http://www.brentriggs.com Brent Riggs internet business and life management blog. en-us http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=400 Here is part of a readers comment: I enjoy Open Season Friday, though as I commented somewhere else, you might want to seriously consider when you answer the controversial ones. Some of your answers, while true for you, are extremely offensive. They real... G Brent Riggs 6/30/2009 8:14:54 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=399 A couple of questions from readers: Why do many put such blind trust into what celebrities/etc. say on their shows. So many take what talk show hosts/news media etc. and accept it as unbiased truthful information. While sometimes this may be true is not ... G Brent Riggs 6/26/2009 10:26:52 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=398 A reader wrote and said: I apologize for the homosexual question. I didn't mean to upset anyone. I'm new to the site and did not have the opportunity to read all the articles and previous open season answers. - - - - - - - - - As I've said many times,... G Brent Riggs 6/24/2009 10:16:41 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=397 With 4th of July a couple weeks away, I wanted to point you to some things I've done that may help you and your family celebrate the day more fully. It is crucial during this time when our country is sliding away from its heritage, that we, and our kids, ... G Brent Riggs 6/24/2009 12:43:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=396 I'm writing a new book about one of the most damaging and epidemic problems in American life, families and the church: sexual immorality. This will be a NOVEL about families and individuals struggling and dealing with things like adultery, lust, internet ... G Brent Riggs 6/22/2009 11:10:51 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=395 Amanda asked: What is the biblical stance on the death penalty? - - - - - - - The idea that God sees death as a righteous punishment for evil is clear all through the Bible: So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had... G Brent Riggs 6/11/2009 5:05:08 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=394 Continuing on the same topic as the last post on this blog, Caroline responds: I still don't understand your position to not intervene when parents purposefully withhold life saving treatment from their child. You say you support intervention when a chil... G Brent Riggs 6/9/2009 8:47:08 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=393 Over on our family blog I was asked this question: Isn't it a bit hypocritical to say that parents should have full rights to decide what is best for their kids, and then turn around and say that you (or the church, or whoever) know what is best for a p... G Brent Riggs 6/2/2009 4:08:37 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=392 True or Not True is a fun feature we do occasionally where I (Brent) tell a story. It might be true, it might all be totally made up, or it might be part true. That's for you to figure out. This time we are offering a prize for whoever gets the closest to... G Brent Riggs 5/30/2009 6:29:45 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=389 Nancy asks: OK, let’s clarify emotional abuse in this situation. A husband is volatile, cursing, belittling, and threatening toward his wife. He flies into a rage over small things. Their children are watching and frightened. He refuses to get help from ... G Brent Riggs 5/19/2009 5:17:14 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=388 Over the years, I've been known to rewrite things in modern English so that we can better understand them and enjoy today. I've done things like Puritan Prayers and Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God. Given the exponential growth in government control... G Brent Riggs 5/14/2009 9:56:28 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=387 From Brent: Whenever I wonder what I can do to please the Lord, I think of one verse that is a sure fire bet: James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself ... G Brent Riggs 5/14/2009 6:37:49 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=386 A reader asks: I am from the Netherlands (yes in Europe, the Europe you seem to dislike) and I really don't understand your point of view on guns. God says: "turn the other cheek". How can you say you have the right to shoot (kill???) someone who wants t... G Brent Riggs 5/13/2009 7:23:49 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=385 Goodbye 2nd Ammendment. The right to bare arms (sic) is only granted to ladies in sleeveless dresses apparently. And the "right to choose" is only given to those same women who want to murder their unborn child... but not with an unregistered gun. Your r... G Brent Riggs 5/11/2009 8:13:37 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=384 Obama: Islam Has Shaped the U.S.A. [Excerpts] "We will convey," said Barack Obama to the Turkish Parliament [April 6, 2009], "our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world - including in my... G Brent Riggs 5/1/2009 5:01:48 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=383 After four years, my favorite book project is now public. Check out the details here: http://www.brentriggs.com/kenny_mcclinton_terrorist_to_evangelist.asp Brent... G Brent Riggs 4/30/2009 4:37:47 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=382 A bunch of folks have asked me my opinion on the latest "mexico flu scare". It have the same opinion of it that I had of SARS, the bird flu, the e-coli outbreak, global warming, global cooling, acid rain, Legionaires... The media and the government use ... G Brent Riggs 4/29/2009 4:29:02 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=381 I keep getting asked and asked and asked to comment on the current state of politics and the flash flood slide into European Socialism we are witnessing. First, most people don't even know accurately what socialism is. We should more accurately describe ... G Brent Riggs 4/28/2009 5:06:11 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=380 In a world gone crazy over the superficial, it's nice to see someone make all those people in the crowd smirking at her appearance look like idiots in the end. Hooray... a normal person got victory over pop culture and flesh-worship. Watch this: http:/... G Brent Riggs 4/16/2009 9:14:53 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=379 Da 12:4: "...and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." Very interesting... something to think about. Watch: ... G Brent Riggs 4/15/2009 10:16:07 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=378 I was recently asked: "Can a person really be sure they are genuinely saved?" This wasn't a question about "eternal security" (commonly termed "once saved, always saved"). This was a question about knowing in your heart and mind with assurance that you ha... G Brent Riggs 4/15/2009 8:35:14 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=377 Hey friends, Now that Abby is past the critical phases of her chemo, and things are settling down, I find myself reclaiming the time I used to have to write every day. Instead of me blabbing on only about what I want to write about, I thought I'd ask yo... G Brent Riggs 4/14/2009 7:31:41 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=376 I heard a commercial today that is indicative of where we are at as a society. It was all about the "proven success" of a program that allows kids to "easily and consistently" scores "A's" on school tests. How to take tests, how to pass tests, how to ge... G Brent Riggs 3/30/2009 9:19:29 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=375 Hey friends, With Abby in the hospital for almost two weeks, its been really hard to write any on the blog. Things are starting to level out some, and I hope to be getting back to writing regularly very soon. See the new FOLLOWERS section just above thi... G Brent Riggs 3/12/2009 12:32:55 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=374 My dad passed away last night about 5:30pm. He put up the hardest fight I've ever seen for someone to stay here - he loved my mom so much. After they took the body out of the hospice room, as I walked by the bed where my dad had been, to hold my mom, I no... G Brent Riggs 3/5/2009 10:57:52 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=373 A 16 year old young lady asked me: A lot of people have told me that my mom is "looking down at me, and she's so proud of me", but no one can tell me a scripture verse that tells me that she can really see me. So my question is, can my mom see me, and do... G Brent Riggs 3/2/2009 10:01:25 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=372 When you are faced with an opportunity where you COULD help, what's your first reaction? Crisis or just kindness, what's your thought process? It wasn't too long ago that most good people had the common attitude of "if I can help, I will." But selfishne... G Brent Riggs 2/25/2009 5:50:07 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=371 Rarely a day goes by that I don't get asked more than once "How did you...." or "How do you..."After 25 years of instructing, writing, training, speaking, teaching Bible, being a Drill Sergeant and mentoring, it's just natural that people want to ask me h... G Brent Riggs 2/23/2009 4:09:33 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=370 Multiple