1 John 3:18 (New International Version)
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Psalm 120:1 (New International Version)
A song of ascents.
I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.
On 03/03/2024,
in Daniel S. Christian, Emotion, faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion,
by Daniel Christian
On 02/15/2024,
in Daniel S. Christian, Emotion, engagement / engaging students, faith, future, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, ideas, lifelong learning, morals/values, parents/guardians, relationships, religion, society, student-related, vision/possibilities, youth,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
After reading the book entitled “Love & Hate” by Bill Halamandaris — a book about Henri Landwirth, the founder of the Give Kids the World Village — and “On Purpose” by Pamela Landwirth, I was struck with several thoughts. Below are just some of them:
- There is enormous power in a vision.
- People want purpose and meaning in their lives. They want their lives to count. To matter.
- People want to work for an organization that is concretely making the world a better place in which to live.
- People want to buy from businesses that are making a positive contribution to the world.
- Both love and hate are powerful. But let’s choose to go forward with love.
- Parents, grandparents, and/or other guardians of critically-ill children carry enormous, hidden burdens. Let’s try to notice those burdens and help them out.
- Life is precious.
From DSC:
Recently, a group from our church went to serve down at the Give Kids the World Village, in Kissimee, Florida. I wanted to relay the specialness of this place and say a few words about the Founder of the Give Kids the World Village: a man by the name of Henri Landwirth. Over the last few weeks in the Orlando area, the Holy Spirit helped me to think about the power of a vision, as both Walt Disney and Henri Landwirth were visionaries.
But first, it’s important to note that Henri survived FIVE concentration camps during WWII. He had no name there. He was known only as B4343.
Henri:
- Was in concentration camps from ages 13-18
- He lost both of his parents to acts of mass murder
- Henri survived FIVE YEARS of hunger, torture, and horrendous conditions
- He faced what looked like certain death several times
Yet as I was reading the book entitled “Love & Hate”, I kept wondering if I was seeing the fingerprints of God on Henri’s life.
After the war, Henri went in search of former Nazis, for whom he was filled with hatred. And while I don’t have time to relay the fateful day that changed Henri’s perspective and his life, the bottom line was that he didn’t want to become like his former captors the Nazis. Surprisingly and amazingly, he chose love, not hate.
Fast forward to Henri’s coming to America, working very hard, and climbing up the ladder of the Holiday Inn organization.
Then fast forward even further to the time Henri was looking for a location to build his vision. Quoting from page 139:
Henri took his checkbook and began looking for a location for Give Kids the World Village. He found it almost immediately in Kissimmee. When Henry looked at the lot, he could already see the Village there. Where others might have seen rows of burned orange trees and wetlands, Henri saw villages, a place for kids to fish, and a castle. “I could see it all,” Henri says, “as if my dream had already come to life.”
A few last notable things about the Give Kids the World Village:
- According to the book by Bill Halamandaris, the Village was built with ZERO CONTRACTS and NO ADVERTISEMENTS from those who helped create the village! This is underheard of for $60+ million worth of facilities and the millions of dollars’ worth of donated services.
- The Village has thousands of volunteers and it takes 160 volunteers per day to keep it running
- Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 188,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries.
So I want to leave you with the idea that we were witnesses of – and participants in – the tremendous power of a vision.
On 02/13/2024,
in faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion, society,
by Daniel Christian
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Proverbs 31:8-9 New International Version
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
On 01/14/2024,
in Access to Justice (A2J), faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion, society,
by Daniel Christian
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Psalm 145:8-14 New International Version
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
11 They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.[a]
14 The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
On 01/06/2024,
in Daniel S. Christian, faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, history, ideas, leadership, religion, society,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
As a bit of context here…
After the Jewish people had been exiled to various places, the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins until the fifth century B.C.E.. At that point, a man named Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem as the provincial governor and completed the repairs of the walls. The verses below really stuck out at me in regards to what a leader should behave/look/be like. He was a servant leader, not demanding choice treatment, not squeezing the people for every last drop, and not using his position to treat himself extra right.
I don’t like to get political on this blog, as I already lose a great deal of readership due to including matters of faith. But today’s leaders (throughout all kinds of organizations) need to learn from Nehemiah’s example, regardless of whatever their beliefs/faiths may be.
Nehemiah 5:14-19 New International Version (emphasis by DSC)
14 Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. 15 But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels[a] of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. 16 Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we[b] did not acquire any land.
17 Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. 18 Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.
19 Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.
On 01/05/2024,
in Daniel S. Christian, faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, psychology, reinvent, relationships, religion, society,
by Daniel Christian
Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds. — from letter.visualgrowth.com by Ash Lamb
If you let other people plant those seeds for you, the garden, no matter how big or colorful, won’t be yours, it’ll be someone else’s.
Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds.
What you think, you become.
.
Here’s a powerful mantra.
“I won’t outsource my thinking.”
Don’t let that popular influencer decide how you present yourself to the world.
Don’t allow some generic business guru to decide what type of business you should be focusing on.
