EXCELLENCE - WINSTON CHURCHILL

;Excellence is...Caring more than others think is wise; Risking more than others think is safe; Dreaming more than others think is practical. Expecting more than others think is possible' (Winston Churchill).

My simple quick reflective questions: Do I really have the desire to be excellent? Am I willing to do (to pay) the extra miles (cost) on the road to excellence?

MOTHER'S THERESA ON HUMILITY

GHANDI'S 7 DANGERS TO HUMAN VIRTUE

THREE REFLECTIONS ON 111111

'This morning, I was reminded that if I start with loving other(s) or thing(s), I will never be able to love God wholeheartedly - but if I first love God with all my heart, I will be enabled to love other(s) or thing(s) in the right perspective - My reflection on Luke 14.25-27' 

'If there is no other issue, can broken pieces establish a solid unity? They may or they may not - If there is no other issue, can solid pieces establish a solid unity? They may or they may not. The truth is: unity should never be a goal to pursue, but a means in which we reach glorious goals in the future. To dream a unity as a goal is deceiving' 

'A desire to be united should not start with a discussion on what a unity is, but with a sincere attitude of humility'

WORDS TO REFLECT - OCTOBER 2011

'I am convinced even more that our freedom to react is greater than our freedom to act' (Prasadja, October 2, 2011)

'Biblical happiness is passive happiness: YOU ARE BLESSED!' (Prasadja, October 2, 2011)

'Drinking coffee on a regular basis can keep a smile on your face' (Metro, October 4th, 2011)

This certainly is an unusual rare unrivaled commencement address offered by Apple's co-founder, the late Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) at Stanford University. Jobs offers extraordinary wisdom from his ordinary words and stories. Enjoy the speech: Stay hungry! - Stay foolish! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc (October 5, 2011)

'Revenge satisfies no one' (Prasadja, October 10, 2011)

'Although grace is sufficient, pain is real' (my paraphrase of a statement made in our prayer meeting) (October 12, 2011)

'Two prominent reasons why men should appreciate, respect and love their wives: 1) They have taken a big risk to entrust their lives to individuals completely different from them and previously unknown to them; and 2) They have been so dedicated in raising up and loving the kids in the family' (Prasadja, October 12, 2011)

I am reading this challenging book and am eager to learn from understanding its message (October 13, 2011)

'Berbagai doa makan yang sering saya dengar: 1) Bersyukur atas makanan yang telah tersedia; 2) Berkati orang-orang miskin yang tidak dapat makan; 3) Berkati dengan limpah mereka yang telah menyediakan makanan ini; 4) Kuduskan dan berkati makanan ini - maksudnya kira-kira bebaskan dari segala racun dan bahaya; 5) Kiranya makanan ini dapat menguatkan tubuh kami - kira-kira maksudnya supaya tidak saja kenyang, tapi juga sehat; 6) Tolonglah kami untuk dapat menikmati makanan ini; 7) Biarlah makanan yang sedikit ini boleh mengenyangkan semua yang hadir - ingat 2 ikan dan 5 roti; 8) Doa yang panjang sampai akhirnya ketika 'amin' diucapkan, ternyata lupa berdoa untuk acara makannya' (Prasadja, October 15, 2011)

'Listening skill is likely much more important than speaking skill' (Prasadja, October 19, 2011)

‘I am not what I wear; I am not what I say, I am not what I do, I am not what I accomplished – but I am my legacy’ (Prasadja, October 21, 2011)

'After two months of school, more frequent have I heard Keiko said: 'I do not understand what you are saying, Dad!' - Early sign of cultural and linguistic gap between daughter and daddy' (Prasadja, October 21, 2011)

'Lately Elliott has been improving significantly in his vocabulary. One of them is 'psssstttt' - every time he heard daddy is singing' (Prasadja, October 21, 2011)

KEY TO SUCCESS: METHODOLOGY, IDEOLOGY & MOTIVATION + GOAL (Prasadja, October 23, 2011)

A very good friend of mine told me a precious wisdom: 'If you begin with humility, you will never go wrong' (Prasadja, October 24, 2011)

'My major enemies as someone who lives in early third millennium AD: narrow mindedness, one sided judgment, and self righteous mentality' (Prasadja, October 31, 2011)

WORDS TO REFLECT - SEPTEMBER 2011

'The task of a communication is not to tell the truth to your partner of conversation, but to make that truth available as answer to his or her deepest inquiries' (Prasadja, September 5, 2011)

