Last Day of 2015

Yes, today is the last day of 2015. It's been a wonderful year. Many things have happened and I know so much more is on the way. I hope that it's all good, but I'm sure there will be a few things I will have to muddle through.

This blog will continue of course, and hopefully I will post more. I have some great things in mind, but I have to be bold enough to publish them once completed. There are many "musings" I have already compiled. I just need to make some final touches before they get posted here. So if you follow me, watch out!

I plan on posting my thoughts over topics that may cause the readers of my blog to think. Of course, there are a few humorous stories and pondering as well. I'm also trying to figure out a way to let you all follow a few of my design projects as well. This could be fun!

Like always, if you have any ideas or questions, feel free to contact me! http://mattpaasch.com

Happy New Year!

~Matt

Look... Essential Oils!

After church a few Sundays ago, I was talking with some of the guys and we joked about greeting each other with gifts like the magi. You know, the wise men who presented gifts to Mary and Joseph. We teased that we should arrive at our weekly Bible study with gifts of precious oils. Then we laughed over the idea of it being "essential oils", since our wives are starting to get into this trend. 

The idea struck me that two of the three gifts presented to Mary were oils, and the Bible doesn't really specify that the "gold" wasn't solid, it could have been an "oil", Hmmm. I then mentioned to the guys that I could imagine that Mary would have went nuts over the idea. We laughed again.

When I got home, my mind was still working. I told it to Lydia and she thought it was funny as well. I then grabbed my sketchbook and got to work. Within 30 minutes, I had the final drawing completed. I took a picture with my phone, adjusted the image, and posted on Instagram (that shared on Facebook and Twitter). Sure enough, it immediately got several likes and shares.

Over the following few days and through Christmas, I've been tagged and messaged from others I don't know. Several have "tracked me down" just to say thanks... they've used it for their essential oil business.

I guess I need to come up with another great idea!

~Matt

"Christmas Adam"

The other day, my kids kept saying they couldn't wait until "Christmas Adam" on December 23rd. Say what...? Well, they explained, "Its' the day before Christmas 'EVE' , and because everyone knows that Adam came before Eve."

At first, I thought they were just being foolish and funny. They told me that it's not new, but mentioned by friends. I still brushed it off.

However, that changed when I started seeing a few memes on facebook. Huh? It's an actual day? How did I miss this?

Well, in doing some research, it's actually been around since 1998!

Christmas Adam December 23: the day before Christmas Eve, so called because Adam came before Eve. Created by an opportunistic child looking for a reason to open a gift two days before Christmas.

1998 Paul Dickson, Family Words: The Dictionary for People Who Don't Know a Frone From a Brinkle.

There is now a new celebration for the day in gift-giving. Since Adam and Eve were created by the hand of God, "Christmas Adam" gifts must be handmade by the gift giver or something that can be made by the one receiving it.

Or like the meme suggests... just go to McDonald's for a McRib!

~Matt

A Christmas Survey

1. Hot chocolate or apple cider? Hot chocolate

2. Turkey or Ham? Turkey

3. Do you get a "Fake" or "Real cut it yourself" Christmas tree? Fake

4. Decorations on the outside of your house? Yup!

5. Snowball fights or sledding? Sledding (it's not fair to be in a snowball fight against a 8 & 10 year old)

6. Do you like hanging around the fireplace because it's warm? Yes (and to watch the flames...)

7. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping? Only if I had money to spend!

8. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

9. How do you feel about Christmas movies? I love 'em

10. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? The day after Christmas...

11. Stockings before or after presents? Before

12. Carolers? Oh yeah!

13. Go to someone else's house or they come to you? Don't care! Either way is fine!

14. Do you read the Christmas Story the night before Christmas? Yes, the true Christmas story! (Luke 1 & 2)

15. What do you do after presents and dinner? Nap....

16. What is your favorite holiday smell? Pumpkin Pie!

17. Ice skating or walking around the mall? Both!

18. Favorite Christmas tradition? Too many to name just one! Live Nativity, Christmas Lights, etc.

19. Favorite Part about winter? Snow.....!

20. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? Lydia!!!!!!!

Baked Low-carb Green Chili & Cream Cheese Poppers

This is my favorite snack and appetizer!

Ingredients:

6 low-carb tortillas 

1 cream cheese block

2 cans chopped green chilies 

Instructions:

Heat oven to 350°. Melt cream cheese in bowl. Mix in green chilies. Cut tortillas into 1/4s, and stuff in 24 cupcake pan. Spoon mixure into each tortilla cup. Place in oven until tortillas are crispy brown.

Let cool and serve!

App Review: Office Lens

Sometimes I come across awesome smartphone apps that make my life easier. This is one of them!

For a few years, I’ve been scanning my kids’ artwork and homework to the computer for digital backup. It was a pain. And it took forever. I knew there had to be an easier way, but didn't know what it might be.

