Money the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Money... how it is used is very important.
We'll start with the GOOD.
Money should be used to provide for our needs (not necessary our wants!)
Money should be used to develop your gifts and talents and the gifts and talents of others.
Money should be used to lift the burden of the poor and needy.
Money should be used to bless others.
The Bad
Money or the pursuit of wealth should NOT become a substitute for relationships with people.
Money should not be used to raise your status.
The Ugly
Money should not make you feel powerful. If money makes you feel powerful you might become a bully.
Money should not be used to control others.

Attitudes toward money and it's use will define you as a person!
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed". Proverbs 11:25

Every Child Is Created Special...e-mail by Sarah Palin

Quoted from National Right to Life News June/ July 2011.
"It was initially written, obviously not for publication, in April of 2008 just a few day before the arrival of her fifth child, Trig, who was born with Down's syndrome. In her email Palin imagines a letter from God to the family about to launch on its challenging child-rearing experience together...
Andrew Malcolm, New York Times

E-mail by Sarah Palin (abridged):
To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Palin...,
I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard yours prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!...

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be "Trig" because it's so fitting with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news-that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days-just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift?...At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!...

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and Dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you... I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters. The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect". You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carharts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did...

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won't understand... and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthings consider "perfect" or even "normal" in any way?...Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though:"My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts...for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are hgiher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me-now it's time to leave out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chaper of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meeet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator, Your Heavely Father

Recycling... big time!

While vacationing in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin we toured the restored tug boat John Purves. The John Purves was built in 1919 as a steam powered tug. It was used primary in the Great Lakes and was the most powerful tug in it's day. The John Purves was used for many jobs in the Great Lakes. One of the most interesting was timber hauling. Logs would be rolled into the Great Lakes then the John Purves' cable would be lassoed around the whole log pile. Then the John Purves would tow it's load of timber very slowly to it's destination.
Now for the recycling part...
During WWII the Purves was used for the war effort. After the war the tug was returned to it's owner. The tug was later sold to John Roen. In 1957 Roen decided it was time for an upgrade. Roen decided to retrofit the tug with 2 diesel engines that were part of WWII surplus. The whole top of the tug was cut off, the steam mechanism was taken out and two diesel engines where installed. The top was replaced and the tug continued to work the Great Lakes till 2001. A team of eight dedicated volunteers worked for five years restore this tug. Our tour was given by one of these volunteers who gave us interesting glimpse of hard work and commerce on the Great Lakes.