“1st Anniversary Edition- I’m Just Sayin!”

“No matter what, Jett and his Nano- together forever!”

         “I’m Just Sayin"

                       by Alan P. Scaglione

Happy 1 Year Anniversary To Our Column!

Can you believe it’s been one year?  52 I’m Just Sayin’ columns?

I know I can’t… never expected it to take off like this- we are read in over 25 countries on a regular basis and weekly readership ranges from 300’s to over 500’s!

Not bad for a column that had 12 readers its first week!

To God be the glory! Great things HE has done!

And for our faithful readers—

Each week, I have brought home a kernel of Word of God for you to chew on, consider, mull over, rethink, ponder…meditating on His Word!

And we have had funny columns: anyone remember the Leprechaun and me singing Oh Danny Boy? Or what about “I thought it was SPF50?” a lot of fun.

And there were the serious ones: remember the devastation in Japan and asking “how can we help?”; Or saying a fond farewell to my beloved Aunt Ciria!

But… through each of my columns, I have shared my life with each of you; my opinions first and foremost, and my reflections of the scriptures on my life.

All in all…you have gotten to know me, my wife, my friends, my family, my kids, my grandkids, my weekly travel jaunts, and…my buddy Jett!

Thought I would remind you how we started this journey…with me and my baby boy Jett, one year ago!

 “ I took my 19 month old grandson Jett to the beach this weekend! Yes, we live in Florida, and it was 78 degrees and a beautiful spring day at the beach! Jett had never been to the beach. He loved the sand and the texture of it in his hands. He started running toward the beach, and then he saw it! The Water! He took off for it, and I started running after him, wanting to be there to protect him, just in case.

So there’s Jett, at the shore, seeing the tide roll out, running toward it…when all of a sudden, it starts running back at him! His eyes get big as silver dollars...he wasn’t expecting that! He sees the water coming toward him, but he’s paralyzed...not able to move fast enough to get away from the tide now chasing him! Just as the water is about to cover his shoes, Nano(that would be me!) scoops him up, away from the tide and  lifts him to safety and Jett shouts out “Whee!”

   Made me wonder? How many times do we go chasing after something, never in our wildest minds thinking, it may just turn and chase us back! And when it does, we are immobilized with fear or panic of what to do or how to remove ourselves from the impending harm or pain?

And then…in one gently felt swoop, we feel the arms of God lift us to safety…and we breathe that sigh and go “Whee!”

Next time you’re in trouble..just dial 911..Psalm 91:1 says, ”He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty!”

How Funny—Jett has changed so much in a year! Now he is talking, saying “Jett cool! Nano cool too!” and he is a daredevil, jumping and playing on everything!
But…I look at that scripture, and I remember writing “just dial 911—Psalm 91:1” –
I just never imagined the year God would give me, and all of it, I would share with each of you!

It’s been a year when HE healed my heart physically!
It’s been a year when HE reconnected some good friends back in my life!
It’s been a year when HE helped me preach my 2^nd Mother’s funeral!
It’s been a year when HE taught me that I cannot control my children’s life decisions!

But mostly… it’s been a year when He reminded me…”For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and be blessed!” Jeremiah 29:11
Guess He’s not finished with me yet!
And upon reflection, taking a “Selah Moment”…I can say, “It is well, it is well…with my soul!”


Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Are we ever too old to giggle with an old friend?”

                                    Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       

 By Alan P. Scaglone

“I wonder whatever happened to …”

“Whatever became of…”

“Sure would love to know where so and so ended up?”

“Mann…we had some good times! That guy could make me laugh—wonder where life took him?”

“If I could just run into somebody who knows something about so and so…I would love to know how they turned out!”

Any of that sound familiar?

You ever say that about one of your old friends from years gone by?

Ever Wonder?  If they are saying it… About YOU?”

Reconnecting with old friends—someone who made you laugh, shared your tears, did crazy things with or…inspired and encouraged you…

Ever wonder? Where are they now?

POINTS2PONDER When’s the last time…you went searching for someone who mattered back then…just to find out…would they matter now?

