Monday, November 30, 2009

Patriarch Bartholomew: 350 Is An Act of Repentance


29 November, 2009 - 13:04 — Bill McKibben

We have many ways of talking about climate change--the language of chemistry and physics, the language of politics, of economics, of engineering. And also the language of faith. Across the religious spectrum--from animist, indigenous, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian traditions, and among many other faiths and spiritual traditions--leaders and laypeople have joined the 350 movment with ceremonies and commitments of every kind.
Very few who have joined in have worked as long and hard in the environmental cause as His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has often been called the 'Green Patriarch' for his forthright declaration that environmental desecration is a sin. the spiritual leader of the wold's 300 million Orthodox Christians, and 207th successor of St. Andrew the Apostle, who founded the Church of Constantinople, Bartholomew has been named one of the world's most 100 influential people; he has just finished a trip to the United States where he met with President Obama, and also presided over a conference on restoring the Mississippi River to ecological health. So it was a wonderful piece of news when he sent us this message today:
"Breaking the vicious circle of ecological degradation is a choice with which we are uniquely endowed, at this crucial moment in the history of our planet. We have traditionally regarded sin as being merely what people do to other people. Yet, for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth by contributing to climate change, by stripping the earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands; for human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, land and air – all of these are sins. 350 is repentance in action."
This is precisely the kind of support that helps all of us as we prepare for Copenhagen, and for the round of candlelight vigils on the weekend of Dec. 12. Our deep thanks to the Patriarch.

The Armenian Genocide


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=179445959714

Description:

The Armenian Genocide (Armenian: Հայոց Ցեղասպանություն, translit.: Hayoc’ C’eġaspanowt’yown; Turkish: Ermeni Soykırımı), also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Calamity (Մեծ Եղեռն, Meç Eġeṙn, Armenian pronunciation: [mɛts jɛˈʁɛrn]), was the deliberate and systematic destruction (genocide) of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I.[1] It was characterised by the use of massacres, and the use of deportations involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of Armenian deaths generally held to have been between one and one-and-a-half million.[2][3][4] Other ethnic groups were similarly attacked by the Empire during this period, including Assyrians and Greeks, and some scholars consider those events to be part of the same policy of extermination.[5]
It is widely acknowledged to have been one of the first modern genocides,[6][7][8] as many Western sources point to the systematic, organized manner the killings were carried out to eliminate the Armenians.[9]
The date of the onset of the genocide is conventionally held to be April 24, 1915, the day that Ottoman authorities arrested some 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople. Thereafter, the Ottoman military uprooted Armenians from their homes and forced them to march for hundreds of miles, depriving them of food and water, to the desert of what is now Syria. Massacres were indiscriminate of age or gender, with rape and other sexual abuse commonplace. The Armenian Genocide is the second most-studied case of genocide after the Holocaust.[10]
The Republic of Turkey, the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, denies the word genocide is an accurate description of the events.[11] In recent years, it has faced repeated calls to accept the events as genocide. To date, twenty countries have officially recognized the events of the period as genocide, and most genocide scholars and historians accept this view.[12][13][14][15] The majority of Armenian diaspora communities were founded as a result of the Armenian genocide.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

