What’s to ponder?
By ponder, I mean think about, reflect, consider….That’s where I am at right now.
Still, what’s to ponder?
I am pondering just how God does take care of us. But I am pondering that I don’t know how he will. We put so much on ourselves, but He alone is the great provider. No matter what life brings at us.
I’m pondering how and why.
I’m pondering how glad I am that I didn’t let doubt and worry creep in and take root in my thought life.
I’m also pondering how even though we may feel our lives are on shifting sand, they aren’t when we trust in the Lord.
I’m pondering how I got here, and now where “there” may be.
I’m pondering how one road turned into several and how each one is a blessing.
So as you see, there is nothing to worry about, but a lot to ponder.
And I’m pondering how wonder and ponder are spelled almost identically but hardly pronounced the same.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Friday Random Rants
Eating like a king
Earlier today, I posted what a local White Castle sign says. It reads “Make your Valentines Day reservation today”. I think I laughed loudly as I drove past the intersection of 8 mile and Gratiot. But come to find out, it’s a legit thing. I’ve been informed that select WC’s across the country do this and they actually sell out. The y put out table cloths, candles, and the whole nine. I would’ve never guessed it.
Generations
As I drove home yesterday listening to sports talk radio, I listened to the guys talk about the SEC as the premier conference in college football. It was used as an argument about why Lane Kiffin would leave Tennessee to go to USC. One of the on-air personalities mentioned LSU and my mind quickly moved to the 90-92 LSU basketball era.
Why that era? It’s when I boarded the Shaq train. I watched just about every LSU game I could. It was obvious how dominant he was in college and how dominant he could be in the NBA. I was a huge fan.
But why do I bring that up? As I thought about it, I realized:
(1) That I’m getting old.
(2) Every generation, or maybe every 10 -15 years the next “Insert legend” comes along
Today’s media and today’s kids all talk about how dominant Dwight Howard is. They fall all over his humorous antics, thunder dunks, and overall size.
Shaq was that guy long before Dwight Howard. Actually, they wish they could be Shaq of back then. That’s not age bias either. Check the stats. They can’t touch what he was doing.
He rocked the Superman logo tattoo. He had the Superman logo on his vehicle’s grilles, gate to his house, etc. etc.
But nowadays, people see Fat Shaq. They see the injured Shaq. They see the Shaq that helps Lebron, instead of the Shaq that was the MDP, Most Dominant Player. In my opinion he’s gotta be one of the top 10 players of all time.
But I digress.
I started thinking how now I’m the guy who’s saying things like “Dwight Howard is great, but he’s no Shaq” to the younger generation. I’ve now seen some great players come and go. Guys who when they came into their sports were the stars of tomorrow. I loved basketball in the late 80’s and early 90’s so those are the careers I can think of off hand.
I think of Chris Webber, Penny Hardaway, Shaq, Grant Hill, Antonio McDyess…..Those are the bigger names. Chris Webber was the next Karl Malone. McDyess was a beast. Penny was the next Magic Johnson. Ya gotta wonder how things might have turned out for those guys and their franchises if they didn’t get hurt. Grant Hill was gonna save the NBA after Jordan retired…And Shaq. I already mentioned him.
I didn’t even mention Kobe and Kevin Garnett….Allen Iverson.
The thing is those guys could legitimately ball. I look at the guys coming out of high school and college these days and not many can ball like the guys coming out in the early 90’s. That might be the last great era of the NBA.
I saw a stat last night where 2009 has the fewest McDonalds All Americans averaging double figure points, and/or rebounds. The analyst blames a lot of it on entitlement, and flat out lack of skill. Today’s kids seem to get by more on athletic ability than improving their skills.
It’s sad really. My generation could be one of the last to say “But you should’ve seen ‘enter legend name’ play. He was so much better than today’s guys…”
Today’s generation
Along the same lines, I had a conversation with a friend the other day about high school sports. One of his best friends coaches varsity basketball and is apparently somewhat frustrated with his team. From what I know, they have a decent amount of talent. But the kids don’t want to be coached. They want their playing time, they want their shots, and not much more. They don’t realize how much it takes to actually improve at a sport or skill.
Again…is it entitlement? Do we give kids too much these days? Do they have a case of the flu…that is, affluenza? I first heard that word about the former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Basically it said he is the poster child for affluenza…the sickness of affluence, or being given too much. Or at least too much too soon.
Are we failing our kids by wanting or trying to give them so much? I had a great childhood and never had near the things today’s kids have. I had chores. We had to work for things. We didn’t have to work as much as maybe our parents did as kids, but there was correlation between earning something instead of just being given something.
What is it? Is it our insecurities of what other parents give their kids? Is it keeping up with the Joneses? Is it us trying to show some level of achievement? Is it us not wanting to be the parents of kids “that don’t this or that?”
Another radio show talked about the degrading social skills of today’s kids too. I don’t know if they’ve totally degraded, but they are very different than ours. They socialize through text messages and online video games. Many don’t know how to carry verbal conversations, or at the very least they are uncomfortable with them.
They want on to say how even GPS/Navigation devices these days are effecting how we find locations and destinations. Kids aren’t using maps anymore, or can’t really read a map. Some schools are eliminating cursive writing as a graded course. They cite computer keyboarding and texting skills as the reason not to grade the course. It’s almost become obsolete. The list seems to be growing daily of the skills our kids aren’t developing due to technology.
Technology is cool. I love it, but we can’t lean on it. What if there is a severe and real black out someday. If we don’t have some type of social, communication, or survival skills, what will happen?
Things we need to ponder. Especially us old men.
Earlier today, I posted what a local White Castle sign says. It reads “Make your Valentines Day reservation today”. I think I laughed loudly as I drove past the intersection of 8 mile and Gratiot. But come to find out, it’s a legit thing. I’ve been informed that select WC’s across the country do this and they actually sell out. The y put out table cloths, candles, and the whole nine. I would’ve never guessed it.
Generations
As I drove home yesterday listening to sports talk radio, I listened to the guys talk about the SEC as the premier conference in college football. It was used as an argument about why Lane Kiffin would leave Tennessee to go to USC. One of the on-air personalities mentioned LSU and my mind quickly moved to the 90-92 LSU basketball era.
Why that era? It’s when I boarded the Shaq train. I watched just about every LSU game I could. It was obvious how dominant he was in college and how dominant he could be in the NBA. I was a huge fan.
But why do I bring that up? As I thought about it, I realized:
(1) That I’m getting old.
(2) Every generation, or maybe every 10 -15 years the next “Insert legend” comes along
Today’s media and today’s kids all talk about how dominant Dwight Howard is. They fall all over his humorous antics, thunder dunks, and overall size.
Shaq was that guy long before Dwight Howard. Actually, they wish they could be Shaq of back then. That’s not age bias either. Check the stats. They can’t touch what he was doing.
He rocked the Superman logo tattoo. He had the Superman logo on his vehicle’s grilles, gate to his house, etc. etc.
But nowadays, people see Fat Shaq. They see the injured Shaq. They see the Shaq that helps Lebron, instead of the Shaq that was the MDP, Most Dominant Player. In my opinion he’s gotta be one of the top 10 players of all time.
But I digress.
I started thinking how now I’m the guy who’s saying things like “Dwight Howard is great, but he’s no Shaq” to the younger generation. I’ve now seen some great players come and go. Guys who when they came into their sports were the stars of tomorrow. I loved basketball in the late 80’s and early 90’s so those are the careers I can think of off hand.
I think of Chris Webber, Penny Hardaway, Shaq, Grant Hill, Antonio McDyess…..Those are the bigger names. Chris Webber was the next Karl Malone. McDyess was a beast. Penny was the next Magic Johnson. Ya gotta wonder how things might have turned out for those guys and their franchises if they didn’t get hurt. Grant Hill was gonna save the NBA after Jordan retired…And Shaq. I already mentioned him.
I didn’t even mention Kobe and Kevin Garnett….Allen Iverson.
The thing is those guys could legitimately ball. I look at the guys coming out of high school and college these days and not many can ball like the guys coming out in the early 90’s. That might be the last great era of the NBA.
I saw a stat last night where 2009 has the fewest McDonalds All Americans averaging double figure points, and/or rebounds. The analyst blames a lot of it on entitlement, and flat out lack of skill. Today’s kids seem to get by more on athletic ability than improving their skills.
It’s sad really. My generation could be one of the last to say “But you should’ve seen ‘enter legend name’ play. He was so much better than today’s guys…”
Today’s generation
Along the same lines, I had a conversation with a friend the other day about high school sports. One of his best friends coaches varsity basketball and is apparently somewhat frustrated with his team. From what I know, they have a decent amount of talent. But the kids don’t want to be coached. They want their playing time, they want their shots, and not much more. They don’t realize how much it takes to actually improve at a sport or skill.
Again…is it entitlement? Do we give kids too much these days? Do they have a case of the flu…that is, affluenza? I first heard that word about the former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Basically it said he is the poster child for affluenza…the sickness of affluence, or being given too much. Or at least too much too soon.
Are we failing our kids by wanting or trying to give them so much? I had a great childhood and never had near the things today’s kids have. I had chores. We had to work for things. We didn’t have to work as much as maybe our parents did as kids, but there was correlation between earning something instead of just being given something.
What is it? Is it our insecurities of what other parents give their kids? Is it keeping up with the Joneses? Is it us trying to show some level of achievement? Is it us not wanting to be the parents of kids “that don’t this or that?”
Another radio show talked about the degrading social skills of today’s kids too. I don’t know if they’ve totally degraded, but they are very different than ours. They socialize through text messages and online video games. Many don’t know how to carry verbal conversations, or at the very least they are uncomfortable with them.
They want on to say how even GPS/Navigation devices these days are effecting how we find locations and destinations. Kids aren’t using maps anymore, or can’t really read a map. Some schools are eliminating cursive writing as a graded course. They cite computer keyboarding and texting skills as the reason not to grade the course. It’s almost become obsolete. The list seems to be growing daily of the skills our kids aren’t developing due to technology.
Technology is cool. I love it, but we can’t lean on it. What if there is a severe and real black out someday. If we don’t have some type of social, communication, or survival skills, what will happen?
Things we need to ponder. Especially us old men.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Budget 2010
What a way to ring in the new year!
Liza and I sat down for our first ever REAL home finances discussion tonight. We came through unscathed. No scratches, busted lips or black eyes. It was a real eye opener though.
Money has always been something I've had a pretty good grip on. I've always been pretty good about spending less than comes in. But over the last couple years it's been tougher. We've had the 2 boys which means hospital and doctor bills initially. Then it means diapers, formula, diapers, formula, clothes, diapers, formula, clothes, toys, diapers.....
I've gone through different tests for my headaches over the last few years. Finally found medicene that takes them away quickly. That costs money. And last spring discovered that chiropractic care really reduces the severity and frequency of the headaches. That costs money too.
Add the reality of the cost of living today with all the unexpected costs and I quickly felt some financial pressure. And for the first time Liza and agreed we can't just do what we want when we want to anymore. At least right now.
I've talked to alot of people about Dave Ramsey and his way of becoming debt free. In short it calls for major budgeting, and basically you only spend what you budgeted for. Of course the aim is to pay off debt. I don't have the book yet or any of the DVD's. I have the general principle thanks to discussions with friends and family who are using it.
We're gonna do our best to fall in line with it. But man that's tough. The money is there, but the spur of the moment dining out stops will be a thing of the past. That's gonna be tough.
I realized a couple things though.
1. We were essentially living beyond our means. Not by much, but enough to where we were starting to see and feel it. In our own way we were keeping up with the Joneses. Two car payments, student loans, fairly decent cell phone and cable packages, eating out whenever we like, buying pretty much whatever we wanted. As much as it felt like freedom, we were starting to feel handcuffed.
2. You don't realize how much comes in and how much goes out until you really sit down and look at it.
3. I just don't know how other people do it. Living ain't cheap.
So after we looked at our "real" budget, I had to start thinking about what the future holds for the Hoods. We're budgeting based on today's salary, meanwhile not knowing what my employment situation may be in 3 weeks.
Now that's a fun exercise.
We occasionally had tough times growing up. Liza recalled some of hers, and I recalled some of mine. But we were alright. It grounded us and gave us an appreciation for what we do have.
It's tough for me in a way though. I have alot of pride. I'm proud of the career I have. I'm proud of the fact that I've never had to ask family for money. If I ever missed a payment, it was because I forgot to pay it. Up until this point, I've never really had to cut back on anything. I'd just watch my finances closer.
And here I am doing a real budget!!
But like I wrote recently, I ain't worried. It's hard to describe the serene and substantial peace we feel right now. We know God's hand is upon us. His word says He'll never leave us or forsake us. I told a friend who is concerned about my job situation that God and I are tight and He's got my back.
And as long as He's got my back, I'm in it to win it.
