5 Years Later

Some of the events are still clear in my mind.

Others aren't fuzzy.

But I'll never forget where I was.

I remember around 8:45 that morning. I was in the conference room with my coworkers, just like we were every day. I went to my cubicle for a few minutes, and went back into the conference room.

“A plane just flew into the World Trade Center”, someone told me. “My sister just called and said a plane flew into the World Trade Center.”

I think I said something like “What kind of plane? A Cessna? How can you not see the World Trade Center?”

Someone else said something to the effect of “It must have been. A passenger plane wouldn’t fly that low unless there was a problem.”

Though we in a room with TV access, our first response was to go to the internet. We went to Yahoo news and sure enough we saw the picture of the tower. There was a hole in the side and smoke was billowing out of it.

“Yup. Something hit it alright.”

“But that’s a lot of smoke for a little plane.”

“I know, but….”

We just kept thinking it was a little plane with someone that got lost, fell asleep or something.

“Ed, you want to go down and get something to eat?” I asked.

“Sure. Let’s go.” he said.

We left to go down to level 2 of the RenCen. We usually go down and grab a protein bar or bagel at about that time. Plus we thought we might see a TV down there.

Sure enough. We got downstairs, and could see the live footage of the smoke coming from the building.

“Wow. That’s a lot of smoke.” one of us said.

“It couldn’t really be a bigger plane could it?”

“Maybe…..”

Meanwhile, back in the conference room, they finally turned the TV on.

Ed and I were walking back to the elevators. Still couldn’t believe or make sense of what was going on.

We got back to the room and someone said another plane just hit the towers.

“What?” we both said. “You’re kidding.”

One of the other guys in the room said he was wondering out loud as it happened. Apparently he said “I wonder if it’s terrorists?”

Seconds later, the second plane hit the tower.

“Yep. I’m gonna guess it is.”

We all sat there stunned. By then, our room had become one of the most popular rooms on the 26th floor. Others came in the room to see what was on TV.

Women were crying. It was quiet. We were all shocked.

One of the secretaries came in and said people were free to leave if they wanted to. Management said if anyone was uncomfortable, they were free to leave.

Nobody moved. We were glued to the TV.

Sometime after the first tower fell before they sent us home, but I remember the secretary sticking her head in the room and saying, “We’ve been instructed to leave. Take your time. Go be with your families.”

I just remember getting in the car and hearing the reporter talking about a tower collapsing. I couldn’t believe it. Then when I heard it was the second, I really couldn’t believe it.

My buddy called his wife, a school teacher, and they were letting the kids out of school early. It was strange going to the school. I had just seen the most horrific and unbelievable thing in my life, and yet most people still didn’t know what was going on.

I remember driving down the road and seeing a military plane in the distance. I remember thinking, “Is that plane okay? Is it going to crash?”

Our lives haven’t been the same since. Ten months before 9/11 I was in the lobby and subway station of the World Trade Center. I remember how big inside they were. I remember getting outside the towers and looking up. We couldn’t see the top, it was night time, but still. The building seemed to go forever.

I’ll remember my first trip to NYC. I was in Philadelphia on business, and a couple of us decided to stick around another day and take the train into NY. I remember seeing the silhouette of the towers in the distance as we were going through New Jersey. I remember thinking “Wow I’m close. I’ll finally make to New York.” We had another half hour. Those things were so tall, you could see them for miles.

I remember going to the top of the Empire State building and standing for a picture with the World Trade Center in the background.

I made a few other trips to NYC. Two trips with the World Trade Center still there, and one almost 10 months after 9/11. The ruins were still smoldering 10 months later. I couldn’t believe what was still left. We saw the memorials, the prayers, and the pictures. It was very moving.

At the time, I thought this would be a rallying point for the rebirth or revival of America. It really was for a short time.

But where are we now? The stock market is doing pretty good again. Republican and Democrats can’t get along again. All they do is pass blame on the other party, just like the old days.

People talk about how good it is elsewhere, but won’t go there to live. People are still trying to get into the US, which should tell you something.

I’m not happy about a lot of the things going on in this country anymore. It’s like God doesn’t matter in most people lives now. That’s how things were before 9/11. Like I said earlier, you would think that would change people.

Fundamentals

The other day I got to talk to the youth at church. It was my final message to the youth group. My message to them was on fundamentals. Fundamentals in anything are the key to taking the next step successfully. If you can’t handle the basics, or the fundamentals, how can you handle more difficult things?

I likened it to the golf swing and PGA tour players. Their swings all look different, but fundamentally they are the same. Every golf swing has the same fundamental process.

The grip
The stance
The takeaway
The turn
The top of the swing
The downswing
The follow through

If any of those get out of whack, chances are you won’t hit a good shot.

Same for life. If you fundamentals get out of whack, you may struggle in other aspects.

