Happy New Year!

Here's hoping your 2015 is fulfilling, enjoyable, rewarding, and shareable. All the best! 
God Bless You and be safe!

Health insurance enrollment period continues

For those of you in the individual healthcare market (either on the marketplace or not), open enrollment continues through February 15. For an application submitted by January 15, the effective date would be February 1. This also applies if you do not have coverage now, but want to get a policy. You can go to my website to enroll on the healthcare page, or if you want to see if you qualify for a subsidy, go to healthcare.gov for more information and to enroll.

Open enrollment closes on February 15, so you will need to make your choice and get the app in by 11:59 pm on that day, or you won't get new coverage. Anyone who has certain defined "life-change events" (marriage, divorce, loss of coverage due to change of jobs, birth/adoption of child, etc) can submit for coverage based on that event, even after February 15.

Good luck and Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving America!

 Today is a day to celebrate, because there is always something to be thankful for, no matter our circumstances. I hope you have a wonderful and pleasant Thanksgiving Day. We are blessed because we are free to live and worship as it best suits each of us. Here comes the turkey, potatoes, fresh hot bread, cake, cookies, warm pumpkin and apple pie, and something goooo-ood to wash it down with!

Health Insurance Open Enrollment

If you are -- or want to be -- covered by a health insurance plan that is part of the ACA, the enrollment period for plans starting 1/1/2015 opens tomorrow, Saturday, November 15 2015. This is the only time that most of us can get new coverage, or change existing. This period applies whether you are using the on-exchange plans which include subsidies, or the off-exchange plans, which are offered directly by the various carriers. Please click here for more information

Also -------------

During Open Enrollment, if you enroll:

• Between the 1st and 15th days of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the next month.
• Between the 16th and the last day of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the second following month. So if you enroll on January 16, your coverage starts on March 1.

from healthcare.gov

You can click here to get quotes from us from our available carriers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Humana, Aetna. Remember, this starts 11/15/2014. I imagine it might be somewhat congested tomorrow (Saturday)

Have a Happy Day! and keep warm!

Veterans Day 2014

Thank you Veterans, for your sacrifice, dedication, commitment, and calling. No one is forced to do this anymore, and your calling is critical, respected and appreciated. As a nation, the world looks to the USA for help and protection, and you are the reason why. All those before you, both living and passed on, set the standard that is carried.
And a special thanks to those who have lost someone in the course of their duty. Your loss is also appreciated and remembered.

Pray for and thank a veteran today! God Bless the USA!

Happiness is...

You'll never be happy if you chase money all your life. Find real joy through giving and serving others. Via Dave Ramsey.

Word of the Day September 17 2014

Do what is right. Regardless of the circumstances or outcomes. The truth and the right thing will always come out.

Remembering September 11

Today we remember that fateful day in 2001 when our lives were pierced with the needle of vicious terrorism, and the valiant, heroic, selfless response of first responders, victims, citizens, and a nation. All things have a purpose. This one is to remember who we are, especially in the worst of times. It defines our character, which is good.
Thank you always to those who served.

Drive It Forward Friday

Today is Friday! Yay!!! Its the last Friday of the summer for many (booo) ; the first Friday of school for some. ;) Here is some valuable info for drivers of all ages, and especially youths, to keep our roads safe, and be a courteous and helpful driver. From our friends at Safeco Insurance. Click the link below \/ \/ \/

Drive It Forward Friday from Safeco

July 4th, Independence Day

Many countries have an independence day, but none is like ours. Despite all the rhetoric and confusion, The United States of America are/is singularly unique. We didn't start out to revolt; we just wanted the British crown to recognize the colonies and let them participate in their own government. Britain didn't want that, and kept pushing until it was decided that enough was enough, and we would decide that "When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands..."

So we did. We fought with a ragtag army made up of state militias staffed by farmers, mercantilists, ordinary citizens. Not all had uniforms. Geez, some of them wore their clothes straight out into shreds, and marched through the harsh winters at Valley Forge cold, wet, and wondering how this was going to work. Boston started all of this, and Yorktown finished it. We fought the British, and the French helped us seal the deal by providing naval support at the port in Yorktown, Virginia. George Washington knew the land well, all of it, because he had been a surveyor as a young adult. He was shot at, but never hit. Well, he was hit, but only in the clothes and hat. Never actually in his body. It that's not divine providence, I don't know what is. It is said that one enemy soldier noticed the holes and said if he has survived this far, he wasn't going to shoot him.

It is said that 1/3 of the colonists didn't care if we bolted or not, 1/3 were Loyalists to the crown, and 1/3 were fixed on revolution. So much for needing a majority to get things done! We were divided during the Civil War too, and we seem to be now, but that does not mean we can't survive. I for one am proud to be an American, warts and all.

Happy Independence Day! Fly a flag, grill some meat, remember how we got here, who and what we are (and are not), remember those who gave their lives over the past 238+ years, enjoy some peaceful family time, and resolve yourself that it will not decay on our watch. As Ben Franklin said after the Constitutional Convention in 1787, in response to the question "Well Doc, what do we have - a Republic or a Monarchy?"

