tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-134386452024-03-23T13:47:46.851-05:00The Brady Speers BunchThe Life and Times of the Brady Speers family!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17431389637054003760noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-85612829171468269932014-10-20T20:44:00.000-05:002014-10-21T20:44:36.613-05:00Cowboys Win in First Family GameYes, the Dallas Cowboys are considered America's 2nd best team at 6-1. Is this happening??<br />
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We took the kids to their first game Sunday. Got some "cheap" upper level seats and cheered them on. Quite an experience. They loved it and hung in there. We even tailgated for an hour or so before the game and cooked some burgers. It was a great time and a memory we won't likely afford often, but that they will remember forever. Nothing like a Cowboys game live in Jerry World. It was loud and crazy as usual.<br />
<br />Go Cowboys! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-4258223170506383362014-08-30T13:37:00.002-05:002014-08-30T13:39:11.459-05:00Jerry Jones Can Thank Someone Else for His Marketing MachineI have to admit. I have admired Jerry Jones' business expertise to a degree over the years - but only from a non-football perspective. Let's face it...he took the Cowboys when they were dying in the late 80s and made them into the world powerhouse they are today. Forbes recently calculated the Cowboys worth more than 3B. Yea, that's a big deal. <br />
<br />
But, let me also say this: as the years of losing have gone from 5, to 10, to 15 and now to nearly 20 without much of anything for us die-hard fans, I've finally decided Jerry is actually just one lucky, clueless fool. The sports world and media rave about Jerry and all he has done for the game (yea, like free agency, parody and pole dancers at games - nice Jerry, real nice). Yes, he has a huge money making machine and he has done well with what has been given to him. But that's just it. <br />
<br />
It has been given to him. <br />
<br />
Without Jimmy Johnson NONE of this would have ever happened. The only thing Jerry can be thankful to himself for, was hiring the man that paved the way for the three, long-ago, SuperBowl wins back in the early 90s. Yea, 20 years and counting....<br />
<br />
It is laughable to think had the Cowboys not won during those years that Jerry would have even made it to the new century without going bankrupt. Fact is all of these business deals (ATT, Victoria, Hublot, Ford, Secret, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, NCAA, WMA, MMA, and concerts galore) would never have taken place if not for those few winning years.<br />
<br />
Those winning seasons revived the Cowboys brand...not Jerry Jones. And those winning season were thanks 100% to Jimmy Johnson and his football genius. Without the winning, America's Team would have died a slow death. Losing does that.<br />
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Because of the winning Jerry could build his empire. Because of the winning he was able to loans to finance Jerry World. Because of winning TV ratings sky rocketed and the Cowboys legend grew even bigger. Because of winning Jerry could get millions of dollars in business deals and arrangements made. <br />
<br />
All of this because of all the winning. Winning Jerry Jones only had one part in - the hiring of Jimmy. <br />
<br />
Winning changes everything. <br />
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If only Jerry could go back in time and figure that out, then maybe I could give him credit for where credit's due. But until them, he is just one lucky son-of-a-gun. I'll still cheer for the team itself, but honestly, I can't wait for the day when Jerry is no longer allowed to be Jerry. <br />
<br />
500 owners with that kinda luck could have become what Jerry and the Cowboys machine is today. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-59802904337978188572014-08-28T13:16:00.000-05:002014-08-30T13:18:04.816-05:00Charlie Launches TV StardomYes, we are proud of our dog Charlie. He is a boxer and he is hi-larious. He is our 2nd boxer (we still miss Sam....) but he has such a funny personality and he was recently recognized by Animal Planet network and featured on their show<em> Bad Dogs</em>. He was given the "Big Baby" award. If you have ever met him, you know this fits him perfectly. <br />
<br /><br />
We couldn't be more proud!<br />
<br /><br />
LOL. Check out the video here.<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCr9XtI-oIo&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCr9XtI-oIo&feature=youtu.be</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-17023663438003652542014-05-03T19:15:00.002-05:002014-08-30T13:18:55.529-05:00Brady and Chris on WBAP!You might not know this but my business partner and I now have a weekly retirement planning radio show on WBAP. Saturday nights at 6pm out of Dallas. WBAP is one of the largest and oldest radio stations in the US and can be heard at night as far away as IL. I am amazed that we were given this opportunity to share our message about safe money retirement planning! God is good! <br />
<br />
<br />
Listen live each week <a href="http://www.wbap.com/">www.wbap.com</a> or visit the Safe Retirement Experts website to hear one from the past!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-86159117643758048202014-04-25T05:45:00.002-05:002014-08-30T13:19:31.679-05:00Brady Speers Join's HPU Alumni Board of Directors Yea that's right. Me. Your very own and only Brady Speers. HeHe. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, it feels like it was just last week I was in my 20s and going to Howard Payne University as a student along with the likes of Curlee, Locks, Cofresi, Rinehart, Cozart, Hines, Wakefield, Carter, Davidson, just to name a FEW out of the many I hung with. <br />
