I think there are few things more infuriating than paying taxes. 

Estate taxes are about as morally wrong as you can get, while property taxes do not seem much better. 

My advice is this:

Try not to worry too much about taxes. 

You have to pay them, and it’s just best to not care so much. 

I think taxes can even be kind of like tithing. 

Paying a tithe is doing what we were commanded to do, but it also helps us to not worry so much about money and the things that can be bought with it.

It is all just stuff. 

I think Jesus hinted at this when he said to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. 

Maybe he was just saying:

“It’s physical stuff. Who cares? I want your life. I want your heart.” 

Mark 12:13-17:
Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”

A cup or two of black coffee in the morning is one of my guilty pleasures. 

This is the case to the point that now it has become a routine. 

Admittedly, I only started drinking my coffee black in the last few years. 

Taking it black seems to definitely be an acquired taste. 

I was once a “three cream, three sugar” kind of person, but Mom told me once that her grandfather always told her: 

“If you drink it black for 30 days, you will never go back.” 

Well, I tried it and it stuck.

Mom still likes her cream and sugar. 

I love you. 

-Dad

I already wrote about how important friendships are. 

Just let me say this: 

Be careful choosing your friends. 

Who you are around will shape who you become. 

I have heard this in the same manner about writing.

It goes: 

“Be careful what you read – because eventually that’s how you will write.” 

I hope you choose friends that build you up, challenge you, encourage you, faithfully stand with you, and hold your hand as you chase after Jesus. 

In his book, No Wonder They Call Him Savior, Max Lucado says: 

“John teaches us that the strongest relationship with Christ may not necessarily be a complicated one. He teaches us that the greatest webs of loyalty are spun, not with airtight theologies or foolproof philosophies, but with friendships; stubborn, selfless, joyful friendships.” 

I love you.