I've often said that someone should write a book on principles in scripture that tug against one another.
A perfect example would be Ambition versus Contentment.
A christian is instructed throughout the bible to be content. The apostle Paul wrote about contentment. Jesus spoke about it personally. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes speaks to contentment. What about all the other verses in the bible that instruct us to work hard. He who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Seest a man diligent in his work and he will stand before kings( Prov 22:29). If anyone does not provide for his family he is worse than an infidel(1 Tim 5:8).
So where does this leave us. BALANCE. Like many other principles in scripture we must balance our personal desires and wishes for more with a healthy ambition to work and provide. I think we too often err on the side of contentment. We want more. We keep up with the Joneses. We are never content with what we have. We hear messages from the pulpit and books that focus on contentment. You brought nothing into the world and will take nothing from it. TRUE. However, let's look at the opposite side of this coin. There are those who rebuke ambitious Christians as discontent. Driven by money. It's harder for the rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven ..... My question is this. Do those who rebuke the man with healthy ambition, bring judgement on themselves? Are they tithing? Are they supporting God's harvest workers with gifts and offerings? Are they lazy and slothful and use contentment as an excuse to avoid production? These are good questions to consider.
I say have a healthy ambition. Try and accumulate money for the purpose of enjoying it, but more importantly for giving it away. Peter J Daniels says money can't have power over you if you keep giving it away. Bill Ice says money is an amplifier of the heart- it makes a good man better and a bad man worse. Doug Wead says empty plates don't feed starving people- it takes work. It takes money. Wead often jokes about his upbringing as a minister's son. To paraphrase he says jokingly, his family was always thankful for the rich church members who funded their church and ministries. He says it was nice of them to voluntarily go to hell so that the ministry could be funded. What would our churches and ministries be without the seeds sown into them by the tithes of the ambitious workers and businesses. I've never met a missionary who was ashamed to ask for money or who is not overjoyed to receive support. They know that God will provide- it just happens that he uses you and I to do it.
Are you or your business doing all it can to Build the Kingdom. It takes time and it takes money. You can't take it with you so let's give it to those who have the time to minister, witness and evangelize. God called some to preach, teach, minister, administrate and give along with many other gifts. Let's make sure we're working together as one body with many parts. Let's not judge the brother who is working to fund the kingdom or the brother who gives more of his time than his money. They are both needed! Let's also not forget that money will not satisfy, but that God does want us to enjoy his blessings.
Friday, April 25, 2008
My golf game.
So far its business as usual with the golf game. I always start out very slow. I know my game pretty well and know that I am a feel player. You hear people wear this term out- feel player. I'm a feel player. Many people play the game by feel, but not as many as claim to.
What that means for me is that in March and April the club can feel like a telephone poll. The chips shots feel awkward and forced. The putts are erradic. Sometimes I get lazy hands, which in the heart of the season are usually overactive hands. I chunk some shots each round because I don't move my hands through the ball. Golf is such a complex game. If your not playing it twice per week you really shouldn't expect much. Momentum may be more key in golf than any other sport I've played. You get a couple good rounds under your belt and then you start to gain confidence. You hit the same shots over and over and then your body trains itself to see the shot and recreate the shot.
I'm sitting at 1.6 on the handicap index. Adjust that for the fact that I play most of my rounds at Midland Trail and I'm probably around a 3-4. Hope your game gets back in shape for the rest of spring and summer. As Smitty says golf is really pretty simple. There are only two things: distance and direction. If your thinking too much then your in trouble.
What that means for me is that in March and April the club can feel like a telephone poll. The chips shots feel awkward and forced. The putts are erradic. Sometimes I get lazy hands, which in the heart of the season are usually overactive hands. I chunk some shots each round because I don't move my hands through the ball. Golf is such a complex game. If your not playing it twice per week you really shouldn't expect much. Momentum may be more key in golf than any other sport I've played. You get a couple good rounds under your belt and then you start to gain confidence. You hit the same shots over and over and then your body trains itself to see the shot and recreate the shot.
