Essentia Health purchased by Muslims! No Nativity scenes allowed!!!
That’s what I learned yesterday when I came to work. A friend that I have known for 30 years made that announcement to me, as I entered the lobby of St Marys Hospital - Superior. "Look around, where is the nativity scene?" You don't see His name anywhere. Is it true they sold out to the Muslims?
I was embarrassed. Not for my employer or the hospital we stood in, but for my friend and others who believe what seems to me to be foolish rumors. I told her so.
No. Outright point blank no. Essentia Health hasn't been sold, not to anyone. I am not familiar with the Christmas decorations in St Mary’s Hospital in Superior, yet I know that St Marys' Duluth has a nativity scene which stretches out perhaps 20 feet. It is on display as I write this, the day after my friend spoke with me.
Why is it that everything Anti - Christian needs to be Islamic in nature or origin today? I don't know a lot of Muslim folks, the ones I do I think very highly of. They are wonderful loving folks who work hard, study their scriptures {oftentimes more than I study mine} and live outstanding moral lives. Granted, if you are a conservative evangelical christian, you believe their traditions are wrong. My friends and I have acknowledged the differences in our beliefs. We pray for each other, that God leads us through the day. I believe our prayers are answered.
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the Gates of Hell SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT! {my emphasis} It seems to me that so many Christians need to live in an alarmist state to be happy. It appears that the eleventh gift of the Holy Spirit is rumor mongering, the tenth being condemnation. In today’s world we cannot imagine the atrocities early Christians were forced to endure. A father walking with his family could be forced to carry a roman soldiers armor and arms a mile, with no recourse except for the fact that Jesus said “Carry it two miles.” I remember Proctor and Gamble being boycotted for their corporate star symbols, the fear was that it was satanic. Yet Paul stated that if we had clear conscious, we could eat meat purchased market place, even knowing that it was offered to idols. Abstain only if it may offend your neighbor. Be upset because your employer deducted your bible study time from your paycheck, or lose your life for not bowing to worship the Emperor who was paying your salary.
Dow we lose the right to have concerns for the course of our society? Absolutely not. But instead of spreading and believing wild stories, lets consider using scriptural examples to guide our lives. Chronicles 7:14 says “Humble YOURSELVES, Pray, seek my face, cease YOUR wicked ways, Then I will heal your land.” Galatians 5:22 states: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ... Against such things there is no law! Allow the work of the Holy Spirit to be seen in your lives, worry less about losing your rights. Even those impressed into service by soldiers were told to willing serve more than expected. Matthew 5:41. Should I do less?
Many times in my life I have struggled with keeping the rules. In this sense, if I have to, why don't others? Believe me, I can make the arguments well. But that is not how Christ wants me to respond. Jesus was talking with the disciple who said he would follow Him anywhere. Peter didn’t like hearing what Jesus was saying and almost immediately asked, “What about him? Inferring the apostle John. The response was “You let me worry about him, you take care of your self”
Let the Lord worry about what religions are where, we need to worry about how we walk with him. If indeed this is a personal belief, it should be replicated personally in our lives. Jesus said “Tarry ye here in Jerusalem until you receive the Holy Spirit ... you shall be my WITNESSES” The Greek word for witness is martus, for which we get the word Martyr. The implication is a lifestyle apparent in a culture where death was possible for your beliefs, not the ability to see who could speak the loudest.
I don’t so much need to defend God with my words, as I need to display His love in my actions.
Nuff said.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
I HATE THOSE ROOMS
Most of the time family rooms are good things. just for those reasons. You can laugh and cry, sleep or pray. In fact all the time they are good things.
I remember bringing a mom to our ER room one night. Her daughter would be OK, the injuries were far less than originally conceived. All was well until she heard someone say. "The Chaplain is bringing her to the family room." Both arms were thrust out towards sidewalls, a scream filled the air. "YOU ARE NOT TAKING ME INTO THAT ROOM. YOU AREN'T GOING TO TELL ME MY DAUGHTER IS DEAD!" Its the screams I remember the loudest.
And the tears.
Last night I had to bring a man and his wife to one of those rooms. His father was My age. He had just came from surgery and passed away quite unexpectedly. "Lets go in here, it's more comfortable ... and private. Please sit down. Here is your fathers nurse. I am so sorry... we have some difficult news for you...
I hate those rooms.
I remember bringing a mom to our ER room one night. Her daughter would be OK, the injuries were far less than originally conceived. All was well until she heard someone say. "The Chaplain is bringing her to the family room." Both arms were thrust out towards sidewalls, a scream filled the air. "YOU ARE NOT TAKING ME INTO THAT ROOM. YOU AREN'T GOING TO TELL ME MY DAUGHTER IS DEAD!" Its the screams I remember the loudest.
And the tears.
Last night I had to bring a man and his wife to one of those rooms. His father was My age. He had just came from surgery and passed away quite unexpectedly. "Lets go in here, it's more comfortable ... and private. Please sit down. Here is your fathers nurse. I am so sorry... we have some difficult news for you...
I hate those rooms.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Recycling and the green movement at Wally World
Hey Wal-Mart, Gimme a Break!!!
