Another week gone, and another series of posts handed over in triplicate to the folks at iron mountain to be hauled via armored car to the hillside bunker for safe keeping.  This week's caravan is being escorted by the Diversity Council - see link here - after all we are an EOE organization here at bjnotbk.

1.  Friday is for photos: These first few come from our night out as a family.  We attended the symphony together.  L loves the symphony and kept saying..."more daddy" after every song.  I love my ladies.

2.  This next one is of me and the boy.  I think I will get a t-shirt printed that says...S is my homeboy.

If you like great photography make sure to visit Steve Mckoy's Friday photos here [link] and Joe Thorn's here [link].

Want to see your photo published here?  Submit all family friendly photos to bjnotbk@gmail.com for consideration.  Please note that I reserve the right to publish or not publish any submission.

3.  This week has been a blast.  I have had the chance to hang out with the family, watch the Bourne Ultimatium, eat dinner with my sister and her family, pick up a couple of last minute gifts, and clean the house and garage a bit.

4.  Speaking of the Bourne Ultimatum...has anyone seen this yet?  I am changing my name from bjnotbk to "The Asset".  No comments please.

5.   Running - believe it or not I have actually had the opportunity to workout some over this vacation.  One night M and I did some yoga together - please not comments - and I have had a chance to do some running.  Yesterday I did a short 3 mile run and felt better than I have in a long time.  I also weighed myself this morning and noticed that I had lost almost 10 lbs!? 

6.  What are you reading?  Right now I am reading Blue Like Jazz and must say that I really like it.  Donald writes about faith in a very real way, not sugar coating his feelings, lack of faith, questions, just keeping it real.  M and I were talking the other night how so many of today's Christian author's write from a very plastic, almost phony sense of faith that doesn't seem natural or real as if they are trying not to offend anyone so they paint everything with a wide brush.  Yuck.

7.  What are you listening to?  Me?  Christmas music and lost of it along with a ton of classical music at L's request.

8.  What are your Christmas plans this weekend?  We are open tonight but will be visiting with family Saturday night.

9. Thanks everyone for reading bjnotbk this week.  My prayer is that you will be entertained and encouraged or challenged each time you stop by.  I am also praying for you, my readers, that is, so be encouraged in knowing that no matter what someone, somewhere is praying for you.  Now go read your Bible, love your family, lover your neighbor, get outside, and love Jesus!   

The Animaniacs were by far one of my favorite cartoons of all time.  In a world, where evil reigns and good is nowhere to be found a group of heroes will emerge to fight for what is right and to make good all that is wrong.  Anyway...I am so glad I found this clip as it has both my favorite cartoons and it has some of my most favorite Christmas songs.

Enjoy!

Don't you just love the Bass Pro Shop?

I have to admit though that I am not a Bass, or a Pro, but boy can I shop!

Here is a picture of one of their Arctic Cats, small white arctic kitty not included.  The wife and I have decided that L will grow into this.  Now if I can just find a gift bag big enough to....

Here is your daily Christmas video....enjoy!

 Why is it that I can't slow down no matter what?  Is it the 4 rockstars I drank this morning or the six lattes from Starbucks?  I can't seem to slow down, to take it easy, to rest without thinking of next week, next year which is why I will attempt to purposefully slow down this vacation.  No grand plans apart from the usual dinners and get together with family and friends, no long road trips, no getting up extremely early unless I want to just lost of sleeping in, lounging around in my pj's and playing with my wife and kids.

I see you in the corner work laptop and no I will not turn you on!  

Here is your Christmas Video.  Enjoy!

Today is the last day of work for me for the year!  For the past several years I have been fortunate enough to have enough vacation to take a some time off during the holidays.  I have been looking forward to this for some time and hope to use this time to play with the kids, give the wife a break, read, study, make plans and goals 2008, visit with family, and rest.

Can you believe that 2007 is almost gone?

Since we have 9 days until Christmas I thought I would try to share with you a Christmas related video each day.  This video comes to you courtesy of A Charlie Brown Christmas.  Most have never seen this version, apparently this film was left on the cutting room floor.

Enjoy.

Weak view of the scripture = weak preaching which = a diminished view of Jesus which = weak Christianity and unchanged, unrepentant lives.  More to follow....

 Enjoy!

 Another week gone, and another series of posts handed over in triplicate to the folks at iron mountain to be hauled via armored car to the hillside bunker for safe keeping.  This week's caravan is being escorted by George Mitchell [link] for some strange reason he has become available all of a sudden?

1.  Friday is for photos: The first photo is real fast you dig?

2.  This one is real slow.

If you like great photography make sure to visit Steve Mckoy's Friday photos here [link] and Joe Thorn's here [link].

