The majority of Christians have stepped away from not only this prediction of day and time but those of others who have predicted Judgment day in the past.  I have heard that Jesus is coming soon most of my life…however, soon is a matter of opinion.  I DO believe that Jesus is the son of God and that he is returning for those who believe in him and those who are serving him on a daily basis…living their lives according to what the scriptures tell them to do to be Holy.

Already the news people are moving the story to the back of the page.  The story mentions that are appearing now, are that the Rapture has not happened on the other side of Earth where it is already May 22, 2011.

You need to read the Bible if you are truly interested in the End Times.  There are people who don’t know the signs to look for.   Wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters, politcal unrest around the world…these things are happening.  There are other signs as well.   Our world is going to end and there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth…but you must read the Bible or consult with a Bible Believing counselor, pastor or advisor who knows about the subject.  The Bible says be not fooled by those who claim peace…many will want to believe because the world is so troubled; but that is when the anti-Christ will appear and seem so able to handle things promising and doing things that people will be fooled by.  Read the word and be informed.

It is no joke…one day..again…no one knows the day or the time…God is coming back for those who have confessed that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of all who believe.   Are you ready? If you have sins in your life…or your life has areas that need dealing with and cleaning up…talk to God.  Got problems that feel too big to handle, or a feeling of emptiness that just can’t get filled up with all the things that the world has to offer?  Been abused, abandoned, hurt or been the one doing those things? God can fix it all, if you give him a chance.  Get your heart right…open the doors of communication through prayer and tell God that you are ready for him to come into your heart and make it right.

The thing is, death is permanent.  Suicide is a false solution to their problem.   Problems, even problems that seem overwhelming and beyond a person’s ability to see past it…problems come and go.  Life is full of them…big, small, and in-between problems.   There is hope…but they may need help in seeing it and believing in getting beyond what is troubling them.   However, if a person’s coping skills are influenced by depression, abuse, post traumatic stress, neglect or drug/alcohol abuse then, they may mistakenly think that suicide is a way out.

There is no way around it…destruction is close at hand when a person is to the point of thinking about suicide IF they do not seek professional help to deal with whatever is driving them to this point.  Sometimes, an individual is beyond seeking help on their own power; and a family member, friend or acquaintance is forced to intervene by contacting either a health care professional, a member of clergy or spiritual adviser, or the police in some cases to force a person to seek help.  This is not easy and the laws regarding forcing someone to seek help are different in each state.

It is a hard decision to even consider stepping in.  Most of us don’t want to be put in the position of interfering in another person’s personal life.   In fact, most people will err on the side of caution and allow desperate situations to go on too long.  Out of respect for that person’s privacy we might tip toe around the subject hoping not to offend.  I say it is better to possibly offend a person than to lose them to suicide; if you are wrong and they are not suicidal, you can always let them know that you cared enough about them to risk their upset, rather than risk losing them to suicide.

Still, I bring all of this up because recently it seems that there have been a rash of suicides.  Some of them made the news, some of them were in local communities and some of them affected people that I know.  It makes me sad because there is always a high cost when a person takes their own life; it isn’t only the person who dies who suffers either.

Suicide can affect anyone.  Shock is the most obvious reaction when someone takes their life.  The people who knew them will often say…I had no idea that they were thinking about it.  Suicide can be in the mind of your parent, child, spouse, clergy/spiritual leader, teacher, friend, an isolated elder, neighbor, a member of our military personnel…or, just about anyone who is living or breathing.  Just so you know, it doesn’t matter how much money they have, where they live or who they know…suicide can be lurking in the mind of a person who is having a difficult time in their life.

You see, friends, acquaintances, and loved ones of people who commit suicide suffer terribly in their grief.  They chase their thoughts round in round about what they missed, how they could have helped, what could have been done differently, why they still live when the person who died is gone.  Some even need counseling to deal with their emotions for a very long time.  Many even get to the point where they, too, struggle with finding joy in life because they feel guilty for having moments of joy, laughter, successes or celebrations.