This is the day she has really been longing for months: returning to school again - only by God's grace (Keiko on the 1^st day of school – September 6, 2011)

James D. G. Dunn wrote: 'Hi everyone. You will be saddened to hear that Kingsley Barrett, my predecessor, died last night (6.30 pm, 26.08.11) – aged 94. He was the greatest UK commentator on NT texts since J. B. Lightfoot, and much loved by a wide range of Methodist chapels to which he ministered for about 60 years. He will be much missed, but his commentaries will live on for many years, providing information and insight to future generations of students of the NT' (September 7, 2011)

'The size of your heart is expressed and measured by your patience, gentleness and humility in your relationship and interaction towards one another' (Prasadja, September 7, 2011)

'Life is happier, lighter and even more meaningful if you can apply these fundamental principles: (1) act motivated by sincerity and love; (2) always strive for excellence; (3) do not be afraid of making mistakes - mistakes are not your deadly monsters' (Prasadja, September 8, 2011)

Ten years ago .......... (http://ca.news.yahoo.com/photos/9-11-the-25-most-powerful-photos-1315611364-slideshow/25-most-powerful-photos-photo-1315610966.html) (September 11, 2011)

'As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple - As soon as we finished our prayer, .....' (2 Chronicles 7.1; ESV modified) (September 12, 2011)

'Our life is often like a ball: we do not go up before we touch the ground' (Prasadja, September 16, 2011)

What do you think is the reason behind this courageous statement of Jonah “Throw me into the sea,” Jonah said, “and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault” (1.12)? If you were Jonah and were in his situation, would you do the same? (Prasadja, September 16, 2011)

Exploring National Parks and Cities in the US and Canada Chicago-Badlands-Mt. Rushmore-Yellowstone-Grand Teton-Glacier-Waterton Lakes-Calgary-Banff-Lake Louise-Vancouver-Victoria-Seattle-Portland-Canon Beach-Red Wood-San Francisco-Yosemite-Las Vegas-Zion-Bryce-Chicago (3 Weeks, 8,500 Miles, September 1996, Alone - 15th year anniversary) (September 19, 2011)

'Most failures begin with ears that are unwilling to listen' (Prasadja, September 19, 2011)

'Carnation is a shy flower. She is humble, gentle and wise. She is not attracting, but is calm. She is neither expressive nor emotional, but is always reflective and peaceful. Her fragrant is not worshiped, but her simplicity shines' (My eulogy on a flower I have closely known for more than 30 years now - Prasadja, September 20, 2011)

'I am too poor to buy humility' (Prasadja, September 21, 2011)

'Two aspects of humility listed in Philippians 1.1: (1) Acknowledging others' significances, and (2) Avoiding self-congratulation upon self-significances' (Prasadja, September 24, 2011)

'Being a respected person does not mean an isolation' (Prasadja, September 25, 2011)

Self-talk, 'I am good' is enough - 'I am the best' is too much and misleading sometimes; 'I am correct' is enough - 'I am the most righteous' is too much and arrogant sometimes (Prasadja, September, 26, 2011)

‘A pillow really add to the quality of your sleep: I confess’ (Prasadja, September 28, 2011)

STOP PRESS: 'TO LEARN & TO RISK' is launched at http://prasadja-ery.blogspot.com/ (September 29, 2011)

WORDS TO REFLECT - AUGUST 2011

Reading two (2) classic books. One is a biography of a man of faith and miracles: George Muller (author: Basil Miller). The other is a full academic treatment on the historical Jesus by James M. Robinson (A New Quest of the Historical Jesus and Other Essays) (August 1, 2011)

One of the most important and strongest messages to the evangelicals who desire to live fruitfully in this 21st Century Post Christendom Era (from one of the most respected and influential Christian leaders: John Stott) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2jqP08bzo (August 1, 2011)

  

'Strong men or women cannot be hurt - only they can be broken' (Prasadja, August 4,  2011)

I traveled from Vancouver, BC to Portland, OR via Interstate 5: Last Tuesday with my family and fifteen years ago alone (Prasadja, August 13, 2011)

'Failure to discern the time is according to Jesus fatal' (a lesson from Luke 12.54-56) (Prasadja, August 14, 2011)

'On one of his sermons, Rev. Dr. Myles Munroe argued rightly that in the 21st Century, the church needs (1) wisdom; (2) an integrated perspective; (3) skill; (4) a relevant mission; and (5) diplomacy. These five elements will ensure the church to engage with and to bring about impact to the society effectively ' (Prasadja, August 14, 2011)

