Dr. Edward Viljoen talks about new and outdated models of spiritual leadership that either get in the way of or support a community growing. He talks about the benefits and challenges of biblical models, contemporary models and invites the viewer to investigate what they have inherited as "normal" when it comes to leadership in their own lives and how that is playing out in their spiritual community.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
New and Outdated Models of Spiritual Leadership Part 1
Dr. Edward Viljoen talks about new and outdated models of spiritual leadership that either get in the way of or support a community growing. He talks about the benefits and challenges of biblical models, contemporary models and invites the viewer to investigate what they have inherited as "normal" when it comes to leadership in their own lives and how that is playing out in their spiritual community.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Remembering Bali
Here is the link to our upcoming 2011 tour to Bali:
The rainy temperament of the Islands makes everything green and alive with growing.
Manicured hotel gardens don’t take that much effort! We watched gardener literally pick up plants and put them in new spots barely having to prepare the soil. Things thrive where they land!
The rice terraces are steamy and mysterious in the morning and are an idea place for morning walks, if you don’t mind mud and insects.
Temple ceremonies are sometimes open to visitors, especially if you are dressed respectfully and have a sincere heart to participate and not just view.
The Islands of the Gods, of smiles and aromas.
Here is the link to our upcoming 2011 tour to Bali:
Thursday, November 25, 2010
iPad Photo Editing
I enjoy photography applications on the iPad very much. It is not a PC and cannot process quickly when using very large photos. However, an incredible amount of effects and tools can be used, and many of them from free or inexpensive apps.
Here are a few photos generated using multiple applications at times.
Tom Yanes with an overlay from a Kaleidoscope image generator app, using
Blend Cam and Iamascope.
Spring Lake with the colors cooled down. Photo generated by stitching multiple shots together. Photostudio and Autostitch.
Same photo with a color enhancement and bubbles overlaid.
Same manipulation as above further distorted for no reason whatsoever.
Click here for more articles about Apps and Photo Editing
Continue Reading...
Here are a few photos generated using multiple applications at times.
Tom Yanes with an overlay from a Kaleidoscope image generator app, using
Blend Cam and Iamascope.
Same photo with a color enhancement and bubbles overlaid.
Same manipulation as above further distorted for no reason whatsoever.
Click here for more articles about Apps and Photo Editing
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Fish Out of Water
Pencil and Pen in lined notebook during Board Meeting. I find that I can concentrate on what is being discussed 110% better if I am doodling while I am listening. I can follow threads of thought, remember details and respond alertly when I have pen, pencil and paper in hand.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Back to Bali?
Dear Friends,
So many people ask me if we are going back to Bali, but not enough people to put together a tour – so I came up with a plan, we’re getting together with the Kansas City Center for Spiritual Living to put together a joint trip to Bali with Rev. Chris Michaels and me. Here is the flyer to the tour and if you’ve been waiting for the Center to organize another trip… ‘ere it is! J
Much love to you,
Edward Viljoen
Occidental Farmer’s Market
In a quaint mountain-like town nestled in the serene and majestic redwoods of Western Sonoma County, there is a beautiful community of skilled and happy people. Occidental Farmers Market is one to experience. Now year-round, you'll find local herbalists, farmers, bakers, meats, mushrooms, and more! Kids can make art at a craft station. Come share a delicious hot meal with your family. There are many options to choose from!
We hope to see you this Friday at the Occidental Community Center (aka YMCA)!!!
Kyle Martin
P.S. The flier is attached. (Cristina and I drew it!!!)
P.P.S. (If you are interested in having a booth or playing music at the markets, there's room available!)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Nature of Divinity
What is Divinity like? Not like a better-quality human being who is wise and good. Not like the best my personality can project. I turn to ideas such as unlimited and infinite to guide me in thinking about Divinity as best as I can. These words help me grasp the idea that if I went to a particular location to encounter Divinity face to face, It could not be there, for to be there It would be finite. It has to be as much in the place I was before I went to that particular location as it is in the meeting zone. I turn to the pronoun It to avoid the suggestion of Divinity being male, female or a being of some kind, while at the same time I regret that it suggests an lifeless object. No word defines Divinity; it only suggests an understanding of Its nature. Yet it is a start, just as learning a few words in a new language will eventually lead to understanding concepts that are larger than the individual words.
With this in mind I think about words and ideas that expand my idea of Divinity. I mull over these words silently to thoroughly examine what they mean in their most expansive form. For example I might think of Divinity as life, but not restricted to human life, or my life or life on this planet. I think of life as existence or reality. The largeness of the idea itself has the effect of awakening hope, trust and resiliency as if some part of me is remembering its kinship with all-that-is.
