Christmas Traditions

Tis the season for tradition. Many families have a set of Christmas traditions that they repeat every year- from stockings, to Santa, to reading the biblical account of Jesus' birth. We develop these yearly ceremonies to not only celebrate the holidays, but to bind our families collective memories and hearts.

Growing up in Alaska, we didn't have our extended family anywhere near and our Christmas traditions developed accordingly. Christmas morning was opening presents in our pajamas and the rest of the day was spent relaxing and playing with the new stuff we got. We didn't have many set traditions so as I have grown into adulthood I have struggled to understand why people are so set on their traditions. Not only that, as a function of being a child raised in a blended family, my understanding of family tends to be far different from the average person. For me, my brothers are my family, regardless if we shared the same genetics or not. They are my family because we share a common (or not so common as it were) history, a bond forged through pen fights, wrestling, avoiding chores and lots of laughter. So my traditions were directly related to spending time with my family for Christmas- those people who I share a common life, history, story, or bond with.

Every December I look forward to my time spent with my family- those people whom I share my life with- and yes

without a doubt that includes those lucky few with whom I share a genetic similarity, but it also includes my friends. My friends are as much family to me as my cousins, aunts, mom or dad. So a Christmas without them seems to be empty. So this year I have been blessed to be able to establish some actual traditions with these people.

So my new- grown up traditions are as follows:

Flynn Family Thanksgiving (thanks Sarah) - Christmas attire for the photo, food, wine and amazing friends.

Cookie day (thanks Sully)- a day of laughter, spent with great friends making more cookies than you can imagine and drinking more wine than we should.

The Lights at the Bontanical Garden in Bellevue (thanks Church's) - an amazing evening of lights mixed with some "special" Starbucks!

Christmas in Colorado (now a tradition)- time with family, laughing, opening presents, playing dutch blitz, long talks with my brother, watching You Tube videos with my nephews and lots and lots of snuggles from the cutest kids around!

Christmas Eve Sleepover at the Anderson's (one of my oldest traditions- dating back to 98!)- yummy snacks and presents on Christmas eve, early morning stockings and egg nog waffles.

As I review this list I can say that the best part of each of these traditions is easy to see- time with my loved ones. I know in this season of over booked schedules and over spent bank accounts it is easy to miss the true blessing of this time of year. We must remember that all of the shopping, cooking and/or baking is meant to create one thing- time - time with those you love and who, by the grace of God, love you.

I hope that this season finds you blessed beyond all measure, not by gifts, but by the love of your family - no matter how you define it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Why I love Thanksgiving more than Christmas

Yes I said it...I love Thanksgiving more than Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of celebrating the birth of my Savior (which as far as I understand did not happen on December 25) but let's be honest, Christmas is not about Jesus. It is about gifts and parties and making our family feel bad (wait...is that just in my family??)

We like to think if we try really hard we can make Christmas about Jesus, which might be true, but doing so would mean not giving gifts to our loved ones but to people we don't like or who don't like us (Matt 5:43-48). It would mean spending the day serving people in need, not giving over priced electronics to ungrateful children. And to be honest I am not sure most of us are really ready to do that. Most of us sadly cannot be bothered to donate gifts to needy families because we have other places to spend our money. To me this would be making Christmas about Jesus. Instead the holiday is about spending more money than we should on things that we think others want and not need (we need food, water, and shelter- not an Ipod touch or a blue ray player). I don't want to sound as if I don't adore the needless gadget (because I do!!) but I also am under no illusion that I NEED these things. My point is Christmas becomes this month of over stimulation and over spending that leads to a stressed out gathering of family. One in which you awkwardly exchange candles or body soap with the cousin who you really don't know or care for, but feel obligated to bring something for...happy birthday Jesus!

It may just be my family but there is always so much pressure surrounding Christmas, not just about gift giving, but about who we see, when we see them, and balancing that can be overwhelming. There are parts of Christmas I do enjoy, family gatherings that are easy and not stressful, watching the little ones open gifts, my brothers eggnog waffles ...these are the best parts! But what makes Thanksgiving so much better in my mind is that it is a day that is about eating and being thankful! No gifts, no obligations, just food...yummy yummy food and an awareness of how lucky we all really are! It is a day where we spend time just being with each other, laughing, telling stories, eating, and relaxing, all with an attitude of gratefulness.

I think by its very nature, Thanksgiving is more of Christian holiday than Christmas. It is the holiday that forces us to reflect on what we have and take a posture of thankfulness. We do not worry about what we are getting or giving, our main focus is enjoying a meal with those we love and reflecting on the blessings in our lives. And if we are really honest, our blessings are not things, not our houses, cars, tvs or video game collections. Our blessing are those people we are surrounded by- our loved ones. I hope as we take the big turn into the madness of the Christmas season, we can all remember that we are so very blessed not by what we have but by who we have.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Frustration...

As a teacher I generally love my job! I mean really, it is a great job and it tends to be pretty fun. But there are days when I get so frustrated I want to take parents and shake them...yes parents! As I am high school teacher, I fundamentally believe that teenagers should be held accountable for their actions and when I see parents fighting with all they have to help their children avoid consequences it makes me want to scream.

By the time your child is in high school, they understand right and wrong (or they should). When a child chooses to smoke pot at school or come to a school event drunk, it is not a mistake it is a choice. It is a choice to not only to break school rules, but to break the law, and should be treated as such. Teenagers make choices all the time, just today I saw a teenager choosing to text and drink a Starbucks, while driving. That's not a mistake- that's a choice (which is also against the law). We all made choices as teenagers, we choose what information to share with our parents, and what not to share, we choose to do our homework or not, we choose who we hung out with and who we dated. A million different choices in our teenage years, and each time we learned. If it was a bad choice- say dating the wrong person- we paid with our hearts. It hurt, we swore we'd never recover, but we did and we got smarter about the people we give our hearts to.

The only way we ever learn is through consequences. We make mistakes and they hurt and we learn. As a teacher I am constantly watching parents do all they can to keep their children from being held accountable for their choices. They say it was a mistake, or their just kids messing around or my favorite- "he really is a good kid". Let me say this- good kids- don't get busted for drugs! Good kids don't show up to school hammered! Good kids come to school, treat their teachers and fellow students with respect, turn in homework and study for tests- those are good kids. Your children might be nice or funny or even talented, but to be good kids they must exhibit good traits and if they don't, that's their choice. Your response should be to the help with those teachable moments. Pick them up when they fall, hug them and remind them that you love them and you will show that love through allowing them to be held accountable. Teach them the lesson we all learned- you are responsible for your choices.

Sorry for the rant today...I need to get it out! :) I promise the next blog will be all sunshine and butterflies...okay no it won't...we all know that!

