Simple thoughts to fix the economy

To fix the economy is difficult. Duh! To encourage people to participate in fixing the economy is not so difficult.

Seems like there are two extremes. 1) Create more federal workers or 2) help private business to create more private sector jobs. I firmly believe that #2 is the better way to go. If you want businesses to create jobs then you have to pave the way for them. You have to soften some restrictions, provide benefits because they are taking risk and hiring people. Sadly the culture of business is the opposite. I have friends who own private businesses and do very well. Their reality is "work your butt off to pay more taxes that go to people who sit home and do nothing". Sounds stupid to me. Why try???

Perhaps we should all remind Congress and the White House that people "vote with their money". If you tax them more, they will find ways to get around the taxes if possible. If keeping money in America is too expensive, it will go "offshore". If the government is willing to extend unemployment indefinitely, then were is the need to look for work?

Let's have some leadership that helps people take responsibility for themselves and provides support to that end!

Developing Faith

Saturday night I went to Heights Church. Austin went into the main service with me and after the music, he was dismissed attend the Middle/High School class. When the service was over, Austin began talking about his experience. Last week he attended and was bored and did not get "it". This week was very different. Austin began to talk about the discussion.

The students were discussing if they ever doubt their faith. As Austin began to process the questions, he publicly asked, "How can God be everywhere at once? How can He be in all of us at the same time?" That question was music to my ears.

I don't have an answer, because God's ways are way beyond my understanding. As a parent I could not be more thrilled that Austin is beginning to grasp his own faith. He has moved from an elementary understanding to a faith of a young man actually trying to follow Christ. Keep it up Buddy!!!!

Ticked about money

In America today it seems like individuals who manage themselves and their finances well are penalized. If you don't have debt, then you are missing out because the banks will forgive your debt. If you have worked hard and saved, managed to live within your own means, you will now be paying more in taxes.

I know you cannot control all aspects of your employment, but we need to practice some discipline as individuals and as a Nation. Here is the most basic message I can muster: CONTROL YOUR SPENDING.

That's it! Personally and Nationally, we cannot always create more income, so CONTROL YOUR SPENDING. Hey Congress and the White House, did you hear that? I hope we are all getting the message. As a Nation we need to get this figured out before it's too late!

High Standards for God's people

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

While God's Word is clear at times, we add context or understanding as we make application to modern life. Our intent is to take what was written in ancient times and apply it to our lives today. We try to conform OURSELVES to HIS WORD, not the other way around. In that effort, we come across passages such as this one. No explanation needed...Just a high call to live in a way that goes against our nature at times.

My prayer is that WE would live like this and the world would notice the Love of God IN US!

We have gotten lazy

Over the past few weeks, it seems like our youngest (5 years old) child has become a real bear to deal with. He whines about most things, he doesn't eat like we want, he isn't kind to his friends, etc. You know where I am going.

Jordan is a great kid! We are crazy about him, but truthfully, I have been lazy as his dad! So, mom and I are going back to the beginning! #1, we are praying for his heart and attitude. #2, we are working on obedience and verbal response like, "yes dad" when asked to do something. #3, we are working on how he treats others, specifically looking at their interests FIRST.

I will keep you posted, but it has already begun to make him happier and me too! Sometimes a "do over" is just the ticket! Do you need a "do over" today?

The power of the stars

The other night (Saturday) we had lost power for the day (7am - 11pm). The power loss is not that important but the day finished with a hot house and no lights. We brought some cushions out of the trailer and laid them on the porch in the cool evening.

We just laid there on the front porch and looked at the stars. You know, the loss of power was not fun, but I would not have changed that time for anything. All five of us were on the porch...priceless. If you have a chance to unplug and look at the stars with those you love as well.

Running for office

I heard a radio interview yesterday with Ben Quayle (Son of Dan Quayle). He is running for office in the State of Arizona. He was being asked about how "idealistic" Freshman members of Congress are before they arrive in Washington, but then they change because of all the pressure. Wisely, he began to talk about having "core values" that don't change regardless of pressure. He also spoke about leaders who are not afraid to do what is right instead of preserving their job.

I could get behind candidates who put others above themselves. The reality is that the issues in a divided nation are complex and not quickly solved. I don't care how difficult the issues are, they must be addressed and the best way to handle them is through a deep resolve to care for the country first and standing on the principles you believe in. Good luck Ben and many others. Your work is admirable!