Now that was an interesting class! Abraham Lincoln was incapable of duplicity, a lawyer never known to lie, cared little for money, would not criticize, hold grudges or seek revenge; he never smoked, chewed, gambled, profaned, or drank. He served water.
AL talked about God in all his address. He would call America, "almost chosen". He didn't want people to judge the south. The north was the major contributor to the slave trade.
A nation dived against itself cannot stand was his motto. He said he would rather lose the election than not use this phrase. The phase was understood by the south and the north.
The nation was in trouble in the 1850's. Curruption was rampant. AL get back into politics because of this. The the Kansas Nebraska Act would permit slaves in new states. (1854). There was mobocracy, illegal elections, secession issues, the Declaration of Independence was being assailed, the constitution was being attacked and there were 4,000,000 slaves. The Dread Scott Decsion (1857) by the Supreme Court called the black man an inferior order. The Know Nothing party was anti immigration and anti catholic as their platform went from 30,000 members to 1,000,000 members in a year. It was a racist party. There were denials of freedom of the press, speech and religion. There were huge problems in America.
AL started realizing that it this war was the will of God. It would go on until Americans turned from their sins. That's what AL preached! He signed into law the anti slavery anti polygamy bill but said he had no intention of enforceing it.
He used Book of Mormon phrases in his speeches. (I am instrument of God (I think)).
The lost talk of AL: He spoke for an hour and a half. All 40 reporters including his note taker didn't right it down. He was so powerful that everyone put their pens down.
I broke one campaign promise: He said he didn't have the legal right to change slavery in the slave states. He ended up as the executive and commander in chief confiscating the southern states' property calling it the emmancipation proclamation. The civil war was won because 160,000 slaves joined the north as solders.
Most soldiers were fighting for the union, not to free the slaves. AL had to work with the union troops on this matter.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Letter to Mike Bird
Dear Mike,
What I life you live! Someone hit my son's, James, car so he gets $500 and gets it fixed for $50. Julia gets hit from behind so now I have to work the complexity of the insurance companies paying for her whiplash. The totaled her car last month so my insurance goes up $60 for a new high. But, I like her having a car. Less headache for me. Someone hit Steven last week and he trying to work that out.
Everybody came down for the weekend. A full house. We played board games and passed around the grand baby (Steve's).
I am deep into the debt system. It is very hard to get out of vicious cycle. We have too many expenditures and not enough money. And to top it all off, my company is barely able to stay alive. I am practicing faith and believing all things so if I have to look for another job, I might access the my God for assistance.
Please explain what you mean by genetic complexity. I believe life is way too complex for those in the system like me. I believe we are making brick without straw. Since both a husband and wife need to work that has to mean that the cost of living has gone up over the past 30 years. The standard has also gone up. But a blue collar worker in 1960 could raise his three kids, put them through college, have a dumpy cabin on Cape Cod and have his wife stay home. Their standard of living was lower but their quality of life was better. And the cost of living must have been much lover since the wife is a home.
A pit is being dug...
Babylon his a twelve headed beast. That says it all. This creature is out of control. Human weakness is that we believe we can solve the woes of the world without God doing it our own way (telestial or terrestrial). Telestial greed is running rampant. Terrestrial mammon seeking (I earned it, it's mine) is the God most cherish and worship (if you have the capacity to prosper in this world).
God says to love each other. Prosper together. Stop competing. Stop fighting. Join together. Make sure the poor are taken care of (give them doles). The rich because the believe in Christ, consider the talents for making money as gifts and share their wealth freely (doles). This is Christ's law. I can prove it throughout the scriptures. It isn't Zion necessarily. But it can be. I call it 'All in Common in Babylon'. Zion or consecration is more an separate economic order in my opinion. All in Common seems to be running a similar order inside of Babylon.
My wife told me in 1989 to mellow out. Nephi stayed really calm during crises. To really trust in God means to relax and let him help. You are not on your own. Until you and I figure this out we are left to our own devises. And we fail.
Love,
Scott
What I life you live! Someone hit my son's, James, car so he gets $500 and gets it fixed for $50. Julia gets hit from behind so now I have to work the complexity of the insurance companies paying for her whiplash. The totaled her car last month so my insurance goes up $60 for a new high. But, I like her having a car. Less headache for me. Someone hit Steven last week and he trying to work that out.
Everybody came down for the weekend. A full house. We played board games and passed around the grand baby (Steve's).
I am deep into the debt system. It is very hard to get out of vicious cycle. We have too many expenditures and not enough money. And to top it all off, my company is barely able to stay alive. I am practicing faith and believing all things so if I have to look for another job, I might access the my God for assistance.
