Santa's Coming to Town--Merry Christmas Everybody

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Steg

Be a Dick (hoyt)

This story touches my heart dearly. We should all be a Dick Hoyt

Blessings
Steg

We are Prisoners

We are all prisoners to something. It could be an addiction,or stuck in a job that we don't like or can't afford to quit. Maybe we are deep in debt and don't know how to get out. Relationship problems, car problems, family problems are all examples that hold us as an individual prisoner. It seems to me that this situation is always intensified during this time of year. That bonus or raise doesn't come, natural gas prices raise, the car doesn't run well in cold weather, we can't skip buying Christmas presents, the stress of the season is almost unbearable to some. How do we and more importantly how will we deal with it depends on our faith.
Be patient with others this holiday season. Give grace. Be caring and helpful to everyone and be nice and understanding to family members. Keep you job for now and cut back on your spending.
Have Faith, God never puts anything on us that he can't handle.


Blessings
Steg

Life After Raising Kids

In todays society, as parents, we are programmed to raise our kids. We try to give and help them achieve everything we have and more. We try to steer them clear of the pitfalls that tried to swallow us when we were young. As I come to the end of this faze, After all, they are well into adulthood, I look out and try to figure out what is on my new horizon. I still have my work although with the economy in turmoil who knows how long that will last, but the real question I seek an answer to is what will drive me to get up every morning and set out to conquer. Is it retirement--See stock market--I dont think so. Is it volunteer work? Is it to start a business of my own? Is it to become a motorcycle mechanic? Is it to go back to school and get a new profession? Just thinking---
Any ideas?

Happy Holidays
Steg

Give Thanks

I wish everyone a happy thanksgiving. Take advantage of this day to tear down barriers that you may have built over the years with family and/or friends. Enjoy each other and give thanks to God for our lives.
Be positive and forgiving and give grace to those hurting. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings to all,
Steg

Rain, Clowns and Yes Men (Published a year ago on My Space)

Hey,

Rain has put a real pinch on my job lately. I also work with more clowns than Mr. Barnum employs. I seem to be surrounded by yes men.

In my 30 years of work and family life I have had my fill of yes men.Yes men are generally:

1)hen pecked

2)spineless-afraid of confrontation

3)cowards-see 2

4)A follow the leader type--unable to come up with their own ideas or identity

5)pathetic losers that cheat their way thru life

6)driven by fear from their husbands/wives,employer, or friends

7)a freeloader--thinks evrything is owed to him/her and lets everyone around them do the work taking full credit for it

8) likes to stand back and criticize others while doing nothing to help solve the matter

You get the point that I despise these people , but how in the world can I love these people like Jesus expects us to? I feel like Hell is right around the corner. Pray for me

Peace ,

Steg

Happy Thanksgiving

Focus on Yourself

Worry About Yourself



"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else."
Galatians 6:4, NLT

This is something I need to remind myself everyday at work. I’m constantly looking around making sure I am outperforming my peers at work. I need to focus on myself and worry about where I stand with God . Quit getting caught up in all the petty backstabbing and gossiping that goes on at work.
What a beautiful day God gave us today. Enjoy it.

Blessings,
Steg

Faces

Hey peeps,


As a people watcher , I see all kind of faces. There are happy, excited, sad, depressed, confused, rejected, tired, grief stricken. Often times I try to read people and predict what they are feeling. It’s kind of fun until you see someone crying. This emotion scares me the most. It makes your heart hurt. Actually it can be good or bad. Sometimes people cry when they are extremely happy or overcome with the Holy Spirit but usually the outcome is bad. Grief stricken and lonliness are the bad results from crying. My heart goes out to these people , but they must get help or deal with whatever is bothering them. You can’t let things get out of control. I guess that is the biggest thing that bothers me about crying. The lack of control part. We must lean on God and get control. We must learn to ask God for help, otherwise we end up in a rut.

Swallow your pride and go to God for help. Whining and endless crying will get you nowhere. Get out of your rut.


Blessings,
Steg

And the Winner Is?

I've been in contention with this opponent for over 30 years. We've fought and struggled over the years, but I've always managed to maintain the upper hand. He's always been stubborn when confronted by me. He seems to always refuse to comply with my demands of him.
On a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago, I had my final run in with this character. I had just completed putting a cote of oil based polyeurothane on a hardwood floor . As I stepped outside to get some fresh air, I saw him sitting idle right next to the ladder sitting on top of my truck. I approached him ,grabbed him pulling him close to me. That is when he struck, out of nowhere. He got me with one quick shot to the forehead and just barely missed my eye with his mean hook.
That Bungee Cord knocked me goofy. Sometimes in life we just need to slow down. It's amazing how God brings things back in perspective.I took this as a warning/wake up call. He could have easily taken my teeth or my eye, but the stitches and throbbing head I've had for the past 2 weeks has been a wake up call for me.
Lesson learned.
Blessings,
Steg

House Maintenance

We save our money to buy a house. We work hard to pay for it. During this time, the house seems to "get old". It needs paint, siding, new roof, carpet, landscaping, etc. It seems like things don't last as long as they used to. Repairs always need to be done, regardless how old the house is.
The same seems to be true of our faith. It is something we constantly need to work on. It does not renew itself. I finally get this radical idea. Groundbreaking, especially since i'm now an old man. I guess it proves that if you stumble thru life always looking for your purpose, that eventually you will find it.
On the other hand, working on the house, we never seem to find a time where it is where its meant to be.
No more time to chat, I need to work on the new porch swing
Later
Steg

Vote

Get out and vote this Tuesday.


Blessings,
Steg

World's Worst Boxer Retires

It is so important for us to find and know our purpose in life. I guess this guy found and knew his.

