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      December 28, 2008

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       The Perfect Storm

 

  I am taking the title from the movie that either had a very bad ending or was planning to use the title but didn't really get the story.  In the end everyone dies a tragic death so having a name with perfect in it seems a tad out of touch. Therefore, I intend to write something that correctly uses the word perfect so we don't waste a great title. The storm I am talking about is in real estate in these United States. What I am going to attempt is to show you why now is the perfect time to buy real estate because of the inherent demand and because of the low cost of financing.  Once you see what is happening perhaps you will take this opportunity to heart and begin setting up a real estate (properties) portfolio that can appreciate dramatically in the years to come. What are the factors that make up this unique scenario? There are many but allow me to highlight the main ones: demand from net population growth, reduced cost of acquisition (low prices) , foreign investors prompted by the weak dollar, banks willing to move property at low prices they own through foreclosure activity,  Read On

 
   

Photo of Robert W. Peters

 I recall reading the last time our nation went through an “economic downturn” that the so-called “adult entertainment industry” weathered the storm very well. Part of the explanation is that many people are hooked on pornography and will pay for it even when they face serious financial difficulties. Another part of the explanation is that when people face difficult times of whatever nature, some turn to alcohol, drugs, or illicit sex as an escape. It kills the pain, temporarily. Perhaps the seriousness of the economic downturn we now face will put a real dent in the profitability of “adult entertainment.” But as much as I wish otherwise, I don’t think pornography and “nude dancing” will go away any time soon. Nor do I see any reason to expect the downturn to have a positive effect on the content of “mainstream” entertainment. If anything we should expect worse, since producing moral slop is usually cheaper than producing quality entertainment! Clearly, the economic downturn is not likely to reduce the need for MIM’s work, or anyother nonprofit organization battling pornography.  Read On
 
   
The economic times we are living in are rougher and scarier than Rosie just before getting bikini waxed. With our national cash crisis comes a bazillion other ancillary spiritual and physical spin-off problems. As a columnist, talk show host and minister I’m now getting my inbox inundated with emails asking me how to spiritually field this mucked up mess we’re mired in (that’s how bad it is . . . people are asking me for advice). What follows is my attempt to Dr. Phil you folks thru this crap-laden crunch we’re currently getting crushed by with seven hard learned lessons about God and life from the last 25 years of getting my butt kicked. *Note to rabid atheists: This column (to become a book under the same title) is written to the heaven bound Christian who is currently going through hell. Yeah . . . it’s not for you. You might want to read Thus Spake Zarathustra or something for encouragement. Here are seven observations and exhortations to help us keep plowing  through tough times.  Here are seven
  observations and exhortations to help us keep plowing through tough times. Read On
 
 

TV and Radio Broadcast But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you (Jeremiah 7:23). Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn't want you to do. If you don't do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships. Get Rid of Distractions That which is desired in a man is loyalty and kindness [and his glory and delight are his giving] (Proverbs 19:22). Sometimes you may just need to clear away the clutter so you can clearly see what is worthwhile. Here is a simple suggestion: Don't keep more than you can take care of. If you have so much junk in your home that it takes you hours to dust it, get rid of something. Find a big carton and write "Blessing Box" on the side of it. Start putting extra things into it until cleaning is more manageable. Find someone who doesn't have much and bless them. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start your day right when you are no longer distracted by things you don't need. Read On


 

Have you heard them yet? Scores of people talking about "New Year's resolutions?" Have you tried making those kinds of promises to yourself, only to find that they usually never last beyond January 31st? Shortly after becoming a Christian, I began making resolutions "before God" and declaring everything from losing weight and eating better, to reading more good books and turning off the television. Dare I say it? They didn't last long. What happens? How do our good intentions derail so easily? Should Christians even engage in the practice of making resolutions? We would probably all be surprised how many do not. Obviously, resolutions are helpful and productive when they are accompanied by heartfelt "resolve." This is perhaps the problem that confronts too many of us -- we are simply not serious enough to change. We get caught up in the moment, making some declarations we don't really mean, and are not willing to follow through to fulfillment. But we desire to change. We sense a need to change. Every January 1st brings another opportunity to effect change. So, what happens to the change? For centuries, January 1st has marked more than the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. This date holds an almost spiritual sense of completion (of the previous year) and expectation (of the coming year).   Read On

 
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