Fantastic Voyage

What to do with your Tax Rebate!!

2008-02-22T19:16:00.005-06:00

Now this is very hard for me to say living financial conservatism and me with my beating Accountant heart:

Spend it all!

The key is spending it wisely.

Option 1: If you have crippling debt, please pay off your credit cards or student loans. Dragging around interest is a burden to you and your family (if you have one!). I encourage everyone I know to be as interest free as you can be. Take myself. I do have a mortgage, as much as I'd love to pay off my house it just isn't feasible right now, and I have to live with this interest. Mortgage interest is a way of life, and if this is the only interest you have than feel free to choose another option. Though this option won't stimulate the economy as intended, it will reap far greater and far reaching implications on your personal financial future and in turn, the economy. It just won't have that immediate boost as the rebate intends.

Option 2: Put the money in savings. Now normally this would be my option of choice. Because I'm a true believe that you should always have your money working for you. If I have fifty dollars in the bank drawing interest and you have fifty dollars in your wallet, then my money is working harder than yours. Simply put, interest builds and if it isn't working against you (in the form of debt) it can work for you in the form of savings! If you are living paycheck to paycheck or have very little savings, then this option is for you!

Option 3: This is the option that I'm going to be following. The rebate was originally intended to be a way to stimulate a receding economy. The more things we buy the more things are manufactured and the more jobs that are created and the more things we buy. This is a very simple look at the principle. If you feel so inclined, I would also suggest that you participate in Option 3, as long as you don't fit Option 1 and you're okay skipping Option 2.

Option 3 is also really good if you've been saving up for a specific item, use your rebate to buy it now (or when your check comes in) and keep your savings for something else.

Another hint is that I've received my Income tax refund and I've decided to treat it as I would my rebate. So, I'm spending now! But, when my rebate comes in it is going in the bank. You can do the same if you have similar refund/rebate coming your way.

Things to spend it on
1. Personally, I would say American made products. This way has the greatest and fastest impact on the national economy.

2. Services. This has a big impact on your local community.

3. That item you have been saving for. If the rebate covers the item, buy it and use your savings for something in the future. Or if you have to combine part or all of your savings for the item and your rebate, I think that would be ok as well. Remember always have enough savings to support yourself for 3 months in case of job loss.

4. Splurge item. Maybe you haven't been saving for anything. Maybe you haven't been saving financially, but you may have been saving it mentally. Every time you see it in the store or on tv you think that you may like to have it. Again, as long as you are secure in your personal savings, just do it. You weren't expecting this money, so use it as it is intended.

5. Charity! The income you receive from this rebate is taxable on your '08 income taxes, but one way to help alleviate some of that is to give the money away. This is especially good for those of you who itemize. But, remember, that charity is great even if you don't get to count it on your taxes. (If you are wondering, I do include my charitable giving on my taxes simply because that may mean a bigger refund, which can then be used for charity again!) Uncle Sam appreciates your charity.

6. Travel. You may say you are not very materialistic. Then go somewhere! That costs money too! I'm saving some of my rebate for a trip later in the fall. Just remember that the airlines are starting to charge more for your second checked bag!!

Well, I hope you have fun with your rebate...fun responsibly!! If you have any questions, let me know. I hope this helps!

OKC Adventures into the future...

2008-02-18T14:36:00.004-06:00

Oklahoma City's future looks bright!

Let me start of by saying that I love my city. Oklahoma City is like no other city in the world. And for a long time, the world has seen Oklahoma City as a "non-player" on the national scene. Outside of the heart and soul of that shone so brightly in Oklahoma in 1995, no one really knows much else about Oklahoma City.

But, is OKC in the Major Leagues? Some of the charm of my city is the small town feel that has intertwined itself with big city life, here in America's heartland. But, I really do have to hand it to city council and leaders (including those of the Shawnee tribe) for bringing this capitol city of a one hundred year old state to the precipice of the future. OKC's centennial slogan was capitol city of the next century. And though OKC is not going to pass up any time soon the likes of L.A., Chicago, New York City, or other major players, it definitely is not going to sit on its laurels and fade into the background like other cities.

This brings me to the Shawnee Tribe that has announced plans for a major resort in the Adventure District in North Oklahoma City. I know how some feel about Casinos and gambling in Oklahoma, and outsiders see us as a little behind the times....I mean we were the 50th State in the Union to legalize Tattooing. I'm not going to argue gambling here. This isn't just a new Casino...Oklahoma has plenty, so gambling is already a part of the culture, like it or not. This is a resort, with shopping (see retail), a bowling alley, a proposed cinema, a theater, and an 18 story hotel with conference spaces and a spa. Oklahoma City would benefit tremendously from all of these things, and if a casino is a part of the deal, then so be it. This won't be the last Casino. This area along with the steadily growing Bricktown area and the future Core to Shore and I-40 relocation projects, OKC is definitely shaping itself into a tourism based city for the next Century, while at the same time opening up entertainment and revenue for its residents.