I'm sitting at 1.6 on the handicap index. Adjust that for the fact that I play most of my rounds at Midland Trail and I'm probably around a 3-4. Hope your game gets back in shape for the rest of spring and summer. As Smitty says golf is really pretty simple. There are only two things: distance and direction. If your thinking too much then your in trouble.
Eric Schansberg is running for Congress again
The blog title will link directly to Eric's blog and here is his personal blog link
If you can help out financially, the campaign could really use it.
Eric is a fiscal conservative, an economist, a pro life supporter, and wants to change government for the better. He is running on the Libertarian ticket in Indiana's 9th District against Sodrel and Hill. In 2006 he won almost 5% of the vote without a lot of publicity or funding. Imagine the impact he could make with volunteer support and more money.
After reading Eric's blogs you'll discover that you agree with his sensible approaches to many hot issues. Although, you may not agree with him on every policy, you will find that he brings a much needed conservatism to politics.
If you can help out financially, the campaign could really use it.
Eric is a fiscal conservative, an economist, a pro life supporter, and wants to change government for the better. He is running on the Libertarian ticket in Indiana's 9th District against Sodrel and Hill. In 2006 he won almost 5% of the vote without a lot of publicity or funding. Imagine the impact he could make with volunteer support and more money.
After reading Eric's blogs you'll discover that you agree with his sensible approaches to many hot issues. Although, you may not agree with him on every policy, you will find that he brings a much needed conservatism to politics.
A plug for Southeast Christians Discipleship Class
I love DC. I started this 21 month intensive bible study about 3 years ago and like many other things in my life I quit after 2 1/2 semesters. We were having our first child and I was traveling a bit for work. I rationalized and justified my decision to drop out, and I always regretted it. The amazing thing about this program is that I was able to plug back it where I left off this spring. It has been great to be back sharpening and encouraging other guys at 6AM. I have been blessed by the wonderful group of guys and they have welcomed me into their close knit group with open arms.
This class basically takes you through the entire reading of the bible with discussions each week. Not only discussion of scripture, but also well thought out questions which apply directly to our daily walks. Each week we memorize a verse of scripture and recite it in front of the group. It's really not that scary. Everyone typically struggles with this part of the class. It is amazing how the scripture sink in and can be called upon when defending our faith or wording a prayer. The other part of the class, mainly in the second year, focuses on all the tough issues in doctrine, along with the history of the church.
I highly recommend it for everyone.
This class basically takes you through the entire reading of the bible with discussions each week. Not only discussion of scripture, but also well thought out questions which apply directly to our daily walks. Each week we memorize a verse of scripture and recite it in front of the group. It's really not that scary. Everyone typically struggles with this part of the class. It is amazing how the scripture sink in and can be called upon when defending our faith or wording a prayer. The other part of the class, mainly in the second year, focuses on all the tough issues in doctrine, along with the history of the church.
I highly recommend it for everyone.
Upcoming Events that need your assistance!
First we're coming into golf scramble season.
Here is a list of the typical scrambles I play in or have been involved with in the past.
Youth for Christ- Mid May at Nevel Meade
Sport 4 Life- Late May at Nevel Meade
Middletown Lions Club - Late June at Weissinger Hills in Shelbyville
EACM Auction - Late May
FCA usually has something in July or August
Anytime you're wondering when a charity event of golf scramble takes email me and I may have the answer. bryce@simplifiedsolutionsllc.com
Here is a list of the typical scrambles I play in or have been involved with in the past.
Youth for Christ- Mid May at Nevel Meade
Sport 4 Life- Late May at Nevel Meade
Middletown Lions Club - Late June at Weissinger Hills in Shelbyville
EACM Auction - Late May
FCA usually has something in July or August
Anytime you're wondering when a charity event of golf scramble takes email me and I may have the answer. bryce@simplifiedsolutionsllc.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Mayson Ann Raley
For those that missed the announcements via email and phone.
