Ashes Ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Traditionally, the Roman Catholic churches offer ashes to be placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of death. From what I understand, God's words to Adam are often used in the ceremony: “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

My friend Susan Ince wrote the following last year. I've kept a print out of it above my desk at work since then. I thought it would be worthy to share here:

I would like to suggest one way of making room for God during this Lenten
season: choosing not to do some things (fasting) and choosing to do other things
(feasting). Tradition teaches us to fast during Lent, because Lent
prepares us for Easter, the victory of life over death, we need also to feast on
the life God offers as we seek to deepen the divine life within us. It is
appropriate then to fast AND to feast!

Fast from harsh or mean words.
Feast on words that encourage and support others.

Fast from anger.
Feast on patience.

Fast from worry.
Feast on God's love and care.

Fast from sadness and depression.
Feast on joy and peace of mind.

Fast from complaining.
Feast on appreciation and gratitude.

Fast from bitterness.
Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from resentment.
Feast on acceptance.

Fast from jealousy.
Feast on being oneself.

Fast from self-centeredness.
Feast on compassion for others.

Fast from excess.
Feast on moderation.

Fast from acquiring.
Feast on generosity.

Fast from apathy.
Feast on caring.

Fast from discouragement.
Feast on hope.

Fast from judging others.
Feast on finding Christ in them.

All for now,
Lisa

Throw Me Something Mister!

Most of you know that today is Mardi Gras (mär'dē grä) or (mahr-dee grah), which is the last day before the fasting season of Lent (40 days of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter).

Mardi Gras literally means “fat Tuesday” (mardi = Tuesday, gras = fat). I suppose the idea is "eat cake for tomorrow we will fast", which has resulted in a general tolerance for a day of gluttony and excessiveness.

As most of you know, New Orleans, Louisiana, is famous for its Mardi Gras celebration, as is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (they call it Carnival there), and in Nice, and Cologne (usually in staunchly Roman Catholic regions). Commonly, these celebrations consist of elaborate parades and masked balls usually lasting for about a week before Mardi Gras day. In New Orleans, there seems to be two Mardi Gras... the one no where near the French Quarter. And the one most televised, which is in the French Quarter.

While I'm no proponent of gluttony, I have to admit that one of my favorite "excessivenesses" is the king cake. The king cake most often used is a ring of twisted bread topped with purple, green, and gold icing. Most have filling inside (usually cream cheese). Yum!

The best part about the king cake is the trinket inside. From what I understand, the most traditional trinket is a bean, but all the king cakes I've seen have a plastic baby inside. As the story goes, the "baby in the king cake" was said to have become common after a local bakery chain got a large shipment of such plastic baby dolls from Hong Kong very cheaply in the 1950s.

Did you know it's also Pancake Tuesday?

Pancake Tuesday

In Ireland, Australia, and Canada, Mardi Gras is known as "Pancake Tuesday" - which is exactly what they would do on this Tuesday -- eat a pancake! Pancakes are eaten to use up milk and eggs, which are not eaten during Lent, and would otherwise spoil during this period. Cooked like a French crêpe, the pancake is served with sprinkled sugar or drizzled with syrup (sounds very similar to the king cake) And, as a matter of fact, I found out that in Newfoundland, objects are baked into these pancakes (viola!). Apparently, these objects all have meanings associated with them. Finders of the coins will be rich, finders of the ring will be the first ones married, etc. (which sounds very similar to the New Orleans tradition of baking these sorts of items into the wedding cake).

With all this talk about food, I'm hungry.

All for now,
Lisa

source: http://www.answers.com/

Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans

Do you know what it means
To miss New Orleans
And miss it each night and day
Well I know I'm not wrong
The feeling's getting stronger
The longer I stay away
Miss those moss-covered vines
The tall sugar-pines
Where mockingbirds used to sing
And I'd like to see the lazy Mississippi
A hurrying about to spring
The moonlight on the Bayous
Those Creole tunes that fill the air
You know I dream about magnolias in bloom
And soon I'm wishing that I were there
Do you know what it means
To miss those Red Beans
When that's where you left your heart
And there's one thing more I miss the one I care for
More than I miss New Orleans

All for now,
Lisa

Life Keeps on Rollin'

Yesterday, I visited Cactus Records for one of the last times. Very sadly, it is closing on March 31 after over 30 years of business! That day will be a sad day in Houston. It was always a treat for me to wander in to that store just to lose myself in all those great CDs. Each time I'd go in I'd always manage to uncover a great find. And yesterday was no different.

