New to this series? Watch the introduction video here

What forms our beliefs and our values? What forms our children’s beliefs and their values? Join internationally recognized speaker & scholar Josh McDowell as he explores how to have a positive impact on the lives of young people.

In part ten of the “Relationships that Transform” video series, Josh explores Michael Jackson’s childhood to see what can be learned from it. (Note that this segment was recorded before Jackson’s tragic death.) He begins this segment by saying:

“You look at almost anyone’s life and you will see the impact of relationships. Let me just show you in just one person’s life: Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.”

>> Watch part 11 of this series: The Two Biggest Youth Relationship Fears

USA & Canada: What’s the Difference?
Some quick math: Dividing the population of Canada by the total area (in square miles) gives us a ratio of nearly 10:1 … so if the land in Canada were divided evenly, each person in Canada would have 10 square miles to themselves! Americans celebrate independence day on July 4, while Canadians celebrate their country’s birthday on July 1. Americans: How do you plan to celebrate your country this year? Canadians: How did you celebrate? Read more

Take action: Are you finding it difficult to celebrate right now? Are you ready to experience more joy in your life? Explore our Living with Significance online interactive life lesson!

You said it: This week, jackie commented on Michael Jackson, “King of Pop”, dead at age 50, saying “Sometimes I think people with such genius & creativity are “cursed” – cursed by their perfectionism, eccentricity and need to be push the limits. I’m sad that such giftedness also comes at a price: a life of alienation and personal tragedy.” Read the rest of the comment, and check out the post to add your own thoughts: Read more

Article: What’s God got to do with it?
What does your soul crave? Remember this, what can settle your mind will not settle your soul. It will stir it up. Read more

Blog: Becoming a Citizen
Arnold Schwarzenegger was once asked about being an immigrant and in his response he said, “I have been received.” That’s such a perfect statement of what it means to become a citizen by means other than birth. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Overcoming Feelings of Loneliness” Join us in the chat room July 7th 2009 @ 4:00pm EST for this chat or see also our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Around the country and the world Friday, legions of grief-stricken fans of the King of Pop mourned the sudden death of Michael Jackson with spontaneous flower-laden and candlelit memorials and emotional tributes, as the autopsy to determine the cause of his mysterious death was scheduled to begin in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office was to start the autopsy before 11 a.m. Eastern time Friday, but toxicology results were not expected for days, perhaps six to eight weeks. A former family lawyer gave interviews about his recent concerns of Mr. Jackson’s deteriorating health, and indicated that prescription drugs might have been a factor in his death Thursday at age 50. (New York Times)

In later years, Jackson’s enormous musical success was in many respects overshadowed by legal, financial, and personal troubles. His planned comeback tour, scheduled to begin this summer, will remain unfulfilled.

What was your reaction to hearing about Michael Jackson’s death? Does it matter to you at all, and if so, in what way?

Image credit: Pierre Éthier