Monday, December 3, 2012
Chosen & Claimed - 12/2/2012
Sunday School Lesson for 12/2/2012. Unit I. Victory in Jesus. Ephesians 1:3-14. .....
We are Free Moral Agents - God allows us to make our choices, He does not force Himself on us. .....................................
Thanksgiving & Prayer: Ephesians 1:3-19 .............................
The blessings bestowed in Christ: Verses 3-10 ...................................
Shared by Jew & Gentile: Verses 11-14 ......................
Ephesians 1:3-14 .......................................
Verse 3 - Duties To God, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving for Christ & His Salvation .....
Verse 4 - Works of God, The Purposes of God, Elected to Holiness ...............
Note: Human Adoption/Foster Care - When sharing and or teaching this be careful, for some might have negative or positive experiences when they were adopted or in foster care. ........................................
Verse 5 - Works of God, The Purposes of God, Human Merit Excluded. The Family, Parents & Children, Adoption. Man Redeemed, The New Covenant, Salvation Is by Grace. .....................
"predestinated" - to forordain to an earthly or eternal lot or destiny by divine decree. ................................
"adoption" - to take voluntarily ( a child of other parents) as one own child. to take by choice into a relationship. ......................................
Verse 6 - Works of God, The Purposes of God, Human Merit Excluded. Man Redeemed, The New Covenant, Salvation Is by Grace. ...............................
Verse 7 - Promise (Pardon for Sins & Iniquity Promised) ........................
Verses 7, 8 - Jesus Christ, Offices of Christ, Our Propitiation. (Propitiation - an atoning sacrifice) ...................................
Verse 9 - Jesus Christ, Offices of Christ, Our Life ...........................
Verse 10 - Jesus Christ, Offices of Christ, Our Life. Man Redeemed, The New Covenant, All May Be Saved ..................................
Verses 11, 12 - Works of God, The Purposes of God, Human Merit Excluded ...........
Verses 13, 14 - God, Holy Spirit, Offices .................................
Scripture reference used/taken from: KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Reference Bible & Zondervan Bible Commentary
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Black Man In The CIA - Book Review
The material contained in this book has been reviewed by the CIA to prevent the disclosure of classified information. All statements of fact, opinion or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the CIA or any other U.S. Government agency.
It has been said many times, behind a successful man is a woman. Mr. Osborne had two women in his life: Mrs. Rose Osborne his wife and Mrs. Ella Grisby Motley his mother.
The best thing that a mother can give to a child is love, encouragement, time and moral values. This is exactly what Ms. Ella did for her son and children.
Sometimes we think that people with wealth or numerous amount of funds are the ones that escalate in achievements but this is not the case with Mr. Osborne.
Now what is so amazing to me is that he went to work for the CIA one month before I was born. So I feel like I have part of history with me.
I thanked him for sending me his book.
Mr. Lutrell M. Osborne and Mrs. Ella Grisby were the first Black mother and son duo to work for the CIA.
Mr. Osborne became one of the Who’s Who in Black procurement minority business.
Mr. Osborne loves his country, the United States of America, and would do anything within his power to protect its interest. .........................
His work has covered five continents: Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Africa.
In 1984, Mr. Osborne quit the CIA after 26 years to become an entrepreneur working as an international food broker.
Mr. Osborne is an advocate for justice, righteousness and peace.
During these last 25 years, he has increased his core competency talents, knowing that he can lead both the Central Intelligence and the National Security Agencies (CIA & NSA). toward better solutions. He has developed a third core compentency leading the Small Business Administration (SBA). It is most exciting to Mr. Osborne when he shares his qualifications and watch people react when he asks them what part of his service or services they would like to hire or challenge.
His wife joined his venture, helping him make his life a success as a man, husband, father, productive citizen and spiritual being.
On September 12, 2001, just one day after the 9/11 Attack on the United States of America, Black Entertainment Television (BET) scheduled Mr. Osborne to appear on national television to discuss “The Attack on America.” He appeared with California’s Democrat Congresswoman, Maxine Waters, who is one of his favorite members of the House of Representatives.
While awaiting the twenty minute limousine ride to B.E.T. headquarters from his daughter’s Washington, D.C. home he considered his unique position. His childhood dreams came flowing back as if a curtain was going up on precious memories.
Mr. Osborne had wanted to become a “spy manager” since he was twelve years old. At the age of twelve he never imagined what his future would hold; he would become a pioneering CIA African-American spy manager, rising within the ranks from CIA clerical employee to Case Manager and mentoring others through the system.
Now, he was going to appear on national television, as an authority, to analyze the possible causes and aftermath of the nation’s most devasting national security breaches. The impact on the World Trade Center and Pentagon became metaphors for the deeper impact on society.
His mother enabled him to be born as Leutrell Michael Carlton Osborne, Sr., also known as “Mike” Osborne, inside the CIA for over 26 years.
His mother, Mrs. Ella Grisby Motley and his biological father, Mr. William Mason Osborne provided him the DNA for the confidence, characteristics and skills he needed to grow up in Washington, D.C. as a light skinned Black man. He did not meet his father until 1960 at the age of twenty-one. Two months before Mr.i Osborne was born his father and step-mother had a baby, his half-brother, William Osborne, Jr.
When he was christened in the Roman Catholic Church, the church named him Michael. His mother, formerly was a Methodist, and later converted to Catholicism before he was seven years old.
His mother was what some of us would call a strong “sista” mother who was very independent and a very nurturing mother.
His father was a mulatto, a hybrid of European and African descendant.
In 1946 his mother married a trumpeter, Frank Motley from Cheraw, South Carolina.
His mother and step-father had four children, two boys and two girls: Frank III, Victoria Lillian, Francine Hadaway and Thomas John.
In 1952 his mother was working at the CIA as an overt employee, a clerk in the National Photographic Intelligence Center.
His mother’s nurturing and guidance through his early years contributed to his character, personality and tenacity, creating a desire to make something out of himself before she died.
Ms. Grisby’s personality was shaped in such a way that she gave birth to children who helped changed the world’s perception of Black people, especially in the Intelligence Community.
In 1954 The Supreme Court decision impacted him directly by the opportunity to transfer from a Black High School, Dunbar, to a formerly all White D.C. High School, Roosevelt. Like many other blacks with high I.Q.’s he transferred to participate in D.C.’s grand experiment. To him that experiment never ended.
At Roosevelt High School he met his high school sweetheart. About eighteen months after they met, they were married; they eloped. They now have five children and eight grandchildren.
Mr. Osborne married his wife on September 9, 1957 and the CIA hired him on October 14, 1957. At the age of seventeen years of age he had two passions, Mrs. Rose and the CIA.
Later he discovered that two of his high school classmates were hired by the Agency. He was the only black. The others were a jewish male, Robert Anthony Kogok and a female, Helen Zirnite. Helen was helpful to him in securing an assignment in the Far Northern Country (FNC) in 1963.
They were some sort of Rainbow Coalition. Little did he know that the Civil Rights Movement was about to kick into high gear. Little did he know that he would, in his own way, overcome many of the disadvantages of cultural discrimination within the bowels of the government’s most enigmatic and culturally – biased institution. ..... The purpose of this book is to encourage others who are fearful to venture and seek employment in the Agency and other secret government organizations.
Blacks in the CIA were looked upon as “people at risk.” The CIA was no different than any other U.S. federal institution. He states when he arrived to the CIA in 1957 it was a “plantation.”
The top leadership in the Agency was non-Black, even though a few other Blacks like him was employed in the bowels of the Agency.
The Black CIA employees had much more freedom, independence and autonomy than most Black employed elsewhere in government. Now they did not make any decisions about anyone future.
When he would travel on public transportation to and from work, he would wait for the Agency shuttle bus at CIA headquarters on E. Street N.W. near the Department of State. They then rode the shuttle bus to the “temp” buildings.
CIA Director Allen Dulles’ chauffeured limousine would pass by him while he waited for the shuttle. He made it his business to look for his long black vehicle. As Dulles’ limousine passed CIA headquarters, he would often see him smoking his pipe and reading the morning newspaper.
His wife focused on being a wife and mother while he focused on executing steps in the CIA that would help him achieve his objective to become a spy manager.
He used his crypto capability to seek a position in the Office of Communications (OC). Knowing that one of the supervisors who was assigned in the DCANG had gained legitimate employment in the OC had inspired him.
So he went and asked for the assignment. To his surprise and dismay he was rejected. It had nothing to do with his qualifications. In 1960 the Office of Communications had a policy of not accepting “Negroes.” This action took him back to his high school days at Roosevelt High School with the run in he had with his biology teacher.
By 1959, he had acquired military and Agency security training. During this time the intelligence terms he had learned began changing.
In October 1963, he was assigned abroad to work as a CIA mail clerk in the FNC (Far Northern European Country).
All was well, except that when they arrived in their new home, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and they didn’t know anything about it for the entire weekend. They were stunned like the rest of the world.
They were not watching television because it had not been converted to European standards. They did not have a radio for they did not have their household goods. .... He was able to continue his college education at the local university and was also deeply involved with social activities of the university’s Foreign Students Club.
Horacio Jones, another black from his high school in Washington, D.C., had secured an assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. Osborne and his wife were excited when they had the opportunity to attend the Nobel Peace Prize honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Oslo, Norway on Friday, December 10, 1964. Horacio got the word early and engineered their attendance at both the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and the official invitation-only reception given by Ambassador Madame Joy Tibbits in honor of Dr. King.
Being overseas meant he could not join in and experience first hand some of the major achievements of the Civil Rights Movement.
Mr. Osborne and his wife were able to talk personally with Dr. King and his wife since most of the diplomats and their spouses left early. In his opinion this ruined the reception and also denied Dr. King precious moments to bask in the social spotlight.
