The Urban Pastor

Good News...Bad News

First, the Good News:

Over the next few days, Clarence Stowers Dot Com will temporarily go offline and receive a complete redesign! Personally, I'm excited about the new look and I pray that you will as well. I will post periodic tweets via Twitter regarding the site's status.

Now the bad news:

There is none. Stay tuned because what's to come is better than what's been! 

Is This The Best Republicans Have To Offer?

Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.) hoped to step into the national spotlight Tuesday night to sound a hopeful yet defiant note in countering President Barack Obama as the GOP’s fresh and exciting face. This guy talked to Americans as if we were mentally challenged. On top of that, he looks weird & talks in a condescending tone. Even the experts agree: "I think he had a really poor performance tonight, I’m sorry to say,” National Public Radio’s Juan Williams said on a Fox News panel immediately following Jindal’s remarks. Williams went on to call the governor’s remarks “sing-songy” and said Jindal looked “childish” compared to Obama. C'mon Republicans - is this the best you all can do?

Dream. Try. Fail. Learn. Regroup. Try Again.

Last month I spending some time reading It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It.  It’s written by Pastor Craig Groschel pastor of Lifechurch.tv.  By the way, this is a great lesson for leaders!  You can buy the book here.  If you prefer videos to books you can buy the video at the same place or at Amazon. 

In this preview Craig Groschel says that failure is a necessity. 

Do you agree?

Don't Get It Twisted...

RACISM STILL EXISTS!

A great friend of mine forwarded an email to me that I thought would be appropriate to share with my blog family.  Thanks Beverly!

After President Obama signed the stimulus bill, his first major piece of legislation, the New York Post ran a cartoon depicting the bill's author as a dead monkey, covered in blood after being shot by police. In the face of intense criticism, The Post's editor is standing by the cartoon, claiming it has no racial undertones, that it's not about President Obama, and that it was simply referencing an incident earlier this week when police shot a pet chimpanzee (an argument that pundits and analysts simply aren't buying).¹

It's impossible to believe that any newspaper editor could be ignorant enough to not understand how this cartoon evokes a history of racist symbolism, or how frightening this image feels at a time when death threats against President Obama have been on the rise.

Please join us in demanding that The Post apologize publicly and fire the editor who allowed this cartoon to go to print: http://colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2138-170894 The Post would have us believe that the cartoon is not about Obama. But on the page just before the cartoon appears, there's a big picture of President Obama signing the stimulus bill.²

A reader paging through The Post would see President Obama putting pen to paper, then turn the page to see this violent cartoon. The imagery is chilling. There is a clear history in our country of racist symbolism that depicts Black people as apes or monkeys, and it came up multiple times during the presidential campaign.³

We're also in a time of increased race-based violence. In the months following President Obama's election there has been a nationwide surge in hate crimes ranging from vandalism to assaults to arson on Black churches.^4,5 There has been an unprecedented number of threats against President Obama since he was elected,⁶ with hate-based groups fantasizing about the killing of the president. Just a week ago, a man drove from Louisiana to the Capitol with a rifle, telling the police who stopped him that he had a "delivery" for the president.⁷

There is no excuse for The Post to have allowed this cartoon to be printed, and even less for Editor Col Allan's outright dismissal of Black concerns. But let's be clear about who's behind The Post: Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch, the Post's owner, is the man behind FOX News Channel. FOX has continually attacked and denigrated Black people, politicians, and institutions at every opportunity, and we've run several campaigns to make clear how FOX poisons public debate.⁸ We don't expect much from Murdoch.

However, with enough public pressure we can set the stage for advertisers and subscribers to think long and hard before patronizing outlets like the Post that refuse to be held accountable. You can help by making it clear that the Post's behavior is unacceptable, and by asking your friends and family to do the same.

