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
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?"
In this video Bill and Valerie from Bill’s Adventures In
Life tells us about a special day - Happy Birthday Diogy. Diogy celebrated her Golden
Birthday (she turned 10 on March 10th) so Valerie made he a special
cake, we sang Happy Birthday to her, and we watched he eat a nice sized piece
of it.
Wishing all my friends a safe, healthy, and blessed New Years 2018 ! Use and practice these words more often in 2018: love, joy, peace, encouragement, gentleness, patience, kindness. Pray without ceasing. Worship wherever you are. Read God's word. Be a friend. Enjoy family. 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. Set attainable and realistic goals for yourself. 2017 Highlights.
In January had my fourth tooth extraction since moving to Florida.
Valerie and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary in February. Every day with my beautiful bride is better than the day before. I am truly the most blessed man in the world. February also saw me passing my FAA Part 107 exam and officially became a FAA sUAS Licensed Pilot. This will allow me to fly drones for commercial purposes. In June we said goodbye to Will and Peter as they moved back to Columbus, OH after living here for two years. We enjoyed their frequent visits for movies, Steeler and Penguins games and just hanging out. Excited that Will left for a better opportunity but miss both of them greatly. July saw my first real surgery as I had my gall bladder removed and umbilical hernia repaired. Recovering from hernia surgery proved to be a real challenge but I was back at work in a week. We enjoyed several family get togethers for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Val's parents birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve. Lots of good food and great laughs. I went through my first Hurricane in Florida in early September. The impact we had here in Tampa was not bad but other areas of Florida were not so fortunate including were I work over in Lakeland, Fl. We had a house full as Valerie's parents, Jessica, her friend, and four dogs under one roof for the night. September was #TheSocialEventOf2017 as I had the honor of walking my beautiful daughter Victoria down the aisle as she married Andy Skaggs who just happened to be Will's best friend. Tears of joy flowed abundantly that day in a picture perfect outdoor wedding in Ohio.
Christmas day we celebrated by continuing our tradition of eating out by going to “Spinners” at St. Pete Brach – a revolving restaurant. Food was excellent and the views were magnificent. We enjoyed our time with Jessica that day. Celebrated New Year's Eve by making a turkey breast and watching the movie "Dunkirk" with Valerie.. Some scripture I’d like to share: “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
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 three years ago 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. We also were blessed with Will & Peter moving to Brandon and enjoy seeing them. I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the 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 ! But for myself the past couple of years it's almost been a chore for me. Decorating, music and the season felt hollow. Gifts are nice and my wife does exceptional with what she gets me. But something was missing. Last year at this time 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 three years ago 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 our children to enjoy and remember. Last year we had Will, Peter, and Jessica over to exchange gifts, enjoy some great food, and watch several classic Christmas movies. It was probably one of the best Christmas Days we have had in a long time. But unfortunately that changes this year as Will and Peter moved back to Ohio. Very happy for them but that leaves a couple of empty places at the table and in our hearts as we miss them. This Christmas Day we will exchange gifts with Jessica then go out for Christmas dinner - we are blessed that she wants to share part of her day with us. The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home. Merry Christmas ! Enjoy this short video we made at Christmas last year !
What is the "Perfect Marriage" ? I stopped to ponder this question after giving away my beautiful daughter's hand in marriage on September 15 this year. Then it hit me. There was one perfect marriage. It was Jesus Christ & his bride the church. Jesus loved the church so much he was willing to give up his life for it. Wow. When I was going through a low point in my life about 10 years ago, I read about 65 to 70 books in one year. They really helped get my feet pointed in the right direction and I re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ. One of those books had the best piece of marriage advice that I ever heard. It goes something like this "It's not all about her, It's not all about him, It is all about us.". Amen ! Here is a link to the official pictures from my daughter's wedding: http://www.decampphotoworks.com/Weddings/20170915Skaggs
I want to thank my beautiful Valerie Geis Horosz for her invaluable assistance since my surgery. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty, has been extraordinarily patient with yours truly, and has picked up some of the chores that I simply can't do yet. Thank you for all you are doing. Your love for me is the best thing on this earth save my relationship with Jesus. God's gift of you leaves me speechless. We do indeed make the best team 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️ #TeamHorosz
