Outside Looking In

It's been nine months since I lost my job. I have enjoyed working on the kids houses, Zak's wedding, a daughter in law addition, a new dog for Kris and a new set of wheels. While everyone is out working, I've kept busy volunteering, working around the house, working out, finally getting rid of my kidney stones, and reading. The problem is that I always feel like an outsider looking in. I feel detached. I know God has a plan for me , but I am ready to finally see it. This year has been a long one. I've never felt like an outsider like I now do. Being in management when I worked, I always had control of my job. It has been hard being patient and waiting for God to reveal his plan to me. Lets get on with it, I;m not getting any younger here.


Blessings
Steg

I Snore, But you Better Not Hit Me

I thought I would share this since I snore so bad. On vacations , Krissy would sleep in the bathtub of our hotel room with the fart fan on to avoid my snoring. I guess thats better than striking me while I'm sleeping

.Fla. teen allegedly attacks dad for loud snoring

OLDSMAR, Fla. – A Florida teenager has been charged with assaulting his father, reportedly because the man was snoring too loudly. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported that the teen, 18, first threw a magazine at his father, who was sleeping on a living room couch Tuesday evening. When that didn't work, deputies said the teen pushed his father onto the floor and punched him in the face.

The father was checked out at a nearby hospital as a precaution.

The teen was arrested and charged with domestic battery. He was released from jail Wednesday.

___

Information from: St. Petersburg Times, http://tampabay.com

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holidays. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas. It is the season for giving not receiving.

Blessings
Steg

.

It's Been Awhile

Busy,busy,busy. This more or less sums up my life since my last post.Her are some highlights:
1) Zak and CC closed on their house
2)Kris dog has learned the sit command--he also gained 5 lbs.
3)My body is finally clear of kidney stones after 3 surgeries.
4) Josh spends more time in Chicago than he does at home.
5)I now drive a truck rather than my bicycle or motorcycle.
6)I spend more time working at Zaks than I spend on my own.
7)The leaves are off the trees and now the lights from the new street in our backyard shine in my eyes when I watch tv.
8)Turkeyfest has come and gone.
9)Swine Flu is a real deal
10)Who Dey has become part of my everyday language.
11)I finished painting at my moms house after 8 months of delays.
On my day off today, I'm cleaning carpets, cutting grass, and raking leaves



Who Dey,
Steg

To Follow Or Not To Follow

In this pic Lyd chooses to follow Zoey at the campground. She, by faith trusts the dog and chooses to follow. Throughout most of our lives we live day to day trying by ourselves to take control of everyday life. We seem to take things for granted and become daily problem solvers.We get bogged down with struggles and frustration causes us to lash out at loved ones and others. Why do we think we can fix ourselves and others? We spend way too much time worrying and being concerned with what our neighbors are saying and doing. Much of our time is spent on ourselves. It turns out that most of us are selfish. We want our lives to be better than others.
Wow, have we missed the boat or what? Instead of leading lives all about "me", maybe we should reevaluate. We should take that leap of faith, listen and read the word of God, and follow him. We should work thru him with others , by not just focussing on our own problems. We need to use the gifts that God has provided us with and use them for the good of the world. We need to stop being so self centered and help others. We need to stop worrying and start praying.
How come it's so easy the think and write down God's plan , but so hard to execute it? I need to pick up my cross and follow Jesus. Sounds like a plan thats worth following.

Blessings
Steg

Life Is Good

Life in the Steg Fam is good.Our granddaughter is growing up so fast and has brought much love to the fam. Life is good.
Josh and Jessie are working with the infants at church and making an impact on the small ones. Life is good.
Jessie is carrying our grandson and due after the first of the year. Life is good.
Zak and CC are recovering from the flu(whew) and making an impact on Jr. High kids by mentoring and teaching. Life is good.
CC is a new addition to our family this year. Life is good.
Krissy brought 20 of her students to serve at the Prom and working in student ministries helping impact our youth. Life is good.
Lori and I are working at church doing alpha. I think I benefit as much as our table participants do. Life is good.
The purpose of this post is not to brag about my family. I am doing what I think all people need to do and that is looking at how God is working in our lives. I want to keep God as the common denominator that continues to be a working force in my life. By surrendering our lives to God and giving him all our worries and concerns in life, and remembering he doesnt put anything on us that he cant handle, we can continue to serve him and be a possitive impact on other people's lives. Life is Good.
Take some time everyday to see if your Life is Good With God. Make the change. Its not too late.

