This post begins a multi-part series of the world’s deceptions and decievers. I do not wish to further glorify anyone that the world seeks to use to prop up for purposes of material gain, but I think it important to see the depth of deceit that our fallen human nature is capable of.

Today we consider the case of a man who survived the holocaust in a Nazi camp, and lived to tell the tale, but only used the opportunity to embellish his experiences in pursuit of money and fame. His embellished tale is not the full extent of his deceit…for Herman Rosenblat has not just told a lie, he has spent years perpetuating his story that he was the recipient of gifts of love from a girl outside the concentration camp, whom he later found and married.

He has even drawn his wife and children into the task of repeating the lie, written a memoir recounting the tale (which has not been published), and told his emotional story publically countless times…twice on the Oprah show admist hundreds of thousands of onlooking fans.

All this, for a story and a life that is not true.

Watch his confession on ABC news here: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=12098233&ch=4226714&src=news

or read about the story in breif via Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Rosenblat

StenErik was saavy enough to have his camera on him a few weeks back and caught this wonderful sight in the city of Dallas. By his attestation, this Baylor grad was marketing his talent to potential employers who might be passing by his post. To anyone interested in following up, he had a stack of resume’s at his feet.

I have to give this unknown man credit for his superbly innovative idea. I’m not sure whether it will leave a favorable or unfavorable impression upon passing employers, but it definitely got their attention.

Perhaps he’ll include this photo on his resume in the future…

Read the full story here: http://www.innerstrife.com/?p=151

Married life can be comparable to an extended road trip…spending long hours together deciding where to go, how to get there, what to eat and who’s driving. There’s bad weather, dull conversations, and traffic to make the trip difficult sometimes (not to mention occasionally getting lost), however, find the right traveling companion and follow a few key rules of road etiquette, and your bound to have a great time…and collect a lot of great road trip memories.

This post begins a multipart series of tips for marital bliss. I hope you appreciate my suggestions, and that they contribute to a smoother ride for you and your beloved companion. Read the rest of this entry »

Our American society continues to build upon the wondrous human triumph of moving from rags to riches. In fact, we are starting to portray this very story through the lenses of other cultures. Consider the recent movie, Slumdog Millionaire, if you need a good example…or have a look at a website dedicated to men and women who dropped out of school to become millionaires, here.

While I love the ambition of the American people, I have a problem with the scope of this philosophy. In my opinion, this philosophy misses two important factors:

First, it misses the fact that our prosperity is a collective accomplishment, not an individual one. The reason a lot of people move from rags to riches on their own power is specifically because society has allowed them to. Societies that embrace values which promotes education, equal rights, and moral standards, are the ones that give the men and women in their society an equal opportunity to succeed. It’s no surprise then, that men and women have flocked to America to pursue the American dream. It’s easier here.

Second, most Americans are living this triumphant dream. Most of us have moved from rags to riches, and forgotten the rags. Rate yourself on the Global Rich List, and see for yourself. Then take some time and consider how you might manage your riches to better serve those who are not on the list.

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The Global Richlist based on my old salary...

Craig Groeschel has an excellent post on the next generation today, and some of the differences that set them apart from our generation, at the Lifechurch blog here.

• Their world is smaller and perspective is broader
• They have a wider definition of “friends”
• They’re more experiential
• Most have been under-challenged
• Their world is grey
• They are searching for a cause

I would add:

• They collect information (and read more information) than any other previous generation. See John Dyer’s comparision here.
• They are less relationally-skilled than previous generation: due to less face-to-face interaction, and lower rates of stable family environments.

I personally find the next generation an exciting group of people to reach. My perspective realizes the potential it has for communication and coordinating efforts across the entire globe. I think we simply need to train and equip them to lead their peers. My suggestion, besides being aware of these differences, is to make sure we enable them to reach their full potential. What do you think???