<br />
<br />
Blink. <br />
<br />
<br />
Now I am 45 (in a few months) with three kids, a wife, and two dogs. <br />
<br />
<br />
Excuse me?<br />
<br />
<br />
So, to have an opportunity to pay forward all God did for me while at HPU by serving the school for a little while gives me great joy. I loved and still love the school. Those were some of the greatest years of my life. For real. <br />
<br />
<br />
Hopefully, I can stir up some trouble down in good ol' Brownwood on behalf of The Fellas. Either way, it should be fun and I get to eat at Underwoods every now and then. What else could a boy like me want???<br />
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<br />
Peace it. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-44102455030559227742014-04-16T22:21:00.001-05:002014-04-16T22:21:16.036-05:00I Will Never Forget Korea Because of Who It Gave UsI love, love, love South Korea. The people, the city of Seoul, the history, the architecture, SOME of the food, the traditions, the sights and sounds, and most importantly the Eastern Welfare Society which took care of our son and his birthmom nearly 7 years ago.<br />
<br />
This time 7 years ago Julie and I were on a plane headed home with Quinny in our hands having just traveled around the world to experience his homeland and meet him for the first time. He needed a family and we needed a son.<br />
<br />
Can you say God!<br />
<br />
Words cannot express how proud we are of him and all he represents to us. God was beyond good. Adoption rocks and so does South Korea.<br />
<br />
Thanks to all of you who supported and helped us along the way. You too were a part of bringing Mr. Smiley into our world and we celebrate that on this his Forever Family Day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-77443655531463964082014-04-10T16:37:00.000-05:002014-04-09T16:37:42.036-05:00Parents, Take Your Kids Somewhere...They Will Never Forget It<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a huge believer in creating a childhood of memories for
my kids. Nothing in life will last more than the things you DO with them. And
few things can rival jumping in a car or getting on a plane and heading somewhere
neat and fun. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sadly, more and more parents put work and busyness on the
top of their list. Suddenly, the years fly by and you’ve basically gone nowhere
with the family other than a trip to the grandparents. That’s better than
nothing, but there is a world out there to see and your kids should experience
it…with you! I know it’s tough and I get money can be tight, but nothing is a
better investment than finding a way, any way, to get away as a family and see
and do new things together. It will last a lifetime. Maybe a trip to Enchanted
Rock, or a weekend at the lake, or a few days on the beach. It’s our job as
parents to be creative and fun. Making money and just paying the bills is
certainly top priority, but most of us in America can find a way, if we truly want
to, to get a way with the littles. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are my suggestions:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<ol style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: decimal;">
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Draw a circle of out from your home of places
you can go within a 1 days drive, say 10 hours or so. You will be surprised at
what’s close enough to go see. </div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Look for special hotel or online offers to save
on hotels or attractions. </div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Consider going on quick, long weekend trips if
you can’t afford to be gone long or the costs are too much. A lot can be done
in just a few days!</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Find friends in those areas and bunk up and enjoy
time all together.</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Save money and put it on the calendar a year in
advance. This will build the excitement in the family and ensure that the trip
gets done! </div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Ask for suggestions with others you know. You’d
be amazed at all the connections and ideas you likely have!</div>
</li>
<li style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
Take the kids out of school a few days and go
when places are slow. We love this. Kids can miss a few days and it maximizes
your time and dollars spent…plus it makes the kids feel even more special to
get out when everyone else is going to class.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toys, games, and stuff never last. Time with each other, on
the road headed somewhere will last forever. It can be frustrating and at times
tempers may flare, but one thing is certain. They will jump up and down the
next time you say you’re headed somewhere. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-2762541111762978232014-04-09T07:25:00.004-05:002014-08-30T13:20:03.419-05:00Colorado Trip Proves to Be Huge FunTwo big things have been accomplished in our kids lives the last year. One, and most important, they got saved last fall and are now all Christians. Two, and just behind that, they love Colorado and love to ski! <br />
<br />
