#God&039;s ways higher

[dwuerch-blog]

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Today, March 5th, is Primary Election Day here in Texas.  I am up and at ‘em to head to my polling location where I’ll be working from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. tonight.  I am stoked.  I can’t begin to convey how patriotic I feel about being a part of this process.    There will be long lines of voters despite the last two weeks of Early Voting opportunities.  Many people will say to us, “Thank you…

[pjstafford]

Last Saturday night I was at a David Duchovny concert in Vancouver.  The concert venue was at the Imperial - a great venue- but in a neighborhood that the Urban Dictionary says is the worst neighborhood in all of Canada and some homeless advocacy groups argue  is the poorest neighborhood in all of North America.  Many of us at the concert had traveled to Vancouver from across the globe and there was some fear and trepidation which I over heard from other concert goers about this neighborhood. I had worked as a homeless advocate and have been on the board of a homeless shelter in the 90′s in Albuquerque.  I want to share my viewpoints of my experience in the worst neighborhood in Canada from an X-File frame of view because what brought me to Vancouver on October 14 was, of course, to see David Duchovny in Vancouver where the X-files was and is being filmed during a week-end which included 1013 Friday.  How does homelessness and the X-file find a theme together?  That is outlined in the link to the video above.  

I guess one way to set the mood is to say that my friend and I were only spending a week-end in Vancouver, but many other David Duchovny fans had been in Vancouver a week and had been to many famous filming sites.  My friend and I were staying at a Ramada fairly near the venue.  We drove through the area at first looking for parking before deciding that the valet parking at the Ramada was the best choice.  As we drove by I said- looking at the homeless and the city streets and remembering the video above- “oh, my God, this is the neighborhood they shot “Home Again” in.”  I realize, of course, the complete insensitivity to the plight of homelessness to see it in such focused X-file terms, but it was my frame of mind at the time.  My friend and I did in fact look for the filming sites of “Home Again” as we walked around the neighborhood, but because it is from the last season which we have not yet seen hundreds of times (only dozens) we were unable to locate exact locations.  We did watch the episode again back in Seattle the night before I flew home.  

On Saturday morning we decided to walk to the Ovaltine Restaurant (the filming location of a scene in Jose Chung) and to go by the venue.  We found ourselves walking down what I now realize is the area considered the worst two blocks in at least Canada and possibly North America.  The poverty was clear- people living in tents on the street a few blocks away from some fine, upscale and beautiful neighborhoods.  We then went to the Ovaltine Restaurant, the venue, back to the hotel for an hour of two, back to the venue to stand in line (starting at noon), walked back through the neighborhood to gastown for a bite to eat and back to the venue to stand in line again, before taking a cab back to the hotel after the concert.  

I want to state fairly clearly that there was not one time I felt scared or fearful (although I would not walk back to the hotel in the evening because I am not foolish) and the only time I was asked for money was after leaving the venue after the concert.  As we walked down the blocks at 9 a.m on a Saturday morning, we were greeted with “Good morning Ladies” and comments that our coffee cups were pink.  When our way was blocked and I said “excuse me” people moved out of the way politely.  There was nothing unpleasant about that walk except for being confronted with the fact that poverty exists and people (human beings) live in horrific conditions day in and day out.  

As we stood in line for 6 hours to see a concert, there was an need on an occasion to use a restroom.  The coffee shop sometimes let you and sometimes said that it was just for customers so my friend and I started using the community center on the corner which was truly more of a homeless center.  Again, I was greeted, offered water and shown the restroom.  My friend found blood in one of the restrooms so we climbed the stairs to use one on the other floor.  There were food being served, there were disposable containers for needles, there were signs telling people where to go if they were overdosing.  People were being afforded respect and dignity.  I was impressed.  

Here are some statistics from “Addressing Homelessness in Metro Vancouver” a white paper published in February 2017.  

An estimated 80% of homeless people suffer a chronic health issue (45% suffer two or more health conditions concurrently)15 b. 44% of sheltered and 55% of unsheltered homeless have an addiction (2014)16 c. 33% of sheltered and 36% of unsheltered homeless suffer mental illness (2014)10 d. 30% of sheltered and 27% of unsheltered homeless have a physical disability (2014)1

As we stood in line several neighborhood people talked to us.  We actually had sandwiches we did not want to eat, but couldn’t find any person that wanted the sandwiches.  Again most neighborhood people were polite, courteous and curious about why so many of us were waiting in line in front of a concert venue 6 hours before the doors opened.  I laughed on and off for hours at a woman who said “what are you protesting?”  I told my friend that we were the laziest protesters ever - no signs, no marching, no chanting- worst protest ever.  At one point a women who appeared to be suffering from withdrawal of some time fell.  Other people in line offered her assistance but she could not focus on them enough to accept their help.  She was in her own world.  After a few minutes when I witnessed her getting her shaking under control and her checking her legs to see if she was hurt, i went up to her.  From her perspective I was a big brown blob walking up to her and I startled her.  I told her that when she was ready I was willing to help and she desperately reached for my hands.  I helped her up and she grasped a tree until she was ready to stand and walk on her own.  I offered her food.  She did not want it.  She never asked for money.  Never threatened me.  

