New Year, New ways to make a living...

As the New Year begins, we are facing a time of financial turmoil and frustration due a lot to the fact that our economy must go through the withdraw pains of credit abuse.  Think about it, we've been so addicted to credit as a nation, that even the solution involves borrowing more money!   Sorry to say, this will not bode well for us going forward, and inflation will eventually take over.   Currently Treasury bills are being issued at around 0% interest, meaning they will have no value to the holder (and will cost the holder with inflation accounted).  This is the writing on the wall for many that it's time to get all the ledgers straight as we move to a period of belt tightening.

So what's a family to do during times of recession?  Well, it means you need to produce more and make more capital in order to pay those raising prices.  I know it's a tough time to ask the boss for a raise,  since most companies are trying to cut those costs also.  This is where innovation and creative thinking must reign.  

Start with getting your household in order, make a living budget that includes what it cost to live right now.  In a financial planning class I took some years ago, they suggested you create a log and write down every cent spent.  Do this for 1 month including all your bills, nail down where all that money is going, down to the item purchased if possible. 

Now understand what you are paying for, if a loaf of Organic top shelf bread is costing you $2.53, look for other solutions.  Bread machines at a thrift store might only cost you $15.00, and a loaf of bread with a machine might only cost $0.45 to make.  Consider making bread not just for you, but also for your neighbors, at $1.20 a loaf you can make up the cost of the machine, and also put a little cash into your pocket.

Electricity is another huge cost, though our bill is normally about $150.00, there are a ton of ways to save which are simple, like unplugging those voltage adapters (the big bricks on game systems and cell phone chargers) when not being used.  These are often called 'Vamps' simply because they suck electricity even when not being used to charge the batteries.  What did our great-grandparents do before they had electricity... well they used candles and lamps.  This is also a simple solution, though does not necessarily provide for cost savings.

Another simple solution, which uses a lot of our time is TV, consider firing your TV.  I know Americans spend a lot of time in front of the TV, and this isn't very productive time.  Instead, read a book, take up a craft which could provide a source of income.  

I know that what I've written above isn't revolutionary, actually it might seem downright barbaric to some.  Times are changing, and things aren't going to get easier.  Right now is the best time to pay off those credit cards, loans, and mortgages and try to get as debt free as possible.  

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Disclaimer:  The ideas and thoughts above are mine completely, and don't endorse or promote anything other than my thoughts.  Please leave comments of suggestions if you have any ideas yourself for saving money, or making extra money during lean times.

Christmas Conspiracy

This is the cheerful time of the year when we are buying like crazy, and getting ready for that one day when we give (and receive), only to have a shallow feeling of joy. The mood is comfortable, as we gather around the fire and enjoy something simple like Hot Chocolate, Tea or Coffee, not even considering that these are all made with water, a commodity so valuable, yet so many people in the world lack clean water. People are in need! Wouldn't it be better to give something which last for generations, rather than a few weeks?

I've outlined below a list of organizations who's purpose this year is to build wells for drinking water in areas where no wells exist.

• Advent Conspiracy


• Living Waters International


• Hydrate Hope


• Samaritan's purse - water filters


• Samaritan's purse - Fresh water well

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done!

As many of you know, two weeks ago I lost my job at Dell. I lost a lot in the way of security, and self value (false self value), and just overall direction. My job was my life in more than one way, It provided me value for who I was as a person. In this way I can look back and say that my job was an Idol, it was taking up space which God wanted to occupy in my life. I was sinful and wrong for making my job take the place of God, and I fall on my face now asking God to forgive me to help me gain His vision for my occupation.
God does bless those who are in the process of discipline, He provided a nice severance package, and two months of paid Cobra. Over the past few weeks, I found out that my oldest son has epilepsy, which has also made getting a job more important. But now the question is where does God want me to work? What does he want me to do? Well the answer to this first question was actually pretty easy.