If that weren't enough to propel us a few notches up the progressive cities of the US ladder, than the addition of a possible NBA Franchise is definitely icing on the cake. Now, me being a sooner and all, I know that Oklahoma Football is king, but having a home team major league sports franchise is something that many cities can only dream about. NBA Commissioner Daniel Stern said this week that there is an "inevitability" for a move for the Seattle Supersonics. But what Oklahoma City Residents need to know that a vote in the March 4th sales tax vote is key. Without voting yes to improve the Ford Center to NBA standards, the Sonics could move elsewhere. One thing to understand that this vote would not raise the sales tax in OKC, but only extend an expiring tax. I say vote yes!

Who doesn't like the sound of the OKLAHOMA CITY SUPERSONICS, besides those who live in the Emerald City?? Watch out Seattle, Oklahoma City is becoming more of a destination, and not only because we stole your ball.

I like Mike!

2008-02-16T10:38:00.004-06:00

So, here I am blogging again, who would have thought? And who knows how long it will last?

I think I want to talk about Mike Huckabee. And his fortitude of staying in the race. Now, I don't agree with every single thing that Mike Huckabee stands for, but a large majority of it I do. I really do think that he is the quote/unquote conservative voice in this election. Some people claim that Mike staying in the race is divisive to the Republican Party as a whole, but I disagree. The Republican party as a whole is not united under Huckabee, nor is it united under McCain. I think this should be a call to both candidates that middle ground and compromise should be prominent in the Republican Party.

Another point I would like to make is that Huckabee made a commitment to his supporters that he would stay in the race until the end. If this is a smart political move or stubbornness I can't say. But, I want my candidate to stay true to his word and to his goals. This shows me that Mike Huckabee believes in what he is doing and is committed to his supporters and America. I admire him for that. And as a show of support, I too will support Huckabee until the end. If Huckabee comes up short, of course I'll support McCain, but I'm not done supporting Huckabee, until he is done fighting for what I believe in.

At this point in the game, I'm confident that McCain (or by a miracle, Huckabee) could defeat the democratic candidate no matter who that person is. And, my final two cents is that a McCain/Huckabee ticket could be a powerhouse in Novemeber....Just a thought!

To Learn more about Mike Huckabee, click here!
To Learn more about John McCain, Click here!

If you agree with me or not, I think the most important thing you can do is vote in November!

The Amazing....

2007-05-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

Spider-Man...Box office Record...Opening weekend, $148 Million (domestic), with a worldwide total $375 Million!!

See the story here!

Al

2007-02-26T10:44:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that my fan favorite Al Gore has won an Oscar. Is there anything this guy can't do? If only Al showed so much character during the 2000 run, oh what an America we would live in!! Check out his documentary that he won for...http://www.climatecrisis.net/

Society

2006-09-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

I think that society is a great thing and it would really work very well if everyone participated as they should!! I was at 7-11 and thinking about how this store is open 24 hours and that the people inside were going about their business. A father and his son buying bread and milk, me buying gas, and someone else grabbing some chips. Everyone smiles to everyone else, life is nice, capitalism works. Come on, we have to live together, so don't be rude or mean to anyone. Don't steal, let's live in peace...I'm a dreamer I guess.

Now that it is getting colder....

2006-09-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

What I accomplished this summer...

10. See Superman Returns - Done! (Don't Waste your time!)
9. Go running once a week - Not Quite!
8. Go to the Lake - Done! Ryan took me out on his boat, it was awesome!!
7. Eat a sno-cone - Done and Done! I love trying new flavors!
6. Have a backyard bar-b-que - Done, by myself, it counts!
5. Read a book - I read Dan Brown's Digital Fortress, better than DaVinci!
4. Go to White Water - I only went 7 times, so Done!
3. Go to a Concert (I'm eyeing Matthew West and Jeremy Camp in July) - Done! I did go to the West/Camp concert!!
2. See X-Men 3: The Last Stand - Done!
1. See the DaVinci Code - Done! Probably one of the better movies I saw, although if I had to recommend one movie from the summer it would be Snakes on a Plane, (ok just kidding, I did see it though!), I reccomend United 93....powerful!

So I accomplished everything except one, so it was a productive summer....hmmm, a winter list is in the works.

Watch this NOW!!!!

2006-06-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/spider-man_3/large.html

Spider-Man Outs Himself

2006-06-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

Wed Jun 14, 4:10 PM ET

NEW YORK (AFP) - For a comic book hero, it's the ultimate taboo.