Baby Mayson was born April 3rd at Norton Suburban Hospital at 6:59PM. Just before shift change- that's a whole other neat story.
Mayson Ann Raley weighed 6 lbs 6 oz. She was 19 inches long. She and mom have been doing great the last few weeks.
The creation of life is a miracle of God. To think he created us in his own image. We should never cease to worship such a wonderful God. To watch a baby grow and develop in the womb and then come into this world with its own little personality and image is quite amazing. Please pray that the Raley's will be good stewards of everything God has entrusted us with- especially the training and instruction of Mayson, Samuel and Madison.
Baby Mayson was born April 3rd at Norton Suburban Hospital at 6:59PM. Just before shift change- that's a whole other neat story.
Mayson Ann Raley weighed 6 lbs 6 oz. She was 19 inches long. She and mom have been doing great the last few weeks.
The creation of life is a miracle of God. To think he created us in his own image. We should never cease to worship such a wonderful God. To watch a baby grow and develop in the womb and then come into this world with its own little personality and image is quite amazing. Please pray that the Raley's will be good stewards of everything God has entrusted us with- especially the training and instruction of Mayson, Samuel and Madison.
A lesson in paint colors
Our children, Samuel and Madison, were playing on our back deck just before our newest addition- Mayson Ann was born. They were playing with water color paints on our deck table. Madison was painting away when her younger brother stormed in to create havoc. Two toddlers at a table with paint colors is a recipe for disaster. As I questioned my wife's judgement on this decision (ha ha!), we steered them in a different direction. I took away the paint for a later time when Madison, our 3 year old, was alone. At this point my wife and I were sitting on our swing on the deck and we wondered how we could get a moment alone since the kids now had nothing to do. It's funny how we underestimate children. They have such creative imaginations. Ben Franklin said most adults die at age 25. We stop dreaming and imagining all that could be for our lives.
After a few moments Samuel began to chase his sister around the table in the middle of our deck. They were laughing and screeching as they lapped the table time and again. Then they decided to sit next to one another on the ledge at the backdoor. They rested for a few moments and then they carefully developed a working tag team relationship. They decided to move their kid-sized table and chairs around the deck a little. One would move the chairs and the other the table. They would get them situated and then sit for a while. Then they would start the process over again. This lasted about 30 minutes.
Here we were wondering what they would do without something to occupy their attention. They gave us a little dose of true contentment. They used what they had before them. It's the simple things in life that bring meaning and joy. Chasing your little brother or your big sisters around the deck.
You think maybe we adults over complicate things a bit?
After a few moments Samuel began to chase his sister around the table in the middle of our deck. They were laughing and screeching as they lapped the table time and again. Then they decided to sit next to one another on the ledge at the backdoor. They rested for a few moments and then they carefully developed a working tag team relationship. They decided to move their kid-sized table and chairs around the deck a little. One would move the chairs and the other the table. They would get them situated and then sit for a while. Then they would start the process over again. This lasted about 30 minutes.
Here we were wondering what they would do without something to occupy their attention. They gave us a little dose of true contentment. They used what they had before them. It's the simple things in life that bring meaning and joy. Chasing your little brother or your big sisters around the deck.
You think maybe we adults over complicate things a bit?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Masters
Where to start?
The Masters practice round last year was a dream come true. It happened as a dream probably should. I dreamed it, thought about it and knew that someday it could happen. I left it alone but never forgot it. Perry, my father in law, called and said our good friend Terry had some tickets to the Monday practice round; apparently someone in his family was ill and couldn't use the 3 tickets. At the time I didn't even know it was possible to see a practice round. I had been to the PGA practice rounds in Louisville at Vahallla but the Masters seemed untouchable to me.
We got the phone call and invitation about two weeks prior to the event last year. It went something like this. Bryce, you wouldn't be interested in going to a practice round at Augusta would you? To which I said, don't ask me stupid questions. Of course I'll go. For those who know me there aren't many spontaneous bones in my body. We made the arrangements and the rest is a magical memory. I drift there often.
