Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 24, 2012

T'was the Night before Christmas!


I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all of my readers and followers a Merry Christmas. I am already looking ahead towards the New Year for some exciting changes including new products to develop, some exciting interviews for the Rust Belt Chronicles and growth.
But for now, let’s focus on the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate with family, friends and (even) strangers. Going out of our way to make someone’s day special and memorable is worthy and noble. Putting a smile on somebody’s face is a way to show we care.
It’s the season of giving, not receiving.
Helping the homeless, visiting the nursing home or reaching out to someone in need are ways to share the Christmas spirit with others.
Last week, I noticed a flyer with a photo of a missing dog at my workplace. Their home had been broke into a week ago and the robbers sprayed their pet with pepper spray and although it had a radio-controlled collar it escaped from their home and yard.
While driving near our 3-park area on a icy day after work on Friday, I spotted the dog, turned the car around and pulled into the park to coax the young pup. It stared at me, turned around and ran the opposite direction towards traffic and another park.
I drove back to work, got the owner’s phone number from the flyer and contacted the couple; who verified it was their dog. The couple drove to the park which I already had returned too, to help find “Buckeye.” The mixed-breed (part shepherd), white with brown spots, was nowhere to be found.
After attending a wedding Saturday evening, my wife and I drove through the park system to locate the dog, to no avail. The owner said he was going to walk through the parks on Saturday. I hope they find their pup!
At least I gave them hope in finding that puppy!
On Christmas Eve day, I took a drive to our local Toy Time organization to drop off some toys for needy children. Unfortunately, they were closed. So my next thought was to watch for a child I could surprise with a few gifts. After picking up some groceries and walking to my car; another car parked beside me in the parking lot. In the car were a mother and a little girl around 5 years old.
I asked the mother of the small child if she would be interested in the gifts. The mother asked her daughter and her little face lit up with happiness. I gave her the gifts and she thanked me and wished me- a Merry Christmas.
One out of two good deeds isn’t bad because it’s the thought that matters most!
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Will Christmas push you over a Fiscal Cliff?


One of the largest problems in our Government is debt. The current rage in our Nation’s capital is focused on debt relief for our country, before we fall off the “fiscal cliff.” With the approaching Christmas holiday, how many shoppers are struggling with personal debt? Our Government has imaged itself after its citizens; mortgaging our future to become slave to the lender.

The notion that somehow we can stay ahead of the impending train wreck is wishful thinking. Memories of 911, the recession and other economic factors should have been a wake-up call for us, but many folks continue to charge and dig themselves deeper in debt.

Sadly, many people are living from paycheck to paycheck, charging repairs, large expenses, trips and Christmas gifts. A risky business in today’s world; just to keep up a tradition at any cost. Unfortunately, we live in a society that justifies spending based on our emotions, and desires. After all, everybody we know does it and we must keep up with the Jones’s.

The only problem is the Jones’s are broke too!

This year my family won’t be purchasing gifts and yes it will be strange; due to our debt and the fact my wife was laid-off in June. So we will get together with family, have a traditional meal and count our blessings.

Jesus is the reason we should be celebrating, not how many gifts or how many cool toys we received. We’ve basically eliminated having to deal with Black Friday, snarling shoppers and traffic jams along with the accompanied stress of purchasing decisions.

Less stress, demand and financial pain sounds like a good plan.

Somehow, after avoiding our own “fiscal cliff” our attitude must change. Borrowing into oblivion is not the solution. Getting out of debt is the only answer. Living a façade to impress others is foolish, stressful and unnecessary.

Just don’t wait for a magic cure from our Government. Moving the cliff only delays the pain. It’s up to you to climb the mountain or scale the cliff.

Living debt free is the only freedom for a stable future.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.