Maynard Ends Life With Lethal Prescription

Brittany Maynard has decided to end her own life with lethal medication prescribed by a doctor.

Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in April and made headlines for choosing to end her life on her own terms. But for a short time, it appeared as if she had a change of heart.

In a video shown below, 29-year-old Maynard made it clear that she still planned to end her own life — she just didn’t know if Nov. 1 was the date she would choose.

“I still feel good enough, I still have enough joy, I still laugh and smile with my family and friends enough that it doesn’t seem like the right time,” she says in the video.

It’s a heartbreaking story with no simple answers. A terminal brain cancer diagnosis does not come with an easy, painless death.

In her most recent video, Maynard described what she calls her most terrifying seizure so far.

“I had two in a day, which is unusual,” she said. “And I remember looking at my husband’s face at one point and thinking ‘I know this is my husband but I can’t say his name.'”

Maynard and her family moved to Oregon so she could end her own life under the state’s Death with Dignity Act.

She made her case public so she could influence policy and see more right-to-die laws passed in the United States.

It’s sparked a national debate, with both sides weighing in.

“She’s not suicidal. She loves life and precisely because she loves life she wants to die with dignity,” Dr. Ignacio Castuera, a United Methodist Church minister, said.

But in an open letter to Maynard, Joni Eareckson-Tada, founder of Joni and Friends, suggested that assisted suicide was not the answer.

“The love of Jesus has sustained me through 47 years of suffering and quadriplegia, chronic pain and a recent battle against cancer,” Eareckson-Tada wrote.

“And I would tell her that the saddest thing of all would be for her to wake up on the other side of her tomb stone and only to face a grim existence, without joy, without peace, without life, without God,” she said.

Eareckson went on to challenge Maynard and others in her situation to face suffering and embrace her final days with the courage and hope that can only come from Christ.

Source and Original Content by Cbn News

Daredevil Tightrope Walker Completes Skyscraper Challenge

Nik Wallenda does it again. This time with his most challenging tight-rope walk ever.

The daredevil successfully completed two skyscraper tightrope walks over Chicago as millions watched.

He survived a 50-story high walk between skyscrapers at a 15-degree incline in one of the gustiest cooridors of Chicago and for part of it, he was blind-folded! And There was no safety net and no harness.

On a recent beautiful evening in Sarasota, Florida, a crowd gathered to watch hometown hero Nik Wallenda practice what he does best.

Wallenda comes from seven generations of high-wire artists, including his own mother. The two shared the wire in Puerto Rico in 2011 in honor of his great-grandfater Karl Wallenda, who fell to his death there in 1978 at the age of 73.

Nik Wallenda successfully crossed Niagra Falls in 2012 and the Grand Canyon in 2013.

CBN’s Wendy Griffith asked Wallenda if he ever feels like he’s tempting God with these dangerous acrobatics.

“You know, I don’t,” he said. “Don’t we walk by faith, not by sight?” (Referring to the scripture in 2 Corin. 5:7.)

“This is something that I have trained for my entire life. I’ve trained to walk a wire since I was 2 years old. If I were to not train at all, if I were to tell you, ‘Wendy, you’re gonna walk the city of Chicago blindfolded,’ that would be tempting God, in my opinion,” Wallenda said.

While Wallenda is a great showman and loves to thrill the crowds with his death-defying acts — he said his main mission is to point people to “the One” who holds him while he’s up there on the wire.

“I choose to use what I do as an occupation, to bring glory to God’s name. It is me living my life, and I think that’s why there’s so much respect in the mainstream media,” he said.

“There was very little negativity to me saying the name of Jesus over 60 times in front of 200 countries around the world, millions of people, 20 million people in the United States alone watching that live,” he said.

Wallenda said the testimonies that come from his performances motivate him to keep pushing.

“One woman said, ‘I didn’t walk for four years, and I saw you proclaiming the name of Jesus with a balancing pole in your hand, and I couldn’t walk without a cane. So I grabbed my cane, I put it in my hands, and I started calling out the name of Jesus, and I took the first five steps I’ve taken in three or four years!” Wallenda recalled her saying.