The person who has died does not know this.  They no longer are capable of seeing how their death affects people who are left behind.   Even people in their community who barely knew them.  You see, we all have an impact in this life whether you realize how many lives you touch or not…every life has value.

People struggle in life…we can help those at risk of suicide by trying to be aware of what they are going through.  Most of us are not qualified to help someone through severe depression or feelings of ending it all by committing suicide…but, we can all be more aware of the signs of when someone is in trouble.  We can urge someone to seek medical/emotional/spiritual professional help.  We can be encouragers, listeners and friends.  Get the phone numbers and addresses of counselors, organizations and mental health care providers in your area.  In an emergency, call 911 if you feel someone is in danger.  You might not only save their life…but you might save an innocent bystander as well.

There was a tragic story yesterday of a woman who was involved in an alleged domestic situation where there was great emotional turmoil.  Her Aunt called the authorities after the woman called a family member and said they would all have to forgive her because she was about to do something crazy.  Her children’s father was allegedly cheating on her.  This distraught New York woman, allegedly put her four children into her vehicle and drove two minutes from her home off of a ramp into some water…killing herself and three of her children.  Her fourth child, a ten year old, managed to roll down a window and by a miracle got out of the vehicle alive.  Her very young children never had a chance.  It sounds like law enforcement was there within 17 minutes…but, it only took her two to drive into the water.   What horrible consequences to a temporary situation.

In her apparent desperation, this was her solution to the problem of a cheating spouse.  It made sense to her at the time.  To those of us outside of her situation; we can see how desperate and out of control she had to be to endanger not only herself, but her children’s life.  Whether he really was cheating or not, it doesn’t matter (well it does…but, that is between him and God); but, her belief that he was cheating triggered her suicidal and homicidal response.  This is a tragedy all the way around.

There are survivors…not only the ten year old child who will struggle to have a normal life since he survived and his siblings did not…but there are other relatives, the spouse, the neighbors, the children’s school mates, church members, community members and so on.  This kind of thing leaves a big scar.

I want to share with you information about awareness and the prevention of suicide by printing a link to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Organization.

We live in a time of great stress.  We have wars going on, natural disasters, man-made disasters, terrorism, accidents, financial losses and domestic violence…you get the idea.  Update:  Last night the news shared even more devastating news about the New York mom who drove into the Hudson River with her children in the car.  It seems that after she drove in she realized what she had done was a mistake.  Her 10 year old child said, She kept saying “I made a mistake, I made a mistake”.  This is so sad…but it does illustrate my earlier point…the person in distress doesn’t really want to die or in this case cause others to die…they just want the pain to end.

I thought that he appeared to have his emotions under control…but, he became evasive in his eye contact and his body language definitely became more rigid.  He was angry, you could see that…but; he tried to redirect the line of questioning back towards his music.  It was uncomfortable to watch; I thought both he and Robin were uncomfortable.  In fact, Robin appears to hold herself away from him through her body language.  I felt the barely concealed hostility directed towards her from my computer screen.   Robin is always so natural on the television screen and yet I sensed that she was very uncomfortable.

Robin has interviewed him in the past, regarding the abuse issue; in fact, I thought that the previous interview was much more at ease than this one.  They seemed to have established a fragile balance in their roles of interviewer and interviewee.  That is what is so puzzling about the new allegation that arose after the interview today.  With his new music being released, this interview could have been a, turning the corner kind of interview.  One where he never again would have had to address the past…it is unfortunate that it did not turn out to be that kind of moment.

It is alleged that he went to his dressing room and busted out a window that crashed down on the road and sidewalk, in Times Square, below the building in a rage over the interview.  As far as I know, there were no injuries…however, there could have been.  Unless members of his entourage saw him do it…there were no witnesses to what actually took place behind his dressing room door; even though GMA staff allegedly became concerned over some loud noises and called security.  Chris Brown was photographed leaving the studio shirtless.

If it IS true that Chris did in fact bust out that window in some sort of uncontrolled rage over this interview…I would say that this young man has done himself a lot of damage.  He was on probation after the domestic violence situation with Rhianna.  I wonder if he is off of probation or if this alleged incident at Good Morning America will come back to haunt him legally.

