SPEAKING OF SOAPS

October 31, 2013

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Liam goes to Hope to tell her that his marriage to Steffy is officially over and that Quinn was the one who sent the video. Rick and Caroline break the good news of their engagement to Eric and Brooke. Knowing that Liam knows the truth about the video, Quinn and Wyatt prepare themselves to do some damage control with Hope. Feeling betrayed by Wyatt, Hope confronts him and Quinn about their manipulation. Tensions rise between Bill and Katie when she refuses to allow him to see Will before the Aspen trip with Brooke. Wyatt comes clean to Hope about his knowledge of the video but doesn’t apologize for her learning the truth about Liam’s actions. Quinn confronts Liam about running to Hope about Wyatt’s involvement with the video getting into her hands. Hope sets Liam and Wyatt straight about their places in her life. En route to Aspen, Brooke becomes concerned about Bill’s new defiant attitude towards Katie. Hope is a voice of reason to Katie in regards to the possibility of repairing the broken Logan family in the near future. The Hope for the Future Diamond makes its debut in front of a full crowd at the Forrester Creations boutique. Pam sparks the interest of the security guard, Charlie, who’s been hired to protect the small wonder. Still stewing about Katie’s recent actions towards him, Bill has a difficult time enjoying himself on the Aspen trip with Brooke. Katie is accompanied by Hope to a doctor’s appointment when she is given news about the current state of her health. Proud of Quinn’s plan with the diamond, Wyatt is determined that it will garner Hope and Forrester Creations the attention that they deserve. Liam goes to Katie about what she has been putting Bill through and points out that Spencer Publications and her family are paying the price. Katie’s attitude towards Bill begins to soften after thinking about Will’s future without his father.
THIS WEEK: Wyatt and Hope prepare for a private event at the boutique featuring the Hope for the Future Diamond. Bill and Brooke embark on a life-changing adventure on the cliffs of Aspen.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Jennifer is devastated when she believes Daniel slept with Theresa – not knowing he’s protecting her son. JJ makes a surprising decision. Gabi continues to bond with Cameron – much to Nick’s dismay. Jordan realizes Kate is not giving up on digging into her past. A desperate Nicole attempts to clear her name with Eric. EJ blackmails Lucas! Sami is touched by Brady’s special request. Cameron and Chad fight over the Abigail situation. Meanwhile, Abigail is determined take back control of her life. Brady is baffled when Eric unleashes his fury at his step-brother for keeping Nicole’s secret. Sami confronts EJ about blackmailing Lucas – and has a surprising reaction. As Chad prepares to leave for Boston, Abigail breaks up with him. Will departs for Berkeley – but not before he asks Cameron to keep an eye on Gabi. Kristen is stunned when she realizes exactly why Eric is angry with Nicole. Marlena makes a shocking discovery in Daniel’s office! Maggie confronts Victor about his secret meetings with Marlena. Daniel continues to cover for JJ but suffers the consequences. Later, someone overhears Daniela and JJ and learns the truth! Kristen interrupts Marlena just as she gets her hands on the coveted flash drive. Nicole reveals to Daniel her love for Eric – and relays the shocking allegations he’s made against her. Jennifer is taken aback when she finds JJ in an unexpected place.
THIS WEEK: Victor weakly defends his actions. Eric continues to make Nicole’s life miserable.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Patrick is left uneasy after his conversation with Nikolas. He is poised to walk into the exam room where Robin is. Robin has an emotional outpouring about how much she misses her family. Duke finds Faison behind the wall and can’t understand why Anna isn’t doing more to get him to the police station. Britt and Elizabeth tangle over Nikolas, and Britt suggests what happens between her and Nikolas is none of her business. Tracy and Luke return home. Luke reveals he meant it when he said he wanted to explore a relationship together. Sonny is preparing to make a move against Derek when he’s paid a visit by D.A. Lazaro while someone is listening in. Derek tasks Morgan with a mission. Franco misinterprets the nature of Derek and Morgan’s meeting. Sonny makes his plans to take care of Derek as someone listens in. Carly finds Diane and Franco together and believes she’s seeing further evidence of a secret sexual relationship between the two. Carly informs Franco that she’ll be at the opening. Sam pays Ava a visit while Silas meets with Kiki and suggests that Ava is up to her neck in illegal dealings. Scott and Lucy’s plan to do their civic duty is disrupted by a surprise appearance from Heather. D.A. Lazaro believes that he has discovered something to use against Scott. At Ava’s gallery, Diane crosses her fingers that the real artist behind Franco’s new series never learns that he appropriated them to his ends – just as the real artist slinks in. Ava doesn’t think Derek should show himself at the gallery party. Michael protects Kiki. Olivia witness Morgan hand Scott something. Scott puts his acquisition to good use. Will a moment of celebration lead to a kiss for one couple? Franco tells Carly he witnessed Derek and Morgan in a compromising position. Heather arrives early to the art show and is shocked at what she sees. Sam and Silas agree to go on a date to Franco’s art show. Sam detests Franco but is curious about what she perceives to be his decision to donate the profits to leukemia research.
THIS WEEK: Sonny’s declaration leads to another surprising announcement. Custody fight for baby Connie begins and the gloves are off from the very beginning.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Adam ponders his next move and is haunted by the memories of the accident. He bumps into Sharon and Faith who are passing through Chancellor Park. When Sharon can tell something is troubling Adam, he tells her about the transplant that Connor received from Delia. Jack rallies the Abbott family together in order to reach out to Billy. Billy arrives to find Jack, Traci, Kyle, Abby and Summer waiting for him. When his family’s support is too much for him to handle, Billy goes to leave just as Ashley arrives at the house to surprise everyone. When Billy tells Ashley that he needs to leave, Ashley reminds him that they all need each other. Fen is forced to tell Christine that he was high on drugs when Carmine was murdered and that he doesn’t remember the rest of the evening. Nick agrees to go riding with Sharon and Faith. While Faith is upstairs getting changed, Nick asks Sharon how she is doing and if she’s back on her medication. Sharon tells Nick that she has a new prescription and is feeling much better now that she is taking her pills. Avery blasts Nikki for dragging her into her secret about being Dylan’s mother. As their discussion gets heated and Nikki tries to explain her side of the story, Victor interrupts and asks why Nikki is updating her will. Nikki maintains that Avery was just helping her to make some updates. When Victor leaves, Avery tells Nikki that she would rather get disbarred than hide this secret from Dylan. Paul and Christine continue to search for evidence in Carmine’s murder. They discuss if it’s possible that Michael is covering for Lauren. Later, Fen takes matters into his own hands! Victor confides in Nick that he is worried about Nikki. Later, Victor meets with his P.I. and tells him to find the person that hit Delia. Meanwhile, Paul tells Christine that they have a shard of plastic from a headlight that Alex thinks may have come off the car that hit Delia. Paul realizes that there is a serial number on the piece of plastic from the headlight.
THIS WEEK: Billy opens up to Ashley. Paul urges Michael to tell the truth.

