Borrowing an idea from ESPN I want to compile a list of the Mount Rushmore's of. I implore you to contribute on this one. You may either comment on my or others lists but you may also leave a list of your own. Here's how it works.
Pick a category that you are passionate about. Who are the 4 most important figures that represent that passion? It is for all time, not just current or recent accomplishments.
One of the main reasons why I like this is because it is almost impossible to be negative. If you are going to earnestly put someone on the list, the only argument is why someone else thinks there is a better choice, not that yours is undeserving. Thus, you pretty much have to argue for something, not against something else. Those listed are not in any order...just top 4. That being said...here are some of my Mount Rushmore's.
The Mount Rushmore of:
Performers: Bruce Sprinsteen, Barenaked Ladies, Frank Sinatra, Dave Matthews.
Comedians: Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Lewis Black, Brian Regan.
MMA: Dana White, Royce Gracie, Randy Couture, Mark Ratner (former Nevada State Athletic Commisioner who now works to legalize MMA across the country).
YL character: Pumpkin Head, Duct Tape Man, Dan Dan the Music Man, Hoagie Guy.
Women I've dated: Just kidding.
Crappy but Awesome TV shows: Pick Up Artist, Rock of Love/ROL Charm School, Real World (the Godfather of them all), Family Guy.
Inspirational/Motivational People: Martin Luther King Jr., Jim Valvano , Dick Hoyt, Randy Pausch.
Offensive but Awesome TV characters: Archie Bunker, Vic Mackey, House, Sawyer (Lost).
Pittsburgh Athletes (from Pgh teams): Mario Lemieux, Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Terry Bradshaw.
People as an audience: Brian Von Bloch, Joe Hines, Rachel, My mother.
To be continued...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
From cynicism to heartfelt hope...yeah...hope.
Cynicism
1. They chanted "Na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" to George Bush from the west lawn of the capital as he arrived...nice, respectful.
2. I have never seen so many people (including George Bush the daddy) not praying when there is a public prayer (during Rick Warren's prayer). So many people looking around, not paying attention, and the applause? You don't erupt in applause at a time like that? And don't tell me it's a charismatic or "Pentecostal' thing. It just gave me the feeling that God really isn't important to a lot of the people in Washington (hardly a bulletin).
3. Speaking of Warren. Really? A goatee? Why didn't he just rock a tech vest?
4. Reid, Pelosi, Feinstein make me want to fight.
5. Hillary tries to fight Sen. Cornyn in the Rotunda during lunch? Does she get three days out of school for that?
6. Kennedy and Byrd go down at the same lunch? I actually felt bad for Obama.
7. No one mentioned the single largest plunge in the stock market for an inauguration day. I suppose he is not wall streets savior. Yet, the networks shan't mention that.
8. $70 million for Bush was excessive but $170 for this inauguration is not news.
9. I'm nitpicking here but I didn't like Michele's olive gloves...I'm just saying and I felt I should get this to ten.
10. IT REALLY BUGS ME (LIKE, ALL IN CAPS BUGS ME) THAT PEOPLE CHANT, "OBAMA". PLEASE PEOPLE, CHANT, "USA USA". HE IS NOT BIGGER THAN THE POSITION, HE HAS BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE, THE COUNTRY HE REPRESENTS, OR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED BEFORE HIM. USA USA USA!
Now, to transition. His children were adorable. I liked Rick Warrens prayer. I was glad to hear the President say that it is the individual's responsibility to help get our country back on it's feet collectively and as individuals and to not wait for the government to save us. I kind of felt good for Biden in some weird kind of way. Maybe it's because we won't see him for the next 4-8 years.
And on to hope. To see that many people excited for our country and to be a part of it's revival is amazing. The social significance would not be lost on even Archie Bunker. Yet, more than that (if it's ok that I say that) I am moved by the hope that others have. I hope it's not another example of how we come together for a while and then go backwards (think back to how patriotic we all were after 9/11 and how it all fizzled into nothing). I do not believe that the President has the right ideas and/or policies to move us forward. I agree with him in almost nothing. He is my President and I will recognize him as such and support him when I agree with him. My hope though, lies in the 2 million in attendance that day and the millions who are excited for this administration and for this country for the first time in their lives. My prayer is that they remain committed to their part in supporting this country even when this administration begins to make it look more like Europe and less like the founding fathers intended it to be. My hope is in America. She is resilient and strong. I hope her spirit moves through those excited today and fuels them far beyond the rhetoric and excitement of a new administration.
