On New Commentary on the Events of the Day: Victor returns to his blog

Allah'u'Abha, George:

It's been ages, but I have a new blog entry, titled, "Why is Iran Persecuting the Baha'is?" Check it out at the link below.  Thanks.

 

Victor Kulkosky

"The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." Baha'u'llah

"There is no spoon." The Matrix

 

http://outofmymindblog.wordpress.com/

 

 

So good to get this poke from Victor to check out his blog. Back in 2008 Victor was writing some of the best commentary on the political events of the day from a Baha'i perspective to be found anywhere. Remember a certain presidential election campaign going on that year? He tackled the larger issues above and beyond the partisan politics. -gw

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On a Hammered Dulcimer Song for Ayyam-i-Ha: Plus limbo, hip hop & in Arabic

 

Baha'i-inspired music for the holidays. -gw

 

 

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On Ayyam-i-Ha Is for Family: A time of giving

 

Makes me wish the kids were still little and in the home. -gw

 

 

 

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On Ayyám-i-Há Traditions: They're in the making

"Ayyam-i-Ha greetings to all our beloved friends and family!" Uploaded on February 25, 2008 by wordsoflight on flickr

> Ayyam-i-Ha a time of giving and hospitality Bahai Faith Baha'i ...

> Jun 28, 2006 ... Baha'is celebrate the festival of Ayyam-i-Ha each year from sunset on Feb. 25 to sunset of March 1 as a preparation for the Fast.

> Ayyám-i-Há - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

> - Feb 24 Under the Arabic abjad system, the letter Há has the numerical value of five, which is equal to the maximum number of days in Ayyam-i-Há.

love from leila: today 2 hours ago - We hung out with dear friends today and enjoyed looking at their colourful Ayyam-i-Ha decorations.

Sarah'sReads: Good Wishes 3 hours ago - I just wanted to wish everyone, whether they are celebrating it or not, a very happy Ayyam-i-ha.

Estrellas del cielo del entendimiento: Feliz Ayyam-i-ha - 3 hours ago - Feliz Ayyam-i-ha. luz brillando por mauxito. luces brillando: 2010, ayyam-i-ha, celebración, festival.

Bill's Corner: Miscellany 3 hours ago - Tomorrow we're having an Ayyam-i-ha celebration at our place - I've made some stollen for the party. :-)

Links posted by shokufeh (shokufeh) - Topsy 1 hour ago - Ayyám-i-Há - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · wikipedia.org. “Happy Ayyam-i-Ha, y'all ” 50 minutes ago by shokufeh

Ayyám-i-Há -The Intercalary Days « Myriad Lives 12 hours ago - I am posting this beautiful prayer to mark the beginning of the Ayyám-i-Há (the Days of Há, Intercalary days) in the Baha'i calendar.

Veritable Treasure: Happy Ayyam-i-Ha! 18 hours ago - This photo was taken in a local studio about two and a half weeks ago, and we just got the prints back today which are our Ayyam-i-Ha gifts to Grandmas

Nurturing the tender years: Ayyam-i-ha traditions: handmade ...22 hours ago - Ayyam-i-ha traditions: handmade presents day. We are working on creating family traditions around the different Holy Days and holidays throughout the year.

Twitter / Elika Mahony: Had a lovely Ayyam-i-Ha ...9 hours ago - Had a lovely Ayyam-i-Ha celebration with family and friends tonight: http://ow.ly/1bgcJ.

Ms. Katie Danner: Happy Ayyam-i-Ha! 2 hours ago - You are probably wondering, what is Ayyam-i-ha? Well, it is the big yearly celebration of fun for Baha'is! It is 4-5 days long depending.

SoulPancake / Question / Happy Ayyam-i-Ha to all you Soulpancakers. 6 hours ago - Hoping you get to share in some of that crisp potato at the bottom of the rice, if you look hard enough some Baha'i will be having an Ayyam-i-Ha Feast near you.

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On the Importance of Baha'i Stories: repeat them accurately, practice with your friends, list them, use them often

 

A premiere Baha'i storyteller in the Tacoma Baha'i Community is Tim, pictured above. Below are some principles of Baha'i storytelling, from a new blog dedicated to the subject put together by Brent Poirier, a webservant who also publishes The Baha'i Covenant and The Tablets of the Divine Plan . -gw

 

Pray. Storytelling is teaching, not entertainment. Ask the Concourse to inspire the listeners' hearts.

