I am gonna tell a story, one that some of your have heard, but one part I usually have left out when telling it, I am not even sure my wife knows one part.
Long time ago, I was working at Wal-Mart, was training to be management. Was working the graveyard shift and just started it, when just after 10pm had a situation where the electronics clerk called me to approve a check over $300 dollars, to buy a huge TV. I got there and the only physical ID the customer could show, the ink was smudged. Ya smudged under the plastic. Told him I could not accept that, he said he had another ID in his car, and was gonna get it. I figured he was Full of S... but he had a friend who actually stayed behind in electronics, so I figured I would wait. The friend walked around for a minute or two so I had an idea to call the phone number on the check he tried to use, turns out the owner of the check answered, and said they had just the day before reported stolen checks and credit cards. So the friend was still in view, so I called the cops who came pretty quick. I met the cops at front entrance and pointed out the friend, and as cop #1 went to talk with him I took cop # 2 outside. We saw the guy who I thought was the customer who tried to use the fake ID about 30 yards off in front of the alberstons next to the Wal-mart, but it was dark so was not sure, and I pointed him out. The cop got on his walkie asking for more officers, then went towards the suspect asking me to follow to be sure to identify him. I did and the cop called out to him. The guy did not respond, and had both his hands in his pockets. He just kept walking. We ran, and the cop again yelled at the man to stop and put his hands in the air, addressing him by describing what he was wearing. He then stopped, put one hand up but not the other. I stopped about 10 yards away. The cop ran with his hand on his gun, ready to draw it, again yelling for the man to put both hands in air. but the man did not. The cop reached him just as he turned. The cop grabbed him and slammed him up against some coke machines, and struggled with him for a bit, but had him pinned pretty well. even to the point the suspect was yelling out in pain, at that time another cop car pulled up, and cop jumped out and helped get the suspect in cuffs. I identified him as the one who gave me the fake ID, then went back to the store, where cop #1 had the friend in cuffs as well on the sidewalk.
I went back inside, and for about 30 minutes cops filled the lot. It ended up there was a 3rd man in their party, waiting in a U Haul type truck, and he too was apprehended, and in the truck was a bunch printing equipment to make ID's, multiple handguns and a couple rifles. As well as some large screen TVs. I had to write out a full statement of what happened for the officers. After an investigation, it turned out these 3 men had storage units of over $45,000 in TV's and other electronics, they had purchased with stolen checks and credit cards. An article was put in the paper a few days later about this stolen goods ring, and I was mentioned as an"Unnamed manager at Wal-Mart" as the reason they where apprehended.
If I told you about this then you heard all of this before.
One part though I have always left out though, not sure why but I have. The suspect I had to go identify with the cop outside the store. Well I mentioned he did not remove one hand from a pocket, and that he was yelling out in pain when being apprehended. Well he kept yelling, AWWWW your crushing my chest. and your breaking my arm, when the cop was trying to get him under control, and slamming him against the coke machines. Well one might say the cop used excessive force, one might even be right. But I am so glad he did, cause that pocket his hand was stuck in had a fully loaded hand gun. And given that he raised one hand but not the other, leaves me only to wonder, was this man thinking about pulling out his gun, and using it on the cop, and possibly myself standing 10 yards behind the cop?
So in this most recent story about the man in NYC who died after getting a choke hold put on him, and was yelling out I cannot breath, but the cop/cops did not let up. I ask you this. Do you really want the cop to let up, when he/she is trying to apprehend a suspect, just because the suspect is yelling out in pain, or saying he/she cannot breath?? Do you?? Do you want the criminals to know that all they have to do is yell, AWWW I CANNOT BREATH, then the cop has to let go, and give the criminal an opportunity to fight back, or worse grab a weapon he might have. Or give the suspect an opportunity to do this??? https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205538434408949&set=vb.1494731896&type=2&theater
HELL no, if the suspect does not obey then they have to be considered hostile, and then they have to be treated as hostile. Now am I saying the cops did not go overboard, no I am not. They do at times, and yes that needs to be addressed. It is an issue. But I also am going to say that its a fine line to try and judge what overboard is when its not your life that is not being put on the line every day. And though they at times get it wrong just like we all do, I am OK with a cop using "Excessive force" when a suspect is not obeying the commands they are being given. Cause the criminals are sure as heck using excessive force. and it could be your life hanging in the balance. If it is, who would you want using this "excessive force?" The cop putting his life on the line for YOU, or the suspect who could take YOUR life.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
We need God's love more than ever.
A young man robs a convienence store, does not obey a cops orders when confronted, possibly even fights back. The cop shoots the young man multiple times, most likely using excessive force and fails to even try any restraint what so ever, killing the young man, and at this moment will not be punished for any wrong doing. A community is outraged, and some overreact by destroying property of the very community they claim they love and are wanting to fight for. The cop in my opinion does not show any sympathy, and even if he was justified in his actions, I find odd, this cop never once had to discharge his weapon on duty previously, so the first time he did, a man dies, and he does not even show any remorse for ending a mans life. leads to questions I don't like to have to ask. The young man who is killed is from a broken family, living in a community that has very weak standards for themselves, its evident in how it has reacted to this tragedy, reacting in a way, hurting the community even more.
Millions of individuals have come to this country illegally, mostly cause they know that their chance of a fruitful life is 100% better here than where they where born. A large majority of them come with the expectation of working hard, and earning a life they could not have otherwise. Many of them do just that, work hard, trying to meet the systems guidelines,some of them though do not, and take advantage of a system that is very easy to take advantage of. But due to various reasons, some justified, some not, they are met with a strong dislike, even hatred by a group of people, who think just cause they where born here, they have more human rights. So much so that this large group of people are willing to very harshly punish the first group of people for doing something they themselves would probably do if they where in the others shoes. And though some of the punishment by law would be justified, the extent this punishment would reach, would be completely against what this country was built on.
A man and a woman live a married life for years, have a child or two. After time life's challenges wear on them, they start to blame the other for not meeting these life challenges to the expectations that had for each other. This leads to strong feelings of hurt, which lead to looking at each other in negative ways. They start to look to other people for support, to fill the need they once looked to each other for, and then they disgrace the marriage, doing things they promised they would never do. The end up living separate lives, passing on to their children the idea that this type of thing is the norm, and its ok.
A homeless man, visits a church. Hoping to find something that will cause him to want to hold onto this life. He sits and listens to a sermon, and feels hope, but as he is leaving the auditorium, he sees dirty looks, hears a mother tell her son to stay away from that man, while looking in his direction. And sees people try to aviod him, possibly due to his oder. He comes to a realization that what he was looking for does not exist.
A man harshly judges and treats his younger siblings very badly for a period of time. His siblings are not ones who deal with being hurt well and cannot forgive. So when the man tries to act as a loving Brother, and even make up for the hurt he caused, its not excepted. The hurt is to great to move past in their eyes.
These are all things happening right now, all over our country/world, and also have happened over and over again throughout the years. And seem to be happening more and more. And whats worse is that as they happen more and more, people just move along like these things are no big deal. They get chaulked up to, well its just the way things are, or it becomes so normal that people actually expect it to happen, thus do not try and prevent it.
What's the constant in all these. Selfishness, anger, lack of empathy, lack of respect for the individual, laziness? Yes, but at the root, its the lack of love. Where is the love for our fellow man/woman, our community, our spouses and siblings? And where is our love for God? Instead we are seeing the growing opinion that love is not needed, seeing a world where God is not needed.
A man now is not sure why this is effecting him so much, but it is all of a sudden. He has always been one to gripe about society, its greed, its selfishness, its lack of caring for each other. But it never made him feel like it has been lately, on the verge of tears at times when he thinks about the world his children will be dealing with when he is no longer here. Maybe its middle age, maybe its fatherly fears. Or maybe he has just recently experienced real love, Gods's love, and he realizes how lost he was without it. And he is so humbled by it, that he now truly hurts for the ones who are not experincing it. It's an odd feeling, so opposite of one he is used to, He does not even know at this time what to do with it. So he reaches for ways to use it, and at times he will reach in the wrong direction, and his actions might be misguided at times, because his is still figuring them out.
I pray that this man is able to see why God has done what is being done in his life, and what he is now to do going forward with what God has given him. That he is open to the path God has laid out for him, and that it leads to others finding the love he now experiences daily. And maybe just maybe these others that experience it will pass it along as well, and that maybe a few of the above mentioned scenarios will be avoided.
Millions of individuals have come to this country illegally, mostly cause they know that their chance of a fruitful life is 100% better here than where they where born. A large majority of them come with the expectation of working hard, and earning a life they could not have otherwise. Many of them do just that, work hard, trying to meet the systems guidelines,some of them though do not, and take advantage of a system that is very easy to take advantage of. But due to various reasons, some justified, some not, they are met with a strong dislike, even hatred by a group of people, who think just cause they where born here, they have more human rights. So much so that this large group of people are willing to very harshly punish the first group of people for doing something they themselves would probably do if they where in the others shoes. And though some of the punishment by law would be justified, the extent this punishment would reach, would be completely against what this country was built on.
A man and a woman live a married life for years, have a child or two. After time life's challenges wear on them, they start to blame the other for not meeting these life challenges to the expectations that had for each other. This leads to strong feelings of hurt, which lead to looking at each other in negative ways. They start to look to other people for support, to fill the need they once looked to each other for, and then they disgrace the marriage, doing things they promised they would never do. The end up living separate lives, passing on to their children the idea that this type of thing is the norm, and its ok.
A homeless man, visits a church. Hoping to find something that will cause him to want to hold onto this life. He sits and listens to a sermon, and feels hope, but as he is leaving the auditorium, he sees dirty looks, hears a mother tell her son to stay away from that man, while looking in his direction. And sees people try to aviod him, possibly due to his oder. He comes to a realization that what he was looking for does not exist.
A man harshly judges and treats his younger siblings very badly for a period of time. His siblings are not ones who deal with being hurt well and cannot forgive. So when the man tries to act as a loving Brother, and even make up for the hurt he caused, its not excepted. The hurt is to great to move past in their eyes.
These are all things happening right now, all over our country/world, and also have happened over and over again throughout the years. And seem to be happening more and more. And whats worse is that as they happen more and more, people just move along like these things are no big deal. They get chaulked up to, well its just the way things are, or it becomes so normal that people actually expect it to happen, thus do not try and prevent it.
What's the constant in all these. Selfishness, anger, lack of empathy, lack of respect for the individual, laziness? Yes, but at the root, its the lack of love. Where is the love for our fellow man/woman, our community, our spouses and siblings? And where is our love for God? Instead we are seeing the growing opinion that love is not needed, seeing a world where God is not needed.
A man now is not sure why this is effecting him so much, but it is all of a sudden. He has always been one to gripe about society, its greed, its selfishness, its lack of caring for each other. But it never made him feel like it has been lately, on the verge of tears at times when he thinks about the world his children will be dealing with when he is no longer here. Maybe its middle age, maybe its fatherly fears. Or maybe he has just recently experienced real love, Gods's love, and he realizes how lost he was without it. And he is so humbled by it, that he now truly hurts for the ones who are not experincing it. It's an odd feeling, so opposite of one he is used to, He does not even know at this time what to do with it. So he reaches for ways to use it, and at times he will reach in the wrong direction, and his actions might be misguided at times, because his is still figuring them out.
I pray that this man is able to see why God has done what is being done in his life, and what he is now to do going forward with what God has given him. That he is open to the path God has laid out for him, and that it leads to others finding the love he now experiences daily. And maybe just maybe these others that experience it will pass it along as well, and that maybe a few of the above mentioned scenarios will be avoided.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Whine and do nothing, or make an impact.
This short post is an accumulation of many things I have had thoughts on posting about. I have very strong opinions about many aspects of our world/country. and many of them are what is wrong, and what should or should not be done. I though many times do not widely share those opinions, the main reason being I am not actually doing anything to help initiate or make any changes.
Well these past couple weeks I have felt convicted to get involved somehow, to find a way to make change, or at least try and make an impact. The probelm is I have not an idea where to start, and I have no idea which of my various issues need to be focused on. So I have been looking for oppotunities, to use the few usefull skills I have been blessed with, to make an impact.
I have identified two of my biggest issues with society. 1. Our political system, and 2, America's selfish and prideful nature. Now there is no way I can make any huge impact on either of those, but what impact I can make needs to start with gaining knowledge of why these two things are the way they are, finding ways to show what changes I think can happen and what if anything I can do to make an impact.
First off I HATE politics, with a passion, but even with that disdain, I need to be knowledgable of how the system works if I want to even try to get involved in change. So next month I plan on attending city council meetings. Just a start.
Then I am going to find ways through my church, to get involved in community and missions. Starting with the greatest life group of all at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall.
This way even if my impact is that of a BB pellet shot at an elephant, at least I can say I have gotten off my Azz and tried, unlike 99% of the other people out there whining.
Well these past couple weeks I have felt convicted to get involved somehow, to find a way to make change, or at least try and make an impact. The probelm is I have not an idea where to start, and I have no idea which of my various issues need to be focused on. So I have been looking for oppotunities, to use the few usefull skills I have been blessed with, to make an impact.
I have identified two of my biggest issues with society. 1. Our political system, and 2, America's selfish and prideful nature. Now there is no way I can make any huge impact on either of those, but what impact I can make needs to start with gaining knowledge of why these two things are the way they are, finding ways to show what changes I think can happen and what if anything I can do to make an impact.
First off I HATE politics, with a passion, but even with that disdain, I need to be knowledgable of how the system works if I want to even try to get involved in change. So next month I plan on attending city council meetings. Just a start.
Then I am going to find ways through my church, to get involved in community and missions. Starting with the greatest life group of all at Lakepointe Church in Rockwall.
This way even if my impact is that of a BB pellet shot at an elephant, at least I can say I have gotten off my Azz and tried, unlike 99% of the other people out there whining.
Friday, October 10, 2014
College Football again
Well I did so well in last weeks games, NOT, I thought I would try it again. Actually considering the week it was I didn't do that bad. But here we go again.
The reason I put more thought into it last week then times before is I was looking at the weeks ahead, and saw that last week sytarted a 3 week timeframe that would pretty much either determine most of the playoff teams it not all. So many top matchups, and this and next week they are happening again, and I feel by Monday 20th, we should know at least 3 of the 4 teams in.
So lets get to it
Auburn VS Miss St, #2 vs #3. Miss St just had the best 2 game stretch in their history, and are now ranked higher than ever, If the Bulldogs win this they are put in the drivers seat for the SEC west, though they still have to go to Ole Miss and Bama, those games are towards the end of season, and if Ms St goes into those games still undefeated, they would be favored. Auburn right now is the favorite, but have a brutal 5 game stretch. That being said, Auburn will win this, Ms states defense showed they have some flaws over the past two weeks even though they beat good teams. Auburn's. though has lived up to expectations, and will continue to. Tigers beat the dogs and cover the 2 point spread. 32-24
Oregon Vs Ucla.
This should be a battle of 2 undefeated teams, but they both fell last week to lesser teams, looking forward? Maybe, but also having some flaws exposed. They both still have a shot at the playoffs though, but need to win out. Ucla though the loss was to an unranked team has better shot. They already beat Arizona state and have the other teams left on the schedule they need to lose, to make it to championship. Oregon though with the loss the Zona, has to win out and hope Zona loses twice. UCLA is also the better team. Oregon is favored on the road, but that is just silly. Their offensive line is a joke. and UCLA will expose that. Bet on the Bruins, UCLA wins in convincing fashion. 45-35
Baylor Vs TCU.
If I say we have a unbeaten match up top 10 in the big 12 this late in the season, you would not have guessed Baylor VS TCU, but it has happened. TCU stunned the country last week by beating the Sooners, and Baylor struggled to win VS a weak Longhorn team. Baylor is Home and favored by 7, meaning Vegas thinks the frogs are for real. Baylor has not played any real yet. I do feel this is a real test, but they will pass it, barely. TCU will cover the +7 so bet on them, but Bears win a close one,
41-38
Ole Miss, VS A&M
Rebels finally get that Bama monkey off their back, and now get to go to Kyle Field. To play an Aggie team that kinda got embarrassed in Starkville last week. Aggies are only a 2.5 fav at home, asking for people to bet on Ole Miss, meaning the Aggies will really win. Bama last week was overrated at #3, so Ole miss has not really had to play anyone else real yet. They are good, but not yet good enough to go undefeated in the SEC, and this is first loss. Aggies win at home 45-34
Georgia Vs Missouri
Winner has road to SEC title game in front of them. And the Dogs have lost their best player. Tough break cause they should have won this, but now won't. Missouri's loss to Indiana was one of those WTH flukes, and they are coming off a bye week. They will be fresher, Hungrier and without Gurely to watch for, ready for a kill. How Georgia is favored I have no clue. Mizz wins 38-32
Alabama Vs Arkansas
Bama is overrated and it showed last week. They do not have the depth they are used to having and no longer can pound you into submission. Arkansas is home and hungry for a real SEC win, and I think they can pull off the upset, especially coming off a bye week, and Bama dealing with some injuries on the offensive line. Bama is favored by 8, so bet the hogs, and I am even calling for the out right win. 35-31
IN other games that matter, Irish win and Noles win setting up another top 5 undefeated match up next week, Oklahoma takes out frustration of TCU loss out on Texas, Zona beats USC to stay in Pac 12 drivers seat, and
Lets hope I get better at this.