Six years ago in February 2011, I embarked on a journey. I did not know where it would take me or the duration of it, but God did. I took my first (and ultimately) last plunge into the ‘cold waters’ of the Christian dating scene by enrolling on ChristianMingle. Once I found out that the waters weren’t too ‘frigid’ I also joined three other sites. Along the way, I met some wonderful women who truly love the Lord and saw glimpses of what I was looking for in a soul mate. Some I even dated for a few months. But, ultimately none of them were ‘Proverbs 31’ woman who I could not live without. This past Christmas morning, my children were enjoying spending the time with their mother. I thought I would enjoy some down time, but ultimately realized that I was going to wake up alone for the first time in my life on Christmas morning. I laid prostrate on the floor, pouring my heart out to God not for a Christmas miracle but for the miracle of a lifetime – someone whom I could love. For New Year’s, I posted this on my ‘Yahoo’ page “I’m excited at the possibilities that 2011 brings.” I decided to end my subscriptions to all of the other dating sites, and the Lord directed me back to ChristianMingle. I put together a profile that culled from the others I created and wanted it to be an accurate reflection of not only who I am but ‘whose I am’. I used my best pictures and posted it. On the first day I had some fairly local contacts of interest, some in the state, and a few out of state. There was one in particular out of state contact that I not only sent a smile to but a note to as well. She was close to my age and open to God’s leading. I was truly excited and awaited her reply. She apologized for not being able to chat in the AM but we arranged a time in the evening using the IM feature on the website. It was an awesome conversation and we planned on continuing the next evening. At this point my interest in other contacts that I made faded away. During the second chat, I asked if it was ok if we spoke by telephone. She was a little shy but agreed to do so as long as I didn’t keep her up too late. Well to say that it went well would be a gross understatement! Over the course of the next week or so, we would spend an average of 4 hours on the phone and found the more we shared, the more we had in common, and the more we truly liked each other. I made arrangements to fly down to meet her which we were both truly excited about. Then on January 27, 2011 at 7:07 PM I met the love of my life. One look in her eyes and I knew she loved me as well. I knew she had a heart of gold from our conversations over the phone but looking at her made me drop to my knees in thanks to Almighty God – for He blessed me with a Proverbs 31 woman. It seemed as every minute of that weekend that time stood still whether we were sharing meals, having great conversation, or talking with her family. Her daughter has that same heart and her parents were warm and friendly and very joyous. Saturday evening, I made my spicy chicken and sautéed zucchini and onions and shared some things from the depths of our souls. I looked in her eyes, took a breath, said a prayer and uttered these words: “Valerie, will you marry me?” The answer was, “I’d be proud to be your wife- yes, yes, yes!” We thought about waiting for a couple of months but wanted to honor the Lord by saving ourselves completely for each other. We decided that since I was coming down to take Valerie out for Valentine’s Day that I would come on Tuesday, we’d apply for a marriage license, and get married on Friday, February 11th. Most people would remark on the speed of our dating process and we’d hear the famous, “You don’t really know each other. You should wait”. I’m estimating that we probably spent about 80 or so hours on the phone and shared more during those calls than most couples do in months of dating. And all along, we were both obedient to the Holy Spirit. God gave us multiple signs every day that this was from Him – at times they have been too numerous to count. Our wedding day was a ‘Real Life Fairytale’ come true. My bride wore a truly beautiful black & white dress with a lovely corsage and a smile as wide as the sky and eyes that truly radiated God’s love. I wore a black suit with a white shirt & yellow tie adorned with a boutonniere to match her corsage. We rode first class to the clerk of courts office and a little after 11 AM on Friday February 11th, I was married to the most beautiful woman in the world. We chose to have the clerk take a few pictures for keepsakes. While the clerk was printing them off, I knelt down in front of her and read 1 Corinthians 13 and in turn Valerie read Proverbs 31 to me. Others were looking but neither of us cared. We enjoyed a great lunch and truly had a weekend where time stood still. Sunday evening, we had dinner out at a fine Italian restaurant with a number of Valerie’s family, including her parents. There was great food, a lot of laughter, truly warm smiles, and many best wishes. Her mother told me that what I have experienced from Valerie is how she is all the time – that I have only scratched the surface of her golden heart. I told her I will take exceptional care of my wife, the most precious gift I have ever been given from God. Valerie’s dad shook my hand and welcomed me to the family, which was a priceless moment. My wife, Valerie, said it best: “It’s not subtracting but adding to an already wonderful family.” I’m looking forward to getting to know them all including her daughter, Jessica, as she is looking forward to getting to know mine as well. We parted on Tuesday morning but will be reunited this coming weekend as she is visiting me in Ohio and getting to meet my children here in Columbus and my mom in Pittsburgh. Relocation plans are underway. This was written to give glory to Jesus Christ who is the solid bedrock of our marriage. Secondarily, I wanted to be a witness to all of my friends – to those who have ‘prayed without ceasing’ for me for a Godly spouse and for those of you still searching for one. Valerie and I both experienced heartache, loss, and grief in our lives. We want this to be an encouragement that God does answer prayer and that Jesus is still in business of exceeding expectations.