'Jesus said: 'I came to send fire on the earth' (Lk 12.49) Biblical fire may be a symbol of judgment, purification, passion for ministry, the Holy Spirit, and the presence of God. In all possibilities, fire is positive for believers in Christ' (Prasadja, August 14, 2011)

'The unfortunate people are those who live in the wrong season' (Prasadja, August 19, 2011)

'Forgiveness is possible, but with a boundary: Don't hurt me!' (Tatum O'Neal). What do you think? (August 23, 2011)

The late afternoon sunshine came through our window, and the curtain formation created stripes on our love seat (August 27, 2011)

'The chance to see a crisis is golden opportunity to develop passion and responsibilities for success' (Prasadja, August 28, 2011)

'Love is the greatest family tradition' (Barney on Family Tradition) (August 30, 2011)

SIX REASONS YOUNG CHRISTIANS LEAVE CHURCH (BARNA RESEARCH)

 

Many parents and church leaders wonder how to most effectively cultivate durable faith in the lives of young people. A five-year project headed by Barna Group president David Kinnaman explores the opportunities and challenges of faith development among teens and young adults within a rapidly shifting culture. The findings of the research are included in a new book by Kinnaman titled You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church and Rethinking Church.

The research project was comprised of eight national studies, including interviews with teenagers, young adults, parents, youth pastors, and senior pastors. The study of young adults focused on those who were regular churchgoers Christian church during their teen years and explored their reasons for disconnection from church life after age 15.

No single reason dominated the break-up between church and young adults. Instead, a variety of reasons emerged. Overall, the research uncovered six significant themes why nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect either permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15.

Reason #1 – Churches seem overprotective.
 

A few of the defining characteristics of today's teens and young adults are their unprecedented access to ideas and worldviews as well as their prodigious consumption of popular culture. As Christians, they express the desire for their faith in Christ to connect to the world they live in. However, much of their experience of Christianity feels stifling, fear-based and risk-averse. One-quarter of 18- to 29-year-olds said “Christians demonize everything outside of the church” (23% indicated this “completely” or “mostly” describes their experience). Other perceptions in this category include “church ignoring the problems of the real world” (22%) and “my church is too concerned that movies, music, and video games are harmful” (18%).

Reason #2 – Teens’ and twentysomethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow.
 

A second reason that young people depart church as young adults is that something is lacking in their experience of church. One-third said “church is boring” (31%). One-quarter of these young adults said that “faith is not relevant to my career or interests” (24%) or that “the Bible is not taught clearly or often enough” (23%). Sadly, one-fifth of these young adults who attended a church as a teenager said that “God seems missing from my experience of church” (20%).

Reason #3 – Churches come across as antagonistic to science.
 

One of the reasons young adults feel disconnected from church or from faith is the tension they feel between Christianity and science. The most common of the perceptions in this arena is “Christians are too confident they know all the answers” (35%). Three out of ten young adults with a Christian background feel that “churches are out of step with the scientific world we live in” (29%). Another one-quarter embrace the perception that “Christianity is anti-science” (25%). And nearly the same proportion (23%) said they have “been turned off by the creation-versus-evolution debate.” Furthermore, the research shows that many science-minded young Christians are struggling to find ways of staying faithful to their beliefs and to their professional calling in science-related industries.

Reason #4 – Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental.
 

With unfettered access to digital pornography and immersed in a culture that values hyper-sexuality over wholeness, teen and twentysometing Christians are struggling with how to live meaningful lives in terms of sex and sexuality. One of the significant tensions for many young believers is how to live up to the church's expectations of chastity and sexual purity in this culture, especially as the age of first marriage is now commonly delayed to the late twenties. Research indicates that most young Christians are as sexually active as their non-Christian peers, even though they are more conservative in their attitudes about sexuality. One-sixth of young Christians (17%) said they “have made mistakes and feel judged in church because of them.” The issue of sexuality is particularly salient among 18- to 29-year-old Catholics, among whom two out of five (40%) said the church’s “teachings on sexuality and birth control are out of date.”

Reason #5 – They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity.
 

Younger Americans have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance and acceptance. Today’s youth and young adults also are the most eclectic generation in American history in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, technological tools and sources of authority. Most young adults want to find areas of common ground with each other, sometimes even if that means glossing over real differences. Three out of ten young Christians (29%) said “churches are afraid of the beliefs of other faiths” and an identical proportion felt they are “forced to choose between my faith and my friends.” One-fifth of young adults with a Christian background said “church is like a country club, only for insiders” (22%).

