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New Year’s Resolution

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?  Does anyone ever really keep their New Year’s Resolution?  What are the most common New Year’s Resolutions?  Want to know the answers?

According to statistics, 40% – 45% of Americans will make a New Year’s Resolution.  So odds are you don’t have a New Year’s Resolution.  That little bit of information comes with good and bad news.  The bad news is only 46% of those who make a New Year’s Resolution stay with it after six months.  The good news is those that make New Year’s Resolutions are more likely to eventually achieve their goal, even if they fail with the first few attempts.

The top three most common New Year’s Resolutions:  lose weight, exercise more, and stop smoking. 

I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m thinking that if someone were to quit smoking they could exercise more and more exercise would allow them to lose weight.  To all the hockey fans out there this would be known as a “Hat Trick”.  To all the thoroughbred racing fans out there this would be known as winning “The Triple Crown”.  To all the baseball fans out there this would be known as…well you get the idea.

Do you want to know what my New Year’s Resolution will be?  My New Year’s Resolution is to #mo-*yr&in^ tm%…sorry…there seems to be some technical difficulties.  Oh well… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

http://proactivechange.com/resolutions/statistics.htm

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A New National Holiday

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It seems that more and more people are taking time off from work during the holidays.  I’m not just talking about leaving work on December 23rd a few hours early and then staying home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I’m talking about leaving work early on December 23rd and not returning until January 2nd.

The streets are more crowded with traffic, the sidewalks are filled with couples and families walking and exercising.   Now I am fully aware that the schools have let out so more kids are home from college, but this is different.  Yes sir, there are definitely more people at home this week than any other time of the year.

I think this is outstanding.  Spending extra time with relatives and friends is a great thing.  If the last week of the year is causing a movement back toward family values, then lets do something to make this an annual event.  I would be the first to sign a petition that says the last week of the year is now a national holiday.  Think of it…we could be a part of a grassroots movement that starts the first national holiday that lasts a whole week.  Heck, we leave our Christmas lights up for that week.  Why not make it a holiday?  All those in favor say, “Aye”.  

 

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Supply and Demand

December 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Now that the stores are left with an over-supply of Christmas paraphernalia and consumer demand has dwindled, its time to begin the sales.  Today starts the day when the retailers slash the prices of all the things we were told we had to have, in order to make room for everything we will be told we need to have.  Although I may sound cynical, I have found that this time of year can usually lead to some pretty good bargains.

The only problem I have with these “After Christmas Sales Events” is I just spent the better part of two months purchasing everything from a stuffed talking AFLAC duck for my 1 ½ year old grandson to a new IPAD2 for my wife.  I don’t need to purchase anything else nor do I have the money to do so.

I’m guessing those of you who will be taking advantage of these end of the year price wars are the same consumers that put on your battle gear and faced “Black Friday” head-on.  You then bellied-up to your computer on “Cyber-Monday” and took “Corporate America” to the mat.    If so, here’s to all the bargain hunters in the world…may your savings be magnified and your shopping bags full.

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The Christmas Gift

December 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Over the past 10 weeks I have been displaying the 10 commandments, one week at a time; in the upper right hand corner of this website (Did you just look up there to see what it said?).  I planned this 10 weeks ago so the final commandment would be displayed the week of Christmas.  Why?

Because although theses words from God were given to us to help us thrive and live a successful life, how many of us have been able to keep all 10 without breaking a single one.  God tells us in the Bible when we break one of these laws, we have sinned against His love for us.  He then proceeds to explain that the penalty for this violation is death.  If the story ended right here, this would be a very sad life.  Thank God the story continues.

The ultimate Christmas gift God gave to all of us was His only Son, Jesus Christ.  God allowed His Son to be born on Christmas day knowing that the main purpose for Jesus would be to die on the cross in place of us for our sins.  God then continues to tell us that whosoever believes in that fact (Him) shall not perish but have everlasting life.  Now that might not be a gift you will find under your tree, but it is one you can find hidden in your heart.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Christmas Poem

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I lay at rest in a peaceful state,                      

Tomorrow is Christmas and the children can’t wait.

