Monitor Your Child's Computer

It is a shame we live in a day and age where the suggestion of invading your child's privacy by monitoring their activities has to be taken seriously. However, MySpace.com, the porn industry, and sexual predators leave us no choice.

Our children may know more about computers than many of us, but they do not know more about was is or is not appropriate or safe. As parents we have the responsibility to keep them safe and to make sure they are not exposed to inappropriate content.

I operate the Kidsearch Network and Runaway Teens .org and I can tell you that you do not want to be one of the parents I have to help.

No parent thinks their child will be the one that becomes a runaway or one that is abducted, but it happens often enough that we have to do something about it. There are evil people out there that will harm children and we have to deal with that reality.

The good news that along with the dangers new technology brings, it is also used to create safeguards that help you deal with new technology in regards to your child's safety.

One such program is Online Safety Shield. Here are some of the things that it can do for you as a parent.

Block Inappropriate Content and Programs Proprietary, and regularly updated, database of over 50,000 websites containing inappropriate content.
Instantly block all of these websites.

Block websites based on URL. Block websites based on dynamic content analysis. OnlineSafetyShield will check the entire contents of the webpage for any forbidden keywords (that you can specify in addition to the list we provide) and will immediately close the browser before website can even display.

Block most common chat applications if you choose to. Block ads and pop-ups. Block images whose alt image tags or file names contain forbidden keywords. Search and view all images on your computer and easily delete them.

Automatically compile list of applications existing on your computer so you can block specific ones. Block the use of any non-Internet Explorer browser OnlineSafetyShield can't monitor.

Block file share programs like those that distribute copyrighted material illegally. These file sharing programs are the most common method of distributing porn as well. Block media files from playing, such as MPEG, DVD, AVI, MP3, and more if you choose to.

Block specific keywords from being typed into chat, email, web forms, or email attachments. View a list of all websites visited, and easily add any website to your Block List. Prevent websites from resetting your browser home, search, or local pages.

Monitor and Record Computer Activity Monitor and record chat conversations on all major chat applications, and ingoing and outgoing email on Outlook and major web email applications.

Monitor program activity, including the person accessing the program, start time, length of use, and most importantly, how the program was actively used (was the program idle or actually interacted with).

Log screenshots at the frequency and resolution you choose. You can base these on time of day, when specific keywords are typed, or when particular websites are visited.

Record every keystroke typed, including invisible keystrokes (SHIFT, CTRL, ALT) and those entered into password fields (rather than only seeing asterisks).

Log anything that goes into the clipboard for copying and pasting. Record every URL visited. Log attachments sent or received in Outlook emails.

Synchronize your computer date and time with GMT so users cannot change your local date and time.

Receive Automatic Software Updates Receive automatic updates to our database of inappropriate websites. Receive automatic updates of all software upgrades

Access Real-Time Reports and Information Logs Run reports to analyze computer and application usage per user. Reports and logs are encrypted for safety and privacy. Run reports on all keystrokes typed in a particular application.
Search logs and data by keyword. Log the number of attempts made to access blocked websites, including a date and time stamp.

Receive Immediate Alerts and Notifications Receive regular email reports on computer activity. Receive an instant alert to your email or phone when a keyword or phrase is typed or detected. Receive an instant alert to your email or phone when certain websites are visited or applications are opened.

Tamper-Proof Software OnlineSafetyShield cannot be uninstalled, nor can any settings be changed without the administrator password you select.

When you sign into OnlineSafetyShield, you'll always see the last login time.
OnlineSafetyShield runs on dual processes so that if someone closes the program in the Task Manager,the other one is still running and will turn the other back on.
Choose to run OnlineSafetyShield in Visible or Invisible Mode.

