My family walked in the shadow of death this last year.  Not a pleasant subject, to be sure, but one that was thrust upon us nonetheless.  I lost my mother in April, 2008. She was elderly and infirm, and for the last two years of her life suffered from the scourge of Alzheimer's disease.  So, while it was sad to close that chapter, it was not unexpected, nor was it tragic. It was quite naturally her time to die, as it states in book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3.

On January 20, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama assumed the leadership of a mighty but beleaguered nation.  Regardless of whether we are individually thrilled, indifferent, or dismayed about the new American president and his Democratic majority, perhaps we should ask ourselves an honest question: are we sincerely praying for President Obama?   A brief check of the world news and a brief analysis of President Obama's inaugural speech show us that there is a lot we should pray about.

For years, economists have worried about inflation.  But now, the fear of deflation is haunting governments and business leaders alike.  Could we experience a devastating deflationary period followed by an almost unimaginable death-blow of rapid "Zimbabwe-like" inflation?  How can you prepare?

As a sportsman, I was disappointed when, upon moving to North Carolina, I encountered the "Sunday law."  No deer hunting on Sunday.  Period.  As a Sabbath-keeper, this has brought me no little consternation!  I will not hunt on Saturday, and according to the laws of the State, I may not hunt on Sunday.  That leaves Monday through Friday – not ideal for getting in quality hunting time.

Did you enjoy Christmas this year as much as last?  Because of the worldwide economic downturn, many decided to spend less on gifts than in past years.  Retailers certainly are not happy about this change.  But many discovered that what really makes Christmas special to them is not the material gifts but the special time they spend with loved ones.   Our consumer-driven Western culture has deceived us into thinking that the good life is only possible as we can buy it.  Perhaps this recession will cause many to refocus on their loved ones with increased appreciation and devotion.