Three of the most important people on this earth celebrated Christmas with me this past Monday - my children.
Will, Victoria, and Peter showed up at 6:00 PM ready for dinner. However the food had not arrived (I ordered out from a place that everyone loves) so I told the kids they could open their gifts. As always it was akin to "sharks in a feeding frenzy" with tissue paper everywhere. Will enjoyed his CD's, PS3 games, and clothes. Victoria was thrilled with her Ipod Nano (there is only one color according to her and that is purple), shoes. clothes, and coffee. Peter really is into building models so he got his fair share along with some TV series DVD's. They were all very appreciative of what I gave them.
We all enjoyed our dinners and settled down to watching several "Three Stooges" shorts. There was a ton of laughter from everyone along with most of us reciting a lot of the lines from several of the shorts. Some good natured teasing took place next before the kids left a little after 9:00 PM.
We will be heading to Pittsburgh to see my mom for Christmas on Saturday and for the kids to enjoy one of their Christmas gifts - tickets to the Steelers game on Sunday versus the Browns.
My children are such a precious gift from God to me and I praise Jesus for each one of them and for their love for me. May our good great holy awesome God pour his blessings upon Will, Victoria, and Peter.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
What to give for Christmas
Have you completed your Christmas shopping yet ? I was able to complete my shopping for my children, and will complete mine for my mother and Marti this week - all online. The tragedies of this year's "Black Friday" only reinforce my want to avoid the "holiday rush" by surfing "the web" instead of "sliding down Morse Road".
A number of you probably have not even started your shopping yet and/or are unsure of what to get for your loved ones. I am sure a number of you are on tighter budgets as well wanting to stretch your money farther. And some of you may not even be able to afford buying a gift at all.
I have solution to your dilemma. Something so simple I am sure you will be saying "Why didn't I think about that ?". The best part of this gift is the cost - nothing - and the pleasure you will receive from giving it and watch your loved ones enjoy it. And anyone can give this gift - you don't even need to go online to get this gift. Curious ?
What I am talking about is so simple yet profound. A concept rooted in scripture. Jesus told us that he came to serve and not be served. The gift is a simple question that you need to ask your self and then like the famous shoe company slogan "just do it". The question is this "How can I be a blessing to you ?". The responses can be infinite - from just simply spending time with someone to running errands for them to doing things around the house for them to just loving them. And this gift doesn't start or stop on Christmas Day - it can be given every single day of the year.
Remember that God gave us that perfect "gift" on Christmas Day with the birth of Jesus many years ago And that "gift" of Jesus can continue to give by your being a blessing to someone. I am giving this gift everyone on my list. Will you join me ?
Just do it.
A number of you probably have not even started your shopping yet and/or are unsure of what to get for your loved ones. I am sure a number of you are on tighter budgets as well wanting to stretch your money farther. And some of you may not even be able to afford buying a gift at all.
I have solution to your dilemma. Something so simple I am sure you will be saying "Why didn't I think about that ?". The best part of this gift is the cost - nothing - and the pleasure you will receive from giving it and watch your loved ones enjoy it. And anyone can give this gift - you don't even need to go online to get this gift. Curious ?
What I am talking about is so simple yet profound. A concept rooted in scripture. Jesus told us that he came to serve and not be served. The gift is a simple question that you need to ask your self and then like the famous shoe company slogan "just do it". The question is this "How can I be a blessing to you ?". The responses can be infinite - from just simply spending time with someone to running errands for them to doing things around the house for them to just loving them. And this gift doesn't start or stop on Christmas Day - it can be given every single day of the year.
Remember that God gave us that perfect "gift" on Christmas Day with the birth of Jesus many years ago And that "gift" of Jesus can continue to give by your being a blessing to someone. I am giving this gift everyone on my list. Will you join me ?
Just do it.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Remembering "Pops"
I woke up early on November 20 this year, shaved, showered, got dressed and headed over to pick up Peter. I got gas and we stopped at McDonald's for some breakfast and headed off on a trip I have made dozens of times over the years to see mom in Pittsburgh. But unlike any of the previous ones, this was a very different trip. For the first time in my life, I could not personally wish my father a "Happy Birthday" as it was a year ago he went home to be with Jesus. Mom told me that I didn't have to come but I did not want to be anywhere else that day. Soon after we finished our breakfast, Peter turned on his DVD player to watch some episodes of "MASH" while I listened to the strains of some compilation CD's that I had made for Marti - all the while thanking God for everything good in my life - my mother, my children and my Marti.
