Roller Coaster

These last few days (really weeks) have been a roller coaster for me. I have been happy, sad, mad and just downright worried and doubting about this move to Ohio. Needless to say, my already gray head of hair (and beard) has gained quite a few more silvery white hair-mates (is that even a word??).

The enemy has really been after me. He really does not want this thing to happen and he has pulled out every trick in the book. I've been falling for a lot of them too. Doubt has been my middle name the past few weeks and I might as well change my last name to scaredy-cat. The fear of the unknown has overtaken me. The loss of control and trusting has made doubts creep in that I haven't felt in quite some time.

Throughout all of this my faithful, loving wife, Cheryl has been a rock. I have been shifting sand. She has encouraged me and felt my wrath during crazy mood swings of pent up frustration and fear. She is truly my better half, my "ezer kenegdo" (lifesaver alongside me).

The great thing about her is she keeps sending me back to the Savior. She has never relented to any of my complaining or whining. Gently she reminds me that God is on my side and will never leave me or forsake me.

This morning, I took my stand. The gloves were officially off and I decided to fight back, hard. With my "sword" in hand, I started praying and asking God to forgive me for my doubt and fear. Then I came at satan with all I had. Verses were coming into my head to remind me of God's promises and everything that the devil had been using on me over these last few weeks I turned around on him.

"Your house will never sell."

Lie!! I immediately prayed for the people God has for this house. "God please bless this family. Let them know You and may this house be used for Your purposes." Before we painted the house, I felt urged to write Joshua 24:15 on the door posts... "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This house has a blessing on it. My sister-in-law Phiona planted landscaping because she felt God calling her to do so because as she said, "He has a DOUBLE BLESSING for you!"

See the point is, the enemy has no dominion over my life or yours for that matter. We are bought for a price, the cleansing blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our debt is paid! Satan tries as hard as he can to knock us off balance, but we have already won. He is just a nuisance.

A guy by the name of Graham Cooke has a great teaching called, "Messing with the enemy's head." I have listened to it numerous times because what he talks about is so true and life changing if you can just make it a part of your daily life. Whatever lies the evil one whispers to you, turn them around on him. He hates that. Remember God's promises. Basically, do the opposite of what he tempts you to do.

"Don't give your money to that bum, he'll just blow it all on alcohol!"

Turn it around, give him all you've got... you can't out give God. It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when George Costanza decides to do the opposite of everything he would usually do. He ends up getting the girl at the coffee shop and getting a job with the Yankees!

But serioulsy, what a concept... our flesh is always tempted to look out for number one and fall for the lies. Turn those thoughts around and you will see satan frustrated and heading for the hills, because the last thing he wants to do is make us stronger in the Father. When we are tempted and resist and put our trust in the Lord is kills him.

After all is said and done I am not out of the woods yet, but I have my head above water and I am ready for the fight. I put on my armor this morning and I am ready for the fight. God will not leave us hanging... He has begun a new work in our lives and will be faithful to complete it.

We covet your prayers... always know that there is a nice guest room available in Marysville, Ohio!

Dramatica

I don't know about you, but I have a flair for the dramatic. Small problems in the grand scheme of things can become quite an ordeal for me a lot of times.

The stress of this past month has taken me to some amazing highs and devestating lows. Over the past few days though, I have started to realize that my issues pale in comparison to others. Now in the moment, my issues seem to hold their own seriousness, but when I look around me and see what others have to endure, I am ashamed that I even got bent out of shape at all.

Nancy wrote a ton of verses on her Blog today about the peace that God gives... about the promises He has given to us. As I read through those promises again, God really allowed me to see that all He is asking of me is to let go. There was a very simple song that I loved when I was in college called "Let Go," by a band called PFR. The chorus says:

Gotta let go of the little things, before they get you down
Gotta let go or they'll drag you to the bottom and hold you down
It's a war we all fight, and compromise is the battleground
But if you're ever gonna grow, you've got to let go

PFR - Pray for Rain (1992)

Sometimes I guess it takes 14 years for stuff to set it in... I have to remember daily the words Christ said to the Apostles before He left them; the promise of the Holy Spirit:

... the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:26 - 27 (TNIV)

Part of letting go is allowing the Holy Spirit full access. Everything that we are. Mind, body and soul. Only then will we really experience the peace that He promises.

In the next chapter of John, Jesus explains another aspect of letting go... realizing we can't do it on our own:

I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (TNIV)

I'm not saying this is easy. Full devotion and having faith and hope in God's plan takes a lot. We are stubborn. We think we can do it all on our own. It reminds me of when I was about 4 years old walking on stilts. My dad was right behind me holding me up and I said, "Let go daddy I can do it on my own." About 2 steps later I was on the way to the hospital for stitches on the back of my head. When we try to make things happen on our own, inevitably we fall.

Someday all this will sink in... hopefully with as few trips to the Emergency Room as possible.

Ed

Today at 4:45 p.m. Ed went home to be with His Savior, Jesus Christ. While he leaves behind his wife and two beautiful children, his life and the faith his wife, Kelley has shown througout this struggle have undoubtedly drawn others to Christ.

On Ed's website this verse was posted at 4:30 p.m. right before Ed passed:

Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18 (TNIV)

Selah.

Why?

Yesterday I got a text message from Stacey about Ed Horn.

Some of you may remember me writing about Ed and his battle with cancer. He went to the same high school as Cheryl and I and attends our old church, Northridge.

Stacey sent a text out for prayer, because Ed's body is shutting down... it just can't take much more. He coded a few times this past week and things have been progressively getting worse.

There are a whole range of emotions pulsing through my veins right now. I read about Ed last night and then checked out a great friend of mine's Blog and he talked about a friend who is going through sickness. I just started thinking, "God, why can't you just heal these guys? I know you can. Just do it!"

Frustration overtook me and I started looking at pictures of Ed and his family and I got mad. "God, why do these two men have to suffer? Whatever the lesson we need to learn or whatever lives need to be touched, there has to be another way?"

I looked at my life and I thought, "Why not take someone who has less to lose or fewer people to leave feeling devistated. Why not me?" I am not necessarily asking to take Ed's place, but I think about who I am and the faults I have and I think that there are people far more deserving of life. Not trying to be morbid here, but I just want Ed's kids to have a father. I want his son to have a dad to teach him how to be a man. His daughter a daddy to protect and shower her with the love deserving of "Daddy's Little Girl." His wife and the love of his life a partner to grow old with.

