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Showing posts with label interfaith speaker mikeghouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interfaith speaker mikeghouse. Show all posts

Thursday, December 26, 2013

A purposeful life for 2014


MAKING YOUR LIFE PURPOSEFUL
www.TheGhouseDiary.com

You can make your life purposeful, meaningful and enjoyable. Another year is about to go away. LOL, some of my friends will read this note next year, but for those who read it now, I urge you to consider spending an hour with yourselves.

How do you do that? It’s a simple formula that has worked for many.  Just imagine the amount of time you spend on facebook, and take 1 hour out in the next 5 days – that is less than 1% of your time in a week.

Here is a step by step outline, write the following bullets on your cell phone, computer or napkin and reflect on the current situation, ideal situation and what you will do it about it, so next year this time, you can say, I have achieved some, and I am happier to have a grip on my life.


1. My relationship with my immediate family – the hi’s and lo’s
2. My relationship with my friends
3. My financial status
4. My profession
5. My spirituality
6. My contribution to the world
7. My future

Write the above bullets or whatever works for you and think about each time while driving, while taking a shower, or while waiting for your appointment and in your reflective moments.

As an example to share, here is a part of my life, of course, I am sharing generic information with you, and specifics will remain private. By the way, there is not much private about me and I am happier for not being secretive. Nothing about me is within me, my family and friends know everything about me.

1. Family wise there is improvement , more time needs to be spent.
2. Relationship with friends has been steady
3. Financially I have not improved a bit over the last year
4. 313 Articles/year goal was achieved this year as well 
4 .The book Standing up for others is delayed
4 . Did not open a session at Capitol Hill with Pluralism greeting
4. Over 300 News papers have published my work world wide this year.
5. Spirituality has become more pluralistic and more boundaryless
6. My contribution to the well being of others has improved, not all is done
7. My future is what I make with the blessings of the spirit around me, and from my friends and the people I know.

You may consider making your plans; you will be amazed how much you'll achieve once you have them in place. Please look for the fuller note at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Mike Ghouse
MikeGhouse.net
...............................................................................................................................
Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism
, politics, peace, Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. He believes in Standing up for others and a book with the same title is coming up. Mike has a strong presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column at Dallas Morning News; fortnightly at Huffington post; and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes all his work through many links.
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Yo

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Huffington Post articles by Mike Ghouse

To compile the list of 2012 articles and beyond that. 

2012 = 22
2011 =
2010 =
===========================


Interfaith Christmas: Making God Boundless

(8) Comments | Posted December 24, 2012 | 5:04 PM
No matter what faith you belong, the Interfaith Christmas can offer everything you had always wanted and mor: to live in peace with fellow beings without feeling apprehension, discomfort or the fear of the other.
Christmas is about celebrating the birth of a man who taught us how to build...
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A Muslim Leap of Faith: Offering Interfaith Prayers For Newtown

(6) Comments | Posted December 20, 2012 | 2:14 PM
Muslims have been a part of the interfaith prayers for a very long time, but this time, in Newton, Conn., they took an incredible leap of faith.
Jason Graves, a young lad, recited the verses from Quran, and Imam Muadh Bhavnagarwala of the Al Hedaya Islamic Center added, "We ask...
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Interfaith Thanksgiving: A Story of Gratitude and Self-Balancing Acts

(0) Comments | Posted November 21, 2012 | 12:11 PM
Expression of gratitude is the ultimate balancing act in everyone's life. We know whom we receive the good from and offer our gratitude. The absence of a simple thank-you creates an imbalance in the relationship and spiritual energy, while a simple thank you restores it.
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My Religion Is the Truth -- For Me

(50) Comments | Posted November 13, 2012 | 3:46 PM
I am intrigued by the blatant as well as the subtle claims that, "my religion is the only true religion," by numerous religious leaders. Of course it would be a truthful statement, if they consider adding, "...to me, as others are true to others."
Indeed, it is a common utterance...
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The Choice Between Chaotic Romney and Stable Obama

(10) Comments | Posted October 22, 2012 | 2:14 AM
The future of America is on the red alert now. Most of us have endured through bad times by losing jobs, letting our homes be foreclosed, and living on food stamps or grace of our friends. We have seen the ravages of budget deficit and sacrifice of thousands of Americans...
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America First: Tensions, Conflicts and Politics of Elections

(0) Comments | Posted October 15, 2012 | 1:34 PM
Tensions among friends come and go, but around elections, it's red alert.
This time of the year we are likely to tick off family members and friends because we differ in our political perspectives. Sometimes we are belligerent and push others to see our point of view as the right...
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A Possible Commuter Threat From Anti-Muslim Subway Ads

