Friday Favorites:

"The conductor of an orchestra doesn't make a sound.  He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful."

Benjamin Zander
The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra



Chuck

T.O.T

A few years ago, while I was visiting the dentist, I asked his thoughts concerning the difference between the Electric Toothbrushes and the standard, manual type.  I was wondering if they were more effective in cleaning or had any other advantages.  His answer was simple; "It's all about T.O.T.!"  He explained that what is important is the amount of "Time On Tooth" no matter what style of brush was used.

I was reminded of that dental visit the other day when I was talking to someone about different methods of Bible reading and study.  It is all about Time in the Book.  In addition to the Book in book form there are e-Bibles, i-Bibles, audio-Bibles and my favorite, "onlinebible".  As this New Year begins set out to spend more Time in the Book. Chose a method, set apart and devote a specific time, determine a goal and get into the Book.  Devotional booklets are helpful, but they're not the Book.  Christian fiction is enjoyable for some, but they're not the Book.  Listening to Sermons online can be very beneficial, but they're not the Book.  More Time in the Book is the goal for this year.

Chuck

CBX

I'm heading home as I type today's blog. Currently sitting in traffic on the Cross Bronx Expressway allows me a good opportunity to type. There is never a good time to try to get out of New York. BQE or CBX; OBX or GWB it's all the same when it comes to traffic. You can't avoid the struggle, you have to go through it to get where you want be. Such is life, don't complain, don't honk, just drive.

"I press toward the mark..."


Chuck

Wired

Today's blog is on the road in Long Island. My first born male child asked if I could lend a hand running some network cables so here I am. We started out this morning at 4:45 and worked till 4:45 tonight. That boy of mine goes non-stop, he wore me out. I have always preached work ethics to my kids over the years and it looks like it stuck. If we work as unto the Lord it always produces good results. Another long day tomorrow so it's off to bed soon.

Good Night from NY,

Chuck

Do the Math

Let's talk about some numbers.  33 by 330 is the size of my lot here in our little, semi-rural borough.  Because our pre-Victorian (1817) home practically sits on the front street, we've got a bunch of real estate behind us.  125 feet is the length of my sidewalk.  I know because I laid & leveled every single block in it.  Subtracting 50+ feet for the house and the 5 feet of frontage and I end up Shoveling about 150 feet of driveway every time it snows!  No, I don't own a snowblower.  I had kid labor when the boys lived at home, and since they moved I am too cheap to part with the cash when sweat is free.

What I've been doing the last few snowstorms is to park my car at the entrance of driveway so after it snows I can clear a single path to it (250 ft.).  That leaves only about 10 feet of shoveling to get my car out, which of course is the basic goal.  I can deal with the rest of the driveway later.  Oh, I learned that after only 13 winters and I was having to shovel myself.  Identifying the goal then working smarter not just harder gets the job done, and saves a lot of time & energy in the process.

Chuck

It was Merry

Recap ...

* Wonderful services on Christmas Eve at NTBC.  Lots of kids in attendance.

* All the Grand Babies came to the house to open presents after church. 

* Oh, yes they brought their parents with them.

* Early morning visit from our three sons (6:50 am) to wish their mom a Merry Christmas.  Very Special!

* Joyce & I had breakfast at a local dinner. 

* Visited all three of our boys and their lovely families throughout the day.

* Dinner at E&R's new house. 

* Home at last and very tired.

* "and Counting" ... the many blessing of the Lord this Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas to those take the time to stop by "And Counting ..." and see what the Lord has allowed me to experience and share with you.  Thank you for being a part of my life and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of yours.

Chuck

Friday Favorites:

Orange Marmalade is my favorite spread for toast.  After some early morning shopping, complements of a Gift Card and a 30% off coupon, Joyce and I stopped at a local restaurant for a late morning breakfast.  Saving the last half a piece of toast for the end of the meal, my wife dug through the jelly carousel for a packet of their Marmalade for me.  She loves me and knows how to show it.  Technically speaking, what makes marmalade marmalade is the peels.  Orange "Zest" and some sugar boiled in with the juice and what ever else is needed to thicken it up makes a wonderful topping for that last piece of toast. 

We always keep a jar in the frig also, and I remind my dear wife when it starts getting a little low so that it ends up on the shopping list.  There are certain item that we shouldn't never run out of: Coffee, Orange Marmalade & Toilet Paper.  I wonder if any of these will be in my stocking tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas-Eve Everyone!



Chuck