Thursday, April 23, 2009

Who are you . . .

. . . the world really, really wants to know.

http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/4477/1/1/

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=90008

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/102/C4803/

Whether we know it or not, these things are already in many non-consumable products we buy. They are even placed under the skin of our pets in the name of recovery purposes. It is disturbing, but in full-steam-ahead process. These are days to stay wise.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Being wise as serpents...

Let's face it, there are alot of serpents out there. Someone is ready, willing and able to scam you, lie to you, steal from you, be you. Have you been a victim to identity theft? A few years ago, I was one.

As Jesus was talking to the 12 about upcoming persecution against them, He said "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves..." Matt 10:16 They couldn't begin to imagine what evil would come out of men against them, just because they were doing what they believed to be right. Jesus wanted them to know about the evil around them, but take no active part in it. They were to be lights in dark times.

One important thing we can do is to have awareness of the wiles by staying educated. To walk around thinking "nothing can happen to me" is not being wise. We live in a day where technology has become more than convenient and people don't have to step foot out of their house to do much of anything anymore. Door to door scammers don't have to look at your face anymore. They can do their evil virtually. We are overrun with media, computers, internet access, cell phones, GPS, scanners, coders, cameras, text messaging, twittering, and blogging. So, if we put out too much info about ourselves in those arenas, we place ourselves at risk.

Is there an escape? Maybe if you live in those remote areas where the cell phone maps show no coverage. Even still, serpents are there because man is there. The human nature wants to bite and retaliate. To get something for nothing. It is a consequence of the fall. And it is not going to get better. Sometimes it is hard to be harmless a dove when you have been bitten. We may be more wise than we were yesterday, but so is the snake. It is never ending.

We cannot hide forever; that is not our mission. We do have resources. The same venue that can do so much harm is also a great tool. A fabulous site to use is wikipedia.org You can search out just about anything in there and get facts. Just like going to the biggest, most current encyclopedia in the world. Let others know about what you have learned. Be a light. Expose the serpent.

Stolen identity can ruin your financial life. One big thing to keep in mind is that you do not give out personal information (like bank account numbers, social security info, passwords, etc) to ANYONE who is asking for it in a virtual setting. This is a RED FLAG scenario. Don't be fooled. Legitimate companies will not ask for ANY personal information, ever. Ask your homeowner's or renter's insurance agent if your policy has coverage for losses. Check with your bank as to their procedures if your account is invaded. Take action by knowing what resources you have and don't have for your family's protection.

Stay smart. Stay safe. You may still get bit, but will be able to recover. These are shaken times and we must be wise.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

A wonderful thing to see

This is the best time of year, in my humble opinion. The harsh bite of winter is becoming less noticeable and the sights of spring are upon us again. I am thankful for the early spring this year. It seemed like jack frost knocked on our door early - right after Thanksgiving - and we were in need of relief. The row of daffodils along the side of my house are displaying their full glory, raising their faces to the warmth of the sun. It's a wonderful thing to see.

"...Consider the flowers of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these." Matthew 6:28b - 29

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Going slow in the fast lane


Something happens to people when they drive. They think they are in their own little world and no one can see them, or something like that. In my town, there is a main road that has 4 lanes, as well as a center turning lane. That's 5 lanes to pick from. Every day, when I drive to work in the morning, there is someone in the "fast lane" who is toddling along and everyone who is trying to drive along at a normal speed has to pass them on the right. I have passed many pokey-drivers who were in the fast lane. Thinking about how I should blog about it. Shaking my head as I moved right and sped up and notice them distracted by their cell phone call. Trying to figure out why in the world they don't realize that they are being passed by everyone behind them and don't just move over. Strangely enough, I found people passing me on the right today. I was appalled and made a point to gun it a little more to be qualified to remain in my lane of choice.

In Germany, if you are driving on the Autobahn, there are two hard fast road rules. 1) There is no speed limit, although the recommended speed is 130 km/h (81 mph) and 2) Drive in the right lane, pass in the left lane. Police will ticket both drivers if someone is lally-gagging in the "fast" lane and someone is trying to pass them on the right.

I don't really have a deep insight to weave onto this post. I suppose you could get deep, analyze your life and determine if you are a slow driver in a fast lane life scenario. Sometimes we all feel that way, I suppose. This post is mainly a verbalization of that which I experience every day while I drive to work. So if you find yourself in the "fast" lane with many people passing you on the right, maybe it is time to take notice and change lanes.