Enjoy,
Steg


Boxing fans will gather in Birmingham on Friday night to witness the final fight of a man who should be remembered for ever as Britain’s most spectacular sporting loser.
Even in the crowded gallery of British sporting failures, the career of Peter Buckley stands apart. Beside his record, the ski-jumping career of Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards appears only moderately unsuccessful; by his light, Tim Henman is illuminated as an indefatigable champion of Centre Court.
Buckley has lost more fights than any other boxer in the world. Throughout his 256 defeats, he has remained magnificently undeterred. While the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) remained desperately concerned that he would do himself a serious lasting injury, Buckley persisted, losing bout after bout.
In the past five years he has put together a particularly impressive losing streak, failing to win in 88 successive bouts. He has lost to 42 future world, European, British and Commonwealth champions, including Naseem Hamed, and has fought more bouts than any other boxer in the world. But this one, No 300, will be his last.
Related Links
Comment: why we all love the incompetent loser
“I’ve had my eye on the 300 mark for a while, and it’s a little milestone I want to achieve, but I don’t want to fight on,” he said. “People keep saying to me that I’ll get a call in a few weeks’ time offering me a fight and I’ll say yes, but I mean it when I say this is it.”
There was a time, in the early 1990s, when Buckley did not seem destined for so luminous a career of defeat. He was a talented super-featherweight who won the Midlands area title. Then he discovered a more lucrative calling, as an opponent for boxers with hot prospects. He rarely won but had a good defence and took few punches. Over time his reflexes slowed and he became easier to hit. Now 39, he has matured into a consistent loser.
A commission in the United States suggested recently that boxers who lost ten consecutive bouts should lose their licences. Though the BBBC would have liked to have halted Buckley’s career, it has proved powerless to stop him. If boxers are medically fit, it cannot prevent them without risking a lawsuit for restraint of trade.
Buckley has sometimes boxed so often that he has turned up with a black eye before a bout. Though the governing body continues to send him for medical tests, Buckley continues to pass them. Throughout his career, he has kept himself in a constant state of readiness, ready to lose a fight at a moment’s notice anywhere in the country. Buckley has been known to agree to bouts as late as 8pm on the night of the fight.
“I’m always in the gym, so if I get a call a couple of hours before a fight, I usually say yes,” he said. “If you phone up a bricklayer and ask him to build you a wall, he doesn’t ask for three weeks to prepare.”
For his last bout, at the Aston Events Centre, Buckley has been given the rare treat of advanced notice and home-town advantage, and there is even a chance that he might win.
“I don’t know what I’ll do when it’s all over on Friday, but I’d love to stay in boxing in one capacity or another,” he said. “Boxing has been good to me over the years. When I was a youngster I was in trouble with the police, a really wild kid. But the sport has given me a focus in life.”
Have your say
True, He could be a very difficult opponent with a good defense and a good chin.
J Morris, Birmingham, England
Buckley is only the world's worst boxer in the sense of the worst ACTIVE boxer. The title of worst LIVING boxer and worst boxer in HISTORY belongs to Reggie Strickland who had 363 fights and 276 losses - a significant number more than Buckley. Look it up!
Ariel, Bay City, USA
Buckley.....Peoples Champion! Theres a title you can't get just by fighting people you are expected to beat. Amir Khan should look up to this man. Better to get no credit and know that you deserved some, than to get credit and know that you deserved none of it.
Jamie, London, England
The piece seems to imply that he was a bad fighter when in fact he was a good test for any up and coming fighter.I have seen him fight on many occasions and he always accounted himself well.it is time for him to give up but he deserves great credit for what he has done for boxing.
Kevin, London, England
I'm pretty appalled that a boxer with such a long list of defeats would allowed to continue. It certainly doesn't happen here. At 39 years of age he shouldn't be accepting fights at short s notice - and the fact that he likens what he does to that of a bricklayer tells me his brain is already soft
Mary , Melbourne, AUSTRALIA
I believe the tone of this article was very disrespectful. Buckley has only ever been stopped 10 times in his 299 fights. All his other 250 odd defeats he has gone the distance with his oppenent. This should have been commented on in the piece becuase it illustrates the determination of the man
Jay Griffiths, Ellesmere Port, Britain
What spirit! How magnificently British. Good on ya, Pete.
John Olsson, Welshpool, Wales
If he has lost 256 times, and his next bout will be his 300th, then there must have been 44 fights that he did not lose. Has he beaten anyone whose name we might recognize? Could any of the fighters he has vanquished lay claim to the "world's worst" title?
Mr. Wuxtry, Denver, USA

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

Hey
Have you ever been part of an organization, group or gathering that runs like a smooth, well oiled machine? Everything is good. It is highly functioning, effective, efficient, and liked by all. All of a sudden, under new management, someone starts tinkering with a good thing and ends up turning it into something totally different than what it was designed to be and accomplish. Now it isn't as effective. Now its not efficient. Now it isn't liked by all. Everything ruined over time by different people putting their spin on it.
As things change, people start dropping out, which seems to invite more tinkering with the system and more changes.
Aren't some things just better left alone.
Just a casual observation from someone who is willing to let things alone and not putting my personal spin on something that has worked for years and is now going to hell in a handbasket.


I can't be a part of it

Later
Steg

What I Like

Things I like

1. Being maried to the same woman for 30 years
2. having kids that love the Lord
3. having a job that i love
4. goatees and facial hair
5. the color blue
6. motorcycles
7. Jesus
8. football
9. redheads
10. music
11. good landscaping
12. gas grilles
13. funky hats, berets, or skull hats
14. blue eyes
15. long hair on girls/women
16. loud cars
17. shoes/sandals/boots
18. hiking
19. mountains
20. being close to grizzly bears while in an armored car
21. lazyboy chairs
22. tv
23. electronic devices
24. bull horns--mooooooo
25. portolets with toilet paper
26. a person who smiles a lot
27. a beach at sunrise/sunset
28. a good warhoot
29. an occasional hug
30. lifting weights
31. grandchildren-1 so far-little Lydia
32. non nosy neighbors
33. refrigerators
34. hardwood floors
35. houses with stone on them
36. watching national geographic and seeing a wolfpack take down an elk
37. vacations with family
38. chocolate
39. ford cars/trucks
40. workers that dont complain
41. Rambo movies
42. helping serve breakfast to the poor/homeless on Christmas morning
43. Black Friday Christmas shopping with the kids
44. Alaska
45. little black dogs named Zoey
46. camping with my wife
47. looking at the stars at night while in the middle of the desert at 115 degrees(Death Valley)
48. rental cars
49. driving from LA to Cincinnati with 4 other adults and a stuffed animal that was as big as his owner in a small minivan that took 4 days
    