Dr. King was calm, cool and collected.
His conversation with Dr. King focused on the Civil Rights Movement, which was progressing back home in the USA.
Dr. King told him about his belief in “non-violence direct action,” a freedom fighting strategy initiated in the early 1900′s during the Indian Struggle for equality in Apartheid South Africa by Mahatma Gandhi, the humble, yet powerful leader.
Dr. King told him, he was disappointed with the white moderates because they talked a good game, but they attempted only weakly to be catalysts for change.
Dr. King told him that the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He explained there were battles among the leaders of the two Civil Rights groups. They fought for turf and were sometimes both bitter and friendly. Much of their activities focused on fund raising, for money is power.
In 1965 Mr. Osborne and his wife had a daughter born in the FNC in May 1965. Her name was Rose Anastasia and one day she was found dead in her crib at the age of eleven months.
Since I have never lost a child I honestly do not know how him and his wife felt. He has stated and my bigmother said when we lost my mother that it was nothing like losing a child.
They received sympathy and condolences from people near and far. U. S. Embassy personnel, U.S. and foreign diplomats and non-diplomats alike showered them with sympathy and condolences. The local Catholic parish was filled to the capacity for the funeral.Their baby brought them much warmth and happiness.
The autopsy revealed Rose Anastasia had an inoperable heart condition and a malformed artery. They shipped her home to Washington, D.C. for burial.
They were returning to Washington in 1966 from the Far Northern European Country. Mr. Osborne completed the CIA Career Training Program (CTP) in 1969 before he obtained his undergraduate degree from The American University, Washington, D.C. in 1971, his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.
Mr. Osborne avoided confrontation of CA intelligence operations during his service, he did re-examine them from the side lines because deep down he knew how Covert Action was being used and still is used, adversely affecting people of color. ...... Blacks at American University in 1970 were few in number but no outward signs of discrimination existed. The University would not allow him to register as a student in the Foreign Affairs Institute. He had to take courses in the Institute and earn his degree from the School of Political Science, with nine of his eleven courses in Latin American affairs.
Some years later, two of their daughters, De Lavay Cabrina Osborne and Monique Therese Osborne attended The American University. De Lavay, registered and received her degree from the same Institute that rejected her dad.
The CIA gave him and his family official orders and assigned them to the Latin American Country (LAC) from 1972 through 1974, after his supervisors received the word from Shackley.
The Latin American County (LAC) where Mr. Osborne went was considered by many to be a “safe” place to send black case officers.
During the first year, Mr. Osborne accomplished a very significant task in that he recruited an intelligence officer of a third world country to work for the CIA.
Mr. Osborne was the first Black Case Officer to prepare and have the Agency disseminate a finished intelligence report derived from a technical source rather than a human source.
The CIA changed from a segregated government organization to one that overcame traditional cultural and ethnic biases.
Mr. Osborne was named to the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Advisory Panel and quickly determined that Colby was in this for real.
Mr. Osborne was an advisor to former President Bush’s father at the CIA, and he thanked him for his “great support of him” and his predecessor, William Colby.
Many of the personnel in the CIA are not undercover so their names can safely appear in public documents identifying them as CIA employees without causing any difficulty; Ms. Sharon Parish is one such individual.
Mr. Osborne reconnected with the Directorate of Operations and desegregrated the management in the Near East and Asia (NEA) Division which for the first time enabled him to work Arab countries and adversaries within a few short weeks after Professor Clemon and he had talked.
The CIA assigned Mr. Osborne to the Libyan Branch as Chief Counter Intelligence for Libya. He had to collect information and develop a secret report on Gaddifi at the request of the White House. There were some serious mistakes made by the division. It seemed clear that he was being set up to take “the fall.”
His goals were shifting and he wanted to try his hand at doing business and becoming an international entrepreneur.
It turned out that Mr. Osborne was the first black professional to be assigned to Libya and no one ever with his skills had been assigned in the Libya Station where the show was Covert Action versus Counter Intelligence. He muscled his way into the assignment Libya.
He has good news for everyone when we claim the Spirit of God, we do not lack anything.
He often talks with their five adult children and eight grandchildren about relationships, given his belief we are embodied as a human.
He shares it is up to us to achieve our genuine Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences (SHAPE) given us before we were born. Rick Warren’s writings have significantly influenced him and he accepts that before he was born that his Higher Power and his SHAPE were predetermined.
It has been said many times, behind a successful man is a woman. Mr. Osborne had two women in his life: Mrs. Rose Osborne his wife and Mrs. Ella Grisby Motley his mother.
The best thing that a mother can give to a child is love, encouragement, time and moral values. This is exactly what Ms. Ella did for her son and children.
Sometimes we think that people with wealth or numerous amount of funds are the ones that escalate in achievements but this is not the case with Mr. Osborne.
Now what is so amazing to me is that he went to work for the CIA one month before I was born. So I feel like I have part of history with me.
I thanked him for sending me his book.
Mr. Lutrell M. Osborne and Mrs. Ella Grisby were the first Black mother and son duo to work for the CIA.
Mr. Osborne became one of the Who’s Who in Black procurement minority business.
Mr. Osborne loves his country, the United States of America, and would do anything within his power to protect its interest. .........................
His work has covered five continents: Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Africa.
In 1984, Mr. Osborne quit the CIA after 26 years to become an entrepreneur working as an international food broker.
Mr. Osborne is an advocate for justice, righteousness and peace.
During these last 25 years, he has increased his core competency talents, knowing that he can lead both the Central Intelligence and the National Security Agencies (CIA & NSA). toward better solutions. He has developed a third core compentency leading the Small Business Administration (SBA). It is most exciting to Mr. Osborne when he shares his qualifications and watch people react when he asks them what part of his service or services they would like to hire or challenge.
His wife joined his venture, helping him make his life a success as a man, husband, father, productive citizen and spiritual being.
On September 12, 2001, just one day after the 9/11 Attack on the United States of America, Black Entertainment Television (BET) scheduled Mr. Osborne to appear on national television to discuss “The Attack on America.” He appeared with California’s Democrat Congresswoman, Maxine Waters, who is one of his favorite members of the House of Representatives.
While awaiting the twenty minute limousine ride to B.E.T. headquarters from his daughter’s Washington, D.C. home he considered his unique position. His childhood dreams came flowing back as if a curtain was going up on precious memories.
Mr. Osborne had wanted to become a “spy manager” since he was twelve years old. At the age of twelve he never imagined what his future would hold; he would become a pioneering CIA African-American spy manager, rising within the ranks from CIA clerical employee to Case Manager and mentoring others through the system.
Now, he was going to appear on national television, as an authority, to analyze the possible causes and aftermath of the nation’s most devasting national security breaches. The impact on the World Trade Center and Pentagon became metaphors for the deeper impact on society.
His mother enabled him to be born as Leutrell Michael Carlton Osborne, Sr., also known as “Mike” Osborne, inside the CIA for over 26 years.
His mother, Mrs. Ella Grisby Motley and his biological father, Mr. William Mason Osborne provided him the DNA for the confidence, characteristics and skills he needed to grow up in Washington, D.C. as a light skinned Black man. He did not meet his father until 1960 at the age of twenty-one. Two months before Mr.i Osborne was born his father and step-mother had a baby, his half-brother, William Osborne, Jr.
When he was christened in the Roman Catholic Church, the church named him Michael. His mother, formerly was a Methodist, and later converted to Catholicism before he was seven years old.
His mother was what some of us would call a strong “sista” mother who was very independent and a very nurturing mother.
His father was a mulatto, a hybrid of European and African descendant.
In 1946 his mother married a trumpeter, Frank Motley from Cheraw, South Carolina.
His mother and step-father had four children, two boys and two girls: Frank III, Victoria Lillian, Francine Hadaway and Thomas John.
In 1952 his mother was working at the CIA as an overt employee, a clerk in the National Photographic Intelligence Center.
His mother’s nurturing and guidance through his early years contributed to his character, personality and tenacity, creating a desire to make something out of himself before she died.
Ms. Grisby’s personality was shaped in such a way that she gave birth to children who helped changed the world’s perception of Black people, especially in the Intelligence Community.
In 1954 The Supreme Court decision impacted him directly by the opportunity to transfer from a Black High School, Dunbar, to a formerly all White D.C. High School, Roosevelt. Like many other blacks with high I.Q.’s he transferred to participate in D.C.’s grand experiment. To him that experiment never ended.
At Roosevelt High School he met his high school sweetheart. About eighteen months after they met, they were married; they eloped. They now have five children and eight grandchildren.
Mr. Osborne married his wife on September 9, 1957 and the CIA hired him on October 14, 1957. At the age of seventeen years of age he had two passions, Mrs. Rose and the CIA.
Later he discovered that two of his high school classmates were hired by the Agency. He was the only black. The others were a jewish male, Robert Anthony Kogok and a female, Helen Zirnite. Helen was helpful to him in securing an assignment in the Far Northern Country (FNC) in 1963.
They were some sort of Rainbow Coalition. Little did he know that the Civil Rights Movement was about to kick into high gear. Little did he know that he would, in his own way, overcome many of the disadvantages of cultural discrimination within the bowels of the government’s most enigmatic and culturally – biased institution. ..... The purpose of this book is to encourage others who are fearful to venture and seek employment in the Agency and other secret government organizations.
Blacks in the CIA were looked upon as “people at risk.” The CIA was no different than any other U.S. federal institution. He states when he arrived to the CIA in 1957 it was a “plantation.”
The top leadership in the Agency was non-Black, even though a few other Blacks like him was employed in the bowels of the Agency.
