Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds Are Forever

They say diamonds are forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
But if diamonds are forever,
Then they must be here to stay.
I think love will live forever,
Way beyond forever's day,
It's not diamonds as eternal,
No, no matter what they say.
Diamonds are a fleeting fancy,
Look, as soon they will be gone,
But if love is your true diamond,
It will ever linger on.
So if you are seeking diamonds,
And I know you always will,
Then just find the kind of diamonds,
That your life, with love, will fill.

W. Diane Van Zwol
Copyright 2005

Cults

Cults

Examining Cults In The Work Place (or in other types of community settings)

While religious belief and practice does not appear to have a place in the work place or work environment, (or in many other types of communities), it is actually very prevalent. Most of us would disagree and would probably state that we have never encountered any kind of cultic religious belief or practice, much less a structured cult in any work place or in any community with which we are involved. But in reality, many people openly practice cultic activities of various kinds, totally unaware of the reality that this is what they are doing, or that they are participating in cultic activity that is happening in their work place or community.

Momentarily, take a serious look at your own work place or community. Examine it closely using this kind of criterion.

1. First of all, define "cult", as it has a multiplicity of possible definitions, including the following:
some kind of a formal religious veneration or worship

a group of worshippers
a system of religious beliefs and rituals
a body of adherents
religion regarded as unorthodox
a system based on the cure of disease based on dogma or teaching
great devotion to an idea, thing, or person
a fad based on literary or intellectual ideas
a small circle of persons united by devotion or allegiance
an artistic or intellectual movement based on some kind of a figure

2. Secondly, look closely and see if you find some element of oppression, exclusivity, ostracism, impropriety, negative force, control with fear, repression of ideas, abuse, including various forms of mental, physical, psychological, emotional, social or sexual abuse, etc.

3. Is there an element of severe cruelty, particularly directed towards the weak, the injured, the disabled, the elderly, minority groups, the young, the poor, widows and orphans, women, those of other sexual orientation?

4. Are those who would speak out against oppression immediately silenced, segregated or separated from others?

5. Is this setting considered to be 'a family' with the total exclusion of all of one's own immediate family?

6. Is there an element of deception in terms of leadership, teachings, training or practices?

7. Does what is being taught go 'against the grain' in terms of what you consider to be good, right, honest, decent, clean, pure, godly, orthodox, etc?

8. What and who is being worshipped and why?

9. Does this work place or community have an element of control by fear?

10. Is 'Love' included in what is being taught and what does 'Love' in this context signify?

12. Is this 'Life' oriented or 'Death' oriented in its teachings and dogma?

13. Does it have a 'sacrificial' element where you, your life and/or the life of your loved ones might be placed in danger?

14. Is it 'universal' ie. open to all, regardless of race, creed, color, religion or sexual preference?

15. Does your participation leave you at peace, happy, excited, satisfied and enthusiastic about your life and your work or does it leave you angry, miserable, frustrated and depressed?

16. Are those who actively participate extremely well rewarded? Are those who don't or those who object to the questionable teachings or practices openly, who would try to speak out or rebel against this kind of authority, forced to suffer punishment in some way, suffer other forms of abuse including ostracism, isolation, segregation etc.?

17. Are you required to 'do something' extremely negative or very wrong, in order to become part of the workplace, society or community, as some kind of an 'initiation ritual'?

If you and others find that your work place and/or your community are tending toward the nature of a cult, you may or may not be able to rectify the situation. Any attempt to do so, might result in your total expulsion. That might be the very best thing that could happen to you.

Remember that Love wins, even as "God is Love."

Examining Different Models Of Business Ethics (continued - part 3)

21. Preservation oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a preservation oriented business)

Preservation oriented business ethics might include the following: Historical preservation of the past is big business in our era and probably will always be, as history and its outworkings are extremely important to some. Not everyone wants to delve into the drama of history and few really do it in such a way that it creates a huge profit. Record keeping is highly important and historical documentation may or may not be questioned in terms of its accuracy.