We headed to the mountains for a visit with our friends Clint and Alisa Locks last weekend for our first ever winter-time visit to the Rockies. It had been 7 years since we last skied and I missed it. Julie tore her knees real bad and was somewhat timid about the whole thing. I have always loved being in God's country and seeing His creation. It's always been one of my favorite things to do. We had no idea if the kids would truly dig the cold and snow and love skiing. After all, learning to ski can be a total pain in the rear. <br />
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Julie and I both learned to ski later in life as teenagers. I have always hoped that my kids would learn and love it as kids. Seeing these other littles fly down the mountain without poles in reckless abandon has always been a hope for me. <br />
<br />
Years later, I am now the dad with three of them! Holy cow. After one day of lessons by the amazing people at Copper Mountain all three of them were hooked like a Boulder hippie loves the legal weed! We spent Sunday skiing with the Locks and their two littles, Bree and Addi, and now they can't wait to go back! <br />
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I guess the only problem now is I just better prepare to make that 14 hour drive once a year! <br />
<br />
I am so excited...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-46839369958358623052014-04-01T09:04:00.000-05:002014-04-01T09:04:23.681-05:00Kids Earn Another Belt In Tae Kwon DoIt's been fun to watch, and yes they do complain about it at times, but the kids are learning the Korean martial art. This last week they earned their Orange belt to go along with their White and Yellow belts. <br />
<br />
Kids these days need activities that are wholesome and full of values. Their Master Mr. Yang is so great. He teaches them about family values while teaching them how to protect themselves if ever need be. It's like he's a modern day Mr. Miyagi. <br />
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Proud! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-24388335988619520462013-12-28T09:24:00.001-06:002013-12-28T09:25:57.877-06:002013 Was One of the Best, But Ready for 2014This year was full of hospital visits, a 10 year anniversary, lots of good business, fun trips (Atlanta, Vegas, Galveston, Disney World), and numerous family events. Kids are good - Quinn started elementary this year, business is good and life itself has marched on with some ups and downs. Dad had a stroke but is doing very well and all three kids got saved this fall, so those are more important than anything!<br />
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I am excited about 2014. My two main goals are to lose 40lbs and to get my series 65 license. Other than that we hope to stay healthy, serve God as best we can, enjoy more time with friends, have a few trips again this year, pay off a few more smaller debts and save for the future.<br />
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God is good! Bring on 2014!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-37502959852938424172013-11-28T21:58:00.002-06:002013-11-28T21:58:53.629-06:00Trip to Disney Was..Well, What Else?...MagicalGod willing this won't be the last time we go as a family to Disney, but it might certainly be our best. I love nothing more than traveling with my wife and kiddos. Creating memories which other in neat places is the greatest of investments in their lives in my view. My parents did it for me so I am honored to be able to pass that tradition on. <br />
<br />
We spent the week before Thanksgiving in the magical world of Disney. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). It was unreal. <br />
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We walked into the Contemporary Resort on property and won the Family of the Day upgrade and ended up spending the week in the Penthouse on the top floor. That about says it all. It was insane. So much to write, I just can't get it all in. <br />
<br />
But in summary, here is how we spent our days. <br />
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Day One:</u><br />
Arrived around 12 and took Disney Magic Bus to Resort<br />
Won Contemporary "family of day" upgrade - ended up in 14th floor penthouse for the week (worth about $5,000!)<br />
Magic Kingdom for the afternoon: <br />
Barnstormer, Stitch's Great Escape, Dumbo, Mermaid Under the Sea (new Fantasyland), dance party in Futurama,
tons of character signatures,
took boat over to Hoop Dee Doo review dinner in Wilderness Resort<br />
<br /><u>
Day Two</u>:<br />
Breakfast at Contemporary Cafe<br />
Disney Bus to Hollywood Studios for day:<br />
Star Tours 3D ride (twice), Muppet 3D show, Honey Shrunk Kids amazing playground, Julie
rode Rocking Roller Coaster, finally found Mickey for signature, Toy Story Mania ride (wow!), characters, Disney Jr. (Doc McStuffins) stage
show, dinner at Giordano's in town</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Back to Magic Kingdom for Light parade, Wishes light show and fireworks</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Travel fiasco getting back to resort (we learned that taxi is way to go if staying late or rent a car)<br />
<br />
<u>Day Three</u>:<br />
Breakfast at Floridian - saw Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins<br />
Magic Kingdom all day: <br />
Aladdin carpet ride,
Pirates of the Caribbean, Big
Thunder Mountain (twice), Bell's Castle show, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Light Year ride, It's a Small World, Astro
Orbiter, Winnie the
Pooh, Peter Pan, Tea Cups, met
Talking Mickey</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taxi to Downtown Disney: saw Santa, ate at Wolfgang, shopped World of Disney<br />
<br />
<u>Day Four:</u><br />
Disney bus to Animal Kingdom: rode Primeval