The next morning I woke up thinking of that episode “Home again” and the point of the episode.  I wondered how many of us X-Files fans might have thought back to that episode that night having experienced these and other moments.  The point - people are not trash.  They are not disposable.  They are not to be discarded.  I can walk away from that neighborhood and I can avoid the similar downtown areas in Albuquerque, but the people and the problem still exist.  From my experience in Albuquerque I know the underlying issues of homelessness - mental health issues, substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries, lack of literacy, lack of job skills, disenfranchisement from society, family and friends having giving up on them.  I know that veterans make up a large percentage of our homeless population in America, I know that senior citizen homeless numbers rose drastically in 2008 and subsequent years when retirement savings were loss and, like Vancouver, native people are a higher percentage in the homeless population than in the general population.  We can look to our educational systems, our prisons systems, our health care services (especially for the mentally ill), our foster care systems and juvenile care systems and to our economy.  The reality is a whole lot of us who go through our lives as hard working, normal citizens are closer to homelessness than we would like to admit.  In the past year I had to borrow money from friends and move into a friends home because of unemployment and I actually consider myself a fairly successful human.  We are all just humans doing the best we can in our life with what we have.  Nothing could remind us more of that than having spent so much time in that area around people who despite their issues were polite and courteous to us. 

I know our fan groups are a socially conscious and caring group of people who donate to all kinds of causes - let David Duchovny issue a post asking people to donate to charities on his birthday and beautiful things happen.  The proceeds from this concert went to hurricane victim.  This is a fan group which organizes volunteer and donation events for charities in honor of Gillian Anderson’s and Scully’s birthday.  The holiday season is ahead of us .  I am especially asking something of every one who attended that concert and interacted that night with a person who lives on the street in the worst neighborhood of North America.  If you fall into this category, than this holiday season in honor of “Home Again” and the X-files they do something in your communities to alleviate the effects of homelessness, reduce the possibility of someone becoming homeless or end some of the underlying causes of homelessness - take blankets or socks to a shelter, donate to a literacy program, call your legislators and demand better services for addiction treatment.   Buy subways cards and pass them out whenever you see someone with a sign saying hungry.  

At the very least, the next time you are in a situation where you are going to interact with homeless individuals (perhaps because of a David Duchovny concert), please treat people with respect and kindness.  People are not trash.  They are not disposable.  I was reminded of this last Saturday.  

[propheticlight]

God’s Higher Ways My ways are better than yours, says the LORD. When you walk in My ways that are higher, you will ascend and come up higher.

[granonine]

Isaiah 55:8-9.

8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Sometimes God speaks to us in simple, clear words like these because otherwise, we just don’t get it.

The first thing most of us ask when calamity falls is “Why, Lord?  Why…

[oldieschool]

The DJ Top 108 of 2019

The DJ Top 108 of 2019

108         Chainsmokers & Bebe Rexha – Call you mine 107         DAZZ – Outta Control 106         Calvin Harris, Rag N Bone Man – Giant 105         Sick Individuals ft Nevve – Symphony

104         Mesto – Leyla 103         Cheat Codes ft Kaskade – Be the one 102         Au/Ra – Assassin 101         DVBBS – Somebody like you

100         Daya – Insomnia 099         Kygo ft Sandro Cavazza – Happy now 098         Deepend ft Hanne Mjoen – One thing left to do 097         Armin van Buuren x Lucas & Steve feat. Josh Cumbee – Don’t Give Up On Me 096         Bakermat – Learn to Lose

095         Gareth Emery & Ashley Wallbridge ft PollyAnne – Lionheart 094         Firebeatz vs Schella – Through my mind 093         Delaney Jane ft Shaun Frank – Throwback 092         R3HAB & Julie Bergan – Don’t Give Up On Me Now 091         Ryos ft. Sara Skinner – Only You

090         Adam K & Soha – Need to feel loved 089         Amy Shark – Mess her up 088         Drax Project ft. Hailee Steinfeld  – Woke Up Late 087         David Guetta, Brooks & Loote – Better when you’re gone 086         Le Shuuk – Gold Baby

085         Klingande & Joe Killington feat. Greg Zlap – Ready For Love 084         Bombs Away ft Reigan – You gotta be 083         Jess Glynne & Jax Jones – One Touch 082         Alice Chater – Thief 081         rrotik x LOthief feat. MC Rodolfinho – Vida Loka

080         Sigala, Becky Hill – Wish You Well 079         Sophie Francis – On My Way 078         Galantis & Yellow Claw – We Can Get High 077         Tom Staar & Trace – East Soul 076         Hartebees – Summer Go

