DC Demonstration and Down Dow Down

Good morning. I added to my commute this morning. After a brisk walk - bbrrrr, what a wind chill -- I pick up the church mail and on to Jasper for a couple of errands. This is running me a little late this morning, but I had extra time to reflect on the morning news and my morning drive.

Opening the Daily Eagle this morning two things grabbed my attention. The first was a protest in DC, imagine that, and the second was a report on the Dow Jones average.

Some activist protested yesterday concerning green house gasses and climate change all while DC and the North Eastern US digs out from a late snow storm. Climate change is the new phrase for Global Warming. With the last two or three winters being colder than average, the Global Warming freaks (did I say freaks, I meant activists) are not missing a step. There is still reason to take away my fossil fuel powered automobile and to undermine the coal industry that sustains the economy where I live. Now don't misunderstand me. I believe we are to take care of this earth and be good stewards of her resources. I am not for waste. I am for keeping the air clean for our health and for the future of our children. I just think some are going a little too far and letting pseudo-science push the day. Looking at the little information I have had opportunity to read, I simply see that we are in a cycle. I believe God created our little planet to have such cycles. I do not think man is great enough to have such a global impact in so few short years. I was in grade school and early middle school when we were told over and over that our carbon emissions were creating an ice-age. Somewhere that switched to global warming. Now that polar ice levels are back to pre-1979 records we are experiencing "Climate Change" as a result of our pollutants. Can we make up our minds, please?

The second article was a recap of the Dow Jones drop on Monday. The index closed below 7,000. The lowest in about 12 years. 12 years ago, I was not paying attention. Twelve years ago, I had so little invested that I barely noticed. This time around, maybe because I am older and see a day when my investments are to provide my income, I am paying a little more attention. The reality of my situation is that I am responsible for my own retirement. I have no company plan, so I have to invest. Ouch! One year ago, I was looking at a good retirement. My nest egg was growing . . . then, well you know what happened. You are feeling it too. I am still a couple of decades away from retirement, so I pray that things improve and I keep investing for the long term.

With these two events weighing heavy on my mind this morning, I could net help but think of a few of passages of Scripture that help me make it through. I share them with you.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Php 4:11-13)


If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Col 3:1-2)


For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat 6:21)


As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1Ti 6:17)

I think these passages speak for themselves. I am glad to trust in God and to put my confident hope in Him. Will you do the same?