I read a great article last night in Time magazine about the trend in parenting in the last 20 years, I highly recommend it to everyone! Take some time and read it.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1940395,00.html

Why I voted to approve R 71- the confession of a Christian

By writing this I realize that I may upset some of my friends, even to the point of anger. Please know at the onset that my intention is not to offend or anger anyone- my intention is to share my insight. I do not expect everyone to agree with me or even like what I have to say, my hope is that it will give you the opportunity to reflect on your own beliefs and convictions.

One of the most highly contested measures on the ballot here in Washington state this November is R71- the so called “all but marriage law”. This law would extend many of the rights contained in marriage to same sex couples and heterosexual couples over 65 who register with the state as Domestic Partners. This law does not give those groups the term marriage but many evangelical Christians are very against this law because marriage is considered a holy sacrament ordained by God to between one man and one woman. As a Christian and as a person who has spent the last seven years teaching about the Constitution I cannot in good conscious vote against extending rights to a minority.

Let me start with the Constitution. I think it is important to remember that when the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, they included in it the ideas that the government should never establish a religion, nor should it interfere with religion. To me this is the fundamental issue related to marriage rights. We Evangelicals like to believe that this is a “Christian Country” and therefore the laws should reflect our own ethics/morals. I submit that there is nothing inherently Christian about this country- and if we were to offer our country up to Jesus as an example of the best Christian community that can be created on Earth he would not be impressed. The fact that we have “In God we Trust” in our money does not make this heaven on Earth. In fact this country might be the picture of what Jesus warned us against. The most recent finical crisis is evidence that we are further from Eden than ever before. We know that America’s drive to have bigger, better, more expensive houses, to fill those houses with things that we can not afford and most likely do not need, lead to people being over extended and ended in foreclosures and banking issues. Greed, excesses, pride...that is kind of opposite of the directive Jesus gave to one man to sell off everything and follow him. But I digress, my point is that the first Amendment guarantees us the freedom to practice our religion without the interference of the Government and ensures that the Government will not impose a religion on us and since we can clearly see that this is not in fact a “Christian Country”, we should not be spending our time trying to impose our religious ethics on others.

The Evangelical church argues that marriage is a sacrament and that we should protect the sanctity of marriage. We must understand that marriage is both a religious right and a legal right. In the Church, marriage is between two people and God. It is holy and sanctified in that sense. It is the right of each Church to define and outline the process in whatever matter they feel lead to- this is part of the guarantee that Government cannot interfere with the practice of religion. However, marriage is also a legal contract between two people and the government. There is nothing inherently holy about it, it is a legal agreement in the purest form. It affords rights of taxation, adoption, medical visitation, and literally hundreds of other rights that most people never deal with. There is nothing in this arrangement about God, there is no holy character in this. In our country any heterosexual couple can legally marry regardless of their religious belief system. The Evangelical Church seems to have no problem with two atheists getting married or two Muslims, but two women is all of the sudden not holy. What this does for us a Church is to make us look hypocritical. It makes our standards seem to only apply in certain situations. And to be honest the broader question to be addressed is how does this bring people to Jesus? Do we think that Jesus looks at us with pride when we preach hate and exclusion? Does this kind of hypocrisy bring people to Jesus? Let me be clear on this, I do believe that Churches should have the right to believe and preach whatever they feel biblically lead to and in that should have the right to limit who is and who isn’t married within their walls. But outside the confines of the Churches, marriage in the legal sense has nothing to do with the Bible. By spending millions of dollars to combat same sex marriage our we drawing people to Christ? Are we loving God and loving his people? Or are we trying to force people to believe in our convictions before they believe in our Lord?

Sixty years ago many Churches rallied against interracial marriage- claiming it was against God’s commandments and would lead to the downfall of our country. One hundred years ago many fought against the rights of women to vote as it was believed that woman voting would lead to the downfall of the country. Two hundred years ago Bible believing Christians signed the Constitution that stated that all African’s would only be considered 3/5th of a person for the purposes of representation in Congress. Yes times have changed, but even in those times people used Biblical passages to defend their beliefs. Please understand as you read this that I am a Bible believing Evangelical Christian who whole heartedly believes that our main purpose on this Earth is love God and love His people, I believe that Jesus died for my sins in order for me to do those two things. But I also believe that the political drive of some Christians gets in the way of that calling and that scares me.

I know among some of my Christian friends this may not be a popular point of view, but I also know that our world has much bigger issues than same sex couples getting married. We live in a world of people who need Jesus, they need his love, his forgiveness and his healing. I also know that God’s call for all of us is to love Him and his people, all his people. Not just the people like us or the people who agree with us, but all the people.

We are defined by our failures and our struggles...

So often in our world we want to believe it is our successes that define us, that the things we get right are the things that make us who we are. I believe nothing could be further from the truth. Look at your life, when have you grown the most as a person? I am willing to bet the times of biggest growth have come either after a failure or during a struggle. When things get hard we are given two choices; stand up and fight the good fight, or walk away defeated and unchanged. Successful people see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. If you only do things you are good at how do you progress as a human being? How do you progress in your job? In your relationships? In anything?

As a teacher I have been faced with many parents who work so very hard to make sure their children do not fail. They go to extremes that most people would not believe. Law suits, slandering other adults professionals, and that's just the tame stuff. Each time I encounter these situations I am just saddened by it. Failure and struggle are part of life and if we keep kids from learning about it within the safe confines of high school we only set them up to experience it when it really counts- in their jobs or in their marriages.

I think we can all look back at times in our lives when we were stretched beyond our comfort zones, we made it out okay... no we made it out better. Those times in our lives when things with difficult situations, when we hurt beyond what we thought we could possibly hurt, when we struggled to the point of tears - those times shaped us, grew us and gave us the strength to face the harder challenges that lay ahead of us. Who doesn't remember their first heart break? The first time you felt like your heart had literally been torn into two pieces that would never be whole again? I know we all have a story about a boyfriend or girlfriend who walked away or worse yet cheated on us, and we can all talk of the pain related to that event with very vivid detail. But from those times, we learned, we figured out that person wasn't our soul mate, we moved on, ready to fall in love again, now stronger, more convicted about the type of person we wanted to give our hearts to. Those painful lessons helped us grow into adults able to cope and deal with the pain and disappointment we are guaranteed to face in the life.

I remember many nights spent crying in high school, but not about some boy who had broke my heart- who had time for such things with my schedule? No, I cried in frustration over my trigonometry or my AP English paper. I kid you not, there were nights I was spent stressing over problems or interpretations or margins or any number of seriously unimportant things. I carried a very heavy class load by choice- I knew I wanted to go college and I loved being challenged. Wait, I love the idea of being challenged- the actually process was not enjoyable. But that struggle, those sleepless, frustration filled nights, prepared me for college. While I watched my college friends spend their freshman year trying to figure out how to study and balance their lives, I enjoyed a the steady pace of a well orginized life, because I learned those lessons years before. That pain, that struggle, paid off for me. I hated it at the time, I mean I really hated it, and it was the best thing that happen to me.

