Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #45-Steadfast

Jesus
III The things that shall be Revelation 4.1-22.5

A. The heavenly worship Revelation 4:1-11

4 After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! 3And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. 4Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. 5Coming from the throne are flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; 6and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal.
Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. 8And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,
"Holy, holy, holy the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."
9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing,
11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

B. Prelude to the seven seals:
the scroll opened and the Lamb adored Revelation 5::1-14

5 Then I saw in the right hand of the one sealed on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; 2and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. 4And I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look into it. 5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."
6 Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. 8When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9They sing a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; 10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12singing with full voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
14And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #45-Steadfast

Scriptures within the message are:

• Luke 9:51

• Steadfast was originally recorded November 12, 1989
• Running Time: 1:07 File Size: 61.6 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music TimeLife FlowerPower:Groovin-Amazing Grace-Judy Collins
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and can be played on the podcast.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Pastor Paul's Mission is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check and make a US tax deductible donation. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special Links:pastorpaul.org

Download The Podcast Here:
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #45-Steadfast
Listen Next Friday to Episode #46-A Message handpicked for Us.

Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode 44-To Gain

Saul (Paul)
'His call and conversion on the Damascus road' Acts 9:1-19

9(1)Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2)and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3)Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (4)He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?" (5)He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (6)But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." (7)The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. (8)Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus. (9)For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

His Baptism by Ananias

(10)Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." (11)The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, (12)and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." (13)But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; (14)and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." (15)But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; (16)I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (17)So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (18)And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, (19)and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #44-To Gain

Scriptures within the message are:

• Philippians 1:21
  
• I Chronicles 28:20
  
• Psalm 37:4
  
• Acts 9:1-19
  

• To Gain was originally recorded November 5, 1989
• Running Time: 1:05 File Size: 60.3 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music Songbird Symphony-Borodin's Romantic Theme from Prince Igor
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and can be played on the podcast.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Pastor Paul's Mission is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check and make a US tax deductible donation. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special Links:pastorpaul.org

Download The Podcast Here:
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #44-To Gain
Sunday listen to Episode #45-Steadfast. This will conclude the Faces About The Cross with the final face of Jesus.

Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #43-The Fearful

Joseph of Arimathaea

'And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a councillor; and he was a good man, and just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews who was looking for the kingdom of God.' Luke 23:50-51

Joseph, like Nicodemus, another member of the Jewish Great Council, or Sanhedrin, was a secret disciple of Jesus. St Luke calls him a good and just man who refused to consent to the verdict of the Sanhedrin when they condemned Jesus. Although he may not have openly challenged the verdict, he did show more courage than the disciples when on the evening of the Crucifixion he, 'went boldly unto Pilate and craved the body of Jesus.'

Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. Crucified men often lingered in agony on the cross for two days. He called in the centurion who was in charge of the execution for the report. After he found that Jesus had died on the cross, he consented to give Joseph permission to take down His body. Papini points out that Pilate disregarded a Roman custom fo the day, according to which Roman officers who were in charge of executions could collect a fee from the families and friends of the crucified for delivery of the body.

Josephus and Nicodemus, attended by Mary Magdalene and probably Jesus' mother Mary and her sister Salome, took His body to the garden in which the wealthy Joseph had his sepulchre for himself hewn in rock. There the sacred body was prepared for burial: washed, sprinkled with spices, wrapped in a linen shroud, and a napkin placed over the face. Then by flickering torch light the white- shrouded body was laid in the tomb and a great large rock rolled against the opening to seal it up.

Here His body would remain until Easter when the rock having been rolled away would reveal His Resurrection and immortality. He conquered death.1

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #43-The Fearful
Scriptures within the message are:

• John 19:38-42
• John 15:2
  
• Matthew 27:57-61
• Mark 15:42-47
• Luke 23:50-56

• The Fearful was originally recorded October 28, 1989
• Running Time: 1:04 File Size: 59 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones-'Jumping Jack Flash'
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and can be played on the podcast.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Pastor Paul's Mission is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check and make a US tax deductible donation. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special Links:pastorpaul.org

Download The Podcast Here:
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #43-The Fearful
Listen Next Friday to Episode #44 To Gain and Sunday listen to Episode #45-Steadfast. This will conclude the Faces About The Cross with the final face of Jesus.

