Marriage Matters

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Have you seen the cover of Time magazine this week? I half expected Michael Jackson to be on the cover(maybe that one is still to come),but no- the cover was a picture of a wedding cake that read "Unfaithfully Yours" above it. My mind immediately went to the Sanford story and all of the other marriage issue in the news recently (from Edwards and Spitzer to Ensign and Jon & Kate). I thought "oh great, another marriage bashing article".

However, I was pleasantly surprised as I started reading the article by Caitlin Flanagan. She talked about the importance of marriage in society and especially in raising up the next generation.

A couple of quotes that I thought were good:
"No other single force is causing as much measurable hardship in this country as the collapse of marriage."

"On every single significant outcome related to short-term well-being and long-term success, children from intact, two-parent families outperform those from single-parent households.

"Few things hamper a child as much as not having a father at home" (Maria Kefalas, a sociologist who studies marriage & family issues)

"A lasting marriage is the reward,usually, of hard work and self-sacrifice."

At least someone in the media is talking about the importance of marriage and it's effect on society. Something I did think was a little odd and wouldn't be surprised if Time did it on purpose(yes I do read Time with a bit of skepticism). But, the name of the essay is called "Why Marriage Matters". Why does the cover say, "Unfaithfully Yours"?

It is sad to see so many marriages fall apart- especially people whom I like and respect. Even though we are all human and make mistakes, there is something about it that is sad and heartbreaking.

I firmly believe that Satan loves nothing more than to destroy marriage and the family unit created and designed by God. In previous small groups, I've talked about this issue and would tell girls, "Satan's strategy in your relationship is to push you as close as possible before you're married and keep you as far apart as possible after you're married." This doesn't only mean in physical terms, but I believe in other areas as well (emotionally, relationally, spiritually). It definitely seems that this is happening more and more these days. I know that ultimately God is victorious over all things, but it saddens me to see so many people fall to the traps and lies of the enemy.

Tragedy and a Tribute

Saturday, June 27, 2009

What a crazy week! We started the week out with the announcement of Jon & Kate's divorce on Monday and watched as Michael Jackson died on Friday. In between was Ed McMahon's death, the Mark Sanford scandal, and Farrah Fawcett's death. I don't think I can take anymore!! Just tragedy after tragedy- so sad to watch.

There are many different things that comes to mind when you think of Michael Jackson, but one thing is for sure is the man had incredible talent. As Filipe and I were watching the news friday evening, they were showing clips of some of his music videos. Filipe leaned over to me and said, "he sure was passionate about his music". That is for sure!

Baby Announcement!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

That's right! Baby #3 is on the way!!!

We are very excited, and maybe a little (or a lot!) nervous. Sometimes life happens because we plan for it and sometimes God plans for us. This case would fall into the latter, but either way I couldn't be more excited. I'm reminded that no matter how much we think we are in control- it is God who controls our lives, and- in this case especially- is the creator of life.

Yesterday was my first doctor appointment and it went really well. I spent about a week researching all the doctors/midwives/hospitals around here. I found a group of midwives (which is surprisingly rare in the Bay area) who work under a group of doctors and deliver in a hospital. After meeting with one of the midwives yesterday, we feel really good about the decision- and she is a Christian who goes to one of the local churches in the area who help us at South Bay.

During the appointment, we were able to see the tiny heartbeat. There was something about seeing it that made me really believe this is happening. So, I am 8 weeks, and the due date is around January 25th.

The verse that has been going through my mind over and over lately is Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

I'm trusting that even though my life feels crazy enough- God knows what He is doing and isn't going to give me anything I can't handle.

5 Dysfunctions

Monday, June 01, 2009

As promised, here is a little insight about my previous readings. Today, Lencioni.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
I loved this book! I've been wanting to read Lencioni for quite a while now, but wasn't sure what to expect in the light vs. heavy reading department. I was very pleased with how easy and simple it was to understand. When books are written for business leaders I tend to feel a little "out of my league", but that was so not the case with Lencioni. This book is based on 5 dysfunctions in how we related with one another as we work in teams. He uses a fable to show how this relates to real life, but the coolest part of it was that the fable was set at a Tech company here in the Silicon Valley (apparently Lencioni lives nearby). Even though it was fiction, it was cool to read about what could be a similar real life experience in 1 of the hundreds of tech companies all around us here in the valley.

