Saturday, December 28, 2013

SOMETHING TO PONDER: George Carlin





George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Santa's Prayer




My dear precious Jesus, I did not mean to take your place,
I only bring toys and things and you bring love and grace.
People give me lists of wishes and hope that they came true;
But you hear prayers of the heart and promise your will to do.
Children try to be good and not to cry when I am coming to town;
But you love them unconditionally and that love will abound.
I leave only a bag of toys and temporary joy for a season;
But you leave a heart of love, full of purpose and reasons.
I have a lot of believers and what one might call fame;
But I never healed the blind or tried to help the lame.
I have rosy cheeks and a voice full of laughter;
But no nail—scarred hands or a promise of the hereafter.
You may find several of me in town or at a mall;
But there is only one omnipotent you, to answer a sinner’s call.
And so, my dear precious Jesus, I kneel here to pray;
To worship and adore you on this, your holy birthday.



Monday, December 9, 2013

Healthy Habits for Kids




By Terry Orr


Your child's habits start with you!

The most important thing to remember is that you are your child's role model. Your habits affect your children's habits.

If your habits are unhealthy—smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or always expecting the worst, for example—your child is more likely to get those habits.

If your habits are healthy—eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, looking forward to tomorrow, for example—your children are more likely to build those habits in their own lives.



Sounds simple?  It really is pretty straight forward and without all drama and tantrums - if done smartly.  Some folks pile on the food for a child and complain about them unwilling or unable to finish what’s on their plates. Think smaller portions – say a tablespoon – and if they want more – then allow it – providing they are also eating the other items.


After research the Internet on healthy habits for kids, I found that the article by Robin Madell to capture the true essence of habits we all should follow.


10 Healthy Habits Parents Should Teach Their Kids
Written by Robin Madell /Medically Reviewed on May 10, 2013 by George Krucik, MD, MBA http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/healthy-habits-mothers-should-teach-kids#1

  • Habit 1: Make Eating ColorfulThey are beautiful, healthy and good for you.
  • Habit 2: Don’t Skip BreakfastIt really is the most important meal of the day.
  • Habit 3: Pick Enjoyable Physical ActivitiesSure makes it easier to do when you enjoy them.
  • Habit 4: Don’t Be a Couch PotatoWe need at least 60 minutes every day to be physically active!
  • Habit 5: Ready Every DayWhen you wake up – be grateful and thankful to be alive and have an opportunity to accomplish wonderful things.
  • Habit 6: Drink Water, Not Soda8 glasses of water each and every day!
  • Habit 7: Look at Labels (Food Labels, Not Designer) - Know and understand what those pesky items in what you are considering to eat.
  • Habit 8:  Enjoy a Family DinnerToo important to miss!
  • Habit 9: Spent Time with FriendsAmen!
  • Habit 10: Stay PositiveWith a smile on your face and love in your heart and understanding in your mind.

 Following these healthy habits are a good starting point. Please let us know what other healthy habits you use.



References and Links:








Sunday, November 10, 2013

Veterans Day 2013



By Terry Orr
USN Retired


Veterans Day is an official United States holiday which honors people who have served in armed service also known as veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.)

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving. (Source – Wikipedia)


It is also the day after the annual Marine Corps Ball – a good day to recover and enjoy in the celebration of all Veterans.


Thank you to all who have, are and will serve our great country!

Happy Birthday Dad!

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