1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 93

Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #42-Overconfident

Peter

'And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.' John 1:42

Before meeting Jesus, this disciple was known as Simon (hearer). He was the son of a successful fisherman named Jona. His brother Andrew who was a follower of John the Baptist had witnessed John baptizing Jesus, when John said, 'Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.' He hurried home to tell Simon, 'We have found the Messiah.' He took Simon to see Jesus. Jesus, immediately after seeing him, recognized him and gave him the surname Peter-The Rock.

But before the Resurrection and Ascension, when he set out to establish the Church of the world, there is little doubt that Peter still thought of the Messiah as the political figure foretold by the Jewish prophets. In the apostle's evangelical history, his character is portrayed with great clarity.

Yet there were contradictions in his make-up, as there are in all men. Complete renunciation of the world was not easy for him. When Jesus said, 'It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,' Peter was a little dismayed. Peter's challenge was, in fact, the challenge that has faced all men in all ages, including our own. He had the same weaknesses, and some of the same strengths. In overweening self-confidence, he cried: 'Lord, I am ready to go with Thee both into prison and to death,' then denied that he knew the Man.

But later in life, in his strength he defied the Roman emperors, and according to tradition, was crucified head downward by Nero in Rome. 1

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #42-Overconfident
Scriptures within the message are:

• John 13:36-38
• Matthew 26:30-35
• Mark 14:27-31
• Luke 22:31-38

• Overconfident was originally recorded October 21, 1989
• Running Time:1:14 File Size: 68.5 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones-'She's a Rainbow'
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and can be played on the podcast.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Pastor Paul's Mission is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check and make a US tax deductible donation. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special Links:Shop.org Scott Silverman Mitch Joel flickr
  

Download The Podcast Here:
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #42-Overconfident
Listen Sunday to Episode #43-The Fearful. Faces About The Cross Continues Celebrating Two Episodes Weekly until further notice.

1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 7

Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #41-No Hearts

Judas Iscariot

'He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.' John 6:71

Of all of the twelve who were called to be disciples, the character of Judas remains the mysterious. The Gospel writers tell us nothing of his life or background before he met Jesus, and very little of his association with Jesus except to identify him as a betrayer.

To quote one observer, 'the treachery of Judas Iscariot, his remorse and suicide are occurrences Altogether so strange and extraordinary that the motives by which he was actuated require to be developed as far as may be done, where the Evangelists are in a great measure silent concerning them.' It is obvious that Judas had an overwhelming weakness, some ruling passion that made him, when under its influence powerless to resit evil.

What was the weakness? Was it covetousness as the Gospel narratives imply and the lust for money that was so great he stole from the disciples? If that were true, then why was he made steward for the group receiving contributions and overseeing redistribution?

An apocryphal source states that Judas Iscariot's weakness was wine. While this account has no Scriptural support, it is a more rational explanation of his behavior. Even today alcoholics and drug addicts often sacrifice everything including the interests of those they love for their habit.

The Gospels tell us that, stricken with remorse, Judas tried to undo the betrayal of Jesus, and returned to 30 pieces of silver, which the priests refused, and which were eventually used to buy a potter's field. In deep despair Judas hanged himself, but in the act, apparently the rope broke and he fell down a steep precipice at Aceldama where 'he burst asunder in the midst.' 1 Acts 1:18

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #41-No Hearts
Please note due to web hosting services technical difficulty transferring files, this podcast was originally due to air on Sunday April 6, 2008. Very sorry for the delay.

Scriptures within the message are:

• John 13:21-30
• Matthew 26:21-25
• Matthew 27:4
• Acts 1:16-20
  
• Mark 14:18-21
• Luke 22:21-23

• No Hearts was originally recorded October 16, 1989
  
• Running Time: 1:07 File Size: 61.4 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones-'Sympathy For The Devil'
  
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and played on the podcast.
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Pastor Paul's Mission is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check and make a US tax deductible donation. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special links referred to: Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #38-Tears
  

Download The Podcast Here:
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #41-No Hearts
Next Friday Listen to Episode #42-The Over Confident and Sunday #43-The Fearful. Faces About The Cross Continues Celebrating Two Episodes Weekly.

