O-Dark-Thirty

We wrote our book, Preparing for the Fiscal Cliff,  at the end of 2012. At the time the term "Fiscal Cliff" kept popping up in the news, but nobody defined it, so we wrote a short book about what it was and what you could do about it. Since 2012, nothing much has changed in our governmental financial status. Well, not for the better, anyway. Congress - you know, those wonderful guys and gals supposedly working FOR us, the People? - keep kicking the financial can down the road. In July of this year, the government lifted the nation’s debt ceiling and raised the limits on what the the federal government can spend over the next two years. In other words, while most US citizens struggle in their day to day lives, our government decided they could spend more money. I guess they figure it doesn't need to come from anywhere. After all, the Treasury Department can just print more dollars. Here's an aside: Now Mr. Trump just wiped out a few hundred million do

I write a lot of Bible stuff. You probably know that, since you're here. I have a few reasons for that. First of all, I'm getting old and eternity looms ahead of me. Face it, how futile is this life if there is nothing else? Also, the Bible has a lot of wisdom in it. It even says something about my first point: I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV) Most people ascribe this to Solomon, who was sad and weary at the time he wrote it. He was getting old, too, and though he had an enviable relationship with God, Solomon veered from the path. He never forgot God was God; I think he forgot God was Lord. You can love God and you can serve Him faithfully - but break the rules and there are consequences. Of course, if you don't believe in God, the same principle applies: Actions have consequences. You see, the principles in the Bible apply whether you believe in God or

A few weeks ago I wrote a little bit about the  Seven Churches in Revelation . I guess the Seven Churches captured my attention much longer than I thought. Here's a bit I wrote in 2006, just for my own edification. Enjoy! Commendation Criticism Instruction Promise Ephesus Rejects evil, perseveres, has patience Love for Christ no longer fervent Do the works you did at first The tree of life Smyrna Gracefully bears suffering None Be faithful until death The crown of life Pergamos Keeps the faith of Christ Tolerates immorality, idolatry, and heresies Repent Hidden manna and a stone with a new name Thyatira Love, service, faith, patience is greater than at first Tolerates cult of idolatry and immorality Judgment coming; keep the faith Rule over nations and receive morning star Sardis Some have kept the faith A dead church Repent; strengthen what remains Faithful honored and clothed in white Philadelphia Perseveres in the faith None Keep the faith A place in God’s presen