The reason I put more thought into it last week then times before is I was looking at the weeks ahead, and saw that last week sytarted a 3 week timeframe that would pretty much either determine most of the playoff teams it not all. So many top matchups, and this and next week they are happening again, and I feel by Monday 20th, we should know at least 3 of the 4 teams in.
So lets get to it
Auburn VS Miss St, #2 vs #3. Miss St just had the best 2 game stretch in their history, and are now ranked higher than ever, If the Bulldogs win this they are put in the drivers seat for the SEC west, though they still have to go to Ole Miss and Bama, those games are towards the end of season, and if Ms St goes into those games still undefeated, they would be favored. Auburn right now is the favorite, but have a brutal 5 game stretch. That being said, Auburn will win this, Ms states defense showed they have some flaws over the past two weeks even though they beat good teams. Auburn's. though has lived up to expectations, and will continue to. Tigers beat the dogs and cover the 2 point spread. 32-24
Oregon Vs Ucla.
This should be a battle of 2 undefeated teams, but they both fell last week to lesser teams, looking forward? Maybe, but also having some flaws exposed. They both still have a shot at the playoffs though, but need to win out. Ucla though the loss was to an unranked team has better shot. They already beat Arizona state and have the other teams left on the schedule they need to lose, to make it to championship. Oregon though with the loss the Zona, has to win out and hope Zona loses twice. UCLA is also the better team. Oregon is favored on the road, but that is just silly. Their offensive line is a joke. and UCLA will expose that. Bet on the Bruins, UCLA wins in convincing fashion. 45-35
Baylor Vs TCU.
If I say we have a unbeaten match up top 10 in the big 12 this late in the season, you would not have guessed Baylor VS TCU, but it has happened. TCU stunned the country last week by beating the Sooners, and Baylor struggled to win VS a weak Longhorn team. Baylor is Home and favored by 7, meaning Vegas thinks the frogs are for real. Baylor has not played any real yet. I do feel this is a real test, but they will pass it, barely. TCU will cover the +7 so bet on them, but Bears win a close one,
41-38
Ole Miss, VS A&M
Rebels finally get that Bama monkey off their back, and now get to go to Kyle Field. To play an Aggie team that kinda got embarrassed in Starkville last week. Aggies are only a 2.5 fav at home, asking for people to bet on Ole Miss, meaning the Aggies will really win. Bama last week was overrated at #3, so Ole miss has not really had to play anyone else real yet. They are good, but not yet good enough to go undefeated in the SEC, and this is first loss. Aggies win at home 45-34
Georgia Vs Missouri
Winner has road to SEC title game in front of them. And the Dogs have lost their best player. Tough break cause they should have won this, but now won't. Missouri's loss to Indiana was one of those WTH flukes, and they are coming off a bye week. They will be fresher, Hungrier and without Gurely to watch for, ready for a kill. How Georgia is favored I have no clue. Mizz wins 38-32
Alabama Vs Arkansas
Bama is overrated and it showed last week. They do not have the depth they are used to having and no longer can pound you into submission. Arkansas is home and hungry for a real SEC win, and I think they can pull off the upset, especially coming off a bye week, and Bama dealing with some injuries on the offensive line. Bama is favored by 8, so bet the hogs, and I am even calling for the out right win. 35-31
IN other games that matter, Irish win and Noles win setting up another top 5 undefeated match up next week, Oklahoma takes out frustration of TCU loss out on Texas, Zona beats USC to stay in Pac 12 drivers seat, and
Lets hope I get better at this.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Clayton Kershaw, great, yes but we have seen better more than once in my generation.
So much talk in baseball these past couple months has been how great Kershaw has been, and rightfully so. But so many people, baseball "experts" even are calling what Kershaw has done over past 4 years as greatest pitching stretch in decades!. Really, these people have such sort memories.
He has been great, yes check out these stats
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml after winning the CY this year it will be 3 in four years, the one year didn't win was 2nd. But this has been done not too long ago.
Pedro Martinez, remember him had a 4 year stretch just as good, actually even better. 97-2000 http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martipe02.shtml Same awards, 3 CY and one 2nd place finish. But look closely. Pedro had more wins, better ERA, more strike outs by far, with about same walk, and more complete games.
Randy Johnson 2000-2003. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml
4 CY awards. and no one was even a close 2nd. even more wins and strike outs. and look at those abscomplete games. and do not try to say that closers are used more now, cause the league leader for saves had an average of 7 more a year in the late 90's and early 2000's than last couple years.
Greg Maddux, http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maddugr01.shtml
92-95, 4 Cy awards, very similar wins, less SOs but less walks better ERA, and more complete games,
Now lets add in the biggest difference between Kershaw VS the other 3. Pedro, Maddux and Randy pitched in the steroid era, the league averages for offense where so much higher, so the separation between what they did compared to the rest of the league and what Kershaw is doing compared to the league, not even close. Hell people are now talking about lowering the mound to help out the offense, saying the lack of offense is hurting the game now. Look at the WAR for all 4 as well Kershaw is easily the lowest.
O and do not forget the Post season records. Randy 5-1 in 2001 on way to WS MVP, though was a rough 7-9 lifetime. Pedro was a great 16-5 in postseason. Kershaw well is 1-5 so far, including two huge choke performances this year. Maddux was under 500.
So yes Kershaw is great. He is the best in the game right now, but lets hold off of crowning him anything other than that. He has about 10 more years of consistent performance to even sniff the jock straps of these three and about a few others over past 20 years.
He has been great, yes check out these stats
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kershcl01.shtml after winning the CY this year it will be 3 in four years, the one year didn't win was 2nd. But this has been done not too long ago.
Pedro Martinez, remember him had a 4 year stretch just as good, actually even better. 97-2000 http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martipe02.shtml Same awards, 3 CY and one 2nd place finish. But look closely. Pedro had more wins, better ERA, more strike outs by far, with about same walk, and more complete games.
Randy Johnson 2000-2003. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnsra05.shtml
4 CY awards. and no one was even a close 2nd. even more wins and strike outs. and look at those abscomplete games. and do not try to say that closers are used more now, cause the league leader for saves had an average of 7 more a year in the late 90's and early 2000's than last couple years.
Greg Maddux, http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/maddugr01.shtml
92-95, 4 Cy awards, very similar wins, less SOs but less walks better ERA, and more complete games,
Now lets add in the biggest difference between Kershaw VS the other 3. Pedro, Maddux and Randy pitched in the steroid era, the league averages for offense where so much higher, so the separation between what they did compared to the rest of the league and what Kershaw is doing compared to the league, not even close. Hell people are now talking about lowering the mound to help out the offense, saying the lack of offense is hurting the game now. Look at the WAR for all 4 as well Kershaw is easily the lowest.
O and do not forget the Post season records. Randy 5-1 in 2001 on way to WS MVP, though was a rough 7-9 lifetime. Pedro was a great 16-5 in postseason. Kershaw well is 1-5 so far, including two huge choke performances this year. Maddux was under 500.
So yes Kershaw is great. He is the best in the game right now, but lets hold off of crowning him anything other than that. He has about 10 more years of consistent performance to even sniff the jock straps of these three and about a few others over past 20 years.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
My footaball weekend analysis
Huge weekend in college football, as teams get into the heart of their conference schedules. many team with lose this weekend will take themselves out of current discussions for a playoff shot. Gonna give my take on some of the games.
I am gonna start with some huge games in the SEC, as they easily have the best conference in NCAA and the west side is BRUTAL. They will do some major beating on each other, if any of those teams finish regular season unbeaten will be a miracle. If the playoffs where 8 teams I would bet that 4 SEC teams would deserve to end up in them, but with only 4 spots, 2 is possible but not likely, as I said they will beat each other up and 2 loses will be common.
Texas A&M Vs Mississippi St.
Bulldogs trying to put their names into real discussion for SEC title hunt. Their win VS LSU 2 weeks ago was huge, and they get a bye afterwards to prepare for one of the the best offenses in the nation. If they win this and then somehow beat Auburn next week, that will vault them into top 4 status for sure. If the Aggies can go into Starkville and win this, it will get people back talking they are for real. And for the first time into real title discussion. Though with their schedule left, 6 of 7 teams in top 25 and they go on road VS both teams in the state of Alabama, I see no way they don't lose 2 games to knock them out of playoff contention. This year is not their year, next year however! People kinda have backed off them with a poor performance VS Arkansas, a team that is actually better then many teams ranked, cause they had played 2 top 10 teams already and played them both tough. There is no way I would bet this game. I can see it going either way, But since I am putting myself out there and writing about it, I will say the Aggies pull out a close nail biter, due to winning the turnover battle. Kenny Hill must play much better than he did last week though.
Aggies 38-34
Alabama VS Ole Miss.
The Rebels are in same situation as Bulldogs here, started off the year very well, but now have to beat the elite teams in the conference to prove they are more than just spoilers and are real contenders. 4 of their next 5 games are vs top 15 teams. and if they where to go 4-1 in those 5 games it would keep them in the title hunt. as long as no other team in the SEC west goes unbeaten. That being said I don't think they are ready for that type of run, but they will be playing spoiler to someone. Will it be Bama? They get them at home and the Tide have really not looked as dominate as they have in the past. To reliant on Cooper in the pass game, though he is a great one to rely on, so this could be the year. I am gonna say they play spoiler yet again, just not to Bama. Their defense is good, and should keep Cooper in the pass game in check, but Alabama will run the ball well enough to keep the score in their favor. I would bet on Ole Miss to cover with the spread being -7.
Crimson Tide 27-24
Auburn VS LSU
LSU has to win out to keep themselves in the hunt for the Playoff. The loss to Miss St hurt them bad, but they do have a Schedule left in their favor. They get the Alabama schools and Ole Miss at home. Auburn are some peoples favorite right now, coming off the close loss in last years title game and a QB that is a Heisman hopeful. They really have not played anyone real yet, Kansas St is decent, but not title contenders. I do not think they are as good as last year, and last year they had fate on their side. Auburn will lose at least 2 of their next 6, I could actually see them losing 4. This one included. LSU is not a playoff team and though they could win this one they won't, but being a 7.5 underdog, I would bet them for a backdoor cover.
Aubun 31-27
Oklahoma VS TCU
Oklahoma is my biggest shoe in for the playoff. TCU is the only ranked team they go on the road to play, and TCU has not played anyone real yet, so who knows what they are. I do know they are not title contenders though. That being said, the Big 12 will come down to the Baylor VS OK game, but that's later. This current game is a match up of top 25 unbeaten teams though, so worth mentioning.
Sooners win pretty easy 38-21
Stanford VS Notre Dame
Is Notre Dame for real this year??? I say yes, they are better than two years ago when they got creamed in the title game. They are deeper and will not be pounded into submission like they did then. This is one of only 3 ranked teams they will play and I am not sure USC will be when they play. That being said, If the Irish can win this the game, then the one in two weeks VS Florida State will be a playoff game. Stanford's lose to USC puts them in win out for playoff situation, but if they do win out, I do think it would put them into the playoffs. That being said they will not do it this year. QB athleticism is the key in this game and that edge goes to ND.
Irish 24-20
Oregon VS Arizona
Both teams are 4-0 but only the Ducks have real title hopes. Their schedule actually plays out in which their next 5 games will determine their playoff shot. UCLA and then Stanford 3 weeks later. After disposing of the wannabe Cats this week those two games will be only thing in the way to an unbeaten season. Hopefully the are not looking to next week VS the Bruins and forget to play this week.
Ducks win but Cats cover the 24 point spread. 51-31
Nebraska VS Michigan St
These are the only two teams in Big 10 who have a shot at the playoff. Wisconsin maybe, but they would need to win out and hope both the for both the Huskers and Spartens to lose after this weeks match up. But the winner of this game will control their own destiny. Whoever wins, must win out though and win conference title game, then playoff bound. I actually have not seen Nebraska play this year and really do not know them. That being said, they are on road and Vegas has them as 7 point dogs.
Spartens win 31-27
UCLA VS Utah
Have to throw this game in there. UCLA is for real. and this conference is is right behind the SEC in power. UCLA has Oregon up after this, so again hopefully they are not looking ahead. Utah is just the unranked team to come into Pasadena and ruin the season. That being said it will not happen.
Bruins win and cover the 13, 42-20
In other games. BYU could go undefeated this year and throw a huge wrench into a BIG 5 schools hopes for a playoff appearance. They will win. Baylor crushes TX. Maryland upsets Ohio state in my upset special.
If I do not suck with these predictions maybe will do it again.
I am gonna start with some huge games in the SEC, as they easily have the best conference in NCAA and the west side is BRUTAL. They will do some major beating on each other, if any of those teams finish regular season unbeaten will be a miracle. If the playoffs where 8 teams I would bet that 4 SEC teams would deserve to end up in them, but with only 4 spots, 2 is possible but not likely, as I said they will beat each other up and 2 loses will be common.
Texas A&M Vs Mississippi St.
Bulldogs trying to put their names into real discussion for SEC title hunt. Their win VS LSU 2 weeks ago was huge, and they get a bye afterwards to prepare for one of the the best offenses in the nation. If they win this and then somehow beat Auburn next week, that will vault them into top 4 status for sure. If the Aggies can go into Starkville and win this, it will get people back talking they are for real. And for the first time into real title discussion. Though with their schedule left, 6 of 7 teams in top 25 and they go on road VS both teams in the state of Alabama, I see no way they don't lose 2 games to knock them out of playoff contention. This year is not their year, next year however! People kinda have backed off them with a poor performance VS Arkansas, a team that is actually better then many teams ranked, cause they had played 2 top 10 teams already and played them both tough. There is no way I would bet this game. I can see it going either way, But since I am putting myself out there and writing about it, I will say the Aggies pull out a close nail biter, due to winning the turnover battle. Kenny Hill must play much better than he did last week though.
Aggies 38-34
Alabama VS Ole Miss.
The Rebels are in same situation as Bulldogs here, started off the year very well, but now have to beat the elite teams in the conference to prove they are more than just spoilers and are real contenders. 4 of their next 5 games are vs top 15 teams. and if they where to go 4-1 in those 5 games it would keep them in the title hunt. as long as no other team in the SEC west goes unbeaten. That being said I don't think they are ready for that type of run, but they will be playing spoiler to someone. Will it be Bama? They get them at home and the Tide have really not looked as dominate as they have in the past. To reliant on Cooper in the pass game, though he is a great one to rely on, so this could be the year. I am gonna say they play spoiler yet again, just not to Bama. Their defense is good, and should keep Cooper in the pass game in check, but Alabama will run the ball well enough to keep the score in their favor. I would bet on Ole Miss to cover with the spread being -7.
Crimson Tide 27-24
Auburn VS LSU
LSU has to win out to keep themselves in the hunt for the Playoff. The loss to Miss St hurt them bad, but they do have a Schedule left in their favor. They get the Alabama schools and Ole Miss at home. Auburn are some peoples favorite right now, coming off the close loss in last years title game and a QB that is a Heisman hopeful. They really have not played anyone real yet, Kansas St is decent, but not title contenders. I do not think they are as good as last year, and last year they had fate on their side. Auburn will lose at least 2 of their next 6, I could actually see them losing 4. This one included. LSU is not a playoff team and though they could win this one they won't, but being a 7.5 underdog, I would bet them for a backdoor cover.
Aubun 31-27
Oklahoma VS TCU
Oklahoma is my biggest shoe in for the playoff. TCU is the only ranked team they go on the road to play, and TCU has not played anyone real yet, so who knows what they are. I do know they are not title contenders though. That being said, the Big 12 will come down to the Baylor VS OK game, but that's later. This current game is a match up of top 25 unbeaten teams though, so worth mentioning.
