What Money Can't Buy

Imagine if you can have a convenient supply of gasoline pellets. Instead of lining up at the gasoline station, you can toss a few pellets in running water and have a steady supply of high-grade gasoline!

Perhaps if modern science permits it, such an idea would become possible. After all, with rising gas prices now becoming frequent, it would be handy to have those pellets ready.

Of course, we could all stand to save a little more money. After all, things would be much easier in the long run if things weren't so costly. Unfortunately, that's not how the economy works.

While it's tempting to want to become more prosperous, some things are better than wealth. After careful reflection on the book, here are some things money can't buy:

1. Genuine friendship. Having friends who love you for you is worth more than all the gold in the world.

2. Simple pleasures. A sip of coffee, a walk in the park, and spending time with your loved ones are all the things that most people take for granted.

For the mega-wealthy, this may seem laughable. After all, such moguls could buy a coffee empire if needed. But simple pleasures are best enjoyed at a humble stage because, for a while, you can sit back, relax, and just let it be. That is something fancy vacations and a trip to Mars can't buy.

3. Time. They say that time is money, but circumstances are much more complicated. While you may have more free time when you're rich, you can't buy the time you have already spent. You can buy hours of pleasure, vacations, and anything that tickles your fancy. Still, money cannot erase your past and your experiences. If you ever felt regrets and pain, money can only do so much to salvage the painful times of your life.

Of course, these are just the three things that money can't buy. Nevertheless, I am sure there are still more. While having abundant wealth can certainly make things better, using it for good is the only way to ensure you are genuinely wealthy in spirit.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

Maintaining Hope in the Face of Adversity

Oley Washington Jr. has been through a lot. From serving in the military during the Vietnam war to being attacked by protesters during his release—there is no doubt that his ordeal requires true grit to get through the experience.

In the latter instance, the events of the attack caused him to develop amnesia, where he has forgotten his past, his identity, and the pellets his father entrusted to him. With no recollections of where he was going, he eventually became homeless—living off dumpster diving and staying in worn areas.

Nevertheless, Oley survived. While his inner strength is admirable, the kindness of strangers also enabled him a chance to restore his memories. Both Haywood and Lilly Runyan had offered him compassion at different parts of his life—treating him more of a person than a societal inconvenience. I do not doubt that without their assistance, it would take Oley longer to regain his memories—maybe not even at all! Fortunately for Oley, he had another shot at living his best life and accepted that without looking back.

Aside from inner strength, the help of others can also provide us the power to keep living even if life gets hard. After all, we become closer when we share our burdens, problems, and resources. Such actions also lead us to develop a sense of community and make life better for everyone around us. A loving friendship is one of the best parts of life. As you read through the book, you will not doubt that genuine companionship can foster in even the strangest circumstances.

With all that in mind, if you know someone who makes your life a little better and has been there for you, make sure to drop them a call or message to let them know you appreciate them. After all, life is short, and we only get older as time goes by.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

The Power of Greed and How It Affects Lives

In my book, "I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets," Oley Washington Jr. managed to procure an impressive invention that would render fuel companies useless. Such inventions are gasoline pellets, which, if thrown in clear water, will miraculously turn into high-grade gasoline.

With such convenience, there is no doubt that many people would much instead buy these pellets than drive up to the nearest gas station to refill their tank. It would also be less taxing on the earth's resources, considering that companies no longer have to frack or engage in harmful environmental practices.

Unfortunately, such an invention is a threat to fuel companies. In the book, Lester King managed to hear about these miraculous pellets. He would do anything to keep them from making it to the market. As you can see, his greed shrouded his better judgment for others that he even stooped so low as to send killers to various people who may know about these pellets.

In the Christian faith, greed is one of the deadly sins. An uncontrollable desire to increase one's material gain—money, food, land, and social value.

Lester King, while fictional, embodies such greed because he refuses to make the world a better place. Such inventions threaten him because not only would they render his company useless, but they would affect his standard of living as time goes on.

Many wealthy people often become greedy. The lifestyles of the rich and famous are full of temptation, and to stay rich, you are encouraged to make sure others remain poor. From billionaires to company owners, greed is often rampant and laced with ambition and the desire to move forward while making sure others are left behind. Perhaps the reason why it's so common among the wealthy is that they have a taste of the finer things in life. They know that the more accessible their lifestyles are, the less likely they'll retain their social standing.

Whatever the case, greed shrouds one's morality. It also encourages selfishness and materialistic goals, often ignoring the benefits of spiritual growth in pursuing earthly things. While it's not wrong to want to live a better life, we must also consider how our ambitions can affect others. Otherwise, we not only lose ourselves, but we may potentially lose our souls.

by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.

Tips on How to Save Gasoline

Gasoline prices have steadily increased for the last few months. 

Whether it's because of the conflict in other countries or the effects of the pandemic, there is no doubt that several people are struggling to make ends meet.

With that in mind, saving as many resources as possible is more important than ever. Here are some suggestions to consider:

1. Plan your route.

Modern GPS devices enable drivers to look for the best routes possible. Whether you go to work, school, or the nearest store, it helps you plan your routes by checking the fastest place to get there. To avoid the traffic rush, plan your day and get on the road before heavy-duty traffic takes over.

2. Avoid hulking bulky items in your car.

The heavier your car is, the more likely the amount of gas you're using will increase. The reason for this is that bulkier vehicles require greater inertia and rolling resistance, thus contributing to the overall consumption of fuel. Think of it this way—you wouldn't be running as fast as you were if you were in bulky clothes, now, would you?

3. Consider sharing rides.

Consider planning a carpooling schedule if you have friends from work or around the neighborhood. Take turns picking each other up from their homes and driving yourselves to the office or school.

4. Use public transportation.

Use it immediately if you live in an area where public transportation is easily accessible. If available, buy a bus pass or train passes to save up on some money.

5. Make use of grocery store benefits.

Certain grocery stores have gas stations or deals that may accept loyalty points for specific members. If possible, consider using your customer loyalty points to save up on fuel money.

There are several other ways how to save up on gas. With the economy possibly getting into another recession, we should be as prudent as ever, so we don't have to struggle for our future. Good luck, and stay safe!

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by Carl Kegerreis, author of the book, I Wish I Had Those Gasoline Pellets 

Buy the book on Amazon.

Notes: Carl and Sandy were married for 58 years and three months before she passed away on 3/1/21, from Alzheimer's disease. All proceeds from this book will be sent to Alzheimer's research in memory of Sandy. Also if you would like to donate in memory of a loved one, send your donation to Alzheimer's disease research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD.  20871.