Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“City Boy Driving a Pontoon—Whoda thunk it?”

                                     Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       By Alan P. Scaglone

So, I saw this advertising in this magazine, and it stopped me in my tracks.

It said, “When’s the last time you did something for the first time?”

I went, “Wow! When IS the last time I did something new?”

It haunted me. I took a picture of the advertisement and even used it as a Facebook challenge.

Still…It wouldn’t let up on me.

I even used it as an icebreaker at a team meeting at work.

One fifty something woman responded, “I am at an age where I’ve done everything I want to do and… there’s nothing new I want to do!”

I responded in that meeting, “Really? You are fifty something and you have seen it all and done it all and nothing new you want to do?”

My next comment was in my inside voice, or so I thought.

“That’s just sad! I want to keep trying something new until I die and then…even that will be something new”

Everybody laughed. No one was sure…were they laughing With me or….laughing AT her?

POINTS2PONDER When’s the last time you tried something for the first time? Why do we just quit experiencing new things? Why do we get in a rut and settle for same ol’ same ol’? When does our sense of adventure and lust for learning give in to settling for yesterday with no hope for a new tomorrow? Why do we stop doing new things? Where’s the ”new” in you?

So 2012 rolled around. I kept thinking about this comment. When’s the last time I did something for the first time?

And I decided! 2012 will be my year for trying something new—and I will keep track of all the new I try!

And I have!

For example:

-          I decided to have a “birthday month”, including ten birthday celebrations, ranging from a homemade cooked dinner by a friend to a cousins birthday party to being slimed!

-          I tried something I always thought I would hate—“Flan” – kind of like custard… and I liked it!

-          I was ambushed by my godsons and stood motionless while 14 people silly stringed me! Yep! They ran out of the house, chasing me with silly string! Priceless!

-          I made my first video for my book “One Unexpected Event”, set in McCall Park in Plant City, Fl. I had a camera person, a production assistant and real audience. Cool!

-          I applied for and was selected on kickstarter.com for my book to garner donations to get it published by Xulon Press—and I am in negotiations with the publisher!

-          I went on a pontoon boat for 4 hours—I’m a city boy—never been on a pontoon! I ended up driving the boat for about 45 minutes! So much fun!

-          I tried cut up bananas and…sugar free syrup! Would have never ever thought to put those two together, but..WOW! great breakfast item! Thanks Captain D!

-          I asked for money—THAT is the hardest thing for me- I am a giver, not someone who asks for help! But sometimes, you have to let people bless you so they can enjoy giving!

And it’s only the first week of February!

I decided—I never want to be old enough that I don’t want to learn something new, try something different or experience something for the first time!

I don’t how how old “old” is…but I never want to be that “old!”

So… I issue a challenge to you—Who is up for a good old fashion “I DARE YA!”

Well I DARE YA— Start your “own List of Firsts!” for 2012!

Come on! You can either waste another year not doing anything new or different, or….. You can LIVE A LITTLE!!

Or……Maybe you are TOO OLD!!

But I say…. Prove ‘em wrong! Show ‘em how it’s done! Whatcha got to lose?

Let’s LIVE until we DIE!

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

“Sometimes, you just gotta work it out yourself!”

                                          “I’m Just Sayin’”

                                                                 by Alan P. Scaglione

I have this dear friend who is having to make some tough decisions about their life. Decisions that only they can make.
They have battled over the outcome, the consequence, the possible repercussions…
But, in the end, it is their decision to make.
And seriously, it really is no one else’s business.
Not even yours!

We often cast ourselves as judge and jury over other people’s lives.
Oh we say the right thing:
“I am worried that you are making a bad decision!”, “Have you thought about how this will affect your family?”
Comments like that, while best served in cases of abandoning the Christian values and going hog wild into sin,
just don’t apply when you are asking the question “Is this situation benefitting my future and… what decision is best for me?”

You see—sometimes, it is an answer that only you and God can come to terms with.
And when you both have, then it really doesn’t matter what others think.

I always tell my kids, “If I am not financially rescuing you from the ditch you are in, then I don’t have a say in how you are rescued!”
But….I tell them, “If you want me to assist financially, then…I have a say in the situation!”

We are not talking sin-centered activities. We are talking making some hard decisions, even when they are not popular.

Just brings to mind the scripture that I have always clung to:
“…Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling” (Philippeans 2:12)

So many people try to use this as “Don’t point out my sin, I will do as I well please, and you just need to keep your opinion to yourself!”

But that’s not what this scripture is saying!