For First Timers: Welcome

My skills and experience in traditional clinical practice successfully translates to the field of consulting because I incorporate the technical skill and clinical theory as I assist you in realizing your inner strength, peace and joy. Coaching, as designed at ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING, builds on a broad knowledge base and achievements without the inherent restrictive nature of the bureaucratic hierarchical style of clinical therapies.
For me I maintain that the primary distinction between consulting and therapy has all to do with mindset and how that effects methodology. This discernment between the two is pivotal and its what brought me to ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING. It is the defining moment in my professional career. While both consulting or coaching and therapy are aimed at helping individuals improve the quality of their lives, coaching liberates both the coach and the participant from the therapeutic trappings with its pathologybased underpinnings and trappings. There is a natural inclination to feel more at ease with Consulting because of its holistic approach to a more fulfilled existence and because the process has been liberated from traditionalism.
At ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING my philosophy and practice is founded on emphasizing personal strength while teaching higher functioning skills so that older more primitive and limiting functioning becomes obsolete. It is about more then simply reframing the sessions. It is about its mission and function. ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING serves as a navigator for rebirth and resurrection from the bondage of zombie like living as your preconceived limitations are banished. Together we raise the bar of expectation for wonderful things in your life.
When you deny yourself time at ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING, and the opportunity to work with your personal lifestyle consultant it is like living in denial about what is lacking. It is a way of settling for what you have out of a fear of what should or could be. The fear of the unknown keeps people from getting want they want personally and professionally. Because you and I work in a partnership you will not be alone and the challenges which arise will be addressed together. There will be no more procrastination as I guide you through fear and coach you on more effective problem solving techniques. With each success your confidence and momentum will build.
As your Consultant I do not spend your time and money addressing a possible pathology and its etiology. Instead, I will help you identify and help you take action to move toward what is central to your personal identity professionally and personally. Identifying what you value and how to acquire it becomes your goal. Most individuals who demonstrate an interest in ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING are highly motivated to improve the quality of personal wellness, performance at work and at play while decreasing everyday stressors.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Why Orthopraxis Consulting


As the therapeutic community changed its practice and began functioning as an industry, my professional efforts had been side blinded with funding guidelines and productivity quotas. The treatment I was providing was restructured and was no longer client centered. My time became inundated with paperwork and administrative mandates dictating treatment goals and measures to satisfy funding source demands. Thus, the very scope of my job description was irreparably changing to the detriment of my patients.


Consequently, I reconsidered my role as clinician and therapist and seriously considered another forum serve people and not ‘treat’ them. Believing that the primary conduit for healing is the relationship itself, I developed my ideology on healing first by safeguarding the integrity of the relationship. Healing begins with the relationship between the participant and a skilled, intuitive and knowledgeable guide. Adhering to the restrictive ‘treatment’ model or philosophies with its administrative requirements is counterproductive because it seek to justify its very presence and protect its own interests; not the client.

During a seven year hiatus I developed this ideological plan and envisioned a safe unrestricted space of healing. ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING was realized with its mission to inspire, facilitate, educate and empower individuals. Navigating present boundaries and perceived limitations the client can live each day peacefully and passionately. As your consultant I employ a full range of practical and innovative protocols which embrace your mind, your body and your forgotten Spirit. You will be able to free yourself from the bondage of what you fear: in a safe, comfortable and private setting. Together we celebrate your uniqueness; embracing your distinctive gifts and blessings, while identifying your needs, wants, and strategically implementing your goals.

One objective of ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING is to gently and skillfully empower you the individual to heal by taking action on your own behalf. By identifying what is right for you, making positive decisions and embracing feelings which result, the healing force of your Spirit generates a momentum in your life that will foster personal well being and measurable accomplishment. Experiencing joy and contentment defines success at ORTHO PRAXIS CONSULTING.

Friday, November 27, 2009

International Orthodox Psychotherapy Conference

I have met this psychologist priest several times during crisis situation at local parish. He was bland and tastless leaving me without any sense of his person or ability to pastor.
I personally have not met with criticism from Jn1034 and it is a blessing to me to know I am genuinely offering a service to my orthodox family which is not contrary to the faith (God forbid).
I wish Jn 1034 would please allow for comments on their blog as beingcut off from communication has stunted my growth and arrested my development.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving carb crashing


Hitting the road real real soon!!! Xena and I have already packed on holiday poundage.

