From a sinner saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. I hope you find my adventures amusing, thought provoking, and always pointing you to the source of love - Jesus Christ
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Wishing all my friends a safe, healthy, and blessed New Years 2025 !
Use and practice these words more often in 2025: love, joy, peace, encouragement, gentleness, patience, kindness.
Pray often.
Worship wherever you are.
Read God's word.
Be a friend.
Enjoy family.
Less social media and more 1 on 1 interaction.
Read. Often.
Eat dinner together.
Talk with, pray for, and encourage your spouse.
Encourage, support, and love your children.
Take care of the temple that God has given you.
Tell your spouse, children, and family that you love them. Directly as in 'I love you and thank God for you being in my life'. Every day.
I am the poster child for this meme.The years from 2007- 2009 were not good ones. I went through a divorce, my father passed away and was laid off from my job of 14 years. If anyone had a reason to be down, it was me.
I drew close to God. And likewise, he drew close to me. Slowly restored my relationship with my children. Became extremely close to my dear mother. Applied for over 900 (yes that's not a typo) jobs.
God had told me that a job and relationship would go hand in hand.
He was faithful and true and blessed me with my soulmate Valerie and shortly after that a job which eventually led to the best job I ever had at Publix.
"Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
"10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver[a] and a gold ring." Job 42:10-11
The Steelers will never get out of this total mess unless several things happen. Art Rooney II is the polar opposite of both his father and grandfather. His focus is not on winning but making money. Both can be done as evidenced by his father and grandfather. They need a owner who is committed to keeping the Steelers in Pittsburgh and continuing the tradition of winning started by Art Rooney Sr (who I met years ago by the way).
That tradition of winning starts by hiring the best head coach you can find. Tomlin falls woefully short of that. His lack of leadership is well documented. Say what you will about Noll & Cowher but they were leaders. They were not perfect by any means but had the respect of both players and coaches. Tomlin has had "his team" for some time now. No playoffs since 2016. I firmly believe had we had proper coaching in place Ben and the Steelers would have won at least two more Super Bowls before he retired. The Super Bowl loss to Green Bay was on Tomlin. His game management skills are the worst I've seen from any head coach. He is 48-72 on challenges. His time management skills (or lack thereof) are legendary. And the debacle with Brown and Bell. I could replay a post game press conference from three years ago and it sounds the same as the present ones.
We need new faces starting with an owner committed to bringing the Steelers back winning and ownership hiring a new head coach who knows football, how to motivate players, commands and gives respect, can evaluate players, hires coaches in the same mindset, accepts responsibility when things aren't going well, gives credit to the team when things are going well, and knows how to win.
I received a phone call I knew would be coming but would never ever be ready for - that at 1:23 PM on August 31, 2013 Mom went to be with the Lord. My first thought was that my children did not get to say good bye to their grandmother. Then it hit me that they did the previous December as we flew them down to spend time with us and visit mom. The pictures posted here are the last ones of my children with mom taken in December 2012.
When Will, Victoria, and Peter arrived on August 31, 2013, we took them down to hospice to see mom. The nurses made mom look so comfortable and peaceful. I got my phone out and put on some favorite hymns including "Morning Has Broken" and "How Great Thou Art". Tears flowed freely as well as lots of hugs. We shared our memories and laughed as well. Mom was with the Lord and dad. No more pain or suffering. He legacy of love will continue for generations to come.
"Oh death where is they sting? Oh grave where is they victory?"
Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.
In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets.
Valerie's parents remind me so much of my own. It was so hard saying goodbye to her father this year. I am so glad to be a part of this family.
My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !
In 2019 we had one of the most incredible blessings of our life as our granddaughter Eliana Grace Skaggs was born. Words cannot express the inexplicable and unbelievable joy she brings to our lives !
In 2022 just this past week we experienced another most incredible blessing when Adiella Mae Skaggs was born. We are over the moon excited, happy, and praising God for her and are on pins and needles until we can get back up to Ohio to meet and hold her - and Ellie too !
Five years ago in October I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.
I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.
It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for all our children and grand children - Will, Victoria, Andy, Peter, Jessica, Brian, Ellie, and Addie - to enjoy and remember. Whether it's a phone call or spending time with them the message is always the same - we love you !
The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.
Below is one of the most profound addresses every given by a President of the United States "The Gettysburg Address". President Lincoln's words still apply to this day:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Plaque dedicated to all the members of the First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II.