 

Pray for selflessness, ask the Concourse to inspire the hearts. Don't be attached to the response.

 

Exercise some control over the direction of the gathering; don't be afraid to be reverent, to bring up the Word of God

 

Place your stories in categories and make a list of key words you can quickly scan. 

 

Let the story tell itself; don't explain it; don't tell people to laugh. Be detached from praise. The goal is to turn the hearts to God, not to you.

 

Follow tragic stories with happy stories or moving or uplifting stories, cheer the hearts after the experience of sorrow

 

Establish a rhythm between quoting the Word of God and telling stories

 

Every believer can serve “all can pray, fight their own spiritual battles, and contribute to the Fund”

 

Look for stories, repeat them accurately, practice with your friends, list them, use them often

 

http://bahai-storytelling.blogspot.com/2010/02/principles-of-bahai-storytelling.html

 

A new blog on developing the art of Baha'i storytelling, which includes a wonderful presentation by Kiser Barnes:

 

http://bahai-storytelling.blogspot.com

 

It will not only include Baha'i stories, but will have more of a focus on developing the art of storytelling. -gw

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On The Fate of Baha'is in Iran: Were it not for international pressure...

From: Northwest BahaiLibrary

Washington Post Feb 16, 2010

Faith Complex: Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing and Jacques Berlinerblau

Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing speaks of the persecution of the Baha'i in Iran and the ongoing trial of 7 community members accused of spying for Israel and the United States. (Video by Georgetown University)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2010/02/16/VI2010021602139.html

Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing is the author of Collective Security Within Reach. -gw

http://www.amazon.com/Collective-Security-within-Reach-Sovaida/dp/0853985197#reader_0853985197

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On Skating and Stories Here: What YOU Doin' For Ayyám-i-Há?

 

 

Just two of the activities happening for Ayyám-i-Há this year in our cluster. -gw

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On Ye Are Even As the Fire: On the summit of Point Lenana on Mt. Kenya

  

 

"A Baha'i' prayer mounted on a plaque just under the Kenyan flag on the summit of Point Lenana on Mt. Kenya." Uploaded on February 21, 2010 by Brooks Keene on flickr

 

On fire on the mountain-top. -ge

 

Ye are even as the fire which in the darkness of the night has been kindled upon the mountain

-top

. Let your light shine before the eyes of men. Such must be the purity of your character and the degree of your renunciation, that the people of the earth may through you recognise and be drawn closer to the heavenly Father who is the Source of purity and grace. For none has seen the Father who is in heaven. You who are His spiritual children must by your deeds exemplify His virtues, and witness to His glory. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? Such must be the degree of your detachment, that into whatever city you enter to proclaim and teach the Cause of God, you should in no wise expect either meat or reward from its people. Nay, when you depart out of that city, you should shake the dust from off your feet. As you have entered it pure and undefiled, so must you depart from that city. For verily I say, the heavenly Father is ever with you and keeps watch over you. If you be faithful to Him, He will assuredly deliver into your hands all the treasures of the earth, and will exalt you above all the rulers and kings of the world.’ O My Letters! Verily I say, immensely exalted is this Day above the days of the Apostles of old. Nay, immeasurable is the difference! You are the witnesses of the Dawn of the promised Day of God. You are the partakers of the mystic chalice of His Revelation. Gird up the loins of endeavour, and be mindful of the words of God as revealed in His Book: 44 ‘Lo, the Lord thy God is come, and with Him is the company of His angels arrayed before Him!’ Purge your hearts of worldly desires, and let angelic virtues be your adorning. Strive that by your deeds you may bear witness to the truth of these words of God, and beware lest, by ‘turning back,’ He may ‘change you for another people,’ who ‘shall not be your like,’ and who shall take from you the Kingdom of God. The days when idle worship was deemed sufficient are ended. The time is come when naught but the purest motive, supported by deeds of stainless purity, can ascend to the throne of the Most High and be acceptable unto Him. ‘The good word riseth up unto Him, and the righteous deed will cause it to be exalted before Him.’ You are the lowly, of whom God has thus spoken in His Book: 45 “And We desire to show favour to those who were brought low in the land, and to make them spiritual leaders among men, and to make them Our heirs.’ You have been called to this station; you will attain to it, only if you arise to trample beneath your feet every earthly desire, and endeavour to become those ‘honoured servants of His who speak not till He hath spoken, and who do His bidding.’ You are the first Letters that have been generated from the Primal Point, 46 the first Springs that have welled out from the Source of this Revelation. Beseech the Lord your God to grant that no earthly entanglements, no worldly affections, no ephemeral pursuits, may tarnish the purity, or embitter the sweetness, of that grace which flows through you. I am preparing you for the advent of a mighty Day. Exert your utmost endeavour that, in the world to come, I, who am now instructing you, may, before the mercy-seat of 94 God, rejoice in your deeds and glory in your achievements. The secret of the Day that is to come is now concealed. It can neither be divulged nor estimated. The newly born babe of that Day excels the wisest and most venerable men of this time, and the lowliest and most unlearned of that period shall surpass in understanding the most erudite and accomplished divines of this age. Scatter throughout the length and breadth of this land, and, with steadfast feet and sanctified hearts, prepare the way for His coming. Heed not your weaknesses and frailty; fix your gaze upon the invincible power of the Lord, your God, the Almighty. Has He not, in past days, caused Abraham, in spite of His seeming helplessness, to triumph over the forces of Nimrod? Has He not enabled Moses, whose staff was His only companion, to vanquish Pharaoh and his hosts? Has He not established the ascendancy of Jesus, poor and lowly as He was in the eyes of men, over the combined forces of the Jewish people? Has He not subjected the barbarous and militant tribes of Arabia to the holy and transforming discipline of Muḥammad, His Prophet? Arise in His name, put your trust wholly in Him, and be assured of ultimate victory.’ 47

