Giving

I need to make a statement about gift giving. For everyone who does not know I have been attending Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and the last topic to be covered was giving. You know giving is to be done with a cheerful heart or so says the bible. My wife recently wanted us to start tithing. Not giving an offering a tithe. What's the difference you ask - well the easiest way to explain it is this way an offering is what you give beyond your tithe and your tithe is what you are required to give as commanded in the Old Testament. You know it is funny when my wife first brought this to my attention I wanted to close my fist around what little money we have saved and not give it away. Then I was made aware of a an interesting idea or fact if you will. It is not mine. What you say? I work for it, I spend it, I save it, who's is it? Well, God's. The fact is simple God provides all and God takes all away, I am but a steward of his blessings so when God calls for his share who am I to tell the owner of the money - No!

I also realized that if I don't give then people don't get paid - you know the pastor, staff, bills, etc. Yea I know "They should not get paid a lot they are doing the work of Jesus." Says you Mr. and Mrs. Judgemental. Is it any wonder we as a nation have so many people leaving ministry. I mean what other job requires a person to take YOUR criticism with a smile and a warm heart and not respond in kind. How unacceptable that behavior is on our part. Perhaps as a people we should "piss or get off the pot" by that I mean either invest in your church or find one that you want to invest in.

You know the other thing that came to my mind was something that an old friend, Brian (whom I used to work with at DJJ) said once that he and his wife made the commitment to give to God his 10% and let him take care of their needs. You know what he always did and that was a man with integrity and man who had true happiness in his life because he gave of himself and his fortune. So, I also knew something else God says in the last book of the old testament (Malachi Chapter 3) Chapter 3.8 "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 3.9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 3.10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 3.11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts." I mean that is a pretty great promise.

A blessing I can not conceive?!? Wow I can go for that, psst the root word of blessing in the Hebrew means PEACE, I could use a little personal peace. So, I say to you - look out world I am going to follow the commands of my God and I will be given peace. So when you see me and ask how I can be at such peace just remember it came from God and I am a willing recipient.

Welcome President Obama

Am I really saying that!?! Yep. If did the math right and the pundits and maps are right. The left and right coasts have won the election and middle America does not matter. If McCain wins every battleground state he is two electoral college votes short to win. Now does that mean a person who voted McCain wasted their vote - No. You waste your vote if you don't vote or don't vote your conscience. I can say with all honesty that despite the results I will sleep easily knowing that I did all I could in this state. I will have other concerns depending on the senate races, which are some what redundant with the direct elections of senators, they no longer represent the States and protect state rights, but oh well, and most Americans don't care or are to dumb to know the difference. The president is only one man and the true power of this country has for over two hundred years rested with the House of Representatives since they are the ones that vote to increase or decrease taxes and therefore continue to grow the size of Government. So I will say this, if you are not voting for a member of the House that will cut spending and taxes you are causing the imperial federal government to grow and take away your freedom pure and simple. So, sleep well in that you did not pay enough attention to the races that matter, the state and local races probably have a greater direct impact on our lives and we get swept up n the dog and pony show of the presidential race. I know I do - but boy I can not wait for the next Georgia Gubernatorial race, that one will matter more to me as a state worker than anything else. Please keep in mind as this election is over it is the off year elections in Georgia that matter - Governor, State Senate and Georgia House Rep, and the Federal House Rep all over again. All politics are local and the local ones will kill you before the federal.

Next time, why conservatism is a sham and liberalism is a fraud - it is all a growing trip to Communism and who I think s to blame! It will be a shocker!!

Here we go again!

You know what - we are getting into the time of year that I both love and hate. Soon Halloween will be upon us, then turkey day, Chanukah, and then of the other C-day Christmas. Now I know everyone is waiting with baited breath to hear me get into politics and so I will. I will reveal all my keen insight decision making choices all of it - at another time. 

Today I actually want to talk about the holidays. You know I do love this magical time of year and the good feelings it  brings to everyone. I can't get enough of it I really (and I know I am cliched)  would love for it to be like that all year, but I think as adults we use it as an excuse to be material loving kids again. I mean sure it is fun to get new things, but the mystery? the intrigue? the secret passwords? What are we doing buying a best guess gift (that is often a disappointment) for a loved one or becoming James Bond and trying to make the right purchase so the bad guys don't win?!? I mean really people can't we make this time of year happy again. 

So here is what I suggest to my millions and millions of fans around this world - be straight forward and if a person wants a gift ask'em and if , just IF they say "I don't know surprise me" make a donation roughly close to what you intended to give to a local charity. Then when the other party gets upset and says something along these lines "Why did you not get me something" you can respond with one of the best bad guy lines in all of movie history and quote Scar from the Lion King "I despise guessing games" now you may be in the dog house for a day or two, but when the tears stop and your loved one realizes that you gave to something bigger than each other and reached out to those in greater need hopefully they will realize that you are doing more for the greater good than being ripped off at the mall. 