50. being able to recognize how blessed I have been over the past 30 years

Thanks for you patience in reading this useless bit of info that for some strange reason seems to intrigue me

Later

Steg

Things I Hate

I hate

1. Phonies
2. Cowards
3. Politics
4. TV anchors
5. The View tv show
6. The Steelers
7. Rosi O'donnell
8. Beets
9. Asparagus
10. Shirts with sleeves
11. People who shave daily
12. paper cups
13. mopeds
14. tattoos
15. piercings
16. people who don't work
17. crack
18. plumbers crack
19. thongs
20. bow ties
21. tv's without remotes
22. foreign cars
23. bent telephone poles
24. egomaniacs
25. know it alls
26. pellet stoves
27. pumping up bicycle tires
28. broken dishwashers
29. lopsided trees
30. girly men
31. manly girls
32. holidays
33. lawn mower rear baggers
34. cheaters
35. 2 faced people
36. rude home builders
37. rap music
38. country music
39. iced tea
40. liberals
41. being taken advantage of
42. negative ads by political candidates
43. womens lib
44. basketball hoops with bent rooms
45. high school sports
46. dead grass
47. cigars
48. toupes and wigs
49. combovers
50. used car salesmen and women

Why these things popped into my head while watching the debate---who knows and furthermore who cares

Good Night

Steg

1. 
   

Weighty Issues

My weight has gone up and down for the past 2o years. Loosing the weight has never really been a problem. The problem is keeping it off. I have worked out fairly regularly over the years and maintain a descent amount of muscle. I have always maintained my strength.
I worked with a guy I haven't seen in 20 years. The first thing he said to me was "Man, the last time I saw you , you were a ball of muscle, but now you're a ball of fat". OUCH
As a fat person , I am sick and tired of this condition. I feel this is my last chance to loose weight voluntarily while I am in general good health. I'm going to show Rusty what the old me used to look like.
This picture is just a sick joke. I'm tired of being that guy

Blessings
Steg

Night Work

I love pouring concrete at night. The air is crisp and clean. The cops are nice (allowing me to break the noise ordinance). There is not much horseplay. Everybody just takes care of business. By the time the sun comes up , we will have poured an acre of concrete 6 inces thick. As I observe the guys pouring, you can feel a presence of God. The stillness of night and the noises of machinery abound, but God is here. Tonite the feeling is overwhelming. After a great weekend, it feels great to experience this. Got to go, they are wondering what i'm typing in my trailer in the dark.

Blessings

Steg

Kimbo Slice has Heart

Something about this guy facinates me. It's not his fighting. He's not a technical fighter. It's not his intellect. He is extremely street smart. It's not that he's so popular on You Tube with his street fighting. It's his heart. He has the drive and will it takes to be a fighter. I think Saturday he might get beat. That would probably be the best thing for his career.

Sometimes I question my heart. Can I look myself in the mirror and be content with what I see. NO. I guess the heart is what drives me to become a better man, husband, father and fellow worker. There is always work to be done and God willing I'll get there.

Blessings,

Steg

VP Debate

With the way the news anchors have treated her, I would say she is more than ready for tonights debate. This outfit and other attire was suggested by current VP Cheney.

Let's face it, how much does the VP really do. Everything goes thru the House and Senate and is reconfigured before any decisions ultimately effect the american people. I just hope I can find out about her tonite instead of her just having to defend being picked as a running mate.

I can't wait till all this stuff is over. Have a great day.

Blessings

Steg

Trying Times

It has been a tough 2 weeks. We had the winds(hurricane) that knocked out the power. It was actually welcomed. Life seems to slow down during these times.Trees were all over the place. Today I actually saw trees still leaning on 2 houses.

While driving thru intersections that became 4 way stops, people were surprisingly civil. Neighbors helped each other and actually talked to each other taking the time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. The weather was cool(not anymore) and nights were good sleeping nights.

During times like this we often turn to God for answers. Why does it take times like this for a lot of individuals to just think about God? Ramp up your faith and go to God everyday, give it all to him and live with and thru him.

Blessings

Steg

Gross

I'm speechless and sick

Steg

To Smile or Not to Smile

As many of you already know, I don't have one of those smiley faces pasted on every time you see me. I often come off as the tough guy. I take a lot of heat at work because they think my game face is too serious.

Sorry about that. At home, I wear my game face too often. I am actually a very content person. I do tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best. That way I'm ready for any situation that arises.

I guess I should actually be smiling all the time. With a great family, kids, wife and job and church what else could I hope for that I haven't already been blessed with?

I'm just wondering

Blessings

Steg

H

Last night , as I stumbled upstairs to go to bed, I made a pit stop in the bathroom to take a leak and brush my teeth. I tend to keep my eyes closed when I'm tired. While brushing my teeth, I started salivating like a rabid dog. I got scared. Turns out after throwing on the light , I buttered my toothbrush with a huge helping of preparation H.
My butt still itches but my teeth are squeeky clean. Nothing like the taste of petroleum. I can still taste it 12 hours later.
I think my gums schrunk up--they are real tight.
Just thought you'd like to know.

Blessings
Steg

Cold

As I walked out of my house today, I realized that a cold front did actually pass thru the area sometime overnight. It wasn't quite as cold as this picture depicts, but in contrast to last weeks humid weather this is what it felt like to me.

I find it puzzling how we as christians have the hot/cold cycle with our faith. When everything is going fine we sometimes forget to thank God for the blessings he bestows on us. We don't read the bible and tend to take things for granted. On the other hand, when we are down and out surrounded by the troubles of this world, we always turn to God and ask What's going on?"

We seem to always look to him in times of trouble, which we should.

The point is we need to stay focussed on Him throughout everyday of our lives. Trust me-life is much better when we give everything up to Him.

