Celebrate The Season One Nation Under God

Americans struggle this time of year with celebrating the holidays.  For some, it's a lonely time.  For some, it's an exciting time.  For others, it's a crazy busy time.  For others, it's a time when you dread it.  Whatever your struggle this time of year, it is wise to keep some perspective that money can't buy yet provides a return far greater than your investment portfolio.

Getting back in touch with your spiritual side is a nice start.  I listened this morning on the CBS show where three clerics respectively representing the Islam, Jewish and Christian religions spoke about The Deeper Meaning of the Holidays  All three commented on why Americans aren't as in touch with their spiritual side.  For one thing, many are busy and are trying to buy things to satisfy needs.  All agreed that Americans aren't as spiritual as in past times. 

Relationships take time, and you need to invest in them.  It's intimidating for many who must use a credit card to satisfy certain needs.  You cannot buy love.  Though love is unseen, not tangible and not readily available, it is experienced by many so we know it exists.  Perhaps past hurts prevent you from opening yourself back up and being vulnerable to receiving and/or giving love.  If that is the case, then by all means take your time but do not keep the wall up preventing the WHAT IF love really happens this time.  It's a risk well worth taking.

Forgiveness is key.  Impossible to forgive...I believe not....It takes courage and swallowing your pride to forgive.  Though many see this as weakness, it is greater strength than any football player or Olympic champion can ever display.  God forgives us, and perhaps He is desiring us to forgive Him.  We can learn to forgive by forgiving others. 

We are one nation under God.  Isn't it neat that all can celebrate this time of year?

Holiday Season Tips

Frantic about the end of the year?  You are not alone.  Many are.  In addition to all the holiday season busyness, Americans are dealing with an economy that is dismal regarding employment.  For many, Christmas will not be as great as in years past. 

1.  Check your end of the year financials.  The old expression of getting your house in order is recommended. 
2. Budget for holiday gift giving and go lean!  Everyone understands that people aren't doing as much as in years past.
3. Spend less on your children and spend more time with them. 
4.  Travel with a purpose, meaning budget your auto fuel.  Try to merge two or more trips to the store into one.  Try to carpool or get a ride.  Walking, riding a bike or even taking an alternative means of transportation though full of hassles can free up cash elsewhere.  I know of a retired couple who sold their second car and share one vehicle. 
5.  Clothing goes on sale this time of year so be on the lookout for nice gift ideas or a new article of clothing for yourself. 
6.  Attend church especially the Christmas events.  They bring out a cheerful bit of our soul.  Plus they are free and some offer free child care depending upon the event.
7.  Gift cards are all over the place and make for easy gifts (or do they?).  If you are handing the recipient a gift, it is best to give cash.  Gift cards now come with a $3.95 activitation fee in addition to the amount on the card.
8.  Impulse spending occurs so quick as stores and salespeople put the push on you to spend spend spend.  Be wise.  Watch your wallet. 
9.  Technology is allowing thiefs to get ahold of your credit card.  Check your free credit score as well as your credit card and debit card.
10.  Shop during low volume of people times.  Weekends, after work and school holidays are when traffic will be high.  Plan a day off.  Better yet...shop online and plan to be at home when the UPS man delivers your package.

Fisher House aids many with an upcoming project in Tennessee

The Tennessee Fisher House is working hard to raise donations and is pending construction in Murfreesboro TN.  The Fisher House is a nonprofit organization providing a home away from home for many military getting medical treatment.  96% of all donations directly benefit military families. 

Veterans, Public is outraged at Your Cost of Coming Home from War

The Tennessean published a three part series on Veterans called Coming Home by Tom Wilemon and the medical care being provided for them.    Tony Gonzolez wrote another article on how Middle TN Families are struggling to pay cost with war.   Wives of Faith was mentioned as a possible point of contact for help.  Public outrage is high at how our veterans are being treated based on one of the articles.  Mind you, less than a quarter of veterans dealt with physical issues requiring medical aid, yet the emotional trauma is high.  I believe that both articles provide a glimpse into what some military families have endured as a direct result of service.

On the day after Thanksgiving when these articles were published, I received a phone call for help for a World War II veteran who lost his double-wide and is struggling pretty bad.  While we are processing the situation to see how we can help him out, I am certain that there are more veterans dealing with similar struggles. 