To my friends who are parents, I know it is hard to watch your child be unhappy or to see them struggle, but keeping them from those struggles does not help them. If you love them, walk beside them through the struggles, hold their hands when they cry, help them pick themselves up when the fall, encourage them to step outside of their comfort zones, remind them that whatever it is, it is not the end of the world. The sun will rise tomorrow, you will survive and better yet you will grow - and this too will pass.

Though I am far from a professional I will give a review of Wicked! Amazing production! I wasn't sure how I would fell about it as I am about 75% through the novel. But much to my surprise and enjoyment the play deviated enough from the story line of the book that I can finish the book without feeling cheated.

That being said, I will focus on my impressions of the show. Simply put- the show blew me away. Beautiful costumes, breath taking sets, heart pounding music and paradigm shifting themes. When attending a broadway show I expect a visual and auditory experience- I did not expect my heart to be challenged.

Without giving too much a way (you must go see it!!), I will say that the major themes I took away were related to how we perceive evil and what true love and devotion really is. Related to the latter it is important to note that evil is in the eye of the beholder. If you were to base all you know about the witch on the story told in "The Wizard of Oz" you would assume she is the evil in the story- but wicked gives us another view of the realities of Oz and challenges us to question the reality we've been shown. Is it possible that evil can be based on perspective? That there is no true evil? Now as a Christian I can say true evil is found in the form of satan, but as a historian I can say that history is always judged from the perspective of the winners, there by making designation of evil upon a person somewhat subjective. To Europeans, Columbus is a great explorer who's travels changed the world for the better, to those native to the Americans he is an invader who was not only personally responsible for death and destruction but who's very presence led to the extinction and enslavement of multiple cultures. So which is the correct view? Both and neither- as Wicked shows us a persons actions may not always be clearly good or clearly evil.

The second theme that seem to permeate the story is related to the devotion and love between friends. Elphabah and Glinda form a bond through the story which is put to the test when their personal philosophies diverge and their lives take them down not only different but colliding paths. Through all of it, it is clear that Glinda's affection for Elphabah sees past their differences and though they disagree the bond the holds theirs together.

So my big Broadway lessons are these- we must all work to look past the obvious answers about people and our love for each other should be stronger than our differences. To be honest this is the same message I believe Jesus gives us in the New Testament. I got a great reminder wrapped in engaging music, breath taking sets and an amazing performance! Two thumbs way up!

Post 10k

So I reached my goals! Under 70 minutes and I didn't walk!! Super happy about that, but the race was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Miles wise I had prepared, but the mental wise is a different thing. The race was both a 5k and a 10k- so half way through those running the 5k peeled off leaving the course really lonely to be honest. It is easy to keep moving with people all around you, but when there are only a few of brave runners trudging next to you, it is easy to loose your enthusiasm for the process!

As I ran I fought the desire to quit- to walk or even stop. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, at one point my lower back began to hurt. But I know that is battle I have to fight, every time those thoughts cross my mind I remember how it feels to reach my goals- to finish and finish well. It reminds me that when life gets tough (and we know it will get tough) we have to keep our eyes on our goals and to fight those thoughts that would implore us to stop. Through pain, though sweat, through tears, all that will keeps us moving is a focus on finishing well.

I hope through all life throws at you, that you are able to finish and finish well!

Pre 10K

Two blogs in one day! Super exciting huh?? :)

I am preparing (at least mentally) for my first 10k race tomorrow. I have run four 5k's and been looking to push myself a bit more. Now let me say right now I have NO DESIRE to run a half or full marathon- that's just crazy. I think 10k will be my longest distance!

I must admit to being a bit nervous- 6. 4 miles is a lot. My goal is to be under 70 minutes and to not stop to walk. I have run 6 miles before but this is different- there will be people every where and honestly putting the number on makes me feel like I have to compete with...well mostly myself! I have no delusions of winning anything- for me finishing under my goals is winning. Okay, I'll admit with about a mile left I will pick out another female runner who is running my pace and make it my goal to beat her. Sad I know...but I can't seem to get far from my competitive nature.

You may ask why I run, well, it started as a way to get in shape, but after my first race I was hooked. I like being able to set a goal that I totally control and pursue it. I like the atmosphere of race, it is a subculture that I have never experienced. My first race was the St. Paddy's Day Dash and as we waited at the start the weather went from cold rain to snow and people spirits never dimmed. It was great. These are the type of activities I want to be a part of, ones that are good for my health, ones that challenge me, and ones that give me free tshirts! :)

Wish me luck!

First Full Week Reflection

Okay so it wasn't a full week, but we'll call it the first week of school.

The great thing about being a teacher is that every years is a new beginning. New students, sometimes new subjects, new challenges, well you get the picture. I love being able restart every year! This year in particular I am excited about trying some new things in my classroom and try to grow as a teacher. I am sure some of my new ideas will fall flat and there will be days I can't wait to for my students to exit my classroom- but generally I am very encourage by how this year has started!

That being said I wanted to share some of the high lights from my classroom:

1. The other one of my sophomore students came to my desk and said "Ms. Anderson, what is a country?"

My response: "Ah, I am not sure I understand the question."

Student "Well, what do you mean by country? Like what is a country?"

Me: "Well, the US is a country, Canada is a country. Is that what you mean?"

Student: "Yeah I guess so. So then is Alabama isn't a country?"

Me: "No, Alabama is not a country."

Now mind you I wasn't sarcastic , I was doing my best to be patient as I honestly was a bit confused by the question. It did help me see that I may have to a bit slower....

2. My senior Law class...today I asked my students to come up with a new law. So they were brain storming and one asked me quite plainly, "Ms. Anderson, is it legal to kill a prostitute?" My reply: "It is note legal to kill ANYONE!"

Well at least they are not afraid to ask questions! Here's to week 3.....

Health Care

Having just watched/read the President's speech on health care I must put my two cents in. I found myself very frustrated as I did my treadmill workout and read the Presidents speech on the TV stationed above me.

I agree that the system is broken- there is no doubt that we are in need of reform. There are so many people in our country in need of good health care and certainly big companies are controlling the industry. I can only hope that this administration is able to bring the positive change we know the health care system needs.

My frustration comes from the feeling that his speech was just simply propaganda meant to play on our emotions. I didn't get a clear picture of what his plan really is and what I did take from it was that the cost will enormous and paid in the future. The hope is that the changes will lead to saving that will pay for the changes- but what if they don't? That freaks me out.

So what do I think our government should do to help our health care problems? After much thought and almost falling of the treadmill, I offer these ideas.