Another example of a word to reflect on is truth. Again, not truth as in factually correct, or accurate, but more like reality that does not change. I’m not thinking about the word truth that some use to describe their religious belief system, and I’m not thinking about the number of things which are relatively true depending on circumstances or perspective. I’m thinking of that which is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The effect of thinking about this quality of being has the effect of freeing me from constraints set by circumstances and events and seems to make me amenable to information, answers and ideas that I have not yet considered.
Yet another example of a word to consider is love. I am not thinking about the affection we have for each other or the loyalty we express to close friends, or the kindness we show when moved compassionately. All of these expressions are wonderful even though in many cases they are temporal and conditional. I am trying to conceive of a kind of love that has no weaknesses, and no variations and no conditions. Thinking of this kind of love has the effect of calming me when I am fearful or worried. It also inspires me to pattern my own loving on this idea, so that I ask can I love everyone and everything like I am imagining the Divine does? This consideration of love, when sustained for long periods, has the effect of eliminating the tendency to criticize people around me and develops a skill of seeing the best in people and believing in them, even at times when they cannot believe in themselves. On the other hand, when I don’t make this approach to loving welcome in my mind, it seems that I am out of step with life and that things do not go my way, so to speak. The nearer I am in my awareness to this kind of love, the happier I am and the more peace I carry with me wherever I am and the more inclined I am to forgive mistakes that I make and that others make.
Continue Reading...
With this in mind I think about words and ideas that expand my idea of Divinity. I mull over these words silently to thoroughly examine what they mean in their most expansive form. For example I might think of Divinity as life, but not restricted to human life, or my life or life on this planet. I think of life as existence or reality. The largeness of the idea itself has the effect of awakening hope, trust and resiliency as if some part of me is remembering its kinship with all-that-is.
Another example of a word to reflect on is truth. Again, not truth as in factually correct, or accurate, but more like reality that does not change. I’m not thinking about the word truth that some use to describe their religious belief system, and I’m not thinking about the number of things which are relatively true depending on circumstances or perspective. I’m thinking of that which is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The effect of thinking about this quality of being has the effect of freeing me from constraints set by circumstances and events and seems to make me amenable to information, answers and ideas that I have not yet considered.
Yet another example of a word to consider is love. I am not thinking about the affection we have for each other or the loyalty we express to close friends, or the kindness we show when moved compassionately. All of these expressions are wonderful even though in many cases they are temporal and conditional. I am trying to conceive of a kind of love that has no weaknesses, and no variations and no conditions. Thinking of this kind of love has the effect of calming me when I am fearful or worried. It also inspires me to pattern my own loving on this idea, so that I ask can I love everyone and everything like I am imagining the Divine does? This consideration of love, when sustained for long periods, has the effect of eliminating the tendency to criticize people around me and develops a skill of seeing the best in people and believing in them, even at times when they cannot believe in themselves. On the other hand, when I don’t make this approach to loving welcome in my mind, it seems that I am out of step with life and that things do not go my way, so to speak. The nearer I am in my awareness to this kind of love, the happier I am and the more peace I carry with me wherever I am and the more inclined I am to forgive mistakes that I make and that others make.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Living My Life Faster - JK KEller's Daily Photo Project
People are incredible, beautiful, creative, amazing, wonderful - so laugh, hope, live, try, paint, write and let yourself feel awe - K?
Continue Reading...
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Amer Ahmed : “Islamophobia” – Beyond the Myths, Breaking Down the Barriers
Many people in post 911 America are at best confused about
Islam and Muslims in general and particularly in the US. We in the Associated
Students are bringing in a terrific key note speaker, Amer Ahmed to address
some of these issues. More details about the event follow. I am happy to supply
free tickets for your congregation and just need to know how many (prefer a
group order) and where to send them. This is also a great opportunity to see
the not yet quite open Green Music Center which is really fabulous.
I hope you and your membership can make it.
Sincerely
Bruce Berkowitz
SSU Associated Students Program Coordinator
664-2782
Amer Ahmed : “Islamophobia” – Beyond the Myths,
Breaking Down the Barriers
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, December 2nd, 2010-
Intercultural diversity consultant and college administrator, spoken word poet,
Hip Hop activist, Amer Ahmed wears many hats. As a practicing Indian American
Muslim with an international background and cultural awareness, Amer will shed
light on the importance of respect and dignity of all people on Thursday
December 2nd, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Green Music Center Concert Hall
free of charge but tickets are required.
Amer Ahmed’s engaging multi-media presentation, Islam:
Beyond the Myths, Breaking Down the Barriers, is truly
transformative, addressing a range of critical questions that are especially
important in the post 9/11 climate of prejudice and bigotry toward Muslim
people in the United States:
- What are the tenets of the faith and who are
its followers?
- What implications does a lack of knowledge of Islam and Muslims in the United States have on our campuses, in our workplaces and communities?
