General Assembly & Conventions 29

General Assembly and Conventions 2009
The General Assembly Site Commission has selected the Orange County Convention center in Orlando, Florida, as the site for the 2009 General Conventions and Assembly. This adjustment in location commitment for 2009 became necessary due to planned demolition and construction projects of the convention center in Indianapolis. Several other cities inside and outside of the USA were researched for viability to host the quadrennial events. Consideration was given to criteria such as availability of event dates, demographics of Nazarene constituency, function space, accommodations and local infrastructure.

Orlando has committed over one million square feet of complimentary space to the Church of the Nazarene for the 2009 events. The area surrounding the convention center offers a wide range of hotel accommodations and food service opportunities.

Although this denominational gathering is being moved from the middle part of the USA in 2009, there are great opportunities for international delegate and visitor access in Orlando. The location also provides wonderful options for families to attend the quadrennial events and General assembly in one of the great destination cities of the world.

The dates for the 27th General Assembly and Conventions are June 24 - July 3, 2009

MILLION HOURS OF PRAYER

Nazarene Missions International, in cooperation with the Board of General Superintendents, is honored to again sponsor a “Million Hours of Prayer” (MHP) in preparation for Assembly and Conventions.

While praying
a million hours sounds monumental, it is actually a task that can easily be accomplished. We ask that each Nazarene pray a minimum of two hours between January and June or the General Assembly and Conventions. The times of prayer can take place individually, in small groups, or in corporate worship, or even in a prayer room designated within your church.

The General Assembly and Conventions is a time when the international body of Nazarenes gathers to consider the vision, mission, and passion of the church. Such an important event must be bathed in prayer, seeking the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to follow in His path. Visit our website for more information

Visit the General Assembly & Conventions Website.

Visit the Destination Orlando Blog.

Reverend Greg Rickey, D.S. is Elected for Four More Years

Rev. Greg Rickey and Jerelyn thank you for your votes of confidence and your love offering of $1200.  It has been our privilege to work with you and along side of you to build God's Kingdom across the Alabama North District. We never sought this position, but God and the Advisory Council called us here here and we believe there are great days ahead for us and for the Alabama North District.  We covet your prayers as we seek God's will in every area.  He has brought us through some of the toughest challenges some of the District Advisory Board members ever remember and for that we all give Him praise!  He promises "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."   We appreciate all the notes and phone calls to us and to Dr. Diehl, expressing your confidence in us and thank you for your prayerful support and faithful teamwork in building our great district. 

We are living in challenging days not only financially but spiritually as well. Let us remember God is and will always be our SOURCE! We must keep in step with the Holy Spirit!  We don't venture out on our own plans without His direction and anointing. In ourselves we are nothing.  He  is our Savior, our Sanctifier, our Sustainer, our Shield, our Soon coming King!  Let's celebrate Him and share Him with our needy world. 

"It is possible to give away and become richer!  It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich!  By watering others, he waters himself.  Trust in your money and down you go!  Trust in God and flourish like a tree!"  Proverbs 11:24-25, 28  TLB

MOVING MINISTERS & MATES

Dr. Morris Murray has become the new pastor for Huntsville Calvary Church and has moved from Jasper.  The people have welcomed him with open arms and we are rejoicing in this new connection. He loves the Huntsville area and they love him.

Rev. Chris & Carol Colvin have been called to Northside Church in Jasper, Alabama and have accepted the call.  Chris is from Walker County and so this is familar territory for him to minister and build the church.  Everyone is looking forward to having them as their new parsonage famly.  We believe there are great days ahead.

Rev. Scott & Amy Sessions and their three children have been called to pastor the Dothan Church of the Nazarene on the South Alabama District.  Please continue to pray for Jackson and to pray God's blessings on them as they relocate. We will miss them greatly!  Pray for the Sheffield Church as District Superintendent Greg meets with their board and they seek God's direction for a new pastor.

Please pray with your District Superintendent Greg Rickey as he meets with the church boards and they seek a new pastor and for all who are in the midst of change.

AL NAZARENE CAMPMEETING JULY 7-12

Sponsored by the Alabama North and Alabama South Districts Church of the Nazarene

Rev. N. Greg Rickey, AL North D.S. & Dr. Mark Berry, AL South D.S.