The 5 Dysfunctions
Absence of Trust
Fear of Conflict
Lack of Commitment
Avoidance of Accountability
Inattention to Results

These 5 dysfunctions are displayed in the form of a pyramid (with absence of trust being at the bottom) and the rest building on top of one another. If you are looking around and not liking the results of your team/organization, or whatever- then there is likely some underlying issues as to why your not getting them. It can be easy to overlook the results and justify the reasons for them (someone else has more people, money, skills, or experience) but, if we are working together, toward a common goal, then we could easily improve our results just by focusing on our team skills.

I see the "fear of conflict" as a huge one for many people. We've been conditioned to think that conflict (of any kind) is unhealthy, but it's not! Look at how much conflict Jesus was involved in while on this earth? The conflict he brought out is essentially what nailed him to the cross. We live in a society that is afraid to point out weaknesses or flaws. I have a really hard time saying something I know will cause a conflict. But, as a team member, then it's to the best interest of the team to deal with conflict in a healthy way. In the book, there is a line that I thought was quite funny. The CEO talking to her employees about this dysfunction said, "Let me assure you that from now on, every staff meeting we have will be loaded with conflict." The best teams are not the ones in perfect harmony, they are the ones who can deal with conflict well.

Reading & Writing

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Reading has been something I have grown to love. I used to love reading when I was really young, but somewhere around the age reading was required I lost the desire. Now as an an adult, my sole purpose in reading is not for a story (though I enjoy a good story from time to time), but for inspiration, learning, and growing. I'm constantly looking for how to get better in life- be a better servant, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, etc. What a better way to learn than by reading?!

Over the last 5 years or so, I've developed a desire for writing. Most of that desire has been fueled by leading small groups for women and identifying ways to help them grow in their own life. I hope one day I can inspire others through writing in the same way I am inspired by things that I have read. I have no idea what the future holds for me in this area, but I do know that whenever I hear the question, "If you could do anything for God and not fail what would it be" (& I have heard/read that ALOT lately) my answer is always to be a writer (through blogging, magazines, books, whatever).

I also know that becoming a writer doesn't just happen, there's a lot to learn about the process. A couple years ago I was looking for active things I could do to help myself in this area when I read this quote from a book (don't remember where, but it has stuck with me ever since), "Good writers are good readers." Ever since I read that quote I knew that's where I had to start. I have always wanted to be a good reader (especially in college!), but I just never could stick with it consistently. Lately, the "good reader" part of that quote has started to become a part of me. It's not something I'm forcing myself to do to become a good writer, it's something I'm doing because I really enjoy it! Because of that, now I have a little hope that the first part of that quote might actually come true one day.

A couple weeks ago I finished 3 books: Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus (the book my small group studied), The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, & Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks.

All of these books are excellent and I have had to give myself a little break to let it all sink in. I want what I read to actually change me- not just give my another book to check off my list. I will post a recap of all three soon so that I can process it all better.

What have you been reading lately?

Results

Saturday, May 16, 2009

A couple weeks ago was Lily's 3rd birthday, and something I like to do is make my girls' birthday cakes. So a couple weeks before Lily's birthday I searched online for the perfect cake for my soon to be 3 year old- a princess I might add!

Now, what is important to know about this whole ordeal is that I am no baker nor am I skilled in the art of cake decorating- two things that are helpful when setting out to bake the "perfect" cake.

I purchased all the ingredients (and accessories) to make a princess/castle cake and two days before the big day I got started- I figured if I totally screwed it up I would still have time for a redo. While alternating the flour and liquid mixture into the mixer I had a realization about how we approach life- yes, a spiritual moment as a white cloud of flour was forming around me (no the cloud wasn't God or anything, just my inabilities to alternate dry/liquid correctly).

Here it is: The only reason I was going through all this work (& STRESS!) was because I wanted to give my little girl a pretty cake that I made- not because I like to bake/decorate cakes. For me, there was nothing enjoyable about the experience- just a lot of stress within about 48 hrs. I think we often approach life the same way- we want the results without going through the process.

In other areas for example:
I have a huge desire to connect with God more deeply in prayer, but, just deciding one day that I want to be a great prayer warrior isn't going to turn me into one. There is a process in getting there, and unless I submit myself to the process I will get frustrated with the results.

