My Part of the Conversation

My big project is just around the corner.   Actually just 4 days away.

That leaves:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday- ACtually, it kicks off Friday night.

Do I feel ready?  No.  Am I ready?  Negatory.

However, pieces are slowly falling into place.  People are planning to come.  Others are volunteering to help.  The drama group of our students wasn’t ready, so I have had to take over as director, but it’s coming together.  Slowly but surely, it’s coming together.

I already am looking forward to a nap Sunday afternoon.

Blaine

Man, this is such a great story.  You’ve probably received either an email, seen it on tv, or read about it on a blog somewhere.  If, somehow, you’ve missed it, here it is again.  We don’t get enough feel-good stories these days!

Autistic Player Causes Mayhem at Basketball Game

I have tons to do, lots to plan, think about, and map out. But, with the NBA trade deadline deals the other night, I can’t help but write.

I don’t keep up daily on the NBA, so I just passed by an article and saw what happened. Let’s all ask: what are the NBA GM’s thinking?

Sure, I don’t understand all the intricacies of salary cap management and player stamina. But it would seem the purpose of a trade would be to make your team better. Case in point: Knicks and Magic.

Why would you EVER trade for Anfernee Hardaway? Both teams could get more production out of me this season. Heck, they could even get more production out of Dave. Or my little sister. Or even Spongebob Squarepants. So, even better, why would you give up Steve Francis, a talented, if hubris-proned, starter? Salary? Are you serious?

And if you’re the Knicks, don’t you realize that you need someone that plays every position, not just point guard? Looks like my fantasy squad from a couple years ago. I lost, by the way. BAD. Stephon Marbury and Steve Franchise on the same team? They do realize they only get to play with ONE ball, right?

I have written and thought about the NBA more the past couple days than I have in years. I’m remembering why I quit.

I don’t even like either of those teams.

Blaine

I have to confess something: My favorite time in sports is not the Super Bowl, March Madness, the NBA Finals, or even the World Cup.

My favorite is the NBA All-Star weekend.

Yes, they’re overpaid whiners. Yes, NBA basketball is boring to watch (especially since they began allowing zone defense). Yes, college basketball has more purity and intensity.

But I still love the All-Star break. I love all parts of it, game and the contests. The All-Star game is a high flying demonstration of (non-defensive) skill. This year was no exception.

I especially liked the dunk contest this year. Sure, a guy won because he is short and can dunk. But that dunk over Spud Webb still looked awesome. However, despite not winning, dunk of the night goes to Andre Iguodala. He had Iverson bounce the ball off backside of the backboard, jumped from behind the baseline, caught the ball in the air, flew underneath the backboard and rim, and slammed the ball. He had to duck to keep from hitting his head on the bottom of the backboard. In-sane.

On another note, be sure to check out my buddy Roger’s new site. He’s put together a blog for our Family Ministry at church (with some help from Jimmy). It looks really good, and should be a great resource. It’s at www.hopeforyourfamily.com.

College is over, but I’m still turning in projects.

At least, that’s what it feels like sometimes.

Every year, we have a big youth ralley here at South.  It’s one of those things I inherited from the last youth minister.  It already had pretty good attendence, and the teens look forward to it every year.

I actually enjoy working on it, dreaming about it, publicizing it, and planning it’s future.  But it often feels like an assignment that’s going to determine my grade for a class.

It’s so hard to remember it’s not about me.

During my prayer time every day, I ask God to use this time to touch the lives and hearts of our teens.   Despite that, I often worry about how much of it reflects on me.  I’m well aware that how well a youth rally turns out is no reflection on how good a youth minister is- a great event coordinator might not be able to walk with teens in their lives at all- but reminding myself of that 2 weeks before it happens is a challenge.

Anyway, I’m excited about this year and can’t wait to see what God (not me) does with it!

P.S. If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t updated regularly, this is why!