iPod Envy

I was talking with a friend the other day on the phone and he asked me to hold on while he signed for a package he received from Sony. He was so excited about the arrival of this package and he couldn't wait to tell me about it.

You see my friend is on a crusade against Apple. He tried to get Apple to sponsor something for his business and they declined, so now he is out to get them.

When he was rebuffed by the snotty people at Apple, he took it upon himself to begin to take down the giant known as iPod. He quickly got in touch with Sony and asked them to join him to dethrone the almighty iPod. They agreed to help.

As our conversation continued, I reminded him that Apple didn't really need to give away iPods to stir up interest because they had a 90% stranglehold on the market. He began to talk about how elitest Apple was with their iMac ads. How they think they are so cool and above PC's (and Sony Walkmans or Zunes). How dare they?

I tried to talk him down off the ledge of inferior technology, but to no avail. I'm afraid this man has been lost due to the injustice of the one and only iPod.

Michigan gets JOBBED!

Just in case you didn't notice, the University of Michigan got hosed in the BCS ratings on Sunday. There is an excellent article detailing the absurd BCS snub of a rematch between the Buckeyes and Michigan here.

We're off to the Rose Bowl to play the #5 rated USC. Notre Dame, ranked #11 are off to play the #4 ranked LSU... Ummm, can someone tell me why we are playing #5 instead of #4? Oh yeah, MONEY$$$!!

Well, until the NCAA works out some kind of playoffs, this money making BCS thing will continue to ruin college football.

P.S. I'm still not rooting for the Buckeyes.

Deal or No Deal?

I had a conversation this week that really annoyed me...

When it comes with dealing with our past hurts and pains why do so many Christians tell us to "get over it" or "move on"? While I understand that we can't just dwell in the past or let ourselves spiral down into the depths of depression because people mistreated us or called us names, can't we learn from our past? Can't we begin to see why some of our behaviors or attitudes are affected by our past?

Looking back to your past doesn't always mean that you have to look at the negative either. Jesus asked us to remember Him when we take communion. Hebrews 11 looks back at the past to teach us about faith. God reminded the Children of Israel about their past on a regular basis.

Our past molds us into who we are. The good and the bad.

Some might say that the moment we step into Faith in Christ that "the old has become new" that "the old man" is gone, very true, but a relationship with Christ - at least to me - is not like "the Matrix" where we take the little blue pill and wake up nice and safe, nor is it like taking a red pill and waking up to see how things really are. While I think both of those scenarios may resonate, neither is black or white.

Why are we so afraid of the grey?

When someone tells me that "this is the only way" or think they have it all figured out, I want to tell them they're crazy. I know I shouldn't say things like that, but I don't have time for people who think they know it all, because as much knowledge and we think we have, we haven't even begun to understand God.

God does not fit into our box. He is so much bigger and better than we want Him to be. Once we think we have it all figured out, what is the point then? Where do we go from there? Do we get to walk around with a smile on our faces telling everyone the "truth"? When you get there, you missed the boat and you're right back at the beginning again... ever heard of the Pharisees?

I'm not trying to say that believing in something or having a solid knowledge about something is wrong, but why do we always have to deal in our own form of absolutes. "What works for me must be right for you." Why would a God so creative and unique make all of us fit into the same mold? Aren't there millions of different flowers in the world? Isn't every snowflake that falls from the sky different than the others?

So tell me why we try to make the Creator and Artist of this world fit into our little formula. God can do anything He wants. He can speak to us through all sorts of things... like Balaam's talking donkey, or an angel on a stone in front of a tomb, or a burning bush. The point being, just when we think we have God all figured out, He can flip the script on us.

Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, God likes keeping us on our toes? If we know exactly how, when and where God works, wouldn't that make the relationship with Him a bit stale and boring? With God everyday can be fresh and exciting. But we like things all figured out and comfortable... black and white.

When it comes to our past and dealing with the good and the bad, there has to be a happy medium somewhere. Completely ignoring it just leads to future mistakes and pain. Dwelling on it leads to anxiety and an unfulfilled life. Jesus came to help us experience life to the fullest (John 10:10b).

Take some time to reflect on where you've been through God's eyes, both the good and the bad. Then ask Him to lead you into the future life He promises, living life to its fullest.

