I Am Rey Dacalos

Pennies From Heaven

colonelryan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:56:00 +0000

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I’ve ever heard this twist on the story and gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband’s employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer.. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

“Look at it.” He said. “Read what it says.”
“No, not that; read further.”
“One cent?” “No, keep reading.”
“In God we Trust?” “Yes!” “And?”

“And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!”

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, “In God We Trust,” and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4given.

Have a faithful and blessed Holy Week!

CMF Featured Over The Freeman Today! (March 17, 2008)

colonelryan — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:59:00 +0000

Ways To Reduce Stress

colonelryan — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:20:00 +0000

An Angel says, ‘Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn’t happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.’

1. Pray!
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don’t use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don’t wait until it’s time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good ‘Thank you Jesus .’
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’

Maybe True!

colonelryan — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:50:00 +0000

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it everyday. You may not realize it, but it’s 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don’t even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

And always remember, when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over! Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.

“Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It’s Hell in the Hallway!”

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I’m here than a whole truck load when I’m gone.

Beer With Benefits

colonelryan — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Beer makes you feel good. You knew that. But you don’t realize just how good. Recent research has revealed bioactive compounds in beer that battle cancer, boost your metabolism, and more. And these benefits come on top of the oft-touted upsides of moderate alcohol intake: clot prevention, cleaner arteries, and reduced stress. Just in time for the summer, we set out with a stack of studies, a panel of parched testers, and a full fridge to find the best-tasting, healthiest brews available. Enjoy.

Fabulous and 50!

colonelryan — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:11:00 +0000

Look who’s putting the gold back in “golden years” — some of Hollywood’s most talented, forward-thinking, and, yes, hot celebs who are turning 50 or are already in their 50s. And still quite fabulous. Let us appreciate the great careers of these entertainers who blossomed in the ’80s and ’90s, and are still hitting their strides (and hold the AARP jokes).

What Pals Reveal About Lovers!

colonelryan — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:50:00 +0000

Most of us tend to think of friends and lovers as two very different relationship camps. But the worlds of romance and friendship aren’t as far apart as you might think. Often, your choice of best friend says a lot about what you’re really looking for in a mate. So next time you’re thinking about what you want from a romantic partner, think about your BFF—and think about the qualities he or she has. You’re friends for a reason. Whether your pal is the life of the party or the big sibling you never had, chances are this person has a special quality that reflects what you need from a man or woman.

Fatherhood

colonelryan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:51:00 +0000

I am a father. A father of four (4) to be exact. It’s been almost ten (10) years that I have been one. But I admit, I never lived up to expectations. Circumstances and situations did not permit me to.

I have no excuses but myself. People always say if only they could turn back time, they’ll change everything! But for me, even if I could turn back time, I will never change a thing! Why? Hmmmm…. Tricky question! One, though this is not what I dreamt of, I’m happy that I’m still alive and kicking as of today. Two, if I change something, I’ll never know what will happen in the future. Everything will be in ‘disarray’. The so-called timeline will be disturbed and a lot will change. Lastly, it made me what I am a today – a FATHER times four (4) and a FIGHTER a million times.

My kids are with their moms. This is a no-secret to those who know me personally. Four (4) kids from four (4) moms. Yes. You read it right! Why pick on me? I’m not alone in this kind of situation. But I’m never proud of it but still I’m writing it down for the whole world to read! Am I crazy?

I admit I am not what you call a responsible FATHER. I have so much shortcomings towards my kids and a million apologies ain’t enough! Well, this is my life and I know, somehow, I’ll be able to correct it. Maybe not yet but I know it will happen. The only consolation – I never denied my kids to anyone and you wouldn’t believe it – one mom denied that I’m the father! Hello?

They say this is something that you shouldn’t be proud of! I AM PROUD OF MY KIDS but I am not proud of the situation we are all in and the relationship that we are having now. I consider them my blessings and my angels. To the moms, I know you are their to guide them. Weave your magic.

I’m not that fully prepared nor ready to be a FATHER and do what FATHER’s do! But I know someday, I WILL! Why am I writing this? I don’t really know…

Global Warming

colonelryan — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:22:00 +0000

What you can do to make a difference?

Offset Your Travel. Make a contribution towards regeneration projects each time you travel so that you offset your Carbon by investing your money in clean energy projects, industrial efficiency projects or the planting of trees. For more information, check out our carbon footprint profile, which includes a flight calculator to help you offset your carbon when you travel.