Now if you are one of the lucky ones and your loved one says something like "I truly, deeply don't want anything" TAKE THEM AT THEIR WORD! Don't let them play cute - natural consequences can be a good teacher in life. On the other hand if you are a lucky one and your loved one says something like "I want a new Samsung SC-MX10 Black - Digital Flash Memory Camcorder with 34 X Optical Zoom" this person has clearly put a lot of thought into their gift and if it is with in the BUDGET then don't throw your hands in the air and tell them to go to the store and buy it themselves! Write the damn thing down and go get it! I mean come on its not like they said "Oh any old video camera will do" They were very specific. 

Now I hope this puts all the men and women out there at ease and makes this holiday shopping season fun and helps keep that special feeling going all year long.

This has been a public service announcement of Dave's Committee to keep the Holiday's Fun and I approve this message.

So I go to church now...

OK...OK...I go to church now. I know what you are thinking has hell froze over? Nah, I used to be being into church and by that I got caught up in super huge mega churches because it was easy to be anonymous which is good sometimes because I do like watching. Then I went small town church and there was no chance of watching. So after a significant sabbatical from church (note: I never said that I did not deepen my faith and convection by not being in church) I started going to church with my beautiful wife and children and I can say that this is a pretty good place. I think that the preacher has well thought out ideas and makes a point to do things in an organized fashion so it does not fizzle or end up on the shoulders of a select group. I also must say that the place as a whole is welcoming. I ended up joining a group and it could be very good, but I am still spending time watching people. I have found that I have spent more time waiting for people in the church to fail so that I can call them hypocrites, but really why do I do that? Why do I resent "Jesus Freaks" or "Happy Happy Jesus People"? I don't know I have made it a point to make myself a better defender of the faith and I think to myself could these people defend their belief? Would their defense be simplistic? Does it matter? I think that it odes not matter if you are a "Jesus Freak" or Happy Happy Jesus People" if your happy have at it. I think I need to work more at being less cynical and more accepting of face value. It doe not matter if these people are real or "fake" they are just people and is that not the whole point. Remember in scripture the Christ said (and I am paraphrasing) "if they are not against us they are with us" - so join the party.

Now a final note to all my Jewish peeps - don't worry I am still with you. I am looking at how to celebrate Roshashana with month. I enjoy looking for ways to celebrate my christian heritage and I think that at certain times of the year the best way is to celebrate the way Christ did with feasts and celebrations that are ordered by God at the time of Father Abraham and then to Moses and then to the Prophets. I mean hey if it is good enough for God on earth it ought to be good enough for this little want to be Hebrew/Christian.

Coming soon some random notes and observations.

Oh go cry my a river!

So I took a little hiatus and all I have been hearing is well...nothing about not being around. So to my legions of fans across the globe let me update you on what has been going on. In them of random how's this work has been wild! I was promoted to county manager after 4 months on the job take a vacation after six months on the job come back and have been demoted, then after 2 more months the guy that took my job may be bailing out and guess who work wants to promote - you guessed it me! Now will I take the job?? The question lingers and I have at least a month to decide because that is when my new boss/replacement will make a decision to go or stay. I think he will probably stay, but that has not stopped them from courting me. Anyways enough about work my personal life has been good. I have had some wonderful times with my little ones. My oldest started school and as you can see she dresses like a genius and after only a few weeks it is clear that she has far out paced her aged father.

Oh what other random observations have I made...hmmmmm well as time runs out on me tonight I have thought a lot about politics, but why would I divulge my thoughts now, when this is a time of recap. Oh I know as time has gone by and I have gained another year of experience or maybe lost one more year of sanity I realize something just when you think you have it all figured out you join a gym. Why? I don't know, because I like to pay money and go occasionally and walk around with my chest puffed out for a few days while secretly downing Advil trying to convince my self that I am the stud I used to be and not the SUPER DAD who changes diarrhea diapers. Well, now that I am back keep in mind I will have more to say on the random thoughts that sneak in and leak out!

Next time - I went to church...Yeah I know, but wait until you hear what I have to say about that ol' time religion!

Bye Dawg

Many of you may not be aware but a seminal figure in the life of all Georgians is no longer with us. That is right Uga VI has gone to the great football field in the sky. As you may not be aware all the Uga's are buried at Sanford Stadium and so will this one. Here are some of the more memorable moments in his life.