The Black CIA employees had much more freedom, independence and autonomy than most Black employed elsewhere in government. Now they did not make any decisions about anyone future.
When he would travel on public transportation to and from work, he would wait for the Agency shuttle bus at CIA headquarters on E. Street N.W. near the Department of State. They then rode the shuttle bus to the “temp” buildings.
CIA Director Allen Dulles’ chauffeured limousine would pass by him while he waited for the shuttle. He made it his business to look for his long black vehicle. As Dulles’ limousine passed CIA headquarters, he would often see him smoking his pipe and reading the morning newspaper.
His wife focused on being a wife and mother while he focused on executing steps in the CIA that would help him achieve his objective to become a spy manager.
He used his crypto capability to seek a position in the Office of Communications (OC). Knowing that one of the supervisors who was assigned in the DCANG had gained legitimate employment in the OC had inspired him.
So he went and asked for the assignment. To his surprise and dismay he was rejected. It had nothing to do with his qualifications. In 1960 the Office of Communications had a policy of not accepting “Negroes.” This action took him back to his high school days at Roosevelt High School with the run in he had with his biology teacher.
By 1959, he had acquired military and Agency security training. During this time the intelligence terms he had learned began changing.
In October 1963, he was assigned abroad to work as a CIA mail clerk in the FNC (Far Northern European Country).
All was well, except that when they arrived in their new home, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and they didn’t know anything about it for the entire weekend. They were stunned like the rest of the world.
They were not watching television because it had not been converted to European standards. They did not have a radio for they did not have their household goods. .... He was able to continue his college education at the local university and was also deeply involved with social activities of the university’s Foreign Students Club.
Horacio Jones, another black from his high school in Washington, D.C., had secured an assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. Osborne and his wife were excited when they had the opportunity to attend the Nobel Peace Prize honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Oslo, Norway on Friday, December 10, 1964. Horacio got the word early and engineered their attendance at both the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and the official invitation-only reception given by Ambassador Madame Joy Tibbits in honor of Dr. King.
Being overseas meant he could not join in and experience first hand some of the major achievements of the Civil Rights Movement.
Mr. Osborne and his wife were able to talk personally with Dr. King and his wife since most of the diplomats and their spouses left early. In his opinion this ruined the reception and also denied Dr. King precious moments to bask in the social spotlight.
Dr. King was calm, cool and collected.
His conversation with Dr. King focused on the Civil Rights Movement, which was progressing back home in the USA.
Dr. King told him about his belief in “non-violence direct action,” a freedom fighting strategy initiated in the early 1900′s during the Indian Struggle for equality in Apartheid South Africa by Mahatma Gandhi, the humble, yet powerful leader.
Dr. King told him, he was disappointed with the white moderates because they talked a good game, but they attempted only weakly to be catalysts for change.
Dr. King told him that the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He explained there were battles among the leaders of the two Civil Rights groups. They fought for turf and were sometimes both bitter and friendly. Much of their activities focused on fund raising, for money is power.
In 1965 Mr. Osborne and his wife had a daughter born in the FNC in May 1965. Her name was Rose Anastasia and one day she was found dead in her crib at the age of eleven months.
Since I have never lost a child I honestly do not know how him and his wife felt. He has stated and my bigmother said when we lost my mother that it was nothing like losing a child.
They received sympathy and condolences from people near and far. U. S. Embassy personnel, U.S. and foreign diplomats and non-diplomats alike showered them with sympathy and condolences. The local Catholic parish was filled to the capacity for the funeral.Their baby brought them much warmth and happiness.
The autopsy revealed Rose Anastasia had an inoperable heart condition and a malformed artery. They shipped her home to Washington, D.C. for burial.
They were returning to Washington in 1966 from the Far Northern European Country. Mr. Osborne completed the CIA Career Training Program (CTP) in 1969 before he obtained his undergraduate degree from The American University, Washington, D.C. in 1971, his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.
Mr. Osborne avoided confrontation of CA intelligence operations during his service, he did re-examine them from the side lines because deep down he knew how Covert Action was being used and still is used, adversely affecting people of color. ...... Blacks at American University in 1970 were few in number but no outward signs of discrimination existed. The University would not allow him to register as a student in the Foreign Affairs Institute. He had to take courses in the Institute and earn his degree from the School of Political Science, with nine of his eleven courses in Latin American affairs.
Some years later, two of their daughters, De Lavay Cabrina Osborne and Monique Therese Osborne attended The American University. De Lavay, registered and received her degree from the same Institute that rejected her dad.
The CIA gave him and his family official orders and assigned them to the Latin American Country (LAC) from 1972 through 1974, after his supervisors received the word from Shackley.
The Latin American County (LAC) where Mr. Osborne went was considered by many to be a “safe” place to send black case officers.
During the first year, Mr. Osborne accomplished a very significant task in that he recruited an intelligence officer of a third world country to work for the CIA.
Mr. Osborne was the first Black Case Officer to prepare and have the Agency disseminate a finished intelligence report derived from a technical source rather than a human source.
The CIA changed from a segregated government organization to one that overcame traditional cultural and ethnic biases.
Mr. Osborne was named to the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Advisory Panel and quickly determined that Colby was in this for real.
Mr. Osborne was an advisor to former President Bush’s father at the CIA, and he thanked him for his “great support of him” and his predecessor, William Colby.
Many of the personnel in the CIA are not undercover so their names can safely appear in public documents identifying them as CIA employees without causing any difficulty; Ms. Sharon Parish is one such individual.
Mr. Osborne reconnected with the Directorate of Operations and desegregrated the management in the Near East and Asia (NEA) Division which for the first time enabled him to work Arab countries and adversaries within a few short weeks after Professor Clemon and he had talked.
The CIA assigned Mr. Osborne to the Libyan Branch as Chief Counter Intelligence for Libya. He had to collect information and develop a secret report on Gaddifi at the request of the White House. There were some serious mistakes made by the division. It seemed clear that he was being set up to take “the fall.”
His goals were shifting and he wanted to try his hand at doing business and becoming an international entrepreneur.
It turned out that Mr. Osborne was the first black professional to be assigned to Libya and no one ever with his skills had been assigned in the Libya Station where the show was Covert Action versus Counter Intelligence. He muscled his way into the assignment Libya.
He has good news for everyone when we claim the Spirit of God, we do not lack anything.
He often talks with their five adult children and eight grandchildren about relationships, given his belief we are embodied as a human.
He shares it is up to us to achieve our genuine Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences (SHAPE) given us before we were born. Rick Warren’s writings have significantly influenced him and he accepts that before he was born that his Higher Power and his SHAPE were predetermined.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Spread The News .. 11/25/2012
Sunday School Lesson for 11/25/2012. Unit III. Where Does Faith Take Us? Acts 28:23-31 ............................
First let's go back to October 28, 2012 Sunday School Lesson. Acts 8:26,29 where Philip (deacon/evangelist) was guided by the Holy Spirit to share the good news with a total stranger. I would strongly recommend allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you when going places and approaching strangers. ..............
Spread the News Correctly - Acts 28:23-24 .......................
Verse 23 - Scripture, Promulgation of Scripture, Instruction in Scripture (Promulgation - to make known, proclaim, to make clear)................
Verse 24 - The Hebrews, Labors Among the Jews in Other Places, Rome ........
Paul's method of teaching was via of explanation. As with Paul "some believed and some believed not the teaching/message that he shared." ...............
Spread the News Purposefully - Acts 28:25-27 .......................
Verses 25, 26, 27 - The Hebrews, The Jews Given Up, By The Apostles ..........
There were some Jews who did believe the Gospel, but there were more that rejected the Gospel based on Isaiah's prophecy. ......................
Spread the News Faithfully - Acts 28:28-31 .......................
Verses 28, 29 - The Hebrews, The Jews Given Up, By The Apostles ...........
Verses 30, 31 - Sacred Persons and Offices, Of General Ministry In General, Self-Support .......................
Paul shared with the Jews "the salvation of God" included a ministry to the "Gentiles, and that they would listen" to the Gospel. .....................
Paul was in Rome for two (2) whole years. .......................
Christians should use Scripture when sharing with others about the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Some will not be saved no matter what we do to share/explain the Gospel.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Helping One Another .. 11/18/2012
Sunday School Lesson for 11/18/2012. Unit III. Where Does Faith Take Us? Acts 28:1-10. ..............
Paul was on his mission taking the Gospel where it had never been.............
Helping Survivors After the Storm - Acts 28:1-2 ..............
Melita - an island, now called Malta, 60 miles south of Sicily...........
barbarous - foreign speaking people.....................
The people of Malta weren't originally Christians. They did show hospitality to Paul and others.............
You never know where help will come from.....................
Helping Others in Spite of Superstition - Acts 28:3-6 ................
viper - poisonous serpents ... (Do not play/pick up snakes)............
Luke 10:19 - Sacred Person & Offices, Apostles, The Twelve, Prerogatives, To Work Miracles ...............
Helping Others in Sickness - Acts 28:7-10 .................
Publius - leading citizen/most prominent on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. He provided lodging to Paul and his companions after they had been shipwrecked. ....
Some people of faith, question their faith when they are not healed, when others are...............................
James 5:14,15 - Sacred Persons and Offices, Presbyter - Bishop (Elders), Ministering to the Sick. Duties to God, Prayer, Conditions of Acceptable Prayer, In Faith .......
Acts 28:1-10 ............................
Verses 1, 2 - Other Nations, The Conversion of The Gentiles, Shipwreck of Malta ....
Verses 3, 4, 5, 6 - Miracles, Miraculous Cures, Cures of Poison from Serpents ......
Verses 7, 10 - Civil & Social Life, Manners & Customs, Visiting & Returning Home, Hospitality, Instances ..............................