1. Since our biggest problem is obesity - start taxing fast food restaurants and give tax breaks to restaurants that offer healthy food. The fast food restaurants market to and service lower income people- make healthy food cheaper and more available. Tax the corporations that are profiting off of unhealthy habits. Include in this tobacco and alcohol (this for a girl that loves a good beer or glass of wine)- make a stand against large companies and lobbyist- don't allow people to profit from our poor health.

2. Subsides organic farmers! As it stands right now, organic produce is a luxury, only accessible to people willing and able to pay the price, which is directly related to the cost for farmers to be able to grow veggies that WON'T kill us. Clearly, organic farmers are doing the right thing, invest in them!

3. Give tax rebates for healthy life style changes- gym membership, registration fees for running, walking, biking etc races.

4. Offer tax breaks to companies/small businesses that offer either gym memberships or workout rooms, as well as dedicated workout time for their employees.

5. Keep money in the school systems for PE!! Require students to take PE every year of public education! Along the same lines- change the food services at school- take out the fries- put in some salads! Cut soda and candy out of schools (this will also help with behavior issues as well as achievement).

These are the real long term solutions, change our society- we are fat and lazy, we smoke too much and workout too little. Sure there are a ton of other health care issues to be dealt with, but these are the simple ones to deal with - ones that will keep our country strong. And you don't have to go to Canada for these!

Last Day of Summer

You know I have no clue how many people actually read this? I am not looking for a count - it just occurs to me that I could be just throwing my ideas into to cyber space for NO ONE to read...

Anyway. :) Today is my last day of summer and to be honest it didn't dawn on my until my niece said something about it today. Tomorrow we have a teacher work day and then the students show up for 180's of higher learning. So how did I spend my last day of freedom? I drank coffee and chatted with an amazing friend as well as biked Greenlake and chomped on some Dick's Drive In food with my amazing niece.

I think chatting is a lost art in our crazy world. Taking time to sit, connect and really talk to those who matter most is harder and harder to do with our crazy schedules. I loved the time I spent today sipping my skinny vanilla latte and catching up with my friend Krista. It is clear to me, that I need to do that more; spend time connecting with people. I think I some times mistake my constant status updates on Facebook as connection with my friends. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Facebook and it actually allowed me to connect with one of my former teachers and spend an afternoon sitting in her beautiful home chatting. It is a valuable tool- but it in and of itself is not connection. I can honestly say I value time just talking over coffee or wine more than anything else and it is the thing I always push to the back burner.

When we look at the model Jesus gave us, we see a man who invested in people, who talked to people. Granted he lived in age before the internet and the modern distraction that draw us all (soccer practice, meetings, TV shows we can't miss etc ;) ), but I would think that if the Savior of the world had time to break bread and talk with people, we do as well. More importantly, I do.

So as I wrap up my last day of summer I look forward to a fall spent connecting with people over Pumpkin Spice lattes (they go on sale tomorrow FYI!) Check your calendar and call me- I'll buy! :)

The Power of Our Minds

As a kid I always wanted to be a superhero! It could have been all the comic books I was reading (thanks Shawn and Jon!)- but I always day dreamed of having some extraordinary power that would help me fight crime.  As I have a bit of a fear of heights, fly was out, and I certainly didn't want any power that would change my appearance (by the age of 13 I was 5'10"- so being more odd didn't really appeal to me). I always wanted a power that would allow me to use my mind to move things (commonly called telekinesis - think Jean Grey from the X-Men... I am a nerd). I love the idea of being able to use my thoughts to impact the environment. Imagine being able to fold laundry without moving from the couch- getting coffee while still in bed- okay those aren't crime fighting related deeds but you get the point. 

As I grew older, I came to realize my powers would never surface (much to my great sadness!) In college I majored in psychology and learned that our brains are truly very powerful. To this day I am intrigued by the power our minds have over us.  More often than not we fail to realize how strong our minds can be. The only thing we have control of in this world is how we react to the events around us. We get to choose  what we think about, what we focus on, how we see events and that is great power. 

Jesus reminds us of this power in John 14:1 when he says "Let not your hearts be troubled..."

He clearly understood that we have the choice on how deal with the world around us. In context he is trying to encourage his disciples as he prepares for death.  He is trying to give them perspective, to help them see past the sorrow they will soon face. But the key to this verse seems to be "Let not"- choose not to let you heart be trouble. Jesus is reminding us that we get to make the choice about how we see situations. We are not creatures who are forced to think, believe, or feel a certain way.  And even beyond that he encourages us to see past the situation, to see it in a broader context- in God's context. This seems so simple, but we all know that sometimes life simply sucks and as a result we hurt. We must remember that we have a choice, we control our minds and not the other way around. We must work to see hurts and joys in God's context. 

I might not be able to hurl cars at bad guys, but I certainly can make a choice about how I deal with the struggles of life- and that is a different kind of superhero! 

I know it is just a game but...

My fierce pitbull mix

So I have to comment this morning on the Eagles signing Michael Vick.  I certainly have a bias related to this issue since my dog is part pitbull and I have a heart for this breed.  But my issue is this- dog fighting is not only illegal- but immoral. 

Pitbulls have gotten a bad name because of people like Vick. If you've not had the chance to be around Leia (my Am Staff mix- Am Staff being a type of pitbull) or some other loving pitbull than you don't know how sweet these dogs really are.

Leia LOVES Kaitlyn!

There are three reasons pitbulls make good fighting dogs:

1- The are very strong- there is no denying that they are a powerful breed!! My big moose of a dog is very strong!

2- They  can be dog aggressive- and yes my beloved Leia has some negative feelings toward other dogs and we are working on it.

3- They are fiercely loyal- this is the key, a lot of breeds are aggressive and strong, but the pitbull breeds in particular love people. I know the media would have you believe something else.  But ask any good pitbull owner- they will all say the same thing- they never owned a more loyal and loving dog!

So what is my point? I understand that Vick has paid his debt to society, and that football is his 'job' and he should be able to get back to it. But I simply wish that they Eagles cared more about the character of it's players then the money and publicity they can get from signing him.  This wasn't a one time event, this wasn't a simply mistake, this man made a choice to run a ring in which dogs where killed, raped and tortured.  To me this reveals his character- this is a man who was making millions of dollars playing football- it is not like the did this because he needed the money. So this is a athlete who not only feels they are above the law, but find enjoyment in the suffering of animals. Yeah that's the guy you want to run your offense!!

If you're interested in learning more about Vick's dogs check out:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dogtown/3684/Overview?#tab-Overview

I am just sad that it is easy for people to say "He served his time, now let him score touchdowns and move on!" I wish that people could see his crime was not an accident, it was a choice and reveals a dangerous character flaw and that to me is the biggest issue.