Blessings,

Steg

Josh and Jessie

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Kris and Zak

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2 Down; 1 To Go

My daughter bought a house and moved out of our house over the weekend. I'm excited for her, starting out fully on her own. It kind of makes us think that we did our job correctly when raising her.
That makes two down and one to go. Suddenly our house feels bigger. With two bodies gone, space just opens.
I came back to work today to rest. I'm getting too old for all the packing, moving, loading and unloading.
I'm doing pretty good on the daddy-do list. I'm working on the small things the house inspector suggested be done.
Later -time for a nap


Blessings
Steg

Best Race Ever

Lezak lifts U.S. in ‘best ever’ relay. Make sure you check out the video of this race. The French were running their mouths about smashing the US and the world record. And they did . The only problem was the US swimmer touched first. Krissy and I were hollering and cheering at 11:30 PM. We probably woke up the whole neighborhood. With 25 meters to go it appeared there was no way the US swimmer could catch the frenchman, but out of nowhere he rocketed to the wall just nipping the French. As George Peppard said when he starred on the A Team "I Love it when a plan comes together". Take that you big mouth Frenchmen.

Blessings

Steg

Green Eggs and No Hamm

The Hamm brothers aren't in the Olympics. I'll miss the kids with the monk haircuts. They weren't great at anything , but were steady performers. Their skills will be missed. It's hard to get into the games when the weather is so great. I prefer winter games because the weather keeps me inside and after working outside all day , I have no problem building a fire and watching tv.

The records being broken in swimming bother me. When Mark Spitz trained , they all didn't wear goggles and due to all the chlorine , they could only train a couple of hours per day in the pool. With the suits designed by NASA and goggles training can be endless. These developments in technology have greatly changed my interest in the Olympics. I actually have a pair of speedos that were signed by Spitz that I wore in my high school years. What a scary thought to wear them today at the YMCA. Talk about a stampede of people leaving the pool--------

Blessings

Steg

psalm 62

Quit Complaining

No whining and No crybabies. A sign with one of these statements is on the dashboard of my pickup truck at all times. It has been on display inside my windshield for at least 10-15 years now. I also used these statements during the raising of my kids. I was always the bad guy in the enforcement of family rules. Therefore , my kids hate the sign.

The workers that work under me hate it even more. They look at the sign from an intimidating perspective. I am perceived as a bully on the jobs, since I do quality control and if it doesn't meet my standards I say "no whining -do it over".

Sometimes I cover the sign when parked in the church lot. People have given me some creepy looks lately.

If you think this post sucks-No Whining and no crybabies

Blessings,

Steg

Be a Man

Today, while shopping at Kroger, I witnessed a pitiful site. A woman in line with her husband was belittling, cursing, and slapping her husband in the face. The words coming out of this woman's mouth were enough to make this construction worker of 30 years blush. The dude just wimpered back at her physical abusiveness.
Grow a pair dude.
I'm not saying to retaliate, but take control of the situation by diffusing it and take it elsewhere.
Onlookers were laughing as well as getting scared.
I'm not a caveman, but a man can stand up to his wife showing understanding, compassion, and concern wile gaining control of a situation. What did I do you ask? I said "excuse me , I'm really pressed for time, is there any way I could go ahead of you in line?" The woman came back to reality and was very polite and stepped aside as I went to the counter. I think she was just on a roll with the old man. I thanked the dude as I left ,trying to include him, but he was too shy or embarassed to talk.
Step up guys , work things out using your minds and not your fists. I believe by sitting there taking it like this dude, anger builds up until a person erupts in physical violence.


Blessings
Steg

Go Farve Away

Enough already. You've accomplished more than 98% of other NFL quarterbacks. He's even retired more than most people. Now, coming back again really points out what a selfish egotistical person he really is. This guy isn;t all that much younger than me. He probably has kids the same age as mine that he doesn't know anything about. Why don't people stop while they are on top. Last year was probably his best chance to win a super bowl. Hang it up Bret, it's time to move on

Blessings

Steg

Carson Palmer Views of Ohio State

"I cannot stand the Buckeyes. It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there.I just can't wait for two years from now when SC comes to the 'Shoe and hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend, and I can go up there and watch us pound on them in their own turf.I'm really getting sick of it, and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten."

Don't be shy Carson , tell me what you really think. I actually agree and endorse this message

Blessings,
Steg

Me-Sarcastic?

While at work, I often get into confrontations with some of my 50-200 workers that I orchestrate on a daily basis trying to get construction projects completed. As arguements heat up, so does my sarcasm. When dealing with some of the characters that i do, sometimes yelling, screaming and sarcasm are a way of life on the job.
The challenge I face everyday is turning off the sarcasm before I hit the front door. Many times this is not accomplished. Yesterday, as I was leaving the job, a worker flagged me down and said I was the most sarcastic SOB he ever met.
I guess sarcasm will go on my list of things to work on. If I add many more I will go to a Hard bound form of a book.

Later Jerks
Steg

As I was babysitting my granddaughter today at church, I thought about all the things I was willing to do (and did) for my 3 kids while they were growing up. Whether that was confronting a teacher, coach, another parent or neighbor to protect my children, I was always up to the challenge. Now, many years later with grandchildren , I believe after growing up with my children, I am even more prepared to help out.

Now about the pic. On our vacations, we love to hike. We have hiked in Yellowstone, Montana, British Columbia, Yosemite, The Tetons, Alaska and many more. I dream about bears. We have seen so many that I constantly overanalyze what I would do during a bear encounter. I often wondered, while being all alone with the fam in the woods how I would react. I always had a plan--as long as I could outrun 1 person in my family all was good--just joking.

The point being-I would do anything to protect my family. WTH--why the bold print?

As I grow in my faith, I will continue to do more and more for others.Maybe in 5 years or so I'll even swim out and save a bear in distress

Field Trip

Today, I went on a road trip to Walmart for deodorant and ink for the computer. My daughter was with me and we discussed how only in a Walmart parking lot , you can experience at least one of the following 4 things.

1) a parent beating on one of their kids

2) a dirty diaper lying on the ground

3) kids left unattended in a car while the parent shops

4)a father sitting 10 feet from the exit, with car running, sipping on a 40 oz. while the fam shops.

