CD's- How are your Returns?

CD's, 401K's, and IRA's seem to consume much of my time lately. The returns I am getting are downright pitiful.Yet I continue to try to find a way to change their results. It's not going that well.Looking around , it appears that most people to be driven by the almighty dollar. I know,Iknow, we do need money to exist in this world, but after all it's just paper. I used to make a lot more money, had a bigger 401K account, but was I truely happy? I was consumed by making money, raising kids, college funds and vacation funds, reinvesting CD's on and on.Not that these are bad things, but I lost my true focus on life.
A better investment that always pays is Christ's love for us. No matter how bad the market is,his love and grace is always there. As we struggle to lead a christian life(our investment), we always get a good return(God's love and grace).
So rather than getting down and out with todays ugly world,I choose to strive to live a christian life and enjoying Christ's dividends.
I'm finally getting job nibbles and will follow where I am lead. I'll keep you posted
How are your returns on your Christ Deposits?
Blssings,
Steg

Feeling Bad

The past few days I have felt like a zombie. Head congestion. headache. sore throat,Coughing out of control, occasional gagging, low grade fever are a few of my symptoms.
For the past three years, either Lori or myself hhave gotten really bad colds the week after hosting middle schoolers for a week during SOS. Coincidence, maybe, but I'm wondering if our resistance is down from the lack of sleep that week. On the otherhand, we all know teenagers. One minute they're picking their noses and the next moment their hand is buried in the popcorn bowl. Whatever the cause, it really has me down.Like all sicknesses, the during the night is the worse part of the day..........BTW ..I just dry heaved 15 times in a row. My sinuses seem to dump in my throat way too fast to cough and break it up.I hate to call a doctor on a holiday weekend so I'll just man-up for another day. I admit I am a baby when I am sick.
Pass the coughdrops and a puke bag.

Blessings,
Steg

Life in the Fast Lane

Life to me, as an old guy, I thought was going to slow down. That is not the case. Actually, it has sped up. I find myself in chase mode most of the time. I now have more time on my hands with the kids gone and being out of work, but I always have something needing my attention. Where have the days gone where I would hop on my motorcyle and take a 2 hour ride? I haven't been bicycling all day yet this year. I haven't taken any 8 mile walks at Miami Whitewater this year. We haven't camped but once this year.----Time---
This makes me ask myself. Has time sped up or have I slowed down? Have my priorities changed that much? Were they changed for the better or for the worse? Has my life improved or declined? Who actually likes Lebron anyway? I need to rethink the ways that I spend my time.Do I pray enough? Do I read the bible enough? Do I volunteer enough? Am I a good husband? father? grandfather? neighbor? sparring partner?
I need to take control of time and make it work the way I choose. I'm wasting too much time on this computer-thats for sure.
I'm going to modify my life plan. Are you?

Blessings
Steg

Feeling Wierd

Ok, I've been in a wierd mood lately.Still without a job, I'm starting to notice people looking at me differently. They give me the bowing the head, batting the eyes thing. This doesn't make me feel any better. It just pisses me off. I'm a man-treat me like one.Yes ,I want a job, more than you can imagine but, don't give me pity-just treat me like everybody else. I hear you. You're saying "He's getting sensitive after 2 years of unemployment". Actually ,I am getting hardened on how the world operates and looks at old farts like me. I'm happy so do me a favor-don't piss on my parade.Remember this--if you mess with the bull, eventually you will get the horn.

Peace
Steg

I'm Being Tested

Lately, I've been busy juggling all sorts of projects. I think I've been doing a fairly decent job. I feel like I'm being tested by God. I've been feeling it as well as hearing from him in my prayer time. Every time I stumble or get short with somebody, I find myself feeling really unsure if I am doing what God has planned for me.I'm not having a problem listening. My problem is worrying about what others think.This should be the last of my concerns. I know the only thing that matters is what God thinks of my life.
I guess when it comes down to it, my life is no different than anyone else's. We all have doubts and struggles that we deal with daily, but I sometimes get too busy that I start second guessing myself.
Like I always told my kids, if you do your best, thats all that can be expected of us. God doesn't put anything on us that he can't handle.
I guess being tested by God is a good thing- That means that he is in my life . I love tests now.

Blessings
Steg

My 3 BFF'S

I know it sounds corny, but you three individuals are my best friends.You keep me on my toes. Had it not been for you guys, I wouldn't know how to use a computer.I wouldn't have anyone to laugh at my jokes. I just love hanging out with you guys. You just make my heart smile.I enjoy 1 on 1 time as well as group time with you. It is so neat as a father to see each of your kids grow up into responsible adults. I am so happy to be part of your lives. This is something in the past that I have taken for granted , but recently I realized this is a privelege and not a given. As I grow older , I am starting to look in the rear view mirror as to what changes I still need to make in my life, and although there are many, I still enjoy the view.
Thank you kids for making me proud. I love you guys so much. No, I don't have some serious disease, I just wanted to put this out there. Please continue making a difference in this ugly world. God has your back, and so do I.

Blessings
Daddy Steg

14 Years of Love- Our Minpin

This 4lb. minpin has been a member of our family for 14 years now. She's almost blind and deaf, but still captures our hearts with her courage and snuggle up ways. She sleeps most of the day except for pee breaks. Yes she is still comtinent.I just thought I owed her a tribute. Here's to Zoey Stegman. You will always be loved,(She's not dead.) I thought it would be easier to write this while she is still alive and well



Blessings
Steg