(4) Comments | Posted October 10, 2012 | 2:55 PM
Fox news had interviewed me on the topic, and I am glad they were able to show a few clips recently. Through the interview, I have urged the organizers of the subway campaign not to place the ad at this point in time, and I pray for the safety of...
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Some Muslims Don't Get It: Freedom of Speech and the Legitimacy of Muslim Protests

(17) Comments | Posted September 21, 2012 | 1:52 PM
The legitimacy of Muslim protests about the film "Innocence of Muslims" and the freedom of speech are major issues facing the world today. I am pleased to offer a summary of issues and pluralistic solutions.
It is not the Muslims, Jews or Christians who are bent on a collision course;...
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9/11 Prompts Strong Muslim Commitment to America

(10) Comments | Posted September 11, 2012 | 10:26 AM
Americans Muslims are fully committed to a strong, peaceful, prosperous and secure America. As Americans, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faith reinforces the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."
The unidentified and un-expressed dream of every...
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Muslims Condemn Blasphemy Charges Against Christian Girl in Pakistan

(61) Comments | Posted August 21, 2012 | 4:50 PM
Muslims together condemn the arrest and imprisonment of a Christian girl, Rimsha Masih, in Pakistan on blasphemy charges.
The New York Times reported on Aug. 20:
The police jailed the girl, Rimsha Masih, and her mother on Friday after hundreds of Muslim protesters surrounded the police station...
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Sri Krishna's Birthday Celebrations: Happy Janmashtami

(39) Comments | Posted August 10, 2012 | 10:44 AM
Janmashtami is the celebration of Sri Krishna's birthday, the man who is the eighth Avatar (representation) of Vishnu, meaning the facet of creator that manages the preservation aspect of life.
Hinduism sees God in three broad categories: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma reflects the creator form of God, and...
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A Muslim's Easter

(1) Comments | Posted April 12, 2012 | 5:34 PM
Easter is a celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. It is Christianity's most important holiday. A few years ago, I was in Jerusalem and was blessed to sit by the place where he was supposedly buried at the Church of Holy Sepulcher.
One thing...
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Commitment to Israel-Palestine, Part 3

(2) Comments | Posted March 5, 2012 | 11:17 AM
Author's note: Who am I to worry about Israelis and Palestinians? What inspires me to be involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict? The following is the story of my struggle to see a cohesive world, the story will take you through different emotions but at the end, I hope you feel...
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Commitment to Israel-Palestine, Part 2

(11) Comments | Posted February 21, 2012 | 11:17 AM
Author's note: Who am I to worry about Israelis and Palestinians? What inspires me to be involved in the Israel Palestine conflict? The following is the story of my struggle to see a cohesive world, the story will take you through different emotions but at the end, I hope you...
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Valentine's Day, the Universal Phenomenon

(1) Comments | Posted February 14, 2012 | 10:27 AM
Throughout the history of language, words have taken on new and expanded meanings; Valentine's Day is no exception.
From an exclusive meaningful rendezvous between two lovers, the Valentine's Day will morph into an all inclusive romantic day. It will become a universal affection day within a decade.
Valentines...
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Israel and Palestine: Looking for Peace on the Horizon

(62) Comments | Posted February 10, 2012 | 11:16 AM
Author's note: Who am I to worry about Israelis and Palestinians? What inspires me to be involved in the Israel Palestine conflict? The following is the story of my struggle to see a cohesive world, the story will take you through different emotions but at the end, I hope you...
Read Post

Stripping Nobel Prize From Muslim Dr. Abdus Salam

(33) Comments | Posted February 2, 2012 | 2:00 PM
It is a shame that many of the Pakistani people I have been interacting have bought the government-fed idea that Ahmadiyya Muslims are not Muslims.
Shame on them, they have not only lost political freedom, they have lost their minds as well. As a Muslim, I am disappointed that Pakistan...
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Pat Buchanan's Fear of the End of White America and Christianity

(17) Comments | Posted January 21, 2012 | 1:26 PM
The phobias stem from the fact that religions have moved away from being spiritual to political entities, simply meaning each religious group is living in its own silos and in conflict with the other.
An article in the New York Times, "Patrick Buchanan's Future at MSNBC Is...
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The Rule of Law Prevails in Oklahoma

(1) Comments | Posted January 11, 2012 | 12:15 PM
Congratulations to the people of Oklahoma that the rule of law has prevailed over bigotry in their state. We applaud the court in Denver for upholding U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange's order blocking implementation of the amendment shortly after it was approved by 70 percent of Oklahoma voters in November...
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Citizenship, Islam and America

(8) Comments | Posted December 30, 2011 | 2:55 PM
Law is one thing and practice is the other. As an American and as a Muslim, I have to be critical of both groupings and work toward creating cohesive societies where no citizen has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of the other. Here is a summary of 2011...
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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker and a writer on pluralism, politics, peace,Islam, Israel, India, interfaith, and cohesion at work place and standing up for others as an activist. He is committed to building a Cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day at www.TheGhousediary.com. Mike has a presence on national and local TV, Radio and Print Media. He is a frequent guest on Sean Hannity show on Fox TV, and a commentator on national radio networks, he contributes weekly to the Texas Faith Column atDallas Morning News, fortnightly at Huffington post, and several other periodicals across the world. His personal site www.MikeGhouse.net indexes everything you want to know about him. 