For the record, I enjoy shopping at Walmart. I find generally good merchandise at reasonable prices. Even better prices in the past month with renewed rollbacks in many areas around the store.
So whats my complaint? No, it isn't the fake “Was” pricing shown next to new the selling price. {tho there oughta be a law against either putting such foolishness on a sign or being one who believes it was actually sold for that price to begin with.
No, its not the fact that most meat has anywhere from eight to twelve percent fluid {water} added. Supposedly for tenderness or whatever. To my recollection, except for smoked hams which are naturally dry, this is not an industry practice other than coming from Bentonville. The deceptive practice doesn't bother me, I just don't purchase meat there. No problem.
I went to my local wally world tonight. First to make a return, then to purchase some other items. {35 bucks worth it turned out. Bruce the greeter was sorting through plastic bags, you know, the kind that get recycled at the main doors. Sorting them out. White Wally World bags in one cart, brown Super one bags along with anything NOT from Wally World going in the other cart. “Watcha doin?” I asked. “Sortin bags” says Bruce. Watcha gonna do with those bags in that cart? Asks I. “Garbage” says Bruce, “they get thrown out.”
Ok, I can take the truth being stretched on pricing and water added chickens, but why, when Wal Mart professes to be oh so green can't they be honest with their customers and say, ” We ONLY recycle Wal Mart bags” I understand why the practice is done, the scrap price for clean sorted bags is higher than mixed color bags. {My Brother in law was in the plastic film business for thirty years.} I'm just asking, why cant you be honest here Walmart? We all can bring our Bags to Super One Grocery when we shop there. {Aye, Thats the rub!}
OK, my rant is a small bit in the ecological movement. Or the honesty movement. But is this gets under your skin like it did mine, call the Superior Walmart at 715-392-6060 and ask to speak with the store general manager. Her name is KarenLee something. Let her know what you think, just be polite. You could {as I also can} contact the Regional manager or National headquarters in Bentonville Arkansas and ask they they present an honest approach to being green.
Nuff said for my rant, I gotta go back and pick up some paint. Good stuff, great price.
For the record, I enjoy shopping at Walmart. I find generally good merchandise at reasonable prices. Even better prices in the past month with renewed rollbacks in many areas around the store.
So whats my complaint? No, it isn't the fake “Was” pricing shown next to new the selling price. {tho there oughta be a law against either putting such foolishness on a sign or being one who believes it was actually sold for that price to begin with.
No, its not the fact that most meat has anywhere from eight to twelve percent fluid {water} added. Supposedly for tenderness or whatever. To my recollection, except for smoked hams which are naturally dry, this is not an industry practice other than coming from Bentonville. The deceptive practice doesn't bother me, I just don't purchase meat there. No problem.
I went to my local wally world tonight. First to make a return, then to purchase some other items. {35 bucks worth it turned out. Bruce the greeter was sorting through plastic bags, you know, the kind that get recycled at the main doors. Sorting them out. White Wally World bags in one cart, brown Super one bags along with anything NOT from Wally World going in the other cart. “Watcha doin?” I asked. “Sortin bags” says Bruce. Watcha gonna do with those bags in that cart? Asks I. “Garbage” says Bruce, “they get thrown out.”
Ok, I can take the truth being stretched on pricing and water added chickens, but why, when Wal Mart professes to be oh so green can't they be honest with their customers and say, ” We ONLY recycle Wal Mart bags” I understand why the practice is done, the scrap price for clean sorted bags is higher than mixed color bags. {My Brother in law was in the plastic film business for thirty years.} I'm just asking, why cant you be honest here Walmart? We all can bring our Bags to Super One Grocery when we shop there. {Aye, Thats the rub!}
OK, my rant is a small bit in the ecological movement. Or the honesty movement. But is this gets under your skin like it did mine, call the Superior Walmart at 715-392-6060 and ask to speak with the store general manager. Her name is KarenLee something. Let her know what you think, just be polite. You could {as I also can} contact the Regional manager or National headquarters in Bentonville Arkansas and ask they they present an honest approach to being green.
Nuff said for my rant, I gotta go back and pick up some paint. Good stuff, great price.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
This land is your land, this land is my land....
This land is your land, this land is my land....
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Shortly after I converted to Christianity, I heard an an old Wisconsin Synod Lutheran preacher speak at my new church. The mans name was A.G. Dornfeld, he often spoke and ministered on the Holy Spirit. He also carried cases of fliers with him, One said, Righteousness exalts a nation, yet Sin is a reproach to any land. The other had the familiar verse about humbling ourselves, ceasing sin, and seeking God. Then he would heal our land. This seems to be the responsibility of those who call themselves Christian, yet somehow we like to put the responsibility on those who live outside what is considered Evangelical Christianity.
For some time now, this scripture has been pricking my thoughts and prayer life. Repent, turn from sin. All that bad stuff I enjoy yet hate to have others see. I haven't been in any fights or had a drunken spell lately so obviously He isn't talking to me. Yet I do hear this quiet little voice saying, “Be Nicer to that person” “don't be so harsh. Let me be reflected in your daily life.” It is a severe challenge. I do enjoy honking the horn at those who cut me off or turn in front of me. I am close enough to 300 pounds, yet I shake my head at the 500 pounders I see walking down the street. My problem, after all, started when I was just 5. Whats theirs? Have they no self control?
