I have been absent from the blogging scene for a while now, and extend my apologies to anyone who had been interested in reading something new. It is not without reason however, and I'd like to explain my absence. Since even before my retirement several years ago my daughter had encouraged me to write a book- she even said she'd read it!- (which, I figured, meant two sales anyway!). Well, after a long and sometimes laborious process things finally came together and I wrote a book, submitted it to a publisher, and had it accepted. After a few rewrites, editing, and corrections it finally made it through the process and into the cover artwork and design. I'm happy to say that it is now in the"hard printing" stage and will be available in about six weeks!
The book is entitled, "THE ABCs OF INTENTIONAL LIVING" and is a practical, Christian-based book on how to live within your means, make the best use of your time, and how to be more productive and happy with your time and life. It should be available at all brick and mortar stores, like Barnes and Noble ,etc., and also from Amazon. The book is $12.95 and the e-book is $9.99. I really appreciate the years of support and if you think it may be a help to you please pick up a copy!
I'll continue my blogging and hopefully be more diligent in the future! Thanks to all who read....

~Bud

Take a knee...

This past Friday in a political campaign speech in the Alabama primary President Trump made a comment to the effect that it would be nice to see an owner of an NFL team fire a player who kneels during the National Anthem.... Immediately there was blow back that Trump was being racial, because the players began kneeling (or Kaprenick did) in protest to racial inequity.
Let me first address Kaprenick's protest- he lives the American dream- a marginal, or at best average NFL quarterback who had part of one good season- making millions of dollars to play a kid's game, who never has to work again if he manages his millions right. How is he being put upon? He's a hypocrite, for he didn't take his money and help those black downtrodden people around him. He takes a knee and calls it protest...
But let's look at the issue- he is disrespecting our anthem and flag, which represents the men and women who shed their blood to protect our freedoms- to protect his right to protest- men and women of all races and colors. I don't object to his right to protest; our constitution gives him that protection, but I do object to disrespecting the very country and its flag and anthem that provide you those freedoms. It isn't a matter of color- I don't care what color you are- if you disrespect our flag and country, if you don't like the country that gave you everything you could ever hope for, then get the heck out. Go to a country that will torture and kill you for disrespecting the state.
I suggest that, if you want to protest, find a medium that isn't disrespectful or incendiary. As a fan I'm offended by these athletes' actions, and I for one will not spend my money going to games, or buying their jerseys or endorsed products, as long a s they disrespect mt country, and I don't care what color they are. It's not a color issue with me, it's about respect.
Food for thought...

Social Civility...

As a Christ-follower I believe it is time to take a stand, to do what small part I can to begin to unite the divide in our country, right down to my own little community. I am an Independent, but have friends who are both Republicans and Democrats, who are also Christ followers. Yet I have seen such bitter, rude comments from both sides- attacks that have gotten down right personal, over political issues. I think it's time we stop hiding behind the anonymity of the internet and, as, Christ followers, step up and show those we disagree with the respect and love that our Lord does. The proper response to an inflamed situation could make all the difference in diffusing anger and hostility. Perhaps if we step up as Christ followers we might be able to enact change...
Note that I say Christ-followers rather than Christians, because in today's society many claim the title of Christian for political or societal expediency without the slightest clue what being a Christian means. An example: I heard a lady say that she was a Christian, but if you want to try and convince her that the narrow minded way of thinking that Jesus is the only way to heaven then move on. She believed that there are many paths to God. How do you explain to that mindset that the whole foundation of Christianity is the belief that Jesus, and his sacrifice of his life on the cross is the basis of our faith. No, to her Christianity is a religious designation, as it is to many others, rather than a way of life. So I designate, use "Christ followers", because  it's more specific, more accurate than "Christian".
So brothers and sisters, let's begin to make a difference. Let's fight anger and hostility with love and respect. Let's allow the pans of ignorance to be diffused by our humility. Let's begin to live together again. It no longer matters who you voted for, because we're now past that; what is important now is that we are all in this together. I like the analogy that it's like we're all on a plane together, and half the plane is hoping we crash while the other half hopes we don't. Bottom line is tho, if we crash we all die-both sides. What good does that do? Instead, let's work together to make the best of the situation, dispute what differences we may have, and in the end we may all may safely arrive at our future destination together.
Food for thought...

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE...

