We can’t afford it!

We can’t afford it!

This used to be a phrase that I heard often when I was growing up, when prudence and planning were common place and common sense. Now some thirty odd years later, my co-worker and I discuss the fact that it is seldom heard. As we sat in the car and he describe how his wife reacted to his suggestion that they should turn down an invitation to an event because they simply could not afford it. With two girls in University and one soon to start I can certainly see his point. His wife however, did not feel as if they could say or email those words in order to decline the invitation. So he left her to her own devices to tell them in some other way that they would not be going.

But that is not my point; he actually said the words and meant it. Restraint when it comes to finances is something the entire nation has definitely lost a grip on. Just this month I read reports that the average family spends 163% of the money they bring in. I know math in high school was hard people, but come on, you and I can both add. This is a huge problem that left unchecked is exponential in nature and destroys families and generations to come. Indulging every whim and want has proven to be a bad plan. The buy now and pay later mentality needs to be put to rest, I mean how can anyone gripe and complain about a government who is only doing what its citizens are doing? This mind frame is permeating every level of society and every age. Credit cards once considered an emergency source of funds are now the normally way that people live.

Just for fun let’s do a little math together. Say we have an imaginary friend named Jim and he makes $2000.00 per month and so does his wife Jill. That’s a combined total of $4000.00 not bad right? Now picture them with a house they didn’t put any money down to buy, a wedding they are still paying for, schooling they still owe, two cars in the driveway and kids on the way. Now it doesn’t seem like that big a number does it? So on average they spend; let just use 150% of their combined income, $6000.00 per month. That is a loss of $2000 per month or $24,000.00 per year, as you can see things get out of hand quickly.

My point is this, why do we always need to newest thing, the leading edge technology, that flat screen TV and why do we feel that we can’t wait until we save for it? Are we so obsessed with what others think of us, that we are forced to keep up with appearances and the Jones? How can someone justify this type of mentality and expect a different result other than debt and eventual bankruptcy? What about retirement, how are you ever going to stop working if you keep spending more than you make? The average working life span is from 25 to 65 that means 40 years. If you therefore spend 150% percent of your income that means by age 55 you have spent 65 years of money, 10 years’ worth of income disappears and there is nothing to show for it. I would also like to point out that this calculation does not consider interest at all.

I humbly suggest that this is not a way to live but a way to imprison you. Having debt and worrying about it, is unhealthy and I know that those reading this don’t need me to tell them about the pressures of life, so why not start to today, make a plan, live life and find financial freedom. Learn how to say “I Can’t Afford It,” and be okay with it.

For those struggling with their finances, one great resource that I have come across is Tom Copland’s Financial Ministries which can be accessed at http://www.biblefinance.org/

“UN deems contraception access a human right”

“UN deems contraception access a human right” was the title of the article that I read this morning printed in the 24 Hours Nov 15, 2012 edition, which can be found below. As I continued to read I realized that this catchy title was not only that, but an actual quotation from the United Nations.

The meat of the story is that developing countries would save $11.3 billion annually in health-care costs while also “allowing women to choose how many children to have and when.” It further mentions that, “Governments, civil society, health providers and communities have the responsibility to protect the right to family planning for women across the spectrum, including those who are young or unmarried.” And the conclusion of the article stated that in order to, “meet the need, $4.1 billion more is required each year — over and above the monies pledged by donor countries,” and that “Family planning is not a privilege, but a right. Yet, too many women — and men — are denied this human right,”
I pondered for a long time before writing this post because of the potential sensitive and emotional nature of the topic and yet I am compelled by something deep within me. For that reason I will address the article point by point in a deliberate and methodical response. Those who know me will appreciate how difficult this is for me.