Whirl, Dinosaur ride, Kilimanjaro Safari (unreal cool), Flying Dino, Tusker House lunch with Donald, Goofy, Daisy, and Mickey, It's a Bug Life show</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then to Magic Kingdom again:<br />
Disney train, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain again</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taxi back to Hollywood Studios for Christmas light show<br />
Taxi to Epcot: Nemo ride, Turtle Talk show, Illuminations light show</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taxi back to resort, watched Wishes from Lounge then Water Show Parade from our balcony <br />
*** all four parks in one day (did this because we had matching shirts and wanted photos from each entrance to each park)</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<u>Day Five:</u><br />
packed up to leave, breakfast at Wave restaurant in hotel<br />
Disney Monorail to Epcot for the day:<br />
found our Legacy stone etchings from 2003, Test Track ride (way cool), Soarin' (OMG), Nemo one more time, took boat over to Germany and Italy, had lunch at Tutto Italia, more character signatures, rode Gran Fiesta boat ride, Figment ride, monorial back to hotel. <br />
Taxi to Airport, then home. :(<br />
</span>Our favorite things this time:<br />
- Star Tours<br />
- Test Track<br />
- Talking Mickey visit<br />
- Fireworks from lounge at hotel<br />
- Safari Tour<br />
- Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster<br />
- Soarin' ride<br />
- Splash Mountain log ride<br />
- Toy Story Mania<br />
- Barnstormer kids coaster<br />
- Character meals (Grand Floridian, Tusker House at Animal Kingdom)<br />
- Hoop Dee Do Revue dinner show<br />
- Downtown Disney (saw Santa)<br />
- Lounge at our Resort<br />
- Primeval Whirl<br />
- Dinosaur<br />
- Winnie the Pooh ride<br />
- Turtle Talk with Crush<br />
- Astro Orbitor ride<br />
- Dinner at Giordanos <br />
- "Dreams" Castle light show <br />
- Christmas light show at Hollywood <br />
- Christmas décor everywhere<br />
- Our amazing penthouse hotel room @ the Contemporary Resort<br />
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Vacations in general are important to us. I gotta have them. We gotta have them. We have been fortunate to have been to many places but many more must be visited as far as I am concerned. But in light of all the places and trips we have taken this one tops them all. Disney is just over the top perfect. <br />
<br />
What makes it Magical?<br />
<br />
Location - 80s in late November, really?<br />
Rides - for all ages each with a Disney story to make it special<br />
Perfection - no one does it better than Disney<br />
Characters - is anything cooler than Mickey?<br />
Fun - if you can have more fun as a family somewhere else I need to know about it<br />
Cleanliness - you can eat in the bathrooms there it's so clean<br />
Shows - fireworks, parades, stage shows, music, dance clubs, lasers, you name it<br />
Variety - four different parks make each day special<br />
<br />
If you haven't been to Disney World....go. Save, steal, borrow, do what you must. You will thank me. As for me, I've been twice as a kid and three times as an adult; twice now as a family. I certainly plan and hope we go at least once more before the kids won't think it's cool anymore.<br />
<br />
We already miss it. <br />
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<br />
,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-18980471205088240362013-10-21T21:49:00.001-05:002013-10-21T21:51:50.998-05:00Kids Are Saved and BaptisedFor years now our kids have been learning about Christ and what it means to be saved from our sins. We all screw up every day and we all want to spend eternity heaven. However, unrighteousness cannot coexist in heaven with holiness. Therefore, we remain separated from a holy God because of our screw ups (sin). Our kids - all three of them - totally get this.
<br />
<br />
Monday, October 7th Quinn, Sidney and Chloe all decided they wanted Jesus in their hearts. They prayed the prayer of faith and all three got saved that night as we led them to Christ right in our own home. <br />
<br />
We had talked about it intently for days and I made sure they all three understood what it would mean. Quinn as little as 6 years old almost seemed to get it more than the girls. "We are separated from God because of our sin, dad, and to get back to God we have to believe in Jesus" he told me one night. Chloe was adamant about getting it done right away. She wanted Jesus in her heart to help her not be scared about things, to save her and to be close to her. Since then she hasn't dealt with one nightmare either. Just a side note. :)
Sidney wanted to make sure she got to go to heaven and wanted Jesus to live in her as well. <br />
<br />
Sunday they joined their cousin Kelsey and got baptized by our amazing Pastor, Randy Weeaks. Our church has played a huge role in their lives and in their understanding of who God is and how He loves us all. What a glorious time for my family and the day before my birthday too! <br />
<br />
I made my confession of faith in Jesus when I was just 11 in the town of Pearland, Texas. I don't know the exact day and frankly I don't recall my baptism much either. I struggled with it for years and ended up recommitting my walk to Christ when I was 14 at Super Summer in Denton, Texas. That I clearly remember. However, my original salvation experience is foggy not because it wasn't real, but mainly because there isn't much around to remind me of it or to recall it all by. Times were different. Few cameras, no video, no Facebook, etc. I have a Bible somewhere with the date. I knew then that I needed Jesus to save me.