When I look at Kelly and I see in the things that she writes about their relationship, I see a lot of similarities to the love Cheryl and I share. My heart breaks for her. She seems to have such an amazing faith in the Father and what He is doing. She hopes for healing and believes that God will bring it. Now she sits beside her best friend and love of her life waiting, still hoping, but realizing that Ed may be leaving her. Why is this happening?

God, please save Ed. Please heal him. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord your Healer (Exodous 15:26). We know that you can do it... we have seen you do it. Heal Ed.

I don't know how to end a post like this... I don't know how to feel about this. All I can ask is for you to pray for Ed and his family. I know that each and every one of us knows someone or has a family member or friend going through something, somewhere out there. We have all experienced loss.

Please pray for Ed.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

What a whirlwind this month has been!

I have neglected my posting responsibilities only due to the immense amount of change happening around here. It seems that my life is taking a new direction and right now, I just feel like I am along for the ride and have no control over it at all.

Of course, being the control freak that I am, this has been tough. There is a lesson to be learned for sure...

Patience. Trust.

As some of you may or may not know, Cheryl and I are moving to Marysville, Ohio. Yes, Ohio.

Little did I know the chain of events that was set in motion when Aaron and I stopped to spend some time with his friends in Marysville. Now they are not just his friends, they are our friends too. Cheryl got a job just a little less than a month ago in the Columbus area and now, we packing up and heading down to Ohio.

Many of the events that have occured since have really worked on my lack of patience... I've struggled with that one for a very long time.

Cheryl's new employer has provided us with a relocation package which means we have to work with a company that "specializes" in relocating employees and their families. Let me just say, if they just gave me the money that they are paying these dorks to relocate us, I would have had everything done about 2 weeks ago and had a lot of money left to use on something fun and exciting for the new crib in Ohio. Everything that we do with this company is slow and bogged down in red tape... not surprising, most corporations/big businesses are like that.

Anyway, this has obviously aggrivated me on numerous occasions, but God is asking me to sit back and let things happen. Be patient. On top of that, they can only talk with Cheryl... no control for Mr. Control at all. So, yes, I am realizing there is a lesson to learn here.

That leads me to my next lesson... trust. I worry too much. When I have no control over a situation, I worry about how the person controlling said situation is going to handle it. God is asking me to trust Him. To give Him complete control. Very hard for me. I know the truth. I know that God is in control and has the best plans for me, for us. Knowing it and living it are two different ideas though. Following, trusting God is simple, but it ain't easy. Cheryl's brother Jim said that the other day and man oh man is that the truth.

So here I am in the middle of the biggest transition of my life and I have no control. I am being stretched to hope for and expect the best. God is saying, "Let me take care of this, just let go and let Me do this for you."

Like I said, simple but not easy.

Oh Captain, Our Captain...

Today was a bittersweet day here in the city they call Hockeytown. At 1:05 p.m. the man who wore the "C" on his jersey for 20 years called it quits.

My love for hockey goes back to my early days when my dad took me to my first game at the old Olympia Stadium in Detroit. The decible level was almost too much for a little kid like myself to handle, but the bonding that I experienced with my father and eventually with the game of hockey will never be forgotten.

The 70's and early 80's were some horrible years for the Red Wings. A once storied franchise became known as the "Dead Wings." I can remember going to a game at Joe Louis Arena in the early days and hearing the crowd booing one of the many coaches and Hall of Fame players, Ted Lindsay. The owner, Mike Illitch, gave away cars at home games to try and persuade people back to hockey in Detroit.

In 1983, things were about to change. With the 4th pick overall the Red Wings drafted a kid out of British Columbia, Canada by the name of Steve Yzerman. No one knew then what he would become.

Coach Demers made Steve Yzerman the Captain of the Red Wings over 20 years ago. He has held that position longer than any other in the game. He played his entire career with one team and won 3 Stanley Cups.

There were a lot of tough times for Stevie. Injuries to his knees that would have kept other athletes from the game never stopped the drive he had. His desire to win and the work ethic he showed - most times on one leg - motivated his teammates to play above and beyond their potential. When Scotty Bowman came to town, he wanted to trade the Captain, but Steve adjusted his game and eventually led Detroit to it's first Stanley Cup in 42 years.

Steve Yzerman is and always will be my favorite athlete. I am not ashamed to say that I have shed tears both for joy and heartache throughout the years as a Wings fan, but the good times and memories that Stevie brought this city and the fans of the "Winged Wheel," will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thanks Steve.

To All the Friends I've Loved Before...

For some reason that stupid 1984 hit by Julio Iglesias is stuck in my head but the lyrics are a bit different.

It seems to me that there have been a lot of friends in this lifetime that have come in and then walked out to a new destination. Do they stop being my friends when they move, of course not, but is it the same? No.

Gone are the Friday nights of UNO and Champps Burgers, not to mention the freshly baked cookies, coffee and late nights of talking about all sorts of crazy stuff. No more going to see a movie at the AMC Livonia in the middle of the day and calling it ministry time. The high school days of sleepovers and wandering the streets of Dearborn and terrorizing the 7-11 guy are gone too. Even the days of hanging and laughing at the Bean in Plymouth with my brother and his merry men are but faded memories.

But I do have memories. They make me laugh. Sometimes I cry. The memories are still there though. At least I have them. Thank God for those.

Tomorrow a new memory will begin as a friend that I consider a brother heads out on a new adventure. The time that we have spent together and the things we have learned together will never be forgotten. I traveled from Michigan to California and back with Aaron. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. God has allowed us to sharpen one another, speak truth into one another and just have a great time together.

God knew the right time and the right place for our relationship to begin again. It was only a year and a half ago that Aaron and I started hanging out again. Aaron had just gone through some tough times and found his Father, God, in all of it. I was just hitting rock bottom... perfect timing.

Aaron's love for Jesus is so contagious. One of Aaron's worship team members talked about that on Sunday and it's so true. You can't help but be drawn to this guy. His faith is real. It makes you envious sometimes, but in a good way. It spurs you on. You want what he has. The good news is you can have it too!!

We all celebrated that day, but we all were sad to see Aaron leaving. I am so excited for what God has in store for Aaron in Kansas City, but I am gonna' miss him big time. There is no doom and gloom here, don't cry for me or pity me.

We just reconnected with some of the greatest people we have ever known just recently. They have been some of our closest friends for years, but life got in the way and we lost touch for a while, but now we're all together again (and they have vitamins!). Not to mention, Aaron introduced us to Dave, Kelly, Shawna, Derek and Casey. New memories are just around the corner with them.