You can create a text or audio message that appears or plays when a user attempts to access a blocked website or application. You can create an ( or use our default) Acceptable Use Policy

Set Usage Schedules and Manage Access Times Assign specific users set hours and or days in which they can access the internet. Limit amount of time a specific user can access the internet at any given time. Set rules that will lock down the entire computer or particular applications. Set filter and blocking rules based on time

Clean and Wash Your Traceable History of Computer Wash history by checking the relevant item(s) Auto Complete, Browser Cache, Browser History, Index.dat, System Cookies, Temporary Files, Temporary Internet Files. Search and Clear Images Saved on Your Family Computer .

Monitor Anyone Who Uses Your Computer. Click here for a free trial.

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Friends, Faith, Fellowship

You hear a lot about MySpace all over the web. Millions of young people have blogs at MySpace. But as christians we are called to be different and called to gather together, so why don't they have a christian version of MySpace online?

They do now! Click here to take a look at xianz.com

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Religion: Institution or Revolution?

by Chris McElroy

In writing any article about religion you run the risk of people not agreeing with you or the risk of offending people. Does that mean we should not write about religion? Absolutely not.

Should we worry that people might be offended? No. We should not go out of our way to offend people, but as long as you write your true beliefs, then you are doing what is in your heart and should share that with others.

For many churches, Christianity and religion have become institutions. Power, politics, money, and other worldly things have become the focus of these institutions.

Many people who read this article will find what I have to say uncomfortable. Jesus never promised that you or I would be made comfortable in this life and in this article I don't promise to make you feel comfortable either.

Jesus calls the church to reach out to the community, to the poor, the sick, and to those who do not know Christ. Jesus promised that He would provide for our needs as long as we use what he provides to do His will and to bring Him glory. He taught us to believe him for this promise and to act as knowing that He will fulfill that promise.

Instead, these days many churches focus on survival. They plan their budgets to make sure they bank enough money for a rainy day, hire business managers and treat the church as if it is a business entity rather than a church whose mission it is to do GOD's work.

Politics is one area that many churches and religious institutions have focused much of their attention. They lobby politicians, get involved in campaigns, and donate money that does not belong to them to politicians who promise much but deliver very little.

Does not belong to them? What do I mean by that? Tithes do not belong to the church they belong to GOD. Tithes are to be used for GOD's purposes. Nowhere in the bible can I find where helping politicians get elected is a proper use for money tithed to GOD.

Jesus did not lobby the Pharisees and the Roman government for laws that force people to follow His way. Jesus taught people right from wrong, then gave them a choice of whether or not they would follow Him. Through the bible, Jesus still teaches us right from wrong and offers us that same choice.

It is our job as Christians and as church leaders to teach GOD's word to others and let them know that Jesus has offered them that choice. We cannot rely on governments to pass laws to do our job for us. Saying that we need to lobby for those laws to be passed to force people to do what is moral is saying we as Christians and the church cannot or will not do the job GOD intends for us to do.

Most people have an image of Jesus Christ as meek and mild, a healer of the sick, a helper to the poor, and our Lord and Savior who loves us. Jesus is all of those things, but Jesus was and is also a revolutionary!

Jesus stood up to those in power in both religion and in government. Jesus challenged them. Jesus told them they had no right to oppress His people. Jesus went out and consorted with the poor, the sick, prostitutes, tax collectors, and other sinners. He ministered to the unbelievers. He did not spend all His time at the sanctuary preaching to believers.

Rather than churches becoming institutions they should be leading revolutions. Rather than just surviving and preserving traditions and rules, they should be throwing all of GOD's money forward to help those in need and to reach those who do not know Christ as their Savior.

Rather than worrying about building new roofs, buying stained glass windows, and buying new carpet and pews, we should be worrying about breaking down walls and calling unbelievers to join us.

Church is not just a place where believers gather to worship, it is also a place where believers gather to teach unbelievers about Christ.

So many Christians today think all they need to do is attend church, pray, and do good things, then wait for Jesus to return. Jesus charged us with much more than that. Jesus charged us to change those around us, to change communities, to change the world. He charged us with teaching his word and to bring more people to him so they can have everlasting life.

Cowards hide and wait to be rescued and GOD despises cowards more than any others. Become the revolutionary that Jesus called you to be. Allow Him to use you to achieve His purpose rather than praying that he will help you achieve yours. It is not about you.

