THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!
President Barack Hussein Obama gave a brave speech in Cairo yesterday that was breathtaking in scope, hopeful in tone and passionate in leadership, that calls for a renewed commitment to Middle-Eastern peace, increased dialog and sustained efforts between Western and Muslim nations to build new relationships based on tolerance, common faith and shared dreams of peaceful coexistence and development. Skeptics will argue that “talk is cheap, but action is more difficult,” but this was a heroic start to the process of forging a new diplomatic framework in a region which has for so long stagnated under the weight of harmful and unproductive rhetoric and political and military strife. The interim prospect of a two-state solution for Palestinians who have suffered from the lack of a welcoming homeland and a regional development plan can perhaps pave the way for an integrated and holistic society where contentious boundaries give way to increased regional development of border-neutral pursuits such as education, infrastructure and regional prosperity. This is a wonderful beginning of a new era of diplomatic relations between the United States, her Western partners and all of those Middle-Eastern nations who share our dreams of reconciliation and a brighter tomorrow.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Well said, Teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)
Here we have the whole duty of man summed up for us in a few verses by the Creator of the universe. Can it be that mankind’s problems are the result of our failure to follow these two basic commands? The apostle John emphasizes their importance when he says “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV) How, then is it possible to have hatred toward our fellow human beings and treat them in such UNGODLY ways, and then claim that we love God? Any religion that teaches hatred cannot be from God!
Mark Overt Skilbred
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important? “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Well said, Teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but Him. To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)
Here we have the whole duty of man summed up for us in a few verses by the Creator of the universe. Can it be that mankind’s problems are the result of our failure to follow these two basic commands? The apostle John emphasizes their importance when he says “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV) How, then is it possible to have hatred toward our fellow human beings and treat them in such UNGODLY ways, and then claim that we love God? Any religion that teaches hatred cannot be from God!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Monday, June 1, 2009
FIND THE OPEN MAN!
FIND THE OPEN MAN!
The Lakers team that showed up in Denver last Friday night is arguably the greatest Lakers team in history, and there is certainly no team on the planet capable of defeating them. We know that Gasol, Odem, Ariza, Fisher and Bynum are capable of 20+ points per game when they show up, not to mention the bench, when they are mobbing. If Kobe delivers his usual output on Thursday, and the rest of the Lakers are already warmed up, the Lakers will win the first two games at home and the next two in Orlando. Maybe the Laker starters should scrimmage the bench mob somewhere for about 15 minutes just before tipoff time so they can hit the floor running and make that triangle offense really smoke! Then just look for the open man and get about 10 guys in double figures! This has been a great season! Great job, Phil! Here comes your 10th championship and the Lakers 15th!
Mark Overt Skilbred
The Lakers team that showed up in Denver last Friday night is arguably the greatest Lakers team in history, and there is certainly no team on the planet capable of defeating them. We know that Gasol, Odem, Ariza, Fisher and Bynum are capable of 20+ points per game when they show up, not to mention the bench, when they are mobbing. If Kobe delivers his usual output on Thursday, and the rest of the Lakers are already warmed up, the Lakers will win the first two games at home and the next two in Orlando. Maybe the Laker starters should scrimmage the bench mob somewhere for about 15 minutes just before tipoff time so they can hit the floor running and make that triangle offense really smoke! Then just look for the open man and get about 10 guys in double figures! This has been a great season! Great job, Phil! Here comes your 10th championship and the Lakers 15th!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
GUANTANAMO VS. HARDIN, MONTANA
GUANTANAMO VS. HARDIN, MONTANA
Hardin, Montana made the news recently by offering its high security prison as a possible relocation facility for Guantanamo detainees. I have been through Hardin several times and recommend it as an ideal location which will furnish much-needed employment and economic stimulus for the State of Montana, as well as present a viable alternative to the facility at Guantanamo. This would be a “perfect fit” for the dilemma confronting our government, and we should move quickly toward the implementation of this much-needed change. Bipartisan support in Congress for this solution will go a long ways toward restoring our international image and show the world that we intend to right the wrongs committed in our handling of prisoners-of-war. Let’s help President Obama to fulfill his commitment to close Guantanamo prison by moving ahead in a bipartisan manner!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Hardin, Montana made the news recently by offering its high security prison as a possible relocation facility for Guantanamo detainees. I have been through Hardin several times and recommend it as an ideal location which will furnish much-needed employment and economic stimulus for the State of Montana, as well as present a viable alternative to the facility at Guantanamo. This would be a “perfect fit” for the dilemma confronting our government, and we should move quickly toward the implementation of this much-needed change. Bipartisan support in Congress for this solution will go a long ways toward restoring our international image and show the world that we intend to right the wrongs committed in our handling of prisoners-of-war. Let’s help President Obama to fulfill his commitment to close Guantanamo prison by moving ahead in a bipartisan manner!