Verse 8 - Miracles, Miraculous Cure, Cure of Fever
Friday, November 9, 2012
Financial Planning - Income Opps - Biz - Wealth
I am not a financial planner nor am I certified in any certain areas. ..........
When I wrote this article in Feb/March 2004 the title was "Let's Talk Money." LET'S TALK MONEY ...................
Having Trouble Saving Money? Want to Start Your Own Business? Here Are a Few Tips to Get You Started. ....................
In the past, I've wasted a lot of money. I wasted money that could have been used for serious Financial Planning/Recreation. So let's look at a few tips on saving money. Use the list below: ....................
* Allocate time/money in ways that will build wealth. * Target market opportunities .....
* Become thrifty. Save on anything, whenever you can. ............
At times, you may have to raise money to get started. Why not create and publish a book on your Family Heritage, a promotional book for your church, or a cook book? Promote these books locally to raise money for yourself or an organization. Many local clubs and churches have used this method successfully over the years. .........
And what will you do with that money? Invest. Do you have an idea? We need to learn to control and develop ideas into successful businesses. It's ideas that make dollars. Learn to profit from your sense of style or other strong points. Realize the power of your ideas and believe in your ability. Freshen up your ideas with the help of a college art student or Art Studio. .........................
I was raised to be an independent thinker and not allow others to determine my destiny. Decide to go into business for yourself. One look at job downsizing, industry plant closings, and temporary job placements (without benefits) might just kick start you toward more opportunity and freedom. ....................
I am not endorsing any service or product. ......................
Watch how you spend your hard earned money. .....................
When a farmer plants a crop in the field he is looking forward to his crop coming up so he can cultivate it -- reap the rewards. ..............................
I am not a financial planner nor am I certified in any certain areas. ............
Do not quit your job if you do have a job. Keep your job, benefits, etc. Never stop learning. It would be a good idea I think to learn of ways to diversify your income -- maybe you could start after work hours learning more about legitimate income opportunities. ...................................
2 of 2 .. Weathering The Storm
11/9/2012 Sunday School Lesson “Weathering The Storm.” Acts 27:1-2, 33-44. ......
Devotional Reading from my sunday school book – “A Fierce Storm Dashes Hope.” Acts 27:13-20. ....................
Acts 27:1-2 .. “The Preparation before the Storm” ....................
Julius – centurion was in charge of the prisoners. .....................
Aristarchus – probably a business man and along with Luke, paid his own fare/fee. .....................
Paul was a prisoner but didn’t travel alone. ...............
Acts 27:33-38 .. “The Promise in the Storm” .....................
275 men were fearful, and it took one man of faith to turn them around. Question: How realistic is it for a few Christians to calm a large number of non-Christians in a time of crisis? ......................
Acts 27:39-44 “The Preservation in the Storm” ................
Everyone reached land safe. .....................
When we are faithful to God and His Word, miraculous things happen. ..............
Acts 27:1-2 “The Preparation before the Storm” ...................
Julius – centurion was in charge of the prisoners ................
Aristarchus – probably a business man along with Luke, paid his fare ..........
Paul was a prisoner but didn’t travel alone ........................
Acts 27:33-38 “The Promise in the Storm” .........................
275 men were fearful, and it took one man of faith to turn them around. Question: How realistic is it for a few Christians to calm a large number of non-Christians in a time of crisis? .....................................
Acts 27:39-44 “The Preservation in the Storm” .....................
Everyone reached land safe. .....................
When we are faithful to God and His Word, miraculous things happen
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Paul's Testimony Before Roman Authorities .. 11/4/2012
11-4-12 Sunday School Lesson. Taking a Stand. Where Does Faith Take Us? Acts 26:19-32....................
Paul came from a respected family in Asia Minor (known as Turkey today) where his father was an official........................
A Roman citizen was assumed innocent until he was tried and proven guilty. Paul was knowledgeable of his legal rights as Roman citizen..............
Taking a Stand for the Ministry – Acts 26:19-21 .................
Taking a Stand for the Message – Acts 26:22-28 ...................
Taking a Stand for the Master – Acts 26:29-32 .......................
verses 19, 20 – The Hebrews, Labors Among the Jews in Other Places, St. Paul’s Testimony in the Summer of 60 A.D................
verse 21 – Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, Conspiracy, The Conspiracy To Murder Paul in Jerusalem ........................
verse 22 – Jesus Christ, Prophecies Concerning Christ, Birth ..............
verses 24, 25, 26,28,29 – Other Nations, The Conversion of The Gentiles, St. Paul in Cesarea 59-61A.D., Impressions Made by Paul’s Speech ................
verse 27 – Mediums and Methods of Revelation, The Prophet’s Reception By The People .....................
verses 30,31,32 – Other Nations, The Conversion of The Gentiles, St. Paul in Cesarea 59-61 A.D., He is Pronounced Innocent But Must Go To Rome ..................
Scripture reference used/taken from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN; USA; 37122
Paul's Encounter With Christ .. 11/3/2012
11-3-12 Devotional reading from my sunday school book for saturday, November 3, 2012: Paul’s Encounter with Christ. Acts 26:9-18 ............
Saul was known as the greatest persecutor of the Christian Church. Saul was the apostle Paul before his conversion to Christianity..............
Acts 26:9-11 .. Saul the Persecutor ............
Acts 26:12-15 .. Saul’s Conversion ...................
Acts 26:16-18 .. Paul’s Commission ..................
Saturday, October 27, 2012
A Guide To Finding Your Boaz - Book Review
On October 23, 2011 our Sunday School Lesson was titled "A Kiss Is Still A Kiss." The focus of the lesson was on marriage.
In the Sunday School Teacher's Guide it stated to plan a movie night with some friends and watc "Why Did I Get Married?" or "Why Did I Get Married Too?" by Tyler Perry. And then have a discussion.
There are Scriptures in the Adult Sunday School Book on Biblical Guidelines for: Courtship, Wedding & Marriage. I plan to write more on this matter in 2013.
Divorce is running rampant in society today and the rate of divorce is increasing in the Christian community. Antastasia E. Means shares that her painful divorce and numerous failed relationships prompted her to write this book. Divorce is painful even when both parties are amicable in the situation. She ended up in a verbally abusive marriage that left her emotionally damaged, broke, and a single mother of three children struggling just to make ends meet. She thought she would never recover from this ordeal because when she left her husband, she walked away with her children, the clothes on her back, a couple of things, and her faith in God.
This book is geared toward helping singles; but the married person may find some nuggets as well.
The Story of Ruth: What made Ruth so special?
The book of Ruth, is a powerful story of favor, redemption, and how she met "Boaz" the man of her dream.
Although Ruth lost her husband, she didn't get desperate for a man. She positioned herself to receive another man.
Ruth remains with her grieving mother-in-law because of the lost of her two sons: Mahloin and Kilion. Naomi admonishes her daughter-in-laws (Ruth and Orpah) to return to their mother's home.
Orpah kisses her mother-in-law good-bye and leaves. Ruth decides to stay with her mother-in-law instead of going to her home land of Bethlehem. She also decides to serve the God that Naomi serves. If Ruth would have left, she never would have received her blessing, "Boaz."
When Boaz discovered Ruth, she was gleaning in the field. She was gleaning in Boaz's field.
Once Boaz notices Ruth in his field, he is impressed, and he gives her favor. Naomi encourages Ruth t take a bath, put on some sweet-smelling perfume, adorn herself in her best outfit, and go lay on the threshing floor at Boaz's feet. As a godly woman, it's the beauty within that will spill over into your outward beauty.
Boaz will more than likely find you in the everyday trenches of life, not in the nightclub.
The Proverbial Woman: Who can find a virtous woman? For her price is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10).
Ruth understood her purpose. If you know that your purpose is to be a motivational speaker and the mate you choose isn't willing to support your vision then division has set in.
If God has placed you to complete a specific task or assignment, you must remain faithful where God has planted you.
Hope's Story: Woman at the Well Syndrome.
Hope struggled with anger and believed she lacked the ability to forgive. As a result, she hadn't been to church in a while. She was finding men, but they were never interested in a long-term relationship.
She was feisty and demanding, and she had a wall up due to the sexual abuse she had experienced at the age of seven years old.
She like the woman at the well, had a thirst that only God could fulfill.
At the age of sixteen she found out she was pregnant. When she told her boyfriend, Xavier he wanted to know "how did she know it was his?"
He begged her to have an abortion. He threatened to commit suicide, and she gave in.
By the time she started her firs year in college, she was frustrated, so she decided to join the Air Force. Before leaving, she had a wonderful celebration hosted by her sister before being shipped overseas. Xavier showed up.
When she arrived overseas she met Derrick on her new job assignment. One morning she woke up feeling horrible - she knew she was pregnant. She shared the news with Derrick, but told him that the baby was likely Xavier back home.
She moved back home. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy that summer.
The blood test came back confirming that Xavier was the father.
Hope started attending church and establishing a relationship with God, and she explained to Xavier it was time to settle down and get married.
A few months after Hope graduated from college, she found Xavier cheating on her.
By this time, she had already made up her mind that she was out of there.
Desires and Non-negotiables: Will God honor my requests?
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6)
How are you going to recognize what you want, if you haven't written down your vision? Habakkuk 2:2 states, "And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk was making a complaint regarding injustice. We are dealing with imperfect people because we are flawed, but it's important to know what you want, what you don't want, write it down, and pray over it.
If you are married, you may want to complete the activity and pray for your current spouse, and turn yours into a prayer journal.
How to Attract Boaz.
We must be born again. You can't bypass God and His institution and expect success. God is love.
Romans 10:9 says "that if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Through reading the Scriptures continually and praying for understanding you will be able to allow the Word of God to become real in your life.
