November 2009 Archives

IPods. Cell phones. Electric start buttons for your car. Isn't it hard to believe that 10 years ago most people weren't walking around using these items on a daily basis? How has technology changed your lifestyle or faith since the year 2000? Have daily tasks such as prayer changed at all? Should preachers or religious leaders be allowed to twitter during worship services? Let the Beliefnet Community know what you think!

We loved the photos Beliefnet member Venice95 shared of her family's hike in Black Canyon, Colorado.

Check out more photos from the Black Canyon hike, or read Venice95's journal post about her adventures here. Do you have great photos of your own hikes or other family getaways? Share them in your Beliefnet Community photo gallery.

Have you checked out the new Hot Topics Zone - a place where everyone's discussing the latest news stories? One forum in particular is taking on the American health care issue. Where do you stand on the debate or how would you cut health care costs?

One member gives his ideas on how to cut the costs. "Coordinate care through family doctors. This was tried by the insurance companies, through HMOs, and was basically a failure. That being said, it was a failure mostly because it was implemented by the insurance companies."

Another reader writes, "If it was not for my insurance company...I would not be able to afford my health care. The Government needs to insure those who cannot afford their own healthcare."

Share your own ideas or opinions on this hot issue!

Check out this colorful photo of a powwow earlier this week in Houston, shared by member shawneefirebird.

View the gallery for more of shawneefirebird's powwow photos.

How do you feel about snow? Is it just a pain to deal with early in the morning when you shovel the driveway? Or do you find it to be something wonderful provided by mother nature? One reader finds snow not only to be beautiful, but to be a gift from God. Meet Watcher01 and take a look at his gallery photos.

Beliefnet member mushcat, an artist and photographer, shares her artistic and humorous Thanksgiving vision with us: Check out more of mushcat's art in this gallery....

"This prayer circle is especially for those who are suffering from illness and who do not have access to adequate healthcare, whether it be due to lack of funds or otherwise. Let's pray that they find the right path and...

We know Veteran's Day was last week, but we were so touched by member donfofo's stunning Veteran's Day photo we decided to share it here anyway. Check it out: Find more inspiring photos by donfofo in his gallery here....

Last Friday, the new movie 2012 came out in theatres. The story explores the fear of the end of the world that many individuals feel. Do you think anything will happen in 2012? What do you believe comes next? Will...

Feeling grumpy or discouraged today? Click through the cute animal photos of baby ducklings or kittens that Beliefnet members have uploaded to the community. It will give you the uplift you've been looking for all day!...

The time for the yearly Thanksgiving feast is only a few weeks away. Do you know what you'll be serving up for your loved ones? Beliefnet Community members are talking about their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Take the ordinary and turn...

We know Halloween is over, but this photo of a dog in costume was too funny to ignore until next year. Check out member smayer's photo of her dog "Sadie the Spicy Cajun Crawfish." Do you love dogs in costume?...

One Beliefnet reader shares a view of what his daily life is like. At times he is in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and at other times he works in Dubai - a popular state located in the United...

Check out this adorable baby panda photo, shared by member Oddray. We're highlighting members' best baby animal photos in this new gallery. Plus, Beliefnet member and editor Rev. Laurie Sue shares a series of baby panda photos here....

After 40 years of Big Bird, Elmo, and even Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street is still entertaining and teaching children all over the world. But the special characters did more than just teach numbers and letters to young generations, they...

Beliefnet member Mushcat, winner of our "Places that Make Me Happy" photo contest, shares her newest photographic inspirations: spectacular flowers. Here's one of her many great photos: If you like what you see, check out mushcat's complete flower photo gallery...

In honor of those who have served their country in the United States, Veterans Day is a time to offer both gratitude and respect. Take a look at famous quotes that describe valor, strength, and courage. Check out what has...

Since today is Sunday, a day when many of our members head to church, we thought we'd feature this amusing photo from member tlm80209 , titled "Sunday Morning - Off to Church." Is this what YOUR journey to church on...

Beliefnet member meowpuff, an Interfaith Minister, shares this photo from a trip to Tanzania: Check out more of her photos in this gallery....

Today's photo of Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona comes from new member Timberline13, an avid hiker. Check out more of Timberline13's gorgeous photos of Arizona scenery in this photo gallery....

Beliefnet member ironhold lives near Fort Hood and shares her account of yesterday's mass shooting there: "One shooting happened at the main PX, which is within walking distance of the college I attend.... "I'm fine, and one of the soldiers...

Autumn is slowly falling away, as the chill of winter is starting to set in and the trees are becoming bare. Look at the incredible photos that show off the colors of fall that one member was able to capture....

Thank you to Beliefnet member rabidwriter, who shared lots of inspiring photos of her adorable cats. Here's a staff favorite, of her cat Lenny. Check out the rest of rabidwriter's great cat photos here....

Tomorrow, on November 6, the powerful movie 'Precious' will open in select theaters. This moving story of a young girl struggling to overcome the barriers in her own life is sure to be an inspirational story for audiences everywhere. Who...

Beliefnet member and editor Hollyrossi shares this gorgeous photo of New England fall foliage: Check out more of her fall photos here. Want to submit a photo for Photo of the Day? Share your best spiritual photos on the Beliefnet...

Part of living on a tighter budget means spending less on what we consume - literally. What have you been doing to save money on groceries? Are you going out to eat less or not going to restaurants at all?...

We're launching a new photo of the day feature on the Beliefnet Community News blog. Check out the first photo in this feature, Young Monks by Beliefnet member Jeffreysmall, below. Want to submit a photo for Photo of the Day?...

A peaceful sunset. The night sky. A beautiful view of the ocean. What is your idea of a picture of serenity? Do you have a favorite spot to go to and be alone with your thoughts? Take a look at...

Do you have a hard time letting go of the past? Has the thought of forgiving someone who hurt you always been difficult to do? You might not be alone if you feel this way, but what you do with...