And who knows, I could even end up in a better spot.
Why should I worry?
Liza and I sat down for our first ever REAL home finances discussion tonight. We came through unscathed. No scratches, busted lips or black eyes. It was a real eye opener though.
Money has always been something I've had a pretty good grip on. I've always been pretty good about spending less than comes in. But over the last couple years it's been tougher. We've had the 2 boys which means hospital and doctor bills initially. Then it means diapers, formula, diapers, formula, clothes, diapers, formula, clothes, toys, diapers.....
I've gone through different tests for my headaches over the last few years. Finally found medicene that takes them away quickly. That costs money. And last spring discovered that chiropractic care really reduces the severity and frequency of the headaches. That costs money too.
Add the reality of the cost of living today with all the unexpected costs and I quickly felt some financial pressure. And for the first time Liza and agreed we can't just do what we want when we want to anymore. At least right now.
I've talked to alot of people about Dave Ramsey and his way of becoming debt free. In short it calls for major budgeting, and basically you only spend what you budgeted for. Of course the aim is to pay off debt. I don't have the book yet or any of the DVD's. I have the general principle thanks to discussions with friends and family who are using it.
We're gonna do our best to fall in line with it. But man that's tough. The money is there, but the spur of the moment dining out stops will be a thing of the past. That's gonna be tough.
I realized a couple things though.
1. We were essentially living beyond our means. Not by much, but enough to where we were starting to see and feel it. In our own way we were keeping up with the Joneses. Two car payments, student loans, fairly decent cell phone and cable packages, eating out whenever we like, buying pretty much whatever we wanted. As much as it felt like freedom, we were starting to feel handcuffed.
2. You don't realize how much comes in and how much goes out until you really sit down and look at it.
3. I just don't know how other people do it. Living ain't cheap.
So after we looked at our "real" budget, I had to start thinking about what the future holds for the Hoods. We're budgeting based on today's salary, meanwhile not knowing what my employment situation may be in 3 weeks.
Now that's a fun exercise.
We occasionally had tough times growing up. Liza recalled some of hers, and I recalled some of mine. But we were alright. It grounded us and gave us an appreciation for what we do have.
It's tough for me in a way though. I have alot of pride. I'm proud of the career I have. I'm proud of the fact that I've never had to ask family for money. If I ever missed a payment, it was because I forgot to pay it. Up until this point, I've never really had to cut back on anything. I'd just watch my finances closer.
And here I am doing a real budget!!
But like I wrote recently, I ain't worried. It's hard to describe the serene and substantial peace we feel right now. We know God's hand is upon us. His word says He'll never leave us or forsake us. I told a friend who is concerned about my job situation that God and I are tight and He's got my back.
And as long as He's got my back, I'm in it to win it.
And who knows, I could even end up in a better spot.
Why should I worry?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Scary Christmas
I'm at home thinking about how good life is.
My boys are sleeping warm in their beds. Christmas decorations are up. The presents have been bought. My wonderful wife is finishing up laundry. My dog is cuddled up next to me in my chair.
I'm even okay after my surgery yesterday. It's official, Liza and I won't be having anymore babies. Despite the discomfort, it wasn't a bad experience. Fortunately I have a nice health care plan that defrays the cost.
Life is good.
With the extra time I've spent not moving, I've been reading alot of news. Of course the 2 things in world current events are the climate deal in Copenhagen and the passing of the health care bill.
And that's when my Christmas got scary. I don't know enough about either, but that's the scariest part. Our president was in Copenhagen making deals for billions of dollars to fix or make right our "involvement" in climate change.
Funny how they don't use "global warming" anymore. It's a crock of hooey. There is just as much, if not more, evidence against it, but somehow the media and our government jam it down our throats.
If you tell people about it enough, they start to believe it. Just like "evolution" and "separation of church and state" and the super deadly "swine flu virus". Bunk.
And then the Senate just got the 60th vote needed to pass the health care reform bill. It took alot of compromise, and the only happy people about it are the president and Harry Reid.
In my opinion they're only happy about cementing their place in history. I don't see how this is what's best for our country. We don't need more government. We don't need bigger government. Our government is supposed to be of the people, by the people, for the people. Not by people who "know what's best for the people", sneak it by the people, to control the people. We're losing our freedom....I'd argue it's pretty much lost.
You do realize that with the passing of this bill, we will be forced to buy health care coverage. Notice I said "buy". It's not free! And taxes will go up. Better (more like worse) yet, they want to push this through be Christmas Eve. Why? Because it's losing steam. Fewer and fewer Americans want it as they learn more about it and the truth comes out. So instead they want to rush it and make it happen.
See what a senator from the heartland had to say.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091219/OPINION01/912190306/Sen.-Mitch-McConnell--Approving-health-bill-would-be-historic-mistake/?imw=Y
Scary, huh?
Our goverment has spent billions, er, trillions of dollars in just over a year and this Copenhagen treaty and health care bill will cost us probably trillions more.
Scary Christmas to all.
But I have to admit, as I'm writing this I do have a sense of peace. I'm reminded of a story that should be fresh in our minds at this time of year. The story of Jesus. When he came to us, the government was seeking additional power and control. Every person was "forced" to return home for a census. Just like now, the government wanted more control.
So just like I wrote recently, the more things change the more they stay the same.
But I should add something else to list of things that never change. God. He's still in control. As much as members of our government like to think they are. As much as they know what's best for us, there is One who does.
And He doesn't change.
Suddenly this Christmas isn't so scary after all.
My boys are sleeping warm in their beds. Christmas decorations are up. The presents have been bought. My wonderful wife is finishing up laundry. My dog is cuddled up next to me in my chair.
I'm even okay after my surgery yesterday. It's official, Liza and I won't be having anymore babies. Despite the discomfort, it wasn't a bad experience. Fortunately I have a nice health care plan that defrays the cost.
Life is good.
With the extra time I've spent not moving, I've been reading alot of news. Of course the 2 things in world current events are the climate deal in Copenhagen and the passing of the health care bill.
And that's when my Christmas got scary. I don't know enough about either, but that's the scariest part. Our president was in Copenhagen making deals for billions of dollars to fix or make right our "involvement" in climate change.
Funny how they don't use "global warming" anymore. It's a crock of hooey. There is just as much, if not more, evidence against it, but somehow the media and our government jam it down our throats.
If you tell people about it enough, they start to believe it. Just like "evolution" and "separation of church and state" and the super deadly "swine flu virus". Bunk.
And then the Senate just got the 60th vote needed to pass the health care reform bill. It took alot of compromise, and the only happy people about it are the president and Harry Reid.
In my opinion they're only happy about cementing their place in history. I don't see how this is what's best for our country. We don't need more government. We don't need bigger government. Our government is supposed to be of the people, by the people, for the people. Not by people who "know what's best for the people", sneak it by the people, to control the people. We're losing our freedom....I'd argue it's pretty much lost.
You do realize that with the passing of this bill, we will be forced to buy health care coverage. Notice I said "buy". It's not free! And taxes will go up. Better (more like worse) yet, they want to push this through be Christmas Eve. Why? Because it's losing steam. Fewer and fewer Americans want it as they learn more about it and the truth comes out. So instead they want to rush it and make it happen.
See what a senator from the heartland had to say.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091219/OPINION01/912190306/Sen.-Mitch-McConnell--Approving-health-bill-would-be-historic-mistake/?imw=Y
Scary, huh?
Our goverment has spent billions, er, trillions of dollars in just over a year and this Copenhagen treaty and health care bill will cost us probably trillions more.
Scary Christmas to all.
But I have to admit, as I'm writing this I do have a sense of peace. I'm reminded of a story that should be fresh in our minds at this time of year. The story of Jesus. When he came to us, the government was seeking additional power and control. Every person was "forced" to return home for a census. Just like now, the government wanted more control.
So just like I wrote recently, the more things change the more they stay the same.
But I should add something else to list of things that never change. God. He's still in control. As much as members of our government like to think they are. As much as they know what's best for us, there is One who does.
And He doesn't change.
Suddenly this Christmas isn't so scary after all.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Change... Life Happens.
Let me preface this by saying I started writing this entry on Wednesday before I knew how my life was going to change. Yes, it looks official that the Saab brand is wound down. Where that leaves me? Time will tell.
Ah, the paradox of constant change. The more things change, the more they stay the same. There are only a few things constant in this world, death, taxes, and change.
Change is inevitable. Change will happen.
I like to think of myself as consistent. Call it level headed,or call it even-keeled. Call it boring. That's just who I am. Don't get too up. Don't get too down. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Take the highs with the lows. Lots of cliches, I know, but it's the best way to sum it up.
Some of it is my natural personality. Alot of it is based on life experiences and wisdom from people that have poured into me. It's served me well.
Maybe that's why I roll with the punches so well. That doesn't mean I enjoy being punched, it just means I "stick the jab" and keep fighting. I get back up and keep on going.
But more than being consistent, I think it's more about adaptability. I've seen 36 years of not everything going as expected. I can't control everything. I can plan everything out and do my best to make sure nothing happens, or plan to the best of my ability and adapt when things aren't as I'd like.
The first option is an oasis, dream or nirvana. I like to use the phrase "Life Happens." Because it does. Man, life and it's challenges are what make life, life! Don't get me wrong, I like knowing. I like to have control over my circumstances, but adapting as uncertainties or things I don't like come my way is rewarding.
Adapting to things in life is essentially coping. Coping is often how we learn.
I see that carrying over in how Liza and I parent the boys. We call it our "Ben and Nicole" style of parenting. It involves alot of picking up crying boys, rubbing bumps and bruises and wiping tears. It usually ends with a "You're okay" and a pat on the tush.
I have to brag on Ben and Nicole and their kids for a moment. The end result of their style is tough, adaptable kids. That family has been through the ringer over the last few years, but you wouldn't know it. The kids may cry from time to time, but they get right back up and go.
I always remember a young Bryce, who probably was in his first weeks of running. He comes running down my parents hallway, reaches the kitchen floor, and wipes out! Uncle Nate, with his first nephew down, does the huge gasp of concern. I go to pick him up, but he starts to get up, says "I'm okay!" and starts running again. I laughed so loudly. What a great moment.
I vaguely remember similar situations as I grew up. It usually ended up with Dad telling to brush the dirt off, or rub some dirt on it, or spit the blood out of my mouth.
I'm not really sure how that ties in with "change" other than that life will pull the chair out from you from time to time. We can get rid of the chair, so that it can never be pulled out from under us. We'll get hit in the face with a baseball. We can quit playing so we never get hit again We can sit there and feel bad about it, or we get back up and be ready to go again.
Isn't that the attitude we should have? I mean, life is going to happen. We can do our best to eliminate potential pains and danger. We'll never eliminate it all. So what can you do? You chin it. You learn how to deal and you learn about what you actually can control.
This whole situation with Saab has been like a jab, a left hook and then the upper cut as an attempted knock out blow. Last August, I was asked by GM to interview for a job at Saab. Flattered that Saab wanted me, it essentially meant GM didn't. That was the jab. Then in November, the original sale of Saab fell through. We all thought it was a done deal. That was the left hook. We dusted ourselves off and then it appeared there was a new buyer. Just today, that deal fell through. And there was the uppercut.
What can I do? Pick myself up, spit the blood out of my mouth, check my teeth, and get back at it.
My mind is flooded with Rocky quotes, but the ones I'm thinking of right now are from Rocky V and the latest movie, Rocky Balboa.
My apologies for the "b-word"
And then this one:
Lastly, I've had this quote up in my cubicle for most of my career. Charles Swindoll's quote on Attitude.
It says this: The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes.
I'm ready to go. I didn't hear no bell. One more round.
Ah, the paradox of constant change. The more things change, the more they stay the same. There are only a few things constant in this world, death, taxes, and change.
Change is inevitable. Change will happen.
I like to think of myself as consistent. Call it level headed,or call it even-keeled. Call it boring. That's just who I am. Don't get too up. Don't get too down. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Take the highs with the lows. Lots of cliches, I know, but it's the best way to sum it up.
Some of it is my natural personality. Alot of it is based on life experiences and wisdom from people that have poured into me. It's served me well.
Maybe that's why I roll with the punches so well. That doesn't mean I enjoy being punched, it just means I "stick the jab" and keep fighting. I get back up and keep on going.
But more than being consistent, I think it's more about adaptability. I've seen 36 years of not everything going as expected. I can't control everything. I can plan everything out and do my best to make sure nothing happens, or plan to the best of my ability and adapt when things aren't as I'd like.
The first option is an oasis, dream or nirvana. I like to use the phrase "Life Happens." Because it does. Man, life and it's challenges are what make life, life! Don't get me wrong, I like knowing. I like to have control over my circumstances, but adapting as uncertainties or things I don't like come my way is rewarding.