The godly man is attracted to a woman who has power.
Please forgive all those men from your past who have hurt you. You must forget those things that are behind you and press toward the mark of a higher calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13). How can God truly forgive you and wipe your slate clean with un-forgiveness in your heart?
Submit to God. Submitting to God requires that you seek what God requires of you, and then you obey. If you're having trouble submitting to God while you're single, it will be impossible to submit to your husband.
The husband is the head over the wife, he gets his orders from God and conveys the message to his wife. Submitting to God includes: spending time in His Word, developing a relationship, and obeying God's Word.
Pray for yourself and declare Scriptures over your husband. Develop a quiet time/devotional time when it's just you and God.
Talk shows are great; but they don't provide enough sustenance to maintain your marriage.
Do not cohabit with your mate before marriage. Once you start having sex, it becomes difficult to stop.
You must understand agape love, the God kind of love.
Marriage 101: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord (Proverbws 18:22).
Some of the benefits included in being married: working together to fight the enemy, teaming up to fulfill the call of God in your lives, having a sexually fulfilling relationship that's not based on selfishness, raising children in a two-parent home, and growing old with someone with whom you're able to make wonderful memories.
Women must honor their Boaz as priest in the home and not dis-respect them.
He should feel like the king of the castle when he arrives home.
Keep what goes on in your household, in your household.
After Salvation, marriage is one of the biggest decisions that we will make in life.
Anastasia E. Means is a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. She has been an educator for over thirteen years, and she is currently and educator in the Dekalb County School System. Her goal is to finish her doctorate degree, write books and songs, and spread God's love around the world. She is currently working on her first CD, titled, Master Plan. She has three wonderful boys. She's a member of World Changers Church International, College Park, Georgia. Her life is based on Matthew 6:33.
Erasing the Boundary Lines .. 10/28/2012 Sunday School Lesson
Sunday School Lesson for 10/28/2012. Acts 8:26-39. Who Understands Faith? Erasing the Boundary Lines....
Erasing the Boundary of Race and Religion – Acts 8:26-29...
Erasing the Boundary of Rejection – Acts 8:30-35...
Erasing the Boundary of Relationship – Acts 8:36-39....
Ethiopia – country South of Egypt of the Nile....
Ethiopia Eunuch – treasurer of Candance. He had financial and political standing but had a spiritual void in his life. He was reading the book of Isaiah out loud when Philip the Evangelist/Deacon, was sent by the Holy Spirit from Samaria to help him. Philip led the African to faith in Christ from Isaiah 53.....
Candance – Queen of Ethiopia....
Ethiopia – In the New Testament of the Bible, it was ruled by a queen with the title or name Candance .....
Gaza - One of the 5 influential Philistine cities, and southwest toward Egypt.....
Acts 8:26-39....
Verse 26 – Angels, Offices of Good Angels, Ministering Spirits....
Verse 27 – Civil & Social Life, The Court, Overseers – of Candance. The Outward Man, The Afflictions of The Body, Mutilation (to cut off or permanently destroy)....
Verse 28 – Scripture, Promulgation of Scripture, Scripture Studied. (Promulgation – to make known, public)....
Verses 29, 36, 37 – Other Nations, The Conversion of the Gentiles, The Ethiopian Eunuch Baptized....
Verse 30 – Scripture, Promulgation of Scripture, Instruction in Scripture....
Verses 32, 33, 34, 35 – Jesus Christ, Prophecies Concerning Christ, Silence at the Trial....
Verse 38 – Sacred Rites & Forms; Sacraments, Worship, & Church-Fellowship; Instances of Baptism....
Verse 39 – Miracles, Miraculous Translation, Between Earthly Places....
Scripture Reference used/taken from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; 37122
Power Brokers .. 10/21/2012 Sunday School Lesson
Power Brokers .. 10/21/2012 Sunday School Lesson. Acts 8:9-24. Who Understands Faith?......
Simon the Sorcerer – Acts 8:9-13....
Peter and John Go to Samaria – Acts 8:14-17....
I Would Like To Buy That – Acts 8:18-24.....
Simon Magus, a sorcerer of Samaria, with great power & influence among the people. (Acts 8:9-13).....
Sorcery: (Occult, Demonic Forces – Witch Craft).....
Philip – Evangelist/Deacon (Acts 6:8) one of the 7 deacons (Acts 6:2) Perhaps he was instrumental in introducing Christianity into Africa.....
Peter (rock) – His original was Simon (Symeon) Acts 15:14 .. a prominent apostle, outstanding leader in the early days of the Christian Church.....
Some people believe that money can buy anything. The Holy Spirit can not be bought. Silver – Money can not buy Salvation.....
Power – prestige, influence, advantage, greater power .....
Occult – belief/practice in areas/things forbidden by God.....
Astrology/Horoscopes forbidden – Deuteronomy 18:10, Isaiah 47:12-13.....
Fortune Telling forbidden – Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 27:9....
Ouija Boards/Contacting the Dead forbidden – Lev. 19:31; 2 Kings 21:6; Deut 18:10-12....
Acts 8:9-24....
Verses 9, 10, 11 – Idolatry & Superstition, Witch Craft, Magic & Sorcery....
Verses 12, 13, 14, 17 – Other Nations, The Conversion of The Gentiles, Gospel Carried to the Samaritans .....
Verses 15, 16 – God, Holy Spirit, Prayed For....
Verses 18, 19, 20 – God, Holy Spirit, Simony (Middle English Symonie, from Simon Magus, Samaritian sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24)....
Verses 21, 22 – Man Redeemed, Repentance, Repentance A Duty....
Verse 23 – Fallen Man, Nature & Genesis of Sin, Sin Defined & Described....
Verse 24 – Duties to God, Intercession, Intercession Desired......
Scripture Reference used/taken from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; 37122
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Paying The Price ... 10/14/2012
10/14/2012 Sunday School Lesson. Acts 7:51-60; 8:1a.
Calling Out His Accusers – Acts 7:51-53
Stephen’s Vision – Acts 7:54-56
They Stone Stephen – Acts 7:57-60; 8:1a
Acts 7:51-60; 8:1a
Verse 51- God, Holy Spirit, Resisted
Verse 52 – Jesus Christ, Christ’s Crucifixion, Christ’s Death
Verse 53 – Angels, Offices of Good Angels, Announces God’s Law
Verse 54 – Trials and Persecution, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, Bitter Hate
Verses 55,56 – Jesus Christ, Christ’s Ascension: Christ in Heaven
Verse 57 – Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, Stoning to Death. The Outward Man, The Nature of The Body, The Ears
Verse 58 – Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, Stoning to Death
Verse 59 – Jesus Christ, Christ’s Divinity, Christ Possesses the Attributes of God, Is An Object of Worship. Eschatology/Last Things, The Intermediate State, Retribution Begins, For The Good
Verse 60 – Jesus Christ, Christ’s Divinity, Christ Possesses the Attributes of God, Is An Object of Worship. Duties to God, Externals of Prayer, Kneeling. Duties to God, Intercession, Intercession for Individuals. Trials and Persecutions, Conduct Under Persecution, Prayer for Persecutors
Acts 8:1a – Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecutions, Banishment
Friday, October 5, 2012
Life is an Amazing Song - Book Review
“This book is about a finnish boy's life during the 1939-1945 war between Finland and Russia. ...
I would recommend this book for women who are struggling with finances and raising their children. There is nothing like a mother's love. It is also a blessing to have loving grandparents who will help. John's mother did overcome her struggles, so mothers do not give up....
The way you face situations can make all the difference in the world....
Sometimes other people like your parents, teachers can see in you all that our Creator has made you to be. And these people can speak life and empower you to be all that you can be....
In 1942 John Raikkonen was in Oulu, Finland....
His family was jolted from sleep that morning around 3:00 a.m. to the shrillness of the horribly familiar air raids....
Even at the age of four, he remembered noticing everyone else was in their private world of fear....
There were plenty of hard times during the war. But there were good times as well. What John remembers most was a strong zest for life and an enthusiasm for the discovery of all things new....
The Finnish-Russian war (The Winter War) was fought between the years of 1939-1940.
Their home was in the city of Hammeenlinna just north of Helsinki. His mom was home with his sister, Inga who was born one year after he was born. They lived in a small house next to the famous Hotel Aulanko with its national park and lookout tower. It was difficult for his mother to take care of her children with her busy schedule, so John was often with his grandparents....
The war had ravaged Finland and no one had the needed money or supplies to live because of the war. His father was stationed along the Karelian border where most of the heavy fighting took place. His mother was left alone with two small children and she had a difficult choice to make. His sister, Inga would stay with the mother in Hameenlinna and he would be sent to live with his grandparents on their farm north of Oulu....
It was later in life when he thought about growing up with his grandparents, that he came to the conclusion of having been born with the "golden spoon in his mouth." His grandparents, uncles and aunts were well off compared to his poor mother in Hameenlinna, who worked so hard to take care of his sister and Brother Kari, who was born in September. With his father being in the war and his mother working long hours, the money was tight. John worked at an early age during the summers....
Many things had been on his mind. The most disturbing was the possible separation of his Mother and Father once he would come from the service. The second unpleasant idea was going to a new school....
He would be in the third grade....
His class was studying the country of India, which he found very interesting. Geography was his favorite subject...
It was the beginning of April. On the south side, where warm rays from the sun reached, the snow had began to melt. The ground was frozen solid...
His mother had visited Helsinki twice meeting with his Father and lawyers. His Father insisted on divorce. His Mother didn't want the divorce, but gave in and the divorce was granted. His Father was suppose to send child support for the children, but he never did....
In 1952, Finland was ready for the Summer Olympics. Finland did receive a world-wide influx of athletes and visitors....
