After terrorists attacked America on September 11, 2001, people opened up their hearts and their pocketbooks to give to those directly affected by the tragedy. The American Red Cross received $547 million dollars for the cause, but until there was a public uproar, the Red Cross was not planning on using all of the money collected for the purpose it was given.

Siebel Systems in San Mateo, CA responded to the news that the Red Cross would not use all the money for the victims, by asking for the $3.2 million dollars they donated back. When the local Red Cross officials promised it would be used for the purpose it was donated, Siebels let them keep the money.

—http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/kpix/20011102/lo/1674_1.html Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

The Red Cross has a responsibility to use the money the way the donors intended, and are doing so now. In the same way, God has a right to insist that we use the money He's provided us with in the way He's intended. After all, the money isn't ours, ultimately, it belongs to Him. We are just His stewards, using it according to His will.

Psalm 24:1 NASB "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it."

In Iraq, many of the people lived in poverty while Saddam Hussein had an overabundance. Prime Minister Tony Blair is leading British authorities to determine the extent of Hussein’s wealth. They believe that he has doubled the number of palaces he had since the end of the 1991 Gulf War, bringing his total to around 100. They believe his wealth is valued somewhere between 2 and 20 billion. Even if it were the low number, it would represent 3% of the 2002 Gross Domestic Product of the country. Blair's spokesman said: “Saddam kept his people poor while making himself rich.”

—http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,6277876%255E25778,00.html Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

What Hussein did with his country’s wealth clearly illustrates his value system. He only cared about himself, while ignoring the needs of his people. His actions are disgusting.

Matthew 6:21 NASB “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

In a recent article for NEWSWEEK, Jane Bryant Quinn gave seven tips for financial health. They included things like lower your spending, get out of debt and have an emergency fund on hand-basic money management principles. Exactly what I'd expect to read in an article like this. But one thing she wrote jumped off the page when I read it. It was the kind of thing I'd expect a preacher to say, she wrote, "What you do with your money shows where your values lie."

Matthew 6:24 NIV "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Jordan and Lindy Schwieger have written a new book that can be read quickly and easily. The 96 page book entitled “Everything Men Knew about taking care of themselves before women came along” says nothing! Every page is blank.

The Schweigers publish under the pseudonym Dr. Ever E Mann. They say they came up with the idea when they heard about a similar blank work. The couple conducted surveys in shopping malls to come up with a title for their idea.

Due the seriousness of the topic, the Schweigers decided to donate all of the profits from the book to an organization, which provides assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Lindy Schweiger admits, “ We’re making fun of men, but the reality is, there’s a serious problem.” She adds the couple is considering writing more books in the future, maybe some with words in them.

—Associated Press, www.tbo.com, December 26, 2002, Book on Men Caring for Selves Is Blank, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

If I ever wrote a book without words, it would be entitled: “Every good reason I know for not giving a tithe or more to the Lord.” Think about it, could you list a single reason?

Malachi 3:10 NASB "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

MANCHESTER, Conn. - Donna Thivierge's 5-year-old son couldn't let his mother go empty-handed this Christmas. Little Michel "borrowed" his mom's wedding ring and a diamond pendant. He carefully wrapped the jewelry in a bag as a gift. When Thivierge discovered her ring and pendant were missing, she reported it stolen, but Michel kept his secret. On Christmas Day, he presented the gifts to his mother. She called the insurance company to cancel the claim, but said she couldn't be mad at Michel because his intentions were good.

Nothing we have really belongs to us anyway, but when we give it to God it demonstrates the right attitude of our heart, and He is pleased.

A new survey of Americans reveals one in five Americans believe the best way to get rich is to win the lottery, while 11 percent said inheriting money was the best way to go.

The survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and the Financial Planning Association asked people what they thought was the best way to accumulate "several hundred thousand dollars." Twenty-one percent of the respondents chose winning the lottery, compared with 55 percent who thought saving something each month for a long period of time was best. Three percent of the respondents said winning a big insurance settlement was the best way to become wealthy.