It only takes a minute: http://colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2138-170894 -- James, Gabriel, Clarissa, William, Dani and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team February 19th, 2009

SOURCES:

1. "NY Post Defends Cartoon, Slams Al Sharpton," Huffington Post, 2-18-2009 http://tinyurl.com/cdmhmm

2. "Obama Photo Preceded Cartoon Of Gunned Down Chimp," Huffington Post, 2-18-2009 http://tinyurl.com/d4jf3m

3. "'Curious George' Obama Shirt Causes Uproar," CBS News, 5-15-2008 http://tinyurl.com/d3ym5w

4. "Post-Racial USA? Not So Fast." Associated Press, 11-15-2008 http://tinyurl.com/b6nw6u

5. "Arson seen in post-election fire at black church in Springfield," Boston Globe, 11-8-2008
http://tinyurl.com/689k4k

6. "Obama never worries about his security despite record number of threats," Daily Mail, 11-27-2008
http://tinyurl.com/bwpr2b

7. "Winnfield man with rifle said he had 'delivery' for Obama," The Advocate, 2-11-2009
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/39429842.html

8. ColorOfChange.org campaign -- "Dancing with the Devil" http://colorofchange.org/cbci_debates/

 

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD TODAY!

Where Did The Bailout Money Go?

AM I THE ONLY ONE COMPLETELY FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW?

According to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the chief proponent of the big bank bailout, flooding the banks with taxpayers’ money was supposed to get them to start lending freely again. And that, in turn, was supposed to stabilize the markets and prevent the downturn from being worse than it otherwise would be.

Given the way, that is, that Paulson had decided to use the first installment of the $700 Billion bailout money to recapitalize banks instead of buying up their toxic securities, which he had then sold to Congress and the American people as the best and fastest way to get the banks to start making loans again, and help prevent this recession from getting much, much worse. (Stowers Translation: give banks back the money they lost through greed, corruption, arrogance, & incompetence)

HERE'S THE BANKING INDUSTRY'S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET:
THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF USING THE BAIL OUT MONEY TO MAKE NEW LOANS OR HELP PEOPLE IN FORECLOSURE. 

The real issue is that banks continue to refuse to lend money to consumers who so desperately need it and who just bailed out their greedy rear ends.  Instead, it's business as usual.  The level of greed, stupidity and arrogance is stunning for a bunch of people who just drove the rest of the world to the edge of financial oblivion. You can't get 10 cents from a bank right now.

HERE'S WHY:

I personally believe the banks that had received money are holding on to most of it so they could buy out other banks that might fail down the road. 

GREED...GREED...GREED

Personally, I feel sorry for President Obama because his administration is left to clean up a HOT MESS!  Please continue to pray for our President and his cabinet.

Discovering The Truth About You

With 2009 destined to be a tough year for a lot of people, I thought now would be the perfect time to review Marcus Buckingham's book , The Truth About You which aims to empower you to enjoy higher satisfaction and performance in life and work.

If you are someone who still is not sure what to do with your life, then this is probably a great book for you to pick up.  It includes a DVD, the book and a notepad, all of which make for a very interactive experience.  If you are already in tune with your strengths and how you want to spend your life, and you are one of the 2 out of 10 people Marcus mentions that get to play to their strengths at work, then there are still some solid nuggets in the book for you as well.

The book discusses how successful people can build their dream jobs. The philosophy of the book revolves around 3 myths that hold you back from building your own dream job.

"Your strengths aren't what you're good at, and your weaknesses aren't what you're bad at." 

“When it comes to the job, the 'what' always trumps the 'why' or the 'who'."

“You'll never turn your weaknesses into strengths.”

It also explains the differences in your strengths versus your weaknesses in a way that you probably have not thought about. Ensuing chapters provide 5 pieces of advice (a chapter for each) to stay on your strength path and succeed in both work and life.

In short, if you're really yearning to discover more about your strengths or weaknesses, give this book a try.  Pick the book up and read it. Then give it away to a young person preparing for a new career path. And then treat yourself to a new copy.

To read the first 12 pages click “read” on the widget below:

Buy		Read

Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, as part of a program for book reviewers, but given no direction to follow nor compensation for this review.

Just Do It! (You know you want to)

One of my facebook friends asked me to convince her why she should buy a Mac.  Her question inspired me to share my experiences with you.

Ok, here we go:

You know you’ve been thinking about it.  Everyone is doing it.  Who wouldn’t when they look at their ugly black Dell compared to one of the macbooks?  Of course Macs look good, however, I’m sure you want reasons other than “they’re the finest looking computers out yonder.”

Let me first give my testimony.  I used (“PCs”) for 18 years.  Then when Apple came out with OS X, I was a little intrigued, although that didn’t stop my jeering.  After watching it develop, I caved in and purchased an MacBook & an iMac G5.  Now I wouldn’t switch back for money or fame.

