Monday, September 20, 2010
Happy Monday
I am having my car worked on AGAIN today.....There is a leak somewhere and it's causing some issues. Here's hoping this will fix things. Besides a new House comes on tonight, with new Maroon 5 music coming out tomorrow. Along with the Young Adult Retreat this weekend. Happy Monday
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sometimes The Things People Do Just Bother Me
Let me start this out by saying I am going to talk in general terms with no specifics...
Over the past few days somethings have been happening to a place I hold dear to my heart. The things that have happened are a result of people being greedy and wanting something that is not there's. These people do not care what is in there way, and left a path of destruction that will likely take weeks to fix.
As a result of these actions other measures will have to be taken to ensure it does not happen again. That disturbs me. I have come to know this as a safe place, a place where I can bee free of fear.
Whoever is doing this, does not know what this place means to me and a large number of people.
Over the past few days somethings have been happening to a place I hold dear to my heart. The things that have happened are a result of people being greedy and wanting something that is not there's. These people do not care what is in there way, and left a path of destruction that will likely take weeks to fix.
As a result of these actions other measures will have to be taken to ensure it does not happen again. That disturbs me. I have come to know this as a safe place, a place where I can bee free of fear.
Whoever is doing this, does not know what this place means to me and a large number of people.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
I Choose To Be Revolutionary
It's a work in progress......
What does it mean to be revolutionary? To me, it means to lead yourself and sometimes others to a new way of thinking on certain issues, or to look at something from a new perspective.
One of the things I find amazing about Community of Christ camps, is how quickly the participants come together to form a community that will only grow in strength. Looking back on the experience I believe the participants of Spectacular 2010 were able to form a community divinely created, to see the gospel how its supposed to be lived out.
The formation of the community became evident on Wednesday night when President Steve Veazey was moved by the spirit in such a way that prompted him to tell of an experience he had with the Holy Spirit during that service.
I can only somewhat remember what was shared, but early on you can tell it was going to be something important.
Many people after that experience used it as a reference point for the camp. In the fact where were no boundaries between us (everyone that was there), only love. It was interesting, because he shared in devotions with the West Pony delegation after the service. Much laughter and tears were shared during those devotions.
That experience served as an eye opener for me. I have been struggling with the concept of vulnerability. To be comfortable enough with myself and my surroundings to truly be who I am. One of the daily themes was revolutionary vulnerability as a result my understanding has been further developed, I will not say I am there yet but I am on my way.
Other daily themes included, Revolutionary invitation, inclusion, grace, generosity and life.
On Tuesday night a campus wide worship was held in the football stadium. President David Schaal gave the keynote address. The offering during this year helped SPEC become the first large donor to the churches human trafficking fund. Over $5,000 was raised.
I had no idea of this prior to SPEC but James Mulholland was in attendance. By chance he was at my branch several years ago to do a workshop and I purchased his book, 'If God Is Love.' This summer I picked it up for the first time to read. It was neat to get to spend time with him and pick his brain about the book. The good news is that I was able to finish the book while I was there.
To quote the book, "I need to get out of the pew and into the world. The religious were to be agents of transformation rather than allies of the status quo....The problem with waiting is that nothing really changes. The problem with the change is that it requires our involvement." To me those lines speak of being revolutionary.
There is a great deal of things, I could about this revolutionary camp. But to make a long story short, SPEC this year reaffirmed to me why I am a member of this church. Because of the community that was created and because of the love that was shared on and off the court, I believe we have all heard the message loud and clear. It's time for a new way of thinking. It's time for us to be the change this world needs to see...
What does it mean to be revolutionary? To me, it means to lead yourself and sometimes others to a new way of thinking on certain issues, or to look at something from a new perspective.
One of the things I find amazing about Community of Christ camps, is how quickly the participants come together to form a community that will only grow in strength. Looking back on the experience I believe the participants of Spectacular 2010 were able to form a community divinely created, to see the gospel how its supposed to be lived out.
The formation of the community became evident on Wednesday night when President Steve Veazey was moved by the spirit in such a way that prompted him to tell of an experience he had with the Holy Spirit during that service.
I can only somewhat remember what was shared, but early on you can tell it was going to be something important.
Many people after that experience used it as a reference point for the camp. In the fact where were no boundaries between us (everyone that was there), only love. It was interesting, because he shared in devotions with the West Pony delegation after the service. Much laughter and tears were shared during those devotions.
That experience served as an eye opener for me. I have been struggling with the concept of vulnerability. To be comfortable enough with myself and my surroundings to truly be who I am. One of the daily themes was revolutionary vulnerability as a result my understanding has been further developed, I will not say I am there yet but I am on my way.