About the Author: Chris McElroy did things his own way to benefit himself most of his life. After joining Mosaic Church in Miami a couple of years ago and asking Jesus to come into his life, he now devotes much of his time to learning more about Jesus and the purpose He has for all of us. The views expressed by Chris McElroy are his own. http://www.mosaicmiami.org and http://mosaicmiami.blogspot.com

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

What is Prayer?

Prayer is not a half-hearted ritual recitation of words; it is an outpouring of the heart.


First and foremost, prayer is an expression of our relationship with God.

What is that relationship?

God is our Father and we are His children. As such we are dependent on Him. Therefore, it is a relationship of dependency.

We are deluding ourselves if we think we are making it on our own, that God is not watching, not running the show. But if we choose to act that way, sometimes God lets us.

God gave us free will, and He generally keeps out of our lives until we acknowledge the relationship. We learn this from the opening sentences of the Bible:

This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, on the day the Lord God made earth and heaven. All the plants of the field were at this time in the ground and all the vegetation of the field had not yet sprouted for the Lord God had not brought rain upon the earth as there was no human being to work the soil. [Genesis 2:4-5]

Rashi, the famed 11th century Biblical commentator, explains that God had not brought rain because He wanted the first human being to pray for it. Indeed, when Adam recognized the need for rain in the world, he prayed for it.

This is the first hint that the basic relationship between humanity and God is expressed through prayer.

When Adam prays, he acknowledges that he has a relationship with God, he is dependent on God, and he must ask God for what he needs. As soon as Adam prays, God begins to relate to him directly and, of course, answers his prayer. Indeed, it rains and all the vegetation begins to sprout.

CLICK HERE TO READ "THE REAL REASON FOR PRAYER" ARTICLE

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Bro Remixx - Listen to Christian Rap

Christian Rap from Bro Remixx, I Will Not Lose (The Anthem) To learn more about Bro Remixx, Click Here.

GOD gives everyone talent. It is how you use that talent and whether or not you give glory to GOD for that talent that makes the difference.

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Mosaic’s Organization

One can attend Mosaic without being a member, does not have to tithe the 10%, but cannot be involved in any type of ministry, yet can still receive counseling and "be loved", "cared for", "accepted", etc.3

Mosaic, by association and design, is a Church Growth Movement church.

The structure and organization fits that of what is considered by some, a "Service Commune". McManus says that the benefit of becoming a member is the ability to serve Christ.

I would like to point out that it does not take becoming a "member" of a particular organization to serve the Lord. As Paul pointed out in Corinthians, there are many members of the body of Christ, and many gifts given to serve.

Many of these can be, and are, done outside the realm of an organization. Paul also pointed out that it is our very lives which are given in service to Jesus in everyday living that benefits the Kingdom of God.

In the realm of the CGM, it is membership and the small group requirement that serves as the means for changing the member's thinking and is used for the introduction of those things from outside the realm of a Biblically pure based church.

You can belong to Mosaic Miami no matter where you are in your life's journey, whether you truly believe or not. However, until you begin to believe, you cannot become what GOD intends you to be.

Pastor Kevin Sutherland is the head of the Mosaic Movement in Miami and invites you to "come and see" for yourself, what Mosaic is all about.

Church services begin at 10:45 AM each Sunday. It is "come as you are". Listen to modern worship music from our Worship Team, then listen as Pastor Kevin helps you understand more about GOD, Jesus Christ, and about yourself and where you fit in.

Prayer meetings are every Wednesday at 7pm. You are welcome to attend. We are located at 599 North Miami Ave. in downtown Miami. See you there!

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that
has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Pastors challenged to keep Gospel central in ministry

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Speakers at the SBC Pastors’ Conference June 11 challenged their fellow pastors to reach today's world for Christ by making the Gospel the center of their ministry through a renewed emphasis on prayer and clear proclamation.

David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif., said pastors must follow the Apostle Paul's example to not be ashamed of the Gospel and make it the center of their church ministry.


