Kind of ironic writing about money in a tough economy...trust me, I work straight commission in sales and am feeling it right now too. BUT, money really isn't the answer. I was reminded of this again tonight, when I received a phone call about someone from my hometown dying. This man was a self-made millionaire, along with his brothers. He was a good friend to my father over the years...and in fact, the first airplane I ever flew on as a child was this man's private plane.
My point...it doesn't matter how much or little money we have in the bank...we are going to die sometime. This isn't meant to be depressing or to sound morbid...my point...this life is short. Our life here on Earth is temporary.
Therefore, our MAIN objective here on Earth is to glorify God. God knew this (obviously) when he wrote the Bible...he constantly talked of money and warned for us humans not to store up riches on Earth where they can and will decay, but to store up our treasures in heaven. So, regardless of your financial situation...I ask you to self reflect. Realize that ALL of the money you have or are worth, is God's money. He gave each of us the ability to make money...and I truly feel that it belongs to him. After all, we won't be able to take it with us. So, yes we are okay enjoying the money that we earn...but let's also be smart with it. Don't squander it away...and I challenge you...find a way to glorify God with it!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
the voice of a few...
When you think about it...if you want something done, then you have to be willing to speak up. Before I go into any details, I will go ahead and make my plea. WE CHRISTIANS NEED TO RAISE OUR VOICES...WE NEED TO BE THE ONES SPEAKING UP AND DEFENDING OUR BIBLICAL VALUES! Okay, now that is said...here's my point, it only takes a few to take a stand and make a difference. This applies to any situation really...
Example, this week the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) removed a common, mild to moderate, pain medicine from the market. From some of the stats I've seen, Propoxyphene was the 38th-most-prescribed generic drug in 2009, with 17.5 million prescriptions nationwide. Not only that, but it has been on the market since the 1950's. My point: you have a medicine that has been used by millions for various reasons, has been prescribed by doctors for decades...and because some advocacy groups spoke out on this product...the ultimate result is that it got pulled from the market. (yes, after studies were done and certain results were found) Never-mind the patients that faithfully found relief from it, the doctors who saw it as an alternative to hydrocodone, the pharmacies who have dispensed it for decades, and many others. Back to my point, the minority spoke up...and action occured.
(And I truly hate to "pick on" the gay community) but this is another good example of a group making the most noise. When looking at various sources, it is believed that only 3-5% of the population in America is homosexual. However, we have a culture (both government and media) that cater to this lifestyle. Not that these people as individuals are not important, but you have all of this debate for 3-5% of the population. Our nation is willing to re-write its laws for 3-5% of the population.
From various sources, I've seen the statistic that 75% of Americans identify as Christian. So why are Christians blasted for speaking up? If Christians don't get involved in culture and politics, then who is left to make the decisions...atheists, Muslims, etc? If we want change, and are called to be the "light" in a dark world, then why would we sit back and be silenced. And let me clarify, I'm not saying be disrespectful or "judging"...but the truth is, as Christians...we have the Word of God in our corner. We aren't the ones "judging"...God is. His word is bold, clear, true, and never changing. It hasn't changed since it was written. Let that be encouragement to you...take God's word and apply it...Christianity is a lifestyle, not simply a belief in Jesus. It's time for us to take a stand and get involved. Don't be afraid as long as Christ is in your corner.
Example, this week the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) removed a common, mild to moderate, pain medicine from the market. From some of the stats I've seen, Propoxyphene was the 38th-most-prescribed generic drug in 2009, with 17.5 million prescriptions nationwide. Not only that, but it has been on the market since the 1950's. My point: you have a medicine that has been used by millions for various reasons, has been prescribed by doctors for decades...and because some advocacy groups spoke out on this product...the ultimate result is that it got pulled from the market. (yes, after studies were done and certain results were found) Never-mind the patients that faithfully found relief from it, the doctors who saw it as an alternative to hydrocodone, the pharmacies who have dispensed it for decades, and many others. Back to my point, the minority spoke up...and action occured.