075         Alan Walker, K-391 & Sofia Carson – Different world 074         Jerome – Light 073         Kerli – Savages 072         Daya – Left Me Yet 071         Betta Lemme – Play

070         Zara Larsson – Don’t Worry Bout Me 069         Sevenn – Lollipop 068         Carly Rae Jepsen – Now that I found you 067         Lucas & Steve x Deepend – Long Way Home 066         Hardwell feat. Trevor Guthrie – Summer Air

065         David Guetta feat Raye – Stay 064         Robin Schulz ft Erika Sirola – Speechless 063         Billie Eilish – you should see me in a crown 062         Steve Aoki & Alan Walker ft ISAK – Are you lonely 061         Meduza, Becky Hill, Goodboys – Lose Control

060         A R I Z O N A – Find someone 059         Alesso – Sad Song 058         Mark Sixma – Million Miles 057         Prodigy – Timebomb Zone 056         Yves V feat. Afrojack & Icona Pop – We Got That Cool

055         Alok & Sevenn – The Wall 054         Don Diablo & Nate Dogg – I got love 053         Nurko ft Luma – Breathe Without 052         Tiësto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora – Ritual 051         The Chainsmokers ft Winona Oak – Hope

050         Jonas Blue ft Chelcee Grimes, TINI, Jhay Cortez – Wild 049         HAEVN – City lights (LVNDSCAPE mix) 048         Au/Ra – Dance in the Dark 047         Kygo & Rita Ora – Carry on 046         Asher Postman, Disero, Annelisa Franklin – Say

045         Alice Chater – Hourglass 044         Don Diablo with Jessie J – Brave 043         Salvatore Ganacci – Horse 042         Alice Chater – Tonight 041         The Veronicas – Think of Me

040         Illenium – Crashing (JVNA mix) 039         KLOUD – Raise Your Weapon 038         Loud Luxury and Bryce Vine – I’m Not Alright 037         Armando – Alive 036         Armin van Buuren & Garibay – Phone Down

035         Lost Kings & Loren Grey – Anti-everything 034         Ava Max – Torn 033         Olav Basoski & Georgio Schultz – Good enough 032         Robin Schulz – All This Love 031         Hanne Mjøen – Strangers

030         Riddim Commission ft Gabi’el  – Look So Cute 029         Kygo, Valerie Broussard – Think about you 028         Billie Eilish – bad guy 027         Alison Wonderland – Peace 026         Shaun Frank feat. Lexy Panterra  – Where Do You Go

025         Riton & Oliver Heldens ft Vula – Turn me on 024         Vicetone ft Haley Reinhart – Something strange 023         Kayzo feat. Alex Gaskarth – Up In Flames 022         DJ Antoine ft Kidmyn, Armando & Jimmy The Dealer – Symphony 021         Steff da Campo & Dave Crusher – Why Boy

020         Luke Bond ft Sara Skinner – Right now 019         Avicii ft Aloe Blacc – SOS 018         Rammstein – Radio 017         Gareth Emery & Emma Hewitt – Take everything (Standerwick mix) 016         MK – Body 2 Body

015         EUROPA ft Madison Beer – All day and night 014         Felix Cartal & Lights – Love Me 013         R3HAB & Jocelyn Alice – Radio Silence (Ryan Riback Remix) 012         Tiesto & Mabel – God is a dancer 011         Avicii – Heaven

010         Sam Feldt feat. RANI – Post Malone 009         Highup feat. Red London – Listen Up 008         ARTY feat. Cimo Fränkel – Daydreams 007         Sofi Tukker – Swing 006         Frank Walker, Astrid S – Only When It Rains

005         Marshmello ft Chvrches – Here with me 004         Meduza ft. Goodboys – Piece Of Your Heart 003         Kaskade & Felix Cartal – More 002         Tones and I – Dance Monkey 001         Kygo & Whitney Houston – Higher Love

Previous Number ones

2003: Benny Benassi – Satisfaction 2004: Yoshimoto – So what you do (Trentmoller mix) 2005: Rachel Starr – Till there was you 2006: Supermode – Tell me why 2007: Alex Gaudino – Destination Calabria 2008: Armin Van Buuren – In and out of love 2009: Laidback Luke – Leave the world behind 2010: Alex Gaudino ft Maxine – I’m in love 2011: Bingo Players – Cry (Just a little) 2012: Swedish House Mafia ft John Martin – Don’t you worry child 2013: Zedd ft Foxes – Clarity 2014: Mr Probz – Waves (Robin Schulz mix) 2015: Kygo – Firestone 2016: Alan Walker – Faded 2017: Omnikid – Ready to jump 2018: Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey – The middle

The post The DJ Top 108 of 2019 appeared first on DJFM - The Dance Music Powerhouse.

source https://djfm.ca/the-dj-top-108-of-2019-2/

[newssplashy]

Politics: Former presidents, congressional leaders, and the military commend John McCain's storied life and service

Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned Sen. John McCain's passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Sen. John McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his brain cancer treatment.

Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned his passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Sen. John McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his brain cancer treatment.

McCain, a six-term US senator, earned both praise and criticism during his long tenure. But despite political differences, he earned the respect from his colleagues for his storied military service and plain-spoken views.

Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned his passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Here's what they had to say:

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama

"John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.

We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.

Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family."

Former President George W. Bush

"Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order.

He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I'll deeply miss.

Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain."

Former President Bill Clinton and former secretary of state and first lady Hillary Clinton

"Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day.

He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honored to serve in the Senate. He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do.

I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, his children, and his entire family."

Former President Jimmy Carter

"John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best sense of the word.

Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.

Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences to Senator McCain's family and to the people of Arizona whom he represented so forthrightly for so many years."

President Donald Trump

"My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!," Trump said on Twitter.

United States Naval Academy

"The Naval Academy is mourning the loss of one of our most distinguished graduates, Sen. John McCain (USNA '58)," the United States Naval Academy, McCain's alma mater, said on Twitter. "His life of service to our country is a legacy that will continue to be revered."

Sen. Lindsey Graham

"America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions," Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of McCain's closest friends, said on Twitter. "And I've lost one of my dearest friends and mentor."

"I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers," Graham added.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York

"As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them.

His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller - never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare. The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain.

Nothing will overcome the loss of Senator McCain, but so that generations remember him I will be introducing a resolution to rename the Russell building after him."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

"Today is a deeply sad day for the Senate and for our nation. Elaine and I join all Americans in mourning the passing of our dear friend and colleague Senator John McCain.

In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, John McCain's life shone as a bright example. He showed us that boundless patriotism and self-sacrifice are not outdated concepts or clichés, but the building blocks of an extraordinary American life.

Generations of McCains have served in our great Navy. John followed their example with distinction. And from his cell in Hanoi to the halls of the Senate, he never stopped fighting with courage and determination – first for his country, then for the people of Arizona, and always for the ideals he believed in most.

It is fitting that this war hero and history-changing legislator should leave us as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. John was a constant advocate for his fellow veterans and those currently serving in uniform, standing up for the benefits and care they so earned by defending our freedom. His dedication to them is just one reason among so many why he earned the utmost respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

It's an understatement to say the Senate will not be the same without our friend John. I will treasure the many memories we've shared together through the years.

The nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot, a statesman who put his country first and enriched this institution through many years of service. The Senate is keeping Cindy, the McCain family, all John's friends and staff, and the people of Arizona in our prayers at this tremendously difficult time."

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas

"Senator John McCain was a patriot, and an extraordinary American war hero.

Born into a storied Navy family, he spent his entire life in service to his country, including 22 years in the Navy, five and a half of which were spent under the boots of North Vietnamese communists in a Hanoi prison.

First elected to Congress during the Reagan Revolution, he championed the strong national defense that he knew would help ensure the survival of freedom and liberty across the globe. He did things his way, and conducted two campaigns for President of the United States with honor and integrity.

Today, the State of Arizona, and our entire nation, have lost a great public servant. He was larger than life. Although he and I sometimes disagreed, I was deeply privileged to serve with him and proud to call him a friend.

Heidi and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Cindy, and to the entire McCain family, as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. May he rest in peace."

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida

"John McCain's sacrifices to his country are immeasurable. With his passing today, America has lost more than a leader and more than a senator. We have lost a true American hero.

As a colleague in the Senate and a friend, I drew personal inspiration from his leadership, intellect and moral courage. He set the standard for what we should expect from our soldiers and from our public servants of all levels.

In this time of grief, I hope John's family finds comfort in knowing that this extraordinary man touched countless lives, and his memory will continue to set the standard of leadership and moral resolve for future generations."

source http://www.newssplashy.com/2018/08/politics-former-presidents.html

[sjohnson24]

A Spiritual History of Vegetarians

I started my journey to become a vegetarian when I was 15 years old.  That is when I had the chance to be around another vegetarian at the dinner table and I realized that it was ok to not eat meat. I had always picked at that food, imagining the life that used to be within the flesh. Maybe it took so long because I had spent the time in hunting crazed places such as Montana that I never had a chance to meet a real vegetarian but when I finally became who I was supposed to be, I became much happier. This choice that I made seemed to affect everyone around me, which was not something that I truly expected. I was never one to try to control other people with my beliefs, after all I was born with pagan ways and that polytheistic belief system has never left me. By just simply being who I am, and honest about it, I made other people angry. It was very surprising, I never expected this. People feel deeply about this. Most of the fear that they showed from my choice was from ignorance of this situation. Many people thought that I was trying to lose weight, it wasn’t being cooked properly, I couldn’t survive properly and other fantasies like that. I actually get quite sick eating or being around fish for consumption, and so to me it seemed the natural choice.