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Christ only asks us to have a child like faith. As we get older we tend to think we know it all, don't need God and have a handle on it all. How sad. <br />
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Jesus died for you as well as for me. My kids get it and now Julie and I can rest at night knowing we will spend eternity with those we love the most - Chloe, Sidney and Quinn. <br />
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Thank you God for keeping it simple enough for a 6 year old child to understand.<br />
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#salvationdayoctober07 <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-12808158482941537232013-10-19T16:32:00.001-05:002013-10-19T16:32:51.779-05:00Speers Financial Group<img src="http://www.logomaker.com/logo-images/0553ea42ed307e57.gif"/>
<a href="http://www.logomaker.com"><img src="http://www.logomaker.com/images/logos.gif" alt="small business home business" border="0"/></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-48726363105406814842013-10-02T22:38:00.003-05:002013-10-02T22:41:50.578-05:00I Sold Health Insurance - I Know Why Obamacare Will FailIn all of the debate going on about Obamacare, few are talking about the REAL reason it will fail. It's simple math actually.<br />
<br />
For over a decade I owned a company that sold health plans to people without insurance. Our target audience were the self-employed and the small business employee without healthcare. The 30,000,000 uninsured we hear all about. <br />
<br />
We spoke to thousands a week and out of those, we would sell only a handful a day. <br />
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Here is what we learned from those millions of uninsured that simply wouldn't buy from us no matter what we offered:<br />
<br />
- people don't want to pay for anything - they want free health insurance<br />
- people feel like it should be given to them and it is a right to have<br />
- people have no urgency to buy<br />
- young people (under 40 without a family) didn't care about being insured<br />
- many young families could careless too because they would simply visit their local ER<br />
- if they did buy, they wanted the best health plan on the market for about $1 a day...for the family<br />
- people would pay their cell phone bills way before ever thinking about spending it on health insurance<br />
- lots of people didn't seem to care that their family was at risk of financial ruin or lack of care without it <br />
<br />
These are the very people Obamacare MUST HAVE to work and I will sit back and laugh while this fails miserably. Why?<br />
<br />
See, for health insurance to work, it must be based on a pool of people - both healthy and unhealthy, young and old. The young healthy people pay premiums for care they never use. This revenue is then used to pay the claims turned in by the older, unhealthy policy holders.<br />
<br />
Without them the entire system collapses and that is exactly what is about to happen here. <br />
<br />
They are foolish to think that young people are suddenly going to run to the exchanges, plunk down their credit cards and pay even as a little as $100 a month for any type of health care, when they have no fear of a small tax fine, are healthy and see no need for it, and assumed that it was going to be free anyway. Heck, I know people (some friends even) who are in the 40s who don't have health insurance and don't seem too worried about it. <br />
<br />
Only some of those (and I do mean some) that qualify for government subsidies, that result in ALMOST FREE health care, will sign up. But again, why? Even a $50 a month plan is $50 that takes away from movie night, dinner or dates.<br />
<br />
It simply isn't going to work people.<br />
<br />
Think I am wrong? You just wait. Now the government will lie to us about how many people are signed up (and they already are) and they will merely bury the costs to us tax payers. But the reality is, we talked to these people everyday and I remember one specifically telling me back in 2009 - "I'm just gonna wait for my free Obamacare".<br />
<br />
Yep, that's the nature of a majority of these uninsured. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-27325898859069106362013-10-01T21:02:00.001-05:002013-10-01T21:02:21.382-05:00My Kids Are SavedFor months now our three kids have been asking lots of questions about faith, God, and the realities of sin. They get it. <br />
<br />
After church on Sunday all three of them made it clear to me that they understood the need for Jesus and wanted to ask him to save them. <br />
<br />
In one of my favorite passages in the Bible Jesus said this: "And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (<a class="esvBibleRef" href="http://www.esvonline.org/Matthew+18.2-4" id="BibleRef-2" target="_blank">Matthew 18:2-4</a> ESV)<br />
<br />
Jesus doesn't ask that we have it all figured out. He simply demands that we believe. Plain and simple. Either you need Jesus because you are not perfect and have sinned, or you don't need him because you are perfect and never have sinned. <br />
<br />
My kids at 6, 8 and 8 completely get this...at their level. <br />
<br />
They said the prayer of salvation last night with Julie and I. <br />
<br />
"Jesus, I believe in you. Please live in my heart and forgive me of my sins."<br />
<br />
Can it be any easier?<br />
<br />
Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."<br />
<br />
My kids have started their journey of faith. Praise God my kids are saved!<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-39304329255995991662013-09-07T18:06:00.001-05:002013-09-07T18:06:32.466-05:00IPhone4 vs. Galaxy4Ok, so you know by now I made the leap after YEARS of being an iPhone addict, of crossing the picket line and changing to the Galaxy4. This is my honest attempt at sharing my thoughts on the G4 coming from someone as a true Apple iPhone lover. My love for Apple remains strong, though this certainly has diminished it some, along with Apple's continued failure to give us what we want, which is MORE. <br />
<br />
Before I get started: Now, I know the iPhone 5 is about to come out, but knowing Apple, it won't be the big jump up all of us Apple people hope for - as we do each and every time they tease us with the next one. <br />
<br />
So let me keep it simple and break it down. Some of you after reading this will likely want to jump over as I did, others should probably stay where you are. <br />
