On a Mission to Blog

As I think most people can see, I am doing my best to Blog everyday.

This may lead to some trivial or non-amazing posts, but I am trying to get into a rhythm. Nothing wrong with writing everyday... is there? So, bear with me and hopefully the Blogs won't be all that bad.

I should have some good stuff soon, I am in the midst of reading Rob Bell's book, Velvet Elvis. So far so good. I knew it would be...

The End is Near

They're kidding, aren't they?

Bingo... on TV? Do us all a favor and please don't watch... in fact turn off the TV and read a book. Maybe take your dog for a walk...

Crap! Hopefully Bailey didn't see me type that.

Nope... we're o.k. for now.

Sweatin'

Summer?

It sure feels like it here. Monday was warm, today was warmer... actually hot & humid to boot. Seems like it came fast and furious.

Things are supposed to cool off next week again... maybe we'll have a little transition time before the really hot weather comes again. We hope at least.

His Eyes

As we were driving home from Detroit today, something really hit me as we headed down 75... I am critical... judgmental. Not earth shattering news, but I had one of those moments where I realized something about that critical spirit. I see someone or know something about them and make huge assumptions about them - usually negative ones.

Part of this epiphany hit me during a mix Cheryl had playing on her iPod. A song by none other than George Michael called "Freedom," was blasting through our car speakers and I realized I had very negative thoughts about this guy based on the fact that he was gay and that he had been busted doing some lewd things in a public restroom.

We also listened to a teaching by Rob Bell on our way up to Michigan about the tongue. One of the things he talked about is our need to find out the "dirt" of other people. Tabloid magazines and even news organizations make huge amounts of cash by filling us in on the goings on of people like Brad & Angelina, Britney, Paris, Lindsay Lohan and Rosie's bickering matches with the Donald and Elizabeth. Even in those situations we make judgments. Paris is a slut, Lindsay is a drunk, Rosie is a liberal, ghastly beast... but how does God see them?

This is where the rubber hits the road. I struggle with this all the time. The human side of me does not think this way. I see someone that looks different, sounds different or acts differently and I automatically make assumptions - - judgments. Usually these are not kind judgments either. I know a lot of times I think I am just making observations that are not racist or judgmental, but let's be honest, all of us have prejudices.

The sad thing for me is when I find myself looking down on people who don't know the Jesus I know. Whether they be Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Hindus or any other religion, my tendency is to think they are idiots. To lessen them. To feel superior to them. To me, this is so far from God's heart for those people. He sent His Son to die for everyone... not just me.

The same can be said for homosexuals, pro-lifers, Democrats, Republicans, anti-war supporters, environmentalists, capitalists, communists or conservatives. God loves them all. Jesus wants their hearts... and I should want that for them as well. The Holy Spirit nudges me in that direction all the time, but I live in my flesh far too often.

There are two songs that I always hear in my head when I begin to ponder this subject... these are two groups from way back in the CCM days, so if you have no idea who they are, don't worry. Petra had a song called, "We Need Jesus," and 4Him did a song titled, "Through His Eyes." Both of those songs have a line that runs through my mind when I am sensitive and listening to what the Spirit has to say:

See each other as He sees us...
(Petra)

If we could see through His eyes
Then we could dare to love
The way God loves
(4Him)

So that is my prayer. Learn to see people the way my Father does. It's not easy, but it has to be the place where God longs for me to be... after all, it is the 2nd Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:39).

Pizzas, Panera & Taco Town

I never realized how much I missed Little Caesars Pizza until I couldn't have it anymore... $5 or $6 pizzas that actually taste good are hard to come by in Ohio. At least where I live.

So tonight we enjoyed the pizza we miss so much (thanks Mom & Dad) as we watched 60 Minutes (Dad's choice, but it was his birthday so I obliged him). While we were watching, we got to a really moving moment in the story of our troops in Iraq... we were all literally in tears, when suddenly, Bailey broke forth with his patented psycho guard bark. Everyone, especially Mom & Dad (because Cheryl and I are somewhat used to it), jumped about ten feet out of their chairs. He preceeded to do that at a few more key moments throughout the rest of the show... did I mention that I would like to kill that dog sometimes?