A year or two ago, my cousins daughter died a month after being beaten, apparently by her boyfriend. When I saw her last, she was a vivacious, rambunctious young lady getting ready to graduate from High School. She had a professional nursing career and family. Then somehow, Meth- amphetamine found a way to destroy her. This once lovely woman had lost herself to the drug, it destroyed her persona and her vivaciousness.
Last fall I called my nephew. We spoke for a few minutes, he began to choke up. One of the young ladies he had dated in High School had recently passed away, following weeks in an ICU after a heart attack. She was a young professional, a wife and mom who was afflicted with eating disorders as a teenager. Again, a lovely young woman who was a joy to be around. Drugs and alcohol robbed her kids of a mother, a husband of his mate.
This week a bus driver on the North Shore of Minnesota has been charged with assaulting four young girls, many of them pre- teens. Another young girl has been repeatedly molested by a man known to her family. Their innocence stolen at an early age. The list goes on and on.
My friends, the responsibility is ours to bring this nightmare to an end. The work isn't hard, yet it will be life changing. Sit in your chair, or on your bed, or kneeling at your pew, and listen to that still small voice, hearing how God wants to work in your life. Follow through on the very best that there is for us. When WE continually do that, we then can pray effectively for our nation. God will heal our land, restoring that which has been stolen, revitalizing our land. I believe that is our only hope.
So, in the past months, I have been checking my thoughts regularly, and asking to be more responsive than reactive. To be a mirror reflecting Gods love to others, even those I don't really care for. In return, I am making and growing many more friendships, and having a sense of the presence and Peace of God in a gentle and intimate way. I often fail, yet I try to get up walk again.
Please join me in prayer for our region. That our women and girls and boys would be protected from those who would abuse and hurt them. That stashes of drugs would be revealed and confiscated. That the dealers would be found out. It is Gods responsibility, and our only hope. Too many have had their lives stolen away, too many cannot face a normal day. Too many cry themselves to sleep because they have been betrayed by one who should have been trustworthy, but chose not to be.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Shortly after I converted to Christianity, I heard an an old Wisconsin Synod Lutheran preacher speak at my new church. The mans name was A.G. Dornfeld, he often spoke and ministered on the Holy Spirit. He also carried cases of fliers with him, One said, Righteousness exalts a nation, yet Sin is a reproach to any land. The other had the familiar verse about humbling ourselves, ceasing sin, and seeking God. Then he would heal our land. This seems to be the responsibility of those who call themselves Christian, yet somehow we like to put the responsibility on those who live outside what is considered Evangelical Christianity.
For some time now, this scripture has been pricking my thoughts and prayer life. Repent, turn from sin. All that bad stuff I enjoy yet hate to have others see. I haven't been in any fights or had a drunken spell lately so obviously He isn't talking to me. Yet I do hear this quiet little voice saying, “Be Nicer to that person” “don't be so harsh. Let me be reflected in your daily life.” It is a severe challenge. I do enjoy honking the horn at those who cut me off or turn in front of me. I am close enough to 300 pounds, yet I shake my head at the 500 pounders I see walking down the street. My problem, after all, started when I was just 5. Whats theirs? Have they no self control?
A year or two ago, my cousins daughter died a month after being beaten, apparently by her boyfriend. When I saw her last, she was a vivacious, rambunctious young lady getting ready to graduate from High School. She had a professional nursing career and family. Then somehow, Meth- amphetamine found a way to destroy her. This once lovely woman had lost herself to the drug, it destroyed her persona and her vivaciousness.
Last fall I called my nephew. We spoke for a few minutes, he began to choke up. One of the young ladies he had dated in High School had recently passed away, following weeks in an ICU after a heart attack. She was a young professional, a wife and mom who was afflicted with eating disorders as a teenager. Again, a lovely young woman who was a joy to be around. Drugs and alcohol robbed her kids of a mother, a husband of his mate.
This week a bus driver on the North Shore of Minnesota has been charged with assaulting four young girls, many of them pre- teens. Another young girl has been repeatedly molested by a man known to her family. Their innocence stolen at an early age. The list goes on and on.
My friends, the responsibility is ours to bring this nightmare to an end. The work isn't hard, yet it will be life changing. Sit in your chair, or on your bed, or kneeling at your pew, and listen to that still small voice, hearing how God wants to work in your life. Follow through on the very best that there is for us. When WE continually do that, we then can pray effectively for our nation. God will heal our land, restoring that which has been stolen, revitalizing our land. I believe that is our only hope.
So, in the past months, I have been checking my thoughts regularly, and asking to be more responsive than reactive. To be a mirror reflecting Gods love to others, even those I don't really care for. In return, I am making and growing many more friendships, and having a sense of the presence and Peace of God in a gentle and intimate way. I often fail, yet I try to get up walk again.
