Interfaith Conference in Kazakhstan (Photo: GPO)

During his address today to the Interfaith Conference in Kazakhstan, President Shimon Peres called upon King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia to come to Jerusalem, or to meet with him in Riyadh, to initiate discussions that would enable the implementation of their shared vision – the realization of a comprehensive peace between Israel and all the Arab states.

In his address before some 150 leaders of all the world's religions, including a large delegation of imams led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, Secretary General of the World Moslem League and Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, the Grand Imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar Mosque, the Chief Rabbis of Israel and senior Church officials, President Peres called on leaders of the world's religions to separate religion from terror and to condemn religious leaders, who, in the name of God, advocate murder, warfare and bloodshed. The President appealed to his audience to promote peace, both around the world and in the Middle East, and emphasized that Israel's course was one of appeasement and peace with all its neighbors.

It should be noted that all the Arab and Moslem delegates at the conference listened attentively to President Peres' address, and only the Iranian delegate, Mehdi Mostafavi, senior advisor to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left the hall, returning only after President Peres had finished his address.

In response to questions by reporters regarding the departure of the Iranian from the conference hall, President Peres stated that "There were times when Israel remained alone in the conference halls. This time, Iran was alone, while the Islamic religious leadership remained with Israel."

The conference was also addressed by Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger, who raised a picture of Gilad Shalit and called on the attending religious leaders to assist in the efforts to return him home, and by the Secretary General of the World Moslem League, Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki, who stated that "I take this opportunity to call upon all religions to unite, to tear down the walls that separate us, and together promote a world of peace, tolerance and appeasement between all nations and all believers."

Shortly after the session's conclusion, President Peres conducted a prayer ceremony attended by hundreds of members of the Rahel Synagogue in Astana, and participated in a farewell event for members of his entourage, which included cabinet ministers and senior Israeli executives.

At the conclusion of the four-day visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, President Peres noted that the visit was very successful. "It was an historic visit to two Moslem nations who have stood with Israel and have officially declared their intent to raise the level of their diplomatic relations with Israel. The official instructions of both presidents, Aliyev and Nazarbayev, to their heads of government, directing them to conclude the business transactions with Israel and to expand political and security cooperation with it, opened a tremendous opportunity for Israel to strengthen its position in the world."

Shraga Brosh, chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Israel, advised the president that during the visits, large-scale contracts between Israeli, Kazakh and Azerbaijani corporations had been signed, and that the high technological level of the Israeli companies made them extremely attractive for economic cooperation between Israel and these countries.

During the visits, a space technology agreement and an agreement on establishing unified industrial standards were signed with Kazakhstan, and a communications, cultural and scientific agreement was signed with Azerbaijan.

rewanda become reborn and sing my children

World: Africa
Rwanda: Churches protest new law on religion
Leaders of various churches wrote to the government of Rwanda with concerns about stipulations in a new proposed law on religion. Freedom is at issue.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
By Spero News
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Religious leaders from different denominations have protested at certain clauses in the Religious Bill saying they are an upfront to religious freedom.

In a letter presented to the Local government minister, the prelates led by Bishop Emmanuel Koline of the Anglican Church last week said that the bill is putting churches in the category of NGOs and associations yet they differ from the two.

“Articles; 21, 32, 36 make it difficult to start a religious organization and their proper functioning, they said in remarks published by the Times, "the bill articulates that for someone to start a church, one must have at least 100 associates to sign in your statute while he/she must be a graduate."

While arguing that starting a church does not require someone to be academically upright but integrity, the leaders accused the state of handling churches like NGOs.

"Actually, I think if this law is passed, it is likely to cause tension," said bishop Koline.

Rewanda is still trying to heal from the Genocide of 1994. Now missions are started to help heal the hurt of the perpetrator s and victims. A hospital was recently built for mothers who had to walk to get maturnity care

FM Liberman said that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is not an isolated event, but rather part of a larger struggle between extremists and moderates taking place in the Middle East which must be resolved through a comprehensive plan that involves the Persian Gulf states, Saudi Arabia and other states.

Regarding Iran, FM Liberman said that if the talks between the West and Iran fail, then the approach must be more aggressive and include harsher sanctions against Iran. In relation to Syria, he said that Israel is ready to begin negotiations immediately, but without any preconditions.

At the meetings, FM Liberman and his hosts discussed Israeli-Russian relations and agreed to continue promoting economic ties between the two states and cooperation in the realms of space technology and hi-tech, cultural cooperation, and the international law for the protection of investments. Ministers Liberman and Lavrov signed a Protocol on Consultation between the two foreign ministries for 2010

Good morning to the fish king. He raised his face from the soil to say hello and to tell you that he is a she and that she is in pain

Who, at some point in his or her life, hasn’t been deathly afraid of doing something? Who hasn’t felt the heart-stopping, paralyzing agony of tackling something that looms as an insurmountable barrier?