We spent time with Matthew & Sarah at Panera Bread this morning and my adorable niece, Emma, smiled at me like twenty times and I loved it (could've been gas, but I will believe it was her undying love for Uncle Scott). We also just got back from spending time with them at their house tonight and we laughed a lot... Taco Town had Matthew in tears.

By the way, as mentioned above, Dad celebrated a birthday today... Happy Birthday Dad! Love you and wish you God's best this year...

Ohio (and a BBQ with friends) here we come!

Visiting Hours

What an amazing day Cheryl and I had today!

Last night we hung out with the family and had a steak dinner, compliments of Mom and our Grill-Master, Matthew.

We woke up early this morning and met up with Rob & Nicole. We had such a great time with them! Everytime we see them I realize how much I miss both of them in our lives. They are probably some of the best friends we have ever had... when we are with them it is like nothing ever changed. I love being with them and can't wait to see them in Vegas really soon!

After we stopped off back and Mom & Dad's place we headed out to Jim & Phiona's... what an amazing time we had with these guys... we just seem to grow closer to them whenever we see them. I love having family like that. They are headed off to a China very soon and we will miss them so much. God is so good... somehow, we will get there!

This has been a great weekend... still more to come.

Drives Me Crazy...

Interesting thing happened on my way back to Detroit today... I remembered how much I hate driving around all these brain dead people.

Numerous events unfolded as we headed up I-75 that left me losing my cool on some unsuspecting guy as we turned down the street to get to my Mom & Dad's house. This guy had no idea that I had just endured about 20 or more motorists that were as bad, if not worse, than he was.

I am amazed by the agression and lunacy that people have while operating their vehicle. Cell phones strapped to ears while they go 85 mph, weaving in and out of traffic without a care in the world.

I have lost my edge since we moved to small town Ohio. I used to honk and make my way through the asphalt jungle with ease. Now, it seems foreign to me. Definitely less stressful... which I believe to be a good thing.

We made it okay and all was well when we finally got to see everyone, especially that cute little niece of mine. The return trip will at least get less stressful as we head into the farm country on those two lane roads that lead to home... it's where the heart is after all.

More Idiot Box Stuff

Sorry to talk TV two days in a row, but I failed to mention anything about the American Idol finale.

First off, I think the right person won. Jordin is an amazing young talent and will only get better. I honestly think Blake will be a huge star though. He just has something about him... very creative and unique.

Let's face it, coming in second or third doesn't hurt you on this show. Melinda, Phil Stacey and few others will have careers after this thing is over... unfortunately, Sanjaya might be one of them. Eh, I guess the guy deserves his fifteen minutes just like the next guy...

Oh, by the way, TiVo or DVR users, how many of you didn't get to see the winner crowned on AI last night? Apparently the show went about ten minutes long and we didn't even get to see the winner... Good job FOX!

Also, just in case you missed it (and according to the ratings a lot of people have) Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is back on NBC on Thursday nights for who knows how long. NBC, please let me enjoy this show... give it another chance!

The Summer TV season is coming, get ready for tons of Reality TV and some stuff they thought no one would like. It's a year round business now... I noticed that According to Jim and King of Queens have resurfaced for the off peak season, but so did Top Chef!

LOST

Is it just me or is LOST one of the best drama's ever on TV? I know some people have grown tired of all the twists and unknowns on the show, but this year has revealed some amazing stuff. The season finale tonight was amazing.

If you haven't watched the finale yet, quit reading now... you've been warned.

The thing that really does it for me is the character development. Last week when Charlie realized he would have to die to save everyone, it killed me. When Hurley was rejected by his friends twice when he wanted to help but eventually saved them, I was overjoyed for him. Locke even got to escape death once again, I love that guy. Yes, it's just a TV show, but I really love it. The writing and, as I said before, character development are stellar.

The amazing twist we saw tonight was what I think is a look into the future. After everyone is rescued from the island. Jack obviously is having a breakdown of some sort in the future. We usually see these "flashbacks" to show us the past of the characters, but in this episode, when Jack calls a mystery guest to meet him at the airport, out of the shadows comes Kate, whom as far as we know, Jack never knew before the crash. Plus, Jack started talking about how he longs to be back on the island and takes plane trips with his "golden ticket" (which I assume most airlines would give you if you survived a crash on one of their planes... odd) and prays that the plane will crash again.

