Bro.David Drake DeLaurento

Jens Stoltenberg impressed national leaders in his time as Norway's prime minister. Associated Press Jens Stoltenberg, former prime minister of Norway, was selected as the next leader of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, putting him at the helm as the alliance faces a historic challenge. Mr. Stoltenberg, who succeeds Anders Fogh Rasmussen, will take office Oct. 1, becoming secretary-general as NATO faces an array of new challenges in the wake of Russia's incursion into Ukraine. There had been some discussion in the run-up to the decision about appointing a secretary-general from one of NATO's newer members in Central or Eastern Europe, given that many have belonged to the alliance for at least a decade, diplomats said. But Mr. Stoltenberg's credentials won him broad support. The only other major candidate was Italy's Franco Frattini, a former defense minister, officials said. Mr. Stoltenberg is well-known to NATO leaders from his nine years as premier of oil-rich Norway. He became known on the global stage in 2011, taking a very public role in helping his nation recover from a terror attack staged by Anders Behring Breivik, who claimed the lives of 77 people. "The Ukraine-Russia crisis shows need for continued strong [and] determined leadership," Mr. Rasmussen, a former Danish prime minister who had led NATO since mid-2009, tweeted after the announcement. "I've known Jens Stoltenberg for many years [and] know he's the right man to build on NATO's record of strength and success." The Obama administration also hailed Mr. Stoltenberg's appointment. "As prime minister, he built Norway's military capabilities and actively contributed to NATO operations and political dialogue," the White House said in a statement. "We are confident he is the best person to ensure the continued strength and unity of the NATO Alliance." NATO, created to contain the former Soviet Union, had been struggling to define its purpose in recent months, especially with the mission to Afghanistan winding down. But the Ukraine crisis has pushed the 28-member organization into the spotlight, given its role as a collective defense group with some members bordering and in proximity to Russia. Jens Stoltenberg Date of birth: March 16, 1959 Son of Thorvald Stoltenberg and Karin Stoltenberg Married to Ingrid Schulerud, two children Norway Labor Party leader, 2002-2014 Norway Minister of Trade and Energy, 1993-1996 Norway Minister of Finance, 1996-1997 Norway Prime Minister, 2000-2001, 2005-2013 U.N. Special Envoy on Climate Change, 2013- Speaking at a news conference in Oslo, Mr. Stoltenberg said that NATO had "once again proven its relevance in a critical situation in Europe. "I believe very strongly that what we've seen in Ukraine just reminds us of how important NATO is and that the idea of NATO collective defense is just becoming even more important when we see how Russia is using force to change borders in Europe," he said. Still, the alliance's immediate response to Russia's aggressiveness has been limited to actions such as ramping up air patrols over the Baltic region. Leaders from NATO countries are holding a summit in Wales in September to discuss the alliance's future, and President Barack Obama is expected to underscore the need for solidarity in response to events in Ukraine. Mr. Stoltenberg is known for his advocacy of causes such as fighting global climate change rather than as a military leader. But he has a reputation as a strong NATO supporter during his time at Norway's helm and is seen as a steady and pragmatic politician. Related Video U.S. officials believe that Russia is massing troops along the Ukraine border in possible preparation for an invasion. Meanwhile in Kiev, Ukrainian nationalists rallied outside parliament. Via The Foreign Bureau, WSJ's global news update. Photo: AP "It takes a lot more strength to be patient than to be angry," Mr. Stoltenberg said in a 2011 book, referring to the challenges of keeping together a three-party coalition government. Mr. Stoltenberg was known in his early years as a critic of NATO, but some analysts attributed that to his youthful participation in politics. "In Norway you have a very strong culture of youth parties," said Erik Dale, a Norwegian and online editor for Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank. "Sure, he could have been seen as anti-American or anti-NATO in his youth, but that was 30 years ago." The appointment of Mr. Stoltenberg, a leader of Norway's center-left Labor Party for 12 years, comes after his government's swift decision to contribute six F-16 aircraft to the 2011 NATO bombing campaign in Libya, as well as the participation of Norwegian troops in Afghanistan. Norway is also playing a significant role in the mission to dismantle Syria's chemical weapons program, which isn't a NATO operation, but nonetheless a major international security initiative. Mr. Stoltenberg's experience in dealing with Russia was cited by diplomats as a last-minute sweetener to his candidacy. He negotiated a 2010 deal with Moscow on the Barents Sea, ending a decadeslong border dispute and opening the area for oil and gas exploration. But like other European leaders, Mr. Stoltenberg has firmly criticized Russia for its incursion into Ukraine. Mr. Stoltenberg, 55, the son of diplomat and former minister Thorvald Stoltenberg, became a government minister at 34 and prime minister at 41. A terrorist attack in downtown Oslo and the summer camp of Labor's youth association on July 22, 2011, which left 77 people dead and destroyed several government buildings, heavily affected his tenure. "The answer to violence is even more democracy. Even more humanity. But never naiveté," Mr. Stoltenberg said after the attack. But while he was hailed for leading his nation through the tragedy, it may have contributed to his 2013 elections loss to right-leaning Erna Solberg. Reports issued by Norway following the attack criticized Mr. Stoltenberg's government for failing to protect its citizens. Write to Naftali Bendavid at naftali.bendavid@wsj.com and Kjetil Malkenes Hovland at kjetilmalkenes.hovland@wsj.com