Re-Use. Take your shopping bags back to the supermarket next time you shop saving energy and waste by reusing bags instead of accepting more disposable ones in each shop. Waste not only discharges CO2 and methane into the atmosphere, it can also pollute the air, groundwater and soil. Choose products that come with little packaging and buy refills when you can. You will also cut down on waste production and energy use!

Recycle. Recycling aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard and newspapers can reduce your home’s carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year. Batteries, phones, and other electrical goods can also all be recycled!

Insulate. Wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket will save 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with just one simple action. You can save another 550 pounds per year by setting the thermostat no higher than 50°C.

Use the OFF Switch. Turn off lights when you leave a room, and use only as much light as you need. Turning off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them rather than using the ‘Standby’ button will hugely impact the electricity you use.

Control Temperature Efficiently. Keeping your thermostat at reasonable temperatures in both the winter and the summer and turning down the heat whilst you’re sleeping or away during the day is a great energy saver. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

Drive Smart and Walk More. Make sure your car is running efficiently. Regular maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. When just 1% of car owners properly maintain their cars, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere. If you want to get fit and walk a little more, avoiding just 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year!

Buy Energy-Efficient Products. Replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs will not only save you money over the life of the bulb, they will also last 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. If you can afford it, begin to replace older appliances in your home with more energy-efficient ones. These products will reduce your energy output and save money on your electricity bill.

PLANT A TREE. Not only do they reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, but they can provide shade for your home (reducing energy costs) and can produce fruits that you won’t have to buy at the store. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

Don’t Use A Screensaver. Change the power management settings on your PC to go into ‘sleep’ mode when not in use. The surge of power used by a CPU to boot up is far less than the energy used by the unit when left on for over 3 minutes. A computer left continuously running will emit 2161 pounds of CO2 in a year. Turning a computer off at night so it runs only 8 hours a day computes to a reduction of 810 kWh per year, or a 67% yearly savings.

Use Less Water. Turn off the tap whilst washing dishes or brushing your teeth and make sure to run washing machines or dishwashers with a full load. If you can, buy a low-flow showerhead to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Reduce the temperature on your washing machine to lower your hot water use and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households.

Encourage Others To Conserve. Persuading just one person to recycle with you, or to change the power settings on their PC will double your efforts. Tell 10 and you can really make a difference!

Have you been doing something lately? (www.wayn.com)

How To Talk About Money

colonelryan — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:56:00 +0000

Fighting about money is as old as money itself, arising partly out of philosophical differences and partly from habits so old you forgot you had them. But now, at least, you can see all the ways they feed into those arguments you’re not having. Here’s how:

Take a hike. Or a walk. Men don’t like to open up about this, so having the discussion while you’re relaxed, out in the fresh air, will help.

‘Fess up. Start by telling your partner what your own family’s attitudes and behaviors toward money were. (Hint: If you haven’t spent much time mulling over your family’s financial dynamics, do that first.)

Be humble. Never assume your way is the right way! Listen to what your partner says and take it in. Their outlook may differ wildly from yours, but they hold their views as dearly as you hold yours, so be respectful, even if you disagree.

Establish common goals. The worst fights couples have boil down to the fact that they haven’t planned their Big Picture goals yet. You need to think about the various milestones in your life that will require money — having kids, buying a house, caring for a parent — and discuss them.

Quantify your goals. Once you’ve established even a small goal, like saving for a vacation, start to work toward it together. Deposit a fixed amount into account. The feeling of success will be a new financial bond between you.

Get help. Talking to a financial planner together can help ease money tension, since it’s easier to address tough issues with an objective party. Or take a financial seminar together.

Don’t lay blame, take action. Let’s say your partner is in debt. Rather that fight about it (Hello: Arguing won’t reduce that monthly payment!), force yourselves to focus on a game plan. Taking steps to address the problem will remind you that you are, and always will be, a financial team.

If at first you don’t succeed. . . . Talking about money is hard, much harder than fighting. So if it takes a while to replace debates with discussions, don’t sweat it. Even if you do it wrong, it’s better to communicate than to not say anything. Make it your new motto: Stop fightin’, keep talkin’.

They say money is the root of all evil. How true?