Update from Marysville... (cough, sniff)

O.K. this is kind of ridiculous... it's just a cold, but come on!

Theraflu is doing it's job and relieving my cold, but somehow this streak of sickness in Ohio has to end. My Scottish blood has to stop being so cheap and start saving up to have our furnace and ducts cleaned... darn cat! That and I need to find a doctor... I hate going to the doctor.

Other than my health, things are going quite well. As I mentioned Mom & Dad came and visited and we had a great time with them. We're starting to get into a normal groove now and Marysville is feeling more and more like home.

We have so many great friends and we are making more and more. We are going to Florida with some new friends who have been kind enough to invite us for a trip to their condo. God keeps blessing us in so many areas, it's amazing.

We are getting a chance to get more involved at church too. Cheryl has a women's retreat coming up and I have been meeting with others on Wednesday mornings for prayer. Let me just tell you, God definitely knew we needed to experience a community of believers like we have here in Marysville.

Well, time to hit the sack... the Tigers need to win 3 straight, but what an amazing season either way.

Speaking of... November 18th is going to be crazy down here. There is a real possibility that Michigan and Ohio State will be 11 - 0 in addition to the number 1 & 2 teams in the nation for the game here in Columbus. Stay tuned.

Oh My Gosh! It's Almost Christmas!!

Every year around this time (a little earlier every time I'm convinced) Cheryl's family sends out emails regarding Thanksgiving and Christmas. It really freaks me out. It's still October, we haven't even had Halloween yet!

The non-planner in me just really thinks, "Hey, we have two months before Christmas, what's the hurry?" But I'm glad that somebody thinks about this stuff or I would be sitting at home a few days before and think, "Holy crap! How are we gonna' pull this off?"

So now that the Holidays are right around the corner, it's hitting me that this is the first time in my life that I will be visiting Detroit for Christmas. Not a huge deal, but we've had quite a year since the Holidays last year. Cheryl wrote a nice little Blog about what has happened over this past year. But everything feels different.

For the first time in my entire life, my Mom and Dad came to stay with us. That was so cool. They ate and slept and showered in our house. They came to church with us and hung out watching our TV and I got to control it! I even got to tell my Dad that if he didn't obey the rules of the house I would kick him out... of course my rules are very easy to follow, but how fun was that?!?

Jim, Phiona and her mother were here the weekend before that as well... we can't wait for the kids to come and visit next time.

It was really nice having family visit with us in our little town.

We miss everyone and would love to see all of you soon. The drive is not too far and Ohio ain't so bad after all. It may get ugly down here when Michigan beats OSU on November 18th, but it'll be a lot of fun that's for sure.

Here I Go Again...

Here I go again... writing a whiney Blog about how long it's been since I've written.

The truth is, I've been in the dry, lonely desert lately. Nothing inspirational happening. I know it has everything to do with me and nothing to do with God. That is the thing that is killing me.

I keep thinking about how Paul said, "What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise." Why do I keep falling for the same crap? I've tasted and seen that the Lord is good, yet I continually fall back into old habits. I neglect the very thing that brings me such peace and joy. All for my own "foolish desires."

Not trying to beat myself up here (believe it or not I have a tendency to do that), just sharing the struggle. Throwing it out there for no other reason than to be vulnerable and honest about my current situation. So when you think of it, send up a few prayers for me or tell me you know where I'm at so we can travel together through the desert.

God Bless.

Since You've Been Gone...

Sing it with me everybody! You know the words... Kelly Clarkson. Don't act like you haven't heard that song and tapped your fingers or toes to it. It was everywhere. Even some of the elder statesmen (and women) have probably heard it, you just don't know it.

That song was blaring in my head as I noticed how I have neglected the Blog. It's about time I sat down at my little iBook and typed away on the keys telling all of you about some crazy adventure I've had or some amazing "Aha!" moment that I have recently experienced... unfortunately, I've got nothin'. Bupkis (I looked that up to make sure it was spelled right).

Uninspired as of late I guess.

You know how when you have a break in your routine it takes you awhile to normalize? Well, that is what the past few months have been for me. Transitions. Sickness. Worrying. Just a ton of changes.

This was the first step. I'm back on the horse...

You cannot stop a Ramblin' Scotzman from ramblin' for too long... you can only hope to contain him.