I’ve been afraid of heights my whole life. My earliest memory of this dates back to third grade. My school’s third through sixth grade classrooms were on the second floor of an 1890’s era building in the Midwest with a basement that rose several feet above ground level. For an eight-year-old, those two-and-a-half stories seemed as high as the Empire State Building. Fire drills were done on a regular basis. The fire drill route from this classroom was down the two-and-a-half floors on a wrought iron fire escape on the outside of the building.

I still remember the terror I felt at the anticipation of taking that first step out the window onto the fire escape. I tried as hard as I could to not look down through the iron bars, but the fear of falling down the stairs forced me to look. My legs shook the entire way down, and by the time I reached the bottom, I could barely stand. Even worse was the climb back up when the fire drill was over. I was too shy to admit to anyone how afraid I was, so I suffered in silence, dreading the next drill. How happy I was when I graduated to the seventh grade and a classroom on the first floor.

Fear is a funny thing. In its best form, it keeps you safe by making you alert to danger. In its worst, it keeps you from doing things, sometimes very important things. Fear can cloud your judgment; enabling you to talk yourself out of anything you have a fear of by employing any number of seemingly rational and logical reasons. It’s kept me from roller coasters, parasailing, and any other such activity that has any chance of lifting me far off the ground.

But I’ve become convinced that fear will only keep you from doing things you don’t want to do badly enough to overcome the fear. In other words, if you find a reason to avoid doing something because you’re afraid, you don’t want to do it badly enough to work through the fear and do it anyway.

This “ah ha moment” came to me as I stood on top of the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán, Mexico. I’m a big history buff, and have always been interested in the Aztec, Inca and Maya cultures. While reading an article about the pyramids several years before, I told myself that if I ever went there, I would climb one of those dad-gum pyramids, no matter how high it was. My opportunity came a few years later when a friend organized a group tour to Mexico, and Teotihuacán was on the itinerary.

Finally there, I surveyed Teotihuacán, wondering which of the two large pyramids I would climb. I determined that if I were going to go through the combination of agony and exhilaration of climbing one, it would be the tallest – the Pyramid of the Sun – the third largest pyramid in the world at over 200 feet.

As I began the ascent, I thought back to that fire escape, my shaky legs and the internal torment I was sure to go through. Would I really be able to do it?

The Pyramid of the Sun is built in levels. At each level on the way up I could stop to catch my breath, renew my energy and stamina, and have time to encourage myself to go on. Each step up made my already-shaky legs even weaker. I found if I only looked up, I could make it from level to level with the least amount of agony.

When I finally stepped onto the top ledge, I felt a rare sense of accomplishment. I walked around the pyramid, taking in the view, recording the moment with my camera. I had really done it – climbed one of the tallest pyramids in the world and lived to tell about it. Even though I’d felt the fear in every step, I had wanted to do it badly enough that I continued anyway, no matter what.

Recalling my childhood fears and struggles, I wrote a children’s book about a baby robin that never learns to fly because of his fear of heights. In Flying Lessons, Robbie struggles to overcome the fear that keeps him from being the bird he was meant to be.

How many of us do this every day – let our fears keep us from being who we’re meant to be, or from achieving our dreams?

Tackling something so full of emotion is difficult to do all at once. Scaling a pyramid seems a daunting task when it’s viewed from the ground. Climbing it was easier when done level by level, one step at a time, with time to rest and reflect.

I learned to always look up. Never look down. The future is ahead, and looking back only makes you want to retreat to the comfort zone that kept you imprisoned for so long. It’s all right to be afraid. It makes the accomplishment that much sweeter. And if you slip, regain your footing and keep going.

As Robbie the robin learned, sometimes you have to take a few nosedives on the way to soaring. It’s a lesson for adults and children alike.

What’s your dream? Does your fear keep you from achieving it, or do you want it so badly you can charge ahead anyway in spite of it, step by step?

The advantage of living is not measured by length, but by use; some men have lived long, and lived little; attend to it while you are in it. It lies in your will, not in the number of years, for you to have lived enough.
- Michel de Montaigne

When all is done, human life is, at the greatest, and the best, but like a froward child, that must be played with and humored a little to keep it quiet till it falls asleep, and then the care is over.
- William Temple

Freedom never comes voluntarily, it is never given up it comes about through percistice and revolt. Martin Luther King



Non violet positive action—it is free. Always fight with love

I will either find a way, or make one.
- Latin Proverb

The Stone Age did not end because humans ran out of stones. It ended because it was time for a re-think about how we live.
- William McDonaugh

Building self-confidence is an inside job. To build a real solid foundation in your self-confidence you want to experience yourself in a way that is new or different from past experiences.