Life is Good
Steg

Fall

It's that time of year when squirrels are gathering nuts(see picture) getting ready for winter. Football is in full swing(who-dey). Temperatures are cooling down and we can see the end of grasscutting in the near future. Last night I heard there is a chance of snow next week.I celebrated a birthday yesterday and the day was perfect with the kids, parents and wife watching football on a nice cool day. It doesn't get any better than this.
As it gets darker earlier and the time changes, the days just slow down. Our bodies also adjust to the shorter days.I seem to sleep better because there are less distractions. Snuggling up around a fire presents perfect peace to me. I'm going to build a fire right now.There is nothing like the smell of campfire smoke and the warmth that accompanies it.I can't believe how cold it was on my motorcycle just a short time ago. Its time to warm up. Later

Blessings
Steg

Hunger

As many of you already know, I was hospitalized last week with kidney stones. One was too large to pass so I had surgery to have the stone pushed back up in my kidney. A stent was placed in the kidney down thru the bladder. This keeps the huge stone in the kidney so urine flow is not interrupted. The morphine,demerol and stronger drugs as well as being put under for surgery have messed up my system. When I came home last week I puked all over the driveway, Which brings me to my point. With the stent rubbing on the wall of my bladder,kidney, and peeing blood, my appetite has been nonexistant. Don't get me wrong, from a weight standpoint I'm not complaining, but the constant queezy feeling is getting old.
This burger,consistimg of 4 quarter pound patties,12 onion rings, and 8 strips of bacon makes me dry heave. Give it a week. My surgery to blast the stones is scheduled for tomorrow. Hopefully next week I'll give one of you a call to share this burger with me. Any Volunteers? Say a prayer that the stone blasting goes ok so I can make it to the Prom.


Blessings
Steg

To Spank or Not to Spank

ATTENTION: This blog is not encouraged nor endorsed by any members of the Stegman family.It is strictly the opinion of the writer.


I am a supporter of spanking an unruly child. Let me point out the steps I take prior to the act. They are:
1. tell the child what they are doing wrong and ask them to stop.
2.tell the child the consequences that will happen if the behavior continues.
3.pull the child aside in private. No public humiliation. Explain to child why you are inforcing this discipline, tell them you love them, bend them over, and in a controlled manner let them have it. Tell them you love them and leave them alone to process.
4.Never strike in face, limbs. Buttocks is the target. To assure extra protection cover your kids back with you other arm to protect the kids kidneys.If the child jerks you will hit your arm instead of their back.
5.Make this a team effort with you spouse. If kids see disagreement on the punishment it will confuse the issue.
6.Always point out how you dislike and upset that the punishment is carried out.
7.After the spanking occurs, the punishment is over. Go back to normal activities.
8.You only dicipline your own child in this way! If you're having problems with another persons child return the child to the parents and express your concerns. Walk away. Your job is done .It is the Parents responsibility to discipline.Never forget this!

Why am I blogging about this? I saw some guy on tv telling how he never ever spanked his kids and thought it was a phase all kids go thru. Bullying, striking others, other acting out things that kids do are not phases. They are the beginning of bad habits that can lead to tragic results. Now this father is visiting his adult child in prison.

Nobody's perfect. These are just my thoughts. I cant believe I'm pushing the publish post button after commenting on this subject. This is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Blessings
Steg

Old News/Budget Cuts/Me

I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of hearing about budget cuts. After all, budget cuts are what cost me my job. All areas have been hit by these cuts and that helps take the sting out of my unemployment. It reinforces the fact that "Its not about me."
This concept is what I have struggled with for most of my life. I think I can honestly say I'm living evryday now constantly thinking what I can do for others. I need to volunteer more and make sure I don't fall back in my old ways. These past 6 months have really helped me grow.
Like I always say 'Quit Whining". I think I blogged about this some time ago. Have a good day and focus on doing something for someone else today.

Blessings
Steg

Jason Whitlock "Serena's a Whiner, Jordan's a Winner

I copied this article from Jason Whitlock. He made some interesting points.

So Serena thinks we saw her passion for tennis Saturday night.

I saw cowardice.


I saw the character flaw that prevents Serena Williams from taking her rightful place alongside Michael Jordan as one of the greatest champions of all time.

In an absolutely crazy, busy and fabulous sports weekend, two moments stood out: 1. Serena Williams' match-point meltdown in her U.S. Open semifinals clash with Kim Clijsters; 2. Michael Jordan's raw, in-your-face, take-no-prisoners Hall of Fame induction speech.

Serena and Jordan are both being crucified for their alleged classless behavior. Only one deserves it, the one who issued the gutless apology on Sunday.