We'll be going through this again in January as we say auf Wiedersehen to some great people leaving for Deutschland... but the memories will be there.

Aaron, may God richly bless you on this journey. I pray that His peace is with you and that His love with uphold you. Never forget that your friends love you and are praying for you. We can't wait to hear all the great things God brings into your life and all the things you experience through Him.

Much Love Brotha',

Scott

Last Comic Standing

Let me start by saying that I am a bit of a comedy snob. It's out there, so if you can't handle that, I'm sorry.

Now, on to Last Comic Standing...

As some of you may or may not know, I have been involved in Stand-up Comedy and may get back into it someday. That being said, I am not saying I'm an expert, but I have seen my share of good and bad comics on the open mic nights throughout the years.

Last night on the show I saw some of the most boring, played out, typical stereotype comedians deliver horrible performances. On the other hand, I also saw some amazingly hilarious performances. Doug Benson had some of the best material I have seen in a while. It was original, different and intelligent. Maybe that is why he was not chosen as one of the comics who moved on to the Finals.

When the "brain trust" at NBC chose this cast we have to assume they weren't thinking clearly. Seeing as they had that whole Joey debacle you would think they would try to follow the logic they have used by keeping shows like My Name is Earl and the Office on the air, but obviously that is not the case.

I sat in my favorite brown leather chair with my mouth agape as that dufus from Yes Dear read the names off. Let me go through the stereotype list for you...

We've got the Hispanic fat guy... he fills two quotas. The sassy African American woman... she has a chance, but it's still a little played out isn't it. The Strong Black Man who wants to teach all the white people how funny they are and how bad it sucks to be a Black Man in America. The cute Red Head. The angry old New York lady. The crazy New Yorker... Joey Gay, no he's not Gay, but that would have made the NBC execs jump for joy wouldn't it? A vertically challenged chick who just acts kind of crazy, kicks and moves around a lot to make us laugh... gotta' love that slapstick. A tall crazy guy who actually made me laugh. The angry pregnant lady who makes jokes about her dead beat, no good at sex husband... a reality show first as far as I can remember. Then the crowning jewel for NBC, Josh Blue (pictured). I think he is funny, but NBC is clearly exploiting him and his condition. Josh has CP and I really love that he is out there living life to the fullest, but NBC is pulling on our heart strings with this guy. I hope he wins, I really do.

Here's the problem... NBC bills this thing as a contest to find the funniest comedian. "Who is the funniest? You will decide." It's in the opening of the show! Could they be more full of crap?!? This is not a show to find the funniest comic. This is a chance for us to pick from a group of slightly funny people that NBC chose and decide which is the funniest of the slightly funny.

I for one am done watching this total piece of crap. Hopefully I am not the only one.

The good news is, I know that America will make the right choice... that picked that "Soul Patrol" guy, right? I try to forget about Dat Phan... that had to be an accounting error.

World Cup

The main reasons Soccer, Football or Futbol will never catch on in the U.S. are simple:

1. No scoring

2. Flopping/Diving

I have done my best to watch World Cup matches over the weekend and even caught the US vs. Czech Republic today. The thing that infurates me in any sport is when people fake that they have been hit or injured by an opposing player.

When I played Soccer in High School, the best player on our team used to dribble the ball into the offensive zone and eventually fall to the ground and roll like he was shot by a cannon. That always bothered me. Now I know why he did it. Professional Soccer players flop and dive and roll around in pain whenever someone breathes on them. It's pathetic!

Look at this guy!! He is on the ground like he has been beaten to within an inch of his life. They eventually carry these idiots off on stretchers to the side of the field and miraculously they get back up and get back in the game.

This is the world's most popular sport... yikes.

News from the Rambler

So it's been quite a while... Thought it might be time to say a few words to all two of the people who read this thing.

First off, I have not been Blogging as much because I am writing a book. Don't ask when it will be done, because I have no idea. All I can tell you at this point is that I am writing... stay tuned.

Still looking for a church home. This could take forever because I am looking for the perfect church that does not exist. Sometimes I just want to become a member of Bedside Baptist and call it a day. I'm looking for community. Not people to just hang out with, that can happen too. I'm looking for a group of people that accept me for who I am and are headed in the same direction spiritually. Being surrounded by a core group of people that have their eyes on Jesus is all I really want. I don't need a slick show or a series on The DaVinci Code, just a group of people that are trying to fall deeper in love with Christ and yearning to become more like Him.

Apparently that is a lot to ask for.

We've been grilling every night and I am loving it. The weather has been pretty good and my parents hooked us up with an table and some chairs that they were not using anymore and I picked up an umbrella for it. We love hanging out on the deck. Dad and I finished the deck off as well. Thanks dad.

Bailey is enjoying all that outside time as well. It's like heaven on earth to that crazy beast.

I also got a chance a few weeks ago to catch up with Bill down in South Carolina. We had a great time. We had some amazing talks and I got addicted to Tiger Woods Golf on his PS2. Now I wish I had a video game system again. I think the world will be a better place if I limit my PS2 time to visits with Bill. I'll be headed down again soon!

I think that is it for now. Enjoy the Holiday weekend...

Peace.

Belated Congrats!

Just wanted to give a hearty congratulations to my Aunt Jeanne... She graduated from Purdue last week! God bless you in your future endeavors... Cheryl and I are very proud of you and this amazing accomplishment.

Get a Mac

Larry already posted this, but some of you may need me to post it as well. Just for good measure...

Check these out.

Boo Your Wings!

Red Wings, oh, Red Wings... why do you do this to us?

Wake up!!

It is finished...

Thank God that His Son, Jesus, was willing to give Himself for us. The Cross will always be a reminder of that amazing work. Thank you Jesus. I am forever changed.

Quick Hits...

This country is out of control.

I miss our Ohio friends.

Finding a new church is no fun.

WHY DON'T WE LOVE AMERICA ANYMORE?

God is the ANSWER.Stop running from the truth.

My heart hurts.

Music calms the savage beast.

Dogs are truly mans best friend.

Get ready for the NHL Playoffs... LET'S GO RED WINGS!

I am in LOVE and it's AMAZING!

Impressing people is overrated... be yourself.

Do something you always dreamed of doing.

Be excellent to each other.

Desperate

I've been thinking about the events of this weekend and have felt compelled on more than one occasion to Blog away about all that is going on... there's a lot. Where to begin? That's the big question...

Well, back on the Big Trip across the USA, A@ron, introduced me to some people in Ohio. They were all really nice people, but I had no idea the effect that they would have on my life. God had something brewing for Cheryl and I... in Ohio!