(And I truly hate to "pick on" the gay community) but this is another good example of a group making the most noise. When looking at various sources, it is believed that only 3-5% of the population in America is homosexual. However, we have a culture (both government and media) that cater to this lifestyle. Not that these people as individuals are not important, but you have all of this debate for 3-5% of the population. Our nation is willing to re-write its laws for 3-5% of the population.
From various sources, I've seen the statistic that 75% of Americans identify as Christian. So why are Christians blasted for speaking up? If Christians don't get involved in culture and politics, then who is left to make the decisions...atheists, Muslims, etc? If we want change, and are called to be the "light" in a dark world, then why would we sit back and be silenced. And let me clarify, I'm not saying be disrespectful or "judging"...but the truth is, as Christians...we have the Word of God in our corner. We aren't the ones "judging"...God is. His word is bold, clear, true, and never changing. It hasn't changed since it was written. Let that be encouragement to you...take God's word and apply it...Christianity is a lifestyle, not simply a belief in Jesus. It's time for us to take a stand and get involved. Don't be afraid as long as Christ is in your corner.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Why it is "un-natural"...FACTS
Due to a conversation today about San Francisco & because of a story I heard about a teacher kicking a student out of the classroom, because they stated they didn't agree with homosexuality...I decided to look up FACTS about homosexuality. The main reason I wanted to share this, is because the media and our government has been doing its best to make us believe both heterosexuality and homosexuality are the same. The FACTS say something different. Yes, any promiscuity can be dangerous...but, the homosexual lifestyle and behavior have increased risks that aren't being shared. Another reason this is important, there are organizations like GLSEN who are "indoctrinating" American students into believing this behavior is natural. This organizations advocates teachers to share this lifestyle/behavior message...and on this point, teachers and schools should remain neutral on this issue. Students should not be influenced or brainwashed into thinking that sex of any sort is okay. Yes, I realize the a lot of students will partake in this behavior anyway...but it shouldn't be encouraged. And to think...that's how your tax payer dollars are being used. So to the core of this message:
-->check out the CDC (center for disease control) facts on homosexuality HERE
summary: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)1 represent approximately 2% of the US population, yet are the population most severely affected by HIV and are the only risk group in which new HIV infections have been increasing steadily since the early 1990s. In 2006, MSM accounted for more than half (53%) of all new HIV infections in the United States, and MSM with a history of injection drug use (MSM-IDU) accounted for an additional 4% of new infections. At the end of 2006, more than half (53%) of all people living with HIV in the United States were MSM or MSM-IDU. Since the beginning of the US epidemic, MSM have consistently represented the largest percentage of persons diagnosed with AIDS and persons with an AIDS diagnosis who have died. There are also other facts and statistics on this page linked above.
-->I also found this paper written by a doctor for the Corporate Research...click HERE
Council...media/government doesn't share how our bodies were/are made for sex & why it isn't made for homosexual sex. Yes it can be detailed, but this tells how God intended sex between man and woman.
I think that these two links above are proof by facts alone...not to mention what the Bible says about this behavior. This post isn't to bash the homosexual lifestyle, but to merely educate. It IS NOT right to mislead our youth in schools and okay a lifestyle that has so many consequences to it. It isn't above "love" like our government/media wants us to believe...they are more facts about this behavior than meets the eye.
-->check out the CDC (center for disease control) facts on homosexuality HERE
summary: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)1 represent approximately 2% of the US population, yet are the population most severely affected by HIV and are the only risk group in which new HIV infections have been increasing steadily since the early 1990s. In 2006, MSM accounted for more than half (53%) of all new HIV infections in the United States, and MSM with a history of injection drug use (MSM-IDU) accounted for an additional 4% of new infections. At the end of 2006, more than half (53%) of all people living with HIV in the United States were MSM or MSM-IDU. Since the beginning of the US epidemic, MSM have consistently represented the largest percentage of persons diagnosed with AIDS and persons with an AIDS diagnosis who have died. There are also other facts and statistics on this page linked above.
-->I also found this paper written by a doctor for the Corporate Research...click HERE
Council...media/government doesn't share how our bodies were/are made for sex & why it isn't made for homosexual sex. Yes it can be detailed, but this tells how God intended sex between man and woman.
