Thanks Dad...

Lisa and I had the honor of being raised by a great father whose birthday we celebrate today. We credit him with teaching us so much about life, integrity, hard work, the value of a dollar and not making excuses.

We were not taught “what” to think, but challenged and taught “how” to think for ourselves. He taught us the importance of hard work, knowing when to push us to do better, work harder, and when to back off and let us find our own path. From him we learned right from wrong, and to remain mindful of how our choices affect others. Through his actions he showed us how to appreciate, support, and value others without being judgmental or intolerant.

He holds personal responsibility in high esteem; "no excuses, just get it done" is something I can remember to this day. We grew up hearing that life is not always fair, but you choose how you will respond to it.

By his lead we grew up knowing that family is the most important thing. Even though we may be different and sometimes difficult, we will always love and support one another.

Today, on your birthday Dad, we thank you for being a good father and husband to our mother and for being a large part of what kind of adults and parents we are today.

Thanks Dad for giving us memories of the sweet smell of cut grass in the summer heat, while sweeping grass clippings on the driveway.

Thanks for taking us swimming on summer nights.

Thank you for pleasantly suffering through all of our dance recitals and school events.

Thank you for making us take piano, and for tutoring us in Spanish, and math, and any other subject we'd rather not think about today.

Thank you (sort of) for introducing our children to chocolate milk and cream soda.

Thank you for loving our mother faithfully and constantly.

Thank you for always being there when we need you to bounce an idea off, blow off steam, or get direction.

Thank you for always welcoming us home and showing us how to face any "crisis" with calm presence of mind. (Particularly hurricane evacuations.)

Thank you for accepting our spouses.

Thank you for never giving up on yourself, our mother, your children, and your grandchildren.

Thank you for pushing us to improve ourselves, never settling for mediocrity.

To quote your grandchildren, “Who’s the Boss? PaPa!”

Largest Tax Increase in US History on the Horizon

In 6 months, America faces the largest tax increase in US history.  The tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 (popularly called the "Bush Tax Cuts") are set to expire on January 1, 2011.  Congress and the Obama administration must act in the next few months to prevent this enormous tax increase from causing millions of people, including the President's defined "working families" to pay more to the federal government.  

The President promised on multiple occasions not to raise taxes on families making under $250,000/year, calling those Americans "working families".  The President and many in Congress allege that the massive increase will only impact the wealthy, however; with the return of the marriage penalty, the child tax credit cut in half, and all personal income tax rates rising, the expiration of the "Bush Tax Cuts" will result in an across the board tax hike for everyone.  Special tax provisions to help students, adoptive parents, business owners and teachers will expire requiring these groups to pay more in taxes irrespective of income level.  

A partial list of tax increases as a result of the expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts:

• All personal income tax rates rising;
• 10% rising to 15%
• 25% rises to 28%
• 28% rises to 31%
• 33% rises to 36%
• 35% rises to 39.6% (rate at which 2/3 of small business profits are taxed)

• Child Tax Credit cut in half;
• Return of the Marriage penalty (narrower tax brackets on married persons);
• Cut in Dependent Care Credit;
• Cut in Adoption Assistance Credit;
• Return of the 55% Death Tax on individuals and small business owners;
• Increase in Capital Gains Tax from 15% to 20%;
• Increase in Dividend Tax from 15% to 39.6%;
• Cut in Student Loan Interest Deduction;
• Cut of 75% to the Maximum Annual Contribution allowed to Education IRA;
• Loss of Itemized Deductions up to 80%;
• Return of the AMT will directly affect over 28 Million families in 2011;
• Cut in depreciation for small businesses, from $250,000 to $25,000;
• Cut of 50% of expensing for larger businesses;
• Loss of deduction for tuition and fees;
• Limitation for education based tax credits;
• Loss of deduction of classroom expenses for teachers;
• Charitable contributions from IRAs no longer allowed; 

The above is only a partial list of what average Americans have to look forward to in January 2011.  A list of over 65 tax increases has been compiled by the Congressional Joint Committee on Tax Provisions.  The expiration of the Bush Tax Cuts will increase taxes on all families, not just on the "wealthy".   