Some are saying that Chris Brown agreed to the questions that Robin Roberts was going to ask him regarding the past BEFORE the interview.  Even if he had not though; he certainly had to be aware that interviewers would address the whole subject because the restraining order forbidding contact with Rhianna that was just recently lifted.

Sherry Shepard, from The View, seemed to communicate that she thought that IF he did in fact lose control and bust the window that the public would be pretty unforgiving regarding his behavior.  I tend to agree.  I think he appeared to have worked hard on himself after the original loss of control with Rihanna and he came across in the media as someone who was trying to relearn how to conduct himself more appropriately when angry.  In fact, in the interview with Robin he said that he didn’t think it would be a problem (bumping into Rihanna in public now that the restraining order was lifted); that all of that was in the past and he was beyond all of that and moving forward with his music.

The truth of the matter is…IF he did in fact lose control today…he comes across as a person with very little improvement over managing his anger.  Some witnesses said that he appeared livid after the interview.  He probably was doing a slow burn inside of his head.    Those who exhibit patterns of domestic violence towards others really have very little control over themselves and therefore their behavior is really an attempt at controlling their immediate environment and those in it.

Another truth here is that, Robin Roberts is a sensitive woman.   I would be willing to say that she has to feel awful that this talented young man possibly fell back into old patterns of behavior because of his interview on her morning news show.  Robin is a Christian…and, I do not believe that she would deliberately take joy in seeing Chris Brown fail and fall due to their interview.  I think of Rihanna too…she must be cringing inside thinking of all of the attention that this moment in time will re-ignite over a part of the past that she and Chris shared.   She cared for him at one time and maybe she still does.

It is all very sad and concerning.   What will happen in this young man’s life to bring him to a place where he can handle conflict and anger and to a place where others in his life feel confident that he will not repeat old patterns of violent behavior.  Update:

Since I wrote this post…I read news accounts saying that Chris Brown is still on probation…but that ABC will not prosecute Chris.  They have offered to let him come back on GMA and let him tell his side of the story.  Just a short time ago, I saw Gayle King had done an interview with Robin Roberts telling her side of the issue.   I found the interview very informative.  I am posting a link to it here:  Gayle King

Within the first few tweets on their page, I saw tweets prompting the reader to “learn how to play poker”, to buy a specific insurance, to learn about electronic cigarettes, to team up with a beer company to buy the best T-shirts promoting beer, get a payday loans, promoting certain credit cards…etc. I understand the need to make money.  I get that churches struggle to raise funds…but, to me this smacks of leading people into financial slavery, gamboling, destructive health habits, encouraging addictions and gives a stamp of approval to activities that ought not to be encouraged.

This is a church that is “sold out” plain and simple.  If you don’t get my drift; these are paid ads that this pastor and church are condoning by putting tweets up on their page and trying to make money off of each link.  Understand, this is only my opinion; however, some of these are things that are being promoted are contrary to traditional teachings of the scriptures.

Can I tell you what I didn’t see on this Pastor’s Twitter stream?  There was no mention of God,no  Godly things, no tweeting of scripture…no building up of the spiritual nature of the readers…no encouragement to seek a relationship with God.  It upsets me…because I do believe in the power of social media to influence people; because of that, I believe that this pastor and his church are missing the mark.  Not only are they wasting the opportunity to win souls for Christ…they are in effect…leading them away from a life that is dedicated to strengthening the readers relationship with salvation and living a life of service for God.

How do you feel when you hear or see such things?  To me it feels like spiritual prostitution.  I would not want to be judged by God for erring in such a hurtful way to the Kingdom of God.  Scripture says that to those that have been given much, much is expected in return.  They have the opportunity to win souls for Christ and they had best be about the Heavenly Father’s business. It is hard to have respect for Gods values when some teachers, preachers and those in spiritual leadership make it appear as if it is ok to participate in these areas of life that God instructs us to avoid.

Do you challenge yourself to be authentic to your Christian faith online?  How do you make sure that you aren’t contrasting what you say you believe with your personal conduct and interactions online?