Sooners win pretty easy 38-21
Stanford VS Notre Dame
Is Notre Dame for real this year??? I say yes, they are better than two years ago when they got creamed in the title game. They are deeper and will not be pounded into submission like they did then. This is one of only 3 ranked teams they will play and I am not sure USC will be when they play. That being said, If the Irish can win this the game, then the one in two weeks VS Florida State will be a playoff game. Stanford's lose to USC puts them in win out for playoff situation, but if they do win out, I do think it would put them into the playoffs. That being said they will not do it this year. QB athleticism is the key in this game and that edge goes to ND.
Irish 24-20
Oregon VS Arizona
Both teams are 4-0 but only the Ducks have real title hopes. Their schedule actually plays out in which their next 5 games will determine their playoff shot. UCLA and then Stanford 3 weeks later. After disposing of the wannabe Cats this week those two games will be only thing in the way to an unbeaten season. Hopefully the are not looking to next week VS the Bruins and forget to play this week.
Ducks win but Cats cover the 24 point spread. 51-31
Nebraska VS Michigan St
These are the only two teams in Big 10 who have a shot at the playoff. Wisconsin maybe, but they would need to win out and hope both the for both the Huskers and Spartens to lose after this weeks match up. But the winner of this game will control their own destiny. Whoever wins, must win out though and win conference title game, then playoff bound. I actually have not seen Nebraska play this year and really do not know them. That being said, they are on road and Vegas has them as 7 point dogs.
Spartens win 31-27
UCLA VS Utah
Have to throw this game in there. UCLA is for real. and this conference is is right behind the SEC in power. UCLA has Oregon up after this, so again hopefully they are not looking ahead. Utah is just the unranked team to come into Pasadena and ruin the season. That being said it will not happen.
Bruins win and cover the 13, 42-20
In other games. BYU could go undefeated this year and throw a huge wrench into a BIG 5 schools hopes for a playoff appearance. They will win. Baylor crushes TX. Maryland upsets Ohio state in my upset special.
If I do not suck with these predictions maybe will do it again.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
God giveth and God taketh away.
There are many sayings we have in this world, that sound really great, profound, even Godly, but I have found that many of them are used out of context so much, or used as excuses to act a certain way that they end up losing the true meaning.
I have decided to look at a couple of these, and try and give what I feel they should really mean, or at least what i feel God has told me they mean.
Lets start with the title. many people use this, and it comes from Job, 1:21. Naked I came from my Mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.
Many know the story of Job, but quick summary, Job was a very wealthy man, had a big and successful family. He was also called blameless and upright in the eyes of God. Satan went to God basically saying that Job was only blameless and upright because God had blessed him and protected him, but if all he had was to go away, Job would turn his back and curse God. So God allowed Satan to take away everything, except Job's own life. In the end Job stayed true to his faith, and God blessed him 2 fold, Now Job struggled mightily throughout the process and even argued with his friends about God's will. But he never cursed God.
So in reality this statement is wrong, God never took anything away from Job, I guess he no longer protected Job's earthly possessions and family. But it was really Satan who took them all away. But in the moment Job did not realize this, yet he still ended the statement with "may the name of the Lord be praised".
But today this statement is used so often in similar situations of loss. Funerals, natural disasters. and war, just to name a few. People will look at the loses those situations create, and use that statement as a way of comfort, a way of explaining the unexplainable, or even a way to justify a tragedy.
Now the story of Job, takes place in the Old Testament, and may things that happened then in some ways cannot be viewed the same as if they happened today, cause god dealt with things completely differently. in the OT he spoke directly with people, he did rain down his wrath on sinful people. God did many things, that he would never do again, after he sent his son, after Jesus came to live on earth, die for us, and rise again.
So I read it and see this.
Everything we have, has been given to us, either by God, or by Satan. God is love, and his wants us to follow him(love) and if we do, we are able to accept all he has to offer, best of all eternal life with him. Satan of course is without love. everything he gives is done to turn us away from God, turn us away from love, and keeps us away from a life with God, but instead be brought down to him in eternal damnation.
Many people struggle with their faith, cause they ask, If God is real love, then why does he allow so many bad things to happen. Why is there so much evil in the world. Well that's another long discussion, but to sum up quickly, its this. God gave us free will. If we in our free will choose to accept God's love, and live in his will, then we are able to live a life in eternity with him in love. If we use that free will to choose a life not in his will, not in his love, then we are not accepting God's love, but instead opening the door for what Satan has to offer. The exact opposite of love.
For many years when my life was not one in faith, not one in God's love, I would look at what was given to me and if I did not like it would question why I was given this. If something was taken away I would ask why. Why would God take my mother so soon, why would God give me a son with such extreme autism? And if I was given something good, I would say, hey look at what I got, Look at what I achieved. I find these actions of mine, are very common in society as well. Take credit for what we have that's good, yet blame others or God for the bad stuff.
But now when I look at what the bible is saying, I am able to see that I truly achieved nothing, God has given me all that I thought I gained. And when things where taken away, it was not God taking away, but Satan, or it was God giving me one thing by allowing another to be removed. Even some of the things put in front of me that I thought where bad, once I looked at them with eyes of God's love, and looked at them through eyes in God's will, I was able to see that they where put there so help me achieve things I could not have without them. And the things that truly where bad things. well they where put there in times I was not in God's will, I was not accepting of God's love, but instead being accepting of things opposite of God's love.
So now when something comes up in my life, and I wonder why it has been put in front of me. The first thing I try to do is ask God, what is your intention here? If whatever it is is God's will for me then he will eventually show me the why, as long I am staying in his will, and his love, and if it was not put there by God, but by Satan, then God will eventually remove it, but again I have to stay in his will. I have to stay in his love. I have to say "may the name of the Lord be praised" and cannot ever curse his name. You see Job was able to say that after all his wealth was taken away, all his children where taken away, and all the things he was given here on earth was taken away, and because he was able to say that, was able to say God's will be done, God's name be praised, he ended up being given a life that was far greater than even he could imagine. If he could say it then, I can surely say it with the little I have been through.
Here is a link to something you might have read before, but It has great meaning. Basicaaly do not curse God, but let his will be done, cause we really haveno clue.
http://davidnwalker.com/2012/03/12/conversation-with-god/
But in the end, all that is given to me here on earth good or bad, cannot compare to what is in store for me after my life here. If my life here is in God's love, then my eternal life will also be one of love. If it is the opposite of God's love, well then that is what is in store me for eternally. And I have to say, that is not very appealing, so I will try daily to make my life one of God's love.
Other common sayings I plan on reviewing are
"Respect needs to be earned before it is given".
"Treat others as you would have them treat yourself"
I have decided to look at a couple of these, and try and give what I feel they should really mean, or at least what i feel God has told me they mean.
Lets start with the title. many people use this, and it comes from Job, 1:21. Naked I came from my Mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.
Many know the story of Job, but quick summary, Job was a very wealthy man, had a big and successful family. He was also called blameless and upright in the eyes of God. Satan went to God basically saying that Job was only blameless and upright because God had blessed him and protected him, but if all he had was to go away, Job would turn his back and curse God. So God allowed Satan to take away everything, except Job's own life. In the end Job stayed true to his faith, and God blessed him 2 fold, Now Job struggled mightily throughout the process and even argued with his friends about God's will. But he never cursed God.
So in reality this statement is wrong, God never took anything away from Job, I guess he no longer protected Job's earthly possessions and family. But it was really Satan who took them all away. But in the moment Job did not realize this, yet he still ended the statement with "may the name of the Lord be praised".
But today this statement is used so often in similar situations of loss. Funerals, natural disasters. and war, just to name a few. People will look at the loses those situations create, and use that statement as a way of comfort, a way of explaining the unexplainable, or even a way to justify a tragedy.
Now the story of Job, takes place in the Old Testament, and may things that happened then in some ways cannot be viewed the same as if they happened today, cause god dealt with things completely differently. in the OT he spoke directly with people, he did rain down his wrath on sinful people. God did many things, that he would never do again, after he sent his son, after Jesus came to live on earth, die for us, and rise again.
So I read it and see this.
Everything we have, has been given to us, either by God, or by Satan. God is love, and his wants us to follow him(love) and if we do, we are able to accept all he has to offer, best of all eternal life with him. Satan of course is without love. everything he gives is done to turn us away from God, turn us away from love, and keeps us away from a life with God, but instead be brought down to him in eternal damnation.
Many people struggle with their faith, cause they ask, If God is real love, then why does he allow so many bad things to happen. Why is there so much evil in the world. Well that's another long discussion, but to sum up quickly, its this. God gave us free will. If we in our free will choose to accept God's love, and live in his will, then we are able to live a life in eternity with him in love. If we use that free will to choose a life not in his will, not in his love, then we are not accepting God's love, but instead opening the door for what Satan has to offer. The exact opposite of love.
For many years when my life was not one in faith, not one in God's love, I would look at what was given to me and if I did not like it would question why I was given this. If something was taken away I would ask why. Why would God take my mother so soon, why would God give me a son with such extreme autism? And if I was given something good, I would say, hey look at what I got, Look at what I achieved. I find these actions of mine, are very common in society as well. Take credit for what we have that's good, yet blame others or God for the bad stuff.
But now when I look at what the bible is saying, I am able to see that I truly achieved nothing, God has given me all that I thought I gained. And when things where taken away, it was not God taking away, but Satan, or it was God giving me one thing by allowing another to be removed. Even some of the things put in front of me that I thought where bad, once I looked at them with eyes of God's love, and looked at them through eyes in God's will, I was able to see that they where put there so help me achieve things I could not have without them. And the things that truly where bad things. well they where put there in times I was not in God's will, I was not accepting of God's love, but instead being accepting of things opposite of God's love.
So now when something comes up in my life, and I wonder why it has been put in front of me. The first thing I try to do is ask God, what is your intention here? If whatever it is is God's will for me then he will eventually show me the why, as long I am staying in his will, and his love, and if it was not put there by God, but by Satan, then God will eventually remove it, but again I have to stay in his will. I have to stay in his love. I have to say "may the name of the Lord be praised" and cannot ever curse his name. You see Job was able to say that after all his wealth was taken away, all his children where taken away, and all the things he was given here on earth was taken away, and because he was able to say that, was able to say God's will be done, God's name be praised, he ended up being given a life that was far greater than even he could imagine. If he could say it then, I can surely say it with the little I have been through.
Here is a link to something you might have read before, but It has great meaning. Basicaaly do not curse God, but let his will be done, cause we really haveno clue.
http://davidnwalker.com/2012/03/12/conversation-with-god/
But in the end, all that is given to me here on earth good or bad, cannot compare to what is in store for me after my life here. If my life here is in God's love, then my eternal life will also be one of love. If it is the opposite of God's love, well then that is what is in store me for eternally. And I have to say, that is not very appealing, so I will try daily to make my life one of God's love.
Other common sayings I plan on reviewing are
"Respect needs to be earned before it is given".
"Treat others as you would have them treat yourself"
Thursday, August 14, 2014
My main goal in life, and for the world around me.
I have said a lot about my recently found faith in God, and how it has changed my life over the past couple years. A lot has changed in me, but the one real thing has been the root of it all. I have found love. Real love, Agape as it is referred to as in the original Greek translations of the bible. Now that I have found it, my challenge has been what do I do with it? That seems like such an odd question, but its a huge one for me. You see, without going into detail right now, that is for another post, I had no idea what was love was suppose to be for most of my life. Now I am not saying I had a loveless life. My parents loved me very much, and I knew it. My family loves me, I had other role models in my life that showed love as well. Jennifer has always loved me, and my kids love me. But when I say I have found love, what I mean is I know actually feel the things that real love is supposed to make us feel, and its the type of love God intended us to have. Things like true forgiveness, and true happiness. Those things I can honestly say I never felt before.
So now that I have this love in me, I am back to that question. What do I do with it? How to I use it, how do I share it, how do I affect those in my life with it, and most of all how do I use it the way God wants me to use it? I do not have the specific answers yet, but I have figured out one thing. It is my responsibility to try and have that love come out as much as possible, in as many actions as I can, and towards as many people as I can get it to.
Now you might be reading this, and wondering what the heck does this have to do with my recent FB post, in which I stated my issues with some things happening in and around the country recently. In that post I state that America is not racist, and take issue with those who call my country that. I also debate a bit about a few issues in the country stemming from the racist issue. Well here let me explain a bit more.
You see I believe one thing whole heartily, every one of this countries issues, and any other countries issues stem from one thing. A lack of love. I would not define my country as a racist one, or as a bully as some countries do. I would not call it stupid, as some do due to our constant dropping in education levels world wide. There are many things my country is called that I take offense to, and do not believe that, even though we have instances in which we as a country, or a part of it act in such ways, those ways in which we act, being racist, bully, ignorant, and ETC. All those things are problems, and such, but I see one thing that all of them stem from, and that is what I would say is the real problem, and that is what I would call us. A country full of people in desperate need of love.
Racism is just a form of anger, and anger is just a secondary emotion that stems from hurt. And hurt, real hurt happens when love is absent. Think about the times when you where really hurting in life, and most likely you can attribute it to not feeling loved. And then think about how you reacted to that hurt. Some people get depressed, some use it as motivation, some try to just ignore it, and move on. And then some, I should say many get angry. And very often that anger turns to hatred, and their actions then reflect that hatred. Look at recent events. Whether it is just what happened, the killing of a teenager, who for sure did not deserve to be shot let alone die. Look at the reactions to it. Go back a bit farther, look at the mass killings taking place in public areas. Look at the rise in suicides. Its all rooted in anger and hatred, which many of them now we know started out with a person/people who where hurting.
Now look at our daily lives. How much of it do we fill with things that are loving? The news.media. I watched the 5 o clock news report for the 1st time in years a couple days ago. and the 1st of 3 stories was the situation in Ferguson Missouri of course, and then the next was a shooting in Fort Worth, and the 3rd a shooting in South Dallas. And what do we entertain ourselves with? Well Look at the top TV shows. Here is one listing the best shows from 2013. http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-tv-shows-of-2013/P5
Now I know that is just one websites opinion, but many of those shows where the top watched scripted shows. Breaking Bad, Hannibal, Justified, Game of Thrones and The Americans. All shows with extremely violent and angry characters. Not much love being shown there. and that was just the top 5, look at the whole list. Many of them based on very angry or even evil people, acting out their evil and angry feelings in ways that is the opposite of love. And that does not even cover the so called reality shows which also at times dominate the viewing public. Many of which also feed off of angry people committing acts that are the very opposite of loving each other.
I think you are starting to get my drift. This world, my country, and the people in them are in desperate need of feeling loved.
So now to the whole point of this post. My goal is to work towards a life filled with love. The name of this blog truly fits my life. I am angry no more. oh sure I get angry, just like people in this country act racist, sexist, ETC. But I am not an angry person anymore. And though I know I cannot change a country. I can change myself, and in turn affect the people around me. Who hopefully affect others around them. No I do not have some grand aspirations to change the world, just do what I should and see what happens.
So from this day forward. I want every action I make to be one out of love, and I am asking everyone reading this post to help me. How can you help. Well, let me tell you. You most likely are reading this post because I put it on FB and tagged you. Well if that's the case then you fall into one of 3 categories of people in my life. A Family member I love, A long time friend I love, or a new friend, that I feel a good connection with, and hopefully that can grow. And whichever of the 3 you fit in you all are somebody I have a level of respect for that I want to give you permission to hold me accountable, when I might not be acting out of love. I will at times fail, and allow that angry man to take over, and I want you to call me out on it. Now do not worry, I am not giving you permission to do this so I can do it in return. that was the old me. I am giving this permission cause I know I need help. We all do. And it is also a way for me to show a love I never could before.
I am doing this because to help show what think is another huge issue in this world. A lack of personal accountability, and lack of people willing to accept responsibility for their actions, but instead act out of hurtful anger and lash out and blame. I am doing this cause I think it is what God intended for me, and for all of us at some level.
I am doing this to be a man of love.
Thanks and God bless.
So now that I have this love in me, I am back to that question. What do I do with it? How to I use it, how do I share it, how do I affect those in my life with it, and most of all how do I use it the way God wants me to use it? I do not have the specific answers yet, but I have figured out one thing. It is my responsibility to try and have that love come out as much as possible, in as many actions as I can, and towards as many people as I can get it to.
Now you might be reading this, and wondering what the heck does this have to do with my recent FB post, in which I stated my issues with some things happening in and around the country recently. In that post I state that America is not racist, and take issue with those who call my country that. I also debate a bit about a few issues in the country stemming from the racist issue. Well here let me explain a bit more.