"(Saturday) night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job," Williams said in a press release. "Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don't agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience."



But we've grown used to Serena belittling her competition.

Serena has been so emotionally coddled and crippled by her enablers, including irresponsible and irrational television commentator John McEnroe, that she mistakes embarrassing displays of poor sportsmanship as passion and competitive fire.

Someone get her a copy of Jordan's Hall of Fame speech.

Jordan's rambling and possibly cocktail-inspired acceptance rant has been misinterpreted by the media. We didn't like it. It wasn't gracious or spiced with false humility. Jordan declined the high road and traveled the bone honest one.

In graphic detail, he explained the slights — real, exaggerated and imagined — that fueled his competitive fire. He gave us a peek behind the curtain, a look at what drove the greatest competitor in our lifetime. I overlooked his missteps. He's a basketball player, not a motivational speaker. He spoke without a map. His words were not measured or chosen to create the impression he was anything beyond a competitive son of a bitch.

Serena and many of her groupies see the foot-fault call that put Clijsters at match point as a continuation of the inherent racial bias that has plagued Serena's entire tennis career. And perhaps it is. Life is inherently unfair, and a country-club sport like tennis is more racially unfair than most.

How does a top competitor with limitless talent respond to unfairness?


Serena's big meltdown Photos: It was a wild night at the U.S. Open. Check out these shots of Serena Williams' loud exit at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Jordan chose to destroy his challengers and shame the people who propped them up with never-before-seen on-court excellence.

No doubt, racial bias played a role in Buzz Peterson being named North Carolina's high school player of the year over Jordan in 1981. Friday night, Jordan talked about how he roomed with Peterson at UNC and set out to prove Peterson's inferiority. Jordan said he didn't care about the infamous NBA All Star freeze-out allegedly orchestrated by Isiah Thomas and other black players. Jordan said the rumor only made him work harder to prove to his peers that he deserved the attention and acclaim he received at an early age.

Jordan took shots at the high school coach who didn't let him play varsity as a sophomore, Jerry Krause for valuing the franchise more than the players who powered the Bulls, Dean Smith for leaving him off a Sports Illustrated cover and Bryon Russell for daring to say he could defend Air Jordan.






Jordan wasn't a whiner. He was a competitor. He was old school, a reminder of the values that created the social progress and freedom too many black athletes now take for granted.

Kicking ass and taking names earns far more respect than take-my-ball-and-racket-go-home tantrums. No one respects a crybaby, especially one with more ability than everyone else.

Clijsters put a clown suit on Serena. Two-and-a-half years after retiring to have a baby and in her first major since her return, she wiped the court with the self-described No. 1 player. Rather than take her beating like a a grown-ass woman, Serena first smashed her racket and then sacrificed match point with a ridiculous tirade directed at the line judge.

Everybody knows damn well Serena has no business losing a major to a baby's mama. And everyone knows damn well if Serena dropped 20 pounds and focused on her game, she'd be untouchable.

But rather than focus on her unrealized potential, McEnroe and Serena's other groupies want to pretend that calling a foot fault late in a match that Serena was clearly losing was some sort of hate crime worthy of Serena making a fool of herself.

The foot fault didn't cost Serena the U.S. Open. Just like nearly every other loss in her career, Serena's unwillingness to compete at her highest level led to the defeat.


Get on with your life. Use the tools that God provided you with and become a winner not a whiner.

Blessings
Steg

Texting

Texting does have its time and place, but so many hazards accompany a texter. Texting while operating cars, motorcycles, and lawn mowers is absolutely stupid. Not only are you putting yourself in danger, but those around you usually suffer. Texting in school or at work is wrong also. Todays younger people have ruined texting. It seems to now be a way of life. This idiot in the video should be banned from driving for life. If we chopped off his fingers he'd probably resort to using his nose or ----. Stay safe out there

Blessings
Steg

The Story Behind the Song "How He Loves Us"

My kids just told me the story behind the song How he loves us.It has preoccupied me for days now and thought I would publish it so I could refer to it time and again. That's all I need to say about this post other than this other video of Kim Walker is my favorite version to date and I'm wearing out my ipod playing it.
Bottom Line: Oh How He Loves Us.



Enjoy
Blessings
Steg

Not Yogi the Bear--- Yogi the Yankee

This old fart(Yogi Berra) was a catcher for the New York Yankees for many years . The press loved him. He was always good for a quote.He just said exactly what he meant. He didn't sugar cote anything.
Some of my favorite Yogiisms are:
A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.