Reason #6 – The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt.
 

Young adults with Christian experience say the church is not a place that allows them to express doubts. They do not feel safe admitting that sometimes Christianity does not make sense. In addition, many feel that the church’s response to doubt is trivial. Some of the perceptions in this regard include not being able “to ask my most pressing life questions in church” (36%) and having “significant intellectual doubts about my faith” (23%). In a related theme of how churches struggle to help young adults who feel marginalized, about one out of every six young adults with a Christian background said their faith “does not help with depression or other emotional problems” they experience (18%).

Turning Toward Connection
 

David Kinnaman, who is the coauthor of the book unChristian, explained that “the problem of young adults dropping out of church life is particularly urgent because most churches work best for ‘traditional’ young adults – those whose life journeys and life questions are normal and conventional. But most young adults no longer follow the typical path of leaving home, getting an education, finding a job, getting married and having kids—all before the age of 30. These life events are being delayed, reordered, and sometimes pushed completely off the radar among today’s young adults.

“Consequently, churches are not prepared to handle the ‘new normal.’ Instead, church leaders are most comfortable working with young, married adults, especially those with children. However, the world for young adults is changing in significant ways, such as their remarkable access to the world and worldviews via technology, their alienation from various institutions, and their skepticism toward external sources of authority, including Christianity and the Bible.”

The research points to two opposite, but equally dangerous responses by faith leaders and parents: either catering to or minimizing the concerns of the next generation. The study suggests some leaders ignore the concerns and issues of teens and twentysomethings because they feel that the disconnection will end when young adults are older and have their own children. Yet, this response misses the dramatic technological, social and spiritual changes that have occurred over the last 25 years and ignores the significant present-day challenges these young adults are facing.

Other churches seem to be taking the opposite corrective action by using all means possible to make their congregation appeal to teens and young adults. However, putting the focus squarely on youth and young adults causes the church to exclude older believers and “builds the church on the preferences of young people and not on the pursuit of God,” Kinnaman said.

Between these extremes, the just-released book You Lost Me points to ways in which the various concerns being raised by young Christians (including church dropouts) could lead to revitalized ministry and deeper connections in families. Kinnaman observed that many churches approach generations in a hierarchical, top-down manner, rather than deploying a true team of believers of all ages. “Cultivating intergenerational relationships is one of the most important ways in which effective faith communities are developing flourishing faith in both young and old. In many churches, this means changing the metaphor from simply passing the baton to the next generation to a more functional, biblical picture of a body – that is, the entire community of faith, across the entire lifespan, working together to fulfill God’s purposes.”

You Lost Me Buy: the book Download: free excerpt

About the Research
 

This Barna Update is based on research conducted for the Faith That Lasts Project, which took place between 2007 and 2011. The research included a series of national public opinion surveys conducted by Barna Group.

In addition to extensive quantitative interviewing with adults and faith leaders nationwide, the main research examination for the study was conducted with 18- to 29-year-olds who had been active in a Christian church at some point in their teen years. The quantitative study among 18- to 29-year-olds was conducted online with 1,296 current and former churchgoers. The Faith That Lasts research also included parallel testing on key measures using telephone surveys, including interviews conducted among respondents using cell phones, to help ensure the representativeness of the online sample. The sampling error associated with 1,296 interviews is plus or minus 2.7 percentage points, at the 95% confidence level.

The online study relied upon a research panel called KnowledgePanel®, created by Knowledge Networks. It is a probability-based online non-volunteer access panel. Panel members are recruited using a statistically valid sampling method with a published sample frame of residential addresses that covers approximately 97% of U.S. households. Sampled non-Internet households, when recruited, are provided a netbook computer and free Internet service so they may also participate as online panel members. KnowledgePanel consists of about 50,000 adult members (ages 18 and older) and includes persons living in cell phone only households.

About Barna Group
 

Barna Group (which includes its research division, the Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Issachar Companies. It conducts primary research, produces media resources pertaining to spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries.

Located in Ventura, California, Barna Group has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each update on the latest research findings from Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (www.barna.org). Additional research-based resources are also available through this website.

© Barna Group, 2011.

BARBRA STREISAND - EVERGREEN

Tearfully sppechless!