"The United Nations has declared access to contraception “an essential human right” and says providing it to women in developing countries would save $11.3 billion annually in health-care costs.
“Governments, civil society, health providers and communities have the responsibility to protect the right to family planning for women across the spectrum, including those who are young or unmarried,” says the State of the World Population 2012 report, which was released Wednesday.
Allowing women to choose how many children to have and when to have them has far-reaching benefits not only for individuals but for the economy and the world at large, the report says. Women who
use contraception are “generally healthier, better educated, more empowered in their households and communities and more economically productive,” said Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund.
The report predicts that giving an additional 120 million women access to contraception would prevent the premature death of three million babies.
But for developing countries to meet the need, $4.1 billion more is required each year — over and above the monies pledged by donor countries.
“Family planning is not a privilege, but a right. Yet, too many women — and men — are denied this human right,” Osotimehin said.— "

1. The Title: “UN deems contraception access a human right.”
While I agree that we need to fight for human rights, I cannot see how access to contraception falls into the category of a human rights. I see human rights as intangible things, such as freedom of speech, of liberty, of religion, or freedom to defend one’s self not something to be purchased. The title also does not touch on the other point I wish to bring up which is that with every right we claim also comes a corresponding responsibility.

2. “Governments, civil society, health providers and communities have the responsibility to protect the right to family planning for women across the spectrum, including those who are young or unmarried,”
While I agree that we need to protect the rights of others with respect to family planning, I believe that our current laws do so. For example no one can force someone to have sex with them and if they do it is a crime punishable by the courts and judicial system. On the flip side society as a whole cannot prevent someone from having children. In both of these scenario’s access to contraception has no impact.

3. “Allowing women to choose how many children to have and when to have them has far-reaching benefits not only for individuals but for the economy and the world at large,” the report says.
Um, I thought women already had choice regarding their bodies? This paragraph basically infers the women should now also consider the good of the economy, the state, and the world at large when it comes to family planning. I don’t know how the ladies feel about that.

4. Women who use contraception are “generally healthier, better educated, more empowered in their households and communities and more economically productive,”
This is a generalization and therefore a prejudicial statement. What about the women who chose abstinence? Where do they fall, or how about the women who believe that family planning and having children are a natural result of having sex/intercourse and have nothing to do with contraception? Are they also stating that women who don’t use contraception are stupid, submissive, uneducated and non-productive?

5. The report predicts that giving an additional 120 million women access to contraception would prevent the premature death of three million babies.
How is having access to contraceptives going to prevent the premature death of babies? If you use contraceptives you won’t have any babies? If you are not using contraception, you trying to have them and in that case we must ask, why are they dying? I mean even if you argue that health care in developing countries is not as good as in North America, are you also saying that only the rich or those with access to good health care should have children? Or is this a comment on unwanted children and perhaps discussing the abortion issue?

6. But for developing countries to meet the need, $4.1 billion more is required each year — over and above the monies pledged by donor countries.
As a citizen of a donor country I believe this money could be better spent on other things, including, but not exclusive to education and the feeding of the numerous parentless children around the globe.

7. Family planning is not a privilege, but a right. Yet, too many women — and men — are denied this human right.
As I mentioned above, while I agree that we need to fight for human rights, I cannot see how access to contraception; under the guise of Family Planning, falls into the category of a human rights. Also having a child or children is a privilege and should never be seen as only a right. Too many men and women have children and then simply choose to ignore them and allow society to mold them. I am more inclined to think that these children have more rights than the parents. They have a right to be raised properly, since their parents chose to exercise their privilege to have them. As one of my friends wrote the other day, parenting does not end with the birth of a child; it is an ongoing state which needs to evolve and change with the growth of a child.

The bottom line is this; human rights exist and need to be championed to ensure that they continue to exist. Bringing attention to human rights is necessary and important; however should you chose to do so, I would urge you to ensure that printed articles are thoroughly examined before being printed. And lastly; while I believe the decision to have a family/children is an important one and not to be taken lightly, I cannot agree that the report’s conclusion that having greater access to contraception will have an impact on it, nor will making it a human right.

If you are interested you can view the full State of the World Population 2012 report.

Happy Anniversary to my wife.

As I look back over the brief years we have been married I glean truths about who we are and how to improve on our successes. One of the things that I have done in the past month or so is to wear the pocket watch that you have given me.  At first I wanted it as a reminder of our wedding day, but I grew to understand its importance over the last few weeks as our Anniversary approached. I wanted to share with you the insight that I have found and now treasure in my heart with you.

