To peek or not to peek...that is the question...

I wanted to share a brief excerpt from the Florida Times-Union printed on December 22, 2008 in the Life section. The article was titled "Peaking at Gifts? It's All Political."
The basis of the article was a UNF survey that revealed the likelihood of someone peeking or shaking a gift to determine what they were getting. About one-third of the responders admitted they were guilty of this little spying technique.

Here is the part I thought was amusing, "The pollsters also learned that political party affiliation may be an indicator of who's been naughty or nice. More than 52 percent of Democrats said they peek compared to about 34 percent of Republicans and 17 percent of independents."

The article goes on to ask the question why did the pollsters even add the party about affliation to which they replied, "just to inject a little humor...and grab attention."
Which is exactly why I wrote about it. The prior more than the latter of course. :-)

Burrr.....

I happened upon a list of the highest recorded temperatures for each of the 50 US states and I noticed a surprising observation I'd like to share. With "Global Warming" being the latest craze for so many politicians and environmentalist, I was sure that this current decade would probably have a strong presence on the list.

However...only one state (South Dakota) has seen it's highest temperature (106) in the 2000's. One.

So let's back up a decade and see if it's a "trend-thing."
1990's? Five states recorded their all-time high temperature.
1980's? Three.
1970's? Two.
1960's? One.
1950's? Five.
1940's? Zero.

AND NOW....DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Of the 50 states, 24 had their highest temperature recorded in the 1930's!

24???

Can you simply imagine the regulations and ramifications if that were to happen today? YIKES! Note above how the 40's had zero states record all-time high's during that decade. Man, they must have thought the ice-age was on its way!

My First Fried Turkey

Just had to share with you what my first fried turkey looked like from this past Thanksgiving. Though the skin wasn't as crisp as I'd like it to be, I was very pleased with the results. Man, I love turkey like this. I may just have to fry another one up for Christmas. Sweet...

One of the top five happiest days of my life...

On the 26th of October, my oldest daughter was baptized by my wife during the 10:30 service at Christ's Church. My daughter is 8 years old and has been asking about getting baptized for the past few years. My wife and I both talked to her and finally came to the conclusion that she was ready to commit to this act of obedience.

My wife broke up as she began to speak and I now believe that I might not have made it through it at all if I was the one in the water. I am a blubbering idiot when it comes to things that are this emotional to me.
I can't tell you how proud I am of my precious little girl and to my wife for playing such a huge role in the moment.

Angels were celebrating that day just as it's described in Luke 15:8-10 (that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God).

Two more teens left in Nebraska hospitals

I think a special prayer needs to be said for the situation in Nebraska where parents have left children at "safe havens" under the states new law allowing them to drop children off without being charged for neglect, etc. Because the law says "children" and doesn't state an age, several have dropped off teenagers, including the two latest cases where 16-year-old's were left.

Apparently one of the girls that was left, had no idea she was going to be dropped off until mom walked away.

Let that sink in for a bit....a mom and daughter walk up to the hospital, which is where the "safe haven" is located, and the mom tells the daughter to wait here and she turns around and walks away for good.

All I could do when I read that was say a prayer and try to share this with others of you who I hope will pray for this situation as well.

The article says that most of the kids whom have been left since July (26 total kids) have been older kids. I don't even know what to say about that right now. It's just so sad.

Something HUGE off my to-do-before-I-die list..

I know this may seem tiny to some of you but on August 13, I completed my very first Rubik's Cube. Yeah, I had one as a child but was never able to get past one full side! Then i got a Rubik's Cube for Christmas this past year and a few days ago, I decided to look at the "Cheat Sheet" that came along with it. Now is that cheating? I guess but even WITH the sheet telling you the proper technique, it took me hours to complete! I had it 98% complete several times only to lose it as you take the leap of faith by messing up the whole cube with the understanding that if you make the right moves, it will all come right back together in the correct location. Here's the worst part...once you mess up at that point, the cube is sooo messed up, you literally have to start back from step one. Ugh.

But never the less, I persevered and the attached photo is proof. And my two girls thought I had to be one of the smartest people on earth which is always a good thing. :-)

I'm BACK!

Thank you guys so much who have continued to visit my BLOG over the last few months while I was away. I had reached a point in my life where I had to take a break from certain things until I was able to address them adequately. So, I appreciate you sticking around and I look forward to hearing from you all in your comments and emails. Thanks!