Adapting to things in life is essentially coping. Coping is often how we learn.
I see that carrying over in how Liza and I parent the boys. We call it our "Ben and Nicole" style of parenting. It involves alot of picking up crying boys, rubbing bumps and bruises and wiping tears. It usually ends with a "You're okay" and a pat on the tush.
I have to brag on Ben and Nicole and their kids for a moment. The end result of their style is tough, adaptable kids. That family has been through the ringer over the last few years, but you wouldn't know it. The kids may cry from time to time, but they get right back up and go.
I always remember a young Bryce, who probably was in his first weeks of running. He comes running down my parents hallway, reaches the kitchen floor, and wipes out! Uncle Nate, with his first nephew down, does the huge gasp of concern. I go to pick him up, but he starts to get up, says "I'm okay!" and starts running again. I laughed so loudly. What a great moment.
I vaguely remember similar situations as I grew up. It usually ended up with Dad telling to brush the dirt off, or rub some dirt on it, or spit the blood out of my mouth.
I'm not really sure how that ties in with "change" other than that life will pull the chair out from you from time to time. We can get rid of the chair, so that it can never be pulled out from under us. We'll get hit in the face with a baseball. We can quit playing so we never get hit again We can sit there and feel bad about it, or we get back up and be ready to go again.
Isn't that the attitude we should have? I mean, life is going to happen. We can do our best to eliminate potential pains and danger. We'll never eliminate it all. So what can you do? You chin it. You learn how to deal and you learn about what you actually can control.
This whole situation with Saab has been like a jab, a left hook and then the upper cut as an attempted knock out blow. Last August, I was asked by GM to interview for a job at Saab. Flattered that Saab wanted me, it essentially meant GM didn't. That was the jab. Then in November, the original sale of Saab fell through. We all thought it was a done deal. That was the left hook. We dusted ourselves off and then it appeared there was a new buyer. Just today, that deal fell through. And there was the uppercut.
What can I do? Pick myself up, spit the blood out of my mouth, check my teeth, and get back at it.
My mind is flooded with Rocky quotes, but the ones I'm thinking of right now are from Rocky V and the latest movie, Rocky Balboa.
My apologies for the "b-word"
And then this one:
Lastly, I've had this quote up in my cubicle for most of my career. Charles Swindoll's quote on Attitude.
It says this: The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company ... a church ... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you ... we are in charge of our Attitudes.
I'm ready to go. I didn't hear no bell. One more round.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Filling a void
Today, I think I just have to get the Tiger Woods thing off my chest.
Man, he killed me. I know he's a celebrity I don't know personally, never met, and will probably never meet. But he was the athlete I chose to follow back in 1996. When he was winning his 2nd US Amateur title. I have the golf magazines, articles and photos to prove it. I even have the 2 page "Hello World" Nike ad from the Wall Street Journal from the day he announced he was turning pro. I took heat for saying he'd win the 1997 Masters.
I bought the "Frank the Tiger headcover" before it was mass produced. From 1997 through 1999 I probably had 75% of the Nike golf shirts he wore. In my size of course. I bought 2 pairs of his first signature shoes. I had the hats. I started hitting Nike golf balls. As fate would have it, we even hit the same 3 wood when he joined the tour.
Obviously, I was all in for Tiger Woods.
I had many detractors who thought I was nuts for following a flash in the pan. By 2000, I was getting emails and phone calls apologizing for that!
As of last year, I have 2-3 bins of Tiger Woods memorabilia and stuff like bobble heads, golf balls, and posters. I was waiting for the day when I had the opportunity to create my man cave with Tiger Woods stuff. Today, the 2 page WSJ ad is hanging on my boys' wall in their bedroom.
But not much longer.
It has to come down. As a father, I can't tell my boys to be like Tiger anymore. He was never the perfect role model, but you could talk around the club throwing and cursing. But even this past season I started considering taking it down as his propensity for tossing clubs and cursing audibly become much more frequent.
But how do you tell a kid to be like Tiger now? Not my boys. I want my boys to love their family, their mother, their wives (someday) and children. I want them to be honest and trustworthy. I want them to have integrity.
Tiger the golfer will always be intriguing to me, but he has fallen from favor in grace in my eyes. I will probably still cheer as he chases the career majors record of Jack Nicklaus. I love seeing history being made.
Some may say I'm being hard and judgmental. Others will say he's human just like everyone else. Others will say, he's a man and has needs. Say on, ya'll. I defended him too when the news of the FIRST mistress broke. But 10 women later, and the details of the affairs was enough to push me away.
He's a fraud. He was nothing more than a dude who plays golf better than anyone else. But more importantly he was nothing more than a marketing image. He's the best at his craft, and his endorsements painted him as a good man too. We were lied to.
I'm one of the most loyal people you'll ever meet. And I'm a very forgiving person too. And no he doesn't owe me, you, or anyone but his family an apology. But for me to be a Tiger fan again, he's going to need to change his ways. A public apology will be a start, but actions speak louder than words. Show me you're a changed man, Tiger.
Deep down though, I feel for him. Like child actors and singers, Tiger never enjoyed a normal childhood. At the age of 2, he was already on TV! Of course, even at that age he wanted to be the best golfer of all time. But all the practice and preparation limited his time to be a kid. My guess is his whole life was and is golf. By his teens, he was going to be the next great thing, his life already on television and in the media. By 20, he had over $60 million in the bank, the world at his feet, and lots of power.
Who was gonna tell him no?
Only one person probably told him no. His father. It was easy to see that his father was his life. When he lost his dad, maybe Tiger lost his moral compass. Within no one left to steer him, and no one there for him to disappoint, Tiger went elsewhere to fill the void.
And now I'm looking for a new sports hero for the boys, and filling a void on a wall in my boys room.
In the meantime, I'll be praying for you Tiger.
Man, he killed me. I know he's a celebrity I don't know personally, never met, and will probably never meet. But he was the athlete I chose to follow back in 1996. When he was winning his 2nd US Amateur title. I have the golf magazines, articles and photos to prove it. I even have the 2 page "Hello World" Nike ad from the Wall Street Journal from the day he announced he was turning pro. I took heat for saying he'd win the 1997 Masters.
I bought the "Frank the Tiger headcover" before it was mass produced. From 1997 through 1999 I probably had 75% of the Nike golf shirts he wore. In my size of course. I bought 2 pairs of his first signature shoes. I had the hats. I started hitting Nike golf balls. As fate would have it, we even hit the same 3 wood when he joined the tour.
Obviously, I was all in for Tiger Woods.
I had many detractors who thought I was nuts for following a flash in the pan. By 2000, I was getting emails and phone calls apologizing for that!
As of last year, I have 2-3 bins of Tiger Woods memorabilia and stuff like bobble heads, golf balls, and posters. I was waiting for the day when I had the opportunity to create my man cave with Tiger Woods stuff. Today, the 2 page WSJ ad is hanging on my boys' wall in their bedroom.
But not much longer.
It has to come down. As a father, I can't tell my boys to be like Tiger anymore. He was never the perfect role model, but you could talk around the club throwing and cursing. But even this past season I started considering taking it down as his propensity for tossing clubs and cursing audibly become much more frequent.
But how do you tell a kid to be like Tiger now? Not my boys. I want my boys to love their family, their mother, their wives (someday) and children. I want them to be honest and trustworthy. I want them to have integrity.
Tiger the golfer will always be intriguing to me, but he has fallen from favor in grace in my eyes. I will probably still cheer as he chases the career majors record of Jack Nicklaus. I love seeing history being made.
Some may say I'm being hard and judgmental. Others will say he's human just like everyone else. Others will say, he's a man and has needs. Say on, ya'll. I defended him too when the news of the FIRST mistress broke. But 10 women later, and the details of the affairs was enough to push me away.
He's a fraud. He was nothing more than a dude who plays golf better than anyone else. But more importantly he was nothing more than a marketing image. He's the best at his craft, and his endorsements painted him as a good man too. We were lied to.
I'm one of the most loyal people you'll ever meet. And I'm a very forgiving person too. And no he doesn't owe me, you, or anyone but his family an apology. But for me to be a Tiger fan again, he's going to need to change his ways. A public apology will be a start, but actions speak louder than words. Show me you're a changed man, Tiger.
Deep down though, I feel for him. Like child actors and singers, Tiger never enjoyed a normal childhood. At the age of 2, he was already on TV! Of course, even at that age he wanted to be the best golfer of all time. But all the practice and preparation limited his time to be a kid. My guess is his whole life was and is golf. By his teens, he was going to be the next great thing, his life already on television and in the media. By 20, he had over $60 million in the bank, the world at his feet, and lots of power.
Who was gonna tell him no?
Only one person probably told him no. His father. It was easy to see that his father was his life. When he lost his dad, maybe Tiger lost his moral compass. Within no one left to steer him, and no one there for him to disappoint, Tiger went elsewhere to fill the void.
And now I'm looking for a new sports hero for the boys, and filling a void on a wall in my boys room.
In the meantime, I'll be praying for you Tiger.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
So Who Is A Role Model?
"I am not a role model..." Charles Barkley 1993 Nike Commercial
So this Tiger thing has created alot of responses to my last blog. Of course it got me thinking some more, so here goes.
First thing I thought of was the Barkley commercial from the early 90's. Fact of the matter is, he's right. He's not a role model. He went on to say "Well, I don't think athletes should be role models. I think we are very lucky and blessed, but I think, the only thing we do is we have a God-given ability, just because I can run and dunk a basketball that shouldn't make me a role model."
For the record, Tiger was never a role model for me. I'm older than he is, and I have always had great role models in my life. Even when I was younger and Tiger was bursting on the scene, he was just the next great thing. I started following him.
I think Jared and Dave said it best. Admiration. I had alot of admiration for what he has done, and for how he carried himself. What I liked about the early to mid-90's was that I saw my generation saying "We don't have to wait to be great." I was a huge fan of the Fab Five at Michigan. We graduated from high school in 1991, and so I related to them that way.
Up until then, and there were always exceptions, youth had to wait to make an impact in sports. Occasionally, guys like Isiah and Magic would come around and be great right away. But they were the exception more than the rule.
I admired the Tigers and the Fab 5 because they knew they had the ability to be great at what they did and went and did it. I guess I lived vicariously through them because I, like any other kid, would always hear people tell us we had to wait. Our time would come.....
So Tiger came along, started whupping up on the old timers, winning majors before he was "supposed to" and things like that. And he handled it in a professional, classy way. I admired that and became a big fan.
But things change and my view on Tiger has to change now. I will always admire his golf ability and talent. But we are who we are. Tiger the golfer is Tiger the cheater. He's not 2 different people, but he lived 2 different lives. He had his public, competitive, marketing driven life, and he had his private life. His private life IS his private life, but we were led to believe it was a private, family focused life.
So my search for a role model is not for me. It's for my boys. I'm closer to age 40 than 30 these days and thus gave up on athletes and celebrities as role models long before Tiger even came along. I recognized they live in a different world. My role models are many, and basically they are examples for how I would like to be. They are men like my dad, my father in law, my uncles and Liza's uncles. They are great men who put God and family first. A bad word could not be spoken of any of them. That's how I'd like to think people look at me.
So I know how to be a good example to my boys. I believe I am and will be a good role model to them. But I also know that young boys watch television. Kids are the ones who want to buy jerseys in order to be like so and so. They are the ones who are in the backyard playing ball saying "I'm A-Rod". They're the ones in the driveway putting on their Lebron jerseys and working on copying his moves.
My boys are still young enough for me to be their hero. But in a few years I just become Dad and professional athletes become the heroes. I'm convinced that's the natural course of things in today's world. It doesn't mean I've changed. But Dad isn't on television. Dad doesn't dunk a basketball. (Especially this one.) Dad doesn't have his own line of shoes. At some point I will just be Dad, the guy who is unappreciated for putting a roof over their heads, food on the table, and clothes on their back. I was that way until I really grew up and learned to appreciate what my dad did for me.
That's why I say I'm looking for a role model now for my boys. They will latch onto the things and people I like right now. I can influence them their entire lives, but they are very receptive and moldable now. I want to show them that the athletes to cheer for are the ones like Alan Trammell, Joe Dumars and Steve Yzerman. Guys that I wanted to be like as a kid. Guys that do good in their arenas AND are good, moral people off the field. There aren't many these days.
So....I'm going to be looking for someone to trumpet to my boys. I plan on being THEE role model for my boys. But when the day comes to buy my boys their first replica jersey, I know it won't be one of mine. The million dollar question is: Who do I want it to be?
So this Tiger thing has created alot of responses to my last blog. Of course it got me thinking some more, so here goes.
First thing I thought of was the Barkley commercial from the early 90's. Fact of the matter is, he's right. He's not a role model. He went on to say "Well, I don't think athletes should be role models. I think we are very lucky and blessed, but I think, the only thing we do is we have a God-given ability, just because I can run and dunk a basketball that shouldn't make me a role model."