The police would have a field day at this place.

I am speechless. This is disgusting, how our society is on a constant decline morally. I would like to somehow, somewhere, sometime make a difference and influence people to reinvest in christian family values that have been so important to me throughout my life. Maybe you have some ideas to offer

Blessings,

Steg

Empty Nest?

For the past week, Lori and I have tested the waters of empty nesting. I've been sick all week and quarantined mostly to my room. It has been a lot quieter, thats for sure. I do miss teasing and harassing the kids but change is right around the corner. It won't be long that all the kids will be on their own with their own families. Family has been great for us the past 30 years and we have been very blessed. I plan on a lot of years attending to grandchildren.

Have a good 4th of July weekend

Blessings

Steg

Welcome to America

Would a giraffe living in America really be this obese. Obesity is a huge problem here in the US. When I travelled overseas years ago, I was only 20 lbs. overweight , but my stature stuck out like a sore thumb. My friends looked sloppy compared to the locals in Austria and Switzerland.

I've been fighting the weight battle for 30 years now. As I get older , this issue really is going to determine how long I live.

Ouch, what a reality check. I guess I better wake up before its too late.

Later

Steg

Anybody up for a Sleepover

Why I found this 5' long blacksnake on our foldaway bed, still baffles me. We stored the bed in the garage, so we decided to put it on the porch overnite to air out. As we opened the front door this is what we found.
We put the snake back in the woods and proceeded with our plans of setting up the extra bed for guests. Anyone interested in borrowing this rollaway, just give me a call.

Blessings
Steg

SOS

SOS is over. I took a week off of work to serve others with 800 kids . We housed some girls this year. They were really sweet. The ministry time was incredible. I got to pray with, interract with, talk with, and serve with the kids for 5 full days. Worship and concerts were great.

I am so blessed to be a part of the Vineyard community.

Blessings, Steg

Time

Have you noticed the normal pace of everyday life has year after year spun out of control. The laid back days are over. With dual incomes, family time is taking a serious hit. Now after work, dishes, wash, cutting grass, yardwork, banking / billwriting has all moved from a day activity to a night activity. Family time is lost, reading time and community life suffers. Life is proceeding at a warp speed pace. Stopping to get gas becomes a chore. While filling up we are on the cell, juggling our schedules, trying to do more. Have cell phones helped us or hurt us? I think they make our lives way more complicated than it was intended to be.
Life lesson---Slow down while filling you car with gas at least so you can remember to take the hose out before speeding away to get to your next life distraction.
Have a good weekend
Later
Steg

Memory????

Isn't it funny how some dates stick in our minds and we always remember them? As time passes, some dates are forgotten .
Our small group at church remembered, my dad remembered, my sister remembered, but everyone else besides Lori and I forgot.
Thanks kids. Our anniversary has fallen on June 3 for 30 straight years. Remember?

Later
Steg

Jason Whitlock(Fox News) views on Tats

Jason Whitlock brings his edgy and thought-provoking style to FOXSports.com. Columnist for the Kansas City Star, he has won the National Journalism Award for Commentary for "his ability to seamlessly integrate sports and social commentary and to challenge widely held assumptions along the racial divide."
Johnson: Lakers-Spurs analysis
Of course it helps that large TV markets with storied franchises (Boston and Los Angeles) are team that the rest of the league couldn't beat.
Obviously, there are a lot of factors contributing to the ratings numbers that TNT, ESPN and ABC keep bragging about in nearly daily press releases.
The NBA has been experiencing a resurgence ever since the Suns traded for Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol, the Mavericks got hoodwinked into snagging Jason Kidd and the Cavaliers picked up new spare parts for LeBron.
But there's one issue driving improved ratings that likely won't be touched by all the NBA talking heads on TNT and ESPN.
Tattoos. Or rather the lack of tattoos in the conference finals.
Part of the reason more people are watching these playoffs is because the average fan isn't constantly repulsed by the appearance of most of the players on the court. Most of the key players left in the playoffs don't look like recent prison parolees.
The only accurate way to describe Garnett, Pierce, Duncan, Allen, Manu, Parker and even Kobe is "clean cut." Yeah, there are a couple of tattoos in that group — Duncan has something on his back, Kobe still has his post-rape-allegation tat — but the Lakers, Spurs and Celtics have far less ink on average than your typical NBA franchise.
Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony have more tats on their hands than the entire Spurs roster.
I know many of you probably think the number of tattoos doesn't influence viewing habits. You're wrong. Like everything else televised, appearances matter. There's a reason you don't see nude scenes in movies with fat people. Trust me, fat people have sex. It's just no one wants to see it. Not even fat people.
No one wants to watch Delonte West or Larry Hughes play basketball. It's uncomfortable and disconcerting. You don't want your kids to see it. You don't want your kids to think they should decorate their neck, arms, hands, chest and legs in paint. You don't want to waste time explaining to your kids that some millionaire athletes have so little genuine self-confidence that they find it necessary to cover themselves in tattoos as a way to mask their insecurities.
You just want to watch basketball and feel like you're watching people you can relate to a little bit, people you somewhat respect.
We finally have that again on the NBA's biggest stage, and everyone can see it because the league's substance isn't covered in a barrel of tattoo ink.
David Stern has been arguing that the NBA is the best book. Ever since Ron Artest went into the stands, Stern has been slowly changing the cover of his book. The dress code and the age limit have helped. The midseason trades helped. Garnett's donning of a Celtics jersey really helped. Kobe's maturity and ascension to Jordan's throne has probably been the most important development. Kobe is everything the league wants LeBron James to be.
But don't underestimate how much having a visually pleasing product to look at has benefitted the league at conference finals time.
It's a television show. Pleasant smiles, non-threatening people sell products better than menacing, tattooed brutes.
If I was David Stern, I'd commission Nike and/or Under Armor to create a basketball jersey with long sleeves, all the way down to the wrists. I'd make Iverson wear a turtleneck jersey with sleeves. I'd cover the tats.
Do you think Sports Illustrated would let its swimsuit models cover themselves in tattoos? Models are paid to look good. Athletes are no different from models. Everyone accepts that female basketball players — when possible — are pushed to showcase their feminine beauty.
It's unfortunate that too many young athletes are too unenlightened to approach the game like a business. They resist almost all ideas that would put more money in their pockets. They have to be forced to do the little things that would help them make more money.
Growing NBA ratings is what's best for the players in the long term. Adopting a non-prison-ready appearance would help everyone in the league earn more money. But no one will talk about it.
I agree (see previous post). BTW-Thanks Josh for the article.
Comments anyone?