Playing with Ellie when she was 1...such a scary dog!

Pesto- from the farm to the freezer in less than a day

My good friends Anna and Vince have a farm near here- they grow amazing veggies and I am more than addicted to their organic grown goodness! So every week we invest less than $20 in a cornucopia of home grown healthy veggies. This week we went out to the farm to hand pick our veggies and even though it was wicked hot, the trip was well worth it. 

One of the great things about such a trip is the opportunity to try something new- and this week I decided to try to make my own pesto and freeze it to use later.  Anna picked some beautiful basil for me- the traditional green and some purple Thai basil. 

I brought it home and began with the basic ingredients; olive oil, fresh garlic, salt and of course the basil. No pine-nuts, as I didn't have any in the house.  After combining those, I added parmesan cheese and BAM- pesto.

From there I added it to the ice treys and placed it in the freezer. Once it is frozen I will move the blocks into freezer baggies and try to think of tasty fun ways to use them!

Now I realize that this is not my normal blog, but hey I have many layers...like a parfait ...I think it is important for you to see them all! Plus I like to keep you guessing!

If you're local and interested in some good organically grown veggies check out the Caruso's blog:

http://carusofarm.blogspot.com/

The Heat

Though I already consider myself a JV blogger, I would be remise if I didn't write about the brutal heat we are having in the Northwest right now. 

100 degrees is not hot for those of you who live in the Sahara, but for those of us who love the temperate weather usually found in Western Washington, this weather is a nightmare!!! I am an Alaskan kid, who would much rather have it cold than hot. Here's my philosophy- when it is cold you can always put on my clothes, when it is hot, well there is a limit to what can come off!!! And trying to sleep in this weather is brutal, for the last two nights I have slept on the couch mostly related to the ceiling fan in the living room. The only way I can sleep is by snuggling the rice bag I have kept in the freezer all day...it is a sad site. 

All this being said, there are some good things that have come from this heat wave; we have spent a lot of time on our deck, which offers shade. And that time spent visiting with family has been incredibly precious to me.   The heat has caused me to slow down (because I can't help but not) and enjoy the simplicity of a nice night in my backyard with family.  I have experienced the pure joy of watching my dog try to figure out how to eat an ice cube and the amazing beauty of a sunset over Whidbey Island (which you can see from my backyard). 

So while I sweat away the pounds (here's hoping!) - I am trying to enjoy the slower pace this extend Africa heat is bringing to my world! 

Motives

This morning I was reading John 12:1-8 and found myself deeply challenged. In this passage we see the story of Mary pouring costly oil over Jesus and being rebuked by Judas (you know it is a bad day when it is Judas who rebukes you!) because that oil could have been sold and the money used to help the poor.   What nailed me today was the next verse:

John 12:6 "This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it." 

If we were not given this insight by John, we would be quick to think Judas is right. Clearly this is waste of money and God wants us to use our money to help the poor. But when given a chance to see the truth in Judas' heart we see his true motive.  We see that Judas talks a good game, he says the right words, the ones that would lead us to believe that his a heartfelt follower of Christ.  He spent three years with Jesus, walking, serving, seeing miracles, hearing parables, he had the resume of a God fearing man; and yet he sold Jesus out.  This brief insight into his heart reveals so much that I think we can quickly over look about the what it means to truly be a Christian.

Being a Christian is a heart issue. It is much easier to act like a Christian, by that I mean, have up the cross in your house, attend church and small group, listen to Christian music, avoid the obvious sins.  In theses ways we can create our own Christian resume, that we outwardly present to those around us. But Christ ask so much more of us, he asks for our hearts. He wants our hearts to be his, our goals, our desires to be about him. We must constantly check our motives, search our hearts and work to keep them aligned with Christ.  We spend too much time worrying about what people thing about us, be it our neighbors or our friends at Church. We concern ourselves with looking the part and fear that if others see us fail or see our struggles they will think less of our or our faith.  This is where trouble begins, because our focus is on ourselves and not on Christ. Worry less about looking like a Christian and more about loving Christ, if we can do this, we will be motivated by our love for Christ and  people will see him in us and that is all that matters. 

How to know if you are really from Western Washington.

I have lived in the Seattle area for the better part of 8 years now and I have come to love this area. The beauty is unmatched. But, in those 8 years I have come to see some traits that are particular to the residents of this region.  I have been pondering the nuances of those of us who reside on the Western side of the mountain...and these are in no particular order....

1.  You loath to admit that a gloomy day in the middle of the summer is a relief. Even though you love the sun and complain about the rain, when it comes down to it a nice drizzly 60 degree day in the middle of July makes you smile.

2. When the temperature is above 80 degrees for more than 2 days in a row you rush out to buy an air conditioner that you will use 1 week a year.

3. You feel obligated to drive in the HOV lane if you have 2 people in your car, even if traffic to the right of you is going 10 miles an hour faster than you.

4. You have no real understanding that the far left lane of traffic is for passing not meandering. 

5.  You only care about the Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders and/or any Husky sports when they are doing well. When they are not, you view them as a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.  You're not sure who the Storm are...

6.  You are not willing to pay the price for light rail but you constantly complain about traffic issues in King County (population 1.8 million).

7.  You elect political officials to make laws and then vote for initiatives and referendums that override those laws. You then complain that our government is ineffective. 

8. You complain about gas prices but pay $3.50 for a cup of coffee and $50,000 for a military grade vehicle to take little Johnny to soccer practice (which cost you $100 to fill).

9.  You think an income tax is unreasonable but a 10% sales taxes makes sense.

10. You want schools to hold students to higher academic and personal standards but when little Johnny or Suzy fails the test that measures their basic ability to read and write at the age of 16, you complain that the test is too hard and the bar should be lowered.  You want schools to be safer but when your precious child is found with drugs at school you want to call it a youthful indiscretion and want it kept from his file because he is going to UW. Here's some insight- if little Johnny can't make it through the 6 hours of school without a hit...he's probably NOT the type of students UW is looking for!

Just my insight on the community I live in...I love it here...really I do! :)

Lessons from Camping

I consider myself a decent planner. I like to have a blue print for my days, for my trips, for my classroom- and yet if I have learned anything this summer it is that my best laid plans can be pointless as I have no control over the rest of the world (much to my  chagrin).