Warning: Sidebar on Ohio follows...

Ohio... let's talk about that. I have always hated Ohio. When we went on trips outside of Michigan, we had to drive through it and it always took forever. I remember on our Senior Trip in High School that I fell asleep as we were leaving Michigan and woke up hours and hours later and said, "Where are we?"

"Still in Ohio," the driver replied and the entire class groaned.

They also have Ohio State University, notice I didn't say "THE" Ohio State University, because that really bugs Buckeyes... hence another reason to hate Ohio. I grew up watching Michigan Football and Ohio State has always been the biggest rival we have. Cheryl graduated from University of Michigan (Dearborn... it still says U of M, so shut up!) and I always wanted to go there, but let's just say I decided to go to a now defunct college (another story for another time).

I used to listen to sports talk radio back in the early days and there was this lady called, "the Fabulous Sports Babe," on WDFN and when people from Ohio called her show, she was say they were calling from, "the plumber's butt of America." I loved that... I still say it today. Then while visiting a friend in Columbus last year, I was treated like garbage by the Buckeyes as I drove through town with my Michigan plates... Don't get me started on the Police in Ohio... they're everywhere! I guess that could be a good thing unless you're up to no good...

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

So, for the past two months now we have been heading down to Ohio for a Friday night service at the Vineyard Church of Marysville called Desperate. Cheryl and I attended a Vineyard church in Holland, Michigan back when we were first married a couple of times and talked about how much we loved it. We were warned of the evils that the Vineyard church had in it with all it's Charis-whackiness, so we were scared off... sad. Years later I see that none of those fears had any merit.

The thing that is so amazing about Desperate is that a group of us get together, pray and speak to one another about whatever God lays on our hearts to share with each other. Crazy idea, huh? We pray and more importantly, listen to hear what our Father has for us. We pray, read His Word and LISTEN to what He says... I am amazed at what happens when we do this. God speaks and reveals things to each and every one of us. Is this really how simple it is? Did God really literally mean it when His Son, Jesus said:

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me.
- John 10:27 (TNIV)

I think the obvious answer (from my experience) is YES! God really desires an intimate relationship with all of us. One where we hear His voice. When He calls us, we answer. We have grown so jaded and skeptical of how God moves. We have seen His name slapped on so many things and misused to further peoples agendas, that we are missing out on something that God intended for us to share with Him. Once again the enemy, Satan, has tricked us. I can even hear people now, "Well how do you know when it's His voice?" Well isn't it a good thing that each and everyone of us, who call Jesus our Savior and Lord, has the Holy Spirit living inside of them to help discern when He speaks? Will I miss it sometimes and screw up? Yes, but I am learning. God doesn't expect perfection, we expect it of ourselves.

Cheryl and I heard some amazing things from God this weekend. I don't want to go into them in detail at this point, but I want you all to know this. God loves each of you, you are His favorite son or daughter. He looks at you and smiles and delights in you... everything about you. He doesn't see you the way you see yourself, imperfect and messed up. You are righteous in His eyes because of His Son, Jesus.

Wow!

Take a moment and let that settle down into your very core, the deepest parts of you.

There is a song by Misty Edwards that really touches on this thought, it's very simple, but it speaks volumes if you take it to heart...

Jesus, here I am your favorite one
What are You thinking?
What are You feeling?
I have to know

For I am after Your heart
After Your heart
I'm after You

It's an amazing thought. We are His favorite one. We are coming before Him and begging to know more of Him. What does He think and feel? We are desperate to know and that is the way it should be. We hunger for Him and all He has to offer us. We are not only after His heart, His love, but we are men and women after His own heart. Just like David, a man after God's own heart. We can be the same. It's hard to think of yourself as His favorite, but you are the best you he ever created. You are His favorite you. I know that sounds weird, but think about it, King David says:

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
- Psalm 139: 13 - 14 (TNIV)

David knows that God made him wonderfully. He knew him as He put him together in his mother's womb. God delighted in making us, we need to delight in knowing that we are WONDERFUL in His eyes.

I know this is a lot to pour out into one Blog session, but it just came out. There is more, but I will save that for another day...

Just know this, God is speaking. He is calling us into a deeper relationship with Him. He is letting us know that He loves us and delights in us, we just need to listen.

Just like Samuel cry out:

Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.
- 1 Samuel 3:10b (TNIV)

Give it a try... you may even enjoy it.

Yellin' into a phone at Benny's

Church

The past few weeks have been stressful. There have been all sorts of attacks by the enemy and I am physically and mentally drained. All the pain and stress came to a close on Sunday...

Yesterday, my church shut it's doors... at least for a time.

Change comes often in this life. Sometimes it is hard to figure out why it happens, but we know that God has a plan. God never sets something in motion that does not further His Kingdom. How can a church closing down further His Kingdom? The answers to that are plentiful. There are churches that abuse and hurt their memebers all the time, those are the churches that should be shut down.

But then there are churches like mine. We were a small gathering of people that loved one another as far as I could see. We enjoyed one anothers company. There were problems and short comings, but there is no perfect church.

As we reflected and said good bye to Sunday mornings as we knew them yesterday, the one thing that God kept speaking to me was that this was His time. God used the people of our church to minister to one another. Life change happened. All of us could look back and see the times when God spoke or set in motion changes in us at our church.

Now, He's moving again. Where? I don't know yet. That's half the fun though, isn't it?

God's timing is so perfect. Even when it seems inconvenient, it always works out to be just what we needed. Look back at the tough times in your life. He is there. He is perfecting us. He is molding us. He is loving us.

His time is always the right time.

Audio Excitement!

Next iPod?

What will they think of next?

It looks like Apple will be unveiling some type of new and improved Video iPod soon. The iPod to the right has a 4 inch screen. The entire screen is touchpad with the controls to operate your iPod and when you watch your favorite movie or video, you just turn in sideways and watch it on the widescreen...

You gotta' love technology!

Don't Give Up!

So, God has an incredible sense of humor... Let me explain.

Just a little background here: Cheryl and I are always trying to figure out what to have for dinner. It's one of the toughest decisions we make on a daily basis. Everything is complicated by the fact that having dinner these days is cheaper than making in most cases. We can pick up a Little Ceasars Pizza for $5 and the Taco Bell or Wendy's $1 menu is always cheaper and easier than cooking. Plus, we are on the go at least 3 out of 5 weekdays, so something quick is always the way to go.