Other daily themes included, Revolutionary invitation, inclusion, grace, generosity and life.
On Tuesday night a campus wide worship was held in the football stadium. President David Schaal gave the keynote address. The offering during this year helped SPEC become the first large donor to the churches human trafficking fund. Over $5,000 was raised.
I had no idea of this prior to SPEC but James Mulholland was in attendance. By chance he was at my branch several years ago to do a workshop and I purchased his book, 'If God Is Love.' This summer I picked it up for the first time to read. It was neat to get to spend time with him and pick his brain about the book. The good news is that I was able to finish the book while I was there.
To quote the book, "I need to get out of the pew and into the world. The religious were to be agents of transformation rather than allies of the status quo....The problem with waiting is that nothing really changes. The problem with the change is that it requires our involvement." To me those lines speak of being revolutionary.
There is a great deal of things, I could about this revolutionary camp. But to make a long story short, SPEC this year reaffirmed to me why I am a member of this church. Because of the community that was created and because of the love that was shared on and off the court, I believe we have all heard the message loud and clear. It's time for a new way of thinking. It's time for us to be the change this world needs to see...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Giving A Hand Up Not A Hand Out
"The finest gift you can give anyone is encouragement. Yet, almost no one get the encouragement they need to grow to their full potential. If everyone received the encouragement they need to grow, the genius in most everyone would blossom and the world would produce abundance beyond our wildest dreams," -Sidney Madwed.
One of the organizations I have become involved with in recent years is the Scioto County Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. One of the goals of habitat is to help break the poverty cycle in our community for qualifying and deserving families.
This group of people have and will continue to do great things in this community, by helping people realize what some have called the American Dream. The dream of homeownership.
The group has constructed seven houses in Scioto County and are looking to possibly build another another house in the fall.
One of many things that impresses me about this organization is that it's not a hand out organization.
The families that are interested have to apply and submit a amount of paperwork to that habitat can look over each application to see if the family will meet habitat standards.
Once the families qualify and are accepted by habitat. They begin a partnership that will last a lifetime. The family support committee then helps guide the family through the construction process.
In order for a family to qualify they have to be willing to put in as many as 350 "sweat equity" (labor) into the construction of their home. This way the future homeowner is not only invested but also vested in their home.
One of the biggest misconceptions about habitat is that it gives away the homes it builds. That is not true. The reality is that habitat holds a mortgage on the home for as much as 30 years. The number of years and the monthly payments are based on what the family can afford based on income.
Habitat does not believe in pricing the houses to the families to the point were it put the families further down the poverty cycle. It's our goal to help break that cycle not contribute to it.
Poverty is a huge issue in this community and it will take organizations like Habitat to stand up against it, and work to a solution.
Does habitat have all the answers when it comes to the issue of poverty, no. Can Habitat come to the table to help find a solution to the answer yes.
There are many aspects to habitat and there are many many people that help and have helped make the organization what it is today.
For more information about the Scioto County Habitat For Humanity visit www.sciotohabitat.org.
One of the organizations I have become involved with in recent years is the Scioto County Chapter of Habitat For Humanity. One of the goals of habitat is to help break the poverty cycle in our community for qualifying and deserving families.
This group of people have and will continue to do great things in this community, by helping people realize what some have called the American Dream. The dream of homeownership.
The group has constructed seven houses in Scioto County and are looking to possibly build another another house in the fall.
One of many things that impresses me about this organization is that it's not a hand out organization.
The families that are interested have to apply and submit a amount of paperwork to that habitat can look over each application to see if the family will meet habitat standards.
Once the families qualify and are accepted by habitat. They begin a partnership that will last a lifetime. The family support committee then helps guide the family through the construction process.
In order for a family to qualify they have to be willing to put in as many as 350 "sweat equity" (labor) into the construction of their home. This way the future homeowner is not only invested but also vested in their home.
One of the biggest misconceptions about habitat is that it gives away the homes it builds. That is not true. The reality is that habitat holds a mortgage on the home for as much as 30 years. The number of years and the monthly payments are based on what the family can afford based on income.
Habitat does not believe in pricing the houses to the families to the point were it put the families further down the poverty cycle. It's our goal to help break that cycle not contribute to it.
Poverty is a huge issue in this community and it will take organizations like Habitat to stand up against it, and work to a solution.
Does habitat have all the answers when it comes to the issue of poverty, no. Can Habitat come to the table to help find a solution to the answer yes.
There are many aspects to habitat and there are many many people that help and have helped make the organization what it is today.