Testimony I posted two years ago to Facebook. I pray it blesses you. "After the events of today I thought I'd share my testimony. My first marriage failed as a result of my sin. I repented of my sin and turned towards Christ. Since then this is what has happened in my life: After 3 years and 900 job applications I found employment. Three years after that I am with one of the top places to work in IT in the United States. I also dated for three years without success. Then came Valerie Gei...s Horosz. the blessing of a lifetime. I have a restored relationship with all of my children. Coincidence ? No. Repenting and living the life God wants yes. Adultery is sin. Murder is sin. Stealing is sin. Homosexuality is sin. The Bible is clear that if you do not turn away or repent from your sin you will not be saved. That is why on a daily basis I ask for forgiveness, grace, and mercy from the only one who can give it to me - Jesus Christ." I pray this video blesses you as well.
I was very blessed to have not the perfect father but the perfect father for me.
I am truly at a loss for words about how much my father meant to me. He poured his life into me and gave me what I needed to succeed in life - love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, love for mom, his passion about everything from cooking to art to sports.
I was blessed to be his son. But being his grandchild - that was special. My children not only learned art but all three of the learned how to cook from my dad. They spent two weeks every summer at my parents enjoying Kennywood, the wave pool, trips to Sam's, cooking, art projects, ice cream, gardening and much more.
We are all proud of dad's service to his country in World War 2 in the United States Navy aboard the USS Lexington CV16. He shared stories with us about his day's in the USN and the perils he faced.
Dad served the church up until the time of his injury. He was a tireless worker helping with the baking projects, making kolbasz and hurka, teaching arts and crafts, and serving as Chief Elder.
"The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7 NKJV
Had a excellent meeting with the G/I surgeon this afternoon. He was very thorough in his explanation and answered all of our questions. We have set surgery (Gall Bladder & Umbilical Hernia) tentatively for the third week of June. I also have an appointment with my gastroenterologist this coming Monday to discuss my GERD. My surgeon and general practitioner think it's a good idea to have an endoscopy done to check out the esophagus and stomach before the surgery. Going to talk to my gastroenterologist about this on Monday. Appreciate all your prayers as I am quite antsy about all of this not only from a medical standpoint but making sure we can take care of the deductible and arranging time off. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
In honor of my late father William F. Horosz Sr. AOMC 1 who proudly served his country on the USS Lexington CV16 (nicknamed "The Blue Ghost") from 1943-1945. Dad thank you for your service to your country and for being part of "The Greatest Generation". Know you are loved and greatly missed by us all.
Back in 1972 there was a shy, asthmatic young man who didn't have many friends at school. He was bullied constantly and at times simply just didn't want to go to school. He was an average student on most subjects but excelled in history. One evening in the fall his father asked him if he wanted to do something he had never done before - go to a hockey game. He obliged his father and when he got there he fell in love with the sport of ice hockey.
That shy, asthmatic young man was me.
I loved the Steelers and Pirates but had a passion about the Penguins like none other. I would listen to Mike Lange on the radio staying up for games on the west coast. I would watch the 10 or so games that we were fortunate to get on television and remember Sam Nover doing the play by play. The NHL rulebook was on my night stand and I studied it like a text book.
In 1975 dad took me to my first playoffs. We unfortunately witnessed the Penguins being one of the rare teams going up 3 game to none in a series only to lose four in a row. But it was my first taste of the playoffs and I was hooked.
The Penguins fell into mediocrity and had quite a bit of adversity until this young French Canadian took the city of Pittsburgh and the NHL by storm name Mario Lemieux. Words are so inadequate to describe how he played. Unfortunately I was limited to what I was able to watch at sports bars with satellite television as I was living in Columbus Ohio at the time.
After the first two Stanley Cup wins, I thought they would be a dynasty. Unfortunately that would not be the case. Mario retired. Jagr was gone. Once again mediocrity reared it's ugly head and the Penguins were not very good. So "not very good" that there were able to get some great draft picks. Marc-Andre Fleury, Evgeni Malkin, and in 2005 a kid from Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia named Sidney Crosby. It only took three years and the Penguins were back in the Stanley Cup Finals losing a heartbreaker to the Detroit Red Wings.
In 2009 I was blessed to be able to go to all but two home playoff games that year and took my son Will to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals that year. We had a Game 7 party in my apartment and watched the Penguins win the Stanly Cup only a few short months after the Steelers won the Super Bowl.
