Chocolate Covered Bacon?

I had to share this with you!

We had a chance to spend some time with my Dad this weekend. Hadn't seen him in a long time!! We had a great time! On Sunday, we went to the LA County Fair. The last fair I went to was in Moreno Valley about 20 years ago where we witnessed a drive by shooting!! MoVal...good times!

So anyhow...Yesterday's experience was much better!! So amidst all of the BBQ and funnel cake goodness, we came across some chocolate covered bacon. Chocolate covered bacon? Yes, chocolate covered bacon. It wasn't too bad actually. They also has chocolate covered cotton candy and chocolate covered pickles!

Go ahead, visit the fair, enjoy some chocolate covered weirdness!!

Shameless solicitation for Logan's School...Ha!

Here are the website and instructions if you would like to support Logan's school.


gafundraising.com


1. Click on ONLINE STORE (upper left hand corner)

2. Click on the button that says "If you are not sure of the Online ID or if you are just browsing..."

3. Enter School info:
Inland Leaders Charter School
Yucaipa
California
92399

4. Select School Group:
Elementary School Wide

5. Enter Student Info:
Logan
McCorkle

START SHOPPING!!!


Thank you for supporting Logan's school!!!

12 Years!!

Seems like just yesterday that Christina and I married. Last night I was reminiscing about the night before our wedding...how I was goofing off and having a great time with family, and my new family.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. However, at least 1 thing has always remained. My love for my wife. Our love has changed, grown, been tested, and yet somehow thrives today. I am extremely happy about the decision I made 12 years ago. I would make it over and over again.

I love you Bernice. Happy Anniversary! I had a great time with you this weekend!

Oh..and thanks for the gift that came with my card this morning!

"God, don't let me be someone's aftershock"

Good Morning!

A lot has transpired since I last posted, but nevertheless, I'm gonna get down to it.

This morning's headlines alerted us of 2 strong earthquakes on the other side of the globe. Thankfully injuries and deaths are minimal. This news reminds me:

I have lived in southern California most of my life, yet somehow, earthquakes still surprise us. Earthquakes have been know to cause major structural damage to our buildings and infrastructure. While the initial jolt weakens the structure, its the aftershock that can bring those already weak structures down. So what is an aftershock?

Aftershock:

An aftershock is an earthquake that occurs after a previous earthquake (the main shock). An aftershock is in the same region of the main shock but is always of smaller magnitude strength.

Impact of aftershocks:

Aftershocks are dangerous because they are usually unpredictable, can be of a large magnitude, and can collapse buildings that are damaged from the mainshock. Bigger earthquakes have more and larger aftershocks and the sequences can last for years or even longer especially when a large event occurs in a seismically quiet area.


If this is true for buildings and structures how much more important is it for me to relate this to my own life. My structure. The Word of God says, that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. A temple. A structure.

Much like you, in my life I've sustained some earthquakes. Often times we bring about our own earthquakes as a result of our actions. Sometimes they are truly a surprise. In either case, I still fear the aftershock more than the earthquake.

Aftershock in our lives are most often caused by others. Words, dis-associations, judgement, not showing mercy, self preservation. In our moments of great vulnerability, an aftershock hits. Sometimes aftershocks are warranted in the mind of us as humans, yet I believe Jesus would disagree with that. I think the boldest statement is made when the parable of the shepherd leaving 99 sheep behind to go after 1 that needed help, guidance, love after it has strayed away from the fold. Not worried about what the 99 would think, the shepherd went after the 1.

God, help me to be like the shepherd. I know that each and every person will sustain an earthquake at some point in their life. God, don't let me be someone's aftershock.


Ralph

RESOLUTION (rěz'ə-lōō'shən)

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2009!!

It's been nearly a month since my last posting...sorry bout that...it's been an interesting month.

Oh...one quick thing before I dive into today's post. I would like to add Kari and Josiah Wilson to my list of friends I am thankful for. Please add them to my Thanksgiving Blog!! Hehe!