I think that these two links above are proof by facts alone...not to mention what the Bible says about this behavior. This post isn't to bash the homosexual lifestyle, but to merely educate. It IS NOT right to mislead our youth in schools and okay a lifestyle that has so many consequences to it. It isn't above "love" like our government/media wants us to believe...they are more facts about this behavior than meets the eye.
Monday, November 15, 2010
California in the news...
Oh Cali...every time I hear some crazy story in the political/culture world, it seems to come out of California. Sad to say, but nothing really surprises me anymore...if it's going to happen, it seems to take place there. So let's get to it:
1. The Denair Middle School situation...13 year old, Cody Alicea, is told he can not have the American flag on his bike when on school property (it may cause racial tension...hello, we live in America. Last I checked America represents people from all over the world, but as you can imagine this was an issue with the Mexico situation). Good news here, those in authority overturned their decision and allowed this young boy to continue riding with the flag on his bike. Thank goodness the media made a big deal out of this...let the flag fly!
2.In-state tuition ALLOWED for illegal immigrants...what do you say to this ruling? Hmmm, in order to receive in state tuition, it seems as if you would have to be a citizen of the state wouldn't it? Not in California...when it ruled that illegal immigrants are entitled to the same tuition breaks offered to in-state high school students to attend public colleges and universities. So what you're telling me is...you won't receive these tax breaks if you are a US citizen who lives in neighboring Oregon, BUT if you aren't a citizen of the US & aren't a citizen of California...then you can get these breaks. Does that make sense?
3.Next up...the ban on Happy Meals (in San Francisco). Sorry kids, no toys allowed because it tempts you to want happy meals. So what about it being UP TO THE PARENTS to provide and choose what your kids have. I'm all for healthier choices...but that's my choice for my children, not the government. Keep in mind, San Francisco is a sanctuary city who breaks the law by enabling illegal immigrants to hide out there...is one of the MOST LIBERAL cities in the country...and yet puts its foot down on Happy Meals. Interesting!
These are literally just the more recent news stories...gotta love Cali!
1. The Denair Middle School situation...13 year old, Cody Alicea, is told he can not have the American flag on his bike when on school property (it may cause racial tension...hello, we live in America. Last I checked America represents people from all over the world, but as you can imagine this was an issue with the Mexico situation). Good news here, those in authority overturned their decision and allowed this young boy to continue riding with the flag on his bike. Thank goodness the media made a big deal out of this...let the flag fly!
2.In-state tuition ALLOWED for illegal immigrants...what do you say to this ruling? Hmmm, in order to receive in state tuition, it seems as if you would have to be a citizen of the state wouldn't it? Not in California...when it ruled that illegal immigrants are entitled to the same tuition breaks offered to in-state high school students to attend public colleges and universities. So what you're telling me is...you won't receive these tax breaks if you are a US citizen who lives in neighboring Oregon, BUT if you aren't a citizen of the US & aren't a citizen of California...then you can get these breaks. Does that make sense?
3.Next up...the ban on Happy Meals (in San Francisco). Sorry kids, no toys allowed because it tempts you to want happy meals. So what about it being UP TO THE PARENTS to provide and choose what your kids have. I'm all for healthier choices...but that's my choice for my children, not the government. Keep in mind, San Francisco is a sanctuary city who breaks the law by enabling illegal immigrants to hide out there...is one of the MOST LIBERAL cities in the country...and yet puts its foot down on Happy Meals. Interesting!
These are literally just the more recent news stories...gotta love Cali!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Planting seeds...
One of the hardest things for me is realizing that I'm not God...I know that is obvious, but why do I want/wish to control outcomes? It is hard for me, and I assume us, to sit back and have to actually rely on God to deliver. It shouldn't be right...after all, His ways ARE perfect. Nevertheless, it is a hard pill to swallow at times.
However, days like today are encouraging. I received a phone call from someone who told me they went to church today! This someone is a person that I have been praying, and praying, and praying for...so I was somewhat surprised, yet pumped that this person made an attempt to go to church.
That being said, sometimes we are just meant to plant the seeds...we may never see the outcomes, the rewards, the decisions, etc. but we are still called to plant seeds. It is up to God to nurture and grow what was planted...