My dad, William F. Horosz Sr, was Chief Elder of the church at that time and he and other dedicated church members were instrumental in getting this plaque placed at the entrance to the cemetery.
My dad was great friends with all of them. He would shed a tear every time he heard their names. My mother knew them as well.
They are:
William Chontos
Joseph Galyas
Ernest Katona
Daniel Kontra
John Matta, Jr.
Joseph Trenka, Jr.
None of them returned.
We owe them a debt we can never repay.
So this Memorial Day please think of these six young men and the incredible price they paid.
"Eternal Father Strong To Save" is also known as "The Navy Hymn". Posting this to all United States Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"Fair winds and following seas"
"We have the watch"
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at Thy word, Who walked'st on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power! Our brethren shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them wheresoe'er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea."
This was taken from an original post from Facebook Notes on May 17, 2011. I pray that it blesses you.
People have said things about me Lord..........
"Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us." Romans 8:34
I've got so much on my plate Lord Jesus...............
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Lord Jesus seems there's a laundry list of things that we need...........
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:30-33
You know I've worked hard and have applied for hundred's of jobs Jesus...........
"But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” " John 5:17
and Jesus have some major prayer concerns that will take nothing short of miracles to be answered...
"The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." Matthew 21:20-22
There is lot going on Lord Jesus ....you still love me.....right ?
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 35-39
I'm so thankful for my beautiful wife, awesome children, and awesome friends....may these 'answers to life's questions' encourage you as you seek the Lord Jesus daily....
This was the eulogy that I delivered at the Celebration of life service for my beloved father-in-law David Masters
I would like to thank everyone for coming today as we
celebrate the life of a man we all knew and loved David Masters.
We hope you enjoyed the food and what has been shared so
far.
Please allow me a few moments to share some thoughts about
David.
I first met David, Janice and most of Valerie’s siblings at
a birthday celebration for Jessica back on January 28, 2011. Valerie’s family
was very warm and welcoming and engaged me in great conversation. Janice told
me after the dinner that I have only begun to tap Valerie’s great heart – which
I can attest to this day has gotten even greater.
Valerie and I had a whirlwind courtship and got married 15
days (that’s not a typo) after we met on Friday February 11th, 2011.
We both had experienced hurt in our lives and God saw fit to bring incredible
joy to both of us. The family joined us for a wonderful dinner celebrating our
marriage on February 13th at Maggiano’s. after dinner was over David
came up to me and with the firmest of handshakes said “Welcome to the family !”.
I moved from Ohio in the middle of March that year. I wasn’t
long after that we had our first family gathering at our house for Easter.
David and Janice were the first to arrive and I went out to the back yard with David
to get him a beer. He came over to me and said “Val’s been hurt a lot. Please
take good care of her”. I told him that was my primary goal in life was to take
exceptional care of Valerie. And I like to believe I have spoiled her rotten
with love, romance, trips to Starbucks, key lime pie, and the occasional trips
to Jarrod’s lol.
I loved Val’s family and family gatherings but the times I
cherished the most was one on one time with David and Janice. Out on their back
porch, breakfast at the Egg And I, dinner at the Italian Kitchen, and a whole
lot more. It was during these times I got to find out what down to earth,
wonderful, warm and loving people there are. They have acted as my “parents” as
both of mine are with the Lord and I greatly valued their counsel and wisdom.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention David’s sense of
humor. I’d walk up to at a family event, shake his hand, and ask him how he was
feeling. His answer was “With my fingers”. He also gave me a good natured hard
time whenever I would wear a Pittsburgh Penguins shirt. I was met by “Your in
Tampa – you can’t wear those bums shirts” lol. And he would give a hard time to
everyone in earshot just to engage them.
This sense of humor carried out into public as well. We were
out celebrating David’s birthday at Square One in their party room. We had
finished dinner and of course it was time to open gifts. One gift in particular
was a bottle of scotch in a box that looked almost too good to open. David
opened the box it was and then – much to my astonishment – poured himself a
glass. I whispered in Valerie’s ear “We are all going to jail and will never be
allowed to come back here”. Fortunately the bill for the dinner was paid and
the wait staff didn’t come back to the room lol !
On one occasion, I greeted David and he said “Hey Willie,
how are you ?” I’ve been known by many names – William, Bill, Billy, Will but
no one ever called me Willie. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed that. It was
a special bond between us that I will always remember.