REASONS FOR MEN TO LOVE THEIR WIVES

Two prominent reasons why men should appreciate, respect and love their wives: 1) They have taken a big risk to entrust their lives to individuals completely different from them and previously unknown to them; and 2) They have been so dedicated in raising up and loving the kids in the family

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

This certainly is an unusual rare unrivaled commencement address offered by Apple's co-founder, the late Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011) at Stanford University. Jobs offers extraordinary wisdom from his ordinary words and stories. Enjoy the speech: Stay hungry! - Stay foolish!

WORDS TO REFLECT - JULY 2011

Six Signs of Hypocrisy (Luke 11.37-54): (1) Focusing on rituals, but ignoring the real meaning behind the rituals; (2) Acting motivated by pride - not sincerity; (3) Promising but not delivering - life without impact; (4) Speaking boldly, but doing nothing; (5) Showing goodness, but attacking from the back; (6) Knowing the knowledge (truth), but disobeying it - and even preventing others to follow that truth (Prasadja, July 4, 2011)

'Three most vulnerable groups of people of being trapped into the sins of hypocrisy: (1) Religious leaders; (2) Political Leaders; (3) Celebrities/Public Figures' (Prasadja, July 4, 2011)

'We may have never been committing to crime, but we most likely have committed to the sins of hypocrisy. If you say 'NO' - at least you did once!' (Prasadja, July 4, 2011)

'I can teach you about changing' (Keiko said to me this morning, July 8, 2011) - and she literally does!

'You are not really a pastor - you are my dad' - Keiko said to me this morning (July 8, 2011)

'When you are in under pressure situation with insurmountable problems, remember: (1) Those problems can only kill your physical body at worst. Those problems do not have power and authority beyond that physical death' - My interpretation on Luke 12.4-5 (Prasadja, July 10, 2011)

'When you are in under pressure situation with insurmountable problems, remember: (2) God is always with you. To God, you are too precious to be neglected. His eye is on you' - My interpretation on Luke 12.6-7 (Prasadja, July 10, 2011)

'When you are in under pressure situation with insurmountable problems, remember: (3) Do not loose your faith! Be faithful in Christ Jesus' - My interpretation on Luke 12.8-9 (Prasadja, July 10, 2011) 

'When you are in under pressure situation with insurmountable problems, remember: (4) The Holy Spirit will guide you, lead you and teach you with heavenly wisdom on what you should say and what you should do' - My interpretation on Luke 12.10-12 (Prasadja, July 10, 2011)

Some twenty two years ago this month, I reached for the first time the capital city of North Sumatra: Medan. I love the city for its cultural-ethnic diversity, great food and the unique Becak-Motor. This visit also marks my first sermon delivered in the context of a Sunday worship service (in Berastagi though - July 1989) (July 16, 2011)

'Two of the easiest and most common things to do in life are complaining upon our non-ideal situation and judging on others' weaknesses. But to tell you the truth: they are not precious!' (Prasadja, July 16, 2011) 

To me, this certainly is the best rare performance of Michael Jackson. Listen to the lyric of the song: the words are so touching. I have been listening to this song hundred of times since 1990 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjmalHcQh54)

'If the verbal word 'love' as Diana Ross says is so powerful, the action verb 'to love' should therefore be even more powerful' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2​011/07/diana-ross-when-you-tel​l-me-that-you_20.html) (July 19, 2011)

I hope and pray that Charming Elliott will grow to be a simple and humble gentleman, but firm and strong in faith (July 25, 2011)

God is so good. After more than forty years living on earth, I and also my family had the opportunity for the first time to see with our own eyes God's famous creation: 'Blueberry' trees and flowers (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2​011/07/blueberry-gods-famous-c​reation.html) (July 26, 2011)

My story with bottles and cans for recycle: 'For the opportunity to care for the environment, to help the lady cleaning up her house, and to treat my family with refreshment, I thanked God' (http://prasadja.blogspot.com/2​011/07/bottles-and-cans-for-re​cycle.html) (July 26, 2011)

'I am convinced even more today that according to human vocabulary, there is no instantaneous forgiveness. Forgiveness is an endless process, and knows no limit of sacrifice' (Prasadja, July 27, 2011)

RIP: John R. W. Stott passed away this morning (27 April 1921 - 27 July 2011)

'The one who loves you most is likely the one who hurts you most' (Prasadja, July 28, 2011)

In the right season, sweet Cherry are plenty here. We enjoy them so much (Prasadja, July 29, 2011)

'Love is so splendid and noble in its ability to embrace hurt and pain' (Prasadja, July 29, 2011)

Pure, simple and gorgeous - as always: Water Lily (Prasadja, July 30, 2011)