<br />
* No doubt the G4 using the Android is VERY much like an iPhone in many ways. <br />
* The galaxy does take some tweaking of screens, settings and apps to get it to mimic what you are used to with an iPhone but it can be done. Took me about 5 days and then I felt like I had a bigger, better iPhone in my hands. <br />
* The iPhone remains the more simpler of the two - the G4 is like having a small computer in your hands. <br />
* G4 is hard to get used to because it is so much bigger. But in this case bigger is WAY better once you adapt. It almost feels like a tablet with phone capacities. <br />
* G4 uses a few "return" and "more options" type buttons on the bottom portion of the home screen, on either side of the home button and with big fingers it takes a while to adapt to hitting them correctly. This is my only decent gripe. <br />
* G4 allows for an SD card! Need I say more????<br />
* G4 allows for folders and files to be managed much like in Windows. Very cool.<br />
* G4 is much faster in everything - from uploads, downloads, connecting, etc. Big time improvement. <br />
* G4 is more complex, but it also offers more options and control. From emails, to files, to photos, you have options much like you do on a computer - file, print, edit, etc. Way more than the iPhone. <br />
* If you LOVE iTunes, you will not like the Galaxy. I personally am sick of Apple and iTunes controlling my life and making things complicated like they have with the new version of iTunes. <br />
* Android uses Google and Google will also try and take over your life (much like Cloud can) when you first set up the phone. My suggestion is when setting it up the first time to pay attention and disallow most of the Google options or you will spend hours undoing things you might not have wanted. If you are a ALL THINGS GOOGLE lover this will be perfect for you. Personally, I use Google to search and that's about it. I made my the G4 comply with that. <br />
* G4has a weaker battery - BUT, it charges very fast and, most importantly, you can have a backup battery for about $30! Huge bonus for those on it all day like me. I already bought mine in it's own charging case. No more sitting by a wall with it plugged in. <br />
* G4 camera is 10x the iPhone camera. I mean BIG TIME difference. And way more options built into the normal camera app. <br />
* One thing I love is I now can be free of iTunes and buy my music however and wherever I want - including iTunes on my PC. I simply load the files up on the phone and use an app much like iTunes to organize it all. Love this. <br />
* G4 has widgets that are pretty cool and make those phone more fun and more like a tablet. <br />
* the keyboard screen is not very good, but downloading SwiftKey solves that problem and makes it about 95% like the iPhone keyboard, but with more options such as what I call "swipe typing" which is very fast! <br />
* Android has very cool app feature - much simpler to me and lots of great options. At this point Android pretty much has 99% of all apps you would use on iPhone. Only missing one for me so far and it was no big deal. <br />
* G4 is very thin and very light. Much lighter in fact. <br />
* Clarify of screen is unreal. <br />
* No more connecting to a computer to update or backup things. All done automatically all the time. <br />
<br />
<u>Draw backs - </u><br />
- more complicated, takes a while to get used to<br />
- larger, same as above<br />
- screen is more sensitive than iPhone - you touch it something happens<br />
- the phone app/screen (making calls) is more involved than IOS and that is something I am still not quite used to. You have more options with G4/Android but some of the way it handles calls are annoying. The iPhone is a little more intuitive for sure. But then again, Android allows you to BLOCK calls instantly which is another feature I love. <br />
<br />
Overall, for business people, or those that use their phone all the time for a variety of apps and tasks, no doubt I am glad I made the leap. If you just use the phone to update Facebook and make calls, you might wanna hang tight.<br />
<br />
If Apple ever gets with it I could come back. But for now, after a week of frustratingly getting used to it, I can say I love it. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-66215956761125805542013-08-22T21:26:00.001-05:002013-08-22T21:26:39.541-05:00Summer 2013 Ends, School BeginsHave to admit. It was a fun, crazy summer. Isn't that what all kids hope for?<br />
<br />
Ours certainly fit the bill of Judy Moody. We got lots of points on this one. Ours included two trips, one to Galveston and another later to Atlanta. We missed Korea Camp (bummer of the summer for sure) but hit a Rangers game, Camp Thurman, VBS, two birthdays, a few movies (Monsters, Smurfs, Despicable Me2) Hawaiian Falls, visits to both sets of grandparents, a 5 day hospital stay, pool swimming, a mother random things like Cowboys open practice at ATT Stadium. Overall, it was incredibly busy and fun - minus the salmonella scare with Quinn of course.<br />
<br />
Somehow in the midst of all of this I managed to work and had a great summer from that perspective and in the end Julie and I escaped for a relaxing weekend in Vegas. Aria Resort is holy cow, amazing FYI. Found our place at there for sure.<br />
<br />
In some ways I am dreading the early mornings and school routine. Yet, in others I am excited because the fall is my favorite time of year. Bring on some football!<br />
<br />
Next summer is less than 10 months away!<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-3499799479619441022013-08-21T09:19:00.002-05:002013-08-21T09:19:54.238-05:00Identical Twins Are 8 - All That We Now KnowHappy birthday to the loves of my life; Chloe and Sidney.<br />
<br />
I still get choked up when I think about that scary start to their lives 8 years ago. TTTS nearly took its toll, but God had His angels over them and here we are 8 years later enjoying so much together.<br />
<br />
I wondered myself what being parents of twins, especially identical twins, would be like. We aren't experts yet by any imagination, but for those of you curious, here are some tidbits.<br />
<br />
Yes, they are very much the same. They like to eat the same things, drink the same things and do the same things - but they do wear different out fits most of the time. <br />
<br />
Yes, they finish each others sentences.<br />
<br />
Yes, they have their own words and languages.<br />