Fiscal Problems Will Continue

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

The recent fiscal fiasco brings to mind Winston Churchill’s famous quip that “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” The imbroglio that took place in Washington during the first 16 days of October, a common occurrence in recent years, represents the worst elements of democracy.
And unless drastic changes take place, we can expect to see more insanity in the future. While the legislation signed by President Obama funds the government until January 15 and increases the debt ceiling until February 7, it leaves the nation’s debt crisis unaddressed. In the words of some, this creates a permanent state of government dysfunction.
The good news is we avoided hitting the debt ceiling and risking a possible default on the nation’s debt for the first time in history. The bad news, however, is that the deal did not provide any clarity.
The legislation signed by President Obama leaves unfinished any long-term agreement over the nation’s fiscal future. The national debt has $17 trillion, and the amount is increasing every day. This currently represents $53,642 per person that must ultimately be repaid.
About 6.5 percent of the federal budget represents interest on the debt. As the economy finally recovers and expands, interest rates will rise. And interest on the debt will increase.
What we witnessed in October is a horror movie that will play again – at least until after the 2014 elections – if lawmakers continue to practice “government by crisis.” In such an environment, consumers will curtail spending, and businesses will curb investment. This will create a dark cloud over an already-sluggish economy.
From this vantage point, the drama that occurred is a national disgrace. It made this nation the focus of international concern as central banks around the world prepared for a possible default by the U.S. government.
As the politicians continue to squabble over every issue, this represents a lack of statesmanship. They act as if they have never heard of civility and compromise.
Surely there are still men and women who are willing to place the welfare of the nation above their own interests. Now is the time for them to step up to the plate.