However, days like today are encouraging. I received a phone call from someone who told me they went to church today! This someone is a person that I have been praying, and praying, and praying for...so I was somewhat surprised, yet pumped that this person made an attempt to go to church.
That being said, sometimes we are just meant to plant the seeds...we may never see the outcomes, the rewards, the decisions, etc. but we are still called to plant seeds. It is up to God to nurture and grow what was planted...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Kids these days...
I can't help but wonder what kids will be like when my 2 children get to be older. It is crazy to see and hear about kids these days. Today while working, I found out about a 14 year old pregnant girl that was nearby. Seriously....14. How is this girl supposed to provide for a child, teach a child responsibility, get an education, and so on? A nurse in this same office was talking about a situation and her daughter's school...5 girls made a pack to all have sex with and get pregnant by the same boy...and according to this lady, all 5 girls succeeded in getting pregnant. Congratulations son, you now have 5 children on the way by 5 different girls...can't wait to hear how that one is explained when they get older. Then yesterday while driving up the interstate outside Memphis, I spotted 3 teenage boys DANCING in one of the interstate lanes...I honked my horn as a warning, but seriously what are they thinking?
So, what are parents to do? Well, be parents...sounds simple, but somewhere our society is failing our children. Yes, kids do things their parents don't approve of...we can't be everywhere at every time. What we can do is set examples for our kids, correct our kids when needed, guide our kids into becoming responsible humans. Yes, it is definitely easier said than done...but the hard work will pay off. Kids need structure and discipline...that's what keeps our society from becoming utter chaos.
I will say this to all parents out there...God is the ultimate example of parenting. Think about it, God is a God of love AND justice. While He loves us, he still has to correct us and straighten us up. We may not like it and there may be consequences involved, but it is for our own good.
So, what are parents to do? Well, be parents...sounds simple, but somewhere our society is failing our children. Yes, kids do things their parents don't approve of...we can't be everywhere at every time. What we can do is set examples for our kids, correct our kids when needed, guide our kids into becoming responsible humans. Yes, it is definitely easier said than done...but the hard work will pay off. Kids need structure and discipline...that's what keeps our society from becoming utter chaos.
I will say this to all parents out there...God is the ultimate example of parenting. Think about it, God is a God of love AND justice. While He loves us, he still has to correct us and straighten us up. We may not like it and there may be consequences involved, but it is for our own good.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"You can't handle the truth!"
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" stated by Jack Nicholson
Remember that classic line in the movie "A Few Good Men"?
Through a variety of different events today, this is what the take away is...
Do we really want to know the truth? It's kind of like the old scenario where the woman asks, "Do these jeans make my butt look big?" Do we want the truth?
I will say this...my job is sales. Therefore, in order for me to do my job effectively, I need the truth. I don't want doctors to tell me what they think I want to hear, I want the truth...regardless if it is what I want to hear or not. Think about it, how do we move forward if we don't have perspective on things?
This applies not only in my job, but in life too. Let's face it, no one wants to be told of faults or places that need improvement. Our natural instincts put us in defense mode...we all get that way. But, maybe it's good to do a self-check when these instances arise. In a lot of instances, there isn't a clear cut right and wrong...but a difference of opinion. So for example, if you ask someone if the jeans make your butt look big...realize who is giving you their opinion. You never know, maybe they like big butts and that isn't a bad thing :) At the end of the day, maybe we as humans really can't handle the truth. Sometimes the truth isn't that pleasant, but we have to put things in perspective in order to know what to do next, or what adjustments need to be made.
Remember that classic line in the movie "A Few Good Men"?
Through a variety of different events today, this is what the take away is...
Do we really want to know the truth? It's kind of like the old scenario where the woman asks, "Do these jeans make my butt look big?" Do we want the truth?
I will say this...my job is sales. Therefore, in order for me to do my job effectively, I need the truth. I don't want doctors to tell me what they think I want to hear, I want the truth...regardless if it is what I want to hear or not. Think about it, how do we move forward if we don't have perspective on things?