All pitchers are liars or crybabies.


Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't come to yours.

Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.


Congratulations. I knew the record would stand until it was broken.


Even Napoleon had his Watergate.


Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.


He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious.

How can you think and hit at the same time?


I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.


I just want to thank everyone who made this day necessary.


I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?


I never said most of the things I said.


I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.


I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.


I'm a lucky guy and I'm happy to be with the Yankees. And I want to thank everyone for making this night necessary.

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.


If people don't want to come out to the ball park, nobody's gonna stop 'em.


If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.


If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer.




If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.

In baseball, you don't know nothing.


In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.

It ain't over till it's over
.
the heat, it's the humility.


It gets late early out there.


It was impossible to get a conversation going, everybody was talking too much.


It's like deja-vu, all over again.


It's pretty far, but it doesn't seem like it.


Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the parents off the streets.


Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.


Slump? I ain't in no slump... I just ain't hitting.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and remember what Yogi said. "If you come to a fork in the road, take it."

Blessings
Steg

80

This past week my father reached the 80 years old milestone. He took me to my first baseball practice. He converted to catholicism so he could help coach my football team.He went to all my basketball practices and never missed a track meet. I realize how lucky I am to have a father able to make it to all my sporting events, banquets,graduations and vacations.
We would take the motorcycles to Florida and cruise Daytona. We went to car races both nascar and indy. We went to time trials and at one time he owned a small share of an indy car.
After I grew up, he went to all 3 kids games and graduations. There is much to be learned from a man of 80 years.There are times in my life(at 53) that I don't have a clue. Hopefully I am growing wiser as I age. So if you see the old man around tell him "Happy 80". He's a good one.

Blessings
Steg

I'm Lost

I have an empty feeling in me that I just can't seem to shake.I am so used to people depending on me not just financially, physically, or emotionally. I had coworkers depend on me daily. My kids depended on me. My wife depended on me. It was a great feeling. It was what drove me. Now that the kids are grown and have houses of their own channges things. Now that my wife works full time while I continue to hunt for a job and is basically self sufficient changes things. I was kind of like a mailman for 32 years. I delivered daily. Now I feel kind of lost in the shuffle of life.
I'm not depressed, lonely or having a pity party, I'm just pointing out the shift my life has taken and me trying to adjust to it. Where do I go from here? I'm staying busy working around the house, reading the bible daily(I've recently resumed this), and working out regularly.
I just wonder how to get back in the swing of life and able to feel like I'm part of it. I am on the outside looking in. Somehow I need to get on the inside looking out. I need to get rid of this lost feeling. Its taken me 4 months to put this into words. Hopefully its my first step climbing out of this rut. Rainy days suck.
Later

Blessings,
Steg

What Runs This World

I'll tell you the answer , but you already know.
Computers.
We all have them and can't seem to live without them. They seem to take over our lives.
Growing up, we managed to get along just fine , but now the world depends on computers to transfer money,control traffic,air traffic control.I don't know which device is more valuable today- the cell phone or the computer.
Lyd is 15 months old and we gave her her first computer.(A Fisher Price Model I think). I'm sure she'll be showing me tricks by the time she is 4. Getting old makes it harder to accept change.The world is changing so fast that I'm not sure I can keep up.
Has anyone found me a construction job yet? I think my old job will be done away with and computers will replace me. I mean replaced me.

Blessings,
Steg

Wedding Day Tomorrow

Friday, Zak and Christin are getting married. They start their new life together.The Stegman's gain a new member to the family. Christin, Jessie, Kristin and Lori will now outnumber Josh, Zak and myself. I don't like being a member of a minority. The boys have always ruled in this house but, with the addition of Jessie and Christin now the girls rule. This isn't all bad because the Steg girls are all teachers and we guys still have a lot to learn about life.
Have a good holiday and wish Zak and Kristin good luck.

Blessings,
Steg

SOS Week

It was a great week hosting 6 boys at our house.We served the city all week long during the day and it was Rambo and milkshakes at night. Zak even stopped home for a Rambo movie that he slept through.The kids really liked the E2 session while I enjoyed the Habitat for Humanity outreaches. Just hanging out, mentoring young adults is great.The week went fast and ther weather cooperated.It was a little hot though.