Thank you for the bread crumbs...

This a a video of a CNN interview with Steven Curtis Chapman about his daughter who was accidentally killed in the driveway of their home in May of this year. May God's mercy continue to be with this family as they cope with life after their loss.

They have WHAT in the Olympics?

Ok, I just have to share this since I am assuming there are those of you out there like myself who had no idea that TRAMPOLINE is an official Olympic event. Yeah, each participant gets 10 jumps to impress the judges.

I found it funny though that you have to be at least 18 years old to compete...aren't the younger people likely to have less fear and therefore wouldn't they make better participants?

Secondly, the US only has one man and one women competing and they made it in basically as afterthoughts because the IOC had empty spots to fill. Wow, you mean the US couldn't watch some of those Youtube videos and scout some sick talent to send to Beijing? Just kidding. (kinda...)

Am I becoming an Olympic Addict??

For the first time in my recent memory (as horrible as mine is), I have become a nightly Olympic watcher. I would initially characterize myself as a "casual observer" as I really only watch the high profile sports. The problem (for lack of a better term) is that I watch it until it's over. Which as some of you may know, is in the neighborhood of 12:30 or 1:00am. Ugh. I haven't stayed up that late since I stopped playing video games!

What got me hooked was on Monday (8/11) the commentators read a quote from French swimmer, Alain Bernard who said, "The Americans? We're going to smash them. That's what we came here for". Say what??? Oh no you didant.

Well, of course, now we had to sit there and watch.
Then the actual race began and it looked like the French team was gonna walk the talk and "smash" the USA. Not only would they win the Gold medal and back up the smack talk but they would deny USA star Michael Phelps of winning 8 Gold Medals.

Then in the last 25 meters (1/2 the length of the pool) Jason Lezak of the US made an absolutely remarkable push for the lead and touched the wall a fraction of a second (.08 to be exact) before the Frenchman. (replay, in case you missed it). My wife and I were screaming and hooting at the TV like we have never done before. We were hollering like you do in a crowded sports bar where you high five perfect strangers standing nearby!

Boy that felt good. My wife Kellea said it best when she said, "It wasn't like those guys won for just themselves...it was like I won it with them!" (cue song: "I'm Proud to be an American").

One last bit of "humor" that just kind of capped it off was in the post race interview, Garrett Weber-Gale, who swam the 2nd leg of the race said, "...Bob came by and said the Frenchies were talking...and I just said I didn't want to hear it and we just came and took care of business." Ummm, I'm gonna just..umm, leave that one alone.

But now I'm hooked. I actually looked up the schedule to see when the track and field events started and the individual gymnastic events as well. I even watched some badminton the other day...but just a few minutes. And man that volleyball is awesome! And I haven't even watched the Men's basketball yet! Sweet!

Hey gotta run...MSNBC has the Modern Pentathlon Finals starting in 10 minutes!

Thought of the day...

This past Sunday, Jason Cullum preached about the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke. It's the story of having to love everyone just as you love your own self. And the parable goes on to describe how we have to love even the most undesirable person as much as we do our own selves.

What stuck with me the most was near the end of the sermon who Jason said, "Sometimes we play the part of robber...sometimes the priest". (You can hear all of our sermon series online here.)

Sure I've never beaten a man up and left him for dead like the robber did. But have I ever treated someone ugly or verbally hurt them and just walked away to leave them to deal with it on their own? I may not have taken money but I took peace from them.

Have I ever acted like the priest in the story and not slowed down to help someone in need. Oh, yea. Sadly enough, it's something I do and see daily.

How awesome it is to see a story that many of us have heard over and over yet it still applies to me as much today as it did the first time I heard it probably 30 years ago.

Lord, please help me be more like the Samaritan and not like the Priest or the robber. I know that I can not do it with out you. Please help show me the things I allow to eat up my time for others like the Priest. Please help me recognize the times I hurt someone or rob someone of peace in their lives. Help me be strong enough to swallow my pride and admit when I am wrong and do what I must to make it better. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Bulldogs #1 to start season...