In 2011, I “reconnected” with four people from my past.

Each of them has added so much value to my life; back then, of course, but now, even more!

At the beginning of 2011, none of them were in my life.

At the beginning of 2012, each of them has brought such joy and true friendship to me…

My life is enriched by having each of them BACK in my life!

Two of them—searched for me!

Two of them- I searched for them!

All of them will NEVER be lost from my life again—won’t ever let that happen—my life is better for having them in it!

And all we had to do is… search for each other!

Of the two who searched for me:

-          One sent me an email because God reminded him that there was unfinished business between us.

So glad I got that email…even happier that…I responded to it! Rabboni is a mentor and “father” to me!

-          Another asked her children to find me. She wanted me to come to her 72^nd birthday party! They surprised “her” with “me!”

I was her gift that day! “Mama Mamie” has been a mother to me and a true gift!

Of the two whom I searched for:

-          One “saved my life” 35 years ago, and I wanted to say thank you!

Today, we are forever friends and it’s like time stood still and San and I were not apart for 25 years!

-          The other was a part of my Young Gospel Singer Choir years- such a great memory for me! 35 years ago!

And when Terri and I reconnected, I introduced her to my wife, and Bella said she loved to see me giggle while T and I reminisced!

And I sit here and wonder?

What would have happened if each of us…

Just shrugged our shoulders and went “Guess I’ll never know what happened to them—oh well!”

It takes a little effort, but I can attest… it’s worth whatever effort it takes!!

You can’t remake certain memories in your life…you can only share them with the ones who made them with you!

So???

Who do you wonder the most about?

What “friend” meant so much to you that…you are willing to “search” for them?

What are they worth to ya?

Who knows?

You might just be somebody’s surprise Birthday Present!

Now, just how cool is that?

Tasty Tuesdays - Hungry Girl Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon-Bundled BBQ Shrimp PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe, 4 pieces): 154 calories, 5.5g fat, 612mg sodium, 6.5g carbs, <0.5g fiber, 5g sugars, 16.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 4* Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes

 

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canned tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar (not packed)
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 8 slices turkey bacon or center-cut bacon, halved widthwise
• 16 large (not jumbo) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

To make the BBQ sauce, combine tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Take a half-slice of bacon and coat it in the BBQ sauce. Wrap the sauce-covered bacon around a shrimp and place it on the baking sheet with the end of the bacon down.

Repeat with the rest of the bacon and shrimp.

Bake in the oven until the shrimp are cooked through, 10 - 15 minutes. So good!

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

This recipe is from Hungry Girl and I just love her stuff - she really proves you can eat well while watching your calorie/fat intake. These are great! Look up Hungry Girl on the web and also on HGTV for other great recipes.

I'm Just Sayin By Alan P. Scaglione

                                           "From Alan The Average to Alan The Author"
“I’m Just Sayin’”


by Alan P. Scaglione

Character.

What is it?

What builds it?

What passes the test?

What develops it?

Why does it matter IF you have it?



Character is not something you talk about….

It’s something that just shows up…when needed most.



It’s all talk…until it’s tested!

I have always said, “You can destroy my reputation, but only I can tarnish my character!”



And sometimes, it takes years and experiences to build it into something you can be proud of.

And it only takes one test….to prove you have it…or that you don’t!



It can sometimes mandate a name change.

Jacob to Israel;

Abram to Abraham!

God told Abram that he would be the father to many nations, and they would rise up and call him blessed.(Genesis 12:2)

But He also worked with Abram, growing him through situations and challenges, opportunities and events…

All-To build his character; to transform his personality; to morph him from who he was to whom he was meant to be!

And…that all takes time.

When God decides that…you have passed the test, proven the changes, displayed the “you” that you were meant to be…

He changes your name!

He changed Abram’s to Abraham; he changed Jacob’s to Israel!

And He will change yours too.



He may not have you go from Alan to Allistair, but…He may have you go from “Alan the Impetuous” to “Alan the Wise!”