Want to see your photo published here?  Submit all family friendly photos to bjnotbk@gmail.com for consideration.  Please note that I reserve the right to publish or not publish any submission.

3.  It was a great relief to see that I was not "outed" in the Mitchel report for steroid use.  I couldn't bare life knowing that my readers knew of my performance enhancing past.

Coffee talk - is the Mitchell report, 409 pages, 20 months in the making [link] a complete waste of time or is it something needed?  Talk amongst yourselves while I refresh my java chi- mocha- 1/2 caf, non-fat, soy latte. 

4.  This clip is by far the best scene in film that depicts a person, their sin, and the joy and relief they feel upon being released and forgiven from their sins.  Rodrigo, De Niro, was a slave trader, he murdered the Indians, he even killed his own brother over a woman.  After six months of silence he is engaged by a priest who challenges him to hand his sin over to God.  As penance De Niro carries all his worldly possessions with him as he and the priests make the long journey from the city to the jungle to minister to the Indians De Niro once hunted, sold into slavery, and killed.  This clip is about 6 minutes but is well worth your time.  Turn the sound up and enjoy.

 5.  What are you reading these days?  I just finished Luke and will be spending the next couple of weeks preparing for a series of new Sunday School Lessons for the launch of our upcoming new class on January 27th.  My wife came up with the coolest name for our class....One as in one flesh and one focus.  Pretty Cool huh?

6.  What are you listening to?  I dedicate this song to my wife.  Oho y oho.

7.  Joe Thorn had a great article on unplugging and utilizing a hack for his moleskine journal based on the getting things done method see here [link].  There is something very cool about a journal.  Anybody out there journal?

8.  I have enjoyed the fireside chats over at Joe's place [link].  B8, Wesley, Joe, and Istvan are in their smoking jackets, pipes lit, Bible out, and discussing some of the more easy topics like the end times. 

9.  Weekend plans anyone?  Tonight we are all getting dressed up and attending a symphony concert.  My little girl loves music, especially classical music.  She isn't even three yet and the other day a commercial came on with some classical music in the background, just for fun I asked, "who is that L?"  Beethoven she replied.  Wow. 

Saturday evening we are attending our Sunday School class Christmas party which should be a blast. 

10.  Thanks everyone for reading bjnotbk this week.  My prayer is that you will be entertained and encouraged or challenged each time you stop by.  I am also praying for you, my readers, that is, so be encouraged in knowing that no matter what someone, somewhere is praying for you.  Now go read your Bible, love your family, lover your neighbor, get outside, and love Jesus!   

 12 days left until Christmas and I can't get that song out of my head.  Have you ever wondered how much a maid milking would run you?  Or what about just one lord a leaping?  Wonder no more.

 PNC [link] has done the math for you.

23rd Annual PNC Christmas Price Index UP 3.1 %

Rising Wages For Milkmaids, Higher Commodity Prices Lead Increases

- Cost of “Twelve Days of Christmas” Song Items Reflect Consumer Pricing Trends -

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 26, 2007 –The significantly higher price of gold and increased compensation for minimum wage workers will make Christmas more expensive this year, according to the PNC Christmas Price Index. The tongue-in-cheek economic analysis by PNC Wealth Management is based on the cost of gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

According to the 23rd annual survey, the cost of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is $19,507 in 2007, a 3.1 percent increase over last year. The rise in gift prices mirrored the U.S. government’s Consumer Price Index – a widely used measure of inflation calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The Consumer Price Index is up 3.5 percent so far this year.

“Each year, the Christmas Price Index reflects trends in the broader economy,” said James Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC Wealth Management. “This year, increased commodities prices, concerns about the value of the dollar and the first minimum wage increase in 10 years were major factors in the increases to the Christmas Price Index.”

“Ringing” in a Pricier New Year

True Loves will have to pay a bit more for the five Gold Rings this year, as the jewelers who provide the prices for the rings report having no choice but to pass increased prices along to consumers as the price of gold continues to rise.

“The cost of the Gold Rings in this year’s Christmas Price Index reflects the general trend of increasing commodity prices in the Consumer Price Index, including gold,” said Dunigan.  “In addition, increased fears about inflation and the value of the dollar may have led investors to turn to gold as a safer place to invest their money.”

Milkmaids Benefit from Minimum Wage Increase

As the only unskilled laborers in the Christmas Price Index, the eight Maids-a-Milking make minimum wage, and have not had a raise since 1997.  This year, Congress increased their wages by 13.6 percent; bringing the cost of eight Maids-a-Milking for one hour of work to $46.80.  The True Love will have to reach deeper into his pockets for the milkmaids in 2008 and 2009, as well - Congress has already approved continued increases to the minimum wage for the next two years.