1) What should my occupation, or the purpose of my work be? I found the answer in Matthew 28:18-20 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Of course this is simple to say, but hard to actually do, where ever God wants me to work, my purpose will be to reach out to those outside the Body and present my life as a living gospel.

2) What type of benefits package should I be seeking to cover my family? This is a really hard one, at Dell this was a security blanket I trusted but in Luke 12:22 Jesus says this to his disciples: " Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Consider the ravens; They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like on of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink, do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." This is really hard, put powerful. God wants me to lay down every bit of security on His Alter, burn the Idols and trust that He will provide for me better than Dell provided for me. I know this is crazy talk in the world of "You must have health insurance" world we live today. The real question is can I live by faith that God will provide the things I need the most? Matthew writes the same quote in his gospel account Matthew 6:25-34, but in Matthew 6:33-34 he writes "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." My focus is now returning back to that Kingdom view. My job has to be kingdom focused. My occupation MUST be kingdom focused. My benefit package must be placed into the hands of God.

3) What should I do? Currently I'm unemployed. I can't stand here idle, I must work, actually work is what God created me to do. So what is my work? I'm really good at understanding technical things, I'm able to break up a project into simple tasks, I can write programs, I can learn stuff quickly, I can communicate technical things, and train people by making complex things simple. Currently I'm working on projects at my church (http://www.crosspointeaustin.org/) building technical processes. I know these are all marketable skills, I could easily get a nice cushy job in a big company. Other skills, which are just as important include teaching The Bible in a simple and practical ways, being a servant, taking on things which has no immediate gain because I envision something great. These are not very marketable in the pagan worldview.
Which is currently vexing me. The above list is what I do, It's was a gift I was given, How does this fit into the purpose, the occupation of building the Kingdom?

About an hour ago I woke up from a sound sleep with an idea, something tugging at my heart. I must find a company where I can do my work, the gifts which God has blessed me, along with building the kingdom. I want to make a global impact for the kingdom.

John 4:33-34 in this passage the disciples have just rejoined Jesus after he met with the Samaritan woman at the well. Of course the disciples being guys have that simple human response "Have you eaten yet?" The reply of Jesus is so simple: "My food" said Jesus "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his waves, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I send you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

The job is simple, yet so profound. I need to be a reaper, I need to work in a company where I'm not a robot, and I have relationships with people on the other side of the globe. I need to work for a company who has no qualms about spreading the gospel, actually a company who's mission is spreading the gospel. A company who's work is allowing it to grow into the ends of the earth so it can hire people and present them with the gospel.

Back to the question of my occupation, what do I want to do with my life? The answer is simple, to do His will!

Please keep us in your prayers,

A bond Servant in Christ

Stephen Frick

Looking for a leader

As many of you know, well most of you know, The United States is now in it's process to find a new President (just in case you were hiding under a rock). This time, the campaigns began a lot sooner than expected. On the path to show he or she is the right person for the top job, A job by the way that doesn't really pay well for a CEO, and has a lot of headaches. When this position originally opened, it was more of a figure head. Some of the founders didn't even want the position (like Ben Franklin), but now after 232.5 years this job has become pretty important. Today the position has the unofficial title of "The most powerful man/woman in the world" since the US is the largest superpower.
The question which I want to pose is what is the purpose of the office? Today some might say the office has the power to make people rich, provide food for the hungry of the world, cure Aids, Cancer, Drug abuse, maybe even RLS. The President can make war, and end war, and can even make peace. But what can the president actually do?

• can spend or not spend money, given to him by congress.
• can approve laws, or veto bills.
• can appoint Judges to the Supreme court, and other federal courts.
• gives guidance to the offices which report to his office.
• negotiates treaties
• and many more duties

Now with all this power comes the responsibility to do what is important to the American people, but what do the people think in general the president will do for them? Some think that this person elected will solve all the problems, when in reality it isn't one person who can make any decision, it takes the entire congress, courts and executive branch to make it work. So, when we vote for a person, we are voting more for the ideas of that person than the person in general.