You see I believe one thing whole heartily, every one of this countries issues, and any other countries issues stem from one thing. A lack of love. I would not define my country as a racist one, or as a bully as some countries do. I would not call it stupid, as some do due to our constant dropping in education levels world wide. There are many things my country is called that I take offense to, and do not believe that, even though we have instances in which we as a country, or a part of it act in such ways, those ways in which we act, being racist, bully, ignorant, and ETC. All those things are problems, and such, but I see one thing that all of them stem from, and that is what I would say is the real problem, and that is what I would call us. A country full of people in desperate need of love.
Racism is just a form of anger, and anger is just a secondary emotion that stems from hurt. And hurt, real hurt happens when love is absent. Think about the times when you where really hurting in life, and most likely you can attribute it to not feeling loved. And then think about how you reacted to that hurt. Some people get depressed, some use it as motivation, some try to just ignore it, and move on. And then some, I should say many get angry. And very often that anger turns to hatred, and their actions then reflect that hatred. Look at recent events. Whether it is just what happened, the killing of a teenager, who for sure did not deserve to be shot let alone die. Look at the reactions to it. Go back a bit farther, look at the mass killings taking place in public areas. Look at the rise in suicides. Its all rooted in anger and hatred, which many of them now we know started out with a person/people who where hurting.
Now look at our daily lives. How much of it do we fill with things that are loving? The news.media. I watched the 5 o clock news report for the 1st time in years a couple days ago. and the 1st of 3 stories was the situation in Ferguson Missouri of course, and then the next was a shooting in Fort Worth, and the 3rd a shooting in South Dallas. And what do we entertain ourselves with? Well Look at the top TV shows. Here is one listing the best shows from 2013. http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-tv-shows-of-2013/P5
Now I know that is just one websites opinion, but many of those shows where the top watched scripted shows. Breaking Bad, Hannibal, Justified, Game of Thrones and The Americans. All shows with extremely violent and angry characters. Not much love being shown there. and that was just the top 5, look at the whole list. Many of them based on very angry or even evil people, acting out their evil and angry feelings in ways that is the opposite of love. And that does not even cover the so called reality shows which also at times dominate the viewing public. Many of which also feed off of angry people committing acts that are the very opposite of loving each other.
I think you are starting to get my drift. This world, my country, and the people in them are in desperate need of feeling loved.
So now to the whole point of this post. My goal is to work towards a life filled with love. The name of this blog truly fits my life. I am angry no more. oh sure I get angry, just like people in this country act racist, sexist, ETC. But I am not an angry person anymore. And though I know I cannot change a country. I can change myself, and in turn affect the people around me. Who hopefully affect others around them. No I do not have some grand aspirations to change the world, just do what I should and see what happens.
So from this day forward. I want every action I make to be one out of love, and I am asking everyone reading this post to help me. How can you help. Well, let me tell you. You most likely are reading this post because I put it on FB and tagged you. Well if that's the case then you fall into one of 3 categories of people in my life. A Family member I love, A long time friend I love, or a new friend, that I feel a good connection with, and hopefully that can grow. And whichever of the 3 you fit in you all are somebody I have a level of respect for that I want to give you permission to hold me accountable, when I might not be acting out of love. I will at times fail, and allow that angry man to take over, and I want you to call me out on it. Now do not worry, I am not giving you permission to do this so I can do it in return. that was the old me. I am giving this permission cause I know I need help. We all do. And it is also a way for me to show a love I never could before.
I am doing this because to help show what think is another huge issue in this world. A lack of personal accountability, and lack of people willing to accept responsibility for their actions, but instead act out of hurtful anger and lash out and blame. I am doing this cause I think it is what God intended for me, and for all of us at some level.
I am doing this to be a man of love.
Thanks and God bless.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Accepting in a positive light what God has given me.
11 years ago my 1st son was born. Though this was a very happy moment in my life, it was a very dark time as well. My marriage was really in shambles, and the pregnancy was not planned, and basically acting as a band aid to the marriage at the time. I had tried many ways to deal with my anger issues and none where working. it was at this time in life I really started to lash out at God.
But of course that day, I was a very happy person. My boy was in my arms, and all these ideas where running through my head. Thinking, what sport would he latch onto, I was determined not to push basketball down his throat. Would he be shy like I was as a young child, or be more like I me when I was older, Outgoing, not giving a crap what others thought. All the things a new dad wonders, especially with a son.
Well things between Jenn and I got better, as to say we stuck with each other, and a couple years passed. And we had a day I will never forget. The last couple doctors visits for Chris, where bringing up concerns. and finally it was official. Chris is autistic. Now I knew a little bit about autism, more than the average person I would actually say. And that was actually a bad thing for me at the time. If I was in the dark about autism, I could have used the ignorance is bliss line. But I was not. I knew that as things stood, he would never come close to doing what I and every typical jock Dad would hope. It all of a sudden didn't matter what sport he leaned to. It didn't matter if he was shy or not, cause I knew what society would think. Good or bad, it would be different. And in a private moment I all of a sudden thought does my son even matter anymore?
So we go thought the next couple years, learning about autism, and how work with him. We read books, we see some doctors, we get him in special classes. We do a bunch of basic stuff. One thing I was not aware off, is the many different levels of autism. This too though was a downer for me eventually cause guess what, Chris turns out to be on what is considered lower functioning. Though at a young age he does learn a few words, and does show some signs of being able to learn basic things like numbers and letters, those things slowly fade. I have not heard him say an actual intentional word with meaning but maybe 2-3 times in 7 years. And even then I wonder if he knew what he was saying. We came to a point of acceptance that he probably will never be potty trained.
So eventually I came to a point of just acceptance, Chris would be a son that we would have to care for as a infant probably his whole life. But this acceptance was not a good thing at the time. This acceptance happened about the same time we where also told our 2nd son was also on the spectrum, though he showed to be much higher functioning.but together it turned out to be like throwing gunpowder on a fire. My heart and soul exploded with anger towards God and life in general.
And it came out, towards my wife, my kids, my siblings. I hated what God had given me, and that my friends not a good thing.
Or was it, cause it ended up taking the consequences of my angry actions to end up bringing me to the point of finally saying, God I cannot handle this anymore. You have to for me. My point of view is killing, not only me but those around me. I need another way to look at things. I need your eyes. And for once I looked at my life through Gods eyes. And I saw things I never could before.
So now that I am trying to look at things through Gods eyes, I have seen so much, I never would have. Living with Chris and the unique challenges he creates, as actually been very beneficial in my life as an individual.
One way has he has helped me to understand what love really is. I you have read my past posts you know that being able to really love, has always been a challenge for me. For most of my life, love was something you said, it was something you felt in a moment, it was for all intensive purposes, something that relied on feeling. But That's what what real love is. Real love, Agape love as the Greek would say. Its Gods love. I can honestly say that without Chris's autism, I probably would not be sitting under the same roof as my wife and kids right now. Cause without him, I don't think I would have been able to realize that I need God's love. And that realization is what saved my marriage.
Another thing he has taught me has been patience. And when I say patience I mean the real kind, the kind where you actually are able to deal with things in a caring manner. Not the type patience that is so often used to just get the current situation over with. But the kind is talked about in the Bible. This has helped me both personally and professionally.
So to wrap up, I thank God, not only for that day 11 years ago, when my son was in my arms for the first time, and I had all these expectations for him down the line. but I thank God for every day now. Each day I come to home to my 1st born son, who has taught me more about love, then I could have ever imagined, and still has more to teach me. Has helped me develop skills that I never would have, skills that help me in all walks of life. But most of all I thank God for giving me exactly what he knew I needed, to get me on the path he has mapped out for me. Cause its that path, and only that path, that I will experience the happiness I was meant to have.
But of course that day, I was a very happy person. My boy was in my arms, and all these ideas where running through my head. Thinking, what sport would he latch onto, I was determined not to push basketball down his throat. Would he be shy like I was as a young child, or be more like I me when I was older, Outgoing, not giving a crap what others thought. All the things a new dad wonders, especially with a son.
Well things between Jenn and I got better, as to say we stuck with each other, and a couple years passed. And we had a day I will never forget. The last couple doctors visits for Chris, where bringing up concerns. and finally it was official. Chris is autistic. Now I knew a little bit about autism, more than the average person I would actually say. And that was actually a bad thing for me at the time. If I was in the dark about autism, I could have used the ignorance is bliss line. But I was not. I knew that as things stood, he would never come close to doing what I and every typical jock Dad would hope. It all of a sudden didn't matter what sport he leaned to. It didn't matter if he was shy or not, cause I knew what society would think. Good or bad, it would be different. And in a private moment I all of a sudden thought does my son even matter anymore?
So we go thought the next couple years, learning about autism, and how work with him. We read books, we see some doctors, we get him in special classes. We do a bunch of basic stuff. One thing I was not aware off, is the many different levels of autism. This too though was a downer for me eventually cause guess what, Chris turns out to be on what is considered lower functioning. Though at a young age he does learn a few words, and does show some signs of being able to learn basic things like numbers and letters, those things slowly fade. I have not heard him say an actual intentional word with meaning but maybe 2-3 times in 7 years. And even then I wonder if he knew what he was saying. We came to a point of acceptance that he probably will never be potty trained.
So eventually I came to a point of just acceptance, Chris would be a son that we would have to care for as a infant probably his whole life. But this acceptance was not a good thing at the time. This acceptance happened about the same time we where also told our 2nd son was also on the spectrum, though he showed to be much higher functioning.but together it turned out to be like throwing gunpowder on a fire. My heart and soul exploded with anger towards God and life in general.
And it came out, towards my wife, my kids, my siblings. I hated what God had given me, and that my friends not a good thing.
Or was it, cause it ended up taking the consequences of my angry actions to end up bringing me to the point of finally saying, God I cannot handle this anymore. You have to for me. My point of view is killing, not only me but those around me. I need another way to look at things. I need your eyes. And for once I looked at my life through Gods eyes. And I saw things I never could before.
So now that I am trying to look at things through Gods eyes, I have seen so much, I never would have. Living with Chris and the unique challenges he creates, as actually been very beneficial in my life as an individual.
One way has he has helped me to understand what love really is. I you have read my past posts you know that being able to really love, has always been a challenge for me. For most of my life, love was something you said, it was something you felt in a moment, it was for all intensive purposes, something that relied on feeling. But That's what what real love is. Real love, Agape love as the Greek would say. Its Gods love. I can honestly say that without Chris's autism, I probably would not be sitting under the same roof as my wife and kids right now. Cause without him, I don't think I would have been able to realize that I need God's love. And that realization is what saved my marriage.
Another thing he has taught me has been patience. And when I say patience I mean the real kind, the kind where you actually are able to deal with things in a caring manner. Not the type patience that is so often used to just get the current situation over with. But the kind is talked about in the Bible. This has helped me both personally and professionally.
So to wrap up, I thank God, not only for that day 11 years ago, when my son was in my arms for the first time, and I had all these expectations for him down the line. but I thank God for every day now. Each day I come to home to my 1st born son, who has taught me more about love, then I could have ever imagined, and still has more to teach me. Has helped me develop skills that I never would have, skills that help me in all walks of life. But most of all I thank God for giving me exactly what he knew I needed, to get me on the path he has mapped out for me. Cause its that path, and only that path, that I will experience the happiness I was meant to have.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
What's my direction????
Had something on my mind for a while now, so I have decided to write it out.
I have always been a goal oriented person. I set them, layout a course of action, and then work towards it. In all aspects of life. Career, relationships, parenting, ETC. And when I meet that goal I set another one, keep moving forward. This has been especially the case in my work life. I have always moved up. My first real job was bag boy at Kroger, 16 years old. After 6 months I was cashier, 6 months later CSM, and about 6 months later head CSM. Ya 18 years old, just out of HS and was the lead customer service manager. Had a really bad day one day, and just up and quit that job, the one immature knee jerk work related choice I made. I was young. Got a Job at another grocery store as cashier, after a little while started helping out in dairy, then became Frozen Foods manager. Even though this job was just a job while in college, I looked for growth. Growth was not an opportunity there, so left for Wal-Mart. In 3 years at Wal-Mart I stated PT as a sales clerk, became FT, took at hourly management position, which lead to Asst Mgr. After deciding that WM was not my life career goal, stepped down from management and later left them for the current company I am at, Anderson Merchandisers. 3 years as a FT sales rep, became a district manager(DSM). took 4 years to became level 3, highest level DSM there is, then took larger high profile district in Dallas, and now am the DSM for the most important district in the company. I am also now at the ceiling for salary for the position. The next step would be regional manager, but here's the thing. I no longer want to relocate my family. A personal choice I happily accept, but that means I no longer have much, if any opportunity as things sit to move up. That is a situation I have never been in, and it is tough for me to grasp the idea.
As things sit, I cannot make any more money and I cannot grow my Job status.
Now lets add something personal I am dealing with. As I have been very open about recently, I have put a lot of focus on my faith in Christ, and my new found life in God. And that has helped me greatly personally. And I am going to continue this path.
But recently I have started to wonder, what is my calling from God? I wonder this cause I know that he has a huge plan, one for me to make some sort of impact on this world that I could never have done without him. Why do I know this? Well, that has always been my nature. Whatever I am doing, do it the best way possible, impact lives while I am doing it, and then move up into a position to make even a bigger more widespread impact. That is the way I am wired, and God wired me that way for a reason. So that being said, What is the reason he wired me that way? It cannot be just to help me in my career, it has to me more than that.
So here I sit, kinda at a stalled point in my career, Wondering if this is as far as I am to go right now, and then also wondering where is my faith in God taking me? What is my direction??
So whoever reads this I ask something of you. Say a prayer tonight for me. Ask God to share some peace with me, that whatever his plan is, I can sit back and let him make it happen, and not to worry about it so much.
Thanks.
I have always been a goal oriented person. I set them, layout a course of action, and then work towards it. In all aspects of life. Career, relationships, parenting, ETC. And when I meet that goal I set another one, keep moving forward. This has been especially the case in my work life. I have always moved up. My first real job was bag boy at Kroger, 16 years old. After 6 months I was cashier, 6 months later CSM, and about 6 months later head CSM. Ya 18 years old, just out of HS and was the lead customer service manager. Had a really bad day one day, and just up and quit that job, the one immature knee jerk work related choice I made. I was young. Got a Job at another grocery store as cashier, after a little while started helping out in dairy, then became Frozen Foods manager. Even though this job was just a job while in college, I looked for growth. Growth was not an opportunity there, so left for Wal-Mart. In 3 years at Wal-Mart I stated PT as a sales clerk, became FT, took at hourly management position, which lead to Asst Mgr. After deciding that WM was not my life career goal, stepped down from management and later left them for the current company I am at, Anderson Merchandisers. 3 years as a FT sales rep, became a district manager(DSM). took 4 years to became level 3, highest level DSM there is, then took larger high profile district in Dallas, and now am the DSM for the most important district in the company. I am also now at the ceiling for salary for the position. The next step would be regional manager, but here's the thing. I no longer want to relocate my family. A personal choice I happily accept, but that means I no longer have much, if any opportunity as things sit to move up. That is a situation I have never been in, and it is tough for me to grasp the idea.
As things sit, I cannot make any more money and I cannot grow my Job status.
Now lets add something personal I am dealing with. As I have been very open about recently, I have put a lot of focus on my faith in Christ, and my new found life in God. And that has helped me greatly personally. And I am going to continue this path.
But recently I have started to wonder, what is my calling from God? I wonder this cause I know that he has a huge plan, one for me to make some sort of impact on this world that I could never have done without him. Why do I know this? Well, that has always been my nature. Whatever I am doing, do it the best way possible, impact lives while I am doing it, and then move up into a position to make even a bigger more widespread impact. That is the way I am wired, and God wired me that way for a reason. So that being said, What is the reason he wired me that way? It cannot be just to help me in my career, it has to me more than that.
So here I sit, kinda at a stalled point in my career, Wondering if this is as far as I am to go right now, and then also wondering where is my faith in God taking me? What is my direction??
So whoever reads this I ask something of you. Say a prayer tonight for me. Ask God to share some peace with me, that whatever his plan is, I can sit back and let him make it happen, and not to worry about it so much.
Thanks.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Long road ahead. How do we reach the goals we have set for ourselves.
Today I start what I hope is a 2 month long journey, that leads to a longer Journey with an ultimate goal.
On Sept 6, there is a mud run challenge I want to participate in. 4 miles with about 20 obstacles. I think that if I tried right now I might make it a mile, depending on which obstacles where first.
