Conservation – a way of life; not a New Years Resolution. Wednesday, Dec 31 2008

I will save more this year and care for what God has given me and urge others to the same with their family and friends.

I grew up learning conservation and ways to preserve food and other essentials.  It was a way of life in SW Kansas.  I remember saving tinfoil in balls of it to fill canning jars, wrapping 1″ strips of white cotton into balls to be used as bandages with my Gram. I have no idea what they were used for – but fondly remember doing it with her.
I remember my Grandparents and parents gardens (1/2 block of food) and putting food by (drying, canning, jerking and freezing)
One of my favorite sayings is “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” which I inherited from my family.  I think conservation is in my blood.  I feel something is wrong when I’m wasteful and it’s all I can do to keep my mouth shut when others are.  It seems such a violation of God’s plan for us.
As an adult I taught others how to conserve and was a conference speaker for Sister Cities International on the topic of environmental conservation as crafts for children.  I also did a major youth exchange between Seattle and Mazatlan  illustrating how to use “found” objects to make for sale items. I was given the key to the City of Mazatlan my environmental work with the poor.  Scott and the boys and I did countless festivals and mall shows making things from junk mail and cardboard boxes (cereal, make-up, shoe boxes etc.)

Genesis 1:27-31
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, ” Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so.  God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Psalm 115:16
The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.

50 Things Anyone Can Do Beginning Today

1.  Recycle every bit of paper that comes into your home, by shredding it and composting what you can and boxing up the stuff you can’t and putting it at the curb.

2. Change out your burned out lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs.

3.  Take Navy showers – water on to wet down, water off, soap up, water back on to wash off.  Keep the long showers for pain relief and special occasions.  Every bit we save helps.

4.  Buy a British Berkefield water filter (filters 1gallon an hour – even pond scum) and use your own carry-bottles rather than buying bottled water.  This is a wonderful system we got it in  1995 and have used it ever since only replacing the spigot.

5.  Turn off lights when not using them.

6.  Re-use colorful junk mail for children’s crafts and games or wrapping paper and recyle when finished.  (It makes great piñatas.)

7.  Before tossing out old clothing – think, “Can someone else use this?” Recyle it by donating it, freecycling it, or making things out of it.  (Ask me.)

8.  Use recycle bins at the curb.  If your city doesn’t have them, ask city hall “why not?”

9.  Use canvas bags at the grocery store.

10.  If you must use store-provided bags ask for paper and then recycle the paper or if they only provide plastic (yes Shirley – there are some monoliths out there) recycle them by taking them back and re-using them.

11.  Use baking soda and dish soap to clean countertops, tubs, showers instead of harsh chemical soft scrubs.

12.  Use vinegar and water to clean class.

13. Keep your tires inflated; improves gas mileage and saves gas – even if it is only $1.28 a gallon now.

14.Plant a bamboo fence……….. there are varieties that don’t spread like crazy.

15. Use bamboo for floors, bowls, cutting boards, etc.  because it is so easily replenished.

16. Unplug your electronics like chargers, toasters, coffee pots and computers when you are not using them.

17. Install drip irrigation in your landscaping.

18. Use a lap top rather than a desktop it uses much less power.

19. Buy shade grown coffee, and gold reusable filters.

20. If you must use paper filters, use those without chlorine.

21.  Put your coffee grounds into the dirt of acid loving plants.

22. Install a ceiling fan to improve heat and cooling circulation.

23.  Replace your old fans with more energy efficient ones (We just did 3 of ours.)

24. Repair your leaky indoor and outdoor faucets.

25.Upgrade your toilet to a low flush model. (save about 1,200 gallons of water per year per toilet)

26. Collect rainwater and use it for gardening, washing your car and for a real treat – wash your hair in it.  If you live under the shadow of a major international airport skip the hairwash.

27. Air dry your clothes; it saves money as well as the environment and nothing smells as good as sheets and towels dried outdoors.

28. Change out single pane to double pane windows.

29. Switch to a natural gas tank-less water heater. You will love how fast you get hot water – we first had these in England.

30. Insulate your walls and ceilings using recycled materials.  We noticed an immediate benefit the day we did this!

31.  Use sunscreen screens on south and west windows to keep your home cooler when you live in the south to reduce air-conditioning costs and energy waste.