It started with the drive into Augusta- I believe it was Washington Street. I'm terrible with details like streets or anything minor for that matter. We sat bumper to bumper while people bought and sold tickets. The weather for the day was around 70 but the forecast for the tournament was one of the coldest on record.
We found a spot, parked and entered the grounds at Augusta. I had seen similar crowds from my days growing up around the corner from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. We entered the gates and took a moment to see some of the souvenir booths. You couldn't take cell phones or PDA's inside the gates which touched my heart strings. Once inside we made our way to the restrooms and the large pro shop/gift shop. I was amazed at how reasonable the prices were. I bought gifts for 15-20 people and two nice shirts for my wife and I for around $300. I had a very large UPS box filled and they actually shipped them home from the gift shop for a small shipping fee. It beats toting them around the course all day.
After the gift shop I lost my two companions because with a crowd of people and no cell phones it's tough to stay together. This was fine by me. I was in my own little world of wonder. I noticed several things immediately once we made our way to the actual course. The front side is very hilly much like people say. The grass is like the tightest carpet. Everything that isn't blooming or pine straws is bright green. You can see golf balls from 4 holes away just laying there waiting to be struck. The first players we saw were Davis Love, Scott Verplank and Lucas Glover. I was amazed at the first 7 holes. I am terrible at recounting the layout of a new course I've recently played. I have friends who can tell you hole by hole the layouts of courses they played once 10 years ago. Not me! With Augusta it was different. I can walk through it all. It was very interesting to see the combinations of players during the practice rounds. Some odd combinations as well as some that made perfect sense. During the round I noticed that some players would play a multitude of shots from different areas around and into the green. Other players were very casual and would just play a round of golf.
I didn't worry with a camera to get unbelievable pictures, because the pictures would be the same to me as watching vicariously on TV. Nothing could recreate the impression on my mind. The photos would pale in comparison to the mental imagery I can still draw upon a year later.
I met some interesting people on the course. I met a business guy with a golf apparel company. I met a guy from my hometown. I also met Bob Russell, the retired pastor of my church Southeast Christian. In my seven years at Southeast I never had an opportunity to speak to Bob. I have met Dave Stone our current pastor on several occasions- most notably my baptism. As for Bob, I always wanted just a few minutes to chat or listen really. I ran into him on the back of 7 green, which is to me the most unbelievable spot on the course. Sure Amen corner was great, as well as the par 3's 16 and 6. The special thing about # 7 green, other than my short memorable conversation with Bob, is that you can see several holes from one vantage point. I saw Nick O'Hern playing with his caddy on #15. Tiger Woods and JJ Henry were coming up 17 fairway. Chris D'Marco and Zach Johnson (last years winner) were hitting approaches into # 7. I believe that Steve Stricker was with them of just ahead of them. There was a group teeing off on # 3 that included several foreign stars. There was an all Spanish crew coming down #2 that included Olazabal, Villegas, Garcia and Jimenez. David Howell was teeing off #1 and another group made their approaches from # 8. Last but not least Vijay and John Rollins hit tee shots off #18. What a glimpse!
The last two things that amazed me were the lack of corporate sponsors and fluff inside the gates. In was a family friendly place with a focus on the golfers and the tournament. Secondly, I got a couple famous pimento cheese sandwiches, a snickers and a lemonade for around $5. Beat that at any sporting event in the world!
If you ever get a chance to go, say yes. It will change the way you watch the Masters forever.
The Masters practice round last year was a dream come true. It happened as a dream probably should. I dreamed it, thought about it and knew that someday it could happen. I left it alone but never forgot it. Perry, my father in law, called and said our good friend Terry had some tickets to the Monday practice round; apparently someone in his family was ill and couldn't use the 3 tickets. At the time I didn't even know it was possible to see a practice round. I had been to the PGA practice rounds in Louisville at Vahallla but the Masters seemed untouchable to me.