The world's first Miss Universe Pageant had been held in California and the first Miss Universe ever chosen, was from Finland. Her name was Miss Armi Kuusela.....
In the summer of 1954, John had graduated from Lyseo, which was an advanced high school.....
A hotel guest, a business man which was Mr. Schwab from Philadelphia, invited John at the age of seventeen to the United States. Mr. Schwab would arrange for his schooling and paying for his ticket to come to America.....
It was a scary feeling for John to start a new school in a different country. It would be hard for him for his English was not very good...
Life in America for John was wonderful and exciting. The people were friendly but it seemed as if everyone was in a rush somewhere....
Later the following summer, John returned back to Finland to fulfill his army duty in October....
It was in August when he journeyed to America aboard the SS US....
He attended Temple University, which was only three blocks away from the house, studying business and accounting.
John enrolled in a class to learn how to fly airplanes. On his fifth lesson, Mr. Black the flight instructor asked him, "was he ready to fly?"...
For one hour he flew around the airport and performed touch and go landings on the grass run way.....
Late that summer John met his sweetheart. Paola Barboni who was born in Pescara, Italy. Paola and hiim hit it off immediately. It was like love at first sight. She was beautiful and he says she still is after fifty years of marriage. Six months later they were married. Now he ad to stop school and find work, and he was able to do so with some friends help. He became the Assistant Internal Auditor at The Benjamin Franklin Hotel in the inner city. They lived happily but very frugally...
His son, John Claus was born nine months after his marriage. Two years later his daughter, Laila was born in Alexandria, Virginia where they lived at that time. Lewis Hotel School had brought him and his family to the Washington, D.C. area. He accepted a position at the famous Jockey Club. President Jack Kennedy was always escorted in through the back door. Everyone who was famous in D.C. to Hollywood considered Jockey Club as their club. After thre years with this famous restaurant, he began his Country Club Career...
Over the years he became a Certified Country Club Manager, running some of the finest clubs in he United States...
Him and his wife had another beautiful child, Claudia...
At Rolling Green he met President Ford. He came to play golf in a large fund raising golf tournament. He shared his office with President Ford...
In the fall of 1977 his Mother passed away. He was heartbroken...
By 1980 John was burnt out from club management. Him and his wife purchased a closed up restaurant in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. They were featured in several newspaper articles, magazines, radio and TV interviews...
While John was enjoying life, his sister Inga was diagnosed with incureable live cancer. Him and his wife visited her two weeks before her death in 1993...
After twenty-three years they sold the Pasta House and moved to Charleston, South Carolina....
John says that he contributes everything in his life to a higher power, God. There were many people in their lives who helped them along to achieve what they did and what became of them, but he looks up to HIM as the giver/originator of it all....
As he learned in Finland, America is the land of opportunity...
John (Juha) Raikkonen is the author of "Life is an Amazing Song."
Courage to Speak ... October 7, 2012
Our Sunday School Lesson is on Unit II. Who Understands Faith? Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a...
Stephen was chosen to oversee food distribution to the widows of the community (Acts 6:1-6)....
He was a Hellenists Jew - which means he made Greek his tongue, and adopted Greek ideas and practices (Acts 6:1; 9:29).....
Stephen was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. He was spiritually gifted (I Corinthians 12:1-11). He was the first to do miracles who was not an apostle. He walked with God...
Stephen was the first martyr and powerful evangelist/deacon....
Acts 6:8-15 .....
Verse 8 - Miracles, Miracles Considered, The Apostolic Miracles .....
Verses 9-13: Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, False Accusations ....
Verse 14 - The Hebrews, Jerusalem, Destruction by the Romans Foretold .....
Verse 15 - Angels, Good Angels, Men Compared With Angels ..........................................................................................................
Acts 7:1-2a ..............
Verse 1 - Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution, False Accusations ..........
Verse 2a - The Hebrews, God's Chosen People ...............
Scripture Reference used/taken from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; USA; 37122
Having The Courage To Speak The Truth
Sandra Ford Walston is an Courage Expert, Speaker, Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Courage Coach and Author..... Her article link below is also featured in my Adult Sunday School Book in the Introduction.....
http://ezinearticles.com/4289560 .......
Our Sunday School Lesson for October 7, 2012 is coming from Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a. The lesson titled is Courage to Speak.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
52 Seconds - Words That Inspire: Book Review
Bernard's writing is very inspirational, positive and his book will make you thing on have a better attitude.
Sharing some tips from his book:
If you change the way you look at things, what you look at changes.
A.I.M.
Ambitious Inspired and Motivated
Anyone with an aim; who is ready to go for his/her goals need be ambitious, inspired and motivated. What is your AIM?
G.I.V.E.
Generously Investing in Various Enterprise
The act giving initiates the receiving process with the old adage, 'it's more blessed to give than receive.' Be a giver.
M.U.M.
Mothers: Unmatched Mentors
Our first love, care, instructions and directions we receive comes from mothers and most often we learn and adapt to so many things from them unconsciously. God bless all mums.
N.I.C.E.
Neatly Install and Carefully Executed
Isn't it lovely to have something nice, or to look nice? However let's not forget it may require some time and effort to neatly install and carefully executed it. Take time to be nice and look nice.
A.R.T.
Amazing Revealing Touch
Everyone can be an artist, by simply adding a touch of beauty, excellence, care and love in every little thing we do - illuminating the life of others with our ART.
L.O.L.
Laugh Out Loud
Learn to laugh out loud daily, let the kid in you enjoy life, for a "cheerful heart does good like a medicine" laugh at yourself - have some good laugh today.
X. X. L.
Xtra Xtra Length
Many a time we do only what is required of us, not bothering to do anything extra, but it is the extra's that make the big difference, an extra hour. Those who achieve greatness in life, have gone beyond the limit, - go the extra mile.
Bernard Kelvin Clive is the author of 52 Seconds "Simplified Motivation" WORDS TO INSPIRE.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
5 Love Languages
Learn your love language and you might want to share with your spouse.
5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn-the-languages/the-five-love-languages
5 Love Languages Blog: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/blog
Assessments: Love Languages Personal Profiles For Wives, Husbands,Parents or teens, Singles, Children and Languages of Apology: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love
Steadfast Love ... 9/30/12
9/30/12 Sunday School Lesson... Hebrews 13:1-3; I Corinthians 13:1-13...
Family Love ...(Hebrews 13:1-3)
Verse 1 - Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces of the New Life, Love to Christian Brethren
Verse 2 - Civil and Social Life, Hospitality. Duties and Graces of The New Life, Christian Hospitality.
Verse 3 - Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces of The New Life, Fellow-Feeling with Others
Agape (I Corinthians 13:1-7)
Verses 1-7: Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces of The New Life, Love to God and Man
Agape Is All About God ( I Corinthians 13:8-13)
Verses 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 - Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces of The New Life, Love To God and Man
Verse 12 - Eschatology/Last Things, Heaven, The Blessedness of Heaven, Perfect Knowledge
Scripture reference taken/used from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN; USA; 37122
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Steadfast Thanks 9/23/12
September 23, 2012 Sunday School Lesson. What is Faith? Hebrews 12:18-29.
Verse 18 - Man Redeemed, The New Covenant, The Covenant.
Verses 20, 21, 23 - Eschatology/Last Things, Heaven, The New Jerusalem.
Verse 22 - Eschatology/Last Things, Heaven, The New Jerusalem. Angels, Good Angels, Numbers Of.
Verse 24 - Jesus Christ, Offices of Christ, Our Mediator.
Verse 25 - Man Redeemed, Faith, Unbelief, Punishment.
Verse 27 - Eschatology/Last Things, The Last Judgment.
Love Your Enemies 9/29/12
This Bible Reading is coming from my Sunday School Book for September 29, 2012. Luke 6:27-36.
How we must love our enemies.
Verses 27-28 - Trials and Persecutions, Conduct under Persecution, Prayer for Persecutors.
Verse 30 - Trials and Persecutions, Kinds and Methods of Persecution
Verses 32-35: Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces for the New Life, Returning Good for Evil.
Scripture reference taken/used from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122.
Listening to the Spirit 9/18/12
This is coming from my Bible Reading in my Sunday School Book for September 18, 2012. Revelation 3:1-13.
In verse 2 the angel of the church of Sardis is reproved.
In verse 3 exhorted to repent, and threatened if he do not repent.
In verse 8 the angel of the church of Philadelphia.
Verse 6 - Scripture, Duty to Know and Obey Scripture, All the World to Hear.
Verses 11, 12 - Eschatology/Last Things, Heaven, The New Jerusalem
Scripture reference taken/used from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN, USA; 37122
Listening to the Voice of Warning 9/17/12
This is coming from my Home Daily Bible Reading from my Sunday School Book. Ezekiel 33:1-9.
Verse 1 - According to the duty of a watchman, in warning the people.
Verse 1 - Scripture, Books and Authors, Speakers and Hearers (Ezekiel).
Verses 2 -9 Sacred Persons and Offices, The Prophets, Their Office, Whatever May Be The Issue.
Verse 7 - Ezekiel is admonished of his duty.
Scripture reference taken/used from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN; USA, 37122.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Steadfast Fortitude
Sunday School Lesson for 9/16/12. What is Faith? Hebrews 12:1-11. Fortitude is Courage.
Hebrews was written to people who were being persecuted.
Verse 1 - Man Redeemed, Duties and Graces of the New Life, Steadfastness
Verse 4 - Trials and Tribulations, Under the New Economy, Expected
Verse 5 - Works of God, God's Providence in Moral Discipline, Patient Endurance in Affliction.