In those well-used bins, I found "Our New Orleans" which is a benefit CD that has just recently been released. The good news is that all net proceeds will be donated to the local relief efforts of Habitat for Humanity, with a portion specifically set aside to provide housing for local musicians left homeless by the disaster. Just recently, I blogged that we need to keep these folks in the forefront of our minds and not forget to help them. This is another way you can help! And have a great CD to boot!

Here's what Amazon says about it:
Hurricane Katrina may have devastated New Orleans and surrounding Gulf communities in 2005, but it was also a forceful reminder of the Crescent City's world renowned status as the epicenter of much American musical heritage. This benefit album picks up that latter thread, a sometimes bittersweet reminder of how deepy ingrained, yet all-too-fragile, that cultural legacy really is.

Click on the above link to purchase it! It's just that easy.

One other review stated:
Of all the concerts and benefits put on by the music industry in aid of New Orleans in the wake of this year’s hurricanes, Our New Orleans has to be one of the most heartfelt and flat-out best collections of music from and about the Crescent City. It will not only benefit the city’s coffers (actually Habitat for Humanity, in their efforts to rebuild the city) but also serves to document the depth and profound musicality of the city, as well as serving as a calling card promoting the glories of New Orleans’ past to whole new generations of listeners.

All for now,
Lisa

Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

I received this in an email from a co-worker:

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.
3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it 'in.'
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks, write “for smuggling diamonds.”
7. Finish all your sentences with “in accordance with the prophecy”.
8. Dont use any punctuation
9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
10. With a serious face, order a diet water whenever you go out to eat.
11. Specify that your drive-through order is “to go”'.
12. Sing along at the opera.
13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
14. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.
15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.
16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name, “rock bottom”.
17. When the money comes out the ATM, scream 'I won!, I won!'
18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling “run for your lives, they're loose!”
19. Tell your children over dinner. “Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.”

So, how do you maintain a healthy level of insanity?

All for now,
Lisa

Blue Tarps and White Trailers

On a whim, I decided to go to New Orleans this past weekend for the Mardi Gras Marathon. A good friend was going to run the marathon and I was going to run the 5K while also supporting her in the last couple of miles of the marathon. Unfortunately, it ended up that she could not run the marathon because of a lingering injury. We both ended up doing the 5K, which was a lot of fun (the weather could not have been better - blue skies and a cool breeze). The run was also was a nice punctuation to a wonderful weekend.

It was an eye-opening weekend.

We took Saturday to drive around the city of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish. Folks, their ordeal is no where near over. The city is heavily dotted with blue tarps covering half-blown away roofs and white FEMA trailers parked in "trailer cities" as well as in front of once water-saturated homes. The strange thing is the eerie quietness of the city. Entire subdivisions still do not have electricity and there are no inhabitants. The other odd thing is that no one seems to be occupying the trailer cities. They are barren. Cars are parked outside of homes. Not because their owners are inside, but because they have not been moved from where they were before the water covered them.

I took some photos. The link is at the left.

It's been 5 months since Katrina and Rita. Let's not let time fade our memories and still us from action. They still need our help.

All for now,
Lisa

Passion '06 Conference Photos Now Online

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's the case, I now have 48,000 words to describe Passion '06.

I have uploaded my photos (as well as a friend of mine's) onto Kodak Gallery. Please click the link at the left to view them. You may have to log into Kodak Gallery (it's free) to view them.

All for now,
Lisa

Following Prophecy

I so often have asked for it. I've begged God and reasoned that I would definitely follow through if He just plainly told me what to do. I mean He's done it before. It's not like I'm asking for something He's never done before. Just ask Moses.

But now, I realize that even if God may answer my folly with phrophecy, there's no guarantee I (or anyone else) would follow it. Want evidence? How about the Jews. The Jews knew about Christ. And had prophecy. Yet still denied Him.

I now see the blessing in not knowing the whole journey. Just the next step. The depth of God's mercy has always been profound. I'm just getting close enough to the edge to be able to peer more deeply into it. I'm learning to surrender to the mysteries and enjoy (yes, I said it) the waiting time before each mystery is revealed.

[I wrote the above over a month ago. However, there was a part missing. I couldn't quite touch the thought I was trying to get. However, today's "My Utmost for His Highest" brought it to light]:

As servants of God, we must learn to make room for Him-to give God "elbow
room." We plan and figure and predict that this or that will happen, but we
forget to make room for God to come in as He chooses. Would we be surprised if
God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a way we had never expected
Him to come? Do not look for God to come in a particular way, but do look for
Him. The way to make room for Him is to expect Him to come, but not in a certain
way. No matter how well we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that He
may break in at any minute. We tend to overlook this element of surprise, yet
God never works in any other way. Suddenly— God meets our life ". . . when it
pleased God . . . ."

Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising
power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy,
and leave room for God to come in as He decides.

Living in a constant state of expectancy. That's it! It focuses our attention on the relationship... looking for Him. Not looking for what He hands out. I've heard this question before and I ask it to you... are you looking to the hand of God or the heart of God?


All for now,
Lisa

A Generation for His Renown

I had the priviledge of volunteering at Passion 06. It was an incredible experience for me to be able to peer into what God is doing in His children aged 18-25 or so. I say that and then I think about how He worked in so many more; those there as leaders, volunteers, curious spectators, bystanders. He truly works it all together!

I've been back a few days and have searched for words to be to able to express my thoughts about Passion. This wasn't my first Passion event so you would think I would be able to appropriately tell you about it. Well, I'm coming up a bit empty. But! I was a bit encouraged when I read that Louie himself has the same dilemma.

CCM Magazine did do a nice job of describing the details of the GO center.

I will write more later.

All for now,
Lisa

Happy 2006 Folks!

More on the Subject of Contentment

This subject spurred a lot of response from you all out there in blogreadingland. Thanks for your thoughts!

Most often contentment is talked about in the light of dating/marriage. But I am convinced that we singles have blinded ourselves into thinking it ONLY has to do with that... that once we're married, our contentment will be solved. I really don't think that is true... but you can read more about my thoughts from my earlier blog entry.

So, with that being said, another great article on contentment with singleness came out recently that I wanted to share...

http://www.crosswalk.com/community/singles/1300750.html

This article gives some good advice on what to do while waiting for our special one. It also gives an incredible account, which left me in tears, of Fanny Crosby.

As we approach Christmas day, I pray for you all a wonderful season filled with the love of Christ through the remembrance of His birth.

I love you all!

All for now,
Lisa

Good Character, Morality, and the Power of Love

Does character count?
What does it mean to be a person of "good character"? I've heard this recommendation often -- "Lisa, make sure to marry a person of good character". I'm not sure what like looks like, so I thought I'd surf the web to find out more.

I found the Six Pillars of Character, in association with Character Counts, a non-profit assocation for teaching character education in schools:

1. trustworthiness
2. respect
3. responsibility
4. fairness
5. caring
6. citizenship

These are all great virtues, but do you really think you can muster up the ability, absent of God's power, to have them? I don't. I mean these are great characteristics, and they are evident in a moral person, but is that enough to prove good character?

Morality
I remember Pastor Gregg saying in a sermon recently, "Good [moral] people don't go to heaven. Only Holy people do". Amen. I think the basis of good character comes not from morality but from love.

The Fruit of Good Character
Jesus talks about the mouth speaking out of the overflow of the heart. What's inside you will come out, the facade of good virtues will not stay. I've heard it likened to toothpaste. Squeeze and see what comes out. When I was in Capernaum I saw a huge olive press. Our guide said something I'll never forget, "the quality of the oil cannot be known until the olive has been pressed". And we humans are exactly the same way. Jesus teaches us the way to build good character, especially when struggles come... and we all know about those, don't we?. Luke wrote about it:

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." Luke 6:43-48

The Way of Love
I think true character is derived from the love of Christ and that love expressed. I think 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 does a nice job of summing it up. I'll leave you with The Message version:

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing
but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing
all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that
says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I
give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a
martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I
believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love
cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the
sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the
flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks
for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never
dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will
end; understanding will reach its limit.

All for now,
Lisa

Two Things

Two things God has been teaching me lately. I know, two doesn't seem like a lot, but hey, I'm just glad I'm getting it, even if it's just a little! Anyway, I thought I would take this space to delve into them a bit. I don't have all of it neatly packaged, but here goes:

1. The ever-present reality of God's work in my life. This came from a conversation with a friend of mine about how our requests to God always seem to focus on the future, and our struggles always seeming to be in the present (duh). What I mean is that we realized that it is through our present struggles that God is anwering our future requests. For instance, my friend wants to better share the gospel and her testimony. She recently did it and had the desire to "do it better" (as if it's in our power to "do" it). She was asking God to present her more opportunities and to do a better job. What we realized is that God was answering her very request in that very moment by the very present opportunity. After all, it's not just the last three that count. Meaning, it's not in the attaining, but in the preparing. And He's right there along the way.