We got the phone call and invitation about two weeks prior to the event last year. It went something like this. Bryce, you wouldn't be interested in going to a practice round at Augusta would you? To which I said, don't ask me stupid questions. Of course I'll go. For those who know me there aren't many spontaneous bones in my body. We made the arrangements and the rest is a magical memory. I drift there often.
It started with the drive into Augusta- I believe it was Washington Street. I'm terrible with details like streets or anything minor for that matter. We sat bumper to bumper while people bought and sold tickets. The weather for the day was around 70 but the forecast for the tournament was one of the coldest on record.
We found a spot, parked and entered the grounds at Augusta. I had seen similar crowds from my days growing up around the corner from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. We entered the gates and took a moment to see some of the souvenir booths. You couldn't take cell phones or PDA's inside the gates which touched my heart strings. Once inside we made our way to the restrooms and the large pro shop/gift shop. I was amazed at how reasonable the prices were. I bought gifts for 15-20 people and two nice shirts for my wife and I for around $300. I had a very large UPS box filled and they actually shipped them home from the gift shop for a small shipping fee. It beats toting them around the course all day.
After the gift shop I lost my two companions because with a crowd of people and no cell phones it's tough to stay together. This was fine by me. I was in my own little world of wonder. I noticed several things immediately once we made our way to the actual course. The front side is very hilly much like people say. The grass is like the tightest carpet. Everything that isn't blooming or pine straws is bright green. You can see golf balls from 4 holes away just laying there waiting to be struck. The first players we saw were Davis Love, Scott Verplank and Lucas Glover. I was amazed at the first 7 holes. I am terrible at recounting the layout of a new course I've recently played. I have friends who can tell you hole by hole the layouts of courses they played once 10 years ago. Not me! With Augusta it was different. I can walk through it all. It was very interesting to see the combinations of players during the practice rounds. Some odd combinations as well as some that made perfect sense. During the round I noticed that some players would play a multitude of shots from different areas around and into the green. Other players were very casual and would just play a round of golf.
I didn't worry with a camera to get unbelievable pictures, because the pictures would be the same to me as watching vicariously on TV. Nothing could recreate the impression on my mind. The photos would pale in comparison to the mental imagery I can still draw upon a year later.
I met some interesting people on the course. I met a business guy with a golf apparel company. I met a guy from my hometown. I also met Bob Russell, the retired pastor of my church Southeast Christian. In my seven years at Southeast I never had an opportunity to speak to Bob. I have met Dave Stone our current pastor on several occasions- most notably my baptism. As for Bob, I always wanted just a few minutes to chat or listen really. I ran into him on the back of 7 green, which is to me the most unbelievable spot on the course. Sure Amen corner was great, as well as the par 3's 16 and 6. The special thing about # 7 green, other than my short memorable conversation with Bob, is that you can see several holes from one vantage point. I saw Nick O'Hern playing with his caddy on #15. Tiger Woods and JJ Henry were coming up 17 fairway. Chris D'Marco and Zach Johnson (last years winner) were hitting approaches into # 7. I believe that Steve Stricker was with them of just ahead of them. There was a group teeing off on # 3 that included several foreign stars. There was an all Spanish crew coming down #2 that included Olazabal, Villegas, Garcia and Jimenez. David Howell was teeing off #1 and another group made their approaches from # 8. Last but not least Vijay and John Rollins hit tee shots off #18. What a glimpse!
The last two things that amazed me were the lack of corporate sponsors and fluff inside the gates. In was a family friendly place with a focus on the golfers and the tournament. Secondly, I got a couple famous pimento cheese sandwiches, a snickers and a lemonade for around $5. Beat that at any sporting event in the world!
If you ever get a chance to go, say yes. It will change the way you watch the Masters forever.
Developments keep popping up all over?
Are banks and developers paying attention to the economy and the market right now?
