tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9376592424853852742023-11-16T07:14:29.828-05:00Cross Culture. . . Cultivating generosity in the church to make a difference in the world!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-5086189427248474912011-08-17T09:01:00.001-04:002011-08-17T19:45:31.451-04:00PowerPoint FatigueFor those organizations and individuals who swear by PowerPoint and who can't make a presentation without it, listen carefully!!! PowerPoint presentations are the next 8-track! Those who come to your presentations are PowerPoint overloaded to say the least, and PowerPoint fatigued at worst. When the wonderful presentation software made its debut, it was great, even cool. Flip charts could finally be left in the closet. We now had a high-tech method to get our information across. And get it across we did. We chose every weird transition between slides as possible--fade from left to right, right to left, dissolve, swirl--if it was available we used it. And of course, each slide transition had a sound to accompany it. Cool at first. Outdated today.<br />
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Today people really do want to be involved in the presentation. PowerPoint today creates mindless involvement and passive participation at best. It is a medium that's had its day. It is overused to a fault and to the detriment of good presentations. Never use it again, you ask? Well that would not be practical. PowerPoint for getting information across can be a helpful tool. But it cannot be the centerpiece of your presentation. <br />
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So, next time you're asked if you need a screen and LCD for your presentation, say, "No way!" Work hard to create an interesting, captivating, and informative presentation. Bring out the flip chart, and leave PowerPoint at home!<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-89694928588349497462011-06-22T13:41:00.000-04:002011-06-22T13:41:02.174-04:00All Thumbs!!!Well before I actually begin the content for this blog, you should know that I am writing this and posting it online all in real time from 32,000 feet. Flying on Delta to San Diego with onboard Wifi. Amazing!!!<br />
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So we get to the gate today, and it was a strange sight. One that I had not ever really seen or perhaps noticed before. Perhaps because I have been one of the culprits. Looking down the aisles of seats, of course all I could see was waiting passengers. But what I saw was perplexing. I only saw tops of heads . . . and thumbs flying. That's right!!!! All thumbs. At least 15 of the 25 people seated there were whizzing on their Blackberry's or iPhones. Tops of heads and thumbs a blazing!<br />
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I believe that evolution is already kicking in, because I looked at my own thumbs and I actually believe they are getting longer but thinner. Longer to be able to handle the full size of the keyboard. Thinner to be able to hit just the letters I want.<br />
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No one was talking . . . just thumbs a banging. No one noticed anyone else around them . . . just thumbs a whirring. No one paid attention to anything else . . . just thumbs a blurring. <br />
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I'm not really sure what all this means. I'm not going to editorialzie today. Just observing.<br />
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Maybe you'd like to comment and we'll get the conversation started!<br />
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BTW--we land in 2.5 hours!<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-48488079854298139282011-04-24T15:52:00.002-04:002011-04-24T15:52:24.988-04:00Resurrection ConnectionWe've been reminded! He is risen! He is alive! He lives!<br />
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See you around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-7539334393139917202011-04-22T08:28:00.001-04:002011-04-22T08:28:05.369-04:00Good FridayIt's Friday . . . But Sunday's coming!<br />
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Nuff said!<br />
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See ya around.Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-39565253972876910292011-03-08T15:19:00.002-05:002011-03-08T15:31:47.402-05:00"Fat Tuesday"A little background: Most of our stranger celebrations, like Mardi Gras, have religious roots. Fat Tuesday is one such day. It is the day before Lent and the period of preparation for Easter among Christians. In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).<br />
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Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting and repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection Jesus—his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.<br />
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During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.<br />
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Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent and the Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent. These practices developed by the church to help Christians adequately prepare for and worship Christ.<br />
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Having given you this background, Aunchalee and I went to a Cajun Restaurant to celebrate a little Fat Tuesday. Holy moly!!! The people in the restaurant must be getting ready for a big Lent, cause they were living up Fat Tuesday like it was their last Tuesday.<br />