1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 27

Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #40-Simon

Simon of Cyrene

'And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.' Matthew 27:32

The saddest and most terrible procession in recorded history is approaching Jerusalem's Gate of Gardens. Led by a mounted Roman centurion and small company of soldiers, and followed by a mixed crowd of jeering, curious and sympathetic spectators, three men drag heavy crosses toward the Hill of Skulls where they are to be crucified. Two are convicted thieves. The third is Jesus of Nazareth whose crime was defining the law of love claiming to be the Son of God.
Weak from the night long interrogation, floggings and inhuman torture, this Man of Sorrows staggers under the weight of the cross. Finally, unable to go further, He falls to the ground exhausted. The Centurion who leads the group sees Him falling beneath the cross realizing it is impossible for Him to take another step.

He looks into the following crowd seeing Simon, a Greek Jew. He is from Cyrene located on the north coast of Africa. 'You', commands the Centurion, 'Take up this man's cross and follow us.' The Cyrenian has no choice in the matter. Scripture does not confirm whether the task was performed willingly and with pity for Jesus, or sullenly and with resentment for Jesus and the Roman authorities.

For Christians over the past two thousand years, Simon of Cyrene, was the most important man in the New Testament story. Because in the most important moment in history, he was chosen to bear upon his shoulders the burden of the Lord.1

Welcome to Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #40 Simon
Please note due to web hosting services technical difficulty transferring files, this podcast was originally due to air on Friday April 4, 2008. Very sorry for the delay.

• Scriptures within the message are:
  
  • Mark 15:33-37
  • Matthew 27:45-50
    
  • John 19:28-30
    
• Simon was originally recorded October 8, 1989
  
• Running Time: 1:04 File Size: 58.8 MB
• Your Hostess with the Mostest Jeanine coming to you from Spirited North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Music is Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones 'Dandelion'
• Make an Audio Comment the number is 1-715-808-0318. I would like to hear from you. Like voice mail it is recorded and played on the podcast.
  
• Send your comments, questions and suggestions to me, jeanine.at.pastorpaul.org
• Make a comment at the Blog-wwwpastorpaul.blogspot.com (no dot after the 3W's). Your comment will be posted.
• Join the community at www.pastorpaul.org. Connect to the Blog, flicker, the Podcast, and twitter. You will find those interactive links at the top of the homepage. Please disregard this if the navigation is down without the links. I am working on the website. I was interrupted by technical difficulties that prompted me to change the website.
• Pastor Paul's Mission food distribution to needy people is located in the historic Mikro Kodesh synagogue in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
• Send your check or make a US tax deductible donation on the homepage. We need your support-Thank You!
• Special links referred to:
  
• Shop.org
• Blogger
• twitter
• Dandelion-Priest's Crown
  

Download The Podcast Here
Tongues of Fire-Pastor Paul's Podcast-Episode #40 Simon

Sunday Listen to Episode #41-No Hearts.
Please note due to web hosting services technical difficulty transferring files, this podcast was originally due to air on Friday April 6, 2008. Very sorry for the delay.
Next Friday Listen to Episode #42-The Over Confident

1 Jesus Loved Them, Sam Patrick and Omar Garrison pg 45

Andy Sernovitz Keynote Speaker Shop.org

'Word of Mouth Marketing' How Smart Companies Get People Talking

Here we are 'Proud as Peacocks', Author, Andy Sernovitz and me, Jeanine Arnopoulos, New Fan with autographed book in hand!

Shop.org-'Plan The Future Today'-The Strategy and Innovation Forum taking place January 22-24, 2008 at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Florida-"The first 200 registrants receive a copy of Andy Sernovitz's Book, 'Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking.'" I was one of the first to register for the forum and receive my free copy. The autograph came after Andy's incredible Keynote Address that was truly motivating.

I first met Andy Sernovitz at the Shop.org Opening Reception while I was talking to Mitch Joel. He was comparing his very sheik custom black shirt to Mitch Joel's since they were both couture fashioned by the same Singapore tailor. We were joined by Andy Nulman and one by one other speakers. At the time I found myself in the midst of keynote speaker custom couture. It reminded me of the opening scene of 'Broadway Danny Rose', one of my favorite movies, where as the scene unfolds one comedian after the other joins the group and they start to talk about their different venues and routines.