So today I began a routine to start to get in shape, so I can at least finish the course. Even if I am dead last. I say start to get in shape, cause no way will I be 'In Shape" in 2 months. But at least I will have started. I main challenges will be getting up early every morning, not eating so much after dinner, and my knee holding up.
As I sit and think about this 2 month challenge and my end goal, it gets me thinking about other challenges to the goals we have set for ourselves in life. Right off the top of my head my I can think about many times I have failed at meeting a goal I set for myself, and also right now there are many people in my life, openly expressing frustration about some major aspect about their life not meeting the goals they have in mind. And so often there is one common theme in the expression of failure. That theme is, "The goal is not reached quick enough" so we get frustrated and quit.
This mud run I am going to try, is not my end goal. My end goal is to get in shape!! That is a great goal right, yea everyone wants to be in shape. But look at my goal, it is so non specific. What is in shape, when will I know I am "in shape" This is an example of why so many people fail at reaching goals they have set, cause the goal itself is so undefined. And if its not truly defined, we really do not know what we are striving for, thus we have no clue as to our progress or what to do to reach it. Also how long will it take me? Could be 6 months, could be 4 years, depending on my action plan, and efforts.
So how do we fix these challenges, to meeting the goals we set? Many ways, but here are a few I have implemented.
1. Define your goals. For me getting in shape means getting under 210 lbs, being able to run, not jog, but run 2 miles without stopping, Playing an hour long basketball session, and knowing I could play another hour without problem, having the stamina I had in my 20's, men you know what I am meaning. Getting in shape can have so many different levels, it is defining them, that will help me achieve them better, and keep me focused.
2. Set mini goals as steps to reaching ultimate goal. This mud run is just a first step, it's a mini goal, that also meets #3
3. Set time lines. The mud run is 2 months out, and I know I could not complete it now, so getting "in shape" enough to complete one is a step towards ultimate goal. I currently do not have a timeline for my ultimate goal, but I have the mud run. The after my mud run I will set another mini goal with a set time line, and so one. For setting a timeline for the ultimate goal is not as useful then setting them for the mini goals. Why? cause the ultimate goal is really so far away, and I like most of society can get frustrated with not getting results quick enough. So this way i create opportunities for many small attainable results, that can happen in shorter periods of time, that after reaching multiple of them, will lead to the ultimate goal.
4. Develop a plan of action. For each step, for each goal. And make sure its realistic, not only the goals, but the plan of action as well. If its a brand new endeavor, and you are not knowledgeable of the said goals then take time to research them, find out what is realistic for a person in your situation. To many people fail cause they do not plan out a strategy, or the plan is actually not achievable.
5. This is the most important one. Is this in line with God's plan for you??? Well I can say this is a yes to my current example. My Body is a temple, God gave it to me, it is not mine. 1 Corinthians 6:19. As such I should treat it with respect, and take care of it. Plus my health is so important to meeting other things God has planned for me. Being a husband and Father, Grandfather at some point.
I have also spent some time in prayer, asking God, how do I get my physical body to a point I know it should be at. I have been struggling with it for many years now. And a few answers came recently in the form of other peoples suggestions, personal convictions, and feelings of a new drive that has been instilled in my heart. No doubt by God. For in the end if our goal is not aligned with God;s will, it will never lead to real satisfaction.
Good luck on your own goals, and let me know what I can do to help.
On Sept 6, there is a mud run challenge I want to participate in. 4 miles with about 20 obstacles. I think that if I tried right now I might make it a mile, depending on which obstacles where first.
So today I began a routine to start to get in shape, so I can at least finish the course. Even if I am dead last. I say start to get in shape, cause no way will I be 'In Shape" in 2 months. But at least I will have started. I main challenges will be getting up early every morning, not eating so much after dinner, and my knee holding up.
As I sit and think about this 2 month challenge and my end goal, it gets me thinking about other challenges to the goals we have set for ourselves in life. Right off the top of my head my I can think about many times I have failed at meeting a goal I set for myself, and also right now there are many people in my life, openly expressing frustration about some major aspect about their life not meeting the goals they have in mind. And so often there is one common theme in the expression of failure. That theme is, "The goal is not reached quick enough" so we get frustrated and quit.
This mud run I am going to try, is not my end goal. My end goal is to get in shape!! That is a great goal right, yea everyone wants to be in shape. But look at my goal, it is so non specific. What is in shape, when will I know I am "in shape" This is an example of why so many people fail at reaching goals they have set, cause the goal itself is so undefined. And if its not truly defined, we really do not know what we are striving for, thus we have no clue as to our progress or what to do to reach it. Also how long will it take me? Could be 6 months, could be 4 years, depending on my action plan, and efforts.
So how do we fix these challenges, to meeting the goals we set? Many ways, but here are a few I have implemented.
1. Define your goals. For me getting in shape means getting under 210 lbs, being able to run, not jog, but run 2 miles without stopping, Playing an hour long basketball session, and knowing I could play another hour without problem, having the stamina I had in my 20's, men you know what I am meaning. Getting in shape can have so many different levels, it is defining them, that will help me achieve them better, and keep me focused.
2. Set mini goals as steps to reaching ultimate goal. This mud run is just a first step, it's a mini goal, that also meets #3
3. Set time lines. The mud run is 2 months out, and I know I could not complete it now, so getting "in shape" enough to complete one is a step towards ultimate goal. I currently do not have a timeline for my ultimate goal, but I have the mud run. The after my mud run I will set another mini goal with a set time line, and so one. For setting a timeline for the ultimate goal is not as useful then setting them for the mini goals. Why? cause the ultimate goal is really so far away, and I like most of society can get frustrated with not getting results quick enough. So this way i create opportunities for many small attainable results, that can happen in shorter periods of time, that after reaching multiple of them, will lead to the ultimate goal.
4. Develop a plan of action. For each step, for each goal. And make sure its realistic, not only the goals, but the plan of action as well. If its a brand new endeavor, and you are not knowledgeable of the said goals then take time to research them, find out what is realistic for a person in your situation. To many people fail cause they do not plan out a strategy, or the plan is actually not achievable.
5. This is the most important one. Is this in line with God's plan for you??? Well I can say this is a yes to my current example. My Body is a temple, God gave it to me, it is not mine. 1 Corinthians 6:19. As such I should treat it with respect, and take care of it. Plus my health is so important to meeting other things God has planned for me. Being a husband and Father, Grandfather at some point.
I have also spent some time in prayer, asking God, how do I get my physical body to a point I know it should be at. I have been struggling with it for many years now. And a few answers came recently in the form of other peoples suggestions, personal convictions, and feelings of a new drive that has been instilled in my heart. No doubt by God. For in the end if our goal is not aligned with God;s will, it will never lead to real satisfaction.
Good luck on your own goals, and let me know what I can do to help.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Having faith in God's will.
I read an analogy today.
Our life is like an arrow, that God puts in a bow and shoots it. No real in depth explanation of the analogy.That's all it said but wow did it hit me with the following things, some I have talked about before, some I have not.
1st, We are not in control of our life, period. But then who is in control. Well the hope would be God, cause the alternative is not good. But for God to be in control we have to let go, and put complete and reckless confidence in him. If not, well we allow something else to take control.
2nd, Our life starts out perfect. We are made in God's image without sin. So like an perfect arrow, will fly straight. But as life(time) progresses it gets warped(sin), and unless we take that sin to God, to cleanse(fix) it then we will not fly straight to the intended target.
3rd, Once our sins are cleansed(accepted Christ as our savior) we must then allow God to take full control and live in total faith(The Bow). If our faith is weak we will not fly far, but if its strong we will. If we keep the faith we stay straight, and when God shoots us we will hit the target. If we do not, well a warped arrow will not reach the target.
4th, We as flesh only see what is directly in front of us or what was directly behind us, we cannot see the multiple possible outcomes of different actions. At times we will see the target, when it is directly in front of us and God shoots us straight. But many times the target is far away, and we have to be shot up for distance, and we only see up at first, its not until we start our decent to the target will we see it. At times that target is so far away, time passes before our decent, and if we do not stay living in faith then we warp, and start to go off intended path. But if we stay in faith we stay on path. Not seeing the target has to be the hardest part, we as flesh want to know, want to be in control, and when God's will is not yet revealed, we to often struggle to keep our faith. We want to take control, we want to choose a target we can see, and then we get warped.
5th, The first target will be just one of many, we need to hit one to be able to be shot towards the next one, and next one and so on, until you hit the ultimate goal.
6th. In the end so often we do not know what God intended until we actually hit the target, and looking back we realize, wow it all made sense. And in our fleshly life it will be like that over and over. I tell you the one thing you can know though. if you keep the faith, the ultimate goal of eternal life with God will happen. And just like a target that's out of site, we have no idea how awesome it will be.
Looking back on my life I can say I have a few really good examples. I can tell you that many times God would shoot me towards a target, and since my faith in him was non existent, I did not fly straight, but God went picked me up, and shot me again. And each time I missed the target. That is until recently. I feel I have hit an early target, one that God intended. And it happened only after I put my faith in God completely. How do I know this? Well I know that if my faith was not put in him when it was, my life would be so warped, I would have no idea where to go. I know my marriage would be dead, I know the anger I had would still consume my everyday life, which it no longer does, and I know that the life of love I currently am striving for would be no where in site.
Our life is like an arrow, that God puts in a bow and shoots it. No real in depth explanation of the analogy.That's all it said but wow did it hit me with the following things, some I have talked about before, some I have not.
1st, We are not in control of our life, period. But then who is in control. Well the hope would be God, cause the alternative is not good. But for God to be in control we have to let go, and put complete and reckless confidence in him. If not, well we allow something else to take control.
2nd, Our life starts out perfect. We are made in God's image without sin. So like an perfect arrow, will fly straight. But as life(time) progresses it gets warped(sin), and unless we take that sin to God, to cleanse(fix) it then we will not fly straight to the intended target.
3rd, Once our sins are cleansed(accepted Christ as our savior) we must then allow God to take full control and live in total faith(The Bow). If our faith is weak we will not fly far, but if its strong we will. If we keep the faith we stay straight, and when God shoots us we will hit the target. If we do not, well a warped arrow will not reach the target.
4th, We as flesh only see what is directly in front of us or what was directly behind us, we cannot see the multiple possible outcomes of different actions. At times we will see the target, when it is directly in front of us and God shoots us straight. But many times the target is far away, and we have to be shot up for distance, and we only see up at first, its not until we start our decent to the target will we see it. At times that target is so far away, time passes before our decent, and if we do not stay living in faith then we warp, and start to go off intended path. But if we stay in faith we stay on path. Not seeing the target has to be the hardest part, we as flesh want to know, want to be in control, and when God's will is not yet revealed, we to often struggle to keep our faith. We want to take control, we want to choose a target we can see, and then we get warped.
5th, The first target will be just one of many, we need to hit one to be able to be shot towards the next one, and next one and so on, until you hit the ultimate goal.
6th. In the end so often we do not know what God intended until we actually hit the target, and looking back we realize, wow it all made sense. And in our fleshly life it will be like that over and over. I tell you the one thing you can know though. if you keep the faith, the ultimate goal of eternal life with God will happen. And just like a target that's out of site, we have no idea how awesome it will be.
Looking back on my life I can say I have a few really good examples. I can tell you that many times God would shoot me towards a target, and since my faith in him was non existent, I did not fly straight, but God went picked me up, and shot me again. And each time I missed the target. That is until recently. I feel I have hit an early target, one that God intended. And it happened only after I put my faith in God completely. How do I know this? Well I know that if my faith was not put in him when it was, my life would be so warped, I would have no idea where to go. I know my marriage would be dead, I know the anger I had would still consume my everyday life, which it no longer does, and I know that the life of love I currently am striving for would be no where in site.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
My favorite movies and why
OK lets keep this post on the lighter side. I decided I want to share my favorite movies with you all and why, if you have not seen them, I would love to watch with you, that way I can interrupt with why I love it so much while we are watching.
Before I start the list I also want to share a few of the things that I look for in a movie.
First off with a few exceptions, I do not like predictable endings. Meaning if I can tell you the basic ending 30 minutes into the movie, then I am done watching. One major exception is the sports movie, cause we all know that 90% of the time, the main team will win in the end.
Second the story must flow and make sense, I cannot stand so many action/special effect movies due to the lack of this. Do not get me started on how much I hate the Transformer movies, didn't even watch the 3rd.
Third, I tend to favor certain actors, directors and writers. I think most people do as well, but many do not pay attention to who writes or directs closely, thus do not realize it.
I also love stories where the lead actor or story has a greater motive. IE killing the one who killed the love of your life is not enough, leading a county's army for freedom cause the love of your life was killed, well that's for real.
Here we go in no particular order.
The Untouchables. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094226/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Talk about a cast, Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Andy Garcia, & Charles Martin Smith(if you do not know the name, check out his bio, he's been great in a lot of stuff,
Why is this awesome, I mentioned the actors, and the acting was superb, but the direction was even better. Just look at what Brian De Palma has done for Hollywood, and you would swear he was an actual mafia boss in a former life. The writing was excellent, with some great one liners. Eliot Ness throwing Frank Nitti off the roof was classic. And in the end it was the fact of it being based off a real person, one who did what no other person wanted to do at the time. Actually stand up to an evil person, and win.
True Romance http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108399/?ref_=nv_sr_5
Talk about a cast. To many great names to list, just look it up.
One of Quentin Tarantino's early writing works. And directed by the late great Tony Scott. Look at that bio and a great director is an understatement.
The writing in this is second to none, with the banter between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper one of the best conversations ever put onto film, given the whole situation. It is a bit violent, but I think the story calls for it, unlike a lot of the excess violence of Tarantino's movies. Brad Pitt's 3 minutes in the movie is classic, and yes he has about 3 minutes of screen time. With the actors I just named they are not even any of the main characters.
American History X http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Edward Norton is one of the best actors of our Generation PERIOD. His first major role was in a low budget thriller along side Richard Gere called Primal Fear, and was ROBBED for best supporting actor Oscar by Cuba Gudding Jr. Yes Cuba was good in the high profile Jerry Mcguire, but anyone who saw Primal Fear knows Norton was robbed. There where even Academy voters who acknowledged after the awards where announced that they had not watched Primal Fear thus did not see Norton's performance.
This has not one, but two OMG scenes that even to this day still makes me cringe, but is so necessary for the story no one can argue they should have not put it in. It story is written perfectly, same writer who did the screenplay for "Blow". and acting is great. The ending to this day still makes me cry.p
Man on Fire and Training Day.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328107/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139654/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Putting these two together, cause of the great Denzel. I also put him way up there in the list greatest actors of our generation, and do not think Ill get much argument.
Both these put his acting ability front and center, and highlights his ability to play either a good or bad guy, but more importantly, both at the same time. Denzel also chooses to work along side other great actors and with top notch directors, which has helped him get to where he is. And these two movies highlight those choices.
Braveheart http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Had to have at least one Mel Gibson movie on the list. I think it is so sad he has been blacklisted in Hollywood, for a couple mistakes he made while succumbing to his alcoholism. If Robert Downy Jr gets another chance, Mel should. But I digress.
Mel has been a part of many favorites, The Patriot and Ransom to name a couple. But Braveheart is his greatest achievement in Hollywood.
Saving Private Ryan http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Another great cast lead by Tom Hanks, and directed by Spielberg.
Still to this day, at the end when Hank's character tells Damon's to "earn this", and then Damon's character asks his wife if he lived a good life. I tear up. Every time it gets me. Makes me think about the life we have been given, and if we have truly earned it. But also the struggle through out the story. Is the life of one man worth mutiple other??? If so why, and when???
A Few Good Men. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Rob Reiner directing yet another great cast of actors. I say great not even including Tom Cruise, cause though I loved him early in his career, with a couple exceptions I pretty much cannot stand him after this movie. This movie lost out the "The Unforgiven" for best picture, and it could be forever debated which was better. Both where great, had great casts, great storyline with impact. But here is why I list Few Good Men above the other. Jennifer and I watched it on our first date. Well Jennifer kinda watched it. She fell asleep. It was very late/early in morning. The one scene that really gets me here is not the ending one between Cruise and Nicholson, but earlier ones between Cruise and Moore. The one when Cruise is playing softball, and of course the one when he is drunk, which he REALLY was when they filmed it.