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A few observations. People were very friendly. People enjoyed their time together. Sure they had a beer or a glass of wine--but they weren't rowdy. They were authentically enjoying the company of the others there. And nobody judged what the others were wearing, or saying, or laughing about. It was a nice experience. I enjoyed the beer. Aunchalee enjoyed the wine. The food was fair. We're still not used to being among civilians. It's Tuesday . . . but Lent is coming. And so is Jesus. As a matter of fact . . . <br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-16206950516569823592011-02-25T10:15:00.002-05:002011-02-25T10:22:27.852-05:00Hidden TreasureAbout three years ago, I started playing the five-string banjo, the instrument of Bluegrass music. On February 22, 2008, we were visiting our daughter in Washington, D.C. One of her friends was selling a very nice banjo. I had played one in 1977 for a little while. Then children came along. And very long story short, I sold that banjo. Well, Aunchalee decided it was time for me to have a banjo again, so in 2008 we bought a nice used Deering "Sierra" banjo and I began taking lessons.<br />
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Well after three years of playing, the frets were wearing, so I called Deering to see what it would cost to have the frets replaced. An arm, leg, and first-born were not what I had envisioned, but that's what they quoted me. So I began to look around locally for a luthier--the guy who fixes stringed instruments. I came across a fellow in Russell Springs, Kentucky--Frank Neat--who said he would replace the frets at a very reasonable cost. So, on this past Tuesday, Aunchalee and I headed down the road to have my "Sierra" re-fretted.<br />
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When we get to his shop, we come to find out that not only does he repair instruments, but he and his son build them from scratch (so to speak). As a matter of fact, he builds banjo's for Dr. Ralph Stanley ("O Death" from <i>O Brother Where Art Thou</i>), Sonny Osborne (he and his brother Bobby made the song "Rocky Top" famous) and local legend J. D. Crowe.<br />
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Aunchalee asked if he had any there that he had built. He said he did, and he brought out one of his "Kentucky" models. Salavating, I stared! Mahogony neck and resonator. Rosewood fingerboard. The "flying eagle" inlay pattern, mother-of-pearl hand inlayed by son Rick. <br />
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When I turned 60, I had my eye on a new banjo. Timing wasn't good and it didn't happen. I always said to Aunchalee, maybe I'll get a new one for retirement. <br />
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Well this "Kentucky" was so sweet. Aunchalee said, "You just have to have it." That's what I heard anyway.<br />
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So I got it. Yesterday, I had my bi-weekly lesson, and I mentioned Frank Neat to my banjo teacher. He about fell out of his chair. He said, "Frank is THE world-sought-out banjo maker, hands down. His workmanship is legend. The sound of his banjos are second to none!" As I did research, I found out that Frank, in 30 years, has never advertised. He doesn't need to. His product speaks--plays--for itself!<br />
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I had no idea. Go figure! Found his name with a Google search looking for "banjo repairman."<br />
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I tripped across a treasure. And even after I wrote the check and drove it home, I still didn't realize what I had gotten.<br />
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Once in awhile, we discover hidden treasure. And sometimes we don't even realize what we have!<br />
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Here's a couple pix.<br />
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See ya around!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5w9Cr-MvNCL2x03w2Dt4Jj3rq4x7fLkxqyJOHrp4HjVLsfglXITYcFr9I7JtCKK_1SVXR1KLSRv2Q5t32CI2jw4NPvbhNgqvETF9ipPs8YWObEpcvGak_YlfIqE5TI0wwxz9bP7DrUM/s1600/IMG_9963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5w9Cr-MvNCL2x03w2Dt4Jj3rq4x7fLkxqyJOHrp4HjVLsfglXITYcFr9I7JtCKK_1SVXR1KLSRv2Q5t32CI2jw4NPvbhNgqvETF9ipPs8YWObEpcvGak_YlfIqE5TI0wwxz9bP7DrUM/s320/IMG_9963.JPG" /></a></div><br />
That's Frank Neat with me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFVNGRw-OhS7db5VjwVrXv3qD1769xo5GCnBpflRpCUJgKP_dLT20JZdlz2KCZTYKCsQOdimfTuwJnNIy3MzceDgdUToKNwjYvN0EUsU9NN_f8QLXgBuZa3Y2G9xdRGefD46aiT8sA5Q/s1600/IMG_9961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFVNGRw-OhS7db5VjwVrXv3qD1769xo5GCnBpflRpCUJgKP_dLT20JZdlz2KCZTYKCsQOdimfTuwJnNIy3MzceDgdUToKNwjYvN0EUsU9NN_f8QLXgBuZa3Y2G9xdRGefD46aiT8sA5Q/s320/IMG_9961.jpg" /></a></div>Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-55303675037354385202011-02-18T09:05:00.003-05:002011-02-18T09:07:17.439-05:00Learning those Texting AbbreviationsThe young people have a code to make texting easier by using abbreviations: LOL= laugh out loud. BFF= best friend forever.<br />
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Since Seniors are texting and tweeting, there appears to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code).<br />
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ATD: At The Doctor's <br />
BFF: Best Friend Farted <br />
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair <br />
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth <br />
CBM: Covered By Medicare <br />
CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center <br />
DWI: Driving While Incontinent <br />
FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers <br />
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was <br />
FYI: Found Your Insulin <br />
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low! <br />
GHA: Got Heartburn Again <br />
HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement <br />
IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On? <br />
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out <br />
LOL: Living On Lipitor <br />
LWO: Lawrence Welk's On <br />
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner <br />
OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas. <br />
ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up <br />
SGGP: Sorry, Gotta Go Poop <br />
TTYL: Talk To You Louder <br />
WAITT: Who Am I Talking To? <br />
WTFA: Wet The Furniture Again <br />
WTP: Where's The Prunes? <br />
WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil<br />
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SYA!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-11186729461912133502011-02-05T15:51:00.000-05:002011-02-05T15:51:37.123-05:00When is it time to speak on behalf of someone wronged?First They came...<br />
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First they came for the communists,<br />
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.<br />
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Then they came for the trade unionists,<br />
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.<br />
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Then they came for the Jews,<br />
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.<br />
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Then they came for me<br />
and there was no one left to speak out for me.--Pastor Martin Niemoller<br />
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Poignant words to remember next time you see someone who needs a hand.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-50455193305600630322011-01-28T17:02:00.000-05:002011-01-28T17:02:38.753-05:00Extreme Hits EgyptTwo weeks ago today, we were touring Cairo and spent time in the largest open air market in the world. Today, crisis has hit the entire country.<br />
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When we were there, everyone we met was so kind, friendly, and happy for us to be there. Seeing what we have seen on television in recent days has saddened our hearts.<br />
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We made dear friends in the short time we were there. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, especially our Egyptian guide, Soha!<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-35310607843035360562011-01-26T17:25:00.000-05:002011-01-26T17:25:07.948-05:00The King's SpeechBased on the biography, "The King's Speech" was an excellently portrayed film about the true partnership and unlikely friendship between the Duke of York (Colin Firth), to become King George VI of England, and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The King, plagued by a terrible stammer and considered to be unfit to become king, engages the help of unorthodox speech therapist Lionel Logue. Because of the relationship that develops, Logue is able to help King George VI find his voice, and become the voice of a nation teetering on the brink of war with Germany.<br />
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The film portrayed how the tenacity of someone who believes in something strong enough can lead someone else to overcome any difficulties in life they may face, even if they happen to be king. I would like to have a friend like Lionel Logue. More than that, I would like to be a friend like Lionel Logue. Though today is almost over, there's always tomorrow to begin. See the film. It's worth it.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-72394872464951970342011-01-17T07:53:00.000-05:002011-01-17T07:53:29.094-05:00Zen and the Art of Jet Lag MaintenanceAll I can say is, Holy Moly! We arrived back Friday night after two great weeks of touring in Israel and Egypt. And the jet lag has hammered us big time. The last day we were in Egypt, we had a six o'clock wake up call, not to head to the airport, but to do another day of touring. We had the best guides in Israel and Egypt. Neither of them had any interest in sleeping in, so they worked us like it was our last day on earth! We toured Cairo throughout the day, with promises of returning in time to rest. We knew they were empty promises. We had already been with Soha for four days and knew she had no interest in allowing our ragged bodies anytime to recuperate.<br />
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By 7 p.m. we were heading to the airport for our 11 p.m. and twelve hour flight home to New York. After arrival, we still had a full day of travel ahead of us. We finally arrived in Lexington at 4:30 p.m., after literally being awake for what was at least 48 hours.<br />
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Hence the jet lag. Now I know what your thinking. No one made you take the trip. It was self-imposed for sure. It was a magnificent trip. Israel was so cool. Egypt was simply amazing. The travelers we went with could not have been better had we picked them each by name.<br />
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But the jet lag, well, . . . sucks. Just sayin'. I've tried every advice of cure I've been given. Even a little meditation. Nada works. Oh well. It will pass with time. But it was worth it. I think. I guess. Yep.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-42181387977144088172010-12-29T08:43:00.000-05:002010-12-29T08:43:18.585-05:00PilgrimageThirty-seven of us will be departing Friday for Israel, for a Holy Land tour. Twenty-two of us will continue on to Egypt to view sights, including one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the giant pyramids.<br />
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This is my sixth trip as a host and faculty member for Dehoney travel. It's always a blast to see people's faces as they see the sights they've read about in their Bibles since they were children. <br />