The cost of most performers in the index — the Drummers Drumming, Pipers Piping and Lords-a-Leaping — rose a modest 3 to 4 percent, due primarily to an increase in the performers’ compensation, reflecting the current labor market in which the unemployment rate is still below 5 percent.  Only the price for the Ladies Dancing was unchanged this year, according to Philadanco, a modern dance company in Philadelphia. 

Food Prices Are For the Birds

Among the feathered friends in the Christmas Price Index, the most notable increase was a 20 percent change in the price for six Geese-a-Laying, provided by the National Aviary. 

“For True Loves planning to serve a Christmas goose - or six - for a holiday meal, this item will be a bit more expensive,” said Dunigan.  “Food prices have increased over the last year, which has not impacted birds like Turtle Doves and Partridges, but has had an impact on birds traditionally served as food, like Geese.”

Most of the other bird prices in the index remained even with last year’s rates, thanks to steady supply and demand for Partridges, Turtle Doves, French Hens and Swans.  Aside from the Geese-a-Laying, only the Calling Birds will cost more in 2007.  PNC prices the Calling Birds from a national pet store chain, and prices for Calling Birds (or canaries) were up 25 percent this year, thanks to higher demand and increased shipping costs for retailers.

2007: Most Expensive Christmas Ever

For those True Loves who prefer to do their shopping online, PNC Wealth Management calculates the cost of The Twelve Days of Christmas gifts purchased on the Web. This year, the trends identified in the traditional index are repeated in the Internet version, with overall growth of 3 percent, very close to the 3.1 percent in the traditional index. This year, the Internet index is very similar to the traditional index.  For example, the price of gold is significantly higher online in 2007 compared to 2006.  And, as with the traditional Christmas Price Index, bird prices are mostly even with or, in some cases, down a bit from 2006 levels.  In general, Internet prices are higher than their non-Internet counterparts because of shipping costs.

As part of its annual tradition, PNC Wealth Management also tabulates the “True Cost of Christmas,” which is the total cost of items gifted by a True Love who repeats all of the
song’s verses. This holiday season, very generous True Loves will pay more than ever before – $78,100 — for all 364 items, up from $75,122 in 2006. This 4 percent increase is about even with last year’s 3.5 percent increase.

Special Present: Updated Web Site

For a historical look at PNC’s Index, please visit our updated Web site at www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com. Each year, educators across the country use the Christmas Price Index to teach economic trends to students of all ages.  With that in mind, this year’s site has been updated to include interactive activities, annual results and trends, a Flash presentation, MP3 download, games and much more.  New this year, Jim Dunigan will present a live chat about this year’s results on Dec 18, 2007.

Educators who visit the site will also find sample lesson plans on the Christmas Price Index from The Stock Market GameTM (SMG) program, America’s premier educational stock-market simulation. Available in all 50 states for grades 4-12, the SMG program teaches children core academic and investment skills. Individually, or in teams, students invest a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio, choosing equities and mutual funds over a 10-15 week period.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

2007 Christmas Price Index:

You often hear Christians talk about their "quiet time" which is really funny to those who have children because these are two words that just don't exist anymore. 

There is never any time and seldom is it quiet.  Yet even in a house full of children or not it is important that we as believers set aside some time each day/week apart from corporate worship within our churches, apart from Sunday School, discipleship class, or small group environments, apart from praying with our spouse to be completely alone with God, reading His word, hearing from Him.

Paul tells us that all scripture is God breathed and is useful for instruction, and correction.  Jesus used scripture to combat satan, and David sung of hiding God's word in his heart so as not to sin against God. 

Over the years I have started many of these "quite times" employing varying methods including different times and places.  Since it is hard for me to get up in the mornings I tried scheduling some time at lunches or in the evenings before bed.  What I found was that lunches never work because there is always an emergency or there is always someone, a customer or a co-worker who wants to go to lunch.  Right before bed doesn't work well for me because I found myself snoozing in and out of my prayer time.

I have also tried to incorporate a "quiet time" using devotionals such as My Utmost for His Highest as a means to kick-start my study.  These are great intros into developing the habit but left me wanting more, wanting to study my Bible rather than read another book about the Bible.

So what does my routine look like these days?

1.  It is scheduled.  My quiet time is on the calendar.  Each morning I get up around 6:00 or so.  My coffee is ready and I head to the E and C library.  If I don't schedule it or make it a part of my day it just doesn't happen.