One way of doing this is by making an announcement to your friends and family.  But, really, who doesn’t get discouraged by having people watch over their shoulders every minute of the day?  Still, having some way of being accountable is needed; otherwise human nature takes over and before you know it…weeks have gone by without any lifestyle changes to your level of exercise and physical fitness.  So what is a person to do who wants to become healthier but has trouble staying focused?

Fearless 45 has come up with a way of helping you to stay committed and accountable…to yourself.  They have designed a program of physical fitness that takes about 20 minutes on 5 different days a week.  If you make a commitment to Fearless 45 you will be able through your computer to work out to a virtual exercise class.  You get the encouragement that you need, almost as if you had your own personal trainer right there beside you nudging you when you need it.  The online class is there for you at your fingertips; even when the exercise buddies in your everyday life don’t show up to support your efforts.  There is a place on their website that allows you to journal your goals, thoughts and struggles.

Fearless 45 is an intensive program that does interval training to encourage all of the muscle groups in your body to get inline with your desire to get physically fit.  It is almost like body sculpting because of the transformation that takes place within those 45 days of working out.  It is a healthy lifestyle change that you can stick to once you see the results in the mirror and in your well-being.  You are encouraged to take a before and after photo; so that not only you can see the changes, but so can anyone else who views it.

Being healthier should be a goal for all of us.  Having more stamina in your physical being is something we all can appreciate.  Eating a well balanced diet is wise and becoming physically fit can improve all areas of life including emotional well-being.  When we feel healthier, not bogged down with sickness & chronic health problems; we live more fulfilling lives and that benefits everyone.

***Like any exercise program, before beginning a strenuous workout regimen check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to do an intensive exercise program. * Disclosure…this post includes an affiliate link to Fearless 45 and I will be compensated if you purchase this program under that link.

It has become a way of life to do what feels good at the moment and not worry about having a high standard of conduct.  Live and let live…don’t make waves…be politically correct at all times; even at the cost of what you believe to be the appropriate conduct, right?  Wrong…lowering the standards of acceptable behavior can lead to all sorts of personal problems.

You see these things not only in the adult population, but also in small children; they are the next generation in training.  Parents, teachers, clergy, employers, and those in any kind of leadership position will tell you there has been a big change in the conduct of the people of today, as compared to 10-15 years ago.  There’s a noticeable decline in respectful behavior shown towards anyone in authority. A big portion of a teachers day is spent dealing with attitudes and discipline and this affects the quality of our school aged children.  It would be unnecessary if everyone worked together to raise the standards of acceptable behavior and personal conduct.

Many people’s work ethic has gone downhill…there is a sense of entitlement that many people have that excludes them, in their own minds, from having responsibility or expectations put on them.  They appear to think it is easier to just be passive and non-responsive…or fail to perform to their fullest capabilities.  This is really not acceptable if they are to have a fullness in life.  It tends to leave a person dissatisfied about where they are and feeling badly about themselves and others who are in authority over them.  Creating interpersonal problems in the work force and at home should they lose their jobs.

If you as a customer, of a business, feel that you have been treated unfairly…don’t merely tuck your tail and walk out unhappy and allow such treatment.  Stand up for what you believe to be correct.  You don’t have to be rude, violent, or disrespectful…but very simply say what you think is out of line and ask what they can do to correct the situation. Hold someone accountable for their attitude towards others.

You will be surprised at the response.  Some will be shocked that you said anything at all.  Others will be quick to try to make excuses…and try to get you to go away quickly, without trying to correct the situation.  However, if you respectfully try to resolve this problem and get no response…ask to speak to someone with more authority.  Explain that you feel that their standard of conduct was not appropriate.

If you happen to be a business owner…remember to conduct yourself in a way which speaks of your own high standard of behavior.  This is in public and in private.  It is hard to make a living; and people often look for ways to cut corners, eliminating extra financial demands.  Don’t lower your standards in the quality of people who you hire, the products you sell, the way that you go about marketing or advertising them, or even in the place where you conduct your business.  If you raise the standards, your customers will notice.  They will respond in a positive manner; they will come to recognize you as someone over and above the rest.  You will set yourself above the crowd, and raise the bar so that your competitors will respond to that; when they see that your customers are respecting how you conduct yourself and that it translates to better business practices.