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Yes, they CRACK each other up leaving us all wondering "what the heck?" (they laugh just like the chipmunks and that is no joke. We all end up dying laughing.)<br />
<br />
Yes, they are crushed when they are away from each other and we have learned that this is our best form of punishment.<br />
<br />
Yes, they have other friends but do struggle making more.<br />
<br />
Yes, they are two different people and have many differences - Sidney has always been our little mommy and Chloe is our comedian (and magician).<br />
<br />
Yes, they get annoyed with being asked "are you twins?".<br />
<br />
Yes, they do fight, but very, very rarely.<br />
<br />
Yes, they will probably share the same room forever and nearly had a heart attack when I suggested otherwise.<br />
<br />
Yes, we sometimes call them the wrong names 8 years later in a quick glance. <br />
<br />
Twins are unique for sure, but identical twins are even more rare. It is fun to watch, but certainly we will never understand them completely. I get how identicals many times live their entire lives by each other until the day they die. Identicals in many ways are like one person split into two. They didn't just share the womb, they were literally "one" from day one. Their bond is amazing and frankly, nearly scary. Their love is neat to watch and their conversations are entertaining to spy on.<br />
<br />
I know it won't be long and my babies will be headed off to college - 8 got here way to fast and I know 18 will seem like a blink. But being parents of these little people remains an honor and joy.<br />
<br />Thank you God for giving us such a blessing.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-14587164068471468402013-08-10T22:52:00.001-05:002013-08-10T23:01:32.793-05:00Georgia, Sweet GeorgiaBeen home about 12 hours and can't sit still. <br />
<br />
That was one fun vacation! Georgia rocks - literally.<br />
<br />
No idea that a last minute trip, with little planning, could turn out so great. Indeed it was. <br />
<br />
Our family likes to try and check out a new city each year. Of course we have already explored the likes of those close by over the years: Dallas, Houston and San Antonio and Orlando area was in 2011. But, now that the kids are a little older and flying is easier we plan to step it up. Originally it was going to be a road trip to St. Louis, but medical issues changed that and Atlanta was on the list so...<br />
<br />
Here is a breakdown of our 6 day/5 night stay via Facebook:<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Day One Vaca: travel to ATL, eat @ Truetts Grill (ahh yea), drive to Stone Mountain Park and chill poolside at Evergreen Marriott Resort, then movie in the room.</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"> — <i class="_agk img sp_58uqrq sx_d668bc"></i>feeling blessed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Day Two Vaca: breakfast by the "mountain", learn mountain activities are closed all week, feel like Chevy Chase, rearrange entire week, spend day at Six Flags GA instead, wrap up with meal @ Longhorn Steakhouse.</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"> — <i class="_agk img sp_58uqrq sx_0de7ff"></i>feeling proud.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Day Three Vaca: Hit Museum of Natrl Science, Varisty drive-in, then amazing World of Coke, walk through Olympic park, got drenched going to Target, took photos at Turner Field drove all over ATL area and then dinner @ local Buckhead fav Varasanos - all in the rain.</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"> — <img alt="" class="_agk img" height="16" src="https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yb/r/T9iqWHttZ0e.png" width="16" />watching <a data-ft="{"tn":"P"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=263870783641395&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22viewer_id%22%3A630387490%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/DisneyChannel?ref=stream&viewer_id=630387490">Disney Channel</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Day Four Vaca: CNN tour (worlds tallest escalator), very emotional lunch at the first ever CFA (DwarfHouse), GeorgiaDome drive-by, then nothing compares Georgia Aquarium!, drove all over ATL area again and dinner at "DinersNDives" hit Flip Burger Boutique!</span><span class="userContentSecondary fcg"> — <i class="_agk img sp_5yg9kp sx_4ab254"></i>feeling tired.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Day Five Vaca: amazing weather for Stone Mountain Day! What an incredible place: ride to the top was cool and on top you could see for-ev-er! Had photo session there too. Rope climbing with the kids was the highlight for sure. We are worn out and ready for home. Missing the dogs...</span> <br />
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Day Six Vaca: leave freaking early as heck for 720 flight home - eat Whataburger on way to house - yummy - think about GA -- feeling satisfied<br />
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<em>Summary:</em><br />
<br />
* Original CFA (Dwarf House) - must for any CFA fan<br />
* Truett's Grill - yum<br />
* CNN Tour - way cool<br />
* Georgia Aquarium (world's largest) - no words!!!<br />
* Museum of Natural History - seen better honestly meh<br />
* Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain amusement area - no doubt must do<br />
* Flip Burger<br />
* Varsity Drive In - oh yea<br />
* Olympic Park - very cool<br />
* Turner Field<br />
* Georgia Dome<br />
* World of Coke - cool as heck! <br />
* Six Flags over GA - very clean, shaddy and tons of fun<br />
* Buckhead area <br />
* Amazing drives in trees and hills<br />
<br />
Only sad thing was we did not get into the new CFA tour! Dislike! Apparently a 3 week waiting list. Yikes. <br />
<br />
In short, no idea ATL area would be so fun and so kid friendly. Need a place to take kids for a long weekend or week long trip? Plenty to do and the area is nice, clean and friendly. Trees and hills galore too. GO! <br />
<br />
It was a pleasant surprise and right now sits just below our trip to Disney!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-77797933920785707522013-08-02T20:15:00.001-05:002013-08-02T20:15:48.815-05:00Salmonella Won't Stop Us - Headed on Family Vaca!Now that Quinn is over his hospital stay and illness, we are finally ready to head out for our family vacation next week. We had to change plans because he has an IV now so we are headed to another city on the list: Atlanta! And we will be staying at Stone Mountain and enjoying the ATL area: original CFA, Truetts, Olympic Park, Aquarium and the works. <br />