Please join me in prayer for our region. That our women and girls and boys would be protected from those who would abuse and hurt them. That stashes of drugs would be revealed and confiscated. That the dealers would be found out. It is Gods responsibility, and our only hope. Too many have had their lives stolen away, too many cannot face a normal day. Too many cry themselves to sleep because they have been betrayed by one who should have been trustworthy, but chose not to be.
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Friday, April 2, 2010
Constitutinal rights,Christian standards and Witness.
You know, I haven't had health insurance since 2001.
Not that it isn't available, I do qualify for WI High Risk insurance. Last time i checked the premium 2 years ago it was 2200+ per month. Not 22 dollars. Two Thousand two hundred plus per month.Thats a few thousand more than I make in a year as a Chaplain.
I have had something like 9 or 10 major surgeries, 12 or 14 cat scans, 4 MRI's 1 colonoscopy 16 shots of steroids and hundreds of PT appointments since 1993.
I had a cancer that only 13 others had experienced. Fortunately, it was one of the few non-lethal types.
Dad had stage 3+ colon cancer when discovered, stage 4 at surgery. It has been 8 years since my last colonoscopy, one would sure set my mind at ease. One major argument against the presidents health plan is that the government doesn't have constitutional right to institute it, or that it is a violation of our constitution to implement it.
As a country, and as Christians, we have been more than willing to give up constitutional rights, depending on who proposed that loss. {IMHO}
If anyone wants to take me to task, read through the Patriot Act,see what rights we gave up under G W Bush. More than you would ever believe.
I am getting at the point that it seem that if something is proposed by a liberal, or democratic person, president or institution, it must be bad. Be honest, look closely. Tho we may prefer conservative govt, many conservative republicans are as "degenerate" as those liberal democrats. {only half in jest} Barney Frank may be gay, but it was a Conservative rep from Florida who headed a committee to protect abused children that was in fact soliciting young male pages with texts. Bill Clinton had extramarital affairs, the Governor of one of the Carolinas' has been in adultery for several years. We hate democrats big wasteful government, yet it was under the Bush Administration that the bureaucracy grew the largest ever. Senators and congressmen of both parties have benefits which the average citizen cannot dream of. One term in Congress gives health care for life. It goes on ad finitum, ad nauseum.
There, I probably have offended a few friends and several I don't know. I have been on a "Kick" about consistency tho. Lets be honest,be real and apply the same rules, conscience or standards to ourselves first, and walk perfectly, before we expect others to live up to our standards.
I work with an incredible nurse, one of the finest ICU nurses I've ever seen. I would want her to care for myself, family or the ones I love. After 5 years of working together she fessed up, " I don't believe in God". She was expecting the worst from me. I took a deep breath and asked Why. Her response was chilling. "I have worked here 22 years. Since I started, Born Again Christians have been coming here, telling me what I had to believe, and how I was supposed to live. So I watched them, for all these years. The same folks who were telling me how wrong I was were lying, stealing, cheating on their wives or husband, not paying their taxes.I came to believe that IF THERE REALLY WAS A GOD, THEY WOULDN'T DARE SAY ONE THING AND LIVE THE OPPOSITE. THEY WOULD BE TOO AFRAID.They have proven to me by Their actions there is no God.we aren't talking about a person who is blaming Church Hypocrites, we are talking about a person who studied the most outspoken religious folks she knew, heard their words, and saw their actions.
Jesus said: Tarry ye here in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from above, and you shall be my witnesses" the Greek word for witness is Martus, which certainly implies a lifestyle rather than a bullhorn.
Ok, so this really doesn't have a lot to do with President Obamas' denial of constitutional rights. It does however speak to evangelical Christianity's do what I tell you you need to do, not as I do attitude. If I don't like it, it must be wrong. It is an attitude I haven't seen Jesus express in Scripture.
More in the future....
Not that it isn't available, I do qualify for WI High Risk insurance. Last time i checked the premium 2 years ago it was 2200+ per month. Not 22 dollars. Two Thousand two hundred plus per month.Thats a few thousand more than I make in a year as a Chaplain.
I have had something like 9 or 10 major surgeries, 12 or 14 cat scans, 4 MRI's 1 colonoscopy 16 shots of steroids and hundreds of PT appointments since 1993.
I had a cancer that only 13 others had experienced. Fortunately, it was one of the few non-lethal types.
Dad had stage 3+ colon cancer when discovered, stage 4 at surgery. It has been 8 years since my last colonoscopy, one would sure set my mind at ease. One major argument against the presidents health plan is that the government doesn't have constitutional right to institute it, or that it is a violation of our constitution to implement it.
As a country, and as Christians, we have been more than willing to give up constitutional rights, depending on who proposed that loss. {IMHO}
If anyone wants to take me to task, read through the Patriot Act,see what rights we gave up under G W Bush. More than you would ever believe.