The Dark Knight and X2, Xmen United.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290334/?ref_=nv_sr_1
If you know me you know my comic geekiness. These two movies along with Spiderman 2 are the reasons we have so many comic book movie franchises out there. All 3 of these are due to a well written origin movie, that was successful, and was successful due to the writing. They had a long term goal for a franchise with multiple movies, but did not allow that goal to rush the first one. They took time, and made the 1st one properly, to ensure the ones to follow where even greater.
Both DK and X2 have GREAT opening scenes, Nitecrawler popping in and out of the rooms in the white house, and Joker's crew robbing the mods bank. Got your attention from the get go, and played a HUGE part in the ultimate storyline. Both highlighted the saying made famous by the 3rd mentioned comic here. "With great power comes great responsibility".
And Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker, will forever go down one of the greatest performances out of Hollywood, easily of all Comic based stories.
Momento and Fight Club.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209144/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Putting these two together. They both had directors that at the time where pretty unknown, Nolan, and Fincher but the main reason putting them together, is the way each story played out. Both had stories a bit hard to keep up with, but you stayed glued, and then the ending, OMG was all you could say at both. I will also include a 3rd in this "Se7en". http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/?ref_=tt_ov_st. Up until this movie Brad Pitt was just a hunk, doing all sort of TV, and randomly put into a movie for his sexiness. But here he came out as a great actor, well this one and 12 Monkeys, came out same year and Brad won Golden Globe for best supporting actor. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_36. After this Pitt was a real leading man. Some could even say I developed a man crush on him.
The Matrix http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Here is an example where I was truly blown away by special effects. But who could not be. Keanu is not a great actor, maybe not even a good one, but this role was a perfect fit. Fishburn was perfect as well. Storyline though was not one anyone would call great, but it was good, and made you think. Great soundtrack added to the movie perfectly. All in all it was great in enough aspects to elevate the other aspects that where average.
Liar Liar http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119528/?ref_=nv_sr_2
I had to include a comedy, even though I am very hard to please with comedies. When it comes to comedy I need it to be unexpected, but realistic in the storyline. Jim Carey can be very annoying, and stupid, but this movie had me rolling. It was Jim Carey crazy stupid, but if you think about it, if someone was forced to be honest like he was, in the situation he was in, then everything that happened was pretty realistic. I also have a special place for this movie cause it was the 1st movie Jenn and I saw as a married couple. We watched it on our honeymoon. Took a break from walking the river walk, and decided this was a good way to give our feet a rest.
The Princess Bride. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/?ref_=nv_sr_1
If you have not seen this, then you must watch it now. I mean it, Stop what you are doing, go to on demand or netflix or wherever to go to for movies, and watch it NOW. You cannot say no to this, actually your only response to this is "As you wish".
Oh and another Rob Reiner film.
Snatch http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208092/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Back to my man crush. Writer/Director Guy Ritchie was supposed to be the next great one. This movie and Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels is why. Jason Statham was in the middle of many very good movies. Brad Pitt again shows why he is way more than looks. And the story as a whole comes together with an ending that you just had to yell a resounding "YES" too.
The Crow http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/?ref_=nv_sr_2
20 years ago, making movies from graphic novels was just starting to become a thing. Brandon Lee had just a few movies under his belt, but was showing some good skills.
This movie as a whole was not what I would normally consider great, but it was overall good in every aspects. What made it so great was the soundtrack. In the height of the alternative grunge movement, each song was almost perfectly paired with a specific scene making said scene twice as good than it would have been without the music. This also was Brandon's last film as he was "accidentally" shot filming one of the last scenes they had to shoot. A real bullet was lodged in the barrel from a previous scene and when used in the last scene the pressure of the blank firing actually shot the bullet out.
Overall after watching this at the theater with my older brother, I went immediately to the record store, (remember those) and bought the soundtrack.
Well there's more than I planned on writing about but as I wrote more came to mind I could not leave out. Please feel free to share with me your favorites, and why. I have always thought it would be fun to get a r group of movie lovers together and spend a day.night just watching each others favs and debate there greatness as well as act/sing/quote along with them all.
Before I start the list I also want to share a few of the things that I look for in a movie.
First off with a few exceptions, I do not like predictable endings. Meaning if I can tell you the basic ending 30 minutes into the movie, then I am done watching. One major exception is the sports movie, cause we all know that 90% of the time, the main team will win in the end.
Second the story must flow and make sense, I cannot stand so many action/special effect movies due to the lack of this. Do not get me started on how much I hate the Transformer movies, didn't even watch the 3rd.
Third, I tend to favor certain actors, directors and writers. I think most people do as well, but many do not pay attention to who writes or directs closely, thus do not realize it.
I also love stories where the lead actor or story has a greater motive. IE killing the one who killed the love of your life is not enough, leading a county's army for freedom cause the love of your life was killed, well that's for real.
Here we go in no particular order.
The Untouchables. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094226/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Talk about a cast, Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Andy Garcia, & Charles Martin Smith(if you do not know the name, check out his bio, he's been great in a lot of stuff,
Why is this awesome, I mentioned the actors, and the acting was superb, but the direction was even better. Just look at what Brian De Palma has done for Hollywood, and you would swear he was an actual mafia boss in a former life. The writing was excellent, with some great one liners. Eliot Ness throwing Frank Nitti off the roof was classic. And in the end it was the fact of it being based off a real person, one who did what no other person wanted to do at the time. Actually stand up to an evil person, and win.
True Romance http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108399/?ref_=nv_sr_5
Talk about a cast. To many great names to list, just look it up.
One of Quentin Tarantino's early writing works. And directed by the late great Tony Scott. Look at that bio and a great director is an understatement.
The writing in this is second to none, with the banter between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper one of the best conversations ever put onto film, given the whole situation. It is a bit violent, but I think the story calls for it, unlike a lot of the excess violence of Tarantino's movies. Brad Pitt's 3 minutes in the movie is classic, and yes he has about 3 minutes of screen time. With the actors I just named they are not even any of the main characters.
American History X http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120586/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Edward Norton is one of the best actors of our Generation PERIOD. His first major role was in a low budget thriller along side Richard Gere called Primal Fear, and was ROBBED for best supporting actor Oscar by Cuba Gudding Jr. Yes Cuba was good in the high profile Jerry Mcguire, but anyone who saw Primal Fear knows Norton was robbed. There where even Academy voters who acknowledged after the awards where announced that they had not watched Primal Fear thus did not see Norton's performance.
This has not one, but two OMG scenes that even to this day still makes me cringe, but is so necessary for the story no one can argue they should have not put it in. It story is written perfectly, same writer who did the screenplay for "Blow". and acting is great. The ending to this day still makes me cry.p
Man on Fire and Training Day.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328107/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139654/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Putting these two together, cause of the great Denzel. I also put him way up there in the list greatest actors of our generation, and do not think Ill get much argument.
Both these put his acting ability front and center, and highlights his ability to play either a good or bad guy, but more importantly, both at the same time. Denzel also chooses to work along side other great actors and with top notch directors, which has helped him get to where he is. And these two movies highlight those choices.
Braveheart http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Had to have at least one Mel Gibson movie on the list. I think it is so sad he has been blacklisted in Hollywood, for a couple mistakes he made while succumbing to his alcoholism. If Robert Downy Jr gets another chance, Mel should. But I digress.
Mel has been a part of many favorites, The Patriot and Ransom to name a couple. But Braveheart is his greatest achievement in Hollywood.
Saving Private Ryan http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Another great cast lead by Tom Hanks, and directed by Spielberg.
Still to this day, at the end when Hank's character tells Damon's to "earn this", and then Damon's character asks his wife if he lived a good life. I tear up. Every time it gets me. Makes me think about the life we have been given, and if we have truly earned it. But also the struggle through out the story. Is the life of one man worth mutiple other??? If so why, and when???
A Few Good Men. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Rob Reiner directing yet another great cast of actors. I say great not even including Tom Cruise, cause though I loved him early in his career, with a couple exceptions I pretty much cannot stand him after this movie. This movie lost out the "The Unforgiven" for best picture, and it could be forever debated which was better. Both where great, had great casts, great storyline with impact. But here is why I list Few Good Men above the other. Jennifer and I watched it on our first date. Well Jennifer kinda watched it. She fell asleep. It was very late/early in morning. The one scene that really gets me here is not the ending one between Cruise and Nicholson, but earlier ones between Cruise and Moore. The one when Cruise is playing softball, and of course the one when he is drunk, which he REALLY was when they filmed it.
The Dark Knight and X2, Xmen United.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290334/?ref_=nv_sr_1
If you know me you know my comic geekiness. These two movies along with Spiderman 2 are the reasons we have so many comic book movie franchises out there. All 3 of these are due to a well written origin movie, that was successful, and was successful due to the writing. They had a long term goal for a franchise with multiple movies, but did not allow that goal to rush the first one. They took time, and made the 1st one properly, to ensure the ones to follow where even greater.
Both DK and X2 have GREAT opening scenes, Nitecrawler popping in and out of the rooms in the white house, and Joker's crew robbing the mods bank. Got your attention from the get go, and played a HUGE part in the ultimate storyline. Both highlighted the saying made famous by the 3rd mentioned comic here. "With great power comes great responsibility".
And Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker, will forever go down one of the greatest performances out of Hollywood, easily of all Comic based stories.
Momento and Fight Club.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209144/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Putting these two together. They both had directors that at the time where pretty unknown, Nolan, and Fincher but the main reason putting them together, is the way each story played out. Both had stories a bit hard to keep up with, but you stayed glued, and then the ending, OMG was all you could say at both. I will also include a 3rd in this "Se7en". http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/?ref_=tt_ov_st. Up until this movie Brad Pitt was just a hunk, doing all sort of TV, and randomly put into a movie for his sexiness. But here he came out as a great actor, well this one and 12 Monkeys, came out same year and Brad won Golden Globe for best supporting actor. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_36. After this Pitt was a real leading man. Some could even say I developed a man crush on him.
The Matrix http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Here is an example where I was truly blown away by special effects. But who could not be. Keanu is not a great actor, maybe not even a good one, but this role was a perfect fit. Fishburn was perfect as well. Storyline though was not one anyone would call great, but it was good, and made you think. Great soundtrack added to the movie perfectly. All in all it was great in enough aspects to elevate the other aspects that where average.
Liar Liar http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119528/?ref_=nv_sr_2
I had to include a comedy, even though I am very hard to please with comedies. When it comes to comedy I need it to be unexpected, but realistic in the storyline. Jim Carey can be very annoying, and stupid, but this movie had me rolling. It was Jim Carey crazy stupid, but if you think about it, if someone was forced to be honest like he was, in the situation he was in, then everything that happened was pretty realistic. I also have a special place for this movie cause it was the 1st movie Jenn and I saw as a married couple. We watched it on our honeymoon. Took a break from walking the river walk, and decided this was a good way to give our feet a rest.
The Princess Bride. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/?ref_=nv_sr_1
If you have not seen this, then you must watch it now. I mean it, Stop what you are doing, go to on demand or netflix or wherever to go to for movies, and watch it NOW. You cannot say no to this, actually your only response to this is "As you wish".
Oh and another Rob Reiner film.
Snatch http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208092/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Back to my man crush. Writer/Director Guy Ritchie was supposed to be the next great one. This movie and Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels is why. Jason Statham was in the middle of many very good movies. Brad Pitt again shows why he is way more than looks. And the story as a whole comes together with an ending that you just had to yell a resounding "YES" too.
The Crow http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109506/?ref_=nv_sr_2
20 years ago, making movies from graphic novels was just starting to become a thing. Brandon Lee had just a few movies under his belt, but was showing some good skills.
This movie as a whole was not what I would normally consider great, but it was overall good in every aspects. What made it so great was the soundtrack. In the height of the alternative grunge movement, each song was almost perfectly paired with a specific scene making said scene twice as good than it would have been without the music. This also was Brandon's last film as he was "accidentally" shot filming one of the last scenes they had to shoot. A real bullet was lodged in the barrel from a previous scene and when used in the last scene the pressure of the blank firing actually shot the bullet out.
Overall after watching this at the theater with my older brother, I went immediately to the record store, (remember those) and bought the soundtrack.
Well there's more than I planned on writing about but as I wrote more came to mind I could not leave out. Please feel free to share with me your favorites, and why. I have always thought it would be fun to get a r group of movie lovers together and spend a day.night just watching each others favs and debate there greatness as well as act/sing/quote along with them all.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Assigning blame is overrated.
Today, I encountered and issue at work that I and my coworkers encounter often, and I have realized that it's one of those situations that is easily resolved if people just get over who's fault it is, an focus more on fixing whatever problem there is and moving on. But to often people in my position and the people opposite are so focused on who is to blame they make it so much worse and the problem lingers and at times the negative attitudes towards each other linger as well affecting later circumstances.
Shortest version allowed.
Got call today, had 2 reps working on a project that myself and store asst manager agreed upon just 6 days ago to be executed this morning. Unknowingly to all parties due to lack of company communication, this specific store cancelled the project. My reps completed project and was wrapping it up when @ 2 pm when the head store manager came over to inform my 2 reps what they had just done should not have been done, and it needed to be put back to how it was. My rep called me telling me this, and after listening to them vent about the waste of time, and who was blame for this waste, she then gave the store manager the phone who then griped at me for about 5 minutes. I tried to explain that it was an easy fix, and we could fix it today. I gave my reps directions to correct situation. 15 minutes later they called back saying they could not execute correction due to store management so unhappy they would not allow access to fixtures needed. Basically store personal where still griping about the problem that occurred.
Since I was not far from the store I went over there. I politely listened to the store manager again gripe about this issue, and even though no ONE person was really completely at fault, all parties in hindsight could have prevented the error if they took proper actions, but we all know what hindsight is.
So after listening to all this and accessing the situation in person, I responded with one thing. Give me 1 hour and it will be corrected. I then proceeded to direct and work with my 2 reps and undo what it took them 5 hours to do, and then communicated to management the fix was in place. Store manager then decided he needed to vent again. In all his venting I realized all he wanted was to make sure I knew it was all my/my companies fault. And though I never really accepted the blame, I accepted his criticism and moved on.
I have found this is the case in everyday life for many of us. So often so many people have disputes, and all they really want is to pass on the blame. And though accepting blame and responsibility for errors is needed in life, and crucial for growth, for it to be so important that we all will not rest until the other party takes the blame in every situation is really stupid, and a waste of energy.
I have found that about 5% of life situations really require one party to take the blame and responsibility, and the other party to be aware of that acceptance. The other 95% should really be a situation in which both parties should just accept an error occured and make a decision on how to correct that error, and usually that decision needs to be one of personal responsibility. Meaning what do I have to do to correct, not worrying about what the other party's responsibility is. If and when we do that I have found the situation gets resolved much quicker and the attitudes going forward are much more positive.
I have found this to be true in both personal and professional relationships.
So a challenge I have given to myself a while back is this, do not worry so much and who is at fault, instead worry about what I can do in fixing said problem, and assessing and responsibility I had in creating said problem. If I had responsibility in it, then react to that. Otherwise, move on to the next thing. DO NOT worry about the other parties responsibility, especially if I have no say in it. Cause really in most instances I do not have a say in another responsibility, even though I like most people tend to think we do, we do not.
Shortest version allowed.
Got call today, had 2 reps working on a project that myself and store asst manager agreed upon just 6 days ago to be executed this morning. Unknowingly to all parties due to lack of company communication, this specific store cancelled the project. My reps completed project and was wrapping it up when @ 2 pm when the head store manager came over to inform my 2 reps what they had just done should not have been done, and it needed to be put back to how it was. My rep called me telling me this, and after listening to them vent about the waste of time, and who was blame for this waste, she then gave the store manager the phone who then griped at me for about 5 minutes. I tried to explain that it was an easy fix, and we could fix it today. I gave my reps directions to correct situation. 15 minutes later they called back saying they could not execute correction due to store management so unhappy they would not allow access to fixtures needed. Basically store personal where still griping about the problem that occurred.
Since I was not far from the store I went over there. I politely listened to the store manager again gripe about this issue, and even though no ONE person was really completely at fault, all parties in hindsight could have prevented the error if they took proper actions, but we all know what hindsight is.
So after listening to all this and accessing the situation in person, I responded with one thing. Give me 1 hour and it will be corrected. I then proceeded to direct and work with my 2 reps and undo what it took them 5 hours to do, and then communicated to management the fix was in place. Store manager then decided he needed to vent again. In all his venting I realized all he wanted was to make sure I knew it was all my/my companies fault. And though I never really accepted the blame, I accepted his criticism and moved on.
I have found this is the case in everyday life for many of us. So often so many people have disputes, and all they really want is to pass on the blame. And though accepting blame and responsibility for errors is needed in life, and crucial for growth, for it to be so important that we all will not rest until the other party takes the blame in every situation is really stupid, and a waste of energy.
I have found that about 5% of life situations really require one party to take the blame and responsibility, and the other party to be aware of that acceptance. The other 95% should really be a situation in which both parties should just accept an error occured and make a decision on how to correct that error, and usually that decision needs to be one of personal responsibility. Meaning what do I have to do to correct, not worrying about what the other party's responsibility is. If and when we do that I have found the situation gets resolved much quicker and the attitudes going forward are much more positive.
I have found this to be true in both personal and professional relationships.
So a challenge I have given to myself a while back is this, do not worry so much and who is at fault, instead worry about what I can do in fixing said problem, and assessing and responsibility I had in creating said problem. If I had responsibility in it, then react to that. Otherwise, move on to the next thing. DO NOT worry about the other parties responsibility, especially if I have no say in it. Cause really in most instances I do not have a say in another responsibility, even though I like most people tend to think we do, we do not.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Summer before High School
25 years ago, give or take a day, I was 14, and just starting what would be a very interesting summer vacation. One that included a lawn business that I had with a friend of mine, in which we would mow about 10 lawns a week. It was the second of 3 summers we had done this, but the 1st was really a learning process.
Why is this significant?? Well My daughter at that exact age in life. She just finished 8th grade, and on this very first day of summer vacation already has a babysitting gig. Though its not her first one, it does seem like a first, cause we are advertising her availability to our friends and because she wants this to be a common thing going forward. As I sit here today thinking about her summer before high school, one that will be filled with a Church camp, her helping out at VBS and one that hopefully is filled with more babysitter gigs, I cannot help but stress over the next couple years and what they will bring for her.
Though I know that her situation is nothing like mine was, I HATED the next couple years of my life at that age. Reasons I will not get into right now, but they where not fun. Basketball was the only thing I considered positive, and even that had a lot of turmoil. And she is coming off of not making 9th grade cheer, which was a huge deal to her, and she is stressing out about having friends now that shes not a cheerleader. Now I know she will make friends outside of cheer, and already has. But she worries so, it makes me worry about her.
So now that summer before HS is upon us, I start to think about these next 4 years. I at times feel I have very little to give her being my HS experience was SO different being home schooled. Luckily Jenn has that, but even she agrees due to personalities hers will be much different as well. I wonder about boys, those 15+ year old jerks, all of them. I know I am exaggerating, but its how I feel right now. I think about her getting her learning permit next year. I have already put her behind the wheel a couple times, but its scary. I think about pressures she will face, at school functions, party's, and just hanging out with friends. I pray I have given her the tools to handle them well, and the faith in God to ask for help as needed. Most of all I pray she has a good experience the next few years, I do not want her to have to go through anything like I had to. She deserves so much better.
Amen.
Why is this significant?? Well My daughter at that exact age in life. She just finished 8th grade, and on this very first day of summer vacation already has a babysitting gig. Though its not her first one, it does seem like a first, cause we are advertising her availability to our friends and because she wants this to be a common thing going forward. As I sit here today thinking about her summer before high school, one that will be filled with a Church camp, her helping out at VBS and one that hopefully is filled with more babysitter gigs, I cannot help but stress over the next couple years and what they will bring for her.
Though I know that her situation is nothing like mine was, I HATED the next couple years of my life at that age. Reasons I will not get into right now, but they where not fun. Basketball was the only thing I considered positive, and even that had a lot of turmoil. And she is coming off of not making 9th grade cheer, which was a huge deal to her, and she is stressing out about having friends now that shes not a cheerleader. Now I know she will make friends outside of cheer, and already has. But she worries so, it makes me worry about her.
So now that summer before HS is upon us, I start to think about these next 4 years. I at times feel I have very little to give her being my HS experience was SO different being home schooled. Luckily Jenn has that, but even she agrees due to personalities hers will be much different as well. I wonder about boys, those 15+ year old jerks, all of them. I know I am exaggerating, but its how I feel right now. I think about her getting her learning permit next year. I have already put her behind the wheel a couple times, but its scary. I think about pressures she will face, at school functions, party's, and just hanging out with friends. I pray I have given her the tools to handle them well, and the faith in God to ask for help as needed. Most of all I pray she has a good experience the next few years, I do not want her to have to go through anything like I had to. She deserves so much better.
Amen.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Trying to live a Christian life.
This past year has been a great change in our lives. Jennifer and I have found our faith in Christ, and have started to try to live a life that is based in that faith. Now that has not meant a bunch of drastic changes, like some might think,. I remember hearing stories from my older brother and sister, how my parents made dramatic changes in their lives after being born again, short period after I was born. My sis was already 9 and my brother was 6, so they remember. Things like putting them into private school, My Dad who smoked cigars and had a valuable collection, quit cold turkey and sold his collection, they quit any consumption of alcohol, other drastic things. Things that rocked their world.
Now Jenn and I have not done things like that, but what we have tried is to implement small changes as we see them to be needed and build on those. We also have become more aware of some stuff that was in our life that maybe should not be, and made adjustments to remove those things as needed.
Things like what we listen to on the radio. Now I am not saying we have cut out secular music, I will always have a place in my heart for many artists, whether they are christian or not, but what we both have done is stopped listening to some programs that have topics that are not Christ like, and have added Christian and uplifting music into our listening routines. Movies that we watch, we now have a different opinion of some topics movies will be based on. We have also both looked for ways to add scripture reading into our lives much more often, we have gotten more involved in the church activities and programs. Things like this have been done to help us learn what we need to do to live the life Christ wants for us, and help give us the support as needed.
Well yesterday something happened that made me very proud as a Christian father and man.
Desiree came downstairs after a long phone discussion with a best friend of hers. And she told Jenn and I that her friend was asking Desiree about being a Christian and what she believes. Her friend told Desiree she was asking her this cause she sees our family as a real Christan Family. She said, we go to church every week, we listen to christian music, and we read the bible. ETC. Well Desiree was taken of guard to this, but took the opportunity to share what she believes with her friend, and though she felt a bit unprepared,. she did a good job in my eyes.
Two things came to light after Dez told us this, one was that Desiree herself mentioned some of the changes she has seen from us, and talked about them in a positive way. And second one was that both Jennifer and I really did not think up unto this point that we really had not made that much of a change, but after thinking about it realized that we have. I pray and hope we can continue on this path, for so far it has been very uplifting and positive, and though I know major challenges will arise, I now feel confident I have the support to beat those challenges, where in the past I felt it was all on me to meet any challenge, and no support was needed, and that is why I failed so often.
Now Jenn and I have not done things like that, but what we have tried is to implement small changes as we see them to be needed and build on those. We also have become more aware of some stuff that was in our life that maybe should not be, and made adjustments to remove those things as needed.
Things like what we listen to on the radio. Now I am not saying we have cut out secular music, I will always have a place in my heart for many artists, whether they are christian or not, but what we both have done is stopped listening to some programs that have topics that are not Christ like, and have added Christian and uplifting music into our listening routines. Movies that we watch, we now have a different opinion of some topics movies will be based on. We have also both looked for ways to add scripture reading into our lives much more often, we have gotten more involved in the church activities and programs. Things like this have been done to help us learn what we need to do to live the life Christ wants for us, and help give us the support as needed.
Well yesterday something happened that made me very proud as a Christian father and man.
Desiree came downstairs after a long phone discussion with a best friend of hers. And she told Jenn and I that her friend was asking Desiree about being a Christian and what she believes. Her friend told Desiree she was asking her this cause she sees our family as a real Christan Family. She said, we go to church every week, we listen to christian music, and we read the bible. ETC. Well Desiree was taken of guard to this, but took the opportunity to share what she believes with her friend, and though she felt a bit unprepared,. she did a good job in my eyes.
Two things came to light after Dez told us this, one was that Desiree herself mentioned some of the changes she has seen from us, and talked about them in a positive way. And second one was that both Jennifer and I really did not think up unto this point that we really had not made that much of a change, but after thinking about it realized that we have. I pray and hope we can continue on this path, for so far it has been very uplifting and positive, and though I know major challenges will arise, I now feel confident I have the support to beat those challenges, where in the past I felt it was all on me to meet any challenge, and no support was needed, and that is why I failed so often.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Hosting families that have special needs kids.
I have always been one to not want sympathy from people, and that is why I try not to talk about the challenges of raising 2 kids on the Autism spectrum, unless another asks me about it or brings it up first. So the following post is not about wanting any, just trying to help create awareness.
A huge challenge a family with children having special needs, is traveling and visiting places/people that are not used to having those children around. Many reasons for this, like open space, size of the yards, the home decor and ETC are just a few. But I am going to focus on one in particular in this message, one that can be a very touchy subject, and can create a lot of stress for all parties.
How is the hosting family/people suppose to treat the kids with special needs????
The answer to this can be very difficult, cause it can vary based of the child's needs, the parents of the child expectations, and many other things. But I think I can give a few basic suggestions
1. Do not be afraid to ask the parents what the child's likes/needs are. But do not feel bad if you do not have exactly what our answers are. We know you might not be prepared, especially if this is first time hosting us.
2. Remember that though the child has unique needs, feel free to interact with the child like you would any other, but be prepared for the child's response to be different. Even a child who is not verbal, and seems to not want interaction, has the need to be loved and included. If you ignore them completely, they will feel ignored and possibly uncomfortable. If they are not comfortable, then they will make the visit hard for everyone, not on purpose, but many times the way they express their uncomfort comes out in a manner that can be disruptive. When a person makes no effort to interact with a child, whether the child has special needs or not, it gives the impression. they do not want to child around. Not always true, but impressions mean a lot, and if we as parents feel you do not want to child around, then we will not want to be bring the child around, which for us means we cannot come around either.
3. When you make the effort to interact with them, but do not get a positive response, do not feel bad. Observe how the parent interacts, and attempt to mimic that.
4. If you observe the child in some behavior or activity that you might be concerned about, you can mention it to the parent, but do it in an sharing/gathering information way. IE of you see a child drinking muddy water, and the parent is there, say to the parent, "he/she is drinking that muddy water, is that OK?" If we do not react, then you do not need to either, if we do react, then you know that if it happens again you may react in the same way. If we do not react in a manner that you feel is appropriate, well its not your child, so I will ask you get over it. If you witness the child doing something to your property/belongings and are worried about damage or the like, and we cannot or do not react immediately, feel free to get involved, but try and do it in a non judgemental way.
5. Lastly, I will be first to admit that parents of special needs children, at times allow the fear of being judged, or causing other people to feel uncomfortable prevent us from taking the children to others homes. This is on us and many of us need to own that better, but if you truly want to be involved in our lives then please try to avoid being judgemental. ALL parents want to avoid being judged for how they parent their kids, and that feeling can be magnified with special needs kids parents.
There are many other things that can be added to this, but thought I would share.
A huge challenge a family with children having special needs, is traveling and visiting places/people that are not used to having those children around. Many reasons for this, like open space, size of the yards, the home decor and ETC are just a few. But I am going to focus on one in particular in this message, one that can be a very touchy subject, and can create a lot of stress for all parties.
How is the hosting family/people suppose to treat the kids with special needs????
The answer to this can be very difficult, cause it can vary based of the child's needs, the parents of the child expectations, and many other things. But I think I can give a few basic suggestions
1. Do not be afraid to ask the parents what the child's likes/needs are. But do not feel bad if you do not have exactly what our answers are. We know you might not be prepared, especially if this is first time hosting us.
2. Remember that though the child has unique needs, feel free to interact with the child like you would any other, but be prepared for the child's response to be different. Even a child who is not verbal, and seems to not want interaction, has the need to be loved and included. If you ignore them completely, they will feel ignored and possibly uncomfortable. If they are not comfortable, then they will make the visit hard for everyone, not on purpose, but many times the way they express their uncomfort comes out in a manner that can be disruptive. When a person makes no effort to interact with a child, whether the child has special needs or not, it gives the impression. they do not want to child around. Not always true, but impressions mean a lot, and if we as parents feel you do not want to child around, then we will not want to be bring the child around, which for us means we cannot come around either.
3. When you make the effort to interact with them, but do not get a positive response, do not feel bad. Observe how the parent interacts, and attempt to mimic that.
4. If you observe the child in some behavior or activity that you might be concerned about, you can mention it to the parent, but do it in an sharing/gathering information way. IE of you see a child drinking muddy water, and the parent is there, say to the parent, "he/she is drinking that muddy water, is that OK?" If we do not react, then you do not need to either, if we do react, then you know that if it happens again you may react in the same way. If we do not react in a manner that you feel is appropriate, well its not your child, so I will ask you get over it. If you witness the child doing something to your property/belongings and are worried about damage or the like, and we cannot or do not react immediately, feel free to get involved, but try and do it in a non judgemental way.
5. Lastly, I will be first to admit that parents of special needs children, at times allow the fear of being judged, or causing other people to feel uncomfortable prevent us from taking the children to others homes. This is on us and many of us need to own that better, but if you truly want to be involved in our lives then please try to avoid being judgemental. ALL parents want to avoid being judged for how they parent their kids, and that feeling can be magnified with special needs kids parents.
There are many other things that can be added to this, but thought I would share.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
I say something stupid, does that make me stupid?
Mark Cuban was recently asked his opinion on Donald Sterling, and his racist behavior. Mark's response was intended to be one with the meaning of, do not condemn a person for having a prejudice in some manner, cause we all have them.
He used some examples of stereotyping, and how he might act in a certain situation. Though he was not being racist, I can see how one part of the comment could come off as racist. But I think, and remember I do not speak for Mark, he was just saying, I am not in a position to be his judge and jury, and you probably are not either, and here's why, then he gave the 2 examples of stereotyping.
Using a stereotype is not on its own a racist action. Saying something that sounds racist does not make one a racist.
What is racism?? http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racism
Beliving a race is superior to another, and has a right to rule the other based soley on the aspect of race. Being a racist is one who follow this belief. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racist?s=t
Now am I saying it is ok to make certain jokes or use certain words considered racist? No, I have done those things in the past, and they where wrong. But in that moment I did not beleive I was superior just cause of my race, and my actions reflected that.
I grew up and live in Texas, and at times have been guilty of making jokes about Mexicans, even at times making negative comments about the illegal immagrants here. Does that make me a racist??? No it does not, does it make me a person who says stupid things, sure at times. But I do not use the race of an individual to control how I am going to treat them, or think about them. And i certanly do not think I am better then them. Yes I might fall victim to stereotyping in certain situations, but when I actually have to decide how to treat the person, the race has nothing to do with it, and in my opinion, that is the way it should be.
In my job I have many times had to dicide who to hire to work for me, and I can proudly say, I have interviewed people of many races, and never has the race been a deciding factor. I did once tell an individual I could not hire them, cause I did not think they spoke English well enough, and the lack of that skill was due to the fact they where from another country, and though they had American citizenship. I felt the position required better communication skills, and if I had a hard time undertanding them one on one, how could a group of people do with them in a setting with a lot of distractions? And they would be in that environment. So the decding factor was their skill set, not the race. If they could develope that skill set then it would be a different matter, no matter the race.
It has gotten to the point in todays world that a white person cannot say anyting negative about a person of another color, without the racsim card getting played, even when the comment has nothing to do with race. And you know what it does, it makes poeple numb to it. so do not go whining when actual racism happens and no one notices due to you crying wolf all the other times. Also when you do cry wolf, make sure your not yourself even more guily of the racism/bigotry your condemning.
So remember this, no matter what race you are, you have steroetypes in your mind about people of other races, and at times they effect your thoughts of a person, we are all guilty of it. Just do not let those thoughts control your lifes actions.
We all laughed at White Men can't jump. That alone does not make you a racist.
He used some examples of stereotyping, and how he might act in a certain situation. Though he was not being racist, I can see how one part of the comment could come off as racist. But I think, and remember I do not speak for Mark, he was just saying, I am not in a position to be his judge and jury, and you probably are not either, and here's why, then he gave the 2 examples of stereotyping.
Using a stereotype is not on its own a racist action. Saying something that sounds racist does not make one a racist.
What is racism?? http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racism
Beliving a race is superior to another, and has a right to rule the other based soley on the aspect of race. Being a racist is one who follow this belief. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/racist?s=t
Now am I saying it is ok to make certain jokes or use certain words considered racist? No, I have done those things in the past, and they where wrong. But in that moment I did not beleive I was superior just cause of my race, and my actions reflected that.