All that to say, tonight was another, "What should we eat tonight?" quandry and I had to decide all on my own. As I was headed to Taco Bell, something told me to go elsewhere.

So I decided to order some Curbside service from one of our local eateries. As I was driving through "rush hour" traffic, I was dialing through all the presets on my radio. I hit that horrible time when all the stations were playing commercials.

From my past experience in radio, I have no idea why all these stations decide to play there commercial breaks at the same time. Why not be the only station not doing that so that you attract more listeners? Anyway, I was really reaching to find some music. I was so desparate in fact that I even tuned into WMUZ.

Just a little background here - I used to work for WMUZ during my 6 year radio career. I don't want to ruin anything for you, but working for WMUZ was not what I expected when I applied to work there. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that we live in a country where we can have freedom to have Christian Radio. But... my time there was eye opening to say the least.

So as I tuned into WMUZ, I heard talking (as usual) and started to change the station, but something stopped me. As I listened to Robin talk she mentioned something about how some people were unable to have children after years of trying. O.K. you have my attention. I was expecting it to be a commercial for a fertility clinic or a chiropractor that could make you fertile, but that was not it at all. God was about to speak to me through WMUZ... this is no small feat since I think of the station as quite a joke.

Robin had someone call in and talk about how he and his wife were unable to have children and had gone to doctors and done various things to get pregnant, to no avail. Then he just gave it to God and trusted that He knew what was right. The caller said that even though conventional methods said he and his wife were not able to have children that God had a different plan. He told Robin that he and his wife just had their 5th child this year.

Robin wrapped it all up by saying, "Don't Give Up." She repeated it over and over. God was speaking to me. In fact the day before I received a card in the mail from my mother in which she wrote, "Don't Give Up."

That phrase spoke to me on many different levels. It was not only a reassurance of a promise that I know He is going to fulfill, but it was a reminder that I must not lose hope, never give up. I have to trust in Him... "lean not on my own understanding..." just trust that He has my best interests in mind.

So all this to say, look and listen for His voice. Sometimes God even speaks through strange places like WMUZ... you never know when He has something to say.

Walking the Identity Line...

Wow!

How did I miss out on, "the Man in Black," all these years?

Thankfully, A@ron exposed me to his music on our Road Trip across America. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I thought about it at the time, but just like a lot of music I was exposed to on that trip, it grew on me.

Cheryl and I watched the movie, Walk the Line, from Netflix on Saturday. There was something about the movie that just resonated with me from the opening scene to the end of the film.

One of my realizations about why I loved, Walk the Line, so much comes down to my love for the beginnings of Rock n' Roll music. There's a purity to it. It really was new and exciting. Passion flowed through it. It may seem simple to some people, but there is just something amazing that draws you in.

After the movie, Cheryl and I started chatting about what we thought. I was emotional through the entire movie. Why is that? What is about movies like this that just move me so deeply that tears well in my eyes for 2 hours straight? Now this is going to get really deep into who I am, so if you are not up for it, stop now...

I love the underdog. I identify with them on so many levels. Johnny Cash grew up with people telling him he would never make it, that he was not worth it, a nobody. While I never heard that sort of thing from my parents as Johnny did from his father (and first wife to some extent), I did hear it from many other adults in my early years.

It's very interesting, because I was part of a conversation on Friday night where this came up as we talked about my time at my amazingly judgmental Christian school. Someone asked me, "When did you graduate?" I responded, "1990." Then the statement that killed me, "Yet, you're still talking about it."

Whoa. I mean, listen, I understand that I graduated 16 years ago and I should get over it. That is true, but my identity was formed (unfortunately) by a lot of those things that were spoken over me. I was beaten down emotionally/mentally from 2nd grade until graduation with a lot of not so nice identity traits put on me by some people who probably had no idea how it would affect me all these years later (still no excuse). But I am dealing with it right now. This is where God has taken me... maybe I missed the bus many times. Maybe God wanted to heal me of those wounds millions of times over the years, but I can't change that now. This is the time and the place where I am saying, "God, show me how YOU see me."

This "identity crisis" has been brewing for as long as I can remember and I know that God has a purpose in all this. It's amazing to me that my Friday conversation and watching Walk the Line all came together at just the right time... God's time.

God keeps speaking to me about my identity. He keeps bringing it into all aspects of my life. After watching the movie I had a long conversation with A@ron and God again brought "my identity" to the forefront. I am reminded again, "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)" Uncomfortable conversations, movies and conversations with great friends... all of it, the good, bad and the ugly are part of His love for me.

I know that I am on my way to finding my indentity in Him... in His time.

----------------------------------------------------------------

By the way, congratulations to Reese Witherspoon on her Oscar for her work in Walk the Line! Her portrayal of June Carter-Cash was great...

I was bummed the Paul Giamatti didn't win, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman was my second choice.

The "What the ?!?" moment had to be the Oscar for best original song, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," from the movie Hustle and Flow. At least the boys from Three 6 Mafia were excited to win... some of the recipients were not as thrilled as you would think they would be.

The Dog Whisperer

If you have not seen the man known as, "The Dog Whisperer," you are missing something amazing. My Mom told me about Cesar Millan just about the time that we got Bailey and from the way she described him, I thought he sounded like a kook.

After I watched his show on the National Geographic Channel, I was amazed. I started trying his techniques and they actually worked!

Now, if you have met Bailey, I know what you are thinking... First of all, shut up, I love that dog. Secondly, the only reason he may not be the best dog in the world yet is because of my own inconsistent behavior. He will only follow my lead.

So all you puppy people out there who find yourselves frustrated with annoying dog behaviors... give Cesar Millan a shot and watch his techniques work on your favorite furry friend.

Microsoft iPod...

I couldn't resist posting this one... enjoy your new Bill Gates designed iPod.

CLICK HERE

You're welcome...

And We're Back!

As I read thru the Blogs of my friends, I realized it was time. Time to update the world on what is up with Scotty. As readied myself to type, I heard on of the few funny things Jimmy Fallon ever said... "And we're back!"

Fallon screamed out this little ditty in his best, "Morning Radio Show," voice and it really made me chuckle. Mostly I enjoyed it from my time in the Radio Biz, but like most SNL Sketches, it lasted way too long... as most SNL Sketches do. The other amazing thing about this sketch is that Fallon didn't laugh his way through the entire thing.

So all that said, "Aaaaaaannnnnnndddd, I'm Baaaaaack!"

What's been going on? Well, I just turned 34 years old. No big thing. I still consider myself young, so as long as I keep thinking that way in my mind, I AM young.