In general, people tell you things like the following:

Respect your elders.
Guard your heart and mind.
Live like it’s the last day of your life.
Trust the Lord
Think on good things
Be careful what you say
Be careful what you hear
Be careful what you see
Be careful what you do.
Exercise.
Play less video game.
Eat less junk food.

That’s just a sample of all the advice we get. But if you take care of the fundamentals, those other things fall into place.

I came up with 5 basic fundamentals:
Love strong.
Trust God
Use Wisdom
Share
Be Nice

I used Proverbs 3 as my text.

Prov 3: 1-2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.

Love strong
Prov 3: 3-4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Love and loyalty…We tend to love short and be loyal only as long as it serves us well. Yet we expect people to love us and remain loyal to us for a long time.

Treat people how you want to be treated.

Jesus said in Luke 6:31-
31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.


Trust God
Prov: 5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
Your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
Don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
A father's delight is behind all this.

Trust God….You don’t know it all. I don’t know it all. Nobody does.

USE Wisdom

If you use wisdom and hold onto these things, good things will happen. Listen to what Solomon says in verses 21-26.

Prov: 21-26 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
Don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They'll keep your soul alive and well,
They’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You'll travel safely,
You’ll neither tire nor trip.
You'll take afternoon naps without a worry,
You’ll enjoy a good night's sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
Or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;
he'll keep you safe and sound.


Share
Prov: 27-29 Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
Your hand is God's hand for that person.
Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time"
Or "Try me tomorrow"
When the money's right there in your pocket.
Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor
When he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.

When we were kids, we were always told to share. Share with friends, cousins, etc. It started at a really young age, usually when we smack a cousin in the head for taking a toy we weren't even using. I watch my little nephews and niece learn the concept of sharing. Sure enough, one of them gets a new toy and takes it with them to show it off and play with. They only play with it for awhile before something else gets their attention. Sure enough a cousin comes by, picks up the toy and starts playing with it. Out of nowhere, the nephew whose toy it is, comes out of nowhere creaming "Mine!" and either pushes their cousin or takes the toy away. Of course, they get in trouble.

Be Nice
Prov: 30-32 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder,
Always spoiling for a fight.
Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life.
Why be a bully?
"Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls.
It's the straightforward who get his respect.

What did your parents always tell you growing up? Be Nice. Play nice. How come when we get older, we usually become alot less nice to people, and share alot less.

Living a good life usually leads to blessings.

The Blessings
Prov 3: 33-35 God's curse blights the house of the wicked,
But he blesses the home of the righteous.
He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder,
But if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help.
Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.

If you want that reward, live wisely.

Focus on the fundamentals:

I'm never eating at McDonalds again

Okay. Maybe never is a strong word, but I will try to rarely if EVER eat McDonalds again. I already steer clear of Burger King and hardly ever touch Arby’s. The only burger joint worthy of my money is Wendy’s.

Why?

I based my lunchtime choice today on convenience. I went downstairs, and saw the Golden Arches. The line was short, and it’s less than $5 for a cheeseburger meal. That worked for me, and it’s usually how I base my decision to eat that garbage.

I took it back to my desk and after 1 ½ cheeseburgers and a couple handfuls of fries, I had to wrap it up and throw it away. It didn’t taste good. I knew it had nothing healthy in it, and I was only eating it because it was in front of me.

Three hours later I felt nasty. I was dragging, my stomach was churning, and I wanted to fall asleep.

That stuff is lousy.

Like I said, I’ve already eliminated BK from my selection set. Wendy’s does a fine job but there’s no way for me to have Wendy’s for lunch. Taco Bell never affects me the way McDonalds does.

Due to that, Taco Bell just became number one on my fast food list.

Who says you can't go home

Who says you can’t go home?

I look at the world and see a lot of scared, hurt people
Were they always that way?
No.
Many had a church or good background.
And made bad decisions.
And they ran away.
I look at the world
I see people running
Maybe they went out looking for fun and more
Maybe they walked out the door
Didn’t know what was in store
And now life’s not fun anymore
You don’t know why
Sometimes you want to cry
Until no more tears can leave your eyes
You look to God and say why
But deep down you know why
It may have been one decision
That sent you on a collision course
Of things just getting worse
Now everything hurts
You ask How can things get any worse?
So you start to ponder
The days of yonder
How you served your Heavenly Father
But somewhere down the line
You thought you knew what was best
So you tried doing things on your own
Next thing you know
Things are out of control
You may have flunked a college course
Or maybe you’re heading for divorce
Maybe your record now has too many police reports
Or drugs and alcohol don’t soothe you anymore
Maybe you went your own way
Why do we go our own way?
Didn’t Jesus tell us that he was the way?
The truth and the life.
We wouldn’t have so much strife in our life
If we just turned our life over to Christ.
One decision to go your own way can lead to another.
Next thing you know, you’re saying.
I can’t get a job
I can’t keep a job
I need a drink to relax
I need a pill to relax
I need a smoke
I need another coffee
I can’t live with out food.
Are you kidding me?
How many things do we say we can’t do without?
But it wasn’t always that way, was it?
Jesus made a way
You can come home today
Doesn’t matter how far you ran away
A mile down the road or in a galaxy far, far away.
This is the day that the Lord has made
Put away your foolish pride
Put all the pain and trouble aside
Jesus is on the front porch and his arms are open wide
And he’s smiling, and saying.
My son, My daughter
It’s time to come home.
Who says you can’t go home?