Peace
Steg

Grandpa Steg

I recently became a grandpa. This is the beginning of a new phase of my life. How could something so precious and sweet become a part of an old mans life? I actually am lost for words, which is the reason it took me so long to write this blog. I can't stop looking at her. Is she cute or what?
Later Lydia,
Grandpa

Judge and Jury

For the past six days, I have been sitting in a jury box, referred to as juror #1. This took place downtown in federal court. It was a civil suit filed by a lady that looks like the girl in this picture who was suing her employer for descrimination for being a woman and also descriminated for getting hurt on the job. We had to endure six days of intrrogation and defense battling back and forth arguing timelines and documents. To sum it up , the defense did a fantastic job in defending a major company. The girl was also looking for monetary settlement to the tune of $250,000.
When the defense rested, it only took us 12.5 minutes to say No you weren't descriminated because of gender or because you got hurt. The company actually went out of its way to accomodate her and she still works there making$ 75000/year. There was zero dollars awarded.
Why are these cases even allowed in court? Why should't the plaitiff who loses, like this case, be required to pay all the legal fees that were necessary for the defense to spend on this frivolous lawsuit?This is one of the problems of our legal system.

Case Closed,
Steg

Multi Tasking

I have a problem doing a lot of things at the same time. In other words , I'm not a multi-tasker kind of person. As the picture illustrates, some people have no trouble with this concept.
This past week, I have been on jury duty all day while answering work calls. In my spare time I've cut both lawns and laid tile in my basement doing a remodel in the laundry/workout room, and been on fulltime call waiting to become a grandfather. I guess I'll keep plugging along for another week doing the same things. I just don't feel efficient being on this schedule. A little of this and then a little of that is driving me crazy. The baby will come, the tile will get laid, and the jury duty will be over next week. Maybe then I can get back to normal. Until then, continued prayer for Josh and Jessie is greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Steg

Lydia

Very soon I will be a very proud grandfather. The father part was great too, but being older, wiser, uglier and so on, brings me into a new phase of my life. I pray that I will be a good influence and look forward to many more. (hint Zak and Kris).
Please keep Josh and Jessie in your prayers and I'll keep you posted on delivery.
Blessings,
Steg


P.S. This is not Jessie's belly

Duct Tape

Isn't it amazing how many uses there are for duct tape. Recently a robber out west used it for a mask. Some people use it to hold things on top of their car as illustrated in this picture. Other uses include emergency muffler holder when tailpipe breaks, For work boots with holes in them, Emergency sole repair method for soles of all shoes, It fixes broken windows. Almost anything in need of repair, can be addressed with duct tape to some success. About the only broken thing I know of that duct tape has not effect on is a broken heart. I guess you have to go to the lord for help on that one. Put on your sunscreen and enjoy today,

Blessings,

Steg

Un Momento Por Favor

It has been well documented over the years that I have some issues with workers of Mexican heritage.Thet are the king of improv when it comes to ladders, scaffolding and work platforms. The common answer I get, after asking ten of them who speaks english, is "I'll be done in a few minutes". No matter how hard i try to explain safety , it gets ignored.

I just get away from them and hope nothing goes wrong. Just another day in paradise.

Please use a safe ladder.

Later,

Steg

Babies

She did turn. I guess we'll see her very soon. Good job Lydia.

Gpa Steg

Can you believe it? The sun is out and not a cloud is in the sky. I am starting to get anxious for hot weather. My work is picking up. There is remodeling to do at home.There will be grass to cut, bushes to trim, driveways to edge. The sun cheers me up. On a cloudy day I am like a kid who just had his pet rock run away. I am a big baby sulking around the house. Now please understand, I'm not the energizer bunny, but on sunny days I am full of pep. Gotta go, We just poured 400 cubic yards of concrete.

Later,

Steg

The past month's weather has primarily been rain. It makes for many sad and depressing days. We don't need any more rain dances-last summer is long gone. This picture represents my true feelings on rainy days. I get agitated, depressed, and ready to go off on someone.
Tomorrows forecast calls for sunny weather.
Everyone put on your happy face and enjoy it. It only lasts for a day and then another 1-3 inches of rain.

Later,
Steg

Temptation in Our World

Hey guys. I read this article about temptation and thought it was worthy of a repost. Here it is.

A World Brimming With Temptationby Steve Arterburn
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT It’s inevitable: today you will be tempted by somebody or something—in fact, you will probably be tempted on countless occasions. Why? Because you live in a world that’s filled to the brim with temptations and addictions that are intended to lead you far, far away from God. Here in the 21st century, temptations are now completely and thoroughly woven into the fabric of everyday life. Seductive images are everywhere; subtle messages tell you that it’s okay to sin “just a little”; and to make matters even worse, society doesn’t just seem to endorse godlessness, it actually seems to reward it. Society spews forth a wide range of messages, all of which imply that it’s okay to rebel against God. These messages, of course, are extremely dangerous and completely untrue. How can you stand up against society’s tidal wave of temptations? By learning to direct your thoughts and your eyes toward things that are pleasing to God . . . and by relying upon Him to help you stay focused on things that are “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable” (Philippians 4:8). And here’s the good news: the Creator has promised (not implied, not suggested, not insinuated—He has promised!) that with His help, you can resist every single temptation that confronts you. Once you firmly decide to stand up to temptation, you are never alone. God is always with you, and if you do your part, He will do His part. But what, precisely, is your part? A good starting point is simply learning how to recognize the subtle temptations that surround you. The images of immorality are ubiquitous, and they’re intended to hijack your mind, your heart, your pocketbook, your life, and your soul. Don’t let them do it.