Please explain what you mean by genetic complexity. I believe life is way too complex for those in the system like me. I believe we are making brick without straw. Since both a husband and wife need to work that has to mean that the cost of living has gone up over the past 30 years. The standard has also gone up. But a blue collar worker in 1960 could raise his three kids, put them through college, have a dumpy cabin on Cape Cod and have his wife stay home. Their standard of living was lower but their quality of life was better. And the cost of living must have been much lover since the wife is a home.
A pit is being dug...
Babylon his a twelve headed beast. That says it all. This creature is out of control. Human weakness is that we believe we can solve the woes of the world without God doing it our own way (telestial or terrestrial). Telestial greed is running rampant. Terrestrial mammon seeking (I earned it, it's mine) is the God most cherish and worship (if you have the capacity to prosper in this world).
God says to love each other. Prosper together. Stop competing. Stop fighting. Join together. Make sure the poor are taken care of (give them doles). The rich because the believe in Christ, consider the talents for making money as gifts and share their wealth freely (doles). This is Christ's law. I can prove it throughout the scriptures. It isn't Zion necessarily. But it can be. I call it 'All in Common in Babylon'. Zion or consecration is more an separate economic order in my opinion. All in Common seems to be running a similar order inside of Babylon.
My wife told me in 1989 to mellow out. Nephi stayed really calm during crises. To really trust in God means to relax and let him help. You are not on your own. Until you and I figure this out we are left to our own devises. And we fail.
Love,
Scott
Friday, July 24, 2009
Why I Play Golf
Golf sucks. It drains you of your money and takes too much time. I have three negative reasons why I play golf and a three positive reasons.
First the positive reasons. #1 I wanted to prove to myself and the nay sayers (the boss) that I could venture out and try something new. #2 It's somewhat free if I am careful. I get a free pass for 18 holes for four people. This translates to 4 twosome passes a month. #3 I introduced my sons to golf and enjoy the relationship building with them and others.
Now for the negative reasons. #1 I can't stand being inefficient with my time. I can't stand long, boring things like fishing and.... golf. I am trying re-train myself to do things that force me to relax and take some time at. #2 I hate being looked at when it is my turn to perform. Golf forces me to put out when I am being watched. #3 I am tense and distressed most of the time. I fake it a lot. Maybe people know, maybe they don't. Golf forces me to calm down or I will not be able to play the stupid game. You can't be tense and play golf. Lately when I start the golf game all I say is, I Don't Care (what happens, what other people think, what's happening back at work, etc.). I hum a song. After about four holes I start improving. I then change my mantra to, Swing Freely. Once I don't care I can start to focus on making the ball go where I want it go.
First the positive reasons. #1 I wanted to prove to myself and the nay sayers (the boss) that I could venture out and try something new. #2 It's somewhat free if I am careful. I get a free pass for 18 holes for four people. This translates to 4 twosome passes a month. #3 I introduced my sons to golf and enjoy the relationship building with them and others.
Now for the negative reasons. #1 I can't stand being inefficient with my time. I can't stand long, boring things like fishing and.... golf. I am trying re-train myself to do things that force me to relax and take some time at. #2 I hate being looked at when it is my turn to perform. Golf forces me to put out when I am being watched. #3 I am tense and distressed most of the time. I fake it a lot. Maybe people know, maybe they don't. Golf forces me to calm down or I will not be able to play the stupid game. You can't be tense and play golf. Lately when I start the golf game all I say is, I Don't Care (what happens, what other people think, what's happening back at work, etc.). I hum a song. After about four holes I start improving. I then change my mantra to, Swing Freely. Once I don't care I can start to focus on making the ball go where I want it go.
I haven't even added the main reason why people play golf since this reason hasn't panned out: professional relationship building. I have always been a 'bad old boy' and have never been invited into the 'good old boy' group. Maybe some day.....
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Good Things
I have a lot to be grateful. I have a loving wife that puts up with me. My children are generally doing good. I would be nice if they would do some chores without being asked. I actually have too many things that I want to do. That is a good thing. I have seven books that I am reading and seven more that I want to start. I have goals to set. I am learning to believe all things, hope all things and endure all things. I believe that these aspects of charity are what we call positive mental attitude in our culture. Believe that things will go my way. Believe that a child will make the right decision rather than believing that they are doing bad or going to do bad. Believe that God can help me out of my financial predicament. Believe that God will help me with longevity of income if Vision Bankcard, Inc. were to collapse. Trust in God rather than in the arm of the flesh. Trust that God will make my temporal life right, not that Jeff Knowles (the big boss) will make it right. That would be trusting in the arm of the flesh (Knowles). Trust that the highest good will be the best for all and that God will support me as I trust that His highest good will support me. If the highest good is to bring down the company, so be it. I really don't want that to occur but there are only two planes of living: the natural man plane (worry, fear and dog eat dog) and the spiritual plane (God is my details and cares about me as I rely wholly on the merits of His Son who is mighty to save; deliverance; protection; love; etc.).