This colossal increase in taxes for most tax payers will take effect at the same time as many tax cut and credit provisions from the 2009 Stimulus Bill will also expire resulting in higher taxes on Americans.  Simultaneously, many of the 20 tax increases from the Obama Healthcare bill will also hit Americans on January 1, 2011.  They include:

• The Tanning Tax - 10% tax currently in effect;
• The "Medicine Cabinet Tax" - disallows pre-tax dollars in the form of health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts or health reimbursement accounts to purchase non-prescription, over the counter medicines (except insulin);
• The HSA Withdrawal Tax  - increases the additional tax on non-medical early withdrawals from an HSA from 10 to 20%;
• Brand Name Drug Tax - multi-billion dollar excise tax on name brand drug manufacturers who are raising their prices to pay the tax;
• Economic Substance Doctrine - arbitrary empowerment of IRS agents to disallow legal tax deductions  due to lack of "economic substance".

These tax increases in the healthcare bill, along with the health insurance purchase mandate, are not waived for families making under $250,000.  

Congress and the Obama Administration are not committed to continuing any of the above tax cuts or repealing the tax increases included in the healthcare bill.  This is some talk from the administration about keeping the personal income tax rates lower for those "working families" but letting everything else expire because they predict only the wealthy will be affected.  Treasury Secretary Geithner recently  announced they will allow the capital gains tax increase to 20% and the child tax credit to be cut in half.  The administration has also come out strongly supporting raising taxes on top of the expiration of the "Bush Tax Cuts" on those making over $250,000, the "wealthy", to support their massive increase in spending.

While the administration attempts to pit the "working families" against their defined "wealthy" to pay for  Congress and the administration's monumental increase in deficit spending, those of us on the ground understand what is really at stake.  In a tough economic time, do we really want more money taken out of our paychecks for politicians to spend as they see fit in Washington? What will happen to those friends employed by small businesses whose taxes are substantially raised?  Ultimately, do we believe in politicians taking more money from us, from our retirement accounts, from our deceased loved ones, and from our employers to continue to grow government?

Does the Bible Really Say That?

Catholic Apologist Patrick Madrid continues educating lay Catholics with concise clear books; this time answering the question, “Does the Bible Really Say That?” addressing 46 different topics as they relate to Catholics.  Citing scripture and the catechism, the author lays out a roadmap to help us understand why Catholics believe as we do.

Some of the topics explained are hot button issues for many Protestants: drinking alcohol, confession, catholic prayers, the crucifix and infant baptism.  Other topics address more universal Christian themes: humility, gluttony, good Samaritan, lust and loving one another.

This book reveals the foundation of our Catholic faith through the Scriptures and encourages you to delve deeper and read more of the Bible to enhance your familiarity with the beauty of God’s truth. 

When I worked as a waitress as a teenager, members of a local non-denominational bible college repeatedly asked me if I was saved. When they learned I was Catholic, they proceeded to tell me I was going to hell.  After reading Chapter 19 – which provides answers to that question, “Have you been saved?” I now have scriptural reference to more confidently answer that question if ever asked again.  

Patrick Madrid masterfully provides the tools needed for Catholics to grow and nurture their faith.  Once again, he has written a book that will assist Catholic and non-Catholics in understanding the faith with specific scripture notations to encourage continued learning.  

The Funnies

This is a little off-topic of family and religion, but I just wanted to share that I love the comics. I think it's amazing how some artists and writers are so talented they can tell a story, make us laugh, make us cry, and even identify with them in just a few short panes of images and words. (Click on the comic to go to the original site.)

Comics can be amazingly accurate in their ability to reflect current trends:

Sometimes you wonder if they have a secret recording device in your house recording your children:
They know about where you live:

Comics even address issues related to my career:

They teach us:

Comics address issues for working moms:

And stay at home moms:
They tackle political issues:
How can you not love Danae’s frank look at the world in Non Sequitor?

There’s even comics about blogging:

To view most of my comics I use the Houston Chronicle Build Your Own Comics Page for one-stop readings; however, I also subscribe to email delivery for a few others, including Unshelved and Sheldon (who also draws Drive.)

I'm curious, what are some of your favorite comics and how do you follow them online?

Indiana Planned Parenthood Caught Giving False Medical Information

The youth-led pro-life advocacy group, Live Action, has caught Planned Parenthood once again spreading false medical information to support abortion. This latest undercover video is the third showing abusive counseling practices at Planned Parenthood of Indiana. 