First of all, it says – WORK!
Work takes effort in application and attention to detail. Work takes concentration to achieve the best result. Work takes WORK!
Secondly, it says – Work OUT!
That implies come to a plan in place, a course be set, a goal identified.
Lastly, it says – Work out YOUR !
You can’t phone this in; you can’t ask someone to fix this for you or run the course instead of you—YOU have to do the work for yourself!

See?
It IS your salvation, your relationship with Christ, but…it is ALSO your responsibility to DO THE WORK!

I know, I know—you’re thinking “how does he get all of that out of the first three words of that scripture?”

It’s because…I also know the scripture that requires me to “Study to show myself approved, a WORKer who is not ashamed!”

So back to the busy bodies, umm, I mean, the “means well, heart’s in the right place, even if their foot winds up in their mouth” friends.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do as a true friend is…say nothing negative!
Come on…
Do you really think it is an easy decision for them?
Do you really think they just woke up and said, “I’m going to make a hard decision that people will scratch their heads about!”
Seriously?
You know you wouldn’t just arbitrarily make a hard decision, so… give them the same respect that you would ask for.

And just encourage them!
Let them know…you know it’s a hard decision, but you also know-- IT IS THEIRS TO MAKE!!
And then…you, as their true friend -- just support them through it!

See?
 It’s our job to WORK OUT OUR OWN… decisions and salvation.
But…We have to DO THE WORK!

And in the end, we will stand alone, in front of our Maker and..
He will ask “What did you do with what I gave you!”

I want to say…”Lord, I did my best—to please you!”
And hear HIM say…”Well done!”

Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Give Notice—You may just save a life!”

                                     Points2Ponder

                                                                          By Alan P. Scaglone

Went to a funeral for a friend.

Her name was Beth Davey, and she was a colleague of mine.

I only knew her through work, but I did speak to her on occasion.

She died suddenly—in the middle of the night—recovering from cosmetic surgery.

She was 39!

Yep, I said—39!

I had just seen her at work the day before. She was having one day surgery. She was released to go home. Friends were staying the night, around the clock.

Beth had no family—her friends were her family.

Somewhere around the 3 am hour, her friend drifted off to sleep—3 hours later, the friend wakes up to find…Beth Dead!

You just never know—so much for those who think they will always have time…to make things right!

Beth told her few friends several times that no one ever noticed her and wouldn’t even know if she were not there.

She said she felt invisible—like no one cared, except for her close circle of friends, and…her beloved dog “Charlie!”

Boy, was she ever wrong—yet she didn’t know people cared. They assumed she did. She didn’t think anyone “noticed” her.

POINTS2PONDER Why do we assume someone knows they are liked and appreciated and are needed. Why can’t we “notice” people more? It could save a life!

We gathered on a Saturday morning, 10am, when working people normally have chores, housework, soccer games, boating, family time—all crammed into a Saturday.

But, there we were…about 60 of her “closest” colleagues—to pay tribute, to give honor, to show Beth - we noticed she was not there anymore!

They gave the opportunity to say a few words.

I am THAT guy— I will speak up about the person. It’s the last time you will gather – if they mattered enough to get you there, why can’t you just say something???

Well, I do.

I said that Beth didn’t have any family and thought no one noticed her, but…I look around and see a lot of sisters and brothers who gathered because they noticed—Beth was gone!

I mentioned that she would have been surprised that we all cared so much—enough to miss the soccer game, the family time or the time at the beach.

She would never think that we cared enough to sacrifice a Saturday morning—for her!

And I wondered why? Why she wouldn’t know this? Why she would be surprised that we are here?

Then I asked “What does it take for us to notice each other just a little more? A new haircut, a new blouse, a new car, a new hair color? Just to say, “Hey I noticed that about you today!””

And then I asked, “In Beth’s memory, Let’s take the time to look at each other-- in the eyes, ask how we are doing, and…actually listen for the response BEFORE you go…that’s good!”

I reminded them of that movie called “What Women Want” with Mel Gibson—before he went crazy!

There was a secretary who was going to commit suicide because no one ever noticed her—he heard her thoughts, noticed her new dress, saved her life!

I wondered how many of us could save a life just by noticing someone we worked with.

I walked into the office today, and I had several people tell me how much they appreciated what I said and we need to notice one another more.

A colleague came in with a new hair-do! After the fifth person commented on her new “do” – she said, “What’s the deal? No one ever notices that much!”

Another girl spoke up and said, “Ask Alan—he’s asked us to “Give Notice—Let someone know—I noticed the change in you!”

Guess they really were listening!

So…I challenge you—Give Notice—you just may save a life!

In memory of Beth Davey- I noticed you!

“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”