The evening with the 750 special ed people was great. The kids escorted, played games, danced and entertained for 3 hours. I even got into the act eating dinner with Brittany. Her boyfriend evemtually came and they had a great time together.
We can't wait until next year

Blessings
Steg

My Transportation

When I lost my job 3 months ago, the thing that hit me the hardest was the loss of the company truck that I drove like my own. Suddenly I was stuck at home, while Lori took the car to work. I felt like I was trapped at home. I've been very busy working around the house doing things that I ignored for the past 25 years or so. My 26 year old motorcycle and my 10 year old bike became my main source of transportation.I now think twice before I leave the house. Before I didn't even think when jumping in the truck and driving somewhere. Now I plan better and focus better and don't waste time driving around aimlessly. It has actually saved me money on extra car insurance, gas, and forced me to become more efficient working with what I have. My faith has improved also since my layoff, looking to God in prayer and giving up my worries to him.Having alone time has really been a blessing without the stresses of a job. I'm praying regularly and starting listening alot more to those around me. It is amazing how much we take for granted in the hustle and bustle of everyday lfe. Sometimes God forces the slowdown in our lives. Mine just happened to be a layoff.I'm at piece now with not having a vehicle at my side. My 2 wheelers seem to be working just fine until I get another job.Getting to the store while its raining will just have to wait until the boss gets home from work. Gotta go-now I'm behind on my honey-do list

Later,
Steg

The 10 Commandments in Text Form

GOD TEXTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
BY JAMIE QUATRO
- - - -
1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg's

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

ttyl, JHWH.

ps. wwjd?


I thought this was interesting and thought I'd pass it on


Blessings
Steg

Teamwork

When I think about teamwork, I think about Kobe and the Lakers, Jordan and the Bulls, Ben and the Steelers(whom I hate). The individual needs the people around him to be successful and be the person he has developed into over the years.This is especially true in marriage. My wife's influence over the years has helped me grow up, become responsible,challenged and encouraged me helping my professional carrer by standing behind me and supporting me every step of the way. We had 3 kids and between the two of us, raised them the best that we could. Without both of us being active in their lives , I think the outcome could have been quite different. My wife is my rock. She keeps me in line and grounded daily. She always seems to know the right buttons to push.One wife, 3 kids, 1 dog,4 motorcycles and 12 cars later We celebrate our 31st anniversary today. I think I may have to reward myself with a longer nap today.

It's been a great 31 years

Part Timers

I am puzzled by the actions of some people. I'm not claiming to be an angel or anything, but I strive to be a full timer. It has become easier since I lost my job. I'm not tempted to fall into the traps my fellow employees carried with them everyday. I'm talking about being a christian. Its disturbing to hear someone belt out a tirade of curse words that would make Samual Jackson blush and then realize you know that person from church. Wreckless gambling, irresponsible drinking, womanizing,and cheating/telling lies, and gossiping are things we encounter on an everyday basis and to see people from church and employed by the church doing these things disturbs me to no end. Why be a part timer. You're either all in or out as far as I'm concerned. I try not to judge these people, but they make it hard for me to witness when I associate occasionally with these part timers.I pray for my walk as well as their walk.
Sorry for the rant.

Blessings,
Steg

Non Verbal Communication

Men in particular use this type of communication on a daily basis. A wave, finger point, fist bump, high five, or chest bump are good examples as well as a simple handshake. We use these gestures for various reasons.Sometimes we do it to avoid talking, or we may have differences with the person and only gesture out of respect or appearing to be congenial when really we despise them. I use these gestures to avoid taking down the wall that I have built around myself. So if I actually stop and talk to you, I obviously feel comfortable with you. If I pass you with the subtle head bob, there is something I'm not sure about or I simply don't know you enough. Sometimes men use these gestures because of the tough guy syndrome. I've been accused of this unjustly. I'm just shy. OK, open up guys, a little useless talk won't hurt anyone.

Blessings,
Steg

Baptism-Some People Just Don't Get It

It's a tough topic to explain , but this video really helped me.Have a great holiday.

Blessings,
Steg

Birthday Song for Lydia

My daughter Krissy and son Zak wrote a song for my granddaughters first birthday.Her name is Lydia. It really makes me smile when I watch it. Its really quite good.
Enjoy


I am lucky to have and be part of a family that loves each other so much

Blessings
Steg

Birthday Buds

Zak reached Jack Bauer status (24) and Lydia reached #1. Zak, being 24 now is getting a wife while Lyd got her first taste of chocolate. It was beautiful weather and a day where loved ones got together to celebrate. These celebrations have recently really made me start to think how lucky I am to be surrounded by loved ones. At my age the view looks better and better.
Life goes by so fast. Always take the time to enjoy life. Work will always be there , but don't let the little things in life go by without noticing them.
I got baptized last week and my life seems to be finally in some order and control. I plan to live life with meaning and purpose now that I have given God the reins of my journey.
I hope you guys had a good birthday , because I sure enjoyed it.