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Need for one God

Indeed, there is only one creator God.
No matter what name we call him, her or it, it remains the same. To believe that Allah is not the same God as what others believe amounts to creating a duplicate or another God, it’s called Shirk in Islam.

The idea of one abstract God was for more people to see their description of God fit in to the larger, all inclusive abstract God. It’s like painting the house in neutral colors to fit in any decorative theme.

Each group of people ascribe different attributes to that creator, all are valid to that believer. Muslims and Jews see God as non-entity, non imaginable, non-collapsible into one word and we believe in the abstract form of God, hoping it fits all descriptions; narrow and wide. However, Hinduism sees the same creator in different aspects - in the form of representations - same with Christianity and some other religions.

The idea of mono-theism is larger than a private club where membership is restrictive.

Monotheism or abstract God was created to bring all folds together - so if we fight with each other, let it be about land, food, water and the resources and not for God. You do fight for God if that God is yours exclusively. God belongs to every one of his creation.

At if, it is a new way of looking at Shirk, it will be rejected by many at this time, until it makes sense to everyone and God willing we need to learn to express it in terms where is not off the basics in Quraan. I believe it is indeed
ٱللَّÙ‡ُ Ù„َØ¢ Ø¥ِÙ„َÙ€ٰÙ‡َ Ø¥ِÙ„َّا Ù‡ُÙˆَ

But we have to learn to express it well and I am learning... this is my 3rd attempt and hopes you can enhance it as well or reject. But you have no right to decide who is a Muslim or not - only God decides. After all what is a Muslim? It is someone who subscribes to the idea of equilibrium where all of us live in harmony within ourselves and keep the balance with others.


I love to Quote Chief Seattle again: "All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself." - Chief Seattle, 1854.

I am sure you will find verses in Gita, Quraan, Bible, Avesta, Torah and other holy books to this effect.

May God and his goodness guide us for creating a world where everything has its own respectable place in the universe?

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars and conferences. . Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find this article at www.TheGhousediary.com

Religion uplifts one’s soul, is this for real?

If religion does not uplift one's soul he or she did not get that religion. The Terrorist who still wears the religious label is eating bad food deliberately. You know that happens in our daily lives, people make dumb mistakes, when they can do better. Hundreds get killed drinking and driving...texting and driving, smoking.... eating high cholesterol food and they know it is bad for them but they cannot find a way out.

Religion or common sense can save them. A terrorist loses his balance in life, as no one offers him/her an opportunity to see life or religion differently. Who has the time? Finding the truth is one's own responsibility, no one but you are answerable to you in you solitary moments.

You asked me, <<< Religion, any religion uplifts one's soul is it just an statement to make everyone happy or you sincerely believe that?>>>

As a Pluralist, I piss off more people than most people - I have no desire to pander to anyone and that is why we cannot change the world. You and I both have chosen Islam after going through cynicism and doubt and as disbelievers and in my case an Atheist. I even said to someone that I am Muslim for me, not for anyone else. I don't need any one's approval or stamp to be a Muslim. The creator wants all of us to fit in the scheme of things to keep that balance.

If I had not found Pluralism in Islam - I would not have chosen Islam - I chose Islam not because it is superior or some such thing, I chose because I was familiar with the path and the words meant a lot to me and I continue to be amazed with Quraanic wisdom... By the way, all religions are pluralistic, they want people to get along, learn to accept and respect the god given uniqueness of each one of the 7 billion of us.

I firmly believe all religions uplift one's soul. No religion is superior to the other, religion is about humility and not arrogance. Neither an average Muslim, Hindu, Christian or any one is ready to believe that, it will take a few generations to understand, until such time... everyone believes theirs is wisest, scientific, easy going, oldest... those are divisive phrases and not religious phrases.

I hope you have seen depth and meaning in this quote from Chief Seattle in 1854

"All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the webs, he does it to himself." - Chief Seattle, 1854

Thanks for clarifying. I wish I had more time in life... but I am content with whatever I am. I am at peace with myself.


Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars and conferences. . Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find this article at www.TheGhousediary.com

Monday, August 29, 2011

The Spirit of Ramadan - Eid Mubarak

Rituals signify the mile stones of our daily life. Every significant moment of the day is a ritual. It is an unwritten way of measuring our progression; a memory pattern to bring discipline to our actions.
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From the moment we are born to the last rites of our life and every moment in-between is laden with rituals, though some of us may deny it. Whether we go to the gym, eat our food; go to sleep, wear clothes, drive some place, in our intimate moments, or picking that phone up, we follow rituals.