Teachers, parents, employers, spiritual leaders, and law enforcement personnel must raise the standard of expected and acceptable behaviors.  Consequences are a big part of this equation.  When someone fails to meet acceptable levels of behavior then there must be consequences either as a natural consequence or as a teaching tool.

Let failure be a learning experience and a natural part of life.  Don’t rush to fix things or make it better and don’t make excuses of why that person isn’t performing up to par.  That is not to say that you can’t have compassion or sympathy and adjust to a situation…but, don’t do it automatically…giving that person an out or a pass.  Use good judgment in how you deal with people.  Not only holding others accountable but being accountable yourself in all areas of your life.

I find it ironic, when you hear someone holding another person or business to a higher standard than that with which they conduct themselves.  How do they justify that?  It is as the old saying goes…we judge others by their behavior; but, we judge ourselves by our intentions.  Meaning that we know what we were thinking when we behaved the way that we did; and, give ourselves permission to lower the bar on our own personal conduct.  That is not fair, nor is it acceptable.  I challenge you to raise the standards … and ask you to challenge others in your life to do the same.  Is it possible to change our culture by doing these things?  How do you envision your circle of influence reacting to this kind of expectation?

There are rich people with just as many problems as poor people.  In fact, often having too much money  is often more of a curse.   Some rich people try to hold on to as much of it as they can and don’t pay their rightful taxes on it; going to prison over that concept.   Look at people who struggle with an over-abundance and you will see what I am talking about.   Think about some of those music or movie stars that you see them plastered all over the tabloid papers strung out on drugs or alcohol; hanging with the wrong crowd and getting into legal troubles.  Some are homeless or about to be due to financial mismanagement.  Family secrets come out and many times, it is because someone feels slighted at not being “given” enough from that person.  Friends and acquaintances sell stories about them to the media…loyalty and true friendship are tested because of the temptation to “sell them out” for money. 

It isn’t unheard of to read about a wealthy family who is going head- to- head over who is getting what, when one of their own passes away and doesn’t handle distributing that wealth evenly to their family, friends, or their caregivers.  Even someone who has money and passes away can be sued (at least their estate can).  Sad isn’t it?

People who live on the street and are homeless are often without the basics in life because of a lack of money.  In fact, Ted Williams made the news recently as a homeless person who was recorded, on tape, by a reporter carrying a sign proclaiming his God given voice in the hopes of getting a job doing voice overs or radio work because of his talent.

It worked…in a matter of days he was carried along on a media whirlwind that took him from coast to coast in the United States doing interviews…receiving jobs offers and offers of a place to live.  He did heartfelt interviews talking about his past addictions (2 yrs of sobriety he claimed) and run ins with the law.  He was on a high of emotion from the sudden shift in his luck and station in life…given a second chance to turn things around.  I am sure in the back of his mind when he was  sleeping alongside the highway in a tent…he probably thought; if only I could get my hands on some money everything will be alright!  Many people would probably think that.

The truth of the matter is that he was still drinking.  He was still in denial.  He had a meeting with his mama, who he hadn’t seen in years, where she told him basically not to let her down this time.  She had prayed for him to turn his life around and to be safe.  To me that spoke of the hurting  journey of a parent (or loved one) to a person who has struggled with long term addictions.  This proved to be true.  The media started to say how hard it was going to be for him to suddenly be financially better off and not be tempted to go back to his old ways.

Now news reports say that Dr. Phil has done a series of three interviews with Ted and his family members out of concern about his sobriety and his addictions.  One of Ted’s 9 children allegedly got into some kind of confrontation in a hotel in California  where the police were called.  Since this time, Ted Williams has allegedly agreed to go into rehab after confessing that he has been drinking still.