Buckeye Bug

So I realize it has been quite som time since the last post kiddies, but the Ramblin' Scotzman has been deathly ill for almost two weeks now. Maybe it's something in the crisp, clean Ohio air.

Usually about this time of year Cheryl and I both start feeling the allergic reactions to ragweed, a nasty little bugger. Cheryl has it way worse than I do, but I feel the effects nonetheless. So two weeks ago when I felt that tickle and scratchiness in my throat I thought nothing of it. A few days later I had full blown cold/flu symptoms. Coughing uncontrollably and hacking up all sorts of nonsense. Headache and loss of appetite, just really feeling really horrible.

Cheryl also noticed as she was cleaning in the kitchen the other day that the previous owners had cats. No wonder. I am very allergic, so most likely we'll need our carpets cleaned and our vents and registers cleaned out... bummer.

That night Cheryl picked me up some herbal tea that was supposed to help with coughing. I woke up early the next morning feeling a little better and decided to have a cup of tea to start the day. Big mistake. As I had mentioned, I was not eating very much, so this tea was the first thing to hit my stomach early that morning. Within two hours I was puking my guts out. That continued for about 36 hours. I couldn't keep anything down. Water, Gatorade, not one thing would stay inside my body. I was losing it about every two hours and by Saturday afternoon, I had become quite weak and dehydrated.

I'm sure a lot of you are asking at this point, "Why not go to the Doctor?" Great question and here is the unfortunate answer. Cheryl's new health insurance does not kick in until October 1st. So at the moment we are without a healthcare provider... makes you wish you lived in Canada, eh?

Being the true Scotsman that I am, I would rather feel like death than spend money on something that I can get for "free." Now you understand where the phrase Scott-free comes from... yes, we Scotsman are a wee bit cheap.

Finally, the gentle and loving persuasion of my wife and my own misery forced me to go to Urgent Care. The doctor said he couldn't find anything wrong with me. Figures... He did give me something to help with nauseaand then I had to ask him for something for the cough. All said and done the visit cost us $86... not bad. The perscriptions on the other hand were $90!! What a racket! That's another Blog for another day.

Since taking the medicine, the hurling has subsided, though I have only been able to eat popsicles and jello. The coughing has gotten better too, but it's still lingering a bit. The last attempt by this little plague has been a nice case of Montezuma's Revenge for the past three days... hopefully that is the last of whatever Buckeye Bug I have contracted.

Other than that, Ohio is great!

Just kidding... hopefully I will have more encouraging things to speak of in the not too distant future.

Let's Go Krogering

I seem to have a lot of weird experiences in the grocery store.

One of Cheryl's favorite stories that makes her laugh and laugh has to do with one of my misadventures in a local Meijer back in Michigan.

A new Meijer store had been built near us and I decided to go grocery shopping. I walked in and was amazed that the store was so empty. I really lucked out and missed the rush or so I thought. With my cart full of all sorts of Meijer bargains a employee of the store comes up to me with a very weird look on her face and says, "Excuse me sir. What are you doing?"

What a strange question I thought and answered back, "Shopping (duh)."

Then the horridly embarrassing part... she responeded by saying, "We're not open yet." Cheryl loves that one...

Well, this one may not be as good as that, but this morning I added to my odd experiences in the grocery store. I headed off to Kroger for our first big grocery purchase for the new house. Time to stock the fridge and freezer. Loading up on cleaning supplies and all the things we'll end up needing as time moves along.

By the way, I hate grocery shopping, it ranks a close second behind cutting the grass. Too many choices and screaming kids. My brain becomes overloaded with the decisions I have to make. Trying to figure out what brand gives us the most savings, how much we really need, will we ever eat the salad before it goes bad?

So when I headed out this morning I had prepared myself for a larger than usual shopping experience. I went up and down the aisles picking up everything we needed and planning out our menu for the next week or so. As I headed down the last row of food and got ready to checkout a horrible feeling came over me. I had no way to pay. No cash, no cards, no checks... nothing. Over an hour and a half shopping and no way to purchase a giant cart full of merchandise.

I think Forrest Gump said it best... for me grocery shopping is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna' get.

Thunder Stealer...

If you are an avid listener to any type of talk radio, you will here many callers utter the phrase, "...the last caller kind of stole my thunder." Well, today that is me.