readers have responded like this: If you say there is no age of accountability, then are you saying we are never accountable for our sins once we become older? Isn't a baby innocent until it sins? What about the mentally disabled or those in t... G Brent Riggs 2/21/2009 12:13:02 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=369 A reader asked: We home school our children. One of the teachers, who is a pastor, told our daughter that if a baby from a unbelieving family dies, that baby will go to hell. Are there passages that support babies condemned to hell because of unbeli... G Brent Riggs 2/20/2009 7:31:16 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=368 A reader asks: My husband who I have been married to for three years looks at porn at work. I knew this before I started working for him, but after his father died this past May he ask me to come to work for him. But, I didn’t realize he looks at it as m... G Brent Riggs 2/19/2009 5:08:34 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=367 Do you believe in UFO's or life elsewhere in the universe? Don't you think it's kind of arrogant? This would be a rather long answer if I tried to fully explain. I will give you the “bullet points” and let you research them. Do I believe in UFO's and ... G Brent Riggs 2/18/2009 3:26:12 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=366 Michelle and I got to go out to dinner the other night (thanks to our dear friends who watched Abby for us). It was a rare treat when we just had seven kids, but it's really rare now that one of them has cancer. We really enjoyed it, and as we sat in t... G Brent Riggs 2/17/2009 10:07:45 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=365 Johnny D responds to my post yesterday about the sting rays and a Creator: That's great, Brent. You've officially adopted the winning poker strategy of Pascal's wager. A question... Do you still have your foreskin? Because had you parents told the doctor... G Brent Riggs 2/5/2009 10:24:25 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=364 Look at this extraordinary picture of stringrays migrating off the coast of Mexico: Isn't that amazing? Would you join me in prayer or ummm, silent something-or-other? "Oh Evolution, thank you for creating [creating?] these beautiful creatures by yo... G Brent Riggs 2/4/2009 8:55:09 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=363 A reader asks: I don't feel "in love" anymore with my wife. Divorce is not an option, I want to have a good marriage. Any suggestions? - - - - - - - - - I often tell people that after we get married we do things backwards. Before marriage we: Do th... G Brent Riggs 1/28/2009 4:38:36 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=362 Now that President Bush has spent 8 years being crucified by the media, and second guessed by the Democrats over Iraq, it is now perfectly fine to start talking about what a monster Saddam was. I'm watching a "shocking expose" about Saddam, his brutality... G Brent Riggs 1/27/2009 7:05:46 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=361 Often I run across people who appear to have a very affluent and luxurious lifestyle. Fun, fashion, freedom to travel, adventures, the best of everything, big home, nice cars, socially active, etc. Over time it becomes obvious which group these folks fa... G Brent Riggs 1/26/2009 10:30:08 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=360 My friend over at MckMama has a weekly thing called "Not Me" that is pretty fun. I thought I would NOT toss in my own this morning. This was NOT me: I did NOT let me 3 year old run outside with me in his underwear in about thirty degree weather. He cert... G Brent Riggs 1/26/2009 8:04:00 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=359 It was an extremely frustrating night last night. Abby was up and down until about 4am throwing up and needing to go to the bathroom. Anyone who has ever slept in :30 minute or 1 hour increments, waking up over and over, knows how draining it is. We had... G Brent Riggs 1/24/2009 12:32:17 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=358 Hey friends, I just published a book I thought you might enjoy. We all need a good laugh sometimes. I have a special low price up for 24 hours just for my readers that covers our costs, then I'm going to change it to a normal retail price. Just wanted t... G Brent Riggs 1/22/2009 4:39:27 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=357 "Religion" will fit quite well. Genuine Christianity will not. Religion will fit because: Religion is tolerant of any and all beliefs, giving them, on the surface anyway, all the same value and credibility (I say "on the surface" because that is not... G Brent Riggs 1/22/2009 11:15:52 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=356 I'm always amazed at ANONYMOUS people. We routinely get nasty messages full of insult, name-calling, foul language and general hatred. It is almost exclusively in the context of what idiotic neanderthals we are for believing in God, and how stupid we are... G Brent Riggs 1/21/2009 10:07:35 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=355 Readers ask what I think about all the fawning today over the Inauguration and our "new hope". I think it says alot about the substance of things when we are spending $45 million for an inauguration bash while watching news clips of the new President pai... G Brent Riggs 1/20/2009 11:16:32 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=354 [pic: I invested a lot of time in my relationship with my Grandmother before she died. It was worth every minute.] One of my friends said that he thought it would be pretty scary to wander around in the "mind of Brent". If vast empty spaces scare you, ... G Brent Riggs 1/15/2009 10:42:12 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=353 Who you "hang out" with online is very important. Your audience makes inherent judgments about your credibility, integrity and sincerity based on who your site is associated with. This has to do with all the elements on your site: Advertising Comm... G Brent Riggs 1/15/2009 10:03:20 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=352 It's disheartening to see that "personal growth" today is dominated by NEW AGE and psychobabble. Apparently, the way to grow spiritually, emotionally and in relationships is to walk around telling yourself how wonderful you are, and dabbling with every o... G Brent Riggs 1/15/2009 9:11:01 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=351 A reader asks: We don't believe in tricking our kids into cleaning up, but do you know any tricks?? :) - - - - - - - - - - - As a matter of fact, I do. One great technique we use, we call "commercial cleaning". Strangely, our kids like to watch TV. ... G Brent Riggs 1/15/2009 8:47:03 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=350 Well, tomorrow is here. We are SO GRATEFUL to everyone for their tireless efforts this week getting people to come over and join in the prayer efforts for Abby. If you didn't see her latest video, view it here: http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=349&Ca... G Brent Riggs 1/13/2009 11:54:07 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=349 An anonymous commenter wrote and told us to "quit talking about death, embrace the fact that Abby is alive"... anonymous. Real brave. My first thought was "you must be on the wrong blog." Anyone who has read me for even a short time knows our hope, our f... G Brent Riggs 1/12/2009 10:40:14 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=348 I was asked today why getting more and more people to pray for Abby does any good. Does a thousand prayers get God moving more than one, or ten? James 5:16 ...the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. In context, this verse follows a se... G Brent Riggs 1/11/2009 6:33:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=347 (Abby slept peacefully after a very rough procedure on Friday that left her in much pain.) “Hell”… that is the word Abby’s doctor used to describe the 60 days of treatment that starts on Wednesday. As Christians, we cringe a little to compare anything... G Brent Riggs 1/10/2009 12:38:53 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=346 I had a ridiculous time trying to hook up with people during the holidays for articles, photos and other content. I've rushed around like mad hoping to get the issue done early in the first week, but it just didn't happen. Next year, I'll be sure to get ... G Brent Riggs 1/8/2009 10:13:44 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=345 A reader wants to know: How do you handle bedtime? It's a nightmare for us every night... crying, getting out of bed, asking for endless lists of things like water and bathroom... AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Can you help? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Routi... G Brent Riggs 1/7/2009 8:13:27 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=344 One thing you WILL learn about relationships is that you cannot control other people. You'll learn it by accepting someone's word for it, and never trying.... or you'll learn it the hard way by trying and failing. You cannot control if your spouse wants ... G Brent Riggs 1/7/2009 7:01:09 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=343 There's a person(s) in your life that you KNOW you haven't spent enough time with or helped like you should. If you keep waiting, the day will come when it will be too late, and you'll regret it. Might be your grandmother, the guy whose wife left him an... G Brent Riggs 1/6/2009 10:57:46 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=342 Proverbs 13:7 - The leech has two daughters - Give and Give! The more things we have, the more we can enjoy the sensations and stimulation of worldly pleasures and luxury. The problem is, there is always more pleasure, more sensation, more money and more... G Brent Riggs 1/6/2009 10:49:27 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=341 People often ask me what is "personal development". Simple, it's merely the exercise of becoming a better person on all levels. For most, this is some vague idea that each day they are just getting "gooder". Unfortunately, human nature as it is, by defau... G Brent Riggs 1/6/2009 10:43:57 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=340 I spend a lot of time writing and blogging. Ultimately, if it does not help people, benefit people and interest people, I'm wasting my time. I don't do it for an ego trip or because I'm just pursuing a hobby. I write primarily to HELP OTHERS because that... G Brent Riggs 1/4/2009 12:37:54 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=339 More and more I see commercials or TV shows that treat lying as "cute" or "funny". It's amazing that lying is always listed by God with the very worst of sins, and yet in our society lying is simply no big deal anymore. On sitcoms, lying is a constant so... G Brent Riggs 1/4/2009 12:36:22 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=338 A reader asks: I happened onto an article you did replying to someone inquiring how to deal with a bad family member, which prompted me to want to seek your advice on a similiar issue. I live with my parents while I save enough money to take my cats and ... G Brent Riggs 1/4/2009 12:06:36 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=337 Happy New Year... if you've read my stuff very long, you know I don't go for all the pop culture, "image over substance", feel-good nonsense. New Year's Resolutions fall into that category. However, serious goal setting for 2009 does NOT. Set some goals... G Brent Riggs 1/1/2009 12:07:39 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=336 How do you view God? The great punisher? Someone on your back all the time? Condemning? Is there ever reason to feel any of those things? If yes, when? If no, why? How much does our own emotions and sin play into this perception? If God forgives, why do... G Brent Riggs 12/31/2008 2:11:31 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=335 Have you ever seen those people who put great big disks in their lip and stretch them out? How about the ones who stretch their necks out by ring after ring, one on top of each other? How about those dudes who stick swords down their throats? Do you thin... G Brent Riggs 12/31/2008 1:59:48 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=334 The New Year is upon us. Do you have ANY real goals for this year? Written? Specific? Measurable? Attainable? Or are you just going to "exist" through another year of regrets and "could have been's"? I'm not talking about feel-good New Years Resolutions... G Brent Riggs 12/31/2008 1:52:10 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=333 A reader asks: How do you determine which battles are important with your teens, and which are not? - - - - - - - - - - - As your teen grows up, they get closer and closer to being at a point where they can avoid you, ignore you and dismiss you. So... G Brent Riggs 12/31/2008 1:44:42 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=332 This is one of the biggest areas of confusion, outright dishonest advice, and misguided "experts" in Search Engine Optimization. The theory is that duplicate content will get you penalized by the search engines. It’s true. But what does that statement mea... G Brent Riggs 12/31/2008 1:29:58 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=331 A reader asked me: My husband was dismissed from his job but quickly landed another local job over two years ago. He decided not to take the local job because he wouldn't be making the money we are accustomed to. Unbeknownst to the kids and me, he chose ... G Brent Riggs 12/30/2008 2:04:52 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=330 I had the blessing of getting to share with our church family this morning about the many blessings God has showered on us during 2008. As I get older, as I write more, teach more, and hear from you more, I realize that very often God's greatest blessing... G Brent Riggs 12/28/2008 7:28:33 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=329 In a previous post I wrote about PICKY eater-kids... read that post here: http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=326&CategoryID=196&t=How-Do-You-Handle-Kids-Who-Are-Picky-Eaters?&c=Young-Children I got a great comment from reader Holly Bromley that... G Brent Riggs 12/24/2008 5:37:47 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=328 How do Google, Yahoo, MSN, and other search engines know about all the web sites out there and how do they "look at" them all? That’s a question I don’t hear very often but should. Once you understand how they do what they do, then some of the myths tha... G Brent Riggs 12/23/2008 1:35:03 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=327 You have to get a loan to buy a car... Simply put, this is complete nonsense. You do not have to have a loan to buy a car. You simply need to be disciplined and save the money first. You need to control your impulsiveness and keep the long term goal in ... G Brent Riggs 12/23/2008 1:30:50 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=326 A reader asks: How do you handle kids who are picky eaters? - - - - - - - - We don't make the kids consistently eat foods that really do have strong flavors that we KNOW a lot of people don't like such as broccoli, mushrooms, onions, etc. ... G Brent Riggs 12/23/2008 1:22:02 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=325 (For new readers, our daughter, Abby, three years old, adopted from Guatemala, was diagnosed with Leukemia in July this year).We thought Abby maybe had a stroke last week; MRI's were negative; she has recoveredfrom the strange symptoms. Update on Abb... G Brent Riggs 12/23/2008 12:36:50 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=324 As you know, I've been making gradual changes to my blog and my email delivery in an effort to get ready for a great year in 2009. These changes are based on lessons learned, reader feedback and advice from other sucessful bloggers. I have a couple of m... G Brent Riggs 12/20/2008 11:25:23 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=323 In response to a blog post I put up over on RiggsReport.com (read it here: http://www.riggsreport.com/?ItemID=340) about psychotropic drugs and psychology, a reader wrote me the following, but first let me give you my disclaimer because we live a society ... G Brent Riggs 12/18/2008 3:37:25 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=322 Occasionally I'll let you know about something I posted on another site that I think you would be interested in reading. I put up a post on Riggs Report last night about the growing problems with psychotropic drugs and labeling everyone as "mentally ill"... G Brent Riggs 12/18/2008 7:03:12 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=321 My mom sent me something today to read but only one sentence stuck in my mind: “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” Duh… really? Yeah, really… but if this is such a simple no-brainer then why does it remain th... G Brent Riggs 12/17/2008 6:10:18 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=320 Hey folks, it’s Write a Story Wednesday, the day I ask you to help me write something for the next issue of Serious.Life magazine. This has been a great feature and I look forward to hearing from you each week. Today I want you to help me answer a questi... G Brent Riggs 12/17/2008 11:38:53 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=319 I am from a lower middle class family, earning just enough to make both ends meet but not enough money to buy myself a house and call it a my home. My question is that I have a chance to work away from my country and away my wife and son for a better pay…... G Brent Riggs 12/16/2008 12:54:11 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=318 Each Monday you have the opportunity to nominate blog posts (yours, or others) to be published in the next issue. Get yourself published. Get your friends published. Get your favorite bloggers/writers published. Be sure to nominate your own content, and ... G Brent Riggs 12/15/2008 9:40:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=317 Here was the question: I’m not sure what I’m doing is really the right path for me but I’m not a quitter. Do you have any thoughts? - - - - - - - - - - Never, never, never quit. Famous words…. Bad advice. Well, sometimes bad advice… but most people s... G Brent Riggs 12/15/2008 1:04:21 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=316 My mom called today. I could tell she was trying not to cry. Her sole remaining immediate family member died today, my Uncle Robert. He had a twin brother, Ralph. My mom's parents are deceased too. She's the lone member of her immediate still alive. Fo... G Brent Riggs 12/12/2008 8:07:40 