Professional Integrity: good faith and correct belief and assertions


As a follow-up to my last entry about responding to personal attacks and professional deformation i would like refer to a post made at http://syntheopoiesis.blogspot.com/.  Precisely because my consulting services and this blog for that matter are not official church entities and do not represent the church officially it is imperative for me to function with the utmost integrity and authenticity to the task before me. There is no place for politicizing my work or opinion. The readers of this blog and my consulting services depend, in full measure, upon the good faith and correct belief and assertions of owners and operators. Of course they were using their position to argue that too many non official church related sites and mediums contradict such integrity and belief but their point is well taken.

On an unrelated matter I wish they would allow comments on their site again.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Responding to Professional or Personal Attacks


Your point about coming across petty and unprofessional is well taken. However, I do maintain it necessary to address such opinions publicly. I was publicly attacked my intentions, competency and motivation. I wan not initially directly addressed. I received 'notifications' through a third party.

Her argument that I and others like me profiteer off the orthodox faith is serious and held in some superstitious circles.
On that point professionally her fallacious argument needed to be address head on. If you read along you notice I simply take her position to the next level.
It only appears personal when toward the very end when I end with humor to diffuse the weight of the conflict and make an SNL and Prozac reference.
There are those who would prefer that outsiders remain out and that only clerics provide guidance and support.
I never indicate that my product or service sells a religion or way of life. I provide objective judgement and have many skills or background to draw from to assist participants in their search. My approach doesn't conflict with ideals (intentionally or in knowledge) and I can't permit bullies to insert fear mongering and character assassination into the process.
Next the small mindedness of people like Suzanne will take us from our God given reason.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

FACEBOOK GROUP Orthodox Christian Networking


I began this group for all orthodox christians and friends of the orthodox to network business contacts product information and services. Many group currently run are interested in social networking which is important but in these tough economic times let's not outsource our work and lets increase and prosper together as one body. Please join the group and let's watch for increase.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sunday, November 22, 2009

didn't make the half marathon just a small home loop


my hip has been bothering me so the half marathon was out and knowing how i am Starkey was not a good idea. I took yesterday off completely and headed out this evening in a light drizzle and ran. it was a very good run and i should have gone more it  felt so focused but i knew i had prior commitments. I want to increase my run time but have to be aware of this nagging hip which jabs at me even when I'm not running.

and to my cousin john 'big A' i'm glad you have found what you enjoy and are interested in checking in.

Insidious plans are alarmIng for non-Muslims, Turkey’

Hakan Çelik, award-winning journalist who knows the world


Hakan Çelik has been the Ankara representative of the Posta daily for the last five-and-a-half years. He has been a columnist for the newspaper since 1997. Çelik’s “Weekend” show on the Habertürk TV station was among the most widely viewed weekend shows in Turkey. He now has a similar show on Kanal 24. In addition, his TRT-3 radio music show “Tren Yolculuğu” (Train Ride) takes listeners on a smooth journey on Sundays. A graduate of İstanbul University’s School of Communication and Political Science, he has been a journalist since 1988 and has received many awards.

‘Insidious plans are alarmIng for non-Muslims, Turkey’

You attach great importance to recognizing the rights of minorities and non-Muslim Turkish citizens of the country. You also say the Heybeliada seminary should be reopened. Please elaborate.
I am ashamed of the fact that the seminary is still closed. There are only 2,500 Greeks left in Turkey. They cannot educate their future religious leaders without having such schools. They have to bring religious leaders from Greece to Turkey. Turkey should realize that if the İstanbul-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate loses ground, other Orthodox patriarchates in the world would gain power, and there could be related political developments which would not please Turkey. And there is an ongoing debate in Turkey about the ecumenical status of Patriarch Bartholomew. He has been recognized as ecumenical by other patriarchates and that means he is ecumenical. This is an interfaith issue that Turkey should not have a debate on. Plus, Patriarch Bartholomew is a respected member of Turkish society. He is a Turkish citizen who served in the Turkish military. He has been received by respect and honored in every country he goes to. It is a big plus for Turkey to have him as the ecumenical patriarch and to have the patriarchate in İstanbul. Turkey should promote that in the world with ongoing campaigns.
22 November 2009, Sunday
YONCA POYRAZ DOĞAN İSTANBUL
LINK to article

http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-193628-8-journalist-celik-says-turkey-is-more-assertive-respected-in-world-despite-domestic-hurdles.html