"A Republic, if you can keep it!"

Romania trip day 1 and 2

Our church has sent a group of adults and young adults to western Romania to share their faith with people there. Here are videos from their travel day and their first day on the ground. Its great to see these friends taking on something bigger than themselves for the Good of others.

http://vimeo.com/99364520

http://vimeo.com/99425276

Are you buying a house???

Here are some great tips from our friend and colleague, Dave Ramsey. He knows what he is talking about. He has been in the real estate business for 20+ years. Some of this is common sense, but its worth a peek anyway.

 Click here for the story...

Happy Fathers Day!!!

Whether you are a dad, grand-dad, great-grand-dad, step-dad, super-dad, or like-a-dad, enjoy your day! Thank you for showing your kids what a dad is. Don't sweat the small stuff, just do your best, and show it. Every kid needs a dad!!!

Omaha Beach, 70 years later

Today, in 1944, the Allied Forces landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, off the English Channel, France's northern coast. Some actually parachuted in overnight the night before. Yes, they jumped out of a plane in the dark, into enemy territory, with people shooting at them. It was a bloody engagement. Many, MANY men were lost, but some landed and made their way inland, in an attempt to secure France, and then move on eastward to Germany, where the Nazis come from. Forces were provided by the Western Allies countries - Canada, the Free French Forces, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Weather had been a problem all of the end of May and even into the first days of June. Allied Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower was told by his meteorologist that the weather would clear marginally, to give enough moonlight to see and navigate, and to take advantage of the tide. The size of the operation required Eisenhower to make a decision before the weather change actually took place. The skies lifted, advance bombing missions were engaged, and paratroopers were loaded onto planes. The amphibious vehicles launched from ships at sea were readied, along with their occupants. Mostly teenage soldiers, who are now in their late 80's and early 90s today.

The rest is history, and the world is free because of these brave men and women, at all levels, including support off-site in England and elsewhere. Our troops were better led, had more freedom of engagement and strategy, and greater ingenuity to get personnel, equipment, and supplies there to keep the Front advancing. My step-father was in that war. Not at Normandy, but his stories of that war are fascinating. If you run into one of these guys or gals, thank them for their service, and ask them to tell you a story. For sure they have one, and are willing to talk.

Thank you to all who participated.

Hurricane Season about to commence

The 2014 Hurricane Season is upon us. Those of us who have lived here awhile know the drill.

• Have an escape plan/route based on where you live and where you are going. And based on where the storm is.
• Pick a rendezvous point for family members to meet up outside the affected area
• Have plenty of provisions and supplies; food, water, batteries, manual can opener, fuel, generator, flashlights, prescriptions, glasses
• Pet food and water, crate, toys, pillow
• Portable/battery operated radio/tv
• Vehicle in working order
• Contact information for friends, neighbors, family, insurance company and agency
• dust mask, duct tape, plastic sheeting
• moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• cash, change, travelers checks, credit/debit cards

Some of these items should be easy to reach or ready to go if you evacuate --

• Important family documents (insurance policy, identification and bank records, proof of mortgage
• First aid kit
• change of clothing and toiletries

Click here for more information from the National Hurricane Center and here for ready.gov.

Call or contact us if you need more information! We'll be glad to help.

Memorial Day 2014. Thank you, Soldier.

This weekend is Memorial Day. Its a holiday full of fun and relaxation and activities, but it is first a remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice our fallen military heroes have made for our freedom. I have been to just a couple of funerals. It is hard to imagine how they can accept that possibility, but they do. Maybe without thinking about it alot, but they do. We have a volunteer military, so no one is forcing them to take on this challenge. Without this, USA would not exist. The first casualty was long ago in the Revolution, and the most recent ones were this month. 3 as of today. Freedom isn't free. We hear that alot, but we also live the benefits of it every day. Today is a day to honor, remember, our heroes, and pray for their families. America is an idea, and it is worth fighting for. We can and do make a difference, but not without a cost. Keep that in mind as you enjoy the long weekend. Hapy Memorial Day!!!

Ruzicka Insurance recognized with Safeco designation

Safeco Insurance has once again recognized Ruzicka Insurance Agency with their Premier Partner agency status. We are glad to accept, and honored to be partnered with Safeco and their team of high quality insurance professionals. Safeco is one of the top insurance carriers in the nation in the independent agent channel, and they have served our customers well.
Thank you to all our customers, who have helped us gain this recognition and support from a valued vendor. We know you have a choice, and we take your needs seriously. We work hard to be a good advocate, "have the heart of a teacher," and help our folks in times of unfortunate events. We enjoy what we do, where we live, and the people we live with and serve.

Spring Elections are VERY important!!!

