Yes, I am on a blogging break...

Sorry for not blogging as much over the last couple months. I am, as you have already surmised, on a blogging break. There have been a few current event topics I've been wanting to chime in on during this time, but real life takes precedents. If you follow any of the links in my blog roll over this time period, then you're already aware of the key issues of the day anyway.

I've been through some stressful moments over the last couple months, combined with a period of time when I battled a persistent chest cold, some weight loss and occasional bouts of insomnia. Just as with everyone else (especially here in California), the state of the current economic and financial climate adds to the edginess and uncertainty.

But, all-in-all, it's been good... because I'm in love. Which can and does, in it's own way, also add to the stressfulness of things. I've just got to learn to not worry so much, and to stop over-analyzing things. I need to keep things in their proper perspective; to rely less on self and outside influences, and to rely more on God.

Currently reading Thomas a Kempis' classic work "The Imitation of Christ" (available via Dover Publications in paperback for $2.50). Thanks to Eric @ The Daily Eudemon for that recommendation a few months back.

Thanks also to Dim Bulb @ The Divine Lamp for stopping by lately and giving me an "Honest Scrap" Award. I feel so honored. (Hah!)

A general request for prayers wouldn't hurt... so, there it is (heh). And I'll keep all of you in my prayers, as well.

Thank you all for being patient. I hope to return to blogging form soon.

Here we go again...

We'll be welcoming in hyper-inflation when 2010 begins.  Via Ace:

... crude oil rose to a seven-month high [$70/barrel] after Goldman Sachs said prices may reach $85 by the end of the year as demand recovers and supplies shrink.

Gas in SoCal is already pushing close to $3/gallon.  If Goldman Sachs is right in their prediction, the economy is going to get much worse before it gets better.  Stocks may rebound a bit because of the jobs cuts, cost-cutting, and products/services price increases to try to offset various expenses (including fuel/transportation costs).  But when prices get too high, stag-flation sets in.  The public then CAN'T buy things because of the higher prices and lack of necessary income.  I said it before, and I'll say it again.  Jimmy Carter 2.0.