You can download the music through Amazon (my preferred music provider) here:  Amazon – Casting Crowns Christmas Album
( I highly recommend the entire album – CC has wonderful arrangements of classic carols and beautiful new Christmas songs)

There is also a great choral arrangement of this version – our HS Show Choir performed it at this year’s Christmas Feast event – a great piece for a choir:
Word Music – Anthem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Peace on Earth)"

Merry Christmas from Lawlatte!

Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies

YUM!

“Much has already been written about Steve Jobs and the book, but since he is perhaps the exemplar of the New Normal, I thought it might be useful to summarize some thoughts on what we as lawyers might want to draw from his life. For those who don’t want to work through the whole book, there’s an excellent article in Time that covers the major points. ….”

via Read more – 10 Ways for Lawyers to Find Their “Inner Steve Jobs”.

Link to the post:  One Trail-Blazing Small Town

Link to the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Center for more information:  Wabash & Erie Canal

There’s a lot more to the Canal Center than the trails – all of which is top-notch.  Check out the Canal Interpretive Center, the Outdoor  Pioneer Village, take a ride on the Canal Boat, walk the trails or rent a bike to ride the 10+ miles of trails.

What’s great about this center is that it has been built, and it is maintained, solely through volunteer efforts.  The local dedication is a great example to other nonprofits in the area, and has won state and national honors for the site and the volunteers.

Thanks to the blogger for the nice post – which provides a great lead-in for me to urge you to check it out!

Nonprofits – pay attention – If you don’t connect with social media, you will see a decline in attention to your organization as the general population shifts attention to instant content.

US National Debt Clock

(Click on image for larger picture)

US Debt Clock 07-13-11 approx 13 07

I know that this has been running around the internet, recently, but considering the theme of this blog and website, how could I pass it up?

In the year 2011, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in America and said: “Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.”

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying. “You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.”

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard – but no Ark.

“Noah!,” He roared, “I’m about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?”

“Forgive me, Lord,” begged Noah, “but things have changed.”

“I needed a Building Permit.”

“I’ve been arguing with the Boat Inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.”

“My neighbors claim that I’ve violated the neighborhood by-laws by building the Ark in my back yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local Planning Committee for a decision.”

“Then the local Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark’s move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it.”

“Getting the wood was another problem. There’s a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls – but no go!”

“When I started gathering the animals the ASPCA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.”

“Then the Environmental Agency ruled that I couldn’t build the Ark until they’d conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.”

“I’m still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I’m supposed to hire for my building crew.”

“The Immigration Dept. is checking the visa status of most of the people who want to work.”

“The trade unions say I can’t use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.”

“To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I’m trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.”

“So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.”

“Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.”

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you’re not going to destroy the world?”

“No,” said the Lord. “The Government beat me to it.”

How will you do?  (I missed one.)

Newsweek Citizenship Test