I was in such distinguished company, I felt like Shirley MacLain meeting the Rat Pack for the first time. I like to think of them as the Cat Pack, intuitively independent and passionate about marketing and new media. As Mia Farrow's character, Tina Vitali, describes Broadway Danny Rose, played by Woody Allen, 'Your a smooth talker.' I was in the company of some smooth talkers. Then, Mitch Joel introduced me adding, 'Jeanine works for God.' The religious cat was out of the bag. Resisting the urge to proselytize between the appetizers and bar, I smiled and the movie Two Mules For Sister Sara came to mind starring Shirley MacLain and Clint Eastwood. The movie is a must see, definitely about conversion.

Larry Joseloff, Shop.org Senior Director Content & Education, joined us. He greeted everyone and touched base with most of them about their talks. For me, Larry is always a friendly face, or as I like to think of him as the friendly red beard, in the crowd. In April 2007, at the first Shop.org Marketing Workshop I attended he convinced me that I would learn so much and meet other marketers. He would be at the receptions and I should look for him, a man with red hair and a red beard for help. And so I did. Tonight was no exception, I asked him where I could get a Cherry Coke. Saying my good bye's to the Cat Pack was very difficult, but since I did not know anyone, I needed to continue my Shop.org networking introducing myself one table at a time.

One of the reasons for attending the Shop.org workshops, summits, and forums is to network, sharing who you are and what you do. It is not always easy to spend time with people you do not know. In order to grow out of your own fishbowl it is important to share ideas with other people who have similar interests. At Shop.org the focus is ecommerce, so everyone attending have the same interests clients and business. I must admit Pastor Paul's Club is somewhat unique which is all the more interesting. Because Pastor Paul's Mission represents a very large community, currently, 14,924 registered households averaging 3.5 per household, I find the new media and social networking I have learned here to be invaluable.

Working my way to the bar to get a Cherry Coke, I stopped by a table that included Austin Wilson, Microsoft, Director Windows Product Management, Kelly Sieben, Microsoft, Escalation Policy & Incident Response Lead, and Jeff Pape, WrestlingGear.Com, Owner. I introduced myself as did they. A little puzzled about what Kelly and Austin did, I began to tell them that I built pastorpaul.org website with no commuter experience by using the FrontPage 2003 Inside Out manual. They seemed impressed-kind.

The real conversation developed when I started to share with Jeff, that we had very similar interests. Come to think of it I did neglect to tell him that I use to put boys in a headlock (kind of a tomboy) who gave me a hard time, it was probably better that I left that out. I asked him about his business and he said he sold all kinds of wrestling gear to high schools nationwide. I told him I went to (Friendly) Fridley High School, and at that time the Fridley Tigers won the State Wrestling Championships. He was familiar with the school and the team. He said they are still winning today.

Then I went a few years back to when I was in elementary school. My grandpa, who I called Papa, when I was young and Pop when I was older, took me to all the wrestling matches. I would get autographs ringside. Before the match kids would run up to their favorite wrestler's corner and get their autograph, very cool. So I ran some wrestlers names by him: Vern Gaughna (spelling?), Larry 'Pretty Boy' Henning, Mitzu Aurukauwa (spelling?). Well, we hit our bump in the road. He had not heard of them. Then I pulled out my aces-Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

I remember watching Cassius Clay vs Sonny Liston early 60'sand then in the 70's the infamous Mohammad Ali vs Joe Frazier fight with Pop in 1971, the year I graduated from high school. We watched by satellite TV at the Minneapolis Armory Auditorium. Dancing like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, Ali went down and got up right away, but the 15th round decision fight went to Joe Frazier who did not slow down for the entire fight. The excitement in the air was indescribable. What a fun conversation. It was time to meet some more people, get the Cherry Coke and get a start on Andy Sernovitz's book, 'Word of Mouth Marketing-How Smart Companies Get People Talking'.