This applies not only in my job, but in life too. Let's face it, no one wants to be told of faults or places that need improvement. Our natural instincts put us in defense mode...we all get that way. But, maybe it's good to do a self-check when these instances arise. In a lot of instances, there isn't a clear cut right and wrong...but a difference of opinion. So for example, if you ask someone if the jeans make your butt look big...realize who is giving you their opinion. You never know, maybe they like big butts and that isn't a bad thing :) At the end of the day, maybe we as humans really can't handle the truth. Sometimes the truth isn't that pleasant, but we have to put things in perspective in order to know what to do next, or what adjustments need to be made.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Born Again? How do we know?
For those of us born again...we have an inheritance awaiting us. That's so encouraging and freeing to know! At church this past Sunday, our teaching pastor gave us 4 "signs" of being born again (I believe these originated with Jonathan Edwards):
1. We have a LOVE for Jesus-->others may respect & admire Him and know about Him, but they don't worship Him and actually know Him. The Bible states that even the demons know there is a God...it isn't just knowing God exist, but actually worshiping and loving the one who sacrificed everything and gave us the ultimate gift...salvation and freedom from sin!
2. We have a hatred for sin-->we know longer make excuses or justify sin...but we do acknowledge sin and try to get rid of the sin. To be honest, I HATE sin...I hate what it does to individuals, to families, to society, and how it literally hurts God.
3. LOVE of the word-->we go to it for truth and clarity
4. LOVE for others-->this love goes beyond differences in income, appearance, race, politics, borders, and every other thing you can think of. We are called to love everyone...that doesn't mean excuse wrong though.
I pass this information along as a self check...it should be a joy to obey God! This doesn't guarantee a life free of heart ache, hardship, and difficulty. With God all things are possible...if He is for us then truly, who can be against us. I invite you to get to know the ONLY Lord and Savior Jesus! This isn't simply believing He exist, but being a Christian is a lifestyle.
1. We have a LOVE for Jesus-->others may respect & admire Him and know about Him, but they don't worship Him and actually know Him. The Bible states that even the demons know there is a God...it isn't just knowing God exist, but actually worshiping and loving the one who sacrificed everything and gave us the ultimate gift...salvation and freedom from sin!
2. We have a hatred for sin-->we know longer make excuses or justify sin...but we do acknowledge sin and try to get rid of the sin. To be honest, I HATE sin...I hate what it does to individuals, to families, to society, and how it literally hurts God.
3. LOVE of the word-->we go to it for truth and clarity
4. LOVE for others-->this love goes beyond differences in income, appearance, race, politics, borders, and every other thing you can think of. We are called to love everyone...that doesn't mean excuse wrong though.
I pass this information along as a self check...it should be a joy to obey God! This doesn't guarantee a life free of heart ache, hardship, and difficulty. With God all things are possible...if He is for us then truly, who can be against us. I invite you to get to know the ONLY Lord and Savior Jesus! This isn't simply believing He exist, but being a Christian is a lifestyle.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
5 Election Night Keys...
Here is my summary from tonight so far (it isn't over yet) & you probably won't here things put this way on your news tomorrow:
1. IT'S NOT ABOUT RACISM BUT IDEOLOGY...even today on the radio I heard a caller who stated that the tea-party movement was racist. Hmmm, explain the following:
~Indian-American female elected Governor of SC (Nikki Haley). She is the 2nd Indian-American Governor along with Bobby Jindal out of Louisiana
~First Hispanic Female Governor elected out of New Mexico (Susana Martinez)
...yes, she is ANTI ILLEGAL-immigration
~in SC, Tim Scott...a black tea-party candidate wins and is the first black GOP elected to Congress in years. Oh wait, Alan West out of Florida also fits this too...he is a black tea partier too! There is one more black tea partier whose contest is yet to be decided at this time.
(my point being...it isn't about skin color, but ideology...unfortunately the black tea party GOP candidate I voted for in my district got defeated tonight)
2. ACORN filed for bankruptcy today...ironic I would say. Obama and his community organizing background crossed paths with this organization, they were caught doing illegal activity, lost their federal funding, and are now bankrupt!