The American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics states that “The physician’s obligation is to present the medical facts accurately to the patient.” This principle of "informed consent" has been codified in nearly every state, including Indiana.  Live Action's Rosa Acuna Project reveal Planned Parenthood manipulating and falsifying medical information to encourage potential clients to undergo an abortion without informed consent.  

Lila Rose, UCLA student and president of Live Action, says the new footage places Planned Parenthood well outside the medical mainstream. "Planned Parenthood's counseling is based on its abortion-first mentality rather than the medical facts that women need," observes Rose. "Planned Parenthood gives vulnerable women misinformation to sell them the abortion." 

Previously, Live Action has released undercover videos showing Planned Parenthood locations in several states agreeing to cover up the sexual abuse of a minor.  Authorities in several states are investigating those Planned Parenthood locations in response to Live Action's Mona Lisa project. 

With a Loving Heart

This past Sunday's Gospel came from Luke 10:38-42, where Jesus visits his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Our priest, Father Bob, reminded us that it's easy to forget that Jesus had friends. The Scriptures show that Jesus was comfortable with them and they with him; they spoke freely between each other and later Jesus wept when Lazarus died.

If you're not familiar with this Martha and Mary story in Luke, here it is:

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply,"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

I've always identified with Martha, working hard preparing and serving for her guests while her sister Mary rests, rapt with attention at Christ's words. And Jesus's words to Martha have sometimes felt like a reproof: "Mary has chosen the better part."

I think many of us would like to be Mary, but find it difficult to ignore the necessary business that surrounds us, to make time to be still and listen to the Lord. Father Bob's homily opened a whole new perspective. He said (paraphrasing) that Mary's part is better not because she was listening instead of serving, but because she was doing it with a loving heart and full attention.

Did Martha serve the Lord with that same loving heart and full attention? Do I? Do you? Throughout our lives whether we are called to serve or called to be still and listen, we should always do it with a loving heart and our full attention.

Facing an uncertain future

"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."

These words marked mankind’s greatest triumph.

The Apollo 11 lunar landing on this day 41 years ago culminated the greatest technological achievement of human history. America demonstrated to the world what men can accomplish with a goal, a deadline, inspiration, and motivation. When President Kennedy announced the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending an American safely to the Moon before the end of the decade, the fledgling NASA had completed only one manned space flight lasting 15 minutes 28 seconds and reaching the altitude of 116 statute miles above the Earth. (For comparison, the ISS maintains an average altitude of 240 statute miles and Scaled Composite’s SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X-Prize by reaching 62 miles.)

Nine months after President Kennedy’s announcement, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Nine years after President Kennedy’s announcement, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the lunar surface.

Today the US Space program is without a goal, floundering and sending mixed messages to the public. Sustained by half of 1% of the federal budget, the agency works without adequate financial support to achive missions developed by former administrations and Congresses. (For comparison, if the federal budget represents a household with an annual income of $100,000; NASA costs about $500 per year. That's $41.60 a month, or less than you probably spend on your cable bill.)

Under President Obama’s proposed budget, NASA’s overall budget isn’t being cut. It’s actually being expanded, though ironically the manned space flight program is severely slashed. Instead, the President’s ambition for NASA - the agency that launched 165 manned flights with a 99% success rate – focuses on funding inspired commercial development, continuing earth observation, providing new education initiatives, and developing the heavy-lift rocket.

Much attention has been given on President Obama cutting the most visible component of NASA, the Manned Space exploration program Constellation, leaving the United States earthbound and completely dependent upon the Russians to reach lower Earth orbit, including the International Space Station.

Commercial vehicles do show promise, but have not yet achieved manned orbital flight, whereas NASA has 48 years of experience. John Glenn met with President Obama yesterday to discuss the administration’s plan for NASA, but White House officials did not reveal specifics of the meeting. Glenn is on record supporting additional Shuttle flights while NASA develops a new heavy-lift rocket.

The President’s plan for NASA divides the Apollo moonwalkers. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, and Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon, oppose Obama’s plan publicly, testifying in May before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

"Nowhere do we find a commitment in dollars to support this national endeavor," Cernan said, adding later that "this budget proposal presents no challenges, has no focus, and in fact is a blueprint for a mission to nowhere."