From DSC:
I thought that Ash Lamb had some solid points here. And as I’ve read the Scriptures through the years, I’ve realized that ideas are like seeds. Like seeds, ideas can:
- start small
- take root
- grow
- become powerful, while transforming something bit by bit
So ideas can start small and be fragile. Many get squashed and never make it. And others don’t have healthy soil in which to grow. But other seeds grow roots.
I’ve learned that we are transformed when our THINKING is transformed.
Here are just a couple of verses of scripture that emphasize that point:
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
5 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
So ideas and thoughts/ways of thinking can be good/helpful or bad/not helpful. I just like the point that Ash Lamb made — to NOT outsource our thinking to others.
NOTE: The above thoughts aren’t just about our spiritual lives. People working in many types of organizations have witnessed some of these dynamics/phenomena with new ideas as well.
On 12/23/2023,
in Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, communications, communities of practice, Daniel S. Christian, Emotion, faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, history, India, relationships, religion, society, UK, United States,
by Daniel Christian
On 12/16/2023,
in faith, global / globalization, history, relationships, religion,
by Daniel Christian
Isaiah 7:14 (New International Version)
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Jude 24-25 New International Version
Doxology
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Psalm 140:12 New International Version
12 I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
and upholds the cause of the needy.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]
7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
On 12/12/2023,
in 21st century, 24x7x365 access, Access to Justice (A2J), Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Deep Learning / Algorithms, bots, change, changing business models, communities of practice, computer science, corporate / business world, culture, Daniel S. Christian, experimentation, faith, future, game-changing environment, generational differences, ideas, innovation, law schools, Legal operations, legal reform, legal technologies, legislatures / government / legal, platforms, productivity / tips and tricks, reinvent, society, technology (general), tools, United States, vendors, Virtual courts and law firms, vision/possibilities,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
As you can see from the above items, Mr. David Goodrich, a great human being and a fellow Instructional Designer, had a great comment and question regarding the source of my hope that AI — and other forms of legaltech — could significantly provide more access to justice here in America. Our civil justice system has some serious problems — involving such areas as housing, employment, healthcare, education, families, and more.
I’d like to respond to that question here.
First of all, I completely get what David is saying. I, too, have serious doubts that our horrible access to justice (#A2J) situation will get better. Why? Because:
- Many people working within the legal field like it this way, as they are all but assured victory in most of the civil lawsuits out there.
- The Bar Associations of most of the states do not support changes that would threaten their incomes/livelihoods. This is especially true in California and Florida.
- The legal field in general is not composed, for the most part, of highly innovative people who make things happen for the benefit of others. For example, the American Bar Association is 20+ years behind in terms of providing the level of online-based learning opportunities that they should be offering. They very tightly control how legal education is delivered in the U.S.
Here are several areas that provide me with hope for our future
There are innovative individuals out there fighting for change.
And though some of these individuals don’t reside in the United States, their work still impacts many here in America. For examples, see:
- Cat Moon
- Natalie Anne Knowlton
- Justice Bridget McCormack
- Dan Linna Jr.
- James Sandman
- Colin Levy
- Richard Susskind
- Jordan Furlong
- Bob Ambrogi
- Josh Kubicki
- Richard Tromans at Artificial Lawyer
- Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell
- …and many others
There are innovative new companies, firms, and other types of organizations out there fighting for change. For examples:
- IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System at the University of Denver
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
- Innovation for Justice (i4J): i4J designs, builds, and tests disruptive solutions to the justice gap
- University of Pennsylvania’s Future of the Profession Initiative at the Penn Carey Law School
- A2J Tech
- The AAAi Lab: A web center supporting American Arbitration Association® (AAA) users, arbitrators, in-house counsel and law firms with policy guidance, educational webinars and tools for embracing generative AI in alternative dispute resolution.
- Ironcrow AI’s LLM Sandbox: Setting an Industry Standard (patent law)
- Wolters Kluwer (who recently announced a Generative AI Summarization Feature for Court Rulings)
- Law School AI
- Rasa
- Legal Hackers
- Frontline Justice
- Legal Services Corp.
- …and many others
There are innovative new tools and technologies out there such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- AI and machine learning remain pivotal in legaltech, especially for in-house lawyers who deal with vast quantities of contracts and complex legal matters. In 2024, these technologies will be integral for legal research, contract review, and the drafting of legal documents. Statistics from the Tech & the Law 2023 Report state more than three in five corporate legal departments (61%) have adopted generative AI in some capacity, with 7% actively using generative AI in their day-to-day work. With constant improvements to LLM (Large Language Models) by the big players, i.e. OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft (via OpenAI), 2024 will see more opportunities open and efficiencies gained for legal teams. (Source)
- From drafting contracts to answering legal questions and summarising legal issues, AI is revolutionising the legal profession and although viewed with a sceptical eye by some law firms, is generally perceived to be capable of bringing huge benefits. (Source)
- Legal bots like Harvey will assist lawyers with discovery.