Before this,  it was touted that all of Ted’s struggles were over because of  his sudden good luck.  The offers of money, jobs, and media attention seemed like a miracle opportunity for him.  It still could be;  if he does what Dr. Phil and his family truly want and need him to do which is to deal with the reasons behind his addictions and commit himself to recovery.  His relationships can be improved upon… possibly even healed from years of hurt and disappointments.  His opportunities will still be there for him to pursue when he is rooted in a real recovery.  You see, money doesn’t fix everything…it can be a tool to turn his world upside right again, or it can be the tool that destroys him.

So many of us wanted to buy into the story of a lucky Ted Williams who needed an opportunity and a little money and it would be a great story of overcoming difficult circumstances.  We wanted to see him do good.  We still do.  Now we want it more, knowing that he needs more than dollars and a place to live.  He needs help, he needs support, he needs professional intervention to help him regain control of the things in life that have held him back and away from those in his life who want him to be there in their lives healthy and whole again.  It is possible, and maybe just maybe with that help, the power of prayer and the love and support of those who care about him he will stand a fighting chance.

If you see someone who needs help getting back on their feet…don’t be so quick to just hand over money.  Think about what their circumstances really need to be turned around.  Find a way to help that isn’t a quick fix.  What are some ways to help a person in the same kind of situation as Ted Williams?

Twitter is not a place to be a wallflower.  You have to speak with others, comment on things that they say; break the ice with someone you may not be familiar with.  You are in charge of who you accept into your Twitter stream or conversation by who you follow and who you allow to follow you.  Choose wisely based on what you are trying to accomplish on Twitter.  In other words, choose people to interact with who interest you, don’t offend you and last but not least people who support your personal growth as a person, business owner or in an area of impact that you wish to be a part of.

The most successful people who use Twitter still understand it’s basic component and that is the power of connection whether it be connecting to other Twitter users have a social relationship or to bring people together for a common cause, interest or purpose…Twitter is a boon.  People who are already interested in your “business” aspect are predisposed to interact with you.  If your business is to get a message out on a certain subject…there are people out there who are predisposed to interact with you.  It is the same.   Most importantly Twitter is about relationships.  People who love Twitter get that.  They harness that understanding to meet, greet and connect with like-minded people.

Like any positive and productive and long-standing relationship it needs time, attention and respect.  Twitter not working for you?  Think about how you are using it.  Are you talking at people, or with people?  Are you exchanging thoughts/ideas or interactions that not only benefit you but benefit others in a way that they can appreciate you?

So whatever you are about, wanting to share, hoping to achieve, wishing to impact; let’s remember that you need to be aware of not only “minding your own business” on Twitter; but consider some other issues as well.   Take the time to support, encourage, draw out and interact with those people who you can enjoy some spending time with and be your authentic self; just like in your real, everyday offline life!  Twitter is your social network whether you use it to connect to famous celebrities, find friendship, support social causes, spotlight non-profits, proclaim your faith, or brand your business and gain customers.  Whatever you use Twitter for, just remember that your words have impact as do your connections & relationships; make the best of it.

With the economic disasters of the last decade, there are more people out on the street because they have been uprooted by a sudden change in their finances.  Military veterans often struggle with a return to civilian life and end up homeless.   Runaways also can end up homeless after they have run through the willingness of their friends and family to allow them to couch surf for a period of time.  Sometimes a runaway situation is by choice and sometimes it is out of a need for survival that they leave home.   Again, people become homeless for a variety of reasons; and, it doesn’t have to be a permanent situation.  People living on the street can also become a victim of violence, crime, or intimidation.   Homelessness can be a reaction to a temporary situation in a person’s life.   It does not have to mean a hopeless situation.

Ted Williams says that for the better part of 15 years he was homeless and living on the streets because of his addictions.  Turning his life around and getting sober allowed him to have  a dream.   Growing up he had a desire to get into broadcasting for a career.  The addictions took him on another path.  Recently, he stood along the roadway with a handwritten sign proclaiming that he had a God given voice.  A video was made of him by a reporter as he panhandled alongside the road; that video of him using his God given voice went viral.  Since that time, he has had a whirlwind couple of days with job offers inundating him.  He has the potential of seeing his aging mother who lives in Brooklyn, New York while he is doing all of these interviews with the major news networks.  This opportunity to reconnect mother and son is an answer to both of their prayers.  They both have said that they prayed to see him doing well again in life before she passed away. Their faith was rewarded by this reaction to the viral video.

