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I have always liked the phase: "think(ing) outside the box." I used to seek outside the box thinking...admired those who did so. However, an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants changed my mind. In this episode SpongeBob and his bumbling friend Patrick play in a box. In that box they create a vivid and interactive world. I realize that boxes have been popular with children (of all ages) forever; but SpongeBob takes it to another level. Rather than being limited by the box, this dunce duo uses the box to create and live-out whole new worlds and adventures. I am certain to fail at any better description of this short episode (and its impact on Squidward, another character), so I will stop here. All that said, the theme for this issue is "Thinking Outside the Box"--the traditional definition. While I have learned a powerful lesson of the value and freedom of the 'box', the rest of the world--specifically the colloquial world--has not yet caught SpongeBob's vision. Enjoy...
What would you do... You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus: 1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die. 2. An old friend who once saved your life. 3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about. Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? Think before you continue reading...
"I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it." -- Terry Pratchett
 Someone
Touched
Me...A familiar story, the full passage has Jesus crowed by "a multitude" when He notices a specific touch--not Him, but hem, the hem of His robe. But, He noticed someone touched Him...really touched Him. Only one person. The passage paints a picture of hundreds of people clamoring for His attention--yelling, waving, grabbing, and certainly touching; but it was just her touch...of His robe. Almost certainly the woman was at wit's end. It's not hard to imagine her tribulations up to that time. Likely, she has visited several of the doctors of the day--spending every penny she could come up with. Maybe even some she didn't yet have. Doing everything conventional wisdom told her to do. Exploring every area--flat surface and corner--of the 'box'. When Jesus was provided as a possible answer, she decided venture 'outside of the box'. She, in blind, yet infinitely powerful, faith reached out her trembling hand and touch the hem, the fringe, of the rob of the passing Christ. This is another time when the English language fails to deliver the magnitude of the message. When Jesus says: "power has gone out of me" that is impressive as it, but the Greek is so much more. Where we translate the word to "power", the Greek word used in original manuscripts is dunamis. Dunamis is the root word from which we derive the English word Dynamite. That's the power we're talking about--dynamite power. When she timidly touched His robe, there was an explosive response. The power of dynamite flowed out of Him and radically and completely changed her life. I believe God has given us advanced medical treatment and other modern marvels to aid His creations, not to explain away His majesty. All too often we allow the world to convince us that the solution to all our problems comes from the world. We are too quick to look to people and/or material things to solve our problems and satisfy our desire. In TRUTH (literally) it is only God who can meet those needs and solve the problems created by separation from Him. We have to refocus our efforts 'outside the box' of earthly wisdom, and onto the Lord. We too can reach out and release His dynamite power.
    "There can be only one!"
One of my favorite movies...however, I have had to create the fantasy that there are no sequels to it. Because if there were sequels or a (really dumb) TV series it would soil this excellent movie. Director Russell Mulcahy really thinks outside of the box as he puts together the mingled, multi-generational timeline. No impersonal killing from a distance with bombs or guns, just good old-fashion decapitations. All culminating in the best super-natural sword fight in cinematic history. As must see, and in my mind a must own. "It's a kind of magic."
The concept of "whole dollar" investing was not created by Share Builder, but I think they do the best job with it. In short, Whole Dollar brokerages allow you to invest a specified amount of money each month into the stock market through whole and factional share purchases. Let's say you want to invest $50.00 a month in Vangard Total Market Investment Fund (VTI)--a personal favorite. However, last look VTI was trading at over $140 per share. The traditional online brokerage would require you to make deposits into your account for three months or so; once you have amassed enough money for a share (plus fees) they would purchase that share for you. And you would be the proud owner of a share. Sharebuilder allows you to make fractional share purchases of your desired stock. What that means is, using the VTI example above, on the first month you would get a $50 share (about .35714) each month. Less the fee (as low as $4). However, there are limitations to this arrangement. For example, whole dollar firms only offer select stocks--about 1/3 of the total market in Share Builder's case. Plus, often times there are limits to when you purchase. With Share Builder fractional purchases are only done on Tuesdays. If you want to learn more, click on the box at the top of this section. If you are even marginally interested in getting started in the stock market world, Share Builder is a great place to 'cut your teeth.' Of course, I would be happy to help in any way I can. |
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