So let me say this, if you haven't watched LOST at all or you haven't followed it well, put the DVD's in your queue at Netflix and enjoy catching up until the show is on again in January 2008.

What A Ride...

Well, the season is over for the Wings, but it has been quite a ride...

Personally, I think the Wings let one get away and I think they were the better team overall, but Champions play through adversity and in the end - - they win.

This has been a great season to be a Detroit Fan... The Tigers came, oh so close. The Wings were supposed to be mediocre, but they made a statement this year. Now it all hangs on the Pistons...

We can only hope that the Lions win more than 3 games, but I think they are on the right track too.

I have always been a huge Wings fan and I always will be. Pride is the only thing I feel for these guys this year. They played above what a lot of people thought of them. This loss is a lot easier to take than previous years. They will be back, the future looks bright in Hockeytown.

The good news for a lot of my friends is... I have a lot more time on my hands now. Can't wait to see everyone again....

Thanks for a great season Detroit Red Wings...

Just What I Needed...

The past few days have been a such a great time with our friends here in Ohio. With some of the things that are going on right now, having friends and family that you love means more than you'll ever know.

We hung out with Derek & Casey and their boys on Saturday night and had a great time... Sunday we went to Sarah's graduation party and spent time with Sean & Rachel, Steve & Nicki and saw a bunch of other people there too. Then, today I hung out with Tony, then Cheryl and I had dinner with Dave & Kelly at our place.

It is so great living and going to church in the same town. It's so conducive to building community and deepening relationships.

Plus, we're coming back to Michigan this weekend and we'll get to see our family... it's been too long and we're really excited to see everyone again! We'll even get a chance to see two of the best friends we've ever had from Las Vegas!!

God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams...

A Little Rain Must Fall...

I am one of those people who struggles with hiding the way I feel. When times are tough, you can pretty much see it. If I am annoyed, you'll know it. I hate being fake... that is a good thing and a bad thing. Sometimes I need to keep things to myself, but for the most part, I would rather let you know where I stand.

Saying all this leads me to where I am at this afternoon. I'm feeling let down. God is faithful and I know He loves me, but sometimes I am disappointed by Him. Some would tell me, "That's life," or tell me, "to get over it," because you and I both know there are people in far worse circumstances than myself. But let me ask you this, if I pretend that I am o.k. with something when I'm not, doesn't God know that? Of course He does...

Things don't always work out the way you expect them to. They don't always end up the way you hope for. But I can't stop hoping. I can't stop believing that God will save the day. He has a plan and I hope for that plan to be fulfilled even in the midst of my disappointment. I have to keep on hoping.

We sang a song this morning that touched me. That I want to share with you about God's love. I needed to hear it and this morning I believed it a lot more than I ever have before. As I have mentioned before, learning to accept and truly believe that He loves me has been tough, but today I moved a little closer to really understanding it...

God of glory You have made all things
Who am I that You would think of me
For You made the earth, You made the stars
Yet You know my name; You know my heart
You’re always there; You’re never far away

So amazing as You paint the sky
So amazing, makes me wonder why
You love me like You do
You love me like You do
That You love me like You do
So amazing, so amazing

I see the birds ride on the winds, they fly so high
Mountain peaks so tall they seem to touch the sky
Creation calls Your name above
Yet in Your mercy and Your love
You came to give Your life that I might live

Hold on to hope and feel loved...

What a Bunch of Horse...

I was checking out a little playoff hockey today on NBC. They usually have Saturday & Sunday games, while VS has the weekdays.

So today was game 5 between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres. Pretty huge game is Buffalo... they lose this one and they are playing golf for the rest of the summer.

Turned out to be a great game - - what I saw of it anyway. You see that horse to the right? Well, NBC, who truly loves the NHL, decided to leave the Stanley Cup Playoff game when it headed to sudden death overtime to catch a race that lasted all of about 3 minutes. But they needed a lot more than that to talk about all the story lines...

So now hockey fans (if there really are any out there), not only is the NHL behind the NFL, MLB, NBA & NASCAR, but Major League Soccer (MLS) and now Horse Racing are giving it a run for the money.