This isn’t always easy, but it is very simple. You have to act.

Seeing I can’t work with each of you individually, I’ve got three super tips for building self-confidence. If you take each exercise and act on them daily over the next 5 days - I guarantee you won’t even recognize yourself next week. Your self-confidence will skyrocket.

3 Tips to Build Self-Confidence

Here are 3 tips to build your self-confidence:

1. Release Your Trigger

If you want to build self-confidence quickly, then look for a trigger; an emotional trigger.

What is a trigger?

A trigger is an area in your life where there is a lot of pain and discomfort. When you resolve the pain or discomfort you have pulled the trigger. And this resolution opens up a whole new world of expansion and growth.

I’ll be honest with you. You have to be courageous to pull the trigger and resolve conflict, but when you do - you’ll get access to more power than you ever had before. It’s the release of these triggers that helps you make the largest strides forward ….in the shortest period of time.

One of the most influential triggers I’ve released was in my relationship with my dad. See my Personal Growth Series: 3 of 5 to learn more.

Exercise #1: Identify & Release Triggers

Where is an area in your life where you are experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort? Here are some to consider:

* Relationships?
* Financial?
* Health?
* Spiritual Connection or Life Purpose?

Identify the greatest area of pain or discomfort. Become aware of how you are creating the problem - YES, you heard me right. You’re creating the problem. It may not have ever occurred that way to you, but once you take ownership for your experience, you gain the power. And once you take responsibility for your creation, you can release the emotional trigger.

2. Make Unreasonable Requests

You are only as big as your requests. Big people make big requests. The more you ask them, the easier it gets. Like anything it takes practice, but there is a science to it.

I’m going to pick on my dad (for just a minute). He doesn’t think he’s getting paid enough in his job, but he also doesn’t ask for a raise. And I’m going to tell you, if you don’t ask, you will never receive.

People cannot read your mind so this means actually saying something to someone - you have to be willing to express yourself and make a request.

In 2007 (when I was working as an engineer) I asked my employer for a $10,000 raise. That was an unreasonable request. I was extremely nervous but I asked them anyways.

Well, I didn’t get the raise in that first meeting. You might be thinking it was a failure right? Not exactly. One year after I made this request I received the $10,000 raise. I was pretty shocked that it worked, but it does.

Exercise #2: Unreasonable Requests

Have you been making unreasonable requests? I’m guessing that if you don’t feel that surge that comes from doing what you love, then you aren’t. Get in the habit of making unreasonable requests. Make at least 5 today. Start by asking this question:

What are 5 unreasonable requests I can make today?

Write them out and act on them. Get on the phone, go visit people and make requests - you’ll be so glad you did; by the way, email does not count for making unreasonable requests.

3. Create A List

This isn’t brain surgery. It’s really simple but it works. I’ve been creating a daily list consistently for the past year and it has changed my world - it will change yours. It helps if you have a target or objective but not required.

Exercise #3: Start Your List

Do you have a list of priority actions you need to take today? And I’m not talking about a shopping list or vacuuming the house; those aren’t priorities. I’m talking about a real list of priorities that will move you towards your target. Actions that you’ve been putting off for a very long time. Your list should include 5-10 high priority items. These are your MUST-DO’s. Actions that will get you real results.

“How about you? Could making up lists be the mind awakener, mind sharpener, mind builder to lift you to a new dimension - to revitalize your life?” ~ Frank Tibolt

Have you created your list? If not, why not? I love this. People will pay thousands of dollars on courses, products and services but they won’t do the simple things - like making a list, and then doing what’s on that list. Do it and it will change your life.

There's nothing bad to be last-placed, if you are with dignity.
- Zdenek Zeman

All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.
- George Harrison

During times of challenge, it is easy to fall prey to a negative mindset. The fastest way to turn around hard times is to change your attitude—your perspective is where all your power lies. Inspiration and optimism are infectious. Try the ten tips below to empower yourself with a positive mindset:

1. Get an attitude of gratitude: Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to become inspired and increase your happiness. Make giving thanks a regular practice in your life and watch your inspiration soar. Try making a gratitude list before bed, encouraging your family to name things they are grateful for at the dinner table, or taking a ten-minute+ gratitude walk, where you spend the walk noticing things to be grateful for like the flowers in bloom, the adorable dog strutting his stuff or the friendly neighbor waving hello.