Wayne Curtis, Ph.D., is a former superintendent of Alabama banks and Troy University business school dean. He is retired from the board of directors of First United Security Bank. Email him at wccurtis39@gmail.com.

How We Can Create Jobs Again

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Without a doubt, the biggest issue our state is facing is creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.
Recent reports show that our statewide unemployment rate is at 6.3 percent, which represents more than 134,000 Alabamians who can’t find a job.
We have seen thousands of jobs leave the state, while the jobs that we have been creating do not pay a livable wage or come with benefits.
Alabama’s textile industry – one of the largest segments of our economy – has been decimated, while plants, mills and factories across the state have been closing shop.
Recently, International Paper announced they are closing their mill in Lawrence County – one of three mills owned by International Paper in Alabama. This closure will cost the state 1,100 jobs.
Our construction industry is hemorrhaging jobs at a faster rate than nearly every other state in the country. In 2011, we lost 2,700 construction jobs in one month alone!
Under Gov. Bob Riley’s leadership, Alabama granted over a billion dollars in tax incentives to ThyssenKrupp to bring a steel plant to Mobile. After less than two years in operation, ThyssenKrupp closed the plant and is now trying to sell it to the highest bidder.
Over the past three years, our state has lost nearly 6,500 education jobs, including 2,000 teachers, and lost 3,000 state employee jobs. State leaders have celebrated these job loses, which they call “rightsizing.” But these state leaders don’t seem to understand that these educators and state employees are customers and taxpayers that our economy relies on.
The loss of these jobs has had a devastating impact on our economy. What makes it worse is that what few jobs we are creating are not the kind of jobs that pay a livable wage or come with benefits like health insurance or a retirement plan.
For example, Medicaid enrollment in Alabama has gone up 20 percent over the past five years, which means that the jobs we are creating do not come with benefits like health insurance.
Another indicator is the rise in the number of Alabamians receiving food stamps. Over the past five years, food stamp enrollment has increased 61 percent, which means that the jobs we are creating don’t pay enough to feed a family of four.
At the same time, state leaders have cut funding for education by more than 20 percent over the past five years.
Alabama’s economy is struggling because we have relied on low-skill, low-wage jobs as the backbone of our economy. Now these jobs are being shipped overseas or are being phased out of existence.
The jobs that are being created in this country now require a higher degree of education and training. That is why so many businesses look at Alabama and then move on.
With one of the largest high school dropout rates in the country, and with fewer than 24 percent of Alabamians holding a college degree, it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit business and industry to Alabama. These businesses need a workforce that is able to do the high-skilled jobs they offer, and that requires education.
If we are going to get our economy back on track, we have to do three things.
First, we need to use targeted tax incentives that come with job commitments and allow us to get our money back if the business does not bring the jobs it promises or does not keep them here for a minimum of 10 years.
We need to go back to the way we recruited businesses like Mercedes and Hyundai, instead of the way we recruited ThyssenKrupp.
Second, we need to invest in our infrastructure. This creates jobs today and helps recruit and expand business for the long-term. By improving our roads, bridges, sewers and water systems, and electrical systems, we can create jobs immediately. But doing this will also update our infrastructure to accommodate newer technologies and make doing business more efficient and affordable, and that makes Alabama more attractive to potential employers we are trying to recruit.
Third, and most important of all, we need to return to investing in our public education and vocational schools. This is a business-friendly state, and nobody works harder or has a better work ethic than the people of Alabama. But without the right tools, they cannot get or perform the jobs that are being created.
If we are going to create more jobs, we have to give our workers and our children the tools to succeed. And there is no tool more important than a good head on their shoulders.