For the record, Tiger was never a role model for me. I'm older than he is, and I have always had great role models in my life. Even when I was younger and Tiger was bursting on the scene, he was just the next great thing. I started following him.
I think Jared and Dave said it best. Admiration. I had alot of admiration for what he has done, and for how he carried himself. What I liked about the early to mid-90's was that I saw my generation saying "We don't have to wait to be great." I was a huge fan of the Fab Five at Michigan. We graduated from high school in 1991, and so I related to them that way.
Up until then, and there were always exceptions, youth had to wait to make an impact in sports. Occasionally, guys like Isiah and Magic would come around and be great right away. But they were the exception more than the rule.
I admired the Tigers and the Fab 5 because they knew they had the ability to be great at what they did and went and did it. I guess I lived vicariously through them because I, like any other kid, would always hear people tell us we had to wait. Our time would come.....
So Tiger came along, started whupping up on the old timers, winning majors before he was "supposed to" and things like that. And he handled it in a professional, classy way. I admired that and became a big fan.
But things change and my view on Tiger has to change now. I will always admire his golf ability and talent. But we are who we are. Tiger the golfer is Tiger the cheater. He's not 2 different people, but he lived 2 different lives. He had his public, competitive, marketing driven life, and he had his private life. His private life IS his private life, but we were led to believe it was a private, family focused life.
So my search for a role model is not for me. It's for my boys. I'm closer to age 40 than 30 these days and thus gave up on athletes and celebrities as role models long before Tiger even came along. I recognized they live in a different world. My role models are many, and basically they are examples for how I would like to be. They are men like my dad, my father in law, my uncles and Liza's uncles. They are great men who put God and family first. A bad word could not be spoken of any of them. That's how I'd like to think people look at me.
So I know how to be a good example to my boys. I believe I am and will be a good role model to them. But I also know that young boys watch television. Kids are the ones who want to buy jerseys in order to be like so and so. They are the ones who are in the backyard playing ball saying "I'm A-Rod". They're the ones in the driveway putting on their Lebron jerseys and working on copying his moves.
My boys are still young enough for me to be their hero. But in a few years I just become Dad and professional athletes become the heroes. I'm convinced that's the natural course of things in today's world. It doesn't mean I've changed. But Dad isn't on television. Dad doesn't dunk a basketball. (Especially this one.) Dad doesn't have his own line of shoes. At some point I will just be Dad, the guy who is unappreciated for putting a roof over their heads, food on the table, and clothes on their back. I was that way until I really grew up and learned to appreciate what my dad did for me.
That's why I say I'm looking for a role model now for my boys. They will latch onto the things and people I like right now. I can influence them their entire lives, but they are very receptive and moldable now. I want to show them that the athletes to cheer for are the ones like Alan Trammell, Joe Dumars and Steve Yzerman. Guys that I wanted to be like as a kid. Guys that do good in their arenas AND are good, moral people off the field. There aren't many these days.
So....I'm going to be looking for someone to trumpet to my boys. I plan on being THEE role model for my boys. But when the day comes to buy my boys their first replica jersey, I know it won't be one of mine. The million dollar question is: Who do I want it to be?
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Way Too Long
Here I am again, after promising to do better at keeping this updated. Each time I promise, I go longer in between posts. I have good excuses, but this is therapy for me too.
So last time I blogged, Jakin was 11 months old. Today, he's a rambunctious, energetic, walking, running, talking blur of fun. He absolutely loves life and his family.
Last time I blogged, Liza was about 7 months pregnant. Today, we have a 7 month old bundle of joy little boy named Grant. He too is healthy and ready to take on the world. He's constantly baby talking and just started crawling. He loves watching Jakin and the dog, and the highlight(s) of his day is getting a bottle every three hours.
Both of my boys have the greatest smiles in their own special way. They light up their faces and in turn light up the room. I love getting home from work because 99% of the time Jake comes running to the door and Grant starts looking for me. Then it's smiles all around.
So all in all, my life is good. Never better. God's been good to the Hoods, even amidst the drama in my career right now. I've been working for GM for almost 10 years, and the last 12 months have been crazy. 3 rounds of major layoffs, salary reduction, CEO resigning, bankruptcy....not pretty. Then I took a position within GM on the Saab transition team. Long story short, I would go to a new Saab company when GM sold the brand.
If you've seen the news, the original deal fell through and now we're in for a period of waiting for what's next.
It's scary, but only if I think about it. I'm great at home, and great at work for the most part. But if I dwell on it too much I do start to worry. What's crazy though is I have an overwhelming level of peace. Since we heard that the deal fell through, I've had a week's worth of fantastic, peaceful sleep. I haven't that much good sleep in ages.
Bottom line, it's all in God's hands. Jesus is my portion. I'm under His shadow. He makes His face to shine on me. I am highly favored. These are the thing running through my spirit. God has been good. God is good, and He will always be good.
And deep down, I almost feel like it's time for a change. I was led back to writing, hence why I'm here today. I've always loved writing, going back to elementary school, high school, etc. It's like therapy for me, and I feel like I say things better when I write. I would love to find a way to make a career out of this. Anyone know how?
So last time I blogged, Jakin was 11 months old. Today, he's a rambunctious, energetic, walking, running, talking blur of fun. He absolutely loves life and his family.
Last time I blogged, Liza was about 7 months pregnant. Today, we have a 7 month old bundle of joy little boy named Grant. He too is healthy and ready to take on the world. He's constantly baby talking and just started crawling. He loves watching Jakin and the dog, and the highlight(s) of his day is getting a bottle every three hours.
Both of my boys have the greatest smiles in their own special way. They light up their faces and in turn light up the room. I love getting home from work because 99% of the time Jake comes running to the door and Grant starts looking for me. Then it's smiles all around.
So all in all, my life is good. Never better. God's been good to the Hoods, even amidst the drama in my career right now. I've been working for GM for almost 10 years, and the last 12 months have been crazy. 3 rounds of major layoffs, salary reduction, CEO resigning, bankruptcy....not pretty. Then I took a position within GM on the Saab transition team. Long story short, I would go to a new Saab company when GM sold the brand.
If you've seen the news, the original deal fell through and now we're in for a period of waiting for what's next.
It's scary, but only if I think about it. I'm great at home, and great at work for the most part. But if I dwell on it too much I do start to worry. What's crazy though is I have an overwhelming level of peace. Since we heard that the deal fell through, I've had a week's worth of fantastic, peaceful sleep. I haven't that much good sleep in ages.
Bottom line, it's all in God's hands. Jesus is my portion. I'm under His shadow. He makes His face to shine on me. I am highly favored. These are the thing running through my spirit. God has been good. God is good, and He will always be good.
And deep down, I almost feel like it's time for a change. I was led back to writing, hence why I'm here today. I've always loved writing, going back to elementary school, high school, etc. It's like therapy for me, and I feel like I say things better when I write. I would love to find a way to make a career out of this. Anyone know how?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What's better?
So I’m trying to decide.
What’s better? Jakin as a little newborn baby, or Jakin as the energetic crawling 11 month old.
Obviously, the answer is they’re both the best. I may have said it before but being a father is the best. These last 10 ½ months have been some of the best of my life. As much as baby brings so many new things to a house, and they bring a new level of busyness, sleeplessness and messiness, it’s all worth it.
I almost feel like I’ve never had a bad day since he’s been born. Granted, I’ve had some rough days at work, but the second I get to my boy, it all goes away.
When he was a newborn, I loved holding him and having him fall asleep in my arms. If I was lucky, I’d nap right next to him on the couch. There was such a peace in those moments.
Now, it’s the joy and happiness I see in him. When Liza calls me during the day, I usually hear him chatting or laughing in the background. When I get home, all we have to do is make eye contact and he gets the biggest smile on his face. He crawls over and play time begins.
You can see now that he loves his mom and dad. If we leave the room for a second, he’s quickly behind us checking up on us. If he can’t see us, he starts crying sometimes. And like I said, he lights up the room when Liza or I walk into the room.
I love seeing how much he’s learning. He holds his own bottle. He’s crawling and loves pulling himself up. I think his favorite thing right now is holding onto mine or Liza’s hands to pull himself up. When we put him in his crib, he pulls himself up. And I think he’s trying to talk now. We tell him to say “MumMa”, and” buhbuhbuh” comes out. I can’t tell yet it if it’s baby talk or if he’s really trying to say the word.
He has an affinity for power cords and Kobe’s water bowl which means he’s learning what “No” means now. He’s been scolded enough to know what it means. If he heads that way and touches the bowl, all we have to do is say “No” and his bottom lip protrudes into the cutest little pouty lip. At that point, it’s hard not to pick him up and just hold him. It’s precious.
Last night we were watching him play in his little play area. You could see the wheels turning as he picked up each toy. Then he rolled over and looked at his book case. He just stared. It’s fun wondering what he’s thinking. He really is a thinker. When we go some place new, he takes his time taking it all in. No smiles or anything for the first 10 minutes or so. He’s got to take it in.
But once he’s cool, the fun begins. He makes friends fast with his smile and interaction. The big cheeks help too.
It’s a blast.
But I do miss when I could just hold him. I miss when he wouldn't cry to be let down or crawl away. He’s gotten so big.
Good news is, I’m only about 3 months away from getting to do that again!
What’s better? Jakin as a little newborn baby, or Jakin as the energetic crawling 11 month old.
Obviously, the answer is they’re both the best. I may have said it before but being a father is the best. These last 10 ½ months have been some of the best of my life. As much as baby brings so many new things to a house, and they bring a new level of busyness, sleeplessness and messiness, it’s all worth it.
I almost feel like I’ve never had a bad day since he’s been born. Granted, I’ve had some rough days at work, but the second I get to my boy, it all goes away.
When he was a newborn, I loved holding him and having him fall asleep in my arms. If I was lucky, I’d nap right next to him on the couch. There was such a peace in those moments.
Now, it’s the joy and happiness I see in him. When Liza calls me during the day, I usually hear him chatting or laughing in the background. When I get home, all we have to do is make eye contact and he gets the biggest smile on his face. He crawls over and play time begins.
You can see now that he loves his mom and dad. If we leave the room for a second, he’s quickly behind us checking up on us. If he can’t see us, he starts crying sometimes. And like I said, he lights up the room when Liza or I walk into the room.
I love seeing how much he’s learning. He holds his own bottle. He’s crawling and loves pulling himself up. I think his favorite thing right now is holding onto mine or Liza’s hands to pull himself up. When we put him in his crib, he pulls himself up. And I think he’s trying to talk now. We tell him to say “MumMa”, and” buhbuhbuh” comes out. I can’t tell yet it if it’s baby talk or if he’s really trying to say the word.
He has an affinity for power cords and Kobe’s water bowl which means he’s learning what “No” means now. He’s been scolded enough to know what it means. If he heads that way and touches the bowl, all we have to do is say “No” and his bottom lip protrudes into the cutest little pouty lip. At that point, it’s hard not to pick him up and just hold him. It’s precious.
Last night we were watching him play in his little play area. You could see the wheels turning as he picked up each toy. Then he rolled over and looked at his book case. He just stared. It’s fun wondering what he’s thinking. He really is a thinker. When we go some place new, he takes his time taking it all in. No smiles or anything for the first 10 minutes or so. He’s got to take it in.
But once he’s cool, the fun begins. He makes friends fast with his smile and interaction. The big cheeks help too.
It’s a blast.
But I do miss when I could just hold him. I miss when he wouldn't cry to be let down or crawl away. He’s gotten so big.
Good news is, I’m only about 3 months away from getting to do that again!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Let's try this again
Okay...everytime I say I am going to do better at this. I do worse.
Back in late October,I even attempted to keep the blog alive by posting some songs with the lyrics. Which I guess some construe as not making an effort, but at the time I didn't have that much to say. In all honesty, that's what was on my heart. I had nothing to say...rumors of GM going under were flying around the office. I didn't know what my next assignment was going to be. Our group had a new boss.
All I could do was...think...and put it in God's hands. And things are good.
GM rumors are still all over the place. I have a new job assignment that's been a little trying at times. But God is good.
So since I last posted we've had many first in our home. Jakin's first Halloween. Our first African-American President. Jakin's first Thanksgiving. Jakin's first Christmas. Jakin's first tooth. In three months, so much has happened.
The Champ is crawling like a mad man now. He started around New Year's and has been go, go, go ever since. His latest development is pulling himself up along the couch or whatever he can get leverage on.
It was a very fun and cute development. What made it even better is how much he depended on us to do it. Once he was confident in crawling, he was quick to come find us when we would be in another room or on the computer. Then once he got to us he'd try to crawl up, so we'd pick him up.