I grew up and live in Texas, and at times have been guilty of making jokes about Mexicans, even at times making negative comments about the illegal immagrants here. Does that make me a racist??? No it does not, does it make me a person who says stupid things, sure at times. But I do not use the race of an individual to control how I am going to treat them, or think about them. And i certanly do not think I am better then them. Yes I might fall victim to stereotyping in certain situations, but when I actually have to decide how to treat the person, the race has nothing to do with it, and in my opinion, that is the way it should be.
In my job I have many times had to dicide who to hire to work for me, and I can proudly say, I have interviewed people of many races, and never has the race been a deciding factor. I did once tell an individual I could not hire them, cause I did not think they spoke English well enough, and the lack of that skill was due to the fact they where from another country, and though they had American citizenship. I felt the position required better communication skills, and if I had a hard time undertanding them one on one, how could a group of people do with them in a setting with a lot of distractions? And they would be in that environment. So the decding factor was their skill set, not the race. If they could develope that skill set then it would be a different matter, no matter the race.
It has gotten to the point in todays world that a white person cannot say anyting negative about a person of another color, without the racsim card getting played, even when the comment has nothing to do with race. And you know what it does, it makes poeple numb to it. so do not go whining when actual racism happens and no one notices due to you crying wolf all the other times. Also when you do cry wolf, make sure your not yourself even more guily of the racism/bigotry your condemning.
So remember this, no matter what race you are, you have steroetypes in your mind about people of other races, and at times they effect your thoughts of a person, we are all guilty of it. Just do not let those thoughts control your lifes actions.
We all laughed at White Men can't jump. That alone does not make you a racist.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Sports Media and peoples private life, cannot have it both ways
Their are have 2 major stories in the sports world today, that revolve around racial and sexual decisions and opinions.
Donald Sterling, is now the Devil, because a private conversation that happened in his own home between him and a "girlfriend" in which he says some things deemed racist. I am not here to argue whether he is a racist or not, I have already commented on that, but everyone in the sports world and associated with him and the NBA knew his history, and things he had done, some much worse then what was said on tape. even made public knowledge.
Michael Sam from the university of Missouri, and for the time being, now in the NFL, has been labeled Heroic, and a pioneer for the gay community, for being the 1st openly gay person drafted into the NFL. Again I am not going to give any opinion of mine about Michael being gay. What I do wonder is,
WHY IS EITHER SUCH A BIG DEAL?
On Donald Sterling, how is it that a private conversation, in ones home can create such backlash, yet his actual actions meant nothing. His actions years ago, his wife's actions years ago indicated he was a racist bastard. His treatment of his so called mistresses while married, and his wife, indicates hes a sexist pig. Yet no one was up in arms. Hell there is not a single person in this world who has said some things that where racist/sexist in a private conversation at least a few times. And I am sorry, if the black community wants to judge a person harshly by his spoken words, the why do they still support Al Sharpton, no matter what side your on, his public speaking has to be a turn off for anyone.
And I know I Know, I am not a professional athlete, and I have no idea what Michael Sam has dealt with or will deal with! But here's my question. Why is it that the homosexual community is constantly fighting for their sexual lifestyle to be labeled no differently when it comes to human rights as such, basically saying, what we do sexually in private should not matter when it comes to human and legal rights, yet at times like this making it so PUBLIC is the greatest thing in the world.
If it really should not matter if a person is gay or not, then why doesn't the gay community act like it? Why must it be declared? Why must Mr Sam and Mr Collins actively seek out media to tell the world. Lets look at recent history, when it comes to Hollywood and professional sports. We all know that if you just look at the odds, there are a number of gay athletes playing a professional sports. Even though we might not be aware of them, they are there. As for Hollywood, we know of more openly gay people there, but lets look at the ones we know of. How have the careers gone? Have they plummeted since their homosexuality was announced? In many cases heck no, its actually boosted many of their careers. And for the few athletes we know of. Well Jason Collins went public after he could not get signed, and wow he gets signed, Michale Sam seeks out media attention, just when athletic reports come out about his lack of ability, and pro scouts' concerns about his NFL ability. And WOW guess what, the most media coverage for a late round pick in the history of football.
And now lets compare Michael Sam to another athlete, who was very public about his lifestyle. Tebow, that's right I went there. How many times did we hear from the media, keep your religion out of football, cant we just talk about football, no one would care about him if it not for his constant declarations about his beliefs. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah, Whats the difference between the two I ask? Why is Mr Sam a hero in the medias eyes, and Mr Tebow a obnoxious Jesus freak. They both openly expressed their private life, Tebow was a Christian and Virgin, yet he was ridiculed by the media, Sam openly seeks out media to proclaim his being Gay, and hes praised.
And back to Sterling, all those who are calling for his head because the only thing you know about him was ONE private conversation, and whatever after became public knowledge, think about this, what if big brother where to release all those phone conversations you have had, or your spouse taped all those fights you have had, and put those on you tube, or better yet sent them to your employer. Or your "best Friend" went public with all those conversations you had after 3-4 drinks. Would any of those put you in a bad light, of course some of them would, and if so what would your argument be to those said statements. 99% of the time your argument would be, just cause I said that doesn't mean I would really do it, or I really didn't mean it the way it sounded. But can Sterling use that?
So to wrap up, Ill say this, if what we do sexually in our private life should really not matter, then lets treat it like it doesn't really matter. Don't openly seek ways to make it public. If you want to be able to feel your have the God given right and constitutional right to privacy, then do not condemn another to something he said in private. Once you go public or judge, you open yourself up to being victimized for doing so, and once you make it a big deal about being "different" do not try to say your "difference" should not make a difference in the way you are viewed/treated, cause you are the one making it a big deal.
Donald Sterling, is now the Devil, because a private conversation that happened in his own home between him and a "girlfriend" in which he says some things deemed racist. I am not here to argue whether he is a racist or not, I have already commented on that, but everyone in the sports world and associated with him and the NBA knew his history, and things he had done, some much worse then what was said on tape. even made public knowledge.
Michael Sam from the university of Missouri, and for the time being, now in the NFL, has been labeled Heroic, and a pioneer for the gay community, for being the 1st openly gay person drafted into the NFL. Again I am not going to give any opinion of mine about Michael being gay. What I do wonder is,
WHY IS EITHER SUCH A BIG DEAL?
On Donald Sterling, how is it that a private conversation, in ones home can create such backlash, yet his actual actions meant nothing. His actions years ago, his wife's actions years ago indicated he was a racist bastard. His treatment of his so called mistresses while married, and his wife, indicates hes a sexist pig. Yet no one was up in arms. Hell there is not a single person in this world who has said some things that where racist/sexist in a private conversation at least a few times. And I am sorry, if the black community wants to judge a person harshly by his spoken words, the why do they still support Al Sharpton, no matter what side your on, his public speaking has to be a turn off for anyone.
And I know I Know, I am not a professional athlete, and I have no idea what Michael Sam has dealt with or will deal with! But here's my question. Why is it that the homosexual community is constantly fighting for their sexual lifestyle to be labeled no differently when it comes to human rights as such, basically saying, what we do sexually in private should not matter when it comes to human and legal rights, yet at times like this making it so PUBLIC is the greatest thing in the world.
If it really should not matter if a person is gay or not, then why doesn't the gay community act like it? Why must it be declared? Why must Mr Sam and Mr Collins actively seek out media to tell the world. Lets look at recent history, when it comes to Hollywood and professional sports. We all know that if you just look at the odds, there are a number of gay athletes playing a professional sports. Even though we might not be aware of them, they are there. As for Hollywood, we know of more openly gay people there, but lets look at the ones we know of. How have the careers gone? Have they plummeted since their homosexuality was announced? In many cases heck no, its actually boosted many of their careers. And for the few athletes we know of. Well Jason Collins went public after he could not get signed, and wow he gets signed, Michale Sam seeks out media attention, just when athletic reports come out about his lack of ability, and pro scouts' concerns about his NFL ability. And WOW guess what, the most media coverage for a late round pick in the history of football.
And now lets compare Michael Sam to another athlete, who was very public about his lifestyle. Tebow, that's right I went there. How many times did we hear from the media, keep your religion out of football, cant we just talk about football, no one would care about him if it not for his constant declarations about his beliefs. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah, Whats the difference between the two I ask? Why is Mr Sam a hero in the medias eyes, and Mr Tebow a obnoxious Jesus freak. They both openly expressed their private life, Tebow was a Christian and Virgin, yet he was ridiculed by the media, Sam openly seeks out media to proclaim his being Gay, and hes praised.
And back to Sterling, all those who are calling for his head because the only thing you know about him was ONE private conversation, and whatever after became public knowledge, think about this, what if big brother where to release all those phone conversations you have had, or your spouse taped all those fights you have had, and put those on you tube, or better yet sent them to your employer. Or your "best Friend" went public with all those conversations you had after 3-4 drinks. Would any of those put you in a bad light, of course some of them would, and if so what would your argument be to those said statements. 99% of the time your argument would be, just cause I said that doesn't mean I would really do it, or I really didn't mean it the way it sounded. But can Sterling use that?
So to wrap up, Ill say this, if what we do sexually in our private life should really not matter, then lets treat it like it doesn't really matter. Don't openly seek ways to make it public. If you want to be able to feel your have the God given right and constitutional right to privacy, then do not condemn another to something he said in private. Once you go public or judge, you open yourself up to being victimized for doing so, and once you make it a big deal about being "different" do not try to say your "difference" should not make a difference in the way you are viewed/treated, cause you are the one making it a big deal.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Finding joy in successes
I recently posted about not being angry anymore. This has lead to me being able to find my more joy in life, especially in the successes no matter how small.
I used to be a person who even when I was successful at something, I would immediattly look at how I could have done it better, or quicker, ETC. Rarely allowed myself to enjoy the success. And then when I found ways I could have done better, the angry man in me would come out, and would overshadow and joy I should be experincing. This attitide started to show in the way I looked at other peoples successes as well, my familys in paticular. At times the first thing I would say about whatever it was they where proiud of, would some sarcastic comment about it not being... insert something better then what was accomplished here.... and of course not find joy in it with them.
Well I am slowing learning a lot about being joyful in things in life.
For instance, things with Chris. Finding successes with him has always been hard, and even when there was some in the past, my attitude would not allow me to enjoy it. But no more I say. Like today. This boy is not potty trained of course, and changing a 10 year olds dirty diaper is never fun. But it was today, why???? Cause he told me he needed to be changed. Well kinda, You see he does not talk, and possibly never will. So we are trying to find ways for him to communicate, and the other day I learned that at school, by the bathroom, there is this button on the wall, and when pressed it says "I need to be changed" and the teachers have him press it whenever he needs to be changed. They have said he does not use it himself in the proper manner much yet, but they direct him to press it whenever they realize he needs changed. So guess what, he did today for us at home, and we only put it up a day ago. Thats right. I gave him a bath, got him dressed and not 30 minutes later, well #2 happened, and while I was sitting in my office I hear that saying go off, " I need to be changed" Go out the the living room and chris is standing in the middle of the room wating for someone, and yes he needed changed. I did indeed enjoy probably for the 1st time ever changing that boys diaper.
I used to be a person who even when I was successful at something, I would immediattly look at how I could have done it better, or quicker, ETC. Rarely allowed myself to enjoy the success. And then when I found ways I could have done better, the angry man in me would come out, and would overshadow and joy I should be experincing. This attitide started to show in the way I looked at other peoples successes as well, my familys in paticular. At times the first thing I would say about whatever it was they where proiud of, would some sarcastic comment about it not being... insert something better then what was accomplished here.... and of course not find joy in it with them.
Well I am slowing learning a lot about being joyful in things in life.
For instance, things with Chris. Finding successes with him has always been hard, and even when there was some in the past, my attitude would not allow me to enjoy it. But no more I say. Like today. This boy is not potty trained of course, and changing a 10 year olds dirty diaper is never fun. But it was today, why???? Cause he told me he needed to be changed. Well kinda, You see he does not talk, and possibly never will. So we are trying to find ways for him to communicate, and the other day I learned that at school, by the bathroom, there is this button on the wall, and when pressed it says "I need to be changed" and the teachers have him press it whenever he needs to be changed. They have said he does not use it himself in the proper manner much yet, but they direct him to press it whenever they realize he needs changed. So guess what, he did today for us at home, and we only put it up a day ago. Thats right. I gave him a bath, got him dressed and not 30 minutes later, well #2 happened, and while I was sitting in my office I hear that saying go off, " I need to be changed" Go out the the living room and chris is standing in the middle of the room wating for someone, and yes he needed changed. I did indeed enjoy probably for the 1st time ever changing that boys diaper.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Another opinion I need to share about a Movie. Superman/Batman
For those who know me, know I do like movies, but I am very critical of them. Either way I have string opinions about them.
Well a lot has been talked about on the upcoming Superman/Batman movie. Still quite a long way down the road but I have already formed some strong opinions.
First off lets back up. The most recent Batman trilogy of movies by Christopher Nolan was in my opinion the best comic book trilogy so far. #2 of those was the best comic book movie EVER hands down.
This points to a certain trend I want to mention. Lets go back 15 years and touch base on some comic book "Trilogies. Specifically X Men, Batman(Nolan), Spiderman(Tobey Mcguire) and Iron Man, 3 of those 4 can easily say that the 2nd movie of the 3 was the best, Iron Man being the exception, I can also say comfortably that the 3rd installment of each of those 3 where considered the worst, not necessarily bad, just the least favorite of the 3. This trend of course matches the original and BEST trilogy of all time, Star Wars. This lead me to the next movie
The recent Man of Steel movie was well done, but could have done some better character development. Character development was what I think the 1st movie of the previously mentioned trilogies focused on, thus leading to GREAT #2s, But then that great success lead to mediocre #3s, but due to the lack of this being done with the Superman movie, worries me about the next one. I believe that worry was well communicated to WB as well, thus the adding of Batman to the storyline, well that and the wanting to create the Justice League franchise to hopefully match what Disney has done with the Avengers.
So based of those opinions here is what I expect to happen with the upcoming Superman/Batman movie.
1. It will reach top 5 Box office numbers of all time for one reason only. Its the 2 biggest comic book characters of all time, and they are coming off the heals of successes.
2. I however will not like it nearly as much as as I have other comic book movies like X Men, Batman, and Spiderman, and that feeling will be pretty common from the public. It will be like the 3rd Transformers, or 3rd Iron Man. Make a crap load of money, but no one will say, WOW that was one of the best movies I have seen. Most will actually be disappointed.
3. It will lead to writer/Director Zack Snyder, though I think has a load of talent, to lose his opportunity to be in charge of the Justice League Movie Franchise.
Well a lot has been talked about on the upcoming Superman/Batman movie. Still quite a long way down the road but I have already formed some strong opinions.
First off lets back up. The most recent Batman trilogy of movies by Christopher Nolan was in my opinion the best comic book trilogy so far. #2 of those was the best comic book movie EVER hands down.
This points to a certain trend I want to mention. Lets go back 15 years and touch base on some comic book "Trilogies. Specifically X Men, Batman(Nolan), Spiderman(Tobey Mcguire) and Iron Man, 3 of those 4 can easily say that the 2nd movie of the 3 was the best, Iron Man being the exception, I can also say comfortably that the 3rd installment of each of those 3 where considered the worst, not necessarily bad, just the least favorite of the 3. This trend of course matches the original and BEST trilogy of all time, Star Wars. This lead me to the next movie
The recent Man of Steel movie was well done, but could have done some better character development. Character development was what I think the 1st movie of the previously mentioned trilogies focused on, thus leading to GREAT #2s, But then that great success lead to mediocre #3s, but due to the lack of this being done with the Superman movie, worries me about the next one. I believe that worry was well communicated to WB as well, thus the adding of Batman to the storyline, well that and the wanting to create the Justice League franchise to hopefully match what Disney has done with the Avengers.
So based of those opinions here is what I expect to happen with the upcoming Superman/Batman movie.
1. It will reach top 5 Box office numbers of all time for one reason only. Its the 2 biggest comic book characters of all time, and they are coming off the heals of successes.
2. I however will not like it nearly as much as as I have other comic book movies like X Men, Batman, and Spiderman, and that feeling will be pretty common from the public. It will be like the 3rd Transformers, or 3rd Iron Man. Make a crap load of money, but no one will say, WOW that was one of the best movies I have seen. Most will actually be disappointed.
3. It will lead to writer/Director Zack Snyder, though I think has a load of talent, to lose his opportunity to be in charge of the Justice League Movie Franchise.
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