All because He saw in you the end of a thing—and He knew, character would grow in you—IF you allowed Him to train you!

Take a moment to review your life.

Who you were; who you are!

What you did; What you now do!

How you were perceived; How you’re perceived now.

Has it changed? Can you look back and see how God trained you, tested you and taught you to be…the “you” He envisioned for you!

I often say…

“Lord, let me see “me” through Your eyes because…You think I can get through this—I have doubts, but I trust what You see in me!”

Character isn’t something you “say” you have…it’s something you “show” you have…Character shows up when needed!



Character rises in the face of oppression.

Character shows up when fear tries to take control.

Character takes over when circumstances leave you with a 50/50 chance of defeat.



It’s the stuff our “real life,every day” heroes are made of!

Character— a rare quality in this day and age!

Most people are “go with the flow, follow the crowd, don’t make any waves” kind of people.



But “go with the flow” are never described as heroes!

And “follow the crowd” never save the day!

“Don’t make any waves!” never stood up for anyone!



So…God took 25 years to mold, shape, test and prove that Abram was ready to become Abraham!

His name change was the final step that showed…

Abram no longer existed; Abraham was now leading the pack!



What about you? GOT CHARACTER?

When’s the last time your character was tested?

The last time you stood up against bullies in the work place or school yard?

The last time you said “enough” and refused to sit quiet while an injustice was happening?

The last time you felt the spirit of “DO SOMETHING” well up inside you and cause you to be counted?



Character is never wasted on the weak, the fearful, the followers—they don’t have it!

It takes a true leader to show character!

Character is what made them a good leader!



Sometimes, character is what you see in others and want in yourself!



Ask yourself-- Am I an Abram or…An Abraham?

Someone with character or…someone whose character is developing and building and growing?



It takes a test to prove character!

Until then…it’s just talk…and talk is cheap!

Show me what you’re made of!

Someday God may just say…I want to change your name!



Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“When’s the last time you’ve been to a good old Gospel Sing?”

                                      

 Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       By Alan P. Scaglone

“I’m too old to be young, and too young to be old.”

One of my all time favorite lines from a movie.

Never thought I would “live” that line!

I just turned 52—and I told my wife, “why do we say we’re middle aged? Do we really have a rat’s chance of turning 90?”

Sometimes, you just need to put it all in perspective… and this weekend we got a bird’s eye view of our life…should we be so lucky to make it through the last third of our lives!

Yep—we went to a Gospel Sing at….drum roll please… a VFW Hall!

And before you ask? I had no idea the Sing was in a VFW Hall—I would have worn my uniform…or at least, borrowed one!!

POINTS2PONDER Why do we assume that the band will play on? Why is it so hard to accept…that some of us are entering the “last act” of this play called life?

We wanted to go see an old friend of mine whose wife and teenage daughters were singing in, of all places, CHRISTMAS, Florida!

As the ol’ guy who opened and closed the evening said…”it may be Christmas only one day a year everywhere else, but it’s Christmas year round around here!”

Everyone laughed!

Funny to see my buddy Dave change the type of songs on the fly with a comment like “how many of you like hymns? Some of you were around when they were introduced the first time!”

Everyone laughed—until they got that he was calling them old!

It was hilarious to see his teenage daughters react to the old people talking while they were singing—the oldtimers got up to go get coffee then stopped and started a conversation—all while the group sang!

But the funniest part came when…

The emcee (Mr. Christmas comment) asked “how many couples have been married 50 years or more?”

Remember that…there were only 24 people there, and that included my friends who were singing, their teenage daughters and…my “middle aged” wife and myself!

So…he asks the question, and NINE couples raise their hands…yes!! I said NINE!

He chuckles and says, “okay, how about 51? 52? 53?”

He had to get to 59 years married to get to the last couple!!

The funniest thing is…at 59 years, the man put his hand down, and his wife kept her hand up and yelled at him “We had an ANNIVERSARY last week!! Don’t you remember???”

The man just shook his head and said, “I can’t remember how many years it’s been—feels like forever!”

