Trading Futures: It's Not Simple, But It's Not Voodoo

I've decided to take a couple of months and learn all I can about trading futures.  I have found from a variety of sources that it is something that takes patience plus a systematic, non-biased approach.

I started by contacting a young man who has been very successful and he has helped me tremendously with a couple of his courses.  You can find out more information on him by visiting triforcetrader.com or by looking at some of his videos on You Tube.

"Tri" uses algorithms to set up certain automated strategies.  Once you purchase his system, he shares these with you and you can let them run in the background.

However, if you want to be more active on a daily basis (not a crazy day trader) who wants to see some potential daily short-term gains, I recommend a book that "Tri" recommended to me:

Long Term Secrets To Short Term Trading

This book explains futures trading in a different way than "Tri" and outlines a methodology that gives a variety of strategies for daily futures trading: patterns as to whether a market is trending up or down, best days of the week to trade particular entities (indexes, metals, energies, agriculture), formulas to calculate how and when to leverage a trade.

It has all been very fascinating.  I recommend you learn some of this stuff even if you don't plan to trade currently.  

Evangelism 101

 I loved my days in seminary - especially when I got to sit at the feet of some of the wisest and entertaining professors around.  One such man was Dr. Robert Tuttle.

Dr. Tuttle hailed from a rural area of North Carolina - much like Billy Graham.  He travelled the world spreading the gospel - much like Billy Graham.  He had a southern drawl - much like Billy Graham.

And Dr. Tuttle was an engaging speaker - much like Billy Graham.

Dr. Tuttle lectures kept us on the edge of our seats - as we knew the next story would be better than the last.  He taught us the importance of evangelism, the nuances of different cultures, and systematic ways to tell people about Jesus in non-systematic ways.

I haven't spoken to him in years, but his gifts live on in his works. 

If you're looking for a book to learn more about evangelism, to help others in small group settings, or to use as a sermon material, this might be the one for you.  It was published in the 1980's - but is timeless.

Someone Out There Needs Me

Flavor + Energy = Perfect Pick-Me-Up

When I'm doing long runs on weekends, enjoying extended walks around the neighborhood, or just working in the yard, sometimes I need a little something to give me a jolt.  

First off - I want a burst of flavor. I also want something to concentrate on to keep my mind from stinking thinking (especially if I'm getting tired or hungry or bored).

I have settled on two great options.

First, Gatorade Energy Chews have a great taste, they dissolve slowly (I even play a mental game to see how long I can go before I bite!) and they have enough sugar to give me a little extra oomph!

If you don't like Gatorade (this is for you Seminoles, Bulldogs, and any others), you might just try Gummy Bears!  I have a friend who swears by them!

Have a blessed day - and remember - losing weight is about what you put in your piehole...fitness is about aerobic and cardio health + stretching!

My Original Spiritual Mentor

Since I reached out to Jesus for help with alcoholism back in 1994, my life has certainly been interesting.  

Back then, though I had grown up in church, I was a spiritual lightweight.  I knew at the time that I needed to latch on to someone who could teach me, but wouldn't judge me.  While I was so very fortunate to have a wonderful pastor and many men of faith in my early years of this new walk, I knew I needed even more.

Billy Graham had always been a part of our family's conversation.  My dad and he grew up near one another and dad often wondered whether their paths may have crossed as boys.  He was a television icon in the 60's and 70's so he was a known and trusted quantity.

So I thought, what a better way to learn about him...and from him...than to read his own words.

Just As I Am by Billy Graham was my answer.  I read about his conversion. I read about his love for Jesus.  I read about his doubts and hopes and fears.  I read about his love for his wife and children.  I read about his calling and his dedication to that calling.  

And since, I have given him my ultimate compliment.  This keeper-of-books gave his book away for someone else to read.

If you're looking for a timeless message, read this book (and then give it to someone).

Teaching Our Kids About Money

 My dad was was a great father.  However, there was one area of parenting where he fell short - teaching me about money.

My lifetime has mirrored one of Jimmy Buffett's most classic lines..."I made enough money to buy Miami, but I pissed it away so fast."

I have been in deep credit card debt several times, I have taken out high-interest equity loans on cars, I have not always lived by the maxim "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can."

I am fortunate right now to be debt-free (except for my mortgage) - through a series of good investments by my dad and me and the advice of a couple of good books.  I have a nest egg for retirement, a college fund for my two remaining college-age kids, and even 529 accounts for grandchildren..

I have talked to my sons about money (particularly my downfalls). But I also plan on giving my two college-age sons lasting advice in the form of two books as they graduate from their respective universities.  These books have helped me tremendously - I wish I had had them when I was a young man.

I encourage you to read them and pass them on.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Need an Afternoon Boost?

Like anyone over 50 - I get a little foggy right after lunch!  I have discovered Verb Energy Bars!  One of these is a great low-calorie offering to give me some energy - and it tastes like dessert!

I like the following three types!

Verb Energy Bar - Peanut Butter

Verb Energy Bar - Coconut Chai

Verb Energy Bar - Vanilla Latte

As many of you know, I've been a pretty serious runner for the last four years - mainly competing in 5ks and half-marathons.  I've been searching for something to help me on the long runs on weekend mornings - something to quickly munch on to give me a little boost - something that tasted good and didn't prompt a bathroom stop.  These are great for that too!

I want to encourage you to give them a try.

Click the link and order some from Amazon.  You'll be glad you did!