Girl Scout Troop 766 Supports The Cure For Cancer

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Girl Scouts — Pictured L-R: bottom row: Jada' Hinton, Jasmine Hinton and Baby Craig Second Row: Ella Spencer, Jayla Craig, Jordan Littlepage, Shecoria Wright, Daja Virdell, Annaysha Jackson, Makaila Gooden, Corynn Allen, Dorothy Sims Top Row: Kendlyn Spencer, Barbara Pierce, Gloria Yelder, troop leader, Porchia Urquhart, Sydney Urquhart, Tracy Shepherd, Natasha Wright, (pictures not shown)

Pictured L-R: bottom row: Jada' Hinton, Jasmine Hinton and Baby Craig Second Row: Ella Spencer, Jayla Craig, Jordan Littlepage, Shecoria Wright, Daja Virdell, Annaysha Jackson, Makaila Gooden, Corynn Allen, Dorothy Sims Top Row: Kendlyn Spencer, Barbara Pierce, Gloria Yelder, troop leader, Porchia Urquhart, Sydney Urquhart, Tracy Shepherd, Natasha Wright, (pictures not shown) — Pictured L-R: bottom row: Jada’ Hinton, Jasmine Hinton and Baby Craig
Second Row: Ella Spencer, Jayla Craig, Jordan Littlepage, Shecoria Wright, Daja Virdell, Annaysha Jackson, Makaila Gooden, Corynn Allen, Dorothy Sims
Top Row: Kendlyn Spencer, Barbara Pierce, Gloria Yelder, troop leader, Porchia Urquhart, Sydney Urquhart, Tracy Shepherd, Natasha Wright, (pictures not shown)

On Saturday, October 12, the girls and their families were cure leaders for the Susan G. Komen Race for A Cure. Next year the girls plan to walk in the race. The Race for the Cure was a wonderful experience

Letter to the Religion Editor

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Dear Religion Editor,
I am a very creative person, but I’m not very spontaneous! I usually work better from a well drawn out plan. The Bible teaching about making plans is firmly entrenched in the Word of God. Consider God, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). That sounds like a plan. Don’t you think? Let’s try it again, “God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea…’” (Genesis 1:27). That verse sounds like God delegated some work to you and me and expects results. So the question comes, what is a good way for making plans? I will show you seven steps that will launch you to where you want to be.

Step One in Making Plans: Goals

All successful plans start with SMART goals. Goals must be saturated in prayer, be sensitive to the will of God, and contain good motives (James 1:5-8; 4:3, 13-16; Proverbs 16:2; 21:2). Goals are grounded in the Great Commandments (Mark 12:29-31), and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Let me expand. Identify your long and short term goals. Write them down. Visualize them. Carefully determine the steps you need to reach them. Set priorities on which step to do first, second, etc. This is critical: write down the reasons “why” you want to reach the goals. Your reasons become powerful motivators to propel you to achieving goals. It is easy to drop your dreams in the face of discouragement and set backs, and you need something to stay motivated.
Step Two in Making Plans: Present Assessment

The Bible teaching about making plans is to honestly assess your present conditions. Jesus said, “For which one of you when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28; cf. verses 29-32). Ask questions such as: What is my situation? What are my resources? What is my condition? After you have established your goals, and appraised what you have at hand, you will see a large gap stretching between the two poles. For example, if someone wanted to be a lawyer, but have only a high school education and are driving truck – then, there is a large gap between where they are and where they want to be. The task is to find out how to bridge the gap, and that becomes part of your plan.
Step Three in Making Plans: Identify Barriers

The next step in the Bible teaching about making plans is this: what stands between you and the goal? Write down everything you need to get from where you are to where you want to be. Mentally walk through all the steps. Carefully describe problems that might arise. Determine the barriers. Those barriers are the problems you need to solve. After you come up with a solution to the problem, devise an action plan to get around the barriers. Now you have a route around those obstacles, you have your path to your goal. For example, what are some barriers looming between the person and them becoming a lawyer? Well, one obvious blockade is education. Another might be location to a good college. To get around the first hurdle, they need to figure out how to get the education. To get around the second barricade, they may need to move to a city where there is a college. You get the idea.
Step Four in Making Plans: Take Action

Sometimes our dreams and goals never materialize. We talk them to death, but don’t take action. Plan your work, and then work your plan. The Bible teaching about making plans says, “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).
Step Five in Making Plans: Control

You need some way to determine if your plan is working. One way is to form a budget and financial systems. Some mechanisms and checkpoints must be devised to verify if you are on target to reaching your goal. Studying principles for on time management are good for this phase. Realize that some of the resources you start with may evaporate, but others will find their way to you. For example, perhaps in the beginning you have a job that will provide you enough money to survive and complete your dream. But, suddenly the job goes away. You have lost that resource. Be prepared to make adjustments. Circumstances change in life. For example, consider the many unforeseen obstacles that Job, David, and Joseph encountered and had to work around.
Step Six in Making Plans: Minimize Risk

The Bible teaching about making plans teaches us to reduce those things that hinder in reaching goals. The writer of Hebrews speaks to this principle, “let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Sticking with my earlier example, if money is short then cut expenses. I know this from personal situations in my own life. You have to cut the cost of petrol, repairs, tires, insurance, and car payments. Cutting risk, cost, and unproductive tasks will give you a better chance of success.

