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.

It's Christmas

It's Christmas, and I'm wiped out! There is just so much going on. It's tiresome, but at the same time I love it. What can be better than spending hours with family and friends? I think I have 2 free days over the next 7, so essentially those 2 days are planned as well since we'll have to do everything we can't do on our planned days.

I really enjoy being busy, but I equally enjoy having no plans. I like not having to rush somewhere or being on a schedule. I like being able to wake up and say "What do I want to do today?". At the same time, I like having plans. I like to know what I'm going to be doing that day.

Thus, the dilemma. How to divide time. I thought it was easy for awhile. More and more it seems there is so much going on. I can think of dozens of people I haven't hung out with in months or years, and I miss them. At the same time, we've also gone down different roads. Where we used to go to the same church, we attend different churches now. They have kids, and we don't. Jobs are differents. Houses are different and bigger. It's the natural change of life.

How do we keep it together? How can we keep everyone close? I think the answer is that we can't, so we shouldn't let it bother us. There are season in life, and there are seasons in our relationships. We may be close one day, and you wake up 6 months later and you haven't talked in months.

I can remember Christmases spent with friends and family only a few years ago, and the people I hang out with now are nearly 100% different. I'm happy, but at the same time I would give just about anything to spend time with those who are now distant. Those are the people who helped me become me. They were there in some of my tough times. They were there in some of my happy times. We laughed together. We were angry together. We went out together. We were a part of each other's lives.

So though I feel melancholy right now, I really have never been happier. I have the world's greatest wife. I have the world's greatest in-laws. I have the world's best parents. My brother and sister have married their world's greatest, and have the world's greatest kids. The nephews and niece bring alot of joy to my life. I have the world's greatest dog.

So what do I do? I try to spend time with those who have become distant, but spend my time pouring into the ones who are close today. You never know when the road splits, and the ones who are close today become the ones distant in the future.

Merry Christmas

Joey Ballgame was flawless tonight

I went to Lions night at Kensington tonight. Joey Harrington and a few of the Lions were there. Joey Ballgame played the piano...very well I might add. Jon McGraw played to violin or fiddle. They talked about the NFL. They talked about the pressures.
Joey opened up about the tough couple seasons he's had. They all talked about leaning on the church and Jesus.
Pastor Dave applauded the guys on the high road they've all taken this year while they have been put down, and talked about on TV and radio.
The pastor talked about the parable of the talents. He made some great points. He said to give God the glory. Give God your best.
I came away pretty inspired. Not so much from they professional athletes being up there, but by the service. Kensington really seemed in tune with people. I saw a packed Wednesday night service with people praising and worshipping God. I haven't seen that in ages. Granted, many of the people came to see the Lions.
But it was cool to be witness to a church busting at the seams. They're planting churches everywhere. They are financially backing other churches. They are getting the Word out, and people are coming out. They're looking beyond their property and saying what does this generation need? Not what do we have to offer, but what do they need?
It really got me thinking. Going back to the talents....we all have them. What are we doing with them? Are we using them? Are we using them for God's glory? Are we doing the best we can with them? Or are we serving ourselves with them?

Little Ones

Bryce Michael
Lillian Collette
Tobin Carter

Little Ones

You’re so innocent.
You’re so precious.
You’re not my own.
But you bless me.
I love your laughter.
I love to see you learn.
I love to see you grow.
I love holding you.
I love talking to you.
I love chasing you.
You live life as it should be lived.
And you don’t even know it.
You’re not afraid to ask questions.
You’re not afraid to laugh.
You’re not too proud to cuddle.
You take your little naps.
You don’t care about looks.
Boys, you’ll go play in the mud.
You take time away from your games
To give us a hug.

I’m sorry for the world you’re gonna grow up in.
It’s tough.
It’s rough.
But always remember your family.
Remember your God.
They will be there though it all.
Love God with all your heart.
Love Him with everything you have.
He’ll never leave you or forsake you.
He’ll lead you and guide you.
He’ll always be by you.
Don’t ever be afraid to call on Him.
He will hear.
Be careful what you wish for.
You just might get it.
And it won’t be how you expected to get it.
Learn from it.
Grow from it.
Honor your mother and father.
It’s the first commandment with promise.
They love you and always will.
I promise.
Tell them you love them.
Hug them.
Play with them.
Nothing else makes their day.
Listen to them.
Respect them.
They know what’s best for you.
When they tell you “No,”
It’s to protect you from harm.
Or keep you from a spank on the behind.
Remember they probably did the same thing.
They either got punished or hurt
And learned their lesson.
No sense both of you go through it.
You’re parents will get weirder.
Live with it.
You’ll be like them in 30 years.
Have fun.
Smile.
Don’t let life bring you down
Don’t stay down.
Pick yourself up.
Go back to it.
God will reward your diligence.
Dream.
Dream until you can’t dream anymore.
Dream big dreams.
Dream unbelievable dreams.
Be a princess.
Be an astronaut.
Be a fireman.
Be a dinosaur.
Dream.
Be a kid as long as you can.
No need to rush growing up.
Don’t outgrow Grandpa’s tractor.
Someday you’ll realize he doesn’t need it for his backyard.
But how else is he gonna cut a path to Meijer?
Be who you are.
Be who God created you to be.
Laugh.
Take naps with Grandpa.
Chase the dog.
Don’t play with your food.
Eat right.
Don’t eat a lot of sugar
Eat your vegetables.
They taste awful but are good for you.
They’re is more to eating the chicken nuggets.
Take that coming from a guy who only ate burger till he was 16.
Bryce, Keep wearing your helmet.
Boys, Buzz your heads.
Tobin, Watch out for Elephants.
But remember they’re one of Gods’ creations.
Lilly. Always be silly.
I hope you keep your eyes.
And thank you for the smiles.