The trip seemed to go quicker than most soon stopping at Panera & Starbucks in St. Clairsville, hitting the hills of West Virginia, going through the Fort Pitt Tunnel with the skyline of Pittsburgh ahead, going over the Homestead High Level Bridge and then pulling into the driveway of 3407 West Run Road - the place I spent most of the first 21 years of my life.
Peter was in good spirits as he gave his grandmother a great big hug. Mom hugged him back and then it was my turn. She looked nice having had her hair done (her neighbor has done her hair for years without charging mom at all) and she had some nice clothes on. We piled into the car with Peter holding the door open for mom. It was cold so the heat in the car felt very good to all of us. We pulled into Mitchell's Fish Market - a place that both mom and dad enjoyed going to eat. Peter reminicesed about dad getting wine spilled on his suit by the waiter here (along with Will & Victoria) a few years back. That brought a smile to mom's face. We were ready to order and Peter floored me - he said he would like salmon. Wow. Mom and I ordered the same and all three of us enjoyed that along with some decadent chocolate dessert and orange creme broule. We had the waiter take a picture of us but unfortunately it did not come out well. Mom said she wanted us to get back to home before the weather got 'bad' (mom is very up tight about any of her loved ones driving in winter) but I told her I needed to stop at a couple of places.
I pulled the car into Giant Eagle and told Peter and mom to stay in the car and that I will be right back. I came back with a dozen mixed roses and the mom knew what our next stop would be. We arrived at the cemetery and the weather seemed to get a little colder. I asked Peter to help me with the roses and he did as I gave one to mom, one to Peter (to represent Will & Victoria as well), and one from Marti & I. We exchanged a few remarks about how very, very special a man dad was. I said a prayer and we all hugged and shed tears. I went over to mom's parents grave and laid a rose on that as well. Peter helped mom back to the car and held the door open for her. I looked at mom and told her that I will consider my father hood a success if I can be 1/4 of the father to my children that my father was to me and she told me that you are and so much more. Peter readily agreed.
We got back mom back home and I placed the remaining roses in a vase in her living room. Peter gave mom a big hug and a kiss and so did I. We were soon back in the car and settled in when a smile came to my face. I realized that my 14 year old son is growing up into a fine young man joining the ranks of his older brother (along with a very special sister). He came with me not expecting to get anything but to give of himself. Wow.
I thought of the music that was played at dad's service and this song came to mind - often referred to as the 'Navy Hymn'
"Eternal Father strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bids the might ocean deep it's own appointed limits keep
Oh hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea"
I cannot thank God enough for William F. Horosz Sr. - loving husband, outstanding father, but most importantly humble servant of his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
The trip seemed to go quicker than most soon stopping at Panera & Starbucks in St. Clairsville, hitting the hills of West Virginia, going through the Fort Pitt Tunnel with the skyline of Pittsburgh ahead, going over the Homestead High Level Bridge and then pulling into the driveway of 3407 West Run Road - the place I spent most of the first 21 years of my life.
Peter was in good spirits as he gave his grandmother a great big hug. Mom hugged him back and then it was my turn. She looked nice having had her hair done (her neighbor has done her hair for years without charging mom at all) and she had some nice clothes on. We piled into the car with Peter holding the door open for mom. It was cold so the heat in the car felt very good to all of us. We pulled into Mitchell's Fish Market - a place that both mom and dad enjoyed going to eat. Peter reminicesed about dad getting wine spilled on his suit by the waiter here (along with Will & Victoria) a few years back. That brought a smile to mom's face. We were ready to order and Peter floored me - he said he would like salmon. Wow. Mom and I ordered the same and all three of us enjoyed that along with some decadent chocolate dessert and orange creme broule. We had the waiter take a picture of us but unfortunately it did not come out well. Mom said she wanted us to get back to home before the weather got 'bad' (mom is very up tight about any of her loved ones driving in winter) but I told her I needed to stop at a couple of places.
I pulled the car into Giant Eagle and told Peter and mom to stay in the car and that I will be right back. I came back with a dozen mixed roses and the mom knew what our next stop would be. We arrived at the cemetery and the weather seemed to get a little colder. I asked Peter to help me with the roses and he did as I gave one to mom, one to Peter (to represent Will & Victoria as well), and one from Marti & I. We exchanged a few remarks about how very, very special a man dad was. I said a prayer and we all hugged and shed tears. I went over to mom's parents grave and laid a rose on that as well. Peter helped mom back to the car and held the door open for her. I looked at mom and told her that I will consider my father hood a success if I can be 1/4 of the father to my children that my father was to me and she told me that you are and so much more. Peter readily agreed.