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The blog will probably be quiet until after January 14 when we return. I'm not taking my laptop. If I am able to get internet access, I might make an update. But from previous travel experience, when there is any down time, I'm basically down!<br />
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So until next year, Happy New Year to you all.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-87737290078623273772010-12-22T18:22:00.000-05:002010-12-22T18:22:02.382-05:00Digital Nativity Adventure<object width="320" height="210"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GkHNNPM7pJA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="210"></embed></object><br />
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Merry Christmas,<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-66665202818065938212010-12-21T09:15:00.003-05:002010-12-21T11:19:31.277-05:00Ready for ChristmasOur first pastor, Ben Bissell, shared the following at Christmas years ago. I have used it every year since at some point during the Advent season. The piece is attributed to Alice Mortenson. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Ready for Christmas</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh,</div><div style="text-align: center;">As she put the last touch to the gifts piled high.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then quietly sat for a moment and read,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Til soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ready for Christmas? What do you mean?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready for Christmas, when only last week, </div><div style="text-align: center;">You wouldn't acknowledge your friend on the street!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ready for Christmas, when only today, </div><div style="text-align: center;">A beggar lad came, and you turned him away,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Without even a smile to show that you cared?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The little he asked could have been spared.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ready for Christmas, while holding a grudge?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps you had better let God be the judge.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why, how can the Christ child come and abide,</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a heart that is selfish, and filled with pride.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ready for Christmas? You've worked, it is true.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But just doing things that you wanted to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready for Christmas? Your circles too small.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why, you're not ready for Christmas at all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She woke with a start, and a cry of despair, </div><div style="text-align: center;">"There's so little time and I've still to prepare.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh Father forgive me. I see what you mean.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To be ready is more than a house swept clean.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a heart swept clean that he wants to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready for Christmas. And ready for Him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Time to get ready!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">See ya around!</div>Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-38150422231861517572010-12-20T10:45:00.000-05:002010-12-20T10:45:15.245-05:00Anticipation . . .Advent is not Christmas. It is a season of preparation. It is a season of anticipation. It is a season of waiting. It's still not Christmas.<br />
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So we wait . . . and wait . . . and wait . . . and wait . . .<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-64784012530042057052010-12-18T13:21:00.000-05:002010-12-18T13:21:39.454-05:00Oh my . . .So let's just say, we have now moved Moira land to Lexington, Kentucky. Granddaughters are absolutely amazing. . . especially ours!!!!<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-15313107032517422182010-12-16T09:24:00.000-05:002010-12-16T09:24:57.540-05:00Moira<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enough said!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzsXk8Juc38tpOkUCbBua8eEoR17Rjw-RvTk9Qgh1yMfWGy4RpNp-kTQ7d3LslovHdVDmY_sQBQ4LZVQGE_4xdamCoFaMynTQWGa7DwxXAo7AyKs9TSb8EJRv3Aoay8mlMH8dd7bQXN0/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzsXk8Juc38tpOkUCbBua8eEoR17Rjw-RvTk9Qgh1yMfWGy4RpNp-kTQ7d3LslovHdVDmY_sQBQ4LZVQGE_4xdamCoFaMynTQWGa7DwxXAo7AyKs9TSb8EJRv3Aoay8mlMH8dd7bQXN0/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-48269069706082061432010-12-15T19:20:00.000-05:002010-12-15T19:20:36.634-05:00I Know the Answer . . .A pastor was telling a story to a group of children in Sunday School. It went like this. <br />
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"I'm going to describe something and you tell me what it is. It has a furry tail. It's really good at climbing trees. It hides nuts for the winter when it's cold outside. It's . . ."<br />
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A young boy quickly raised his hand and said, "I know the answer's Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!"<br />
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Isn't that how this season seems to be coming at you. In all the business, craziness, zaniness, we know the answer is Jesus, but it sure sounds like the cultural junk of the season. <br />