Step Seven in Making Plans: Maximize Opportunities

The Bible teaching about making plans encourages us to take advantage of new opportunities. Paul spoke to this principle, “Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that” (1 Corinthians 7:21). Let’s look at my son who at one time was studying to become a lawyer. While attending The Birmingham School of Law he had a part time job working at a pawn shop, I think at some point he worked part time in a law office…… but for a little less pay. We have always encouraged our children to take advantage of any opportunity. Well, he decided not to take the bar exam and changed his career to banking. Not what we expected at all!!! Yet, because of great planning skills, I am very proud to say he has excelled greatly in his chosen profession. The same with my other son who had a life dream of becoming a “Master Barber.” With great planning and timing he has also excelled greatly in his profession. He is a now a successful business owner and mentor to other young aspiring barbers. I give God all of the glory and praise!!!!

In closing: I like to read bumper stickers and just saw one yesterday that caught my eye. It said; Remember Who You Wanted To Be. How nice, I thought. Go back and examine your childhood dreams and see where you stand in comparison to where you wanted to end up. Maybe remembering will reactivate an old dream and provoke you to put a plan in place to accomplish it. But the next thought that hit my mind is that a lot of people never figured out “what they wanted to be when they grew up.” It’s common for high school graduates to head for college without definite plans. Many graduate from college and still don’t know what they want to do with their life. Many don’t really have dreams. What if you don’t know who you wanted to be? Don’t despair; there is something better than your own dreams. There is God’s dream for you. Every person created has a divine plan. God knew EXACTLY what he wanted you to be. He knows every gift and talent and he has destined every person for greatness even if they never achieve it. But it is a shame when they don’t because it is such a waste of the one life we have to live. If you are one who had a dream yet unfulfilled, go back to it. Pray over it and line up some steps to complete it. If you have never known what you were destined for, ask God. He knows and he will tell you. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Simple Nuggets:
“A dream without a plan is just a wish!”
“Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goals”
“Use all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want!”
“An obstacle is often an unrecognized opportunity!”
“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional!”
“A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it!”

Have a wonderful Thursday!

All my love and prayers,
Minister Dot King

NAACP Offers Testimony at Senate Committee Hearing on “Stand Your Ground” Laws

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Washington, DC) – The NAACP submitted testimony to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights regarding impact of “Stand Your Ground” laws.

“The NAACP is staunchly opposed to “Stand Your Ground” laws,” said Shelton in his testimony. “They are applied in a racially biased manner, and the bottom line is, as we saw in Sanford, FL, that they make it easier for people to murder other human beings and not face any legal consequence. As such eviscerating any deterrent to gun related homicides, and even providing a road map to getting out of jail scot-free.”

In light of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the overwhelming national awareness around numerous issues surrounding this case, the NAACP developed a set of state policy principles called “Trayvon’s Law” which embody legislative responses that will greatly reduce the likelihood of another tragedy like the killing of Trayvon Martin. A key principle of Trayvon’s Law is repealing “Stand Your Ground” laws.

Closing the Gap in Health Care

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Yvonne Oliver,
Program Associate for Healthcare Justice