The survey found that the poor were most likely to think winning the lottery was the most practical way to gain wealth, with 38 percent of those earning less than $25,000 a year choosing that option compared with 9 percent of people earning $75,000 or more. The study also found 31 percent of those over the age of sixty-five thought winning the lottery was more practical than saving each month.

Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation said the result created "some concern", because so many people felt the lottery was their best chance at wealth. Brobeck said, "It appears that these Americans both greatly overestimate their chances of hitting a lottery jackpot and greatly underestimate their ability to build six-figure wealth by patiently making regular savings contributions over time that benefit from interest compounding." While financial planners believe about half of young Americans could accumulate $1 million over a period of 30 years, survey results indicate fewer than 1 in ten Americans believe they could save that much money.

—Reuters, Save money? Nah, just win the lottery—survey, January 9, 2006. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Luke 16:10-13 (MSG) "Jesus went on to make these comments: If you're honest in small things, you'll be honest in big things; [11] If you're a crook in small things, you'll be a crook in big things. [12] If you're not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store? [13] No worker can serve two bosses: He'll either hate the first and love the second Or adore the first and despise the second. You can't serve both God and the Bank."

A non-profit organization, Bolder Giving, has begun a new league. It is called “the 50% league.” To join is simple. All you have to do is donate half of all profits or personal wealth to causes that reflect your deepest values. Co-founder Anne Ellinger explains “an organization such as Bolder Giving is a bit counterintuitive, but ‘there’s nothing to counteract a feeling of scarcity like generosity. ’”

Giving has been at the heart of Christianity since the beginning

--USA Today July 17, 2009 p. 3A. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Acts 20:35 (NASB) "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

You may have heard the expression “use it or lose it,” some recent research demonstrates its wisdom. New research has shown that a little Internet training can stimulate neural patterns and enhance brain function and cognition in older adults. Research has shown that as the brain ages, structural changes take place, including atrophy and decay, reduction in activity, and deposits, which affects thinking. Subjects in the study underwent an initial MRI to examine brain function, and then went home to conduct Internet searches for one hour a day for a total of seven days within a two-week period. Afterwards technicians performed a second scan.

The scans revealed brain activity was stimulated in areas controlling language, reading memory, and visual ability as well as more activity in areas controlling memory and decision-making. Study author and professor of psychiatry at UCLA said, “We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing Internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function.”

--Internet Use Changes Older Brains, http://news.aol.com/article/first-time-internet-use-alters-activity/723296, October 19, 2009, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

One of the best ways to take every thought captive is to continually exercise our minds by using them.

Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. (15) He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. (16) “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. (17) The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. (18) But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. (19) “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. (20) The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ (21) “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (22) “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ (23) “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (24) “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. (25) I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ (26) “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, (27) why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ (28) “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. (29) To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. (30) Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

We often hear it said, “You can’t take it with you.” Some folks, while they cannot take their wealth with them, continue to produce them for those left behind.

This year the top earners among the already departed were fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent, songwriters, Rodgers and Hammerstein, King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and the King of Rock, Elvis Presley.

They are making boatloads of money, but none of it is doing them any good where they are now.

--USA Today, October 29, 2009, p. D1 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

North Dakota, Devil’s lake is slowing rising and flooding surrounding farms and towns. In June 2009, the lake level was about 28 ft higher than the level recorded in February 1993. According to the North Dakota State Water Commission, the Devil’s Lake flooding that began in the 1990's continues to the present [2008], and "has destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses and inundated thousands of acres of productive farmland. The State of North Dakota and the U.S. Government have spent over $450 million dollars in flood mitigation efforts including moving roads, rail and power lines, and building dikes." But every effort has failed to slow or stop this gradual death that is certainly coming to this region. These people have lost everything. With this watery grave slowly taking over, what will the owners of land in this area do? They get no return for all the years they have invested in their homes, and communities.