And lastly, there was one man who got it right today. He put it all into perspective. He gets priorities. He understands that we are on the precipice of something monumental. He is ready. He support this cause. See how awesome he is here.
1. They chanted "Na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" to George Bush from the west lawn of the capital as he arrived...nice, respectful.
2. I have never seen so many people (including George Bush the daddy) not praying when there is a public prayer (during Rick Warren's prayer). So many people looking around, not paying attention, and the applause? You don't erupt in applause at a time like that? And don't tell me it's a charismatic or "Pentecostal' thing. It just gave me the feeling that God really isn't important to a lot of the people in Washington (hardly a bulletin).
3. Speaking of Warren. Really? A goatee? Why didn't he just rock a tech vest?
4. Reid, Pelosi, Feinstein make me want to fight.
5. Hillary tries to fight Sen. Cornyn in the Rotunda during lunch? Does she get three days out of school for that?
6. Kennedy and Byrd go down at the same lunch? I actually felt bad for Obama.
7. No one mentioned the single largest plunge in the stock market for an inauguration day. I suppose he is not wall streets savior. Yet, the networks shan't mention that.
8. $70 million for Bush was excessive but $170 for this inauguration is not news.
9. I'm nitpicking here but I didn't like Michele's olive gloves...I'm just saying and I felt I should get this to ten.
10. IT REALLY BUGS ME (LIKE, ALL IN CAPS BUGS ME) THAT PEOPLE CHANT, "OBAMA". PLEASE PEOPLE, CHANT, "USA USA". HE IS NOT BIGGER THAN THE POSITION, HE HAS BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE, THE COUNTRY HE REPRESENTS, OR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED BEFORE HIM. USA USA USA!
Now, to transition. His children were adorable. I liked Rick Warrens prayer. I was glad to hear the President say that it is the individual's responsibility to help get our country back on it's feet collectively and as individuals and to not wait for the government to save us. I kind of felt good for Biden in some weird kind of way. Maybe it's because we won't see him for the next 4-8 years.
And on to hope. To see that many people excited for our country and to be a part of it's revival is amazing. The social significance would not be lost on even Archie Bunker. Yet, more than that (if it's ok that I say that) I am moved by the hope that others have. I hope it's not another example of how we come together for a while and then go backwards (think back to how patriotic we all were after 9/11 and how it all fizzled into nothing). I do not believe that the President has the right ideas and/or policies to move us forward. I agree with him in almost nothing. He is my President and I will recognize him as such and support him when I agree with him. My hope though, lies in the 2 million in attendance that day and the millions who are excited for this administration and for this country for the first time in their lives. My prayer is that they remain committed to their part in supporting this country even when this administration begins to make it look more like Europe and less like the founding fathers intended it to be. My hope is in America. She is resilient and strong. I hope her spirit moves through those excited today and fuels them far beyond the rhetoric and excitement of a new administration.
And lastly, there was one man who got it right today. He put it all into perspective. He gets priorities. He understands that we are on the precipice of something monumental. He is ready. He support this cause. See how awesome he is here.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tears...
I am sitting here is tears. No, Junior and Bella have not successfully injured me this time. Rather, George Bush just did something very right. I have not been his biggest fan and I am far from his worst critic. I have though been very disappointed by many of his decisions. Today, he made me cry.
When presidents leave office, they typically pardon a ton of people. Sadly, many of these pardons are for the wrong and/or shady reasons. Google "FALN terrorists" or "Marc Rich" if you are a conservative or consider pardons for those involved with Iran Contra and Richard Nixon if you are a liberal.