For all the fans in Buffalo who were watching at home... sorry you missed it, but your team lost in overtime. Hopefully there are some good highlights on Sports Center - - oh, wait a minute, they don't like hockey either. Oh well, that one horse made it around the track real fast at least.

Mow-er Time with Cheryl...

I've talked about this on the ol' Ramblin Scotzman before, but I hate cutting the grass. Partly because I hate sweating and smelling like exhaust and/or gas. The other reason is when you are a guy, around the age of 13 or 14, you learn to cut the grass. It seems like a fun thing at first, but then it becomes a job...

Either way, I would like to say that this season has been very different than usual. Cheryl has taken an interest in working with me on the yard and it has been awesome.

I love that she is willing to join me in a task that she knows I despise. The truth is, now I don't hate it so much because I get to do it with her. A lot of people would never want to work with their spouse, we have done it before and it was tough at times, but with age and experience we have learned to truly work together and enjoy it.

Cheryl, thanks for being my best friend and partner in life... not just in the fun stuff, but the less desirable stuff - - like cutting the grass.

Cheers

My TiVo has been picking up Cheers reruns lately.

I remember sitting in the living room with the family watching Cheers and hearing Dad laugh hysterically. His favorite part was the opening joke. We all laughed and had a great time on Thursday nights.

I loved Woody. He always killed me. And who could ever forget everyone yelling, "Norm," when he walked into the bar. Great cast... was glad when Dianne left though.

Cheryl and I actually went to the real Cheers while we were in Boston. Talk about different. Not at all like the inside on the TV show. Still fun to see.

Thanks TiVo.

Accord-ingly.

Forgive me father's for I have sinned...

Growing up in a Ford family and marrying a girl from a Ford family, made me feel like a sinner today.

After our Wal Mart fiasco the Sunday, we ended up getting everything squared away and were given the number to our local Enterprise Rental Car. We were supplied with a vehicle while our Ford Taurus was in the shop. When I called to confirm pickup this morning, I asked what type of vehicle we would end up with... the gentleman on the phone told me there was an 80% chance we would end up with a Honda Accord.

Cheryl and I headed out this morning to pick up her rental so she could head off to work. I Google Mapped the Enterprise and we set out. I knew right where I thought it would be, but I never recalled seeing an Enterprise in that area before. As we drove down the street to where it was supposed to be, all I saw was a Honda dealership.

We ended up in the middle of enemy territory (as if living in Buckeye country was not enough). Growing up in Motown, we were taught to despise "foreign" cars. They were what was wrong with America and here we were in the belly of the beast about to drive away in one of it's evil machines.

Cheryl went in and signed the paperwork while I waited in my "American" vehicle. Safe. Secure. Proud... and slightly envious of all the new cars around me.

As Cheryl came out to her shiny red Accord, I rolled down my window and warned her not to fall for this little Honda... it would tear our families to pieces (not really, but it sounds pretty dramatic, right?).

I'll admit, when Cheryl got home from work today, I rushed out to see this little import. I took it for a spin and kicked the tires. I can tell you this, it ain't made for the rotund individual to fit comfortably into. Nice, but not the most amazing thing I have ever been in. I could feel myself repeating my Dad's mantra, "Probably not as nice as a Fusion... Wait until you see that new Edge, that thing is amazing." Still loyal, just like Dad. Can't help it.

Our little adventure with Honda will be over on Friday... until then, we'll just have grin and bear it.

Why Did I Do It?

Just a quick story about your favorite Super Store, Wal Mart.

Since we have moved to a smaller town in Ohio, my worst fears have become a reality. When you need something here, Wal Mart is usually the place to get it. You may or may not know this, but I think Wal Mart is ruining America one small town at a time.

We've been getting our cars serviced at Wal Mart since last Summer. The part of me that loves a great deal could not pass up the amazingly low cost of an oil change. It's like $17 or $18... I mean, how can you pass that up? What could happen? It's just an oil change right?

This past Sunday we dropped off Cheryl's car and came back to pick it up. I went to get some gas while Cheryl settled up. My cell phone rings and Cheryl says, "We have a problem." Seems that the last time the ol' Taurus was in for an oil change someone cross threaded the oil plug, which holds the oil in the oil pan. Pretty important. Well the Service Manager tells Cheryl she needs to take it to the dealership to get that fixed. Hold on a second buddy... someone in your shop put it in wrong. Fix it.