I was uncomfortable with eating meat and I wasn’t going to do it any longer. My parents told me they felt that I should eat animals because they do in the bible yet it says in the bible that animals have spirits and I believe that. I do not want to be a part of suffering for anyone.

From then on, we were purchasing veggie burgers. My friends and their families that really love me also would purchase me veggie burgers for their barbecues and that meant a lot to me. I was also happy to see more vegetables around, because you need vegetables to have a healthy body.

When people attack me for my beliefs, I simply stand up for myself peacefully. I can be friends with people who eat meat and not feel the need to attack their beliefs but for some reason I experienced a lot of bullying when it came to my choice, which I can also compare to being polytheistic. All it takes sometimes at a dinner table with other people is for me to order a veggie meal, for a debate to break out. I admit it is tiring, but no matter what, I can’t suddenly become somebody else that I was never meant to be.

I believe they are more upset at the myths around it and not at me. It seems to come from a place of fear more than anything else. I have been dealing with this for years, and we have to be prepared for this when we speak the truth. Fear turns into hateful and harmful actions sometimes which make my stomach turn.

Practice Compassion Many religious people throughout the ages, such as various Buddhists, practice compassion to all life, not just humankind. This is a choice to eat animal. Vegetarianism and veganism is statistically low for an American’s diet, last time I looked it was something like 10% or less.

In other places, such as Asia, the choice to leave meat off of your place is a healthier and happier choice than to live knowing of suffering of animals and contributing into it.

Vegetarianism originated in India originally from separate religions, such as Jainism which requires that no members eat meat. This religion also requires a path of non-violence and self-control among its members.

In this religion, even an insect must be escorted outside, not harmed. Throughout the ages, many who believed in achieving a higher sense of being on the Earth, have chosen to abstain from eating meat, and it is not a hard choice once you truly develop compassion for these beautiful beings. I have compassion for people who eat meat as well because I know that they do so out of respect for their culture and families, and so I do not judge you as a terrible person, even if you get angry at me.

We are all born as royalty in this life, whether or not we see it. Our choices are made in life and we can make decisions for animals, who are enslaved to humankind and they do so peacefully and graciously, as if it is God’s will. You will never hear the cries of these spirits when you sit down to enjoy a meal but just know, the animal did suffer to bring you sustenance and it should be honored and respected, not ignored. All animals are sacred.

Feed the soul, starve the flesh and be yourself.

More information on a meat free lifestyle; http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/nutshell.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism_and_religion http://www.vrg.org/ http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/dietary_needs/vegetarianism.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism http://www.worldcrunch.com/culture-society/in-india-the-world-039-s-first-vegetarian-city/india-palitana-food-meat-fish-gujarat/c3s17132/

By; Deanna Jaxine Stinson, Vegetarian Halo Paranormal Investigations – HPI International https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/HPIinternational/

[dwuerch-blog]

If I Were God, I Would Have....

Good thing I’m NOT God because I would have sure messed things up many times over with my ideas, thoughts, and desires. Garth Brooks sang “I thank God for unanswered prayers.” And I agree, I thank God for not answering many of my prayers If He had answered ‘yes’ to many of those prayers, no telling what my life would look like today!” I thought about the prayers I prayed over the years, asking…

[dwuerch-blog]

How are Your Negotiating Skills?

How are Your Negotiating Skills?

I like to think that I’ve learned the art of negotiating quite well – especially in Mexico. I can haggle with the best of them. Store owner says: “Twenty dollars”. I say: “Twelve dollars”. He says: “Best price – Eighteen dollars!” I start to walk away, and he says: “For you, “Fifteen dollars”! I say: “SOLD!” Okay, maybe I am not that good at negotiating because that fifteen dollars is probably…

[dwuerch-blog]

No Worries Because God is Still in Control

No Worries Because God is Still in Control

Dan Cook, a San Antonio sportscaster said: “The opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings.” And the ”fat lady” was a takeoff on Yogi Berra’s line, ”The game isn`t over till it’s over.” What, who or where it came from – I think it can be applied to the election. I think the “fat-lady” is belting one out because it is over at last! Isn’t it comforting to know that now our economy will be fixed,…

[dwuerch-blog]

Play the Movie

A friend recommended that I listen to Dr. Henry Cloud’s book “9 Things You Simply Must Do….to Succeed in Love and Life”. Dr. Cloud is a Christian psychologist and his audiobook intrigued and inspired me, especially with his principle of “Play the Movie”. “Playing the Movie,” is the practice of seeing the end before making decisions. It’s like “think before you speak or act”. because the outcome…

[dwuerch-blog]

God Called an Audible

God Called an Audible

I was already writing my blog yesterday about humility and kindness before this encounter. So this is the sequel to that blog. My loyal, faithful, comfortable, resting place extraordinaire, cozy brown recliner had to go. At least my children thought so. It didn’t go with the new contemporary furniture and accessories that now donned my wonderful apartment. I know it didn’t, but it was really,…