For more information about the Scioto County Habitat For Humanity visit www.sciotohabitat.org.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Spring Has Sprung
Can you feel it? Have you noticed? Spring is finally upon us, almost. There is noting like being cold most mornings and be sweating by the afternoon. Welcome to spring.
But, I guess it's better than having to deal with snow and ice on a daily basis. along the idea of not being able to make it home each night. I will not complain any longer, incase mother nature is listening.
There are many issues that face this community that is calling our attention. We as a community be distracted by these issues or we could approach them with unified efforts and make a bigger impact.
It's hard to tell, what would happen if we as a community would truly unify and work to find solutions to problems we are facing.
Efforts have been underway for a while now by community officials to combat the issue of prescription drugs. Those involved in those efforts were pleased to know that two pain clinics were raided last week, to search for information.
There are people and organizations work as hard as they can everyday to make this community better.
The Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste Management District has received a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Recourses (ODNR) to purchase equipment that will help recycle used mattresses. The waste management district also received a $20,000 grant to gather discarded tires in both counties.
These organizations are working to be leaders in mattress recycling. There is not denying that we as a people generate trash. In most cases that trash ends up in landfills. One day those landfills will reach capacity and another one will have to be started.
Through the efforts of the Solid Waste Management District and Big Sandy the life of some landfills will be extended.
On Tuesday voters across the area will be asked to make their choice for a certain candidate or a certain issue.
We at the Common are asking you to vote Yes on Issue 1.
The Third Frontier Program according to it's website (www.ohiothirdfrontier.com), "represents an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to expand Ohio's technological strengths and promote commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. Designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development that makes existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation."
Recently the Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees passed a resolution endorsing State Issue 1.
Issue one would enable the state to provide funding and opportunities that would otherwise not be available.
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Rita Rice Morris, President of SSU she explained SSU will expanding its efforts to apply for additional funding for research.
It's estimated the $681 million in Third Frontier funds invested between 2003 and 2008 have generated $6.6 billion in economic activity, $2.4 billion in employee wages and benefits, and approximately 48,000 jobs.
According to SSU Third Frontier has the potential to provide support for SSU's Center of Excellence that focuses on applied research and regional innovation.
"I currently have two students that I employ as a result of a Third Frontier grant. This summer I will likely have 10 different students (who have internships) in which half of their pay is coming though the Third Frontier program," Dr. Larry Miller, Professor, Plastics Engineering Technology said.
"Starting May 3, the city of Portsmouth will begin demolition of eight condemned residential structures will begin, funded by grant monies procured through the Ohio Department of Development’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, overseen by the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. The purpose of this program is aiding communities in addressing the growing issue of abandoned and foreclosed homes.
Demolition will start May 3 and is expected to end on or around May 31 on the following properties, 2105 Argonne Road, 1717/1719 Robinson Ave., 1537 Robinson Ave., 2107 Scioto Trail, 1803 Baird Ave., 1310 Franklin Blvd., 1501 Linden Ave., 1505 Linden Ave.
So this summer will have some interesting issues and projects happening this summer.
But, I guess it's better than having to deal with snow and ice on a daily basis. along the idea of not being able to make it home each night. I will not complain any longer, incase mother nature is listening.
There are many issues that face this community that is calling our attention. We as a community be distracted by these issues or we could approach them with unified efforts and make a bigger impact.
It's hard to tell, what would happen if we as a community would truly unify and work to find solutions to problems we are facing.
Efforts have been underway for a while now by community officials to combat the issue of prescription drugs. Those involved in those efforts were pleased to know that two pain clinics were raided last week, to search for information.
There are people and organizations work as hard as they can everyday to make this community better.
The Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste Management District has received a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Recourses (ODNR) to purchase equipment that will help recycle used mattresses. The waste management district also received a $20,000 grant to gather discarded tires in both counties.
These organizations are working to be leaders in mattress recycling. There is not denying that we as a people generate trash. In most cases that trash ends up in landfills. One day those landfills will reach capacity and another one will have to be started.
Through the efforts of the Solid Waste Management District and Big Sandy the life of some landfills will be extended.
On Tuesday voters across the area will be asked to make their choice for a certain candidate or a certain issue.
We at the Common are asking you to vote Yes on Issue 1.
The Third Frontier Program according to it's website (www.ohiothirdfrontier.com), "represents an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to expand Ohio's technological strengths and promote commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. Designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development that makes existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation."
Recently the Shawnee State University (SSU) Board of Trustees passed a resolution endorsing State Issue 1.
Issue one would enable the state to provide funding and opportunities that would otherwise not be available.
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Rita Rice Morris, President of SSU she explained SSU will expanding its efforts to apply for additional funding for research.