I keep seeing new developments coming online. I see articles in the paper. I see lot draws and ground breaking's. I see all this and I wonder who is going to buy all these lots and homes on the market.
There are only so many individuals who can and will afford to buy $400,000-$800,000 homes. The people who were buying them were doing it many times with adjustable interest only loans, and I believe that well has dried up. Why don't developers and the banks that loan the money only bring on new developments that are totally unique or developments that target the lower markets like $200-$325 ,000 homes.
This ain't rocket science! Pardon the grammar but it's part of the pun.
I am not a gloom and doom guy, but I am a contrarian. People keep saying it will pick up in the spring, and I would agree if the inventory of lots, homes and developments would stop. I realize they have slowed, but I didn't say slowed, I said stopped.
In a down economy or recession. People with money will buy lots of foreclosures to rent or flip. Those with cash will be king. People will scale down out of necessity. People will simplify their lives and try to become more efficient. People with lots of money will also buy up undervalued stocks of companies from all those who are liquidating or bailing. The rich get richer as they say- but you can't fault them. Many times they are assisting those in foreclosure or they are saving companies stock prices. It would be a wonderful time to have lots of resources or access to them.
Stop the insanity- if you are a developer diversify. That doesn't mean build 2 stories or ranches instead of 1.5 stories. That means find another niche business for a while until things pick back up.
I keep seeing new developments coming online. I see articles in the paper. I see lot draws and ground breaking's. I see all this and I wonder who is going to buy all these lots and homes on the market.
There are only so many individuals who can and will afford to buy $400,000-$800,000 homes. The people who were buying them were doing it many times with adjustable interest only loans, and I believe that well has dried up. Why don't developers and the banks that loan the money only bring on new developments that are totally unique or developments that target the lower markets like $200-$325 ,000 homes.
This ain't rocket science! Pardon the grammar but it's part of the pun.
I am not a gloom and doom guy, but I am a contrarian. People keep saying it will pick up in the spring, and I would agree if the inventory of lots, homes and developments would stop. I realize they have slowed, but I didn't say slowed, I said stopped.
In a down economy or recession. People with money will buy lots of foreclosures to rent or flip. Those with cash will be king. People will scale down out of necessity. People will simplify their lives and try to become more efficient. People with lots of money will also buy up undervalued stocks of companies from all those who are liquidating or bailing. The rich get richer as they say- but you can't fault them. Many times they are assisting those in foreclosure or they are saving companies stock prices. It would be a wonderful time to have lots of resources or access to them.
Stop the insanity- if you are a developer diversify. That doesn't mean build 2 stories or ranches instead of 1.5 stories. That means find another niche business for a while until things pick back up.
Memphis vs Kansas- What happened?
Memphis had it in their grasp. Was it really the free throw shooting or was it overconfidence or the arrogance of youth. I don't know. I don't want to take anything away from Memphis but they did not get it done at the end of the game. This time Billy Packer was right. He wanted to be right when he said, shooting free throws is much tougher under pressure.
3 things I saw that lost the game:
1) They shot free throws poorly when they didn't care during the regular season- they shot them better when they cared but it didn't matter- they shot them poorly when they had to make them.
2) They got tight and nervous at the end of the game and they went one on one. It became the Douglas-Roberts and Rose show without the kick out passes and the screens from Dorsey.
3) Last but not least, they seemed overconfident, almost as if they were entitled to win the game and it was a joke that Kansas had come back to take it to overtime. Their faces said they were either apathetic or worn out or they quit.
I was pulling for Kansas with their Juniors and Seniors and their tough defense. I would have won my bracket pool if Memphis would have won the game. I was happy either way, but heart one out in this one.
3 things I saw that lost the game:
1) They shot free throws poorly when they didn't care during the regular season- they shot them better when they cared but it didn't matter- they shot them poorly when they had to make them.
2) They got tight and nervous at the end of the game and they went one on one. It became the Douglas-Roberts and Rose show without the kick out passes and the screens from Dorsey.