Blessings
Steg

Surrender

Surrendering to God means that you resist surrendering to those who pressure you to disobey Him. When you surrender to ungodly pressure, you could end up paying dire consequences. When you surrender to God, you benefit, and your family benefits for generations to come.
Are you ready to surrender to God?

Blessings
Steg

Worry About Yourself

3/26/2008
"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else."
Galatians 6:4, NLT

This is something I need to remind myself everyday at work. I'm constantly looking around making sure I am outperforming my peers at work. I need to focus on myself and worry about where I stand with God . Quit getting caught up in all the petty backstabbing and gossiping that goes on at work.
What a beautiful day God gave us today. Enjoy it, the rain is on its way.

Blessings,
Steg

Faces

As a people watcher , I see all kind of faces. There are happy, excited, sad, depressed, confused, rejected, tired, grief stricken. Often times I try to read people and predict what they are feeling. It's kind of fun until you see someone crying. This emotion scares me the most. It makes your heart hurt. Actually it can be good or bad. Sometimes people cry when they are extremely happy or overcome with the Holy Spirit but usually the outcome is bad. Grief stricken and lonliness are the bad results from crying. My heart goes out to these people , but they must get help or deal with whatever is bothering them. You can't let things get out of control. I guess that is the biggest thing that bothers me about crying. The lack of control part. We must lean on God and get control. We must learn to ask God for help, otherwise we end up in a rut.

Swallow your pride and go to God for help. Whining and endless crying will get you nowhere. Get out of your rut.

Blessings

Steg

Tats

I can't understand why anyone in their right mind would choose to permanently decorate thier body with ink.My opinions on this subject are very well known to my family. First of all read , the bible and see scripture relating to tatoos. Most people that have tats brag about how much they are worth. What a great investment. Not to mention the health risk using needles. What about the tramp stamps that girls get on their lower backs/behind. Now thats classy. The grandkids will be so proud. I guess you could argue that its entertainment for your proctologist. People think its cool. It is mainly done to feed someone's selfish ego. These people need attention. Haven't you always dreamt of having MOM tatooed on your forearm. I like how these people try to justify thier tattoos by having bible scriptures/figures all over thier arms. I had somebody at work tell me they have one for identification reasons. Yeah, just in case his head and other three limbs are severed and lost. Makes sense to me. I treat the decision like this. With every investment you have to look at the return.

Cons--haven't I listed enough

Pros--good colors

will attract seedy girls

You won't forget your third wife's name and first and second

helps you remember right from left.

they look better when you get old and fat

you can become church leader--all people love people w/tats

You have an excuse to wear a skimpy bikini

You don't have to work out as much---tatoos show better than muscles

You don't have to own a Harley to be cool---you can ride a crotch rocket

If you're a girl, ride on the back of a crotch rocket wearing your little sister's t-shirt

It appears the pros outweigh the cons. I guess I'm a true rebel . I refuse to follow the crowd and ever get a tatoo

Later,

Steg

Are you a Target?

I get the feeling that I am a target lately. Wierd things happen at work, while driving, while working out and phone calls to my cell. Is it the enemy or just coincidence. Getting old plays with your mind -maybe thats it. Being slow at work and having idle time also plays with my mind. While driving to work today in the rain, I was following a car in the curb lane when all of a sudden I hit a huge puddle of water, hydroplaned a little and heard a huge explsion of glass. My passenger mirror must have hit a mailbox while going 45 mph . Whats really wierd is the guy in front of me , travelling the same line in the same lane didn't encounter a puddle. I cant stop thinking about the puddle. How can a huge puddle form in just 2 seconds? Enough of this, I need to get back to work.

Later,
Steg

St. Patrick's Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7WoN5y_F9Y

What White People Like

Check out this website. It is hilarious. Go to http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/. Read the various stories -over 100 of them from topics ranging from clothing, coffee, tea. I promise it will crack you up.
Let me know what you think.
Later,
Steg

The Squeaky Wheel

Did you ever notice, that in order to be truely noticed or advance in some companies, you have to be very aggressive, have a big mouth, be willing to sell out your fellow employees at a moment's notice, and suck up to the boss all at the same time? I am so frustrated that a lot of firms operate under this premise. It could be just the construction business, but I just don't know. What ever happened to the old fashioned way of doing your job timely, efficiently, and precisely. Today it's not about what you bring to the table-its more of the perception of what people think about you. The notion of clawing your way, stepping on and over coworkers, in order to move up the corporate ladder makes me sick. What happened to plain old merit? We should get what we deserve and not because your wife is friends with the boss's wife. What happened to company loyalty. Now people jump from job to job getting the best deal and often times leaving behind a mess for the previous employer to clean up. I guess this is why construction work has the reputation of being a cutthroat business.
Here's how you get ahead in todays world. Instead of doing your job, spend your time mouthing off, constantly bitching and complaining, threatening to quit and voicing your demands, and sweep you work under a rug and make the excuse you are so overworked. You have succeeded. You have captured the audience and become known as a real go getter that won't take no for an answer. It takes about a year or so before their true character is revealed but meanwhile they get whatever they want because the SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE. Do you know anyone like this?

Blessings,
Steg

Private

How come people sign up for my space and facebook in a public forum and then proceed to keep their profiles private? Are they hiding something? Are they a tease? Are they ashamed of their life and family and friends? Are they afraid to get in the game? Church has touched on this subject lately about stepping out of our comfort zones and getting into the game. Too many people sit back and let life pass them by. I know church and facebook are totally different as far as my previous statements go. I'm just saying....