This WAS Wallenda’s first time publicly walking the high-wire blind-folded. He knew it would be challenging but he wasn’t worried.

“I have peace in where I’m gonna end up if I were to lose my life. However, I have a beautiful wife and three beautiful children. I have no desire of losing my life on a wire,” he admitted. “That’s why I train so hard, that’s why I train, knowing that I won’t even step foot on that wire if the winds exceed 50 miles per hour that night.”

And as you might have guessed, many prayed for unusually calm winds over Chicago Sunday night.

Source and Original Content by Cbn news

Mars Hill Cuts Off Multi-Site Churches

More changes are coming for megachurch Mars Hill, just two weeks after Pastor Mark Driscoll resigned.

The Seattle-based church has announced it is disbanding its multi-site churches.

Board members at Mars Hill decided it would be best for their existing churches to become “autonomous self-governed entities.”

Multi-site churches have grown in popularity over the years. They are connected to a centralized church through video-led teachings distributed to multiple locations.

Pastor Dave Bruskas posted the decision on the Mars Hill website.

He said, “Mars Hill Church has never been about a building or even an organization. Mars Hill is a people on mission with Jesus and that singular focus continues as these newly independent churches are launched. It’s still all about Jesus!”

Mars Hill will sell its existing church properties unless the newly independent churches get approval to take over the loans.

Bruskas said the goal is to complete this process by January 1, 2015.

He goes on to say the mission of Mars Hill has always been about making disciples and planting churches and that will not change.

Source and Original Content by CBN NEWS

Pointers That Show You’re Succeeding In Life When You Feel Otherwise

We all feel like failures from time to time. While this is a normal feeling, you have to find a way to see yourself and your life from a different perspective. Sometimes we ignore the “little things.” Just because you are not a millionaire, don’t live in a mansion, and you don’t drive a fancy car, that doesn’t mean you’re a failure. In fact, it’s quite the contrary.

Here are 20 signs that you are succeeding in life:

1. Your relationships are less dramatic than they used to be.
Drama is not maturity. As we age, we should develop maturity. So maybe your relationships were drama-filled in your past, but if you have moved beyond that, then you are successful.

2. You are not afraid to ask for help and support any more.
Asking for help does not equal weakness. In fact, it is a strength. No person has ever succeeded in isolation. It takes teamwork to accomplish goals. Asking or help is a sign that you have grown as a person.

3. You have raised your standards.
You don’t tolerate bad behavior any more – from other people, or even yourself. You hold people accountable for their actions. You don’t spend time with the “energy vampires” in your life anymore.

4. You let go of things that don’t make you feel good.
No, this is not narcissistic even though it might seem like it. Self-love is success. Love yourself enough to say ‘no’ to anything that doesn’t make you happy, doesn’t serve your purpose, or drags you down.

5. You have moments where you appreciate who you see in the mirror.
Ideally, you should appreciate who you see in the mirror at every moment. But even if that doesn’t happen, if you do it more than you used to, then that is success. Love yourself. You are awesome.

6. You have learned that setbacks and failure are part of self-growth.
Not everyone can have success 100% of the time. That’s just not realistic. Life is about victories and losses. So look at your setbacks as stepping stones to something better. In reality, there really is no such thing as as setback. It’s all just part of a wondrous journey.
You may be interested in reading this too: 20 Common Habits Successful People Consciously Reject

7. You have a support system that includes people who would do anything for you.
If you have figured out the people who “have your back” and recognized the ones who only pretend that they do, then you have succeeded. This is a painful realization, but once you learn to see the signs of betrayal, you can stay away from those people.

8. You don’t complain much.
Because you know there really is nothing to complain about. Unless you really have gone through some horrific life experience and had unimaginable losses, most of what we all experience on a day-to-day basis is just mundane. And successful people know that. And they live in a space of gratitude.

