Duck Dynasty: Foundation in Christ for Their Marriage

I am not a big fan of Duck Dynasty but have watched a few episodes now and then with my wife.  When Shawn brought this video to my attention, however, my "fan status" for them went up!  Check out the video and thank God that some of the cast of Duck Dynasty, at least, are using the platform God has given them to give Glory to the Jesus!

Wal Mart Funny Story to Share!

Saw this posted by a friend here in Little Rock.....too funny.  Shawn and I had a great time reading it and laughing together.  Hope you can get a few laughs as well!

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Walmart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse.

Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Walmart

Dear Mrs. Woolf,

Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Woolf, are listed below and are "documented by our video surveillance cameras":

1. June 15: He took 24 boxes of Depends and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted in management getting involved causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to reserve a bag of chips.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers they could come in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department - to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'  Emergency Medics were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the Sports department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the Store suspiciously while loudly humming the ' Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

13. October 22: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed the fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!

And last, but not least:

14. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, and then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the Staff passed out.

I wonder if I'll have to go along on many more shopping trips?

Great Family Movies to Share!!

The Solbergs have watched a couple of "Redbox Movies" lately that we thought were VERY GOOD and Family-Friendly so wanted to share them!  So check out the links below and, if they sound good, find them at a Redbox near you!!  And give us some feedback after you watch them!


THE IMPOSSIBLE - Based on a true story - about a family who was caught in the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand.  Our whole family was mesmerized by the story.  Read more on the link below:

LINK:  http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/summit/theimpossible/

THE LIFE OF PI:  Moving story of the life of a Indian Man and his life journey.  Great for kids and and the whole amily.  It won 4 Academy Awards.  Read more on the link below:

LINK:  http://www.lifeofpimovie.com/

Pickles: Too Funny NOT to Share!!

Although some may see it as "out-dated", we still get the daily newspaper at our home.  One of the first things our kids do, when we get the paper, is read the comics.  And "Pickles" is one of our favorites!

This one was just TOO GOOD to pass up sharing!  And although Earl's answer is not what we would "teach as part of our ministry at FamilyLife", it is very funny nonetheless!  Anyone married will get a laugh from this one!

Enjoy!  God gave us laughter because we need it!  Laugh a little with Earl today!

ONE MORE THING - In case you can't see all the frames, click on the images and it should come up where you can see it all!

Pickles Comic Strip - dated November 19, 2012

Day After Day: Let's Praise the Lord through Song!

Was driving to work this week and heard this song again on the radio.  I have heard it many times before...but never really "caught" the lyrics.  Those lyrics are powerful....I especially love "the bridge" about "Our God is reigning up on high" and "He's worthy to receive the praise and the glory".

Listen, Worship, Enjoy.......Day after day HE IS reigning!!



Men will try to rule the world You made
But we know power is Yours alone to give and take
A day will come when every knee will bow
And every tongue confess that You are Lord both now and forever

Day after day our God is reigning
He's never shaken
My hope is in the Lord
Time after time our God is faithful
Trustworthy Savior, My hope is in the Lord

The fear of man and what they plan will fade
When we know you alone are God of everyday
Like the flowers man will rise and fall
But you are everlasting never-ending God eternal

BRIDGE:
Let the songs of adoration rise
Our God is reigning up on high
He's worthy to receive the praise and the glory (REPEAT)

If You Like Instrumental Piano...Check This Out!

Stanton Lanier at FamilyLife on Sept. 26

If you are like me (and I know I am), then you love instrumental piano music!  It is so soothing and relaxing to listen and just soak it all in!

The FamilyLife staff in Little Rock had the great privilege of getting a free concert from Stanton Lanier on Wednesday, Sept. 26th.  Stanton has a long term friendship with one of FamilyLife Leaders and made a trip to Little Rock to glorify God through his incredible gift of music!

I had actually never heard of Stanton Lanier before this concert.....but believe me, I will tell lots of folks about him from now on!