- Technology-assisted review (TAR) in e-discovery
- Due to COVID 19, there were virtual courtrooms set up and just like with virtual/online-based learning within higher education, many judges, litigants, lawyers, and staff appreciated the time savings and productivity gains. Along these lines, see Richard Susskind’s work. [Richard] predicts a world of online courts, AI-based global legal businesses, disruptive legal technologies, liberalized markets, commoditization, alternative sourcing, simulated practice on the metaverse, and many new legal jobs. (Source)
There are innovative states out there fighting for change. For examples:
- Utah in 2020 launched a pilot program that suspended ethics rules to allow for non-lawyer ownership of legal services providers and let non-lawyers apply for a waiver to offer certain legal services. (Source)
- Arizona in 2021 changed its regulatory rules to allow for non-lawyer ownership. (Source)
- Alaska with their Alaska Legal Services Corporation
- …and others
And the last one — but certainly not the least one — is where my faith comes into play. I believe that the Triune God exists — The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit — and that the LORD is very active in our lives and throughout the globe. And one of the things the LORD values highly is JUSTICE. For examples:
-
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10
- Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. Proverbs 29:26 NIV
- These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; Zechariah 8:16 NIV
- …and many others as can be seen below
So I believe that the LORD will actively help us provide greater access to justice in America.
Well…there you have it David. Thanks for your question/comment! I appreciate it!
On 12/07/2023,
in faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion, society,
by Daniel Christian
Psalm 136:1 New International Version
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
John 1:1-5 New International Version
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
1 Chronicles 16:8 New International Version
8 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Daniel 4:37 New International Version
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
On 11/27/2023,
in faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion,
by Daniel Christian
Proverbs 27:17 New International Version
17 As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Psalm 95:1-2 (New International Version)
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
On 11/22/2023,
in Amazon, Apple, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Deep Learning / Algorithms, communications, content development, aggregation, repositories, corporate / business world, Daniel S. Christian, emerging technologies, Emotion, engagement / engaging students, ethics, Facebook / Meta Platforms, faith, Google, hearts -- matters of the heart, leadership, Microsoft, morals/values, NVIDIA, platforms, psychology, relationships, social media, society, sociology, the downsides of how people use tech, tools, United States, vendors, vision/possibilities,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
The recent drama over at OpenAI reminds me of how important a few individuals are in influencing the lives of millions of people.
We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo.
We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) November 22, 2023
The C-Suites (i.e., the Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Operating Officers, and the like) of companies like OpenAI, Alphabet (Google), Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Netflix, NVIDIA, Amazon, Apple, and a handful of others have enormous power. Why? Because of the enormous power and reach of the technologies that they create, market, and provide.
We need to be praying for the hearts of those in the C-Suites of these powerful vendors — as well as for their Boards.
LORD, grant them wisdom and help mold their hearts and perspectives so that they truly care about others. May their decisions not be based on making money alone…or doing something just because they can.
What happens in their hearts and minds DOES and WILL continue to impact the rest of us. And we’re talking about real ramifications here. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky thinking or ideas. This is for real. With real consequences. If you doubt that, go ask the families of those whose sons and daughters took their own lives due to what happened out on social media platforms. Disclosure: I use LinkedIn and Twitter quite a bit. I’m not bashing these platforms per se. But my point is that there are real impacts due to a variety of technologies. What goes on in the hearts and minds of the leaders of these tech companies matters.
Some relevant items:
Navigating Attention-Driving Algorithms, Capturing the Premium of Proximity for Virtual Teams, & New AI Devices — from implactions.com by Scott Belsky
Excerpts (emphasis DSC):
No doubt, technology influences us in many ways we don’t fully understand. But one area where valid concerns run rampant is the attention-seeking algorithms powering the news and media we consume on modern platforms that efficiently polarize people. Perhaps we’ll call it The Law of Anger Expansion: When people are angry in the age of algorithms, they become MORE angry and LESS discriminate about who and what they are angry at.
…
Algorithms that optimize for grabbing attention, thanks to AI, ultimately drive polarization.
…
The AI learns quickly that a rational or “both sides” view is less likely to sustain your attention (so you won’t get many of those, which drives the sensation that more of the world agrees with you). But the rage-inducing stuff keeps us swiping.
Our feeds are being sourced in ways that dramatically change the content we’re exposed to.
And then these algorithms expand on these ultimately destructive emotions – “If you’re afraid of this, maybe you should also be afraid of this” or “If you hate those people, maybe you should also hate these people.”
…
How do we know when we’ve been polarized? This is the most important question of the day.
…
Whatever is inflaming you is likely an algorithm-driven expansion of anger and an imbalance of context.
On 11/09/2023,
in faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion, society, youth,
by Daniel Christian
“Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
On 10/24/2023,
in faith, global / globalization, health, hearts -- matters of the heart, relationships, religion,
by Daniel Christian
“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
The fear (i.e., respecting/honoring) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.
On 10/14/2023,
in ethics, faith, global / globalization, hearts -- matters of the heart, morals/values, relationships, religion, society, youth,
by Daniel Christian
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.