I sometimes forget the horror people go through with their computers—although I am jolted back into reality when a friend calls with problems, and is fixed after running Ad-Aware or some other utility.  Defragers, disk doctors and utilities, registry repairers, virus protection, spy/adware removers, and more all need to be bought and run frequently.  It isn’t worth time, money, or stress.

 

(Ooooo...looks so sweet...you know you want it)

1. Stability.  Mac OS X is built on UNIX, which is synonymous with stability.  Windows, on the other hand is synonymous with the blue screen of death.  Tired of your OS (Operating System) hanging and applications crashing?  I was too.  Say goodbye to applications crashing your OS.
2. Things Just Work.  This doesn’t really need explanation.  Hook up your Microsoft mouse.  Put in a USB key.  Connect your video camera.  It just works.  Really.
3. No Viruses.  Which means all those emails can’t affect you, you don’t need to buy anti-virus software (although in the future you may), and no yearly anti-virus subscriptions.
4. No Adware.  No more popups constantly!  No more programs being installed without your approval!  Free yourself from your bondage!
5. No Spyware. 
6. Boosts Your Productivity.  Because of all the above reasons, you have more time to work (or play) and not have to worry about your computer.  Ever said “Why can’t this just work so I can get my work done?” Well, it can!  In fact, you will most likely notice getting more things done because OS X is just fun and easy to use.  On top of that, the entire Mac interface lends itself to productivity and polish.
7. Better Desktop Management.  A friend saw me use Exposé, and said “Wow, you are living in the next century.”  I use Exposé constantly and it has revolutionized the way I work with open programs.  But there is even more to come in Apple’s OSX Snow Leopard to be released this year.  What will my friend say when I get Spotlight, Dashboard, and Automator?
8. Security.  Tired of Microsoft waiting months upon months (after the months it takes for them to acknowledge it) to fix a security issue?  Mac OS X is already configured to be secure right out of the box—even a preconfigured firewall to keep you safe from hackers.  You get the benefit of UNIX security combined with the beauty and polish of Apple.
9. Encryption.  Need to keep others out?  When turned on, FileVault automatically encrypts all of your files.  You are 007.
10. Application Ease.  Installing applications on PCs are a big deal, and watch out if you move any of the program files!  With Mac, you drop the application into your applications folder and it just works.  If you want, you can move it into a subfolder and nothing breaks.  Just try that on a PC and see what happens! Well, on second thought, don’t try it.
11. Disk Maintenance?  Defrag, Scandisk, CHKDSK, Norton Utilities… kiss those wonderful pains goodbye.  Don’t know what those are?  That’s probably why your PC is so messed up (that and all the spy/adware/viruses).  Switch to Mac.  Your hard drive defrags automatically as files are moved, so you don’t have to worry about all that disk maintenance stuff.
12. MS Office Compatibility.  If you purchase Office for Mac you get full MS Office compatibility.  Don’t want to do that?  Apple now has an inexpensive option for you with Pages and Keynote that are included in iWork, which are 100% MS Office compatible.  In fact, iWork may be better fitted for you (and cheaper) if you are not a hardcore MS Office user.
13. Incredible Pre-Bundled Applications.  You get the full set of iLife applications, World Book encyclopedia, and a full version of Quicken.  iLife is not simply individual applications—they all work together seamlessly like you (should) expect.  Make a video in iMovie with background music from iTunes.  Make a slideshow of images in iPhoto, send it to a friend in Mail and then put it on the Internet.  Then put both on a DVD with iDVD.  Have a tune in your head?  Record it in Garageband—any instrument imaginable is there and a breeze to play.  Want to video chat with a friend in Japan about the song you just recorded?  Start up iChat.  In a phrase, the Mac has everything you need to organize and edit your digital photography, make movies from your camcorder, listen to all your music, create and record music, video chat with friends, and author your own DVDs.  Did I mention that it all comes free and pre-installed?  The software itself is worth over $500 in my opinion.
14. Any Document Can Be PDF.  Every application (that can print) can save files as PDF.  Now that is handy, and sure beats shelling out all that cash for the full version Adobe Acrobat!
15. Network with PCs.  Stuck in a network full of PCs?  Don’t worry—it’ll work.  Just plug it in.  Internet, file sharing, printer sharing and more with ease.
16. Better Third-Party Applications.  With free programs like Quicksilver, NetNewsWire Lite, TextWrangler, VLC, and other incredible applications like Photoshop, Transmit, Final Cut Express/Pro, and others.  And of course your favorite browser, Firefox, also works like a charm if you don’t want to use Apple’s Safari.
17. Control.  No more will you be awash in ignorance along with the brainwashed proles.  You will make an educated decision to purchase something that you can control and won’t control you.  You are not going to Walmart blindly picking a PC.  You have considered the alternative, weighed the options, and chose accordingly.  You are a Mac user.
18. Look.  It just looks so d#@n good :-)

To those who want to make the right decision (and those who have already made it), I applaud your intelligence and good taste.  May this help banish your burdens and be a boon for years to come.