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A friend recently commented, "If Jesus were here, would he wonder what the heck we were doing?"<br />
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I have no doubt.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-4166462091170278002010-12-13T16:00:00.001-05:002010-12-13T17:49:52.777-05:00Surprised by Grace!Well it happened again today. Out of the blue. Surprised by grace!!!<br />
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We had a fairly heavy snowfall overnight. The roads were covered and slippery. Sidewalks and driveways displayed about 4 or 5 inches of the the powder. Schools were closed throughout most of the commonwealth, at least the eastern part.<br />
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Aunchalee and I went to the store to get some items in preparation for Moira's visit. Grandma wants to buy everything she sees in the store. Don't get me started because it's a least a week's worth of blogging. Needless to say, she told me Baby's R Us is her new favorite store. <br />
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So driving back to the house we noticed about five people converging on driveways on our street. Aunchalee commented, "I wonder what they would charge to clean our driveway?" As most men do, I grunted, and pulled the car into the garage.<br />
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As we were bringing in Moira's treasure trove, I heard Aunchalee shout, "Wow, they cleaned our driveway already!" I ran to the living-room window. I couldn't believe it. We hadn't been home ten minutes and our driveway and sidewalk were totally clear. I asked, "Did you hire them to do that? She said, "no." And she quickly grabbed her coat, a can of cookies, and ran out to greet the workers.<br />
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It turns out it was one of our neighbors from up the street, whom we know by waving and shouting hellos as we drive by their house or as they walk by ours. The three sons, a daughter and the mom had decided to offer the neighbors a gift and clean their driveways following the frigid snow.<br />
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Aunchalee said, "They take that love your neighbor stuff to another level." Yes they do! <br />
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Surprised again by grace!<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-34537492809843741742010-12-10T12:13:00.000-05:002010-12-10T12:13:50.670-05:00Funny posts . . .There are some funny things that pop up on Twitter and Facebook. I hope this is not offensive, but my friend Bo Warren, whom I believe experiences ADHD, recently asked, "So . . . is ADHD like having ADD with better picture quality?"<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-13013321639146786152010-12-09T15:05:00.003-05:002010-12-09T16:38:26.393-05:00The Long and Winding RoadYesterday was the 30th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. I thought it a time to reflect a bit. A few weeks ago, iTunes was able to open The Beatles song library to it's customers. Within hours, Apple's online music store sold tons of their music and made tons of money. It's been 46 years since The Beatles debuted on the Ed Sullivan show. I remember my mother, who was a diehard fan of Glen Miller and swing music, say, "This music will never last the test of time like this big band music has."<br />
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No doubt, people still listen to Glen Miller. But generations listen to The Beatles. It's been a long and winding road for them and for us who have followed them. We marched through Woodstock, Viet Nam, Watergate, a resigning president, a peanut farmer elected president, gas prices out the roof, a movie star elected president, the collapse of the Berlin wall and the Soviet states, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the internet, Twitter, Facebook, marriage, children, and grandchildren. We live in a world that is a mix of sanity and insanity. And the thing we all really need though don't always want is love. Which, in the words of John Lennon, is all you need.<br />
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So after 46 years, she still loves you and wants to hold your hand. Please please me and tell someone you love them. Twist and shout to the people you meet, and when you see him, tell him I said, "Hey Jude!"<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-63611327092664364912010-12-07T10:15:00.002-05:002010-12-07T10:21:10.075-05:00Dysfunction PaloozaAh, it's the holidays. Wow. I remember my father's large Italian family and holiday gatherings. I used to really love them. No seriously! I really did. Not because of the food or the festivities. It was the fights I loved! Uncle Joe and Uncle Rocky (his Italian name was Rocco) were both know-it-alls. They were masters in their own minds of every subject imaginable. After I was a seminary professor, one of them began to tell me about what Baptists believe. Mind you, he wasn't a Baptist nor had he ever been in a Baptist church. Such is the luxury of being a know-it-all. You just know all things. <br />