Middle children have issues all their own. They aren't oldest, who get to experience things first, who never really had to deal with hand-me-downs, and are often doted on as the responsible one. Nor are they the baby, who seems to get away with everything, and are coddled and not held responsible for anything. And the middle child is - there. I was number two out of five, but was the oldest boy so much of my experience reflected that of the oldest. But today's post is about a middle child- a very special, much loved middle child...
When I was young I had an uncle- Uncle Mac- who was the favorite of all us kids. He just resonated on our level, always knew what was fun for us, and sometimes engaged in activities with us that pushed the boundaries that our folks had established. But it was okay, because we were with Uncle Mac. Unfortunately, he died young, around fifty years old if I remember correctly, and there was a huge void in our extended family. As I grew older I heard different family members comment that I was like Mac, that I was filling that role for the next generation. However, I knew I fell far short of filling Uncle Mac's shoes, for he was effortless fun,,,
This week my kids all traveled to Florida's east coast for a cousin's wedding. They spent a couple days with me prior to going to the east coast, and will return for a couple more days. Three kids, two kids-in-law, and five grandkids all in my cozy home. So lets take all these divergent threads and pull them all together...

I relived my Uncle Mac this week, reincarnated in my middle child, my son Ryan. I have watched him parent his boys with great love and discipline, but watching him interact with all the kids was living Mac all over. Ryan so seamlessly, so effortlessly interacted with each, taking time to teach, to explain, to play with his nieces and nephew- Uncle RyeRye is definitely loved by all the kids. Now I love all my kids, and am proud of each, for who they are, for what they've accomplished, but this week I'm feeling especially proud of my middle child, for giving selflessly into the little lives around him, for going that extra mile to make my grandkids feel so important... Thank you Ryan. Keep up the good work. I love you, and am proud of you...

Food for thought...

Wiser Choices...

I believe in truth. However, I believe that there is more than one truth. There is absolute truth, truth that doesn't change irrespective of time or circumstance. God is absolute truth. Then there is is conditional truth, or truth that may or can change due to changes in our situation or circumstance. Often times conditional truths in our lives can change at the whim or directive of those who impact our lives. Conditional truths are often a matter of perspective and can be unreliable and damaging.
I began pondering this after reading an actual account of four people fishing out on the ocean in small boat. There were three men and one boy, the son of one of the men. Somehow the boat capsized and sunk, and the four began to swim for shore. However, there were fierce riptides, and the four struggled to make land. Finally two of the men made it ashore, but the father and son still struggled. The father was a strong swimmer- strong enough to make shore on his own- but he refused to let go of his son in order to save himself. The two were swept out to sea, and never found. The father loved his son enough to die for him. It made me think, to evaluate relationships in my life, and the question arose in my thoughts, "How many people in my life, people that I would be willing to die for, am I also willing to live for?" You see, if we are willing to die for someone then why do we all too often fail to live for them? Who do I live for today?
I came to the sad realization that I am in some relationships that I try to live for and would gladly die for, but if I were to die today I suspect that I would not even be mourned- or minimally at best. It may not have always been that way, but the relationship over time has evolved into an inequitable relationship, where my time and effort to nurture it are unrequited. I  recognize that these situations are conditional truths, for the very nature of these relationships could change at the whim or desire of  another, changing the dynamic and the truth as I experience it. Conditional truths change because we change, others change, because we are unstable in our abilities to control our feelings. Absolute truth never fails us though, for it doesn't rely on feelings or change. God is absolute truth. God is Love. God is just. God is merciful. These are and always have been God's attributes- attributes we can rely on.
So as I pondered those who may only be inconvenienced at my passing I was reminded of an absolute truth. God loves me, and He already proved that love by sacrificing His only son to pay the price for my sin, my shortcomings, and it that Jesus met God's justice through God's mercy- for me! I am a treasured child of the Most High God, secure in His love and grace. To those who fail to return my love, or friendship, to those who refuse to invest of themselves- I forgive you, and please forgive me if I change my choices and time investment to better enhance those relationships that are more equitable in my life. The dividends are far greater, and much more satisfying.
 Food for thought...

Relational Success...

I'm nearing sixty years old, and I'd like to believe I've learned a little along my life's journey. If I could only pass on one tidbit of information to my children, and even those close to me it would be this:
Learn to be successful in your relationships.
At the end of your life "things" won't matter one iota. New cars, a fancy house, boats, motorcycles, any kind of "toys" we tend to want to collect won't comfort you or keep you warm. Personal relationships will be the source of your comfort- whether it be your spouse, children, siblings, or friends and relatives. Memories will be a source of comfort- memories of good times with others, not things. And the most important aspect of developing successful relationships is learning the art of compromise.

