Happy Birthday Mom

Descendent?
Descendent?

Happy Birthday Margaret. My Mother-In-Law turns 87 today.

“Mom” is still living in the house she was born in. Same house her entire life. Never moved out. Never moved away.

She was one of nine children. Her Mother, “Grammy”, open a one-room grocery store (1927) in what is now the living room in their three-story row home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Grammy raised nine children, ran the store from early morning to late at night for 44 years.

Her Father, who died in his 30’s, was a shoe cobbler in the the back of the house.

“Mom” has aches and pains like most 87 year olds, an answering machine, and even a Trac Phone.

She is a devout Catholic and prays all the time, even when it doesn’t seem so.

She has shown us unconditional love, simplicity, kindness and generosity, loyalty, and love.

Mom, you amaze us with your spirit. We love you.

Forgive Them Their Advertisment

Imagine No United States
Imagine No United States

Today’s post is dedicated to all the men and women who serve our Country. With a special appreciation to my Father-In-Law who turned 84 yesterday, and to his wife, who turns 87 tomorrow.

Without the two of them, their daughter Cheryl, wouldn’t have been born 52 years ago February 4th. And without Cheryl, who knows where I’d be today.

“Dad” served in Europe during WWII. “Mom” stayed behind and prayed he’d come home alive.

Here’s a beautiful 3-4 minute patriotic video.

Splendid images, decent music, and powerful quotes from some of America’s greatest leaders and Presidents.

Click here only if you have the extra 3-4 minutes. If you pause long enough to view the whole thing, you’ll be very glad you did.

Happy Birthday Dad

What Does the Future Hold?
What Does the Future Hold?

Happy Birthday Johnny. Johnny, my Father-In-Law, turns 84 today. Can you imagine 84?

His father died when he was just a young boy. His uncle, an alcoholic, tried to raise him as best he could.

Johnny got his driver’s license to get a job with the City of Allentown, but never drove a car, his entire life.

Johnny served our country in Europe during WWII, putting his life on the line for you and me.

Johnny provided for his Family, working hard all his life, at a job that provided no glamour, no glory, no prestige.

Johnny always tried to make his wife and daughter happy, so they never had to “go without”.

Johnny is a devout Catholic. And a big Frank Sinatra fan.

Johnny retired and never had to work another day in his life.

Johnny is a “rich” man.

Like many 84-year olds, his health is failing. He knows it. We all know it.

Johnny, if this is the last birthday you have (and I pray to God it’s not), my birthday wish for you is that you know that I Love You!

A World Without Christmas?

Only Crumbs
Only Crumbs

“Can you imagine a world without Christmas?” Father Kenny

It’s only been one month, but I miss Christmas.

How about you? Do you miss Christmas?

Can still remember what our Priest said (above) at Christmas Mass. Can you imagine?

Oh, I get it, most people aren’t thinking about Christmas today, unless they are reminded from their credit card bill. Makes sense, I guess.

Christmas comes once a year. Lights, trees, songs, TV specials, food, gifts, traditions…

But what if we celebrated it everyday?

Can you imagine a world with Christmas everyday?

Guest Blogger This Sunday

It's Cold In Ohio
It's Cold In Ohio

Craig Nickoloff, from Ohio, will be jeffnoel.org’s Guest Blogger this Sunday.

Craig is a young man with a wife and two children. He’s a Christian, self-proclaimed Disney freak and a man who inspires me by his will and determination to become a better man, a better person.

We all struggle with it.

Can’t wait to introduce you to Craig on Sunday.

Have an AWESOME Friday today.