3) Last but not least, they seemed overconfident, almost as if they were entitled to win the game and it was a joke that Kansas had come back to take it to overtime. Their faces said they were either apathetic or worn out or they quit.
I was pulling for Kansas with their Juniors and Seniors and their tough defense. I would have won my bracket pool if Memphis would have won the game. I was happy either way, but heart one out in this one.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Back in DC Class
I'm back in DC Class. I dropped out after a few semesters 3 years ago. I have quit so many things in my life. It is not what one starts but what one finishes that matters most in life. Unfortunately, staying the course has been a challenge for me personally.
I am very excited to be back in the swing of DC. For those who don't know DC stands for Discipleship Class. Southeast Christian Church has a program authored by Kurt Sauder (Men's Minister) and Eric Schansberg (Economics Professor and Politician) in which guys get together at 6AM one day per week for 21 months to study God's word. We read the bible through book by book. We memorize scripture verses each week, and study challenges aspects of Christian Doctrine. It is such a blessing and I recommend it to everyone who wants to grow closer to Jesus.
I am very excited to be back in the swing of DC. For those who don't know DC stands for Discipleship Class. Southeast Christian Church has a program authored by Kurt Sauder (Men's Minister) and Eric Schansberg (Economics Professor and Politician) in which guys get together at 6AM one day per week for 21 months to study God's word. We read the bible through book by book. We memorize scripture verses each week, and study challenges aspects of Christian Doctrine. It is such a blessing and I recommend it to everyone who wants to grow closer to Jesus.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Third parties in November
What a wild and wacky November election we may have.
The dems are looking very strong with Obama and Clinton still battling it out.
The GOP has exactly solidified behind McCain.
Alan Keyes is trying to run on a constitutional party ticket.
Ralph Nader is running with the Green party again.
Bob Barr is considering a run on the Libertarian ticket and rumors are that Ron Paul would back him. This is the only one so far that could have a big effect on the election.
Last but not least we still hear rumblings about Bloomberg running as an Independent.
What a complicated ordeal this could be come the fall!
The dems are looking very strong with Obama and Clinton still battling it out.
The GOP has exactly solidified behind McCain.
Alan Keyes is trying to run on a constitutional party ticket.
Ralph Nader is running with the Green party again.
Bob Barr is considering a run on the Libertarian ticket and rumors are that Ron Paul would back him. This is the only one so far that could have a big effect on the election.
Last but not least we still hear rumblings about Bloomberg running as an Independent.
What a complicated ordeal this could be come the fall!
Southeast Easter Pageant
At first I thought I wouldn't enjoy the new pageant as much as the old, then it began.
We sat in the seats directly next to the large screen on the left hand side of the sanctuary. For the first few moments I thought oh no, I can't take this the whole two hours, but I slowly realized that the screens were there to put you into the scene. The two different screens on the right and left showed different images at the same time. You could catch bits and pieces of each at the same time, but couldn't focus on one or the other. The screens did not tell the story. They probably weren't supposed to. They did do something that actors on a stage cannot do with props. They put me into the scenes. I was in Jerusalem. I was walking in the garden with Jesus. I was there while he was nailed to the cross and while he walked across fields with the disciples. The images on the screens captured my imagination and put my there. I quickly got over the close proximity to the screen. There was a great balance of back and forth from real live actors to film break aways.
Sure I missed a few old scenes and a few old songs, but that's always the case when holding onto the past- isn't it? Sometimes you have to let go.
I loved the rotating walk on the stage and the incorporation of props via the walk. Great stuff.
For those who have never seen the story- it ended the same way it always does- with a perfect God coming to earth in the form of his son Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life and died an antoning death. He died for us while we were still sinners and he offers us forgiveness on earth and eternal life through his grace. Oh yeah and the reason why he can offer this life is because his tomb is empty. He has risen. Know any other religions who worship a God that conquered death? Me neither.