Within the context of a relationship we often find that our idea of doing something varies from our counterpart in the relationship. Ideally the we should talk it out and reach a compromise that both sides find palatable, and move forward accordingly. Yet if one insists on doing it his way, and makes a compelling argument for his desire to do it his way, he isn't wrong- nor is his friend- for they each have their own perspectives, and differing perspectives doesn't make one right and one wrong. It just means there are different ways to accomplish the same goal.
Now, if a compromise isn't reached, then one side will have to give in or the relationship reaches a loggerhead. So what happens to the side that gives in? Even if they "bury" it, there's resentment. One party will have a good measure of the joy they should experience together tarnished by the fact that they "caved" in to the other's will- usually under the pretext of trying to keep the peace, yet in the end they are left with deep seated resentment. Going forward that will create a wall, or a stumbling point in the relationship because they won't want to cave again- even though they may never say a word. It creates an animosity, and creates distance between the two.
But what happens if a compromise is reached? Neither side may get 100% of what they wanted, but both sides get something, and that allows both to feel that they're important, that their desires have merit and consideration within the relationship. Even if one side only gets 10%, or 20% of what they wanted they will still appreciate the gesture and the compromise. Now in this example I've been using one side clearly gets more, but both sides come out winners. It's all about being willing to compromise...
On a personal note, I've had to learn this lesson, and it pains me to admit it took far longer than I wish, for I am very much like that one who can make the compelling argument, who could convince others to do it "my way",  You see, often times my intelligence derailed my relational success. So what if  I do something less efficiently, if it means making someone I care about happy? Do I need to be right, or do I need to be considerate? Most of the time it is impossible to be both. I've learned it's far better to be considerate. I hope it is a lesson my kids and grandkids learn much quicker than I did. Perhaps they won't be as relationally challenged as their Papa...

Food for thought...

Where Does God Come From?

I am often amazed at how our finite minds try to tackle infinite concepts. God, in His very nature, is infinite, and we are unable to even begin to comprehend Him, aside from those attributes that He chooses to share with us through his Word, the Bible...And yet, people still ask questions like, "If God can do anything then can He make a rock so heavy that He can't lift it?" And the answer, of course, is yes. My God, the Infinite Creator of our universe, can certainly do something so mundane. Don't ask me how, for my finite mind cannot grasp it, but because He can do anything then that is certainly within the scope of His power. Recently I watched an interview of a man, (who I cannot remember his name so as to give him proper credit for his answer), and one panel member asked him, "Where God comes from?" Now I wish I could give his answer verbatim, but I cannot, so the gist of the answer will have to do.
He started out by saying that we live on a continuum, and thus are bound by time, space, and matter. These things define our existence. God however, is not bound by any of these things, for He exists outside our continuum, and indeed created them. He is not bound by them, and if He were, he would be finite also, and certainly not worthy of our worship. Then he explained what, when, and where God created the continuum that defines our existence. The what (matter), the when (time), and the where (space) are all found in what he called God's trilogy of trilogies
Let's look at the very first words God gave us in His Word. The first ten verses of Genesis chapter one read, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". When? In the beginning, the start of time, which consists of past, present, and future-one trilogy. Where? The heavens- defined by specific length, and depth, and width- the second trilogy. And What? The earth, consisting of solids, liquids, and gases- God's third trilogy.
As Creator, God is clearly outside theses boundaries that He created, much like a parents are outside the boundaries they create for their children. Children may not understand their boundaries, and often test them, but a good parent knows they are there for the protection and well-being of the child.In the exact same way our Heavenly Father does not explain all to us, but we can rest in the assurance that He has only our best interests at heart. If we could explain God then there would be no mystery to Him, no reason for our adoration and worship. Someday, for those who believe in Him, and call Son Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior, someday  the Apostle Paul tells us we will know fully, even as we are fully known. Now we see in part, and prophesy in part, but one day we shall see clearly, and understand fully this Infinite Creator, but only after the shackles have been removed from our finite minds.
My response to those who try to think up paradoxes and contradictory puzzles and statements to try and trip up believers, I say to you this- try and picture in your mind complete nothingness- the total absence of everything. If you can do that I can answer any and all questions you have pertaining to God. (However it is impossible, for even a vacuum is "something", a void is still space). You see, absolute nothingness is an infinite concept, one which our finite brains try to understand, but can only come up lacking, for we are shacked by our finite limitations...So one day, when God had healed this broken creation and believers share in eternity with the Uncreated, we will have our answers. Until then, God comes from that which no man can understand, before the constraints of time and forever more to be.
Food for thought...

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM...