Today, President Bush commuted the sentences of border guards Ramos and Compean. Who are they? They are two US border guards who bravely did their jobs and fought off an attack from a mexican drug lord. However, our border guards are not allowed to do their jobs and are restricted from defending themselves let alone our country due to the bureaucratic BS that they have to put up with. So, they were sent to prison for not following the bureaucratic BS. The drug lord? Read what happened to him here...and the whole incident as well.
So, today they are free men. Well, not entirely free. They will be let out of prison in March. They are not pardoned and thus will keep their felon label with them. Had they been pardoned they would be free to work in law enforcement again. Something is better than nothing.
So I sit, well now...sat, here in tears. Two heroes will be back with their wives and families. For a moment, this country worked the way it should...or at least didn't work the way it usually does (as in what happened to them originally). There is hope...which bring me to....not now, not yet.
By the way, what do you call 51 guys watching the super bowl eating nachos alongside 2 guys watching the super bowl eating nachos through a straw? The Baltimore Ravens.
When presidents leave office, they typically pardon a ton of people. Sadly, many of these pardons are for the wrong and/or shady reasons. Google "FALN terrorists" or "Marc Rich" if you are a conservative or consider pardons for those involved with Iran Contra and Richard Nixon if you are a liberal.
Today, President Bush commuted the sentences of border guards Ramos and Compean. Who are they? They are two US border guards who bravely did their jobs and fought off an attack from a mexican drug lord. However, our border guards are not allowed to do their jobs and are restricted from defending themselves let alone our country due to the bureaucratic BS that they have to put up with. So, they were sent to prison for not following the bureaucratic BS. The drug lord? Read what happened to him here...and the whole incident as well.
So, today they are free men. Well, not entirely free. They will be let out of prison in March. They are not pardoned and thus will keep their felon label with them. Had they been pardoned they would be free to work in law enforcement again. Something is better than nothing.
So I sit, well now...sat, here in tears. Two heroes will be back with their wives and families. For a moment, this country worked the way it should...or at least didn't work the way it usually does (as in what happened to them originally). There is hope...which bring me to....not now, not yet.
By the way, what do you call 51 guys watching the super bowl eating nachos alongside 2 guys watching the super bowl eating nachos through a straw? The Baltimore Ravens.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I just didn't see it coming.
There are just some things you don't expect to experience as a father...
1. Junior eating his first gumball out of a machine and saying ten minutes later, "It's good and all...just not like it was when I first got it though." Ah yes my son. There will be many more disappointments to come my son.
**Note** The Oedipus complex is straight for real. For those of you who don't know me very well, my kids have been trying to kill me since they were able. My left "boy" (as in "I got hit in the "boys"") is the size of a kiwi fruit due to Junior and 'Bella hitting it over the years. They have recently begun an assault on "righty". That being said...
2. Trey thumbed me in the eye and scratched at least my eye if not my soul today.
3. Junior getting out of the bathtub and saying, "Hey! When I jump up and down my penis bounces with me!"...and proceeding to jump up and down 300 times while giggling. Pan over to Rachel trying not to laugh by hiding behind a t-shirt she was folding (ala Randy Jackson hiding behind a piece of paper).
4. Junior praying before bed and saying, "Thank you Jesus that we have a great day tomorrow." Was he confused and should have said, "We pray Jesus that we would have a great day tomorrow."? Or is he in a beautiful childlike state and thanking Him knowing it to be true for it is God's Will? Out of the mouth of babes.
5. Bella praying every night and making not a bit of sense no matter how she is encouraged or directed. Not one identifiable word.
6. Junior finishing his prayer with the sweetest, "I love you Jesus." melting my heart.
7. Junior leaning over and whispering into Bella's ear two minutes later while I was praying and saying how thankful I was for their love for each other, "My prayer was longer than yours." to Bella.
8. Being momentarily excited over a two hour delay until realizing that Trey is not aware of that nor does he care and will be up in six hours regardless...sigh.
1. Junior eating his first gumball out of a machine and saying ten minutes later, "It's good and all...just not like it was when I first got it though." Ah yes my son. There will be many more disappointments to come my son.
