Camping

It's good to get away from electronics and modern technology life at least every few months if possible. A suggestion is to go car camping at a state park or campground. Here are some suggested items to bring:

1. Car
1. First-aid
2. Car emergency kit
2. Clothes: enough clothes + one day
1. Sandals / shoes
2. Hats / sunglasses
3. Toilettries
3. Swim materials:
1. Swimsuits
2. Towels
3. Goggles
4. Inflatables + pump
5. Life jackets
6. Umbrella
4. Bicycles + locks + helmets
5. Tent
1. Lawn chairs
2. Table
3. Foam pads / sleeping bags / pillows / blankets
4. Lanterns / flashlights
5. Shovel
6. Food
1. Snacks
2. Firewood
3. Lighter
4. Cooler
5. Trash bags
6. Water filter
7. Books
1. Bible
2. Board games

Try to Incorporate Physical Activity into Everything

• Walk when you can.
• Bicycle when you can (safely).
• Incorporate body movement throughout your day and between scheduled events.
• Plan for "margin" in your day and take time to move your body.

How to Deal With a Messy Spouse

FIRSTLY, review principles:

1. The Lord in His mercy, saved you from sin and gave you new life! Let us be grateful and keep that perspective!

2. Love your spouse with Christ's love: The Lord is incredibly patient and laid down His life for us.

3. Don't be a Martha! Cleanliness, as nice as it is, does not have eternal significance. Focus rather on the love and person of the Holy Spirit, and set your sights on heaven and eternal treasure.

4. Remember your blessings! He who finds a wife finds a good thing. Husbands, remember your wife is a gift from God to give you love, companionship, children, and a home. She's not perfect, but she is good. Sorry ladies, I don't know of an equivalent verse that says a husband is a good thing 😂 -- but jokes aside the principle still applies -- your spouse is a blessing.

When Your Spouse is Grouchy

If your spouse is grumpy, this is your opportunity to love and serve them when it's not easy and honor God. Here are some tips/reminders:

An Appeal to Elected Officials

There are numerous benefits to copying smarter practices from Japan and parts of Europe to make our lives better and more healthy.

Financial Tip: Real-Estate Investment & Tax

Arthur Martens is a specialist in investment real-estate and he has developed a system taking advantage of recent changes brought about by the OBBBA Act. If you are paying 100k or more per year in taxes, you can significantly decrease your tax burden by taking advantage of new legal and tax provisions that make investment properties far more worthwhile than they have historically been. 

Jesus is the Great Physician of the Soul

From Pastor Craig Bode’s newsletter.

People think all they need is the solution they imagine to their problems or needs, when in fact, on our own, we have little awareness of what our real problems and needs are. There is only One who can accurately diagnose us and help and heal us, the One who created us and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem and restore us, in order that we "have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10—NIV) 

Jesus is the Great Physician you need who invites you today: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30—NIV) 

Don't settle for easing your aches and pains when Jesus offers you rest for your soul!