[oldieschool]

The DJ Top 108 of 2019

The DJ Top 108 of 2019

108         Chainsmokers & Bebe Rexha – Call you mine 107         DAZZ – Outta Control 106         Calvin Harris, Rag N Bone Man – Giant 105         Sick Individuals ft Nevve – Symphony

104         Mesto – Leyla 103         Cheat Codes ft Kaskade – Be the one 102         Au/Ra – Assassin 101         DVBBS – Somebody like you

100         Daya – Insomnia 099         Kygo ft Sandro Cavazza – Happy now 098         Deepend ft Hanne Mjoen – One thing left to do 097         Armin van Buuren x Lucas & Steve feat. Josh Cumbee – Don’t Give Up On Me 096         Bakermat – Learn to Lose

095         Gareth Emery & Ashley Wallbridge ft PollyAnne – Lionheart 094         Firebeatz vs Schella – Through my mind 093         Delaney Jane ft Shaun Frank – Throwback 092         R3HAB & Julie Bergan – Don’t Give Up On Me Now 091         Ryos ft. Sara Skinner – Only You

090         Adam K & Soha – Need to feel loved 089         Amy Shark – Mess her up 088         Drax Project ft. Hailee Steinfeld  – Woke Up Late 087         David Guetta, Brooks & Loote – Better when you’re gone 086         Le Shuuk – Gold Baby

085         Klingande & Joe Killington feat. Greg Zlap – Ready For Love 084         Bombs Away ft Reigan – You gotta be 083         Jess Glynne & Jax Jones – One Touch 082         Alice Chater – Thief 081         rrotik x LOthief feat. MC Rodolfinho – Vida Loka

080         Sigala, Becky Hill – Wish You Well 079         Sophie Francis – On My Way 078         Galantis & Yellow Claw – We Can Get High 077         Tom Staar & Trace – East Soul 076         Hartebees – Summer Go

075         Alan Walker, K-391 & Sofia Carson – Different world 074         Jerome – Light 073         Kerli – Savages 072         Daya – Left Me Yet 071         Betta Lemme – Play

070         Zara Larsson – Don’t Worry Bout Me 069         Sevenn – Lollipop 068         Carly Rae Jepsen – Now that I found you 067         Lucas & Steve x Deepend – Long Way Home 066         Hardwell feat. Trevor Guthrie – Summer Air

065         David Guetta feat Raye – Stay 064         Robin Schulz ft Erika Sirola – Speechless 063         Billie Eilish – you should see me in a crown 062         Steve Aoki & Alan Walker ft ISAK – Are you lonely 061         Meduza, Becky Hill, Goodboys – Lose Control

060         A R I Z O N A – Find someone 059         Alesso – Sad Song 058         Mark Sixma – Million Miles 057         Prodigy – Timebomb Zone 056         Yves V feat. Afrojack & Icona Pop – We Got That Cool

055         Alok & Sevenn – The Wall 054         Don Diablo & Nate Dogg – I got love 053         Nurko ft Luma – Breathe Without 052         Tiësto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora – Ritual 051         The Chainsmokers ft Winona Oak – Hope

050         Jonas Blue ft Chelcee Grimes, TINI, Jhay Cortez – Wild 049         HAEVN – City lights (LVNDSCAPE mix) 048         Au/Ra – Dance in the Dark 047         Kygo & Rita Ora – Carry on 046         Asher Postman, Disero, Annelisa Franklin – Say

045         Alice Chater – Hourglass 044         Don Diablo with Jessie J – Brave 043         Salvatore Ganacci – Horse 042         Alice Chater – Tonight 041         The Veronicas – Think of Me

040         Illenium – Crashing (JVNA mix) 039         KLOUD – Raise Your Weapon 038         Loud Luxury and Bryce Vine – I’m Not Alright 037         Armando – Alive 036         Armin van Buuren & Garibay – Phone Down

035         Lost Kings & Loren Grey – Anti-everything 034         Ava Max – Torn 033         Olav Basoski & Georgio Schultz – Good enough 032         Robin Schulz – All This Love 031         Hanne Mjøen – Strangers

030         Riddim Commission ft Gabi’el  – Look So Cute 029         Kygo, Valerie Broussard – Think about you 028         Billie Eilish – bad guy 027         Alison Wonderland – Peace 026         Shaun Frank feat. Lexy Panterra  – Where Do You Go

025         Riton & Oliver Heldens ft Vula – Turn me on 024         Vicetone ft Haley Reinhart – Something strange 023         Kayzo feat. Alex Gaskarth – Up In Flames 022         DJ Antoine ft Kidmyn, Armando & Jimmy The Dealer – Symphony 021         Steff da Campo & Dave Crusher – Why Boy

020         Luke Bond ft Sara Skinner – Right now 019         Avicii ft Aloe Blacc – SOS 018         Rammstein – Radio 017         Gareth Emery & Emma Hewitt – Take everything (Standerwick mix) 016         MK – Body 2 Body