Music Evangelist The Beaty Family

Choir Rehearsal each night @ 7:00 P.M.

Children's Activities with Carl & Marty Eby @ 10 A.M. & 7:30 P.M.

PREACHING SCHEDULE

Tuesday P.M.............................Rev. David Galimore

Wednesday A.M........................Rev. David Galimore

Wednesday P.M............................Dr. James H. Diehl

Thursday A.M................................Dr. James H. Diehl

Friday A.M...................................Rev. David Galimore

Friday P.M. (YOUTH NIGHT)...Rev. David Galimore

Saturday A.M.................................Dr. James H. Diehl

Saturday P.M.................................Dr. James H. Diehl

Sunday A.M................................Rev. David Galimore

Sunday P.M...................................Dr. James H. Diehl

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Begins Tuesday, July 7th...............................7:30 P.M.

Daily Services.................................10 A.M. & 7:30 P.M.

Morning Prayer & Praise................................7:30 A.M.

Bible Study....................................................9:00 A.M.

Sunday, July 12th

Sunday School..................................9:30 A.M.

Morning Service..............................10:30 A.M.

Closing Service.................................4:00 P.M.

 Lodging

Lodge Room...........................$45 pernight

Dormitories.............................$12 per night

RV Parking..............................$20 per night

Meals

Breakfast...............$6 ($5 for seniors 65+) $4.50 under 12 ; Age 2 and under FREE)

Lunch.......................$7.00 ($6 for seniors 65+; $5.50 under 12; 2 and under FREE)

Dinner.................$8.00 ($7.00 for seniors 65+; $6.50 under 12; 2 and under FREE)

RV Reservations

(205) 668-6893

(205) 5045-5401

Dan Ventling, Executive Camp Director

Jeri Ventling, Assistant Camp Director & Scheduling

LOCATION:  521 Highway 304* Calera, Alabama 35040* I-65 (Exit 231)

Email:  rollinghillscamp.com * Website: www.rollinghillscamp.org

Phone: (205) 668-1168

You're Invited to Florence First Church

SINGLE ADULT EVENTS

Hello from the Single Adult Ministries Department for the North Alabama District!  Outreach and upreach continue in this vital ministry and we are so excited to see God at work among His people!

 Attention all Single Adults ages 18 and over!!!

       Join singles from all over North and South Districts Church of the Nazarene as we get together at the end of this month for a grand time!!! Please join us as follows:

 

Date: Saturday June 27, 2009

Time: 10:00 a.m. DeSoto State Caverns, 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, Childersburg, Alabama 35044, 1-800-933-2283

 

Get there on your own, or join Gardendale Church of the Nazarene and ride our van. We'll leave the church at 8:15 a.m.

 

Bring: Swimsuit for the water attractions, picnic lunch, cooler of soft drinks/water

Change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, camera, flip flops, dry shoes, camp chair

 

Please visit www.desotocavernspark.com for prices and attractions

 

All single adults never married, divorced, widowed, are invited. We'll plan our July and August events AND get more information on our Labor Day retreat coming up.

 

Please give this information the widest dissemination, Call Daun Aaron at 205-482-8794 for more information. JOIN US!!! What have you got to lose? What have you got to gain??? Friendships and fellowship, and Spiritual support from others! Let me hear from you...PS This is a "kid-friendly" outing, so bring the kids/grandkids along!!! We'll see you there! Daun

______________________________________________________________________________

  Please share this calendar of events with all singles in your church and/or any singles you know of that want to get involved! All ages 18 and above are welcomed! We have singles in their 60s and 70s that regularly participate on our work and witness trips...retreats and other outsings!!As you can see there are LOTS of opportunities to get involved!  Please contact Daun at 205-631-2543 or 205-482-8794 or daaron@jcha.com  to register or ask for more information.  REACH OUT to those singles you know of ....get them involved and linked to our group for fellowship and support! 

Blessings to all of you,

Daun Aaron  daaron@jcha.com

Ronda.Williams@covenanthospice.org 

A WORD FROM SDMI CHAIRMAN - Michael Johnson

What an exciting day to be in ministry for the Lord!