We sat in the seats directly next to the large screen on the left hand side of the sanctuary. For the first few moments I thought oh no, I can't take this the whole two hours, but I slowly realized that the screens were there to put you into the scene. The two different screens on the right and left showed different images at the same time. You could catch bits and pieces of each at the same time, but couldn't focus on one or the other. The screens did not tell the story. They probably weren't supposed to. They did do something that actors on a stage cannot do with props. They put me into the scenes. I was in Jerusalem. I was walking in the garden with Jesus. I was there while he was nailed to the cross and while he walked across fields with the disciples. The images on the screens captured my imagination and put my there. I quickly got over the close proximity to the screen. There was a great balance of back and forth from real live actors to film break aways.
Sure I missed a few old scenes and a few old songs, but that's always the case when holding onto the past- isn't it? Sometimes you have to let go.
I loved the rotating walk on the stage and the incorporation of props via the walk. Great stuff.
For those who have never seen the story- it ended the same way it always does- with a perfect God coming to earth in the form of his son Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life and died an antoning death. He died for us while we were still sinners and he offers us forgiveness on earth and eternal life through his grace. Oh yeah and the reason why he can offer this life is because his tomb is empty. He has risen. Know any other religions who worship a God that conquered death? Me neither.
Our little girl is due any time
Our third child under 3 is due any day. I repeat our third child is due any day.
If you are waiting for my phone call or email then hold tight.
Madision our oldest is turning 3 April 27 and Samuel will be 2 in September. Mayson Ann will be coming into the world any time now.
Keep us in your prayers. Pray that God will bless our little girl to be a servant for him and to give God glory through her birth.
If you are waiting for my phone call or email then hold tight.
Madision our oldest is turning 3 April 27 and Samuel will be 2 in September. Mayson Ann will be coming into the world any time now.
Keep us in your prayers. Pray that God will bless our little girl to be a servant for him and to give God glory through her birth.
NCAA Basketball factors we forget
Every year when I fill out my brackets and begin the speculation; I fail to remeber several key factors which dictate winners and loser in the tourney.
First: Depth is highly overated and may actually hurt some teams. Teams seem to get tight in the tourney, especially in the sweet sixteen and elite eight. When a bad game against a equally talented team can send you packing, coaches seem to shift from a 9-10 man rotation back to a 7 man rotation or even a 6 man rotation with some teams. We saw it with the cards. They have been playing 10 or so all year, but against Carolina they stuck to 6 or 7. I think this in turn can tire out the 6 or 7 guys who are used to get big breathers. Think about it and watch for it because it happens to several teams each year. Even when Kentucky won the NCAA in 96 and 98 they cut their rotation by a few players in the really big games.
Second: A good point guard and a good big man together can beat anybody at any point. Curry and Lovedale from Davidson and the point guard center duo from San Diego is another great example. We are saw how 3 great players surrounded by role players can carry a team in the tourney.
Third: Hansborough, Douglas- Roberts, Love, Rush- You need an All American to win the big dance. Three of these four are first team and Rush could have been a second or third team guy with a full season.
First: Depth is highly overated and may actually hurt some teams. Teams seem to get tight in the tourney, especially in the sweet sixteen and elite eight. When a bad game against a equally talented team can send you packing, coaches seem to shift from a 9-10 man rotation back to a 7 man rotation or even a 6 man rotation with some teams. We saw it with the cards. They have been playing 10 or so all year, but against Carolina they stuck to 6 or 7. I think this in turn can tire out the 6 or 7 guys who are used to get big breathers. Think about it and watch for it because it happens to several teams each year. Even when Kentucky won the NCAA in 96 and 98 they cut their rotation by a few players in the really big games.
Second: A good point guard and a good big man together can beat anybody at any point. Curry and Lovedale from Davidson and the point guard center duo from San Diego is another great example. We are saw how 3 great players surrounded by role players can carry a team in the tourney.
Third: Hansborough, Douglas- Roberts, Love, Rush- You need an All American to win the big dance. Three of these four are first team and Rush could have been a second or third team guy with a full season.
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