Bryce.
You’re the oldest of the next generation of this family.
You have a responsibility.
It’s an honor. Be proud of it.
They may outgrow you someday.
But you’ll always be big brother.
You’ll always be the oldest cousin.
They’ll always look up to you.
You’ll set the trend.
Good or bad, they’ll always be compared to you.
It’s part of being first.
Keep smiling.
Keep laughing.
Keep loving.
Don’t’ out grow being momma’s pal.
Always be Daddy’s buddy.
Take care of Lilli when the time arises.
You may not always like her.
But love her. She looks up to you.

Tobin,
Never lose that energy.
Bounce.
Jump.
Keep moving.
Don’t let life slow you down.
When you become a big brother,
Make sure you teach them the ropes.
You’re a walking miracle.
You’re healthy.
You’re healed.
You’re a PK.
Trust me, it’ll be tough.
But you have a responsibility too.
More will be expected of you.
You’ll always be an example.
Cherish it.
You can change and effect a lot of lives in that position.
Prepare yourself to succeed your Dad.
It might not happen.
But there’s a good chance it will.
Jump into Mommas arms as long as you can
It makes her so happy.
Be a Mommas boy
And never forget.
Don’t ever forget.
To pray to Jesus before you go to bed.

Lilli.
Always be silly.
Sorry I couldn’t pass up that rhyme again.
You’re the first princess.
And if another girl doesn’t come along,
You ARE the princess.
Use it to your advantage when you must
But don’t use it so much that others get upset with you.
Don’t let the boys tell you that you can’t do something.
Play sports.
Beat them.
Don’t be afraid to play with dolls.
Don’t be afraid to be lady.
But be who you are.
Be strong.
Be daddy’s girl.
Let him protect you.
Let Bryce stand up for you.
Your mom will be your best friend.
Go shopping with her.
Trust her.
Love her.

This is much longer than I intended.
But so much was on my heart.
Me and Aunt Eliza love you.
We look forward to seeing you.
Don’t worry.
Someday we’ll have a cousin or 2 for you.
I’ll tell them the same things I’m telling you.
Stay precious.
Stay innocent.
Be little ones.

Random Thoughts

It's been a few days since I posted, but here are some things I've been thinking....

I still wish I could be Superman.

Money is great, but if we don't have friends and family, what do we really have? I'll take my condo, wife, dog, families and friends anyday of the week.

Games and competition are great. I think they reveal who we really are.

Life is awesome. I took a little sledding trip with Ben (my bro), Craig (bro in law) and their boys Bryce and Tobin. What a blast! Little 3 and 2 year olds running around, but not wanting to get snow in their face. The imaginations these guys have too! Kinda wish I was that old again.

Found a cool website. HappyNews.com. They only post good news!

Pride really does come before a fall. I started talking trash in one of my fantasy football leages after I set the highest point total record. I think I'm 1-3 since then. Further proof, my boy Randy started talking trash after the draft and it looks like he's going to miss the playoffs in both leagues! When are we going to learn?

We tell everyone they are entitled to their own opinion, and they are. But how can everyone be right? They can't be. Some of the best conversations to watch are ones when both parties know beyond the shadow of a doubt they are right, but they have opposing opinions. Good stuff.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Liza and I had a Target worker wish us a Merry Christmas a couple weeks ago. God bless her because I don't think they are supposed to say Merry Christmas.

We set up our CHRISTMAS tree on Friday. We watched a good CHRISTMAS movie...Elf on Friday. We bought a new CHRISTMAS ornament with our friends last night.

AJ/Julie. Trev/Sheryl. Justin/Renee. We had a great time last night! Looking forward to next year already.

Everyday we have a choice. Technically we have many choices, but the first choice of the day is to have a good day or a bad day. All the other ones fall in line after that. Choose to have a good day and see what happens.