The reason being, Cheryl emailed me yesterday and asked for me to look for a song by Casting Crowns called "Voice of Truth." So I set out to find it (not hard at all, iTunes $0.99).

I think that I have mentioned before that songs appeal to me at first based on whether or not they sound good, not usually based on lyrical content. Cheryl is really drawn to the lyrics. I could have listened to a song a hundred times and then all of a sudden (sometimes to my horror) I figure out what they are talking about.

So Cheryl purchsed "Voice of Truth" last night off iTunes and Googled the lyrics for me and asked me to listen to the song (and read the lyrics) when I was in the right frame of mind (long story, but I have been going a little crazy lately and last night I was certifiably mental). This morning in the quiet as the sun tried to burst through the clouds I listened... and cried like a baby. After all that we have experienced over the last few months, this song hit the deepest parts of me. God is so amazing.

Here is where I steal Cheryl's thunder... posting the lyrics of this song (before she does) for you to enjoy.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
on to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I soar with the wings of EAGLES
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

Chorus:
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth

The First 13...

For those of you who had no idea why today is so special let me tell you...

Today, Cheryl and I celebrate 13 years of wedded bliss!

Cheryl, I love you more today than I ever thought I could love you in my wildest dreams. You are my loving companion and fellow sojourner headed out on a brand new adventure. We are truly blessed by our Heavenly Father to share an amazing love like no other I've ever known.

Thank you for being the Sunshine in my life.

Sometimes I just wanna' laugh...

Throughout this roller coaster of emotions that has been our life the past few months, God has been so amazingly faithful to us. No matter how worried or how much I have doubted Him, He has never stopped blessing us.

There have been a lot of last ditch efforts by the enemy to throw a wrench into this move, but God just keeps doing what He does best. We've cast our cares on Him and He has taken care of us... no matter how big or how small, God has been amazing.

Today Cheryl called me to tell me about our ever changing closing costs... this has been one of our biggest nightmares. One day it's a couple hundred dollars the next a couple thousand, a roller coaster ride to say the least. So when Cheryl called to tell me our closing costs would be zero dollars and zero cents with a tax credit to boot I was jumping for joy, but not suprised because God is good and His mercies endure forever.

Thank you all for the prayers and words of encouragement. Just remember that God has your best interests at heart and will bless you until you feel like you cannot be blessed anymore. Your cup will overflow even when you don't have what the world sees as blessings, we know that God's blessings are much more than material things.

The Golden Arches

Tough Enough?

I am not gonna' lie. This is tough.

The finish line is in the distance, but I am running on fumes here.

Honestly, I can feel satan making one last attempt to derail everything. He has both guns blazing and he is gathering the troops for one last movement against us... for now. I know that there will be more attacks in the future, but the enemy really wants to stop what God has started. Too bad for him that he can't.

God is faithful. This thing is going to happen and nothing that he does is going to stop the plan that He has laid out for Cheryl and I.

Speaking of... I miss that woman. She is definitely the better half of who I am. Not being sappy here, but she completes me.

If you are a regular reader of this Blog or just like to pray for random Bloggers that you find on the internet (we'll take all we can get), please pray for Cheryl and I in this journey. The adventure we are about to take is exciting and scarey all at the same time, but we know God is in this and has plans to bless us not hurt us.

No matter how tough things get, He is protecting us.

God Bless.

Update...

Bailey and I are loving the Central Air in my old stomping grounds (Mom & Dad's house)! The temps have been close to 100 or more over the past few days in Motown... and yes, it's HUMID! Definitely not a dry heat (hello to all my Vegas friends).

Mom and Dad have been taking care of B-Boy while Cheryl and I are finishing up all the details of our big adventure in Ohio!

Keep us in your prayers, we have had a lot of interest in the house here in the Detroit area and we may have something big happening in the next day or so. God has a plan and I am trying with everything inside of me to be patient and wait on His timing... it is perfect after all.

Looks like we are closing on the new place on the 15th... The sellers were not going to let us have the place until closer to the end of the month (they are not living there), but our realtor, Virginia, and I thought it would pull on their heart strings if I sent a picture of Bailey looking sad in our old house saying, "Please let me have our new home on the 15th, I miss my family." Must have worked, because they agreed!

Cheryl and I are so thankful for all the prayers and support we have received, just know that you are always welcome and encouraged to visit us in Ohio.

God bless.

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.