(1) Investments/Markets

(2) Politics/Global Affairs

(3) Theology/Philanthropy

​

The goal is to generate actionable ideas that encourage stewardship of opportunities/resources to positively impact the world. 

​

“Alta Mensa” means “High Table” in Latin. 

January 2020

Chickens gravitate towards the lower bases. Enough said. Ducks quack much to attract attention. Look at me. Me, me, me. Mine, mine, mine. In contrast, swans gravitate towards the higher levels and the cleaner waters. Also, they are quiet, majestic, and distinguished. Swans are beautiful, and beautiful things don’t ask for attention. They receive attention but do not ask for it.

We all need to embrace our true royal identity: majestic, distinguished, and truly beautiful swans.

The growth rate of WhatsApp trumps that of Facebook, Gmail, Skype and Twitter in its first four years. Mark Zuckerberg said, “no one in the history of the world has ever done something like this.” WhatsApp will remain an independent service from Facebook. The company has about 55 people. Most of the application users are in Europe, India, and other non U.S. markets.

It’s remarkable that Brian Acton was once denied a job with Facebook. And now his company is being purchased by the social media giant. Sometimes things workout differently then planned. For Brian, the denial at Facebook led him to start his own company that was to be acquired at a premium by the company that once rejected him.

Adversity can be a blessing in disguise. Life is fraught with unintended consequences and unpredictable, pleasant surprises.

References:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303636404579395560102335816

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/02/20/brian-acton-facebook-whatsapp/5638289/

Mark Zuckerberg was recently dubbed America’s biggest philanthropist for 2013 after he and his wife gave $990 million to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The year before, Mark and his wife were the second biggest charitable donors after giving half a billion dollars to the same foundation.

Mark’s first big donation in the philanthropy space came back in 2010 when he put forth $100 million to public schools in Newark, New Jersey. Even though Mark is currently worth around $12 billion dollars, it is still remarkable to see his generosity in action. At a young age, he is setting a precedent for future philanthropists to follow.

In the final analysis, it isn’t all about making the money. Often, it is about the giving that’s even more important. Both, Mark and Bill seem to have mastered both sides of the coin. Greatly creative and professionally successful, the two tech titans are also quite generous.

Whether their stocks are up or down, they continue to give back abundantly for the betterment of society. Bill and Mark are true visionaries and champions, not only in a technological sense, but also, and especially, in the philanthropic way.

The United States nonprofit sector as has grown over the years. Looking at the National Center For Charitable Statistics, the U.S. has 1,424,918 tax-exempt organizations, including 956,738 public charities, 97,435 private foundations and “370,745 other types of nonprofit organizations, including chambers of commerce, fraternal organizations and civic leagues.” In 2010 alone, 9.2% of wages and salaries came from nonprofits.

In 2011, public charities made more than “$1.59 trillion in total revenues and $1.49 trillion in total expenses.” Of this revenue, 22% came from contributions, gifts and government grants, 72% came from program services revenues, and 6% came from other sources including rental income, special event income, among others.

Looking at charitable donations, individuals gave $217.79 billion in 2011 and foundations accounted for  $46.9 billion.

United Kingdom

According to NCVO, by 2010 there were 164,000 voluntary organizations in the United Kingdom. At least 2,500 new charities are registered each year and in 2010 4,448 new charities were registered.

54% of voluntary organizations are micro with annual incomes of less than £10,000. 31% of organizations make between £10,000 and  £100,000. These organizations are less likely to employ staff and rather rely on individual donations. Organizations with over £10million annually usually have paid staff and operate nationally and internationally and also branch out locally in some cases.

The voluntary sector employs about 765,000 people which is 2.7% of the UK workforce. Over half of the workforce is employed in health and social work at 57%.

By Theodore Roosevelt

The funding of the grant will be used primarily to provide training for school leaders so they can then provide feedback on how teachers can improve in their methods. It will also help with professional development for educators as well as create consistency in evaluation across the board.

I think it is great that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recognizes such a strong need in the United States school systems. To date, the foundation has poured in billions of dollars in addressing this need and it seems that there won’t be any slowing down in the near future. The Foundation understands that kids are the future of America and the world. It is important that they receive the best education possible to ensure a bright and successful future. The Foundation also recognizes that the best education for kids starts from the top down. Having a whole school district on board creates a sense of unity – everyone is working for a common goal. That goal is all based around the simple principal of providing the best education possible to students.

I came across this devotional from Jesus Calling. A powerful message. A powerful reminder to trust and rely on God in all circumstances.

Let My Love stream through you, washing away fear and distrust. A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation. My continual Presence is a promise, guaranteeing that you never have to face anything alone. My children teethe on the truth that I am always with them, yet they stumble around in a stupor, unaware of My loving Presence all around them. How that grieves Me!

When you walk through a day in trusting dependence on Me, My aching heart is soothed. Gently bring your attention back to Me whenever it wanders away. I look for persistence—rather than perfection—in your walk with Me.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

—Psalm 52:8

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

—Deuteronomy 31:6

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

—Ephesians 4

I’ve been dealing with resentment. My closest friend turned against me and threw me under the bus. I can’t explain the hurt and pain I feel down deep in my soul. Any words of advice for my broken heart?

Love, J.

A: Dear J.,

I am so very sorry. I understand. More than you realize. I myself have dealt with a painful experience that fractured a very close relationship. I will say this, miracles can and will happen. The love of Christ and time will bring wonders in your life if you are patient and your spirit is humble.

To further address your question, I will share a public email that I received from Bernie James, a former colleague of mine in the School of Law at Pepperdine University. The entire message below is the word of encouragement that he recently shared with me. I hope it will inspire, comfort, and encourage you too.

Blessings and all the best, Andrei

Road Trip by Bernie James

All my spiritual life, I think constantly of being home with the Lord and especially of beholding the face of Him whom I serve in life. I am on a spiritual road trip toward Heaven.

Two of the roads that I must travel because they lead to a joyful, successful road trip are named Goodness and Forgiveness. Scripture warns that if I am not kind to others for whom the road of life gets too steep, then God will not be kind to me. So too, I am told to forgive seventy times seven – in other words – to not count the times I forgive someone.

To avoid the roadblocks in my spiritual road trip I must love my neighbor. It is simply my passport to life.

— “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13.
— “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14.
— “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:2.