Resolution on Halki Seminary presented to Senate committee


Resolution on Halki Seminary presented to Senate committee


Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, or the U.S. Helsinki Commission, on Thursday presented a resolution to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee calling on the Turkish government to facilitate the reopening of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s Halki theological school without condition or further delay.
Saying that the patriarchate is an institution with a history spanning 17 centuries, serving as the center of the Orthodox Christian Church throughout the world, the resolution said the theological school of Halki had served as the principal seminary for the patriarchate until its forcible closure by Turkish authorities in 1971. Quoting Barack Obama’s “freedom of religion and expression lead to a strong and vibrant civil society that only strengthens the state, which is why steps like reopening Halki Seminary will send such an important signal inside Turkey and beyond” words during his speech at the Turkish Parliament on April 6, the resolution also stressed the “welcomed development” by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he met with the patriarch on Aug. 15.
While welcoming the historic meeting between Prime Minister Erdoğan and Patriarch Bartholomew I, the resolution urges the Turkish government to facilitate the reopening of the patriarchate’s Halki theological school without condition or further delay and also urges the Turkish government to address other long-standing concerns relating to the patriarchate.
During his speech on Thursday, Senator Cardin also welcomed Prime Minister Erdoğan’s “we should not be of those who gather, talk and disperse. A result should come out of this” statement while addressing a large audience of religious minorities on Aug. 15.
“I remain hopeful and encourage Prime Minister Erdoğan to act decisively and without condition on this matter before his upcoming visit to Washington in early December,” Cardin concluded.
Established on Oct. 1, 1844 on Heybeli Island, or Halki in Greek, the Halki Seminary was the main school of theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church’s Patriarchate in İstanbul until its closure by Turkish authorities in 1971. The US government and European Union authorities constantly demand that the Turkish government immediately reopen Halki Seminary for use.


22 November 2009, Sunday

ALİ H. ASLAN WASHINGTON

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Disappointing Run and Scientology

Yesterday i set out to run another 13.7 miles to church. It was great weather with a spectacular sunset the clouds where real works of art and God's handy-work. I love the sunrises with their fully array of color which most people miss. This sunset was right up there. Psychologically there is a real difference between running into the light and running into the darkness. I didn't enjoy this run as I do my sat morning runs these always seem longer much longer. Impatience got the best of me for the first three miles or so as i was moving along rushing the road which can't be done when running over a half marathon. anticipating the distance was a major obstacle. i also ran with a fuel belt which has started to feel cumbersome. on the trail there are h2o stations but not on the street. i felt like the camel going thru the eye of a needle unable to move freely as i carried the care of this world. the play and fluidity of the run was absent. we have become like shells an organism without the organic elements. there were those times when the run moved along and i forgot regretting the excursion all together. bible study was great and in the end i knew it was these kinds of challenges which make me stronger which really count. fighting off the darts and arrows of self doubt, indifference and difficulty. orthopraxis was offered space at a gallery to provide my empowerment gatherings and roundtable workshops. the owners are scientologists which is of no consequence to me as it has not hold on my soul. but then i thought about how easily it came to me and how willing they were to host and get to know me how they want participants to take home their healing art. i spoke with lise my partner in empowerment gatherings and told her this is not our venue. we will continue to work in the homes of those searching for wellness and the mystical side. i continue to offer private consulting on line on the phone and in person. business is building slowly but i think the business model is developing greater acuity. any of you interested in following me on twitter www.twitter.com/orthopraxis101 or http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Ortho-Praxis-Consulting/166643471560?ref=nf
best regards to all and remember "this is the day that the Lord hath made let us rejoice and be glad in it"

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Serb Patriarch Pavle dies, spoke for Balkan peace


As your learn about His-Holiness Patriarch Palve let us pray for his soul.