 

The Bab, in The Dawn-Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Revelation, pp. 92-94.

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For Gamers: For Ayyam-i-Ha

He was ready to call it a night when the wheels started turning. Bobby Picker Jr. jumped out of bed, grabbed some graph paper, and began to draw. "It was very linear when I first started, but now it’s a beautiful piece of artwork,” he said about his creation.

It's called Gems of Virtues, a strategy board game that brings out a player’s true character, and hopefully, Picker said, teaches them about honor and integrity as well. 

Picker, an engineer from Edwardsville, Ill, isn’t the only Baha’i who’s created a way for friends and family to partake in a little fun and games. And since the Baha'i season of gift-giving and hospitality, Ayyam-i-Ha, is just days away, this is welcome news.

 

http://bit.ly/b5oPZ8

 

When is the last time you sat around a table with the fam and played a board game? -gw

 

 

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On Bill Gates Uses a Stock Photo for a TED Presentation: A picture of Baha'i World Center staff

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=318868477793

 

Bill Gates using a picture of the Baha'i World Center staff to refer to a global community at TED more info @ www.ted.com. Noted on Michel B's note on Facebook. -gw

 

 

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On Digging Deeper for Tikkun Olam: The Baha'i faith reminds me so much of liberal Judaism

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/braintransfer

GWD – I sent the link about Burl Barer [http://bahaiviews.posterous.com/on-one-father-many-children-judaism-and-the-b] from the recent BV to my friend Dana.  He sent the following response.  - T

----------------------------------------

Thanks much for sending me the links!

The core values we share are exactly the same - that is why I think I told you once that the Baha'i faith reminds me so much of liberal Judaism – it’s a great, deep thing.  I think it would be a sad, small world if everyone thought exactly the same way about anything. I very much believe in the concept of Tikkun Olam - repairing the world. God could have easily made a perfect world but how much better it is that we work to make the world perfect - else why exist?

All these kinds of things are meat and potatoes for our Torah studies - in fact, that was one of the things that still hooks me, to this day, on being a Jew: the fact that we can draw out of our own tradition how to be a better human, one day at a time. My belief is that we are small shards of God, striving in our own unique ways to be re-united with the source of all being, and the more we honor that quest with all people of faith, the better the world will be for us and our descendents.