The watch is not just a shining piece of metal that marks off time, nor is it a mere machine that needs to be wound each day. To me it has become a representation of our actual marriage and love for one another. For each morning I take it out and make sure that everything is working, I take the time to inspect it and makes sure it is following the correct course. It must be adjusted from time to time if I want it to read the right time. I need to pay close attention to it and ensure that it is ready to meet each new day. It also reminds me that time is moving and that you and I are finite beings which must be appreciated with what now remains. I only hope that with the proper amount of care and time that our marriage and value to each other will like the watch improve with age.

So I say thank you for the watch, thank you for the reminder, thank you for today and every day after. Your friendship, love and support mean so much to me and they will continue to do so despite the march of time.

Your grateful and loving husband,

Ed

P.S. Here are a three poems to remember

Orbit

As the sun orbits the earth, so to does my love encompass you,

May my love warm your heart as the earth does the sun’s view.

As every starry night proceeds every glorious morning,

May every difficulty be overshadowed by graces adorning.

As the moon reflects the sun’s rays to brighten the night,

May my affection make your every step feel light.

As the twinkling dew nurtures the glistening grass,

May my words smooth every trouble like polished brass.

As our lives come closer to being forever joined,

“May God bless our lives”, be the phrase we both coined.

As I end this poem of love and care,

May it reflect the life that we are going to share.

My Dancing Girl

Soft white flashes before my eyes as you swirl and twirl,

Sweet smells hit me as you move from your head and every curl.

Your feet so small tap an irresistible rhythm as they move,

Back and forth on the floor with such passion carving a seeming groove.

Your hips are calling with every sway and bounce,

The coins that are jingling as you beckon are worth every ounce.

Hypnotic you are, my eyes are caught in a trance,

I am your slave captivated by this intricate dance.

You are a rare find, a perfect Ocean pearl,

I am so glad that you are my Dancing Girl.

What can I say to one so fair?

What can I say to one so fair?

I thank the lord everyday for you in prayer.

A gift so great only one can compare,

Your inner beauty makes one stop and stare.

Kind in heart and larger in spirit,

A love so great I almost fear it.

What can I do to deserve such a gift?

What can I do or say to give her a lift?

Only return the same in kind,

An exchange of hearts, assurance signed.

To you I gladly give my pledge.

My love for you takes off bird like from a ledge.

So if at times my words go awry,

Please remember it gets better with each new try.

Morning Moon & Star

 

This morning as I beheld the Moon, transfixed as it were like a pendulum in mid swing by the star by its side. I realized that I too was staring at the starry blanket of the sky which covered the fields over which the Sheppard’s once watch when a small child was born. As if it were a silent witness to events that would move Heaven and Earth, in awe it watched on as Jesus was given birth. What a beautiful revelation that those first witnesses looked at the same sky in which angels appeared that I now have the privilege to be looking at today. What glory and magnificence remains until this day in the starry night. The Heavens declare his greatness, Hallelujah.

Faith in the unseen

Did you watch the video above did you close it early or were you fascinated and intrigued by the inner works of the mechanisms that mark or keep track of what we call time?

This morning when I wound my watch; which by the way is a wedding gift from my lovely wife, I found myself just entranced by the movements. As I watched I came to a realization that time is seldom recognized or marked anymore. What I mean is that with the advent of the digital watch and other electronic devices, time is seldom looked at as something that is moving, but rather something that merely exists. I almost get the impression that we as a society no longer have time for time. We are too busy being distracted by this or that, running from one engagement and to another. Time has seemingly been pushed aside. Were once it was celebrated; as in the invention of standard time, it has now been trivialized.

I mean we now have access to everything all of the time, so why should I care about when things are open? We live in a global market and leverage time zones in both our personal and business lives; I can buy anything anywhere and have it shipped to me the next day. Instant gratification has dulled my sense of time, decreased my urgency and allowed all of us to procrastinate until the very last possible moment. It is no wonder that many of us have caught ourselves in a daze, looking around at our environments and saying, “Where did the time go?”