After a twenty minute conversation in a packed waiting area, finally the Assistant Manager of the entire Wal Mart comes to solve the problem. I was amazed at how hard they tried to push this thing off on us. I kept asking him if he thought I was under the car playing with the oil plug in my spare time. Someone at this Wal Mart goofed up, now fix it.

We ended up taking it to our local Ford dealership and I was not surprised to learn this was one of many "mistakes" they've had to fix from Wal Mart. $375 later, Wal Mart is buying us a new oil pan.

Lesson learned. No more Wal Mart.

Wish I had seen this site before I gave Wal Mart a chance to screw up.

Pearls of Wisdom

Today a friend of mine, Tony, and I were talking about the love of God.

I have always struggled with God's love for me. You see, I have always felt unworthy of it. While me being unworthy of His love might be true, He loves me in spite of that. I can say that and understand it to be true, but my mind understanding it to be true and my heart believing it to be true are two totally different things.

As we were talking, Tony could see that I was truly struggling with this. I know that God impressed this on Tony's heart to share with me and it suddenly brought me closer to truly believing with my heart more than ever before.

Tony brought up the parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl. In essence, both parables talk about someone finding something of great value. Then in turn both of these people sell everything they own and purchase this new found treasure. He asked me what those parables meant to me. Honestly, it caught me off guard. I'd never spent a lot of time thinking about it. So I told him that I thought it was about my relationship to God and that I needed to see the worth in it and be willing to give up everything for it.

Tony had a different take. In fact he gave examples of how Christians in China who have face persecution have a totally different understanding of these parables. He said that I am the pearl. I am the hidden treasure. That God loved me so much that He sent His Son to "purchase" me. Jesus loved me so much, the hidden treasure that He found in the field, that He gave up everything to get me.

Me. He finds me worthy.

I can hardly fathom it. It stirs something inside of me that I cannot describe...

I am learning. Trying to accept this amazing love that He has for me. It is so hard to understand, maybe that is the point. My mind may never comprehend this love.

My hope, my prayer, is that I will stop rejecting His love. Thankfully He's not finished with me yet and He is very patient.

For Mom.

Seems like one of the first times I've not been able to see Mom on Mother's Day.

Being away from family has been tough at times, but it has been a good thing as well. It has forced both Cheryl and I to grow in ways I had no idea we had to. It has caused us to lean on and trust the Father more than ever before. It has caused us to let others help us out, when usually we would have called Mom and Dad.

Personally, I am learning more about myself in this process than I ever have before. All the times I have been compared to my Mom while we laughed used to make me think I was not enough of a "man," but now I see that it means I have a big heart, that I am loyal, that I am forgiving, that I'm a dreamer, that I love people, that I love my spouse, that love making people happy and encouraging them and more than anything that I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mom, these are the things that I have gained from being your son. These are the things that you have built into me. Thank you for teaching me through the way you live to love, care and dream.

Love you Mom.

We'll see you soon.

First Watch

Cheryl and I finally did it... we went to Firstwatch in Dublin for breakfast.

Why has it taken so long you say? Well, it's a very well known fact that I detest, nay, loathe lines and/or waiting. Thanks Dad...

Every time we have driven past said restaurant, there are gazillions of people waiting for just a taste of whatever they are selling in there. Maybe they are secretly owned by McDonald's and have also injected their food with whatever drug makes people eat at the Golden Arches all the time. Either way, it's always busy. It's open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and apparently that's just not long enough.

Bailey woke us up around 6:30 this morning (on a Saturday that is just wrong) and I thought, what better time than now to head over to the beloved First Watch. We ended up pulling into Dublin right around 8 a.m. and as I headed into the shopping center where First Watch is, I noticed something rather absurd... gazillions of cars! All of which were parked in front of the breakfast joint with a little taste of heaven in it... and, wait for it... there was a line of people waiting to get in! People, we are talking about 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning... what gives?

This had better be the best breakfast I have ever eaten... was it? It was pretty good. Wait in line good? Eh, I could take it or leave it. Not too mention, Dublin is kind of like the O.C. compared to Marysville... for my friends and family in Detroit, it's kind of like the Northville/Novi/Plymouth crowd out there. A little snobby and too beautiful for their own good. So if you were planning on putting a baseball cap on and catching a shower after breakfast, you may want to have your hair nicely coifed and make up on before you get there.