I am getting at the point that it seem that if something is proposed by a liberal, or democratic person, president or institution, it must be bad. Be honest, look closely. Tho we may prefer conservative govt, many conservative republicans are as "degenerate" as those liberal democrats. {only half in jest} Barney Frank may be gay, but it was a Conservative rep from Florida who headed a committee to protect abused children that was in fact soliciting young male pages with texts. Bill Clinton had extramarital affairs, the Governor of one of the Carolinas' has been in adultery for several years. We hate democrats big wasteful government, yet it was under the Bush Administration that the bureaucracy grew the largest ever. Senators and congressmen of both parties have benefits which the average citizen cannot dream of. One term in Congress gives health care for life. It goes on ad finitum, ad nauseum.
There, I probably have offended a few friends and several I don't know. I have been on a "Kick" about consistency tho. Lets be honest,be real and apply the same rules, conscience or standards to ourselves first, and walk perfectly, before we expect others to live up to our standards.
I work with an incredible nurse, one of the finest ICU nurses I've ever seen. I would want her to care for myself, family or the ones I love. After 5 years of working together she fessed up, " I don't believe in God". She was expecting the worst from me. I took a deep breath and asked Why. Her response was chilling. "I have worked here 22 years. Since I started, Born Again Christians have been coming here, telling me what I had to believe, and how I was supposed to live. So I watched them, for all these years. The same folks who were telling me how wrong I was were lying, stealing, cheating on their wives or husband, not paying their taxes.I came to believe that IF THERE REALLY WAS A GOD, THEY WOULDN'T DARE SAY ONE THING AND LIVE THE OPPOSITE. THEY WOULD BE TOO AFRAID.They have proven to me by Their actions there is no God.we aren't talking about a person who is blaming Church Hypocrites, we are talking about a person who studied the most outspoken religious folks she knew, heard their words, and saw their actions.
Jesus said: Tarry ye here in Jerusalem until you are endued with Power from above, and you shall be my witnesses" the Greek word for witness is Martus, which certainly implies a lifestyle rather than a bullhorn.
Ok, so this really doesn't have a lot to do with President Obamas' denial of constitutional rights. It does however speak to evangelical Christianity's do what I tell you you need to do, not as I do attitude. If I don't like it, it must be wrong. It is an attitude I haven't seen Jesus express in Scripture.
More in the future....
Monday, January 25, 2010
STUFF: RIPPED FROM YAHOO!!!
Stop Buying Stuff You Don't Need
by Dayana Yochim
Thursday, December 24, 2009
We may be getting used to tightening our belts. But that doesn't mean we're happy about it, because, let's face it: We love stuff.
More from Fool.com
• Retail Tricks That Make You Overspend
• 5 Ways to Stop Buying Stupid Stuff
• How-to Guide: Spend Smarter
We love shopping for stuff, setting stuff up, displaying stuff, and demonstrating our stuff's superiority (in speed, capacity, color, taste, size, you name it) to the other, lesser stuff out there.
Of course, no discussion of stuff is complete without a tip of the hat to George Carlin's famous monologue about it. (Watch it here. PG-13 rating, FYI.) "The whole meaning of life is trying to find a place for your stuff," he observed. "That's all your house is ... a pile of stuff with a cover on it."
Good point, George. Think about it...
* • Why do most people move? To find a bigger place for their stuff.
* • When someone breaks into your house, they're not interested in your fourth-grade mementos. No. They're after the good stuff.
* • Stuff is so important to us that an entire industry exists simply to keep an eye on it. (Container Store Addicts Anonymous, anyone?)
A lot of people have issues with stuff. However, all stuff is not created equal.
Your two piles of stuff: Most of what we spend our money on can be categorized in one of two ways: 1. Stuff we need. 2. Stuff we want. (A subset of No. 2: Stuff we claim to need -- for which we dream up elaborate justifications for buying to tell our spouses, friends, or bosses -- but as we all know, it's really just stuff we want.)
In the "need" pile are the obvious things like shelter (mortgage or rent), food, good health (medication and medical attention when necessary) and the means to earn a living (transportation, hot water for a shower, and appropriate shoes).
Everything else? Well, you know where to pile all that stuff -- right over there in the mountain of "wants."
Of course, stuff consigned to the "want" pile isn't necessarily bad. It's fine if it brings you joy, you can afford it, it makes your life or someone else's better, is not a choking hazard, and it's stored safely away from open flames.
What makes "wants" problematic is when you pay for them with tomorrow's dollars by putting them on a credit card and not paying them off in full, or when you acquire things simply to temporarily patch over an emotional void that no tangible acquisition can truly fulfill.
What to do when "want" is a four-letter word: If you find that your "wants" are consuming your mind, garage, and attic, there are some things you can do to cut down the pangs of acquisitiveness.
On one of our more popular discussion boards on Fool.com, "Living Below Your Means," members have offered some great tips on getting into the "want less" mind-set:
Avoid situations that make you want more stuff:
* • Put catalogs right in the recycling pile without reading them and unsubscribe ASAP.
* • Ignore the commercials on television. And whatever you do, don't turn on the shopping channels.
* • Don't hang out in shopping areas for recreation.
* • Stop window-shopping online. It's too easy to fill up your cart and click "buy."
Face the reality of acquiring that new [fill in the blank]:
* • Put the price in perspective: How many hours do you have to work to pay for the item?