I want to be a great writer- one that inspires others to know God. But again, if I don't allow myself to be developed, it's not going to happen.

I can think of many more examples, but I hope you're getting the point. Oh and if you're wondering- I still don't feel called to be a baker. So, yes I will continue to go through a lot of stress when birthdays come around because I don't want to go through the process of being a great baker. Maybe I will get it eventually (I have many years ahead of me) or maybe just buy a cake? Probably not.

I wonder, what areas are you wanting results? What process do you need to go through to get there?

Here are my results?

The face said it all for me!

The cakes- not perfect, but I was pleased.

Changed Lives

Monday, May 04, 2009

That's what it's all about. All the stress and all the work is worth seeing people's lives changed for God. South Bay's 1st baptism service was yesterday and it was powerful! These moments are proof that God IS working here in this city and NOTHING can stop Him.

Andy preached a powerful message on the meaning of baptism. Again-powerful!!!










Below are some of the stories of how God is working here.

Baptism 09 from South Bay Church on Vimeo.

I love Compassion

Friday, May 01, 2009

This past Sunday was Compassion Sunday at South Bay Church. We're in the middle of a series called "My Upside Down Life" and this past week we talked about finances. We talked about how our lives (and finances) are completely changed when we focus on what we can give rather than just on what we can get. At the end of the service we gave our church the opportunity to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Out of the 20 children we had, 17 were sponsored!

Compassion International is a wonderful program that significantly impacts the lives of many children all over the world. Filipe and I began sponsoring our little boy, Jossiel, in 2004. Jossiel is from the Dominican Republic. What is so special about our relationship with Jossiel is that we had the opportunity to go to the DR during the summer of 04 and meet him- in person! Meeting him was so special for us, and we have enjoyed writing and receiving letters from him ever since.

This week, in the blogger world, I have been following a Compassion Blogger Trip to India.



I can't seem to read one blog without tearing up- it's pretty incredible all the things they are seeing and experiencing first hand. Having been face to face with poverty in countries such as the Domincan Republic and Brazil, I know that what they are seeing is life changing.

One of the stories that hit me the most was this post from Anne Jackson. It was these words that jumped off the page.

"I asked our translator to ask him what he wanted to be when he grew up.
Maybe it’s the idealist in me, but I think that’s my favorite question to
ask children. Their potential is beyond anything we can imagine.

What came out of his mouth surprised me.

Nothing.

He didn’t say a word."

Not having a nice home- I can understand. Not having the finest food- okay. BUT not having a DREAM- I just can't handle that.

Sponsoring a child does much more than provide the basic food, clothing. It gives them hope and allows them to dream.

Steve Harvey's Introduction of Jesus

Wow is all that i could say when i saw this...

INTRODUCTION OF JESUS from LAWRENCE SHERMAN on Vimeo.

still processing catalyst west

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I know, I know, I'm a little slow. But I have to let new ideas spin around in my head for a few days before I can actually do something with them. Plus, I figure whatever is still left standing a few days later must be what God wanted me to really take away.

(My own commentary included!)
Andy Stanley- Having peace in uncertain times.
Understanding this concept as a leader was huge for me. I never quite knew how to be confident about uncertainty, but now I think I'm getting it. Being clear is essential, but being certain is not. This is something I can work on and put energy into. Communicating things clearly is so important to me and I know I can work on this and do better.
Also, flexibilty is important. This isn't as hard for me because I thrive on change. Andy also said, "Plans change, the Vision remains the same." Love this.

Craig Groeschel- I was taught so I thought...
"The power of the GOSPEL changes lives- trust this!"

"People don't just want practical. There are unchurched people who are more spiritual." Again- the power of the Gospel.

Don't be about building a church, be about building HIS kingdom. Big difference! I love seeing pastors who get this and aren't afraid of "losing" people to extend God's kingdom. Satan loves nothing more than seeing us fight over each other rather than united together.

Line 3 believers- "I believe enough to give my life to it." When we get to this place, the power of the Spirit of God is unstoppable.

Ravi Zacharius-
This was the first time I heard him, and this guy made my brain hurt it was so good. Excited to start reading his stuff.
Morality- "What you celebrate you encourage."