Case in point: our 4th of July Camping trip. I had spent weeks planning this trip, searching out campsites, planning meals, watching the weather channel to ensure perfect weather. We planned to leave on Thursday afternoon when Theresa finished work as I knew timing was everything. I had chosen a beautiful camp site tucked away north of Roslyn, Wa (yes that is where the filmed Northing Exposure), the only down side of the site was you could not reserve a spot, it was first come first serve. I knew it was a risk but I also knew it was worth it. So as we set out exactly at the appointed time (a minor miracle) I was hopeful for this well planned weekend. The drive went smoothly and we arrived at the site plenty early. The site was amazing, nestled on the banks of an alpine lake which was surrounded by beautiful mountains. It was breath taking, which is exactly what all the people who had beat us to this spot felt. As we wondered about hoping to find an open place to camp it became clear that we had missed our window of opportunity. It was full.  My heart broke and my attitude took a nose dive.  The most frustrating part, it was clear that we had missed getting the last site by about 30 minutes.  I was not pleased. Theresa, in her endless patience, tried to assure me we’d find a place to camp and it would be fine. I was not hearing that. Inwardly I spiraled into a place of self deprecation and anger.  I had worked so hard to plan this, I read all the online sites, I packed the car, prepared the food, I did all I could to make this weekend a great and much needed vacation and here we were driving away from paradise. As I turned my eyes to myself and quietly festered, Theresa drove us out toward some other site’s we’d seen on the drive. I was convinced they’d all be full (I am seriously a pain in the tail sometimes...) so I sat and sulked in the passenger seat. 

While I continued to focus on myself, Theresa eye spied an area that looked like a campground but had no signs to indicate that it was an actual camp site.  We pulled in to check it out and my spirits rose (not greatly as I am generally pretty selfish). We saw clear signs of a sanctioned campground (parking spots and fire pits) but no signs, no check in boards, no dumpsters, no picnic tables, no bathrooms. We found a couple opened spots with fire pits but were still quite confused. Was this a day use area? Was this a campground? Where are the bathrooms? I jumped out of the truck to lay claim to one of the open sites (over looking the river) and Theresa doubled back to get some information from other campers. It turns out this was a campground- first come first serve!  There were no bathrooms, no tables, no dumpsters, so it lacked the basic comforts most campers are looking for, but it did over look an amazing river and offer a quiet solitude that could not be passed up. The downside: pee in the woods for two days. The upside: no fee camping! 

With a humbled attitude and a new outlook on the weekend I adjusted to the new plan. Was this perfect, no, but it was pretty close. Beautiful view, solitude, a place to build a fire and time to relax, that’s all I was looking for anyway (Thanks T, for reminding me of that!)

As I sat drinking coffee (yes I take a coffee press when camping!) overlooking a beautiful river, I couldn’t help but be hit by the clear lesson here: just because I don’t get what I want doesn’t mean I won’t get what I need. I knew that the lake site would be amazing and it was want I wanted. I was convinced that anything less would be ruin the weekend and when we didn’t get it, I turned in to a selfish child.  Pouting because I didn’t get what I wanted, in my mind I would only be happy at that site- anything else wasn’t worth having. Now, do I believe that God ordained this river site for us? Honestly, no. I am not convinced that is how God works. I think God is more worried about my heart than my camp site.  I believe this was an opportunity for me figure out what really matters to me. 

What happens in life if we don’t get what we want? How do we react and what does that reflect about our priorities?  My pouting and surly attitude reflected my selfishness, my intrinsic belief that I need something, somewhere, someone to be content.  When Christ died on that cross, I received everything I would ever need, the chance to have an eternal relationship with God. His sacrifice gave me the thing I could not gain on my own- salvation. This is a perspective I easily loose, especially when my plans fail.  I am quick to forget in my pursuits of this life that all that really, eternally matters is Christ. Contentment comes form knowing regardless of the situation I have all I need because I have Christ. This world offers so many bright and shiny trinkets to take our eyes off of this truth. No campsite, no car, no house or job should ever be more important than my relationship with Christ.

Philippians 3:8

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

How do you measure your life?

Recently I was able to see the stage production of Rent. This play took Broadway by storm in the late 90’s - challenging how people viewed the AIDS epidemic and giving the world a challenge that we should not be quick to forget. The play’s creator, Jonathan Larson, died tragically before the show’s opening making his now famous theme “no day but today” even more poignant.

The story follows the struggles of young artists in New York City struggling through a life affected by AIDS and the ever encroaching yuppie upper middle class mentality. The characters represent a collection of people from all areas of life, from a recovering musician facing the death sentence of AIDS related to his drug use to homosexual drag queen facing the same sentences related a promiscuous past. The story’s depth challenges many preconceived notions but I believe the most important question posed is one that Christians (and all people) should be asking themselves every day: How do you measure your life?

Do you measure you life in your accomplishments, in your possessions, in your bank account or some other tangible source? Sadly, it seems that as Christians we are not that different from the culture around us, we find our worth in what we have. Be it our big cars, tv’s or Church buildings, we are striving for the same sense of American prosperity as those around us. We even have an entire branch of Christianity prompting “prosperity” - the idea that the more devout your faith, the better you will do financially; amazing how far we have come from Christ’s most basic teaching.

So how are we to measure our lives? I think Larson had a better grasp of the Gospel than many Christians (note, I have no clue where Larson’s faith was and do not claim to know if he were Christian or not) when he said in his song Season’s of Love -“measure your life in love.” As Jesus was preparing for his death he gave his disciples (and us) a very clear directive: love each other (John 15:17).

In John 15:9-17 Jesus clearly lays out the path of obedience, remain in love and remain in him. Not just love, but love as he loved (verse 12). So how did Jesus love? He loved sacrificially, giving of his life for ALL of us. He loved beyond peoples short comings (PETER), he invested his time in people (generally the people popular culture ignores), he taught of God’s love with truth and compassion not with hate and condemnation.

Jesus often uses imagery related to being a shepard when speaking of his ministry and the ministry we are to have. In John 10:1-18 he reminds us that sheep will follow the shepard because they know his voice, they trust him because they know him. This is a relationship built between the sheep and the shepard over time. The sheep must learn that the shepard will protect and provide for them. Sheep do not follow a shepard they do not know. You or I could not walk into a field of sheep and start yelling and expect them to follow us because we went to Shepard College (I think that is located somewhere in Iowa...). A good shepard puts the sheep first, provides, protects and feeds all the sheep, not just the ones with a Jesus fish branded on their back bumper! When Jesus was preparing to ascend to heaven he left the disciples with another commandment , one that is clearly an extension of his first, feed and take care of his flock (John 21:15-18).

We must feed and take care of his flock, it is a matter of obedience. If we wish to remain in Jesus, we must remain in love, a love that he modeled. Jesus always pointed to God and we should always point to Jesus. His message of love is ours to share, nothing else. People will only listen when we focus more on loving as we are commanded to, then on being right. Loving is a difficult and filthy endeavor. Loving means getting past what you disagree with, because what you think does not matter! Loving is dangerous because you may get hurt, worse yet loving may change how you see the world! Love is sacrifice, love is pain, love is confusing and exhausting-and love is our command. It is much easier to tell someone they are wrong and walk away then it is to see past what you don't know, understand or agree with and walk beside them.

