Untaxable Wealth

[Quahom1]

A tax assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following conversation took place:

"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.

"I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian.

"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.

The Christian said:

"First, I have everlasting life, John 3:16

Second, I have a mansion in heaven, John 14:2

Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, Philippians 4:7

Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8

Fifth, I have divine love which never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:8

Sixth, I have a faithful wife, Proverbs 31:10

Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children, Exodus 20:12

Eighth, I have true, loyal friends, Proverbs 18:24

Ninth, I have songs in the night, Psalms 42:8

Tenth, I have a crown of life, James 1:12"

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."

This came to me in my e-mail and had no signature, nor copyright claims. But I found irony in the difference between one man's perception of wealth and anothers...

v/r

Q

[InLove]

Hi, Q, and everyone--Peace to All Here--

When I read your post, I thought of the following song. I was given these lyrics to write in 1987:

Rich Blessings

Rich is the sound of a young girl's laughter

Ringing like windchimes;
Rich is the touch of a baby's cheek
Next to mine;
Rich, the woven tapestry of two spirits entwined--
These blessings, rich blessings are mine.

Rich is the voice on the telephone
Asking how I've been;
Open the door to the smiling face
Of a friend;
Rich decor, furnishings of strings and keys and rhymes--
These blessings, rich blessings are mine.

Silver and gold have I--
The sun up in the summer sky,
And the lining behind every cloud;
Sapphires and pearls for me
In the beauty of the sea;
And there's plenty to share--
I am rich beyond compare!

Rich is the gift of liberty
To choose the words I'll speak;
Rich are the memories of those
Who died for their beliefs;
But the most expensive thing I own
Was bought and paid for long ago--
The richest blessing, undeserved I know--
But these blessings, rich blessings I hold.

Silver and gold have I--
And rubies in the evening sky,
And at my feet, cool fields of emeralds lie;
A jeweled crown to wear
To a kingdom I am heir,
And there's plenty to spare--
I am rich beyond compare!

Silver and gold have I
And these ivory sculptures rolling by,
And countless diamonds in the midnight skies;
Rich perfume is mine
In the sweet honeysuckle vine--
And I've plenty to spare--
I am rich beyond compare!

Always plenty to share--
I am rich beyond compare....

(copyrighted material, 1987)

[17th Angel]

lol

If I was the tax man I'd of laughed and said, ok now what do you really have?

Then again I love dodging taxes as much as I can... Maybe I'll give this one a go.

[pfw]

Speaking as a Brit, trust me, give Tony Blair and Gordon Brown a few hours to think about it and we'll be facing a whole host of new taxes...

[Prober]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, "Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."

I really like this post, Q!

("...But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal...")

[wil]

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune
and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don't have a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loved ones around me,
and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about
the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

~ John Paul Moore ~

[InLove]

Wil--thanks for that. Do you know what makes that poem so great to me? Both my girls have sent that to me in emails. I don't think they would have done that if they weren't pretty happy and had some measure of peace in their lives.

InPeace,
InLove