Blessings

Blessings come in many shapes and sizes.  I have been so fortunate to have been able to coach basketball for the past 11 years.  I have coached at all college levels and been both an assistant coach and head coach.  Moreover, I have had the privilege to coach some great players.  I was able to coach Antonio Gates (current pro bowl NFL tight end) at Kent State and John Edwards (former NBA player, Pacers and Hawks) as well.  Not to mention several players who have and are playing professionally overseas.   I recall one game while coaching at Kent State vs. Western Michigan Univ.  The game was back and forth the whole night, and the last 5 minutes of the game Antonio and WMU best player literally traded baskets.  All coaches on both benches just sat back and watched them go.  We had the last possession and Antonio hit a 15 footer at the buzzer.  It was truly an amazing moment and I remember walking back up to the locker room fighting back tears.  I was crying because I love the game so much and was so overwhelmed with the opportunities I had coaching (not to mention the emotional swings during that particular game).

All that being said, I think Trevor Huffman is the best player I've ever coached.  He had an incredible ability to "make plays."  I used to work him out and watch him make 30, 40 and even 50 3's in a row...going game speed.  The first time I ever worked him out was my first day on the job at KSU.  I had no idea who he was and I remember getting on him pretty hard and chewing him out a little.  I think that caught him off guard, but he appreciated it and had nothing but respect for our relationship and I was able to coach him successfully all year.  Trevor went on and worked out for several NBA teams.  There's no doubt in my  mind that he was an NBA player, but he got hurt while playing for the last spot for the Phoenix Suns and never recovered.  

Coaching basketball has been one of the great blessings of my life.

Above picture is Trevor with the Phoenix Suns...he is on the right.  I might add that Trevor worked all year to bench press more than me, but never could...true statement!!!  I was slow, but I was strong...key word is WAS.

Are You Attractive?

I think one of the most attractive qualities in a person is the ability to be reasonable and see things from all perspectives.  I seem to be attracted to people who will have an open conversation and not just default to"my way or the highway" or simply react with the latest Rush Limbaugh sound-byte.  I recently preached through the book of Micah...needless to say it was exciting, terrifying and bold all at the same time.  I told my congregants that many preachers have used this book to push a certain political agenda.  I told them that I absolutely WOULD NOT do that!  I am harmless when it comes to politics.  I was an independent before it was "hip and cool" to be independent!  I am not going to carry a card or pledge my allegiance to any political party.  I have supported both republicans and democrats since I've been of voting age.  I really do try and allow my convictions as a Christian to determine how I see issues, not a particular party allegiance.

That being said, here are some things to consider.

Isn't it odd that most people who are pro-life also support war?  So they are against killing babies but they are ok with killing other people.

And the antithesis is true.  Seems that most people who are pro-choice might lean toward pacifism.  So they are ok with aborting a fetus but not ok with killing those on whom we declare war.        

I sure do admire people who are consistent and willing to see the "holes" in their logic (just as there are "holes" in the above examples based on when you believe the fetus is a human being with certain rights).  

I remember (when growing up as a boy in the Church of Christ) hearing grown men argue for baptism by immersion by saying, "The Ethiopian went down into the water."  Which of course must mean he was immersed if we went "down into" the water.  But they wouldn't pay any attention to the fact that Jesus first broke bread with His disciples "up" in a room.  Seems to me (if we want to be consistent) we ought to take the Lord Supper upstairs and not on the first floor.  Or better yet, I would hear that women must keep silent in the assembly because that's what Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, but he also said that women were to keep their heads covered and not wear much jewelry...I didn't see that one enforced!

Think about what you say.  Think about what you believe.  And remember, when in doubt...be humble, be open...and be respectful.  And doing that does not mean you have to set aside deep convictions...it just means you will be more attractive.  And I have found that more people will listen to what you think and say if you have an attractive attitude!

9 Years Later

I was browsing through some old pictures and found this.  When this picture was taken it was just me and Rachel.  We would work all day and then come home, make a 3 course meal, visit for awhile, watch a movie and stay up late.  We didn't have a care in the world other than each other and our jobs.  Times have changed!  Little did we know that our world would be turned upside down with the addition of a little girl and then again with a headache, MRI and a fight for Rachel's life.  And now we've been married for 9 years and while we are still very much in love...our lives are a little different.  Raising a 4 year old, allergies, swim lessons, dance lessons, pre-school, playing with cousins, trips to St. Louis, Xmas lists, Disney movies, Friday night family nights, Saturday morning "daddy time," getting ready for church...I could go on and on.

Oh, almost forgot...multiply all the above by 2...were having another little girl!  I think I was made to raise girls!  There's nothing like a little princess!

P.S. Dad and Brad (father in law).  Would you please set some money away for me every month and give me some help in about 20 years...there's NO WAY I can afford two weddings!!!  

Heaven On Earth

Except for hanging out with Rachel and Abbey (and running a basketball practice) there is nothing I'd rather do then to travel out west with good friends.  I have made several trips all over the country (Europe and Africa too!) and have visited every state except Alaska and North Dakota.  

These are pictures of me and my dear friend Travis Bass.  Travis and I have traveled tens of thousands of miles together.  

My idea of heaven on earth...a honda accord with a full tank of gas, a snapple ice tea in the cup holder, an open Rand McNally atlas, windows down, a mountain in front of my face, Eddie Vedder's voice coming through the speakers, and most importantly...a good friend in the passenger seat!  Enjoy the pictures.