Later
Steg

Favorites

Here are a few of my favorites:

Food-Lazagna
Song-How Great is Our God
Restaurant-Chipotle
Place to visit-Alaska,Canadian Rockies,Oregon
TV-House
Movie-Rambo,Part 2
Color-Blue
Website-Facebook
Sport-All full contact sports
Holiday-Christmas-It's a freak show baby
Candy- Peanut M&M's
Rockstar-Eric Clapton
First Name Boy-Wolfgang
First Name Girl-Lydia
Sports Hero-Franz Klammer-won men's downhill in Austria,his home in 1976 Olympics- I skied the same course
Daughter in Law-Jessie
Redhead-Lori

Have a great day
Steg

Think Big

Why is it that we set our expectations high when we are playing in a softball or golf tournament, but when we set our expectations for God showing up in our lives we set them low? Do we not feel worthy? Have we let our sin form a barrier preventing us from God? Is society turning its back on God for longer periods of time, not just when we slip up? Why do we expect less? This weekend Rusty from the local International House of Prayer spoke at an Alpha retreat and discussed how God meets us where we set our expectations . We need to be bold and not shy away , but rather pursue God with high expectations. God is always in us. It's us that sins against him, but he is always there accepting us with open arms.Get in the game. Set your sights on your goals in life and God will give you a personal escort to reach your goals.
Think big and be bold.

Later,
Steg

Dating

Dating

This is a repost from Mark Driscoll, the pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. We visited his church while on vacation. He is one of the best speakers I've ever heard. Here are some good tips on dating/relationships that I firmly believe in. Enjoy.
Steg


As part of the Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions series, last Sunday I answered the question: “How does a Christian date righteously; and what are the physical, emotional, and mentally connecting boundaries a Christian must set while developing an intimate relationship prior to marriage?”
The entire answer is available for download in audio and video format on the Mars Hill Church website and on iTunes. It will also be expanded as a chapter for an upcoming book I am writing for Crossway.
Here’s a basic outline of the sermon:
I started by explaining four kinds of relationships–three of which are acceptable for Christians, and one of which is sinful (option #3).#1 - Prearranged Marriage
#2 - Courtship
#3 – Non Christian Dating
#4 - Christian DatingI also gave some practical advice for single men and single women alike, and advice for men and women specifically:
Christian Dating Principles for Both Men and Women
Maximize your singleness for God.
Do not pursue a relationship until you are ready to marry.
Be reasonable – do not set your expectations too high or too low.
A date is not dating: date = time together; dating = couple (1 Tim. 5:1-2).
Never go on a date or date a non-Christian (2 Cor. 6:14).
Only date one person at a time.
He initiates; she responds.
Look at who God puts in front of you (e.g. Boaz & Ruth).
Feel free to use technology (e.g. internet dating) wisely.
Only invest in a relationship with someone who you are attracted to entirely (e.g. physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, ministry gifts).
Only date someone who agrees with you on gender and family.
Guard your heart (Prov. 4:23).


Christian Dating Questions for Men
Are you overlooking good women (e.g. single moms, shy, divorcees)?
Are you honoring, God, her, her family, her friends, etc.?
Is she modest (1 Tim. 2:9)?
Will she follow your leadership?
Does she have noble character (Prov. 31)?
Can you provide for the lifestyle she expects (1 Tim. 5:8)?
Is she like the worst women in Proverbs (e.g. nag, loud, quarreling, unfaithful)?
Do you want your daughters to be like her and your sons to marry someone like her?
Christian Dating Questions for Women
Do you want to help him and join his course of life (Gen. 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:9)?
Is he tough enough to remain strong in tough times (2 Tim. 2:3)?
Will he take responsibility for you and your children (1 Cor. 11:3)?
Is he considerate and gentle with you (1 Peter 3:7)?
Will he be a good father (Ps. 127:3-5; Eph. 6:4)?
Is he a one woman man (1 Tim. 3:2)?
How valuable are you to him?
Do you want your sons to be like him and your daughters to marry someone like him?

Christian Dating Questions for Women
Do you want to help him and join his course of life (Gen. 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:9)?
Is he tough enough to remain strong in tough times (2 Tim. 2:3)?
Will he take responsibility for you and your children (1 Cor. 11:3)?
Is he considerate and gentle with you (1 Peter 3:7)?
Will he be a good father (Ps. 127:3-5; Eph. 6:4)?
Is he a one woman man (1 Tim. 3:2)?
How valuable are you to him?
Do you want your sons to be like him and your daughters to marry someone like him?

Changes

Life comes at us hard. A buddy of mine was recently let go from our company. A gag order must be in effect because noone is talking about it. He was a 15 year veteran engineer at our firm. He is a cancer survivor. His wife is a cancer survivor. He has 6 kids, 2 are in college, no job and no health insurance. These situations make us look at our own life and wonder how we would handle the situation. There are no guarantees in life other than Jesus is always there for us and that some day we will die. Do we really need anything else?
I think I could handle the situation. My buddy is a christian man and from what I've heard, he handled the deal calmly. I guess this is why it is dangerous to get too comfortable in life. We need to just keep following our heart and God's will for us and everything else should fall into place. Sorry for rambling -I'm still processing

Later,

Steg

Cold

What a night. There's nothing better than waking up in the middle of the night, dripping with sweat, while at the same time being so cold that your teeth are chattering.Take 2 advil and see you in the morning.
It's amazing how we take everyday things for granted like health,family,friends,jobs etc. Until something out of the ordinary happens, our lives are subcontiously put on cruise control.
We need to step up and take a proactive approach to life. Take care of our bodies,treat your loved ones with respect and love, help your friends when the need comes, and treat your job with enthusiasm . After all, these things are gifts from God that can be taken away without notice.
Think about it-I sure am

Later,
Steg

Positive Thinking

Joel Olsteen is a great motivator and positive thinker.

Man,are the wheels turning in my head after seeing him speak last night. I am going to practice this concept and hopefully instead of going from work mode to family mode, I can roll it into one. I've been very blessed over the years with great kids, a fantastic wife and generally good health. I need to work on making things even better than they are.
Positive thinking, serving others more and volunteering more will be a good start.Thanks for putting up with me for all these years.

Later,
Steg

Emailing and Instant Messaging

How come people at work will email you to inform you of something in lieu of pulling you aside as you walk past their cubicle? Why don't they pick up the phone instead of instant messaging you?Am I not approachable? Do I smell? Are they afraid to be seen talking to me?
Is that how it is nowadays? Does everything have to be so impersonal?
Got to go --I have to write on someone's facebook wall.

Later'
Steg