How awesome it was to buy the USATODAY for my wife the other day so I could let her see her beloved Georgia Bulldogs football team listed as #1 in the pre-season poll. I can't tell you how long she has waited to see that glorious sight but I know she appreciated it for however long it will last. I do think they will lose at least one game but that doesn't mean they can't still win the National Title.

Pourer or Pouree?

A few weeks ago, I did hospital visits which is an opportunity I am blessed with here at Christ's Church. I met with two separate men that had both been in the hospital almost three weeks each. We sat and talked about life and everything else under the sun, or so it seemed. As is always the case, when I left I felt like I was ministered to more than I ministered to them! I think that is probably God’s renewing spirit working to encourage us to continue the good fight, don’t you think?

God knows that we can only pour love into people if we actually have it inside of us to pour. We get that love inside of us from many different places...the Word, friends, family, nature's beauty, acts of kindness, etc. It comes from many places but it all has one source from which it came...Our Savior.

That's why it's so important for us all to be in this thing together. Sometimes you are the one God is using to pour in to others, while sometimes you must be the one being poured in to...

Photos we all need to remember

I came upon this link to some of the most moving photos I have ever seen. They are not happy photos but of the process the Marines go through when one of their own falls while in combat. It's a collection of 20 photos in a Pulitzer Prize winning featured collection in 2006. They are very respectfully done and one after another seem to hit deeper and deeper into my soul. We must pray for our brave men and women and for the family and friends that hope a day like these captured here, never comes their way.

Below you can see the photo of a wife who refused to leave her husbands side, asking to spend one last night next to her husband. The Marines made her a bed and watched over her while she slept. Before she fell asleep she opened up her laptop to play some music that reminder her of her husband.

God bless our troops and their family.

Solid Gold David Lawson

I had no idea my friend David had such moves. Seriously. I found this on Daniel Decker's Youtube page...So blame him David! Haha!

An AMAZING basketball shot..

This shot I don't think I have ever seen before in basketball. Sweet...

Little Leaguer Instructing Dad...sort of...

This video can really make you think...

Words to live by...

• Professionals built the Titanic, amateurs built the Ark.
• Sometimes we turn to God when our foundations are shaking, only to find out it is God who is shaking them.
• A person that learns from their mistakes is smart. A person that learns from other people's mistakes is smarter.
• Always try to be the best, but don't ever think you are the best.
• Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment.
• Character is what you are. Reputation is what people think you are.
• Character, like good soup, is made at home.
• Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.
• It is better to sleep on what you intend doing than to stay awake over what you've done.
• Nothing has value but that which you grant it.
• The most beautiful sunsets are made by cloudy skies.
• The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent.
• We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
• When someone points skyward, it's the fool that looks at the finger.
• Who gossips to you will gossip of you.

Richard Chambers, Good and Faithful Servant

In my 36 plus years on this earth, there are very few men I have met that I held in as high esteem as I did Richard Chambers. He passed away a few days ago and tomorrow (today actually) will be his funeral. My wife grew very close to his wife, Patty who is a teacher at Mandarin Christian School where my wife also works.

Richard was an elder at Christ's Church and in every encounter I ever had with the man, I could sense he was different. Not in an standoffish or righteous way by any means but in a way that I could tell he played by a different set of rules than most people are use to. In 2 Corinthians it says that when you are in Christ, you are a new creation. I have always taken that to mean that we are no longer bound by what we have done in the past, or how it's always been done or even by what everyone else is doing or thinks is ok. THAT was Richard.
I bet most people don't know many men they would call "strong" and be able to include that same person when asked to name people they consider "humble." THAT was Richard.
When my wife and I took he and Patty a meal a while back, Richard and I sat in the living room and we chatted for probably close to an hour. Even in his tired state, he was sure to tell me how much he appreciated all I was doing in the Sports Ministry and wanted me to talk about things that moved me. THAT was Richard.
Upon his passing, two emails were sent out that specifically talked about Richard and how much he meant to them and their time in the ministry. Both included how vital Richard had been over the years in keeping our church and ministry pointed in the right direction during critical times and how he was a rock that many could always depend on. Yes...that was Richard.
He did what Elders are suppose to do. He was a quiet, unassuming leader that had a servant heart most of us never saw and that was not an accident. From all indications, he was an excellent father, husband and professional.
And now, even in death, his influence is living on in the succession of a new elder who will be able to use Richard as an incredible role model for what a servant-hearted leader is suppose to look like. That future elder might not be stepping in right now. Or maybe not even in five years. But when he does, the example and influence that Richard left will no doubt help in assuring Christ's Church has another rock in place to steady us in the rough times. Yes...that was Richard.