Armstrong’s concern focused on the Obama administration’s decision being, “a plan that was invisible to so many was likely contrived by a very small group in secret.”

“New non-classified national program concepts are, typically, accompanied by substantial review and debate in a number of venues.” Armstrong testified that he was unable to find a person, “in NASA, the Defense Department, the Air Force, the National Academies, industry, or academia that had any knowledge of the plan prior to its announcement.”

Yesterday Buzz Aldrin released his own statement. Largely in support of President Obama’s plans to fund commercial development, he shares his Apollo colleagues concern “…about ‘the Gap’ — the end of the Space Shuttle Program, and the inability for the US to provide human access to space — save for limited flight opportunities and capabilities with our Russian partners…” However, Aldrin proposes various solutions for the President, and concludes by inviting the nation to get behind the new direction for NASA.

If only we knew what that new direction will be. On the anniversary of our greatest achievement, we face a very uncertain future.

Fireproof Your Marriage

Over 35 couples joined us at church last weekend for an inaugural adult couples “date night” fellowship. I use the word inaugural because I’m so hopeful that after the night’s success we’ll continue to plan similar evenings.

A member of Pastoral Council organized the event, including paid childcare with teen volunteers. Meanwhile, every attending couple brought an assigned potluck dish. Round tables scattered throughout the Parish Life Center provided us an place to sit and view the movie, Fireproof, with other couples.

When we take our wedding vows we say “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” Unfortunately, in the present day, too many couples don’t consider how they will handle the worse.

Caleb is a fire department Captain, responsible for the lives and discipline of his men. Early in the movie we observe him training a rookie, admonishing him that you never leave your partner, especially in a fire. Yet, when faced with a troubling fire consuming his own marriage, Caleb isn’t heeding his own lesson..

Through an early on-screen argument, we learn that Catherine works a regular work week and checks on her elderly parents every weekend. Her mother suffered a stroke last year and they are still adjusting to her physical limitations and needs.

Caleb keeps the traditional 24-on/48-off hours of a firefighter. Catherine sees him as lazy and addicted to “those sites” on the internet (implied to be pornographic). She feels tired all the time, trying to do everything. He feels disrespected when she expects him to help.

It’s clear that Caleb is a good man, as Catherine is a good woman, but something is “off” in the way they treat each other at home. They’ve lost sight of who the other person is, in how they see themselves and each other. They both think of themselves, looking for love from the other person without considering how they are loving the person in return.

They don’t understand, or even consider, the depth and fullness of Love, and just as they are on the verge of separating and dissolving their marriage, Caleb’s father asks him, “...is there anything in you that wants to save your marriage?” When Caleb says he would like to try, his father tells him to hold off on the divorce for 40 days, and he sends him The Love Dare.

I won’t spoil the movie by giving anymore away, but I don’t think there was a dry eye in the entire hall when the movie ended. My own tears weren’t of sadness; they were from being so overwhelmed with how real love can touch our lives and those around us.

As my husband and I were leaving the church, I took his hand and told him that I wanted us to be more like the characters at the end of that movie, than the beginning. We’d recognized ourselves in portions of that early argument – as I suspect many couples do – and I didn’t want us to go back there. I want us to have what Caleb & Catherine have at the end of the movie.

My husband said the most powerful scene of the movie for him was in the middle when Catherine exhaustedly told Caleb she didn’t love him, and his (Caleb’s) reaction to the news. For me, it was when Caleb’s father visited to discuss the 40-day process and led Caleb into finally understanding real love, God’s love, and Caleb embraced true faith for the first time. The two scenes are nearly back to back.

When the movie first came out, I bought the book The Love Dare out of curiosity, and though we talked about it, we lacked motivation to start it. However, this week we’ve both been reading from the book daily. Combined with the residual feeling from seeing the movie, we have had the best week. It’s occurred to me that it might be easier if we weren’t sharing a book and going the daily dare’s together. It’s okay to be on different days, applying different dares. And then four days into the week, it dawned on me that the Love Dare doesn’t apply strictly to your spouse, it can also apply to how we treat our children.