Scripture reference taken/used from: Holy Bible Topical Reference Edition KJV. Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., 1970. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Weathering the Storm 1 of 2
Sunday School Lesson for November 11, 2012. Where Does Faith Take Us? Acts 27:1-2, 33-44
Verse 1, 2 - Other Nations, The Conversion of the Gentiles, The Voyage to Italy, From Ceasarea to Sidon
Verse 35 - Duties to God, Prayer, Objects of Prayer, Blessing upon Food: Grace Before Meal
Verses 39, 40, 41 - Industrial Employments & Products, Ships & Navigation, Maneuvres in a Storm, Beaching the Ship
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Polish Yourself Shine Like a Diamond
Since the author began her research in 1989, she have seen trends come and go, the jobless rate rise and fall, and have spoken and worked with scores of business owners, company leaders, career counselors, teachers, professors and individuals.
People like diamonds, have a basic market value, but it is only after they have been polished that the world will pay its real value.
No matter what stage of your career you are in, you can improve. Like a brillant, sparkling diamond, you too can shine. Polish yourself and see the difference it can make in your relationships, your income, your potential, and the value you bring to everything you do.
It is important to step back and evaluate yourself every now and then.
Begin today!
Susan Morem is the author of How to Gain the Professional Edge, 2nd Edition.
Finding and Following God's Will - Book Review
I read and reviewed this book in 2005.
This book has twelve chapters, Bible Study and reflection questions for individual and group use. The author has an MBA in finance and a doctorate in educational leadership.
The author teaches seminars on prayer, spirituality and finding meaning and purpose in life.
Going Deeper
Bible Study and Reflection Questions
Chapter 3: What Can The Bible Tell Me Today?
Key: The Bible is still our sovereign for discovering God's will.
Learn to use tools for Bible Study such as Topical Bibles, Concordances, Chain References and Commentaries.
Read the Bible in small pieces, giving yourself time to digest its messages.
Chapter 5: Was That God or Just a Dream?
Key: Test signs against Scripture and circumstances. Yet trust that God may be drawing you closer.
Consider what the following verses tell us about being guided directly by God ... I Kings 19:11-13; John 16:13; John 14:16-17.
Chapter 11: How Can I Plan If My Future is In God's Hands?
Key: Living Within God's will means looking for God, listening for God, talking with God, all without ceasing.
Consider memorizing Jeremiah 29:11 as a source of hope in uncertainty.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
http://www.findingandfollowing.org .... Jane A.G. Kise
Monday, September 10, 2012
Grace for Each Hour - Book Review
Six months of devotions designed to support, comfort, encourage, strength and reassure women when they need it. Comfort for Women Facing Breast Cancer.
This book is not about breast cancer, nor how it is diagnosed or treatment options.
You might want to read one devotion each day to comfort and sustain you throughout a typical six month breast cancer experience.
The author is a five (5) year survival breast cancer survivor as of 2005. She leads a cancer cure ministry, serves as intercessor and mentor for women with breast cancer, consults and speaks.
It wasn't until she was diagnosis with breast cancer in 1999 that the Lord won her heart.
She received prayers in cards, letters, e-mails, and over the telephone.
She's embarrassed to admit that her hair was the very first thought that came to mind when the possibility of cancer was discovered.
Don't be discouraged and abandon your faith, no matter what happens or how long it takes.
Ask God to put people you can trust to form such deep relationships in your path. They can help you become the warrior princess God planned all along.
Be still, and know that I am God. The words scrolled slowly across her computer screen saver. Even before her relationship with the Lord became more intimate, she found comfort in those words.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
What is Faith? Steadfast Confidence 9/9/12
9/9/12 Sunday School Lesson
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6; Psalm/Tehillim 46:1-3, 8-11 ..
Faith is believing. Believing in God. Believe in HIS Written Word. Believe even if you do not see the way being made.
Psalm/Tehillim 46:1,2,3 there are promises there as well. God Preserves and protects man as well. In this scripture man means woman, girl and boy.
Hebrews 11:1-3, 6; Psalm/Tehillim 46:1-3, 8-11 ..
Faith is believing. Believing in God. Believe in HIS Written Word. Believe even if you do not see the way being made.
Psalm/Tehillim 46:1,2,3 there are promises there as well. God Preserves and protects man as well. In this scripture man means woman, girl and boy.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Parrot Dial - Cheap International Calling
Parrot Dial is the Future of Communications, the latest revolution in communication technology, changing the way individuals and companies communicate and do business.
Contact my former Dr. for more information. Dr. Obi, eiobic@ymail.com ...
Parrot Dial - Cheap International Calling
Contact my former Dr. for more information. Dr. Obi, eiobic@ymail.com ...
Parrot Dial - Cheap International Calling
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Everything the Bible Says About Prayer - Book Review
Pray with Humility:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin. (II Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Seek God's guidance in prayer at all of life's crossroads.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (Romans 12:12 NLT)
Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. (I Peter 5:6-7 NCV)
The prayer of Jabez for a fruitful life:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (I Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin. (II Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
Seek God's guidance in prayer at all of life's crossroads.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (Romans 12:12 NLT)
Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. (I Peter 5:6-7 NCV)
The prayer of Jabez for a fruitful life:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (I Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
National Black Chamber of Commerce - 2012
National Black Chamber of Commerce - 2012 National Black Chamber of Commerce
Start-up Guide for the Black Entrepreneur - Book Review
Work smart. Specialize. Stick with your plan.
Information to help you succeed.
This book is a treasure.
The author shares that many people that he talks with tells him that they should have read this book five years ago.
Entrepreneurialism involves risk and effort.
The home-business boom is quietly coming.
When it comes to selling your services and products, the only color that should matter is green.
He shares he's been there, he knows the issues and struggles. He's been asked from time to time with his credentials, why don't he work for a large company where there is stability and longevity and where he knows where his next paycheck is just a week away? He shares there is no such thing as corporate longevity and security anymore.
No two businesses are ever exactly the same. Your success will be the work of your smart work.
Get informed, get organized, and as Martin Lawrence would say, "Gits to steppin!" Arsenio Hall used to say "Let's get busy!"
Bill Boudreaux is the author. He has a B.S. in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration and is a CPA.
He has worked with small minority businesses for more than twenty years. At 25, he became the treasurer of an international marine transportation firm. He has an ongoing relationship with an information technology firm that develops software solutions to track marine vessels in the inland waterway system.
Information to help you succeed.
This book is a treasure.
The author shares that many people that he talks with tells him that they should have read this book five years ago.
Entrepreneurialism involves risk and effort.
The home-business boom is quietly coming.
When it comes to selling your services and products, the only color that should matter is green.
He shares he's been there, he knows the issues and struggles. He's been asked from time to time with his credentials, why don't he work for a large company where there is stability and longevity and where he knows where his next paycheck is just a week away? He shares there is no such thing as corporate longevity and security anymore.
No two businesses are ever exactly the same. Your success will be the work of your smart work.
Get informed, get organized, and as Martin Lawrence would say, "Gits to steppin!" Arsenio Hall used to say "Let's get busy!"
Bill Boudreaux is the author. He has a B.S. in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration and is a CPA.
He has worked with small minority businesses for more than twenty years. At 25, he became the treasurer of an international marine transportation firm. He has an ongoing relationship with an information technology firm that develops software solutions to track marine vessels in the inland waterway system.
Monday, August 27, 2012
National Black MBA Association
September, 2012 ... http://www.hirediversity.com/tools/calendar/description.asp?eventID=2325National Black MBA Association
Saturday, August 25, 2012
"Justice Promised" - Meeting Our Deepest Need
8/26/12 Sunday School Lesson
Ezekiel/Yechezk'el 34:23-31
God called Ezekiel to be a prophet. He saw the people's sin and judgement.
There are promises in verses 25 - 29.
We know Ezekiel as being a watchman, valley of dry bones and vision of the temple.
Ezekiel/Yechezk'el 34:23-31
God called Ezekiel to be a prophet. He saw the people's sin and judgement.
There are promises in verses 25 - 29.
We know Ezekiel as being a watchman, valley of dry bones and vision of the temple.
Friday, August 17, 2012
"Justice Promised" - The Just Leader
8/19/12 Sunday School Lesson
Jeremiah/Yirmeyahu 23:1-8; 33:14-18
Misrule and lies pronounced in God's name will not go unpunished.
An idea king will rule.
Bad Shepherds - Good Shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-6)
The Just Leader (Jeremiah 33:14-18)
Jeremiah/Yirmeyahu 23:1-8; 33:14-18
Misrule and lies pronounced in God's name will not go unpunished.
An idea king will rule.
Bad Shepherds - Good Shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-6)
The Just Leader (Jeremiah 33:14-18)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Confronting Jezebel - Book Review
Jezebel Spirit or Control Freak?
Not all control freaks, however, are Jezebels.
True Jezebel controllers, however, are out to destroy.
Keep in mind that Satan always attempts to counterfeit the work of God.
Jezebel Hates the Prophetic -
In the Old Testament, no one rose up to oppose Queen Jezebel except the prophet Elijah. Jezebel was Elijah archenemy.
It is not fair to identify one or two traits in someone and determine based on those that the person is dealing with a Jezebel spirit.
She Gets What She Wants -
Queen Jezebel got what she wanted, and Ahab willingly gave it to her. The clear battle with the Jezebel principality desires to rule and control the people of God.
Submit ExpressSearch Engine Marketing
The Author is Steve Sampson. He has written eight books about the Christian walk. He has three adult children and lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books.
Not all control freaks, however, are Jezebels.
True Jezebel controllers, however, are out to destroy.
Keep in mind that Satan always attempts to counterfeit the work of God.
Jezebel Hates the Prophetic -
In the Old Testament, no one rose up to oppose Queen Jezebel except the prophet Elijah. Jezebel was Elijah archenemy.