Erwin McMannus- Unleashing the hero within.
I love Erwin's passion for people to find God's dream for them. I have a similar passion for that in women and love hearing Erwin speak about this. Sometimes the dreams God puts in our hearts seem so far away or impossible, but we must fight to make it happen. He will help us do it if we're willing to go for it.

Rick Warren- Interviewed by Andy Stanley
Reminded again of why this man has so much influence- he's VERY wise!

When it comes to scheduling- "Divert Daily, Withdraw Weekly, Abandon Annually

"Focus on ENERGY management more than time management." This was so freeing for me- thank you Rick!

"Never stop learning.
Never compare.
Never give up."

The church should focus not on its seating capacity, but on it's sending capacity. Jesus took his followers from a "Come & See" follower (unbelievers) to the "Come & Die follower (disciples).

Francis Chan
I love Francis' emphasis on the Spirit of God. He talked about the difference between exegesis and eisogesis- focusing on God's Words not on our ideas. Great insight.

Perry Noble- Ez. 37
"The size of the vision God will give me will be directly related to the amount of discomfort I am willing to endure."

"Prepare for a move of God, don't plan for it."

"Finish what you've started."

There were many more great communicators, but this is what is still ringing in my heart. Good Stuff.

Encounters with God

Saturday, April 25, 2009

I've been feeling a little discouraged lately- not too sure why. Maybe just an emotional thing mixed in with the pressures of motherhood. Whenever I'm in the midst of a season like this I try to figure out what God is trying to teach me or where He is trying to take me. It's as if spiritual growth is close behind. In the midst of it, I see God so clearly. Looking back over the last 3 weeks or so I see how God is moving in my life to remind me of Him and to guide me (or push me) in a new direction. Here is how it has been playing out for me.

Week 1. Joy
No not the fruit of the Spirit. But, a young woman named Joy. She came with a mission team here to our church to help us prepare for Easter weekend. Joy is an incredible women of God with an amazing testimony and so passionate about Jesus. Talking to her about it is like talking to a girl who has just married the love of her life- she is ecstatic about their relationship! She shared her testimony at my small group that week and I was so challenged by her. Challenged to be closer and more intimate with God. When she spoke I could sense the Holy Spirit being in every word that came from her mouth. After being with her I felt as if I was with Jesus.

Week 2. The Shack by WM. Paul Young
I started reading The Shack the first week of this month but had to set it down for a little while. I just wasn't ready to keep reading- I felt a little paralyzed by it. Easter Sunday I picked up the book again and read almost continuously till it was done. For me, the book was incredible. It gave me such a desire to be with Jesus and know God more, and personally anything that prompts that desire is a good thing!

Week 3. Catalyst West
Today we just returned from the Catalyst West conference and WoW is the best word for it! For me, it was what my spirit needed. Within minutes of walking in to the worship I was sobbing before God. It felt so freeing to be broken before God, to cry out to Him in the ways I had been desiring. A worship setting like that is so meaningful for me. Just being in the presence of other Christian leaders is so refreshing. I felt united with the Body of Christ- like we're all in this together. Along with the worship, the speakers brought the Word! They challenged and inspired like crazy. The best part of it is that God was worshiped and honored. I believe His Kingdom with be expanded because of it.

It seems like God has been taking me on this journey of desiring Him to finding Him in a whole new way and at a whole new level. I love that we can encounter God in so many different ways just so we can learn more about Him. I'm excited to see where he continues to guide me.

How have you encountered God lately?

Easter

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Well, I have been a little slack in posting pics from Easter, but every time I sit down to do it, I just can't. Don't know why. Just not very motivated...or maybe because I read (& finished!) The Shack this week. Next post will be a review of it.

Anyway, Easter was awesome! Being in the beginning stages of a church plant made Easter much more exciting in a different way this year. The main focus for us was the 2 services we held on Sunday morning- from inviting everyone we could think of to organizing enough volunteers to run the services.

We started off the weekend with a HUGE Easter Egg Hunt for the community. It was lots of fun and a great way for us to continue building relationships with those around us. From our best estimates- at least 2,000 people participated in the days events.

Sunday morning was just as incredible! We had 285 people in the 2 services combined- our highest attended Sunday to date. Following the services, we all crashed for a couple hours- so tired from the weekend! Filipe's parents cooked dinner for us that evening and the girls opened Easter baskets with them. Planning & organizing the services is definitely a different experience rather than just the receiving end of it all. But it's all so worth it to see God moving in our city.