In the latest edition of the Marvel comic "Civil War" on sale, Spiderman does the unthinkable and removes his Spidey mask to publicly reveal his hidden identity.

"I'm proud of who I am, and I'm here right now to prove it," the legendary webslinger tells a press conference called in New York's Times Square, before pulling off his mask and standing before the massed ranks of reporters as newspaper photographer Peter Parker.

"Any questions?" Parker asks in the final panel of the issue, amid a barrage of camera flashes.

In a statement, Marvel trumpeted the revelation as "arguably the most shocking event in comic book history."

The seven-issue "Civil War" series, launched in May, sees Marvel's writers taking on the topical issue of civil liberties.

Following a showdown between a group of superheroes and supervillains in which hundreds of innocent civilians are killed, the government passes the Super-Hero Registration Act, requiring all superheroes to reveal their identities and register as "living weapons of mass destruction."

Marvel's roster of invincible crime fighters is split into two bitterly opposed factions, with one camp -- championed by the likes of Spiderman -- in favour of the new law and the other, including Captain America and his ilk, refusing to relinquish anonymity.

"It's about which side you are on and why you think you are right," said Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada.

Ringtones

2006-06-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

Things to do this Summer...

2006-05-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

10. See Superman Returns
9. Go running once a week
8. Go to the Lake
7. Eat a sno-cone
6. Have a backyard bar-b-que
5. Read a book
4. Go to White Water
3. Go to a Concert (I'm eyeing Matthew West and Jeremy Camp in July)
2. See X-Men 3: The Last Stand
1. See the DaVinci Code

AWESOME!

2006-04-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/thesimpsonsmovie/teaser/

I'm Addicted

2006-03-15T18:23:00.000-06:00

911!

2006-03-12T15:21:00.000-06:00

How a day can be interrupted. I called 911 for the first time in my life today. Why? Our neighbors lawn was on fire. Smoke was pouring into our backyard through our fence. It was definitely an adrenaline rushing moment. How random...or better yet, unexpected can a fire start and without much notice: start spreading. It burnt two neighbors yards, but thanks to a neighbor knocking on our door, pleading for us to call 911, the great men of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, & Ryan & his brother's quick actions of dragging Ryan's water hose and jumping fences, real disaster was averted!

(This picture was taken after the fire was out...no need getting in the way with my camera!)

My House Continues....

2006-03-05T13:53:00.000-06:00

New Pictures of my House!!

Lasik

2006-03-03T13:32:00.000-06:00

Ok, So...I'm seeing 20/25 right now, with thoughts that this will improve over the next 3 days following my Lasik Procedure.

George Bush in 2005??

2006-02-25T17:19:00.000-06:00

Piper and his amazing journey

2006-02-21T17:55:00.000-06:00

The following is a letter from John Piper to his church Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis.

This is amazing how his faith endures all........

"January 6, 2006

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter will encourage your prayer, strengthen your hope, and minister peace. I am writing with the blessing of the Council of Elders of Bethlehem Baptist Church to help you receive the news about my prostate cancer.

At my annual urological exam on Wednesday, December 21, the doctor felt an abnormality in the prostate and suggested a biopsy. He called the next day with the following facts: 1) cancer cells were found in two of the ten samples and the estimate is that perhaps 5% of the gland is affected; 2) my PSA count was 1.6, which is good (below 4 is normal); 3) the Gleason score is 6 (signaling that the cancer is not aggressive). These three facts incline the doctor to think that it is unlikely that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, and that it is possible with successful treatment to be cancer-free.

Before going with my wife, Noël, to consult in person with the doctor on December 29 about treatment options, I shared this news with the Bethlehem staff on Tuesday morning, December 27, and with the elders that evening. Both groups prayed over me for healing and for wisdom in the treatment choices that lie before us. These were sweet times before the throne of grace with much-loved colleagues.

All things considered, Noël and I believe that I should pursue the treatment called radical prostatectomy, which means the surgical removal of the prostate. We would ask you to pray that the surgery be completely successful in the removal of all cancer and freedom from possible side effects.

With the approval of Bethlehem’s executive staff and elder leadership, we are planning surgery in February. The recovery time is about three weeks before returning to a slow work pace, and six weeks to be back to all normal activities.

This news has, of course, been good for me. The most dangerous thing in the world is the sin of self-reliance and the stupor of worldliness. The news of cancer has a wonderfully blasting effect on both. I thank God for that. The times with Christ in these days have been unusually sweet.

For example, is there anything greater to hear and believe in the bottom of your heart than this: “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)?

God has designed this trial for my good and for your good. You can see this in 2 Corinthians 1:9, “Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” And in 2 Corinthians 1:4-6, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God . . . If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation.”