Another New Year, time for more thought and pondering

Hello friends and family. I want to thank everyone for your prayers during my major time of need. As most of you know I was burned a month ago (Dec 1st 2007) while outside burning brush. Our last year has been full of ups and downs, but the most important thing is we saw the Hand of God protect us during some very scary events.
Besides being burned, Kimberly had a large growth on a ovary which had to be removed, and my car was stuck in a low water crossing (still not running). But thru the shadow of death, we saw God protecting us each step we trod. On the high notes we see our children grow each day. Also Kimberly and I had an opportunity to again go and work with friends in the Ukraine reach out to more students for the Kingdom of God. God has been so good to us!
This next year is going to be again full of other adventures still unseen, but we know that his providence will cover us completely. My hope for the next year is that I will step out from my comfort zone, and truly stand at the edge of the Precipice and rely only on His faithfulness to truly live my life.

New Years Resolutions
I've been keeping track of my goals for the past few years, and I would like to share with you a great site! www.43things.com is a place to keep track of what your top 43 things, and you can also post messages, ask for help, and just get motivated to do what you really want to do this year. Feel free to check out my site: http://www.43things.com/person/SFrickTexas

New Blog on Homeschooling
We are actually newbie's to home schooling, but we would like to share what very little we've learned or used that works for us.

And of course we want to keep in touch more with our Friends and Family. While being laid-up after the burns, I learned (and became addicted to) face book, a really cool site for sharing with people. You can now find both Me and Kimberly on the site. Our Prayers are with all of you, and May God Bless you all during this New Year.

Faith

This week I've been focusing my personal studies on the concept of faith. As I started thinking about how faith looks like in my life, I noticed I do place a lot of faith in my own works. So what does it mean to have unfailing faith in the perfect work of Jesus, and how do I live my life in this way. This morning I found this hymn 'O, for a Faith that will not shrink' by William Bathurst. Here are the lyrics:

O, for a faith that will not shrink,

Though pressed by every foe,

That will not tremble on the brink

Of any earthly woe!

That will not murmur nor complain

Beneath the chastening rod,

But, in the hour of grief or pain,

Will lean upon its God.

A faith that shines more bright and clear

When tempests rage without;

That when in danger knows no fear,

In darkness feels no doubt.

That bears, unmoved, the world’s dread frown

Nor heeds its scornful smile;

That seas of trouble cannot drown,

Nor Satan’s arts beguile.

A faith that keeps the narrow way

Till life’s last hour is fled,

And with a pure and heavenly ray

Lights up a dying bed.

Lord, give me such a faith as this,

And then, whate’er may come,

I’ll taste, e’en here, the hallowed bliss

Of an eternal home.

Wow, these words really gave me some insight into my own life, Faith is living without the fear of earthly things. I personally know earthly fear, I worry about things like 'will I loose my job?', 'How are we going to get through the week with $20 bucks in the bank', 'What will people think?'. The second verse brought me even more conviction, Would God allow bad things to happen to his children to teach them? Of course, trials are a way for God to get our attention, to bring us in line with His will for our life. Faith requires me to take notice, take comfort, and understand that God will always provide a way. I need not look to myself when bad things happen, but cling to my Lord and Savior, who is my provision. When being disciplined I need to look to God for answers.

So I found some answers on faith:

1. Faith must be placed only on Christ alone. Faith in anything other than Him is vain and useless.
2. Faith is constant, and only builds with experience. Noah had faith, and it took him a long time to build the Ark. Maybe he questioned if it would ever rain, but over the long term he kept the faith, and he finished the Ark.
3. Faith must be complete, and each action of life must act out the drama which points to faith in God alone. Can I look past and see each action I take as an act of following Christ without faultier? And when I do see my action as faith in something else, can I correct it?
4. Faith in Christ, that my failures are covered by His perfect work on the Cross.
5. Faith in Christ, that when bad things happen He will be glorified by it's out come.
6. Faith in the fact that this world is nothing but a shadow land, and what will come is the perfected of what I see today.