I was enjoying a cup of coffee at a local bistro this when a potential, and somewhat innovative solution to our social security funding problem came to mind. We need to first dispel the notion that social security is an entitlement program, for it is not. An entitlement program is one where people get something for nothing. Welfare is an entitlement. Social security, on the other hand, is funded by hard-working Americans who entrusted their monies to the government, who in turn promised to save and invest those monies so Americans would have an income in retirement. Government failed us all, however, by raiding the social security coffers to pay for other government programs. It was, in essence, stealing from the American people. So here's two ways to replace those monies taken from social security...
First, we pay millions out every week to retired and past politicians who were either responsible for the raiding of the coffers or kicked the can down the road, if you will, for others to deal with. They clearly didn't perform their jobs in the best interest of Americans by stealing from social security. I suggest that we immediately stop paying those past congressmen senators, presidents, and staffers their pensions  and put those monies directly back into social security until the principle and  interest on that principle is repaid. After all, why do they deserve to get a pension, that they contributed nothing to, when  they embezzled the hard earned retirement monies of their constituents? Let them go without, and have to rely on social security, until the debt they caused or propagated is repaid.
Second, as social security is not an entitlement, but a trust with the government that the government has violated, it should never be in danger of insolvency ahead of entitlement programs where we give out monies to those who've done nothing to earn them. I've never heard a single politician claim that welfare is running out of money- a program by its very nature gives something for nothing- but social security has been in trouble for years because of government mismanagement. Government needs to first honor the promise of social security to its aged and infirmed, then spend what is left on entitlements like welfare. We might just find that, if free monies stop flowing, many of those receiving them might just find work, and that would also increase monies being paid into social security...
Just a couple thoughts on how to bring solvency back to a program that should never have been placed in jeopardy in the first place. Wouldn't it be refreshing if our politicians decided to put partisanship aside and find ways to work together, applying common sense solutions to years of mismanagement?

Food for thought...

The Independent Healthcare Solution

The Democrats tried to fix healthcare and it is imploding and costing Americans a fortune. Republicans brought their plan before Congress and couldn't muster the necessary votes to pass their flawed plan. So let an Independent give it a shot...

First, we need to nationalize the insurance industry's standards and regulations, so that we remove the borders that keep some companies from being able to compete with others. Leveling the playing field is just common sense to encouraging competition, which encourages a lower premiums.
Second, we need to invite the top insurance companies to the table to help craft this bill- perhaps the top 6 or so. We need to get them to agree to a basic insurance policy, catastrophic coverage, if you will, with a reasonable deductible and coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing kids to stay until age 26, for an affordable price for about anyone. Then, if people want additional coverage for things like maternity, or drug counseling, etc, they can pay for those additional services. Think of it like ordering a pizza- everyone can afford the small cheese pizza, but if you want sausage or pepperoni, peppers, onions, etc you pay an up-charge. Crafting a bill without insurance carrier input is like creating a pizza recipe and then telling Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and Domino's they all have to use it. Not a very smart way to do business with the pizza industry, and likewise, it's not a very smart to craft insurance policy without the provider input. Once there's agreement among the big carriers to supply basic coverage other companies would have to tailor plans and adapt or lose market share. The onus is on the insurance companies, not the government to be creative in lowering premium costs.
Even with this type of plan there will still be some who cannot afford it, and in such a case the government might consider a credit, much like the earned income credit to help offset costs. There could be tiered help, which increases in the case of the aged or the infirmed, However, I am not a believer in giving out credits or subsidies to able-bodied people, so my suggestion is those who fall into this category should be required to perform some community service or something like to offset their subsidy. (Just giving to those who can earn strips people of their self-esteem).
Finally, there should be no mandate to have to purchase. Proponents of the ACA bragged that they gave 20 million previously uninsured people insurance, however in 2015 some 14 million people chose to pay the penalty rather than be forced to buy insurance. There will always be uninsured because not everyone believes in it (until they need it).
So this is the outline of how to produce a plan that could be accessed by everyone who wants it. So how to pay for it? First, it will take about one tenth of the bureaucrats to oversee it, so billions will be saved in shrinking the HHS department. Second, the 38 new departments that would have been created under the ACA will not be needed and those costs are saved. The billions of taxes under the ACA would no longer be necessary, because the onus is on the industry to be competitive. Those who already get subsidies may continue, but those able-bodied will begin to give back for their subsidies. I'm sure that the cost of such a plan will be far cheaper than either the ACA or the Republican plan, for again, the suppliers have an input and the onus is on them to remain competitive, not the Government.
So, that's healthcare. Perhaps one day I'll tackle other entitlement reforms. Until then, may this be food for thought...

(PS. Mr. President, feel free to call me to expand on this if it helps.)