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=315 Write a Story Wednesday Each Wednesday, I'll put up something different and ask you to submit comments. I will then take those comments, and create articles from them for the next issue of Serious.Life. You can tell everyone "I've been published!" This... G Brent Riggs 12/10/2008 7:48:36 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=314 I had a friend tell me tonight that he thought I was really handling the hardships of life with faith, and a peace that passes understanding. I’ve had people say, “I don’t see how you can be so trusting and joyful when your child has cancer…” I wish I co... G Brent Riggs 12/10/2008 12:08:23 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=313 Over on our family blog, I wrote about how 50 college frat guys came over last Thursday to see Abby. They brought her a playhouse (that they drove TWELVE HOURS to get), took our teenagers to a basketball game, sent my wife and I out to dinner, and went an... G Brent Riggs 12/7/2008 10:24:47 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=312 Abby is getting chemo today. She is feeling MUCH better!! She is smiling again, and is walking around much more. We are seeing little glimpses of the "old" Abby and it is wonderful. The December issue of Serious.Life Magazine will be out tomorrow. Each ... G Brent Riggs 12/1/2008 10:56:34 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=311 This month in Serious.Life Magazine, I'm hoping to do stories on three folks that I KNOW you are going to love and appreciate. It's hard to find sweeter, warmer, more genuine people. I need your help writing one of the possible stories. Specifically, I w... G Brent Riggs 11/18/2008 7:23:54 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=310 Today has been one of those days... There are times in life when you are glad that SOMETHING or SOMEONE remains the same, and gives you an anchor point, a reference, something you can count on. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from a... G Brent Riggs 11/17/2008 9:50:33 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=309 Last night I was rocking Abby at the hospital and got to sit next to my wife for a few minutes which has become a rare event lately. Abby is just not the same kid right now. Oh, I think she will return to her old self after all this is over, but right no... G Brent Riggs 11/12/2008 1:43:17 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=308 I have written alot lately about how kind everyone has been to us and how much our Christian family has supported us through Abby's bout with cancer. Sometimes I feel guilty that we are receiving so much love and help when I know there are so many people ... G Brent Riggs 11/11/2008 8:44:23 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=307 Have you ever just felt tired? I mean really, really tired, physically and emotionally? I was consumed today with the feeling of being tired, and just wishing our current situation would be over with. It just seems like a never ending treadmill of hospit... G Brent Riggs 11/10/2008 11:28:25 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=306 A person visited our blog and left a comment : "A sick child is not your personal opportunity to use them to learn about your God!" I won't bother talking about the fact that this person has little, if any, understand about God ("your God"?) since the d... G Brent Riggs 11/6/2008 9:48:41 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=305 Thirty percent. That number haunts me. That’s the percentage chance that my daughter will die from Leukemia. Almost a one out three chance. Originally, her prognosis was in the 90% range but the high risk complications have put her in a different range.... G Brent Riggs 11/3/2008 3:05:28 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=304 It's Saturday. Abby is in the hospital doing pretty poorly. Her central nervous system pressure was sky high giving her a migraine, and they had to bleed spinal fluid from her. There's nothing quite like watching someone stick a 6" needle into your child'... G Brent Riggs 11/1/2008 10:47:45 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=301 In October 2008, many of the problems that have long been hidden in the credit industry finally showed up in a big way. The immediate response was for the government, the very same people who caused the problem to begin with, to now "solve" the problem by... G Brent Riggs 10/29/2008 8:10:26 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=298 Okay, prepare to roll your eyes and so "oh brother". I’m off on one of my little judgmental, extremist soap boxes again. I hate Halloween. Every year, I just can’t wait for it to come and then be over with. Always have. Even as a not-very-spiritually-min... G Brent Riggs 10/28/2008 7:07:38 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=297 The Internet is definitely the phenomenon of the century but with it comes many dangers and most of those dangers involve trying to separate you and your money. Sometimes this is through gimmicks and the sale of snake oil, and sometimes it is through frau... G Brent Riggs 10/22/2008 10:43:05 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=190 If I had to pick one adjective to describe the everyday life of our family it would be "humor". The title to our family blog "…where laughter lives" is not just some cute moniker, it really does define the atmosphere in our home. My wife is the closest t... G Brent Riggs 10/22/2008 9:42:03 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=189 It’s amazing the twists, and turns and curves that life throws at you. This week we gave our child chemo - at home. We pulled out access ports that feed into her heart and then cut off all her hair. We can tell you pretty much all you’d ever want to know... G Brent Riggs 10/19/2008 9:21:58 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=296 Being in debt is suffocating. Worrying about making your monthly payments is draining. On the contrary, being debt-free is just the opposite: it’s refreshing, liberating, and has a tremendous positive impact on your life. I’ve been in and out of debt sev... G Brent Riggs 10/16/2008 1:42:02 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=187 A reader asks: I know a stripper (dancer) who tithes. No one confronts her about her lifestyle and I hear that the "wealth of the wicked are meant for the righteous". This doesn't sit well with me, but I can't really define why. What do you think? - ... G Brent Riggs 10/15/2008 10:53:33 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=186 Find out about aboutMagazine Monday Nominations. I had a choice last night to watch America’s Favorite Pastor or South Park… I decided South Park was both deeper, and more Biblical. I jest of course (South Park is not MORE Biblical), but I did sit... G Brent Riggs 10/13/2008 11:21:45 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=295 The financial scare we've witnessed in the past couple of weeks is just symptom of the real problem: our country and most individuals are up to their eyeballs in debt, and as such, are becoming enslaved to false affluency and a lack of fiscal discipline. ... G Brent Riggs 10/5/2008 9:11:48 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=184 A reader asks: How do you love someone unconditionally when they are doing or saying things you don't love? - - - - - - - - - - - By choice. The foundation of real love is choice, not feelings. Feelings follow choice. Think of a train. Choice is the ... G Brent Riggs 10/5/2008 9:07:44 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=182 It's life-changing and potentially devastating to face the possibility of a child dying. Unlike an accidental death (which is horrible enough), death from disease or injury where you get to sit around and see it coming for week or months, can be particula... G Brent Riggs 9/22/2008 1:14:42 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=180 I want to share a great story with you. My good friend, Rafe, had a terrible accident a few weeks ago where he fell off a ladder and shattered both of his ankles, and instantly disabled himself. Enough people have already asked him why he was up on a lad... G Brent Riggs 9/18/2008 8:20:10 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=292 Regardless of whether you call yourself religious or spiritual, there are principles about debt that transcend our personal opinions. So, whether these principles come from the Bible or are just some wise saying, if they are true, they are true. The Bibl... G Brent Riggs 9/16/2008 7:22:13 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=175 A friend sent me an interesting email, to which I replied with something I hope was equally interesting. Here ya go... enjoy. From my friend: POPULATION AND THE AGE OF THE EARTH And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, ... G Brent Riggs 9/11/2008 10:13:55 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=174 A reader asks: I'm from Fiji. I am about to get married in 3 months time. My boyfriend and I have been going to church since March this year. We have had arguments and last weekend he resorted to smoking and drinking Kava. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... G Brent Riggs 9/7/2008 10:50:55 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=291 As parents and students you have to keep your eyes OPEN, and be really alert, even skeptical about federal and private college loans, and scholarships. There are countless cons, rip-offs and scams to avoid. The tale-tell sign of a rip-off is any college ... G Brent Riggs 9/7/2008 7:58:56 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=173 A reader asks: Am I just old fashioned, or has the dress of women, even at church, become “trampy”? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Well, I’m showing my age because I know exactly what is meant by “tramp”, and while the word might be old fashioned, ... G Brent Riggs 9/3/2008 10:35:42 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=290 Low down payment, low monthly payments. Nothing down, minimum monthly payments. No money down, no payments until next year. Let me ask you a question. Do you think retailers and dealers make these offers because they care about you and just want you to ... G Brent Riggs 8/26/2008 10:02:19 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=172 Baseball… for a hundred years it’s been a symbol of America. Strong, tough men, competing in an honorable game where the best of the best rose to the top, and no one cried for being second. Being second meant harder work, more dedication and mental toughn... G Brent Riggs 8/26/2008 9:22:18 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=171 A reader asks: I am going through some things… problem after problem. My boyfriend (my kids father) is in church and fully dedicated. Am I hindering him if I am not in church as well? Should I become more familiar with the Word if I am trying to serve GO... G Brent Riggs 8/25/2008 8:42:13 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=289 While I don’t deny that there are legitimate and true emergencies that could cause a person to NEED a payday loan, I would still tell them to beg, borrow and scrape every way possible to get help somewhere else before jumping into the black hole known as ... G Brent Riggs 8/25/2008 4:49:38 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=169 I've received several inquiries lately to this effect: "I keep hearing about this book 'The Shack' and people are even talking about having a study based on it. What can you tell me about it?" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This book is another fa... G Brent Riggs 8/13/2008 9:29:35 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=288 “Calling all SUCKERS” is going to be a series outlining some of the rip offs and scams you need to be aware of. This first part is about the rent-to-own rip off. “Rent To Own” is where you pay a company to rent furniture, appliances or electronics. The “... G Brent Riggs 8/13/2008 6:26:26 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=287 I’m constantly amazed at how stupid the credit card companies think we are based on the commercials I see from them. But then I have to stop and think, “if people weren’t responding to them, they wouldn’t be paying to show those ads a thousand times.” Th... G Brent Riggs 7/29/2008 10:22:10 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=165 A reader asks: Is it ever okay for Christians to be jealous? - - - - - - - - - - Jealousy is envy of something we don't have that we want. If we want something God hasn't given us, then we are showing discontent for God's plan. Jealousy based in pers... G Brent Riggs 7/17/2008 2:08:07 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=286 I wanted to let you know about a site that is solely dedicated to people who are giving usable things away, rather than throwing things away.... Why? Mutual help, frugality, saving resources, being nice, curbing waste... obviously it's one of those thing... G Brent Riggs 7/17/2008 1:22:08 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=164 A guy at one of the typical healing-miracles-slain-in-the-spirit "Christian" services, falls down "under the power"and injures himself. After being refused insurance coverage for injuries, he sues the church. First, how come the "spirit" didn't protect h... G Brent Riggs 7/11/2008 10:11:24 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=285 One of the residual benefits of American prosperity for prudent folks is that pretty much everything you need to buy can be found in like-new condition for pennies on the dollar. If you are running down to Walmart, BestBuy or the mall to buy new items, yo... G Brent Riggs 7/10/2008 10:38:50 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=163 A readers asks: I would like to start a Men’s Ministry at our church to teach young men about fatherhood, parenting and being a Godly man. I’m new to this church, and they don’t know me well yet. We do have older, qualified men who would teach, but I thi... G Brent Riggs 7/10/2008 9:49:28 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=162 I heard a commercial that in summary said this: “Do you owe tens of thousands of dollars in debt to credit companies? You have the right to pay off that debt for much less than you owe. That’s good news for you, and bad news for credit card companies.” ... G Brent Riggs 7/8/2008 8:38:07 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=284 Download the full report here. Here's the first ten: GET OUT OF DEBT. My most recent book and DVD are on this topic. Being out of debt is the number one thing that will help you relieve stress and do well when costs go up, and the belt gets tight.... G Brent Riggs 7/8/2008 12:17:21 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=211 I'm writing a report on over 150 ways to reduce personal expenses, save money and get more bang for your buck. I anticipate having it done this weekend. It will be a FREE report. If you know any great ways to save money, send them to me so I can include... G Brent Riggs 7/2/2008 11:34:20 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=210 I wrote on my blog about some advice from Abe Lincoln. I wanted to expand on one point here because it fits into one of our main points: Giving & Stewardship. Here’s what I wrote on the blog: You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.... G Brent Riggs 6/26/2008 9:45:14 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=209 Folks, you better get ready and get your finances in order NOW if you want to have a little less discomfort dealing with what’s coming soon to America. Proverbs 22:3 - A prudent one foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are puni... G Brent Riggs 6/18/2008 11:24:16 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=159 A reader asks: Do you recommend a program for parents to monitor their kids on the computer? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I’ve tried a bunch of different “parental control” programs to monitor my kids on the computer, and the one I like best is https://... G Brent Riggs 6/18/2008 10:32:22 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=158 I have received several rebukes for my characterization of Todd Bentley as a false teacher and false prophet. Below is an informative exchange I had with one reader. We ended up in total disagreement, but I must commend him for being gracious, respectful... G Brent Riggs 6/12/2008 8:27:36 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=157 I took the following directly from an email I received from The Berean Call. You can find the Berean Call at www.thebereancall.org. This is a look at our future in America... apart from God intervening, this is the direction America is headed. Canada is ... G Brent Riggs 6/11/2008 6:07:29 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=208 Here's some suggestions on way to save money which helps us with goal number three: reducing expenses. A Deep Freeze A freezer full of frozen vegetables, bulk prepared meals and left-overs uses very little electricity because its full of frozen food, an... G Brent Riggs 6/10/2008 8:31:16 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=156 A reader asks: What does God say about marriage after divorce? If there was no adultery (no proof, but alot of evidence that there was) but very real, and very traumatic physical and mental abuse? Can a woman be divorced and remarry another Christian? ... G Brent Riggs 6/10/2008 11:48:59 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=207 I just can’t tell you how sick I get of all these commercials, emails and packages that make it sound like having a home based business or an online business is “easy, instant and sure-fire”. IT IS NOT! It is no different than any other business… hard wo... G Brent Riggs 6/9/2008 7:16:09 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=155 A reader asks: What advice can I give to my Christian sister-in-law regarding adultery? My brother has committed adultery. Would she be able to forgive and somehow restore their marriage? - - - - - - - - That's a tough one to answer in this type of for... G Brent Riggs 6/9/2008 6:49:47 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=154 A reader asks: What do you think about this Todd Bentley and the revival taking place in Florida right now? - - - - - - - - I'm careful when I speak about specific people directly, but I do not hesitate when warranted. Todd Bentley is nothing more t... G Brent Riggs 6/5/2008 2:07:43 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=153 A reader asks: My fiancé cheated on me, this occured more than once with the same woman over a period of 15 months, and the situation was incredibly ugly. I do love him and would want to work things out but