Book Review

A Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur

This book is really an in depth study/commentary on Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the prodigal son.

MacArthur separates the book into five parts:

• The Parable
• The Prodigal
• The Father
• The Elder Brother
• The Epilogue

Each part has several chapters describing a particular aspect of the parable.

Overall, I believe MacArthur writes the truth in depth. Maybe a little too deep, in this case, for the average person. I found the book to kind of drag on in spots with too much detail for me to follow.

MacArthur correctly states in the Appendix that Jesus used parables as a tool to teach and defend the truth. However, I do think MacArthur gets a little excessive in his explanation of this parable.

In fact, several times I had to stop reading and get a dictionary out to look up words MacArthur used. After figuring out the meaning of the word, I could think of several other more common and understandable words to use instead.

I wonder how much of this book was MacArthur's writing versus Phil Johnson's editing. It seems to me that Johnson likes to use those "big" words.

At any rate I do not recommend this book to the average reader. While I believe MacArthur is correct in his description of the parable, the book seems to be geared more to the academic world rather than the common Christian.

Jesus used about 26 sentences in the parable. MacArthur used 210 pages to explain it!

FICO Score again!

As my regular readers know, I have made some comments on here about the FICO scoring process. My comments were even published in last months Kiplinger's magazine.

This month I get my FICO score update and it dropped 22 points to its lowest level since I started monitoring it!

Amazingly enough, my actual credit has changed any! There is definitely something fishy with FICO!




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Published Again!

My letter to the editor of Kiplinger's magazine was published in the September 2009 issue.

This letter was in regards to credit scores and the closing of credit card accounts. I had several credit cards closed by the company and was expected a drop in my credit score. My credit score actually went up.

As it turns out, inactive cards don't hurt your score. Hmm.. Sounds like something fishy with FICO!

You can pick up your own copy of Kiplinger's to keep as a souvenir.



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Book Review

"The Contemporaries Meet the Classics on Prayer" compiled by Leonard Allen.

This book contains many authors' thoughts on prayer. The oldest writings are from Martin Luther and John Calvin during the 1500's. Some of the contemporary, more familiar names are Max Lucado and Jim Cymbala.

The book is divided into 10 chapters, each dealing with a particular topic of prayer.

• the purpose of prayer
• the Psalms as prayer
• patterns for prayer
• a passion for prayer
• the posture of prayer
• problems with prayer
• powerlessness and prayer
• public and private prayer
• pastoral prayer
• the power of prayer

Overall, this was an okay book. I was excited to start reading it, but after a few chapters it got a little boring. It does provide you with a nice introduction to many authors' writings. If you like their style then you can get their books for future reading enjoyment.

Personally, I thought several of the authors wrote a lot of words, but didn't really say anything of any value.

I would recommend this book only if you are looking specifically for a wide variety of writings on the topic of prayer to determine which authors you want to study more thoroughly.




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Hammered Again!

Well, as my faithful readers know, e*trade hammered me and many of its customers when they abruptly liquidated their mutual fund line. You can read my thoughts on it here and here.

It looks like another company is up to some games as well.

I "had" an S&P 500 index fund. It was the Harris Insight Index fund (HIDAX), now owned by Virtus.

On July 16th, I received an e-mail from e*trade stating that I have a new trade confirmation. I thought that is strange because I didn't make any trades.

I logged into my e-trade account and sure enough found all of my shares of HIDAX were sold, at a large loss of course. I sent e*trade's customer service a message questioning why the fund was sold.

This time it doesn't appear as though it was e*trade's fault. Here is their response:

"Dear Mr. Matthews,

Thank you for your message regarding your brokerage account.

The VIRTUS INSIGHT TR VIRTUS INDEX FD, HIDAX, liquidated its assets on 7/14/2009. As part of that liquidation your shares of the company fund were sold on 7/15/2009. "

So because some company can't manage an "unmanaged" index fund I have to lose over $7,000!

I have about had it with mutual funds. The only mutual funds that I have are with Columbia and TIAA-Cref.

I have been added some ETF's to my portfolio, but they are from Vanguard. So I will need to reevaluate my portfolio and determine what I need to do because of poor management!



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Buying large quanities saves money right?

I am sure you have all heard the concept of buying larger quantities to save money right? I know that has been my thought as well, so last night at Wal*Mart I decided to find out how true this old saying really is.

I only looked at two items, so it isn't very scientific, but they are two items that I buy periodically.

First up was kitchen garbage bags, 13 gallon Glad Drawstrings, unscented.
78 bags cost $10.58 or $0.1356 cents per bag
45 bags cost $5.98 or $0.1328 cents per bag

Therefore, it is cheaper to buy the smaller quantity.

Next up, Vitamins, One Source Active Children's Chewable.
240 count cost $10.98 or $0.045 cents per pill
144 count cost $5.98 or $0.041 cents per pill

Again, it is cheaper to buy the smaller quantity.

I also did some quick comparisons on Amazon as well. It seems as though the same thing occurs.
100 bags = $0.1554 per bag
160 bags = $0.2006 per bag

The point is, always compare prices before buying larger quantities.




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Famous Again!

My letter to the editor of Smart Money magazine was published in the August 2009 issue.

You can read my original letter here.

They trimmed the letter a little bit, but still got the gist of it right.

The last time I was published in Smart Money magazine was August 2007, with Warren Buffet on the cover. Amazingly, Warren Buffet is on the cover of the August 2009 issue as well!

You can pick up your own copy of Smart Money to keep as a souvenir.




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Book Review

The Heart of the Bible by John MacArthur

This is probably the best summary (quick) understanding of the important scripture references every Christian should know.

MacArthur gives 52 key verses and a brief explanation of each. The idea of the book is for the reader to read, understand, and think about one piece of scripture a week for the entire year.

The passages are grouped together in chapters to help the reader focus on one aspect of Christianity for several weeks before moving on to the next topic.

I would strongly recommend this book to a new or growing Christian. This would also be a good book for a more mature Christian looking to deepen or strengthen their faith as well.




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Book Review

"Because the Time is Near" by John MacArthur

This is an excellent explanation on the book of Revelation.

MacArthur takes each section and explains it in an easy to read and in an understanding way to the average reader. This is essentially a commentary on the book of Revelation for the average person.

MacArthur takes the scripture in a literal way. The Church will be raptured, there will be seven years of tribulation, a literal 1,000 year millennial Kingdom, the final rebellion and judgment, and then the eternal state for all.

This is probably one of the best books that I have read regarding the facts and explanation of Revelation. I highly recommend it to all.




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Letter to Dave Reed

Here is a letter to our local state representative.

Just a quick note to say that I DO NOT support any tax increase. The current fiscal problems have indeed been exacerbated by Rendell’s spending habits. We wouldn’t be in this mess if he hadn’t spent money foolishly and gave taxpayer’s money to his buddies.

If fact, I would ask that you and your fellow legislators review Rendell’s behavior and take the appropriate action against him.

Thanks for continuing to work hard for Indiana County and Pennsylvania.




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