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Some of the family used to get so disgusted at Joe and Rocky's antics. I enjoyed listening to them banter about golf, baking, turkey, the Eagles, Glen Miller, the weather--you name the subject and they would argue about it. Our family gatherings during the holidays were a mass of confusion, misunderstanding, and mayhem. In the words of Raymond (whom everybody loves), commenting on the gathering of his family for Thanksgiving, it was <b><i>dysfunction palooza</i></b>. And I loved it. Hey, it was family.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, when your family gets together this year for the holidays, and things begin to get out of control and go awry, just go with the flow, enjoy it. Name it dysfunction palooza. Shout with all joy, the words of Clark Grizwold, "Hallelujah! Holy s _ _ t! Where's the Tyleno</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">l?" </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See ya around!</span></span></span>Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-40194849210600331352010-12-04T09:54:00.002-05:002010-12-04T10:45:15.662-05:00Who Brought the Gorilla?Remember, I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's the home of the Philadelphia Flyers, one of the most aggressive hockey teams in the NHL. It's the place where famed Rocky Balboa grew up in a rough area known as Kensington, where he learned to eat Pat's steaks and box. So needless to say, I was not used to passive aggressive personalities. Aggressive perhaps. Passive, never!<br />
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That background sets the stage for my question. Have you ever noticed how pseudo-polite and passive aggressive some people can be? Whether it's the proverbial elephant in the room or 800 lb. gorilla sharing the space, in their "politeness" they just won't talk about it. There at least. As soon as they leave the room, they begin to spin the yarn, and the gorilla becomes 1,600 lb.. and the rumors about the gorilla begin to flow. But once back in the room . . . "Gorilla? What gorilla?" <br />
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Wouldn't it be nice if mature people could just say what they mean, mean what they say, and get to the heart of matters without playing their little games? I like the approach of Robert De Niro's character in taxi driver. He wouldn't allow the gorilla to sit without being addressed. "You talkin to me?" he barked!<br />
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Why am I bringing this up? Well, it's the holiday season. Families are and will be getting together. Perfect opportunities for a gorilla to appear. Let's agree. Let's disagree. But let's do it openly and with love. And maybe, just maybe, we'll create a little more peace in the room, and no one will bring the gorilla. Just sayin'!<br />
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See ya around?Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-87637696282512650722010-12-02T08:17:00.000-05:002010-12-02T08:17:17.714-05:00Hurry up! . . . and wait!When I was in the Air Force, during basic training, the mantra was, "Hurry up and wait!" No matter what we were doing. Where we were going. Or what we anticipated doing. We were always rushed to the next location only to wait on whatever it was we were supposed to be rushing to.<br />
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The holiday season is a lot like that. Hurry up. Let's go shopping. Only to find the roads clogged with cars. Wait, wait, wait. Did you ever notice that traffic lights never change quickly when you are in a hurry? Then you get to the store, and it's hurry up to buy, only to wait to pay!!!!<br />
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I have sworn--yes, sworn--that one of these years, I'm going to slow down and let the holidays come to me. I have sworn--yes, sworn--that one of these years, I'm going to enjoy Christmas and not have to run around like a madman, scurrying from one demand to another, one church function to another, one worship experience to another, one mad moment to another.<br />
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Guess what? This is that year!!!!! As the great theologian, Frank Barone, once uttered, "Holy crap!" Yep, I plan to enjoy this Christmas. If you want me to rush over for some Christmas cheer, give me a week's notice, because this year, I'm not hurrying. I'll wait. Because that's what Advent is about. But hurry? Not this year.<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-937659242485385274.post-48517699555320093092010-11-29T11:48:00.001-05:002010-11-29T11:52:09.689-05:00Facebook addict? Really???Do you find yourself groping for your smart phone or lunging for your computer just to see what the recent posts might be? Do you find yourself stalking some of your friends to see if they are having fun than you are? Do you find your self asking the question, "Should I hide or de-friend?" Do you try to have your photos tagged often so your friends will see what an amazing life you have? If you can answer <i>yes</i> to any of these questions, or myriad others, you are probably an FA. That's right a Facebook Addict. <br />
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Currently there are no FA meetings available in your area. But, you can do what I and of my closest friends have done . . . you can do a Facebook Back Away. That's right. First you compose a nice note. And send PMs to your friends letting them know that you are performing an intervention on yourself, and you are backing away from Facebook for a time. That way when you de-friend them, they'll feel good that they are helping in your recovery!!! Then de-friend those folk whom you think you can de-friend. Only you know who they might be.<br />
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Now your friends list is much shorter. That's step one. With a shorter friends list, that's fewer updates. And the need to check so often will begin to abate. You'll always want another Facebook hit, so be careful. Going back just a few times a day can hook you all over again. Remember once an FA, always an FA.<br />
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Hope this post today has helped. Oh, crap, my phone just said someone wrote on my wall . . .<br />
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See ya around!Craig Loscalzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13349708397191777139noreply@blogger.com1