**Note** The Oedipus complex is straight for real. For those of you who don't know me very well, my kids have been trying to kill me since they were able. My left "boy" (as in "I got hit in the "boys"") is the size of a kiwi fruit due to Junior and 'Bella hitting it over the years. They have recently begun an assault on "righty". That being said...
2. Trey thumbed me in the eye and scratched at least my eye if not my soul today.
3. Junior getting out of the bathtub and saying, "Hey! When I jump up and down my penis bounces with me!"...and proceeding to jump up and down 300 times while giggling. Pan over to Rachel trying not to laugh by hiding behind a t-shirt she was folding (ala Randy Jackson hiding behind a piece of paper).
4. Junior praying before bed and saying, "Thank you Jesus that we have a great day tomorrow." Was he confused and should have said, "We pray Jesus that we would have a great day tomorrow."? Or is he in a beautiful childlike state and thanking Him knowing it to be true for it is God's Will? Out of the mouth of babes.
5. Bella praying every night and making not a bit of sense no matter how she is encouraged or directed. Not one identifiable word.
6. Junior finishing his prayer with the sweetest, "I love you Jesus." melting my heart.
7. Junior leaning over and whispering into Bella's ear two minutes later while I was praying and saying how thankful I was for their love for each other, "My prayer was longer than yours." to Bella.
8. Being momentarily excited over a two hour delay until realizing that Trey is not aware of that nor does he care and will be up in six hours regardless...sigh.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dreaming or drifting?......
So I'm torn. There is a dream inside of me that God has clearly placed there. He has planted it, watered it, shed light upon it, pruned it, protected it, fed it, and brought it along. I know the end result...well, most of it. It's the in between where I am stuck, pondering. I am stuck balancing bold steps of faith (some of you laugh at that given what I've been through) against the reality of practicality. Where is the center point? When the God of all creation whispers in your ear, "make a plan and I will bless it." you feel blessed and comforted beyond all imagination. Yet, I seek more. I want to say, "About that Lord, how exactly do you want that plan to look? Will you bless even the dumbest parts of a plan? Will you only bless that which fits your design that I need to seek? Could it possibly mean, "I have given you a vision Jay. Don't sweat the details, we are going there together. Don't focus on the little stuff, we have big things to do."?". I suppose. I hope so. I just don't know. I'm not fretting, which is nice. Just washing back and forth in a temporary sea of uncertainty. God has blessed me too much to fret now. There are too many people that we are going to (and have) blessed. Just got to get back with Him on maybe just a couple of the details...for now.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Not everything is life changing serious...
Note to the Pittsburgh sports world. I have a few things for you to know...
1. It is not "Steeler Nation". There is only "Raider Nation". For every pro, college, HS, AAU, or Disney on Ice organization that uses the term "nation" I say....STOP IT! If you must, the Steelers can use the term "Country". There was a big banner at the Steeler games dating back to the 70's that said, "You are in: STEELER COUNTRY". I will allow that.
2. Steelers is pronounced (Steel' ers). If you are well versed and a habitual user of Pittsburghese then you may pronounce it (Still' ers). Under no circumstance may you use the bastardized Pittsburghese pronounciation of (Stiw' ers). Too many people from this region have sunk to new lows by replacing the letter "l" with a "w" ("Mira coow Moww shopping center" as an example, "Ow a gainy wi ver buww a vard" as another).
3. Stop saying "we" when you reference your favorite team and dying when they lose. Hines Ward does not lose sleep when you have a bad day at work, you shouldn't when he does either.
4. Matt Cavenaugh is dead. His doppleganger who knows nothing about offense or football has been coaching the Pitt offense for the past 3 or 4 years.
5. The Penguins....sigh.
1. It is not "Steeler Nation". There is only "Raider Nation". For every pro, college, HS, AAU, or Disney on Ice organization that uses the term "nation" I say....STOP IT! If you must, the Steelers can use the term "Country". There was a big banner at the Steeler games dating back to the 70's that said, "You are in: STEELER COUNTRY". I will allow that.