Blessings
Dad/Grandpa Steg

Grandkids

Having kids brightened our lives. Raising them helped enrich our lives. Letting them go out in the world on their own makes us proud. We feel that our job is done as parents. We're always available for advise. We feel that it will always be our responsibility to lead by example not only for our kids , but also for the grandchildren. Adults sometimes tend to forget that the little ones look to us 24/7 and model after us. Grandkids are so innocent and follow their elders' actions with no questions asked. Why do we as adults find it so hard to follow God with no questions asked. With doors being closed in my life, other doors are starting to open. I have decided to rededicate my life to God and make a real effort to lead the life I was meant to. No more excuses. Life is good. Jobs come and go, but family is forever.

Blessings,
Steg

March 17 , 2009 /Lay Off

I was layed off by my company that I worked for the past 24 years. WOW!
I was confused and irritated when it happened. I never really knew what a door being slammed in my face felt like. Now I know how God feels when I turn my back on him and sin. Its just a terrible feeling that is hard to describe. Lonliness, abandonment,and embarassment are a few words that come to mind. I was let go obviously due to the grim financial market that continues to plague the nation , and in my case the construction industry.
I finally finished a resume for myself. Until now, I never had to shop for a job. Having been blessed over the years with only 2 employers, I think I took my employment for granted. I never let down and in my opinion went out on top of my game. I loved what I did and was good at performing under pressure. I miss the game terribly and find myself somewhat lost every morning without a job. I'm putting out resumes and deal with the unemployment people regularly. I'm just trying to keep my head up and get back in the game.
Sometimes we all turn our backs on God and recklessly drift through life without meaning. Life is hard during these times, but you know what, maybe its time for all of us to get back in the game with God, regardless if we have jobs or not.
Remember Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."
Have a good day.


Blessings
Steg

St. Patrick's Day/ Happy Aniversary Josh and Jess

This green holiday when the kids were growing up meant traveling downtown to watch the annual parade.
Then I built an Irish Pub.
Then , Josh and Jessie got married on St. Patrick's day a couple of years ago. It's funny how the significance of this holiday has changed for me over the years.The significance of this holiday is officially locked in.

Happy Aniversary Josh and Jess

Love Dad

How Great Is Our God

The Sun

The sun makes:
1. me warm
2. me happy
3. me tan
4. me sweat
5.me want to go on vacation
6. my bald spot brown
7. my grass grow fast
8. my day at work go slow
9. my motorcycle more appealing
10. my hair more blond
11.me wear shorts.
12. You fill in the blank--The sun makes me---------------

I want some answers-- please
What does the sun do to you?

Blessings
Steg

Comments Made in 1955 (man I'm old)

I want to thank Angie for sending this to me . I thought you might enjoy these blasts from the past


> Comments made in the year 1955!
> That's only 53 years ago!
>
> "I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00."
>
> "Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2, 000.00 will only buy a used one."
>
> "If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.
>
> "Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?"
>
> "If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."
>
> "When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."
>
> "Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail haircuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."
>
> "I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL or DAMN in it."
>
> "I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas."
>
> "Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President."
>
> "I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."
>
> "It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet."
>
> "It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."
>
> "Marriage doesn't mean a thing anymore, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat."
>
> "I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."
>
> "Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress."
>
> "The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."
>
> "There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel."
>
> "No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood."
>
> "If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a haircut, forget it."
>
> Know any friends who would get a kick out of these, pass this on! Be sure and send it to your kids and grandkids too


Wow



Blessings
Steg

Dealing With People in Today's World

I am finding it harder and harder dealing with people in today's world. Whether they are relatives, coworkers, peers, bosses,or neighbors, people just seem to want to get the last word in. They talk about you when you are still within hearing distance and think nothing of it. Arguements develop over the dumbest reasons. I don't know if the current economy is partly to blame , but wake up people, take a good look in the mirror daily and react to it. Let's face it- I don't like what I see everyday , but I adjust daily.

Bottom line- Don't get in my face unless you really want a piece of me.

Case Closed
Steg

My Game Face (Repost)

Game Face
I don't know about you ,but I have a very hard time adjusting from work to family life. At work ,I am a supervisor to numerous construction trades,enforcing contracts,scheduling,meeting with owners,etc. Put quite simply,whatever happens on a construction job ,it is my responsibility.This applies to profit margins,scheduling delays or acceleration of the project as well as code enforcement,quality control,and general babysitting of the workers.