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Troubled
I am troubled. I don't have the will power to resist carbs! So, I have been slowly gaining weight of the past two weeks. I need to arrest the trend! Help! We socialize so much by eating food together. I like food. I like simple carbohydrates. What am I to do. I don't want to eat healthy.
If I don't decide on a plan right now, I fear that I will just eat whatever and gain weight. I need to set a serious goal, make a plan a stick to it. What will my plan be?
If I don't decide on a plan right now, I fear that I will just eat whatever and gain weight. I need to set a serious goal, make a plan a stick to it. What will my plan be?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Why I should lose Weight
The reasons why I should lose weight: 1. better sex 2. not so heavy for sex 3. dance around the racquetball court 4. look like an adonis 5. feel better about myself 6. you might be able to go skiing 7. your knees might not hurt anymore 8. you might be able to avoid knee surgery 9. if you have to interview for jobs, you will look more presentable 10. in pictures, you won't look so big. 11. you won't break things 12. you will fit in booths at restaurants (taco bell) 13. your feet won't hurt as much 14. you could become a part time stipper (just kidding) 15. you can fit in smaller showers 16. you can fit on an airplane 17. you will have more energy 18. you will look better 19. your face will look thinner 20. enjoy sports and sex more 21. save yourself from an early death 22. you can fit in a car 23. you wouldn't have to pay weight watchers $40 a month. 24. you would get complements from the Cracrofts and others 25. heart disease drops dramatically 26. Better Rates on Life Insurance. 27. Will be able to go up stairs better 28. My man boobs might decrease in size. 29. Might have greater self confidence 30. More energy to do my mission in life (the Lord's work).
Monday, April 27, 2009
Day 18 - Good Things
I have missed doing this for a week.
1. I am now very aware of how addicted to sugar I really am.
2. Knowles put 350K back into the company checking account.
3. Have been able to stick to the diet for two and half days. It is a hard diet.
4. They work day is almost over!
5. My relationship with my wife is good!
6. I accept my children for who they are.
7. I lost two of the pounds that I gained on Friday.
1. I am now very aware of how addicted to sugar I really am.
2. Knowles put 350K back into the company checking account.
3. Have been able to stick to the diet for two and half days. It is a hard diet.
4. They work day is almost over!
5. My relationship with my wife is good!
6. I accept my children for who they are.
7. I lost two of the pounds that I gained on Friday.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day 17 - Good Things
1. I have a job that I can play racquetball at lunch.
2. Catgenie people called back at 12:00 midnight their time and helped me fix the cat genie. It was 10:00PM my time.
3. I am still comtemplating how to reconcile Moroni's concerns that we are ashamed of Christ because we love our money more than the poor and needy and being members of the Christ's church on the earth (paying fast offering). Are we under condemnation?
4. I lost .9 pounds yesterday. I am still going down.
2. Catgenie people called back at 12:00 midnight their time and helped me fix the cat genie. It was 10:00PM my time.
3. I am still comtemplating how to reconcile Moroni's concerns that we are ashamed of Christ because we love our money more than the poor and needy and being members of the Christ's church on the earth (paying fast offering). Are we under condemnation?
4. I lost .9 pounds yesterday. I am still going down.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day 17 - Good Things
1. Was able to stay calm when Karen was getting anxious about Jon inviting over Ean and Kayla.
2. Didn't feel hungry after lunch. Carlo Okolowitz invited me over to his house for some soup. The soup kept me filled up for 4 hours.
3. Lost two more points on the diet. At that rate I will have lost 40 lbs by the end of the first round (23 days).
4. It was beautiful outside. It snowed about a foot of snow. The trees were all weighed down.
5. Learned about walking by the needy and the poor and noticing them not. I think we do that all the time!
2. Didn't feel hungry after lunch. Carlo Okolowitz invited me over to his house for some soup. The soup kept me filled up for 4 hours.
3. Lost two more points on the diet. At that rate I will have lost 40 lbs by the end of the first round (23 days).
4. It was beautiful outside. It snowed about a foot of snow. The trees were all weighed down.
5. Learned about walking by the needy and the poor and noticing them not. I think we do that all the time!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 16 - Good Things
1. Got my salary restored today. I have been asking in prayer and it happened.
2. Created new checking accounts with Karen so we have our own money to spend. This has been in the back wings for over two years.