May God's peace and comfort be with the Chambers' family in these trying times and days to come.

Funny Stuff and a quick read....

• A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar. The bartender says, "What is this, some kind of joke?"

• Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

• The early bird gets the worm, but the early worm gets eaten.

• Two things that are essential to life are WD 40 and duct tape. If it moves and it isn't supposed to, use the duct tape. If it doesn't move and it's supposed to use the WD 40.

Fresno State's Baseball Title Perspective...

For some of you who are coming here after reading the CC Sports E-Newsletter, this is the continuation of what I wrote on 6/26. I had to keep it short in that email but I wanted to expound a bit more here...(and if you didn't catch the beginning through the enewsletter, I was relaying how incredible a feat was that Fresno State achieved when they won the college baseball world series as the lowest seeded team ever to win a National Title in NCAA history, in ANY sport.

Just to put that into perspective, remember that the NCAA hosts Championships in such sports as rifle, field hockey, rowing, water polo and skiing along with the more notable football, basketball, etc. I attempted to do a rough count on how many championships have been won in the history of the NCAA and I called it quits after looking through roughly half the sports. I came up with 1560 which means had I looked through the remaining sports it very easily could have topped 3000 team champions crowned in intercollegiate athletics. That's D1, D2 and D3.

Fresno State came in with an RPI ranking of 89th at the start of the post-season. They started the season 8-12 and their 31 losses on the season (against 47 wins) is the most ever by a World Series Champion. In the post season, they knocked off the #3 team in the nation (Arizona St.), the #6 team (Rice) and the #2 team (North Carolina) twice. Then to complete the dream season, they knocked off the #8 ranked Georgia Bulldogs twice.

Impressive? Yea. I'd say that's no fluke.

One-liners of Interest

I thought I would share some of these funny or thought provoking one-liners I have found along the way. I wouldn't normally share these but when I read some of them and actually laughed out loud, I knew I wanted others to enjoy them as well. I was probably most impressed with these because they are ones I haven't heard before or at least they aren't common place like "He who dies with the most toys...still dies." Funny, yes. Been around awhile, yes. So here are some that I wanted to share. Hope you like them.
(Please note, the views or opinions expressed in this blog do not represent the views or opinions of Cameron LeSage, Christ's Church, Cameron's family...Haha!)

• A company is known by the people it keeps.
• My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.
• A morning without coffee is like something without something else.
• God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die.
• Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
• Quitters never win, and winners never quit, but those who never quit AND never win are idiots. (ugh, I hate using that word (idiot), so please forgive me!)
  
• Quote from the Boss: I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame it on you.
• The only person getting his work done by Friday was Robinson Crusoe.
• Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and recorded every day like those of a baseball player.
• Three kinds of people: Those who can count and those who can't.
• Work hard for eight hours a day, and eventually you may become a boss and be able to work twelve.

Youth Soccer fun

As my first season of running youth indoor soccer is winding down, I am really starting to miss the thought of it ending. My daughters have had a blast in this their first experience playing any type of soccer and my wife who is coaching both teams has enjoyed it immensely as well. The indoor version of soccer is much more enjoyable to the spectators because of how much closer to the game they are and the increased scoring. OK, well some of our K-1st games to resemble the 1-0 scores of soccer games we are use to seeing.

The fans have been very supportive of the players and overall I am happy with the leadership my coaches have imparted on the players on their team. It is so refreshing to see the kids sitting in a pre or post-game huddle actually listening to the coach talk about that days devotion.

And in our younger divisions it is becoming more common for teams to need an occasional player from another team to fill a spot if they happen to be short one or two players. The first few times, it seemed some of the kids were hesitant to step over into "foreign territory" even if just for one period. Now as the season has progressed, more and more little hands pop up when the coach says "Ok, who wants to go play for the red team for the next 8 minutes?"

A huge thanks goes to all the coaches and ministry coordinators who have made this a smooth season and one I will truly miss.