February has been filled with church stuff. Tons of planning, tons of stress. Lots going on there. Don't know how I feel about everything in that regard, but I am ready for a break. I actually had an amazing recharge weekend in Marysville, Ohio. Yes, Ohio. Thanks a lot A@ron! Anyway, I will definitely be going again. Cheryl and I felt like family among all the Buckeyes. Dave and Kelly let us stay with them and we loved it. We had the best time. I get excited just thinking about heading down there again... Needless to say, this was one of the best Birthday weekends I have ever had.

While we were gone, Mom and Dad watched Bailey Boy. He was no trouble for the most part... except when he went out on the ice of the pool cover and fell in!!! Thank goodness my Dad saved his little pupy life. Speaking of Mom and Dad, they have joined the ranks of the one and only Mac families that I work to convert one at a time. Dad was reluctant, but I think he is enjoying the beauty of his Mac more and more everyday.

I want to take some time now to talk a little about a good friend of mine, Todd Bolton. I have new found respect for this guy. This year during the Winter Olympics, I have been recording Cross Country Skiing events for Todd. He has done quite a few Cross Country events himself this season. Let me just put it this way, it is no wonder that Todd is in such great shape... CC Skiing takes a lot of hard work. Not sure Todd will get me to record cycling events this summer (his other passion) but I really admire his dedication to his sports.

The other thing that has been taking up a lot of my time lately is Guitar. Yes, I am learning. I love it. Last night in fact I got a crash course in Theory from Bryan. He, Josh and myself had a two hour jam and learn session at Josh's place. A@ron has also played a big part in teaching me as well. Who knows, in a few months I may be good enough to play while leading worship at church!

So there's the update. Hope it was all you were waiting for.

More to come.

Not N'Sync

Every year something very strange happens to me. During the Holiday Season and all the way after the Super Bowl my life is not on its normal track. Things are a bit out of whack for me.

I'm not saying this is a horrible thing, but it makes me feel a bit off. I tend to feel like this time from December through the end of February really is event driven. There is all the Christmas parties and all the holiday craziness that goes along with that. Then we have the New Year. New hopes and dreams. Recovering from the last month of family and friends and then... the Super Bowl!

This year that was especially grand due to its location in the Motor City, but for me it is always a good time to hang out with friends, scream at the TV, laugh at commercials and stuff my face with too much food. This year was no different.

To add to the madness, Cheryl took vacation this year. It was great! I loved spending all that time just hanging with her. We had a good time.

Then a momentous occasion comes along every year at the end of February, known as MY BIRTHDAY!! So for me the party never stops until March. Let's really wrap our minds around this... I am in party mode from the end of November (Cheryl's Birthday & Thanksgiving) until March. That is three full months!

Maybe out of whack is the wrong way to look at it. This is just how I am, how I live life. The reality is I love my life and the people in it. There is nothing wrong with enjoying that is there?

I didn't think so.

By the way, when Spring shows up in Michigan, the party starts again!

Super Bowl XL

I couldn't resist. It's only miles away from me and honestly how often does this happen?

Cheryl and I hopped in the car and headed Downtown. It wasn't too bad down there either. As long as you know where you are headed, Detroit and the citizens and civil servants are directing you where to go for the most part.

We jumped on the People Mover, which sounds like it may jump off the track at any moment, from Cadillac Center down to the Ren Cen. There we were able to walk around and see all the "Stars," whom are calling the Motor City home this week.

My first job was to head to the NFL Network and snap a few shots of Rich Eisen (far right) for Chris. Chris, the lighting made snapping a good shot tough, but there he is with Boomer (center) from the Bengals and CBS along with Terrell Davis (left) from the Denver Broncos.

As we traveled around the loop, known as "Radio Row," we came upon the NFL on Sirius Satellite Radio. Shannon Sharpe from the Broncos and Ravens was preparing for a special guest, Chris Carter, Hall of Fame receiver from the Minnesota Vikings and HBO's, Inside the NFL. Not to be mean - and I can say this - Carter was not in game shape and was definitely enjoying all the free snacks before the show. All the pics I took of him were him eating and this was the least non-flattering picture of the bunch.
The biggest thrill for me was seeing Dan Patrick. He's old school ESPN. One of the originals on ESPN's, Sportscenter. Dan was doing his show, The Dan Patrick Show, on ESPN Radio. You could actually get close enough to see him. Like I said, it was pretty cool seeing him. The guy knows sports.

ESPN was the main attraction as you walked into the Ren Cen, but nothing cool was going on. On top of that, they had this huge tent covering everything up. It was really tough to get a good shot of what was going on in there. Ron Jaworski, former Eagles QB and now an analyst for the NFL on ESPN was the best shot I could get. He is also co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League with none other than Mr. Jon Bon Jovi... he wasn't there, but if he was it would have been my goal to sing, Livin' On a Prayer, as loud as possible. I'm sure he would have enjoyed that.

From the Home of Super Bowl XL, Detroit, Michigan, GO STEELERS!!

Detroit

I wish I had written this, but it's worth a read. We all say we want to leave, but there is something about this place that makes it home.

The Sporting Blog

Detroit Sports thoughts:

1) Love the Marinelli hire by Matt Millen and here's why...

- The guy is going to kick some major arse and that is exactly what these malcontents known as the Detroit Lions need
- Unlike most of the Lion's coaches over the years, this guy is adored by many and praised by his previous players
- He didn't promise anything about the playoffs or wins and losses, just hard work and hard hitting in the trenches (O-Line and D-Line)
- Eventhough he was didn't commit, I think he will give Joey a chance (he loves character, so he should love Joey)

2) Very happy to see the Steelers in the Super Bowl. It will be even better if they win it. It was also nice to see Jerome Bettis, "The Bus," talking about how "great" the city of Detroit is. Thanks Jerome.

3) Not much to complain about with my real true love in sports, the Red Wings. BUT... Robert Lang is lame. The guy looks like he is skating in slush. He takes penalties all the time. I just don't see the fascination with this guy. Everybody talks him up, but he just exists on this team. Stevie would be better off getting his minutes.

4) 33 Wins and 5 Losses... The Pistons rule!

Confession

Forgive me Bloggers. It has been 11 days since my last Blogging.

I guess the thing is, I've not had a lot to talk about lately. There are a few things that normally I would just put out there and share about the deep inner secrets of who I am, but it just doesn't seem like the right time.