3. Lost 3.5 pounds today. I am very hungry.
4. Got my amended tax return done.
5. I feel healthy
2. Created new checking accounts with Karen so we have our own money to spend. This has been in the back wings for over two years.
3. Lost 3.5 pounds today. I am very hungry.
4. Got my amended tax return done.
5. I feel healthy
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Day 15 - Good Things
1. I got through surgery and I wasn't sick.
2. Modern medicine is a blessing. Having the cyst removed from my groin area without it costing an arm and a leg is great.
3. Had all the family over Saturday and Sunday.
4. I lost 7 pounds since Sunday.
5. I am staying on my diet
6. Had scripture study over the weekend with James.
7. Had my salary restored. The first pay check is tomorrow.
This HCG diet is a little hard to do. I am hungry most of the time. I only 500 calories a day. Now, this takes discipline. The HCG supposedly burns of 3500 to 4000 calories a day. I hope to loose about 1.5 to 2 pounds a day. But I am hungry.
I was having major cravings on Easter Weekend. It felt like I was going through withdrawals all day long. I had a headache and didn't feel well.
I hope the HCG will kick in tomorrow causing my my hunger to decrease or just not feel any hunger. That is what's supposed to happen.
2. Modern medicine is a blessing. Having the cyst removed from my groin area without it costing an arm and a leg is great.
3. Had all the family over Saturday and Sunday.
4. I lost 7 pounds since Sunday.
5. I am staying on my diet
6. Had scripture study over the weekend with James.
7. Had my salary restored. The first pay check is tomorrow.
This HCG diet is a little hard to do. I am hungry most of the time. I only 500 calories a day. Now, this takes discipline. The HCG supposedly burns of 3500 to 4000 calories a day. I hope to loose about 1.5 to 2 pounds a day. But I am hungry.
I was having major cravings on Easter Weekend. It felt like I was going through withdrawals all day long. I had a headache and didn't feel well.
I hope the HCG will kick in tomorrow causing my my hunger to decrease or just not feel any hunger. That is what's supposed to happen.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
day 14 - Good Things
1. Went out to lunch with April and Shawn. It was nice.
2. Went out to dinner with April, Shawn, Karen, Julia and James. We had a good time. Broke my wallet though.
3. Learned in Moroni 6:7 that I sometimes have terror or fear when I have to look for work or think about having to look for work. I need to gain hope and faith!
The engorgement period of the diet is hard to do. I don't feel like eating. But, I am stuffing myself. The funny things is that I am not gaining as much weight as I expected. I am eating 4 times what Weight Watchers says I can eat.
2. Went out to dinner with April, Shawn, Karen, Julia and James. We had a good time. Broke my wallet though.
3. Learned in Moroni 6:7 that I sometimes have terror or fear when I have to look for work or think about having to look for work. I need to gain hope and faith!
The engorgement period of the diet is hard to do. I don't feel like eating. But, I am stuffing myself. The funny things is that I am not gaining as much weight as I expected. I am eating 4 times what Weight Watchers says I can eat.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 13 - Good Things
1. Officially went on the HCG diet. I hope to lose 50 pounds. I is a little scary since I won't be eating much.
2. Went out with Julia for a late night snack.
3. My Cyst is going down. I hardly notice it. Do I need surgery on Monday?
2. Went out with Julia for a late night snack.
3. My Cyst is going down. I hardly notice it. Do I need surgery on Monday?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Day 12 - Good Things
I am having a harder time seeing the gifts from God! I will persist.
1. Enjoyed a litte FHE with the children.
2. Learned that I will have my income restored! (This is an answer to my prayers. I (also have prayed for) still would like my past wages restored and a raise.)
3. I learned that Justin Hill's wife, Mindy was baptized six months ago. I was thrilling listening to her on the phone. She has the zealousness that we all should have.
4. Mated the cat to a stray. We shouldn't have done it but she was so so loud. Mrs. Broadbent hadn't called back after five days to supply her stud. After the mating, we saw the stray up close. It had a long funny nose and was cross eyed! Now we will have retarted looking kittens! Karen a called Broadbent and ended up dropping off the cat yesterday too!. So now what? We may have a very strange litter. This experience made Karen and I laugh and laugh. We can't tell the children. They would probably judge us.
1. Enjoyed a litte FHE with the children.
2. Learned that I will have my income restored! (This is an answer to my prayers. I (also have prayed for) still would like my past wages restored and a raise.)
3. I learned that Justin Hill's wife, Mindy was baptized six months ago. I was thrilling listening to her on the phone. She has the zealousness that we all should have.