This lack of connection with the unseen march of a force so powerful to our finite beings, that I would say is more than just ignorant, but even foolish. For if we by thoughtlessness allow ourselves to believe that there is infinite time, why would we ever do anything? Couldn’t we just push things off until the tomorrow that never seems to come? Truly this is a shame, one in which many of us share!

For if our life; which is based and maintained by time, is ignored, then how will we ever learn to appreciate it or anything else. Isn’t a rose appreciated when it blossoms, don’t our faces stretch to the sun for warmth and tell me who among us does not welcome the end of a winter storm? So with this knowledge, what should we do? I know that I for one wish to appreciate all that I have, which means that I would have to understand that time effects my appreciation.

For my part I will continue to look and wind my watch daily in the morning as a reminder that the day to come is precious and that one day like me, that same watch may run out of time. May I always have faith in the power of the unseen, and respect for it.

3 Squares

Everyone I know understands that a healthy life includes a healthy diet which usually includes, breakfast, lunch and dinner. You may have even heard the term 3 squares a day, or 3 square meals a day. This Idea of being square eludes to blocks and by extension buildi9ng blocks which form a good foundation for daily living. I still remember being taught in school the nutritional chart and the different categories of food groups and the concept of an ideally balanced diet. Even now many years later balance is considered to be the key to our lives. Work verses play, leisure verses exercise, junk food verses whole food and many other moderations including how much meat we eat, fruit and vegetables.  Even those of us who perhaps don’t have the greatest balance in some of these areas still agree that 3 squares are important.

So it is surprising to me why it took so long to figure out that what I apply to my physical being should also be applied to much spiritual being. Just as my body requires certain things for health, maintenance and growth, so too does my spiritual being. Many times I have wondered why I feel disconnected, uninspired and even despondent because God feels so far away. The reality is that it is I and not him who is far away. I need to feed my spirit on 3 squares just like my body. Prayer, meditation in the word, and listening to his spirit are the key elements to this growth. If I want to be a more whole, and a more complete person, should I not concern myself with more frequent feedings from his truth? And how much more important is it than the actual feeding of my body? I mean if I believe in life everlasting; one which is comprised of eternity in the spirit and not of earthly flesh is it not of even more importance? It must have been for Jesus even requested of Peter to “feed my Sheep” three times (aka 3 Squares).

John 21:15-17

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁵ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

¹⁶ He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

¹⁷ He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

So I have a new challenge to pursue, a new race to run for I wish to grow strong in my faith and the best way I can see right now is to dig into 3 squares a day. For those of us with children this is even more important because we are charged by God to feed and be responsible for our children, so I encourage you as well to make sure they get all their physical and spiritual nutrition. Even the veggies!

Think outside the box

I don’t know about you, but I am a creature of habit and routine and once one has been established it is hard to change. This can be good or bad depending on the habit; balance in life is the key to living well. Of late I have noticed that I have been spending too much time in front of the “box” that we call TV. I admit it I am a bit of a junkie when it comes to movies or a good series like, House and Madmen. The trouble is, if we are not careful we can be sucked in and it can change from a treat or occasional, to the norm.

As I said, recently I have noticed that my time allocation has been shifting from things I should be focused on, to what’s on the box. Because of this other areas in my life are beginning to suffer, such as sleep, studies and even my relationships with others. My priorities have become skewed, just like it would with any other singular focus. I am sure you have heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing.” Well, for me this is certainly the case.

In life, each of us can get caught in one of these ruts. We can find ourselves comfortable or resistant to change, this is why I believe strongly in the art of discipline/fasting. In order to regain balance, sometimes one must take drastic measures to restore the proper level of importance to the things in our life. Although to some this might seem drastic or crazy for a guy like me, who defines himself as all or nothing, it’s just right. So with October rolling around, I have decided to take a break, a little vacation and focus on thinking outside of the box. I challenge you to do the same with something that is too BIG in your own life.