Indeed, I hear all the time the statement "there has never been a more difficult time to be in ministry," but why is that?  Is it because of the decaying moral fabric of society?  Or is it because of the "signs of the times" ?  All too often, I believe I hear people speak of the difficulties of ministry as a cop-out.  If society around us is falling apart, then what better place to infuse the healing of Christ.  If the moral fabric  of society isn't what it used to be, what better opportunity to demonstrate the holiness of Christ and its transformational power.

No, I would insist that there have not been better days than these because the soil is ready for the seed of the Word of God to be planted.  If times are difficult, perhaps we should look at ourselves and ask, "Am I being all that God has called and empowered me to be?"

What a great day to be in the service to the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

Let us covenant together that this will be a year of discipleship.  A year of planting the seed of the Word of God.  A year of watering that which has been planted and harvesting what God has prepared.

The Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI) of the Church of the Nazarene are the perfect tools to tell people about the love of Jesus.

Sunday school keeps the Word of God in focus, it promotes Christian fellowship, it tends to maturing the character of Christians and is a built in tool for following up on the absentees and visitors!

Don't miss this church treasure which has unlimited potential to make disciples that make disciples!

New SDMI District Resources

If you made it to IMPROVE YOUR SERVE in January, you heard about some upcoming resources we want to make available to the local church Sunday School. 

The following is a list of new resources we are working on:

• District Lending Library
• Curriculum Scholarships
• Downloadable Teacher Training
• www.alabamanorthsdmi.com

If you have any suggestions or any contributions to make to these things please get in rouch with someone from the district SDMI Council.

Please also remember to check out all fhe FREE resources at:  www.sdmi.nazarene.org

 GENERAL INFORMATION:

...Children's Quizzing wants to continue indefinitely on the second Saturday of the month except for the last session which will need to be determined by outcome of quizzing and announced separately.

•   Adult Ministries Council, June 13 @ 12:30 pm Baxter's Steak House, Hwy 157 in Cullman
•   Women's Retreat , September 18-20, 2009 @ Shocco Springs Conference Center with Kathy Slamp as keynote speaker and Renee Martin  back as singer and music.   Contact Paulette Woods for additional information @ 205-503-3726 or 205-655-3082.

DISTRICT WOMEN'S RETREAT 9-18-20, 29

GET TO THE HEART OF YOUR MESSAGE

Several years ago, I crunched the numbers on the messages I have given as a pastor. The number was surprising: 10,000. Add to that the seminars and conferences and you'll see that public speaking has been a huge part of my life. But preaching a sermon or giving a speech can be time consuming, and time wasting, without focus. Let me suggest several questions that may help you get to the "heart of your message."

First, what is your motive? A message that is self-promoting instead of God-honoring and people-building can fall as lifeless as a winter twig from a spring tree limb. Audience members will quickly tune out those who have a self-serving message. As the classic Abbott and Costello comedy bit asks, "Who's on First?"

Second, to whom you are speaking? Think about your audience. Certainly it will include your peers, critics or collaborators. What is your point of contact? What do you share in common with your audience, and how will you use that commonality to "seal the deal?"

Third, what is the take-away? Your audience will hear hundreds of messages over the next few years. How will you communicate your message in such a way that its main points will linger in their minds and hearts?

Fourth, how will you form a relationship with your audience? What can you do before, during, or after your presentation to let your audience members know they really matter? How will you convey God's love to them?

Fifth, what is the eternal truth in your message? What parts of your message will encourage your audience to consider the eternal above the earthly?

It's up to you; you may have an hour time limit for your speech, but you'll only have a few minutes to turn audience members into friends.

- Stan Toler

Forward this e-mail to a leader!

Stan's Leadership Newsletter

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This newsletter is sponsored by Matrix 49:

GET YOUR CHURCH WEBSITE TODAY!

Here is an incredible package to help get your church online today! No need to know anything in regard to building web sites. If you can run a word processor, you can make your own website. For more details go here: - http://www.icecracker.com/

(c) by Stan Toler. All rights reserved.

UNION HILL CALLS THE CRAFTS TO BE THEIR NEW PASTOR & WIFE

CONGRATULATIONS TO UNION HILL CHURCH WHO GAVE A UNANIMOUS CALL TO MISSIONARIES & ELDER BOB & RAMONA CRAFT TO COME AND BE THEIR NEW PARSONAGE FAMILY.  WE PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GUIDANCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THEM ON OUR ALABAMA NORTH TEAM.