If you’ve ever considered watching the movie or finding out more about The Love Dare book, leave a comment under this post by Thursday, August 22. On Friday two people will be randomly chosen to receive a small booklet, Dare to Love: 8 Reasons to Take the Love Dare. Perhaps others will join us in talking about the Love Dare experience.

FaceBook Brought Me Comfort

Our family pediatrician sent our 3-year-old daughter to the emergency room at Texas Children’s Hospital last Friday.  After many hours of testing and waiting, the on call doctor admitted her for treatment and observation.   Sitting and waiting for hours while your little one is extremely sick and in pain taxes your body both physically and emotionally. Thankfully my husband was able to join me early in the day, so we supported our youngest together.

We updated our family and friends throughout our hectic day via phone calls, text messages, email and with our FaceBook status.  My sister, Shelly, updated friends through our Of Sound Mind and Spirit FaceBook page throughout Birdie’s hospitalization. Our friends and family then posted our situation on their own status, asking for prayers and positive thoughts. Within moments, Facebook connected our family with friends of friends of friends into an immense prayer chain.

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support offered to my family through all of this technology.  The multitude of FaceBook messages offering their prayers and best wishes for our little Birdie deeply moved me as I fought emotional and physical exhaustion Friday night. The outpouring of love lifted our spirits and helped us remain focused on helping our daughter get well.  It also reaffirmed there are some incredible people out there praying for us.

I've often prayed for people after reading their story or a status on Facebook, and I'm fascinated how the advance in our technology creates positive connections. While Birdie is still recovering from her illness, we are blessed to have so many of these positive connections and influences in our lives. Thank you to everyone who thought of us.

Summer Reading Programs

As you can tell from the number of book reviews lately here on Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly and I are both reading like mad this summer.  There are so many great books that I find myself counting down the time everyday until I can sit still to devour my current selection.

We all know that children can backtrack during the summer while away from their schoolwork.  Participating in several summer reading programs motivates my children to keep up their reading skills during these long hot days.  With a trophy as a reward, the program at our local library rates at the top of our favorites.  The kids and I attend weekly story time at the library geared for the elementary set.  In the last few weeks, my children experienced a puppet show, mad science experiments, marionettes and saw turtles and springer spaniels up close and personal.  Yes, our local library hosts "hands on" library time for the over kindergarten crowd.  In addition, we check out tons of books at each visit.  My husband chides me for allowing them to check out so many at one time, but I am a sucker for books.

Half Price Books has another great reading program giving children a $3 store gift card once a week for 5 days of reading.  My kids appreciate choosing a new book as a reward for simply reading every day.

Recently I discovered a new summer reading program geared toward Catholics.  Aquinas and More Catholic Goods is sponsoring the Catholic Summer Reading Program for adults, teens and children.  Their suggested reading list includes fiction and non-fiction on a variety of topics.  Not only do they suggest and encourage great titles, they host online discussions of each book listed.  Children fill out a form as they read each suggested book to send in for a prize. 

Reviewing their adult list, I found several books that are on my "to read" list.  This summer reading program gives me the incentive to move those titles up on my "to be read next" list. 

Patrick Madrid's Search and Rescue

Until I heard Patrick Madrid speak last year at the Catholic New Media Celebration (CNMC), I didn’t realize people could make a profession from defending the Catholic faith. An amazing speaker, Madrid, infused his knowledge of the faith with humor, humility and honesty. Listening to him inspired me to develop my own knowledge in preparation to defend my faith when called upon.

Search and Rescue, How to Bring Your Family and Friends into- or Back into – the Catholic Church is the first of Patrick Madrid’s many books I chose to read. Now to be honest, I was hoping he would have some formula or magic words that I could use to instantly bring family to and back to the Church. Obviously, there is no one magic way to awaken their faith and invite them into the Church.

Madrid begins the book advising the first thing we must do to evangelize our friends and family is to “develop the virtues of an apostle.” These virtues modeled by St. Francis de Sales include: Prayer, Absolute trust in God, Humility, Perseverance, and Love. Second, you must ask yourself if you want to share the faith for you, or for God? We must keep our ego in check and acknowledge that it is God who will grant them the grace of conversion, not us. The book continues with specific question, examples, agenda items and prayers for each of us to utilize in our own evangelization of our friends and family.