There have even been some ideas for Blogs recently. At church last Sunday, we were talking about the new amazingly controversial show, The Book of Daniel, on NBC. I was mere moments away from waxing eloquent about my thoughts on this new show and all the hub-bub it has created, but even that has not led me to Blog.

What is this Blog avoidance that has overtaken me? I am finding that I am not the only one who has been silent though. Many of my fellow Bloggees have either been as uninspired to write as I have been or just too darn busy.

Life is about ebbs and flows. Sometimes you can't stop yourself from doing things and other times it is a struggle. Even the things you love to do can become a task if you are not careful. I guess we all need to allow for times when we just might not have anything to say...

So until the next Blogging inspiration hits, you will have to accept this little confession.

God Bless.

It's Finally Over.

After a season of hopes dashed, the Lions season comes to an end... with a loss. How appropriate.

The losing is over for now. The men in Honolulu Blue and Silver get to pack up and leave Detroit to enjoy themselves until it all starts over again next year. But this next season may not be just like all the others. Too much has happened this year. Too many bad situations to just forget it all and jump back on the band wagon... at least I hope so.

I know one man who has had enough. One of my best friends, Chris, will not be watching the Lions again next year. During the season we talk each week about the ups and the downs of the Lions. Mostly downs, but we break it down and play Monday Morning Quarterback... it's a lot of fun. Next year that is over. You see, Chris lives in Las Vegas, so he subscribed to the NFL Ticket through DirecTV to see the Lions. This horrendous season has helped him wise up and realize that paying to see the Lions is not worth it. Can you blame him?

I get to watch the Lions for free and sometimes I feel like I am paying to watch them. I don't pay with money, I pay with pain. Pain that comes from feeling devoted to this franchise that is in so much disarray that fans would rather come to the games to make fun of the team rather than cheer for them.

Truly, I just wish people would stop coming to the games. I empathize with the players on that somewhat. If you're not there to support the team, move on. The problem is, in this town we are dying for the Lions to win. At this point, we would be happy with a Wayne Fontes season or two, eventhough he was a bigger buffoon then Morningwheg. This town needs a winner at Ford Field!

As I watched the game yesterday, my brother, Matt, asked, "Why do you even watch these guys?" I'll tell you what I told him... I watch because there is that chance that someday this team will win. When they do, all the struggle and turmoil that I watched and sometimes felt them go through will make the winning that much sweeter. I reminded him of what it felt like when we watched the Red Wings continue to lose ever year and then how sweet it was to see them lift the Stanley Cup. Either my stupidity or hope tells me to keep watching, so next season I will be back rooting for the Detroit Lions to make it to Super XLI with their MVP QB, Joey Harrington.

It could happen... a guy can dream can't he?

Ezer Kenegdo

I have a flair for the dramatic. Most people like me do... not saying that I like it or even plan it, but I can make something out of nothing very quickly.

The past month or so has been a real down time for me. Not depression, but true joy and contentment has escaped me. I have had my up and down days. My eyes have not been on the prize and I have allowed the Enemy to creep back into some of the places he has worked his magic in the past. Of course I have felt like a failure, thinking, "Here we go again."

The New Year always brings with it an examination of the past year and a look forward to the upcoming year. Maybe this year I will learn to play guitar or speak Gaelic. Those are fun to think about. Dreaming about what you might be able to accomplish in 2006 and beyond.

Where things get messy for me is thinking about what needs to be fixed. I can fall down a pit of despair rather quickly when I think of all my faults. The word I used this evening was, "hopeless." As I write it I cringe. As I said though, a flair for the dramatic.

To add insult to injury, I am very stubborn. I dig in even when I know I am wrong. So you add the dramatics and the stubborness and a terrible mixture takes place.

You see, my ever-loving wife, Cheryl, does her best to help me through these times of illogical thought by being logical. Even as I hear and agree with her logical thoughts in my head, I dig in with my stubborness and stay in my pit of despair knowing I am wrong. What is wrong with me?!?

Cheryl stands alongside me and tries to "love" me out of the pit. She never gives up. No matter how much I dig in, she looks at me and sees the man she loves, not this dufus who whips himself into a frenzy.

I read something in Cheryl's favorite book, Captivating, tonight that helped me understand something amazing about her. I always wonder what allows her to stick with me through these "episodes," and I think that the book sheds some light on it.

In Genesis 2:18, it says, "It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him a [ezer kenegdo]." The Hebrew scholar, Robert Alter translates ezer kenegdo "sustainer beside him."

The author of Captivating goes on to explain:

The word ezer is used only twenty other places in the Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God Himself, when you need Him to come through for you desperately...

Most of the contexts are life and death, by the way, and God is your only hope. Your ezer. If He is not there beside you... you are dead. A better translation therefore of ezer would be "lifesaver." Kenegdo menas alongside, or opposite to, a counterpart.

You need an ezer when your life is in constant danger...

...He (God) does not want to be an option in our lives. He does not want to be an appendage, a tagalong. Neither does any woman. God is essential. He wants us to need him - desperately. Eve is essential. She has an irreplacable role to play. And so you'll see that women are endowed with fierce devotion, an ability to suffer great hardships, a vision to make the world a better place.

Fierce devotion. Ability to suffer great hardships. Vision to make the world a better place. That is my darling wife. She really is my lifesaver. She'll never leave my side.

The amazing thing is that I learned to love God more tonight. God showed Himself to me through my ezer kenegdo, "lifesaver alongside me," Cheryl.

I need Him desperately. Forgetting that is what leads to the drama.

Chronic - WHAT- cles of Narnia

A couple of weeks ago I spouted my ire over the downfall of SNL... well it's time to print a retraction - - at least for this past week. Jack Black hosted and there was actually some pretty funny stuff, but the best part of the night was the SNL Short of "Lazy Sunday."

Chris Parnell (right) and Adam Samberg (left) are really growing on me. Parnell has done some funny stuff, but you know how funny people can get lost on some of those sketches that run on forever. Samberg is brand new this year and this was his shining moment.

I am not going to give it away, because you need to see it and laugh your butt off a few times.

iTunes is giving the video short away free this week, so bust a move and nab it. If you don't have iTunes, what is wrong with you? Download it!

If you just hate all things Apple, you can watch it here too. Just click on the video and tell me how hard you laughed.

There is one bleeped out word on it, so if that offends you - don't let it offend you... sorry I had to say it.

We Are Family

When I was a kid, I hated visiting relatives. There were exceptions, but when it came to traveling to or spending time with the adult relatives, you could count on me being bored out of my mind.

