It appears like 'fall' comes on Florida much like it comes into play in Wa. Warm one day and the next it only gets up to 65? Last night the weatherman was making a big deal about the fact that temperatures last night were only going to be in the low 40s and high 30's inland. This was a record low for the area I guess. Later on this week it is suppose to back into the 80's though so the temps are not really consistently cooler. Silly me, thought I had closed all the windows only to find that the one left open was in my room by my bed. Needless to say, I was awake at 4am freezing searching for where I put all my blankets!
This morning the kids woke up chilled a bit and asked me to put another blanket on their beds. Michaela was complaining yesterday that the high of 75 was COLD but yet still insisted on wearing shorts and a T-shirt? Today she is bundled up in sweats and not complaining one bit! Meanwhile I had all the windows and doors open and enjoying the nice cooler weather (with a sweatshirt & capri pants on) I think we have become acclimated a bit to the warmer temperatures. John is still wearing shorts and t-shirts claiming it is beautiful out even when the temp dips below 60. He thinks we are all just sissies! The rainy season is over so it is not wet on a daily basis anymore and it looks like hurricane season is also done too.
John has been working in the downtown jail for about 2 weeks now. They have him in with the violent high profile offenders right now, which is rather exhausting. Nothing he can't handle can't exactly let your guard down for a minute. The kinds of crimes that are committed here are much more frequent and haneous than back home just because people are sinful (no big surprise on that one) and the population is larger. He was told that this part of the jail was really 'hopping' and every day he would experience one kind of physical altercation or another but he doesn't seem to have that experience. The inmates seem to feel at ease with him so this makes his job much easier.
We are getting more traffic and the streets are now more congested with snowbirds that live here in the winter. This is good for the stuggling economy here so we don't mind the extra congestion if it means more jobs become available to those that are struggling. Our Costco is no longer a ghost town that it once was.
John got to go to a men's conference not too long ago. God encouraged him in many ways to stay on task and stay open to whatever the Lord has for us to do here. We are praying about permenancy; if God is calling us to stay in the area where we currently reside or somewhere else in Lee county or closer to Naples to be closer to his daughter? We would like to know where before we begin looking at buying, especially since there are A LOT of good deals out there. For those of you who know me, sometimes I can be swayed in the pursuit of a good deal that may seem too good to pass up. It is a good thing sometimes but it can easily become a 'flesh thing' as well. I just don't want to do this in my flesh and get stuck with the fact that I lost sight of God's plan of where HE wants us to be....... So if you could please pray for us to get confirmation on the WHERE question that would be wonderful! It appears that housing prices are not going up anytime soon and people are still giving up their homes to the bank........ It is really sad! Some of the great deals on forclosed homes come with thier own set of problems from the fact that the previous owners that were not too happy about having to give their houses back to the bank. There are yard sales going on constantly of people selling the entire contents of their homes, fixtures, appliances and all to get back at the bank for taking their home. This is why discernement on these great deals is so important! We have been told that eventhough we have till July till our lease is up we should begin looking now since sometimes the bank can take up to a year to decide to sell the home that is in forclosure. Chances are, this is a home we would be able to afford so I am sure God has just the right place out there for us!
Anyways, that is what is going on here in Florida! Hope you are all doing well!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wisdom and Knowledge
I didn't write this but since not much right now that is going on is blog-worthy I figured I would share this nugget of knowledge written by someone much smarter than me!
The Money Meltdown: A Need for Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
Steve Diggs
As you may know, I'm the fellow who teaches the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar. Over the years I've shared this message at more than 320 congregations, colleges, and conferences nationwide. So, maybe you will understand when I tell you that these are very frustrating days for me. I'm getting questions from Christians all over America about the current economic crisis -- but, I've been benched! Due to a bleeding vocal cord, the doctor has me on total voice rest. So, to re-phrase an old truism, let's see if the pen can be mightier than the tongue.
The questions tend to fall into three broad categories:
1. What has happened?
2. Who's at fault?
3. What does this mean for my family's future?
While there's plenty of blame to go around, it probably started with politicians who tried to buy votes by establishing the Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA (goaded on by neighborhood activist groups) pushed banks into lending mortgage money to people who shouldn't have borrowed money. Then those banks dumped the bad paper on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. While hiding the true nature of these loans (aided and abetted by rating agencies who pretended that all was well), Mac and Mae re-packaged the junk mortgages into respectable-looking bonds. Then they sold those bonds to every imaginable investment firm--some of whom were showing them at 100%+ of value on their books--and also leveraging those amounts by as much as 30/1 (i.e. Lehman Brothers). Then, insurance companies like AIG insured these bonds--without having enough money to cover their guarantees. When home prices began to sink--the handwriting was on the wall.
But at the heart of it all was the belief that God was wrong -- that, in fact, the borrower is not the slave of the lender. (Proverbs 22) As we embraced this kind of thinking, we began to believe that by digging an ever deepening hole we could eventually build a mountain of wealth.