Care for my Neighbor

At our church, we are going through a study which is making us take some introspective views of how we live our lives. Last week the discussion surrounded around the idea of who is my Neighbor? Jesus during his ministry was asked what is the greatest commandment, and Jesus responded with "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Of course the next question this guy (who happened to be a lawyer) "So who is my Neighbor?" Who do I love more than myself?

• My Family? Of course that's a given
• My Friends? Of course that's easy
• My Boss? Sure, He's a nice guy
• My Neighbor? When I see them, they seem to be nice (as they drive into their garage and shut the door)
• How about the child who needs a foster home?
• How about the shut-in lady down the street with all those cats?
• How about the lady that you knew, who's in the nursing home?
• The Hairy guy on the corner holding the sign "will work for food"?
• How about the guy sitting in a prison cell for armed robbery?

Who is my neighbor? The bigger question is: Who am I called to love more than myself? Who am I willing to selflessly sacrifice so they can have what they need? Who am I willing to leave my comfort zone to reach out towards?

Also on a side note, if you are reading this blog , I would encourage you to write to me with your comments, thoughts and opinions.

Government and the Christian Worldview

As we again move into a new election cycle in the United States, we are bombarded daily by political messages. Some of these messages are informative, and tell us things which the politician plans to do, and helps us understand how they will govern. Other messages tell us things about the opponent, and faults and failures, also helping us understand how they will govern. Even more there are messages, which aren't true, and will also help us understand how the person releasing the message plans to govern. But the real question is Who Governs us?
In the democratic societies we elect our government, but where does true government begin? Does it start at the White house, Congress, and the courts? Does it start at our State, at our county, at our city? Or does it start at our front door, does government start in our Hearts? William Penn, the founder of the Pennsylvania colony once said "If men will not be governed by God, they will be ruled by tyrants". These words are so true. As A Christian living in America, I understand the freedoms I hold so dear, but I also must know that these rights are a gift given by God, not by man. If I choose not to be governed by God, He has all authority to place a tyrant over me (us as a nation). I must understand that God is the highest point of government, and self-government (aka self control) is my responsibility. We live in a world which has a low view of ethics, morals, and virtue. As a Christian I must live with with a high ethics, high morals and virtue! Government starts with me.

Steve is a great guy!

Currently Dealing with a complex life

Please keep me and my family in your prayers. We are scheduled to leave on a two week mission trip starting the 27th of July. On the 5th of July, during some very heavy rain, I crossed a low water crossing, causing my car to stall. Thru the providence of God, I survived but my car is not in working condition. This is causing a little strain getting ready, since we live so far from anywhere. With only one vehical, Kimberly is stranded at home with four children. Please pray for their protection during the day, and also pray that we will be able to get ready to leave. On July 24th we will fly to Philadelphia and spend a few days with my parents before leaving the children in their care.
As you can see much has happened in only a month. I know that there are a lot of forces trying to keep us from getting to our destination, Kiev. Please pray for our team also, that we might be prepaired to share the Gospel in love and truth.

Learn something new everyday...

I've always made this a thing I do, learn either how to do something new or learn how something works. It's amazing how we build upon our knowledge by collecting fragments of information and tie them together. Today I went to a lecture on SQL Server 2008, and the new features of that database. I can remember 5 years ago that subjects discussed would have been way above my head, but today it all makes perfect sense, because I use the information. The fragments of information I don't use, don't get tied to knowledge I already have, and probably get lost. As I think about how we as humans map out pointers to information, to tie these fragments together to see the bigger picture. Fragments of knowledge can also be false, or un-true, so we are always challenging what we know by adding more information, experience, and other fragments of knowledge. Learning is really exciting, because as we build our minds to map all this trivial information, we can build it together and actually become an expert in this field. Everyone and anyone can be expert, just by picking up information and putting it into practice.