When the federal government shut down for 16 days, more than 800,000 “nonessential” federal employees became unemployed. No one believed it would go that far. After more than 41 attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health care reform became the scapegoat for the government shutdown. Was it a mere coincidence that opening day of enrollment for the health insurance marketplace was the day the government shutdown occurred? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.
The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act gives more than 40 million uninsured folks health insurance. Yet, ‘trusted leaders’ have taken a stand against the 2010 law, declaring, “We need to delay providing this benefit,” because giving poor and middle class hard working people another entitlement makes them rely too much on the government.
Having an illness or a chronic disease and not being able to get much needed care diminishes a person’s quality of life and can contribute to premature death. The ACA has created a new space for how we care for each other. Healthcare reform takes away the control insurance companies once held and holds hospitals accountable for the quality of care they deliver. Healthcare is a basic human right that all God’s children deserve, but right-wing extremists continue to spin exaggerated or inaccurate analyses which only serve to create anger, anxiety, blaming, uncertainty and more despair among hard working families.
Much can be said about a people by the way we care for the most vulnerable citizens, our babies and our elders. The United States ranks 38th in healthcare systems according to the World Health Organization. In May 2013, the Huffington Post reported that “the US falls behind 68 other countries in infant mortality.” As baby boomers mature, we now have more people over the age 50 than ever in our history. An aging population is one of the greatest challenges we face in the 21st Century. Health insurance coverage for all people should not be negotiable.
The ACA provides: no annual or lifetime caps of benefits; free preventive services like mammograms, prostate exams and colonoscopies; a 50 percent reduction on prescription drugs with elimination of the donut hole by 2020; allowance for children up to age 26 to stay on parent’s insurance; elimination of gender based pricing, elimination of denials based on pre-existing conditions; and additional resources for doctors to provide better care. ACA saves money from a reduction in waste, fraud, abuse and Medicare costs.
It is time to let our legislators know we need them to do their constitutional duty and provide for the well-being of their public. Where healthcare is concerned, the ACA is a good start. We need our legislators to help make it work for everyone, rather than create obstructions that serve no one.

The United Church of Christ has more than 5,300 churches throughout the United States. Rooted in the Christian traditions of congregational governance and covenantal relationships, each UCC setting speaks only for itself and not on behalf of every UCC congregation. UCC members and churches are free to differ on important social issues, even as the UCC remains principally committed to unity in the midst of our diversity.

Foundation for Living

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Mysteries of the Kingdom

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. ‘What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!’ he said to himself. As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a seven foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out: ‘Oh my God!’ Time stopped. The bear froze. The forest was silent. It was then that a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying: ‘You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?’ The atheist looked directly into the light. ‘It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the bear a Christian?’ ‘Very well,’ said the voice. The light went out, and the sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke: ‘Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful, Amen.’
And so it goes for many of us, we do not turn to the mystery that God is until we are facing a life threating situation. One of the mysteries of life is how many times we are given the truth of God, yet we let it slip away. It is hard to understand the mysteries of this kingdom called by Jesus the “Kingdom of Heaven,” but there are two ways to understand it. The first way is by being available to receive the knowledge of God and second by heeding that knowledge when we obtain it.
The problem I see is that many of us fail to comprehend or understand the words of Jesus. Many of Jesus’ blessings are concealed in parables which are the essence of understanding the mysteries of the spiritual world. If we can’t appreciate the magnitude of Jesus’ words shared in parables we will miss the message Christ left to help us understand the mysteries of life. One of those parables was about a sower who went out and sowed seeds that fell along the path where birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some 60, some 30. This parable is a key to understanding the mysteries of the kingdom. There are two ways of understanding how to use this key. First we must be, available to God to comprehend His message. This is what Bible study is about. In order to understand Jesus we need to study, pray and meditate on His words. Jesus is like a diamond. Every facet of him contributes to the brilliance of the whole. When we experience sorrow, He brings comfort; when we seek Him, He brings spiritual knowledge; He brings the Kingdom of God. He is many things, yet when it comes to helping us understand the way to heaven and the mysteries of paradise, we have to become disciples first. Not hearers, like the masses or followers of Christ, like many of us, but true believers. Many of us claim to be disciples but are not willing to die, (be reborn in the Spirit) for Christ. Only then will the words of Jesus come clear. Then we will know that the good soil or ground in the “Parable of the Sower,” meant our salvation.
Second, we realize the mysteries of the realm of God by heeding and gripping Jesus’ Words. Jesus said, “As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; who is this he or she who hears the word and understand it? These are the ears of discipleship. To these ears the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed. These mysteries are not available to the masses or to followers. To whom is it given to know the mysteries of Heaven? To whom is it not given? Those who seek, those who knock at the door of Heaven, those who heed and grip the Word of God – it is given for them. Those who are standing without knocking (followers) – or those whose back is at the gate of Heaven, or those who have become completely oblivious that Heaven exists (Masses) – for them it is not given.
Unless we move in the direction of God as disciples, God cannot move in our direction. This is the key that unlocks the secrets of God. These secrets are revealed to those who have ears to hear and are available to us when we become real Disciples of Christ and are ready to heed, seize, and follow His message.