We are a culture that is saturated with "stuffaholism." (I think Jesus referred to this as "loving the things of this world.") And, we have fallen for the lie from the pit that says: Stuff, sex, money = Happiness. If that were true, it would stand to reason that the happiest families would all be in Hollywood!
Sadly, many Christians (who are called to be the "salt of the earth") have lost our savor. Many of us are in the same mess. Even Christians normally critical of those who abuse drugs and alcohol think nothing of anesthetizing the pain they feel when the credit card bill arrives -- by going back to the mall.
There are three lessons that might turn this very difficult experience into a fruitful learning and growing opportunity for God's kids:
1. James, put a high premium on wisdom. (see James 1:5) Today, there seems to be confusion between wisdom and knowledge. They both have their place, but they are not synonymous. Knowledge is what tells one that tomatoes are a fruit. Wisdom is what tells us not to put a tomato into a fruit salad. Today's world has plenty of knowledge, but a dearth of wisdom. The smart people of today's financial world have had their turn at things, and we are in trouble. Maybe it's time to re-think the fundamental tenets of our beliefs. Wisdom speaks to this. Wisdom says whenever one gets something for nothing, there will eventually be a disproportionate price to be paid.
2. King David's number one son was fond of saying, "There is nothing new under the sun." It seems to me that there is nothing "new" about this present predicament. But you say, "Oh, this is different than anything before -- including the Great Depression." While I would agree that the names and players are different, the root cause is the same. It pivots on the three things that John warned the early Christians to be on guard against, "Do not love the world, nor the things of the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." (1 John 2:15,16)
3. We would serve ourselves well to remember that the best financial teaching is in the Bible itself. I call it "Money 101." It comes from a man who knew how to live with prosperity and without. Paul told his protégé, Timothy, the secret to dealing with money in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Note the three things Paul tells rich Christians to do. (By the way, if you have a bath tub in your home--you're a rich Christian.)
First, he tells us not to be prideful and arrogant. Wealth doesn't make one person better than another.
Second, the Apostle tells Christians not to trust in their 401(k) plans. Yes, plan for your future but always be ready for things to change. As we've all seen, dollars in the bank do not guarantee anything.
Third, the wealthy are encouraged to enjoy their wealth -- but be ready to share at the drop of a hat. Too simple for our complex world? I don't think so. It gets back to appreciating the difference between knowing a lot about wealth, and actually having the wisdom to use our wealth properly.
I would submit that what we are experiencing may not necessarily be a bad thing. Most humans (Christians, too) only look up when they have been sucker-punched, and are lying on the floor looking up. That's when we tend to see the eternal through the temporal.
Will we as a nation get through this? I suspect we will. Over the last one hundred years, stocks have gained value in every ten year period--including during the Great Depression. Will there be pain in the meantime. I suspect there will be. The question laid squarely at our feet is How will we respond to this tempest in the teapot of eternity? What if this caused Christians to again become salt? What if we led by example? What if we bought fewer "extras?" What if we paid off our credit cards and bought cars we could afford -- and saved more than we spent? What if we always had money to give to others -- and were truly ready unto every good deed?
Steve Diggs presents the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at http://www.crosswalkmail.com/czhdghbpf_wpedqgqcfc.html or call 615-834-3063.
The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.
A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way• How to save, invest, and retire wisely• How mutual funds work• How to stop fighting over money• What to teach your kids about money• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.
Click here to learn more or to order.
The Money Meltdown: A Need for Wisdom, Not Just Knowledge
Steve Diggs
As you may know, I'm the fellow who teaches the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar. Over the years I've shared this message at more than 320 congregations, colleges, and conferences nationwide. So, maybe you will understand when I tell you that these are very frustrating days for me. I'm getting questions from Christians all over America about the current economic crisis -- but, I've been benched! Due to a bleeding vocal cord, the doctor has me on total voice rest. So, to re-phrase an old truism, let's see if the pen can be mightier than the tongue.
The questions tend to fall into three broad categories:
1. What has happened?
2. Who's at fault?
3. What does this mean for my family's future?
While there's plenty of blame to go around, it probably started with politicians who tried to buy votes by establishing the Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA (goaded on by neighborhood activist groups) pushed banks into lending mortgage money to people who shouldn't have borrowed money. Then those banks dumped the bad paper on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. While hiding the true nature of these loans (aided and abetted by rating agencies who pretended that all was well), Mac and Mae re-packaged the junk mortgages into respectable-looking bonds. Then they sold those bonds to every imaginable investment firm--some of whom were showing them at 100%+ of value on their books--and also leveraging those amounts by as much as 30/1 (i.e. Lehman Brothers). Then, insurance companies like AIG insured these bonds--without having enough money to cover their guarantees. When home prices began to sink--the handwriting was on the wall.
But at the heart of it all was the belief that God was wrong -- that, in fact, the borrower is not the slave of the lender. (Proverbs 22) As we embraced this kind of thinking, we began to believe that by digging an ever deepening hole we could eventually build a mountain of wealth.