I just cracked up laughing—my wife HIT ME! But, I still laughed!

Needless to say, when the evening was over, and we were walking to our car, arm in arm…

I whispered to my wife “I suddenly don’t feel so old!”

Sometimes…it just takes a little perspective!!

Tasty Tuesdays - Cold Pasta Salad

This is a favorite summertime recipe for me and I just felt like a little summer sunshine was needed in this cold weather we have had in the past few days. This is a very versatile recipe in that you can use different pasta shpe and any combo of veggies that suit your family. Enjoy

Ingredients:
1 pound box pasta - I like the Tri-color bow pasta but you can use anything you prefer
1 Bag frozen Birds Eye Baby Blend Veggies (I love the one with Carrots/Soy beans/Broccoli/Water Chestnut)
1 Bottle Fat free or low fat House Italian Dressing - can also use regular Italian dressing if you prefer.
1 Package dry mix Italian Dressing mix (do not mix)

Directions:
Cook pasta per the directions on the box and at the end of the cook time add in the Birds Eye Baby Blend Veggies and cook 4 minutes. Drain pasta and veggies well and run cold water over mixture to cool. Place in large bowl with tight fitting lid and pour dry Italian dressing powder into bottle of House Italian dressing and shake well. Pour entire bottle over pasta veggie mixture and mix well. Chill several hours or overnight for flavors to merry. You can add chopped chicken/salami/pepperoni/cubed mozzarella cheese to serve as a a complete meal or serve without the addition of meat or cheese as a side dish or great luch. This will last several days in the fridge and just gets better every day:)

Enjoy

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

“A treasured gift-My Indianapolis Colts Handmade Afghan!”

                                          “I’m Just Sayin’”

                                                                 by Alan P. Scaglione

So…I am about to be controversial again! I wanted to prepare you—not like my views on Halloween or being pro-life or my
political association as a republican; not even the fact that I love the Colts and believe in a pre-tribulation rapture.

Nah….this is even more controversial than all of those.
This is… “Thank You” cards!

Yep—that’s right— I am the 1%! The 1% who believes in sending them AND expects to receive them.
We live in a day and age when people just don’t send “thank you” anymore.
And let me be clear—a text message is NOT a thank you card!!

Our kids live in a world where life has to be summed up in 250 characters or less, and... they think they are communicating!!
I have three children—one of which is my “master texter”!!
She will text back and forth for 30 minutes and yet—not pick up your phone call when you call her!
She will tell you that she doesn’t like to talk on the phone; I tell her that my thumbs are getting arthritis from texting her so much!

Then there’s that son of mine. I will text him, and…he doesn’t respond.
 On the rare occasions that he does, I know that there must be some “text rationing” going on—only so many given to one person in one day!
I know this because…I can’t get more than two responses from him at any one time. No matter what the question, once the rationing has been
fulfilled, my question just hangs out in the stratosphere—never ever addressed, acknowledged or accepted. It goes to “text purgatory!”
But…I raised them to be verbally appreciative, recognizing the graciousness of a gift by responding with a ”Thank You” card!

Guess what you’re taught is NOT always what you apply to your life?

I hear from people everywhere that…thank you cards are just not sent anymore—not enough time in the day to sit down and write in a card.
Makes me wonder if—they put down their PS2, Kindle or smartphone—would they have time to address a simple “thanks for the gift” card?
It’s just the “air of entitlement”; acknowledging the giving of a gift seems to be too complicated or too time consuming or…too much of a bother?

Hmmm? I have yet to see any of them decline a gift, turn it back to the giver or ask not to receive it—that doesn’t seem to take too much time!!
Just an acknowledgment of the gift; an appreciation to the gift giver—is that too much to ask for?

And you know…I think acknowledging the gesture of gift giving is biblical.
I have been reminded all week of the Ten Lepers. In Luke 17:11-19 Jesus healed them all, and they all went on their way.
But one returned and said, “I just want to thank you, Lord!”
Jesus asked, “Weren’t there ten that I healed? Where are the other nine?”