--http://nd.water.usgs.gov/devilslake/ Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and David Mills

Who would invest their future in such a place? Yet so many of us are investing our lives in a world that has no future because it is under God’s judgment. This world will not last, its honors, pleasures, or possessions. Investing in God’s Kingdom is the wise and safe place in which to invest your life. It will last forever.

Hebrews 12:27-28 (NASB77) “And this expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (28) Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;”

Maybe there are more reasons than we know to bring rather than send our offering to church. In Lake Mary, Florida the bomb squad detonated a suspicious cardboard box found outside a church. They discovered it had $2,500 cash, apparently a donation to the church.

--The Week, May 21, 2010, p. 6. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

The Lord wants more than our money; he wants our lives along with it. When we bring it, we avoid it being blown to bits. The article says that the local authorities said they would replace the money.

Malachi 3:10 (HCSB) Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.

Results from a study by the national Association of Evangelicals show that a majority of evangelical leaders do not believe the Bible requires Christians to tithe. Fifty-eight percent of the respondents said they do not think giving 10 percent of their income is mandated by New Testament teaching, while 42 percent said they did. Many of those surveyed clarified their response by stating they Christians should give out of generosity, with most affirming that they give at least ten percent.

Dr. Kurt Fredrickson, director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Fuller Seminary in California said he is hearing a lot of leaders advocate “whole life stewardship.” He points to John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement who gave away about 90 percent of his income and lived on the remaining ten. Dr. Fredrickson believes stewardship involves many things. He said, “It is about how we give our whole selves to God, which includes money of course, but also our time and gifts.” He added, ”There is certainly the sense that the way we spend our money says an awful lot about who we are as a person.”

Most Evangelical Leaders Say Tithe Not Required by Bible, http://www.christianpost.com/news/most-evangelical-leaders-say-tithe-not-required-by-bible-49744; April 7, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (CEV) “Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give. (8) God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.”

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research 50 percent of American households are so financially fragile that they say they certainly could not or probably could not come up with $2000 to pay an unexpected expense.

This does not fit well with the biblical admonition to work hard so you will have something with which to help others. How can we help others if we can’t take care of our own needs?

Ephesians 4:28 (NASB) He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

This statistic is a reminder of society’s misplaced priorities. “Households with incomes of under $13,000 a year spend an average of 9 percent of their income on lottery tickets.”

That’s almost a tithe of their income thrown away. If the legitimately poor can afford to squander 9% of their income on the lottery, then we can afford to invest 10% of our income on Kingdom causes. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Matthew 6:20 (HCSB) But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.

The way the laws regarding aid to the families of U.S. military veterans are structured, has added millions of dollars to the cost of the wars the country has fought. The law states that surviving spouses can qualify for lifetime benefits when troops have a service-related death. Children under the age of 18 can also qualify for lifetime benefits if they are judged permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability before the age of 18. The result will likely be big bills connected with the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The example of history suggests those costs may stretch out over the next century. The Associated Press recently discovered that spouses and children of servicemen are still receiving benefits up to 148 years after the conflict ended.

The Vietnam War ended over 40 years ago, and the benefit costs are still above $22 billion a year. Compensation for World War II vets peaked in 1991, 46 years after it ended. Compensation for World War I still costs $20 million a year, even though it ended over 90 years ago. The government is still paying $50,000 a year in benefits linked to the Spanish American War in 1898, and two children of Civil War veterans also receive checks every month. U.S. Senator Patty Murray said such expenses should remind the nation about the long-lasting financial toll of war. She added, ”When we decide to go to war, we have to consciously also be thinking about the cost.”— Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Federal government still pays veterans benefits to children of Civil War veterans, http://washingtonexaminer.com/federal-government-still-pays-veterans-benefits-to-children-of-civil-war-veterans/article/2524942, Accessed March 20, 2013.