32. Replace old appliances… save a bundle both in carbon dioxide emissions  and  dollars.

33. Buy minimally packaged goods to reduces your garbage by 10%.

34. Fill the dishwasher before running it.

35. Install a programmable thermostat. I love this feature Scott did for us.  It makes life here in Texas so much nicer.

36. Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner (especially if you have allergies.)

37. Get a home energy audit, it will give you a plan to work on – and end up saving you money.

38. Plant your own herbs and vegetables when possible.  There is nothing better than eating truly fresh food.

39.  Buy from your local farmers market.  Be smart – buy organic when you can.

40.  Use natural pesticides and growth hormones.

41.  Carpool when possible. Bike when possible. Walk when possible.  Fly less when possible.

42. Don’t leave an empty roof rack on your car, or tons of stuff in your trunk.

43. Check your water heater keep it set no higher than 120 degrees.

44.  Install a low flow shower head.

45.  Buy locally whenever possible.  Supporting local merchants not only saves gas – it is good for the local economy.  If they don’t stock what you need ask them to do so.

46.  Keep your vehicle in good running condition or buy another one if yours is done for.

47.  Recycle plastic bottles and egg cartons by starting seeds in them.

48. Teach your children to respect you and your environment by teaching them conservation by example.  Make recycling and composting a family project.

49.  Volunteer to plant trees for others on Arbor Day.

50.  Be thankful every day of your life that you live in a country bountiful with natural resources by not wasting them.

Simplify your life.  You will enjoy it much more.

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How to Handle Anger Tuesday, Dec 30 2008

HOW TO HANDLE ANGER

Whatever stages our anger may have reached, we can take Biblical steps to release it to God in appropriate ways and then experience His peace in spite of circumstances.
Our hope is that as you do this short Bible study you will be healed.

INTRODUCTION

Of all our emotions, anger is perhaps the rawest, strongest, and potentially the most destructive. While the Scriptures tell us that not all anger is sin. “Be angry, and yet do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26), it is not surprising that anger is mentioned as the precursor of sin throughout the Scriptures.

Before Cain murdered Abel, what emotion preceded the act? (Genesis 4:3-7)

Proverbs 29:22 and 30:33 tell us anger leads to what conditions?

Is there any danger in befriending those who are easily angered? Can you think of anyone you associate with who may fit that description? (Proverbs 22:24)

Unbridled anger is the source for much outward acts of violence and inward roots of bitterness. Whatever stages our anger may have reached, we can take biblical steps to release it to God and experience His peace.

Though we will struggle with angry feelings as long as we live, it is how we deal with that anger that determines its affect on us.

Jesus experienced anger and yet did not succumb to sin. We can share in His triumph for He lives within us to help us. We do not have to be helplessly swept up in the torrents of angry feelings. Our new relationship to Christ gives us hope and power to deal successfully with anger’s sudden attack and dispose of its lingering toxin.

Types of Anger

Just as all anger is not sin so all anger is not the same. There are various types of anger that we can identify.

One form of anger is rage. Rage is vicious, explosive anger that seeks to hurt others verbally or physically. It is very dangerous and stands at the most harmful end of the anger spectrum. It is open war on your circumstances or on the person toward whom you feel extreme anger.

Have you previously or do you now find yourself in the grip of rage?

Is this type of anger ever presented favorably in Scripture? (Luke 4:28-30; 2 Corinthians 12:10, Galatians 5:20)

The more common form of anger is resentment. It is inner turmoil that seethes and boils. It can be a response toward someone who wronged you or an unjust situation that hurt you or your loved ones. It can be as destructive as rage since the victim of resentment suppresses his resentment and suffers emotionally and/or physically.

Has resentment toward another gripped your emotions?

What will it do to you and others? (Hebrews 12::15)

While both rage and resentment are condemned in Scripture, another type of anger that we call righteous indignation is not presented in a sinful context. This is the kind of anger we feel when we witness certain forms of injustice and wicked acts.

Righteous indignation should motivate us to become positively involved by our love for God and regard for His honor in opposing social or personal evils. However, we must be careful for even our good intentions can be sabotaged by Satan. God has not called you to solve all the social ailments and injustices of the world. You cannot take up everyone’s offense.

When Jesus scattered the peddlers at the temple, what form of anger was He expressing? Why was He upset? (Matthew 21:13-16)

According to 2 Corinthians 5:14, what is to be the controlling motive for our actions? Should that influence the way we express righteous indignation?