As you can see David loved his dogs. He enjoyed them and
loved on them like crazy. During a summer celebration at Vivians, I made sure I
had a beer to drink – as David always told me to get one – and sit down. We
chatted for a few minutes and then he asked me about Chi Chi. Chi Chi was a
very overweight, grumpy chihuahua who really favored Valerie and was her
shadow. Val and I joked she was the party police as every time our other dog
Diogie was playing around she barked at her. David asked me “So you get rid of
Chi Chi yet ? You know she would make good shark bait”. Valerie blurted out “Oh
daddy”. David just sat there with a big grin on his face and my laughter was
out of control. Of course he was teasing.
Valerie also shared with me some of the high jinxfrom her father while growing up. One that
stands out was Valerie and some of her siblings were riding in a boat – not in
the water but as it was being towed through an orange grove. He sure liked to
have fun !
Some of what David enjoyed:
NASCAR. Names like Dale Sr. Jr., Rusty and many more were
the topic during many conversations at the kitchen table. Both he and Janice
were big fans and enjoyed being able to
tune in and watch the races.
Budweiser – David enjoyed his Budweiser and Bud Light. One
Christmas we got David a wooden Budweiser case filled with beer. It was a “home
run” as they say !
Working With His Hands – There wasn’t anything that David
couldn’t fix, repair, or build. It was his trade and he excelled at it.
Fishing – David was an avid fisherman. Valerie had told me
this and it was evidenced by the multiple pictures I found of him with his
catches.
Being The Center Of Attention – This was one of the many
things David had in common with my father. Whenever he would arrive at a family
function and get settled in his chair you would hear the words “Daddy did you
want a beer” ? When he finished you would hear “Daddy did you want another
beer?”. Yes he loved attention and it was oh so wonderful to engage him.
Telling It Like It Is – David did not put up with and could
not stand BS – in anything. That really spoke to my heart
His Children – To David his children brought him such
incredible joy. As witnessed during the slide show and from being around the
family for over 11 years I can attest to that fact.
Janice – Both Janice and David experiencedhurt before they met each other. But after
they met they found incredible joy being with each other and got married. Their
love for each other is evident in the pictures that we saw throughout the
years. Their marriage was truly incredible and a great witness to us all.
I’ve had the unfortunate task of sharing about loved ones
including my parents on several occasions.
I wish I was anywhere but standing here today sharing about
a man I deeply respected, admired, and greatly loved.
I would like to share several passages from scripture
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
55 O death,
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The
sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:1-4
21 And I
saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were
passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I
John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I
heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with
men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself
shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the
former things are passed away.
John 14:2
2 In my Father's house are
many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a
place for you
I would like to thank my wife Valerie as I
personally witnessed her love for her father not only during our 11 years of
marriage but especially the last few weeks of his time here on earth. Her
selfless love was evident throughout that time and the last few weeks as I
witnessed her love for her mom and family come shining through. Thank you
sweetheart for all you have done to remember your father and to be their for
your mother. I’m truly proud to be your husband and to witness Christ’s love in
action.
To Janice we love and are here for you. No questions asked.
In closing I’d like to share this which I read sometime the
past year:
God does not take without giving you something in return. I
thought about this and then it hit me – we have a “permanent DVR” built into
each one of us – our memories. I replay all those great memoires in my head of
my time with my parents and that has great helped me as I still mis them
greatly. It’s a wonderful gift from God which I plan on using to remember
David.
May we always remember you
with a smile and your laughter and love. “Taten sagen mehr als Wrote”
The German phrase “Taten
sagen mehr als Wrote” translates to “Actions say more than words.”
Home Free
I'm trying hard not to
think you unkind
But Heavenly Father
If You know my heart
Surely You can read my mind
Good people underneath a sea of grief
Some get up and walk away
Some will find ultimate relief
Home free, eventually
At the ultimate healing
We will be home free
Home free, oh I've got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be home free
Out in the corridors, we
pray for life
A mother for her baby
A husband for his wife
Oh, sometimes the good die young
It's sad but true
And while we pray for one more heartbeat
The real comfort is with You
You know pain has little
mercy
Suffering's no respecter of age
Of race or position
I know every prayer gets answered
But the hardest one to pray is slow to come
Oh Lord! Not mine! But your will be done
Oh, Let it be
(Home free, eventually)
Gonna' go on home
(At the ultimate healing, we will be home free)
(Home free, oh I've got a feeling)
I've Got a feeling
(At the ultimate healing, we will be home free)
Bragging rights for organizational stability with 50 plus
years of only 3 coaches,
Consecutive non-losing seasons bragging rights.