The weather outside is crispy and clear.

The glow from the fireplace reflects in the mirror.

My eyes become heavy and my thoughts start to fade

But not before visions of my family invade.

Then a slight tap…tap…tap begins soft in my head,

It grows with intensity ‘til I rise from my bed.

I look to the window where the noise is abound,

In my grogginess and haste I step on the hound.

As I spy through the window the tap-tap fades away,

I’m staring at nothing and I like it that way.

Than a humorous thought comes to me from the past

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas it’s happening at last.

A slight chuckle slips out as I turn toward the bed,

The tap-tap starts again and it’s not in my head.

This time as I squint to see what is the cause,

I witness a sight but it’s not Santa Claus.

The stars have aligned to a wonderful scene,

A manger, a mother, a baby…a dream.

I blink my eyes twice and rub out all the sleep,

I look once again and the scene is more deep.

The wise men, the animals, and even the bright star

Have formed once again in the distance afar.

Now a message appears as the stars realign

God’s written word, what a wonderful sign.

This is My Son Whom I love and adore.

His birth was My gift to the rich and the poor.

So don’t lose your focus on this Christmas day

Remember your Savior and what He had to say.

There’s no greater gift from one friend to another

Than to lay down his life in place of the other.

Then as fast as it came it faded away

My nose pressed the window in hopes it would stay.

I made my way back to the bed in a fog

This time I made sure I stepped over the dog.

Then I sat very still my gaze circled the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Office

December 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

WARNING:  THE OFFICE CRISTMAS PARTY MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR CAREER

Some of us who work in an office setting may be participating, to some extent, in the annual office Christmas party, luncheon, or dinner.  This is supposed to be a time to gather with co-workers and talk about the crazy holiday shopping, gifts we hope to receive, presents we will be giving and a review of the year by the powers-that-be.  Here is where the warning comes into play.  In case the topics go beyond those listed above, allow me to offer some friendly advice.

The office party is a lot like “Facebook”.  One may think they are in the confines of a protected environment. In actuality, you are on center stage…at all times.  For instance, you may feel you can say whatever you want, but I would highly advise against that urge.  You may even feel this is the opportunity to act out the crazy “I’ll do anything” personality your real friends know you have.  I would definitely advise against that idea.  Lastly, you may think you are going for laughs when you re-enact the way your boss responds to certain situations.  Here is a hint, that abrupt silence that occurs when everyone stops laughing even though you continue with your antics is because he just walked up behind you and is not amused.  You might as well grab a pen because you will be signing your pink slip by the time the paychecks come out in a few days.

Let the office Christmas party be fun, but don’t be stupid.  After the party is over and the good spirit of Christmas recedes back into the sub-conscious of most people, the harsh reality is your boss is still your boss and you will be facing your co-workers the next day.  Plus, you don’t want to end up on “YouTube”…do you?

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Christmas Shopping

December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

My wife and I spent the evening Christmas shopping.  I mean really Christmas shopping, like in the retail stores and stuff.  I know, most of you are thinking we must be crazy.  Why go out into the crowds when you can shop on-line and get free shipping right to your front door?  You are right.  It makes more sense to do the purchase electronically, but somehow it just does not feel like Christmas when all I have to do is click a button and poof…Christmas is here.

There is something about being out in the crisp, moonlit evening, driving through the streets and seeing the Christmas lights dancing off the houses, and listening to Christmas music in the car.  Then, we begin to talk about what we are going to buy our friends and family and I visualize the happy expressions on their faces on Christmas day.

It’s true that the internet has made things a lot easier.  There is definitely a plus to purchasing items over the computer when time is tight.  But if you have the opportunity this year, take a drive.  Christmas shop the old fashion way.  If nothing else, it’s a great way to get out of the daily rut of T.V. and Facebook. By the way, we did this on a weeknight.  If you’re brave enough to venture out to shop on the weekend…you might have a slightly different experience.