- Dana

Dana is a lover of klezmer music, as this review below of The Book of Klezmer: The History, The Music, The Folklore by Yale Strom on GoodReads would indicate. He is also a musician who has an electronic pop crossover album out called Dig Deeper pictured above.  -gw

 

Dana's review

rating:

status: Read in December, 2009

This indeed is an amazing book on just about all counts. The amount of research is tremendous the detail is fabulous and the writing and commentary, especially about modern Klezmer here in the US and in Israel is top notch. I leaned SO MUCH from this book. If you are interested in Klezmer, you just can't afford to miss this.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79543454

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On New Original Songs From Elika: New harmonies and rhythms

From: Elika Mahony

I'm thrilled to be able to share 3 new, original songs with you that are unique from all the previous music I have released. The lyrics are all original and the style is a fusion between Pop, World Music and New Age.

The songs are entitled 'Edge of Forever', 'Missing You' and 'Listen '. Click on the song titles to read more about them on my blog. We decided to release the songs in batches, so rather than have to wait for the full album to be completed, you can get the songs online here: http://www.elikamahony.com/music/edge-of-forever

I also just completed a project I've co-produced of spiritual Chinese songs called, 'Meditations of the Spirit'.Please feel free to share your feedback on these songs as I would love to hear your thoughts. Hearing your ideas and what you like will help us with future releases. You can comment on iTunes, on my blog, or just email me.

If you enjoy the songs, please share them with your friends! Many thanks for taking the time to listen and share your thoughts.

Warmly,
Elika
http://www.elikamahony.com

I love the new harmonies and rhythms behind Elika's passionate vocals on these latest tracks. -gw

On Doing Good on Kiva: The Baha'i team with the Flying Spaghetti Monster team right behind

 

Our kiva team has raised over $200k, most of that in the last year. That is pretty amazing, all things considered. It’s interesting to see the Religious Congregation teams sorted by total amount loaned. Team FSM is ranked above the Mormons, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, and others – and below only the Baha’is.

 

http://www.venganza.org/2010/02/18/kiva-200/

 

Accoring to this report, the Baha'i team on Kiva is doing good. -gw

 

Definitions

FSM = Flying Spaghetti Monster http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster

Kiva is about micro-lending http://www.kiva.org/about

 

 

 

 

 

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On a Sunny Sunday: Getting in a visit

Ruhiyyih and Matt:

Bonita at Watson's Nursery:

Bonita at Goodwill, hunting

Today, after my daughter and son in-law hit the road back to the Tri-Cities concluding their weekend visit, after I ran Bonita out to Watson's on a pursuit for seed potatoes and then to Goodwill just for fun, I stopped by Linda and Robert's to say hello. It's been a while. Together with my sons Rahmat and Taraz, I had helped them move to their new home last year. When I arrived today, they were in the process of unpacking and putting on shelves more Baha'i books they had just gotten out of storage. With Olympic hockey on TV in the background, we got caught up and made some plans. -gw



Upon the wall:

On a side table:

A teaset awaiting visitors:

Have you heard?

Pamphlets at the ready:

Bookshelf:

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On the Size of the Baha'i Community in the World: Remarkably active & influential, despite the relatively small numbers

Most recent published estimates of the world Baha'i population are about 6.5 million. This is the figure provided in current Baha'i publications. A recent, updated estimate in the 1998 Encyclopedia Britannica is reportedly 7.67 million, higher than any Baha'i-provided figure we have seen. The accuracy of all of these figures is difficult to determine, and the organization does not provide a breakdown of membership data for each country. As with most religious groups, organizationally reported adherent counts include significant numbers of nominal members, or people who no longer actively participate, yet still identify themselves as adherents. There are valid arguments that some of the "mass conversions" have resulted in adherents with little or no acculturation into the new religious system. As is typical with a religious group made up primarily of converts, Baha'is who drift from active participation in the movement are less likely to retain nominal identification with the religion -- because it was not the religion of their parents or the majority religion of the surrounding culture. On the other hand, there are no countries in which people are automatically assigned to the Baha'i Faith at birth (as is the case with Islam, Christianity, Shinto, Buddhism, and other faiths), so their numbers aren't inflated with people who have never willingly participated in or been influenced by the religion while adults. On balance, while official Baha'i figures are not a measure of active participants, the proportion of participating adherents among claimed adherents is thought to be higher than average among the "major religions" on this list. The Baha'i community is remarkably active and influential in religious matters on both global and local levels, especially given their relatively small numbers compared to some other religions.