Sounds to me like He expected they would all return to say thank you!

Just because no one expects it anymore does not mean that we shouldn’t do it—or that we aren’t required to do it!

I received some really nice, thoughtful, personal birthday gifts last weekend.
By Tuesday, my Thank You cards were in the mail.
Some received their cards today. I got a call that said, “that is so thoughtful—no one takes the time to say thank you anymore!”
I also got a text “thank you for my card—you made my day today!”

Cards cost a dollar at Wal-Mart and stamps are 48 cents—aren’t “they” worth “that” to you?

So…I have to believe that…even though we “say” it’s okay, we don’t expect our kids, our “grandkids”, our family, our friends--to send a card…
We are all pleasantly surprised when we get the acknowledgment that our thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated.

And if Jesus can expect someone to return and say thank you…
I think we can too!   

Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Just live in the moment—and take it all in!”

                                           Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       By Alan P. Scaglone

When’s the last time you did something … for the first time?

I can now tell you…this past weekend…I was slimed!!!! And I liked it!!

And that’s a first for me!

This past weekend was the weekend of 5 birthday parties—normally, that would be exhausting, trying to navigate through the obligations/commitments of going to 5 different birthday parties from

Friday night thru Sunday afternoon…the wear, the tear, the stress, the mess, the cost, the loss…all of it….just too much!!

Unless….they are all for you!!! Woohoo!

YEP—all 5 celebrating the one I love…ME!

It was FANTASTIC!!

Here we go:

 1 - Friday night at StumpKnockers with forever friends Sandy and Derrick, having my all time favorite catfish!

2 - Saturday morning, having our first cup of coffee, watching a silver fox eating a pork chop before 6am!

3 - Saturday Noon at my godson Shane’s house with his brother Chris and their families.

4 - Saturday Night at my brother Paulnd sister-in-law Kay’s house having a Cousins Combined Bday Celebration Dinner!

5 - Sunday Noon at Tarpon Springs with friends Margie and Michael.

It was all such a blast—and I didn’t plan a thing…I just let it all happen—and I loved it!

POINTS2PONDER Why do the most fun times just seem to happen? as long as we just go along with it and take it all in... and just enjoy the moment—don’t worry about the mess!!!

It just may clean up a whole lot easier than you expected…so just jump in head first!

Back to that “When’s the last time you did something for the first time?” comment.

At my godson Shane’s house, we were having a great time, celebrating his daughter Amber’s birthday along with mine.

We had cupcakes and deli sandwiches—can you tell? I did not start Weight Watchers until Monday!

Toward the end of the party, Sandy asks me to go outside with her. I follow, thinking she needs to discuss something.

When you have kids, there’s always something to talk about!

So, we go outside, and she says, “Look, I’m not supposed to tell you this, but the boys have something planned for your birthday present—so act surprised!”

Needless to say, what happened next took no “acting” on my part!

The doors swung open, and all of a sudden, 10 people were running toward me—with 10 Silly String cans going off all over me!

I was slimed—silly string from head to toe—all of them, Shane and Chris leading the way—had ambushed me with Silly String!

And… I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

I have to admit—I just stood there, allowing myself to take it all in!

The boys were laughing, their wives and kids had joined in and were giggling while they slimed!

And then…. I look over, and who has a can in her hand and is just gunning for me?   MY Sweet Bella!!

My wife had joined the ranks of the ambushers—and she was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down her face!

And I thought to myself, “Don’t worry about your clothes—you can just throw ‘em away—don’t stress about any of it—just take it all in—and enjoy!”

And… I did!

It was GREAT!! Not one single regret—even IF it cost me my clothes—I didn’t care—I was just living in the moment!

After the laughing and giggling subsided—and I stood there, unable to move from the silly string, the boys surprised me again!

Chris, said, “okay, let’s help him clean this up!”

And they all started pulling every bit of it off of me—not one stain, not one mark, as if it had never happened!

So much for worrying about throwing away the clothes!