Poor timing

They say there is a time and place for everything.

I guess.

But with the tragedy that took place in my brother’s family recently, I came across a situation that doesn’t fit a right time or place.

When Landon passed away, there was a lot of pain. There obviously still is, but the initial pain cannot be described. In now way can I imagine what Ben and Nicole were and are going through.

Last night Ben opened up to my brother in law Craig and I. The three of us went to see Superman and had some time to kill. So we walked to the nearby Target and started talking. I asked if anyone asked him any insensitive or inappropriate questions. He turned and rolled his eyes and then told me one of the comments.

Now keep in mind that prior to this comment being made, Landon’s death was already ruled SIDS. But someone apparently asked them if they thought it was because of Landon’s allergies.

I started this post but saying there is a time and place for everything. But not something like that.

1). The doctor already said what it was. To imply or try to think something else is ludicrous.

2). The grieving family doesn’t even need to have that as a thought in their mind. Think about what was said. It may not have been implied, but all it says to the mother and father is “You’re bad parents.”

3). Why even say it when someone is grieving. Now is not the time to ask questions about the circumstance, but the time to ask what you can do for them. It’s not the time to find out what happened, but to find out how they are doing.

One simple question could end up ruining a friendship or relationship. I don’t know how close the person was to them. It doesn’t matter.

There is a time and place for everything. There is a time to talk. There is a time to ask questions.

But right now, it’s a time to be quiet.

Going home

Well, the day most of us knew would happen is upon us.

Eliza and I are going to Living Word. For me, it’s a trip home to my roots and the church I grew up in. This is a whole new adventure for Eliza. She’s never attended any place but Bethesda.

I’m thankful I have a sensitive heart. Or at least a heart that is sometimes sensitive to what the Lord is saying. A few months ago, we visited Living Word on a Sunday and it seemed like a homecoming for a few people. I think I talked about heroes that week. But I saw friends there who hadn’t been at Living Word in as long as or longer than I have. Yet there we all were, home on the same Sunday.

And it got me thinking.

About a month later, we were back at Living Word with the Bethesda choir. I spoke again, and the Lord led me to speak about going back home. The title of my message was “Who says you can’t go home?”

And it got me thinking.

Shortly after that, I was at a graduation party for my cousins. Out of nowhere, a couple of the guys asked me to finish out the softball season with their team. I asked Eliza, because when we got married I told her I’d only play on one team at a time. I was already playing at Bethesda, but she said yes. So I did.

And it got me thinking.

After the first night of playing softball with them, some friend had a bunch of people over for a bonfire. There we were, just like old times. All grown up. Some of us married. Some of us soon to be married. But it felt like home.

And it got me thinking.

It was around then that I started praying about it. I could feel God leading me that way, but nowadays me is we, Eliza and I. So in my prayer time, I asked for Eliza to bring up the subject. I wasn’t moving until she was ready.

So 2 Sundays ago, after church at Bethesda, she asks me what I think about going to Living Word from now on. It was out of the blue. My first reaction was no, until I remembered what I prayed. We decided to sleep on it, and we both had a peace about it.

And now we’re going back home.

Pray for them

It's been a wild month.

Summers get so busy.

You never really know what life is going to throw at you.

Say a prayer for my family. We lost a family member on July 27th. Landon David Hood, my 5 month old nephew passed away.

Needless to say it really shook us up. Our trust, our strength, and even our faith has really been tested. My brother and his wife are so strong. I'm proud to say I'm their big brother.

Pray for them.

Thoughts on the Pistons

Got an email from a friend this morning. Caused me to think a little more about the Ben Wallace thing. Here is his email and my response. Next year might be down a little, but the future is still bright.

I know this is probably a sore subject for you but I saw this in an article today and thought you might like it. I think Ben was over here the minute he didn't go back in to the game late in the season. I think it was wise of Joe not to overpay him but he needs to make some big moves to make up for the fact that he has drafted us jack crap the last few years.

Ben Wallace (26) went from being wildly underpaid and underrated to wildly overpaid and overrated in the blink of an eye. Just check his regular-season and playoff stats, for God's sake. He peaked two or three years ago.