WE ALSO CELEBRATE WITH TEN NEW LAITY (SOME LAITY AND SOME RECENTLY CONVERTED  LAITY)  WHO HAVE BEEN MEETING WEEKLY WITH GREG & JERELYN RICKEY IN DISCIPLESHIP GROUP STUDYING CHIC SHAVER'S BASIC BIBLE STUDIES FOR NEW CHRISTIANS.  THEY WERE AWARDED THEIR CERTIFICATES SUNDAY EVENING AFTER THEY SHARED THEIR POWERFUL TESTIONIES OF WHAT GOD HAS BEEN DOING IN THEIR LIVES.

THEY WILL BE STARTING ANOTHER SMALL GROUP STUDY ON "THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE" BY CHIC SHAVER IN A FEW WEEKS!  GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS AS LAITY ARE BEING DISICPLED AND BECOMING SPIRIT-FILLED LEADERS OF THIS CHURCH.  PRAISE HIS NAME!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO DISCIPLE YOUR NEW CHRISTIANS AND LAITY IN SMALL GROUPS AND WANT MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT GREG & JERELYN RICKEY 256-509-9969. 

ORDER CHARLES "CHIC" SHAVER'S CONSERVE THE CONVERTS  from our Nazarene Publishing House today and start studying it and praying that God will help you develop a church atmospher sympathetic to the nurture of new Christian believers. 

Join us in welcoming the Crafts to Alabama North District by email bob@craftfamily.net
 

Evangelist Modie  Schoonover said, "If my church goes a long time without winning new people to Christ, I do not blame the sinners."  Instead Schoonover would ask "Has my church got enough love to keep them warm?" 

Pastor Randy & Nan French & Family @ Mary's Chapel

I’m sure you hear bad news more often than good news, so I hope this email is “music to your ears.”  At Mary’s Chapel, we are approaching our 90 day mark with our new pastor, Randy French.  Randy and Nan are doing a tremendous job and our church is growing!  The spirit of renewal since the French family’s arrival is still strong.  In February, our attendance average was 20+ compared to one year ago.  Two Sundays in March, we had 106 people with nothing going on but revival-style worship!  Randy is a true leader in every sense of the word.  If you get a chance, please contact him to let him know that you are aware that he’s doing a great job with us.        

VISION FOR LEADERSHIP

VISION FOR LEADERSHIP To lead is to envision—to see beyond, to capture the future and communicate it in the present, to inspire those lost in mediocrity to dare to dream of new horizons. Leaders must see beyond the practical and obtainable. They must envision the idealistic and the unimaginable. After all, the power of Pentecost is available to them by cleansing faith in the Atonement. Joel the prophet voiced God’s promise, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days (Joel 2:28-29 NIV).” The end result may not be exactly what they dreamed. However the outcome will surely be greater than if they had never dared to dream. The Proverb writer reminds us that without a vision people perish or cast off restraint. The dejected Hebrew slaves could not see beyond the straw and slime pits. But God knew His plan for them—deliverance, prosperity, and joy. He gave them a human leader who had been taught to dream alongside the obelisks and pyramids of Egypt. And to guide Moses, God sent the cloud and fire, an invitation to follow both in times of bright revelation and in days of hazy perception. God’s men were often called seers—they had spiritual insight and “big picture” vision. Those who would lead in the church today should seek their mantle—dream their dreams, and claim their promises as their own. – Louie Bustle, Global Mission Director

A Noteworthy Leadership Quote: “Mission is the picture frame, vision is the photograph of God’s future for his children.” — Louie E. Bustle

Book of the Month Recommendation: The Inspirational Speaker's Resource: Tools for Reaching Your Audience Every Time by Stan Toler - $13.99. The impact of the vision you have from God will never be felt until you can communicate it to others. This book of resources will prove to be invaluable to you as you dream God’s dream and you endeavor to communicate that vision to the people whom His has entrusted you to lead. Click on the following link to order this book from nph.com.

RATTLED BY THE ECONOMY? by John R. Swaim

The news media could rattle our faith except for three things. I'll get back to those. Before I do, though, there are some other things that need to be said.

None of us could have fully predicted the speed and severity with which unsettling economic news would capture the airwaves, the internet, the coffee shop and even our own supper tables. Without question these are unprecedented days.