Sooooo....

Of course as is our American nature, many of us feel compelled to find new ways to improve who we are at the beginning of a new calendar year. We often call these resolutions.

Dictionary.com defines it as: 1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination. 2. A resolving to do something. 3. A course of action determined or decided on.

I have a few thoughts on this opportunity to create and/or break habits.

Research shows that it takes 21 days to develop a habit. That’s 21 days of going to the gym every day or exercising in some way every day, 21 days to reading, 21 days to eat healthily, 21 days doing, 21 days of anything.


When you want to start a habit, don’t tell yourself you are doing it for life, tell yourself (your conscious brain) that you are going to try it for 21 days. For example if you want to start the habit of praying tell your conscious self that you are trying it for 21 days. Now, when you have completed this for 21 days your conscious mind has the choice of stopping it or carrying on, or so it thinks. Your neural pathways have formed already and you will more than likely continue with your new habit, you will have seen the benefits along the way your unconscious will want to continue if it has been beneficial.


Some of the bad habits most people are addicted to, are excess alcohol intake, drugs, smoking, gambling, sex and even food cravings. Do you experience being addicted? It is really a very difficult task of getting rid of something, especially when you’re used to it.

Several misconceptions concerning bad habits or cravings rule over our society today. People say that craving is awful and distressing. They say that it oblige you live with it, to rule your life. It’s difficult to resist because it won’t leave your side. It will always tempt you to use it. It will make you so hooked, such that in time, it becomes very difficult to eliminate.

Do you believe in these fallacies? Even if it says that it is irresistible, the truth is you can withstand it. As time goes by, and as you continue resisting it, it will eventually pass. Believe that you are able to overpower your urges.

To wrap things up, I think there is one huge key that will empower us to experience the changes we desire.

Four Words: GOD IS WITH US

I firmly believe that if we sincerely seek God's help...He will give us the help we require to change...His Word says so......

Happy Sunday!

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It pretty much emcompasses the entire week into just 24 hrs! I look forward to waking up to silence...no alarm...except Chris'. Sunday morning is my favorite church service...for me it represents hope, and rest. Sunday lunch with family and friends is always great! Sunday afternoon I typically will spend a few hours doing some planning for the upcoming week as well as some not too exciting work reports. Sunday eve's service is one that challenges me to keep myself open to the word of God. Sunday evening also usually consists of a nice dinner with friends.

I encourage everyone to make Sunday more than just football or a bar-b-que...but use this special day to find ways to improve who you are, and prepare for the upcoming week.

Happy Sunday!!!

Surprise!!

Wow! What a night!

My birthday continued tonight with a surprise birthday party! Chris and I typically host a Christmas party for our friends around this time of the year. So...we had been working very diligently to prepare for the party. We made sure all the decorations were up and the food was in order. Barbara and Rose cam to the house about 45 mins early to help Chris. Everything was about ready...so I went upstairs to shower and get dressed. When I came down stairs, Chris told me that she needed me to go get ice. So I ran upstairs, got my shoes and keys and headed out the door. She stopped me and said that john was gonna with me....grrr I just wanted to hurry and get back, I had worked hard for this party! After taking forever at the store, chris called john saying we needed more chairs from the church! First off...we had talked about only getting 16...because we didn't wanna have a bunch of empty chairs! Secondly, why didn't she call me? Her and I had been working on this party! Becoming more and more angry...we got to the church. When john walked in the alarm went off...great, now we have to wait for the police! Didn't have to wait afterall...we headed back to the house. Carrying 3 chairs and a 20 lb bag of ice...the front door was locked! So I set my stuff down, got the keys, opened the door....SURPRISE! Most people said I looked mad...some said confused, others said surprised...actually I was a little of all! So, our Christmas party was actually my birthday party!! I had a great time and enjoyed each of the gifts!

Thank you to everyone who helped! An extra special thank you to Chris....you are the sunshine of my life. I love you.