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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Sheepdog sabbatical update #3 - Wrap up and 2012

Wow - it's hard to believe my blog break, a.k.a. sabbatical, has lasted five months. A lot of the work on my new "project" is complete, but there is still some to go. However, the good news is that as I conclude 2011, the foundation is laid and the groundwork is proceeding nicely. It's even harder to believe that there are only a couple of days left in 2011. The year has flown by.

As 2011 winds down, I wanted to share the above update and give a preview of what 2012 holds for The Sheepdog. First of all, I'll resume blogging on Monday, January 2, 2012. Yes, the sabbatical is over, and there will be a few minor changes to the blog. However, one thing that will not change is the Music Mondays. They will continue for 2012 for two reasons - 1) I enjoy them, and 2) I've received notes and comments from many of you about how much you enjoy them, too. Plus, since most of us dislike Mondays, they are a fun way to start off the week. I'm even planning to post them early on Monday mornings so you can start your Monday off with some tunes. If you've signed up to receive my posts via e-mail, they'll be in your inbox first thing each Monday. If you're not signed up for my e-mails, you can do so in the left sidebar of this blog (just before you get to the Amazon banner). Then, you'll receive each of my posts right in your e-mail inbox.

I'm gonna tweak the Music Mondays a little, also. The second Monday of each month will contain a "double shot" of music. I'll run not one, but two videos those days. Plus, many of the Music Mondays will become "Metal Mondays" running videos by some of the bands I featured in 2011 plus a bunch of others that I have not shown before. In fact, I'll start off the new year on January 2nd with a video of one of the most popular hard rock / metal bands of the last 30 years. The January 2nd post's title will be "The Sheepdog's 'Back in _____'." Anybody want to venture a guess as to who the band is ? It'll just be a little taste of what's to come in 2012.

Second, in 2012, the blog format will change. 2011's format was Music Mondays, Transplant Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wild Wednesdays, and Freedom and Firearm Fridays. As I mentioned earlier, Music Mondays will continue, but the other four days of the week will all be "Wild" - they could be about anything from organ and tissue transplants, politics, sports, the outdoors, etc. Plus, I plan to post more original content in 2012 than what I have done previously. In fact, one of my first "originals" of 2012 will be my picks for the upcoming NFL playoffs and Super Bowl Champion. I'll run that next week. I'll pick the playoff results from start to finish. It'll be sure to get football fans talking as I'll pick the Wild Card Weekend winners, Divisional Playoff winners, Conference Championships, and even the winner of Super Bowl XLVI before the first NFL playoff game is played !! It could be interesting, and I'm sure I'll catch heck due to some of my picks. The question is - how will I do ? Last year, I picked 7 of 11 playoff games correctly. Of the 4 I missed, in 3 of them I picked against eventual Super Bowl Champion Packers. I won't make that mistake again. Or, will I ?

Third, I will not blog everyday, as I did in 2011, because my "new project" will demand much of my time. In regards to the "new project," I will end the suspense and make a formal announcement here on The Second Chance Sheepdog blog on Monday, February 27, 2012 as to what it is. I am very excited about it because it is something I feel led to do. I also believe it gives me an opportunity to make a difference in my local community, my state, and possibly even my country. I ask for your prayers for the Lord's wisdom, guidance, and the necessary resources as I begin this new endeavor. This is an announcement you will not want to miss. Be sure to stop by the blog that day to read all about it.

Until January 2nd - Happy New Year everyone !!   

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Monday, December 19, 2011

The Reason for the Season


Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help. 
Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks ... and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa.
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is, "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry." 
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. 
Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. 
Santa may make you chuckle, but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree, JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2011, and may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year. 

(The above was received via e-mail from a friend. The Sheepdog felt the truth in it was worth sharing.)