http://www.cafemom.com/group/33200/forums/read/10869348/Babi_Bahai

If the level of participation for Baha'is is higher than average among religions, the effect of the Institute Process, put in place all over the world since 2001, will ensure even higher levels of participation. I think of the dear soul who this past week completed her Runi Book 1 in our home, having completed the first section back in Minnesota, and having registered as a Baha'i during the process of her study. She has 25 hours of systematic study under her belt already and is already well-grounded in her new Faith, with knowledge of the importance of service as a Baha'i. -gw

 

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On Seeking a Universal Cultural Perspective: Baha'is like Baraka

For Movie Night last Wednesday in the Pierce Penn Baha'i community, Tony chose to show Baraka. I haven't seen the movie, but Rocky really liked it. -gw

Baraka (1992) is a non-narrative film directed by Ron Fricke ... of various landscapes, churches, ruins, religious ceremonies, and cities thrumming with life, filmed using time-lapse photography in order to capture the great pulse of humanity as it flocks and swarms in daily activity. ... In addition to making comparisons between natural and technological phenomena, ... Baraka searches for a universal cultural perspective: for instance, following a shot of an elaborate tattoo on a bathing Japanese yakuza mobster with one of Native Australian tribal paint. The movie was filmed at 152 locations in 24 countries:... It contains no dialogue. Instead of a story or plot, the film uses themes to present new perspectives and evoke emotion purely through cinema.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baraka_(film)

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On Getting Your Daily Dose of the Sacred Writings: HearTheWritings.com

HearTheWritings.com

 

The Advent of Divine Justice is the guide book for any believer treading the path of service.

Produced by: Jon Rezin for HearTheWritings.com
Read by: Adam Mondschein
Directed by: Jon Rezin
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by: Jon Rezin @ Small Room Productions, LA
Music By: Jon Rezin
Album Design by: Andrew Johnson

Jon Rezin's latest project HearTheWritings.com is off and running. Described as "Your daily dose of the Sacred Writings," the site provides audio recordings of Baha'i texts. The first one available is Advent of Divine Justice, with others to come. With our busy lives, audio recordings permit us to be obediant to Baha'u'llah's injunction to study the Writings everyday. Jon is a sound engineer and music producer of renown, not only among Baha'is, but within the larger culture as well.

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On Black, Korean, Proud & Bahai: Tierra Crockrell, age 9, wins 4 gold medals at Junior Olympics

Tierra is the grandchild of our dear friend Rocky. Guess what she did? She won four Gold Medals in Cleveland last week at the Junior Olympics. If I understand correctly, her time makes her the fastest 9 year-old in the nation. Guess what she was last year? The fastest 8 year-old in the nation.

Here is the proud grandpa.-gw

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On Young Americans Less Religious Than Their Parents: What's religious?

From: Northwest BahaiLibrary -gw

Yet another recent Pew Research study highlighted on CNN:

"Study: Young Americans less religious than their parents"

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/17/report.millennials.faith/index.html?hpt=Sbin

The comments that are below the CNN article seem to represent the typical cross-section of  social views over the decades, which the Faith of Baha'u'llah has answers for: Science vs. Faith,  Ritual vs Practicality, and Myth vs Reality and so forth.

The definition of "religious" is being redefined in society.  Many seeking youth would find the Baha'i explanation of religion and faith to work for them:

For example see:  http://farrid.20m.com/fa.html

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On Persecution of Baha’is in Iran: An Indian news channel's coverage

This from praVeen. -gw

Indian News Channel Focuses on Persecution of Baha’is in Iranvia The Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights by Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights on 1/28/10

The Indian news channel NewsX recently aired an extensive report about the Baha’is of Iran. The program discusses the trial of the Baha’i 7 (Yaran), the systematic incitement against Baha’is in children’s books , the denial of education of Baha’is, the scapegoating of Baha’is after the post-election turmoil and the history of persecution of Baha’is in Iran. The program also includes an interview with Shirin Ebadi about the Yaran trial and the situation of Baha’is in Iran since the Islamic Revolution.