22. Peace oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a peace oriented business)

Peace oriented business ethics might include the following: There can be no human survival without peace. While few really understand this basic principle, there are those who do and thus peace keeping in terms of actual business practices focuses its orientation on peaceful ethical legislation, government and ethical practices. Reality has it that peace has to be sought by man, in order for it to be part of his era. Our era has a dramatic terrorist focus, which is really not too different in terms of history from the past. Why is there no peace? Logicians and staticians may have their own answers, but businesses promoting peace will invariably evolve, just as surely as man will get tired of living in a world of non-peace.

23. Sales oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a sales oriented business)

Sales oriented business ethics might include the following: Sales reign supreme in a sales oriented business. The focus on every person being a sales person, with something to sell, whether they know it or not. There will always be sales oriented businesses, but the level or degree of sales will determine the success or the failure of the businesses whose sole focus is sales. What will be for sale will be determined to some extent by supply and demand but also by the ethical standard of the the person or persons in business. How that sale is made, on what basis, and to whom, is crucial to business survival.

24. Work oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a work oriented business)

Work oriented business ethics might include the following: In every business, there is always the one who is designated as the worker and the other as the one who makes the worker work, with whatever it takes. Work oriented businesses will always be around, as long as there are those who are able to work and those who are capable of making them work. The work ethic is distinctly Calvinistic in its historical perspective, but work in terms of slavery and cruelty is as old as history itself. 'Work and you will succeed', each one is told. 'Work and you will profit.' But success and profit are not necessarily what each and every person deems as important. 'Taking pride in one's work, one's achievements,' etc. is equally important. One thing is guaranteed. Human beings were created in such a way that they can work and enjoy work.

25. Customer service oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a customer service oriented business)

Customer service oriented business ethics might include the following: In a nut shell, customer service orientation focuses on the customer, whoever he or she is. There is a certain degree of human sacrifice involved. In other words, one does what one does, for the other and not for oneself. Humiliation and degradation can be a frustration but at the same time the customer service oriented person, at some time in history, is also aware that each one in turn, will be the customer.

26. Love of money oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a love of money oriented business)

Love of money oriented business ethics might include the following: Any business whose sole or primary focus is the love of money, is going to focus primarily on money in establishing its business ethics. When and where money is the main priority, there is a certain degree of ruthlessness, as well as potential for human negligence or abuse. The goal is specifically love of money driven. Eventually the business, though having accumulations of great wealth, either for the owner or the business itself, is highly unlikely to stand for any length of time, as there is eventual loss of respect for the management and leadership.

27. Void oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a void oriented business)

Void oriented business ethics might include the following: Where the void becomes of primary importance in a business, the ethics tend to focus on nothingness. While there is a certain degree of truth to the fact that it is in the void that revelation can occur and this can result in growth of a business, nihilism can also result, particularly if the focus on the void is too great. Nihilism, in varying degrees, takes place but the business itself can be totally annihilated as well in the process.

28. Cult oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a cult oriented business)

Cult oriented business ethics might include the following: In a cult oriented business, deception, control with fear, leadership worship,lies and deception often result in the temporary success of a the business. But invariably, a cult oriented business will not succeed for any length of time. What may appear to be a strong and progressive organization, over a period of time, will be exposed for the reality of its teachings and practises which may prove to be totally unethical.

29. Non-permanence oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a non-permanence oriented business)

Non-permanence oriented business ethics might include the following: Non-permance is based on the assumption that everything is in a state of flux and thus subject to continual change. It teaches that nothing is fixed, in either time or place and thus movement towards change is always continual. These types of businesses are very difficult to work for because there are continual changes. There is continual change of management, no definite work schedules, no rules or regulations that are always adhered to by management, although there may be some rules and regulations forced upon employees. These will be subject to change at any time, without any notice. These kinds of businesses may succeed for a time because they are open to change but like everything that changes, they too will change in time and disappear completely.

30. Drug oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a drug oriented business)

Drug oriented business ethics might include the following: In a drug oriented business, the focus is primarily on the promotion and the use of illicit drugs. Many of these drugs can be extremely addicting. Many of the drugs that are being trafficked around the world are also life threatening to humankind. There are a lot of legal implications, as these represent a serious health threat to anyone using the drugs. While there is a lot of money that can be made in this kind of a business, eventually this kind of business will succumb as both management and employees may find themselves victimized and addicted over a period of time.