On a sad note during the news clip you will see coming out of the Beautiful Gate two priests together the one on the right of your screen is Peter Tutko who embezzled more then tens of thousands of dollars from his last parish in safety harbor fl. His 'retirement' was accepted. He stole Liturgical items and left the church in a half a million dollars in debt donations have been unaccounted for and he is suspected on the most Godawful and unholy behaviors which I refrain from mentioning here. The OCA should clean their house by taking him to spiritual court. This kind of priest shuffling is bad for the economia of the church.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Sat. Morning Run Scrapped Ran 6 Instead

I was simply not into getting up this morning at 5.45 so when the alarm sounded I silence it and got another   another 2.5 hours of shut eye. I was hoping to get eight in but resigned to doing only six because I have had some hip issues and running on sneakers with about 600 miles on them. I am determined regardless of conditions to run the disney marathon for a third time and I will have to set all expectations of a PR to the side.

OrthoPraxis Consulting and Classic Fitness are holding Empowerment Gatherings and we are optimistic that we have found an ideal niche. More on that to come as we have been securing intellectual rights to the concept. I will be hosting retreats in St. Pete Florida and continue to provide private consulting for those interested in living authentically and enacting Christian belief into practice. Too many have been misled  by new age imitations. I guide individuals by listening to their fears and anxiety and help them to consistently engage with their Trinitarian selves. This is not a quick fix system by a life changing process.


I also provide lectures and workshops which are motivational and empower the participant to embrace their individuality. Remember You are a new creature in Christ and I will help you believe it. I will help your unbelief. You may not question God and His greatness but you might doubt the change that is underway in your life. You don't have to anymore.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Know Your Orthodox Priests Before You Experience Roid Rage


Know Your Orthodox Priests Before You Experience Roid Rage
http://www.anamericanlion.com/aal/know-your-orthodox-priests-before-you-experience-roid-rage.html

Wed, November 11, 2009

Greek Orthodox Priest

As much as I want to try to help people understand that, yes, there is a Greek Orthodox Church, and, yes, it is a Christian religion that has been around since forever, there’s a part of me that realizes that many people are simply too stupid to understand anything at all about the world in which we live:

Marine reservist Jasen Bruce was getting clothes out of the trunk of his car Monday evening when a bearded man in a robe approached him.

That man, a Greek Orthodox priest named Father Alexios Marakis, speaks little English and was lost, police said. He wanted directions.

What the priest got instead, police say, was a tire iron to the head. Then he was chased for three blocks and pinned to the ground — as the Marine kept a 911 operator on the phone, saying he had captured a terrorist.

Police say Bruce offered several reasons to explain his actions:
The man tried to rob him.
The man grabbed Bruce’s crotch and made an overt sexual advance in perfect English.
The man yelled “Allahu Akbar,” Arabic for “God is great,” the same words some witnesses said the Fort Hood shooting suspect uttered last week.
“That’s what they tell you right before they blow you up,” police say Bruce told them.

Greek Orthodox Priests generally don’t shout “Allahu Akbar” because of the fact that they don’t speak Arabic, they don’t believe in Allah, and because they believe wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ. There there’s the fact that this happened on Monday, not long after the Fort Hood shooting rampage, which is probably where the young man got the idea, in a panic, no doubt, to try to glom onto what happened there and earn a little sympathy. I believe that we can perhaps think about forgiving the young man for lying through a human growth hormone and steroid-laced chemical fog that has warped his brain, probably similar to the one that drove Roger Clemens throughout much of his later years in baseball. Clearly, his ‘roid rage (he’s into that stuff and has blogged about it) and his inability to deal with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that he most emphatically does not have because he has never deployed as a Marine indicate that he’s just a violent, reactionary young man with no judgement or impulse control.