2. What will I really take with me to heaven? We all know we won't be taking our things to Heaven. But we really won't even take our faith -- we'll have no need for faith, but all will be seen. We really won't even take our knowledge. We'll be in the face of full knowledge, full disclosure, so to speak. So, what will we take? After finishing Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, I have realized that the only thing we will really take with us, packed nicely in our luggage, is our experiences. Our experiences along the way... and I think it will be how we will be known. What this revelation has done for me is help me to have a better kingdom-minded perspective with respect to my every day living.


All for now,
Lisa

Getting Real about Loneliness

Would you believe I just received an email this morning from ChristianityToday speaking to this issue of loneliness. In this article, six singles share their coping strategies and lessons learned from lonely seasons.

Here's the link -->
http://www.christianitytoday.com/singles/newsletter/mind40526.html

There are lots of ideas for coping. If that's the right word... or how about I use the word embracing... does that sound better? Or is that too affectionate a word for such an ugly issue? I say that with a little bit of tongue in cheek because I think most often we singles begrudge loneliness when, in fact, is not a issue of singlessness as much as an issue of humanity. My married friends have shared with me their seasons of loneliness. So, regardless of marital status, is loneliness a bad thing? Something from which we should run?

I'm curious, folks, what are your thoughts?

All for now,
Lisa

Satisfaction, Gratification, Loneliness, and Being Alone

It seems these have been the topics of many a conversation as of late. Mostly around the subjects of singleness, dating, and the married life. Maybe it's just me, but it also seems like lately there has been a plethora of Christian articles on dating... from Christianity Today, LifeWay, and CrossWalk. But maybe it's like the old adage that if you desire a blue car, suddenly all you see around you are blue cars.

Satisfaction vs. Gratification

"It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied, and most human beings live only
for the gratification of it." Aristotle

I'm not exactly sure what Artistotle meant by this, but let's dig into it. So, if a desire is satisfied, would it be a desire anymore? Say for instance, I have a desire to eat and after I eat I've probably lost my desire to eat right then? By eating, I have gratified my desire; not necessarily satisfied it. I think God made us in a way that we will continually desire. And I am mindful of Paul's comments to the Philippians; knowing the secret of being content regardless of the situation.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.
Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do
everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:10-13 [NIV]

I think Paul is saying contentment is a decision, not a feeling.

Contentment vs. Complacency

Learning to be content does not mean learning to be complacent. I think we must learn to continually stir the waters. We have to. So, how does that really look? I'm not completely sure. But I know I cannot move and stay on hold at the same time. It means finding your vineyard and continually tending it. You can even be bold enough to ask God to enlarge it. But don't let anyone steal your joy (and this might even be yourself!)

Loneliness vs. Being Alone

Loneliness seems to be linked to a state of sadness. Being alone seems more like you are by yourself, but not necessarily sad about it. You can be lonely in a room full of people. Perhaps a lot of singles want to be married thinking that it will solve their loneliness. I leave you with a quote from one of my favorites... Rich Mullins.

And it was just a few years ago that I finally realized that friendship is not a
remedy for loneliness. Loneliness is a part of our experience and if we are
looking for relief from loneliness in friendship, we are only going to frustrate
the friendship. Friendship, camaraderie, intimacy, all those things, and
loneliness live together in the same experience.

All for now,
Lisa

His Face Showing Through (remix)

This Sunday's sermon really appealed to me. Ben Stuart did an outstanding job of going through Colossians 1:24-29. My Bible entitles this passage "Paul's Labor for the Church".

I ended up taking notes in prose-fashion so I thought I would share it here:

Either by craze or by cause
Living with purpose
But when purpose introduces pain
Do you see joy in it?
Rejoice in suffering
I have a cause
That's worth living for
Worth dying for
This is why I live
Two voices we give
An unreserved yes to
Authority
Love
The glorious riches of the mystery
God willed to make known
Once in the dark
Now in the light
Unknown made know
Not just the content
But the beauty of the passion
The story being told
Not knowledge or teaching
But the story of the good news
The gospel
Looking for hope
Save me!
The passions of our heart
Satisfied
The continuing work of Jesus Christ


All for now,
Lisa

After All, Who Dreams in Narrative?

I’ve been pondering the topic of theology a little more lately (see previous post on reasons why). I've found out that the word, theology, comes from the Greek word theologia (“Say any word and I'll tell you how the root of that word is Greek”, Gus Portokalos – My Big Fat Greek Wedding) which stems from the Greek theos, "God", + logos, "word" or "reason"). It doesn’t necessarily reference specifically-Christian theology; for there is theology for every type of religion.

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with Christian theology… so long as you don’t hang your salvation/sanctification hat on it. Meaning, I want to make sure to put first things first. God and His errant Word as the primary means of learning about God and theology as a way to formulate thoughts – making sure test each and every theological thought against the true light of God’s Word. What I do believe is really good about theology is that it can firm up my faith by building relationships between concepts and ideas that I had not seen before.