Bright and early, book in one hand, Earl Grey tea in the other, I found my seat front and center in the ballroom. I was joined by Eric Nadler, Vice President, Sales and E-Commerce, Danskin, and Au-Co Mai, Empress of Bling, emitations. It was nice because we kept these seats throughout the day so between speakers we could share information about our companies. I told Eric I loved Danskin and as a matter of fact I was wearing dresses that could have been the brand. They happened to be Jones New York and Chico's, but with the style of Danskin (I wore the tights as well) really comfortable. He said they use to manufacture dresses, but not any more. I tried to convince him to pass my recommendation on for future Danskin Dresses. I for one would be a valuable customer because I would help create the brand, buy the brand, sell the brand and market it by word of mouth marketing. ( Last night I got a start on Andy's book and I know about the business card luggage tags)

Au-Co Mai, the Empress of Bling, emitations, and I had met at the Shop.org Merchandising Workshop in July. She had asked Dottie Mattison, Vice President and Chief Merchant, Walmart.com a question after Dottie gave her Keynote. Au-Co shared with the audience what good customer service Walmart gave her when she purchased furnishings for an entire house at one store. Later we talked in the hall. It was good to see her and find out more about her company, imitation celebrity jewelry. I told her I wanted the diamond Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor after they filmed Cleopatra (and a splint for my arm).

Let the Keynote Address begin, Scott Silverman, Executive Director, Shop.org, introduced Andy Sernovitz-'The Circus is in Town', it was exciting! He jumped on the stage, acknowledged the introduction with the deepest humility. Andy Sernovitz had shed his couture sheik black shirt for the most incredible tye dyed shirt I have ever seen in my entire 54 years of life! (Born about a decade before the primal 60's Hippie movement), I have come to appreciate unique tye dyed togs. I had to get a picture and an autograph.

Andy's presentation focused on the Five Ts of Word of Mouth Marketing. He handed out WOM White Paper #8, a worksheet adapted to his book. The steps include the Five T's are Talkers, Topics, Tools, Taking Part, and Tracking. He gave examples of what each step did, some examples that inspired you to think about your own plan of action. For example: Talkers are people who will talk about you and some examples are fans, volunteers, customers, and bloggers. I guess I am a perfect example of a talker! Topics give people a reason to talk. I am talking about Andy's book because I read it and it is full of practical advice and easy to understand.It is a good guide that helps you prepare your own plan of action. The Tool I am using is Pastor Paul's Blog. I am Taking Part by posting this information to the blog so others are able to make a comment and join the discussion. An example of Tracking is measuring what people are saying about WOM Marketing on message boards, and listening to feedback. Your comments continue the discussion.

For me the take away in Andy's book, 'Word of Mouth Marketing', is:

HONESTY IS THE ESSENCE OF WORD OF MOUTH

'The one truth about word of mouth is that the truth always rises to the surface. The truth about your company, products, services, and people-your stuff-is all that matters now.

You can't hide a bad product behind a great media campaign.
You can't hide a bad service behind a big brand.
You can't lie to yourself, and you can't lie to your customers.
Word of mouth and the newly empowered cutomer voice mean that marketers that sell poor products or don't respect their customers can't get away with it anymore.' pg 51

After Andy had finished his presentation, I handed my camera to an onlooker just after I had Andy autograph my copy of his book, and I remember saying to the volunteer get a good shot of Andy's shirt. Taking a closer look focusing on Andy's shirt, you will have to agree that tye dyed shirt is the cooolest. If you have ever tye dyed shirts you know how difficult this pattern must be. It is truly incredible. I told Andy I loved it. He said he loved it too. He saw someone wearing the shirt at a concert and actually bought the shirt off their back. I immediately asked him, 'For how much' (I had some ideas of my own) He couldn't remember.

Andy is so nice he seems like the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back...Believe me I had my eyes on that one!

Listen To Tye Dye Difficulty:

This is the T-shirt Jenasea, my granddaughter, and I discuss in this recorded conversation about the difficulty of tye dying and the importance of squirting alot of dye! Pastor Paul and I are celebrating his 75th Birthday at 'It's Greek To Me'. We gave him our first T-shirt. He was overjoyed! Check this video out. It is our tye dye procedure (without the headbands).