2. Steelers is pronounced (Steel' ers). If you are well versed and a habitual user of Pittsburghese then you may pronounce it (Still' ers). Under no circumstance may you use the bastardized Pittsburghese pronounciation of (Stiw' ers). Too many people from this region have sunk to new lows by replacing the letter "l" with a "w" ("Mira coow Moww shopping center" as an example, "Ow a gainy wi ver buww a vard" as another).
3. Stop saying "we" when you reference your favorite team and dying when they lose. Hines Ward does not lose sleep when you have a bad day at work, you shouldn't when he does either.
4. Matt Cavenaugh is dead. His doppleganger who knows nothing about offense or football has been coaching the Pitt offense for the past 3 or 4 years.
5. The Penguins....sigh.
Friday, January 9, 2009
New blessings and time tested truth.
Rachel and I were talking last night. We were going over our evening and how our first small group for marriage went. It was great leading it and my passion for helping marriages operate the way God intended is growing everyday. It is helped and deepened by the way God continues to open my eyes and break my heart by showing me how many people have marriages that just don't work. God intended for us to be the solution to His first problem. Adam was alone. He had perfect communion and fellowship with God, but he was alone so he gave him Eve (He did not solve Adam's aloneness with more of Himself). The spouse was created to be God's primary provision of His love to his/her spouse. Do you see that? Sadly, it's rare. In God's great design, we were created to be married so we wouldn't be alone. Yet, when things aren't right in a marriage, you can't imagine feeling lonelier.
So there we were last night beginning a huge journey. Each couple has their story. Each one has what the world would say is a good relationship...and they do. Yet, God has so much more for them. The amazing thing is that He chose me to be a part of showing them...so blessed.
Rachel and I moved on in conversation to the time in our life when we were in the same stage of relationship as each of the couples. Wow. It's only been 12 years since we met but time goes by quickly. Things change. The night before I was not in a good way. I had begun to process some really difficult things earlier in the day. I then got some bad news a bit later. Then, I overreacted at something that happened that evening when we had some company. It wasn't the, "I'm not wrong, up yours!" kind of overreaction. I kept it contained and knew from the getgo that I was overreacting and it was because I had started to heal some hurts earlier in the afternoon. I was sensitive and vulnerable. Rachel was there not to react to my overreaction, but to comfort me and come by my side. She let God use her to fill my need for comfort. Thank you Lord...thank you Rachel.
One day later (last night) I was on cloud nine. So excited from a start to a whole new avenue for the Lord to work through me/us. So much can change over 12 years, even 24 hours. He doesn't though...never does. That I know to be true.
So there we were last night beginning a huge journey. Each couple has their story. Each one has what the world would say is a good relationship...and they do. Yet, God has so much more for them. The amazing thing is that He chose me to be a part of showing them...so blessed.
Rachel and I moved on in conversation to the time in our life when we were in the same stage of relationship as each of the couples. Wow. It's only been 12 years since we met but time goes by quickly. Things change. The night before I was not in a good way. I had begun to process some really difficult things earlier in the day. I then got some bad news a bit later. Then, I overreacted at something that happened that evening when we had some company. It wasn't the, "I'm not wrong, up yours!" kind of overreaction. I kept it contained and knew from the getgo that I was overreacting and it was because I had started to heal some hurts earlier in the afternoon. I was sensitive and vulnerable. Rachel was there not to react to my overreaction, but to comfort me and come by my side. She let God use her to fill my need for comfort. Thank you Lord...thank you Rachel.
One day later (last night) I was on cloud nine. So excited from a start to a whole new avenue for the Lord to work through me/us. So much can change over 12 years, even 24 hours. He doesn't though...never does. That I know to be true.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I'm back...again.
Ok, so I was back in June after I had weathered the new baby storm. Now, I am back after several other storms. What storms you say? Well, if you don't know then it's one of two things. 1. You are not that close to me (blunt? perhaps but these are very personal storms). 2. You are too close to me and I haven't had the opportunity or right words to say to you to completely fill you in. Also, it could be that I just don't know how to tell you everything that happened in such a way that it could make sense to you.