4. Mated the cat to a stray. We shouldn't have done it but she was so so loud. Mrs. Broadbent hadn't called back after five days to supply her stud. After the mating, we saw the stray up close. It had a long funny nose and was cross eyed! Now we will have retarted looking kittens! Karen a called Broadbent and ended up dropping off the cat yesterday too!. So now what? We may have a very strange litter. This experience made Karen and I laugh and laugh. We can't tell the children. They would probably judge us.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Day 11 - Good Things
I missed a few days...
1. Enjoyed Elder Uctdorf's message in priesthood. Nehemiah said, I am doing a great thing and can't come down. Keep focused on what really matters, not the green button that's burned out.
2. Was able to relax and read a book. Harry S Truman's family was from Jackson County, MI after the Mormons were expulsed. All inhabitants of the county were treated horribly by both sides including murder, destruction of all their property, etc. That area was definitely cursed down to at least the third generation for what the did to the Mormons.
3. James and Jon went with me to the Priesthood session of conference. I am praying the James will get his testimony and have a desire to be an ambassador for the Lord.
4. I felt President Monson's love for his people.
1. Enjoyed Elder Uctdorf's message in priesthood. Nehemiah said, I am doing a great thing and can't come down. Keep focused on what really matters, not the green button that's burned out.
2. Was able to relax and read a book. Harry S Truman's family was from Jackson County, MI after the Mormons were expulsed. All inhabitants of the county were treated horribly by both sides including murder, destruction of all their property, etc. That area was definitely cursed down to at least the third generation for what the did to the Mormons.
3. James and Jon went with me to the Priesthood session of conference. I am praying the James will get his testimony and have a desire to be an ambassador for the Lord.
4. I felt President Monson's love for his people.
Friday, April 3, 2009
day 10 - Good Things
1. We had family scripture study for the first time in a few weeks. We studied Mormon and the final Nephite wars. We learned that they had lost the strength of the Lord but didn't care. They later won a battle and boasted in their strength. They then decided to get revenge, in which the Lord told Nephi that he had helped them win that battle in his mercy and the vengence is His. The Nephites sealed their fate.
2. Commented on my brother, Craig's email. This was good because it forced me to step out of my comfort zone and express an opinion. I don't think we were speaking on the same wave length regarding the subject matter. I learned that I need to be clearer about what I am talking about.
3. Had a nice visit with Julia in the morning about the programs of the church supporting us. We also should do our best in supporting the programs of the church. Julia currently doesn't go to young womens since she says she the only older girl there.
2. Commented on my brother, Craig's email. This was good because it forced me to step out of my comfort zone and express an opinion. I don't think we were speaking on the same wave length regarding the subject matter. I learned that I need to be clearer about what I am talking about.
3. Had a nice visit with Julia in the morning about the programs of the church supporting us. We also should do our best in supporting the programs of the church. Julia currently doesn't go to young womens since she says she the only older girl there.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
day 9 - Good Things
1. Spent the time to help James with his resume.
2. Had a delicious meal with Jason and Joseph and our favorite chinese restaurant.
3. Read my scriptures every day. Mormon says not to boast not seek revenge.
4. The cat genie miraculously started working again.
5. Call all the Home teacher in my High Priest district. I didn't procrastinate!
2. Had a delicious meal with Jason and Joseph and our favorite chinese restaurant.
3. Read my scriptures every day. Mormon says not to boast not seek revenge.
4. The cat genie miraculously started working again.
5. Call all the Home teacher in my High Priest district. I didn't procrastinate!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Day 8 - Good Things
1. Able to provide Jon and Sara with a place to stay for a month.
2. Talked with James about missions. We pray that he will receive what he needs to go.
3. Spent some time with Karen
2. Talked with James about missions. We pray that he will receive what he needs to go.
3. Spent some time with Karen
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Day 7 - Good Things
1. Was able to get a new monitor for my old computer.
2. Was able to get a new camera to take pictures of my children and grand children. It is a nice camera. I lost my other camera about seven months ago. I wish I had put my name and address on it. Utah is honest enough that I probably had a 70% chance of getting it back.
3. Had the will power to play racquetball today and stay on a low carb diet. My racquet broke last week so I need to take it to Park's Sports and find out if Lynn will exchange it for me.
2. Was able to get a new camera to take pictures of my children and grand children. It is a nice camera. I lost my other camera about seven months ago. I wish I had put my name and address on it. Utah is honest enough that I probably had a 70% chance of getting it back.