(That reminds me, am I the only one who thought Chicago wasted much of its cap space for two extra rebounds per game, a mild defensive upgrade and the ongoing comedy of a Buckwheat-caliber afro? Congratulations, you get to play four-on-five for the next four years in a league where every rule adjustment favors teams that can score. Why not just keep Chandler for two-thirds the price? Instead, they overpaid for Wallace and gave away Chandler for a washed-up P.J. Brown and a draft bust that New Orleans was trying to dump? I don't get it. This is like Paramount Pictures signing William H. Macy to a four-picture, $60 million deal -- sure, he's a great actor, but that doesn't mean you pay him like a superstar. They will eventually regret this one almost as much as Wallace probably regrets filming that T-Mobile commercial that made him seemwhipped.)


Yeah, I read the article and I think it's right on. Though not too many people around here think so. Joe and the Pistons are being financially responsible. They were true to their word and were set to make him the highest paid piston ever. Don't know if he really deserved that even.

I think they knew it was coming, and that's why Joe was saying things like "We want him back, but ultimately it's up to Ben." They were already spinning the "he left us" line. I think the more telling thing, unless they were told to keep quiet, is the teammates silence. Not one has come out and questioned not signing Wallace. Hmmmmm, you think maybe they were tired of playing 4 against 5 on offense?

As far as drafting, how often do the teams in the Conf finals/Finals have a good draft? Rarely, if ever. The Spurs got Ginobli in a fluke 2nd round thing. We had a chance with the #2, and took a flyer on Darko.

But the elite teams rarely get a good draft, if they even draft. They usually trade away picks for vets so they can try and stay near the top.

I wouldn't grade Joe much on the last 3 drafts. Other than Darko. But it's not like he picked some guy that noone else would have. Most people had Darko #2, and some say if Cleveland wasn't picking, Darko could've gone number one.

If you're gonna grade Joe on his last 3 drafts, than you have to grade the Spurs, Heat, Phoenix, and Dallas. Other than Devin Harris on Dallas, no rookie for those teams played significant roles.

Beside I want to see how Maxiell, Acker and Johnson pan out. Max and Amir seem to have alot of upside. Think that might be why the Pistons let Ben leave?

Plus, Ben was on the way down. He peaked in 04. Nazr's not Ben, but he's also not 15 mil a year. He's younger, and can score.

There hasn't been much talk, but the Pistons have 2 1st round picks next year. Next year is supposed to be a deep talented draft. Plus, next year Dice and Davis contracts are up. We'll have to resign Chauncey. Either way,that's 9-16 mil and 2 draft picks hanging around with the core pretty much intact.

I guess it's all along way of saying "Let it pan out."

PS. I don't think it will happen, but Lebron hasn't reupped in Cleveland yet. Which makes him a free agent next year.

PSS. Another parting Ben comment. You would think a guy who has knocked off such money driven ego's as Kobe, Shaq, Iverson, etc, would see that less is more. He takes less money, and diffuses his ego thats now as big as his hair, and plays the way the team and NBA are heading, the Pistons would be in better shape.

He could've retired a Piston, left a legacy, and guaranteed his name and number in the rafters. It's no longer a guarantee with the way he left. He spurned Joe and Mr. Davidson, and probably burned bridges. Sounds alot like Dennis Rodman. Last I checked, Rodman isn't in the Palace rafters and he was here about 6 years, with 2 titles and 2 DPOY awards.

Ego kills. Now his big salary and lack of FT shooting and offense will eventually ruin the Bulls. Ben was great here, but as his latest coach always said. "Adapt or Die." Ben's wasn't adapting.

Writer's Block

I can't think of anything to write today.

I'm kinda bummed that my vacation is coming to a close. MAN, I could get used to being retired. Either that, or I need to get the writing/blogging thing down and find a way to live off of that.

For the most part, I am more creative when I have time to think. Lately, I've been so busy at work that I haven't been able to. Work comes first, so some of the things I enjoy doing have to be put to the side.

But I really enjoy writing and blogging. Am I any good at it? I don't know. I think I'm down to me and maybe one other person reading my blog. I hoped it would be more.

I heard a story about a guy who had his own sports blog. ESPN liked it and hired him to write for them. I'd love to have someone see this and hire me.

But like I said. Vacation is coming to a close. I wouldn't say I had the best vacation ever, but it was nice. I did alot of smaller things. Liza and I got to check out IKEA yesterday, and I was impressed. We'll be back when we get a house.

Speaking of house. We are more than ready for a house. The condo has been for sale for probably 4-5 months now (or longer) with very few nibbles. Meanwhile, we've seen quite a few deals on homes. Time will tell, and the Lord will provide when it's right.

Back to the vacation. Played some golf, to which I'm finally starting to play better. We got together with the family. We saw fireworks. Took the dogs to the vet. Cleaned the condo.