Know your Greek Orthodox priests, my friends. Oh, and Sikhs aren’t Muslims, sir. I know you’re looking at what’s on their head, and I know you’re flushed with anger and you’re confused, but they’re not Muslims, so calm down.

Being happy is not the point having joy is more to the point.

As the daylight comes to a close earlier with each passing day so too does some of my enthusiasm. I am cautiously optimistic as my OrthoPraxis Consulting  is booking workshops and developing relationships with local businesses. I am learning what all the numbers really boil down to and realize that volume and exclusivity are odd bedfellows. I wanted to shake off some of the cement that seems to be settling around me. yesterday I headed out for a long run  knowing that I am suppose to be running the Disney Marathon in January, so I better get out and run. Last night I ran from the house to Church. The weather has been in the low seventies and slightly windy. It would have been near perfect it is wasn’t running during rush hour and if I didn't think that the intermittent rain didn’t put me at risk with the road traffic. I also had to run more cautiously because the road was slick with rain and oil. I lost a lot of time running the overpasses when I had to move into traffic areas because the trail veers off into isolated dark unwelcoming stretches. Definitely better taking my chances with the road. I ran on the grass up hill in the rain for almost two miles. I could have done without the the hazards but I always enjoy running when the windy kicks up a bit and I set off on an adventure. I was a run full of flow. It is a blessing to be able to change gears internally and be able to reach for the mystical the indefinable X factor. This practice can be a frequent and dependable companion. I find people who run consistently who claim never to experience a runners high or a flow are missing the point. It is about more then catching your second wind it is about making connections with the spiritual the noetic part of your being. If you are seeking it purely from a biological place you will miss it for sure. If you are searching for a mile marker or pace to set peak conditions for it again wrong signpost. If you embrace the work of your body and the efficiency with which it transports your body from point A to point B then use that model to engage your noetic self the soul the nous your nucleus then you can use the run to commute to holier states and mystical mindsets. Without infusing into everything the understanding that apart from God all is useless and void of essential meaning you could run circles around the globe chasing rainbows and never find what you seek. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…” When we look at our life let’s not ask ‘was that my life? Was that what I made of it? Did I lay it waste to the cares of this world to the dependency on the woes and poor me’s?” provided we are persistently seeking how to fit into God’s plan then our lives regardless of challenges will never feel or be wasted. Being happy is not the point having joy is more to the point.

Monday, November 9, 2009

metamorphis is tough


i know quite assuredly that i am at a season of change. i feel optimistic and grounded to my cause and conviction. i feel i have a attained a certain dose of aging. i have full confidence in my intention message and cause. there is a fair amount of uncertainty also but i am committed to the process and receding like the tide is not an option.

back peddling or safety nets


Commitment forging ahead with out all the back peddling or safety nets. Trying to sure up losses is the wrong approach. Counseling or mentoring someone who functions with this mindset is difficult and meets with little success. Preparing for loss and failure is expending effort not to succeed. Now this does not mean to cast  caution to the wind and live out your dreams or reach for your goals recklessly. I am speaking more to the mindset with would be hypocritical as I encourage others to take risks but remain in the harbor myself. Success is measured in many ways monetary, personal satisfaction, and measurable outcomes. Profits are not always the bottom line, they do however provide the grease to keep the wheels going. Likewise, takings dreams to the next plane, to reality, requires some sweat equity and persistence. The payoff is there and may come in the most uncommon ways. The Gospel readings remind us today not that God will provide only but that we are about more then bread more then clothing. These are necessary in some measure and desirable, but they are only one part. The lilies of the field soak up the sunshine and beauty; while the raven fly about the skies. Get out and run and soak up the sun and fly through the fields of your neighborhood. These realities are not for sale and are more then just a piece they are a reflection of the whole too.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Empowerment Gathering Co-lecturer


Today on the eve of my named day I co-presented an Empowerment Gathering Workshop. It went splendidly. Lise from Classic Fitness did a whole presentation on plant based nutrition. I gave a power point presentation on forgiveness and renewal. Getting off with the old and on with the new. The introductory fee rate was a good incentive for participants. I wish them the very best. I came home to a steak dinner which Theophani and Stavro made for me. I also had milk and homemade cookies. I left the rice and green beens! Shhh.