- How do advocates for diversity, social justice and inclusion challenge the dominant narratives about Muslims framed by popular media?
- What implications does a lack of knowledge of Islam and Muslims in the United States have on our campuses, in our workplaces and communities?
- How do advocates for diversity, social justice and inclusion challenge the dominant narratives about Muslims framed by popular media?
What has also become clear in
light of recent anti-Muslim rhetoric is that most non-Muslims in the U.S. know
little about the actual religion and its followers.
Amer strives to be an inspiration to young people all over
the globe who see purpose in
pursuing their dreams and life goals. He stresses the
important need to identify one’s own talents and positions in which we can
enact what he calls “Realistic Idealism”. Today, Amer currently serves at the
Hip Hop Congress and his diligent work continues to prove that the Hip Hop
generation has the power to shape its own future through passionate energy and
a dedication and determination to create positive change. Amer Ahmed currently
works at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he serves as Associate
Director for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.
Free tickets are available in the SSU Student Union.
This enlightening program is brought to you by Associated
Students Productions in cooperation with the SSU Multi Cultural Center,
Congregation Shomrei Torah Social Action Committee and the North Bay
Muslim-Jewish Dialogue Group. For more information please contact 707-664-2382
or visit the ASP website at www.sonoma.edu/as/asp.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Jewish philanthropist gives £6,000 to each Chilean miner
By Jennifer
Lipman, October 13, 2010
A
Chilean Jewish businessman has announced that he is donating more than
£6,000 to each of the 33 miners trapped underneath the Atacama Desert.
Leonardo Farkas, a philanthropist with stakes in the mining
industry, has written cheques in each of the trapped miners’ names. The
53-year-old, who is of Hungarian descent, has also launched a fund for
others to donate to.
In 2008 Mr Farkas gave
nearly £100,000 to a children’s charity.
Story at - http://goodnewsdaily.com/show_story.php?ID=10179
Good news is so fantastic to share! What is your good news?
Good news is so fantastic to share! What is your good news?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Trust, Believe, Try, Hope, Imagine, Grow, Help, and feel Awe
People are incredible, wonderful, creative, hopeful, amazing - so trust, believe, try, hope, imagine, grow, help, and let yourself feel awe. K?
Continue Reading...
Peace Keepers Information
(Via Rev. Carol Chase)
The Mayors Office in collaboration with OPD, H.A.N.D.S, Urban Shields Security, ONYX and the Bay Area Non Violent Communication organizations have been working together since the verdict to prepare for the sentencing of Johannes Mehserle. I am putting a call out for those who would like to participate as Peace Keepers for this very important event. It is important that we show our Youth, City and the World who will be watching that we can protect and police ourselves. We are in support of a powerful but peaceful Rally.
People will start gathering at the Frank Ogawa Plaza at 2pm for a live Art show and the program starts at 4pm. Between 5:30pm and 6:30pm they will march down to DeFermery Park on 16th and Adeline Streets. At this location there will be a Healing Center and a Cultural and Arts Celebration to honor Oscar Grant, which will start between 7:00pm and 7:30pm until 10:00pm
We are asking for Men and Women who are concern for our Youth and City to come out and be Peace Keepers. I am asking Volunteers to show up starting at 12:30pm on the 3rd floor in the Mayors Office were we will prepare for the rally, get instructions and pass out orange vest. You can volunteer as long as you want to. We really need a commitment from people to show up and to pass this information along to your various networks. If there are any questions or concerns I can be reached at 510-499-4367. We really look forward to seeing you and working with you.
Thank you,
Isaac Taggart
Continue Reading...
The Mayors Office in collaboration with OPD, H.A.N.D.S, Urban Shields Security, ONYX and the Bay Area Non Violent Communication organizations have been working together since the verdict to prepare for the sentencing of Johannes Mehserle. I am putting a call out for those who would like to participate as Peace Keepers for this very important event. It is important that we show our Youth, City and the World who will be watching that we can protect and police ourselves. We are in support of a powerful but peaceful Rally.
People will start gathering at the Frank Ogawa Plaza at 2pm for a live Art show and the program starts at 4pm. Between 5:30pm and 6:30pm they will march down to DeFermery Park on 16th and Adeline Streets. At this location there will be a Healing Center and a Cultural and Arts Celebration to honor Oscar Grant, which will start between 7:00pm and 7:30pm until 10:00pm
We are asking for Men and Women who are concern for our Youth and City to come out and be Peace Keepers. I am asking Volunteers to show up starting at 12:30pm on the 3rd floor in the Mayors Office were we will prepare for the rally, get instructions and pass out orange vest. You can volunteer as long as you want to. We really need a commitment from people to show up and to pass this information along to your various networks. If there are any questions or concerns I can be reached at 510-499-4367. We really look forward to seeing you and working with you.