Search and Rescue provides the reader with tools to learn more about the faith, understanding the knowledge builds our confidence in defending our morals and beliefs. I gained wonderful insight in how to talk to people in a non-confrontational, non-combative, non-defensive manner. Madrid offers various methods for approaching people depending on where they are on their own faith journey. His footnotes offer direction for specific arguments and he provides an expanded bibliography for continued reading and study.

I wasn’t convinced that reading the book had made much of an impact on me - until Jehovah’s Witnesses confronted me recently. Suddenly, different parts of the book made perfect sense and I found myself filled with confidence to trust in myself and God for putting me on that path.

This book is not the end of the journey of Search and Rescue but a wonderful place to start the arduous task of being prepared to defend the faith and spread the word with loved ones and strangers alike.

Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It

Lisa and I were invited to participate in a Blog Tour promoting a new non-denominational Christian women's Bible study titled Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It. After receiving the review copy, I realized that I've never participated in a Bible Study before. The study appears very straightforward, using familiar objects and situations on which to focus each week, drawing comparisons that help women become aware of Jesus working in various areas of their daily lives.

The study also has an online component through a Reflecting Him Bible Study Group on Facebook. Individuals working through the study on their own can still get the benefits of a group discussion while working at their own pace. Almost 200 people are in the group already and the discussions are really taking off. This fall a leaders guide, videos, and music will be released to accompany the study.

As part of the blog tour, I had the opportunity to interview the author, Carla McDougal via email.

I’ve never tried a Bible Study before, but yours really sounds interesting When you’re speaking to women who have never joined a Bible Study before, how do you describe this process to them?

I would describe a Bible study as one of the most exciting adventures! God has so many treasures waiting for us to discover in His Word. As you begin your study ask God to help you carve out time during the day to do the study. Maybe the best time for you is getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning… your lunch break… while waiting in the car line at school… during your child’s baseball practice… or right before bed. You find a time that works best for your schedule. Every time before you do your study ask the Lord to open your heart and eyes to what He wants to teach you. Oh, what sweet nuggets He has waiting to shower you with each time you meet with Him!

What do you see are the benefits of doing a Bible Study?

The more we read and study the Bible, the more we grow spiritually. As our spiritual life deepens we become a stronger reflection of Jesus to others. The goal for believers is to become more like Jesus. The way to do this is to know Him more and more. By studying the Word of God we begin to see spiritual lessons in our everyday experiences. For example, in Week 2 of Reflecting Him we focus on the Pottery Process. We look at the physical aspects of the potter, the clay, the spinning wheel, the uniqueness of each pot, and the firing process. Then we compare those characteristics to what God says in the Bible… “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Is 64:8) God is molding us into what He wants and has designed for each of us. Throughout the New Testament Jesus used tangible objects to teach spiritual lessons. This is still true today. Oh, it is so much fun to discover new truths in the Bible and apply them to our everyday lives!

Is your study designed to be a solo process or group activity?

It is truly designed to be done either way. If you are doing it on your own we have a Facebook Reflecting Him Bible Study Group you can join and work at your own pace. This is a wonderful way to learn from one another. But, if you choose to do this as a group it works great too. You still work through the study on your own but once a week you meet and discuss the lesson together. This is a great way to learn from others as well. We have a Leader’s Guide coming out in August and a DVD which includes original music videos from singer/song writer Cindy Vinson’s album “An Invitation”, a 10 episode mini-series called “Behind the Veil” and me helping move the episode to the lesson each week. Each episode will be 30 minutes in length. Reflecting Him is designed for either on your own or a group. The exciting part is you are studying God’s Word which brings freshness and nourishment to the soul!

The study appears to be a very personal activity as it really requires the participant to meditate and dig deep to answer some of the questions. What are the benefits from doing this in a group setting?

I love that God is so personal with each one of us. Because we as individuals are so different He speaks to us in a variety of ways and we can learn from one another. This is the beauty of coming together after going through it on your own. Learning, growing and praying together!

We lead such busy lives, in your experience how much time do you suggest women anticipate or schedule / allow for each daily study?

It depends. I would say 30 minutes… the time it takes to wait for your child at a dance lesson or piano lesson.

Week 1 appears to be an introduction only, where Weeks 2-9 have an introduction in addition to daily pages. Why does it begin this way?