Luke 14:28 (ESV) For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Graham Greene, British writer said, “A treasure is to be valued for its own sake and not for what it will buy.” This is what Jesus had in mind when he told us to store up treasures in heaven. You won’t buy stuff with your treasure in heaven, you will value it for its own sake.--Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (20) "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; (21) for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Berkeley California may be the first city to require a business to give a portion of its product to the poor. While two percent is not a biblical tithe, it is a portion of the company’s wealth. The law says that medical marijuana dispensaries must give away at least 2 percent of their pot free to very low-income individuals.

While the product may be questionable, the spirit of charity is not. Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

Malachi 3:10 (NASB) "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

A report released by the Transportation Security Administration says airline passengers left behind nearly $675,000 in loose change last year, and most of it eventually went into the TSA’s account. In 2005, Congress gave the agency the ability to use forgotten money to help fund security operations. Every year the amount of money left behind keeps going up. Last year’s total was up 76% from the $383,000 they collected in 2008. A TSA spokesperson said the agency attempts to reunite passengers with the things they leave behind at checkpoints, but if it is not claimed, loose change is documented and turned in to the TSA’s financial office.--Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

TSA gets to keep $675,000 left behind by travelers, By Melanie Hicken, http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/06/news/tsa-loose-change/index.html?iid=HP_LN, Accessed April 7, 2015

Deuteronomy 22:1-3 (HCSB) “If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; make sure you return it to your brother. (2) If your brother does not live near you or you don’t know him, you are to bring the animal to your home to remain with you until your brother comes looking for it; then you can return it to him. (3) Do the same for his donkey, his garment, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore ?it?.

Smart Phones keep track of a lot of information about the people who use them. Now, a Spanish wireless company says they have devised a way to measure a person’s boredom level using several easily checked factors. Researchers for the company had 54 participants install an app that monitored phone statistics and periodically asked the user to rate how bored they were on a scale of 0 to 4. They found that boredom is most common among people who have not recently received communications, but who have sent messages. They noted that male participants were bored more often, especially later in the day. Using this information, the company sent popular articles to the most bored users and found that they would often read the article immediately. The results suggest such an app could be used to send articles, reminders from a to-do list, or even advertisements to users who have nothing else to do. The team said they need more research to verify their results, and find out what works best to reach bored users.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Next Thing Your Phone May Detect: Boredom, By Devin Coldewey,
http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/mobile/next-thing-your-phone-may-detect-boredom-n420641, Accessed September 8, 2015.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (HCSB) Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— (16) making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

A twenty-three-year-old employee of Google is saving 90% of his income by living in a box truck parked inside the company’s headquarters. The engineer named Brandon, says he is only in the truck while sleeping or doing laundry. He confirmed that he uses perks provided by the company such as gourmet food, a gym, showers and a bathroom to supplement what his truck lacks. Brandon has launched a blog and says he has a great social network and that he has found people to very accepting of his lifestyle. He says the biggest benefit is not paying rent in the Bay Area. Google has not endorsed the idea of employees living in the parking lot, but they have not removed Brandon either. The engineer says for now, he will continue to live on the premises. He says the company values thinking outside the box, and though he lives in one, he can think outside of it. —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Google Engineer Lives in Box Truck Parked on Company's Lot, By Gillian Edevane,
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/Truck-Living-Google-Employee-Explains-HImself--336451901.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_PHBrand , Accessed October 26, 2015

Proverbs 12:27 (HCSB) “A lazy man doesn’t roast his game, but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.”

Stewardship

Samantha Jackson and Farzin Yousefian were planning a lavish wedding in Toronto. When the Syrian refugee crisis hit, the couple canceled their plans and instead are using the money set aside for their big day to sponsor a Syrian refugee family’s resettlement in Canada.

They still got married, in a small civil ceremony last month, and asked guests to donate instead of giving gifts. So far, they’ve raised about $17,000 of the $20,000 needed to sponsor a family of four. “We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to use our wedding for a greater cause than our own,” Yousefian said.