Close-up Of Sidney Crosby During The 2009 Stanley Cup Champions Parade
My father passed away in 2007, I got divorced in 2008, and was laid off from a job that I had for fourteen years. A lot on my plate.
Through a lot of prayer, counseling, and God's love I made my way out of the valley and back up the mountain. God had told me that a job and relationship would go hand in hand.
I can tell you that 2011 was a breakthrough year for me. Starting out with attending the Winter Classic and then shortly after I met and married the love of my life and a few months latter found a job. I was bursting at the seams with gratefulness to God.
First Picture Together
Mom was having issues with balance and we had to make the decision to sell the house and move her down here to Tampa. My wife was a gem with her. She took her to doctors appointments and got her hair done. They got to know and love one another. My mother remarked to me how special Valerie is and said I was blessed.
This end all too soon as my had mother had to have emergency surgery in early August 2013 but unfortunately passed away on August 31, 2013. We had a beautiful memorial service for her in Pittsburgh and laid he to rest next to dad.
A lot on my plate.
My sons made the decision to move to Florida in 2014 and we were blessed to be able to help them do so. We had them live with us for a year before they found a apartment close to both of their jobs. With Valerie's assistance both Will and Peter were able to secure good jobs.
Valerie and I enjoyed having them over not only for Steeler game but family celebrations including Christmas. Non was more joyous than last Christmas as they spent the entire day here. Gifts, good food, movies, and laughs were the order of the day.
About a month ago Will informed me that he was offered a manager's position with his company - but that was back in Columbus, Ohio. Always happy when you children succeed and do well. But really pulling on the heartstrings as it won't be a 15 minute trip to see them but a two hour flight to Columbus.
A lot on my plate.
About three weeks ago I started having some acid reflux issues. I took Nexum as I always had before. No effect this time. I went to my doctor and he upped the dosage. Still no effect. I cut out a ton of items that I ate and drank but that wasn't helping either. My doctor order a abdominal ultra sound and a HIDA scan to check out my gall bladder. The ultrasound came back fine only showing a fatty liver that both my doctor and I were already aware of. The HIDA scan showed a EF of only 6% were 35% and up is normal. It was recommended by my doctor's office to schedule and appointment with a surgeon to discuss removing my gall bladder.
A lot on my plate.
2016 Stanley Cup Finals
In 2016 Valerie and I were blessed to be able to go to the Stanly Cup Finals in Pittsburgh. She knows my passion for the Penguins and where it all started. We went down to (now PPG Paints Arena) the morning of the game. It was a hotbed of activity all over the outside of the arena and inside by the team store. We picked up our tickets a few shirts, and went back to our hotel to rest for the afternoon. Then after a great meal at Burgatory went to Game 1. What a thrill ! One of my very favorite games I had ever been to in person !
The other night the Penguins just clinched their second straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals winning a thrilling Game 7 in double overtime with Chris Kunitz scoring the winning goal. I leapt out of my chair and could not contain myself ! I squealed with delight !
By the next morning the realization that due to finances we would not be able to go to Pittsburgh for a Finals game this year hit. And it hit hard.
We are going to save for the possibility next year. But as I told my wife your never know when it will come around again. 2009 to 2016 was a long wait. And the Penguins had a some great teams during those years.
My sons moving.
My possible surgery.
Not being able to go up for a Stanley Cup Finals game.
A lot on my plate.
Before I finish I want to make several things very clear. I was very grateful for the time we had with my mother down here before she passed. It goes without saying we were so thankful for Will and Peter being down here for three years. And the opportunity we had last year to see the Finals in Pittsburgh was incredible.
Re-read the first few paragraphs again. You see the Pittsburgh Penguins are what gave this shy 14 year old asthmatic bullied kid hope. Got him excited and not worrying about being bullied but looking forward to the next game. Keeping his ear glued to listen to Mike Lange call the games. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a part of who I am.
I would covet your prayers for:
Will and Peter for a safe move, that they can secure a place to live, that Peter can quickly find a good job, and they can get settled quickly. Pray for Valerie and I as it will be a huge adjustment for both of us.
My appointment with my primary care physician is Tuesday and the surgeon on Wednesday. Pray we can ask all the right questions of both doctors
and if I have to have surgery that it can be done outpatient via laparoscopy with a quick recovery.
Yeah the not going to the Finals this year as well. Just for your peace and that I can enjoy the games at home with my sons (before they move) and my wife. And to plan for next year - wouldn't that be something ?
Numbers 6:24-26New International Version (NIV)
24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
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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. 