That's what's been going on.

Monday. Yes, that's when it's back to the real world.

The Reality of it all

The reality of it all is Ben Wallace was loyal only to himself.

The reality of it all is Ben Wallace wanted more money.

The reality of it all is I'd probably do the same thing.

The reality of it all is the internet changed the way we live.

The reality of it all is the internet changed how we live.

The reality of it all is only Jesus should change how we live.

The reality of it all is who most of us are in person in not really who we are.

The reality of it all is the most real we are is on myspace, where we think we can hide, but the world can see us.

The reality of it all then is we're not real at the times we should be.

The reality of it all is people are fairweather in nature.

The reality of it all can be proved by styles, trends, and pop culture. Everything is cool for awhile.

The reality of it all is people hated the Detroit Tigers for 10 years, but now you hear alot of people say "We" when referring to the Tigers. Just last year we said "They"

The reality of it all is billions of people could read my blog.

The reality of it all is maybe 3 people will read my blog.

So much for team

Six years ago, Ben Wallace came to Detroit. He, though an unknown, came as with Chucky Atkins to Detroit in the Grant Hill trade. I remember the day Hill left. Like many Pistons fans I felt betrayed, because he chased the money when he seemed like the one Superstar who wouldn't do that.

Hill could've bolted as a free agent, but he thought enough of the Pistons and Joe Dumars to agree to a sign and trade. Yes, this got Grant even more money, but he could've crippled the Pistons even further if he didn't agree to the trade.

And when Ben got here, Joe Dumars thought enough of him to give him a long-term deal that paid him 5 million dollars a year. Many thought he overpaid. Joe just said watch, and see.

I find it ironic that the guy we traded for Grant Hill wouldn't do the same for the Pistons. He was brought here and we built a tough, defensive, team theory around him, an undrafted journeyman player. We made him, a 6-9 (at-best) center and let him do his thing. No talk about his lack of offense. No talk about his free throw shooting. Ben became an all-star here. He became a superstar here. He followed only Steve Yzerman in Detroit star stature here.

And now he's gone.

Go through the archives and look at the things he's said while with the Pistons. It was all team oriented. He never lifted himself. His awards were "team awards". He loved his teammates. And the Pistons started winning.

He feuded with Rick Carlisle, though Carlisle openly campaigned for Ben to win his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

In came Larry Brown. He would end up feuding with Brown, though Brown always talked about Ben's selflessness, hustle, defense, and made sure Ben was a part of the offense, something Ben always craved but hardly deserved.

Then came Flip Saunders. The Pistons ran out to 35-5 under Saunders. Four Pistons starters were named All-Stars and they were suddenly the media darlings. This was team. Five selfless players, following Ben's lead of defense and hustle first. They were all brought here because they fit around Ben's game.

Then in Orlando Ben started acting up. He became greater than team. He no longer heard "Detroit" Pistons, but heard the media's "Ben Wallace's Pistons." Chauncey Billups was quickly becoming the more favored Piston, locally and nationally. Though, it appeared to me it was still Ben's team. In Orlando, Ben refused to enter the game in the 4th quarter when his team needed him.

That was the death of team.

It all quickly unraveled after that and the team with a season for the record books lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals. When asked about what his free agent plans were, he told the press they knew where his heart was. Then he followed with "It's in my chest."

And you knew then he was gone.

So now we know what Ben was really about. After 6 years, after 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards, after 4 trips to the Conference Finals. After 1 title. After 2 trips to the NBA Finals. After multiple All-star starts and appearances. After shoe deals. After video game deals. After given his big chance in a city that sold out the Palace for 3 straight years to see him hustle and defend.
After all of that we now know what Ben was all about.

He was all about Benjamin.

Franklins that is.

Well

I didn't post every day. but I did post 3 right away.

Being recruited

A couple of friends from Living Word put a full court press on me to get me to play softball with them. It's been rare that I get recruited with such tenacity. I'm a good ball player, but wouldn't say I'm great. I hustle, try not to make too many errors and try to encourage other guys. But compared with most guys that teams want, I wouldn't say I'm near that caliber.

It would be cool to go back to play with them. Sounds like they just need another solid player to help them get over the top.

From what I hear, they've got a few too many "egos" on the team. Isn't that the problem with all teams these days? Everyone thinks they're better than they really are. I just heard a story of a young guy that quit because he was asked to sit a few innings?

But you hear about it everywhere. I've seen it in the softball and basketball leagues I've played in. I've heard about similar stories in my brothers soccer league.

