David Rische

Warning! Spoiler alert if you have not seen “Frozen” (and still want to see it).

I have yet to meet a person that didn’t like the movie “Frozen”.  At the time of this writing, it is close to grossing over 350 million dollars.  I must admit, when I saw the trailers on TV during the busy holiday season, I was not impressed or interested.  I said to my wife, “That movie looks stupid.” However, the trailers were short and really didn’t give a glimpse into what the movie was about (plus I was grumpy from the crowded malls).

Word of mouth is the most powerful advertisement (see the restaurant Babes if you need proof).  All I kept hearing from kids AND adults was how great “Frozen” was.  So during the middle of January I was finally able to see it.  I was amazed that the theater was packed with people from all generations – toddlers, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens.  My conclusion after seeing it??? They all were right – it is a great movie!!!  But why? Here is the list I came up with:

*It has all the “ingredients” that make up a great story – a fantasy world, heroes, villains, humor, adventure, beautiful music with catchy tunes, plot twists, stunning visuals, and good triumphing over evil.

*Advertising, lengthy trailers, and story “spoilers” were kept to a minimum. Why can’t Hollywood learn this lesson?  Why must we sit through 20+ minutes of previews before every movie?  “Frozen” had an element of mystery about it. 

*It was clean. There was nothing to be embarrassed about while watching it.

*The positive lessons for young men and women: 1) Be careful that you don’t mistake love for infatuation.  2) Make sure you truly know who someone is in a relationship – their good and bad traits.  3) True love is sacrificial – Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

So that’s my two cents – how about you?  Why do you think the movie is so popular?  Please leave a comment – thanks for reading 🙂

Yes, I borrowed my title idea from the highly successful book and movie. Anyway, today I was a little grumpy paying bills. I HAVE to pay the final installment from my dog’s second surgery within the last year.

Let me rephrase that . . . . .
I GET to pay the final installment from my dog’s surgery.

Author and motivational speaker Jon Gordon talks about being grateful, staying positive, and having a new perspective on circumstances – simply by switching the phrase “have to” with “get to”:

*I get to put gas in my car (sure beats walking and riding my bike everywhere – especially grocery shopping).
*I get to pay an electric bill (sure beats not having lighting, AC, and ESPN).
*I get to go to work (definitely beats being unemployed).

I think you get the picture.

Back to my dog Brownie.  The doctor saved her from paralysis in one surgery, and used a preventive process to hopefully extend her life in the second surgery. For all the joy she brings our family, I’m privileged to get to pay for her surgery.

*She eagerly greets us every morning – and is thrilled to see us when we come home.
*Brownie is my close companion when my wife has to travel.
*She is my wife’s constant bodyguard and shadow.
*The entire family disputes over who gets to sleep with her almost every night.
*At the drop of a hat, she will play a rousing game of chase or keep away – she doesn’t quite get the concept of “fetch” and “release.”
*She’ll take on any dog, cat, or repairman to “defend” our house and neighborhood.

I think you get the picture.

We can’t put a price on how much she means to our family.  Theologically sound or not, I believe that I’ll be reunited in Heaven with all of the dogs that have been such an important part of my life.

But for now, I’m going to enjoy every minute of Brownie and Me.

What pet has impacted your life the most?  Please comment below.  And don’t forget to click the “follow” prompt 🙂  Thanks for reading.

I have no clue what my New Year’s Resolution was last year.
I’ll bet you don’t either.
I’m sure mine had something to do with eating better, increasing the amount of time I exercise, spending more quality time with the children, or living every day to the fullest.
Those are all noble pursuits – but why can’t I remember my resolution?

Anyway, I’ve come up with a Resolution Solution!
Rule #1: Don’t make any resolutions.
Rule #2: If you make a resolution, make a “bad” one. See the list below for examples.

1) To not exercise at all.
2) Spend more time interacting with Siri instead of human beings.
3) Increase my intake of fast food.
4) Work a 70-80 hour work week.

Here’s how it works:  I start fulfilling my obligation to not exercise (choice #1).  Around the end of January, I become frustrated by how I’m feeling.  I can no longer blame the dryer for shrinking my pants because they are starting to feel a little too snug.  Or, I can’t claim increased muscle mass as the reason why my shirts are tighter. I immediately reach the point where enough is enough, renounce my resolution to not exercise, and begin that day to begin a new journey of a healthier lifestyle!  Reverse Psychology 101. Go ahead, give it a try!

All joking put aside, I deeply respect those of you who make a resolution or set goals – and stick with it.  Please leave a comment below what your New Year’s Resolution is (serious or not).  One other favor, as of this writing – I’m only 998 followers short of achieving my goal! Please click on the follow tab – and this blog can conveniently come to your inbox.  May God bless you abundantly in 2014!

Starting a blog.

Why have I procrastinated it that long? I enjoy writing, encouraging, and hopefully have some interesting life experiences to share.

I have a great list of excuses – maybe you can relate to some of these:
Too busy.
Not enough time.
I can’t compete with the pros.
No one will read it.
Too tired.
I want it to be perfect.
Whut abot speling and grammer erors?
Blah, blah, blah . . . . .

I read a quote by the great Jon Maxwell that helped add light to the subject, “The reality is that you will never get much done unless you go ahead and do it before you are ready.”
So here it is . . . .for better or for worse. A special shout out to @jackson_carrie and Sharon Hill @www.oncallprayer.org for your continual encouragement in this process! Hopefully it won’t take 3 more years for my next post. But if it does . . . . see any of the above excuses for the reason why 🙂

I’m curious, what is it that you’ve been procrastinating for quite a while?