Picking up the Pace


Some of the joy was lacking during this weeks thirteen miler. I had a rude awakening during last weeks run that I became soft and sucked the endurance out of my runs. They had become so lax that all they equipped me to do was run slow. Today I picked up the pace and disliked the first half of my run. I knew that success is based largely in my attitude which needed tweaking.  The usually runners were out and about. They are standoffish as they probably perceived my solitary running to imply some anti social factor. Building new relationships as an adult seems superficial and hallow. The dojo was hosting a 5k at the park so I finished up there. I saw my senseis there and it was a mixed bag. I've definately moved on. The pressure of potentially running another marathon two months from now is starting to build and gain momentum. I would like to PR and not doing so would leave me disappointed and intellectually I think that it is so stupid to run 26.2 miles only to feel badly. Today I have an Empowerment Gathering which I need to prepare for.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Empowerment Gathering Co-lecturer takes on Marathon


Putting in the mileage i need to consider with any seriousness this marathon. i only have less then eight weeks of serious running and then i taper for the race. i have to increase long runs and get medium runs in. four days a week min. i want to break the four hour marker which i missed last marathon because of poor strategy but it is only 2.5 min. less to beat it. I am not thinking about a Boston qualifier because it is not realistic as i would have to train harder then I'd like. It is nice to have the family behind me on this. I am currently under trained but have a more solid base then ever before.

Met. Kallistos Ware on prayer with humor

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Christianity was born a revolutionary faith –Ecumencial Patriarch Bartholomew


"But even though our faith may be 2,000 years old, our thinking is not. True progress is a balance between preserving the essence of a certain way of life and changing things that are not essential. Christianity was born a revolutionary faith – and we have preserved that. In other words, paradoxically, we have succeeded in not changing a faith that is itself dedicated to change.


Let us, as the lawyers would say, make a disclaimer: By calling Christianity revolutionary, and saying it is dedicated to change, we are not siding with Progressives – just as, by conserving it, we are not siding with Conservatives. All political factions believe God is on their side – as Abraham Lincoln said of the Union and Confederacy, “Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other.”

The only side we take is that of our faith – which today may seem to land us in one political camp, tomorrow another – but in truth we are always and only in one camp, that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

left his youngest victim, aged three, stranded in the desert to die


(BBC News) - A Saudi court has ruled that a man convicted of raping five children will be beheaded and crucified.Muhammad Basheer al-Ramaly, 22, left his youngest victim, aged three, stranded in the desert to die.He was caught when he tried to abduct another boy by offering him a lift home from school in his car.
The court of appeal in Riyadh approved the death sentence handed down in June. Beheading is permitted for serious ffenses in the conservative kingdom.More than 40 people have been executed in such a fashion this year.
Reports suggest Ramaly lured children into his car near their school, near the town of Hail, and took them to isolated areas to rape them.
Human rights group Amnesty International has criticized the court proceedings saying Ramaly did not have access to a lawyer during his trial and that there are reports he may suffer from a psychological disorder.
International rights advocates have long been critical of the death sentences in Saudi Arabia, but the authorities defend the practice as a quick and clean form of execution sanctioned by the Islamic faith.
Crucifixion means the body will be attached to wooden beams and displayed in public after the beheading.

OCA Holy Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan Council conclude:Hmmmmm


Any questions?
http://www.oca.org/news/1934%29
"In addressing the strategic plan, Metropolitan Council members entered into a long and passionate discussion about the mission and vision of the OCA. It was observed that in recent times the mission of the Church has become identified almost exclusively with the idea of a unified Church in North America. Members of the Council stated that, while Church unity is desirable and must be a goal in the life of the OCA, Church structures are far less important than the proclamation of the Gospel.


