I Parked My Jet at My Castle

I just tripped over an article about Forbes Top 400. The people named are all billionaires. If you're like me, you don't even know how many zeros that is off the top of your head. The article talks about the things they could buy if they wanted to. The list includes jets, islands and castles. The part that most caught my eye was when the author stated that these rich people could purchase the entire economy of many countries! Those on the list are said to have a collective wealth of over 1 trillion dollars!

Bill Gates, the mogul behind Microsoft, is worth about $50 billion. The article says that his personal worth is greater than the GDP of 140 countries, including Costa Rica and Bolivia. For some of you this may come as a shock. For others, you may not be as surprised. I feel the need to put these facts into perspective.

The GDP, or gross domestic product, of a country is the total value of goods and services made within a country according to Wikipedia. This includes income and investments. It is used to estimate economic performance and the overall standard of living of the residents.

Let's take Bolivia. According to Wikipedia, it is a country with a population of about 9 million people and a nearly 60% poverty level and a GDP lower than all other South American countries. The article also states that many of the women of the country are illiterate.

From this perspective, I find Gates' wealth much more intriguing. One man has the resources of 9 million people. The question is: what does he do with it? According to this article, he and his wife established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. It also states that they have given over $28 billion to charitable organizations. While the foundation is tax exempt and their giving is tax deductible, I find this number astonishing still.

Luke 12:48 tells us that much is required from the one who has been given much. Do we really believe that? If we all gave what we are capable of giving, would poverty exist in this world? Would any person go hungry? How can a person love his own wealth so much that he is willing to let others starve or die of treatable illnesses because they can't afford or access health care? While I'm not referring to Mr. Gates as being stingy, there are many wealthy people who feel no sense of responsibility for those who are less fortunate around them. I find that appalling.

This scripture does not simply apply to the extremely rich, and I don't believe it's talking only about money. All of us are given something, and all of us have opportunities to share those gifts with others. Pay it forward today.

Thankful for Monday

This is hard for me to say. I'm learning to be thankful for Monday's. Even though it signifies the end of my wonderful weekend, it gives me something to thank God for. Throughout this tough economy, many fellow Americans have found themselves without work. Laid-off indefinitely. Down-sized. However you say it, it adds up to no money. Panic, fear and uncertainty.

When I wake up at 5:30, I'm never feeling thankful. I curse the morning, the darkness, pretty much everything. But as I watch the morning news and see lines for job fairs wrapping around the corner, I am learning to thank God that I'm not in that line. I'm also learning that God knows how to get my attention.

So with the dawn of a new Monday, I'm going to try and focus on how happy I am that my badge works. That my building is not closed. That my hours have not been cut. That I make a reasonable salary. Pray for me as I try to focus on gratitude. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

UNFPA

The UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an organization that is committed to providing healthcare and promoting dignity for women around the world.














Many of you may be aware that HIV/AIDS is ravaging much of Africa, namely Zimbabwe, and other parts of the world. While many Americans also suffer with one of these diseases, the prevalence in the USA does not begin to compare with the occurrences in 3rd world countries.

They are also involved in projects that help to reduce mortality rates for women and children in childbirth, reducing violence against women and ensuring equal rights and education for the fairer sex all over the world.

Until a few days ago, I never heard of this organization. I feel like I've been under a rock. I also learned that President Obama is committed to supporting this organization.

The Bible teaches us to help those who are without help. We are to take care of widows, the homeless and the hungry. (I Tim. 5) In our quest for riches, it is very easy to forget the needs of others. The truth is that the most impoverished American is more fortunate than the majority of people in neighboring countries.

For those of us who are always feeling sorry for ourselves, visiting this website may help us to realize that we have it really good. We take for granted healthy pregnancies, birth control and being able to live through the birth process. Many of us do not realize how blessed we are to obtain an education. I feel truly humbled. Each of us have the privilege of being involved on a local or international level. Luke 12:48 tells us that much is required of us because much has been given to us.

Common-Law Divorce?

We've all heard of common-law marriages. You know, when folks shack up for so long, they're considered married? Well, now there's a new trend. Common-law divorce!