So I am praying: “Lord, for your great glory, 1) don’t let me miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for me in this experience; 2) don’t let the people of Bethlehem miss any of the sanctifying blessings that you have for us in this; 3) grant that the surgery be successful in removing cancer and sparing important nerves; 4) grant that this light and momentary trial would work to spread a passion for you supremacy for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ; 5) may Noël and all close to me be given great peace—and all of this through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.” I hope God will lead you to pray in a similar way.

With deep confidence that

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Pastor John"

This past week on the Pale Blue Dot....

2006-02-12T00:43:00.000-06:00

Note the tiny dot.

What is it? It is a picture of the planet Earth, from roughly 4 billion miles away. The furthest picture ever taken of Earth. This picture was taken from Voyager in 1990. NASA has named this picture, the Pale Blue Dot.

This week, I purchased my first home. I'm very excited about this and the opportunities it will bring in the way of service and ministry.

This week, I got sick. Sick, like, every muscle hurts, and you can't keep anything down, and you don't want to get out of bed sick.

This week, I heard my favorite speaker, Louie Giglio. This is a true man of God! (In case you aren't placing the name...he helped start Passion!)

This week, the winter Olympics started in Italy.

This week, two of my best friends from college got engaged. Kevin asked for Teresa's hand. It was so romantic how he did it. I'm so proud of both of them, I love both of them very much. Christ has worked through both of their lives in an obvious & brilliant way, as only the Creator can. The effectiveness of their individual ministries will be beautifully blended together by the Supreme Author into an awesome unified ministry. Glory abounds in the future of these two souls, brought together to serve Christ as one. God Bless you Both! (Please see Teresa & Kevin's Blogs for more details on the engagement).

This week was definitely a rollercoster. This week, I had ups, and I had downs. This week I was reminded of the HUGENESS of God. (Thanks to Louie Giglio for pointing out these pictures, facts, thoughts!) My father, who is so huge that he measures the galaxy with is fingers.

Take a look at this Galaxy, it is called the Whirlpool Galaxy.

Those red things...stars being born. Isn't that amazing?! It is 31 Million Lightyears away from Earth. It is 30,000 Lightyears across!! Now, take a closer look at the center of this galaxy, with this zoomed in picture taken by Hubble...

NASA calls it an X. But, I think I take note of something else in this creation...

But, despite the Greatness of my creator, he still cares for me. Who, by the way, if God is holding collections of stars in His palms, makes me very, very, very, very, very, very small. Do you know how big the universe is? I don't. It was explained to me by Louie this week that our galaxy, our home neighborhood, the milky way, could be represented by a U.S. Quarter. The 'known' Universe, the North American Continent. Feeling small yet? I know I do. Yet, a God that Big...(Bigger than the collective thoughts of anyone who could read this)...loved me the same. He came down to Earth, a speck on that Quarter, and died for me. He died for you too! He took on our form, experienced our life, and took on all of our sins. All the sins of the Pale Blue Dot.........

Thank You Father!

Let the Games Begin.....

2006-02-10T13:49:00.000-06:00

My House

2006-02-08T22:52:00.000-06:00

Phase One of my new house....

My Favorite Super Bowl Ad

2006-02-06T07:47:00.000-06:00

What's the Buzz?

2006-02-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

Mr. Mason was apart of the Hornets crew that I watched, cheerfully, take down the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA puts on a heck of a show. This is not my first Hornets game, nor will be my last, but while watching the NO/OKC crew dismantle Kobe (who drinks Sprite) and the other Lakers I got a great sense of pride for my home state and my current residential city. Many 'Coasters' may dismiss Oklahoma, and its charm, but I'm excited about the possibilites that await Oklahoma City. Sadly, we did lose GM & Six Flags recently, but we have gained Dell and at least momentarily the NBA. The teal words shown off the hardwood, Oklahoma City. I never really thought I'd see it, and I hope it becomes permanent. As I wondered through the streets of Downtown after the game, I reveled in what my fair city had to offer to me. What, though can I offer to my fair city...? At least I can post of Oklahoma on this World Wide Web and hope that I can educate those not in the know about OKC and all it has to offer. I don't consider myself a bandwagoner, cause, what do you call it when a team visits your city? But for now, I'm happy with my team, and there now winning season. So...enough rambling...who's ball is it??

HORNETS BALL!

Miss Oklahoma...er...America

2006-01-22T08:19:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Miss Oklahoma, Jennifer Berry on becoming Miss America!

Great Music

2006-01-21T23:04:00.000-06:00

I just got home from the Fight for Fame in Norman. Cody Dunbar won...Congrats Cody! Anyway, if you haven't heard this guy, hear him RIGHT NOW!! Listen to the song "Today" it will blow you away. All the instrumentals you hear is Cody. He does like a live mix thing where he plays one part live and records it and then plays another part and another and loops them all together right on stage...it is totally amazing!!