While we may be surprised at the suddenness with which troublesome economic events have unfolded in recent months, we should not be surprised that they are occurring. Our current difficulties are nothing more than the principle of sowing and reaping being played out before our very eyes. There is some real trouble to be worked through in the marketplace and it would be silly to claim otherwise. It would be equally silly to think that periodic economic corrections are not a normal part of the business cycle. In general, the longer the time between corrections, the more significant and extended they are. So, we have a ways to go.

But friends, contrary to the messages we are bombarded with every day, the sky is not falling. Here are a few random thoughts for your consideration and to balance your perspective; some of these are economic, and some are not.
 

• Americans in general are being far more careful with their money than they have been in years. That speaks to better stewardship.
• Government statistics show that personal savings rates nation-wide are as high now as they have been since at least 2004. That speaks to a recovery of the important discipline of thrift.
• At this writing over 93% of Kentuckians who want to work are working, and many appreciate their jobs more than ever. That speaks to a spirit of humble gratitude.
• Also at this writing, the average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in Kentucky is $1.65. Marilyn found some earlier this week for $1.39. A year ago it was $2.86. In September, it was about $3.85.
• We are utterly and totally dependent on our Heavenly Father for everything. To think otherwise is to misplace our trust.
• We live like kings compared to the vast majority of the rest of the world. Even Solomon in all his glory did not have a microwave oven, a bathroom heater with a thermostat in January, or many other "modern conveniences" that virtually all of us enjoy and even take for granted.  
• Regardless of what is going on economically in our communities and around the world, people still need the Gospel. Our call and mission is to love people and make disciples in all weathers.

We enjoy blessings of every kind and abundance in almost everything. So let us not be numbered among the handwringers and the "woe is me" crowd. Rather, let us press cheerfully on in pursuit of what we believe the Lord has asked us to do with our giving and our ministries.

I started this article by saying the news media could rattle our faith except for three things, all of which have to do with our status as believers, all of which are our responsibility, and none of which are dependent on our circumstances. Those three things are our calling to trust, obey, and take the next step.
 ______________
John R. Swaim is COO of First Southern National Bank in Stanford, Kentucky. He serves on the board of the Francis Asbury Society, teaches Sunday School at the Wilmore Free Methodist Church and Chairs the capital campaign for the Wilmore Free Methodist Church which launched only days before the stock market went sour. He is a trusted friend and advisor to the Francis Asbury Society.

What Every Leader Needs to Know About Followers

by Tom Nees

General NMI Convention = Global Mission Conference

General NMI Convention = Global Mission ConferenceJune 24-28, 2009 in Orlando, Florida, USA
Information Update February 2009

A number of you have voiced questions regarding the Global Mission Conference in recent weeks. Following is the most up-to-date information for delegates and visitors alike.

 
Delegation Registration:
Most world regions are nearing completion of delegate registration. Please check with your Regional General Assembly Coordinator (RGAC) to verify that registration is complete for you and your district. Delegate registration for USA/Canada is complete. 
 
Visas and Travel Documents: 
This only applies to delegates attending form outside of the USA or Canada.  Remember to complete your visa applications and travel documents as soon as possible. After your RGAC has completed your registration, you will receive an invitation letter and visa application from the General Secretary for the Church of the Nazarene. 
 
Hotel Reservations:
USA/Canada delegates are responsible to make all hotel reservations online.  Visit www.gacorlando.org and click on the link to register for housing. Delegates from other regions should direct all questions regarding housing to their RGAC.
 
Convention/Conference Begins and Ends:
General NMI Convention begins with registration on Wednesday, June 24 at 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM. The convention begins Wednesday at 1:00 PM in corporate worship with NYI, SDMI, and Education. The convention will conclude on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 PM. However, other convention-related highlights continue through Sunday, June 28.  
 
Prayer Initiatives:
Million Hours of Prayer (MHP) began in January.  To download MHP resources, visit www.nazarenemissions.org. Two prayer rooms will be open daily early morning to late night. Daily agendas include significant small group prayer times. Intercessory teams will pray over each leader who moves to platform. Space around business seating areas will provide intercessors an opportunity to pray quietly during presentations. All conventions will be invited to participate in a special prayer walk inside and/or outside the convention center on Saturday morning.  
 