Evangelization must be the Church's first priority, and this is work that is not dependent on, or has to wait for, a unfied Orthodox body in North America. It was also stressed that Evangelization must focus on the culture, or more accurately the cultures, within North America, in particular on those segments of society which are yet unchurched."

packaging intangible services


Muscle Breakdown.I was quite surprised by the tear-down of the muscle in my legs from Sunday. I ran just under three yesterday with Mia as it was cool enough to head out during the pre noon hour. My legs were making themselves known but were not screaming. The prospect of running another marathon in two months increases the pressure to run. My philosophy of running for the joy is side stepped by the task before me. Last night I stepped out professionally at the Luxury Marketing Group. I was a guest of a member and was grateful for the time to mingle and listen. I was able to make a few connections but am most encouraged by a professional relationship which was planted and cultivated with L. I don't  manage affluent people as defined by this group.  Because this was kicking off a new chapter there was push for membership. I was glad to get back into the career minded mode and hear the jargon and lingo being slung. It's all about intelligence (information) and packaging intangible services. By bundling with providers to the affluent you can 'convince' your client base that you are capable. Understanding branding is important and brand association or reputation is also important. Just passing along the nuts and bolts.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Marathon Day, Screaming Muscles, OrthoPraxis, Awesome


My legs has some serious delayed onset muscle soreness. I hope to get a quick run in today may take Mia with me if it doesn't get too hot because then I'm off to a luxury marketing group in Orlando. My husband and I spoke about me registering for the Disney Marathon which has its perks and drawbacks. I'll have to increase long runs and get more time on the road which is gets easier at it cools. The run to church was a reality check in a few ways. OrthoPraxis Consulting is a labor of love and personal interest. The business side of it is getting compensated.The payoff is the actual work. When both parts are functioning well it is very rewarding. Making a living doing what you love. Awesome!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I is the Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, and thus “first among equals” in the Eastern Orthodox Communion and Charlie Rose


Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople

with Bartholomew on Nov 2, 2009
Duration
60 min Comments
Rating*****

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I is the Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, and thus “first among equals” in the Eastern Orthodox Communion, since 2 November 1991. He is thus the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians around the world.


Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarch_Bartholomew

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tamma to church. 93% Humidity whew! Lots of Numbers Too

I ran to church. The only bad part is map-quest said the distance was 16 but the escalade said it was 13.5. It took me longer then I would have liked though. 2 hours 14 min. Of course that includes waiting on a few traffic lights and two brief walks for peanut m&m refueling. FYI they are not as good as sour skittles. I scared the daylights out of one man who was walking and passed one woman runner. I just love that. I ran for Erine and Paula and for the Archons and the Ecumenical Patriarch who was on my mind during much of the run.  The funny part I forgot about the time change and got to church 1hour and 15min.early. It was a cool 74 degrees 22c with 93% humidity. My husband brought my clothes to church and I cleaned up in the restroom. I plan on running to church more often and picking up speed. I think training long and slow has made me slow. I know I didn't want to run out too quickly over estimating the distance. I also think I may be running to relaxed on Sat. mornings.

National Commander Limberakis honored with Athenagoras Human Rights Award


According to an unnamed source the highly prized Athenagoras Human Rights Award was bestowed upon National Commander Limberakis  presented by His All Holiness Ecumencial Patriarch Batholomew!!

This was later confirmed by the archon website posting listed here.



National Commander Limberakis honored with Athenagoras Human Rights Award  


On Saturday evening, October 31, 2009, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew surprised Archons, honored guests, and banquet attendees by bestowing the Athenagoras Human Rights Award upon the National Commander, Anthony J. Limberakis, MD during the Annual Archon Banquet at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York, NY.

AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS!