The First Day

Last week was my final day...today was my first day.

Going into new jobs make me nervous. I suppose it does that to everyone. It's hard to make too many critical observations about the job at this point. There were so many meetings today that I'm just trying to keep the names and faces with the positions and titles. You know, what's the chain of command? Who is whose boss?

There is so much of that to figure out that it's tough to get any work accomplished. And there is a lot to be finished. If I did anything today, it was get a bit more organized and kind of get an idea of what needed to be done sooner rather than later. I'm also still trying to button up the cross-state move. I have a feeling this year is going to be a total whirlwind. That's not even including the wedding in September.

Back in Sardis, our dog Scout had a bit of a health scare today. A copperhead bit her on the face and she had to be rushed to the vet for shots and antibiotics. The doc believed she would come out of things OK but mom and Leah will have to keep a close eye on her and continue to administer the medicine. I remember the first day she spent at our house. She was just weeks old and was snooping around like puppies do. My old cat didn't like the intrusion and gave her a swat across the face, cutting her around the eye. She turned out just fine, so I have no reason she won't be fine this time around.

The Final Day

This is kind of a weird day.

It's my last at Mercyhurst and my last night in Erie. I'm sitting in the office at this point doing basically nothing. I've worked ahead on media guides for them. I've already cleaned out my desk and wrote notes for the assistant taking over for me (that person isn't hired yet). There is so much that needs to be done at Millersville but it's going to be exciting to have a hand in the transformation. Moving is never fun either. Packing up, driving six hours, unpacking, paying a load of money for the new place.

I was just reading last night in the Book of Joshua, "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Mountville/Millersville will be my third move in three years and that verse has been right on the money so far. Whether I live in Northwest PA, Southeast Ohio, Northwest W.Va., or Central PA, God has been with me. I can take comfort in knowing that the same God that piloted the Israelites into the promised land will have no problem with anything that Millersville can throw at me.

My plan is to pack up everything but my TV tonight. There is no chance I would miss game one of the NBA Finals, especially since my Celtics are playing in it for the first time since I was four years old. Some fans don't know what it's like to suffer. I do. This is the first time one of my teams has played for all the marbles (baseball, football or basketball) since the Reds won the World Series in 1990. I hardly remember those good times of the Bengals in the Super Bowl and the Celtics in the finals, so I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it right now. Who knows when it will happen again?

Return

Another lengthy hiatus from blogging.

A lot has changed in a short amount of time. I have a new job. I'm the sports information director at Millersville University. I'm moving to Mountville, Pa.

Anyone that has ever moved knows that there is much to do. The last two weeks, I've been to Sardis, slowly moving everything out of Erie. I'm basically trying to take only the essentials to Mountville at first so I can avoid renting a U-Haul. This Thursday, Mom and Dad are coming to Erie and packing everything up on truck and trailer and then we'll head down the road Friday first thing in the morning. It is, after all, a six hour ride. I start the new job on Monday.

It's almost embarrassing how much time I've missed with this blog and so much has happened since the last post, not just with my career but with my favorite teams.

The Boston Celtics knocked out the Pistons in six to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. This team is exasperating sometimes but last Friday, I was on the edge of my seat and was definitely not expecting the series to be over in six. Paul Pierce absolutely took over in the fourth quarter once again proving that he is one of the most underrated great players in the league. I would guess that if one were to list the top 10 players in the NBA, Paul Pierce would often be left off. But he is unguardable at times and for all those doubting Kevin Garnett's ability to be clutch; he doesn't have to be because Paul Pierce is.

I'm a long-suffering fan to be sure. Think about this. Since the Reds won the 1990 World Series, the Reds have made just one playoff appearance, the Bengals have made one, and the Celtics, while reaching the Eastern Conference Finals three times, are playing for the championship for the first time and have a real shot this time. Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen match up favorably to the cast of Pierce, Antoine Walker, Rodney Rogers, Tony Delk and Eric Williams. How did THAT team reach the conference finals?

Speaking of the Reds, Jay Bruce has made me look much smarter than Walt Jocketty. I said before spring training that he should be the starting center fielder. The team waited till the team dug itself a hole before bringing up and now he's having the most impressive first couple debut weeks of any player in league history. This kid is the real deal. He sprays the ball to all fields, covers the plate, gets a ton of pop with an easy swing, runs well, and has an infectious personality that has sparked the Reds. He's not nearly the athlete and won't be as great as Ken Griffey Jr., but I compare him to a better version of Larry Walker, which is setting expectations very high.

With that said, he won't and can't be the savior of the organization. One man shows don't work in baseball. Griffey couldn't carry a team in his prime. No one can. Winning takes a solid roster of 25. But Bruce, along with Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, Joey Votto and Paul Janish are certainly some solid building blocks.

I'm Back...Finally

I wouldn't be surprised if people have stopped looking at this page. Readers only visit a non-updated page so many times before never visiting again.

But the last week or two weeks have been hectic to say the least. I was in three different states and went from Erie to Morgantown, W.Va., to Rockville, Md., to Chambersburg, Pa., to Shippensburg, Pa., to Harrisburg, Pa., and back to Erie in a matter six days last week. By the time I got back I didn't feel like doing anything. I didn't stay in the same place for more than two nights and slept in four different beds.

If the journey wasn't enough to wear me out, I also had to make a life-changing decision. Last Thursday I was offered the head sports information director position at Millersville University. On Friday, I accepted.

I realize that there has been a great deal of turnover and unrest at Millersville in the last three years and not many people would take this job. But first, it was WAY too much money to turn down at this point in my life. And in the interviews, I heard what I wanted to hear. I heard that they realized they had made mistakes with the position and were wanting to take some steps forward and move ahead. They told me over the phone that I was the guy they thought could take them to the next level.

That's pressure, but it's what I want. Everyone wants to be wanted. I've always wanted an opportunity to walk into a job and make a complete overhaul. It's why I got my master's in organization development and leadership. It's time to put that degree into action. Millersville has a ton of potential. The school is in a great location, very good basketball teams and tremendous facilities. A new football coach was just hired, as well. He was the defensive coordinator at Northwestern last year and I am looking forward to working with him.

I start on June 9. With everything happening so quickly, I have to move out here and find a place there. Saturday Trista and I are heading East to find our future home. She will be looking for a job there, as well. The next few weeks are going to be crazy.

A Stroke of Luck

I'll venture to say there's never been a golfing day quite like the one I had today.

It started with a drive to Crab Apple Ridge, where I had heard good reviews of the course but when I arrived, it was packed to the gills. There was no chance I was getting on today. There had to be a league holding the course hostage. I got out of there quickly in hopes I could find another course.

The GPS told me there was another just two miles away. But to my disappointment, it was a tiny par 3 course and the attendant wasn't even there! According to the mother sitting at the picnic table, he had left to move his car and wouldn't be back for a while. She also informed the course was closed on Tuesdays for the Boy Scouts. Stinkin' kids.

I was down 0-2 in the count but knew I had old reliable just down the road: Orchard Ponds. Usually it's quiet there and there is never a wait to tee off. Until tonight. It too was busy. I thought maybe I could wait it out but when I tried to pay, the girl behind the counter said, "Um, are you part of the league?" UGGGGH!

When did Tuesday become National Golf League Day on every course in America?

Three strikes and I was out. The great thing about Erie is that there is no shortage of courses but I was tired of getting my clubs out, putting my shoes on and then putting my clubs right back in and taking my shoes right back off. But for some reason I turned toward Erie Golf Club, which I had heard was closed a while back. But hey, at least if it was closed there wouldn't be a league playing.

I arrived at the course and there were two cars in the parking lot but there was a big sign on the clubhouse that said in big, bold, red letters, CLOSED. However, there was a man chipping in the first fairway and I asked him if it was closed up for good. He said there were no flags, but it is kept mowed and that any one that wants to can play as long as they don't mind not having pins.

Of course at this point, I could care less if there were tree branches sticking out of the greens. I just wanted to play. And I did just that. I set out on No. 10 and played the back nine, hitting two and three shots into each green, working on my short game and not seeing soul until I walked up No. 14. That fellow also got turned away at Crab Apple Ridge. Another man was working on his approach shots on an adjacent fairway as I got to No. 16, and it was obvious to me that he was a frequenter of the closed-up course.

By the time I finished, I had easily played 18 holes worth of golf and getting PLENTY of practice on my short game. There were seven or eight cars in the lot by now. A couple of fellows were actually walking the holes, a few others staked out some greens and were working on particular shots. It was like a little club that gathered to play golf for free. And you know what? I'm going to be a part of that club for now on!

I am not sure why the course was ever closed because it was really great layout. Huge bunkers, hilly, challenging from tee to green and some rolling greens. It really is a shame because the greens were obviously very slow and soft because of the lack of maintenance. But the tee boxes and the greens were recently trimmed. The course, despite not having a regular grounds keeper, was in better shape than many of the public courses back home.

So after three tries at paying to play, I finally played...for free! Which brings me to today's lesson, kids. What's the best kind of golf? Free golf!

Like a Child

Ever hear someone tell a kid or even an immature adult to "grow up." Usually I'm in agreement but I came upon something in my reading this week that makes me think--in some respects--that we shouldn't.

Mark 10:14, Jesus flat out says "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

If I'm reading that correctly, and I'm pretty certain that I am, it seems that being childlike is not a suggestion, but it is a requirement. Why is being childlike so important, though? After all, there is such a rush to move on in life. Hurry and get to 16 so I can get my drivers license. Hurry and get to 18 so I can vote. Hurry to get to 21 so I can be an "adult." Hurry to retirement. It never ends. There is a constant push to keep getting older no matter how old we get.