Symphony of Prayer:
We expanded the event formerly known as the NMI Prayer Breakfast to a Symphony of Prayer on Wednesday evening following corporate worship. This Symphony of Prayer will feature one hour of concerted prayer guided by passionate leaders from around the world. Reasons for this change include: (1) High cost of food in Orlando; no food will be served during this event; (2) Scope of participation: we are inviting all attendees and spouses from all four conventions; (3) Accessible time: Wednesday evening following worship instead of the only other time available (6:30 AM).  
 
Global Mission Conference = General NMI Convention:
The General NMI Convention is the Global Mission Conference: a conversation in God’s global story. Several special features are designed to engage young, emerging leaders who are present but who are not delegates to NMI Convention. Register today, join the conversation online, and get ready to be a part of a big story. Visit www.globalmissionconference.org. 
 
Business:
Convention business will begin Wednesday afternoon and will conclude by Friday afternoon. Business will feature election of global leaders and discussion of global resolutions.
 
District Presidents’ Reception:
On Thursday, June 25 following evening worship, we will honor District NMI Presidents globally and recognize General NMI Council, Regional NMI Coordinators, WM Regional Directors, and WM Focus Team. Spouses are invited.  
 
Global Tracks: 
Participate in one of five Global Mission conversations. Distinct from workshops, participants will discuss the following questions: (1) How are we embracing the next generations of mission leaders in a post-colonial world? (2) How are we incarnating the gospel in a world of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions? (3) How are we moving each local church to become a house of prayer for all nations? (4) How are we responding to crises that impact people in communities worldwide? (5) How are we living out God’s call to peace and reconciliation in a world of unrest? 
 
Regional Features:
During general sessions Wednesday through Friday, each region will present features including music, culture, and stories about the work of the Church on that region.  
 
Mission Workshops:
NMI presenters will offer a variety of workshops throughout the day on Wednesday through Friday designed to equip leaders with practical application of NMI objectives and WM ministries.  
 
Cultural Expression:
Each region will offer a festival of art, music, drama, or video on the Exhibit Hall stage throughout the convention Wednesday through Friday.

10 Reasons to Be Thankful

Count your blessings, we're told, but it's just not in our nature. We'd rather count our problems. Our species survived by reacting instantly to threats, and the ancient humans who stopped to smell the roses made easier targets for predators.

Today, the predators are mostly gone, but we're still so primed to pay attention to bad news that we tend to ignore what's going well. As soon as we solve one problem, we take the progress for granted and find a new cause for alarm. Every now and again it doesn't hurt to take stock of just how good we have it. Start counting:

1. Free time
As much as we complain about being busy, the typical American has more free time than ever-more than five hours per day, according to time surveys by the U.S. Census Bureau and researchers at the University of Maryland and Penn State. That's a gain of nearly an hour since 1965 and a gain of about four hours since the 19th century. In Victorian England, when life expectancy was only about 50, workers put in 60-hour weeks, from age ten until they died.

If you feel too busy, it's probably only because you're doing so many other things than work. Over the course of a lifetime, you typically spend no more than 20 percent of your waking hours on the job, and experts say there'll be even more free time in the future as life expectancy keeps increasing and work hours keep shrinking. By 2050 in the industrialized world, others project, the average workweek will be just 27 hours.

Courtesy of Clipart.com

It's a wonderful life! Here are some reasons to smile and laugh about it.

 

2. Peace
Wars and terrorist attacks will always make headlines, but it's remarkable how many of the world's 6.7 billion people now live in peace. In recent decades, despite the growth in population, the number of war casualties around the world has declined, according to the Human Security Report Project from Canada's Simon Fraser University. And despite a new fear of terrorism following 9/11, terrorist casualties have been declining in recent years.

In some earlier generations, a quarter of the male population died violent deaths. Over the past century, even counting the world wars, a person's chance of dying from war or violent civil strife was less than 2 percent, according to John Mueller, a professor of political science at Ohio State University. That means that the scourge of war is now comparable to the statistical risk of driving a car in the United States.

3. A roomier American dream
While some people are struggling to keep their homes, the vast majority of Americans still have plenty to be thankful for when they walk through the front door. In 1950 the typical new American house had one floor with 1,000 square feet, two bedrooms, and one bathroom-and even that bungalow was beyond many people's means. Nearly half of Americans didn't own their homes, and more than a third of homes lacked complete plumbing facilities.