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On "Prayers for Haiti": A multi-faith event at New York University

Download now or preview on posterous

Prayers for Haiti.pdf (339 KB)

This item was passed on the BV by Stephanie's proud mother Lori. -gw
________________________________
>
> TO: Bahai Club @ NYUSUBJECT: "Prayers for Haiti" Multi-Faith Event - Fri 19th 8:30pm (Kimmel 802)

>
> "...When such a crisis sweeps over the world no person should hope to remain intact. We belong to an organic unit and when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence." -Shoghi Effendi, Bahá'í writings Come and support those affected by the disaster in Haiti by attending the "Prayers for Haiti" Multi-faith Event Friday, Feb. 19th 8:30pm in Kimmel Shorin Auditorium Rm 802.
>
> The "Prayers for Haiti" Campaign is a university-wide effort to provide spiritual support for those affected by the disaster in Haiti. It takes place one full month after the initial earthquake in Haiti.
>
> During the "Prayers for Haiti" Week, clubs individually pledged to offer prayers, songs, chants, or other forms of worship on behalf of the Haiti victims.
>
> This week culminates in a Multi-faith "Prayers for Haiti" event during which individuals or small groups representing different clubs or spiritual communities on campus will share a form of prayer, song, chant or reading to provide spiritual support on behalf of those affected by the Haiti disaster.
>
> Groups at NYU involved in supporting this initiative include:
> -The Baha'i Club
> -Buddhist Student Association
> -InterVarsity's Asian American Christian Fellowship
> -Catholic Grad Student and Law Student Club
> -Unitarian Universalist Group
> -Ani V'ata
> -Shine
> -Hindu Student Council
> -Latter-Day Saint's Club
> -World Faith Club
> -United for Christ at NYU
> -Hillel
> -Shalhevet: Orthodox Judaism @ NYU
> -Koach: Conservative Judaism @ NYU
> -Kesher: Reform Judaism @ NYU
> -United Sikh Association
> -Campus Crusade for Christ Thank you for supporting those affected by the disaster in Haiti.May our efforts bring comfort to those in need,
>
> ~Stephanie
> Bahá'í Club President
>
> "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."
> -Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá'í Writings

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On Promoting Good Parenting Practices: Another service provided by Baha'i communities

 

 

Dear Friends 

These are 2 workshops for this Saturday eve. Feel free to call friends, contacts, etc.

We hope this will be the first in a series -both for parents and youth :-)

Warm  Greetings, 
Praveen

 

I am particularly pleased to see the Baha'i friends offering a workshop on parenting. Teaching behavior management skills to parents in one of the things I do for a living. The need is great. The benefits are lifelong. -gw

Parents are guided to praise wanted behaviors, like sharing, and to ignore unwanted or annoying behaviors, such as whining (unless the behaviors are destructive or dangerous). In addition, parents are taught to avoid criticisms or negative words—such as “no,” “don’t,” “stop,” or “quit”—and instead concentrate on positive directions.

http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_interactbulletin/f_interactbulletin.pdf

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On The Changeless Faith of God: Give me that old time religion

Fike and Tahzib practice the Baha’i faith, an ancient religion that emphasizes spiritual unity of all mankind.

http://www.bayonnecommunitynews.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Hands-on+in+Haiti-Local+women+need+supplies+for+relief+effort-%20&id=6223834

 

Now there is a  descriptor you don't often see in relationship to the Baha'i Faith: "ancient religion." Usually, it's referred to as a "new faith."  But "ancient faith" does also describe Baha'i. -gw

 

To argue, therefore, that differences of regulations, observances and other practices constitute any significant objection to the idea of revealed religion's essential oneness is to miss the purpose that these prescriptions served. More seriously, it misses the fundamental distinction between the eternal and the transitory features of religion's function. The essential message of religion is immutable. It is, in Baha'u'llah's words, "the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future". ...

 

http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/bic/OCF/ocf-7.html.utf8?query=changeless|faith&action=highlight#gr4

 

 

ARTIST: Trad and Anon
TITLE: Old Time Religion (Additional Verses)
Lyrics and Chords

 

/ G - / D G / - C / D G /

 

We will pray with the Baha'i
Though we really wonder why
They put that mark before the "i"
But it's good enough for me

 

http://www.guntheranderson.com/v/data/oldtime0.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On an Australian Baha'i Singer-Songwriter Featured on Radio National: Rhythm divine

 

A bright new voice on the Australian scene, Shadi Toloui-Wallace and the title track to her debut album Leather Bound Book, a collection of Baha'i sacred writings set to music. Shadi is a Baha'i and that song refers to a leather bound prayer book she carries with her everywhere she goes. The song was written by Shadi's brother Joshua who gave it to his sister as a 20th birthday present. And you heard Joshua there on backing vocals.