* • Institute a waiting period. Often the excitement over a new gewgaw wears off after a few days -- or even hours.
* • Pay for it in cash. Studies show that forking over actual currency makes the pain of a purchase much more real than just putting it on plastic.
Realize how much junk you have now, and how much trouble it is:
* • Take a complete inventory of your house contents for insurance purposes. You might be surprised by the bounty of stuff you already have.
* • Do a weekly "27-fling boogie" a la Flylady: Go through the house and find 27 things you don't want to keep anymore)
* • Visualize moving all of your stuff to a new home, or your heirs going through everything after your death.
Appreciate the stuff you already have:
* • Keep warranties.
* • You worked hard to afford it in the first place, so perform basic repair and maintenance.
* • Lend things you don't use frequently to other people.
* • Fill your time with enjoyable -- and free! -- activities, such as spending time with family, playing sports, or pursuing a hobby. That leaves fewer hours in the day to pine for stuff!
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to the mall we go anyway: Of course, at some point you're going to have to replenish the pantry, replace some lightbulbs, and maybe even buy some stuff to keep the other stuff you have in good working condition.
But before you reach for your wallet, do some pre-shopping prep so you acquire only as much stuff as you really need.
After years of training, Fool.com writer Dayana Yochim is ready to enter the Ironwoman competition and triumph in the Target-shopping challenge, where every item in contestants' shopping carts that's not on their original list results in a score reduction.
by Dayana Yochim
Thursday, December 24, 2009
We may be getting used to tightening our belts. But that doesn't mean we're happy about it, because, let's face it: We love stuff.
More from Fool.com
• Retail Tricks That Make You Overspend
• 5 Ways to Stop Buying Stupid Stuff
• How-to Guide: Spend Smarter
We love shopping for stuff, setting stuff up, displaying stuff, and demonstrating our stuff's superiority (in speed, capacity, color, taste, size, you name it) to the other, lesser stuff out there.
Of course, no discussion of stuff is complete without a tip of the hat to George Carlin's famous monologue about it. (Watch it here. PG-13 rating, FYI.) "The whole meaning of life is trying to find a place for your stuff," he observed. "That's all your house is ... a pile of stuff with a cover on it."
Good point, George. Think about it...
* • Why do most people move? To find a bigger place for their stuff.
* • When someone breaks into your house, they're not interested in your fourth-grade mementos. No. They're after the good stuff.
* • Stuff is so important to us that an entire industry exists simply to keep an eye on it. (Container Store Addicts Anonymous, anyone?)
A lot of people have issues with stuff. However, all stuff is not created equal.
Your two piles of stuff: Most of what we spend our money on can be categorized in one of two ways: 1. Stuff we need. 2. Stuff we want. (A subset of No. 2: Stuff we claim to need -- for which we dream up elaborate justifications for buying to tell our spouses, friends, or bosses -- but as we all know, it's really just stuff we want.)
In the "need" pile are the obvious things like shelter (mortgage or rent), food, good health (medication and medical attention when necessary) and the means to earn a living (transportation, hot water for a shower, and appropriate shoes).
Everything else? Well, you know where to pile all that stuff -- right over there in the mountain of "wants."
Of course, stuff consigned to the "want" pile isn't necessarily bad. It's fine if it brings you joy, you can afford it, it makes your life or someone else's better, is not a choking hazard, and it's stored safely away from open flames.
What makes "wants" problematic is when you pay for them with tomorrow's dollars by putting them on a credit card and not paying them off in full, or when you acquire things simply to temporarily patch over an emotional void that no tangible acquisition can truly fulfill.
What to do when "want" is a four-letter word: If you find that your "wants" are consuming your mind, garage, and attic, there are some things you can do to cut down the pangs of acquisitiveness.
On one of our more popular discussion boards on Fool.com, "Living Below Your Means," members have offered some great tips on getting into the "want less" mind-set:
Avoid situations that make you want more stuff:
* • Put catalogs right in the recycling pile without reading them and unsubscribe ASAP.
* • Ignore the commercials on television. And whatever you do, don't turn on the shopping channels.
* • Don't hang out in shopping areas for recreation.
* • Stop window-shopping online. It's too easy to fill up your cart and click "buy."
Face the reality of acquiring that new [fill in the blank]:
* • Put the price in perspective: How many hours do you have to work to pay for the item?
* • Institute a waiting period. Often the excitement over a new gewgaw wears off after a few days -- or even hours.
* • Pay for it in cash. Studies show that forking over actual currency makes the pain of a purchase much more real than just putting it on plastic.
Realize how much junk you have now, and how much trouble it is:
* • Take a complete inventory of your house contents for insurance purposes. You might be surprised by the bounty of stuff you already have.
* • Do a weekly "27-fling boogie" a la Flylady: Go through the house and find 27 things you don't want to keep anymore)
* • Visualize moving all of your stuff to a new home, or your heirs going through everything after your death.
Appreciate the stuff you already have:
* • Keep warranties.
* • You worked hard to afford it in the first place, so perform basic repair and maintenance.
* • Lend things you don't use frequently to other people.