2.  My pastor, Brother Holie, gave a great sermon on personal worship so I use his format which loosely goes like this-
Always begin by praising Jesus either through reading a Psalm, singing a hymn, or simply thanking Him through prayer.
Pray asking for forgiveness of sins by specifically naming your sins.
Ask for your needs and the needs of others.
Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scripture you are about to read, to show you of commands you need to obey, sins
you need to repent of, and principals you need to take hold of.
Thank Jesus for hearing your prayers and for all the wonderful things He will be doing.

3.  Once you have praised and prayed now it is time to dig into the word.   Make sure you have a version of the Bible that is both accurate and easy for you to read.  I love the King James Version but at 6:00 in the morning I can't comprehend
smite and smote so I use the New King James Version.  Other great translations are the ESV, the ASV, and the NIV.

4.  Do your reading in a logical manner.  Begin at the beginning of a book, start, and work your way through it.  Don't jump around from various passages without direction and read at a pace that you can comprehend and contemplate.  Don't jump into a book and try to read three chapters a day.  Read slowly and with purpose.

5.  Write it down - I keep a journal and a pen with me during my morning study times (see above picture).  I read the passage, usually one chapter a day, re-read the chapter, then open my journal.  In my journal I write the date and the book/chapter of the scripture I am reading.  I then list the facts of the chapter, the who, what, when, where, and why.  I then try to summarize the chapter in 10 words or less to capture the main point of the chapter.  I finish by writing out how the chapter applies to me personally by asking...What command is God giving through this passage?  What promise is God asking me to take hold of?  What sin is God convicting me to repent of?

6.  I always close in prayer asking Jesus to help me understand and to receive what I just read and what He just spoke to
me.

7.  I remember that having a study time, being consistent in my "quiet time" does not make me holy and it does nothing to
add to my salvation or my standing with God.  I am Holy only through the blood of Jesus, I am saved only through the
blood of Jesus, and I have good standing with God only through the blood of Jesus. 

 Not sure why the video did not post the other day?

But here is the link if you want to see  what really happens on the weekends.

http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/ncF7Rdj5Gx87AnaERNcLQSU1

 Here is your weekly Church Steeple Picture.  I see Jesus as God reaching down to man, the steeple as man lifting up the cross to the community and reaching up to God.

This picture comes to you courtesy of me, this is my home church, Sevier Heights.

Want to see your steeple photo published here?  Submit all church steeple photos to bjnotbk@gmail.com for consideration.  Please note that I reserve the right to publish or not publish any submission. 

It is truly hard to find a decent Christmas card these days.  Usually they fall into one of two categories,

1.  Vague wishings of happy, merry, wonderful, wintry holiday season cheer with great artwork

2.  Really, really sappy mushy sentimental musings with horrible artwork

Occasionally you can find a really nice Christmas card that conveys the message of Christ and has nice artwork but those usually cost about $12,00.00 each...."What?  Those aren't Christmas cards?  There what?  Oh, Thomas Kinkade paintings...that explains everything."

I think most people are put off by the fact the card manufacturers want our money but aren't willing to make great, Christ focused Christmas cards.  In an effort to please everyone card manufacturers have literally taken Christ out of Christmas.  Instead of Christmas you get Xmas or merry ho ho, or have a wonderful merry holly jolly season.  What the?

Our family rarely receives traditional Christmas cards anymore and we haven't given one out in years.  Our method of reaching loved ones is via the photo card and family letter. 

Each year my wife works up several 1000 design templates replete with photos of the family together and the children alone and presents them to me pointing out the distinct pros and cons of each design before making her final selection.  Once the card is selected she orders them online, usually WalMart, and picks them up in about a day or so.   

Once the photo cards are done M, types up a family letter highlighting our year together, what we have done individually, what we have done as a family, little tidbits about the kids, and what is going on in our various ministries along with a list of well wishes, hugs and kisses.  I love this because we control the artwork and we control the message.

No more cheap cards, bye bye tacky vague wishings of happy, merry, wonderful, wintry holiday season cheer, hello beautiful, custom made, photo card with personal letter.

Don't you just love technology? 

p.s.  Need a great idea for those Christmas cards after Christmas?  Our pastor's wife said that she takes all the cards after Christmas, puts them in a bag, and every day at dinner selects one at random and that the family prays for that person or family.  This was a tradition she started with her kids that they do throughout the year until next Christmas.

My wife shared this with me and I thought I would share it with you.  Faith like a child....

Traffic has been slower than usual lately, the place seems empty as most of the family has left for vacations, shopping binges, and long weekends of egg nog and pecan logs.  I know several of you are out there though still checking in from time to time and I don't want you to get discouraged.  I pulled the folks together from marketing and we hired Peyton Manning to do some timeless pep talks just for you.  I hope this lifts you up in the slow season as we wind down 2007.

By the way, I ripped this off from Master Card but I am sure you already knew that.