This is how you win. Let me break it down:

1: Play within yourself. Chances are you are not fast, you are not a HR threat, and you have a weak arm. Don't try to be something you're not.
2: Play like you've played the game before and learn like you never have played before.
3: Be a team player. It doesn't hurt to sit a few and let a lesser player get some time. You are not the greatest. If you were, you wouldn't be playing in that league. If you're good you'll be out there again soon.
4: Be a hustler. Again it's a rec league and ESPN is NOT there. No Web Gems. No "Goin' Deep" props. If you want to win, play harder than the other team.
5: Do the dirty work.
6: Hit singles and double and RUN, Baby, Run. I've only met one man who can hit a HR on demand. And even he doesn't try to every time.
7: Listen to your Captain/coach. He's probably a volunteer. He's not getting paid, and doesn't deserve the crap most people give him. If you don't like something talk to him.

Sports should be fun, and winning is really fun. But it's not the only thing and it's not everything.

But nothing takes the fun out of amateur sports more than whiny, pouty, bragadocious, self-promiting, cocky, average players.

I have a goal

My goal is to try to blog everyday.

See, I really like thinking. I really like writing. And I really like thinking and writing about life. Whether it's my life, or life in general.

There is so much to learn everyday about life. I really enjoy learning through living.

Maybe it's me growing old. Maybe it's me growing up.

But I get frustrated when I see I haven't blogged or written anything lately. Someday I want to publish a book or 2. I want to do a poetry book. I want to do an advice or "life lessons" book, of course from a Christ centered perspective.

So that's my goal.

Superman Returns

Went to see Superman Returns last night. Great movie.

It seemed to focus on the humanity of Superman this time. I won’t give it away, but you see the guy really has weakness. The thing that drives him though is his love of Lois, people and his realization of his purpose. He knows why he is here, and he not only accepts it, but revels in it.

Several times you see him make the choice to save people first, and above his own personal loves. He’s very selfless.


Early in the movie there was a theme of “the world doesn’t need Superman. The world doesn’t need a savior.” That’s the voice of the world we live in today. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

At one point, Superman confronts Lois on the issue. He basically said that they may say they don’t need a savior, but every night he hears the opposite.

Think about it. That’s what God hears every day. We walk around down here saying we’re good. We can handle it. All you need is an education, a 2 income family, a lot of money, a well funded 401k, a couple properties, a couple new cars, and whatever else you hear people say you need.

And you hear people say. We don’t need a savior. We don’t need God. Take him off our money. Take him out of our schools. Take him out of our courts. Take him out of everything.

But everyday, God looks down from heaven and sees how we live. Everyday, God sees and hears people crying out for Him.

Who says you can't go home

I look at the world and see a lot of scared, hurt people
Were they always that way?
No.
Many had a church or good background.
And made bad decisions.
And they ran away.
I look at the world
I see people running
Maybe they went out looking for fun and more
Maybe they walked out the door
Didn’t know what was in store
And now life’s not fun anymore
You don’t know why
Sometimes you want to cry
Until no more tears can leave your eyes
You look to God and say why
But deep down you know why
It may have been one decision
That sent you on a collision course
Of things just getting worse
Now everything hurts
You ask How can things get any worse?
So you start to ponder
The days of yonder
How you served your Heavenly Father
But somewhere down the line
You thought you knew what was best
So you tried doing things on your own
Next thing you know
Things are out of control
You may have flunked a college course
Or maybe you’re heading for divorce
Maybe your record now has too many police reports
Or drugs and alcohol don’t soothe you anymore
Maybe you went your own way
Why do we go our own way?
Didn’t Jesus tell us that he was the way?
The truth and the life.
We wouldn’t have so much strife in our life
If we just turned our life over to Christ.
One decision to go your own way can lead to another.
Next thing you know, you’re saying.
I can’t get a job
I can’t keep a job
I need a drink to relax
I need a pill to relax
I need a smoke
I need another coffee
I can’t live with out food.
Are you kidding me?
How many things do we say we can’t do without?
But it wasn’t always that way, was it?
Jesus made a way
You can come home today
Doesn’t matter how far you ran away
A mile down the road or in a galaxy far, far away.
This is the day that the Lord has made
Put away your foolish pride
Put all the pain and trouble aside
Jesus is on the front porch and his arms are open wide
And he’s smiling, and saying.
My son, My daughter
It’s time to come home.
Who says you can’t go home?

The New Ride

It's been awhile again.

Liza and I got a new car this week. GM announced 0% financing and we went shopping.

We got a black HHR LT, much like the one you see here. We got the 2LT package, chrome package, 17" wheels, sunroof and a couple other bells and whistles.

It's a nice ride.

The big news is we got rid of the Alero. It was a decent car, but was getting to the point where we were putting money into a car that wasn't ours. $400 brake job about a month ago. I had to put tires on it a couple months ago.

Thanks to GM for the lease pullahead and 0% financing. It made things happen for us.

Been gone for awhile

It's been over a month, man. Doesn't really seem like it.