* • Fill your time with enjoyable -- and free! -- activities, such as spending time with family, playing sports, or pursuing a hobby. That leaves fewer hours in the day to pine for stuff!
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to the mall we go anyway: Of course, at some point you're going to have to replenish the pantry, replace some lightbulbs, and maybe even buy some stuff to keep the other stuff you have in good working condition.
But before you reach for your wallet, do some pre-shopping prep so you acquire only as much stuff as you really need.
After years of training, Fool.com writer Dayana Yochim is ready to enter the Ironwoman competition and triumph in the Target-shopping challenge, where every item in contestants' shopping carts that's not on their original list results in a score reduction.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
hOW COOL IS THIS !!! FROM THE SUPERIOR EVENING TELEGRAM
Taken from our local paper, January 12,2010
Pair an ideas man with a problem solver. Add in technology that keeps people linked with the push of a button and a growing web of volunteers. Stir in some enthusiasm and a “can do” attitude. Then watch the momentum build.
“Lots of good things are happening in Wascott,” said Sheryl Beglinger, many of them prompted by the new Neighbors Helping Neighbors network. Since its inception in August, the group has winterized approximately 250 houses in the Gordon/Minong/Wascott area, hosted a Christmas day dinner and began developing a Neighborhood Watch Program. And more ideas are brewing.
“We’re learning more and more about the needs of the community,” said Beglinger, who lives in Wascott.
The idea for Neighbors Helping Neighbors started with Beglinger and Dean Nesley, who serve together on the town’s Community Resource Committee. After kicking options around in committee, they formed the group to work on them.
“We’re not a nonprofit, not an organization,” Beglinger said. “We’re just a network of people.” They are linked through e-mail and bursting with ideas.
The first project, lofted by Nesley, was to “Winterize Wascott.” For 20 years, he’s known that putting plastic over windows cuts heating costs. Many Wascott residents live in older homes. With a high concentration of retirees in the area, many are also living on a fixed income.
Beglinger called a company to ask what kind of plastic and tape would work best. The company searched their warehouse and found some they could donate. In September, 570 three-window kits arrived at the Beglinger’s home.
“I could not believe it,” Nesley said. “It mushroomed.”
Ads in the Northwoods Shopper touted the free kits, but the best response came when members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors brought kits to local senior meal sites and food shelves.
“I could hardly get it in the door fast enough,” Nesley said.
One Gordon resident who received the window kits and help installing them called the program “absolutely wonderful.” In total, 568 kits were given away.
Nesley noted that residents should save the plastic they remove this spring so they can put it up again in the fall.
Fresh off the success of “Winterize Wascott,” the network started developing a Neighborhood Watch program. About 30 people showed up for an initial meeting in October.
“We’re a long way from Superior,” said Steve Trainor of Wascott, who is heading up the Neighborhood Watch team, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department budget is tight. “It’s important to get information back and forth. The neighborhood watch could help immensely with that.”
By dividing the town into regions and tapping into local lakes association phone lists, Beglinger said, the program can keep residents connected. People who are out of the area can have folks keep an eye on their home, Trainor said, and neighbors can check in on elderly residents to make sure they are OK. E-mail alerts could provide a heads-up when burglaries have occurred in the area and remind people of the next meeting.
“Everybody’s watching out for everybody else,” Trainor said.
Beglinger said she hoped that the Neighborhood Watch program, once up and running, could be expanded to encompass neighboring communities.
The next project was a Christmas meal. Volunteers cooked enough hams and turkeys, rolls and cookies for 100 hungry people.
“Then the blizzard came,” Beglinger said with a laugh. About two dozen people showed up Christmas Day at the town hall, she said, and “we had a ball.”
Leftovers and funds collected were later dropped off with a local family in need. Next year, Beglinger said, they will also offer rides to the meal.
While reaching out, members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors have deepened their local ties.
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” Beglinger said, and have met a lot of great people. “I now feel like a member of the community of Wascott.”
“You get to know your neighbors a little better,” Nesley said.
And the ideas keep coming. Members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors could provide energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs for Wascott residents. Volunteers could plant flowers around the town hall or set up a playground. Members of the town – which has 900 voting members – could participate in a weight loss competition. The group gives e-mail updates on projects. Volunteers can choose to join in or sit this one out.
The group is riding a tide of enthusiasm and success.
“When people work together, you can get a lot done,” Nesley said. “Any community can do this.”
And everyone is welcome to join the network of volunteers.
“Anyone who wants to get involved can get involved,” Trainor said.
Nesley said he’d like to see more people asking “Hey, what can I do?”
Doing so can keep neighbors warm, protect communities and bring residents together.
“It turns the community into a network of people who care,” Beglinger said.
To join Neighbors Helping Neighbors, call Beglinger at (715) 466-2986 or e-mail Trainor at trainor@centurytel.net.
Pair an ideas man with a problem solver. Add in technology that keeps people linked with the push of a button and a growing web of volunteers. Stir in some enthusiasm and a “can do” attitude. Then watch the momentum build.