Week 1 is basically for you to get to know the heart of the author… me. As well as a time of analyzing where you are in life right now. Personal questions getting the reader to think about why she is doing the study, what she hopes to gain over the 10 weeks, where she is in her walk right now. If you look at Week 10, I ask you to look back at Week 1 and reread these questions. It is awesome to evaluate where you were and where you are now!

What inspired you to write this Bible Study?

After speaking at retreats and conferences for a few years women continued to say, “Carla, you share so many real life stories and see spiritual lessons embedded in these experiences. How do you see those Biblical truths in everyday life?” I realized it was because of my many years of studying God’s Word that changed the way I look at circumstances and the little things in my day. Just as Jesus used tangible objects—a net, fish and bread, a tree, birds, and so many other things—to teach life lessons we have access to the same learning today. The problem is we are in many cases too busy with our agenda’s and schedules to stop and notice the lessons all around us. This fanned the flame for Reflecting Him!

About Carla
Carla McDougal is the founder of Reflective Life Ministries and Share Fair, an annual conference for connecting, equipping, and encouraging women in ministry. She speaks at women’s events, retreats, and conferences in the U.S. and internationally. Carla married her high school sweetheart, Fred, and they have four children ages 16 to 23 and live in Magnolia, Texas. Reflecting Him: Living for Jesus and Loving It (WinePress Publishing, 2010) is Carla’s first book, although she’s been involved in leading and teaching Bible studies for more than 20 years. Carla writes a Monday morning e-votional at her blog, Carla's Corner.

Want Carla To Lead a Lesson for Your Bible Study Group?
With every group purchase of 25 or more studies before August 1, Carla will lead a tele-lesson (over speaker phone) for one of your group meetings. Please email windy(at)reflectivelifeministries.org to purchase books. Mention the blog tour and tele-lesson at the time of ordering.

You can purchase Reflecting Him through Amazon, Christianbook.com, or Reflective Life Ministries.

The Reflecting Him Blog Tour, hosted by RedCouch PR, is June 20 - July 16. Yesterday's post was at Real Hurt, Real Hope and tomorrow's is at Kimberlee Conway Ireton's blog. Follow along to read a different guest post, interview, or review each day.

Update on President's Offshore Drilling Moratorium

We recently discussed the huge economic impact the President’s moratorium on offshore drilling would have on the Gulf Coast.  Two weeks ago, a federal judge in Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction blocking the moratorium on offshore drilling.  His 22 page decision stated that…

 “The court is unable to divine or fathom a relationship between the findings and the immense scope of the moratorium.” “The blanket moratorium, with no parameters, seems to assume that because one rig failed and although no one yet fully knows why, all companies and rigs drilling new wells over 500 feet also universally present an imminent danger.” “The court cannot substitute its judgment for that of the agency, but the agency must ‘cogently explain why it has exercised its discretion in a given manner. It has not done so.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-22/u-s-deepwater-oil-drilling-ban-lifted-today-by-new-orleans-federal-judge.html

The Secretary of the Interior, Salazar and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs immediately announced a new moratorium will be put into place very soon to prevent more drilling in the Gulf and the decision will be appealed.

With the President determined to prevent offshore oil drilling, our country will lose up to 30% of our current oil supply, requiring the US to import more oil from foreign countries.  Of course, some environmentalists will unrealistically argue that we simply need to tighten our belts and not consume so much oil-based products to save the planet. 

In fact, I’m sure they will be the first ones to give up – computers, insulation, deodorant, pillows, artificial limbs, life jackets, aspirin, rubber cement, golf balls, credit cards, antihistamines, soft contact lenses, plastic products, footballs, tires, ballpoint pens cameras, cortisone, vitamin capsules, dashboards, dentures, toilet seats, movie film, sunglasses, paint brushes, hearing aids, rubbing alcohol, parachutes, heart valves, motorcycle helmets, house paint, eyeglasses, lipstick, dishwashing liquids, crayons, ammonia, anesthetics, safety glass, panty hose and so much more made from petroleum. 

The other argument you will hear is we should switch from fossil fuels to renewable resources, like wind.  That would be wonderful except technology does not exist to enable us to do that in the year 2010, or the foreseeable future.  Most wind and solar energy cannot provide us with the massive quantities of energy needed for transportation.  So, for now, we will need to dramatically increase our importing of oil from foreign nations to make up for the oil the President wants deemed off limits.