Effects of Anger

No one can force you to be angry or make you angry.
You make yourself angry.

Physical ailments. Anger can produce a host of physical problems ranging from ulcers to hypertension. If entertained on a sustained basis, anger can be very detrimental to your physical health.

Emotional ailments. Probably the most common companion of anger is depression. Depression is often anger turned inward. This combination is very destructive to our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Ruined relationships. Anger alienates even people who love us, particularly if it is a habitual response. It often leads to domestic violence, divorce, and children whose lives are scarred permanently.

Job loss or career detours. Anger at work is the shortest way to being let go there is.  Today more and more employers are working toward emotional health at the workplace just because unbridaled anger has caused destruction, death and work stoppage.

Read 1 Samuel 20:24-33. Who was Saul angry at? Why? Did he check his rage? Did it affect his emotions?

Dealing with Anger

First, remember that not all anger is sinful or even bad. There are occasions when it is appropriate to express our feelings to one another. We can say something like “Bill, I am upset about this problem. Can we talk about it?” Often our anger can be resolved through clear-headed communication and loving confrontation. Sometimes that is not possible. In such cases, we should realize that our anger, if allowed to brew, can spill over into sinful actions or harmful emotions. We never have a biblical excuse for becoming combative or overly aggressive.

Secondly, remember we war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in high places. This shows us it is not always people we should consider when we are angry – but the source of the problems, the misunderstandings, the confusion – Satan and his demons.

Read Acts 15:36-40. Do you think Paul was angry with Mark? Does the passage say Paul sinned? Did they resolve the conflict in an appropriate manner?

Steps to Freedom from Unbridled Anger

YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS because the LORD gives you power to do so through His Holy Spirit.

1. Acknowledge your anger to yourself and God.

It is impossible to hide your anger form an omniscient God, and it is equally hard to fool yourself. Have you been honest with God and yourself regarding your anger, or have you tried to hide it under a layer of superficial Christianity?

Read Psalm 139:1-6. Can you hide anything from God? Why not?

2. Tell God that you are angry at _______________ (Identify the source.)

Open the channel of communication with your heavenly Father who will not condemn you for your feelings. Identifying your source of anger will keep you from hurting others who are innocent. Perhaps you are angry at someone at work and take it out on your family. Do they deserve such treatment?

3.  Choose to respond to it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Once you have pinpointed the source of your anger, no one can make you angry.  You make yourself angry.  This is a crucial principal to realize.  You can control your emotions if you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the supernatural presence of God who gives you His power of self-control. There is no excuse for out-of-control anger when the God who controls the heaven and earth lives within you to make you like Himself.

This is perhaps the most critical point in dealing with anger. You may have struggled with it for a lifetime. You may struggle with it only occasionally, but you do struggle with it. However, now that you are a Christian, a transformation has occurred.

4.  Begin to earnestly pray for the ones whom you were formerly angry with. Believe that they were ignorant of the potential of hurt, offense or harm.  Believe that if they could have eaten their words, changed their behavior, or taken it all back – they would have.  Address any anger that you may believe righteous anger toward their enemy and yours – the devil.

According to Galatians 2:20, what happened to your former way of living? Whose life now resides in you?

What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about you?

What does Romans 6:6 tell you about enslavement to sin?

Romans 6:4 says, you were buried with Christ so that you may do what?

Read Colossians 3:5-10. What are some of the characteristics of the old man that was crucified with Christ? Is anger part of the old man?

According to Colossians 1:27 what is the new man?

What does Ephesians 4:22-24 tell you to do with the old man and the new man who you are in Christ?

Galatians 5:19-21 describes the behavior of the old man before salvation. Who is at work in you now to produce the godly behavior described in Galatians 5:22-23?

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? (Galatians 5:24-26)

Will the Holy Spirit help you with your anger? (John 14:16; Acts 1:8)

Deal with your anger quickly through the power of the Holy Spirit. Come to God in prayer and ask for His supernatural help. Specifically ask that the fruit of self-control produced by the Holy Spirit will be cultivated in your life.

Ephesians 4:31 tells us to put away anger and wrath. What is the primary way we do that according to Ephesians 4:32?

Right now choose to forgive the person who has angered you.

Lord, I choose to forgive _______________________________who I have held anger against.