This is what Christian stewardship is all about. Peter says we are to take the gifts we receive from God and use them to bless others. — Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

1 Peter 4:10 (HCSB) Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.

Rather than letting her wedding dress gather dust in the closet, Dawnetta Heinz is sharing it with other brides who cannot afford a dress. Heinz bought the strapless dress with beaded bodice on sale for $550. After her wedding, she offered it on a social media classified ad and within 48 hours a dozen women asked about using it. Valalrie Fitzgerald is one of the women who have used Heinz’s dress. She and her husband were planning on a court wedding because they didn’t have much money, but the borrowed dress allowed them to plan a small private outdoor ceremony. Fitzgerald said she loves the idea and she felt a bond with the other women who will wear it in the future. She said, “I can’t wait to see how far this dress goes.” —Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell.

Nebraska woman lends her wedding dress to brides on a budget, https://www.yahoo.com/news/nebraska-woman-lends-her-wedding-dress-brides-budget-145855152.html, accessed September 6, 2017.

1 Timothy 6:18 (CSB) “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share.”

Derek Carr, starting Quarterback of the Oakland Raiders just signed a five-year, $125 million contract making him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. When he was in college at Fresno State University, Carr was a regular tither of his $700 per semester stipend. Now he has pledged to tithe 10 percent of his new contract. That is $12.5 million.

His $12.5 million gift will be used of God for sure, but no more surely than the tithe you give from your income. God has promised to bless you both. —Jim L. Wilson & Rodger Russell

Malachi 3:10 (CSB) “‘Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,’ says the Lord of Armies. ‘See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.’”

In some San Diego neighborhoods, abandoned shopping carts are an eyesore as well as an environmental hazard. In the Claremont area, carts are often left on sidewalks, in bushes, and on private property. In response, several stores have contracted with a local business to retrieve the lost carts. If residents call the company, they will send someone to get it within 48 hours. The stores also recommend that people who find carts with a store name on it contact the nearest location of that store for pickup. The city also has an app for reporting abandoned shopping carts and they try to pick up the most urgent ones. Sources said a typical grocery store losses $10,000 a year to stolen carts, because they generally cost between $75 and $150 each. The obvious answer is not to take carts off the store property, but a local resident, who lives in a 55-and-older complex, said, “If they’re elderly people and they’re trying to take groceries home, I don’t expect them to take it back because they’re exhausted, you know.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Philippians 2:4 (CSB) “Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Susan Cook and Patrick Riordan walked into a Payless shoe store looking for one reasonably priced pair of shoes—and walked out with 247 pairs. The Payless chain declared bankruptcy and the Hamilton Township store was slowly selling off its inventory at $2 a pair. “What if we buy everything here?” asked Riordan. They got the entire stock for $1 a pair. They donated the shoes to Womanspace, a charity that helps families affected by domestic violence. “We’re not rich,” said Cook. “But you think about making such a difference for 247 people, and that’s so worth it.”

Susan and Patrick had an eye out for making a difference in people’s lives. They didn’t just talk a good thing; they took advantage when the opportunity arose. What opportunities are we missing out on simply because we don’t look? —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,

Stella Wedell went on vacation to Spain with her family when she was 12 years old. ON that trip she lost a cassette tape of her favorite music. Wedell couldn’t find the tape and wasn’t even sure where she lost it. 20 years later, Wedell visited Spain again and went to see an exhibition by a British artist and photographer focusing on plastic pollution in the oceans. In the exhibit, she saw the cassette tape she had lost years earlier. The woman who assembled the items said the tape washed up on the shore of a Spanish island off the coast of Africa, about 1,200 miles from where Wedell lost it. The exhibit had used a professional audio restorer to retrieve information about the songs, and Wedell said it was exactly the way she remembered recording it. She told a reporter that she couldn’t believe the tape was still around. She said, “The songs at the start were damaged but further in, the songs were as clear as they would be today. It shows how long plastic can exist in the sea.” The owner of the exhibit said the tape would be returned once the exhibit completed its tour.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/02/14/Swedish-woman-spots-long-lost-mixtape-at-art-exhibition/3271581710454/?sl=4