Our son, Caleb, who is a piano player himself, came with me to work that day so we could hear the free concert at lunchtime.  Stanton took some time with Caleb afterwards (as well as some of the other staff kids) to talk to him about his piano experience and to encourage him to continue learning and growing as a piano player!  We ended up buying 3 of his CDs and a music book of one of the CDs so Caleb could begin to learn some of the songs!

Below is a YouTube video of Stanton playing a great piece (he writes almost all of the music he performs) - know you will enjoy it!

You can find out more about him and his ministry, Music to Light the World, at the link below.  And just FYI, for every CD they sell from their website, they donate 1 to a child with Cancer. 

http://www.stantonlanier.com

Are You Taking Time to Relax and "Enjoy Life"?

Our lab, Dixie Belle, has "mellowed" much since the days she was a puppy.  As you can tell from the picture to the right, she can relax and sleep about anywhere :) 

As I watched her relax that afternoon, the thought came to me:  "Are you relaxing and enjoying life, Glen?"   If each day is really a Gift from God, then how much am I really enjoying the Gift He has given me today?

I must readily admit there have been many days that I have lived when "relaxing and enjoying" was not even on the radar screen - it was just GO, GO, GO!!  Life often can get busy and chaotic - there is always more to do than we can manage in a day.  And that fact will not change.  What must change is ME and my attitude toward the day!

God has created me to enjoy this life.  He grieves when I am just going through the motions because He has designed me to have His Joy and His Peace each day -- even in the midst of my "busy-ness"!

So my challenge to you (and to my myself) is to take time each day to TRULY ENJOY the people and the situations God places us in.  I need to put aside my TO DO LIST frequently in order to have a good conversation with a neighbor or friend.  I need to pull back from checking my email to have a face-to-face conversation with my wife or family.

Let's not miss the GIFT God has given us in TODAY.  It is a treasure worth opening and enjoying!

Want a "Kick Your Butt" Workout Routine? Read more!



If you are looking for a great workout that will challenge you, I strongly suggest you trying a new workout  called Max T3. I found out about from the chiropractor that we are seeing. I was really skeptical at first because it was only a 12 minute workout - what good could you really do your body in ONLY 12 minutes. But I soon learned how HARD those 12 minutes are!

I have been doing the Max T3 workouts since December and I am feeling GREAT!  This is the best I have felt physically in a long time!  I have always been a person who works out 3 or more days a week but I was doing more "aerobic type" workouts - walking on the treadmill, riding the stationary bike, doing some weights.  All this was good, but I think my body was really missing a "harder workout".



Max T3 is really an "anaerobic workout" that challenges you to even finish the three sets of each exercise that you do.  There are varied upper and lower body exercises and even a "core workout" for your abs and back.  I do the workouts EVERY OTHER day and actually do TWO of the 12 minute workouts each time.  It is only about 40 minutes total with the warm up and the 2 workouts, but you are exhausted by the end.  You can find out more by going to the website at http://www.maxt3.com/.

Good Laugh for Married Couples!!

A Life of Celibacy

What is Celibacy? Celibacy can be a choice in life or a condition imposed by circumstances.

While attending a Marriage Retreat, Frank and his wife Ann, listened to the speaker declare, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

He then addressed the men.
"Can you name and describe your wife's favorite flower?"

Frank leaned over, touched Ann's arm gently and whispered, "Gold Medal-All-Purpose, Isn't it?"

And thus began Frank's life of celibacy.


I THOUGHT YOU COULD USE A SMILE TODAY

Need a Laugh: Memory Failing Story!!

As I get older, my memory seems to "leave me temporarily" more and more. As you read this, hope you can laugh with me!!

Several days ago as I left a meeting at our church, I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.

Suddenly I realized, I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My wife, Diane, has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion. Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty.

I immediately call the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen.

Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,” I stammered. I always call her “honey” in times like these. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.” There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard Diane’s voice. “Ken” she barked, “I dropped you off!” Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.” Diane retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car.”

Ah, yes. Memory's the second thing to go!

For Every Married Couple - Laugh with us!!!

Shawn and I are continually hearing how communication is a challenge for EVERY married couple (and the ones who say it is not are deceiving themselves). Below is a humorous dialogue that should have most married couples chuckling as they think of themselves!! Enjoy!

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked,"What are the grounds for your divorce?"
She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."
"No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?"
"It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.
"I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?"
"I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."
He said, "Do you have a real grudge?"
"No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."
"Please. . ." he tried again,"is there any infidelity in your marriage?"
"Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer to your question is yes."
"Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?"
"Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."
Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"
"Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He says he can't communicate with me."

Lyrics to "It's About the Cross"

I posted the video of this song a couple of posts back...but wanted folks to see the lyrics as well. They are powerful! Christmas is about SO MUCH MORE than what our modern world celebrates. Let's make sure, as Followers of Christ, that we are celebrating the real meaning of Christmas!!


Christmas Song: “It’s About the Cross” – by Go Fish

It's not just about the manger, where the baby lay.
It's not all about the angels, who sang for him that day.
It's not just about the shepherds, or the bright and shining star.
It's not all about the wise men, who travelled from afar.

It's about the cross, it's about my sin.
It's about how Jesus came to be born once, so that we could be born again.
It's about the stone that was rolled away, so that you and I could have real life someday.
It's about the cross, it's about the cross

It's not just about the presents underneath the tree.
It's not all about the feeling that the season brings to me.
It's not just about coming home to be with those you love.
It's not all about the beauty in the snow I'm dreaming of.

It's about the cross, it's about my sin.
It's about how Jesus came to be born once, so that we could be born again.
It's about the stone that was rolled away, so that you and I could have real life someday.
It's about the cross, it's about the cross.

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great,
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate!

It's about the cross, it's about my sin.
It's about how Jesus came to be born once, so that we could be born again.
It's about God's love nailed to a tree.
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me.
It's about the stone that was rolled away so that you and I could have real life someday.
So that you and I could have real life someday.
It's about the cross, it's about the cross.


BAD NEWS/GOOD NEWS:
The “bad news” is that your sin separates you from God and that there is no way, on your own, that you can be made right with Him again. But the “Good News” is that Jesus Christ died on the cross that you could be born again into a new life and a relationship with God.

If you now recognize your sinfulness and would like to be born again, please talk to God in prayer and tell Him this. He is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Tell Him that you know you are a sinner and that you are separated from Him by your sin. Call on Jesus as your Lord and Savior, asking Him to forgive you of your sins and thanking Him for His gift of Eternal Life. Tell Jesus you want Him to take control of the “throne” of your life and make you the kind of person He created you to be.

FOLLOW-UP: If you admitted you are a sinner and trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then rejoice first and then let a Christian know of your decision. And if you are not sure who to tell, please email us (gsolberg@familylife.com) so we can rejoice with you and help you begin your daily walk with the Savior!!

Need a Laugh Today - Read this "Pickles" Comic Strip!

One of our family's fun "Sunday activities" is reading the comics after church. And my personal favorite (this is Glen) is Pickles. It is always good for a laugh. I don't know if it is because I am getting older or just because it is funny. This is the Pickles from Sunday, Nov. 27th.

Hope God can help you get a good "belly-laugh" from this one!

What lane do you drive in? Fun picture to share!

If you are married, then you know that there are certain areas where you and your spouse DO NOT agree. This can be a "heated" thing between husband and wife --- or it can be something that you just laugh about but really isn't that big a deal.

Shawn and I have had some "fun disagreements" over the years about driving in the left lane on the Interstate. She thinks it is fine to drive in the left lane even if you are not passing. At times, she stays there even when someone is passing. This is a serious offense in my book. I was taught you ONLY drive in the left lane for passing. Otherwise you are in the right lane at all times.