Getting ready for the HUNT!

Lily & Cailyn waiting to get their eggs

(they each only got 1- & they had to fight the parents off for the 1 they got!!!)

Getting 2 girls to look at the camara at the same time (& smile!) is nearly impossible!

Take 22- still no good. Someone is always unhappy.

Lily

(Individually is much better!)

Cailyn

Cailyn- my bunny!

Family picture.

True Love

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

It can be easy after becoming a Christian to get used to hearing the Gospel message presented. I have a feeling that we probably often become callous to it. I know I have in the past. I'm learning that God desires our hearts to be humbled whenever we hear of or think about what He did for us on the cross. The magnitude of his sacrifice is enormous. It seems the closer I get to Him, the more and more I realize how incredible it really was.

Following Jesus is the biggest decision we could ever make in life- our eternal destiny lies in that single decision. With Jesus, our lives have purpose and meaning on earth.

For those who do follow Jesus, we should be mindful of that decision every day. Remember what Jesus did for you. Jesus, being fully God and fully man came down to earth, lived a sinless life, and died a sinner’s death- so you and I could be free. He paid the debt of my sins so that I wouldn't have to. Why? Because of love. He did it for you to.

I love the words to this song by Phil Wickham, True Love. I didn't know how to link just the song, so I found a great video that goes along with it. Enjoy.


Phil Wickham - True Love (The Wall) from
Dan Stevers on Vimeo.

Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave his only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling heavens eyes
The day that true love died, the day that true love died

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that true love died, the day that true love died

Search your hearts you know you can’t deny it
Lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave his only Son just to save us

Jesus is Alive
He rose again.

My Dear Husband

Sunday, April 05, 2009

My Dear Husband,

The last 6 years have been the most breathtaking, incredible, crazy, wonderful, thrilling years of my life!

Life with you has been full of joy, the occasional sorrow, and quite often like a wild adventure ride.

With you, life is fun, challenging, enlightening, and never boring.

Your passion for God is so beautiful. You are an incredible husband, an amazing dad, and an inspiration to many. I feel honored and blessed to be your wife.

Our lives have gone through many different seasons now and no matter how exciting or difficult, I know without a doubt that life is so much better with you in it.

I love that we can share this adventure together.
I adore you.

Mandy

Axiom

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I'm excited to have finished the first 5 books on my reading list so far this year- and it's only March! If I could have read like this in college I may have gotten better grades. ;-)

Last night I finished the book Axiom by Bill Hybels. This books is definitely on my top fav list and I'll likely refer to and re-read this book for years to come. The wisdom and insight that this man has is incredible.

Here are my top 3 axiom favorites.

1. Language Matters
Words are a big deal to me. Words are vital when we communicate- especially from a leadership position. I can recall countless times walking away from a conversation or small group frustrated by my own words- or lack thereof. I spend a lot of time editing myself when I'm blogging, or writing for small groups. Now only if I can carry the same discipline into real life conversation I'll be making progress.

2. Just Say It! & Never Say Someone's No For Them
(This is a 2 for 1 for my top 3 list!)
Another one of my struggles in communication is being gut wrenching honest with people- especially when I'm asking someone to make a new commitment spiritually or to step up in a [volunteer] leadership position. Although I have high standards of excellence for myself, I understand and can often justify the excuse for not doing whatever it is I am asking of them. Leaders often have to take risk and help initiate someone else's next step, and I need to be bold and communicate that better.

3. Excellence Honors God and Inspires People
This axiom was great for me- I almost felt like I had a green light for my perfectionism. Though there are definatley weaknesses to this area (fear of failure, etc)- I think I fully understand the importance of excellence so reading this encouraged me about being excellent, rather than doing what I feel like I am constantly doing and "working" on my perfectionistic personality.

Often I will be frustrated with an area of my life- parenting, personal disciplines, leading small groups, etc., and my husband will make a comment about how great of a job I do (and occasionally he will add "compared to most people"). While it is encouraging and I believe him, I also tell him- "I'm not comparing myself to 'most people', I'm comparing myself to Jesus Christ and the Biblical standard he gave us. When I think of life like that I have a looong way to go.

Those are just a few axioms from the book that really spoke to me. I encourage you (wherever you are) to read this book- it will change your life!