Thank you,
Isaac Taggart
Center for Spiritual Living - "I never would have done it otherwise."
Oakland, California
Kwame Nitoto never thought he would find himself defending Johannes Mehserle to a complete stranger.
But sitting in a room of Oakland's Church of Religious Science last week as part of a Community Dialogues and Peacekeeper Training workshop, Nitoto reached deep inside and tried to find some measure of compassion for Mehserle.
After the exercise, a slightly stunned Nitoto confessed how the shift in perspective had affected him. "I wish you hadn't put me in that position," he said to the assembled participants. "I needed it. I never would have done it otherwise."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Nite of Bliss Community
Benefit with Jaya Lakshmi and Shimshai Nov 19th at Oddfellows Hall.
Peacewave announces A Community Benefit & Celebration Friday November 19th - Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Presents ‘A Night of Bliss’ Featuring Jaya Lakshmi and Shimshai – both sets with The Seraphim Soundz (Julian Fritz-drums, Timi-bass, Asher Fulero-keys) plus special guests
Special feature of evening Endless Coconut Bliss Sundae Bar with organic toppings provided by Earth Circle Organics Music Proceeds benefit Camp Fame, the Ceres Community Project, and the Amazanga School of Guayusa •
Coconut Bliss is dedicated to creating unique and exquisitely delicious desserts, consciously prepared from the most nutritious and wholesome organic ingredients available, and bringing them to market in ways that express our reverence for both people and the planet.
Schedule: 6pm, doors open (a good time for families to get their Coconut Bliss sundaes)
7pm,Presentations by Camp Fame youth group and Lila Devi dance troupe (friends of Ceres Project)
8pm, Jaya Lakshmi
9:45pm, Shimshai
November 19 th
Odd Fellows Hall, 195 N Main St • Suggested Donation $10-$50
6PM – 12 AM
Continue Reading...
Peacewave announces A Community Benefit & Celebration Friday November 19th - Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Presents ‘A Night of Bliss’ Featuring Jaya Lakshmi and Shimshai – both sets with The Seraphim Soundz (Julian Fritz-drums, Timi-bass, Asher Fulero-keys) plus special guests
Special feature of evening Endless Coconut Bliss Sundae Bar with organic toppings provided by Earth Circle Organics Music Proceeds benefit Camp Fame, the Ceres Community Project, and the Amazanga School of Guayusa •
Coconut Bliss is dedicated to creating unique and exquisitely delicious desserts, consciously prepared from the most nutritious and wholesome organic ingredients available, and bringing them to market in ways that express our reverence for both people and the planet.
Schedule: 6pm, doors open (a good time for families to get their Coconut Bliss sundaes)
7pm,Presentations by Camp Fame youth group and Lila Devi dance troupe (friends of Ceres Project)
8pm, Jaya Lakshmi
9:45pm, Shimshai
November 19 th
Odd Fellows Hall, 195 N Main St • Suggested Donation $10-$50
6PM – 12 AM
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
First Wednesdays at the Center
An Evening of Prayer, Song and Music with Dr. Edward Viljoen and Christopher Fritzsche.
7:00pm in the Sanctuary every first Wednesday of the month.Stay after service for tea and fellowship.
Make a date monthly to enjoy an hour of spiritual nourishment at the Center.
7:00pm Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
Monday, November 1, 2010
I Like Windows
Microsoft Office sales in the most recent quarter were up 15 percent compared to a year ago. IE 9 was downloaded 2 million times in the first two days after the beta was released. Microsoft's overall earnings last quarter were $16.2 billion - as compared to $12.9 billion in the same quarter a year ago. http://www.wxpnews.com/3WM6SV/101102-Office-Sales
And, I love my apple products.
And I love Windows.
What does it all me?
Relax, nothing is under control.
Continue Reading...
And, I love my apple products.
And I love Windows.
What does it all me?
Relax, nothing is under control.
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Science of Mind and Spirit For Begnners
"This wonderful book guides any individual to understand Science of Mind with ease and grace. It is a simple and beautiful presentation of the Spiritual Principles Science of Mind teaches. I highly recommend this book to students, licensed Practitioners and ministers. Blessings to Rev Edward." ~ Johan Gonzalez RScP. Science of Mind and Spirit for Beginners: Four Chapters in Simplified Prose, paraphrased by Edward VIljoen
Practice The Presence Journal
Journaling offers a powerful way to record your spiritual growth. Writing in a journal calls on you to be more conscious of the insights that occur daily in your life. It gives you an opportunity to examine your beliefs and be mindful of your choices.
Seeing Good At Work
I have been through the book three times over three years, and am starting it again. This is not because the material in the book is not working, but because it is working so well! The weekly lessons keep me on track and focused on what is actually true and important, and help me experience more good in every area of my life. LS