If that is your choice, stick by it. You are to forgive others because Christ forgives you. You cannot do it in your own power, but Christ is in you to help you forgive those whose actions have led to sinful expressions of anger.

If you are angry with God, you must address this also. These are real feelings, and you need to examine them.

Humbly ask God to forgive you (He will) and receive the embrace of His love. He can use whatever circumstances that made you angry with Him in a positive way if you trust Him and submit to Him. Rebellion and anger only hurt you, not God. Ask Him to reveal the circumstances in your life that gave you the grounds to feel anger toward Him and ask Him to deliver, heal and comfort you.

The Father’s Heart

God wants you to experience an abundant life. Suppressed anger or ongoing rage and resentment is a spiritual barrier reef erected against the love of God. People or circumstances may have hurt you, but you can respond in forgiveness through your new life in Christ. You are not a victim of your circumstances but a victor through Jesus Christ.

Father, thank You for loving me even when I choose anger. I realize that cultivated anger damages my relationship with You and keeps me spiritually ill at ease. Thank You that I can forgive those who I have allowed to hurt me and cope with those situations that stimulate anger through Your calm, indwelling Spirit. I am a new creature in Christ. I am not a slave of anger. Christ controls me, and I yield my anger to Him. Refresh me with Your love and help to walk by the Spirit each day under His stable influence.

Lord, help me to be angry and sin not, by directing that feeling of anger toward the perpetrator of the hurt or damage. Help me to yield to the Spirit of Intercession and do spiritual warfare for that one. I will align with You and hate what You hate and love whom You love. I acknowledge that You love the one/s that I chose to be angry with, just like you love me. I acknowledge that being angry with them only damages me. So, Lord I will yield to Your Spirit and do warfare for them, blessing those who have despitefully used me, blessing them and not rendering evil for evil. I choose rather to render good (warfare prayer) for evil (recognizing the other person is one of those who You addressed when You said “Father, forgive them.”

Additional scriptures to help you conquer anger by the power of God’s word.

Proverbs 10: 12, Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19-20, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 29:8, Psalm 37:8,
1Timothy 2:8, Proverbs 16:32, 1 John 2:9-11, Philippians 4:8

God Bless you and keep you as you seek to be transformed by the power of God.

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Israel now! Understanding yourself and God’s people. Tuesday, Dec 30 2008

GOD’S PEOPLE

All scriptures from The Message unless otherwise noted.

It is my heart that today with Israel at war again Christians worldwide understand God’s heart for themselves and for Israel.  We need not be ignorant and we need not be bigots. God’s Holy Word has provided understanding for us. We need not make the mistake our forefathers did in assuming that the word Israel now means exclusively the church. We can know the truth and it will set us free.

A Peculiar Treasure – Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6

• If you will listen obediently to what I say and keep my covenant, out of all peoples you’ll be my special treasure. The whole Earth is mine to choose from, but you’re special: a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.
• You are a people set apart as holy to God, your God. God, your God, chose you out of all the people on Earth for himself as a cherished, personal treasure.

Chosen by Jehovah – Deuteronomy 14:2; 1 Kings 8:53

• You only are a people holy to God, your God; God chose you out of all the people on Earth as his cherished personal treasure.
• You handpicked them from all the peoples on earth to be your very own people

Exalted above all nations – Deuteronomy 26:19, 1 Samuel 12:22

• And today God has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure just as he promised, a people entrusted with keeping his commandments, a people set high above all other nations that he’s made, high in praise, fame, and honor: you’re a people holy to God, your God. That’s what he has promised.
• God took delight in making you into his very own people.

Guided Like a Flock – Psalm 78:52; 100:3

• He led his people out like sheep, took his flock safely through the wilderness. He took good care of them; they had nothing to fear.
• Know this: God is God, and God, He made us; we didn’t make him. We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

Prepared for Service – Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 2:9

• He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.
• But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.

Characterized by Zeal – Titus 2:14; Psalm 69:9 NASU: Revelation 3:19

• He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
• For zeal for Your house has consumed me,
• The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

The Law Written Upon Our Hearts – Hebrews 8:10 – 11; Jeremiah 31:33

• This time I’m writing out the plan in them, carving it on the lining of their hearts. I’ll be their God, they’ll be my people. They won’t go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons. They’ll all get to know me firsthand, the little and the big, the small and the great.
• This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. How does God want me to think about other people?