We are a culture that is saturated with "stuffaholism." (I think Jesus referred to this as "loving the things of this world.") And, we have fallen for the lie from the pit that says: Stuff, sex, money = Happiness. If that were true, it would stand to reason that the happiest families would all be in Hollywood!
Sadly, many Christians (who are called to be the "salt of the earth") have lost our savor. Many of us are in the same mess. Even Christians normally critical of those who abuse drugs and alcohol think nothing of anesthetizing the pain they feel when the credit card bill arrives -- by going back to the mall.
There are three lessons that might turn this very difficult experience into a fruitful learning and growing opportunity for God's kids:
1. James, put a high premium on wisdom. (see James 1:5) Today, there seems to be confusion between wisdom and knowledge. They both have their place, but they are not synonymous. Knowledge is what tells one that tomatoes are a fruit. Wisdom is what tells us not to put a tomato into a fruit salad. Today's world has plenty of knowledge, but a dearth of wisdom. The smart people of today's financial world have had their turn at things, and we are in trouble. Maybe it's time to re-think the fundamental tenets of our beliefs. Wisdom speaks to this. Wisdom says whenever one gets something for nothing, there will eventually be a disproportionate price to be paid.
2. King David's number one son was fond of saying, "There is nothing new under the sun." It seems to me that there is nothing "new" about this present predicament. But you say, "Oh, this is different than anything before -- including the Great Depression." While I would agree that the names and players are different, the root cause is the same. It pivots on the three things that John warned the early Christians to be on guard against, "Do not love the world, nor the things of the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." (1 John 2:15,16)
3. We would serve ourselves well to remember that the best financial teaching is in the Bible itself. I call it "Money 101." It comes from a man who knew how to live with prosperity and without. Paul told his protégé, Timothy, the secret to dealing with money in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Note the three things Paul tells rich Christians to do. (By the way, if you have a bath tub in your home--you're a rich Christian.)
First, he tells us not to be prideful and arrogant. Wealth doesn't make one person better than another.
Second, the Apostle tells Christians not to trust in their 401(k) plans. Yes, plan for your future but always be ready for things to change. As we've all seen, dollars in the bank do not guarantee anything.
Third, the wealthy are encouraged to enjoy their wealth -- but be ready to share at the drop of a hat. Too simple for our complex world? I don't think so. It gets back to appreciating the difference between knowing a lot about wealth, and actually having the wisdom to use our wealth properly.
I would submit that what we are experiencing may not necessarily be a bad thing. Most humans (Christians, too) only look up when they have been sucker-punched, and are lying on the floor looking up. That's when we tend to see the eternal through the temporal.
Will we as a nation get through this? I suspect we will. Over the last one hundred years, stocks have gained value in every ten year period--including during the Great Depression. Will there be pain in the meantime. I suspect there will be. The question laid squarely at our feet is How will we respond to this tempest in the teapot of eternity? What if this caused Christians to again become salt? What if we led by example? What if we bought fewer "extras?" What if we paid off our credit cards and bought cars we could afford -- and saved more than we spent? What if we always had money to give to others -- and were truly ready unto every good deed?
Steve Diggs presents the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at http://www.crosswalkmail.com/czhdghbpf_wpedqgqcfc.html or call 615-834-3063.
The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.
A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way• How to save, invest, and retire wisely• How mutual funds work• How to stop fighting over money• What to teach your kids about money• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.
Click here to learn more or to order.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Some pics as promised
Here is a picture Michalea drew for her friends back home! As you can tell she was a bit homesick and missing her friends!
This was our science lesson today. On the back lania above the screen there were 4 chrysallis formations waiting to be butterflies. We have tons of them fluttering around our house so I knew that if we looked hard enough we would figure out where they were resting. By later than afternoon only 2 were left! There were around 5 others around the house so the kids and I are going to watch them to see if/when they disappear. We got some oranges to slice up for them as well so they can eat & stick around for a bit! I am so wishing I had my butterfly garden in place for them!
Here is a butterfly that was kind enough to let me get close enough to him to get a picture!
There were quite a few fuzzy catepillars roaming around the house too so we will watch them to see when they form their chrysallis as well!
I know I know, whats with all the pictures of bugs. Well I have never seen bugs like this. This one is a dragonfly. They are also roaming everwhere and buzzing about but rarely do they sit still long enough for me to take a picture.
OK I have seen a bug like this before but it was at a zoo! This one was on my neighbors house and it was so cool I had to share!
Here is a cute little frog that came in from out of the rain to rest on the front of my house!
As promised, I said I would share a picture of the bald man himself. After my last post John's boss wrote back to us stating that he must have shaved his head to prevent him from pulling it all out! After being given the nickname Uncle Hester from the Adams family from the guys at work, I think he may have decided to keep the flat top when it grows back out!
Here are some pictures of the kiddos at a sprinkler park we found in Fort Myers. Kind of a neat idea as they have a main pool that the water drains into and where it is chlorinated and re-distributed...... This is a gorgeous park that rents paddleboats, canoes and all sorts of fun things to do as a family! They also have a historical train depot that the kids can climb in and tour for free!
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