Mark Overt Skilbred
SPECTER AND BIPARTISANSHIP
SPECTER AND BIPARTISANSHIP
Now we’ll have bipartisanship, whether the Republicans like it or not. The lack of bipartisan support for the Obama administration, particularly regarding the fiscal stimulus package has exasperated both Democrat and Republican voters at a time when cooperation and expediency are urgently needed to prevent even more economic damage from being done. I applaud Senator Specter’s candid remarks which were addressed to both houses of Congress and the American public. Now is the time to work together on programs which can quickly turn this economy around and head it in a new direction. The whole world is hoping for signs of improvement and depending on us to lead the way forward. Doing nothing is the worst thing we can do in this present moment, so my hope is that other Senate and House Republicans will join Senator Specter in supporting the Obama administration’s efforts to make the economic corrections which are necessary to move us forward quickly.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Now we’ll have bipartisanship, whether the Republicans like it or not. The lack of bipartisan support for the Obama administration, particularly regarding the fiscal stimulus package has exasperated both Democrat and Republican voters at a time when cooperation and expediency are urgently needed to prevent even more economic damage from being done. I applaud Senator Specter’s candid remarks which were addressed to both houses of Congress and the American public. Now is the time to work together on programs which can quickly turn this economy around and head it in a new direction. The whole world is hoping for signs of improvement and depending on us to lead the way forward. Doing nothing is the worst thing we can do in this present moment, so my hope is that other Senate and House Republicans will join Senator Specter in supporting the Obama administration’s efforts to make the economic corrections which are necessary to move us forward quickly.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
1. Turn back the clock.
2. Think younger.
3. Act younger.
4. Commit to a healthy diet for your whole life.
5. Commit to a realistic exercise program for your whole life.
6. Make use of your renewed energy to help others.
7. Set a great example.
Mark Overt Skilbred
1. Turn back the clock.
2. Think younger.
3. Act younger.
4. Commit to a healthy diet for your whole life.
5. Commit to a realistic exercise program for your whole life.
6. Make use of your renewed energy to help others.
7. Set a great example.
Mark Overt Skilbred
Saturday, May 9, 2009
THE DANIEL DIET
THE DANIEL DIET
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age: The king would then have my head because of you’ Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.” Daniel 1:8-21 NIV
Many people would be helped by a change to a vegetarian diet. I have learned to make the most of illness to reform my diet. On April 5th I awoke realizing that my stomach was upset by what I had eaten the night before. I had a piece of lemon meringue pie which soon caused further upset and loss of appetite. Rather than fight the symptoms, I decided to study them and see where they led me. It took three days for my appetite to return, and I ate an apple to celebrate. I then ate an orange and followed that with a banana. I followed this order and fruit diet, eating only fruit and juice and one salad and one vegetable soup for the next 3 weeks. Then I switched to only vegetable salad for one week and this week I alternated, eating first fruit and then a vegetable salad, as my appetite allowed me. The logic was that by eating freely of fruits and vegetables, I could minimize my cravings and maximize the internal cleansing process. Ultimately, I would like to lose 50 lbs, but my main concern is to eliminate any potential for health crises by improving my body’s ability to defend itself. I feel that by July 5th I will have reached my weight-loss goal and established a good foundation for a better diet. Tomorrow begins my 6th week and I have already reduced by one full pants size. I have also increased my walking routine by one mile per day, and I hope to increase from 7 to 14 miles per day by the end of September. My energy level has improved and so I have eliminated caffeine from my diet, with the hope of deriving my energy from a combination of a vegetarian diet and a regular program of exercise. I added a multi-vitamin to my diet this week and this helped to increase my energy still further. I plan to add some forms of omega-3 in a modest amount, in order to supply other ingredients that my body starts craving. If you have any other recommendations for me, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!
Mark Overt Skilbred
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age: The king would then have my head because of you’ Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.” Daniel 1:8-21 NIV
Many people would be helped by a change to a vegetarian diet. I have learned to make the most of illness to reform my diet. On April 5th I awoke realizing that my stomach was upset by what I had eaten the night before. I had a piece of lemon meringue pie which soon caused further upset and loss of appetite. Rather than fight the symptoms, I decided to study them and see where they led me. It took three days for my appetite to return, and I ate an apple to celebrate. I then ate an orange and followed that with a banana. I followed this order and fruit diet, eating only fruit and juice and one salad and one vegetable soup for the next 3 weeks. Then I switched to only vegetable salad for one week and this week I alternated, eating first fruit and then a vegetable salad, as my appetite allowed me. The logic was that by eating freely of fruits and vegetables, I could minimize my cravings and maximize the internal cleansing process. Ultimately, I would like to lose 50 lbs, but my main concern is to eliminate any potential for health crises by improving my body’s ability to defend itself. I feel that by July 5th I will have reached my weight-loss goal and established a good foundation for a better diet. Tomorrow begins my 6th week and I have already reduced by one full pants size. I have also increased my walking routine by one mile per day, and I hope to increase from 7 to 14 miles per day by the end of September. My energy level has improved and so I have eliminated caffeine from my diet, with the hope of deriving my energy from a combination of a vegetarian diet and a regular program of exercise. I added a multi-vitamin to my diet this week and this helped to increase my energy still further. I plan to add some forms of omega-3 in a modest amount, in order to supply other ingredients that my body starts craving. If you have any other recommendations for me, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!
Mark Overt Skilbred
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)