Friday, October 16, 2009

2010 US Census


With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S… Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.
Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: 
** If a U.S. 
Census worker knocks on your door, they will have e a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.
However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.


** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.

Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, 
the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click o n a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.


Thursday, October 15, 2009

How Many Times

In the Gospel of Matthew Peter approached Jesus and asked how many times he should forgive some one and then said “As many as seven times?”

Peter wanted to know the limits of forgiveness. How far does a follower of Jesus need to go in tolerating and reconciling with those who sin against him? Peter very likely thought that seven times was very generous as the law only required the Hebrews to forgive three times.

It is tempting for us to want to say to someone who is irritating us: “Sorry, but you have used up the time that I am required to forgive you.”

Jesus teaches us that since there is no limit to God’s forgiveness of us, then we need to forgive others without limit as well. As long as someone asks us for forgiveness we are to forgive. Remember that in the Lord’s Prayer we pray to God to forgive us in the same was we forgive others.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Joy and Peace

I have been reading the Prophet Isaiah chapter 65 and I see that the prophet reminds us that God wishes for us to live in peace with one another. The bickering and fighting that often happens among families  and groups of people is painful to the God who loves us all. 


Instead God desires us to care for one another and to deeply enjoy the gift of all creation. When our choice are made in harmony with God's love and care for all of us, then we can be at peace with God and one another.


How can we be more at peace with those around us?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Long Tuesday

It has been a long while since I had a Tuesday as long as this one!


My Darling had a retreat today and asked me to teach her bible study this morning so I taught a lesson on Psalm six.


This afternoon I sang with the Joyous Singers, a community chorus, at a retirement village. I sing second bass and enjoy doing that but an hour long program takes its toll.


Tonight I taught Basic Bible Study on the book of James at my church.


I am tuckered.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Looking For What?

Have you ever known people who spent most of their time looking for the faults in other people? I use to know a woman who was always probing me for information about people in the church. She wasn't really concerned about how to help but was more preoccupied with their faults. We can always find faults with others and even ourselves. Its easy because we all have them.

:)

The pharisees wanted to find fault with Jesus as he taught and healed. They watched him carefully, eagerly awaiting a reason to justify their loathing of him. Jesus on the other hand went about doing good and used his wisdom to question their cold hearts. We all need to look first for the good in other people and seek to bring it out. Let us control our negative attitude and seek positive relationships with all people.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Week of the Ministry

Where will YOU follow Jesus??? Most Pastors are in ministry because we have chosen to answer God's call to serve. Following Jesus takes us many places we never dreamed we would go- Like Louisville! As this is the Week of the Ministry in the Christian Church I thought I would reflect on what that means to me.

An Elder of the small church approached the parsonage and found the pastor's son on the front porch. “I hear your dad has been asked to take a larger church in Kansas City. Is he taking the job? "I don't know, he is in the study praying about it." What's your mother doing?

"She's upstairs packing."

Being a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is not an easy life. - Actually it is not easy in any church. But then Jesus did not promise us an easy life if we follow Him. What He said was, "Take up your cross and follow me." Oh! Did we miss that part about a "CROSS" some where for us? Did we not hear that part about following Him? Do we not remember that almost all the apostles died a martyr’s death?

Yes we do but we go anyway!