It is not fair to identify one or two traits in someone and determine based on those that the person is dealing with a Jezebel spirit.
She Gets What She Wants -
Queen Jezebel got what she wanted, and Ahab willingly gave it to her. The clear battle with the Jezebel principality desires to rule and control the people of God.
Submit ExpressSearch Engine Marketing
The Author is Steve Sampson. He has written eight books about the Christian walk. He has three adult children and lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Chosen Books.
Friday, September 3, 2010
August, 2010 HAC Newsletter
This issue of HAC News is also available in PDF and HTML format at http://tinyurl.com/hacnews
HAC News... information on rural low-income housing issues
August 18, 2010
Vol. 39, No. 17
ADDITIONAL SECTION 502 GUARANTEED FUNDS PROVIDED FOR FY 2010. A supplemental appropriations law signed by President Obama on July 29 enables the program to resume, paying for itself through a 3.5% origination fee and a 0.5% annual fee. RD can waive up to $697 million in fees for low-income borrowers. H.R. 4899 (P.L. 111-212) is available at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app10.html.
OMB ISSUES 2010 CIRCULAR A-133 COMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT. This publication applies to audits of nonprofits and state and local governments for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2009. Comments are due October 31. The supplement is free at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_circulars or $95 from the Government Printing Office (number 041-001-00677-0), http://www.gpo.gov/ or 866-512-1800. Contact federal funding agencies.
DAVIS-BACON GUIDANCE FOR SECTION 502 REISSUED. Administrative Notice 4526 (July 28, 2010) is a reissue of AN 4449 (June 15, 2009), explaining how Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply to properties receiving Section 502 direct or guaranteed loans under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Copies are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4526.pdf or from RD offices. Contact Bill Downs, 202-720-1499, william.downs@wdc.usda.gov.
GUIDANCE PROVIDED ON PROCESSING SECTION 514/516 AND 533 APPLICATIONS. An Unnumbered Letter dated July 9, 2010 applies to Section 514/516 and is at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RD_UnnumberedList%20.html. Contact Henry Searcy Jr., RD, 202-720-1753. For Section 533, AN 4521 is at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd-an_list.html. Contact Bonnie Edwards-Jackson, RD, 202-690-0759 or an RD office.
RD CHANGES GUIDANCE FOR SECTION 515 OR 514 DESIGN/BUILD OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT. RD approval is required for these methods. Administrative Notice 4524 (July 22, 2010) replaces AN 4492, issued in January 2010 (see HAC News, 2/17/10). Copies are available from RD offices or at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4524.pdf. Contact Sherry Engel, RD, 715-345-7677.
INFORMATION RELEASED ON SECTION 502 GUARANTEED REO. AN 4522 (July 12, 2010) is intended to guide RD staff dealing with real estate owned by Section 502 guaranteed lenders/servicers. Copies are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4522.pdf or from RD offices. Contact Michelle Corridon, RD, 202-720-1452, michelle.corridon@wdc.usda.gov.
RD’S INCOME LIMITS MAY DIFFER FROM HUD’S. An Unnumbered Letter dated July 16, 2010 confirms that RD’s income limits, published in a June 2, 2010 Special Procedure Notice, continue to use a hold-harmless policy now discontinued for HUD’s Section 8 program (see HAC News, 12/05/1910). Obtain the UL and SPN from RD offices or at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RegulationsAndGuidance.html. Contact Stephanie White, 202-720-1615.
FHFA CONSIDERS CREATING OMBUDSMAN. Comment by September 7 on a Federal Housing Finance Agency proposed rule that would establish an office to consider complaints about FHFA’s oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. See Federal Register, 8/6/10 or http://www.fhfa.gov/. Contact Sandy Comenetz, FHFA, 202-414-3771.
PUTTING SMART GROWTH TO WORK IN RURAL COMMUNITIESreport issued. A new publication from the International City/County Management Association, showing how smart growth principles can be applied in rural places, is free at http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/documents/kn/Document/301483/%20Putting_Smart_Growth_to_Work_in_Rural_Communities.
GAO REPORTS ON RURAL HOMELESSNESS. As mandated by the 2009 HEARTH Act, GAO studied the characteristics of rural homelessness, available assistance, and barriers. Rural Homelessness: Better Collaboration by HHS and HUD Could Improve Delivery of Services in Rural Areas (GAO-10-724) is available free at http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-724 or at cost from GAO, 866-801-7077.
ANNUAL DATA SHOW PROGRESS ON CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING STALLED. Some indicators have improved and others, including child poverty rates, have worsened, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2010 Kids Count Data Book. Figures for states, counties, cities, and school districts are available at www.kidscount.org.
HAC SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR RURAL HOUSING AWARDS. Nominations are due September 15 for the Cochran/Collings Award for national rural housing service, the Skip Jason Community Service Award, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Award for local or tribal elected officials. The honors will be presented at the National Rural Housing Conference in December. For details, visit http://www.ruralhome.org/ or contact Lilla Sutton, HAC, 202-842-8600, lilla@ruralhome.org.
Housing Assistance Council
1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington DC 20005
(202) 842-8600
hac@ruralhome.org
www.ruralhome.org
HAC News... information on rural low-income housing issues
August 18, 2010
Vol. 39, No. 17
ADDITIONAL SECTION 502 GUARANTEED FUNDS PROVIDED FOR FY 2010. A supplemental appropriations law signed by President Obama on July 29 enables the program to resume, paying for itself through a 3.5% origination fee and a 0.5% annual fee. RD can waive up to $697 million in fees for low-income borrowers. H.R. 4899 (P.L. 111-212) is available at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app10.html.
OMB ISSUES 2010 CIRCULAR A-133 COMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT. This publication applies to audits of nonprofits and state and local governments for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2009. Comments are due October 31. The supplement is free at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_circulars or $95 from the Government Printing Office (number 041-001-00677-0), http://www.gpo.gov/ or 866-512-1800. Contact federal funding agencies.
DAVIS-BACON GUIDANCE FOR SECTION 502 REISSUED. Administrative Notice 4526 (July 28, 2010) is a reissue of AN 4449 (June 15, 2009), explaining how Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply to properties receiving Section 502 direct or guaranteed loans under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Copies are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4526.pdf or from RD offices. Contact Bill Downs, 202-720-1499, william.downs@wdc.usda.gov.
GUIDANCE PROVIDED ON PROCESSING SECTION 514/516 AND 533 APPLICATIONS. An Unnumbered Letter dated July 9, 2010 applies to Section 514/516 and is at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RD_UnnumberedList%20.html. Contact Henry Searcy Jr., RD, 202-720-1753. For Section 533, AN 4521 is at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd-an_list.html. Contact Bonnie Edwards-Jackson, RD, 202-690-0759 or an RD office.
RD CHANGES GUIDANCE FOR SECTION 515 OR 514 DESIGN/BUILD OR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT. RD approval is required for these methods. Administrative Notice 4524 (July 22, 2010) replaces AN 4492, issued in January 2010 (see HAC News, 2/17/10). Copies are available from RD offices or at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4524.pdf. Contact Sherry Engel, RD, 715-345-7677.
INFORMATION RELEASED ON SECTION 502 GUARANTEED REO. AN 4522 (July 12, 2010) is intended to guide RD staff dealing with real estate owned by Section 502 guaranteed lenders/servicers. Copies are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/an4522.pdf or from RD offices. Contact Michelle Corridon, RD, 202-720-1452, michelle.corridon@wdc.usda.gov.
RD’S INCOME LIMITS MAY DIFFER FROM HUD’S. An Unnumbered Letter dated July 16, 2010 confirms that RD’s income limits, published in a June 2, 2010 Special Procedure Notice, continue to use a hold-harmless policy now discontinued for HUD’s Section 8 program (see HAC News, 12/05/1910). Obtain the UL and SPN from RD offices or at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RegulationsAndGuidance.html. Contact Stephanie White, 202-720-1615.
FHFA CONSIDERS CREATING OMBUDSMAN. Comment by September 7 on a Federal Housing Finance Agency proposed rule that would establish an office to consider complaints about FHFA’s oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. See Federal Register, 8/6/10 or http://www.fhfa.gov/. Contact Sandy Comenetz, FHFA, 202-414-3771.
PUTTING SMART GROWTH TO WORK IN RURAL COMMUNITIESreport issued. A new publication from the International City/County Management Association, showing how smart growth principles can be applied in rural places, is free at http://icma.org/en/icma/knowledge_network/documents/kn/Document/301483/%20Putting_Smart_Growth_to_Work_in_Rural_Communities.
GAO REPORTS ON RURAL HOMELESSNESS. As mandated by the 2009 HEARTH Act, GAO studied the characteristics of rural homelessness, available assistance, and barriers. Rural Homelessness: Better Collaboration by HHS and HUD Could Improve Delivery of Services in Rural Areas (GAO-10-724) is available free at http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-10-724 or at cost from GAO, 866-801-7077.
ANNUAL DATA SHOW PROGRESS ON CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING STALLED. Some indicators have improved and others, including child poverty rates, have worsened, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2010 Kids Count Data Book. Figures for states, counties, cities, and school districts are available at www.kidscount.org.
HAC SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR RURAL HOUSING AWARDS. Nominations are due September 15 for the Cochran/Collings Award for national rural housing service, the Skip Jason Community Service Award, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Award for local or tribal elected officials. The honors will be presented at the National Rural Housing Conference in December. For details, visit http://www.ruralhome.org/ or contact Lilla Sutton, HAC, 202-842-8600, lilla@ruralhome.org.
Housing Assistance Council
1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington DC 20005
(202) 842-8600
hac@ruralhome.org
www.ruralhome.org
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