While I don't think there's an official name for it, the economy is causing come interesting changes. Many couples are divorcing and continuing to live in the same household. Most are citing the hard economic times as their reason.

What?! The couples will continue to share chores and space. They will opt for separate rooms is available. This will make it easier for them to continue to co-parent. Am I the only one appalled by this? I'm not trying to be judgmental, but this insults my common sense.

If a couple has reached the point where they decide there is no other choice than to renege on their marriage vows, how can they then turn around and facilitate an amicable cohabitation? Could not that same energy be used in marriage counseling? Or in working to nurture the ailing relationship? So I say, "Absolutely not, I hate him. I can't live with him!" Oh wait, "It will save money?! I can do it."

What about children? Tell them, "Mommy and Daddy are getting divorced. But we're all still going to live here." What's being said is, there are other ways, but I can't bear to change my lifestyle. I am willing to sacrifice the well-being of my children for my boat and luxury home. What happens when one parent begins to date again? I think this arrangement should be illegal. How confusing. How selfish?

How sad is a world where marriage is reduced to dollar and cents? Where we will forsake our marriage vows, but tolerate each other to save money. MONEY! I can't even conceptualize this. Our priorities are so out of control. Look what we've done to God's marriage design. I really am saddened and appalled. "For the love of money is the root of all evil." I Tim. 6:10

To Love Money

In this time of foreclosures and job losses, it is very easy to become obsessed with money. Recently I learned that my company may be rather shaky. At first, I wanted to freak, then I took some steps back. God promised to supply all of my needs. If I need this job, he will continue to supply it, if not, there will be another. I'm cursed with being a very logical person. Faith and logic often cancel each other out.

Logic tells me that because I am in a specialized field, it is unlikely that I will find another position if I'm laid off. Only one other site exists in this city. Logic tells me that if our income does not match or exceed our needs, we will go without something. Faith reminds me to trust the God who has never let me down. Faith tells me that even though I can not see how He will do, He will do it. Faith says that my steps are ordered by God. He knows where I'm going and when I will get there. My understanding or permission is not required for Him to do His thing.

I am speaking this message to myself. If it edifies some of you, what a blessing.

11"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
(Jer. 29:11-13 NIV)

I will rest on this promise and be grateful for every Monday that comes and I have a job to go to. I will be thankful that we still have our house. That our vehicles are paid for. That our freezer is full. That the sun is shining. My husband and children are healthy. Our electricity provides warm heat and cool air. That our church consists of other believers who love the same God. Be blessed. I am.

Happiness vs Joy

Lately the word Joy has been popping up every where. I hear it often in church and see it while reading. Happiness and joy are often erroneously used interchangeably.

In this changing, declining fiscal economy, many people are unhappy. Understandably so since happiness is strictly dependent on circumstances. If we're broke, we're unhappy, while riches bring happiness, right? Wrong.

I read something very profound this week regarding the contrasts of joy and happiness. While joy comes from within and is unfleeting, happiness is as fickle as the wind or the tide. While it's nice to be happy, it is a very unstable foundation for life. It compares to a house on sand. Joy is the house built on the Rock.

In Today's Christian Woman magazine (Nov/Dec 2008 pps.36-37), author Elisa Morgan , CEO of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) describes joy in this way:

"The fruit of joy is confidence in god, in his grace, despite circumstances- despite what happens. Joy is the ability to hold up because we know we're being held up. Joy is the conviction that God is in control of every detail of our lives even when those details appear to be out of control."

In this totally out of control economy where banks are folding, houses are being foreclosed and jobs are being lost everyday, I am learning to leave the big stuff to the Creator. I am also adjusting my expectations and enjoying the little aspects of every day life. Attitude adjustment. I realize that worry clouds my joy. While times are changing, God remains the same. (Heb. 13:8) Trust me, if my joy depended on the amount of money in my checking account, after I purchased 2 stamps and a candy bar, my joy would be over. Then what?

When tempted to allow your security and moods to sway with the rises and falls of Wall Street, try consulting the source of true joy and happiness.

More on joy...

