
Father holy, holy

the universe declares your majesty
you are holy, holy, holy, holy

halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth

Hard Decision

This chart makes it easy to decide what religion one should follow.

American Casino

A new documentary about our financial collapse. It received great reviews. The title is quite fitting for it is exactly the way our apparent "brights" economical mind decided to do business. Gordon Brown is right that the government needs not to worry about the rich people because they are able to take care of themselves. Government needs to care and protect the people against the rich and powerful -- I know Mr. Brown was referring to health-care provision for the poor, but that comment also rings true for all sectors of life. The rich does not need protection, because they have enough lobbyists bidding on their behalves so as to promote rules and regulations that will keep them on the top. Our current rule of government favors the rich and powerful. There are no provisions to protect against the powerful in this country. If there were, then the rich would not have been bailed out.

http://americancasino.breakcart.com/product_info.php?products_id=6&osCsid=3d0prlipfol843rtdbhm6oeoe7

Not Hard to Believe

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Don't act shocked about this, this after all is the city that didn't allow Ernie Davis to stay in the Aristocrat Hotel. Honestly, just because that event took place a half century ago doesn't mean that it will not happen again. Racism is a systematic disease that lingers on.

parshat shemini

Parshat Shemini from G-dcast.com

More Torah cartoons at www.g-dcast.com

"The Warning" by Frontline

IBS in the Spotlight

Insider trading case puts Indian business school in spotlight

By Sumeet Chatterjee

BANGALORE (Reuters) - The Indian School of Business, backed by some of the leading global companies, has been dealt another black eye with an executive board member charged over the largest hedge fund insider-trading scheme.

Billionaire Galleon Group founder Raj Rajaratnam and five others, were charged by U.S. investigators on Friday in an insider-trading case, generating profits of more than $20 million over several years.

Among those charged, Anil Kumar, a director at consulting firm McKinsey & Co., is on the executive board of the Indian School of Business (ISB), a premier management institute which was placed second among Asia's business schools this year.

"The incident is strange and shocking," said Rishi Sahai, managing director of Cogence Advisors, a New Delhi-based corporate advisory firm. "Greed has overpowered all the corporate and management rationalities."

Kumar, 51, a resident of Saratoga, California, is a friend of Rajaratnam's and a direct or indirect investor in certain Galleon funds.

Located in the southern Indian city and technology hub of Hyderabad, the school's governing board reads like a mini-Who's Who of global business, drawing on leaders from LVMH and Dell to Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

The school has academic alliances with the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and the London Business School with an aim to bring in the best of global management practices.

The ISB, meant to rival prestigious the country's Indian Institutes of Management, boasts air-conditioned lecture theatres, a mix of four-bedroom and studio apartments, swimming pool, gymnasium, and yoga and aerobics centers.

ISB was dealt a blow in January after its dean Mendu Rammohan Rao resigned following widespread protests over his role as a board member of fraud-tainted Satyam Computer Services.

In December, Satyam made a botched attempt to buy construction firms in which management held stakes. The decision was announced after a board meeting attended by Rao, among others.

Satyam's founder Ramalinga Raju later confessed the attempt to acquire the firms was made to cover up gaps in the company's balance sheet that had been inflated for many years.

"Incidents like these make it amply clear that corporates and other institutions should go for better screening processes when selecting board members instead of just focusing on an individual's industry profile," Sahai said.

The ISB, conceived in 1995, formally started operation in 2001 as a not-for-profit organization.

The ISB ranked 15th in the Financial Times 2009 global MBA rankings, and placed second among Asia's business schools.

Kumar has sought leave from the board of the Indian School of Business "until he sorts this out," Dean Ajit Rangnekar said.

Kumar had an "enthusiastic" approach toward the school and was of "huge help," he said. "(It's) shocking. We need to wait and see," Rangnekar said. "Unfortunate things happen."

<http://www.reuters.com/article/ousivMolt/idUSTRE59I2UB20091019?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=11604&sp=true>

I understand that this is news worthy stuff, but at the same time, we need not to pretend this is shocking news. We are just too naive in our trust in the market system. Honestly, with that much temptation of power, fame, and wealth, is any wonder that people find excuses to behave so selfishly to gain more power and wealth. I don't think so. It seems to be naive and stupid to think that no one will cave in to the lure of wealth and power--especially with that much money and power involved, like in story by Chatterjee.