Apple should hire me for plugging them - what do you think?

Tips for Success - Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

IT'S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP...

So far you've learned:

1.  MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
2.  PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS

TODAY:

3.  NEVER MAKE AN IMPORTANT DECISION AFTER 3PM

Make meaningful decisions in the morning to early afternoon.  Numerous studies have shown the mind to be most alert during the first few hours of the day.  As the workday wears on, you will be tired, sluggish, and tend to rush through decisions because you are not thinking clearly.  So try to avoid making important decisions after 3pm.  Consider this time the end of your day.  If you have the option, always ask to sleep on big decisions.  This gives you time to consider all factors and make an informed decision in the morning.

4.  BE STRATEGIC

Having a strategy is synonymous with developing a plan of action.  A strategy serves as a guiding force when you are faced with decisions that have many factors.  Therefore, developing a strategy for attacking multifaceted decisions is absolutely necessary.  In fact, don’t allow yourself to make a single decision until you have a plan.  First figure out how you will make your selections and then begin to make your choices based on the criteria you’ve established.

So, how are you doing?

Tips for Success - Making The Right Decisions

Recent scientific studies indicate that emotions play a HUGE role in decision-making.  Furthermore, decision-making is an involved process and one that is critically important to master if a person wants to be successful. 

NEWS FLASH:
ALL highly successful people are good decision makers. 

They find that making good decisions leads to enjoyment and self-confidence.  Successful people enjoy the decision-making process itself and consider it be an excellent and challenging way to constantly resharpen their minds and skills. 

This week I will share two principles each day that will help you make wiser decisions.  Again, if you will dedicate one week to both principles, in 5-6 weeks you'll be a different & successful person. 

1.  MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS

When working toward your goals, you may easily get derailed when a tempting situation presents itself.  Though it is difficult to refrain from doing something you want in the moment, it is important to exhibit discipline.  Some examples include postponing dining out, weekend getaways, and shopping sprees when you're trying to save for a home.  Continued commitment to your long-term goals is necessary if you desire to be successful.

2.  PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS

It is impossible to know for certain how a particular decision will turn out.  It is, however, possible to predict what might happen.  Predicting outcomes is a valuable tool when deciding between several options.  For example, if you are deciding to pursue an advanced degree, consider the outcome of your options.  Law school is an expensive investment ($150,000 for 3 years) but can help increase your earning potential later in life.  Determine how much time you have before making the decision.  Use 90% of that time thinking & considering the outcome - THEN DECIDE!

Tips For Success - It's A Wrap!

Well, it's Friday & we've come to the end of this series.  So far you've learned:

   1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
   2. WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
   3. RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
   4. CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS  
   5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
   6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
   7. MAKE AN ACTION BOOK
   8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC

TODAY:

9.  REVISE YOUR PLAN AS NECESSARY

It is important to revisit your goals in light of shifting priorities and realities.  For example: Your goal is to pay off a credit card.  Your plan includes increasing your income and paying $300 per month to creditors.  During the time that you set these goals, you were working overtime and had extra cash to put toward debt.  However, after company cutbacks, overtime was removed from your budget and you became unable to make the payments.  At this point you should revisit your goals and assess if your reality fits your original plan.  This ensures you are always in line with your plan.

10.  GET HELP ENACTING YOUR PLAN

Most of us prefer to accomplish our goals on our own.  In fact, the so-called "American way" is to try and solve our own problems and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.  For some, it’s a matter of privacy and for others a matter of pride.  However, if you need help executing a section of your plan, you should immediately seek support.  You will find that many people you already know have the skills to help you.  It is important to remember that every successful person has enlisted the help of people in their network to achieve their goals.

It is my prayer that this week's Tips for Success has been helpful as you strive for excellence.

Enjoy your weekend!