It's estimated the $681 million in Third Frontier funds invested between 2003 and 2008 have generated $6.6 billion in economic activity, $2.4 billion in employee wages and benefits, and approximately 48,000 jobs.
According to SSU Third Frontier has the potential to provide support for SSU's Center of Excellence that focuses on applied research and regional innovation.
"I currently have two students that I employ as a result of a Third Frontier grant. This summer I will likely have 10 different students (who have internships) in which half of their pay is coming though the Third Frontier program," Dr. Larry Miller, Professor, Plastics Engineering Technology said.
"Starting May 3, the city of Portsmouth will begin demolition of eight condemned residential structures will begin, funded by grant monies procured through the Ohio Department of Development’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, overseen by the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. The purpose of this program is aiding communities in addressing the growing issue of abandoned and foreclosed homes.
Demolition will start May 3 and is expected to end on or around May 31 on the following properties, 2105 Argonne Road, 1717/1719 Robinson Ave., 1537 Robinson Ave., 2107 Scioto Trail, 1803 Baird Ave., 1310 Franklin Blvd., 1501 Linden Ave., 1505 Linden Ave.
So this summer will have some interesting issues and projects happening this summer.
Friday, April 23, 2010
I started a New Book
One of the things I have grown to love in my old age is a good quote. When I read a book I like to underline things in the book I think will be useful at another time. I have a pile of book I have marked up with things I would like remember. I have been been saying for a while I would like to put them in a book of some kind. So about a week or 4 ago I started to put these things into a book. Am not sure what I will do with the collection of quotes, but I think it would prove to be useful in the long run. and besides who can not use a good quote.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A Work In Progress
In March a report was released called "Hunger In Ohio 2010," this report outlined the number of people who are seeking assistance with food year year. The report estimates that 1.4 million Ohioans receive emergency food each year. That number is up almost 20 percent from 2006.
In any given week, according to the study, more than 225,000 Ohioans receive emergency food assistance.
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States.
Poverty in the United States is cyclical in nature with roughly 13 to 17 percent of Americans living below the federal poverty line at any given point in time, and roughly 40 percent falling below the poverty line at some point within a 10-year time span.
The site estimates that most Americans (58.5 percent) will spend at least one year below the poverty line at some point between ages 25 and 75.
According to Mindfully.org, Americans eat 815 billion calories of food each day - that's roughly 200 billion more than needed - enough to feed 80 million people. Americans throw out 200,000 tons of edible food daily. The average American generates 52 tons of garbage by age 75. The average individual daily consumption of water is 159 gallons, while more than half the world's population lives on 25 gallons.
I bring you this information for informational purposes and the fact that if we as Americans, we as individuals would learn to live with what we have been given, we could end the issue of poverty in the country, and we could end it in our community.
There are many organizations in the community that are working to combat this issue everyday. In some cases it has or is becoming an up hill battle.
There is no doubt the economic conditions of today are driving more people to seek help to provide the most basic of needs.
As a part of the Scioto Slimdown, I am taking a look at the food consumption in my life and working to get it get it under control. It will be a hard journey, and I did not say it was going to be easy.
I can not say with certainty that I may not succeed with this effort, but at least I can say I tried and maybe I will have learned something in the process.
In any given week, according to the study, more than 225,000 Ohioans receive emergency food assistance.
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty_in_the_United_States.
Poverty in the United States is cyclical in nature with roughly 13 to 17 percent of Americans living below the federal poverty line at any given point in time, and roughly 40 percent falling below the poverty line at some point within a 10-year time span.
The site estimates that most Americans (58.5 percent) will spend at least one year below the poverty line at some point between ages 25 and 75.
According to Mindfully.org, Americans eat 815 billion calories of food each day - that's roughly 200 billion more than needed - enough to feed 80 million people. Americans throw out 200,000 tons of edible food daily. The average American generates 52 tons of garbage by age 75. The average individual daily consumption of water is 159 gallons, while more than half the world's population lives on 25 gallons.
I bring you this information for informational purposes and the fact that if we as Americans, we as individuals would learn to live with what we have been given, we could end the issue of poverty in the country, and we could end it in our community.
There are many organizations in the community that are working to combat this issue everyday. In some cases it has or is becoming an up hill battle.
There is no doubt the economic conditions of today are driving more people to seek help to provide the most basic of needs.
As a part of the Scioto Slimdown, I am taking a look at the food consumption in my life and working to get it get it under control. It will be a hard journey, and I did not say it was going to be easy.
I can not say with certainty that I may not succeed with this effort, but at least I can say I tried and maybe I will have learned something in the process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)