Today, more than two thirds of Americans own their homes, and the typical new house has two floors, at least three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and more than 2,200 square feet of space for the family.

4. The reader's revolution
In 1970 barely half the people in the world were literate, and many of them could afford only a few books. Middle-class people needed installment plans to afford an encyclopedia. Local libraries offered a limited selection of books; new titles went on sale in bookstores but soon disappeared unless they were bestsellers.

Today, more than 80 percent of the world's people can read, and 22 percent have access to the greatest library in history. The Web provides classic books and reference works like Wikipedia free of charge, and the online network of booksellers means that no book ever really goes out of print. Whatever it is, old or new, someone somewhere will sell it to you, often at a bargain price.

5. The horn of plenty
The royal dinners at Versailles might have had glitzier place settings, but Louis XVI would gaze enviously at the food in a middle-class home or restaurant today: kiwifruits from New Zealand, South African peppers, Thai pineapples, Italian gelato. He'd be amazed, too, at the way we take fresh produce, fish, and meat for granted in every season.

The king's subjects, of course, would be even more envious. France was one of the world's richest countries in the late 18th century, but the average Frenchman consumed less than 2,000 calories per day-about the same level as people in the world's poorest countries consumed in the middle of the 20th century. Today, the typical person in a poor country consumes 2,700 calories daily, a nutritional improvement made possible by farmers growing more food at lower cost.

While the occasional food shortage or price spike grabs our attention, the long-range trend is what really matters. While incomes have risen since 1950, the inflation-adjusted price of food has declined by 75 percent, according to the World Resources Institute. So it represents a smaller and smaller portion of our paychecks.

Food is so plentiful that in many countries, the old concerns about hunger have been replaced by worries about obesity.

6. More wilderness
Once you travel beyond the sprawling exurbs of America, you'll find plenty of open space and peaceful forests. Many of the prairies and woodlands cleared by settlers have returned now that the land is no longer needed for agriculture.

In recent decades, America has gained 70 million acres of wilderness, which is more than all the land currently occupied by cities, suburbs, and exurbs, according to Peter Huber, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute. And more people than ever can get to that wilderness because of a technology that we now routinely curse …

7. The modern automobile
Granted, cars emit greenhouse gases and create maddening traffic jams, but consider what else they do. Compared with the models on the road in 1970, today's cars burn less gasoline per mile and emit 98 percent fewer pollutants. That's why, despite the doubling of the number of cars, there's much less smog in the air.

The basic sedan today offers more creature comforts and safety than the luxury cars of old. The fatality rate has declined sharply, and cars have become so reliable that it's rare to come upon that once-routine sight on the shoulder of the road: a driver forlornly staring under the hood.

8. The platinum age of television
Forget the so-called golden age of TV. Shows from the '50s look positively primitive compared with Mad Men, 30 Rock, or The Amazing Race. When a few networks had to appeal to the lowest common denominator, television really was a wasteland-just as Hollywood so often churns out mediocrity when it's aiming for box office blockbusters.

With hundreds of channels today, TV producers don't have to please everyone, so they can appeal to niche audiences with quirky programs: sophisticated dramas, edgy comedies, and documentaries that aren't just educational but riveting. When children are happily learning about Mayan engineering on the History Channel or quasars on the Discovery Channel, that box is no longer the boob tube.

9. Retreat from Armageddon
During the Cold War, the United States and the former Soviet Union had about 50,000 nuclear warheads aimed at each other. Since then, they've agreed to get rid of 90 percent of them, and tens of thousands of those weapons have already been eliminated. As Gregg Easterbrook observes in his book The Progress Paradox, “Historians will view nuclear arms reduction as such an incredible accomplishment that it will seem bizarre in retrospect so little attention was paid while it was happening.”

10. Memories
The gift of longer life has usually been accompanied by the loss of memories, but we'll be luckier than our grandparents. Besides the new memory-improvement drugs being developed, we've got digital photos and videos and e-mails to recall our best personal moments and the Web to instantly help us remember who sang that song or which year the blizzard hit.

In the past, only nobles could hire scribes to write their histories and artists to depict their deeds. Today, we all have records of our lives to pass on to our descendants, to comfort us as we age, and to remind us, every now and then, to count our blessings.

From Reader's Digest - February 2009