A British man who started to build a deck in yard during coronavirus lockdown made an unexpected discovery while digging. The man found someone had buried an entire car in the yard years earlier. John Brayshaw bought the home six months earlier and was digging post panels for a deck, when he found the vehicle buried on its side. Brayshaw said the car appeared to be a 1955 or 56 Ford and was complete with everything except its wheels. He said he had no idea how it got there, but believes the buried treasure predates the previous residents of the home who lived there for about 50 years. —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

“His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned.

Just because we believe a person is free to spend their wealth as they choose doesn’t mean they should. The fashion house Gucci recently debuted faded denim overalls with fake grass stains on the legs. The overalls sell for $1,400 a pair.

I believe the person with God eyes would consider paying $100 for a pair of overalls, wash them enough times to see them fade and wear them on the lawn while they practiced sliding. Then they would have faded denim overalls with real grass stains on the legs and have $1300 to give to someone in need. — Jim Wilson and Rodger Russell

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

Shane Houston and a friend from New Hampshire were on a metal-detecting trip in New England and obtained permission to search the ground outside a church in Maine. Houston said they found several interesting items, but the most interesting discovery was a 222-year-old copper penny dating to the first few years that money was minted by the United States. The coin is about the size of a modern half dollar and has the image of Lady Liberty on one side and the words “One Cent” on the other. Houston said similar coins have sold for about $200, but he plans to keep it in his private collection. Houston said he could not reveal the location of the church, because he plans to return to search the area next year. —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.

Chuck Feeney co-founded “Duty Free Shoppers” and it made him rich. With the billions of dollars that he earned Feeney began a philanthropic foundation with the goal of giving away the entire $8 Billion fortune. He recently shut down the foundation after succeeding in giving away all but $2 million that he set aside for his and his wife’s retirement.

This is the giving that can make a real difference in our world. We can keep enough to live on and give the rest away. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

The owners of a London home pulled back on a deal to sell it after they found what they think is a mural painted by Britain’s elusive street artist known as Banksy on an exterior wall. The artwork, called “Achoo,” depicts an elderly woman sneezing, sending her dentures flying out of her mouth. It also depicts the sneeze knocking down other buildings further away. British media report the mural was discovered on the home as the sale was being finalized. The family said they had put the sale on hold to ensure that artwork would be protected by the new owner. At the same time, Banksy posted a picture of the work on his website, confirming he created the painting. Nick Makin, the son of the homeowner told reporters, “It does increase the value, and you have to take a moment to think about it, but it’s not changing anything in terms of the house sale for us.” –Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

In Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek writes, “According to the Stockholm International Water Institute, as much as 50 percent of postharvest food grains will never be eaten simply because of spoilage and improper storage. The developing world loses 50 percent of its food supply because people aren’t looking after it properly, while we, the developed world, lose 50 percent of our food because we throw it out unnecessarily.”

When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.”

A couple moving out of their home in Sudbury England contacted a local auction house to help them sell off items they no longer needed. Among the items they planned to sell were a pair of sphinx statues that the couple believed were replicas made in the 18th century. The Auction house didn’t question the appraisal and planned to sell the statues for a couple hundred dollars. When they auction started, the bids on the statues skyrocketed when an international art gallery jumped into the bidding. Auctioneer James Mander said the gallery believed the statues were not replicas but several thousand years old and purchased them for more than $265,000. When an inspection was done, Mander said, “As it turns out they’re thousands of years old and genuine. I wonder where they have been for the last 5,000 years. It’s quite incredible, really.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2021/10/13/garden-statues-ancient-Egyptian-artifacts-Mander-Auctioneers/8491634154237/