I hear all the problems--salary disputes,alimony troubles,kid troubles,debt problems,wife problems,employment problems.,to name a few. When I step into my car every morning the game face goes on. No more Mr. nice guy.I tackle and deal with the problems head on.There's no time for friendly chit chat. The schedules today are crazy. Everybody wants things done overnight.

So at the end of each day,I have a hard time going home pulling in the driveway,taking off the game face, and stepping into everyday life.My wife and family have been very supportive over the past 25+ years. I pray that God gives me the strength and patience to juggle the game faces until retirement comes.I just want to be a loving father, husband and grandfather.
Any Advice?

Blessings
Steg

Old Age Things

As I age, I have noticed subtle changes that are happening with my body. Nose hair grows faster and needs serious maintenance. My favorite change is the ever increasing increasing amount of ear hair . If ignored, My ears would look like this pic. My chest hair and back hair are also thicker than ever.The sad part about getting old is that while hair is growing at an alarming pace all over my body, My head is balding . This doen't really bother me, but it makes you think why this occurs. Still don't have any answers--Do you?

Just Wondering,
Steg

Shocked

I've been recently thinking about life and how things have changed since I grew up. The morals of our society have gone to h e double hockey stick. Clothes are way too revealing , tv is now soft porn, big houses and fancy cars are a must. The average family wouldn't be caught in the car that I grew up with, a huge station wagon. Today thats not cool. Kids don't play outside- they text each other or play video games. I am SHOCKED.
Wouldn't it be great to go back in the days where life was more simple. Maybe we could focus on the real reason we are here on earth. Not to keep up with the Jones' but to love the Lord , love each other and serve others. I'm shocked that I have been sucked into todays lifestyle of wasting time on computers, tv, gossiping, Cherishing material things and such.
I need and will focus the rest of my life on what really matters- Jesus, Family, and serving others. Put the 401K's, IRA's on Jesus back. He will take care of us.
No worries. He is always there for us and wouldn't put anything on us that he can't handle.

Blessings
Steg

Mr. Colerain-RIP

Mr colerain died recently. He attended every event at the school. I think he attended the school in the civil war days. As long as i can remember, he hung out at the school quietly supporting all activities. He showed a passion that I can only dream of. I'm actually jealous of it. What are you passionate about and how will you use this passion to have an impact on somebody?
Just a thought worth passing along

Blessings,
Steg

What's Burning?

This is a repost from a couple years ago on my My Space blog. I had an encounter with a smoker today at work and it stirred up the same feelings as it did years ago. Here it is:

What is Burning?


That is the question I ask myself every time I walk out to my truck after exiting the building at work. The losers (smokers) are lined up,blocking the entrance,puffing away like there is no tomorrow. The smoke is so thick I practically go into a trance imagining Sitting Bull smoking the peace-pipe not letting me out of the teepee.

The people at my work take a 15 minute break every hour. They work 8 hours.(just assume they do). Say the average employee makes 40K per year. Thats right,30,000 to work and 10,000 to smoke. What is wrong with this picture? Does this make you sick or what?

I don't know why anyone would hire a smoker. Not only is he not productive 25% of the time, the entire company suffers. Yes,that means your raises,bonuses,healthcare costs, and sometimes friends are lost as a result.

So next time you pass a smoker, just think how destructive smoking is to our lives and environment.Maybe you'll almost get in a fight like I did today by knocking the next cigarrete you see out of some persons mouth.

No fight but a minor wrestling match. Later,I have to ice my shoulder.


Blessings
Steg

25 random Things About Me

1 .I've been married for over 30 years
2. I have 3 kids and 1 grandchild
3.I have 2 motorcycles and ride for stress reduction
4.I like to camp.
5. I like mountain hiking and travel with family.
6.I've been snow skiing in 5 different countries.
7. I like to get the last word in-beware
8. I tend to be very sarcastic.
9. I like action movies-go figure.
10. I have worked in commercial/industrial construction for 34 years.
11. Briefs only
12.I build churches. www.unitedchurchbuilders.com
13.I have had a gun pulled on me 6 times over the last 30 years--all while at work
14.I am constantly told that I resemble Hulk Hogan.
15.I like wearing leather bracelets.
16.I'm related to Alice Cooper by marriage-my wife's cousin.
17. I like to wear skull caps.
18.I hate shirts with sleeves.
19. I love worship songs and like to attend Ichthus www.ichthusfestival.org
20.I like full contact sports.
21.I accidently knocked Brooke Shields to the floor of our office after colliding with her--she said she was ok.
22.I met President Bush Sr. and went on Air Force One.---his plane
23.I like to work out at Fitworks.
24.I have 1 sister and both my parents are still with us
25.People say I have a lot of BS