3. What the swap from D to R's in the House means...not only will Pelosi be gone as Speaker, but the chairmen of the various committees will swap too. Republicans will win the chairman's gavel on nearly 2 dozen committees with oversight power. Oh yeah, hand over your gavel too Pelosi!
4. 3 Supreme Court Justices in Iowa look like they will lose. Why is this important in case you haven't heard? The people of Iowa voted a while back to keep marriage between a man & woman, obviously voting against same-sex marriage. These 3 judges decided to overturn what the people voted for, and backed a ruling for same sex marriage. So, these 3 judges were up for a retention vote to keep their positions, and it appears they will lose. This is important because it is the people's decision, not judicial activist.
5. Conservatism is alive and kicking...that is the theme of the night (overall). People want responsibility and change. Not only has their been a huge swing to conservatives, but also in other areas. The Proposition to legalize marijuana in CA was defeated too. The only conservative value shot down that I am aware of was in Colorado...they had an initiative on the abortion issue and were trying to pass a fetal personhood amendment that got defeated.
1. IT'S NOT ABOUT RACISM BUT IDEOLOGY...even today on the radio I heard a caller who stated that the tea-party movement was racist. Hmmm, explain the following:
~Indian-American female elected Governor of SC (Nikki Haley). She is the 2nd Indian-American Governor along with Bobby Jindal out of Louisiana
~First Hispanic Female Governor elected out of New Mexico (Susana Martinez)
...yes, she is ANTI ILLEGAL-immigration
~in SC, Tim Scott...a black tea-party candidate wins and is the first black GOP elected to Congress in years. Oh wait, Alan West out of Florida also fits this too...he is a black tea partier too! There is one more black tea partier whose contest is yet to be decided at this time.
(my point being...it isn't about skin color, but ideology...unfortunately the black tea party GOP candidate I voted for in my district got defeated tonight)
2. ACORN filed for bankruptcy today...ironic I would say. Obama and his community organizing background crossed paths with this organization, they were caught doing illegal activity, lost their federal funding, and are now bankrupt!
3. What the swap from D to R's in the House means...not only will Pelosi be gone as Speaker, but the chairmen of the various committees will swap too. Republicans will win the chairman's gavel on nearly 2 dozen committees with oversight power. Oh yeah, hand over your gavel too Pelosi!
4. 3 Supreme Court Justices in Iowa look like they will lose. Why is this important in case you haven't heard? The people of Iowa voted a while back to keep marriage between a man & woman, obviously voting against same-sex marriage. These 3 judges decided to overturn what the people voted for, and backed a ruling for same sex marriage. So, these 3 judges were up for a retention vote to keep their positions, and it appears they will lose. This is important because it is the people's decision, not judicial activist.
5. Conservatism is alive and kicking...that is the theme of the night (overall). People want responsibility and change. Not only has their been a huge swing to conservatives, but also in other areas. The Proposition to legalize marijuana in CA was defeated too. The only conservative value shot down that I am aware of was in Colorado...they had an initiative on the abortion issue and were trying to pass a fetal personhood amendment that got defeated.
gonna be gridlock...
All of the election races are not final yet but it is already obvious, that Americans have been unhappy with Congress and this current Administration...that being said, as expected...Republicans are going to take over the House, which means BYE BYE PELOSI! My main point of this is to say, Obama will no longer to simply state what he wants and expect Speaker Pelosi to make it happen. From now on, there will be a gridlock....and it will be based on ideology, not simply R vs D. That is what the media is going to say...R, the party of no. But it goes soooo much deeper than that. You have someone like liberal Pelosi who has been pro-choice, bigger government, for "non-traditional" marriage, for Obamacare...and now you will have a conservative Speaker (John Boehner more than likely) who is pro-family, pro-life Catholic, hard working, fiscally responsible...at the end of the day, Pelosi and Boehner are 2 completely different people with 2 completely different ideologies. That being said, Obama thinks like Pelosi...so, how can Boehner truly compromise with Obama and vice versa? If it were me (and I think more like Boehner)...those ideologies are unwavering for me. Pro-life, pro-family, pro-responsibility, traditional marriage...there isn't room for negotiation on those issues. So expect a gridlock from now on!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)