A very good friend of mine and brother in Christ, Terry Colobrese (so close I may have misspelled his last name) once said to me, "Jay, I would never want to go through what I've gone through ever again. Yet, I wouldn't ever give up what I've learned." I now know what he was talking about...and more. You see, I would go through it again. I now know my/our Lord and Savior in such a deep and intimate way, I understand so much more of life, I know exactly what God wants from and for me, more than ever before. I would go through it again...and I'm sure to a degree, though through different circumstances, I will.
I will be posting a lot of the things that I've learned so that you too can share in the blessings that God has (warning: church word ahead) bestowed upon me. I will start with just one of them.
God delights in you. Yes, He loves you. Yes, He cares for you. Further, He DELIGHTS in you. Not what you have done, not how you have performed for Him, not what you have said or anything like that...He simply delights in you. That's why He made you. That's why He died for you. That's why He is ready and waiting to love you and meet your every need. That's why on your worst day He is crying with/for you. That is why He eagerly waits to hear from you.
Now, is that really news? Did I not know that? Sure, my left brain (the analytical side) knew that. Heck, I've probably told many of you that. But I get it. I really get it. You see, I was burdened by my performance for Him. I believed He loved me and I repaid Him (a flaw in and of itself in my own theology for believing we can repay Him) by disobeying and doing things in my own strength. I could swear that His was a "yeah but" kind of love. I knew it wasn't but it always felt that way. I have been able to understand and more importantly feel His love for me. Not because of anything I have done, but because of who He is.
I will post again of more specific things I have learned. In the meantime, stop and ask Jesus, "What do you think of me?" and then sit and be quiet and listen. Those aren't your words in your head, they are His. Don't believe me? Test it. Throw in, "disappointed" or "disgusted" as if He were saying that to you. See if you don't feel Him saying, "NO"...I did. He will tell you how He feels about you in your heart. Trust it and don't excuse it away.
I will be talking to you soon. Never hesitate to give me the opportunity to love you. Call me or email me and let me know what you need...even if it's just to be there.
A very good friend of mine and brother in Christ, Terry Colobrese (so close I may have misspelled his last name) once said to me, "Jay, I would never want to go through what I've gone through ever again. Yet, I wouldn't ever give up what I've learned." I now know what he was talking about...and more. You see, I would go through it again. I now know my/our Lord and Savior in such a deep and intimate way, I understand so much more of life, I know exactly what God wants from and for me, more than ever before. I would go through it again...and I'm sure to a degree, though through different circumstances, I will.
I will be posting a lot of the things that I've learned so that you too can share in the blessings that God has (warning: church word ahead) bestowed upon me. I will start with just one of them.
God delights in you. Yes, He loves you. Yes, He cares for you. Further, He DELIGHTS in you. Not what you have done, not how you have performed for Him, not what you have said or anything like that...He simply delights in you. That's why He made you. That's why He died for you. That's why He is ready and waiting to love you and meet your every need. That's why on your worst day He is crying with/for you. That is why He eagerly waits to hear from you.
Now, is that really news? Did I not know that? Sure, my left brain (the analytical side) knew that. Heck, I've probably told many of you that. But I get it. I really get it. You see, I was burdened by my performance for Him. I believed He loved me and I repaid Him (a flaw in and of itself in my own theology for believing we can repay Him) by disobeying and doing things in my own strength. I could swear that His was a "yeah but" kind of love. I knew it wasn't but it always felt that way. I have been able to understand and more importantly feel His love for me. Not because of anything I have done, but because of who He is.
I will post again of more specific things I have learned. In the meantime, stop and ask Jesus, "What do you think of me?" and then sit and be quiet and listen. Those aren't your words in your head, they are His. Don't believe me? Test it. Throw in, "disappointed" or "disgusted" as if He were saying that to you. See if you don't feel Him saying, "NO"...I did. He will tell you how He feels about you in your heart. Trust it and don't excuse it away.
I will be talking to you soon. Never hesitate to give me the opportunity to love you. Call me or email me and let me know what you need...even if it's just to be there.
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