3. Had the will power to play racquetball today and stay on a low carb diet. My racquet broke last week so I need to take it to Park's Sports and find out if Lynn will exchange it for me.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Day 6 - Good Things
1. Learned what all your heart, might, mind and strength means. I need to have more heart.
2. Talked with Steven, my son.
3. Had scripture study with James, my other son.
4. Visited with Jon about his career path and gave him suggestions.
2. Talked with Steven, my son.
3. Had scripture study with James, my other son.
4. Visited with Jon about his career path and gave him suggestions.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Day 5 Good Things
1. Was able to get up in the morning and life some weights
2. Played golf with Wade. I did very well for the first six holes. I shot a 104. Not good but better.
3. Relaxed watching some March Madness basketball games. UCONN is still in. Their arch rival, PITT was beaten by Villanova.
4. Enjoyed playing Settlers of Catan with Jon and Sara. We also had a nice meal at the International Buffet.
2. Played golf with Wade. I did very well for the first six holes. I shot a 104. Not good but better.
3. Relaxed watching some March Madness basketball games. UCONN is still in. Their arch rival, PITT was beaten by Villanova.
4. Enjoyed playing Settlers of Catan with Jon and Sara. We also had a nice meal at the International Buffet.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Day 4 Good Things
1. Got to watch Life. I like that show. We missed it the other night but due to the wonders of modern technology, I was able to find it on the internet and watch it.
2. Played racquetball. Was instructed by Adam Anderson. I had a good time.
3. Tried doing the Atkins diet. Made it through the day.
2. Played racquetball. Was instructed by Adam Anderson. I had a good time.
3. Tried doing the Atkins diet. Made it through the day.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Day 3 - Good Things
1. Instead of getting angry after eight hours of not eating, I stayed somewhat calm. I went hometeaching right after work and got home a 8:00PM. Karen hadn't made any dinner and starting doing the dishes instead of priortizing food. We went to Wendy's, came home and watched some March Madness basketball. It turned out to be a nice evening.
2. Learned all about the Atkins diet from Joe Emig and Scott Bodily. I think I will give it a try starting tomorrow.
3. Learned all about investing with Karen at Millerwade Insurance. It is a step in the right direction.
4. XXOO
2. Learned all about the Atkins diet from Joe Emig and Scott Bodily. I think I will give it a try starting tomorrow.
3. Learned all about investing with Karen at Millerwade Insurance. It is a step in the right direction.
4. XXOO
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Day 2 - Good Things
1. The Dewey's and the Feiber's came over for Julia birthday party. Julia was happy. I am glad that Julia feels loved. Jon and Sara ordered pizza later in the evening. We had a nice time watching American Idol and The Mentalist.
2. I increased my awareness of happiness baseline. I took a test in a book called, "Happiness for no reason". I found that according to the test that I am not very happy. Casting off fear and worry, I think, is one of the answers. Most things are out my control in my life. I need to find what is (inner) and what isn't (most outer), seperate the two, increase my awareness and cast all my burdens unto the Lord.
3. After I went out to lunch with Julia (Tucanos) and had a nice time. They sang happy birthday to her, I went to the accounting office at Orem High School to pay the $300 I owe for Julia's volleyball and basketball (she was on the JV teams for both). The accounting lady told me that all the fees had been forgiven! I suppose that the advertising that Julia and I sold must have paid for everything. But the ads weren't enough to for all of it. Somebody must have very nice.
2. I increased my awareness of happiness baseline. I took a test in a book called, "Happiness for no reason". I found that according to the test that I am not very happy. Casting off fear and worry, I think, is one of the answers. Most things are out my control in my life. I need to find what is (inner) and what isn't (most outer), seperate the two, increase my awareness and cast all my burdens unto the Lord.
3. After I went out to lunch with Julia (Tucanos) and had a nice time. They sang happy birthday to her, I went to the accounting office at Orem High School to pay the $300 I owe for Julia's volleyball and basketball (she was on the JV teams for both). The accounting lady told me that all the fees had been forgiven! I suppose that the advertising that Julia and I sold must have paid for everything. But the ads weren't enough to for all of it. Somebody must have very nice.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Day 1 - Good Things and Blessings
Yesterday, the following three good things happened:
1. My IRS refund check of $2300 was deposited into my bank account. This will help tremendously over the next couple of months to help keep us afloat during the temporary pay reduction.
2. During the racquetball league tournament, I beat Rory Howard. He was undefeated in the tournament and has beaten terribly over the last six months. We were neck and neck up to 10 points. Rory then remembered that we were going to play with his magical green ball instead of my fast purple ball. I then served his green ball 5 times and whooped him 15 - 10. He go first place and I got some new green balls for beating the number 1 ranked player.
3. Karen has so much more energy. She just goes and goes getting things done. After a year of Alpha Interpheron this is simply remarkable. She has made dinner the last three days in a row! Karen goes from cleaning project to the next. It is incredible.
