What will solve the financial issues facing America (and the world)? It seems that overspending, spending more than what we have (debt), got us into this situation. Some people bought more house than they could afford. Some people have increased unsecured credit through over spending on credit cards and buying too much stuff on credit that they really can’t afford. Very few people have any reserves because their debt to income ratio is off the charts and leaves nothing left over. So why are we buying the belief that spending more is the fix?

I suspect that our financial situation will continue unless we change us. It’s time to stop spending like there are no repercussions, like we will never have to pay it back. I know that portions of industry will collapse if we do not continue to purchase at the rate we have been, but that’s just the point. We have to stop and allow our economy to reset. It will be painful, but to continue on the plan of “keep spending” when most families economic foundations look like a house of cards will only prolong and intensify the inevitable.

It’s time to stop spending and let the companies fail that need to fail. It’s time for us to stop buying and become content. It’s time to value financial security instead of financial insanity. It’s time to pay a person who acts and a person who plays a game for a living an appropriate wage. It’s time for all of us to knock ourselves down a notch or two and live within our means. It’s time for us to set an example that our government so desperately needs to follow.

Alright, I don’t like to get political, but the news last week in regards to Citi Bank has got me a bit hot under the collar! I know times are tough and it seems downright wrong for people to lose their jobs just weeks before Christmas, but I understand that that is just the way it goes some times. I have friends that work at Citi and the layoffs become a lot more personal when they affect people you know. The thing that got me so upset was after the 306 billion dollar bail out, people I know were looking at getting laid-off and Citi was contracting with the Rose Bowl…OMG! I don’t know how much Citi paid to “present the Rose Bowl”, but it seems like there might be a few families that would appreciate their jobs back instead. I know marketing is expensive and necessary, but this one seems a little too much too soon!

How can different churches from different denominations get along? When I say get along, I mean love and respect the diversity in traditions as well as theological bents. I find it interesting that each denomination believes they are correct in their theological views and the emphasis they put on those views and that others are somehow missing the boat in some way. What are the odds that each of us just happened to show up at the right church. The vast majority of people in the pews (regardless of denomination) could never communicate the difference between them and another denomination, let alone defend their church’s position. Very few people theologically dissect a church and agree with all it’s perspectives before attending. Most people just attend and are then taught the position of the church. They “buy in” and then become that brand.

Obviously, everyone cannot be right on this one, but could everyone be wrong?