A word from the wise:

15 February 2009

Dear Bethel Family and Friends: (E-Mail Version)

Is the cycle beginning anew? When there is no work to be had, any job looks good. Any house/food/money/car is better than none. In today’s climate, such a picture seems far-fetched, unlikely. Riches to poverty is a hard road. Only the strong can handle it.

People now in their 80’s can remember when a shoe without a hole was of great value. A warm coat was essential. Oatmeal was thinned with water, not milk. Bread was eaten plain. Every penny counted. You had to go to a bank to get change for a twenty.

One cannot spend his way out of debt. Nothing short of work and production creates wealth. Someday, perhaps in the next twenty years, we will learn this again. Until then, theories will be tried, will fail, and be rejected. Where are today’s Volkers or Trumans?

…

Let’s not neglect to pray for our nation and leaders. Love…Larry Buhler

My wife's grandfather is an educated, Godly man.  He sends a weekly letter (I get the email version) to his friends, family, and congregation.  He gave me the thumbs up to share his thoughts within my blog.  I'm excited to share some of his words with my readers.

8 February 2009

Dear Bethel Family and Friends: (E-Mail Version)

Common sense, defined as sound judgment, appears to be in short supply. In its purest form, common sense isn’t usually all that difficult. Just identify the problem and then apply the simplest solution. Children do this automatically. Farmers do this or go broke.

If the water’s too hot, cool it down. When an object is too heavy, get help. When it is raining, take an umbrella. If the soup needs flavor, add salt. When the sun is too hot, wear a hat. When your money runs out, stop spending and earn more. Common sense.

If ever America needed common sense it is now. It isn’t that politicians do not know what to do, they just won’t do it. Personal ambitions and greed appears to drive those we have put in high places. We can only hope common sense will rise from the ashes.

…

Just this week I was reminded once again how many unchurched are turned off by showy, glitzy, and jazzy TV evangelists. Sad, but true. This is not the Christianity described in the adult SS lesson this morning. Ephesians 4 shows that humility, patience, and gentleness should typify one’s demeanor as he seeks to live in a manner that witnesses to a lost world. Not easy, but God’s way.

Ephesians 4:1ff: "I implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you are called, with all humility and gentleness, and patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve unity in the bond of love."

May this be a good week for each one. Love…Larry Buhler