Small Celtics Comment

I will resist the temptation to go on and on about my favorite basketball team (the Boston Celtics) winning their record 17th NBA championship. I will likely expound later but for now... just a photo.

"Failure" Michael Jordan

An inspirational commercial from Michael Jordan.

MJ Nike Commercial

I forgot how awesome some of these old Gatorade commercials with Micheal Jordan use to be. This is the one-on-one version with the young Jordan facing the old Jordan and then at the end the Jordan with the North Carolina Tar Heels jersey comes out.

Not What it seems Commercial

I think I laughed for a good 10 straight seconds the first time I saw this one on TV. Seriously.

Mike Huckabee VP for McCain?

Here is a neat article on the possibility of Mike Hucakabee as the VP for John McCain.

This in no way is an indication as to my political preference to either party or any of the candidates. Just wanted to share an article that could be used to help make a more informed decision.

My first political blog thought...

An interesting thought about Barack Obama...below is an excerpt from a Wall Street Journal article.

"As for Mr. Obama, Mr. Johnson now joins an intriguing and growing list of Mr. Obama's ex-associates that includes the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Father Michael Pfleger, and former terrorist bomber William Ayers. We might call this list eclectic, except that there is a consistent pattern of bad judgment followed by an initial defense, then followed by rapid disassociation and regret that none of them were the men Mr. Obama "knew."

Celtics back in Finals!! Yipee!!

So now the rematch is on. How sweet it is. Last year the Celtics had the worst record in the Eastern Conference and now they are in the NBA Finals. The idea that they "bought" an Eastern Conference Championship is wrong because their was no guarantee that bringing 2 top dogs in to a group of players would turn out the way this has. Guys like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett come from teams where they were the #1 scorer and then they have to mesh with Paul Pierce who is the #1 man in Boston. And they all put their ego aside and made it happen. What a story that all of us can learn from.

Interesting facts:

• The Celtics have won 16 NBA Titles and 8 have come at the cost of the Lakers.

• Famed ex-coach of the Celtics, Red Auerbach won 9 titles as the head coach in the late 50's and 60's. Those 9 titles ties him with the CURRENT Lakers' coach Phil Jackson who won 6 with Michael Jordan and the Bulls and 3 with the Lakers. So the Celtics may have a little more motivation to deny Jackson the chance to topple their legend, Auerbach.
  
• Auerbach died in October of '06 and has his signature replicated on the Celtics home court.
  

My Camikins

This little girl right here is the female version of her daddy. How funny it is that we actually named her Cameron when she was born. We weren't sure we were gonna have other kids so we decided this was the one. hmmm. (Actually, that isn't suppose to be a hmmm in the enquizzical or thought provoking sense but more of a low a hum done with a big smile on your face..........See? Did you try it? I just couldn't figure out how to spell it. ) She is the sweetest little girl and has one of the most loving hearts I have ever seen in a person. Ok, not that she got THAT part from me, but lots of other things she did!

Anyway, this picture is from field trip her mom and I went on with her to the Alligator Farm or Zoo. I can't remember. I just know this is one of my favorite photos of my little Cami. (loving sighhh). Better? If any of you know how to spell what it is I am trying to relay, please let me know!

Where has sportsmanship gone in the stands?

I want to point out an incident that happened in the NBA playoffs 2 weeks ago. For those of you not big NBA fans, I will give you the quick version because I want you to hear this story. The Lakers' Derek Fisher was about to shoot a free throw when a camera took a picture that showed a Utah Jazz fan in the crowd covering one eye and screaming at the player. What's the big deal you might ask? Well Fisher has a daughter, who last year, when she was 11-months old, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer. (in the US, less than 300 kids a year are diagnosed with the disease.) Hold on, it gets worse. Fisher who actually played for the Jazz and these same fans last year, asked to be released from his contract before this season. Fisher needed a situation that allowed him to play close to a treatment center so he could be there for his team and family. So this year, as a Laker, he returns to Utah to face the Jazz in the 2nd round. Several fans who attended the game said that some Jazz fans were chanting "cancer" over and over again when Fisher touched the ball or shot free throws.

What if his daughter had been in the stands? "Mommy, are these people talking about me? Are they making fun of me? What did I do to them? What did daddy do to them?"

What could any player ever do to deserve being treated that way? All in the name of sports and competition?