We got back mom back home and I placed the remaining roses in a vase in her living room. Peter gave mom a big hug and a kiss and so did I. We were soon back in the car and settled in when a smile came to my face. I realized that my 14 year old son is growing up into a fine young man joining the ranks of his older brother (along with a very special sister). He came with me not expecting to get anything but to give of himself. Wow.
I thought of the music that was played at dad's service and this song came to mind - often referred to as the 'Navy Hymn'
"Eternal Father strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bids the might ocean deep it's own appointed limits keep
Oh hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea"
I cannot thank God enough for William F. Horosz Sr. - loving husband, outstanding father, but most importantly humble servant of his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Favorite Quotes
"I'll see ya when I see ya" Matt Damon to Brad Pitt from 'Ocean's 13'"
I have no fear of drowning It's the breathing that's taking all this work" from the song "Work" by Jars of Clay"
You can succeed as long as you define success as the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing that you did the best you were capable of doing for the group"Coach Jim TresselThe Ohio State University Buckeyes
"What tools ? The tools we've been using for the last 10 years. Ohhh those tools !" The Three Stooges"
It gives you cash. Which is just as good as money" Yogi Berra AFLAC commercial"
Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here. You just have to see them again...You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well, I'm not licked. And I'm going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause, even if this room gets filled with lies like these; and the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody will listen to me."Senator Jefferson Smith's (James Stewart) filibuster speech in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington"
None of you ever knew George Gipp. It was long before your time. But you all know what a tradition he is at Notre Dame. And the last thing he said to me: 'Rock,' he said, 'sometime, when the team is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys, tell 'em to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper'"Coach Knute Rockne's (Pat O'Brien) inspirational halftime pep-talk from "Knute Rockne: All American"
"...Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be... I know very well what you're talking about. You're talking about something you can't get your fingers on, and it's galling you. That's what you're talking about, I know. Well...I've said too much. I -- You're the Board here. You do what you want with this thing. There's just one thing more, though. This town needs this measly one-horse institution if only to have some place where people can come without crawling to Potter"George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) from "It's A Wonderful Life"
"I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk? (Harry picks up the gun) Bank robber: "Hey, I gots to know." (He pulls the trigger toward the bank robber's head, but it clicks empty." "Dirty Harry"
"Ship out of danger?...Don't grieve, Admiral - it is logical: the needs of the many outweigh [the needs of the few]....or the one. I never took the Kobayashi Maru test - until now. What do you think of my solution?...I have been, and always shall be, your friend. Live long, and prosper"Spock to Kirk in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn"
"Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind - that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!" We're going to live on! We're going to survive!' Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"President Thomas J. Whitmore's (Bill Pullman) speech to pilots in "Independence Day"
I have no fear of drowning It's the breathing that's taking all this work" from the song "Work" by Jars of Clay"
You can succeed as long as you define success as the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing that you did the best you were capable of doing for the group"Coach Jim TresselThe Ohio State University Buckeyes
"What tools ? The tools we've been using for the last 10 years. Ohhh those tools !" The Three Stooges"
It gives you cash. Which is just as good as money" Yogi Berra AFLAC commercial"
Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here. You just have to see them again...You think I'm licked. You all think I'm licked. Well, I'm not licked. And I'm going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause, even if this room gets filled with lies like these; and the Taylors and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody will listen to me."Senator Jefferson Smith's (James Stewart) filibuster speech in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington"
None of you ever knew George Gipp. It was long before your time. But you all know what a tradition he is at Notre Dame. And the last thing he said to me: 'Rock,' he said, 'sometime, when the team is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys, tell 'em to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper'"Coach Knute Rockne's (Pat O'Brien) inspirational halftime pep-talk from "Knute Rockne: All American"
"...Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about, they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be... I know very well what you're talking about. You're talking about something you can't get your fingers on, and it's galling you. That's what you're talking about, I know. Well...I've said too much. I -- You're the Board here. You do what you want with this thing. There's just one thing more, though. This town needs this measly one-horse institution if only to have some place where people can come without crawling to Potter"George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) from "It's A Wonderful Life"
"I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk? (Harry picks up the gun) Bank robber: "Hey, I gots to know." (He pulls the trigger toward the bank robber's head, but it clicks empty." "Dirty Harry"
"Ship out of danger?...Don't grieve, Admiral - it is logical: the needs of the many outweigh [the needs of the few]....or the one. I never took the Kobayashi Maru test - until now. What do you think of my solution?...I have been, and always shall be, your friend. Live long, and prosper"Spock to Kirk in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn"
"Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind - that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: 'We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!" We're going to live on! We're going to survive!' Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"President Thomas J. Whitmore's (Bill Pullman) speech to pilots in "Independence Day"
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