9. You can celebrate others’ successes.
Just because other people succeed, that doesn’t make you a failure. Applaud the people who rise to the top. The more positive energy you give to other people’s victories, the more you will create your own.

10. You have passions that you pursue.
You are not stagnant. You know you have something wonderful to contribute to the world. You have unique talents and gifts. Not only do you know that, you pursue it… Read More

Source and Original Content by Lifehack

Gospel Artistes Collaborate on Christmas Collection CD

RCA Inspiration recently announced the release of its new holiday compilation album, “Gotta Have Gospel! Christmas… O Holy Night”.

This timeless collection is the latest offering from the ‘Gotta Have Gospel’ series which brings together the biggest artists in gospel as well as superstars from other genres to provide music lovers with a complete listening experience from start to finish.

Featuring perennial favorites including, “The First Noel,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” ‘Gotta Have Gospel! Christmas… O Holy Night’ is certain to bring enjoyment this holiday season and for years to come.

The 15-song collection boasts of some of the most beloved and recognizable voices in both popular and inspirational music performing holiday classics and modern worship songs.
The award-winning artists featured are: Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, James Fortune & FIYA, Marvin Sap, Joe, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Anthony Brown & Group therapy, Ayana George, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir, Yolanda Adams, Commissioned, Tarralyn Ramsey, Hezekiah Walker and the late Whitney Houston.

The ‘Gotta Have Gospel!’ series is a brand partnership between RCA Inspiration and Integrity Music and became available in stores and via all digital music providers on October 21, 2014…Read More

Source and Original Content by Praiseworld Radio

Gospel Songstress Unveils Album

Shakesphere said “if music be the food of love…”,
That seemed to be the best words to explain the nature of the crowd that gathered at the sensational album launch and unveiling of one of Nigeria’s best praise and worship ministers known by the name Monique,as fans came out in multitudes to honor her.

The event took place on Sunday, November 2, 2014 via a concert held in Ikeja, Lagos. The album titled “Power Flow” was released from the stables Spaghetti Records owned by renowned gospel artiste Mike Abdul of The Midnight Crew.

In attendance were Colleagues,friends,fans and various media practitioners.The Album which consists of 11 tracks is a combination of worship and praise tracks and showcases Monique as a power house when it comes to Nigerian Gospel music.

Apple Gears Up to Release SmartWatch

Apple’s first smartwatch, the Apple Watch, which till now only featured an ‘Early 2015’ official launch date, might finally hit markets in spring.

Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores at Apple, Angela Ahrendts, purportedly revealed the spring time frame to company employees via a video message.

The alleged video message was then transcribed and leaked (via 9to5 Mac). The relevant part of the purported announcement read, “We’re going in to the holidays, we’ll go into Chinese New Year, and then we’ve got a new watch launch coming in the spring.”

The exact month or dates are yet to be known, with the US spring starting from around March and lasting until around June.

In September, another report had hinted the Apple Watch will be released on Valentine’s Day (February 14). However, this contradicts Ahrendts purported announcement that mentions a release after the Chinese New Year (February 19).

9to5Mac adds that sources close to Apple’s plans have revealed the Cupertino firm has already started planning the retail strategy of its first smartwatch. In a recent all-hands retail employee meeting, Tim Cook reportedly said that staff will be trained to help customers try the Apple Watch along with different sizes and bands.

Cook, while announcing new iOS and Mac products last month, also introduced the WatchKit software developer kit (SDK) for developers to build apps for the company’s upcoming Apple Watch. The WatchKit SDK will ship in November, and with it, Apple wants to make sure that there are enough apps for the platform before it finally releases the Apple Watch.

Source and Original Content by ndtv

Facebook Introduces App to Stalk Fellow Passengers Before Boarding Plane

No one wants to be sitting next to an oddball for the duration of an 11-hour flight. But surely stalking your fellow passengers online is more than a little creepy.
A new app will allow passengers to pry on their fellow fliers’ social profiles before even setting foot on the plane.
Quicket, a travel app for smartphones and tablets, which facilitates ticket booking, flight tracking and provides detailed airport maps, has released its updated version this week.