I am really battling with forgiveness, a part... G Brent Riggs 6/3/2008 7:59:08 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=206 What are the best attitudes and beliefs we should have about money? I'm trying to create a TOP TEN so that people can have a specific list to help them get the right mindset about money. Help me create this list. I've added a couple already. Go here: h... G Brent Riggs 6/2/2008 9:15:04 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=152 What are the top ten things a parent should teach each child they have? I've begun the list, but want to get your input. When the list is done (the top ten), I'll publish it on this blog. Add your input here:[NOTIP] http://www.serioustopten.com/list_in... G Brent Riggs 6/2/2008 9:02:45 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=151 The area of sexual purity, temptation and education is sorely neglected by Christians - or, we have been SO influenced by the world, we barely differ from them. The "Every Man..." series is one of the best I've seen with several books addressing every... G Brent Riggs 5/30/2008 7:43:38 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=150 A reader asks: I met this gentleman a month before my divorce was final. I had been married for over 10 years and I have 6 children. My marriage ended due to abuse etc. I did not think I would ever find anyone who would want me and all of my children. I ... G Brent Riggs 5/28/2008 7:16:18 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=149 A preacher friend of mine recently asked what I thought about "separation" between married couples. Here is a brief exchange between he and I that I thought you might find interesting. Steve's a great guy. I’m sure he won't mind hearing from you if you ha... G Brent Riggs 5/25/2008 6:02:48 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=148 A reader asks: What is your opinion of dating, and ultimately marriage, of persons with significant age differences? More concretely, what would you say of a 29-year old woman dating a 42-year old man? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Well, like a lot of th... G Brent Riggs 5/22/2008 8:57:32 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=205 I’m trying to write one post about each main topic once a week, if time allows. Today I’m talking about REDUCING EXPENSES. With gas prices rising rapidly, let’s talk about ways to reduce your gasoline expense. Find some friends either at work, or neig... G Brent Riggs 5/22/2008 8:10:49 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=204 It’s a generally true statement that debt-ridden, credit card addicted people appear to more wealthy and more affluent than they really are. Why? Because they spend their “money” (and credit) on LIFESTYLE expenditures. I overheard a fairly loud twenty so... G Brent Riggs 5/20/2008 8:04:48 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=147 A reader asks: Hi Brent! I have been married, for three years. My husband and I were not saved. I accepted, Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. My husband is very verbally abusive to me. He says mean things to me. He hates being with me. He wants to get ... G Brent Riggs 5/19/2008 11:18:35 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=203 The resounding answer is YES! The problem is, we are still in this Internet phase of hucksters and gimmicks at every turn. In truth, the hucksters have remained, and will remain in every area of business, traditional or online. Let’s look at the myths, w... G Brent Riggs 5/19/2008 10:02:35 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=145 A reader asks: My girlfriend and I are Christians, and truly seek to have a relationship, and a marriage that is pleasing to God. She is graduating college in a year with a large amount of debt. I am already working, I have no debt, and I am saving dilig... G Brent Riggs 5/15/2008 9:18:17 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=202 Over the past few weeks SeriousMoney.com has just kind of been “shoot from the hip”. Whatever questions were asked, I answered. I just write about whatever I feel like. A little here and little there. While that might be mildly interesting (hopefully), i... G Brent Riggs 5/15/2008 7:23:20 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=144 I would appreciate your thoughts on "Rejection". One of the young men in prison I visit has a hard time as his mother kicked him out at 12 and his step-father told him how stupid he is, etc. He asked me about it. He is a new believer. - - - - - - - - - ... G Brent Riggs 5/13/2008 6:52:06 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=201 A reader asks: What do you think about these “no payments, no interest for 12 months” types of offers? - - - - - - - - - - - There is only one type of purchase plan for financially responsible people: 100% down, no monthly payments. Folks, companies ... G Brent Riggs 5/9/2008 5:50:18 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=143 A reader asks: My nephew wants to honor the death of his cousin (my daughter) with a tattoo on his arm, using a picture she drew before she died. I know he means well, but I would think a tattoo wouldn't be pleasing to God and a defacement of his body. (... G Brent Riggs 5/9/2008 5:18:10 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=142 I rarely recommend books, and even more rarely label them a “must read”. My “must read” list can be counted on one hand probably. With summer on the way, and then a new batch of kids headed off in the Fall to be indoctrinated… er, educated… this is a goo... G Brent Riggs 5/1/2008 7:49:36 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=199 A reader asks: How can I grow my client email/customer list for my online business? This is probably the most frequent question I receive and for obvious reason. I’ve answered it different ways several times in the past. However, I never mind answering ... G Brent Riggs 4/30/2008 7:20:19 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=140 A reader asks: What do parents do when their adult daughter has a child, and then resorts to stripping for a living, is on drugs and alcohol, leaves her husband to live with another man, and loses her Faith in God? We have tried everything! - - - - - -... G Brent Riggs 4/28/2008 7:35:40 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=139 Hey, did you hear the one about the fighting Christians arrested by Jews in a place guarded by Muslims? Joke? Nope. Real life. Religion has become so “religious” that I can’t decide whether this story is outrageously funny, or outrageously sad.[TIPJAR] ... G Brent Riggs 4/23/2008 5:24:22 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=197 I’ve posted some comments over on my blog that are relevant to this blog as well. They deal with how to handle life when you make a mistake, do something stupid, or face a personal embarrassment. This is particularly relevant to business. Whether you are... G Brent Riggs 4/22/2008 2:58:56 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=138 Find out about aboutMagazine Monday Nominations. A reader asks: I made some stupid mistakes at work (in behavior and judgment), and it has really caused me a lot of embarrassment. I’m finding it VERY hard to quit thinking about, and I have to admi... G Brent Riggs 4/22/2008 2:43:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=137 A reader asks: I have been taught and came to believe that going to movies wasn’t a right thing to do, and at one time, very few people in our church (that I knew or knew about) went to movies. Now, as I listen to people talk it seems like a common thing... G Brent Riggs 4/16/2008 8:25:17 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=196 I have launched my latest DVD… check it out here. [NOTIP] 24 HOUR SPECIAL FOR MY CURRENT READERS ONLY - even though the price says $56.95 on the sales page, when you purchase in the next 24 hours, you'll see the price on the order form is $36.95. Twen... G Brent Riggs 4/16/2008 8:04:10 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=194 I'm going to create a new line of online instructional demo's for common procedures and "how-to's". They will be available as online multimedia training demonstrations. A customer will purchase it, and receive online access to the product immediately. ... G Brent Riggs 4/14/2008 7:31:52 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=136 A reaader asks me one that I certainly must say is a first: This question has been on my mind for such a long time, I really can't believe I'm going to go through with asking someone about it. But here it goes... My husband is currently deployed with the... G Brent Riggs 4/14/2008 4:43:50 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=135 A reader asks: Where did the phrase "and this too shall pass..." come from? I always thought it was in the Bible, is it? - - - - - - - It’s funny that you ask that. I’m writing a series called “Ten Lessons I’ve Learned That Will Change Your Life”. One... G Brent Riggs 4/10/2008 2:21:27 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=193 Questions from readers about creating a newsletter: 1) Layout and formatting is my biggest hurdle. Any suggestions? I’m not a graphic designer. 2) Is it best to send an email newsletter with hyper-links to our web site instead of the full articles? 