When NATO's founding members signed the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949, they declared themselves "resolved to unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security." The greatest threat to these objectives was a military attack by a hostile power--a prospect that led to the treaty's most famous provision, Article V, which states, "The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all." Today, more than sixty years later, the threats facing the alliance's members have changed considerably. An attack in North America or Europe by the regular army of an outside state is highly unlikely. Instead, the alliance must confront an array of more diffuse challenges, ranging from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to piracy, cyberattacks, and the disruption of energy supplies. In this Council Special Report, James M. Goldgeier takes on the question of how NATO, having successfully kept the peace in Europe in the twentieth century, can adapt to the challenges of the twenty-first. Goldgeier contends that NATO retains value for the United States and Europe. He writes, though, that it must expand its vision of collective defense in order to remain relevant and effective. This means recognizing the full range of threats that confront NATO members today and affirming that the alliance will respond collectively to an act (whether by an outside state or a nonstate entity) that imperils the political or economic security or territorial integrity of a member state. *NOTE* This information is not meant to replace the scriptural understanding of the United Nations. There is a strong correlation between the mission statements of these two entities.

The procurement department has a difficult task. I have dealt with electrical contractors for years before I changed my profession. The electrical aspect is crucial and important. Every state, county, town, has different electrical codes and if you get an inspector who sees that a switch, electrical outlets, and other related matters is off or not to code, get ready to either retrofit or repair the problem. Or ding materials is just as important. I know Jehovah blesses us by having well qualified brothers and sisters. I don't know if the RBC has cost overruns on any project. When the apostle Paul saw that there was a problem is caring for the orphan and widows, the matter was placed under prayer and spiritually qualified men stepped in to handle this matters. When David and his son Solomon built the temple, there was meticulous planning. Jehovah had his hands in this. The RBC has daunting responsibility but few workers. I would love to help and my wife wants to sign up, but we have kids. Even though they are homeschooled, who can I trust to take care of them while were working. I wish there was a way to help.

Hi friends, This prose is spreading like a wild fire. I posted this yesterday on FB (bad word, lol) and it got its way here. I don't know who the author was so I said to please praise and give Jehovah the credit. Obviously he used someone's heart to write this. If the author does show up, to please tell him or her thank you for Jehovah inspiring you. DDD

I saw that movie many moons ago. The pragmatic and simplistic air to it was quite funny. Man, I'm old just to know about that movie.