This begs the next question; from where does the US currently import our oil supply?  According to the US Energy Information Administration, the top exporter of oil to the United States is our neighbor nation of Canada.  The next 4 on the list in order of most to least are: Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Nigeria.  From there the list goes on to include the top 15 countries.

The majority of imported oil arrives to the United States on oil tankers that cross the ocean.  Historically, oil tankers have a worse safety record for oil spills than offshore drilling rigs.   Importing foreign oil also puts our oil supply at the mercy of foreign nations' supply and price controls and on the political instability around the world.

This discussion also ignores the reality that our country has a wealth of oil that has been put off limits to drilling by Presidents, Congress and environmentalists.  Our country needs to identify the priorities for our energy policy and acknowledge the consequences to these decisions. 

We the People of the United States...

 On this Fourth of July, I read the Preamble of the Constitution out loud to my children.  The words really hit home during this election year when so much seems to be at stake.  

The words of the Preamble gives us insight as to what the Founders wanted to accomplish with this new government they were creating. 

Preamble to Constitution

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Those words are powerful.  The Founders were forward thinking in establishing a government that protects individual liberty while binding us together in a federal government.

For a little extra fun today, here is the Schoolhouse Rock version of the Preamble.

Shelly and I hope that you and yours have a wonderful 4th of July and take a moment to remember what we are celebrating with our fireworks and hot dogs.  The founding of a great nation.

What If...

It is a rainy day here in Houston to top off a rainy week thanks to Hurricane Alex.  A perfect day for a “What if” game.  We all play it – “What if you could meet one dead person?” or “What if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island?”

My “What if” question for the day is, “What if you had the fame or the resources to establish a charitable foundation, what type would you establish?” There are so many worthy issues and people in need, how do you decide who to direct your energy and resources to support? 

Marcus Luttrell seems to have chosen a perfect fit for him.  If you’re not familiar with the name, he was the lone survivor of Operation Redwing in the desolate mountains of Afghanistan; an operation that claimed the lives of his SEAL teammates and 16 servicemen who were tasked with rescuing him.    His charity – Lone Survivor Foundation  - goes to extraordinary lengths to welcome home, empower and restore American wounded warriors, their families and surviving families.  His foundation kick off took place in Houston last weekend on the 5^th anniversary of Operation Redwing.

When I first heard about the Lone Survivor Foundation, its mission made complete sense for Luttrell.  If you want to know more about Marcus and Operation Redwing, pick up his book, Lone Survivor.  This story will leave you in tears with a whole new respect for not just our service men and women, especially our special forces.  They deserve so much for the sacrifices they willing make for our great nation and each of us.

So, the question for you today is, "What if you had the fame or the resources to establish a charitable foundation, what type would you establish?"  

Support The Standing for Our Soldiers Troopathon

Move America Forward (MAF), the largest grassroots pro-troop organization in the United States, is hosting their 3rd Annual Troopathon, entitled Standing for Our Soldiers, today to support the troops with care packages from home. The Troopathon is a Jerry Lewis style telethon online that brings together famous celebrities from radio, television, movie stars, musicians, and journalists to create a one of a kind event. 

TROOPATHON 2010

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010

4:00 pm to Midnight EST

1:00 pm to 9:00 pm PST

 The schedule, starting today at 4 p.m. Eastern/1 p.m. Pacific, includes Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Gary Sinise, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Mark Levin, Bruce Jenner, Victoria Jackson and too many more to list.  Check out their program to find when your favorites will be on.

The goal of the Troopathon is to send care packages to our troops.  In the first year, 2008, over $1.5 million in care packages for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan was raised in the 8 hour show.  Since its inception in 2004, MAF not only sends care packages to the troops, but supports the families of troops, sends delegations to Iraq, launched the "Candy Diplomacy" program with Jelly Belly Co. and encourages support for our troops through pro-troop ads and commercials.  

MAF says it best - "Together, we can send the largest-ever shipment of goodies to our friends and neighbors serving in the military and fight America’s enemies around the world. We can do it, and they more than deserve it."

Personally, I have supported MAF for many years and the Troopathon since inception.  Tune in online to the Standing for Our Soldiers Troopathon and donate care packages to show the men and women fighting for our country that you support them!