31. Pharmaceutical oriented business ethics (the ethical business practises of a pharmaceutical oriented business)

Pharmaceutical oriented business ethics might include the following: Pharmaceuticals generally are under the control of medically oriented people with a higher, more professional level of medical expertise and health training. The danger comes when medicalization of the people suggests that virtually everything can be resolved by taking some kind of a pharmaceutical preparation. Many of the pharmaceutical based businesses do succeed, simply because there are basic health needs that can be effectively resolved with pharaceuticals. But there is also the need for continual research and continual development of new pharmaceuticals. Proper testing is essential. One error and the business can quickly go out of business because of law suits, etc.

32. Entertainment oriented business ethics (the ethical business practises of an entertainment oriented business)

Entertainment oriented business ethics might include the following: There is an increasing growth in the entertainment oriented businesses in our era. Part of the reason for this is the increasing ability of our world to communicate through televisions, dvds, computers, cell phones, etc. This is not likely to decline in the immediate future as new technological advances will allow the necessary changes to take place for people to be entertained.The ethical business issues that arise are often related to the quality of entertainment, as well as the mode of communication. People always want to be entertained, but being influenced by it, in a negative direction could lead to failure of a business. Reality based entertainment is currently a trend and has grown considerably over the past 50 years.

33. Positive thinking oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a positive thinking oriented business)

Positive thinking oriented business ethics might include the following: Positive thinking orientation in businesses basically is powerful because it is constructive and not destructive. It pushes for growth and productivity. How it achieves its goals is generally in a positive direction and not in a negative direction. Generally, it can be good thing and the ethical values are also positive, but it can be overdone at times with a focus on human success as opposed to failure. It generally has powerful leadership, but may collapse if the leadership fails, unless a more powerful positive thinker takes over.

34. Christ-centered oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of Christ-centered oriented business)

Christ-centered oriented business ethics might include the following: At the very heart of a Christ-centered oriented business, is the belief in Jesus Christ. Generally, Christ is understood in terms of the personification of truth and thus the ethics of truth would prevail. Love of God and one another, integrity, honesty etc. are basic ethical values related to Christianity. Truth ultimately stands and thus a Christ-oriented business, in its right context will also stand and grow.

Examining Different Models Of Business Ethics (continued part two)

11. Health care oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a health care oriented business)

Health care oriented business ethics might include the following: Any kind of business related to health care appears to be destined to grow at this time, simply because there is more and more awareness of actual health information and there is an increased concern for human health. Many of these businesses are successful simply because they appear to be helping people. These people are care givers essentially and people always need care to some degree. There is a lot of professional level concern re legitimacy of health care businesses and business practises. Some businesses are professional while some are not. Right now, it is an open field of inquiry, with an ongoing battle between eastern and western medicine. Ethically, who is right?

12. High energy oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a high energy oriented business)

High energy oriented business ethics might include the following: Any high energy oriented business is probably going to succeed, at least to some extent, simply because there is a demand for increased energy and effort, both on the part of the one promoting the business and those who he or she employs. Energy is a valuable commodity and human energy can never be taken for granted. The high energy person is highly productive and very capable of achieving success. The big concern is that of inevitable burnout on any level. Energy burned is energy gone. Can it be replaced? That is the question.

13. Academically oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of an academically oriented business)

Academically oriented business ethics might include the following: It is a reality that academically oriented businesses are in increasing demand, simply because there is a high degree of intellect involved and research always brings about something new, intriguing and different. We dwell in a world of change and the ethics associated with change can change too, depending upon the academic basis for the change. Few businesses just succumb to change, but some do, eg. a business based upon academic achievement, like a university, can collapse simply because of its ethical standards. Establishing high ethical standards invariably leads towards successful academically oriented businesses.