Discipline is necessary to do things on time, managing personal relationships, driving to a destination or keeping within budget to achieve the goals; the result is worth the discipline to most people. When joyous, whether we are a theist or not, we have to express that sentiment, otherwise a sense of incompleteness lingers in our hearts.
The Spiritual masters have captured the human gravity for rituals and have molded it with the art and science of self-discipline in their respective religion. The noble purpose of each one of them was to bring a balance in our lives and a balance with things that surround us; life and environment.

The Spirit;

Every faith is composed of a set of unique rituals to bring discipline and peace to human life. Fasting is one of the five key rituals that Muslims around the world observe.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is generally observed with a ritual precision; it is an annual training or a refresher. It requires one to abstain from food, drink, intimacy, ill will, ill talk, ill actions or any temptations from dawn to dusk, every day for a month. One has to rise above his or her baser desires. Islam gifts this month to its followers to inculcate discipline to bring moderation in their daily lives. Twenty five hundred years ago, Buddha, the enlightened one taught that human suffering is caused by unrestrained desire to own and had recommended a middle path, and the same recommendation was made by Prophet Muhammad fourteen hundred years ago.

Although Ramadan is popularly known in the West for its culinary delicacies and fancy Iftaar (ceremonial breaking of fast at sun down), the spirit and intent of Ramadan lies in a human transformation in a month long inner spiritual journey of finding oneself in tune with spirituality.
God has no need for the hunger or thirst of someone who hurts others, violates their dignity or usurps their rights, said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The fasting of the stomach must be matched by the fasting of the limbs. The eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet all have their respective fasts to undergo. The tongue's temptations, for example - lies, backbiting, slander, vulgarity and senseless argumentation - must be challenged and curbed to maintain the integrity of the fast.

Consciousness of behavior and vigilance over action are the most profound dimensions of fasting: the fasting of the heart focuses on the attachment to the divine. That is when Ramadan really becomes a source of peace and solace, just as Christmas goes beyond the rituals to bring forth kindness, charity and caring.

True fasting is self-purification; and from this, a rich inner life that bring about values such as justice, generosity, patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy - values that are indispensable for the success of the community.

Knowing about hunger is different from knowing hunger. Empathy is not an intellectual equation; it is a human experience. Our hardness of heart often springs from our distance from the human condition of others. The poor, sick, disenfranchised, oppressed - we rarely walk a mile in their shoes, not even a few steps. "Rest assured," cautioned one teacher, "if you do not taste what it feels like to be hungry, you will not care for those who are."

For fasting to be truly universal, its benefits must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims and must extend to forging a common humanity with others. Fasting is meant to impart a sense of what it means to be truly human, and its universality is reflected by its observance in Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian and other faiths.

Ramadan will come and go with such stealth that we cannot but be reminded of our mortality. What is it that we value and why? Habits, customs, even obsessive behavior like smoking can be curtailed with relative ease in the face of a higher calling.

More:

Mike Ghouse is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars and conferences. . Mike's work is reflected in 4 website's and 27 Blogs indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find this article at www.TheGhousediary.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

TERROR HITS INDIA AGAIN




Mumbai, July 13, 2011. Three serial blasts have hit three different parts of Mumbai, killing 8 and injuring several.

When tragedy hits, we need to come together and focus on finding the fountain head for such evil acts and remove the cancerous cell and hold on to the temptations to blame anyone else. Blaming will do further damage to the society in times like this. This would be patriotic thing to do; to preserve life and safety of citizens.

If you committed a crime, let's haul your ass to jail and bring justice for the crimes against the public. Your parents, siblings, spouse, neighborhood, community, religion or state has nothing to do with your evilness. If we want justice and peace, get the bad guys and not mess with good people.

Let no Indian look at the other with suspicion, out of a 1.2 billion people a dozen are responsible for this cowardice, we need to get them and get their fountain head. That is the right thing to do... one mishap should not tear India further apart. Hold on to the temptations to blame and you will serve your motherland right.

This is the time for us to come together.

As an American Indian Muslim I condemn this acts of terrorism.

Jai Hind



Jai Hind





Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer and a frequent guest on Hannity show and nationally syndicated Radio shows and Dallas TV, Radio and Print Media. He presides America Together Foundation and is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. Over 1000 articles have been published on Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam, India and cohesive societies. Two of his books are poised to be released this fall on Pluralism and Islam. He is available to speak at your place of worship, work, school, college, seminars or conferences. His work is encapsulated in 27 blogs, four websites and several forums indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/