4. Met Erin Schraedle at Smith's after racquetball. We talked about depression and her parents and how, as Karen would say, now is not the time in the church for mental health awareness. I believe this will come soon. Mental illness is as debilitating or more delibilitating than physical illness but most people are unsympathetic to people that have it and choose to withhold their compassion and support. I was nice to touch base with Erin.
1. My IRS refund check of $2300 was deposited into my bank account. This will help tremendously over the next couple of months to help keep us afloat during the temporary pay reduction.
2. During the racquetball league tournament, I beat Rory Howard. He was undefeated in the tournament and has beaten terribly over the last six months. We were neck and neck up to 10 points. Rory then remembered that we were going to play with his magical green ball instead of my fast purple ball. I then served his green ball 5 times and whooped him 15 - 10. He go first place and I got some new green balls for beating the number 1 ranked player.
3. Karen has so much more energy. She just goes and goes getting things done. After a year of Alpha Interpheron this is simply remarkable. She has made dinner the last three days in a row! Karen goes from cleaning project to the next. It is incredible.
4. Met Erin Schraedle at Smith's after racquetball. We talked about depression and her parents and how, as Karen would say, now is not the time in the church for mental health awareness. I believe this will come soon. Mental illness is as debilitating or more delibilitating than physical illness but most people are unsympathetic to people that have it and choose to withhold their compassion and support. I was nice to touch base with Erin.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Helaman 3 - Salesmanship of the Wicked
I was reading Helaman 4 this morning. Gidianhi, the robber, had just sent a letter to Lachoneous, the chief judge demanding an unconditional surrender. Gidianhi swears that he will do things that he cannot do. In Helaman 3:8 we read,
" And behold, I a swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct."
He can command his armies. He can command them not to stay their hand and spare not. But he goes further to predict the outcome of the battle. He is convinced as many visionary people are that he can predict the future when he says that his armies 'shall slay you...until ye shall become extinct.' Gidanhi has no way of predicting this outcome. Beware of people who strike fear in the hearts of others by predicting the outcome if you don't do what they say. Obama is dong this right now.
" And behold, I a swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct."
He can command his armies. He can command them not to stay their hand and spare not. But he goes further to predict the outcome of the battle. He is convinced as many visionary people are that he can predict the future when he says that his armies 'shall slay you...until ye shall become extinct.' Gidanhi has no way of predicting this outcome. Beware of people who strike fear in the hearts of others by predicting the outcome if you don't do what they say. Obama is dong this right now.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
All In Common
Implementing an all in common system would be best done by the church. For some reason the Lord hasn’t prompted the Brethren to teach us about economic unity. We are currently consecrating our time and talents.
Read my blog about Alma’s Church. A few months ago I wrote down some of my ideas. It’s at http://greenscootersimplelife.blogspot.com/
I believe one of the foundations of any all in common system is that each individual in the order views his abilities, capacities, genius, etc. as gifts from God. Since his ability to make lots of money is a gift from God the surpluses of that gift should be shared like any other non-monetary gift. Without this foundation, people tend use their money to increase their personal wealth.
Another foundation principle is to believe that believing in Christ means that Christ really wants everyone equal. He really wants the poor exalted and the rich debased. He really wants the poor and the needy taken care of – perhaps better than the regular folk. Since I believe in Christ, I want to give my surplus to the priests to help the poor. This belief system, perhaps, is an order above the order that we current live in in the church.
The problem is that it is very hard to judge whether or not a person is walking in the pride of his heart. Alma tried to do it and ended up having to excommunicate anyone who wouldn’t stop wearing fine apparel (along with making a mock of his brother, etc.). How would that be implemented in the church today? It seems impossible.
I haven’t thought about family funds for a while. Perhaps we say in our heart and to our children, “everything I have is yours”, so they, as they get older, believe that everything they have is ours. We just don’t believe that we would better off if we amassed our resources together. We believe we would be the one losing out. We don’t trust that others would be following the ‘rules’ and we would get the short end of the stick.
Read my blog about Alma’s Church. A few months ago I wrote down some of my ideas. It’s at http://greenscootersimplelife.blogspot.com/
I believe one of the foundations of any all in common system is that each individual in the order views his abilities, capacities, genius, etc. as gifts from God. Since his ability to make lots of money is a gift from God the surpluses of that gift should be shared like any other non-monetary gift. Without this foundation, people tend use their money to increase their personal wealth.
Another foundation principle is to believe that believing in Christ means that Christ really wants everyone equal. He really wants the poor exalted and the rich debased. He really wants the poor and the needy taken care of – perhaps better than the regular folk. Since I believe in Christ, I want to give my surplus to the priests to help the poor. This belief system, perhaps, is an order above the order that we current live in in the church.