Misplaced Faith

Soon we will swear in the 44th president of the United States. For many, this is a very exciting time. Filled with hope and promise of a new tomorrow. For others, it is a sign that the end of the world is near. No matter how you feel about President Elect Obama, he is only a man, the same as the previous 43. He can only do what the Master allows. He cannot increase your bank balance or insure your retirement on his own.

Each of us should reevaluate who we place our faith in. If Barack Obama is our savior, there is trouble on the horizon. Since God is the only One who promised to supply all of my needs (Phil. 4:19), He is the only one that I can count on 100% of the time.

With that said, join me in continuing to pray for our elected leaders. Pray for their marriages and their integrity. Pray for their sanity and their children. Ask God to ensure their safety and well-being. They have a big responsibility. They wear many hats. The Bible admonishes us to respect and honor elected officials. There are no clauses for party affiliations. But respecting them does not mean worshiping them or expecting them to repair all that ails our economy. Change will come as God allows it. Whew! I am glad to know that.

Choosing not to participate...

This morning I heard a man speak that I had never heard before. He was talking about faith. He spoke mostly from the book of Hebrews. It was just what the doctor ordered.

He began by talking about the economy and the financial implications for the individual. How does Walstreet affect you? Are you in danger of losing your house or your retirement? If so, how do you respond?

This man said that analysts are saying we are in a depression, the final steps before an all out recession. Everyone is feeling the crunch of prices at the pump and rising taxes. Perhaps there is always too much month at the end of your check. Maybe you laugh any time someone mentions the word savings because you have none.

So what was this man's answer to the depression. He said, "I have a choice, and I choose not to participate." Wow. That hit me.

Lately I have been as negative as the next person about our economy. I have put faith on the back burner and forgotten that God promised to supply all of my needs according to His riches. What a promise to forget. Well, I am telling myself to remember. God is bigger than my circumstances and yours too. When we lose sight of this, we begin to wallow in self-pity and focus only on our problems. I am so guilty that I am ashamed.

So, you too have a choice. Choose not to participate and believe that God is bigger than the economy. He is big enough to take care of each one of us. When we are tempted to forget, let us encourage each other. I know I need it.

A funny thing happened...

On Sunday, we visited a new church for the first time. All was going well. The music and message touched our hearts. When the minister asked those going through something to stand if they wanted someone to pray for them, we uncharacteristically did. Usually, I like to do things very privately.

We stood along with others, and teenagers prayed for us. Soon I felt tears flowing out of my eyes. We have been in what feels like an oven lately. We know that this is a time of transition, but things are moving at a pace slower than we can appreciate.

Afterward we sat down. It was time for offering, and I realized neither of us had brought cash. Who does in this world of debit cards? I found like 37 cents in my purse and threw that in as the basket went by. I thought nothing of it, even though my husband laughed at me for doing so.

As the service was ending, we were walking out to meet the pastor. The man next to me tapped me on the shoulder and placed something in my hand. As we neared the hallway, I opened my hand to find $100 in it. I was stunned speechless. We looked at each other in disbelief and both decided to give it back.

We told the pastor about it, and he was so happy about it. He told us to look at it as a blessing and enjoy it. Ironically, my husband's bag was stolen from his car Saturday as he coached a game. $50 cash was stolen. Good measure? Of course that may not seem like a big loss, but every little bit counts in this economy.

We tried to no avail to find the good samaritan. As we rode home, we discussed it and were thankful for the provision. But first, we had to put our pride aside. I thought that perhaps we looked broke since we put so little in the offering. But that wasn't it. I've done that several times before when I forgot cash or just didn't have money. No one ever handed me money before.

In the end, that one man made quite an impression on us. We learned an important lesson about humility and about being able to receive from someone as well as give. What a way to show love to a stranger.

Scatter brained

The first day of school went of without a hitch, except that I got slightly lost trying to drop our daughter off. Oops! So far she's enjoying it a lot.

Anyway, my older brother just arrived back in the Middle East. He's been in the Air Force since he graduated high school. He's been over there a couple of times already. I pray for his safety daily. This war just won't seem to end. I'm sure many of you know how I feel.

The gas prices are also back breaking. Jobs are uncertain.

I'm so glad there is one thing that is always steady in my life. The love and protection of my Father. Sometimes that's all we have to hold on to.