14. High productivity oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a high productivity oriented business)

High productivity oriented business ethics might include the following: A business demanding high productivity will invariably succeed, at least for a time. These are based on the laws of supply and demand. While something is in demand, the business with grow and thrive. Once the need has been met, the business has to change too, or it will simply collapse in time. In this kind of a business, there is a high burn out level of management and employees as well. The higher the expectations, the higher the burnout level. There has to be a continual influx of new employees, which in turn creates problems of a different kind. Who will and who will not be productive? The non-productive will be phased out very quickly. The productive are locked into that same burnout cycle.

15. Technologically oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a technically oriented business)

Technologically oriented business ethics might include the following: A new technological era is always evolving and as a result, the technologically based business is quite like to grow and to thrive. It too involves a lot of changes that happen continually. At some point in time, more advanced technology by another business can result in the initial business being taken over by its successor. Thus there is always the demand for ongoing research in technology. A lot of frustration can result as the general public is highly unlikely to keep up to date with current technology. Some people will attempt to do so, but the majority prefer the safety of what is familiar to them. The new is always frightening to those who prefer no change. Attempting to introduce change is always a challenge for this kind of a business.

16. Computer oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a computer oriented business)

Computer oriented business ethics might include the following: Our era is primarily a computer oriented business world. It is becoming increasingly so, as there is continual change in terms of computerization. We still have a generation of non-computer literate individuals and that probably will not change to any great extent in the near future. The end result is the reality that the computer is the movement of the future, whether those who choose to follow it or not are happy with the growth and development of those kind of business or not. Computer oriented businesses have thrived recently, simply because there are those who do recognize the value of what the computer is able to achieve in contrast to the human mind. Some prefer to see the mind as a computer of sorts.

17. Religion oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a religion oriented business)

Religion oriented business ethics might include the following: Religion based businesses tend to flow in movements, based upon what the needs of the area and the community it serves. Religion will always be part of the human constitution and humanity will continue to seek answers in terms of religion. Generally though, religion based businesses are oriented to giving and not to taking from people, although that is not necessarily the case. There is a genuine or non-genuine concern that is evidenced for humanity, ie. real or not real, depending upon the ethics of the businesses involved. Profit may be the main motive or it may not be. No one really has definitive answers in terms of religion, so speculation often prevails. Fraudulent businesses in terms of religion make things extremely difficult for those businesses which are truly ethical in nature.

18. Welfare oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a welfare oriented business)

Welfare oriented business ethics might include the following: While welfare oriented businesses thrived for a time, there is now a movement away from welfare oriented businesses. Rather, each and every person is expected to do what he or she is capable of doing, in terms of being independent and socially productive. Welfare always has been frowned upon to some extent and will become increasingly frowned upon, as it is now generally understood that everyone can do something unless there is a total disability. It is shocking to realize that total disability has its own unique definition in our era, in terms of mental disability rather than physical impairment.

19. 'Eye to the future' business ethics (the ethical practises of an 'eye to the future' oriented business)

'Eye to the future' business ethics might include the following: When one has an 'eye to the future', so to speak, there is an openness and an awakening to opportunity that is preceived by the human eye and understood by the human mind. Because this is deemed 'progress' as such, anyone who is involved with doing something is a risk taker but quite often the risk taker either learns from the experience, or takes what he or she has learned and moves on to take another risk involving another business. These businesses can be lucrative at best, but then one never knows unless one tries. The important thing is that this kind of a business venture works in terms of staying on top of what is happening in our world.

20. Conservation oriented business ethics (the ethical practises of a conservation oriented business)

Conservation oriented business ethics might include the following: There is increasing concern for our environment and thus conservation orientation is a growing opportunity at this time. The reality of diminishing resources is of major concern to many people and to many businesses as well. What happens to a world when there is more demand than supply? Is human survival a logical possibility? The business focusing on conservation generally operates on a rule of conserving everything, ie. whatever we have at the moment rather than relying on what may or may not be available in the future. The future is of serious concern. Future generations will have needs that may or may not be met as well. Recycling may help but is it the only answer for businesses?

Examining Different Models Of Business Ethics

Examining Different Models of Business Ethics

Please note that these are in no specific order in terms of preference, but are merely research based observations.