Shawn found the picture below on the Internet and sent it to me. Maybe it means she's finally come around to MY WAY!! (or maybe not - we'll see on our next road trip!)

Fun Video - makes you think!

A friend in our small group shared this funny video with us. And while we laugh at what he says there is MUCH truth to it! He does say one "bad word" that is beeped out so watch it first to see if it is OK with you before you let your kids watch!

We do live in an amazing time!!

Fun Stuff - Kulula Airlines!!

Saw this in a recent email and thought it would fun to share. I have done my share of traveling over the years and have heard some pretty "boring stuff" from flight crews. Kulula sounds like they are anything but boring! Enjoy!!

Kulula is a low-cost South-African airline that doesn't
take itself too seriously. It's head office is situated in Johannesburg. Kulula airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight "safety lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining. Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:

On a Kulula flight, (there is no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"

On another flight with a very "senior" flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings.. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."

"There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane."

"Thank you for flying Kulula. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

As the plane landed and was coming to a stop atDurban Airport , a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"

After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in the Karoo , a flight attendant on a flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."

From a Kulula employee: " Welcome aboard Kulula 271 to Port Elizabeth . To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public
unsupervised."

"In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child travelling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are travelling with more than one small child, pick your favourite."

Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Kulula Airlines."

"Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."

As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.."

And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Kulula Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"

Heard on Kulula 255 just after a very hard landingin Cape Town : The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."

Overheard on a Kulula flight into Cape Town , on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain really had to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Mother City. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"

Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline. He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment.
Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane.
She said, "Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Why, no Ma'am," said the pilot. "What is it?"
The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"

After a real crusher of a landing in Johannesburg , the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we will open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal.."

Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today.. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of Kulula Airways."

Heard on a Kulula flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing.. If you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."

Fun for Us Bald-Headed Guys!

One of the fun traditions in our family is reading the Sunday comics. We get the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette each Sunday and the kids still enjoy reading the comics.

One of my personal favorites is "Pickles". Maybe it is because I'm getting older or maybe it's just because it's funny!

For any man out there who is bald, I think this will make you chuckle. For anyone who has loved one or friend who is bald, it will also probably cause a chuckle! Enjoy!

Pickles Comic Strip - Sept 4, 2011

Fun Cartoon to Share!!

A friend of mine in San Antonio sent this cartoon. With all the iPhones and iPods and iPads.....thought this was a good one to share! And a reminder to me and all the Dads out there how important your role is!!

Have a Good Laugh!! BBQ Humor!!

A friend of mine from FamilyLife sent this to me in an email. I am NOT a guy that barbeques much, but I know plenty of men who do. I can see how this scenario could easily play out at many homes! Enjoy! It's good to laugh! God loves for us to get a good "belly laugh"!!


BBQ RULES

We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...

(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert .
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.More routine...
(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meatImportant again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ' her night off ', and upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

Great Recipe to Share from Mother's Day Dessert!

So many times you see a picture of a great dish or dessert, but when you make it, you are disappointed. Well that is definitely NOT the case with this dessert.

Pictured to the left is Mocha Pecan Mud Pie. I made it for Shawn for her Mother's Day dessert and it was outstanding (when you read the ingredients, you will probably understand why!!). Both of our sons, Josh and Caleb said, "Dad, can we have this for our birthday dessert?"

I used a pint of Haagen-Dazs Coffee ice cream and a pint of Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream. You could taste both the chocolate AND the coffee. The oreos and pecans added great flavors as well. I also choose to use a regular graham cracker pie crust instead of the chocolate one they suggested.

If you want a mouth watering pie that is really not TOO difficult to make, give this one a try. But be sure to invite us over so we can enjoy it too :) !!

Recipe posted at:

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mocha-pecan-mud-pie-10000000257949/