Celtics win another game 7

How sweet it is to see my favorite NBA team, the Celtics back in the Eastern Conference Finals. Wow, it brings back so many memories of the Larry Bird years but one thing still is missing. I can't explain it and I didn't notice it as much until today watching game 7 vs. the Cavs. I think what I was noticing were the fans in the crowd. Not as intense, lots of sitting down. Kind of like I envision the LA Dodgers fans. It's more for being seen at the game and to tell their friends. It use to be so rowdy that you would be scared to bring your kids to the game. They were famous for wearing shirts that had an expletive before the words LA, a reference to their hated rivals the Lakers. Now, it's kind of trendy to go because of the recent sports success in Boston.
I think the newness of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen plays a small role. People don't have any history with these two and weren't around for all those years like McHale, Parrish, Ainge, etc.
Can the Celtics win it all for the 1st time since '85-'86? Possibly. But the whole fan base issue still kind of bugs me. Maybe I am just being silly. Yea, I probably am.

Favorite Flag Photos...

I want to share a few of my favorite photos from this past flag football season. You can see more here and here if you really want to.

One Amazing Wife

I must share something with you that my wife will likely be upset about. But she shouldn't be. This past flag season, my wife along with her sister Kristee Ford, volunteered to coach two of our flag football teams in the church league. They were the two teams our daughters played on and I was so impressed at how well she did and the enthusiasm she had all season.

But hold on...this is where the amazing part comes in. She coached cheerleading back in '07 and then the above-mentioned flag football and NOW she is coaching indoor soccer which starts this Saturday. And before all this, she hadn't coached anything and I was the one with the many years of coaching experience! I am just so impressed how she has stepped out of her comfort zone and filled in where in most cases the dad usually would. I love seeing mom's come out there and coach and be an example to these kids that women belong on the sideline as much as men do. Way to go ladies!

Attached is a rare picture capturing the two of us on the sideline of a football game she was coaching. Funny thing is she's really getting on to me for the calls I was making!

True Sportsmanship

Two weeks ago, I heard about something from a friend of mine from Mandarin Christian School. The second she told me and my wife about this particular story, i knew I had to share it with others because it was so awesome and because I figured not many people would hear about it. To my utter amazement, within two days, I must have received six emails with the link to the news story. And then to top it off, it was featured a few days later on ESPN (link to video).
I can't tell you how deeply touched I was when I read more about it and watched the video. It was something that less than 100 people witnessed but wound up reaching millions once it played on ESPN several times. This is the kind of act you hope your own child does one day. Just amazing...

House? Sold it...

Is it possible to be soooo beaten down by something that you don't even have the energy to celebrate once it's over? I think that is kind of how I feel right now that the house is sold. Don't get me wrong, we are thankful beyond all belief but we are ready to move on. Don't want to spend anymore energy on that house including the celebration. We did learn some things and will grow from the experience. I like the couple we sold it to and I know they will take great care of it.

I want to give a huge "Thank you!" to all our friends and family who have been praying for us and getting us through this in various ways. You all are the best and we can't thank you enough.

FINALLY!!!!!

It is with muted joy that I tell you I finally picked the winner of the NCAA basketball tourney. I can't recall if I have ever picked 3 of the Final Four correctly like I did this season. My busy schedule kind of made this season an after thought as I didn't even scratch off teams as they lost. Hmmm. Maybe next year.

Life of a Sports Director's kid..

This picture taken by my friend David Lawson has to be one of my all-time favorite pictures. I think it shows how the busy ministry life is blended with family life. This is my son Grayson and he was thrilled to be walking along beside daddy at least until he got the idea he could push it just as well as I do. At 2 years old, he is not too keen on the word, "No." This was at opening day of flag football and I was finishing up some last minute field adjustments before we walked over to see mommy coaching my two daughters in their first football game. What a great day this was...

My March Madness Final 4

This season, I did not get in any office pools or even exchanged brackets with my brother-in-law Bill. Kind of busy you could say with work and closing the other house. But I thought I would share my Final Four teams with you for some accountability when I finally nail all four teams correctly! Ok, unlikely I am sure since I have never picked all four correct though I have picked the winner on many occasions. Actually, it is now safe to say that one or both of my teams will lose tonight. Haha!
I have #1 Memphis, #1 North Carolina, #1 Kansas and #3 Xavier. I have Kansas knocking off Memphis for the title.