Not too much has happened. Workin' hard. Workin' out. Not quite the shape I was in 3-4 years ago, but not bad.

Family is good.

Work is good.

Life is good.

Thanks to Nikki for telling me I didn't have the post setting set up so she could post. I'll be waiting for a post now.

Super Bowl XL

I'm catching up on my blogging. Super Bowl XL was held in Detroit, and I work downtown in the RenCen. Saw a few celebs (70+) to be exact. Here are a few of my sightings...

L to R and down
Clinton Portis,
Emmit Smith
Vince Young
Joe Theismann
Torry Holt

Here are some of the others...Sean Salisbury, Tom Jackson, Michael Irvin, Larry Johnson, The Bus, Hines Ward (MVP), Kevin Jones (almost tackled him...or he almost ran me over), Jim Rome, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Napoleaon, Matt Leinert, Chad Johnson, Eric Dickerson, Tony Gonzales, Marcus Allen, Joe Montana, Ray Lewis.

A New Hood on the Block

Congratulations to my brother Ben and his wife Nicole. Landon David was born Feb 17th. He's pretty much a perfect baby. He's awesome, just like the other little Hoodlums and McG's.

Take a look. We were able to get 1 picture at the hospital, before our batteries died. Last weekend we went and visited Landon and family at his house.

Greed....the poem

Sorry it's been so long (I guess I'm talking to Lize, Coop, Nikki, and maybe Mack)

And you probably all heard this anyhow.

But if anyone or 2 other people read my blog, here's my poem on Greed.

More. More. More.

I want more.

I need more.

Mine. Mine. Mine

I want mine.

It’s all mine.

I gotta have it.

I need it.

I really want it.

I’ll be happy when…

I get a house.

A bigger house

A car

A bigger car

A SUV

A crossover SUV

When I have a big bank account.

When I have a million dollars.

Sound familiar?

We’ll never be happy.

Sounds like we’ll always be greedy.

In fact, the more we want

The more we usually “need”

Or think we need.

I must confess

Sometimes I don’t pass the test.

Because I obsess

And can’t get any rest

That is unless

I fill my treasure chest.

But is that God’s best?

Oh to be content.

To have everything you ever want or need.

But the desire to have it all is basically greed.

Did I just say having things was Greed?

NO, but

If the shoe fits.

If it walks like a duck.

Talks like a duck.

What is it?

Let me put it this way.

How badly do you want something?

Do you always think about it?

Can you not sleep because you always dream about it?

What’s the root of your desire?

Something catches your eye.

You absolutely love it.

You put nothing else above it.

There. You started to covet.

Do you want a new car because the last one died?

Or because your neighbor got a new one

And it’s a shot to your pride?

Do you start to feel sour.If you don’t get more power?

When did having enough become not good enough?

When is enough not enough?

Greed is wanting more when we have enough.

Greed is all about me.

But Nate,

Greed’s not that bad.

Don’t tell me what I can’t have.

I’m not mowing people down.

I’m not sleeping around.

What’s wrong with wanting more?

What? I can’t walk through a store?

It’s not like it’s one of the 10 commandments.

Ahem….and I quote.

Number 1. Thou shall have no other Gods before me.

If you desire something more than God, it’s a god.

And it’s greed.

Number 10. Thou shall not covet.

It doesn’t matter how much you think you love it.

God bookends the big 10 by talking about greed.

The Bible is loaded with stories of greed.

How about Eve, what did she need?

She could have eaten from any other tree.

Why did she need to eat from that tree?

Then there’s David, King of Jerusalem.

Why did he need more?

Then his eyes spied the woman on the rooftop next door

He was King of the Land

He took the wife of another man

Or Ananias and Sapphira

And the greed they tried to hide.

God would have none of it.

They just up and died.

Then there’s the infamous Judas

He was greedy and dirty

He sold out his friend and Lord

For the mere sum of 30

But what about Job?

He lost it all.

He lost his cattle and cows.

He had angry friends and an angry spouse

He heard his wife say curse God and die

But he looked her in the eye

And said….Why?

He was content to let God be God

And in the end… He got double!

For trusting God through the trouble.

It’s easy to be content with the good.

Though we barely do that.

But if God has other plans

Are you content with the bad?

People think greed effects those who are wealthy.

Or trying to be rich.

But that’s not the case.

Greed effects every person.

Every race.

Every face.

Greed is like any other sin

It usually starts small

When you want the 3^rd piece of pie

And you’re already full.

It’s a slippery slope

It’s really a rope a dope

We go around wishing

Wanting to get the newest edition

We tell ourselves its ambition.

And we make it our mission.

But listen,

What are we really missing

Life’s not a competition

To see who can do the most addition.

Why do we try to grab all we can

In the time that we have

But what does it profit a man

To gain what he can.

And lose his soul.

Ain’t it funny

How money has become our honey.