One day, a friend showed me an free app by Microsoft called Office Lens. It allows you to take pictures and automatically re-sizes the image. Even when you capture a document at an angle, it’ll adjust it by cropping it correctly.. It also enhances and makes pictures of whiteboards and documents readable. Office Lens can convert images to editable Word and PowerPoint files too.

It’s one of the handiest tools on my phone. I use it at work to scan documents to my camera roll, and save those important whiteboard meeting notes before they are wiped away.

I highly recommend it!

~Matt

Christmas Music On-Air

First off... Well, here I am again. I know it seems that I have ignored this blog, when in actuality, I just haven’t posted my thoughts that I’ve written. There are many things that I have started but not completed. Hopefully, I can get them completed and posted soon.

Of course, this the last month of the year has started, and we’re in the holidays. Thanksgiving has just passed and I’m in the Christmas mood. We’ve recently been playing all Christmas music on both stations, and I’m really enjoying it. I’m not ashamed to admit it, and close friends and family know it… I’m a big Christmas nut!

If you tune in to KWFC radio during my show in the afternoons, hopefully you can hear the joy in my voice as I share this musical treat for the season. I believe we have a fantastic variety by our Southern Gospel artists. You’ll hear favorite tunes, both secular and traditions. But the best part is that we have some songs unique to our genre that you won’t hear anywhere else. Those are the real treats!!

Yes, we’ve received a few complaints that it’s ALL Christmas. And I guess I can understand. Thankfully, there are many, many more that appreciate the seasonal music on-air. I believe we have the best reason to celebrate… it’s the Gospel from the beginning: Jesus’ birth!

~Matt

PS   Besides listening through the free app, you can tune in online at http://kwfc.org

Why Southern Gospel Won't Die...

For over 15 years, I’ve been hearing that once the “older generation” passes on, there will be no more support for Southern Gospel Music. However, we have seen that as people get older, they gravitate to our genre. Why does this music continually gain listeners 45+ old? It’s a puzzling question that critics of the genre wrestle with every year. There are many published articles, blog posts, and even books that make statements that Southern Gospel’s end is near.

It’s something that I don’t understand either. If the posts I read when I was in college were true, my favorite music wouldn't be airing right now. But working at the largest SG Radio station in the midwest, I have found that we actually grow as people get older. Even as the genre’s style expands, the listeners do as well.

Recently, I stumbled across this this quote by a Southern Gospel fan:

Well, most of the reason I gravitate toward gospel is that I am a proud follower of Jesus Christ...and as such, believe in spreading His Word in the best way possible....and music is a wonderful way to spread any message.

But more than that, I'm getting older...and more and more, I cherish the values that hold families and societies together...and I'm tired of mainstream media defying that, scoffing at it, or worst, shoving values I want no part of as a freedom loving person in my face, as though I HAD to accept them, or else I was...(gasp)...INTOLERANT!(the worst thing anyone can be in this age)

There you have it! Our “older generation” is very bold and a bit rebellious to the extent that they’re not going to be forced on what to think by others. They long for those truths that they can hold to.

Now, I’m not going to say that this IS THE EXACT REASON why Southern Gospel Music won’t be dying anytime soon. But it seems to be a very plausible answer that does define what’s happening in our genre.

~Matt

Fun Chocolate Facts!

Yesterday was National Chocolate Day. So in celebration, I did some research and found some fun facts. I even posted a few on social media. Enjoy:

• In preparation for making chocolate, cacao tree seeds must be fermented to develop the flavor we know and love since they have a very intense, bitter taste.

• Research has found that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

• Nutella was invented during WWII. An Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his cocoa supply.

• Eating dark chocolate every day reduces the risk of heart disease by one-third.

• Chocolate has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and protects against tooth decay.

•American's love chocolate so much that Lay's sells potato chips dipped in milk chocolate...

• The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which trigger relaxation.


And as a bonus:

• Someone has invented scented pills designed to make your gaseous emissions smell like chocolate... http://www.pilulepet.com/en/15-pilule-qui-parfume-les-flatulences.html

Living In Harmony

One of my new favorite Southern Gospel songs that we’re currently playing on KWFC radio is “Living In Harmony” by the Triumphant Quartet. It has a great message, and very enjoyable to sing along with as well. It has gotten me to thinking too.

As Christians, we’re to live in harmony with one another. There is a common melody, but we’re not to live totally in unison. We all have a part, in one accord. Our goal is to live in the will of God, being a reflection of His grace and mercy. We’re to share the Gospel… the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. He came to die that we might live. What greater news is that?

Christians may disagree on things, but that doesn’t mean we should fight over those little things. Each of us have a different view, but our common goal should be live for Christ on how we believe He would have us to. Don’t fret over others.

If we all lived our lives in God’s harmony, what greater good we’d do for Him!

