Agreed, Tim. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. The second half of that scripture is not necessarily my favorite, but the third part rings true - Blessed be the name of the Lord forever!

Penny,
It seems to be a tendency in many to give God credit and glory in times of prosperity but not in times of adversity...Job saw God in both and Paul learned the secret of contentment in no matter what state he was in...May we also know that secret...In our endeavors to learn and earn may we never forget the advice of James and preface our plans with, "If the Lord wills we will live and do this or that to make money." Also keeping in mind that that our long term investments are to be placed in heaven not on earth...If God should bless us with plenty may we ask Him if it's unto the increase in our standard of living,or---standard of giving. Father knows best, may we trust Him in childlike faith.