Building Blocks

Preserve Those Family Stories

February 2010

I've just returned from a few days with my 94 year-old auntie. Since my dad has already passed on, her stories about our family's history will be lost forever if I don't take time to sit and hear them. Over the last century her life's been full of experiences, and world events, from horse and buggy days, famines, survival, the Great Depression, WWII, the Dust bowl days, priceless childhood stories, and fun family memories. This is how I discover the character, and the characters, who've been a part of our family tree.

Your families are no different. Wiill you slow down and make it a point to spend time with those elders while there's time and memory left to allow the stories to come forth? What a great way to honor those who came before us and keep those interesting stories moving forward to bless the next generation. 

Psalm 105:43 The Message: Remember this! He led his people out singing for joy...

 

 
All Things New

January 2010

Something old, something new...both are part of a new year. January is the perfect month to set out new goals and family plans. Envision the year ahead as a blank slate waiting to be written on. Some things we know will happen, like a high school or college graduation. Other things will catch us by surprise. What will the celebrations look like? Will a new pet be added to the family? If so, what responsibilities will that require? Will there be a career move? Talk. Dream together. Ask each family member to come up with one or two things they are looking forward to doing or having in 2010. Create a wall chart to track the progress of each idea.  

Isaiah 43:19 NIV See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up...

 
Rebuilding Families
Straight Talk for Today's Families PDF Print E-mail

Listen in as Maxine joins Sarah Goebel and Patty Mason to co-host WLGT "We Love God Talk" Blogtalk radio. Each week you'll be blessed with words of encouragement from exciting Christian authors, speakers, and ministry leaders.

 
Money Minute PDF Print E-mail

piggybank3Road Risks Rise as More Drivers Drop Insurance

Several hundred thousand drivers dropped their insurance in the past year as the jobless rate climbed, estimates a study to be released next month by the Insurance Research Council, an industry-funded group. You can protect yourself by carrying uninsured-motorist coverage.

 M.P. McQueen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Strategic Foreclosure

James Hagerty and Nick Timiraoss,Wall Street Journal December 17, 2009 reported: A growing number of people are considering what is known as "strategic default," walking away from their mortgages not out of necessity but because they believe it is in their best financial interests. Walking away isn't risk-free. [or, Maxine adds, a good moral choice if payment can be made; the loan was given in good faith].

 

Bernanke Sees 'Formidable Headwinds' for U.S. Economy

"The nation's chief economist just gave a big thumbs down on the hopes for a V-shaped recovery," said Christopher Rupkey, chief financial economist at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. in New York. "Bernanke is saying it will take a long time to put the unemployed back to work." 12/7/09 

 

Foreclosure Fraud is Rampant

Consumers facing foreclosure can get help, but they should be very careful where they look. Experts recommend ignoring unexpected solicitations, whether through the mail, by phone or in person. Instead, enlist the help of a HUD-certified counselor. A state-by-state list is available at HUD’s Web site.

(Bob Sullivan, Red Tape Chronicles, 9/22/09) 

 

  

 

 

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Sisters On Assignment PDF Print E-mail
1233608828.jpgNeed a little encouragement added to your day? You've come to the right place. On Thursdays look for a new video from Maxine. Check out the other programs, too. These Sisters on Assignment are ready to bless your day with inspiring resources at Christian.tv.