~Matt

Join me on Periscope

Several of the artists I follow on social media introduced me to a new mobile app called Periscope. Created by Twitter, it allows you to broadcast live video streams to your followers. They can then watch and comment, giving you to the chance to reply as you take the video.

I decided to start using it this week, broadcasting live from the KWFC studios. I've also been able to watch the channels from local tv reporters, artists, and friends. It's been fun, and I've enjoyed it so far. Tonight, I'll be using it to show some "behind the scenes" action of our concert preparation for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound....

To catch me, look for @mattpaasch

~Matt

Selfie Sticks Save Lives!

I carry a selfie stick with me from time to time. I purchased it so I could take some great shots, especially when videoing my kids during school performances and special events. It has become handy so that I can be in the family shots as well.

I've been given a hard time (out of fun) by my coworkers, but yet they've seen me utilize it with great results. In fact, at any future concerts, you'll see me using it.

With that being said, we've read in the news how places are starting to ban them. However, recent news of yesterday shows that they can save a life. A teen girl brought one into the ocean in Massachusetts, and a rip current pulled her under. Her dad was able to grab the selfie stick and kept her head above water.

Yes, they can save lives! Even during shark week....

~Matt

Springfield Police Officer Listens to KWFC!

I was served a subpoena to appear in court this morning to testify about the attempted carjacking I witnessed back on May 8th. Unfortunately, after waiting an over an hour, it was discovered that one of other witnesses knows the judge, so it's being moved to a future date.

However,I got to view a couple of the other cases being presented. This being my first time, it was pretty neat.

As I was leaving, one of the officers that had testified in one of the earlier cases approached me. He told me that he could tell I enjoyed watching the proceedings. I admitted to him that I did. He then told me that he recognized me, and listens every afternoon to KWFC. He continued by saying to keep up the good work! 

Seeing that today is "Welcome Home Wednesday"... it was neat to be told this at the courthouse, of all places!

~Matt

Office Puns

I figured I'd share some humor today....

An old facebook post from 2012:

Correctly Observing Memorial Day

There is quite a bit of "talk" on social media and the internet on how we should observe Memorial Day. 

- Should we have BBQs and grill?

- Should we visit the graves of fallen soldiers?

- Is it appropriate to greet each other with the word "happy" before "Memorial Day"?

- Should we include those service-members currently alive in observance?

By going with facts, the day was set aside to remember those who died during the Civil War. New York was the first state to recognize it in 1973. All the northern states finally recognized the holiday by 1890 (the South refusing until after World War 1. With the Congressional passage of the "National Holiday Act of 1971", almost every state observes the holiday on the last Monday in May.

However, many seem to get Memorial Day confused with Veteran's Day. The first being set aside to remember those who died while serving our country, and the latter for celebrating the service of all US veterans.

So how do we observe the day? 

Traditionally, the flag is supposed to be lowered during the first part of the day, and then at noon, raised to the top for the remainder. Also, on December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was passed, asking all Americans to observe in their own way, a moment of remembrance and respect by listening to "Taps" at 3pm.

There is nothing wrong with visiting the graves of a loved one, showing respect to those currently in the service, or pulling out the grill for some steaks and burgers. But either way, none should be expected or frowned upon.

Just doing some history research!

~Matt

Honestly...

Today might be a difficult one for politicians to celebrate...

Since the first was April Fools Day, and this day being the last of the month, it’s National Honesty Day. So celebrate by telling the truth, being honest in all things! 

Hopefully, this shouldn't be hard of a challenge...

~Matt

Careful What You Post

I try to be careful what I post on the internet, and often encourage my friends to do the same. Yes, I occasionally read things that make me shake my head in disbelief that one would make some post. Some do it because they like to vent, some out of gossip, and some out of pure hate. Then there are those who obviously don't pay attention to what they are writing.

Well, there are a few stories that have recently hit the news involving social media posts.

The first story has to deal with a mom being fired before she starts the job. I agree with the employer's decision. If you publicly announce that you HATE working around kids and getting ready to start a new job at a daycare that you claim you'll also HATE to do... then you have no right to work there!

It also goes to show that one needs to be careful when posting things on the internet. Already, the mom is claiming that she is being "bullied" by those stating she doesn't deserve to work at a job she claims she's going to hate. Oh brother!

The other story going around is that of a woman who made a post threatening to kill and murder white police officers. of course, she was arrested and charged with terrorist threats. Some have posted in her defense, calling it her 1st amendment right! Oh my. Now, what she did is what I consider "bullying" in extreme form. 

I share this all to say... be mindful on posting your thoughts. There are always consequences!

~Matt

http://www.clarkhoward.com/fired-for-a-facebook-post-befo

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/28925497/police-woman-makes-threats-on-facebook-to-kill-cops

I bought a Selfie-stick

I took my birthday funds from earlier this month and bought me a "selfie-stick".