The bitter pill is giving so much to a country that doesn't take care of them especially years later...that's what is difficult for some veterans to bear.  Cutting through the red tape of bureaucracy and government protocals, it's important that our veterans are helped out.  The Fisher House is a great outreach for those seeking to provide financial support to our veterans.    Donations are currently being raised for the Murfreesboro TN location of the TN Fisher House.   The majority of veterans are good people trying to be treated fair in a system struggling with many flaws that add fuel to the bitterness feeling.

Sure these veterans didn't have to sign up, serve, and get paid for their time in the military, but they DID! I applaud our veterans for serving (and getting paid as well as being given certain perks).  Honestly, the pay is low for what these folks and their families do to sacrifice for our country. 

Yet here is something that money can't buy and that is fighting for our freedom. 

Some folks sign up for college money.  Some folks sign up because they need a job and/or work experience.  Some folks do it for family tradition.  Some do it because they have no where else to go.  Some feel called to sign up.  Some are guilted into serving aleit family member, peer pressure or perhaps a bet.  Whatever the circumstance to enlist, the outcome is what it is. 

We hope for the best for each service person.  The best that we can say is Thank You for your service to our country. 



Tennessee Fisher House is located in Murfreesboro, TN and is pending construction.  There is a staff in place so telephone to see about specific means of support currently available. 
tennesseefisherhouse@comcast.net
Phone: 615-916-1310

Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
P. O. Box 774
Brentwood TN 37024-0774

Fisher House™ Foundation and the Fisher House™ program depends of public donations to continue its important work.  Fisher House™ Foundation does not disclose the names of its donors to any other individuals or organizations. We do not do telephone solicitation.  Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Donations are tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.

WAYS TO GIVE:

BY MAIL:

SEND YOUR DONATION TO:

Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc

P. O. Box 774

Brentwood TN 37024-0774

Please make checks payable to: “Tennessee Fisher House Foundation”

PTSD & Jobs

PTSD or post traumatic stress disorde is a serious issue for many military personnel.  While the tv show Castle showed how police officers deal with PTSD, it is much different and yet similar. 

It is a known fact that unemployment for those dealing with PTSD is higher than what many realize.  Even if the person dealing with PTSD is employed, it affects everyone.  Military wives must seek professional help if they feel that their spouse is not making progress.

Seeking employment especially during these challenging times is a challenge.  It is best to network among friends, family and someone in the career profession.  Taking a temporary job or doing odds and ends is better than nothing. 

People want to help and yet people are hurting because of these dismal economic times.  An interesting blog Rainmaker this retired military man provides some resources on it.

Learn a Foreign Language!

As a foreign language major and having traveled internationally, I am an advocate for people to learn a language other than their own native one.  The benefits are tremendous yet many Americans don't understand why. 

In the USA, there has been an increase in language usage other than the English language in everyday exchanges.  For example, we have seen an increase in the Hispanic/Latino culture.  Many lawn maintenance crew and other blue collar workers speak Spanish. 

French is a fun language, and I attribute my learning it to Julia Child's tv show.  My dream was to go to France and go to cooking school.  Signing up for French was a thrill...then came studying and mastering it.   It was a struggle to learn the language, and unless you are immersed in it, it is no wonder Americans have a difficult time learning another language.  I studied hard and persevered.  Studying abroad helped sharpen my French speaking skills.  It was neat to learn about the culture, the history, and the people. 

As a military wife, I haven't had the opportunity to PCS internationally with my husband.  He's traveled extensively and admits he wished he knew another language.  For most military wives, it behooves you to learn another language.  Our navy friends loved being stationed in Spain and gained an understanding of the Spanish language.  Now back in the states, they are enjoying this ability to speak with the new wave of Spanish speaking people.  A former boss studied Russian and served in the military.  He rarely speaks it but gained an understanding of the language and culture that he enjoys to this day.  One enlisted man who spoke arabic helped my husband purchase a nice gift while overseas.  Being in the military is fun because you gain exposure to other languages and cultures.

Today's world is more international where you are able to interact with internationals easier through less costly means of communication.  By understanding other languages, you understand other cultures and other people of this world.  Who knows, perhaps one day we will all converse in similar dialogues and get along better...but until then, it's a neat time to study and learn a foreign language.

Digital Donations This Red Kettle Season

For an institution founded in 1852 to start adopting digital means of accepting donations versus the traditional coins and dollars, it's going to get a great time of year for nonprofits such as The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.  Great organization that does way more than you would think even in this modern era!  If market research confirms that people spend more at fast food places when using a credit card, perhaps this will up donations to charity this holiday season. 

Fewer shoppers carry cash on them.  It is important to be protective of your credit/debit cards this holiday season.