2. Up your endorphin levels: In case you need another reason to get your cardio in, do it for your mindset. Studies show that your brain gets marinated in powerful, positive endorphins when you get your heart rate up. I know, I know, it can be the last thing on your list when you’re stressed out, but make a commitment to get yourself to the gym, go for a hike, clean off the home workout machine and feel the power of your body’s natural stress reduction system.

3. Practice radical self-care: Stressful times often mean that you put yourself last on the list. I encourage my coaching clients to practice radical self-care and make themselves a top priority. Begin by making a list of five things you know refuel you (they don’t have to cost a dime). Is it a hot bath by candlelight? A walk around the block? Morning meditation? A foot rub from your spouse? Do at least one thing a week to recharge your batteries. When you are in a place of well-being, you’ll be able to give more to those around you.

4. Give back: There has never been a more important time to give back than now. Donating your time, energy, ideas, unused items and/or money to others who are less fortunate gives you a valuable perspective on your own life and encourages a state of gratitude. You don’t need to make a huge monetary donation to contribute—volunteer your time and make giving back a regular practice. Even just taking the time to smile to a stranger can be a blessing to both of you.

5. Experiment with affirmations: Affirmations are a powerful way to program your subconscious mind with positivity. They take very little time and are easy to do. To begin, write down five positive statements in the present tense. These statements are meant to be an antidote to negativity, so they should make you smile, feel optimistic and encourage a cheerful attitude. For example:
• I am a master at creating money.
• It is easy for me to attract great team members.
• The Universe is conspiring in my favor.
• I have vibrant health.
Say your affirmations aloud three times per day and see how your attitude shifts. I know that affirmations can sometimes conjure up images of the SNL skit with Stuart Smally, saying, “Gosh darn it, people like me!” Don’t let feeling silly stop you from this powerful practice. It truly will make a positive difference in your life.

6. Do a news fast: When my clients are overwhelmed with negativity, one of the first “prescriptions” I write for them is to do a news fast—to literally stop reading and watching the news. The media can bombard us with negative messaging and catastrophic thinking. With tools on the internet like ticker tapes and IM and cable equipped with 24 hour news channels; it is easy to allow news to interrupt you throughout the day. Take a break for one week from all media and see the difference it makes in your life. If your job requires you to watch the news, see how much you can limit your intake. You may just discover that you’ve been needlessly reacting to every bit of new information, causing undue stress and inner turmoil.

7. Stop complaining: During tough times it is easier than ever to complain, magnifying what you don’t want and creating more of it, because “misery loves company.” Instead, make the decision to be a positive light that shines brightly. Be a leader. Make a commitment to stop complaining and you’ll notice how your quality of life improves. Notice how much more goodness you attract to your own life, despite the prevailing challenging circumstances.

8. Focus on what you want: What we focus on grows. In brain science terms, this phenomenon is due to your Reticular Activation System (RAS). This is the area of your brain that determines what is important. You’ve seen it in action when you buy a new car—all of a sudden you notice how many other people own the same car. It is not that your model of a car wasn’t on the road before, it is that you decided it wasn’t important information to focus on until you owned one. We are always collecting evidence to prove our point and contribute to our story. So if we focus on what we don’t want, like the poor economy, our RAS will find evidence to support how poor the economy is. If however, you make a deliberate conscious decision to focus on what you want, you’ll put your RAS to work for the good of your life.

9. Surround yourself with positive people: Now is the time to be vigilant about the people you surround yourself with. Say goodbye to the “energy vampires” in your life and spend your time with positive, inspiring people. If you have a co-worker or family member that drains you, limit your interaction as much as possible and make a conscious effort to protect yourself from their negativity. Lead the conversation with questions and topics that evoke a positive conversation.

10. Take advantage of free inspirational resources: There are so many programs and offers of free daily inspiring quotes (I especially love http://tut.com/ and http://www.gotvision.com/), why not allow your day to be interrupted with positive thoughts? My company, Wake-Up Call Coaching, is pleased to be offering a FREE Tele-Seminar featuring high-profile woman experts called The Women Masters. Register for free now at www.TheWomenMasters.com. You’ll be glad you did!

With enough courage, you can do without a reputation.
- Rhett Butler

Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behavior.
- Dee Hock

*** Daily Motivational Quotes ***

There will always be people who are ahead of the curve and people who are behind the curve. But knowledge moves the curve.
- Bill James

The greatest danger we face is not any particular kind of thought. The greatest danger we face is absence of thought.
- Henry Steele Commager