Yes, you read that correctly. And I'm sure I know your thoughts... "HUH? That's so ridiculous".

I understand. I remember when they first came out. I too thought that it was a horrible idea. Only those crazy/vain people would purchase and use such an item. I wouldn't be caught in public, swinging my cell phone at the end of a pole above people's heads.

Yet, now I've bought one. Now, to answer "Why"...

For one, the sticks come with a clasp to hold your phone, making it easy to mount on a camera tripod. Since my didgital camera has been replaced by my iPhone, this is an awesome advantage when taking group photos. With the timer feature in the camera app, I can get those great shots. I'm also able to take great video without movement and shakyness of my arms.

The other reason why I bought it.... I like takiing selfies with the family. Hey, my arm is not super-long to get those shots. I got tired of looking through my pictures and not being in them along with wife and kids! Just recently, I took it with us on our mini-vacation to Branson. Sure enough, I got some neat family shots! Totally worth it.

I could hand my cell phone to a stranger to take our picture, but I'm not too keen on the idea of letting a stranger hold my expensive iPhone. 

~Matt

Instagram at KWFC Radio

Just recently, KWFC has added Instagram to some of the social media networks we have a part in. Oh, and guess who's in charge....? ME!

It's yet another challenge for me to keep updated and relevant. So, we'll see how it goes. Check us out and be sure to follow: https://instagram.com/kwfc_89.1/

~Matt

Classic Gaming

One of the benefits of the new location of my work is being able to take a break and walk around the building. It contains several businesses and gives for a great get-a-way from my work for several minutes. 

However, if I'm not careful, I could spend too much time away... thanks to an Antique store a few doors down. There are so many things inside that you can get lost browsing around.

Just recently, I spent my birthday money on a GameBoy Advance SP! It was at a great price, and I can play the games I've had since a child. Malachi loves it too..! We love playing those old classics. And I think both kids are able to outplay me on several games, but I think I still am a Tetris champion. :P

I'm hoping with the news that Nintendo is working with an Apple app developer that some of my favorites will be added to iPhone in the near future. But until then, I can still enjoy a few from time to time with the GameBoy...

~Matt

Hello... My Name Is...

I've been called different names through the years... some not of my choosing of course. And I've often wondered what it would be like to have a different name. Well, today is the day to try something new. It’s National Name Yourself Day!

However, I may have to give this more thought. "Mr. Incredible" is taken by a movie character...

~Matt

#NationalNameYourselfDay

I'm Doing This For You

Right before Easter Sunday, we watched "The Passion" with our church small group. What a movie!

In fact, it's a yearly tradition that Lydia and I started since it movie was released. Before that, I'd watch "Ben-Hur" as a visual reminder of what Christ did for us. Now, the movie of the Passion it not something that we watch more than once. It's very intense, but it also doesn't capture everything that has been described in scripture. However, that's fine with me. Many things are better off left to mind.

Lydia and I both agree the most dificult section of the movie is the whipping scene. It goes on for so long, and yet the focus changes. We found out after some discussion, to get through it, we both have a song that runs through our mind...

Brian Free wrote and performed the song "I'm Doing This For You". It's a great representation of what Christ did when taking the beating and sacrificing His life for ours.

Here's Brian singing it: https://youtu.be/30G3l8fs-Io

Have you taken time to recognize what Jesus did for you?

~Matt

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 30 mins

A low-carb casserole with flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 tsp of garlic
• 1 tsp of salt
• Sprinkle of Italian seasoning
• Large package of Beef slices; cut into strip
• 3 small cans of sliced mushrooms
• 1 package of provolone cheese slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Heat large skillet.
3. Melt coconut oil in skillet.
4. Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and beef to skillet.
5. Continue to saute until onions are translucent.
6. Transfer everything into a 9x13 pan.
7. Top with sliced provolone cheese.
8. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes to melt cheese.

Hairy Pun War...

Once again, I was pulled into a PUN WAR on Facebook. These are always fun for me, so I figured I'd share. Have pun!

~Matt

Queso Taco Pasta Bake

Queso Taco Pasta Bake

Ingredients

¼ cup butter

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 ½ cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

½  pouch Taco seasoning

1 finely chopped onion

1 lb lean (about 80%) ground beef

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 ½ cup Chunky salsa

1 box pasta

shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Directions

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

• In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. add salt and pepper with whisk until bubbly. Slowly beat in broth. Increase heat to high. Cook, stir in Cheddar cheese and taco seasoning Remove from heat; set cheese sauce aside.

• Cook pasta as directed on box.

• In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, onion and cumin over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Drain; stir in salsa.

• Drain cooked pasta; return to pasta pot. Add beef mixture and cheese sauce; stir to combine. Pour into baking dish; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese blend.

• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly. Serve immediately.