So, if you ever come to visit or want us to join you at First Watch for a little breakfast, you go first and get us a table. We'll be there soon.

Cell Phone Play by Play

So the NHL brain trust has done it again.

Depending on who your cable carrier in my old home town of Detroit happens to be, you either got to watch the Wings take on the Ducks in the Western Conference Finals or had to call me for updates or play by play of the game.

My Dad and Brother had to get updates and play by play via our Verizon phones!

Another amazing move by Gary Bettman.

I wonder how that conversation went...

Gary Bettman: Okay guys. I have a great idea. Since we screwed up our deal with ESPN and ABC and are fresh off a lockout, I have a brand new plan. We could be on the Outdoor Life Network!
Lackey #1: Outdoor Life Network?
Lackey #2: Yeah, great idea Boss!
Bettman: Yes! They will change the name next year to Versus! They have all sorts of cool programming that our audience will love too. Bull riding and rodeos, fishing and hunting and kickboxing! What a combination!
Lackey #1: I don't get.
Bettman: No most cable and satellite providers don't even carry it yet, but that will change. We're the number 4 sport in the US, people will demand it.
Lackey #2: Actually sir, NASCAR is ahead of us now...
Lackey # 1: ... and Soccer is actually gaining ground.
Bettman: No matter, the NHL and Versus will catapult us to number one in no time.

Add to that nonsense that after the first two rounds of the playoffs your local station loses it's rights to broadcast their home team. In Detroit that means no Mickey Redmond!

Why do I continue to watch? I guess I'm a Red Wing fan for life... no matter how bad that moron Betmann screws things up.

Chad Vader

I'm not a huge Star Wars geek, but when I saw this, I laughed.



Hope you enjoyed it... you can check out the entire first season (finale coming this month) on YouTube or at Blame Society Productions.

American Idol Observation...

Is it just me or does American Idol guest artist this week, Barry Gibb, look an awful lot like:














The Geico Caveman
















I am so mean... sorry Mr. Gibb, I couldn't resist.

Why Not Just Get a Mac?

My buddy over at Geekbert.net posted a link that just explains how lame Windows and the Gates crew really are... Check it out here.

Isn't it time you looked into Mac? Really, what's it gonna' take to convince you? iPod? iPhone? iTunes? Intel Macs?

I'm just sayin'...

Cheryl's Request... Blog!

The Lovely and Talented Cheryl just told me I don't Blog enough... she said enough very funny too.

So I figured I would do a little Blogging:

Spring is in the air... in fact it was dang hot today in Ohio.

With that beautiful Spring air comes thunderstorms... Bailey's favorite... his favorite thing to be scared of and whine and cry about (usually when we are sleeping).

Spring also means NHL Playoffs... the Wings played horrible last night. Speaking of the Wings, this guy came by the house the other day selling lawn treatments. I opened the door and he made his pitch. His final sell was, "If you sign up today, I'll throw in a free squid." I looked puzzled for a moment and then he pointed at my Wings flag blowing in the wind... that made me laugh... had he said Octopus, he would have really impressed me.

NHL Playoffs also mean late night starts in the West (the conference the Wings are in)... 10 pm starts for those whacky Left Coasters... getting sleepy thinking about it. Bettman, do us all a favor and move the Wings to the East already!

Sports, sports, sports, sports!

The NFL Draft was held Saturday and Sunday... it's kind of like the Super Bowl if you are a Lions Fan. Matt Millen didn't disappoint all the Lion faithful... picking up the 4th wide receiver in 5 years within the # 2 pick. From all the publicity, the kid - Calvin Johnson - is a stud, let's hope so.

... I couldn't end our brief foray into football without talking a little Buckeye football (Boo!). The Dolphins surprised everyone in the draft when they picked Ted Ginn Jr. with the 9th overall... hilarious. The crowd on hand in Miami almost lynched the GM... Plus, the Heisman Trophy winning QB, Troy Smith, wasn't picked until the 5th round...

Michigan had seven players chosen overall and a record 4 defensive players in the top 50 picks. Go Blue!!

I've got some interesting things on the horizon which I hope to talk about soon...