Well that turned into him giving us his hands. We'd pull up a little, and he realized he could get his feet underneath him and stand up like a big boy. Now he needs little help from us and the other day he crawled into the kitchen while Liza was emptying the dishwasher. He pulled himself up and started pounding on the dishwasher like he was a little King Kong. He was so proud.
And he's still proud when he stands himself up. Tonight, I put him in his crib, said a prayer, gave him his pacifier, and went to fill up his humidifier. When I got back, he was standing in his crib, one arm over the rail, with the cutest "How do you like me now?" look.
I just started laughing. Then he started laughing...Then Liza came in and she started laughing. Then we all laughed more.It was truly a memorable moment in our home.
Things are good for us, and God is great. Liza is managing this pregnancy well, though she's usually pretty tired at the end of the day. All the signs for our new baby are good.
Liza has to go in for a progesterone shot every week until week 36, I believe. So she's got another 10 or so to go. She needs the shots because she went 6 weeks early with Jake. Research has shown the progesterone helps the baby stay in longer. I think she'll still go early, but not 6 weeks early.
As far as me, like I said, things are good. Work is steady, I'm getting my arms around the new assignment, and feel valuable. I'm continuing to get more involved at the church. Dad has me speaking once a month now. I'm trying to develop a tech ministry. It's not all that techy, but it is fairly organized now.
I spoke 2 weeks ago at church, and God impressed upon me talk about the urgency and necessity to mend broken friendships and relationships. I've always been bothered by watching good friends and even family members let their relationships fall apart. We need each other. One of the cool things about preparing for that message was how I started making contact with friend of mine from college, high school and even as far back as little league and elementary school. Ain't facebook great?
It was so cool to see and hear how my good friends are doing. Almost all of them are doing well. But the best part was seeing how true they remained to character and personality I remember in them. One of the smartest kids I even knew is pursuing is Ph.D and has travelled all over the world. Another friend was someone I knew as a 5 year old and our parent were great friends. Another friend with musical talents clearly from the Lord is leading worship and training musicians in other countries.
Again, God is good.
As far as "the front pew" goes. I'm feeling inspired again. For whatever reason, I just couldn't write anything for awhile. But over the last couple weeks, I sense the gift again. I pray it continues to well up and start to flow again.
Thanks to all who have checked on the blog while I've been slacking. And welcome to everyone else who I included in my update email
n8
Monday, October 27, 2008
Because of who you are
Here's another song that's truly blessed me this week.
Because of who You Are - by Martha Munizzi
Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are
Lord I worship You, because of who you are(repeat)
Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
And I worship You, because of who You are
Because of who You Are - by Martha Munizzi
Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
Lord I worship You, because of who you are
Lord I worship You, because of who you are(repeat)
Jehovah Jireh, my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, my Prince of Peace
And I worship You, because of who You are
Bless the Lord
Times are tough, folks. Really tough.
What do you do when it gets tough.
God's led me to spending more time with him and I'm spending much more time with praise and worship music.
I'm going to try and post the lyrics to songs that bless me every day. I pray you will be blessed as well.
He Knows My Name - by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
What do you do when it gets tough.
God's led me to spending more time with him and I'm spending much more time with praise and worship music.
I'm going to try and post the lyrics to songs that bless me every day. I pray you will be blessed as well.
He Knows My Name - by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and
He hears me when I call
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Well Hello!
Sorry. I’m back. Had to step away for a second.
Ok….so it was longer than a second. It’s been 6 months! 6 MONTHS!
A lot has happened since the last post. I remember sitting in the room posting to the blog. I remember being a nervous 1st time dad, with a preemie born 6 weeks early. I remember being scared. I remember being proud, Proud as a father, proud of my wife, and proud of my son.
Jakin showed so much fight that week. He was a stubborn boy and he’s stubborn somewhat today. As frustrating as that can be when we’re trying to feed him or soothe him, it’s a trait I’m glad he has. His stubbornness to learn to breathe is part of what has him with us today.
I apologize for not keeping the blog updated over that last 6 months. I had every intention to keep everyone up to speed on the Hoods and Jakin’s growth and development.
Life kinda got in the way. I’ve been busier than ever at work since about 2 weeks prior to Jakin’s birth. It hasn’t really slowed down. And when I get home, I just want to hang out with my boy.
Sure, I spent time on the computer keeping up on current events and my fantasy sports. I posted a fair amount of pictures out there too. But I didn’t keep up with something I love and that’s writing. I missed it, but didn’t want to miss time with my growing family. Liza, Jakin, Kobe and I have had the time of our lives since March 10. The day he joined our family, our whole life changed for the better.
It’s been awesome.
I’ll share the Reader’s Digest version now.
Jakin was born March 10th and had to stay in the special care nursery for 8 days after he was born. Those 8 days were really long in my opinion. Liza spent the entire time at the hospital. I think I stayed 2 nights and drove in the other days. I’d spend all day at the hospital. We’d try to feed him every 3 hours. He was so little and it took time for him to learn the sucking reflex. We’d hope to get an ounce or 2 in him every feeding. They had to add Human Milk fortifier for calories to help him put on weight. I joked that he was on HGH or steroids.
He fought jaundice and spent a lot of time under the blue lights and in a warmer. He didn’t have enough fat to keep warm. We were so happy when he was able to lose the breathing tubes and IV. He showed progress every day, and we know we had a fighter.
I was concerned about Eliza for awhile. Her mothering instinct is strong and she wasn’t getting much sleep at the hospital. The nurses and I had to convince her several times that they were there to help her. They could feed him during the night so she could sleep and recover. We kept telling her that when she went home, she wouldn’t have that help available. She got used to the idea and started sleeping through the night. But she made sure she was there bright and early every morning to feed him.
A big day for us was getting her out for a couple hours. I took her out to eat, did some shopping, and over to my parents to see Kobe. She and Kobe are so close. She cried when she saw him and cuddled him. I think he was just as happy.
Finally, after 8 days we got to bring the little man home. He was so tiny in his car seat.
We brought him into the condo and gave Kobe a few minutes to check him out. Jakin was sleeping, and I have no idea what Kobe was thinking. But he handled it well. Almost as if he approved and thanked us for the new toy.
The first few weeks were tough, as expected. It was easier for me, as I’m not equipped for nursing. Liza tried nursing for awhile. For whatever reason Jakin didn’t take to it, so I was back on the feeding duty cycle. There were times he cried and screamed and we had no idea what to do. Liza and I both had frustrating moments where we weren’t sure if we were cut out for this.
I remember one day where I got sick really quickly and suddenly at work. It came out of the blue and it was violent. I came home that day and Liza , after a long day with the baby, was ready to hand Jakin off to me. Tears filled her eyes when I said no and suggested her and Jakin head to her parents overnight. It worked out. Liza’s mom helped out with the baby and Liza was able to rest.
After the first 3-4 weeks, we’ve had the time of our lives. Liza sends pictures to me throughout the day as Jakin learns new things. She’d send pictures of his first smiles, of tummy time, of nap time, of puppy time, of just about everything new. Of course I wanted to run right home when I would get the pictures.
One of my favorite times so far was one morning when he was about 3 months old. He’d been sleeping through most of the night by this time. It was a Saturday and the sun was starting to shine through the blinds into his room and crib.
I walked into peek on him and he was waking up. When he saw me he gave me this cute little happy smile. Almost like, “Hey Dad!” Now I’d seen a few smiles from him already, but this one was special. There was no prodding. No silly talk or faces. Just a pure, innocent, happy baby smile. I reached into his crib, touched his hand and he grabbed my finger. I ran and got the camera and started taking pictures of our interaction that day. I’ll always remember it.
Around the same time he started his cooing. Then he started trying to roll over. Then he was kicking. Soon he was trying to talk. The big thing (literally) was him trying to keep his head steady. Jake’s got quite the noggin.
I rolled about 6 months of development into 6 paragraphs to get to where we are today. Jakin’s caught up in length for his age. He’s right there on weight too. He’s doing just about all the things a 6 month old baby should be doing.
He has a big blue eyes, and a great big belly laugh (which is appropriate for his great big belly!), and we know all his ticklish spots. He’s a happy baby for the most part and he’s has an infectious smile and laugh. He gets lots of attention when we go out, and he’s already a bit of a flirt.
He loves being picked up to “fly” around the condo. The other day I even had the Superman theme song playing as I flew him around the house. He was so happy. I think he thought he was really flying.
He’s responding to his name. He goes by Jake, Jakin, Jake Jake, and Jakers. I call him Champ and Li’l Man.
Jake loves being outside and he absolutely loves Kobe. Kobe seems to love him too, but does get jealous of all the attention Jakin gets these days.
The best thing right now is you can see that Jake absolutely loves Eliza and I. He saves his biggest smiles and laughs for Mom and Dad. You can see it in his eyes that he knows who were are and that we are his favorite things in the world. He is such a happy baby most of the time. And when he’s not, we put a bottle in his mouth and 10 minutes later he’s happy again.
This by far has been the greatest adventure of my life. Being a father surpasses anything I’ve ever know or any feeling I’ve ever had. Before he was born, I said all the right things about it not mattering if we had a boy or girl. I wasn’t being honest.
Jakin is the son of my dreams. I always had a vision of being a dad and having a son first. I always pictured myself teaching him how to throw and play sports. I pictured the 2 of us sitting down watching a ball game together.
And it’s such a peaceful thing living that life.
An old childhood friend of mine contacted me this week. We hadn’t talked in over 15 years. But in our conversation we talked about the journeys we’d taken and how God has guided each of us to where we are now.
When I started writing this today, I planned on giving a quick update on Jakin, and then talk about how scary this world is. There’s a lot of things to be scared of. Unemployment, economy, war, diseases….
But I have a confession to make. I’m so happy where I am right now. I married the girl of my dreams. I have the son of my dreams. I have the worlds greatest dog too. I have a good job. I have a condo that will be too small for us soon, but it’s our condo and I love it. I have more friends than I can keep in touch with. I have a great family and great in laws. I know my God and my God knows me.
To quote the famous Yankee Lou Gehrig, “today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” But I’m not lucky, I’m blessed.
So with that I’m happy to announce another blessing. Liza and I have another baby on the way. She’s due April 3oth! We are blessed!
Ok….so it was longer than a second. It’s been 6 months! 6 MONTHS!
A lot has happened since the last post. I remember sitting in the room posting to the blog. I remember being a nervous 1st time dad, with a preemie born 6 weeks early. I remember being scared. I remember being proud, Proud as a father, proud of my wife, and proud of my son.
Jakin showed so much fight that week. He was a stubborn boy and he’s stubborn somewhat today. As frustrating as that can be when we’re trying to feed him or soothe him, it’s a trait I’m glad he has. His stubbornness to learn to breathe is part of what has him with us today.
I apologize for not keeping the blog updated over that last 6 months. I had every intention to keep everyone up to speed on the Hoods and Jakin’s growth and development.
Life kinda got in the way. I’ve been busier than ever at work since about 2 weeks prior to Jakin’s birth. It hasn’t really slowed down. And when I get home, I just want to hang out with my boy.
Sure, I spent time on the computer keeping up on current events and my fantasy sports. I posted a fair amount of pictures out there too. But I didn’t keep up with something I love and that’s writing. I missed it, but didn’t want to miss time with my growing family. Liza, Jakin, Kobe and I have had the time of our lives since March 10. The day he joined our family, our whole life changed for the better.
It’s been awesome.
I’ll share the Reader’s Digest version now.
Jakin was born March 10th and had to stay in the special care nursery for 8 days after he was born. Those 8 days were really long in my opinion. Liza spent the entire time at the hospital. I think I stayed 2 nights and drove in the other days. I’d spend all day at the hospital. We’d try to feed him every 3 hours. He was so little and it took time for him to learn the sucking reflex. We’d hope to get an ounce or 2 in him every feeding. They had to add Human Milk fortifier for calories to help him put on weight. I joked that he was on HGH or steroids.
He fought jaundice and spent a lot of time under the blue lights and in a warmer. He didn’t have enough fat to keep warm. We were so happy when he was able to lose the breathing tubes and IV. He showed progress every day, and we know we had a fighter.
I was concerned about Eliza for awhile. Her mothering instinct is strong and she wasn’t getting much sleep at the hospital. The nurses and I had to convince her several times that they were there to help her. They could feed him during the night so she could sleep and recover. We kept telling her that when she went home, she wouldn’t have that help available. She got used to the idea and started sleeping through the night. But she made sure she was there bright and early every morning to feed him.
A big day for us was getting her out for a couple hours. I took her out to eat, did some shopping, and over to my parents to see Kobe. She and Kobe are so close. She cried when she saw him and cuddled him. I think he was just as happy.
Finally, after 8 days we got to bring the little man home. He was so tiny in his car seat.
We brought him into the condo and gave Kobe a few minutes to check him out. Jakin was sleeping, and I have no idea what Kobe was thinking. But he handled it well. Almost as if he approved and thanked us for the new toy.