1. Caveman ethics (the ethical practises of a caveman oriented business)

Caveman ethics might include the following: In this model, the caveman drags his wife, perhaps his only employee, around with her hair in order to have his immediate needs met. His mode of communication is based upon grunts and groans. Over time, perhaps he learns a higher level of communication by learning to speak words or by drawing pictures on the walls of the cave. He might even learn to associate with others in time. In terms of ethics, there is no kind of respect, cleanliness, work ethics, etc. other than what is required for his base survival.

2. Barbarian ethics (the ethical practises of a barbarian oriented business)

Barbarian ethics might include the following: The barbarian bases his business on a principle of anything goes, as long as it is negative and destructive rather than positive and constructive. He really does not follow any rules of any kind other than to forcibly take anything that he wishes to take from whoever, whenever. There is no sense of right or wrong much less any kind of moral or ethical values determining what happens in his business. Barbarians and barbarian behaviour will always be a threat to people and to other businesses.

3. Bar room ethics (the ethical practises of a bar room oriented business)

Bar room ethics might include the following: Front and center in this business model, is the assumed right of the bartender to control the behaviour of his patrons and their mood in the bar room. He gives alcohol freely, for a price, of course, often in excess, as he profits from the realilty that his patrons will give anything for their 'fix', which is in this case, alcohol. Wild and inebriated behaviour often results in the bartender using his bouncer to toss out the offender, after he has taken all the money or whatever that he can possibly take from his patron. Since there is addiction, loss of memory and lack of morals, generally associated with alcohol, it does not really concern him. His primary concern is accumulation of wealth.

4. Bordello-brothel ethics (the ethical practises of a bordello-brothel oriented business)

Bordello-brothel business ethics might include the following: This is a sex oriented business where a dominant male working with a sub-dominant female, uses sex and human sexual needs and demands, as his way to make a profit. There are no limitations or restrictions, other than what society or the dominant male imposes. Thus he often uses his supposed authority to abuse both those who work under him and those who are his patrons in order to achieve his goal. Often there is a certain degree of acquired elegance that is used as a bait to entice the patrons. The employees are sometimes offered a certain degree of protection but that can be evoked at any time by the dominant male. He preys upon the weak and their inability to control their sexual desires or tendencies.

5. War ethics (the ethical practises of war oriented business)

War oriented business ethics might include the following: When war is the focus of business ethics, the primary purpose of the business is to promote war. There is no profit perceived in peace, but only in continuing warfare, as the warrior can advance his profit considerably by pilfering the land and those he conquers. He can virtually take whatever he wants or demands. There are really no rules in terms of who has to suffer and who does not, as long as he does not suffer. Any kind of violence may be employed. It becomes a matter of the survival of the strongest contender.

6. Early civilizational ethics (the ethical practises of early civilization oriented business)

Early civilizational business ethics might include the following: Early efforts at civilizational business ethics appear to attempt to bring some sort of an order to the chaos of early society. This is manifest in almost every kind of civilization in history. Some efforts have succeeded and some have not managed to do so. Battling both the elements and the other less ethical business practises of the era were not easy. While civilization of people always appears as an ideal, it is still not easily put into practise that easily and what happens does affect businesses.

7. Male oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a male oriented business)

Male oriented business ethics might include the following: Businesses that are distinctly male oriented businesses have taken a primary role throughout the course of history. Men are always dominant in this kind of a business and the stronger the man, the more powerful he becomes in terms of business. There is no room for the female or the weak man; they are forced to be subservient to the strong man, so to speak. Many male oriented businesses are successful, simply because strong men band together and base their ethical decisions on male oriented values, good or otherwise, at least until a stronger strong man takes over.

8. Female oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a female oriented business)

Female oriented business ethics might include the following: Historically female oriented businesses are not without ethical issues of major concern. Over the years, dominant women in their own businesses, have become almost as powerful, if not more powerful than dominant men, at least some times. The female dominant business promotes the female, but not necessarily the weaker female. She may or may not be allowed to be part of the female oriented business. Nor does this kind of a business promote the strong man, or any man at all, as a man may be perceived a threat. The dominant woman can be just as ruthless in business as a dominant man, but with more feminine characteristics generally, she tends to become more protective of the female and gentler in business.