The problem is that it is very hard to judge whether or not a person is walking in the pride of his heart. Alma tried to do it and ended up having to excommunicate anyone who wouldn’t stop wearing fine apparel (along with making a mock of his brother, etc.). How would that be implemented in the church today? It seems impossible.
I haven’t thought about family funds for a while. Perhaps we say in our heart and to our children, “everything I have is yours”, so they, as they get older, believe that everything they have is ours. We just don’t believe that we would better off if we amassed our resources together. We believe we would be the one losing out. We don’t trust that others would be following the ‘rules’ and we would get the short end of the stick.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Wisdom of World Leaders
The Wisdom of our Leaders Stimulus package explained: "Sometime this year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format: "Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment? "A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers. "Q. Where will the government get this money? "A. From taxpayers. "Q. So the government is giving me back my own money? "A. No, they are borrowing it from China. Your children are expected to repay the Chinese. "Q. What is the purpose of this payment? "A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy. "Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China? "A. Shut up."
They are trying to prime the pump. It seems like someone is trying to buy our votes like the Jaredite kings tried to do. Maybe its mob rule. We (the mob) steal money from our children. The economist in me says that China must spend their US dollars in the US so it somehow benefits the USA for the Chinese to purchase bonds. They just have paper. They don’t control anything. The problem is that we have to pay the bond back with interest. The bottom line is that we are in a convoluted, mixed financial system that breaks down sometimes. It will ultimately crash. It is based on money sloshing around (consumer spending). This basis is unsustainable. A better system would be based on provident living, saving and frugality. An even better system would be to overlay the current supply and demand system with an everything in common system. Then all those who choose to, would belong to the overlaid system, working at their jobs but contributing their surplus for the common good. We would then be living the laws of the Celestial Kingdom inside Babylon. The system would work beyond our expectations because God would bless it and everyone on it (a 100 fold or perhaps a 1000 fold).
Let me know what you think. Thanks for the email,
Scott
They are trying to prime the pump. It seems like someone is trying to buy our votes like the Jaredite kings tried to do. Maybe its mob rule. We (the mob) steal money from our children. The economist in me says that China must spend their US dollars in the US so it somehow benefits the USA for the Chinese to purchase bonds. They just have paper. They don’t control anything. The problem is that we have to pay the bond back with interest. The bottom line is that we are in a convoluted, mixed financial system that breaks down sometimes. It will ultimately crash. It is based on money sloshing around (consumer spending). This basis is unsustainable. A better system would be based on provident living, saving and frugality. An even better system would be to overlay the current supply and demand system with an everything in common system. Then all those who choose to, would belong to the overlaid system, working at their jobs but contributing their surplus for the common good. We would then be living the laws of the Celestial Kingdom inside Babylon. The system would work beyond our expectations because God would bless it and everyone on it (a 100 fold or perhaps a 1000 fold).
Let me know what you think. Thanks for the email,
Scott
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Always Behind the Eight Ball
Why am I always behind the Eight ball? I'm talking about the financial eight ball. I never quite succeed. Something always goes wrong or changes. I propose that there are two main reasons that many other reasons hinge upon: the religious/cultural tradition of getting married young and have children quickly and a traumatic upbringing.
I think that for many, getting married young and having children early created a situation where the couple could never quite get control of their financial life. The couple was forced to provide, purchase larger homes prematurely, down size career decisions and forfeit business opportunities. The couple stays in this predicament for 30 to 35 years trying their best to support their children so they might be in a better position than the couple was.
I talk about traumatic upbringing another day.
I think that for many, getting married young and having children early created a situation where the couple could never quite get control of their financial life. The couple was forced to provide, purchase larger homes prematurely, down size career decisions and forfeit business opportunities. The couple stays in this predicament for 30 to 35 years trying their best to support their children so they might be in a better position than the couple was.
I talk about traumatic upbringing another day.
Spiritual Experience
James had lost is Ipod jumping on the trampoline in the snow. He went outside muliple time looking for it with no success. I helped him but with a foot of snow on and around the tramp, it seemed impossible to find an Ipod. Jame had given up. Later in the afternoon I went out one last time and started feeling the same hopeless feeling. I stopped and prayed asking for inspiration or guidance. I kept on working, moving snow with my snow shovel. As I was walking toward the fence to see if had somehow flown that far, a thought came into my mind, "It obviously fell through the springs". So, I started shoveling around the springs where I had already dumped snow from my previouis efforts. I went around the tramp with no success. It was getting dark. I decided to do one last scoop of snow under the tramp. I saw a black image in the grass! There it was, right below the springs covered by snow that I had moved. I like it when I have these small graces. It give me confidence that I can have faith and receive all kinds of help from my Heavenly Father.
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