But let's get something straight. There is a big difference between being a little child as Jesus says, or a child of God as is so often mentioned in the Bible, and being childish. There are specific qualities of childlike behavior that we should aim for an certain ones we should steer clear of.

One we should avoid is being childlike in understanding and knowledge. 1 John used "little children" repeatedly. In this book, John explains the importance of following the word and not being led astray. Remember, this book was written to early Christians that were learning on the go. They didn't have a neatly compiled book like I have and that I am referencing from right now. It seems to me that he wrote this cautionary letter and called them "little children" because of their innocence or maybe even ignorance in the word. They needed guidance and warning. They needed their hands held. Think of when you were in first grade, learning basic addition and subtraction, learning to write and read. Those are the building blocks of learning. But at some point, as Paul tell us, we must advance past basic math to algebra.

Paul wrote in Hebrews that eventually believers must grow intellectually and spiritually to be able to "discern both good and evil" and teach others. If we do not understand the word ourselves, how then can we spread the gospel as we have been told to do?

But as I previously mentioned, there are certain characteristics of being a child that God requires of us in our daily walk if we are to be in a true relationship with Him. I have pulled out a few "childlike" characteristics. This is not a comprehensive or precise list but merely a few characteristics that I gathered from reading scripture. If we become like a child in respect to these qualities, we will no doubt grow closer to God.

Reliant - Children rely on parents to wake them up for school, make meals, buy groceries, wash their clothes, put them into the bathtub (even if its against the child's will). The parents know what is best for the child just as our Father knows what is best for us. And even though their livelihood hinges on the responsibility of their parents, they never doubt, and neither should we doubt God who is the provider of all things. We can't get to heaven on our own merit. The only way is through the blood of Jesus, and on that and that alone we must rely. Also, think back to Israelites of the Old Testament. They prospered when they relied on God, but as soon as they started to worship other gods, God's hand of protection pulled away. Good things happen to those who rely on the Lord. Just check out 2 Chronicles 14.

Inquisitive - I can remember being little and lying in bed thinking about all the mysteries of the world and asking question after question and not being able to sleep until each was answered. Children have an great hunger and willingness to learn. Experts say the best time to learn a foreign language or a musical instrument is at an early age. As I mentioned before, it is of dire importance to learn God's word. We shouldn't remain intellectually childlike, but our thirst for the word should like a child's. Seemingly the entire book of Proverbs tell us the importance of gaining knowledge.

Excitable - At Christmas time, it never surprises me when kids start playing with the box and the wrapping paper instead of the toy inside. Now, this is obviously a case of ignorance is bliss, but it also shows how children get excited over the smallest things. We should follow that lead, finding joy in every day occurrences. Nothing is more exciting than knowing that Jesus has already conquered the grave and we should show it! David was a man after God's heart and he played music, sang and danced before the Lord in worship, praising Him for all He had done. Just like a child opening a gift on Christmas, we should have that light in our eyes and happiness every day because we've already received the all-time greatest gift.

Humble - It's a rare day when you see a child boast and brag of their accomplishments. It's also not every day that you see a quote from Zephaniah. Chapter 2, verse 3...
"Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the LORD's anger."

That's a better explanation than I can give, but I will mention that pride was the first sin on earth (Eve wanting to be like God, Genesis 3:5) and the reason for Satan's fall. Pride is our greatest temptation and can drive a permanent wedge between us and God.

Uninhibited - I'll use myself as an example here. When I was three of four years old, He-Man was the big cartoon superhero. He-Man didn't wear much in the way of clothes. So of course I wanted to be like him. I'd go play in the yard and play He-Man wearing nothing but underwear and wielding a plastic sword. At that age, I could care less what the neighbors thought. Now, I think my neighbors would have a few questions if I was outside playing He-Man in my underwear. The point is that we shouldn't be afraid of what world thinks. I know many times I am reluctant to speak out because of what others perception of me may be. Acts 4 says that God's people spoke with boldness. 1 John 2:28 says, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." Romans 8 says that the children of God have a "glorious liberty." We should exercise that liberty by being uninhibited with our faith and telling everyone of the good news.

Trusting - Why does God tell us to give an offering? Sure the church needs funds to operate, but it is more so a way for us to learn that if we trust in God, he will take care of our needs. Children don't worry about where their next meal is coming from or who will pay the electric bill. They have no question or doubt that these staples will be provided. Without trust there can be no faith, and with no faith, there can be no belief that Jesus is the Son of God.

Again, these are merely a few of the childlike characteristics that God requires of us. The ultimate purpose of our existence is to to be a child of God. Who is a child of God? 1 John 5 explains that it is anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ and loves Him. Romans 8 says that the children of God are heirs of God and "joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

Wow, what a promise. I think I'd like to be a child forever.

Carrying On

I was taking a daily trip around the world wide web and decided to check out Jim's blog and see what he was speaking about at Prince Street Church this morning. He wasn't speaking today, though, because it was Youth Sunday.

Seeing that gave me some mixed emotions. It's not that I was broken up that Jim wasn't speaking (no offense, Jim). I was excited because the kids were up there leading worship and I was proud of the musicians especially. But I was also a little sad that I wasn't there to be a part of it.

You see, in the two years I was at Ship I saw a young, inexperienced drummer turn into very capable drummer and then into a guitar player that was leading a youth Sunday service. I also saw his little brother, our reliable egg shaker and tambourine man, become a good drummer in his own right. When I got to Prince Street, there weren't many instruments being played. But I just got there at the right time. I filled a need of guitar. A college freshman filled the role of bass player. And the two brothers got an into-the-fire learning experience as they not only learned to play in a band, they were learning their instruments at the same time!

I remember getting together with those kids to try and teach them "God of Wonders" for a youth performance. Those first few practice sessions had some choppy waters to navigate. We couldn't keep a tune or a rhythm, but the young musicians progressed so quickly.

Later, I even stepped in and played and even sang with them on a couple of occasions. Being a part of the growth and evolution of something like that is pretty darn cool. No one will ever accuse me of Phil Keaggy in terms of guitar prowess and no one will ever confuse with Chris Tomlin as a worship leader, but am always grateful for the two years I spent sharing my meager talents with the folks there, especially the kids. But as good as those memories are and as much as I'd like to still be a part of the group, it makes me smile all the more that they have kept it going and have no need for me any more.

A good, LONG walk spoiled

There is nothing like hitting the links on a brisk spring Saturday afternoon.

I decided to check out one of Erie's many local courses that I had not yet played. I drove out to little Girard, Pa., actually outside of Girard and off the beaten path to a place called Elk Valley. When I arrived it didn't seem that busy and I walked over to the club house that looked like a converted barn. There was a group of three ahead of me, but no problem, I'd just take my time on the putting green prior to teeing off.

The first thing that surprised me was the price. It was $10 to walk nine, but holy cow, what a bargain! When I pay that kind of price, I envision playing a burnt out municipal course with poorly manicured greens or usually a very short course. Take Riverside back home for instance. It's a course of fair length but horribly maintained. Some courses, like Wilson or St. Mary's aren't necessarily short but everything is squeezed together that it makes it almost unfair. Orchard Ponds in Erie is a course I love. They take great care of it but it's so short that every hole is a driver and pitching wedge.

Not Elk Valley. The layout is well designed and challenging. The fairways are tight but it won't kill you if you miss. But my favorite part about it was the length and the size and speed of the greens. The greens were huge, in perfect shape and very fast. I love courses with big greens. It makes me feel like I playing on a pro course. That is what separates good courses from the bad. There is water that comes into play and forces you to shape the ball off the tee and think out approach shots. However, there is not a single bunker on the front.

I played from the back tees today. I wish I would have played the back nine too but I just didn't have 18 in me today. The back tees are significantly more challenging, offering tougher angles, and a couple of the holes are diabolical, especially when the wind is whipping like today. The par 3, fifth hole is 203 and uphill. Anything to the left or long and you pay the death penalty. But there is a row of trees down the right that makes you want to stay left. The sixth hole is about as pretty a hole as I've ever played. It's 590 yards with a creek on the right and it cuts across the fairway to challenge your approach. The scorecard lists No. 9 as 453 but the tees were back to 493 today. And it's all uphill and dead into the wind. This is one of those holes that proves your manhood. Just grip it and rip it.

As you can see, I really liked the course. But the big problem is this. The course is so nice for such a great price that EVERYONE plays it. Play is very,very slow and you might as well get used to someone watching you tee off on every hole. The group ahead of me wasn't the problem. It was just so busy that it got log jammed. Standing and waiting several minutes between almost every shot makes it difficult to keep loose and keep in rhythm. I still managed a 44 despite the windy conditions, the fact that I was playing there for the first time, and I had to stand and wait so much. I didn't have a stop watch going, but I believe it took me nearly 2 1/2 hours to play. That's at least an hour more than it usually takes. I can make it around Orchard Ponds in just over an hour.

But hey, a top-notch course for 10 bucks? I can't complain that much.

borrrrrrrring

There isn't much to say about today...I'm still try to adapt to life without games to work every other day.

I mentioned a couple blogs ago about the importance of reliance on God. Something else I picked up last night was how reliance goes hand-in-hand with being "childlike." This is something I should blog about tomorrow night.

Maybe something interesting to read for once.

Not much going on

Like I said yesterday, this is my first summer not working in concrete. And even though I've been in sports information for three years now, this is my first summer doing it full time.

Everything slows so quickly. My spring wrap up is pretty much finished, so I guess its time to start working on the fall.

The weather couldn't be nicer here in Erie right now. I went out a little earlier than usual because of the Celtics game tonight and the courts were filled with people playing hoops, kids were outside running in the yards, people were mowing grass and working in the flowerbeds. The smell of all the trees and flowers in bloom is so nice. All that makes me wish I had my own house so I could go work in the yard and spend time outside. It's tough to do that living in an apartment.

I also found out tonight that Third Day is releasing a new album soon. In a video, the band members talked about how they wanted to challenge themselves musically because they felt like they had gotten comfortable in the same old, same old lately. I totally agree with that assessment as they haven't produced a really solid album in quite a while. The first single is already out and Chris Daughtry is actually singing back up on it. Kind of an odd pairing, but the guy has a great voice and I'm sure he'll add some punch to the song. I'm looking forward to the release but am cautiously optimistic.

Welcome Back

My goodness its been a while since I last blogged.

I don't think I have much of an excuse other than I was out of town Wednesday and Thursday and I spent the weekend wrapping up baseball season. Just think, there are no more athletic events at Mercyhurst this year. It is definitely a weird feeling to know that I won't be going home to finish concrete with Dad this summer. It will be the first time since I was in 8th grade and even before that that I didn't spend my entire summer slopping around in the gray stuff.

Now I'm a full-time working stiff. There are some things that could shake up here in the next couple of weeks. There are actually four possibilities, each with a different probability of occurring. I do know, though, that the summer in sports information is much, much slower than when the kids are on campus, and it might be time to take up a hobby.

Dad started doing some wood working and I've enjoyed doing that in the past, but I don't have many of my own tools and an apartment isn't the ideal setting for a wood shop. Maybe I could start refereeing basketball games or umpiring baseball games. Maybe I could find an old man basketball league. My ideal summer would be play golf. But I hardly make enough money to support that hobby. In fact, few people do.

If any one has any suggestions, I'd be glad to here it.

I also had a lengthy conversation with a good friend tonight. Being fairly young, it feels kind of odd to have some look up to me, but its a good feeling. I just hope that the advice that I can offer is the right advice.

By the way, last Thursday was my birthday. The 25th birthday makes me feel really old. Some of those who know me know that a long time ago I put my life on a script, or maybe a timeline is a better way of saying it. Up until this year I was right on pace. But I just turned 25 and I'm getting married in September...a year ahead of schedule. But hey, we just couldn't wait any longer. And for this, I'm glad my schedule got changed.

Life is a Highway

Yesterday, I promised I would regale you with my break down of the NFL Draft, but after thinking about it, no one reading this blog probably cares about the draft on any level. My brief mention of Jerome Simpson's athleticism should be sufficient analysis.

But of course I won't leave it at that. Keith Rivers is a building block and Pat Sims is a poor man's Sam Adams (best case scenario, obviously). And despite the stigma attached to Florida receivers, I think the Cincinnati offensive system is creative enough to incorporate him quickly and he could be a Peter Warrick-type player right away, but much, much faster than Warrick. I also don't consider the drafting of three wide receivers a threat to T.J.'s long-term relationship with the club or the signaling of the end of Chad Johnson's career in Cincinnati. It's merely a replenishing of a depleted corp that has taken a hit because of injuries (Tab Perry), stupid decisions (Chris Henry) and free agency (Kelly Washington and Kevin Walter).

OK, the draft speak is officially finished. On to more important matters.

Tomorrow I am going to make one of the most unpleasant drives of my life. From Erie to Lancaster, Pa. The Triptik on AAA says five and a half hours but most of it is through the mountains and down through State College toward Harrisburg. I've been to Clarion and to State College and both are horrible trips. But I have my GPS and XM Radio, so I'll make the most of it.
The reason for the trip is a job interview at Millersville. The potential to run my own sports information department is intriguing even more so, an increase in pay. Millersville has had several SID's in the last few years but its been an interim situation almost every time. I think Millersville is in a fantastic location, close to Lancaster, York, Hershey and Harrisburg. Millersville also has good athletic teams and really nice facilities.

Being an ODL student, it also peaks my interest to have an opportunity to leave an imprint on an organization and I really think I can do that at Millersville, provided that they are willing to provide the resources to do it. I have a lot of ideas that I think can work and it should be interesting to see what the folks there have to say and see how well we mesh.

My life is quickly changing, though, and life-altering decisions will need to be made soon. I found out today that our associate athletic director at Mercyhurst is leaving, which may shake things up here, but who knows how and when? There are some other jobs that could possibly open soon, too.

Having a girlfriend that lived several hours away was never easy. But now that we are engaged and with a wedding coming up in September, it's even more challenging to find a location where we can each continue our successful careers. And the clock is running. The temptation to press and worry is always there, but I must remember to take everything one step at a time. I've been reciting Matthew 6:34 in my head frequently, " Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

That's always helpful, relying on God's Word for comfort. In fact, reliance on God is something that came out in my reading last night. I think I'll do an entire blog about it.

Stay tuned.

A Lot Going On

Quite the weekend.

It's pretty late right now so I'll save the details of the Keaggy show and my feelings about the NFL Draft for tomorrow.

But I'll do a brief summary in sports information bio style. Phil Keaggy's flute player isn't very good...Tom Shinness is one of the better all-around musicians I've ever seen...Phil Keaggy with a band is much different than Phil Keaggy solo...It was a rare treat to hear not only "Let Everything Else Go," which is my favorite all-time Keaggy song but "Time" for the first time live. It is the perfect jam session song.

Todd McShay is a dork...Mel Kiper, Jr., rocks...so does Chris Carter because he liked the Bengals' draft...Jerome Simpson is an unbelievable athlete and will someday be a 1,000 yard receiver...Corey Lynch was a fine pick up and is already a fan favorite for a certain blocked kick in a certain game against a certain hated team from up north...The concern about "character issues" is out of control.

21 is surprisingly good movie...A little unbelievable at times but fun and worth the price of admission...It was good to see a friend I haven't seen in nearly three years...And it was good to meet her husband...Kinda odd to say that...After meeting him, I found someone else that likes to tour battlefields...Adam was in town for the weekend...Of course he forgot something here...He usually does...This time, a pair of socks...Always a great weekend when its spent with great friends.

Yes, I'm a Phil Keaggy Phan

There are few events that I will drop everything and drive any distance to attend. One would be an Ohio State football game. Another is a Phil Keaggy concert.

Tomorrow I have the pleasure and privilege to drive to Youngstown, Ohio to watch Phil Keaggy and several other musicians recreate The Master & The Musician album on its 30th anniversary tour.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Making it all the more special is that Keaggy and the band's drummer, John Sferra, both grew up in Youngstown, so it is a reunion of sorts.

I've been looking forward to this show since it was announced way back in the fall. I bought tickets on the first day they were available. But watching Keaggy with a band is a rare treat. He usually tours by himself, playing acoustic sets. In fact, this will be the eighth time I've seen him and only one other time I saw him with a band.

Interestingly enough, it was the first time I saw him live and that show was also in Youngstown. It's also going to be a special night because Trista will be going along. This will be her first taste of live Keaggy. Funny how my first Keaggy show was with a band in Youngstown, and her first show will be the same.

This should be display of musicianship of epic proportions. The Master & The Musician album has a wide variety of tunes ranging from the Celtic, medieval, new age and modern jazz. Just thinking about Keaggy breaking out the Zion electric (which he NEVER does in solo shows) makes me all tingly inside. I've read a couple concert reviews from previous shows and the set list not only includes songs from that album, but classic Keaggy tunes like "What a Day," "Noah's Song," "Love Broke Thru," and...be still my beating heart..."Time." If they do "Time" live, I might scream like a school girl.

This album predates my birth by six years, but great music (and Phil Keaggy) is timeless.

Mixed Emotions

There is nothing wrong with caring about your favorite professional teams, but I've been obsessed this week.

The Celtics are in the playoffs (and kicking some Hawk backside). The Bengals are prepping for the NFL Draft (my favorite event that isn't a game), and the Reds fired their general manager, which has put me on the war path. Oh, and a note on the anonymous comment left on yesterday's blog - Dan O'Brien traded Sean Casey, not Wayne Krivsky.

Actually, I could probably just blog about nothing but my three teams for the next month or more, especially with all the fodder than Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, Bob Castellini and Kevin Garnett are giving me.

But the only thing I'm going to mention about sports today is the likely retirement of David Pollack.

I can't blame him for making the decision, though. David, a former first round pick of the Bengals, broke his neck while making a tackle in the first game of the 2006 season. He's been medically cleared to play, but apparently just doesn't feel comfortable in returning to the field where there is a chance that the same or a worse injury could occur. Hey, spending six months in a halo would weight heavily on your mind if you decided to play football again.

But David is a devout and active Christian. He leads Bible studies and participates in weekly Bible studies with the team and in the community. To be certain of his decision, he fasted and prayed for quite some time. I've admired David since his college years at Georgia. I can remember when the Bengals picked him. I literally jumped up and down. Not only was he a fantastic player, but he had a personality the you couldn't help but love.

Certainly, David could have been a phenomenal football player, even after his injury. I have no doubt about that. But he and his wife have their first child on the way. He surely wouldn't want to return to the game just to be injured again and never be able to hold his daughter.

Without a doubt, David loves football. I'm sure he'll stay close to the game, maybe as a coach. But it is clear to me that he knows there is more to life than football or even a job. He knows that God has great and wonderful plans for him and his family. For a lot of players, it is difficult to walk away from the game, and I'm not saying it won't be for David, but it will be a lot easier for him because he realizes that his real purpose is not to be a defensive end but a disciple for Christ.

David hasn't officially retired yet, but it Coach Marvin Lewis said that it will likely happen soon. In the meantime, I'm going to keep David in my prayers as he makes the transition away from football. As a fan, I'm sad that he's retiring. But as a brother in Christ, I am proud of him.

A Little Cheesed Off

For those of you who don't know, or don't care, Reds' GM Wayne Krivsky was fired today. I've blogged about this move extensively on thebuckeyebunch.com. I felt the need to vent...

I’ve made it obvious that I not only don’t understand why Wayne Krivsky got fired so suddenly, but I’m not a fan of the move at all.

Bob Castellini unjustly fired him without warning and without justification. When asked why he canned Krivsky, Castellini simply said, “We’ve come to the point where we just aren’t going to lose anymore.”

I agree, Bob. I’m tired of the Reds losing, too. But you know what? They were losing before Krivsky got here. They were in a bad, bad way when Krivsky got here. You hired Krivsky. You hand picked him to turn around the organization. Turning around an organization that had been run into the ground by boneheads like Jim Bowden and Dan O’Brien takes a while to do. A lot longer than two and a half years.

How can Castellini, on any level, put the blame on Krivsky for the 9-12 start?

I’m so glad that one of the reporters asked Castellini at the press conference if continuity to the organization was important. After all, there have been six GM’s and five managers in six years.

The following excerpt is pulled from Hal McCoy’s blog…

Castellini was testy when asked about continuity - five managers and six general managers (two were co-GMs on an interim basis in the last six seasons.

“We haven’t had six, we’ve had two,” he said, using semantics. The organization has had six GMs since 2002 - Jim Bowden, co-interims Brad Kullman and Leland Maddox, Dan O’Brien, Krivsky and Jocketty. “The franchise has…yes.”

So is he concerned about continuity? “Absolutely I am. Absolutely. I respect the question, but this has been a very tough decision. Krivsky did a whale of a job in some areas.”

Jocketty jumped to Castellini’s rescue.

“I believe in continuity,” he said. “Very much so. But sometime it takes a little time to get thins the way you want. There are a lot of quality people and quite a few quality players here and now we have to find a way to make it work.”

Jocketty says he is impressed with the staff, on the field and in the front office, and doesn’t anticipate any changes.

Manager Dusty Baker, the fifth manager in six years (Bob Boone, Dave Miley, Jerry Narron, interim Pete Mackanin, Baker) addressed the continuity issue, too. Asked about the importance of continuity, he said, “I think it is very important. Wayne did some great things here. He built our farm system. It is very important to keep some consistency, which is one reason I kept the coaching staff.

“I mean, you listen to quarterbacks complain about four offensive co-ordinators in four years. Doesn’t work. Good organizations keep a lot of the same people for a long period of time,” Baker added.

So management is concerned about continuity, and it’s important to have continuity, but yet you are axing a GM after less than three years in the position and are now unwilling to even wait out the third season or wait out the possibility of your two most heralded prospects (Jay Bruce and Homer Bailey) reaching the majors and making a significant contribution. One of the most important jobs of a general manager is building the farm system and Krivsky stated that since he arrived the Reds moved from near dead last to third in the Baseball America rankings. The turnaround has been unbelievable in the minors and I don’t think any one can argue with that. When he took the job, he was told to build from the inside because the Reds were a “small market” team. Building processes take three to five years. He hasn’t even made it to three.

I love that Baker said good organizations keep the same people for a long time. Maybe he was drawing on his experience in baseball and thinks Krivsky should still have his job. Maybe he’s making a plea for his own job. Notice that Castellini said “which is one reason I kept the coaching staff.”

WHAT? Firing the coaching staff after 21 games was a consideration? Talk about your snap judgments. I’m an impatient fellow, but really, Bob, get a grip.

So firing Wayne Krivsky will help the Reds win this year? Only a few hours after the announcement was made, the Reds lost 9-3 at home to the Dodgers.

Look out Walt Jocketty. Another outing like that and your next.

Rob Neyer of ESPN.com is puzzled, as well.

“Yes, the timing is strange. If Krivsky’s bosses preferred Jocketty, didn’t they know before now? The Reds are 9-12. If they were 12-9, would he still have his job? And if so, isn’t a three-game difference a thin reed from which to hang a key decision like this?

“The danger here isn’t that the Reds may have lost a great GM, or have replaced him with an incompetent one. The danger is that people in the organization may wonder if the people at the top have any idea what they’re doing.”

A Gift for Everyone

Unfortunately, I attended a funeral this weekend. It's never high on anyone's list of favorite things to do.

People are sad and for good reason. But two things stood out to me much more than the grieving. First, the dedication of Nathan's friends. I couldn't imagine losing my wife and I hope I never have to go through that. Nathan's friends, though, stood by his side and rallied around him in the toughest of times. That's the true definition of a friend.

Their actions reminded me of my failures as a friend and thanks to them, I'll know how to respond if something ever happens to one of my friends.

The other thing I was reminded of this weekend is the peace and comfort we can find in God. Many people spoke about fond memories and fun times with Lindsey. Some were friends, some were cousins and aunts and uncles. Some cried while speaking. But some laughed and smiled, and it was evident to me, and I'm sure every other person in the building, that there was rare peace in the hearts of those particular individuals that only God can give.

Lindsey's dad went to the front and it would be quite understandable if he wondered why this all happened. But he didn't question anything. He stood up, thanked the friends and the family and said that he wished he could return the favor but he only had one thing to offer: Jesus Christ. He went on to say that without Jesus in his life, there would have been no way he could have possibly stood and spoke. Jesus was his strength and the reason he had a peace in his heart on that day. He told every person in attendance that the peace was available to them, as well.

It was incredible to see his faith in action. I am so fortunate to not just have a large family but a large family that is passionate about Christ. I too echo Uncle Albert's message. Difficult times are much easier to navigate when you have a relationship with Jesus. I have seen it and experienced it. Knowing that Jesus has saved me and conquered death and suffering through His death on the cross and resurrection gives me confidence that nothing is too much to overcome.

If any one reading this blog is needing that peace and comfort, I would be more than happy to talk with you about it. You can e-mail me at ehulsey@mercyhurst.edu or give me a call. The Bible is the best place for answers to questions, but here is one passage that might help. And here's another.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed...Just Thinking

I believe that America was founded on and still exercises a core group of unalienable rights (thank you, Mr. Jefferson). It’s the greatest nation in the world bar none and I’m pretty unwavering on that opinion.But what happens if my rights are ever threatened? What if some of these unalienable rights were taken away? That would be a dangerous path away from our republican democracy and toward…yikes, communism. Or worse.

I don’t necessarily feel like my rights are being withheld from me at this point in time but think about this for a second. What comes directly before “unalienable rights” in the Declaration of Independence? If you don’t know, I’m not surprise. It’s “endowed by their Creator.” Our Creator. Creator of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, that little line is being marginalized and removed from our dearest document.

Like I said, I hadn’t really thought that my freedoms were in such danger until I went to see Expelled tonight. This is a documentary starring Ben Stein that attempts to show that there is “Big Science” in America and it is not only suppressing thought and ideas, it’s taking away a necessary principle on which America and the study of science was founded. This principle is the freedom to debate.

I’ve never been much of a movie critic, so I’m sure I will not do this film justice. I do not wish to discuss or critique the filming, editing, narration or other technical aspects of the movie. I would simply like to explain that this film is most certainly going to be an eye opener for many. I follow this topic on my own so I went in expecting affirmation of my already formed opinion. What I got was not only affirmation but a major wakeup call that the exclusion of Intelligent Design as an explanation for the formation of life by scientific organizations is a real, prevalent and serious threat to not only our educational systems but our way of life.

Refusal to accept Intelligent Design is one thing, but Expelled reports that careers of professors have been ruined for merely mentioning it as a possibility. It gives proof that proponents of Darwinism have put up a wall to the science community and that you can’t get in, can’t receive grants, can’t receive awards, can’t get published, unless you make no mention of intelligence. This “Big Science” has created an environment in which ideas cannot be challenged or debated…unless of course you subscribe to evolutionary theory.

As Ben Stein mentions in the film, exclusion of Creationism wouldn’t be so bad if it were factually incorrect and invalid. After all, we want to be teaching our children correctly and not feeding them so called fairy tales. But there’s a big problem. Even if scientists don’t want to believe that Intelligent Design at the very least a possibility, they must be able to explain Darwinism and evolution in logical, reasonable terms. As is seen in the film, they simply cannot.

Stein asked the question to several scientists: “How did life come from nothing?” Some danced around an answer, others offered theories like molecules piggy-backing off deformed crystals (what?) and some even explained that life was “seeded” on earth. In other words, we evolved from a single cell that was planted by aliens. But yet, Intelligent Design is completely and entirely off limits for discussion.

But let’s not even talk about the scientific evidence for either case. Let’s get back to the question of what problems occur when there is an inability to discuss or challenge viewpoints in an open forum.

Think East and West Germany. Think Hitler.

Yes, Hitler was a huge proponent of Darwinism. He was a huge proponent of natural selection. He believed in a master race and that he was helping along the natural selection process by killing off and experimenting on millions of disabled and crippled, not to mention Jews. Hitler, much like why the wall in Berlin was formed, wanted opponents to not have a voice. He wanted there to be no opposition or debate. A belief in Darwinism leads to a belief in that there is no free will, no life after death, no true meaning to life, and therefore, a total devaluation of human life. He removed God from the conversation. There is no place for religion (or intelligence) in the process of natural selection.

Disturbingly enough, that is the road we are headed down. I’m not saying that every believer in evolution believes in genocide. But what I am saying is that for evolution–as defined–to make sense, there can be no value to life on any level. It is a random occurrence of meaningless events. This makes it easier to justify abortions and promotion of planned parenthood. And this…this is what is being taught in schools all over the nation. And any opponent to this belief is shouted down and ostracized by bullying and threats. Not just by science, but by media and our own court system.

Even though scientists cannot explain the origin of life and even though more and more evidence mounts in favor of some sort of information-providing source, “Big Science” pushing Darwinism remains a looming, scary threat to our basic freedoms. And once one freedom is taken away, it is that much easier to take another. There is a power-holding group with intent on replacing religion with science. And its first goal: crush creationism. Disprove creationism and disprove the Creator. No need to prove evolution. Just eliminate the opposition.

I suggest you find Expelled in a theater nearest you and think seriously about this most important subject.

Nothing Like Golf

It was beautiful outside today. Fantastic weather. So perfect that I had to golfing.

Golf is a funny thing. Most of us are pretty lousy at it but there's something irresistible about hitting the links. Golfing is without a doubt my favorite pastime. If it weren't so darn expensive, I'd play every day. At least I have retirement to look forward to.

Today, I went out past Interstate 90 to a little course called Orchard Ponds. It's pretty flat and short and only nine holes. There's only one par 5 and a couple of the par 4's are right around 300 yards. But it's a well thought-out lay out considering they didn't have much to work with. Water is in play on a couple holes, there are some tight driving holes and it really does make you think out your shots more than some small courses. The crew also does a fine job manicuring the grounds.

My favorite hole is No. 8. It's listed right around 287 yards but you need to be careful not to gun for the green off the tee. There's a deep creek running in front of a tiny green that slopes severely from the back to front toward the creek. At this point, the course was still playing very slow because of the lingering snow melt-off and rain, but on a normal day, any approach shot behind the green and you are done. Of course today, I hit a wedge from 90 yards right over the flag stick in the back rough. It was an impossible chip shot. So I chunked it on purpose, landing it in the fringe just so it wouldn't run 30 feet past the hole and possible into the creek. The putt was not much easier but fortunately, the greens were running slow and I was able to hang it out to the right and tap in from there. I just love courses that penalize mistakes and reward good shots.

Best of all, Orchard Ponds is only eight bucks to walk and even though it was a beautiful day, there were only about seven or eight cars in the parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Sometimes it almost feels like your own private course. I could play there every day and not get tired of it.

Hopefully this will be the first of many times I get to play this year. By the way, my birthday is May 1. I'm in need of a new sand wedge and a 60 degree wedge, as well. Hint, hint.

Anticipation

A couple of dates I'm looking forward to:

Friday, April 18 - Opening of the movie "Expelled." I doubt that it will open anywhere around here but I'm going to try track down a theater. From the info I've read, Ben Stein is doing an great thing for the promotion of Creation.

Friday, April 25 - A possible trip to Cleveland for an Indians vs. Yankees game. Possibly.

Saturday, April 26 - Phil Keaggy, Master & The Musician Tour in Youngstown. I'll be there and watching the musician and his friends recreate the 1977 realease of the album.

April 26-27 - The NFL Draft. One of my favorite events of the year. I can't wait to see if the Bengals can get that pass rusher or defensive tackle they so desperately need. Or maybe I wide receiver? Ooooooo.

Thursday, May 1 - My birthday! Wow, 25. I'm old. Maybe I shouldn't be so excited.

May 16-19 - Trip to Shippensburg. It will be a busy weekend, but it will be great to get back to my second home and spend time with friends and attend Prince Street Church again.

April through the summer - The NBA Playoffs. Celtic Pride, baby!

I'm sure I left out a few more exciting events, but it's going to be a fun next couple of months.

Belting it Out

If you are reading this blog you know that I'm a rocker through and through (thanks for the line, Joe Dirt). Still, I can appreciate a great vocal.

It was Mariah Carey night on American Idol tonight. She's gone a little loopy in recent years but for my money she is one of the two greatest female singers of modern history. She is the most successful solo artist of all time if you can believe it. But 18 No. 1 singles is incredible.

After listening to those wannabes butcher Mariah's songs, I decided to check out a few performances on youtube. She's got range, she can belt it, she can sing you to sleep. She's great. But there's only one person that can top her...Whitney Houston.

Speaking of going a little loopy, Whitney has done that too and maybe a little more so. But let's not forget how fabulous she was. I listened to her Star Spangled Banner performance at the Super Bowl and it sent chills down my spine. Whitney could bring a grown man to tears with her voice. If you don't think so, go to youtube and search for Whitney Houston, One Moment in Time.

Here's the unquestionable and undebatable list: Whitney, No. 1. Mariah, No. 2.

(I can't believe I just blogged about that).

I come with a sad and solemn message tonight. My cousin Lindsey went to the hospital yesterday and then had gallbladder surgery yesterday. After the surgery, her heart stopped and was put on life support around 3 p.m. Several hours later she passed away.

She was 30 years old and leaves two young boys and a husband.

These kind of things are always tough to figure out. It was sudden. My Uncle Albert, and cousins Andrea and Erin have been through a lot now. They lost my Aunt Anna Marie (wife and mother) to cancer a few years ago.

I'm not going to profess to know why these things happen, and I can't say that there is a rhyme or reason for these things. There are some things that we can never understand. But no matter the tragedy, Uncle Albert and his family have an unwavering faith in God and I know it will carry them through this time, as well. But still, they will need comforting. Please pray diligently for Lindsey's family in the coming days and weeks.

A little of this and that

Let me begin by saying that I'm a curse. I went to the Reds vs. Pirates game Friday night. Not only did the Reds lose 1-0, but have gone on to lose three in a row. How about this for a stat; I haven't seen the Reds win since opening day 2005 and only twice since Ken Griffey, Jr., came in 2000. That's a horrible winning percentage. I'm done going to baseball games.

Also, I'd like to say that I ate real red meat--a big steak--for the first time in four months today. Yeah!

I went out on a walk just a bit ago and had some of the March Phil Keaggy Podcast left to listen to. This month, he devoted the show to some of his Christian artist contemporaries that have passed on like Keith Green, Mark Heard and Larry Norman. It was neat to hear some of the old recordings, but what was really special was a bootleg recording of a 2004 concert in which Keaggy invited Larry Norman on stage to sing a couple songs with him.

Norman has been considered the father of Christian music and not everyone in those circles liked him, but there is no denying his influence. To hear those two joking, telling stories and singing songs like "Here Comes the Sun," as well as a couple Larry Norman originals was awesome. You could tell that even though they were serious artists, they didn't take themselves too seriously and that there was a real brotherhood between them that went back 30 years.

I'll finish this blog by saying how disappointed I was in this year's Masters. I look forward to this tournament every year. To me, it signifies the beginning of spring. It embodies all the beauty and charm of the sport. And generally, there is nothing more exciting than watching the players battle each other and the back nine (especially the diabolical Amen Corner, where so much can change in one shot).

This year, though, was brutal to watch. While Trevor Immelman did just enough to win (congrats, Trevor), no one else seemed to want to win. Young Brant Snedeker was totally frazzled by the big stage. Paul Casey was out of it from the first tee. Phil Mickelson couldn't get anything going and Steve Flesch (Cincinnati's own) was playing solidly and seemed to be poised until a complete collapse on the back. And even Tiger--the man the media was already handing the Grand Slam to--missed short, makable putts at crucial moments. I told my Uncle Loren afterward that they should have renamed it Gag Fest 2008.

Nearly everyone talks about Tiger being the best golfer ever but he has NEVER come from behind to win a major. He finished second today just because everyone fell apart around him. No one made a charge. No one made a run. This has become an all too frequent occurrence in golf. It's more evidence to my belief that there are just no great golfers out there. Phil Mickelson is very good and it pains me to say it, but Tiger is great. But I'll stop right there. He's not the best ever. Think of the golfers with more than two majors: Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh. That's the list. And they only have three apiece. Plus, only Mickelson is not over 40.

Jack Nicklaus faced the likes of Arnold Palmer (seven majors), Tom Watson (eight), Gary Player (nine), Lee Trevino (six), Seve Ballesteros (five), Ray Floyd (four), Billy Casper (three), Hale Irwin (three), Larry Nelson (three). Yet he still managed 18 majors and more impressively, 16 runners-up finishes. He also came from behind eight times.

Had Jack been playing against these losers today, he would have won close to 30. And when Jack finished runner up, he didn't get there by having everyone else collapse around him. In 1977 alone, he shot 66 on the final day of the Masters and the British Open only to be edged by Tom Watson, who shot 67 at the Masters and a 65 at the Open.

Now THAT's golf.

Friendly Call

OK, maybe I was a little harsh in my generalization of doctors yesterday. They aren't ALL morons. I apologize to the good doctors and there are plenty.

Tonight I received a phone call from my friend Neil. We've known each other since the first day we stepped into Sardis Elementary. Not many people can say they've kept in touch with a friend for nearly 20 years.

I didn't get to the phone when he first called and I felt horrible again today. The last thing I feel like doing when I am sick is talking on the phone. It just so happens that I was leafing through one of my leadership books and highlighting certain passages for future use when I came upon the "Seven Things to Do" that was given to John Wooden by his father.

No. 6 on that list is "Don't take friendship for granted. Study friendship and make it a fine art."

At that point I realized that I am not a very good friend. But like everything in life, I don't believe this was a coincidence. Stumbling upon that phrase was a reminder from God that friendship isn't about making phone calls only when I feel well. So often I get lost in a meaningless and pointless daily routine that it becomes uncomfortable and inconvenient to break away from the habits. But as No. 6 on the list says, friendship is not a given. I've been fortunate enough to know someone for 20 years and by not returning a phone call, I would certainly be showing no appreciation for the relationship.

I'm glad Neil called. We both contribute to thebuckeyebunch.com and it feels like I talk to him more often than I really do simply because I read the articles he's written. It's nice to feel connected on that level, but it is no substitute for an actual conversation. Neil is as good a guy as you can meet. No one ever wants to listen to a fellow talk about his medical problems, but he allowed me to vent and said that he would pray for me. Being frustrated with my health, no better friend can be found than one that will listen and pray.

Now that's something that I should highlight for future use.

I have nothing worth mentioning today except that I've had it with doctors.

I used to give the benefit of the doubt to all doctors and believed they knew what they were doing. That was before I started having to visit doctors. And now I think they are all morons.

That's all I have to say today.

Update

Sorry to have been MIA the last few days. I mentioned last week that Trista was coming up and I usually don't blog when she is here. No use wasting time at the computer. I also had a bit of a medical procedure done today and was pretty well out of commission until early evening.

Other than a severe headache afterward and stomach pain from not being able to eat beforehand, the procedure went well. I got all doped up on meds and the last thing I remember this morning was the nurse saying, "If you feel funny, it's the medicine." Just like that, I was out. I woke up in another room and apparently had been talking out of my head. I have no memory of what I said but Trista said I was saying some pretty crazy things. That's what happens when you are all doped up I guess.

The good news is that the doctor didn't find anything. That's also the bad news. Even if he didn't find something, there has to be something there that is causing the pain and discomfort on a regular basis. Additional test results are supposed arrive in 3-5 days. I was really hoping they'd figure out what was wrong with this test. Now, who knows what to do next.

I appreciate everyone who was praying for me, though. I haven't spent much time in the hospital before the last year and I still get uneasy when I have to be there (especially when I have to get IVs). It's comforting to know that folks are praying for me.

Love Alone

I'm looking forward to this weekend. Trista is coming to Erie and it's not all the time we get to spend time together. She's going to hang around until after my little medical procedure on Tuesday since I won't be able to drive afterward. I'm also ready to get that over with and finally figure out what the heck is going on.

It would be an even better weekend if the softball game would get canceled tomorrow afternoon.

I found a new song the other day. It's actually an old song, but new to me. You know how it goes. It's called "Love Alone" by Caedmon's Call. I'm one of these guys that likes to know the meaning of songs. I listened to it a few times, stared at the lyrics and just couldn't quite put my finger on it. So I googled it and read someone else's blog. The blogger pointed out that sometimes it just simply hurts to love. The people you love suffer and you suffer too. It hurts us to become humble enough to love our enemies and the criminals. We try to love the troubled but their troubles bring us down, too. But we must love. It's necessary to love. God commanded it. Sometimes its just flat out hard to love someone.

But then I looked at it from Jesus' perspective. The lyrics then made even more sense. Especially this little stanza...

"And the pain of the world is a burden
And it's my cross to bear
And I stumble under all the weight
I know you're Simon standing there
And I know you're standing there"

If I ever have a hard time loving someone I just need to remember what Jesus did and how unbelievably hard it must have been for Him and how unlovable I am.

Here's the song with a video that someone put together for YouTube. I'd like to hear what you think about it.

Blog about Nothing

Another long sports information day and I just felt like mentioning a couple things that have nothing to do with sports information.

Because I listen to the Tony Kornheiser podcast every day, I've started paying attention to American Idol. But instead actually watching the show (which is incredibly drawn out and filled with fluff), I watch the performances (about two minutes each) on youtube the next day while listening to the podcast. I find that I am only in agreement with Mr. Tony about Carly Smithson, who I like very much. Otherwise, I think one of his co-hosts, Kevin Stanfield has the eye for American Idol talent.

I can't believe I'm paying attention to Idol. Yikes.

The Reds won on a walk-off home run. I didn't hear it because I turned it off after Junior flew out in the eighth. I'm glad the Reds won but I'm more happy for Edwin Encarnacion, who my friend Jay and I refer to as Yeahdwin. He had a horrible throwing error that led to two runs and couldn't get down a bunt before he won the game. Yeahdwin had such a terrible spring and a terrible start to the year that he needed this.

The Celtics keep winning. It's almost "go time." The playoffs are just around the corner. The regular season has gone better than I could have hoped and at the start of the year I thought that getting to the conference finals would be a fantastic year. Now, I'm thinking the C's have a chance to win it all. Banner No. 17? How sweet it would be.

A Lesson From the Lepers

If you've read any of my recent blogs, it shouldn't take much inferring that God wants me to do something. I just haven't figured out what that something is.

For the longest time I've thought that to truly love God, I must serve Him. Serve Him how? Well, the gospels of Matthew and Mark quote Jesus as saying in no uncertain terms (and I think this command too frequently gets chopped in half), go and make disciples (or preach the gospel) and baptize.

That seems to be fairly straight forward instructions. If Jesus was writing an instruction manual for disciples, I would suppose those verses would be right at the top of page one.

Certainly, there were first-century Christians that weren't like the apostles. Not every believer was traveling from town to town and preaching in the streets. As Paul said, some are given to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (yes, there is a difference between each one). But these are the jobs that are available. Notice there are no openings for "idle believer."

My fear is that if I'm not telling others about Christ, then I'm idle and there is no place for that in God's kingdom.

I love listening to Ravi Zacharias' podcast and encourage you to do the same. Tonight I listened to a two-part series titled "Why Sit Here till We Die." That message sparked this blog.

Ravi preached from 2 Kings 7. It was a dark time in Israel as there had been a terrible famine and the city was surrounded by the Syrians. Doom seemed inevitable. The people in the city had resorted to cannibalism. It was a desperate time (and we think gas at $3.40 a gallon is bad).

Starting with verse 3, there were four lepers at the entrance to the city, who had been cast out because of their affliction. They too had run out of food and reasoned among themselves, if we go into the city, there is no food and we will die. If we stay here, we will die. But if we surrender to the Syrians, maybe, just maybe, they will have pity on us and give us food. Worse case scenario, they kill us. They had four choices and only one had life as a possible conclusion. Pretty sound reasoning to me.

You may know the rest of the story. The lepers show up to the Syrian camp, but no one was there, for God had intervened and caused the Syrians to flee and leave all their food and possessions behind. These four outcasts started having quite a party. But then they thought, we shouldn't keep this to ourselves. We should go tell the king of the good news.

Imagine if these lepers would have stayed at the camp. They could have lived their on their own indefinitely. And who could have blamed them? They were lepers that had been run out of town. However, they had an abundance. They had something that their city needed.

Just as Israel needed this food, we Christians have something that our neighbors need: the message of salvation. It would only be selfish to live on the abundance of God's favor and not share it with those in need. Obviously this could include material items or finances, but above all else, the message of Christ. Food and clothing are necessary, but as Jesus told us, if we have faith in Him, God will provide that. It's like the old "give a man a fish...teach a man to fish" saying.

This brings me back to my original point. God wants me to do something. Maybe I don't know what just yet. But in the mean time I could--no, should--be sharing my faith with a city full of people that need it as desperately as a starving person needs food. That's what God put me here for: To share the best of what I have (which is the love of Christ), not wait to die.

Let me close this blog by quoting Ravi from his message. This refers to the plight of the lepers, who were deciding between life and death. "Siting and doing nothing. It is a form of death. Why not go and see what God is doing and join in with Him. All too often, we do what we want to do and ask if He wants to join with us."

A Beginning and an End

It's the eve of Opening Day in Cincinnati.

Opening Day for major league baseball may not mean a lot to some people and maybe not even all that much to most baseball fans. Major League Baseball has not helped that by shipping teams to Japan and playing games on bizarre days and bizarre times.

But there was a time when the first game was always played in Cincinnati. Always. Only once in team history have the Reds not opened at home (coincidentally it was 1990 when the team won the World Series) and that was because of a owners lock out and the start of the season was pushed back. For Reds fans, Opening Day is not just a big deal, it's a holiday.

Kids don't go to school. Offices shut down. There is a parade through town and all kinds of events leading up to the game. I was fortunate enough to be there a couple years ago and it was one of the all-time great atmospheres. Part of the reason is that yes, it's finally baseball season. But more so, there's always reason to believe in April.

I couldn't be more excited about baseball season. I love baseball and I love the Reds!

Jason filled me in on some news today. I was surprised to hear that Craig from Prince Street will be moving to Fort Wayne, Ind., soon to take a new pastoral position. Craig was the first person I met at the church and he was the first to get me into the worship team. It will be strange to think that he won't be at Prince Street much longer. He did a fantastic job with the youth while he was there and I have all confidence that he will be fantastic with his new position. Let me suggest that everyone keep not only Craig and his family in your prayers during their move, but also Prince Street, its congregation and its youth group as they look to fill that position. God is doing great things at Prince Street and it will certainly continue.

Teasing a Topic

I was reading 1 Chronicles 16 the other day. It highlights David placing the ark in the tabernacle and his ensuing psalm. I've read that particular psalm a few times but it really struck me this time. Generally I associate David's psalm's with praising God or giving thanks and this one certainly does that, but more so, it seems to give an outline for how Christians should spread the gospel.

I've never felt as if I've done a good job sharing my faith and its probably because I never really knew what to say. Recently, it was on my mind to figure out exactly what I should say when the opportunity presented itself and decided I need to do a little Biblical research to make sure I got it right. There is no doubt, then, that God directed me to this passage.

Since reading 1 Chronicles, I've compared it to a few other famous sermons and testimonies in the Bible to gather the similarities. That way, I figure I can create a template for my personal testimony. I planned on doing an in-depth blog about this and I will, but just not tonight or tomorrow as they have been and will be busy days at work, getting me home rather late. There just isn't enough time to dedicate to a topic that is so important. Don't worry, though. I will share my thoughts soon.

On a side and completely unrelated note. The Celtics are great!

A Rare Visit

Living on my own and with my little townhouse tucked into a corner of a rather sizable group of other townhouses, I rarely get visitors. In fact, the only people other than my parents, grandparents, fiancee and maintenance men to be in this house were Jason and Bill on a visit from Shippensburg and a group of coworkers for the national championship game. That's not a whole lot of house guests over the course of eight months.

So you can imagine I was quite surprise when I heard a knock on my door this evening. I was just getting ready to cook dinner and still had a spatula in my hand when I opened the door. Greeting me was the pastor of the tiny church I attended Sunday.

There were only about 30-35 people in the congregation so I kind of stuck out like a sore thumb. I talked briefly with him before the service and he mentioned in passing that he'd like to give me a call and visit sometime. Well, I've visited a lot of churches since I've been here and I just didn't really feel like putting down my phone number and having another awkward conversation over the phone. But hey, what's an awkward conversation on the phone when you can have one with a stranger in your home!

I'll give him credit, he meant what he said. He showed up and we had about a 30 minute visit. He mostly asked about my background and did see my guitar leaning against the wall, which brought up how I had played in church for many years. He asked me how I was saved and I shared my story, as uneventful as it is.

He must really be trying to grow his congregation if he's making house visits. Most places will place a call or send a letter or an e-mail. Some are more personalized than others. But this was very personalized. Will I go back because he stopped in?. Probably not. Simply because the congregation was almost entirely senior citizens and I didn't see one person in my age bracket. But I did take three things from the visit.

The first was that he asked to have a word of prayer before he left. If I ever get into ministry, I'll remember that. Every visit should be centered around building relationships with God. Secondly, when praying, he asked God to find a right church for me. That was big of him. I think he knew I didn't fit in with his congregation but a Christian wants their brother contributing in a church somewhere, even if its not their own. And finally, if I ever become a pastor, I'll remember to call before popping in on someone wearing basketball shorts and holding a spatula.

Another Video

I was searching around on Youtube and found this. I actually have this DVD. Fantastic performance of one of my all-time favorite songs.

A New Talent

Myspace.com has become a great resource for me. I've found a lot of new music there recently. Basically, what I do is go to the site of a band I like. Say, myspace.com/thirdday. Every band has four or five full songs on its page, so I can listen to bands I already know or find new music. On Third Day's site, I'll take a look at who they have listed as their top friends. Usually it's bands that are on the same recording label or that they are on tour with. From there, I can listen to that band, and then go to listen to their friends and on and on.

Modern radio drives me nuts because DJ's are basically non-existent. The reasoning behind this is that all radio stations are owned by basically one company. And it's a whole lot easier to hire one or two DJ's to work on a national scale and then play the recorded material on all the stations. Very few local stations actually have full-time DJ staffs unfortunately. Sure, it stinks that DJ jobs are going away, but it also drives me nuts because no one EVER announces what band sings the song I just heard. That's why I use myspace.com now. Through this type of networking I've come to really like Leeland, Story Side B, Decemberadio and Needtobreathe.

I'm very aware that these bands have been popular in the Christian music genre for a while, but I'm only just now getting back into listening to the genre. I stopped listening for a while because EVERY band started putting out "praise and worship" records. Hey, I'm all for praise and worship songs, but the market was totally flooded with a thousand records like Third Day's "Offerings" or any Chris Tomlin CD. It was too much. But it seems like we are finally getting away from it and there seems to be some actual originality and ability in the songwriting.

I maintain that David Crowder is one of the best and most innovative song writers we have in music. But someone that might be gaining on him is this Leeland kid. He's only 17 years old I believe and boy can he write a song and boy can he sing. His style is distinct and I have a feeling that he's going to be around for a long, long time. I'm a little thrown off by his look, though. He kind of looks like Raggedy Andy. But still, quite the talent. Michael W. Smith actually called him a little Keith Green. Which is a "wow" compliment if you are a Christian artist.

Here's a live version of "Tears for the Saints" below. I encourage you to check out their myspace page and also take a listen to "Carried to the Table." The second video is a song he wrote called "Be Lifted High." This song is so good that Michael W. Smith ripped him off.

Standing Trial

Let me start by apologizing for the inconsistency of my blogging. Baseball started its home games this week and between that, NCAA basketball and not feeling well, I simply haven't gotten to this computer that much. That's my excuse.

This is the one time of year that I really sit down and watch a game between two teams that I generally do not care about. But infinitely more important than basketball is that it's also the time of year to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

It seems like its sneaked up on me this year since I've been out of town for three consecutive weeks and even when I'm home I just can't find a place that I feel comfortable or on some occasions, not very sound in terms of doctrine. Regardless, I just haven't been doing a very good job of spending time in in fellowship and worship. When I get right down to it, it's like a matter of getting caught up in the "world." Something that the Bible warns us about all the time.

It's been a while since I had a spiritually based post, too. But with it being the eve of Easter Sunday, I feel it necessary to share a little scripture and testimony.

Let me start from the beginning...

The story of Peter denying Jesus three times the night of his betrayal is one that has been with me since early in my youth. I can remember playing the role of Peter in church programs and even in one program, singing a song about "my" despair and personal disappointment.

It wasn't until recently that I realized that I didn't relate to Peter's predicament through the theater, but through real life. Certainly, my denial is not as overt and obvious as Peter's and it is does not occur under such extreme circumstances. Who knows how any of us would have reacted in his shoes on that night. In our minds, or at least my mind, I always think I would stand up and say emphatically, "Yes, I do know Him."

But again, denying Christ through spoken words can be quite similar to denying Him by not saying anything at all.

It's the way I feel when I'm in a crowd of guys (which happens a lot working in athletics) and they are swapping stories about some unsavory topics and using quite colorful language. It's tough to sit there, but if I'm working a game, I can't just get up and leave. But maybe I laugh along with a story, simply encouraging it to continue. Or maybe I don't speak up and say, "Hey, guys, that's enough." That's a tough situation to be in and I'm never really sure what I should do or how I should act. But I do know that as long as I allow it to continue and not do anything about at least removing myself from the conversation, I'm denying Christ by not being clear about my relationship with Him. If I'm in a place I shouldn't be or hearing something I shouldn't hear (and so on) and say or do nothing, the people around me will only have to assume that I am not a Christian.

As long as I've been a Christian, this has been a problem. I suppose the only remedy is getting some guts and if I can't remove myself from the situation, then sharing my faith. What? Am I am worried about being called weird, or crazy? Being called a name is a far lesser fate than what Peter would have endured.

As always, I'm open to suggestions on how these things should be handled.

Another way Peter and I are similar is this: Jesus has forgiven us.

In John 21, Jesus asks Peter, "do you love Me more than these?" And He asked him three times. Seemingly once for each denial. Jesus knew that Peter loved Him, just as He knows that I love Him. But part of being forgiven is asking for forgiveness and not just thinking in my mind that I love Him, but telling Him and showing Him that I love Him.

Even writing this, I felt terrible because of all the times I had sat by silently and allowed myself to become a part of the situation. But I just started reading ahead and in verse 18, God, just as He always does, restores me and gives me hope, telling me that not only am I forgiven, but that He has big plans for me.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

Now, this obviously was Jesus telling Peter that someday, Peter would die because of his association with Jesus. While death is not necessarily something we look forward to, I would have to imagine that Peter would be relieved to hear this. He loved Jesus and hated himself for denying Him. But Jesus reassured Peter that someday, when the opportunity came again, that he would not fail and instead, glorify God in his death.

This doesn't exactly mean that I and all other believers will also die in this manner. But this gives me hope that when I am faced with a predicament, I will not fail, but rather glorify God and make it known that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me..." 2 Timothy 4:17.

Out of Commission

The interesting post I teased yesterday won't make it up tonight. I haven't felt well the last two days and I'll be heading back to the doctor tomorrow to try and get this situation straightened out once and for all.

Just Some Thoughts

After a third-straight crazy weekend on the road, I think I'm finally settling back into normalcy in Erie. I have an interesting blog topic for tomorrow. I was going to do it tonight but my Celtics, who are coming off a huge win in San Antonio, are playing the Rockets (winners of 22 in a row) on TNT. I wouldn't miss that for the world.

I'm watching it right now. The Celtics are up by 10 in the third quarter and are threatening to end the streak. It is fantastic to be a fan of the best team in the NBA and even though media types don't consider my boys the best team in the NBA, I'm fine with them having to prove themselves every time out. They play nasty, mean and confident. I love it.