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Tim Tebow

December 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I know it seems kind of cheesy for me to be jumping in on the Tim Tebow phenomenon, but I have to admit that this young quarterback for the Denver Broncos is truly stirring an interest.  I was having a conversation the other day with a friend who does not follow football but knew all about Tebow’s accomplishments both on and off the field.  When a person generates that type of a following I would have to agree that this young man has created a phenomenon.

When one listens to the “experts” you get the feeling that even they are not certain what to make of this new potential “up and comer”.  One expert will say he is a “flash in the pan” because he can’t sustain being a quality quarterback for four quarters.  Another expert will say anyone that can put together a winning streak that includes 7 out of 8 games in the NFL is not to be taken lightly.

Whether he is or is not the next John Elway is yet to be known.  What is known is this young man has given credit to God with every opportunity and win or lose he is making a positive impact in people’s lives.  I’m surmising here at the end of my blog, but Tebow’s winning streak and star power will come to an end, maybe even at the hands of the New England Patriots this weekend.  However, one thing that will remain constant is God.  With or without Tim, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever… 

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Toy Drive

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This is the time of year that seems to soften even the hardest of hearts.  Even though there are still the Scrooge protégés out there that “bah humbug” their way through the Christmas season, somehow even the grumpiest people seem to find a little giving spirit around this time.

When that spirit hits you this holiday season, I would like to encourage you to think about participating in a toy drive.  I can’t think of a better way to delight a child on Christmas day than to make certain there will be a wrapped present under a tree just for them.  This may be the one day of the year when they do feel special and you can play a part in that experience.

There are plenty of groups collecting toys this year.  So when you are out shopping for your friends and family, please take the extra time and effort to purchase a toy for a child.  You can then bring your unwrapped gift to most fire stations, police stations, and churches.  They will collect these gifts and make certain the proper organizations will receive the presents in time to put a smile on a little one’s face this Christmas morning.    Thank you in advance for doing your part on this special holiday.

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Designer Hamburgers

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A food website known as “The Delish” has a category called “Food in the News”.  Now before you say to yourself, “I didn’t know Rick enjoyed cooking”…I don’t, but I do enjoy getting sucked into a good article by an intriguing headline now and again.

The headline that caught my attention read, “The first man-made meat grown in a petri dish is expected to be ready sometime in the next 12  months.”  Why would that catch my eye you may ask?  Well it just so happens that I really enjoy a good hamburger.  So I asked myself, “Would I eat a hamburger that comes from a petri dish?”  To answer my own question I thought, “Well I’ve traveled to several countries, some including third world.  So I have eaten honeybees, frogs, buffalo, ostrich, alligator and I may have even eaten dog without knowing it until after dinner.  But all of these were God made animals. I mean as hard as the thought is about eating a pet, even the dog did not come from a test tube.”  The question still remained, “Could I eat an android burger?”  The only way I could answer this question was to do more research.

I discovered that the team of biologists and scientists that are working on this endeavor are based in the Netherlands (Holland).   Now if you don’t know, Holland is famous for cheese.  Those of you who truly know me, know I love cheese.  So now I am getting a little more excited about this meat article.  Allow me to offer my hypothesis on this topic:

We all know cheese goes well with a good hamburger and a good hamburger is primarily made from meat. Therefore, I believe these adventurous scientists from the European Union may be on the quest to design the perfect hamburger.  A hamburger that would finally give White Castle and In-N-Out a run for their money.  Could it be…is it possible?  Are they trying to design the perfect hamburger that will naturally need the perfect piece of cheese as the finishing touch? I don’t know if I am correct with this assumption but I do know one thing for certain, the state of Wisconsin certainly has my back on this issue…

http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/man-made-burger-produced-in-dutch-laboratory

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