Sometimes…we just think too much—and forget—to live in the moment…

And… Just be silly!

Tasty Tuesdays - Choco-Banana Supreme

This is an old Weight Watchers recipe that is super easy to make a really great for those times when you want something special. This chocolate shake is thick enough to eat with a spoon!

Ingredients:
1 Cup chilled diet chocolate soda - divided
1/2 Medium Banana, peeled
1 packet reduced calorie chocolate dairy drink mix (I have used Alba in the past)
1 Tablespoon smooth peanut butter

Directions:
Into each of 4 sections of an ice cube tray add 2 tablespoons of chocolate soda; freeze until cubes are solid. Wrap banana in plastic wrap and freeze until solid.

In blender container combine remaining 1/2 cup of soda, frozen banana, dairy drink mix, and peanut butter and process at high speed until smooth. With the motor running add in 1 frozen cube of the chocolate soda at a time processing after each addition until ice is dissolved (mixture will be very thick). Serve immediately.

Makes 1 serving

I do not have the new count for use with points however I have included the old counts below for a reference:
Each serving provides: 1 Protein exchange, 1 Fat exchange, 1 fruit exchange, 1 milk exchange, and 2 optional calories. If you do not want the peanut butter please delete 1 protein and 1 fat exchange.

 Enjoy and best of luck to everyone trying to lose a bit or just watching their weight more closely in 2012! I am rooting for every one of you.

Hugs,
Suzann

"I'm Just Sayin" by Alan P. Scaglione

“Just honoring the Gift Giver by using the gift He gave!”

“I’m Just Sayin’”

by Alan P. Scaglione

So…did I mention that I wrote a novel in 2011?

I don’t think I did, but…I did!

And…first reviews for “One Unexpected Event” have been overwhelmingly positive.

Words like “riveting”, “intriguing”, “mysterious”…along with “a must read”, “couldn’t put it down”, and “where’s the sequel?”

Are all unsolicited comments from some of the first returns.

My favorite was “this is NOT a first novel—this is a great novel—looking forward to your next!”

Needless to say, as a first time novelist, I was pleasantly pleased, and I must admit, completely surprised.

For those of you out there who write, you know…you open yourself up, expose your heart and soul, leaving you vulnerable.

“What if they don’t think I can write?”, “what if they don’t like it?”, “what if they don’t think it’s any good?”

We often doubt our talents, our gifts…we question if we really have “what it takes?”
And when we do….We are disrespecting the gift giver who gives the gift!

The Word says, “Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights…”(James 1:17)

It is God who gave you that gift—He is the one who deserves all the glory for what HE can do through YOU!

And yet—how many of us will SIT on that gift, doubting that we are any good, and…alas, never do anything with it, for fear…

Of rejection, of humiliation, of ridicule—all saying to God “I’m just not sure if the gift you gave me is good enough?”

Wow! That must hurt…God!

Ever give someone a gift, something you took time and invested effort in picking out for them, sure that you had chosen perfectly.

But…when you present it, when they open it, their words say “thank you”, but their actions show disappointment.

You didn’t give them what they wanted and the gift you gave was not appreciated!

Like when you gave them a treasured picture frame with a priceless picture to display—and you visit and see … it’s no where to be found!

Or you gave them a book that you thought they would really enjoy reading—just to see later that it has never been read and was placed on a shelf!

Believe it or not—that’s how God feels when He sees what we do OR don’t do… with the gifts He gave us!


The Word says “If we, being evil, give good gifts to our children, how much more does our Father in Heaven give to those He loves!”(Matt.7:11)

He chose unique gifts for each of us—not all verbal, not all front and center, not all leadership.

Some are written communication, ministry of helps to those in leadership, a “Martha ministry”.



No matter what the gift—it’s a gift from God!

And….He’s looking around wondering—“Why aren’t they using the gift, displaying the gift, blessing others with the gift- I gave THEM?”



So…why aren’t you… Using your gifts?



I know how it upsets me when I see my kids have not appreciated the money, time and effort I put into selecting and presenting a gift.

