Women Receive Encouragement at the Nation's Largest Event for Women

Thousands Worship Together at the Women of Faith Conference in Hartford

As families across the nation struggle through tough times, women need more encouragement than ever.  This is why over 9 thousand women attended the nation’s largest live event for women, the Women of Faith Conference in Hartford on November 2-3.

Women of Faith is a  women's organization that encourages women of all ages to grow in faith and spiritual maturity.  Each year, the Women of Faith group visits several U.S. cities and attracts more than 4 million women nationwide.

Speakers Offered Words of Wisdom

The recent Hartford venue featured Dr. Henry Cloud, renowned author Shelagh Walsh and award-winning Christian vocalist Natalie Grant, bringing hope and inspiration to the audience.

Dr. Cloud told women to focus their lives on what they love to do and prune out unnecessary activities and relationships that hold them back.  “We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing,” said Dr. Cloud.  “Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change.”

Former 700 Club host and successful author Shelagh Walsh, co-hosted the event with Dr. Cloud. She shared her wisdom and humor by offering powerful, heart-filled teachings on the promises of God’s love.  

“In a world of uncertainty, pain and struggle, where do you go to find solid and steadfast assurance?“, asked Walsh who said she wants people to know that they are never alone if they keep faith as the bedrock of their lives.

A Natalie Grant’s Performance Topped the Evening

Natalie Grant’s performance included her signature ballads like “Power of the Cross” and worship songs like “Your Great Name”.  You can join the 748 thousand people, who have listened to Natalie’s latest hit on youtube by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuuLBPOYcI8.

To learn more about the Women of Faith Organization or view a complete list of their upcoming events visit www.womenoffaith.com.

Vancouver, British Columbia is a Great City

Vancouver is one of those great cities that many people don't know much about, at least not where I live.

My brother has a new flat there that he will occupy while working in the city. His real home is at the Okanagen Lake and has every luxury you could imagine, not to mention a fantastic view.

I have yet to see this flat but imagine it will be a typical bachelor pad.  I've sent my brother a few essentials he'll need to survive in his new cosmopolitan digs. These are also meant to give him a good laugh. I hope you send something to a loved one that makes them laugh this year.  Shhhh don't tell my brother!

Happy Holidays. Ho Ho Ho

Downtown Greensboro creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere

You usually don't think of Greensboro, North Carolina as being a cosmopolitan place but it has its highlights.

I'm having dinner in Greensboro, North Carolina tonight. The city is really changing by trying to make their downtown area fun for different age groups. I heard today from a shuttle driver that the city is adding more restaurants and bars to attract the younger generation (25 to 35). I have seen the changes and it's really fun to visit the area now. If you visit the city, take a trip downtown and see for yourself.

http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/

Occupy Wall Street Protestors to Return in the Thousands

Protestors are growing more determined each day

With their convictions about economic inequality growing stronger-than-ever, the Occupy Wall Street protestors plan to return to the Stock Exchange area in the thousands this Thursday starting at 7:00 a.m., say city officials in New York.  

According to Reuters, the recently evicted Protestors could number in the thousands and pour into the Wall Street to try to stop workers from getting to their desks in the financial district. This is unexpected as no one expected to protestors to rebound in such large numbers.

Many thought the Occupy Wall Street groups were loose-knit but are wondering if the projected number of protestors planning to rebound indicate otherwise. Many thought it was the beginning of the end of Occupy Wall Street when protesters from Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan on Tuesday.

"This movement is really not about tents as much as it is about an idea," said spokesman Ed Needham. "There's also going to be events in 100 countries around the world tomorrow."

Occupy Wall Street plans to shut down the home of the New York Stock Exchange and the heart of American capitalism to kick off a day of protests. But protesters understand that tight security will be tight and may keep them away from the New York Stock Exchange.

Reuters reports that another protest spokesman, Mark Bray, said "the idea is to inconvenience Wall Street bankers going to work, not to hurt anyone. We are committed to nonviolent civil disobedience."

Protesters Worldwide Upset About Economic Injustice

Protesters are upset about the bank bailouts given during the recession while average Americans were given no breaks from high unemployment and a struggling economy. They set up camp in Zuccotti Park on September 17 and inspired similar rallies in other parts of the world. In just two months protests have spread globally and 100 events are planned globally this week.

Some protestors have been injured and one killed during the protests. Security and safety are a top priority but the movement states it intends to keep the civil disobedience marches, non-violent.

Occupy Wall Street Funds Raised

Protestors in New York have raised more than $500,000 while other commodities like food, medical supplies, tents, laundry services and communications devices have also been donated.

The movement is not sure what to do with these new resources but had this to say, "We're going to sit tight and see what direction this takes," protest spokesman Nathan Stueve said when asked what would happen to the donated goods in the storage space.

Protestors were heard saying they plan to continue the Occupy Wall Street Movement for a long time but understand the time is now for them to establish more focus.

For more information on this protest visit:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/16/us-usa-protests-newyork-idUSTRE7AE0CS20111116

Information on other cities with similar Occupy Wall Street protests, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/16/us/occupy-protests-roundup/index.html?hpt=us_c2