Love is a relationship. It means really knowing and investing in people. Love is expressed in long talks over coffee, in a meal delivered in a time of need, listening to a struggle you don't understand with a compassionate ear, in time spent enjoying people for their many and varied gifts. Love is not picketing a clinic, blasting a group of people who live differently then you, removing your children from the public school system, or spending millions of dollars on a political agenda while people are starving and homeless.

When people experience the love of Christ through us they will be drawn to Him and Him saving grace. And that’s really the point isn’t it?

Regardless of what doctrine you want to hide behind clearly our lives will be measured in love. This was and is Jesus’ commandment, thank you Jonathan Larson for reminding us.

My how things have changed...

I seem to be writing about sports a lot lately- and I promise to find other topics!! But I have to address something I encountered the other day.

On Sunday afternoon I headed out for my weekly 5 mile run. My path takes me by some beautifully manicured youth baseball fields which I usually enjoy. As I run by I find that my mind drifts back to my youth spent at Lion's Park in the River. I flash to images of hours spent fielding grounders and running bases with a gentle smile (which is a nice change from the commonly pained face I usually run with).

On this day the park was full of young baseball players wearing expensive uniforms, illegally parked SUV's and family picnics spilling out of motor homes onto the sidewalk I was running on. At first my irritation was related to having to navigate my way through grills and lawn chairs obstructing a public sidewalk, but the more I thought about the situation, the more I found I was frustrated by the whole scene. You see, all these proud parents of 10 year old baseball players had given up their Memorial Day weekend to camp out by a cement mill to cheer on their future major league players and I must admit feeling sad for them. Youth sports has changed so much in the last 2o years and this weekend tournament is a symptom of the bigger problem (as I see it). This is one of literally 100's of similar tournament played every weekend of the spring and summer and my guess is this is only the beginning of the summer traveling odyssey for these families. Gone are the days of playing for the local Little League against your friends and classmates. Do you remember trying out for little league?? When coaches picked players from the same pool, you were place on a team- you didn't choose one. If you didn't like your coach- you learned and adapted. If you felt you weren't playing enough or in the position you wanted to- you got better!!! And at the end of the season- an All Star team was picked from all the players in the league. That team- picked because of their ability, attitude and drive- represented the league at a State Tournament. The best of the best playing for the title of State Champion and the honor of representing your state in the regional tournament- fighting for a shot at the Little League World Series! The first and only time you traveled over night was to compete on a national level against other states. It meant something- you and your teammates had achieved something great.

Gone is the All Star Team...it has been replaced by the Select team. Parents will tell you a select team is an All Star team, but in reality it is not. Players jump from team to team until they (or in most cases their parents) find a place where little Tommy or Suzy can be the super star or play the position that they want. Weekly tournaments are all separate from one another, win or loose - you live to play the next weekend. Parents sacrifice every weekend to travel to exotic locations like South Everett or Yakima all so they can sit outside the fence and compare the stats of their child and discuss possible fund raisers so they can be the best outfitted team each weekend. Gone is the sense of competition, the drive for a goal. Playing has become a goal in an of itself. Also missing from this equation, is disappointment. Loosing has no real meaning, nor does winning. Players are not given the opportunity to feel the pain of disappointment, if you don't make the team, we'll find you another team. Parents spend more time finding ways to make sure their children never feel bad, that they don't teach how to deal with those feelings. Some of you may ask- what is wrong with that? Why not just play to play? Well at the risk of sounding too cut throat- do you work to work? Or do you work to be good at your job, to earn money, to move forward? Why is it bad to help our children avoid pain? Because- we all learn from our pain! When I didn't make an All Star Team- you know what I did? I cried, yes...I cried. Then I got my butt up and working getting better so I would make the next one!




What's my point with this long tirade? First off- don't have a picnic on a side walk! :) Second, some of the most important lessons I ever learned came from the joys and disappointments connected with the Little League experience. The experiences of having to be good to win, to make the team, to travel and compete. Failure didn't kill us, it challenged us. It made us who we are. Look at the picture I have posted above- what do you see? At first look, you might see some upset softball players. But you know what else you see? You see futures lawyers, teachers, Miss America contestants, mothers, friends, and most importantly, you see disappointed young women who became strong and successful adults. Every tear, every grounder, every sprint, every long fricken bike ride up to Lion's park was so worth it- because we are who we are today as a result of fighting those battles and learning how to win well and loose well. I can only hope that we are not cheating the younger generation out of those important lessons.

The World of Sport

Check out this article when you get a minute. And ask yourself what has happen to youth sports? What is that about people today that makes them what to drive out coaches who are working for way less than minimum wage?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2009218166_webprepnote14.html

I know that there are some bad coaches out there- coaches who cross lines with kids and do deplorable things. But these situations are few and far between. More often than not coaches are pushed out because parents don't agree with them. How dumb is that?? As you read the article you'll find this was a winning team preparing for playoffs and the parents were so brutal that a successful coach walked away. Some people call him a quitter, I think he's brilliant. I love coaching but I can't speak from experience- it is not worth the personal emotional toll that can be levied on you by parents who's only concern is the super stardom of their children. And it only takes one or two! In defense of the majority- most parents are not the problem- most are supportive and helpful. But those parents who come for you- those that come at you as a person and attack you- they take more than a pound of flesh- they take part of your heart. If you coach, you know- you do it for love of the game and the players and when people attack your love it can tear you deeply.

For me (as this is a highly personal issue) it is just sad to see how brutal and selfish people can be. It is just a game, it is kids, on a field with a ball- I wonder if those parents who go after coaches truly understand the depth of pain they cause not only for the coach but for the players who will loose out on them?

Those of you with children- you may not always agree with your young athletes coaches- but please remember- people coach because they love the sport and the athletes. Coaches make choices to help players improve and teams be successful, not to permanently scar your young prodigy. They will make mistakes, they may say the wrong thing or make an error in coaching- but they are humans- and beyond that they are adults. Treat them as such- if you have a problem talk to them as a peer- someone who is partnering with you to help give your child the lessons that will help them find success throughout their lives. Yes, some coaches are jerks, so are some parents. Assume the best before you go on the defensive. Ask questions in the proper setting, challenge the youngest of athletes to deal personally with the coach. But in the end...remember IT IS A GAME.

It seems as though the most basic lessons are the most important ones. Now I am not a parent (we can all breath a sigh of relief), but I would think one of the big lessons you start teaching a toddler is not to touch things that are not yours. It should be right up there with- don't put things in your mouth, don't hit people, don't wonder into traffic and don't lick the burner on the stove. It seems like those lessons are the building blocks for a mostly functional and meaningful adult life. And yet it seems more often than not I find that people lack these basic rules in there life!

