Refunds Don’t Pay

A quick comment concerning the article “How to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely” (Spring 2005). Rethinking the refund should have been your No. 1 suggestion.

A large tax refund may be a foolproof way to save for people who struggle to do so, but it’s not wise to “invest” a large portion of your income with Uncle Sam if it’s not earning interest. Reducing or eliminating your annual tax refund will boost your cash flow each pay period—which can then be used toward the other suggestions that were included in the article.

For people with a regular paycheck—as myself—this is easily accomplished, and it’s good stewardship of our Lord’s material blessings as well.

Rev. Charles Blakey
Reynolds, Indiana

Forgotten Fruits

We appreciated your well-written article “How to Use Your Tax Refund Wisely” (Spring 2005). However, we didn’t see any mention of tithing with the tax return dollars. This is money that was earned—at least some of it should be given to the church.

The article “How Healthy Are Your Money Values?” in that same issue refers to the popular 10-10-80 formula. At a time like this, when many traditional churches are facing financial challenges, we need to be acutely aware of how we are managing the resources with which God has entrusted us.

Jim and Linda Arbaugh
Folsom, California

For Art’s Sake

I read with interest Jennifer Krempin’s story about Rod Oppegard and his efforts to photographically chronicle altar art and rural church furnishings (“Super Sleuth,” Spring 2005). I appreciate and applaud his efforts.

I wish some organization would take the next step and save the furnishings themselves. They would need a building—a revamped warehouse would be a start. Some art and furnishings could be displayed, museum-fashion, and admissions or donations could defray costs; the rest could be stored. Some even could be available for sale (or possibly long-term loan) to churches, to defray costs. Churches have long done that with pews, organs and other items. Perhaps a grant could fund a tiny staff, including a fund-raiser and/or a person to arrange the physical details. Thrivent chapters might get involved.

I hope some of these artifacts can be saved. They are an important part of our history!

Jim Peterson
Tacoma, Washington

Real Relief

I congratulate Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for its bold witness through Lutheran World Relief in response to the tsunami tragedy. On the second day of the tragedy, I called Lutheran World Relief for a quick contribution; lo and behold, they told me that Thrivent Financial would double my contribution, like bread and fishes. My donation may have been a tiny drop in an ocean of need, but it was a step of faith, and the joy of seeing Lutheran World Relief and Thrivent Financial in such cooperation inspired me.

Dr. Albert E. Jabs
Lexington, South Carolina

Talk To Us
We want to hear from you!
Thrivent™ magazine
Letters to the Editor
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
4321 N. Ballard Rd.
Appleton, WI 54919-0001
thriventmagazine@thrivent.com

Top Of Page | Magazine Home Page