Have to wonder IF God feels the same way?

What IF He did? What would you say?

Would you really want to disappoint Him like that?

I know I wouldn’t—He just doesn’t deserve that kind of rejection, now does He?



I have known for years—my gift is communication. The old timers call it “the gift of gab!”

One of my students in Hamburg, Germany walked up to me after a two week class and said something I will take to my grave or the rapture:

“You draw pictures with your words!”

I have loved that statement – what an honor.



And I decided that…if this is the “gift” God gave me, I will honor HIM with it.

So…whether it’s writing a column twice a week or… my first novel..

I honor the gift giver by using the gift He gave!



How do you honor the gift giver?

It’s a new year—good time to decide to use the gift He gave you…for His Glory!



Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Celebrate the milestones of your life—with Family and Friends!”

                                           Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       By Alan P. Scaglone

Birthdays! We all have them—if we’re lucky! But so many people have different views on how to celebrate them!

Some say “don’t remind me—I can’t believe I am __ years old—how’d that happen?”

Others say “it’s just another day… no big deal…I don’t even remember it most years!”

Then there’s the “I quit having birthdays…they just depress me!”

I talk to people all day long. My colleagues know-- when I find out that it’s a client’s birthday…

I SING to them! Yes, I really do! “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…happy birthday, dear “such and such”, happy birthday to you!”

Without fail, they start laughing and giggle and sound like a kid once again. All because…I sang them a song!

What’s that say? Maybe they really SHOULD be celebrating their special day—with a parade and a band!

YEP—I’m THAT guy!

I celebrate ALL MONTH LONG!!!

I really do!

And January—you guessed it—it’s my “Happy Birthday Month!”

I have a parade forming and the band playing my favorite song – Happy Birthday to ME!!!

POINTS2PONDER Why do we think we’ve outgrown the best parts of life? What makes us too old to still have fun every day? Why don’t we allow ourselves to laugh more?

Why can’t we just Celebrate the life we’ve been given AND strike up the band and be the Drum Major of your very own Parade?

I sent an announcement on my FaceBook Page to my 105 closest friends and family—yes, I actually know each of those 105 people AND I want them to share my joys and successes in my life!

So…I let them know—It’s Alan’s Birthday Party Month—and they should be buying a card so they can send it in time to get to me by my birthday—this Friday, the 6^th!

Everyone just Laughed Out Loud!

They were actually startled that I would proclaim a celebration in honor of ME!

But, I said WHY NOT?

I wake up each day with a heart of gratitude. I have often said, “I can’t wake myself up…there are people who don’t wake up each day, so..someone must decide to wake me up!

And I am thankful that the Good Lord saw fit to wake me up one more day!”

So… I celebrate the gift I’ve been given—each and every day!

And the birthdays?  I must say it 100 times a week, “Every day is a gift, and every year is a milestone—Celebrate the milestones in your life!”

I am a BIG proponent of Birthday Celebrations!

And my kids have been raised to have birthday months—their college friends and now their spouses had to get used to it—“We Scags Celebrate Birthdays BIG!”

And why not? Most people get so embarrassed when you sing to them at a restaurant or throw a surprise party—BUT THEY GRIN EAR TO EAR!!

They may never admit it—but NO ONE ever forgets the surprise birthday parties of their life—OR the fact that they NEVER had one!

When people tell me they’ve quit having birthdays, I always respond “when you consider the alternative, I’ll take as many as He gives! I have my reservation made, but I’m not in a hurry to get there!”

They just laugh—there you go again—they are laughing!

Anybody ever tell you that laughing leads to living a happy life!

No one laughing ever committed suicide!

So…let’s see…I have an overnight party on Friday; a lunch party and dinner party on Saturday; a lunch party on Sunday; the next Saturday, another dinner party; the next Saturday, you got it—ANOTHER Party!;

And the last weekend of this month? YEP—one more lunch with a friend to CELEBRATE my BIRTHDAY!!!

And I can promise you…there will be laughter at each celebration!

So… Care to Celebrate Me?