The first few weeks were tough, as expected. It was easier for me, as I’m not equipped for nursing. Liza tried nursing for awhile. For whatever reason Jakin didn’t take to it, so I was back on the feeding duty cycle. There were times he cried and screamed and we had no idea what to do. Liza and I both had frustrating moments where we weren’t sure if we were cut out for this.
I remember one day where I got sick really quickly and suddenly at work. It came out of the blue and it was violent. I came home that day and Liza , after a long day with the baby, was ready to hand Jakin off to me. Tears filled her eyes when I said no and suggested her and Jakin head to her parents overnight. It worked out. Liza’s mom helped out with the baby and Liza was able to rest.
After the first 3-4 weeks, we’ve had the time of our lives. Liza sends pictures to me throughout the day as Jakin learns new things. She’d send pictures of his first smiles, of tummy time, of nap time, of puppy time, of just about everything new. Of course I wanted to run right home when I would get the pictures.
One of my favorite times so far was one morning when he was about 3 months old. He’d been sleeping through most of the night by this time. It was a Saturday and the sun was starting to shine through the blinds into his room and crib.
I walked into peek on him and he was waking up. When he saw me he gave me this cute little happy smile. Almost like, “Hey Dad!” Now I’d seen a few smiles from him already, but this one was special. There was no prodding. No silly talk or faces. Just a pure, innocent, happy baby smile. I reached into his crib, touched his hand and he grabbed my finger. I ran and got the camera and started taking pictures of our interaction that day. I’ll always remember it.
Around the same time he started his cooing. Then he started trying to roll over. Then he was kicking. Soon he was trying to talk. The big thing (literally) was him trying to keep his head steady. Jake’s got quite the noggin.
I rolled about 6 months of development into 6 paragraphs to get to where we are today. Jakin’s caught up in length for his age. He’s right there on weight too. He’s doing just about all the things a 6 month old baby should be doing.
He has a big blue eyes, and a great big belly laugh (which is appropriate for his great big belly!), and we know all his ticklish spots. He’s a happy baby for the most part and he’s has an infectious smile and laugh. He gets lots of attention when we go out, and he’s already a bit of a flirt.
He loves being picked up to “fly” around the condo. The other day I even had the Superman theme song playing as I flew him around the house. He was so happy. I think he thought he was really flying.
He’s responding to his name. He goes by Jake, Jakin, Jake Jake, and Jakers. I call him Champ and Li’l Man.
Jake loves being outside and he absolutely loves Kobe. Kobe seems to love him too, but does get jealous of all the attention Jakin gets these days.
The best thing right now is you can see that Jake absolutely loves Eliza and I. He saves his biggest smiles and laughs for Mom and Dad. You can see it in his eyes that he knows who were are and that we are his favorite things in the world. He is such a happy baby most of the time. And when he’s not, we put a bottle in his mouth and 10 minutes later he’s happy again.
This by far has been the greatest adventure of my life. Being a father surpasses anything I’ve ever know or any feeling I’ve ever had. Before he was born, I said all the right things about it not mattering if we had a boy or girl. I wasn’t being honest.
Jakin is the son of my dreams. I always had a vision of being a dad and having a son first. I always pictured myself teaching him how to throw and play sports. I pictured the 2 of us sitting down watching a ball game together.
And it’s such a peaceful thing living that life.
An old childhood friend of mine contacted me this week. We hadn’t talked in over 15 years. But in our conversation we talked about the journeys we’d taken and how God has guided each of us to where we are now.
When I started writing this today, I planned on giving a quick update on Jakin, and then talk about how scary this world is. There’s a lot of things to be scared of. Unemployment, economy, war, diseases….
But I have a confession to make. I’m so happy where I am right now. I married the girl of my dreams. I have the son of my dreams. I have the worlds greatest dog too. I have a good job. I have a condo that will be too small for us soon, but it’s our condo and I love it. I have more friends than I can keep in touch with. I have a great family and great in laws. I know my God and my God knows me.
To quote the famous Yankee Lou Gehrig, “today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” But I’m not lucky, I’m blessed.
So with that I’m happy to announce another blessing. Liza and I have another baby on the way. She’s due April 3oth! We are blessed!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Speechless
There's no other way to put it.
I'm sitting in the hospital right now thinking back on the last week. If you would've told me last week I'd be here with Liza and our baby, I would have laughed at you.
Just last week, Liza made a marvelous roast for dinner. We had our friends over and played games too. Apparently, it was an appreciation dinner for the help I was giving Liza while her back was acting up.
It was a great night.
Last Friday, my friends at work threw a little shower for us. A little shower with big gifts. It was nice.
We had the final baby shower last Saturday. Again, family and friends showered us with love and gifts. Liza's parents and Julie came by and helped organize the gifts in the baby's room. Terry, Rhea and the kids stopped by to check out the room too.
And we made a short list of things we needed to get done over the next 6 weeks.
Sunday, Liza was tired, but still wanted to go to church. She had missed a couple weeks and really felt like she should go. It was a great service.
As we were leaving, Rick Collins told Eliza to stay away from sharp objects.
She turned around and said, " I know, I might just pop!"
We headed over to my parents after church for a birthday party for my sister in law Nicole. We ate lasagna, had some cake and ice cream and we were home by 7:30 or 8.
We just relaxed at home, discussed how busy my life was going to be that week. Based on the outside of work schedule, I told Liza I was going to have to work late Monday. Here's how my week looked as of 8 pm on Sunday, March 9.
Mon - work late
Tues - Liza dr. appt (3:45) and our birthing class (6:30)
Wed - Pistons game
Thurs - Pistons basketball clinic at OU
Fri - Gary Allen fam birthdays at AJ and Julies
Sat - Couples small group and bible study
Somewhere in there, we needed to get a few more things off the registry, pack her hospital bag, I needed to get the dogs nails clipped and get their heartworm medicene.
So we turned the lights out at 10:30 pm Sunday, March 9 "knowing" what the week ahead was going to bring at us.
12:30 am Monday March 10 2008
"Nate"
"Nate"
I look around....Kobe's looking at me like "Dude, she's talking to you and I want to sleep."
I finally see Liza leaning out of our bathroom.
"I think my water broke."
Still groggy, I said, "What?"
Then I see it looks like she wet her pants.
So I said, "Are you sure?"
She said she just couldn't control what was happening.
I panicked for a second, but realized panic paralyzes, and gives me a migraine. So I took a deep breath, and rolled out of bed.
We discussed whether or not , but the more we talked about it, the more we figured it was.
So, since we hadn't packed her bag, I pulled out the book from our birthing class to see what we should pack.
While packing, we kept discussing whether or not her water really broke. I went back to the only thing I somewhat remember about the water breaking.
C.O.A.T.
Color, Odor, Amount, Time
It seemed like that's what it was.
So, we got it all together, packed some extra towels, and got in the car at 12:45 am.
We laughed because it was so early.
I turned on the radio, and just to hear the song "Feels like Tonight" by Daughtry. The next song was "The First Time' by Lifehouse.
Now we're really laughing at the songs that were be played.
So I switch stations to 99.5 and the next song was "There goes my life" by Kenny Chesney. Those of you who know your country music know it's a song about a young man having his first baby.
We got to the hospital within 25 minutes.
The security guard wheeled Liza up to the Labor and Delivery, and they gave us a room. The nurse came in and checked the fluid to make sure it was the amniotic fluid.
"Oh, yeah." She said and we started making the phone calls.
It was a whirlwind from there. We took notes, but thoughts are blurry right now.
It went something like this:
Labor started around 6:30 am with contractions 4-6 minutes apart
10:30 - Dr. checked and she was dilated to 2 and the baby was 80% effaced.
11:30 - Liza gets her epidural.
12:05 - Baby's heart rate dropped and we alerted the nurse station. All is well.
1:00 - They start Petocin (Petossin?) to help the contractions.
1:40 - Dilated to 3+, 90% effaced stop Petocin.
3:30 - 100% effaced, dilated to 6
4:15 - More Petocin
6:00 - Liza started pushing
7:17 pm - It's a boy! Jakin Christopher joined our family.
I'm still breaking down the moments from the nurse's "Oh, yeah" to them whisking our little man away, to watching him breathe so rapidly trying to get his air, to watching his amaizing progress, to where I'm at right now...
Sitting in room 214, thinking about the strength and determination my little boy has already shown me and the world.
The name Jakin means "He establishes" and one of the pillars of Solomon's temple was named Jakin.
A pillar holds things up, and our little guy has held us up with his progress, development and strength.
That's my boy.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
The issue at hand
Who do you like?
I like Huckabee. Some Republicans and conservatives don't.
Seems the media like McCain. I don't doubt he's a decent man, and should be commended for his war heroism. But he's not the best man for this job.
People these days want to talk tax record. What's so and so gonna do for my pocket book?
Others want to talk foreign policy.
Some want to talk "first black president."
Some want to talk "first woman president."
In my opinion the latter two are ego based, and not based on the good of the country. The principles are out of whack. But isn't that all politics are anymore? Ego. Leaders should lead, naturally. The egos are so bad nowadays, that its like elementary school politics. Talk bad about the other guy, side step my issues, and hope I win.
It's really not about country anymore. It's about being President.
We have an attorney who think she knows how to run the country because she watched her husband run the country.
Huh?
We have a young energetic, multi-ethnic candidate who would be the ideal image in today's diverse America. But what does he stand for?
They seem to be the favorites in today's anti George W world.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we've let todays world and media tell us what we should be voting on and who we should be voting for. CNN was even predicting winners in today's Super Tuesday before voting was half over.
So I have an important question for you.
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on taxes?"
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on gay marriage?"
It's not "Who has the best chance of winning?"
The question is "What was this country founded on 230 years ago?"
It was Godly principles.
The only guy left out there with the Godly principles is Mike Huckabee. He uses scripture in his speeches. He opposes abortion. He's in favor of teaching morals. He's against gay marriage. As Christians, doesn't he sound like the guy we should like.
But then they bring up his tax record.
It isn't the greatest, but from what I understand, they were short term, and the intent was to fix economic and financial problems in the state of Arkansas, where he was governor.
But do you want to know his plan for taxes? It's the "fair tax plan".
It eliminates the income tax and the IRS! It eliminates corporate tax and the Social Security tax. You would not be taxed on what you earn, but on what you spend. Essentially, it's a sales tax. And yes on everything. Supposedly, it's a 23% tax, some say it's closer to 30%.
But your income, no matter what level or amount, wouldn't be taxed. Your spending would be. Is that a bad tax plan?
Sounds fair to me.
I mean, think about our tax structure today. Depending on your income, most Americans are giving back 15-35% in federal tax. That's before state income tax, any city income taxes and social security.
That's alot of taxes. It's all gone before you spend one dime.
Now, to be fair, I'm sure nearly the same amount of taxes will make their way back to the government.
But Huckabee's plan basically, let's you choose your taxes. It's your money after all.
By the way, Huckabee is a licensed minister and pastored churches prior to being governor of Arkansas.
The important issues are the ones God says are important, not Fox news and CNN.
So while most of my audience lives in Michigan and our primary happened, pray about it tonight.
And ask yourself, if God were voting, who would he vote for.
I like Huckabee. Some Republicans and conservatives don't.
Seems the media like McCain. I don't doubt he's a decent man, and should be commended for his war heroism. But he's not the best man for this job.
People these days want to talk tax record. What's so and so gonna do for my pocket book?
Others want to talk foreign policy.
Some want to talk "first black president."
Some want to talk "first woman president."
In my opinion the latter two are ego based, and not based on the good of the country. The principles are out of whack. But isn't that all politics are anymore? Ego. Leaders should lead, naturally. The egos are so bad nowadays, that its like elementary school politics. Talk bad about the other guy, side step my issues, and hope I win.
It's really not about country anymore. It's about being President.
We have an attorney who think she knows how to run the country because she watched her husband run the country.
Huh?
We have a young energetic, multi-ethnic candidate who would be the ideal image in today's diverse America. But what does he stand for?
They seem to be the favorites in today's anti George W world.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we've let todays world and media tell us what we should be voting on and who we should be voting for. CNN was even predicting winners in today's Super Tuesday before voting was half over.
So I have an important question for you.
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on taxes?"
It's not "What's the candidate's stance on gay marriage?"
It's not "Who has the best chance of winning?"
The question is "What was this country founded on 230 years ago?"
It was Godly principles.
The only guy left out there with the Godly principles is Mike Huckabee. He uses scripture in his speeches. He opposes abortion. He's in favor of teaching morals. He's against gay marriage. As Christians, doesn't he sound like the guy we should like.
But then they bring up his tax record.
It isn't the greatest, but from what I understand, they were short term, and the intent was to fix economic and financial problems in the state of Arkansas, where he was governor.