Why? Because most people don't show up. That means two things -

1. Your vote will be super-effective.
2. Special interests will gear up to get their local initiatives done. If you are part of one of those, good. If you are against one of those, you should vote - and get others to do the same - so that unintended actions don't occur. 

Here in Texas, these ballots usually contain local, city, county, MUD, and school board races. Get informed, talk to someone in your community who has an ear to the issue, and let your vote be counted. These are the closest government agencies to you, and they need your input.

For Harris County, go here  --http://www.harrisvotes.org/

For Fort Bend County, go here -- http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/index.aspx?page=1099

For other counties, search your county's elections website.

Early voting has already started! Those polls are open daily until May 6. Election Day is Saturday, May 10.

Happy Voting!!!

San Jacinto Day in Texas

Everyone knows what the Alamo is. I am not sure that everyone knows that the Texian Army suffered a grave loss at that site. However, there was another day to fight, and today in Texas history, 178 years ago, about 900 rebels under the generalship of Sam Houston, defeated 1200 Mexican troops, and their well-known leader, Antonio Santa Anna using strategy and carrying through with their passion for Texas. They were not to be defeated. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Site is preserved in that memory, and everyone who lives in the Great State is benefiting from their heroism and military prowess.

The battles at The Alamo, Goliad, and the marshes of east Houston near our present day Houston Ship Channel, led us to what we are today, a growing, industrious, faithful, diversified state that is the 14th largest economy in the WORLD, 40th largest by land area, 8% of the US GDP (the measure of total economic production of a state or nation), 10th largest oil producing area, and the 4th largest economy of any political subdivision. Six of the 20 largest cities in America have TX after their name.

Good morning Texas, make it a great day!!!

Lots of things going on these days

This is Holy Week for Christians, Passover for Jews, today is the 1 year rememberance of the Boston Marathon bombing, the explosion and fire in West, Texas was also a year ago this week. There are 3 Christian themed movies out right now; Son of God, God Isn't Dead, and Heaven Is For Real. There was a standoff between a bureau of the federal government and a ranch owner in eastern Nevada, that ended in a remarkable and telling conclusion and victory for our country. The season is changing, although it doesn't seem to be able to make up its mind to what. There was snow in Green Bay, Wisconsin yesterday, and it was 66 degrees at 11:04 am in Houston, but we woke up to 49 degrees this morning.

Plenty to think, talk, pray and work on this week. Hoping you find some answers, help someone else with theirs, and enjoy God's green earth!!!

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr was an American hero who stood up for what he believed in. Someone else tried to silence him for his outspokenness even though it was mostly about peace, love, and getting along with one another. That happened on this day in 1968. It was a sad day; if you are old enough to remember it, you probably remember where you were when you heard it. I was in the kitchen listening to the radio when the news was reported.

Many cities have streets named for him. Many people have repeated his "I have a dream" speech. There will be no other like him, but his legacy lives on, and can benefit every single one of us, regardless of our background, heritage, race, color creed.

Baseball Season is here, No Joke!!

It's April Fools Day, but there's no foolin' about the fact that our favorite pastime is back. Some opening games have already been played, but today the whole league swings into action! The long winter is over (although some people in the north and midwest might doubt that this year), and its time to get out the scorecards, rosters and schedules to see what and who and how the new season has set itself up.

Astros, Rangers, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers, Mariners,Sox or Sox...

Who's your favorite team, and how do you think they are gonna do? Everybody's in first place the first day, and nobody is out of the running. Let's Play Ball!!!

Today, EVERYONE is Irish !!!

Happy St Patrick's Day! Did you know St. Patrick wasn't Irish? He was a Brit.
More here.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y3Qh3A26vQ
Oh, and a special shout out to my Nephew Danny, and my stepfather, Murray. Happy Birthday to both of you!

Today is Primary Election Day in Texas

Calling all Texas Patriots. Democrats and Republicans. If you are a last minute person, your minute is here! Find your precinct and bring your cheat sheet and go vote!

For help finding voting locations and sample ballots -

Harris County residents go here

Fort Bend County residents go here

Other counties Google your county election division for locations, sample ballots and other information. Teh polls are open until 7pm tonight.

Go Vote! Its your right and responsibility.

Texas Independence Day

Today marks the day in 1836 when Mexican Texas broke away from Mexico, and became a separate country, yes, that's COUNTRY. The Republic of Texas. This marks one of the six flags that Texas has flown over itself. By the way, Texas Independence Day is an official holiday, so celebrate it accordingly...

Happy Texas Independence Day!!! In some ways, we are still very independent.

Fort Bend ISD announces no school Tuesday Jan 28

Here's the announcement ---http://bit.ly/1liEjsa

Be safe and enjoy the day off!!!

Yes, we are here; be safe out there

BRIA is open for business. Please be careful today and take your time. Call us if we can help you.
Relief is on the way! We are headed back to the upper 50s Saturday. Have a great Friday!!!

Remembering what MLK thought

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us, and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missles and misguided men.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.

Thought for the Day

Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority. --- Vince Lombardi