<br />
Here we come! <br />
<br />
Boy do we need it.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-39585238911571556802013-07-27T18:33:00.001-05:002013-07-27T18:33:33.385-05:00Summer Plans Make Left TurnWell, so much for that. <br />
<br />
Thanks to an unexpected bought with Salmonella, our summer just came to a crashing stand still. Quinn came down with it this last week - 5 solid days of big time food poisoning. Sick beyond words. Finally ended up in the hospital where I am typing this. <br />
<br />
No Korea Camp. No birthday party. No vacation...so far. <br />
<br />
Right now our focus is getting him well. This is likely to take a week or longer too, And, even more money going to Cooks of course. <br />
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Once we get past it, hopefully we will still have time to get our trip in to St. Louis. <br />
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Bummed. But, it could always be worse. <br />
<br />
God is good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-43154543312431755942013-07-19T22:50:00.000-05:002013-07-19T22:50:19.119-05:00Korea Camp 2013, Quinn Turns 6, and then Saint Louis VacationSummer 2013 is in mid-stride and the next 10 days are gonna be some fun for the Speers clan. <br />
<br />
First we head to Tulsa, OK, for our 2nd annual Korea Camp - a great time to celebrate Quinn's heritage with others that look just like him. The girls in this case get to be the minorities and they love it. <br />
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Quinn will also turn 6 during our time away. Yes, 6! Incredible to me. Mr. Smiley is running into a little man. <br />
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Finally, we head up to Saint Louis to wrap up the summer fun with a vacation in the heartland. Can't wait to see The Arch, the brewery, the zoo, the magic house and children's museum. Gonna be a blast. I am bummed that the world's largest McDonalds on Route 66 is closed for renovations. We planned to stop there until we heard that. <br />
<br />
We head out soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-42884869912199163612013-07-04T10:06:00.001-05:002013-07-04T10:06:21.150-05:00My Latest in my Faith-Based Series<span class="userContent">My latest in my Faith-Based-Nation series. <a href="http://faithbasednation.blogspot.com/2013/07/if-not-for-christians-we-wouldnt-be.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>faithbasednation.blogspot.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>2013/07/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>if-not-for-christians-we-wouldn</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>t-be.html</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-43926131390067540082013-06-27T08:14:00.000-05:002013-06-27T08:14:09.775-05:00Life as We Know It is About to ChangeWe no longer have a moral compass.<br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">E<span class="userContent">ssentially the SCOTUS ruled yesterday that the Federal Govt cannot pass laws that have their basis on the moral values of the day. Get ready....this will open the flood gates of issues being brought to them - polygamy, drug use, prostitution, pedophilia - it's all coming. Remember this post when your brain is about to explode in the future when you watch this happen...</span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[9443936].[2]{comment10151728322312491_32198642}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[9443936].[2]{comment10151728322312491_32198642}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[9443936].[2]{comment10151728322312491_32198642}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]">Our nation was founded on the basis that the Bible was our moral guide: no murder, no lying, no stealing, no homosexuality, no cheating on your wife, etc - you know - basics. Well, those days are certainly long gone. Without a moral compass hell will now rule. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span>Growing up in Christian home I was taught all my life what the end times would like - and I am staring it in the face. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span>Regardless of whether you believe or not, it only makes common sense to protect us from each other that we would have some moral guide else chaos ensue. Ripping that foundation from the fabric of our nation is gonna bring on the freak show of the century. They are likely already lining up at attorney doorways all over the nation even as I write this. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span>God help us all and let me suggest this:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><span>You don't have to believe in God to be wrong. Get yourself right with Him immediately. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438645.post-76870539133335222672013-06-23T15:51:00.001-05:002013-06-23T15:51:49.148-05:001st Annual 80s Bash a BlastWe love to have parties at our home. We love our friends. Most of the time worlds collide because we have people from all walks of life that we are friends with all over the Metroplex and even farther. Friends from college, parents of our kids friends, business, and various churches including our own. Such a great group of people. Julie and I chose a house plan that would accommodate parties. We dreamed it would be a place of fun and fellowship and 10 years later it certainly has been. From the summer bashes, to Cowboys parties during the fall it is our way of giving back. <br />
<br />
Friday night was another new tradition - the annual 80s karaoke costume party. Guests include MC Hammer, Madonna x2, Rob Smith of The Cure, George Michael, Professor from Back to the Future, Goonies, Mr T, a Ghostbuster, and many more. What a blast. The night was full of some horrible singing and dancing for sure, but it was a great time. <br />
<br />
It's hard to believe now many great songs there were in the 80s. We didn't even touch 5% of the hits. I can't believe we are all old enough to consider them "classics". Wow. <br />
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Next year it should be even bigger and better. I already have my character figured out...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0