But do you want to know his plan for taxes? It's the "fair tax plan".
It eliminates the income tax and the IRS! It eliminates corporate tax and the Social Security tax. You would not be taxed on what you earn, but on what you spend. Essentially, it's a sales tax. And yes on everything. Supposedly, it's a 23% tax, some say it's closer to 30%.
But your income, no matter what level or amount, wouldn't be taxed. Your spending would be. Is that a bad tax plan?
Sounds fair to me.
I mean, think about our tax structure today. Depending on your income, most Americans are giving back 15-35% in federal tax. That's before state income tax, any city income taxes and social security.
That's alot of taxes. It's all gone before you spend one dime.
Now, to be fair, I'm sure nearly the same amount of taxes will make their way back to the government.
But Huckabee's plan basically, let's you choose your taxes. It's your money after all.
By the way, Huckabee is a licensed minister and pastored churches prior to being governor of Arkansas.
The important issues are the ones God says are important, not Fox news and CNN.
So while most of my audience lives in Michigan and our primary happened, pray about it tonight.
And ask yourself, if God were voting, who would he vote for.
Friday, February 01, 2008
2008 = No Worries
Looks like I’m back to my 2 month layoff between posts.
Sheesh!
So much has been going on.
Of course, the biggest thing in my life these days is the countdown to the birth of our baby. It’s been fun watching Liza go through her changes, and how great of a mother she already is. It’s fun feeling the baby move.
I can’t believe that we’re just over 2 months away!
We’ve got the furniture ordered, but not yet picked up. We have the ideas for painting, yet still have to paint. Things are so close, but at times seem so far away. We’re on the verge of being ready, but not really ready yet.
It’s fun watching Kobe protect his “mumma”. The other day we were at my parents and had Kobe with us. Kobe usually adores Tiger (my dog at my parents house), and annoys Tiger because Kobe always wants to be around him.
But Monday was different. Kobe was protecting Eliza from Tiger trying to get near her. Maybe it was jealousy, but that would surprise me. The 3 of them have cuddled many a time on one of the couches at my parents.
So my guess is Kobe knows Eliza is going through something, and is protecting Eliza.
Eliza is definitely “beaming” as a mother. It’s fun seeing someone become what they know they were born to do.
Surprisingly, I haven’t even fretted about changing a diaper yet. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it….but I’m not worrying about it.
As excited as I am about being a father, it still hasn’t sunk in. Me being who I am, I think more about the financial side of it right now. Things like:
Am I going to be able to provide enough?
What do we cut if the costs are higher than expected?
Can we survive without Eliza’s income?
We need a house?
But can I afford a house?
But then I have to think, “Life is good for the Hoods.” Praise God for it.
He’s always provided, and I know He always will. Even recently, I got good news in relation to our financial situation. Wooo Hooo!
See, I’m a “think through it” guy. I’m always thinking “what if…” and running scenario after scenario through my mind. But I know that all the planning I do, can often change with the direction God moves us. And then I start “what iffing” again.
Recently, another potential development made an appearance in decision world. The house and property that the Hood generation before me grew up on went on the market. And it's a steal. Ideally, I'd sell my condo today, purchase the home, and decide whether to renovate or build new.
What to do, what to do?
Here's what I've decided to do.
Not worry.
I was reminded of this great thought when I went with the Allen clan to see the Lion King at the Detroit Opera House. It was a great show, but I got something out of it too….
Hakuna Matata
No worries.
That’s how we should be. No worries. God’s got it all in control. He tells us countless times in His word not to worry. To know that He is in control, and He is God.
I knew that.
But it took a Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon to remind me of it.
So as I start the first blog of the new year a month late! Let me remind you…
Hakuna Matata.
Sheesh!
So much has been going on.
Of course, the biggest thing in my life these days is the countdown to the birth of our baby. It’s been fun watching Liza go through her changes, and how great of a mother she already is. It’s fun feeling the baby move.
I can’t believe that we’re just over 2 months away!
We’ve got the furniture ordered, but not yet picked up. We have the ideas for painting, yet still have to paint. Things are so close, but at times seem so far away. We’re on the verge of being ready, but not really ready yet.
It’s fun watching Kobe protect his “mumma”. The other day we were at my parents and had Kobe with us. Kobe usually adores Tiger (my dog at my parents house), and annoys Tiger because Kobe always wants to be around him.
But Monday was different. Kobe was protecting Eliza from Tiger trying to get near her. Maybe it was jealousy, but that would surprise me. The 3 of them have cuddled many a time on one of the couches at my parents.
So my guess is Kobe knows Eliza is going through something, and is protecting Eliza.
Eliza is definitely “beaming” as a mother. It’s fun seeing someone become what they know they were born to do.
Surprisingly, I haven’t even fretted about changing a diaper yet. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it….but I’m not worrying about it.
As excited as I am about being a father, it still hasn’t sunk in. Me being who I am, I think more about the financial side of it right now. Things like:
Am I going to be able to provide enough?
What do we cut if the costs are higher than expected?
Can we survive without Eliza’s income?
We need a house?
But can I afford a house?
But then I have to think, “Life is good for the Hoods.” Praise God for it.
He’s always provided, and I know He always will. Even recently, I got good news in relation to our financial situation. Wooo Hooo!
See, I’m a “think through it” guy. I’m always thinking “what if…” and running scenario after scenario through my mind. But I know that all the planning I do, can often change with the direction God moves us. And then I start “what iffing” again.
Recently, another potential development made an appearance in decision world. The house and property that the Hood generation before me grew up on went on the market. And it's a steal. Ideally, I'd sell my condo today, purchase the home, and decide whether to renovate or build new.
What to do, what to do?
Here's what I've decided to do.
Not worry.
I was reminded of this great thought when I went with the Allen clan to see the Lion King at the Detroit Opera House. It was a great show, but I got something out of it too….
Hakuna Matata
No worries.
That’s how we should be. No worries. God’s got it all in control. He tells us countless times in His word not to worry. To know that He is in control, and He is God.
I knew that.
But it took a Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon to remind me of it.
So as I start the first blog of the new year a month late! Let me remind you…
Hakuna Matata.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thankful in 2007
Apparently I need to update this…..Lindsey, Liza threw you under the bus.
I guess I don’t really have too much to say….In the spirit of Thanksgiving I guess I’ll go with the “Be thankful” thing. Original, I know.
Psalm 106:1, and many other Psalms say “Give thanks to the Lord. For He is good; His mercy endures forever.
This is another “original” thought but what are you thankful for these days.
Start a list. I dare you. You’ll come up with more things than you realize once you get started.
We had Thanksgiving day with Eliza’s family this year. Grandma asked me to say a little something before dinner, and one of the things I came up with was a list emailed to me a few years ago.
It’s a list of “The Best Things in Life” by Deacon Terry Downey.
Here’s the list. See if you agree.
* Falling in Love
* Laughing so hard your face hurts
* A hot shower
* A special glance
* Getting mail
* Hearing your favorite song on the radio
* Lying in bed listening to the rain outside
* Hot towels out of the dryer
* Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price
* Chocolate milkshakes
* A long distance phone call
* A bubble bath
* Giggling
* a good conversation
* The beach
* Laughing at yourself
* Midnight phone calls that last for hours
* Running through sprinklers
* Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
* Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
* Laughing at an inside joke
* Friends
* Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
* Making new friends or spending time with old ones
* Having someone play with your hair
* Sweet dreams
* Hot Chocolate
* Swinging on swings
* Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love
* song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along with out feeling stupid
* Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person
* Making eye contact with a cute stranger
* Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends
* Holding hands with someone you care about
* running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or Bad) never change
* Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time
* Hugging the person you love
* Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you
* Watching the sunrise
* Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
It’s a tough world right now.
What if you have a job these days? Be thankful, even if you hate it. Unemployment in Michigan is pushing 9-10%. We’re blessed to have jobs right now.
See that job, as much as we may hate it, allows us to pay the bills. It allows us to put food on the table. It allows us to put gas in the car. It allows us to go Christmas shopping.
The 9-5, or 8-5, or 7-4 or shoot, even the 12 hour day jobs are the things God gives us to sustain our life. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, the Bible says “If a man doesn’t work, neither should he eat.”
This doesn’t mean if you get laid off, you shouldn’t eat. But it’s saying if you’re lazy…
We are blessed to have jobs these days. I work with and know plenty of people that don’t really like their jobs. But most of the people who feel that way, have never had to go paycheck to paycheck. They’ve never had to worry about getting a paycheck.
For those fortunate to have a steady job, they worry about getting raises or bonuses. They worry if the raise will be 2% instead of the 10-20% raise they feel they deserve.
I’m guilty of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the wanting more, and forgetting what we have.
I’m blessed enough to have some money left after paying the bills. Some of it is because of good decisions and not overextending, but most of it is because God blessed me with a good job.
Even when our little one is born, we’ll have some leeway. Not nearly as much, but we shouldn’t have to worry too much. If we ever get a house….tighter still, but should be okay.
And that’s based on what we have right now. Who’s to say that in the next 6 months, God doesn’t bless us? I could get a raise. We might find a good deal on a house. We might sell the condo for what we want to get for it.
I’m reminded of the song lyrics, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.”
If God is taking care of the sparrows, and he loves us more, don’t you think he’ll take care of us?
Be thankful for what we have. Be diligent with what we have.
Start your “Thankful” list. Watch how quickly it grows.
I guess I don’t really have too much to say….In the spirit of Thanksgiving I guess I’ll go with the “Be thankful” thing. Original, I know.
Psalm 106:1, and many other Psalms say “Give thanks to the Lord. For He is good; His mercy endures forever.
This is another “original” thought but what are you thankful for these days.
Start a list. I dare you. You’ll come up with more things than you realize once you get started.
We had Thanksgiving day with Eliza’s family this year. Grandma asked me to say a little something before dinner, and one of the things I came up with was a list emailed to me a few years ago.
It’s a list of “The Best Things in Life” by Deacon Terry Downey.
Here’s the list. See if you agree.
* Falling in Love
* Laughing so hard your face hurts
* A hot shower
* A special glance
* Getting mail
* Hearing your favorite song on the radio
* Lying in bed listening to the rain outside
* Hot towels out of the dryer
* Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price
* Chocolate milkshakes
* A long distance phone call
* A bubble bath
* Giggling
* a good conversation
* The beach
* Laughing at yourself
* Midnight phone calls that last for hours
* Running through sprinklers
* Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
* Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
* Laughing at an inside joke
* Friends
* Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
* Making new friends or spending time with old ones
* Having someone play with your hair
* Sweet dreams
* Hot Chocolate
* Swinging on swings
* Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love
* song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along with out feeling stupid
* Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person
* Making eye contact with a cute stranger
* Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends
* Holding hands with someone you care about
* running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or Bad) never change
* Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time
* Hugging the person you love
* Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you
* Watching the sunrise
* Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
It’s a tough world right now.
What if you have a job these days? Be thankful, even if you hate it. Unemployment in Michigan is pushing 9-10%. We’re blessed to have jobs right now.
See that job, as much as we may hate it, allows us to pay the bills. It allows us to put food on the table. It allows us to put gas in the car. It allows us to go Christmas shopping.
The 9-5, or 8-5, or 7-4 or shoot, even the 12 hour day jobs are the things God gives us to sustain our life. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, the Bible says “If a man doesn’t work, neither should he eat.”
This doesn’t mean if you get laid off, you shouldn’t eat. But it’s saying if you’re lazy…
We are blessed to have jobs these days. I work with and know plenty of people that don’t really like their jobs. But most of the people who feel that way, have never had to go paycheck to paycheck. They’ve never had to worry about getting a paycheck.
For those fortunate to have a steady job, they worry about getting raises or bonuses. They worry if the raise will be 2% instead of the 10-20% raise they feel they deserve.
I’m guilty of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the wanting more, and forgetting what we have.
I’m blessed enough to have some money left after paying the bills. Some of it is because of good decisions and not overextending, but most of it is because God blessed me with a good job.
Even when our little one is born, we’ll have some leeway. Not nearly as much, but we shouldn’t have to worry too much. If we ever get a house….tighter still, but should be okay.
And that’s based on what we have right now. Who’s to say that in the next 6 months, God doesn’t bless us? I could get a raise. We might find a good deal on a house. We might sell the condo for what we want to get for it.
I’m reminded of the song lyrics, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.”
If God is taking care of the sparrows, and he loves us more, don’t you think he’ll take care of us?
Be thankful for what we have. Be diligent with what we have.
Start your “Thankful” list. Watch how quickly it grows.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Trick or Treat
Let’s get a little controversial…..just a little. I’m not a big fan of controversy.
Halloween. Yes or No? Good or bad?
I’ll start with how I was raised. My family didn’t really have a problem with it, as long as it was done in a pure or fun way.