I am sure that there are families all around the country with that same desire; to see their sons/daughters/fathers/mothers restored to a good place in life.  This feel good story of Ted Williams could be true for many more people who are homeless.  Ted has had an offer to work for the Cleveland Cavaliers and have a home again.  How many other people that are presently homeless have hopes and dreams that could come true if someone took notice of them on the street and didn’t dismiss them as hopeless?  it would be great if all of these opportunities being offered to Ted could be spread around to help others in the same situation.

Don’t get me wrong…I love this story about Ted Williams.  I am happy for him and his family.  I just can’t help thinking about the countless others who are still stuck on the street; caught up in drugs, alcohol, prostitution/human trafficking, or in an emotional/physical prison.   Illegal activities often become a way of life when there is no steady income from a job.   We need to focus some solutions to the problem on helping people to turn their lives around and become happy, healthy and productive individuals again.  Look at what a little positive attention has done for Ted Williams and imagine the same effect on those that you pass on the street in the same predicament any other day of the week.   How can you help?  Donate time, food, blankets, money or your skills to those who work with the homeless.  Employ them or help to educate someone; direct them to a safe shelter or to a counseling program which may be able to help them get back on their feet.  Try to shed a little light into the dark corners of the world where people don’t often feel worthy of a better life!

Players are standing in long lines to purchase their tickets.  Even the “odds of winning” aren’t a deterrent to the most loyal of players…the 1 in 176 millionth of a chance of winning.  Really?  I wonder how someone convinces themselves that THEY are the one who WILL win the jackpot with those kind of odds.  It really is gambling to spend money in the HOPES of taking the jackpot.

Although, there are those who spend serious money to try to even up the odds of winning to their benefit; by purchasing more than one ticket.  Still, when you stop and think about it…doesn’t it really mean when they lose that they will just take a harder hit than the person to spends the bare minimum to purchase one chance to win?

I don’t play the lottery.  First of all, people with my kind of luck just don’t win these things.  Second of all, you hear about some of the winners of these huge lotteries who turn around and say, within a short period of time, I wish that I would have just torn up that ticket at the very beginning.   That is not a high recommendation for praying for “good luck” when playing the lottery.

Those people have either lost their winnings, had the funds mis-managed, or been hit up with one kind of disaster after another, once they did win.  Not to mention, because of winning the lottery; they were subjected to people coming out of the woodwork trying to get a portion of the money; thereby jeopardizing their relationships with many of the people in their lives and their communities.  One of the winners I remember reading about lost a granddaughter to death, was sued by multiple people; and, seemed to have gained more problems than anyone would ever think possible.   Often criminal, emotional, marital, or legal problems persist for winners of lotteries.   Others become addicted to gambling or other high risk behaviors.  For those who believe that winning will solve all of their problems in life; disappointment and disillusionment become a way of life.

Those issues are not an endorsement for wanting to win, right?

Winners are often told that 25% of the winnings go to the federal government.  Forty one states are in on this particular jackpot…and of course, the states will have their own taxes that must be deducted from the winner’s take.  It is highly recommended for people who are not already well blessed with finances and well versed in the world of high finance to seek out and (pay for) financial counselors, lawyers, accountants and investment bankers to advise them.  (There would go another substantial amount of the winnings).   I’ve always been taught that gambling is wrong…sinful, leads to all kinds of trouble.

It would be just my bad luck; if I violated what I’ve always been taught…I would WIN and suffer unbearably!  

Those are all reasons why I am not buying a ticket.  Even though it is tempting to think that all of a person’s financial problems could be wiped away in one moment…I won’t buy a ticket.  I mean, geez; if you won that kind of money, you would always be worrying about losing it somehow.  If you’ve never had it, you don’t have to worry about losing it, right?   > So, it’s official; I’ve decided that no way am I going to risk winning the Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot this evening.  LoL   How about you, are you going to risk it?