Thankfulness....

This Thanksgiving Season we hear a lot about being thankful, but do we really realize what it is we have to be thankful for? As many of you know my parents were missionaries to the Caribbean. Growing up there was the best thing that ever happened to me. Wonderful people and experiences. It is also a totally different culture and way of life. It is an island of course so everything not grown has to be ship/flown in. Lots of imports mean lots of taxes and tariffs, which in turn means high prices on the shelf.

When we were there in 2005 a gallon of milk cost $18. EC. (1 US dollar = 2.6850 EC All the following prices will be in EC.) The processed cheese we used to buy came in a 5lb tin for $21. Special K cereal was $15 a box. Gas was $11.50 a gallon.

Recently my Father went back down for a visit and he told us that the government down there put a 25% tax on all imports. Milk is now $24 a gallon. For a 1lb of tin cheese like we used to get is now $71.

To give you a better idea; twenty dollars U.S. put four gallons of gas in the truck. Gas is now $13.50 per gallon.
So next time you fill up for $2.80 don't complain; there are actually people in the world worse off than we rich spoiled Americans. Thank God for living in a great country next time you buy a jug of milk or package of cheese. Some people just do without.

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
-- Epictetus

Moment of Silence

Have you ever truly noticed a "Moment of Silence"? I'm not talking about the awkward pauses in a conversation when no one knows what to say. When your walking down the street or in a crowded room and just for a moment the world all seems to stop; pauses for a moment, and then resumes her brisk pace. What do you do during these periods of time? Wait for it to pass so you could continue on your way, or do you stop and listen, really listen. What do you hear? Just another awkward pause, or is there something else in the background waiting to be heard? It may be that you just didn't notice it over the roar of the din around you. 


I don't know about you but I hear it sometimes. Not usually a great symphony, more like a soloist drumming away to hearts content. It's not always the same melody, rhythm, rhyme, or ditty; that varies greatly on the mood. It is all around us all we have to do is listen. It is the one place you can escape to and let it all go when something good or bad happens to you. 


One musician said that music is "God's reminder that there is something else than us in the universe, a harmonic connection between all living beings everywhere." Robin Williams 


What do you hear?

First Time for Everything...

As the title indicates this is my very first time making a blog. Not sure yet what or how things will work out, interesting enough I am intrigued by the novelty of the idea.

About me: I am currently in Cincinnati working mornings at Fedex Ground. Morning being 0245-0700 :0
I like my job including the hours. I've not done much these past few months, just basically been working.

I enjoy hanging out with friends, being outdoors (which I haven't done much of lately), listening to music, traveling, reading, and my family. Anytime you put any of those together I'm content. I have one of the greatest families ever! One older sister and one younger. My father is a pastor/missionary/leader/helper/tutor/teacher/jack-of-all-trades and most importantly my friend. My mother is the best one anybody could ask for, quiet and reserved like me. I could go on all day about how awesome she is but I will save you the bore because you probably think yours is better. :) I will say everything I know she taught me as she was my school teacher until 8th grade. My cousin is one of my best friends I've ever had. I wasn't that close to him till about two years ago when I became his roommate in collage.

I dislike, ...um nothing that I can think of right now, except for beau cheese.

I'm not the type of person that is "what-you-see-is-what-you-get". You have to get to know me to see who I really am. Some don't take the time and some are blind, so most consider me to be a "loner" which I admit I sometimes pull back and watch. I'm a fast learner. I typically learn the best by listening and watching other people.

My life is relatively simple. I like it that way.