015         EUROPA ft Madison Beer – All day and night 014         Felix Cartal & Lights – Love Me 013         R3HAB & Jocelyn Alice – Radio Silence (Ryan Riback Remix) 012         Tiesto & Mabel – God is a dancer 011         Avicii – Heaven

010         Sam Feldt feat. RANI – Post Malone 009         Highup feat. Red London – Listen Up 008         ARTY feat. Cimo Fränkel – Daydreams 007         Sofi Tukker – Swing 006         Frank Walker, Astrid S – Only When It Rains

005         Marshmello ft Chvrches – Here with me 004         Meduza ft. Goodboys – Piece Of Your Heart 003         Kaskade & Felix Cartal – More 002         Tones and I – Dance Monkey 001         Kygo & Whitney Houston – Higher Love

Previous Number ones

2003: Benny Benassi – Satisfaction 2004: Yoshimoto – So what you do (Trentmoller mix) 2005: Rachel Starr – Till there was you 2006: Supermode – Tell me why 2007: Alex Gaudino – Destination Calabria 2008: Armin Van Buuren – In and out of love 2009: Laidback Luke – Leave the world behind 2010: Alex Gaudino ft Maxine – I’m in love 2011: Bingo Players – Cry (Just a little) 2012: Swedish House Mafia ft John Martin – Don’t you worry child 2013: Zedd ft Foxes – Clarity 2014: Mr Probz – Waves (Robin Schulz mix) 2015: Kygo – Firestone 2016: Alan Walker – Faded 2017: Omnikid – Ready to jump 2018: Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey – The middle

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Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned Sen. John McCain's passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Sen. John McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his brain cancer treatment.

Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned his passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Sen. John McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his brain cancer treatment.

McCain, a six-term US senator, earned both praise and criticism during his long tenure. But despite political differences, he earned the respect from his colleagues for his storied military service and plain-spoken views.

Former presidents, world leaders, and Congress mourned his passing and offered their condolences for his family.

Here's what they had to say:

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama

"John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher – the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.

We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.

Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family."

Former President George W. Bush

"Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order.

He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I'll deeply miss.

Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain."

Former President Bill Clinton and former secretary of state and first lady Hillary Clinton

"Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day.

He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honored to serve in the Senate. He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do.

I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, his children, and his entire family."

Former President Jimmy Carter

"John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best sense of the word.

Americans will be forever grateful for his heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a member of the United States Senate.

Rosalynn and I extend our sincere condolences to Senator McCain's family and to the people of Arizona whom he represented so forthrightly for so many years."

President Donald Trump

"My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!," Trump said on Twitter.

United States Naval Academy

"The Naval Academy is mourning the loss of one of our most distinguished graduates, Sen. John McCain (USNA '58)," the United States Naval Academy, McCain's alma mater, said on Twitter. "His life of service to our country is a legacy that will continue to be revered."

Sen. Lindsey Graham

"America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions," Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of McCain's closest friends, said on Twitter. "And I've lost one of my dearest friends and mentor."

"I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers," Graham added.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York

"As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them.

His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller - never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare. The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain.

Nothing will overcome the loss of Senator McCain, but so that generations remember him I will be introducing a resolution to rename the Russell building after him."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

"Today is a deeply sad day for the Senate and for our nation. Elaine and I join all Americans in mourning the passing of our dear friend and colleague Senator John McCain.

In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, John McCain's life shone as a bright example. He showed us that boundless patriotism and self-sacrifice are not outdated concepts or clichés, but the building blocks of an extraordinary American life.

Generations of McCains have served in our great Navy. John followed their example with distinction. And from his cell in Hanoi to the halls of the Senate, he never stopped fighting with courage and determination – first for his country, then for the people of Arizona, and always for the ideals he believed in most.

It is fitting that this war hero and history-changing legislator should leave us as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. John was a constant advocate for his fellow veterans and those currently serving in uniform, standing up for the benefits and care they so earned by defending our freedom. His dedication to them is just one reason among so many why he earned the utmost respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

It's an understatement to say the Senate will not be the same without our friend John. I will treasure the many memories we've shared together through the years.

The nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot, a statesman who put his country first and enriched this institution through many years of service. The Senate is keeping Cindy, the McCain family, all John's friends and staff, and the people of Arizona in our prayers at this tremendously difficult time."

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas

"Senator John McCain was a patriot, and an extraordinary American war hero.

Born into a storied Navy family, he spent his entire life in service to his country, including 22 years in the Navy, five and a half of which were spent under the boots of North Vietnamese communists in a Hanoi prison.

First elected to Congress during the Reagan Revolution, he championed the strong national defense that he knew would help ensure the survival of freedom and liberty across the globe. He did things his way, and conducted two campaigns for President of the United States with honor and integrity.