Mosaic Pastor, Erwin McManus, (Pictured Above), used the account of Paul on Mars Hill to emphasize the importance of sharing the Gospel in a culturally relevant way. McManus said today’s generations live in a modern-day Mars Hill, surrounded by people who believe in many gods and called to help them know the "unknown God" of Acts 17, who is the one true God.

"The church isn't here for us. We are the church and we are here for the world," McManus said. "We need to become prophets of the unknown God. We must be the ones who say, 'We have seen the invisible, we have experienced the unimaginable and we are here to tell you that what you do not know can be known.' … God is the unknown God, but He is not the unknowable God."

Like McManus, Shook also emphasized the importance of being culturally relevant in sharing the Gospel.

Click Here for the rest of the Story

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

The ministry of hip hop

Lynsey Hanley
Sunday June 18, 2006
The Observer

The legendary Queens rap trio Run DMC, as well as being the first hip hop act to have their own line of footwear, were more than mere entertainers.



'The next time someone's teaching why don't you get taught?', they asked on their hit 'It's Like That', but this time it's Run himself - the Reverend Joseph Simmons, to give his full name since he became a pastor at a New York evangelical church - who's doing the teaching, not only to his congregation, but to millions of MTV viewers.

In the States, Simmons's reality show Run's House was the, er, runaway hit of last year on the hip hop-orientated MTV Base channel. It focuses on the daily travails of Rev Runas he leads his wife and five children through the minefields of modern life.

Click here for the rest of the story.

Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Mosaic Symbols and their meanings

FIRE
Fire represents communion ( common union) with God thru Christ. We become a people of the flame illuminateing the darkness, bringing light and warmth to a dark cold world. God is a consumeing fire, He is dangerous and safe at the same time. Structure must always submit to the revolution of change brought about by the Spirit.


WIND
Wind is the essence of the churches calling. It is a call to movement. It is a call to encounter culture and bring about life transforming change. It is a call to mission. Mission is why the church exists.


EARTH
Earth is for the power of a changed life. The life that yeilded no fruit and was barren becomes transformed when encounterd by Christ. The soil of our heart (character) transformed and renewed to yeild fruit 30, 60, and 100 fold. The soil of the churches life is to be engaged with the culture surrounding her. Relevence to culture is not optional.


WOOD
Wood is for connectedness. Our lives become connected to the vine of Christs eternal life. We become interconnected to each other, clustering together to bear fruit that those who are thirsty may drink of the life of God. Creativity is the fruit of interconnected Spirituality.


WATER
Water represents the liquid grace that is given to us thru Christ. We are immersed (baptized) into His life, Our life is surrendered, His life is ressurrected in us thru the Spirit of grace. Our lives become riverbeds flowing with the living water of Gods love. We are infilled with the capacity to impact the dry barren places and bring life in His name. Love is the purpose for all mission.


Mosaic Miami Church Website
Mosaic Miami Church Blog

Mosaic Miami Blog

Welcome to the home of the new Mosaic Miami Blog. We are an exciting community of passionate followers of Jesus Christ. Committed to walking by faith, being known by love, and crying out with a voice of hope for all mankind.


Mosaic Miami Church Website

Who We Are: Mosaic is an organic community born of the Spirit of God. Rooted and influenced by the word of God led and directed by the Spirit of grace.

We began the mission in 2003 our leadership influenced by Calvary Chapel, having served as a part of the movement for nine years prior to launching the new work. We are interpersonally connected to Mosaic Los Angeles and are a catalyst for life change within the greater metro Miami area.

We welcome you to

Belong

Believe

Become

Mosaic is a dangerously safe place. We are safe because we welcome everyone regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey we invite you to belong and to be a part of our community. We are dangerous because we teach life transformation thru encountering the God of transformation, we invite your quest for answers, and challenge you to believe. We dare you to become the person God has created you to be and to be awakened to the quest for life, and the hope that is eternal.

Mosaic Miami Church Website

Mosaic Miami Church Blog