2. How does God want me to think about myself?

3. How does God want me to think about Israel?

4. What distinguishing features are there about God’s people?  How are they known from others?

5. What excuses do I have to not live up to God’s standards for me?

6. When will I repent, ask for forgiveness for racism, bigotry, hatred, poor self-esteem,  discrimination, ignorance by choice, excuse-making, and mistrust towards God and His people?

If you have found yourself wanting, in need of help to understand any of the
sins listed in question 6 – please email us and we will help you toward wholeness.

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Loquacious??? Learn to zip it. Tuesday, Dec 30 2008

So now you want to know what loquacious means – right?

Hint #1 – I fought with it most of my adult life.

Hint #2 – During the 4 year period I stuttered, it was not a problem.

Hint #3 – I am extremely appreciative of the angels of discretion that monitor my mouth.

Okay – well now you probably have it figured out.

Loquacious is an adjective with two main meanings;

1.  talking or tending to talk too much or freely; talkative; chattering, babbling; i.e. a loquacious salesman

2.  characterized by excessive talk; wordy; easily the most loquacious person I know

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

James 3:2-11 For we all stumble in many ways.  If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

Psalm 39:1 I said, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue.

Proverbs 17:27-28 He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be ruined.

Proverbs 11:22 As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.

So why am I writing on this topic – you may ask. Go ahead – ask.

Well, it’s because it’s nearly the New Years when people make resolutions, and I just counseled a person regarding it, and I can always improve.  I do so hate to offend without just cause.

More importantly I was studying and found in Nave’s Topical Bible the word loquacious listed under “tongue.” Being who I am – I was curious.  You can expect another Bible study on evil speaking and slander which are also listed there at some point in time.

So – not wanting to be known as a motor mouth or a woman without discretion – this is an area I have worked on forever!!  F-o-r-e-v-e-r!  My great hope is that if God is still enabling me to be His mouthpiece, I am learning to control my tongue and be known as a woman of wisdom.

My husband (sweet man) says if people only knew what I did not say – they would never accuse me of being indiscreet or having a motor mouth.  And he’s right.  When you are gifted as I am you do know and see things that others don’t.

The big job is to release the knowledge to those who can do something good with it – like the Lord, the individual themselves or their mentor/pastor/counselor/spouse/parent.  And with LOVE – emphasis big on the love.  Being right is not enough.  Being concerned is not enough.  It’s about being God-like.

For God knows all about all of us – and well – He rarely publishes it.  Woe be to the person or nation whose faults He does reveal.  Even though the revelation is in order to gender repentance.  The Bible is full of men, women, kings, prophets, shepherd-pastors and nations that God revealed their inner thoughts, actions and nature.  Read up and see what happened to them.  See if they repented or rebelled.  It will give you fuel to fight the battle of loquaciousness with fervor.

Join me will you in a New Years’ Resolution with a prayer for God’s inspiration and angelic interference if others would be hurt.

Jesus, I will work on taming my tongue, zipping my lips, thinking before I speak and learn to listen like I want others to listen to me.  I need your help to break life-long patterns and to prod me to confess my sin so that I might be healed, delivered and grow in grace and knowledge.
Amen.

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Merry Christmas 2008 Wednesday, Dec 24 2008

OUR PRAYER IS THAT  THE WONDER OF JESUS LOVE
TOUCHES YOU AND BRINGS YOU PEACE, HAPPINESS,
FULFILLMENT AND JOY IN KNOWING GOD LOVES YOU IMMENSELY.

SO DO WE!

SCOTT & JULIE BAXTER

DECEMBER 24, 2008

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The amazing work of a 5 year old Tuesday, Dec 16 2008

This map was done by one of the most brilliant
and amazing little boys I know with no help from anyone.

I hope encourages you Moms and Dads to let your children learn, experiment
and play outdoors rather than be entertained constantly.

Daniel’s whole family is amazing.  You can see their blog at
www.rixmannfamily.blogspot.com

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The Stethoscope Video – WOW! Tuesday, Dec 16 2008

My friend Cindy Davies sent this awesome and thought provoking video to me.
Let me know what you think of it.

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How many zeros in a billion? Part 2 Saturday, Dec 13 2008

I’m on a rant today.  I made the mistake of reading the news.

Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy the benefits of paying my taxes – good roads, nice parks, free libraries, etc.

What I hate is having senior citizens working when they don’t want to because they have to do so.
I hate children in the USA living below the poverty line.
I hate the price of lettuce being over $6 a pound.
I hate giving benefits to people who aren’t supposed to be here without expecting them to pay for it.
I hate criminals living free with benefits most Americans don’t enjoy (free medical, free board and room, free education, free counseling) and never paying for their crime (except socially.)
I hate the way we keep spending spending spending like there’s no tomorrow.

GM is closing more plants.  My brother-in-law works at one.  While GM is racing to get in the same league with other smaller more energy efficient manufacturers it will cost us!

Really – how many off-road vehicles do we need for folks who never go off-road.
Here at any stop light you can count them – 6 out of 10.

Stop massaging your egos!  The USA can’t afford it.

Recently announced unemployment rates by the National Bureau of Economic Research tell us the number of unemployed people increased by 2.7 million, and unemployment rate rose by 1.7%.

And yet we keep upgrading everything like there’s no tomorrow.

Tomorrow is here folks – let your Christmas purchases be paid for by Dec. 25.

What a brilliant concept!!

A penny saved is a penny earned.

“Would you rather have $10k per day for 30 days or a penny that is doubled every day for 30 days?”

If we choose the doubling penny at the end of the 30 days,
- we’d have about $5 million versus $300,000 (if we chose the $10K per day.)

Try it.

You’ll like it.

And Congress – why don’t you try it too?
Cut the pork – cut the taxes!

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How many zeros in a billion? Saturday, Dec 13 2008

How many zeros in a billion?

This is too true to be funny.

The next time you hear a politician use the word ‘billion’ in a casual manner, think about whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending YOUR tax money.

A billion  is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it’s releases.

• A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
• A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
• A billion hours ago our ancestors were living much much simpler.
• A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
• While this thought is still fresh in our brain… let’s take a look at New Orleans

It’s amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for

250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans .

Interesting number…. what does it mean?

· Well… if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.

· Or… if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.

· Or… if you are a family of four… your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington , D.C. !!!

HELLO!!!

Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax

Building Permit Tax

CDL License Tax

Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax

Dog License Tax

Federal Income Tax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

Fishing License Tax

Food License Tax

Fuel Permit Tax

Gasoline Tax

Hunting License Tax

Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax

IRS Interest Charges  (tax on top of tax)

IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)

Liquor Tax

Luxury Tax

Marriage License Tax

Medicare Tax

Property Tax

Real Estate Tax

Service charge taxes

Social Security Tax

Road Usage Tax  (Truckers)

Sales Taxes

Recreational Vehicle Tax

School Tax

State Income Tax

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)

Telephone Federal Excise Tax

Telephone Federal Universal

Service Fee Tax

Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax

Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax

Telephone State and Local Tax

Telephone Usage

Charge Tax

Utility Tax

Vehicle License

Registration Tax

Vehicle Sales Tax

Watercraft Registration Tax

Well Permit Tax

Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago..

and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.

We had absolutely no national debt.

We had the largest middle class in the world –

and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened?

Can you spell ‘politicians!?!’

Remember – we voted for them.  We are the guilty parties!

We chose to elect big spenders with too many years in politics –

which translates to 100’s of compromises and favors owed.

We are the ones who don’t say

STOP THIS FOOLISH SPENDING!!!

I hope this opens some eyes here in the USA.

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Snow – WOW! Thursday, Dec 11 2008

It began snowing yesterday afternoon and I may have been the only one in town who believed it.  For some reason I was miserably cold in a home with 75 degrees on the thermometer.  I holed up in my cozy bed – and hot cocoa, then hot tea, then finally a nap with a heating pad.

I awoke to snow falling!! My sweet hubby moved the plants in for me – and we didn’t do our typical “feast of booths.” That’s when we cover all tender plants with sheets and blankets.  He thought it would be over soon.  He was right.  It was all but gone this a.m. by 6 – except for bridges and some roads.

500+ accidents. Can I say Gulf Coast Texans don’t typically drive in this type of road conditions?

I also awoke this a.m. to cute pics from Chris and Sara.
Taken 27 miles SW of us -near NASA.

And for all you who REALLY have snow – have fun!
Happy Holidays, be blessed as you celebrate our Messiah, family and friends!

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