9. Heterosexual oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a heterosexual oriented business)

Heterosexual oriented business ethics might include the following: This kind of an orientation leads to more of an equality of the male and female, both in terms of being business leaders and being employees. Other issues, including training and skills tend to become more important than the gender issue. Equal opportunity also becomes an area of concern with both genders simultaneously trying to succeed. There can be a continual struggle for the top of the ladder, so to speak, which can create a constant challenge and thus a degree of friction develops in the business also. Friction might cause weariness but it can also cause growth. A growth in businesses with this orientation has become an ongoing trend over the past 40 years.

10. Homosexual oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a homosexually oriented business)

Homosexual oriented business ethics might include the following: These kinds of businesses appear to be on the increase as well in our era, simply because there is more and more openness and acceptance of gender related problems and issues, as well as a growing number of opportunities for homosexuals all the time. Gender confusion can reign supreme, with excess pressure put on anyone who is not homosexual in his or her orientation. The focus has to be shifted from gender to success in order for this kind of business to succeed to any degree. Homosexuality tends to a cause for abuse in our era because of homophobia, ie. the fear of homosexuals and homosexual practises.

Ethical Models

Ethical Models: A Movement Towards More Ethical Business Practices

Postive and constructive business ethics

Leading forward into the future, this article is written with the intention of promoting a more positive and constructive ethical alternative to business practices, in an era of many multi-faceted and multi-level business orientations.


Ethics may first of all be more clearly defined as:

1. The discipline in business practice dealing with what is good and bad, as well as what is considered to be ethical in terms of moral duty, obligation and responsibility

2. A set of moral principles and values determined and developed in terms of business practice

3. A theory of system of moral values affecting and regulating business practice

4. The principles of conduct and behavior which govern a business

5. Conforming to more acceptable standards of conduct in business


Determining success or failure

You decide upon the ethical model that you determine is the most appropriate for the success of your business.

You initiate the ethical practises in your business.

The success or failure of your business may be determined by the ethical model that you choose to follow in terms of building and operating your business.


When you are initially establishing your business, ask yourself first,

"What kind of an ethical business model will your business be based upon?

1. A professional, ethical business model

2. A semi-professional, ethical business model

3. A non-professional, ethical business model

4. No ethical business model

Business Proposal (continued part two)

Business Proposal (continued part two)

Business Proposal 1: To establish an international home on a one-to-one level:

Almost anyone can make the place where he or she lives into an international home for someone else by helping him or her on a one-to-one basis. The very first goal that one sets might be that of assisting just one person who needs help, but by doing so on a very small scale. That would be possible simply by taking one person into your own home, making certain that he or she has the basic necessities of life, ie. shelter, food clothing, etc.

Business Proposal 2: To establish an international home on a family level:

Things can get to be a lot more complex and much more complicated, when one begins to try to help more than one person on an international family home level. Here there would be more than one person involved and more than one person in need of assistance. Everyone who is involved would be expected to be part of the international family, to help out and to participate in what a family would normally be doing in order to survive as a family. This may or may not be realistic, as it requires the interaction and co-operation of a number of individuals. The cost factor must also be considered.

Business Proposal 3: To establish an international home on a community level:

This would be an international home beyond the level of a family scenario. This would be done with the expectation of community support and involvement, which may or may not be realistic or appropriate depending upon location, financing, funding, etc. On this level it might include community housing, educational facilities, training programs etc.

Business Proposal 4: To establish a international home on a national level:

This level of international home is very broad in scope. It could include people from all across a country or even become an international project extending into other countries. One immediately begins to see that this level of business is not very realistic for one individual to pursue, or very likely to materialize, unless there is a number of large businesses or organizations involved and government supported programs of some kind. For the most part, this becomes relatively unrealistic for the average person who wants to establish a new business.

Step Four - Name Your Project

When you are seriously thinking about your business proposal, one of the initial things to do, is to give your project a name. "Why, give it a name?" you might you might ask, but when you think about it, you will realize that this is one more step towards making your project into a 'concrete' project, or in other words, one more step that you have actually taken with respect to bringing your 'international home' into reality. With a name, it is now a project proposal that is beyond the level of mere thought.