A Quest to Know God

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

INVESTMENT
May I ask what kind of investment you are making for your everlasting security? Why do I ask, well it is because life is so very short, and there is such a vast range of conglomerate investors pressing for information, which are leading many into confusion, and some are real and many are not. I really desire that you make the real and everlasting investment. Did you ask which investment is real? Yes, what do you have to offer? Oh, I am so glad you asked, because I have the greatest and most real and valuable investment than anyone can make. Have a seat, and let me tell you about the one I am sure about, because I am a member. Does being a member make you sure about it? Sure, I have had many family members and friends who have benefitted. Okay, tell me about it. I will tell you, but I want you to read the Most Holy and dependable Book that tells you all about its master plan. There is page after page, which explains in detail the Founder and Creator of the plan. Information is also in the Book about the author’s love and concern for each member is heart melting.
First, I would like to make it quite clear what will happen when you make your investment. You will receive an everlasting security plan as long as you live on earth. Second – you will receive a guarantee seal of an everlasting life with the Creator who is merciful and gracious to all the investors, who have committed their lives to investing in His Master’s Plan. [Ephesians 1:13]
The Creator of the investment plan is the life giver who gave His life for you that you may have eternal life with Him. Have you invested yet?
www.thealmightyeyes.com

To Be Equal

Birmingham Times

October 31, 2013

Don’t Repeat the Shutdown

by Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League
“Extremes to the right and to the left of any political dispute are always wrong.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
After 16 days of a costly and unnecessary government shutdown, America is open for business again. More than 800,000 furloughed federal workers are back on the job. Nutrition programs for low income women and children are back in service. The CDC’s flu program and the FDA’s food safety efforts are back on track. Head Start programs are reopening their doors. NIH is resuming clinical trials for children with cancer. Our National Parks and Museums have reopened. And financing for thousands of small businesses is flowing again.
We join all Americans in applauding the compromise deal crafted by Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. But it is only a temporary fix. The bill passed by both chambers and signed by President Obama at 12:30 a.m. on October 17 only funds the government until January 15 and extends the debt ceiling until February 7. Congress now faces a “90-day sprint” to craft a balanced, responsible budget that works for the American people, maintains health care coverage for millions through the Affordable Care Act, and avoids another government shutdown. We urge our elected leaders to put aside partisan rancor and get this job done. They were sent to Washington to govern on behalf of all Americans and they have a special duty to prevent a repeat of a shutdown that cost our economy $24 billion and was especially damaging to middle class families, small businesses, the working poor and the unemployed.
A budget conference committee headed by Democrat Patty Murray in the Senate and Republican Paul Ryan in the House has now been formed to meet a December 13 deadline for a long-term budget agreement. This won’t be easy, with the House majority arguing for extending the onerous sequester cuts to important safety-net programs and resisting any new taxes, while the Senate majority wants to make smart investments to spur job growth, grow the economy and maintain support for vital programs that assist millions of Americans. Both sides say they share the goal of growing the economy and putting people back to work. The key to success will be finding common ground on the way to achieve those objectives.
We believe that any final agreement must put the needs of the American people first. We must protect programs that empower individuals and communities through good jobs, access to affordable housing and healthcare, and quality education. As President Obama said in his weekly address to the Nation, “We should sit down and pursue a balanced approach to a responsible budget, one that grows our economy faster and shrinks our long-term deficits further. There is no choice between growth and fiscal responsibility – we need both.”
We agree. And as we move forward, we must also avoid the kind of ideological rigidity that led to the shutdown. We are especially offended by the continued extremist comments of Representative Ted Cruz who has refused to rule out another government shutdown over his desire to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. We have a simple question for Mr. Cruz: How can you make the argument for spending cuts or rally against spending on a law that would actually reduce the deficit and ensure healthcare for all Americans and at the same time support a shutdown that cost the economy $24 billion…with nothing to show for it? Makes no sense.

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