I know, I know many of you are saying what's the big deal it's just a dog. Well, that is where you are wrong he is not just a dog he is a DAWG! Those people in the Bulldog Nation understand this, he was an example hard work, being a winner, grace, and good sportsmanship. I mean who else would invite a hundred thousand of his closes friends over very Saturday to his house, and make no mistake it is his house, for a great football game. So here's to you good sir I wish you the best and look forward to meeting a new member of your family in the fall.

Liberty!!

As today is the day of the establishment of the greatest experiment in freedom in the history of Man, I felt it necessary to remind us of some amazing thoughts about government and the need of the people to be forever vigilant. From some of the greatest minds in history I quote:

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
Ronald Reagan

I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.
Thomas Jefferson

It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue.
Samuel Adams

You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free.
Clarence Darrow

Coercion, after all, merely captures man. Freedom captivates him
Ronald Reagan

A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Edward Abbey

And let us not forget the words that started it all:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
The Deceleration of Independence

In the end this is the country that stands as a beacon of light on the hill for all to strive to become and as citizens we should not choose to be like those that have failed and are still failing, but show them the greatness that has come from our decision to trust in our fellow man. When we promote individual choice and the responsibility that comes with that choice the need for an over reaching government disappears. I will wrap up with this:

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance"
Thomas Jefferson

Fatherhood

Here I sit listening to my baby cry and recovering from a day of the year set aside for fathers, I think about what it means to be a father and I don't simply have the words for it, maybe it is because I am neophyte in the realm of fatherhood or perhaps my vocabulary lacks the punch to say what I mean, but I can say that I know this for sure - being a dad ain't easy! I mean sure I could sit on the couch and order my wife to "take care of those kids" or better yet "can't you keep them quite!" or I could do what I'm doing now and wait over the course of the next 30+ plus years to see how I did. I feel like I am doing a good job and honestly I like the idea of a 30 year grading curve, so to all us fathers keep doing what your doing, just don't screw them up! They look to you for more and you should be more.

That's my opinion and I don't care about yours!

Really!

Really, REALLY!?! There are times where you must ask that question and the sad part is that by the time you ask that question the situation has already passed and you were caught with your pants down. I say this looking at how things are shaping up on many fronts political, spiritual, work, family, finical, and on and on. Where did the world get so crazy and why is it that the world today is considered so much better than the world in the past. I enjoy tradition and that is unfortunate because at the risk of trying to be politically correct and keep up with the Joneses I fear that this country is committing cultural genocide to any aspects of the American culture that it finds distasteful, some call it revisionist history. It is a sad day in America where we are more concerned with burying the past or keeping the past blazing at such a high temperature that history becomes a joke, a myth, misunderstood, or worthless. I mean lets be honest if you were to call a person a Benedict Arnold today would they even know why that should be an insult? At the end of the day ladies and gentlemen the point is that history should be kept in its proper context and we need to stop changing it to suit the present and face the reality. Is it historic that Barack Obama is the democratic nominee and John McCain is the republican nominee sorta, but we must as Americans who want to live up to the words of the Constitution and Martin Luther King Jr. must remember that not only is this country here so that all people regardless of all their faults are to be treated equally and as Dr. King so eloquently put it that we become a nation that, paraphrasing here, judges a man not by the color of his skin, but the content of his character. I hope as we as a people remember that critical evaluation of an person, nation, or race is not bigotry or racism it is just good practice for making good choices in this world. Character matters and so does the lack of it.

So Ends the weekend

I sit here looking around my home and I ponder the last few minutes before I trail off to bed and start a new and I think about how wonderful it all was this weekend. I had a wonderful time with the family and I watched by children play and laugh and pretend...they fought it one more time...and what is it they fought (while unaware) growing up! They stayed small for one day more, but tomorrow I know they will grow up just a little more and I am glad I have these times to absorb them. I made a commitment to my family a long time a go and I hope that they understand I want them to seize the day...and then throttle it!!!!

It's Saturday

It's Saturday and as I walk around my small town's downtown it occurs to me...my "small town USA" is not such a small town. It makes me laugh after living in towns that were just a map dot that you come to my humble medium sized "small town" and you have some people that act like Henry Ford just delivered his first horseless carriage and others act like the new Long Horns restaurant was about 15 years overdue for our ever expanding mini-metropolis. As a native son of the state, but an outsider looking in on my new medium sized "small town" I just smile in amusement. I think things are at a cross roads for my town. The paper read about 2,500 new development coming soon so do we still qualify as a small town? People still walk down town, go to the parks, have a sense of community allegiance and commitment to personal betterment does that make us a small town? I don't know what that word means after all my years on this earth, but I will say this - When I used to live in map dots and mighty metropolises I know that as long as the people think of their town as a small town it will always feel warm, cozy, and home.