I found this story and would like to share it with the rest of my friends. Please read. After living my life, and striving to do Gods will, it was time for this old system to come to it’s end. I was a bit nervous because of my pass. Here I am about to be judged, sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the ‘prosecutor’. He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil personage I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew this man. The corner door opened and there appeared the Judge in a long white, flowing robe. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I COULDN’T TAKE MY EYES OF OF HIM!!!! As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, ‘LET US BEGAN.’ The prosecutor rose and said, ‘My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in Gehenna.’ He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the pass when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life, and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, not even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done SOME good in my life - couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done? Satan finished with a fury and said, ‘This man belongs with me, in Gehenna!!! he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.’ When it was The defense’s turn, My Attorney first asked the Judge if He might approach the bench. Although Satan strongly objected, the judge beckoned for him to come forward anyway. As my Attorney got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why he seemed so familiar; WHY!!! Representing me was my lord and savior, Jesus Christ! He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, ‘Hello Father,’ (I though to myself, “this Judge must be Jehovah God Almighty he called Him Father)” then Jesus turned to address the court. And said„, ‘Satan was absolutely correct, this man has sinned, and has sinned many times, I won’t deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserved to be punished if he had not turned away from badness.’ But the gift that God gives is everlasting life. Jesus took a deep breath„„„„ and turned to His Father, and said, ‘However, Father, I died so that all of mankind might have everlasting life if they accept me as their Savior, (then Jesus said while pointing at me) this man has done just that. Therefore, Father, with your approval, this man is mine.’ Jesus again addressed his Father by saying My Lord, is this man’s name, written in your Book of Life? If so, I know, that no one can SNACH him from me. Jesus continued (while looking at the merits of angles in the jury), Satan still does not understand, that all of mankind will be given justice as well as mercy and most of all, they will be granted life everlasting, if they stop following him.’ (Satan) As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, ‘There is nothing else that needs to be done. Because Under your direction I’ve done just so, I have done it all..’ The Judge said well done faithful slave. Then He lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips…..( while pointing at me) ‘This man has served me whole souled, he preached about the kingdom to many. After coming to know me he has lived a clean and moral life, Therefore, the penalty for his sins, has already been paid, and paid in full because of the blood of my son. CASE DISMISSED!!! You are sentenced to live forever on a Paradise Earth. Wiping my brow and drying my eyes, I fell to my knees, praising and thanking Jehovah for His mighty son, and finding me worthy After about an hour, I was able to gain my composure, and I asked (Jesus as he gave me my instructions as what to do next) ‘Have you ever lost a case?’ Christ lovingly smiled and said, I don’t take cases I can’t win. ‘Everyone that has faith in me, the Ransom sacrifice, and dedicate their life to my Father, I will represent. And they can receive the same verdict as you, ~ their sins will be Paid In Full.’ LESSON FOR US; 1. No matter how bad our past is, we can be forgiven. 2. Stop telling God how big our storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big our God is!’

Friendly warning; Be careful with these internet sites that house many old literature that is not being used anymore.

Ewww, a fight...Waiting for it. Its coming...wait for it.

In every story there are different perspective of the truth. I was a cop for many many years. This is what I learned. There is her truth, the parent's truth and in the middle the whole truth.

I want it on a Friday...extended weekend....maybe we push it into a national holiday?

I found this poem by a random Google Alert. This lovely person"s words are bold enough to let us know that Jah is talking; now, are we standing still long enough to listen his words through the chaos of this Satan ridden world? The Voice Of Jehovah Within the crowded city where life is swift Do You hear the voice of Jehovah up on The busy streets Of New York City Were all the empty broken hearted goes Dancing in the pouring rain to wash away The pains this darkened world gave by an blink of an eye above the noise of laughter that is empty , cruel ,and very loud of self pity. Do you listen for Jehovah's voice in this restless crowd ? Do You pause in amazement of hunger trueness of his Love never fear Jehovah is near the broken hearted no matter where You are take hold and never let him go He will save souls Give the brokenhearted rest Listen to his voice and take all his words in And when the end comes You will find he had never forgotten you He loves you By Lilly Emery

Uh Tim, is there a picture attached to this blog.

This is a well circulated experience. But it would be cool if my son did this. My son the other day during the tract month of November said to a home owner, "Do you believe in the resurrection? Yes, No or maybe?! My wife was so embarrassed. But it turns out that the home owner was so impressed with my sons approach that he vowed to start studying the Bible when he returned home. Also, my wife laid down the ground work and was going to study with a friend of his who is a JW. Wow! My son still amazes me. The homeowner asked the question of the 144k and why that #. My wife was able to answer the question of the 144K in such a manner that the home owner understood and was wowed by her explanation. Thank you Jehovah!!

I found a scripture in the Man Card Bible where it says Google Chapter One Verse One and it says, "Husbands does not needith Google when Wife knowest everything!!"