It’s sweet

It’s neat.

We can get lots of treats.

But can we lay it at the feet.

Do I need to repeat?

Money’s not bad.

Money’s not evil.

But the love of money

Is the root of all evil.

Shouldn’t we be content.

Shouldn’t we just trust God.

Didn’t he tell us he’s more than enough?

So I’ll ask you again.

When all the time is spent.

When all the money is spent.

And you can barely pay the rent.

Are you content?

If not, You need to repent.

Your heart beats only so many times in your lifetime.

What does yours beat for?

Does it beat for more?

Or does it beat for the Lord?

GREED

I'm doing a lot of soul searching and thinking lately. See, I've been asked to come up with a poem for church in a few weeks. They asked me to talk about Greed.

And there's my dilemma. How can I talk about something I'm guilty of? We're all guilty of it. But we don't put greed in the same category of sin as murder, adultery, etc. But it is.

The more I think about it, the more I realize we are conditioned to think and believe greed is good. Our whole economy is based on greed. Everyone has wants. The more we want, the more we spend, and the more we get. The more we spend, the better the economy does. The better the economy does, the more money we can make. Make more money, and we can buy more things.

But it's all Me, Me, Me. Mine, Mine, Mine. More, More, More.

At the same time we don't want to be passive. We want to aspire. We want to reach higher, and we should.

When does it become greed?

I think it's when we want more than we need. It's seems like the more we get, the more we want. When does it stop?

When you mention greed, people automatically think you're going to talk about money. But we can be greedy for anything. Power. Money. Food. Fame. Recognition.

When the desire becomes an obsession, it's greed. When it become our focus, it's greed. When obtaining it drives us, it's greed. It becomes our god.

What's the first commandment say? We should have no other God's before God.

Which brings me back to my dilemma, and my solution.

I was worried about offending people. Powerful people. Wealthy people. How can I get up there and say money and power are sinful.

I have to go the Word and speak the truth in love. The LOVE of money is the root of evil. Thou shalt have no other God's before me. Thou shalt not covet.

And that's what I'll say.

Fuddy Dud

I guess it time.
Time to quit pretending.
Pretending that I’m as good as I think I am.
I am not innocent.
Innocent is perfection.
Perfection was attained only by one.
Jesus.
Jesus should be the deciding factor in all our questions.
All our dilemmas.
All our quandaries.
All our conundrums.
All our battles.
All our temptations.
All our struggles.
All we do.
Would we talk the same way if Jesus were in the room?
Would I laugh at the same things if Jesus were right next to me?
Why would I laugh at it now, if I wouldn’t if here were next to me?
How much is personal preference or discretion?
Where do we draw the line?
Personal conviction can only be used in a few instances.
Not many.
Laughing at a dirty or off-color joke.
Not an instance.
Watching a movie we shouldn’t watch.
Not an instance.
Looking at a website we shouldn’t look at.
Not an instance.
Saying something we shouldn’t say.
Not an instance.
It doesn’t matter how mad you are.
It doesn’t matter how bad things are.
It doesn’t matter how funny it appears.
It doesn’t matter how many people do it.
What matters is what Jesus would say about it.
I’ve sat back and had my opinions.
I’ve picked other peoples lives apart.
I’ve said where other people mess up.
I point out their sins.
But what about my own?
I know all have sinned and fall short.
But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try harder.
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try harder.
Our sin nature isn’t an excuse.
It’s an obstacle.
It’s the challenge.
It’s what we must overcome.
It’s what we can overcome.
It’s what Jesus overcame.
And he lives in us.
So if he lives in us, why don’t we act more like him?
Why do we lean on our own convictions?
Why do we lean on our own understanding?
It’s choice.
It’s free will.
God gave it to us.
But he also gave us examples and lessons of how to use it.
Free will has become ego to us.
It’s not free will anymore.
It’s “Me” will.
And we will do what makes us happy.
Or what makes us feel better.
Or what eases our conscience.
That fact is.
We shouldn’t laugh at the innuendoes in Austin Powers.
We shouldn’t rate the language in movies as not that much, or it doesn’t bother me.
We shouldn’t rate the skin as just a scene or only in a couple places.
We shouldn’t support the love story of gay cowboys.
There shouldn’t have to be a gay character in every movies or TV show.
And contrary to public opinion, that’s not how a majority of America is.
It’s just what the media portrays.
What’s more,
We shouldn’t pass any of it off as “entertainment”.
If it’s not entertaining to God, is it really entertaining?
Maybe I’ll have to be called a stick in the mud.
Maybe they’ll call me a fuddy-dud.
But they won’t call me a hypocrite.
They won’t call me phony.
They won’t call me one of those Christians.
They’ll know how I act.
They’ll know who I am.
They’ll know who my God is.
They’ll know Jesus is my Savior.