The NCAA Tournament starts in two days. If you want my bracket breakdown, check www.thebuckeyebunch.com. To make it brief, I don't see any big upsets this year. All the teams below a three seed just aren't very good other than Pitt. And I think Pitt burned itself out in the Big East Tournament. My Final Four: Tennesee, Kansas, Texas, UCLA with UCLA winning it all. I really do like Memphis and if they can get by Pitt and Texas (in Houston), they'll probably win it all. I just think its bracket is too tough.

With spring and summer right around the corner, I'm starting to look forward to it. It will probably be really hectic with wedding planning, but there will be plenty of opportunities to get out to baseball games, head out to Presque Isle and hopefully take in a couple of concerts. I was hoping to make it to a Third Day show on April 6 but can't find any one to go with me. Right now it looks like my next concert stop will be April 26 in Youngstown...Phil Keaggy...Master & The Musician Tour.

Just Win, Baby

What would of thunk it?

The men's ice hockey team keeps on winning. The Lakers beat top-seeded and tournament favorite Army today 4-2 to advance to the conference finals to play Air Force. To be totally honest, I thought I'd be going home Friday night. But here we are looking at an AH Championship and third night in Rochester. By the way, I'm 4-0 as a hockey SID.

It's always exciting to be with a team that is doing well. MC was close to having a historic day to do. Not only is the hockey team making an unprecedented run (the lowest seeded team to reach the finals), but the women's team ALMOST advanced to the Frozen Four (but lost 5-4) and Hudson Harrison ALMOST became our first ever national champion in wrestling (lost 8-2 in the title bout). Still, I take my hat off to Hudson. He qualified for nationals four times but was never an All-American until this year and its his senior year. It's just too bad that he finished with 99 career wins. A win in the championship would have been his 100th. Still a great career.

Crazy day in sports and it was made only worse by a media member that really acted like a big jerk and all the Irish posers who swarmed the streets and our hotel for the parade today. It's insane what some people do for this "holiday." Totally insane.

Even though I didn't expect to still be in Rochester, I'm really excited for tomorrow's game. In three years as an SID, I saw the Ship field hockey team win a conference title, the men's basketball team lose in a heart breaker, missed out on last year's baseball team winning the PSAC and haven't really had a truly successful team yet at Mercyhurst. No matter how I'm affiliated with the team, it's always better to be a part of the team when it wins.

This and That

I'm giddy with excitement right now. I was sitting in the hotel flipping through channels and ESPN Classic is showing old AWA wrestling. Sure, that's cool in its self. But what makes it the coolest is that Marty Jannetty and the late Curt Hennig are the Tag Team Champions of the World!

To be totally honest, the AWA was before my time, but all of the guys I've seen wrestle went on to have some type of career in the WWF and WCW. Ah, nostalgia.

In other news, the Celtics clinched the Atlantic Division! Wow, that's two exclamation points in one article. Anyway, they clinched without winning. This is the beginning of an incredibly tough stretch that includes games against Utah, Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans. At this juncture of the season, it doesn't even matter if the team loses every game, because the division is clinched and barring a complete tank job, the No. 1 seed in the East is all but assured.

Even better than clinching the Atlantic is that they C's wore those freakin' sweet green and gold St. Patrick's Day unis. I love these uniforms and wish they would wear them instead of the green and black they've recently adopted.

Speaking of green and St. Patrick's Day, is it any coincidence that the Lakers ice hockey team, wearing all green uniforms and staying in the hotel that serves as the de facto central spot of Rochester's big St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday, is putting together quite a run through the playoffs? I think not. I'm not entirely sure about this, but I think their is also something Irish involved with the founding of Mercyhurst College. Hey, we play top-seeded Army tomorrow. We need all the the luck of the Irish.

By the way, I don't usually like to talk about politics because it does nothing but starts a fight, but I will say that Obama is in deep doodo now that the media has uncovered his close relationship with his pastor and how out-there his pastor is. Go republicans! (Three exclamation points in one blog. Three too many.)

Road Warrior

On the road again. Findlay, Ohio, Niagara Falls, Rochester, N.Y. Three teams, three towns, three weekends. I'm getting quite used to the hotel deal again, although this week, the DIVISION I men's hockey program, put me in a room with an assistant coach. Now THAT's tough to get used to after having my own room the last two weekends. There's a very distinct possibility that I'll be going home tomorrow night. There's a also a chance I'll be here till Sunday. Let's hope for the former.

It would be a lot different if I was traveling with men's basketball or wrestling--the two teams I spent the entire year with. I know the athletes and they know me. Now I'm with a team that I watched one time this year, have NO idea who is whom, and I know hardly any much more about the sport of hockey. It's really awkward to walk into the awards reception and try to figure out who the other SID's are and everyone is trying to figure out who you are. I'm not the most sociable in those situations either.

But I will say this. Coach Rick Gotkin is awesome. He's one of these guys that is always upbeat, never has a harsh tone in his voice and is always willing to tell you one of his old hockey stories. And he has some great stories. He had our table rolling during the dinner, especially with the story of his garment bag getting caught on an old ladies oxygen tank as they boarded a plane. Claaaassic.

I'm also impressed with Rochester. I had no idea what the town was like but it has a beautiful downtown area built around the small but picturesque Genesee River. There are high rise buildings, some fantastic little restaurants, a newly renovated hockey arena and brand new minor league ballpark. Just outside of town is a community of those early American brick and stone houses that go hand-in-hand with New York state. I don't know if I'm brave enough, but I'd like to get out and walk around a bit tomorrow and check out the town.

Ah, life on the road.

Inxnay on the Vegasay

As women so often do, Trista changed her mind.

We had decided on Las Vegas for our post-wedding getaway (I'm not really calling it a honeymoon because the big shabang will be held off until the next summer). As you can tell from my earlier post, I got excited for Vegas and started checking out all the things there were to do.

But Trista was smart about things and asked around. Neither of us have ever been there and so we have no idea what Vegas is really like. Everyone that knows us knows that we are hardly the hard-drinking, high-rolling-gambling type. But we thought there would be plenty of other sites and things to do. Well, her friends, who had been there, said that you can get bored after a couple days if you don't drink or gamble, which would leave us...well...bored after a couple of days.

Then we got to thinking. After all the hustle and bustle of the wedding, will we really feel like being out and about and running around? Our guess is no. We'll almost certainly need to unwind and relax, not party. We needed a secluded getaway.

So now, we are considering my original proposal...Jekyll Island in Georgia. It's a fancy pants hotel on a small island with a secluded beach and palm beaches and the such. It's the perfect place to take a deep breathe and enjoy each others company after what is sure to be a crazy time.

Viva Georgia!

Viva Las Vegas

There's a good possibility that Trista and I have decided on our honeymoon destination. She really wanted to head to the Caribbean and that would have been great, but not in September, as it is hurricane season. I'd rather just not chance it.

Our plan is to still take a Caribbean vacation sooner than later, but not right now. Instead, we'll save some money and take an abbreviated trip somewhere else.

I asked her, "What's one place you've always wanted to go?" Of course, the only thing she's ever wanted to do was go to some exotic beach. As for me, there are plenty of places: Vancouver, Boston, Yellowstone, San Antonio, Nashville, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, and the list goes on and on.

It was tough to make a decision. Did we want culture and night life or outdoor activity and site seeing? Well, I like to think we picked a place that has a little of both. The one place we could agree on was...Las Vegas.

I'm pretty excited about this. We are only going to stay for three days but we will go to a fairly nice hotel, see some shows, dance, eat, and enjoy the lights and the spectacle. Vegas is a place that has a mythical quality to it. Think of the TV shows and movies that have been set there. All the classic hotels, the famous casinos and "The Strip." Plus, it will be my first trip west of the Ohio/Indiana border. Hard to believe, I know.

There should be lots of time to see Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and all the natural wonders. But this time around, we are going for the ultimate man-made wonder. And to make it a little more special, on our first official date we went to see Ocean's Eleven. Which, of course, is based in Vegas. Unlike Danny Ocean and his crew, however, I'm not planning to knock off all three of Terry Benedict's casinos...or am I?

Spoiled Walked and a Recomendation

There's a conspiracy against me. After being on the road for three days, I just wanted to go out and take a nice walk with my ipod. I even spent some time adding some new songs to the ipod before going out, but just as I was about to leave the apartment, my ipod froze up. Well, it's tough enough to go out in this weather let alone go out without an ipod. But I decided to push onward and go without modern technology.

But when I turned out of the parking lot to walk down 38th Street, what used to be a sidewalk was now about four feet of packed snow. Hmmm. So I turned the other way. Same thing. For those who don't know Erie, 38th Street tends to be fairly busy at this time of night and I wasn't about to walk on the road with a chance of slipping on some ice and rolling underneath a passing 18-wheeler.

So I came inside and blogged instead.

I did want to mention, though, two bands that I've recently come to like a great deal. My new means of finding bands is to go on Myspace.com and look at friends of the bands I already like. Every band puts four songs on their page for free listening and I came upon Needtobreathe and Story Side B. Now, these bands aren't exactly the newest thing on the block but after not searching or finding any new music I liked for several years, it's nice to find a couple of good Christian bands that aren't Third Day or David Crowder Band.

I recommend both for a listen. Just go to http://www.myspace.com/storysideb and http://www.myspace.com/needtobreathe. If you listen to just one song of each, listen to "Be Still" by Story Side B and "Signature of Divine" by Needtobreathe. Excellent tracks each. I know it would be much easier to put the YouTube video in here, but I think videos take away your imagination and ruin songs.