An Economic Crisis of Historical Proportions

Our money contains a phrase that for some is offensive, and for others it is routinely ignored. The phrase is, "In God we trust." For someone like myself it is really no real challenge to write blogs and talk about this economic crisis as if it were something that happened over there and not at my house. However, I think it is safe to say that it could very well be my turn next. How will I respond to the notion that my family is one paycheck away from serious financial trouble? How will I respond to the inability to put food on the table and pay my bills?

There's a story in the Bible regarding Peter's need to pay his taxes. With no money, and no immediate plans to make any, Peter went to Jesus with his dilemma. Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing. That sounds like a pretty relaxing thing to do when Peter was faced with an economic crisis of historical proportions. So, being the fisherman that he was, Peter followed Jesus' instructions and went fishing. The first fish he caught had in his mouth enough money to pay not only his taxes but Jesus' taxes as well.Maybe it's time I took a few days off and went fishing. Not a bad idea regardless of the outcome.

Let the Meals Begin

I had my first Thanksgiving meal yesterday. A kind group of folks from a local church brought the meal to our campus. Our students and adults enjoyed the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls and desserts. This particular church has been bringing the Thanksgiving meal to our campus for the last 16 years. Two of the original hosts were there last night. When they first came to our campus their daughter was in the sixth grade. She is now married and has children of her own, and she was with them last night. Sure this is only a once a year event, but to know that there are those who are willing to come every year with no plans to to not come in the foreseeable future is indeed impressive. So, thanks church for giving us all good reason to be thankful.

Searching for a Name

Time to take a few minutes away from writing about politics, and discuss a more important issue. I have three siblings and only one of us has a middle name. So, I am on a mission to find a middle name that will offset the very feminine name that I have carried all of my life. I put this search as my status on facebook and the suggestions have started to come in. So, for the three that I know who read this blog, now is your chance to put in your two cents worth. Send me a comment and let me know what you think.

I Love this Country

What a great lunch hour I had today. My wife and I had lunch at home and then drove to our public library. There we took part in one of the greatest privileges that all of us Americans have. We drove in the parking lot and spoke to a woman sitting under a shade tree next to a poster reminding passersby of the importance of life. We parked, made our way into the building and began to follow the signs to our final destination. We walked through the non-fiction section and through the reference books as well. And then, there it was just beyond the adult fiction, a sign that read, "Vote Here." We showed them our voters' registration cards, and signed our name on the dotted line, and then we waited for the next available booth.

A kind gentleman showed us how to use the computerized voting machine, and then graciously stepped away from the area. Then reality sits in, and you realize that this is by far the greatest opportunity ever given to us. We have the awesome privilege of stepping up to that booth and voting for the candidates who best reflect our personal philosophies and convictions. Granted, we will not all vote for the same individuals. As a matter of fact, if the last few elections are accurate indicators, we will be divided right down the middle. But we all share one common thing, and that is the power of the vote. It is the one time in American politics when we can all say that what we believes really matters. So, take some time to vote early, or make your way to the poles on November 4th and exercise this right, even if ironically you do so in the adult fiction area of the library.

What Happened to Being Philanthropic?

Philanthropy is defined by Webster as goodwill to fellowmen ; especially : active effort to promote human welfare. How does the idea of philanthropy differ from the "spread your wealth" mentality that has surfaced over the last several weeks? Very simply, one is out of the goodness of your heart, and the other is imposed on you by forces outside yourself. Rendering unto Casar what is Casar's is not the problem. The problem is taking what is mine against my will and giving to causes that are not in any way consistent with what I value or believe. In 2006 the good people of this country gave over $300 billion to charities. Left up to us, we will meet the needs of our fellow human beings. Now is not the time to force us to take what little is left after taxes and redistribute it so that, "we can even the playing field." There has never been nor will there ever be an even playing field. What gripes me the most is the very ones that talk about doing such as this want for nothing. There is enough discretionary income in this country to do more than we than we ever thought imaginable. Leave my money alone, and let me decide where to best put it. Most nonprofit, nongovernmental agencies are far better managers and produce much better results than any government run program out there.

As you travel this journey, look for worthy causes to invest your extra income. Take time to find out what you are interested in and dig deep to meet those needs. Nonprofits are in constant need of finances and volunteers to help do what they are called to do. Don't stand for those who would take what you have and do with what they want. Take what you have and do with it what you want. Invest in the lives of those less fortunate through people you know and trust. Most of us can give more than we think. So let's do it by our own volition, and not by the manipulations of the socialist politicians of our day.

What Teeth and Toes Have in Common

I read an ancient proverb today. Here is what it said, "Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble." Two of the most annoying pains in the world come from a bad tooth or a hurt toe. Grown men and women are known to cry over both. It effects almost everything we do. We are preoccupied with the pain and our need for relief. Neither the toe or the tooth are reliable in times like these. I believe the same could be said of the unfaithful things in life as well. Perhaps the lack of trust one might have in an unfaithful spouse, or the lack of confidence in an unfaithful employee. What about the unfaithful men and women who represent our republic? How reliable are they to solve the present crisis or any crisis for that matter. In our present situation voting is not an option, it is essential. And for those of you who are followers of Christ, remember how unhealthy it is to put much faith in anyone or anything other than Him. So as you continue on this journey, make sure you stop by your voting booth and make your voice heard.

Just a Thought

Webster defines socialism as, "any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods." Sound familiar?