I’m reminded of what Paul said at the end of 1 Cor 13 (v. 12 "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."). I even love the KJV best (v. 12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."). I think Rich Mullins said it best a while back, "I think if we were given the Scriptures, it was not so that we could prove that we were right about everything. If we were given the Scriptures, it was to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.")

Theology may be good, but we’re still guessing. Only the Bible contains the absolute, correct, non-negotiable answers. So, if theology can help me see God more clearly, I’m up for it. If I use it instead of studying the Bible or praying, then I want nothing of it. But clearly, it’s up to me how to use it.

Now, let me speak a little bit about my thoughts on using theology as a means of evangelism. I’ve often heard that no one will be reasoned into the salvation - God’s saving grace. I completely agree with this. A recent Our Daily Bread sums it up nicely… “Faith bridges chasms that reason cannot fathom.” My heart has never been won by reason… perhaps my mind, but my heart requires more than mere logic. Bottom line: the requirement of evangelism is to simply be obedient in proclaiming the gospel (the “good news”) of who Christ is and what Christ has done for me. I don't see anywhere in the Bible where God calls us to formulate a theology and profess it. When the Lord moves, He will make it unmistakable -- with a heart/head connection (a big picture, if you will). I’ll leave you with this scripture from Acts 16:11-14.

Lydia's Conversion in Philippi
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the
next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and
the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several
days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we
expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women
who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer
in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord
opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

I hope I haven't stirred up too much of a hornet's nest, for I know a discussion on theology can annoy some and invite others to strongly defend their position. I invite you to explore this with me -- in a way that leaves us all a little better and with a better understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. So, what do you think? One thing: this forum should be a safe place for us to share. I love you all.

All for now,
Lisa

Use It or Lose It!

Sometimes the oddest things will wake you up to something. Two different incidences, totally unrelated to one other, woke me up to the fact that my walk with Christ was suffering. Why has my walk weakened? I won't say I've gotten busy, because that really hasn't changed; I've pretty much stayed busy. What did happen is that my priorities changed... very subtly, but markedly. I haven't been spending the same time in the Word that I had. What's worse, is that my desire had waned. However, the good news is that God can use anything to call us back. I thank Him for that.

First incident: my friend, Stephen Statham, very graciously gave me two CD's... both of recent Water's Edge classes. Just the fact that he so willingly gave them to me stirred me a bit. And then listening to them (I've only gotten half-way through the first one) woke me to the sleep within.

For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Ephesians 5:14

The second was a good discussion about theology I had with another friend, Byron Richey. I've never been that interested in theology, in favor of spending my time more experientially with Christ and my study more focused on the Bible; however, this recent discussion spurred me on, and has motivated me to study. The fire has been relit!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Well, I can feel my strength is gaining. Thanks be to God!

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

All for now,
Lisa

H.R. 3768, Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005

I just received the following email from a certified financial planner. It has some good information about new legislation that could impact your finances in 2005.

"This new legislation presents some unique, one-time giving opportunities for individuals.
In direct response to the Katrina hurricane disaster, Congress and the President have agreed to open for a short time a window of opportunity for charitable giving. Previously, individuals could deduct charitable donations up to 50 percent of their adjusted gross income. The Katrina bill removes this limitation on charitable gifts made between August 28, 2005, and December 31, 2005. The gift may benefit any charitable organization, whether or not the organization is engaged in Katrina relief. It may be used for any purpose you designate, but must be made in cash (gifts of property such as stocks and real estate do not qualify).
Most notable, for those age 59½ and above, the legislation effectively permits unlimited IRA withdrawals and gifts to charity. You may want to hold off on contributions of this nature until December, because other legislation through the CARE Act may allow you to roll over funds in your IRA, in lieu of cashing out your IRA, thereby avoiding an increase in taxable income.
For further guidance, we encourage you to contact your tax advisor."

Also, you can learn more about the Katrina Relief Act at the following website:
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/taxdocs/092105katrinasummary.pdf

All for now,
Lisa

P.S. small print here: no tax advice expressly given or implied.

Blog block

Ever had writer's block? Well, I confess, I'm having a bit of blog block. You might think that's unbelievable because so many people can write so many off-beat things on their blog that having a block would seem impossible. Well, it's happening to me. Can't really think of anything... stupid or not... of which to write. So, instead of not writing anything, I thought I'd use this time to offer up to you a chance to bring up a topic for discussion. So, lurkers, this is your chance!

All for now,
Lisa