In 5th grade, we went to Scotland to visit my Uncle Matthew & Aunt Ellen. I have no real memories of that trip and it really bugs me. The main thing I remember is being bored and driving around the country in my Uncles mini-van complaining about how long we had to drive. That is sad. If I only knew then what I know now. If I could transport the 33 year old Scott back into the mind of 5th grader, I would get to enjoy all the breath-taking scenery. But alas that is impossible.

My dad is a bit of a home-body and is very content to just be in his surroundings and I think a bit of that obviously rubbed off on me. There is nothing wrong with that, but we have never been the type of people to take off and visit relatives on a real consistent basis. Cheryl's dad and her brother, Jim, both live about 45 minutes to an hour away from us and even that seems like too far sometimes. How ridiculous is that? For my family everything was close... School about 5 minutes away. Dad's job 5 minutes away. Church, maybe 7 - 10 minutes, tops. Even now, my brother and his wife are literally a mile away and mom & dad are maybe 2 miles.

The thing is, the older I get, the more I love seeing family. My Uncle Gary, Aunt Jeanne and my cousin, Wendy were all here last night and we had a great time. It's just fun to be around them. I used to dread it sometimes as a kid, but now I wish we saw them more often. I always think about visiting them, but I get that feeling like my family that lives far away might think, "Oh, now he wants to visit." That of course is stupid, but it really goes through your head.

There have been many times where I thought about visiting my uncles in Texas and Indiana, but I feel like I would be imposing on them. Like, "Where have you been for the last 15 years?" I guess it is just another one of those things that Satan puts in your head to stop you from enjoying something special that God gave you.

The first visit may be weird, but they will get better and better. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. My trip with Aaron across the country this fall taught me that. I did things and met people that normally I wouldn't have.

So before everyone starts making New Years Resolutions, take a moment and think about some of those lies that have stopped you from experiencing something great that God has put in your life.

Ed Horn

I just wanted to ask for prayer for a guy named Ed Horn.

A friend from our old church put me on an email list that told me about Ed. I checked out his webiste and started reading about what he was going through and God consumed my thoughts with him. So I started praying for Ed whenever God reminded me of him.

It just so happens that Ed went to the same school that Cheryl and I attended. He was a few years younger than us, but when I looked at the pictures on his site I thought, "I know this guy from somewhere." I had just clicked on the link from the email and not looked at his last name up to that point. I finally realized it was him and was just amazed.

Ed was disgnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma on October 6, 2005. Since that point, things have gone up and down for he and his family. Just last week the family prepared to say goodbye to Ed and take him off of a ventilator. The good news is that God had other plans!

I don't want to spoil the story for you, so I will just tell you this... Ed is doing better. God is working miracles, but I am asking you all now to pray for Ed. Pray for his family. Pray that Ed will be CANCER FREE and enjoying his wife and children again soon. God is not finished with Ed yet and his testimony will bring glory to our Father in Heaven, so again, keep Ed in your thoughts and prayers.

Check out Ed's site and sign his guestbook. He and his family love to read your encouraging thoughts.

Thanks.

SNL

What happened?

When did SNL become so bad? I mean, honestly, I can't remember the last time that the show made me laugh with any regularity.

I honestly had given up on the show years ago, but the past two weeks (one of them a rerun) the guests intrigued me. Last week they re-aired the episode with Steve Carrell and this week Dane Cook hosted (by the way, both funny men auditioned for SNL and didn't get on). While I find both hosts funny in most everything else I have seen them do, somehow SNL sucked the funny right out of them.

To me that comes down to the writing and deciding what sketches make it to air that week. There are so many poorly written sketches on the show these days that I find it hard to understand why NBC has not canceled this show. While I was at Second City in Detroit, I was able to see sketches written by my colleagues that were so superior to this stuff it's unbelievable. SNL sketches, to me, seem like a bunch of inside jokes. Somehow when these guys are pitching sketches enough people giggle or think that the concept is strange so it gets on the show.

On this past Saturday's show, one entire sketch was all about an itchy sweater. When I write that I think of plenty of possibilities for some funny to happen, but where the amazing writers of SNL take it is not to Funnyville, USA. They just had Dane Cook act like a crazed maniac and eventually do a few pratfalls before crashing through a table. Don't get me wrong, a good table crashing or someone falling down does have laugh possibilities, but is that the best they can do?

The next big problem is the cast itself. With the exception of Amy Poehler, who on this show is funny. Tina Fey has her moments and Horatio Sanz gets my sympathy giggles because he is the "big guy" like me, but other than that, this cast is pretty bad. It's not like this just happened either. It has been bad with a few bright spots for a while now. Will Ferrell, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon and Chris Kattan (you love him or hate him) were the last group of funny people on that show. They were all together the last time in 2000. Again, there have been funny people for stretches over the years, but when was the last time a truly great cast was on that show, writing and performing great sketches?

I think you have to go back to the 1990-1991 cast to really see a cast that held up the standard set by the first cast back in 1975. Listen to the group of people on during the 1990-1991 season:

Dana Carvey, Chris Farley, Al Franken, Phil Hartman, Victoria Jackson, Tim Meadows, Dennis Miller, Mike Myers, Kevin Nealon, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Julia Sweeney.

It's hard to believe now that that much talent was all on the same show at the same time. I know that some of it is nostalga for me. That was when I was growing up and hitting adulthood, so I'm sure that I'm biased, but come on, those were some very funny people. There may be some people in there that you detest, but how does a guy like Jimmy Fallon compare to them? He to me has to be one of the worst ever on SNL. His only song and dance was to break character and have giggle fits during sketches, which can be funny when it happens every once in a while, just not every sketch!!

The long and the short of it, is SNL needs to get back to the things that make comedy, comedy. The everyday with a twist. You know what? Itchy sweater sketch could have worked, we've all had an itchy sweater. That being said, an itchy sweater is only funny for a certain amount of time. Learn when and how to end a sketch SNL. That may never happen...

Maybe - just as the Lions did this past week with the firing of the Mooch - it's time to say goodbye to Lorne Michaels. He is the coach and it all falls on him in the end, doesn't it?

Whatever happens, somebody be sure to let me know when SNL gets good again...

What a Disaster!

The Detroit Lions Football Orginization is a total disaster!

Let me just say the only guy showing any class in this whole franchise right now, is Joey Harrington. He keeps taking everything his former coach (Mooch), his lame brained GM (Millen), his loving team mates (Dre Bly, Jeff Garcia, etc.) and the press has dumped on him.

Good thing we have the Red Wings.