The ‘social check-in’ option allows passengers to view others who have chosen seats on the plane by just clicking on their avatar linked to their social profiles.
Nosy fliers can even log in anonymously enabling them to view other passenger´s avatars, without providing any of their personal information.
But luckily, your fellow passengers won’t be able to spy on you without your consent. ‘Only users who approve the social feature will be presented on the flight,’ said a spokesman.


To be seen or to see fellow passengers, air travellers will have to check in themselves.
Fellow passengers will then be able to look at their profile, read information about them and study their photographs.
The app’s iOS and Android versions both include Facebook ‘social check-in’.
Other features of the app including the ability to book tickets for yourself and companions, choosing from all available options; review seat options and luggage rules; check-in directly and track flights.

Photo: Dailymail.co.uk
Photo: Dailymail.co.uk

Source and Original Content by Dailymail

American Released from North Korea Says Detention Over Bible Worth It

Jeffrey Fowle, who became the center of an international incident when he left a Bible in North Korea, and who later served nearly six months in detention for doing so, knew exactly what he was doing.

He knew the risk and he knew the possible consequences. And he thinks it was all worth it.

He also now has a chore list about a mile long.

Fowle, a Miamisburg, Ohio, husband and father of three children, spoke publicly Friday for the first time since being released. He said that his visit to North Korea in April was motivated in part by a desire to visit the country, which few Westerners have seen in decades. But clearly this was a trip about faith —and proselytizing.

In the weeks before Fowle left Miamisburg for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, another American was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for spreading the word of God. So Fowle knew the risks.

“I did. I knew I was going against the laws of the DPRK,” Fowle said. “Having seen the plight of the people, I knew about the severe Christian persecution. I wanted to help them.”

So Fowle left a Korean/English Bible in a public bathroom in a restaurant/bar in Pyongyang. Clearly his tour group was being watched because the next day the tour guide asked if anybody had left anything behind. Fowle would not deny his actions, even though he knew it meant trouble. He raised his hand and said he left a Bible.

For two days nothing happened. Then, at the airport at Pyongyang, when he was preparing to leave the country, Fowle was detained.

He was held in his hotel room for nearly a month, and then a detention center for the next five months. Did he think God would protect him? “Yes, and I believe I was protected, I was never harmed physically,” Fowle said. “I was never in jeopardy of giving up faith.”

But that is not to say his time was easy. The beginning, especially, was arduous. Fowle did not know what his wife knew about his disappearance. He kept thinking of Tatyana waiting for him at an airport. He wondered about the fears of his children, Alex, 13, Chris, 11, and Stephanie, 9…Read More

Source and Original Content by BCNN1

More Evangelicals Gain Access into Brazil’s Congress

By a very slim margin Brazilian voters have returned leftist President Dilma Roussef to office for another four years.

Roussef won the national election with the support of many evangelicals, who now account for over 30 percent of the population.

But evangelicals were divided.

“If you go to the churches, you will have more or less the same that happened in the last elections last Sunday here in Brazil,” the Bible Society’s Erni Siebert said. “Half of the people will be in support of the government.”

To gain the support of evangelicals, the president downplayed her party’s pro-abortion and pro-homosexual initiatives. But while voters returned Roussef to the presidency, they also sent more evangelicals to Congress, making it the most conservative legislature in years.

Siebert is hopeful.

“Really we hope that these leaders will affirm their positions on God’s Word,” he said.

He said that doing this would be a testimony to society and that they would “bring a good influence to the country so the country will have the fear of God in their hearts.”

The reason Christians are multiplying and the nation is changing, Siebert believes, is because of Brazilians’ growing interest in the Bible. The Brazilian Bible Society distributes around seven million Bibles a year.

Source and Original Content by Cbnnews