The next time you hear about Tomlins non-losing season
record please feel free to use these numbers:
Dumlin hasn't won a playoff game in 5 years. The longest
streak for the Steelers since 1970 merger.
Even longer than the dark mid 80's when the Steelers had
Malone, Campbell, Woodley, and Bubby.
Mediocre Mike lost the last 3 playoff games with Teflon's
defense giving up 36, 45, and 48 points.
The last two playoff losses at home to Jax and the Browns,
two of the worst teams of the decade.
The Clown Cliche Fired the OC after the last two playoff
losses when the offense scored 42 and 38.
Yet no one from the defensive side was fired.
3 Playoff wins in the last 11 years.
Only two plays away from ZERO playoff wins in the last
decade.
1. AB last play touchdown against Ravens on Xmas day 2016.
IF stopped at the 1, then no playoffs and they dont get two wins.
2. If Jeremy Hill isn’t stripped by Shazier when Bengal’s
were running out the clock in 2015 WC game, they lose. Plus they needed another
45 yerds in personal foul penalties called against Cinci)
That is just how close the Steelers are to ZERO wins with
the best talent of all NFL teams had in the 2011-2020 Decade.
The Patriots ranked #2 with 51 players named to Pro Bowl
in 2011-2020
New England went to 9 AFC Championships,
5 Super Bowl appearances,
3 Super Bowl Wins.
The Steelers ranked #1 in the league with 52 players named
to Pro Bowl from 2011-2020.
To show for the #1 ranking in NFL talent, the Steelers had
3 playoff wins.
1 AFC Championship blowout loss.
Playoff losses to Tebow and Bortles.
Both QBs had their greatest day ever as a pro in those
playoff games.
Both QBs were out of the league one year after those
playoff victories against the Steelers.
Playoff Losses to Cleveland and Jax. The NFL’s two worst
teams of the decade.
In 2017 NFL’s top 100 Players voting according to NFL, the
Steelers had 6 players named in the top 48.They were one and done in the playoffs after loss to Jax.
COWHER with BEN for 3 YEARS,
Cowher won 5 playoff games in 3 years with Ben.
Cowher went to 2 AFC Championships in 3 years with Ben.
None of these victories took place in Bens prime.
TOMLIN with BEN for 15 years
Tomlin has won 8 playoff games vs 5 for Cowher
Tomlin went to 3 AFC Championship's with Ben - IN 15
YEARS! vs. 2 for Cowher in 3 years
5 of those wins (came in the ROONEY Rule’s first 4 years)
from riding the coattails of Lebeau and Arians and inheriting Cowhers players
and leaders.
Lebeau and Arians told The Poet to get out of their
meeting or sit down and STFU.
Overall Cowher went to the playoffs 10 times in those15
years. Cowher DID NOT have a HOF QB in his prime.
Cowher won at least one playoff games in 8 of those 15
years.
53%,
Meaning the Steelers won at least one playoff game once
every 2 years.
Cowher won 8 Division Championships.
2 Playoff appearances as a Wildcard.
Won 1 SB as a Wildcard.
Cowher went to 21 Playoff games; 12-9 overall playoff
record.
Cowher failed to win a playoff game in 2 of the 10 years
appearing in the playoffs.
Cowher won 12 Playoff games with 5 QB’s: O’Donnell,
Tomczak, Kordell, Maddox and early years of Ben
Overall Tomlin went to the playoffs 9 times in 15 years.
Tomlin DID have a HOF QB in his prime for all of those 15 years.
Tomlin won at least one playoff games in 4 (FOUR) of those
15 years.
26%
Meaning the Steelers won at least one playoff game every 4
years.
Tomlin won 7 Division Championships.
2 Playoff appearances as a Wildcard.
Tomlin went to 16 Playoff games; 8-8 overall playoff
record.
Tomlin FAILED to win a playoff game in 5 of the 9 years
appearing in the playoffs.
Tomlin won 8 Playoff games with 1 first ballot HOF QB in
his prime.
NOTE: Tomlin was hired as Steelers HC after being a DB coach
for 5 years with Tampa (2001-2005) and then DC 1 year with Vikings in 2006.
In 2005 Vikings were #22 in pass defense.
Under Tomlin in 2006 Vikings finished #31
What Coordinator gets a HC job after finishing second to
last in the league in Pass Defense when he was a DB coach?
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