Case in point: once month there is a group of us at work that chip in for pizza and Drumsticks (yes those tasty ice cream treats!!) It is the best day for a couple of reasons; #1- Dude it is pizza!! #2 You don't have to pack lunch that day #3 (and most importantly)YOU GET ICE CREAM!! So, today was our monthly pizza day and I was very much looking forward to that Drumstick!! It really is the perfect treat after a piece of pizza! There was a general sense of excitement among our group of seasoned and surly teachers as we prepared to partake in our frozen mid day treat. These feelings quickly fade as our fearless leader reported to us that someone had stole all the Drumsticks out of the freezer!

Now I realize this is a somewhat silly thing to get upset about it- I mean, really it is just ice cream, empty calories- wonderful, delicious empty calories. But when it comes down to it the bothersome issue is that we live in a world that people feel like it is okay to take something that is clearly not theirs. This should be one of the basic lesson we all learn as children- don't touch something that is not yours! I think as a somewhat functioning adult it bothers me that there are people (be it students or other teachers) who clearly have missed that lesson.

I think it stems from this sense of entitlement that has developed in our Western Culture. I have seen it as a teacher and coach- this belief that a person should have whatever they want whenever they want regardless of the situation or other people involved. Most recently I saw it when I received an email from a parent asking me to ignore my stated "no late work" policy and allow their child to turn in work late because she is a nice kid. Seriously??? What type of parenting is that? This to me is the height of our problems in America- we believe we have a right to special treatment because of who we are. We want rules- but we want to bend them to fit our personal needs. It is unfair if you bend them for someone else, but it is mercy if you bend them for me.

So why am I so fired up about the drumsticks? Why do I care so much? Because I have a sense of right and wrong and though I am completely aware that life is not fair and people sometimes are less than honorable- I think it is time that we take responsibility as a nation and quite expecting special treatment for ourselves or those we care about. Teach your kids lesson about what is theirs and what it is not! Adults, grow up- take responsibility and hold yourself to higher standards. We are not entitled to anything- work, earn, struggle for what you want. That is the backbone of greatness.

The End... and the beginning!

Life is change.  Just when I think that I’ve totally figured out what God wants for me...where God wants me to be....what I am suppose to be doing- then I realize I know bupkiss!

For the last twenty years of my life I have been playing or coaching basketball. That’s a crazy amount of time to dedicate to a game! I have finally come to a place where I am willing to walk away for the sport I have given my time, my energy, my body and mind too for  most of my life. As I player I found a certain amount of success in the sport (what can I say I got a free education out of it)- but I was never the superstar. Which again was fine as it paid the bills which is more than I could ask for! After college I pursued coaching and found a deep love for teaching the game that had taught me so much. And it is funny to me, that the lessons I learned from basketball are no long the lessons parents want their children to learn. I learned that sometimes no matter how hard you work or how bad you want something, you can be disappointed. I learned that life is not fair and I don’t always get the easy path. I learned that I don’t have to agree with my coach- I have do my job as a player (which has consequently made me a functioning professional). I learned to respect a position even if I don’t respect the person in the position. I learned how to get knocked down (both physically and emotionally) and get back up - because that is what you do. I learned how to deal my problems with people on my own. I learned that sometimes people say things I don’t like and I just have to deal with it. I learned that I am not always right (that one hurt more than any sprained ankle or stitches I received!) I learned how to take criticism no matter how harshly it was delivered and to critically evaluate myself and my performance. And most importantly (and probably the last lesson I learned as a player) I learned that basketball is a game- a competition of skills between teams. And because it was a game- it was a not a life or death event.  That, to be honest, was the most freeing lesson I learned- and sadly it came in my last year of competition. 

So what is my point? Change has come for me. This spring I have walked away from basketball. I resigned my coaching position as I have grown weary of fighting an uphill and constant battle with a culture of youth sports that has dramatically changed. For those who never saw me coach- I considered my self a decent coach, one who taught the game as whole. One who encouraged the heck out of my players when they were even just trying to do the right thing (be it in basketball or in life), but also corrected them and held them to high standards when they didn’t.  Did I make mistake- certainly! And I owned up to them- but in the end I found myself lacking the energy or heart to keep fighting a culture of political correctness in sport. 

It is with a certain amount of sadness I walked away. I had the pleasure of coaching some of the greatest kids I have ever met- kids with coachable hearts and a sharp whit that challenged me.  But in the end- my heart and passion could not hold up to the outside strains.

Oddly enough, though it is humiliating to fail at an endeavor (though failure in this case is hard to measure as I feel I was able to have some positive impacts on some players), I feel such a peace walking away. I know that this is just another change in my life- it has offered me the opportunity to reevaluate my professional goals, to refocus on God, and even to reinvest in my family and friends. Life is change, nothing remains the same, and no change is truly as tragic as it feels at the time. It is somewhat trite to say- but one closed door only means I can have open eyes to find other open ones. This change also serves to remind me of the truly calling God puts on mine life (and yours by the way)- 

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....you shall love your neighbor as you self. There is no other commandment great than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Pretty simply right? Yeah, good luck with that! May each change remind us that we are here to love... love God...and love people. Everything else is just.... a game.

Free Speech

So I have to address something today that is driving me NUTS! Apparently during the Miss USA competition, Ms. California was given a question related to same sex marriage. She answered it honestly, saying she was not in favor of it based on her religious beliefs. She has since been called intolerant and has faced the attack of the media. I can't help but feel bad for her and feel ashamed of our country.

One of our Countries founding principles is that of free expression. Our Founding Fathers specifically addressed the need for us to allow freedom of thought and belief. And for me it is just sad that when a person takes a moral stand and answers a question honestly, she is seen as intolerant and is attacked in the media for it.

Now I don't know where you stand on same sex marriage and honestly it doesn't matter. What matters is that EVERYONE is entitled their opinion. Miss California did a great job of trying to not be offensive while sharing her opinion and I commend her for that. If only those who disagree with her could show as much class as she did.

I think it is most important that those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ work to share our beliefs with as much dignity and self respect that Miss California showed. I am most impressed that she was able to express herself and her beliefs without belittling the opinions of others. It is my belief that the backlash she is suffering is a direct result of how poorly we as a Church have handled issues, such as same sex marriage, in the media. I would never tell someone to back off those issue which they feel are of great importance or relevance. But is it possible that we as a collective body can work to express our feelings in a way that honors God by showing love to his children, all his children- not just the ones we agree with? Could we use the gift of free speech as tool to share Christ's love instead of a weapon which destroys our ability to build relationships with those around us?

This controversy should be a reminder to us as citizens of America, that free speech is a gift for everyone- not just those we agree with.


"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," Evelyn Beatric Hall