# 84 The Season

My wish and prayer for you this week is that you will have a blessed and Merry Christmas. Be safe, enjoy your friends and family to the fullest!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.

Jesus Christ

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:8-11 NIV

# 83 Share what you know

I would never be accused of being the smartest guy in the room but I have learned a few things about photography. Yesterday I was privileged to participate as a presenter for a statewide 4-H event focusing on photography. It is always fantastic to be able to share a little of what yo know to help someone progress. Working with kids who are actually interested in what you have to say a pure pleasure. I had a blast!

To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.

Confucius

          Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and theknowledge of the Holy One is insight.

# 82 Give Thanks

I have many things to be thankful for and I am sure you do too. One of the things I cherish most is the time  I am able to spend with my family. It is a true pleasure to be able to watch my sons and their family's grow up. They are three great sons who are fine young men,

 All with their unique personalities and talents.

Oh yea they still know their way around a turkey too!

Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining - it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn't solve any problems.

Zig Ziglar

Psalm 7-17

17 I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

# 81 Sharpen Up

Last week I encouraged you to be good to yourself. One of the ways to do that is to step back from technology and let the pace of life slow a bit. Mother nature can be a great teacher to be prepaired. While we were camping on our hunting trip the temps got into the mid 20's! A bit nippy for this Texas transplant. It was good for all of us there to unplug for a few days. The fire and a good sleeping bag can mean a lot! My sons were a blast to have around, trust me they will keep you sharp!

Camping is nature's way of promoting the motel business.

Dave Barry

Proverbs 27 

17 Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.

# 80 Be Good

I am reading a book called " Be Good To Yourself' Orison Swett Marden 1850-1924

I am not sure when this one was written, but the wisdom is timeless! His main point is, how will you ever be able to give your best or do your best if you do not take care of yourself? Proper food, proper rest and time to ready yourself is essential today more than ever. Many of us think we can stay up all night and partake of perhaps one to many adult beverage, eat junk food, (properly named) and then do an proper job the next day! It doesn't work that way...Imagine how much better of a father, mother or employee we would be if we thought to take better care of our self! There is only one you!

Take care of yourself!

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.

Jim Rohn

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

# 79 work

Most of you have been working for a while. Most of US will continue for a while! But hopefully some day we will be able to at least shift gears and go at a slower pace. I like to work. When I get frustrated I remember back to the times of illness when I could not work. That will always help you keep things in perspective. Enjoy your work and do the best job you can.

Commit your work to the Lord!

Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones.

Theodore Roosevelt

Proverbs 16:2-4

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

    but the Lord weighs the spirit.

 

3  Commit your work to the Lord,

    and your plans will be established.

4  The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

    even the wicked for the day of trouble.

# 78 Food

I am trying to eat better!

 The paleo diet is very popular these days and I am doing a "version" of that. You don't eat anything a caveman didn't have. Lots of meat and vegetables. Leave the junk food alone and no bread or pasta.

And no processed food..Eat Natural!

 I have to say some of the food is very good! I have not been doing it long enough to see if it will  have a weight reduction result, but I feel much better.

Free range pork and venison are on the menu, Lets go hunting!

Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak.

Ted Nugent

Psalm 104

14 Thou dost cause the grass to grow for the cattle,

    and plants for man to cultivate,[b]

that he may bring forth food from the earth,

15 

    and wine to gladden the heart of man,

oil to make his face shine,

    and bread to strengthen man’s heart.