Now, off to read another book. I'm deviating from my list (oh no!) and adding The Shack by WM. Paul Young. I'm usually not a fiction reader, but after everything I've heard about it, it was quickly added to the list. I'm sure it will become a top favorite- let you know soon!

Lake Tahoe

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Filipe and I took a mini vacation last week to Lake Tahoe and oh my was it BEAUTIFUL!!! The combination of the mountains, lake, snow, and sun was amazing. The purpose of our vacation was to relax and take a break. Lily and Cailyn stayed with Filipe's parents so we were able to go knowing they were okay. It was such a refreshing time and had been a loooooong time since we were able to actually sleep in without having to be awaken to crying and kids to take care of. We didn't go skiing, but are excited to do it on another trip. I was able to go to the spa for an hour long massage and facial- worth every penny! Here are a couple pics of our trip- the rest are on my facebook page.


I love the snow on the beach.








The city below is where our hotel was. The gondola went straight up to the ski area. Great view. Breathtaking!


Drinking hot chocolate on top- where all the skiers/snowboarders were. We even saw a couple getting married up there- dressed in their ski clothes!

Faith

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1

"Faith is the ability to know God can be trusted". Erwin McManus

Sometimes faith can seem so complicated, but these definitions make it so simple. I think we over-complicate it because it means we have to turn control of our life to God- and that can be scary for some of us! He is the giver of life and there's nothing better than having him be in control. It doesn't mean life is easier, just more fulfiling!

for something greater

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

"How we view God dramatically affects who we become. How we understand God to work directly affects the life we live in God. Even the subtle shift from receiving Jesus to following Jesus is significant. The first allows us to remain stationary as God comes to us; the second demands our moving with God. ...God calls us to give our lives for something greater than ourselves. The path is thick with mystery, danger, and the unknown." Erwin McManus

I don't want to pause or stop for even one second. I don't want to miss out on anything God has for me. No matter how hard, uncomfortable, or difficult, I only have one shot at this life, and it's ALL for Him.

Behind the Mundane...

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I'm so happy that we've been able to start small groups at South Bay Church. I love the small group environment and being able to go deeper with other women. I started the group last Tues, but since everything at South Bay is new I wanted to wait and find out who would be coming before finalizing a topic/area of study for the next couple months. All week I've been praying and studying and praying some more, and I finally came across a study that I am REALLY excited about!

One of my biggest passions about ministry is seeing people live the dreams that God has created for them. I believe that God has a specific purpose and plan for each one of us and until we pursue that, we won't be truly satisfied or fulfilled in life. With the help of Erwin McManus, we're going through a study called, "Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment".

Last night we started the introduction and this phrase really hit me.
" Right behind the mundane is the miraculous." Erwin McManus

We probably don't realize we're in the middle of a "miraculous" moment when it's happening, but only after we've been faithful and obedient with what often seems small and insignificant. This gives me hope when much of my time is spent saying "no" or "don't touch" to Lily or teaching Cailyn to stay sitting down in her high chairs during mealtime. It often can feel mundane, but I know that this is what He's called me to during this season of my life. You never know- there just may be a miracle on the other side!

a Trillion dollars

Monday, February 16, 2009

All this talk about the economy lately has me thinking about money. Do you remember when a million dollars was unthinkable- for me it still is, but really, having a million dollars is pretty realistic these days. With hard work and determination, it's a pretty attainable goal if that's what your seeking for. Look at all the game shows out there where you could win a million dollars with a little wit and effort. Where I'm living in San Jose, CA, 1 million dollars will only buy you a normal size house (less than 3000 sq. ft). Many people around here make millions of dollars- maybe not the average Joe, but the average CEO definitely does.

When politicians stand up talking about money, the word millions and billions are thrown around loosely. Now, we are using the word trillion on a daily basis. What?!?! 1 Trillion dollars- what could possibly be done with 1 trillion dollars? I wonder how much of the poverty in the world could be changed if 1 trillion dollars of resources were given. Or sickness and disease, illiteracy and education. I'm sure it would be a better use of money than bailing out the big CEO's or funding meaningless projects for those who already had their chance at millions.

The sad thing is we don't have a trillion dollars, we're just acting (or spending) like we do. It's a pretty sad place for our country to be. A country founded on freedom is becoming enslaved to the debt of our future.