Growing up, I dressed up as everything from David the Giant Killer (with a sling !), Luke Skywalker, baseball player, Superman, and Rocky Balboa. We would trick or treat down our street and occasionally we’d hop in the car and go to another neighborhood.
My parents actually think of it as a witnessing opportunity. They would and still do pass out witnessing tracks with the little bags of candy.
We carved pumpkins.
Did we celebrate Halloween as a holiday? Sort of, but more than anything we enjoyed a day that was geared towards kids and candy. Even in the 80’s it was sort of innocent.
I remember conversations my parents and their friends would have about Halloween. It’s a pagan holiday. How can you celebrate it?
Their response was basically there is nothing wrong with it, at least in the way we participated.
We weren’t devil worshipping. We weren’t participating in evil.
Their biggest worry at the time was people messing with the candy and if we got enough Almond Joys or Mounds bars.
Even as a kid, the monsters that seemed to be lurking on Halloween were ghosts and goblins, with an occasional smiling skeleton, witch or vampire mixed in. People laughed at them more than anything else. As a product of the 80’s, we started to see the Jasons, Freddy Kruegers, and Michael Myers starting to pop up. Back then, that was pushing the limits.
It’s amazing how things change in 20-25 years.
It still seems fairly innocent for kids, but I was just reading how even the young girls are wearing racy costumes these days.
I guess I’m talking more about the 18-40 year old group. People seem to embrace the evil these days. Or they push the limits for their costumes. Creativity is defined by how edgy you can go. This means perverted, evil, off-color costumes are becoming the norm.
Dressing up as a nurse isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. Dressing up as a maid isn’t the same as it was years ago.
Or people go all out evil.
Now the evil that people dress up as comes straight from the pit of hell. And why not, that’s what people see in the horror movies these days. It’s not longer Frankenstein or Dracula.
Its demons, devils and mutants that want to kill and destroy.
Hmmmmm. I know someone else who looks to kill and destroy.
I never liked the fear factor of Halloween. I never went to haunted houses growing up. It wasn’t so much the being scared or not wanting to be scared. I have always thought of it as stupid.
It was probably because I knew 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
It was probably because I knew Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
So my question is, if God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear, and doesn’t want us to think on such things, why do we?
Can I go beyond Halloween and into horror movies? Why would anyone, let alone a Christian want to watch these things? We let the Friday the 13th, Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street and similar corny horror movies fly in the 80s. It was gore, but silly and over the top.
Horror movies today are pure evil. It’s almost like Satan himself created, directed and produced them. Yet for some reason, people flock to see them.
If God hates evil, why don’t we?
Let’s go another step, shall we? We’re living in a society that is trying it’s hardest to remove God from it’s culture. More and more, we are being told how we can’t celebrate God or his holidays. And we go along with it.
But Halloween is one of the fastest growing holidays. People don’t just carve pumpkins anymore. They go all out. It’s sad when there are more decorations for Halloween than there are for Christmas. But we go along with it.
And like I said before, they celebrate evil and rationalize racy, evil costumes as fun for a night.
Let’s see. If we go along with the removal of God from culture, and we go along with the celebration of something that is fast becoming entirely anti-God, how soon before God is out of everything we do?
But if Mom Allen reads this, thanks for making Halloween like I remember as a kid. The bowls of candy. The orange and black everywhere. The cider and donuts. The silly looking skeletons, spiders and witches. The tombstones with funny inscriptions.
That was fun. That was Halloween.
Halloween. Yes or No? Good or bad?
I’ll start with how I was raised. My family didn’t really have a problem with it, as long as it was done in a pure or fun way.
Growing up, I dressed up as everything from David the Giant Killer (with a sling !), Luke Skywalker, baseball player, Superman, and Rocky Balboa. We would trick or treat down our street and occasionally we’d hop in the car and go to another neighborhood.
My parents actually think of it as a witnessing opportunity. They would and still do pass out witnessing tracks with the little bags of candy.
We carved pumpkins.
Did we celebrate Halloween as a holiday? Sort of, but more than anything we enjoyed a day that was geared towards kids and candy. Even in the 80’s it was sort of innocent.
I remember conversations my parents and their friends would have about Halloween. It’s a pagan holiday. How can you celebrate it?
Their response was basically there is nothing wrong with it, at least in the way we participated.
We weren’t devil worshipping. We weren’t participating in evil.
Their biggest worry at the time was people messing with the candy and if we got enough Almond Joys or Mounds bars.
Even as a kid, the monsters that seemed to be lurking on Halloween were ghosts and goblins, with an occasional smiling skeleton, witch or vampire mixed in. People laughed at them more than anything else. As a product of the 80’s, we started to see the Jasons, Freddy Kruegers, and Michael Myers starting to pop up. Back then, that was pushing the limits.
It’s amazing how things change in 20-25 years.
It still seems fairly innocent for kids, but I was just reading how even the young girls are wearing racy costumes these days.
I guess I’m talking more about the 18-40 year old group. People seem to embrace the evil these days. Or they push the limits for their costumes. Creativity is defined by how edgy you can go. This means perverted, evil, off-color costumes are becoming the norm.
Dressing up as a nurse isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago. Dressing up as a maid isn’t the same as it was years ago.
Or people go all out evil.
Now the evil that people dress up as comes straight from the pit of hell. And why not, that’s what people see in the horror movies these days. It’s not longer Frankenstein or Dracula.
Its demons, devils and mutants that want to kill and destroy.
Hmmmmm. I know someone else who looks to kill and destroy.
I never liked the fear factor of Halloween. I never went to haunted houses growing up. It wasn’t so much the being scared or not wanting to be scared. I have always thought of it as stupid.
It was probably because I knew 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
It was probably because I knew Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
So my question is, if God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear, and doesn’t want us to think on such things, why do we?
Can I go beyond Halloween and into horror movies? Why would anyone, let alone a Christian want to watch these things? We let the Friday the 13th, Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street and similar corny horror movies fly in the 80s. It was gore, but silly and over the top.
Horror movies today are pure evil. It’s almost like Satan himself created, directed and produced them. Yet for some reason, people flock to see them.
If God hates evil, why don’t we?
Let’s go another step, shall we? We’re living in a society that is trying it’s hardest to remove God from it’s culture. More and more, we are being told how we can’t celebrate God or his holidays. And we go along with it.
But Halloween is one of the fastest growing holidays. People don’t just carve pumpkins anymore. They go all out. It’s sad when there are more decorations for Halloween than there are for Christmas. But we go along with it.
And like I said before, they celebrate evil and rationalize racy, evil costumes as fun for a night.
Let’s see. If we go along with the removal of God from culture, and we go along with the celebration of something that is fast becoming entirely anti-God, how soon before God is out of everything we do?
But if Mom Allen reads this, thanks for making Halloween like I remember as a kid. The bowls of candy. The orange and black everywhere. The cider and donuts. The silly looking skeletons, spiders and witches. The tombstones with funny inscriptions.
That was fun. That was Halloween.
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Company We Keep
Thanks Hood. The trouble with having a creative friend like Nate is that they can somehow manage to compliment you and poke fun at you at the same time. I also end up getting dragged along (although willingly) in some of his creative ventures, like this blog. But I guess that's the price of friendship right?
I'm the kind of person that places a lot of importance on my friendships. Because of that, I often find myself thinking a lot about my friends. Not in a, "I wonder what they're doing right now" kind of way. But really, thinking about them. Who they are as people. The people, and experiences and circumstances that have helped to make them who they are. And ultimately, what impact do they have in my life? And what impact am I having in theirs?
I've been very blessed in my life not only to have a great family, but to have great friends. I really believe that in order to reach your full potential, it's important to surround yourself with people who will encourage you but still challenge you; support you yet correct you when needed. A scripture that Nate and I often like to quote is Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". That pretty much sums up our friendship. We've learned to be encouraging and challenging, supportive and correcting. And to have the occasional laugh at each other's expense. It's the people around us that will help to keep us "sharp".
Most people would probably say that they keep "good" company. That their friends are "good" people that they get along with and enjoy hanging out with. And that's fine. But the question that I always ask is, am I keeping "the right" company? Are the people around me people who are pushing me forward towards my goals or are they holding me back? I want to surround myself with friends who can be iron for me and I want to be able to be iron for them as well. My goal is to have a greater positive influence on the my world than it has on me. It's a pretty lofty goal, I know. Sometimes I feel like I'm making an impact, other times I don't. Either way, it's a start.
What about you? Are the people that you keep close to you having a positive impact on your life? Are you having an impact on the lives of your friends?
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that, if you want to stay sharp, find some iron. Because ultimately, who we are and what we are is all just a reflection of the company that we keep.
I'm the kind of person that places a lot of importance on my friendships. Because of that, I often find myself thinking a lot about my friends. Not in a, "I wonder what they're doing right now" kind of way. But really, thinking about them. Who they are as people. The people, and experiences and circumstances that have helped to make them who they are. And ultimately, what impact do they have in my life? And what impact am I having in theirs?
I've been very blessed in my life not only to have a great family, but to have great friends. I really believe that in order to reach your full potential, it's important to surround yourself with people who will encourage you but still challenge you; support you yet correct you when needed. A scripture that Nate and I often like to quote is Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". That pretty much sums up our friendship. We've learned to be encouraging and challenging, supportive and correcting. And to have the occasional laugh at each other's expense. It's the people around us that will help to keep us "sharp".
Most people would probably say that they keep "good" company. That their friends are "good" people that they get along with and enjoy hanging out with. And that's fine. But the question that I always ask is, am I keeping "the right" company? Are the people around me people who are pushing me forward towards my goals or are they holding me back? I want to surround myself with friends who can be iron for me and I want to be able to be iron for them as well. My goal is to have a greater positive influence on the my world than it has on me. It's a pretty lofty goal, I know. Sometimes I feel like I'm making an impact, other times I don't. Either way, it's a start.
What about you? Are the people that you keep close to you having a positive impact on your life? Are you having an impact on the lives of your friends?
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that, if you want to stay sharp, find some iron. Because ultimately, who we are and what we are is all just a reflection of the company that we keep.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you
John Mack.
John Mack, New Haven-ite, Princetonian, THEE cornerstone of a Princeton track dynasty, Chicagoan, and all around good guy, has agreed to be a contributor to thefrontpew.
I don't have a picture of his mug yet. He's my brother from another mother, so we don't really look alike.
But we do share a mutual Godly perspective on things. He, like myself, is a pastor's kid. So he's a natural to give his view from the front pew.
Our fathers have been friends for probably 20 years, as pastors in the village of New Haven and probably knew of each other back in their New Haven High School days. The two of them have been very influential in the village and school as pastors. They are men we are both proud of.
And they are both men who have big dreams for us. Ironically, our dreams may be bigger than the ones they have for us.
John and I have discussed the chances of us following in our fathers footsteps. It could happen. But like John so eloquently put in a sermon of his, he may want to bulldoze his dad's building and build a bigger one.
That is after John has been commisioner of the Big Ten, mayor of Chicago, and my vice president.
We have discussed many topics over the last 8 years or so. Actually, how long is it, John? But together we think we can solve hunger, world peace, and probably 60% of the sports franchises.
We have talked about writing a book together for awhile. We haven't gotten far on that yet, but this blog could open up the door for such things. Personally, I'm looking forward to this.
John, the floor.....blog is yours whenever you like. Hopefully you and your fans will check in and many people will get to see the view from the front pew.
Together, maybe can move people from the back of the church into the seat next to us or the pew right behind us!
John Mack, New Haven-ite, Princetonian, THEE cornerstone of a Princeton track dynasty, Chicagoan, and all around good guy, has agreed to be a contributor to thefrontpew.
I don't have a picture of his mug yet. He's my brother from another mother, so we don't really look alike.
But we do share a mutual Godly perspective on things. He, like myself, is a pastor's kid. So he's a natural to give his view from the front pew.
Our fathers have been friends for probably 20 years, as pastors in the village of New Haven and probably knew of each other back in their New Haven High School days. The two of them have been very influential in the village and school as pastors. They are men we are both proud of.
And they are both men who have big dreams for us. Ironically, our dreams may be bigger than the ones they have for us.
John and I have discussed the chances of us following in our fathers footsteps. It could happen. But like John so eloquently put in a sermon of his, he may want to bulldoze his dad's building and build a bigger one.
That is after John has been commisioner of the Big Ten, mayor of Chicago, and my vice president.
We have discussed many topics over the last 8 years or so. Actually, how long is it, John? But together we think we can solve hunger, world peace, and probably 60% of the sports franchises.
We have talked about writing a book together for awhile. We haven't gotten far on that yet, but this blog could open up the door for such things. Personally, I'm looking forward to this.
John, the floor.....blog is yours whenever you like. Hopefully you and your fans will check in and many people will get to see the view from the front pew.
Together, maybe can move people from the back of the church into the seat next to us or the pew right behind us!
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