I should also mention the producer Louie Shelton, an American now living in Australia, a legendary session musician who for more than 30 years has worked at the highest level as a guitar player for people like Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, the Monkees, the Jackson Five, and Seals and Croft, and a producer of many fine albums working with the likes of Quincy Jones and Lalo Schifron.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/rhythmdivine/stories/2010/2821179.htm

 

Nice coverage. And a nice mix of artists featured on the radio program, too: a Baha'i, an Australian soul singer, and a Sephardic Jew. -gw

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On One Father, Many Children: Judaism and the Baha'i Faith

Burl Barer is a former top Seattle DJ , an American author and literary historian, and a Baha'i of Jewish heritage. -gw

On Mona and the Martyrs: The story in hip hop

 

I love hip hop. I'm inspired by the stories of the Baha'i martyrs. How can you not be? -gw

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On Asking When the Baha'i Fast Starts: In case I'm going to participate

 mross127

When does the Baha'i fast start? Not saying I'm going to participate, but just in case... 22 minutes ago from web

 

Inquiring minds want to know on Twitter. -gw

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On Hiking the Greenline Trail #6: A Capitol idea

Bonita and I are looking to maintain balance in our lives. What's balance? Sometimes I am not sure. Do I have my priorities straight? The numbers of Baha'is are few and the needs are great. But getting out into nature once a week for some vigorous, heart-thumping exercise seems essential.

Bonita & I travel to Olympia in the rain to the Capitol State Forest for a hike.The rain lets up and we give it a go. It's another hike with elevation climb. It has me breathing hard, but for Bonita it's a piece of cake. She does her own version of vigorous exercise Sunday morning, doing the hills in Tacoma's Old Town, before we head out together to the "Baha'is and Participation on the Internet" workshop in Bellevue.

 

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On Radio Nur: Only world-wide, full-time Baha'i-inspired music Internet radio program

Since early 2001, radioNUR has been the only world-wide, full-time Internet radio program featuring music, educational, and entertainment programing from a Bahá'í perspective.

Recently played songs on Radio NUR. -gw

2/17/2010 04:28:23: Zheng Fei Hong - The Bird Seeketh Its Nest (2004 Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah (Chinese)) 
  
2/17/2010 04:21:34: Dawn Breakers - Bahárán (2005 Call of the Beloved - Meditations) 
  
2/17/2010 04:19:32: Bauman, Roya - Hidden Words Persian ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 04:13:59: One Voice - I have seen you (2000 Angels and Fools) 
  
2/17/2010 04:10:35: San Jose Area Bahais - O Thou Compassionate Lord (2005 323 Direct References to God) 
  
2/17/2010 04:06:43: Leslie & Kelly - We Are One (0 We Are One) 
  
2/17/2010 04:04:04: Minarets of the West - Highest Paradise ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 04:01:20: Kurt Brandso - Sun is Rising (2001 Calling, Waiting, Searching) 
  
2/17/2010 03:52:15: Boston Praise Collective - Gholl Allah'u'Yakfi ( From Exile to Exaltation) 
  
2/17/2010 03:47:33: Jeffrey Barnes Baha'i Choir - I'm So Glad (2004 BMG 18th Annual) 
  
2/17/2010 03:44:26: Mallorie - He Verily Will Aid (2004 We Are With You) 
  
2/17/2010 03:41:32: Baha'i Chorale - Thou Art But One Step Away (1994 Songs of the Ancient Beauty II) 
  
2/17/2010 03:37:18: Little A - Nightingale ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 03:34:05: Tallisman - Resolution (for Miles) (2000 80 Million Isms) 
  
2/17/2010 03:29:33: 2B1 - Heart's Desire (2005 Family) 
  
2/17/2010 03:27:19: Loving Hands - Isn't It Wonderful ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 03:24:13: Kindred Spirits - Hidden Words Arabic ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 03:20:41: Marta Solano - Pista 17 (2002 Exércitos de Luz) 
  
2/17/2010 03:17:07: David Guillory - Refresh & Gladden My Spirit (2005 Thy Name is My Healing) 
  
2/17/2010 03:13:36: Maureen Hunter & Niaz McGuire - Dedication to David Hoffman (2005 Higher Vision) 
  