Beauty of Nature and the hands of God

Often I wonder and ponder at the beauty of the world around us. How can a person say that this vast creation is nothing but a mass of randomness. The patterns of nature are the fingerprints of the divine. Is there truly a random spot in the universe, a spot which can not be touched by the creator? If what we see is nothing but the raw forces of nature acting upon itself to it's own bitter destruction, then what is the purpose of the pursuit of beauty? There is a true understanding of beauty which we all hold, no one can say that beauty doesn't exist. If beauty was just a norm, then there would be no pursuit of the best, if it was too rare there would be no standard of beauty. Even in the heart of evlolutionary thinking, there is a best and a strive for the best. But why would this be programmed into the DNA of cingle cell creature. Does it have the understanding or the view point to understand it's total demise, and the demise of it's genology are totally built into the decision it makes? If it has no understanding of beauty or perfection what type of decsion can be made to make the next evolutionary step? That programming in itself would take trillions of years of trial and error.
As I ponder the question of beauty, I do see it as devine in it's nature. How can man in a corrupt estate of sin ever understand and admire beauty in itself. I am nothing but a worm, but with insight granted only by God can I step back and admire, but not truly understand beauty. Beauty, as I understand it, is the only glimps of God I can view thru this veil of mortality here in this life. Yes, these are my thoughts today.

100 Cards via Postcrossing!!! now I'm at 104

Yes, this week (a little later than I expected) I made it to the 100 club. The really cool thing, is now I have 96 Cards received, and a few more on the way. I think I might keep going and set another goal at maybe 150. This is worth doing, and it’s really a lot of fun.

See more progress on: Send 100 cards via postcrossing.com

Mr. Chavez, Button your lip

I know in the US there is always bickering and back biting over issues and politics, but when is the blow below the belt? By what authority does a dictator of a thirdworld country have the right to back bite the nation which is hosting this open forum of free speech. Yes, there is the constitution of the United States, which has no bearing on his reign. It was advantageous that he took such liberties in a free forum, when he himself affords none of these freedoms to his own people.
There is much contempt in the world for the United States. Many countries wish they could guide the destiny of this great nation, but these liberties were only afforded to Americans. Yes Hugo Chavez has the ability to look like a fool before the nations, even as his nation sinks from the scope of the modern era.
There is a public forum of the world community, but the question I pose is substance rather than personal attacks. I normally don't agree with Bill Clinton, but today I will agree that in politics, personal attacks are not in etiquette. In any of Mr. Chavez's speeches has he placed any merit of proof for this claims, or has he stated a fact which will make Americans ponder a new epoch in their history?
Remember Mr. Chavez, Americans have the choice to buy your oil or not, this is truly substance.

These are my thoughts on this matter.

It's not impossable, yet its hard

I live in a rural part of Texas with my wife, and four children. Our church is 45 miles away, and getting there on time has been hard. Like any family with many children, organization is a key to success. Here are some steps I have taken and they might help: 1) Clothes out the night before to include shoes and socks. I’ve found that the shoes and socks are the things which actually take the longest to find on a Sunday morning, and matching socks and shoes are almost never to be found on Sunday Morning, having everything ready the night before saves that needed time. 2) Diaper bag always packed.. It’s really bad when you get 13 miles from home and that thought “Oh No! We left the diaper bag at home” very common for the new parents (and old alike). One thing we found is to have a ‘emergency’ diaper bag in the trunk of our car at all times, and saves on the backtrack! 3) Harmony – Often trips which are less planned tend not to have the same level of harmony. I’ve found to have things to keep the children occupied (like tapes, CD’s, games) in the car help to keep them from fighting. Also rules which don’t allow picking, nagging, or bad attitudes are a must. This way the trip doesn’t become a drag, you’ll want to drive your family to church because this is a great time for family bonding. 4) Sunday Breakfast. For our family making breakfast on Sunday morning was a huge drag on time, though eating out does cost, it saves in time. This is the one time of the week where fast food is allowed. If not fast food, then having something, which can be eaten quickly and without a mess in the car (granola bars, breakfast bars, pop tarts, etc.) 5) Pack the night before, Bibles, extra clothes, anything you need should be placed into the car the night before.