“Lots of good things are happening in Wascott,” said Sheryl Beglinger, many of them prompted by the new Neighbors Helping Neighbors network. Since its inception in August, the group has winterized approximately 250 houses in the Gordon/Minong/Wascott area, hosted a Christmas day dinner and began developing a Neighborhood Watch Program. And more ideas are brewing.
“We’re learning more and more about the needs of the community,” said Beglinger, who lives in Wascott.
The idea for Neighbors Helping Neighbors started with Beglinger and Dean Nesley, who serve together on the town’s Community Resource Committee. After kicking options around in committee, they formed the group to work on them.
“We’re not a nonprofit, not an organization,” Beglinger said. “We’re just a network of people.” They are linked through e-mail and bursting with ideas.
The first project, lofted by Nesley, was to “Winterize Wascott.” For 20 years, he’s known that putting plastic over windows cuts heating costs. Many Wascott residents live in older homes. With a high concentration of retirees in the area, many are also living on a fixed income.
Beglinger called a company to ask what kind of plastic and tape would work best. The company searched their warehouse and found some they could donate. In September, 570 three-window kits arrived at the Beglinger’s home.
“I could not believe it,” Nesley said. “It mushroomed.”
Ads in the Northwoods Shopper touted the free kits, but the best response came when members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors brought kits to local senior meal sites and food shelves.
“I could hardly get it in the door fast enough,” Nesley said.
One Gordon resident who received the window kits and help installing them called the program “absolutely wonderful.” In total, 568 kits were given away.
Nesley noted that residents should save the plastic they remove this spring so they can put it up again in the fall.
Fresh off the success of “Winterize Wascott,” the network started developing a Neighborhood Watch program. About 30 people showed up for an initial meeting in October.
“We’re a long way from Superior,” said Steve Trainor of Wascott, who is heading up the Neighborhood Watch team, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department budget is tight. “It’s important to get information back and forth. The neighborhood watch could help immensely with that.”
By dividing the town into regions and tapping into local lakes association phone lists, Beglinger said, the program can keep residents connected. People who are out of the area can have folks keep an eye on their home, Trainor said, and neighbors can check in on elderly residents to make sure they are OK. E-mail alerts could provide a heads-up when burglaries have occurred in the area and remind people of the next meeting.
“Everybody’s watching out for everybody else,” Trainor said.
Beglinger said she hoped that the Neighborhood Watch program, once up and running, could be expanded to encompass neighboring communities.
The next project was a Christmas meal. Volunteers cooked enough hams and turkeys, rolls and cookies for 100 hungry people.
“Then the blizzard came,” Beglinger said with a laugh. About two dozen people showed up Christmas Day at the town hall, she said, and “we had a ball.”
Leftovers and funds collected were later dropped off with a local family in need. Next year, Beglinger said, they will also offer rides to the meal.
While reaching out, members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors have deepened their local ties.
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” Beglinger said, and have met a lot of great people. “I now feel like a member of the community of Wascott.”
“You get to know your neighbors a little better,” Nesley said.
And the ideas keep coming. Members of Neighbors Helping Neighbors could provide energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs for Wascott residents. Volunteers could plant flowers around the town hall or set up a playground. Members of the town – which has 900 voting members – could participate in a weight loss competition. The group gives e-mail updates on projects. Volunteers can choose to join in or sit this one out.
The group is riding a tide of enthusiasm and success.
“When people work together, you can get a lot done,” Nesley said. “Any community can do this.”
And everyone is welcome to join the network of volunteers.
“Anyone who wants to get involved can get involved,” Trainor said.
Nesley said he’d like to see more people asking “Hey, what can I do?”
Doing so can keep neighbors warm, protect communities and bring residents together.
“It turns the community into a network of people who care,” Beglinger said.
To join Neighbors Helping Neighbors, call Beglinger at (715) 466-2986 or e-mail Trainor at trainor@centurytel.net.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Report: Wis. deer hunters shot dramatically fewer buildings
A Department of Natural Resources report says hunters shot 10 buildings. That’s down from 25 in 2008, 19 in 2007 and 15 in 2006.
Sure glad they were painted orange!!!
**********************************************************************************
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state report says deer hunters shot dramatically fewer buildings during Wisconsin’s November gun hunt.
A Department of Natural Resources report says hunters shot 10 buildings. That’s down from 25 in 2008, 19 in 2007 and 15 in 2006.
The report describes the buildings as homes and barns. It says more rural residential development has put more buildings on the landscape.
Authorities determined the identity of the shooter in five of the incidents. Four of the shootings involved a rifle and another four a shotgun. The weapon in the remaining two incidents was unknown.
Sure glad they were painted orange!!!
**********************************************************************************
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state report says deer hunters shot dramatically fewer buildings during Wisconsin’s November gun hunt.
A Department of Natural Resources report says hunters shot 10 buildings. That’s down from 25 in 2008, 19 in 2007 and 15 in 2006.
The report describes the buildings as homes and barns. It says more rural residential development has put more buildings on the landscape.
Authorities determined the identity of the shooter in five of the incidents. Four of the shootings involved a rifle and another four a shotgun. The weapon in the remaining two incidents was unknown.
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