Draft Day

Today is the NFL Draft. I love the NFL Draft because it gives me hope that the Seattle Seahawks can get better for the upcoming season. However, this NFL draft is holding my attention like no other. I can’t help but think about what’s going through the mind of University of Washington’s quarterback, Jake Locker on a day like today. I know Jake on a limited basis. (He always greets me with a smile and I played little league football against his dad back in the day.) Today is the day (I’m trusting he gets drafted in the first round) that Jake will find out who wants him. It’s a good thing to feel wanted. It’s a great thing to feel wanted. I hope that Jake ends up in a Seahawks uniform, but I know wherever he goes he will do his best and always show integrity, character and leadership by example. Just like Jake, today I hope that you feel like you are wanted, because you are. God has drafted you to be on His team and I want to encourage you to live out that calling with integrity, character and lead by example for His glory and only His glory!

Happy Birthday

This week I celebrated my Birthday. I had a great day and I really enjoyed reflecting on the blessings that God has given me. I was so encouraged by all the birthday wishes by phone, card, email or facebook messages that it made me walk around that day with a little more pep in my step. Those words of encouragement really lifted my spirit and helped me have a wonderful birthday. I’m always amazed at how “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” So thank you for all your birthday wishes they made me feel….priceless.

Burning Bush

We have a Burning Bush at our house. Not a burning bush like Moses experienced. Instead we have a plant called a Burning Bush. It is a beautiful bush. It turns brilliant shades of red and pink— it is really a healthy plant— actually too healthy! This plant is located on the side of our drive way and it has claimed a chunk of the entrance and the branches (that have no leaves at this time) are scratching our vehicles. Therefore a decision was made— the burning bush had to go! My plan was to snip a few branches and then dig around the base and yank it up by hand. However, to my great surprise after about an hour's work, I discovered that this thing wasn’t going anywhere. At least it wasn’t going anywhere without the use of a chain saw or a truck and chain. It reminded me of the song we sang last Sunday at church and how our spiritual roots make us strong;

...The word of the Lord will stand
...His love will endure
...The joy of the Lord is strength
To my soul
I will not be shaken
I will not be moved
I will not be shaken!

Like this plant, I’m convinced that our spiritual roots are much deeper than we know or could ever imagine.

My Oh My!

This Friday is Opening day for the Seattle Mariners as they play their first game of the season at Safeco Field. It’s one of my favorite days of the whole year. Maybe not because I think the Mariners are going to the World Series, but for me it’s more about the sense of a renewal and a fresh start. I’m a baseball fan and more specifically I’m a die-hard (since 1977) Mariner fan… in other words I’m a “man of faith!” This season, however will be different. This season we will carry on without a very familiar, friendly voice. Hall of Fame Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus passed away this past winter and although his rich, deep voice of has been silenced, he has etched into my mind countless wonderful “My Oh My” memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. The Mariners will wear a patch (see on right) on their uniforms this season and I know every time I see it I will get this sense of sadness with a mixture of joy. Sometimes we just have to thank God for the people we miss and remember the incredible blessings that God so richly gave us through their lives.