March Madness Outlet Style 2008

Wednesday night at Christ's Church, I had the pleasure of participating in the Youth Ministry's version of March Madness. It began with a slam dunk contest for the kids on an 8 foot rim and then a shooting challenge where they could shoot from varied locations with a chance at winning pre-determined prizes. Amazingly enough, 2o kids had the opportunity to shoot and the first 19 missed! The night's last event was a slam dunk contest for the participants of our adult basketball league. Six players gave of their time and gave us an exibition that many of the youngsters have never and may never see again in person. What was so cool was the level of enjoyment the dunkers had and the variety of dunkers who joined us. We had some dunkers who have long been labeled as some of the best dunkers in the league (Jae Breeze, Sean Cowely, Micah Ross). We also had one who has only played in 3 games ever at Christ's Church (Greg Johnson) and another who is in his 3 season but has never been thought of as much of a dunker (Marion Allums). The old school part of me LOVED the first dunk Allums tried which was a statue of liberty 360 ala Terrence Stansbury. Our 6th and final participant was the season'stop dunker so far through 6 games and that is Ernest Johnson. Our top 3 dunkers made it to the Finals and they didn't dissapoint as Cowely and Breeze tied for 2nd while Ernest Johnson grabbed the top honors in the 1st round. In the finals Johnson kept ahold of the top spot while Breeze finished a close second by a mere 1 point.

Tuesday is closing date

For those of you who have been following my family's incredibly poor timing in the real estate market I want to share that we are set to close on our house on Tuesday the 25th of March. As much of a relief as it should be, the back and forth with negotiations and repairs, etc. has taken on a new headache all unto itself. Sighhhh. It's almost over. Please pray that all goes well and we can experience the welcomed challenge of simply having to pay one mortgage for a while.

36 and fading fast?

Last week, I celebrated my 36th birthday. It actually kind of snuck up on me with so much else going on in my life. Funny thing is, I have always poked fun at older people for well...being older. And now quickly, I have become that "older" person. Not old per say but I am sure no spring chicken anymore. My body took an absolute pounding as a youth and through my mid to late 20's. Couple that with an absolute pathetic diet and no exercise routine and that spells trouble.

One year in the YMCA league, I was leading the league in scoring and was playing probably the best basketball of my life. And my knees (specifically my left) needed a break. But I had to keep plugging away because to that point I had no real crowing sports moment in my life. Yes, I eventually won the scoring title and we lost in the Finals but that began the slow descent downhill. I dunked a basketball that same year (2001) but once I hit 30, I could never do it again. There are a few eye witnesses still around that saw me dunk it but still no body believes me. Oh the glory years. Haha!

It's all good though. I am so thankful that I even had those years of playing flag football with my friends Mitch, Shane, Rodney and Mark. Those days of playing basketball with Will at the YMCA and throwing him his first alley-opp dunk in a game are memories I will forever cherish. I even enjoyed those years of playing church league softball even though I was horrible! Actually the one game I had to pitch and must have walked 8 straight batters had to be the most demoralizing moment I have ever had in the athletic arena. Seriously!

But I see people all the time with disabilities that would give almost anything to stand on a mound and walk 8 straight batters. And it makes that moment not so demoralizing anymore. And every time I see those less fortunate, those painful memories seem more and more trivial and silly. Now, that day is laughable to me.

Thank you God for giving me even one day to stand, play, run, throw and enjoy the physical gifts you have blessed me with. Amen.

I am a Christian

I am a Christian
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I 'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Author unknown

Gerald Green's amazing dunk

As a youngster, I use to watch every slam dunk contest and three-point contest during the NBA weekend. I even recorded them and still have the VHS tapes. Jordan v. Dominique Wilkins? Got it. Spud Webb? Got it. Kenny Skywalker? Got it.
But after Michael Jordan stopped entering, I kind of lost interest because the dunks became kind of boring. Even the ones I see on TV now don't impress me but this one I am sharing because I am very impressed.

Rebounding Training video

Here is a video that David, Nate and I created as part of our Certified Coaches Training web site. Kind of funny to see me boxing out big Nate. Not bad I think for our first try. I look forward to seeing how much better we can get.