The Collect Prayer of the Day

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Burning Bibles on Halloween in N.C.

Perhaps many of us will laugh about this story that is unfolding in North Carolina. Apparently, on Halloween night, Pastor Marc Grizzard and 14 members of his church, Amazing Grace Baptist Church, are going to burn all non-King-James bibles. They are also going to burn music and books by Christian authors, such as Billy Graham, Rick Warren, and Joel Osteen. I guess, if Pastor Marc Grizzard really wants to have a pure unadulterated version, then he should go out and get the Greek version of the Bible--that is, if he knows how to read and understand Koine Greek.

<http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g1_zU_TQfl70nelEq6JbAjkK9jdgD9BB26B80>

In Christ Alone

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

What is God?

A question surely to stir up passionate reaction for in God's name we have killed millions.

Offering by Paul Baloche

Offering

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love
There is no shadow in Your Presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your Blood and it's only through you mercy
Lord I come

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You
I bring an offering to You

I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You
O Lord I bring an offering to You
O Lord I bring an offering to You
I bring an offering to You

Why American is More Conversative than Europe?

Teen Violence

What is wrong with our society? Does this merely reflect our social reality that the value of another human being is worthless?

David Bowie In Extras

Graphic: Banking compensation

This is the only country where incompetence is a way of life.

Ain't that the truth! Greed is a way of life.

Ann Coulter Got Slammed

Tucker and Olbermann Beats O'Reilly

Entangled Giant - The New York Review of Books

Entangled Giant - The New York Review of Books

Shared via AddThis

Kate Winslet In Extras

In Christ Alone

Rep. Wilson shouts, 'You lie' to Obama during speech

Southern Republican doing what is most natural to them that of being backward.

Morning Joe

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

No Child Left Behind the President’s Speech

Yes, this was total indoctrination. Work hard! Don't give up! Keep on pursuing your best! Yes, that is total indoctrination. And, honestly, isn't that good indoctrination?

Dan Dennett - Breaking the Spell

Center versus Fringe

Little Bird

Chomsky On Religion

Chomsky versus Buckley

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

I Will Rise

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Hideaway

In Christ Alone

Suggestions to Jesus by Jude

"Hey Jude begin...You're waiting for someone to perform with...And don't you know that it's just you..." Yes, Jude, don't make it harder than it is for the reality of Jesus is the reality of living in love for all that God has created. Okay, that is hard stuff and at times very contradicting but so is the nature of truth. Just think of justice. It is very elusive, for even with all these rules, regulations, and laws, justice still elude us. Religions isn't about regulations, rules, or even moral values, but about attempting to promote life that is worth living--that is, a life that doesn't destroy the intrinsic reality of our humanity. With such grand goals, one might wonder: How are we to live? So, Jude, how shall we live? Can you come up with some lofty goals for us? Perhaps, you can better inspire us all to live a life of a conscientious conscience being.

The Future

This is the future as we accept more and more technology as the solo determiner of talents, gifts, abilities, personalities, and etc. Technology is GOD!

Beautiful One by Tim Hughes

The Uninsured Queue For Free Health Care

This will be ultimately the outcome of capitalism.

SUFI MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Little Bird

Stand Up, Stand Up, For Jesus

Stand up, stand up, for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss:
from victory unto victory
his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up, for Jesus;
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day:
ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up, for Jesus;
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own:
put on the Gospel armor,
and watching unto prayer,
when duty calls, or danger,
be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up, for Jesus;
the strife will not be long:
this day, the noise of battle;
the next, the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
a crown of life shall be;
he with the King of glory
shall reign eternally.

Everlasting God

Break Through

Break Through

Break through, break through all my doubts
Break through, break through all my fears
Break through that I may worship You
Break through, break through all my pain
Break through, all my guilt and my shame
Break through like only You can do

Chorus:
You are brighter than my darkest night
Stronger than my toughest fight
Just one touch from You my King, my friend
And I’ll never be the same again
Break through, break through [repeat