3) ... G Brent Riggs 4/10/2008 1:53:56 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=192 Regardless of whether you call yourself religious or spiritual, there are principles about debt that transcend our personal opinions. So, whether these principles come from the Bible or are just some wise saying, if they are true, they are true. The Bibl... G Brent Riggs 4/7/2008 7:42:09 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=134 A reader asks: How do I talk to someone who is constantly being mislead and easily follows false teaching like “there is no eternal hell”, “God will burn the sin out of us” or “God saves everyone”? - - - - - - - - - - - If I answered you as “Brent”, I... G Brent Riggs 4/7/2008 4:34:22 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=191 A couple of things for you today... First, on my personal blog, I just posted a presentation that has to do with being contented. As Americans we seem to have a never-ending thirst for increased lifestyle and prosperity. It's not the amount of money or w... G Brent Riggs 4/3/2008 8:41:47 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=133 I am amazed sometimes at the number of people who write me lamenting their circumstances... comments which almost always surround lifestyle, some sort of personal difficulty, or anything that is short of comfortable. It really doesn't matter the age grou... G Brent Riggs 4/3/2008 8:05:21 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=283 I get asked routinely, “ what about debt consolidation services?”, “what about debt relief companies?” or “what about bankruptcy?”. They all have the same foundational meaning: “What about ways that will help me NOT pay for what I’ve already squandered, ... G Brent Riggs 3/31/2008 4:34:01 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=132 A reader asks: WhileI think much of what you say about “courting” makes sense, how realistic is it for the majority of singles out there? I can see courting forthose in high school or maybe college, butwhat about those much older? So many of us live nowh... G Brent Riggs 3/31/2008 1:45:11 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=131 A reader asks: what is courtship? - - - - - - - - - - If you’ve read me for very long, you know I have no affinity for dating. Dating for most people is this cycle of serious relationships that are tantamount to pretend marriage since they usually invo... G Brent Riggs 3/25/2008 8:16:22 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=282 A reader asks: In today's world, you can't get by without credits cards right? Can you actually live without using credit? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - There's actually two questions here. Can you get by without using "credit"? The short answer to... G Brent Riggs 3/25/2008 6:37:43 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=130 A reader asks: I am in a relationship with someone I truly love but do not trust because of his previous cheating. How can I, with God's help make this work? Should I even try? - - - - - - - - - - - No, you should not try. You are not even married, an... G Brent Riggs 3/17/2008 4:49:15 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=281 Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I was really sick for a while. A reader asks "what about the lottery? If I have the money to play the lottery what's the difference between me spending a few bucks on lottery tickets instead of going golfing?" - - -... G Brent Riggs 3/17/2008 3:59:37 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=280 A reader asks: Can you give me a list of ideas to consider about different ways to make money online? I’m trying to get an idea of the big picture before I decide which way to go. - - - - - - - - - - - - Contrary to the claims of a lot of online busine... G Brent Riggs 3/11/2008 7:05:52 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=129 A question that I actually get fairly often in different forms: Brent, where do you pastor? Where did you get your seminary training? What makes you qualified to give counseling advice about parenting, family or marriage? What are your credentials? You o... G Brent Riggs 3/11/2008 6:35:34 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=279 What's the hardest part of starting down the road to being debt-free? Answer: admitting you haven't done it right so far, or at best, haven't done it "good enough". Admitting you’ve done a sorry job handling your money or that you’ve fallen for all the c... G Brent Riggs 3/11/2008 9:22:08 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=128 A reader asks: Oprah's on line class covering the book "A New Earth" by Eckart Tolle was actually recommended reading by a person in my church. I assumed it was another new age Oprah religion book. Do you know anything about it? I certainly do not follow... G Brent Riggs 3/10/2008 7:11:21 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=127 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 3/9/2008 11:32:13 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=278 A reader asks: I'm having trouble finding a job. I'll work a lead, and then it falls through and I'm starting over. I'm open to changing fields. Any advice? Yep. Here ya go: This is just general advice from my experience. I don’t know any detai... G Brent Riggs 3/9/2008 11:32:13 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=126 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 3/6/2008 9:57:09 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=277 Folks, Some of you may know that I put up a new site last weekend and it is getting a great reception: http://www.brentriggsSTUFF.com Besides attracting people for the usual reasons (I want them to see my other mentoring and Christian sites), I'm also g... G Brent Riggs 3/6/2008 9:57:09 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=125 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 3/5/2008 6:29:41 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=276 A reader asks: in your opinion what is the number one factor in achieving financial freedom? First, let me state for new readers that I define financial freedom not as wealth (lack or abundance), but as having the right attitude about money, using money ... G Brent Riggs 3/5/2008 6:29:41 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=124 A reader asks: I teach classes to homeschooled students like science and drama. We rent rooms at our local church on a weekday to teach the classes. I have been recently questioned about whether this is tantamount to the moneychangers Jesus drove from t... G Brent Riggs 3/4/2008 8:56:54 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=275 A reader asks: I have a home base business; is it okay to pocket some cash? To be honest, I have no idea what is being asked. Isn't the whole point of having a business, home-based or otherwise, to "pocket some cash"? Perhaps people confuse my Ch... G Brent Riggs 3/3/2008 11:39:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=123 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 3/3/2008 11:39:32 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=274 I created a new site this weekend, http://www.brentriggsstuff.com/ Someone asked, "why do you keep creating new websites? Why do you have several sites instead of just concentrating on one?" First, for me it's fun. Professionally, I am a graphic designer... G Brent Riggs 3/2/2008 9:58:49 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=122 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 3/2/2008 9:58:49 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=121 I was asked if "blind faith" is appropriate at all and what part faith plays in our life (keeping in my everything we've discussed in this series). It's an important question, so I thought I needed to address it. So I'll end (again) with this final state... G Brent Riggs 2/28/2008 1:24:01 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=120 This is a long post, but I want to finish up this series. The Bible is not a science book. However, the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible is beyond dispute for anyone who cares to investigate the evidence. Therefore, where Science contradicts somet... G Brent Riggs 2/26/2008 8:03:38 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=119 As we continue our series, let me remind you: The Bible is not a science book. However, the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible is beyond dispute for anyone who cares to investigate the evidence. Therefore, where Science contradicts something clearly ... G Brent Riggs 2/25/2008 6:51:19 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=273 My buddy, Fred Black (http://www.pqinternet.com) wrote a post today about "ghostwriters" and I wanted to address this issue with my own readers. Many "success" or "mentoring" bloggers out there, who primarily sell products and preach the "online business... G Brent Riggs 2/20/2008 8:13:15 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=108 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 2/20/2008 8:13:15 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=107 I’ve started each part with this foundational statement: The Bible is not a science book. However, the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible is beyond dispute for anyone who cares to investigate the evidence. Therefore, where Science contradicts somethi... G Brent Riggs 2/19/2008 8:19:06 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=106 I’ll start each part of this