State of the Nation...

I recently read a disturbing report revealing that unemployment in the USA currently tops 13.9 million people.  Perhaps that's a bad choice of wording "tops". (if you're unfamiliar with the colloquial term it can also mean to commit suicide i.e. top yourself)   Because in another article on CNBC, reearch  shows similar levels of alcohol consumption, poor mental health, unemployment and violent crimes in the worst of the 50 cities.  Suicide is also a telling factor.  See http://www.cnbc.com/id/46043926?slide=1 if you want to read the full article.  (I was also disturbed because I've personally visited several of these cities.)

What prompted more thought was that 13.9 million is a relatively 'small' percentage of the population of the US, but is HALF the Australian population.  Imagine if every second person walking our streets was unemployed.  Not only would there be huge financial consequences for families, there would be even great 'hidden' consequences like lack of self-esteem, depression, increased rates of domestic violence and quite likely suicides too.  We truly are the lucky country.  So, what have I resolved to do?  Well, firstly pray for wisdom about what I can do that will make a different, plus make a mental note about not navel gazing or being caught up in the stresses of my day that I miss opportunities to smile at a stranger, have a quick dialogue with an elderly person who is travelling in my train carriage and forget to be grateful for my blessings.  Of which there are many...

Book Review: All that I am

Well, since Christmas I've become a big fan of my newest toy, a Kindle.  After 3 botched attempts at registering it (and feeling like a techno-dud), a kind colleague of my husband's helped out.  Boy am I glad she did.  Minxie (my new Kindle's name) and I are now inseparable.  She also has a snazzy red cover and allows me to stash my written to-do list inside her cover.  Downsizing is very important to me! What's great is I can read my bible on the way into work and then squeeze half an hour of reading in my lunch break or on the way home from work (the benefits of commuting by train). 

I've just finished a great book, but Aussie author, Anna Funder - All that I am.  The storyline is framed around historic facts and documents that the author researched and follows the 3 main characters - Ruth, Dora and Toller - all of whom are Germans resistent to all the evils of the Nazi regime.   They end up being scattered to London, Paris and New York and Australia - all the while doing what they can to make others (including the Allied governments) aware of what is going on inside Germany (prior to WW2).  It was a compelling read - certainly had its black moments, but filled some large gaps that I had in European history.  The biggest realisation I came to is that if we allow ourselves to swayed by clever arguments (without seeking to have an educated understanding of things), then by our complacency we could be contributing to a potentially scary future .  The biggest weapon a corrupt leader has is a majority of complacent people who don't question his actions.

I came across the ocean...

I came across the ocean... I recently picked up a flyer detailing a university degree in Migration Law.  Given the diversity of our demographic make up in Australia, this would certainly be an area of growth and future job opportunity.  I allowed my mind to consider what it would be like to study again (part time of course)But, with the benefit of thinking over it for a few days, I realised there are simply not enough hours in the day.  I have the same number of hours as everyone else and am pretty happy with the choices and priorities I make.  A wise friend keeps reminding me that this a busy season of life, so I remembered 2 scriptures and looked them up.  They bring me great comfort. 

1 Timothy 6:6-7

 ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

Lamentations 3:22-24

 ²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”