Winter

Well ,its that time of year again. Now that the holidays are over, we tend to focus on the weather, specificly the cold. Working outside makes it that much more of a focus for me. Then again, after 33 years of going through this, it becomes harder and harder each year.
If we thought about ways to help others or improve ourselves the same amount of time that we mope around worrying if it will snow or how cold its going to be, then maybe our lives would be more positive and constructive this time of year. Too many of us get down by the short, cold, snowy, winter days.
Quit whining and wake up. Quit laying around and be creative and constructive.
Now that I've diagnosed my own problem, I'd better get back to work.Go home and read by a fire . Maybe you can light the fire inside you that has apparently gone out.

Blessings, Steg

You've got to be kidding me

This article greatly concerns me. What's your opinion? I know we live in a troubled society, but this is flat out sick





Fed Should Bail Out Larry Flynt and Other Porn Magnates
By Robert Paul Reyes





"Adult entertainment moguls Larry Flynt and Joe Francis are asking for a $5 billion bailout from the government, claiming the pornography industry on the decline.

Flynt, founder of the porn magazine Hustler, and Francis, 'Girls Gone Wild' producer, feel that they should be granted a portion of the recent $700 billion package by President George W. Bush to help the economy back on its feet.

They said that they deserve the same consideration that the government is willing to give other businesses.

Flynt said in a statement, 'With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind. It's time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.'" Ann Lu/AllHeadlineNews.Com


Larry Flynt and Joe Francis make a convincing case, if banks, investment corporations, insurance companies and auto manufacturers have been bailed out, why not such stalwarts of the adult entertainment business? It makes about as much sense to bail out Chrysler as it does to bail out Hustler and Girls Gone Wild. It could be argued that Chrysler is responsible for its predicament by manufacturing cars that the American public doesn't want to buy, while it's clear the porn industry isn't responsible for its declining fortunes. The Internet has dealt a devastating blow to the porn industry, why pay for porn when you can get it for free on the Net? Purveyors of porn are more worthy recipients of government largesse than the aforementioned industries. Banks, mortgage companies and insurance companies screw us without mercy, but the only ones who porn entertainers screw are themselves.

The CEOs of the banks, insurance companies and auto companies that have been bailed out are soulless and bland nonentities who haven't contributed anything to society. On the other hand Americans owe Flynt our gratitude and respect, he has dedicated his life to defending free speech.

I'll admit that Joe Francis is a creep and a wuzz, after a few weeks in jail he starts crying like a schoolgirl. But even Francis isn't as contemptible and vile as the business magnates that Uncle Sam has already bailed out.

There's a place for adult entertainment in our society, especially in hard economic times when pleasures are hard to come by. We need Girls Gone Wild to help us forget that we are in jeopardy of losing our homes and our jobs.

No industry should be bailed out, but if the federal government is hell-bent on rescuing badly-managed companies that deserve to go bankrupt, then the porn industry should also receive a few billion dollars.

Robert Paul Reyes is a NewsBlaze writer on Politics, Pop Culture and Pointless Pontificating. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.

Robert Reyes


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Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: larry flynt, joe francis, robert paul reyes
* The views of Opinion writers do not necessarily reflect the views of NewsBlaze

I think I'll go puke now
Steg
_ _

Biggest Loser

Ohio State football can not win a bowl game. I think it has something to do with their coach. Jim Tressell in my opinion should be fired. Here are my reasons:

1. He can't control his players. #90 on the defense cost the team 2 different penalties of 15 yards each. Tressell could not convince this guy and explain to him that it was a college football game and not an ultimate fight in a cage where anything goes. This player continued to attack the head of the Texas QB.
2. Beanie was not well in the second half. He did nothing. This was Tressell's fault, thinking just because he ran like a breakaway freight train in the fist half, that the same would occur in the second half.---News flash---That is the job of a Good coach which is to analize how your team does and make adjustments and to rectify them.Texas outcoached him.
3.Tressel didn't adapt when Beanie was't well. His plan was suspect.
4. You don't mess with a Texan named Colt McCoy. He was beaten and battered by the Kimbo Slices of OSU . He kept his poise and composure and settled for the 5-12 yard passes and won the game.
OSU messed with the bull and eventually got the horn.
Jim Tressell-you stink but I hope you are still there next year so I can bet against you and fatten up my 401K like I have the past few years.

Blessings,
Steg