2/17/2010 03:09:08: Oraea Varis - Supernal Sky (2005 Intonement) 
  
2/17/2010 03:06:05: MANA (Bahá'í Culture Group) - I Beseech Thee ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 03:01:37: Chris Rosser - There's a Light (1997 Archaeology) 
  
2/17/2010 02:58:40: Lift Up Your Voice Singers - Toko Zani ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 02:54:40: Casey McCann - Coming Back Again (2003 It's Time) 
  
2/17/2010 02:46:18: First Commandment Gospel Singers - I've Got Heaven On My Mind ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 02:44:37: Joe Crone - Care for the Stranger (2002 Immerse Yourselves) 
  
2/17/2010 02:40:18: World Congress Choir - All Praise be to Thee ( ) 
  
2/17/2010 02:35:46: Primal Point - The sun will rise again (2006 Inspire) 
  
2/17/2010 02:29:47: Smith & Dragoman - More Than a Man (2003 Open the Gates)
  
    

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On Baha'i Participation on the Internet: Workshop content

Glen Fullmer, Director of Communications of the National Baha'i Center in Wilmette IL, conducted this"Baha'i Participation on the Internet" workshop together with Ellen Price, Assistant Director, at the Bellevue Baha'i Center on February 14th, 2010. This set portrays the content.

 

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A Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/ing Us Mash-up: Mine or Professor Wesch's?

 

At the "Baha'is and the Internet" workshop, Glen played Wesch's top-ranked Web 2.0 video as an instructional piece. I, of course, shot footage of it from the audience for "my" greatly abbreviated knockoff. Did I at least catch the flavor? -gw

 

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On Saba Pops Up To Chat: Wait, does that mean you're busy?

A funny thing happened at the "Baha'is in the Internet" workshop. Glen was online, giving a tour of websites, when Saba popped up to chat ... -gw

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On the Rocky Stories: Pentacostal pastor joins a Mormon church

Rocky is a natural-born story-teller, his stories intrinsically interesting.  He is a Baha'i now, after a long spiritual journey. Here Rocky tells of how he departed from his Pentacostal home church, where he was a pastor, and became a Mormon and a ward leader. Rocky's story is to be continued, as long as I have a camera and he gives me permission to pass on his tales. 

 

Every person's story is interesting and blog-worthy. Each deserves to be told. Journeys described all take us to the same place ultimately, a place of unity. When the oneness of humanity, of God and His religion become apparent to the traveler, he has arrived at the fundamental truth enunciated by Baha'u'llah for this day. -gw

 

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On Planning for Another Devotional on the Hilltop: Walter Palmore's preparation

 

A Walter Palmore painting from 5/09

 

Bonita and I dropped in on Walter and family for a Sunday afternoon home-visit. It was wonderful being in his living room, viewing some of his most recent paintings, taking in the smells of fish cooking and the sounds of classical music, and talking about the devotional meeting he is looking forward to starting up in his home. Another core activity for the Hilltop! -gw

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85934826@N00/sets/72157615660334996

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On Celebrating the Culture of Yakutia: And a service project for the Makah Tribe

Download now or preview on posterous

February 27th Unity Works at Brighton Creek Agenda.rtf (34 KB)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/yakutia/pool/13959325@N05/

This looks like a fascinating day out at Brighton Creek, the Baha'i Conference Center. A celebration of the native culture of Yakutia in Siberia and a service project in support of the Makah Tribe for their hosting of this year's Canoe Journey 2010. -gw

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On a "Baha'is on the Internet" Workshop: James Eugene Frank's iPhotos

From: Jamie Frank
Date: 2010/2/14
Subject: iPhotos

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Today my Baha'i friend from the old days in Seattle in the early 70's, Jaimie Frank, my wife Bonita and I went to the beautiful Bellevue Baha'i Center for a three-hour workshop on "Baha'is and the Internet" presented by Glen Fullmer, Director of the Office of Communication, and Ellen Price, Assistance Director. I learned so much about the Internet and the Baha'i presence on it that I didn't know.

These pictures were taken today by Jaimie, who has been taking photographs for the past 45 years.



Jaimie's work can be viewed here on Flickr: james eugene frank's photostream. -gw
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See and download the full gallery on posterous

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