See more progress on: Get to Church on time

Calvinism and the Great Commission

I have never really had a problem with sharing Calvinism with love, since it’s a theological bent, not a religion. We are all Christians, and I look lovingly on my Armenian and Dispensational brethren, who are just as much an heir of the Kingdom, as am I. We might not agree on the systematic of theology, but we can agree on the core Christian principles. There is a great misconception with our other Christian brethren, that Reformed means frozen chosen, and we do not have a zeal for the Great Commission. Even though it is very rare, that you might see an ‘alter call’ in a Reformed Church, they have a zeal for preaching the Gospel without a ‘watered down’ message. We (Christians) are not called to convince people to believe (how do you convince a fish it is a good thing to be trapped in a net), we are called to preach the Gospel. The work of Regeneration is solely in the hands of God. May the Church never be complacent in completing the work of the Great commission.

See more progress on: Share Calvinism more lovingly

Learning to lock things away

CIMG4538
Originally uploaded by emma b.

In our society it's not proper to talk about personal things, things which are often hard for others to understand. Being public is only a facade of something which is much more sinister. There is of course hope, that all these things which I lock away are not to be locked in lost, but dropped and shared with God. Yes I do have comfort in knowing that He, will understand my problems, my personal things. He created me in His image, and the flaws which sin makes, can only be healed by the creators hand. I'm not perfect, I'm far from being Holy, but I do know that imperfections need to be resolved. I can not do it on my own, I can not act like I'm able and capable. But I do know that God is capable, and will, by His good will and mercy make me the Man who He wants me to be.

Day One, Road Trip to PA

Hello family and friends, today is Day 1 of our road trip to the North for Christmas. Yes, I'm driving North with my wife and wonderful children. We are now at our friends house in Alexandrea LA. Tomorrow we will attend church here and head off on the road. Very exciting not having to worry about work.

Uber or Metro, What's the deal with all the labels

Metrosexual - a feminized male. Ubersexual - more masculine than the Metro. But the real question, what is wrong with Masculinity in the first place? It was only about a year ago that I'd even heard the term Metrosexual, the queer eye guys (or should I say people) directed us to a more feminized fashion consciences male. Clean lines, talented, able to cook, clean and also recite poetry to woo the women (or men?). But the real question, what do women really want? I mean that's the only reason guys go to a spa to have their back hair removed (ouch!)
I think this entire question goes back to the 'Sexual Revolution' in which women really got mixed up, no longer was it acceptable to raise a family while your husband brought home the bacon. It was ok to be a professional mom, who saw the kids as they jumped on the bus and when you arrived home. The professional dad did the same, and the kids, well they survived and got a title also - latchkey (I would prefer to say, 'child with key'). Then that became unpopular when the kids (while making microwave popcorn) where burning down houses and joining gangs. Then the Idea of the 'stay at home daddy'. Think of it, little Tommy is at school and is teacher asks him what he wants to be when he grows up, 'Well, I want to be a stay at home Daddy'.
This was a good idea, but budgets got stretched, and well the guys just sucked at the nurturing thing. Women wanted a 'fixed family' opposed to a 'broken family', so growing up in 'broken families' women started to look for 'mommy like' men- well the Metromale (Metrosexual). Men who could keep house and cook and clean and be more sensitive to the offspring. But now well, these guys aren't guys - they are Metromales, not as attractive as the husky man that smelled like sweat. Ubermale? I'm confused... (maybe I'll have to retake that 7th grade sex education course again) and that's all I have to say.

Good Asian Food In Elgin

This is a regular stop during my week. Usually in a given week my wife will call at least once and ask me to bring something home, and “Hong Kong” usually fits the bill. Good Chinese food, on the more normal American style, A very good house fried rice.

See more progress on: Hon Kong Restaurant