In terms of the name you choose, in this instance for an 'international house', you might name it in terms of your basic belief system. A Christian might choose to call it 'Faith Home' or 'Grace Home' to signify his or her own Christian values. Or, it could be called 'Charity Home' for a small scale project or, 'Grace Foundation' on a much larger scale.

In terms of 'a series of international homes', ie. more than one, or a chain of international homes to be established in different areas or countries, the name 'Love Hath-a-way', 'Joy Hath-a-way', 'Peace Hath-A-Way,' etc. might be an appropriate set of names, signifying the gifts of the Holy Sprit. Think on a global perspective. Why think small?

Speak your 'international home' project into existence. It will happen if you sincerely believe in what you are doing, ie. if you have a strong enough belief to pursue the proposal to its completion.

Step Five - Research Your Project

With the advent of the computer, it is relatively easy to research anything now, so take advantage of that reality. Begin to do serious research into the establishment of an 'international home'.

Find out how many other 'international homes' there are actually in existence. This might be easier to do if one begins with the 'international homes' that are basically large scale projects. The smaller the project, the more difficult it will be to locate them as they are much less likely to be advertised.

Visit a local 'international home' and see if that is what you really want to do with your time and your talents. If one is not modeled after what you would like to do, search for others. Draw from their experiences and their ideas. Know that your proposal certainly will not be the only one in existence but it could be totally unique, if you set it up that way.

Take the ideas that you have obtained and gradually begin to put them together. Start to make the 'international home' proposal as concrete as you possibly can. Your dream can be brought into reality, but it is going to be one step at a time. Put the ideas into a book format. After all, when you attempt to obtain financing, you will have to make some sort of a presentation to those who will be willing or able to assist you.

Decide who you think should live in your 'international home'. Ask yourself if you really want to live there too. Every single person is a potential candidate. There is no one who is exempt from homelessness. At any time, in anyone's life, there can be war, disasters, poverty, famine etc. While you think that this might not happen to you, you might be shocked to learn that you and your family might also need compassion, just as much as anyone else who you are looking to take in and to assist.

Step Six - Consider The Cost

Any project, either on a small scale or on a larger scale will require some kind of financing. It is a really good idea to see how other 'international home ' projects are being financed. You do not want to start an 'international home' project and then learn that you cannot carry it financially. In reality, it should be creating its own income somehow, so that it does not become a burden to you or to others.

If you are considering investing a lot of your own dollars into the 'international home' project, you might need to look at your own finances from a more realistic perspective. Ask yourself, how long you will be able to finance it from your own savings or investments. Will you need assistance? From where will you obtain it?

If you find that you cannot carry out your proposal because of the cost, it may not mean that you cannot work out some financial means to support your dream. Take a serious look at other potential investors, beginning with family and friends, people you know and trust, as well as people you work with or deal with. But just remember that this is your project and not theirs.

They may or may not be interested and may or may not want to assist you, or to be involved in what you are doing. The dream is your dream so don't let anyone take it away from you. It has been given to you for a reason. Most important of all, break free of the dream crashers. They will not assist you and in fact may cause you to become totally discouraged or to give up your project completely.

If you expect to operate your 'international home' on donations, you may or may not be disappointed. Remember that many people and even those in large organizations, are extremely sceptical and have become very negative in their perspectives and do not give money to charities of any kind, for different reasons. For example, many people have become dis-illusioned, simply because they have perceived instances where finances have been mis-appropriated and did not ever get to the cause for which they were supposedly donated.

Remember to remain positive in your outlook and establish some form of appropriate accountability for your 'international home' business proposal. You, your family and your bookeeping and accounting will be subject to scrutiny. Are you willing to have your financial records examined by others, or even by auditors? If you are operating honestly, that should not be a problem; if not, you could have major problems. Your personal and business integrity will be under scrutiny.

Start looking for appropriate finances for your 'international home', but keep in mind that an 'international home' project will involve many different nationalities and many different doorways that may open or close for you.

Think positively and constructively and don't give up.