Today, the State of Arizona, and our entire nation, have lost a great public servant. He was larger than life. Although he and I sometimes disagreed, I was deeply privileged to serve with him and proud to call him a friend.

Heidi and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Cindy, and to the entire McCain family, as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. May he rest in peace."

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida

"John McCain's sacrifices to his country are immeasurable. With his passing today, America has lost more than a leader and more than a senator. We have lost a true American hero.

As a colleague in the Senate and a friend, I drew personal inspiration from his leadership, intellect and moral courage. He set the standard for what we should expect from our soldiers and from our public servants of all levels.

In this time of grief, I hope John's family finds comfort in knowing that this extraordinary man touched countless lives, and his memory will continue to set the standard of leadership and moral resolve for future generations."

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Since he's so popular in Nigeria's political circles, there's no reason why God shouldn't be a candidate in the 2019 elections.

Many Nigerians believe that you cannot pray the country into a functional state, but they're very wrong. All we need to do as a country is elect God as president.

God has been a constant feature in Nigerian politics for so long that it's a wonder no one has considered Him for elective position(s) until now.

His stock has risen even higher in recent times as He keeps getting tacit endorsements from people already warming His seats for him.

In June 2018, with scores of people dying in Zamfara State due to violent killings that have been happening for months, the state's governor, Abdulaziz Yari, confessed that there isn't much he can do to curb the wanton loss of lives because he's not in complete control of security agencies.

As an alternative to a failure of leadership, the governor urged people of the state to be more faithful to God and embark on special prayers over the challenges they are facing.

If this says anything, it's that God can solve the insecurity mess that Nigeria has been plunged into for decades.

While speaking in May 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari lamented about how previous leaders mismanaged the country. Guess who he called upon to do something about it? (Hint: It was not his Attorney-General).

"Nigerians know that there were no roads or rail lines, there was no power, despite the billions of dollars spent. Only God will judge this thing," he said.

If this says anything, it's that God can fight this corruption war better than the incumbent promised.

With a section of the country convinced that President Buhari has fallen short of his promises, many are eager to vote him out while just as many are eager to see him continue for four more years.

It's quite telling that supporters and opposers of the president agree that his victory or defeat in the 2019 presidential election hinges on one very important person. (Hint: It's God)

"I want to assure you that by the grace of God, Muhammadu Buhari will become president the second time," said his Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, in April 2018.

Do you know who former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, believes will liberate Nigeria (from Buhari)? (Hint: You know!)

"It will not be easy to wrest powers from them. If you think it will be easy to liberate Nigeria, you are deceiving yourself, but the God that did it yesterday will do it again today," he said, with no trace of irony on his part.

The former president makes it indeed sound like this God has been working very well for Nigeria even without the privilege of elective office.

He has his Hands in literally everything.

He's there to provide relief when preventable man-made tragedies happen, or when government officials owe workers salaries, or when they get dragged to court for stealing (and/or suddenly get struck with some illness), or when they need to get elected, or when long-abandoned projects need to be finished with the power of divine faith, or when presidents travel abroad for medical treatment.

With such an incredible CV, many would agree that God appears to be the most qualified candidate Nigeria will possibly ever get!

The most interesting bonus about this all-powerful God is that He's also omnipresent. This means He can be the president at the same time He's the governor of all 36 states, the same time as being the Minister of This and the Minister of That, as well as be Senator Change or Senator Transformation, as well as be Honourable Federal and Honourable State, all the way down to being the chairman of each and every 774 local government areas of the country.

To speak to this God in His capacity as a political office holder, as an ordinary citizen, you don't have to fight through an army of personal assistants and personal assistants to the personal assistants; all you have to do is pray and he's there listening to your complaint about why you think his government has to obey the doctrine of federal character and to stop throwing all the juicy appointments the way of angels only.

What exactly can he not do?

He doesn't have particular love for corrupt leaders; He can build roads in hours; He can provide uninterrupted power supply without billions spent on power projects; He can undo tragedies with the sheer political will; and He can do all these...forever. It's like creating paradise without having to be dead to (probably) enjoy it.

When Obasanjo launched another one of his scathing criticisms of Buhari's administration two months ago, the president's blow horn, Garba Shehu, said he was a blessing sent from God.

"The loud voices of critics with selfish ambitions and ulterior motives should not be a veil that keeps Nigerians blind to the many ways God has blessed us and improved our lot through the Buhari administration," he said.

On the evidence of what many Nigerians now feel about this 'blessing', maybe it's time for God to finally put Himself forward for elective position(s) and overwhelm the deceptively self-proclaimed Giant of Africa with the actual greatness that's not falling out of the mouths of charlatans.

With God as a political office holder (hopefully, of many positions) in Nigeria, the question is not "What can he do?" It's more, "Is it possible to die from all this enjoyment you're killing us with?"

I think the possibilities are limitless, and this is why He has my vote for 2019: the year of divine intervention.

via NewsSplashy - Latest Nigerian News Online,World Newspaper