series with the following: The Bible is not a science book. However, the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible is beyond dispute for anyone who cares to investigate the evidence. Therefore, where Science contradicts somethin... G Brent Riggs 2/19/2008 10:13:23 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=105 We continue our talk about Science and Faith. Let me emphasize again as I will with each new part: The Bible is not a science book. However, the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible is beyond dispute for anyone who cares to investigate the evidence. Th... G Brent Riggs 2/18/2008 7:28:15 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=104 You wouldn't believe the amount of conversations, emails and response I get that you don't see publicly on my websites. This blog, SeriousFaith.com, RiggsReport.com, SeriousBlogger... to name a few... generate a lot of comments, questions, debate, rebuk... G Brent Riggs 2/17/2008 8:44:05 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=102 I recently got a response from a reader about one of my answers and he chided me for not keeping in mind the "fact" that faith in God, and the Scriptures is after all, "strictly faith, and ONLY faith". I was reminded of this "fact" by him (which WAS inde... G Brent Riggs 2/15/2008 1:16:39 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=101 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 2/14/2008 8:12:45 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=272 First, someone out there is submitting my articles to BlogCarnival. I'm not sure who it is, although I appreciate it. If it is you, would you let me know so I can find out why, and say thank you? Second, it's Valentine's Day so you don't need to spend a ... G Brent Riggs 2/14/2008 8:12:45 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=100 What did you specifically and purposefully do today to take a step towards your personal, spiritual, relational and business goals? What do you have planned for tomorrow? You cannot live life shooting from the hip if you want to have ANY success in any ... G Brent Riggs 2/12/2008 10:35:57 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=271 What did you specifically and purposefully do today to take a step towards your personal, spiritual, relational and business goals? What do you have planned for tomorrow? You cannot live life shooting from the hip if you want to have ANY success in any ... G Brent Riggs 2/12/2008 10:35:57 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=97 I took the time to write a "modern English translation" of the Declaration of Independence a couple of days ago. It was very well received, and predictably, a request for the Bill of Rights soon followed. So yesterday I wrote a modern English translation... G Brent Riggs 2/10/2008 10:57:49 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=270 I get a lot of questions and comments about perseverance and determination being listed as my number one ingredient to success. It is. Period. Personal, professional, spiritual, financial... doesn't matter. Perseverance and determination are the number ... G Brent Riggs 2/8/2008 10:11:25 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=96 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 2/8/2008 10:11:25 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=95 I get a lot of emails from people about giving up, wanting to quit, needing "help", taking pills, hunting support groups, longing for "quick and easy" answers... just a general lack of perseverance, toughness, commitment and mental fortitude. As I wrote ... G Brent Riggs 2/6/2008 11:02:40 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=269 I want to give the readers of my blog a chance to preview my new site, and give me their suggestions and feedback before I open it up to the public. The new site is www.riggsdesk.com The site has no cost to users. Never will. This site started with a ... G Brent Riggs 2/5/2008 2:37:10 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=94 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 2/5/2008 2:37:10 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=93 Before the Super Bowl, FOX did a presentation of the Declaration of Independence with stirring visuals and music. However, I realized after watching it, that 99% of America would have no idea what they actually just heard, and even less understanding of i... G Brent Riggs 2/4/2008 10:05:07 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=268 A reader asks: do you have any general advice or principles that will help me discipline both my personal life and my business efforts? Of course the answer to that is "yes". So the challenge for me was to think of how to best use a few paragraphs to wri... G Brent Riggs 2/4/2008 8:49:07 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=92 A reader asks: do you have any general advice or principles that will help me discipline both my personal life and my business efforts? Of course the answer to that is "yes". So the challenge for me was to think of how to best use a few paragraphs to wri... G Brent Riggs 2/4/2008 8:49:07 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=267 A reader asks: what are the basics of succeeding at having an online business? Are there a few primary things that will help me build an income online? Yep. In fact, I truly believe that there are three questions, along with the "flywheel" or "snowball" ... G Brent Riggs 2/1/2008 11:25:26 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=91 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 2/1/2008 11:25:26 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=90 A reader asks: What is your opinion about Christians taking antidepressants for moderate/major depression? I am currently unemployed, have no friends in town, and do not attend church regularly. Needless to say, the symptoms have worsened. I'm at a point... G Brent Riggs 1/30/2008 7:40:43 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=266 A reader asks: Why isn’t my online business growing any faster? I’ve been working at it for several months and while I’m making some money, I would have thought by now that it would be making a lot more? Any suggestions? Well, I don’t have any specific s... G Brent Riggs 1/30/2008 9:01:27 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=89 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 1/30/2008 9:01:27 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=88 A reader asks: how can a Christian man be morally and sexually pure? What is the line of phyiscal affection when dating? Is there a rule or principle that can help men deal with sexual temptation and lust? A verse recently caught my attention, and my own... G Brent Riggs 1/29/2008 9:04:23 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=87 A reader asks: is feeling shame good? It shaming someone over sin a Christian reponsibility? We live in a world today where "shame" is always characterized as bad. We are taught self-love, self-esteem, self-acceptance and told endlessly how "good" we are... G Brent Riggs 1/25/2008 9:41:48 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=86 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 1/24/2008 12:34:45 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=265 There's been a lot of good response and appreciation of the $9.99 DVD special, so I'm going to extend it through the weekend to make sure every reader gets a chance to take advantage of it. Thanks for all your kind comments. I truly appreciate my reader... G Brent Riggs 1/24/2008 12:34:45 PM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=85 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 1/23/2008 7:51:28 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=264 For my blog readers only, I'm doing a 24 hour special where any of my DVD's can be bulked ordered for $9.99 each. You can resell them, give them as gifts, or use this opportunity to get all ten of my current DVD's for $9.99 each. It's a bulk order pric... G Brent Riggs 1/23/2008 7:51:28 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=84 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 1/22/2008 9:53:23 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=263 A reader asks: Our daughter is 19, living at home. She went to a university in the fall of 2006 and only stayed for one semester. She took classes in the spring of '07 and the fall of '07 at a local community college. She now informs us that she does not ... G Brent Riggs 1/22/2008 9:53:23 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=83 This post has been moved to www.brentriggsMONEY.com. That blog is dedicated to online business and financial freedom. www.brentriggsMONEY.com... G Brent Riggs 1/21/2008 11:39:44 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=262 A reader asks: which is easier for making money online... creating your own products, or selling someone else's? I don't think it's a question of "easier". I think it's a question of what is right for you personally. Me? I like creating my own products.... G Brent Riggs 1/21/2008 11:39:44 AM http://www.brentriggs.com?ItemID=82 A reader asks: what do you think about people who say they don't go to church because churches are filled with hypocrites? I think THEY are hypocrites. Why? Because they still go to work, where there are hypocrites. They still go to school where there a... G Brent Riggs 1/18/2008 3:19:56 PM