Long time, no post...

It's been a while, hasn't it.  I still wonder if anyone is checking our blog.

It's a Thursday night, and Jennie and I are exhausted from a long day.  Now that I have this new "widget" that helps me post blog articles from my desktop, maybe I'll post things more frequently.

Yes, it was frustrating and sad watching Ohio State lose to Florida on Monday night.

We were all shocked to see - not the loss - but HOW they lost.  Unreal.  Did you watch?  If so, for how long? 

What a week!

Lots to be thankful for at the Underwood household.

Luke has his first taste of Apple pie. Just a day after Thanksgiving, we celebrated his birthday a little early (actually 12-15-06), and he got to eat the treat.

Allie and Daddy take a nap on Thanksgiving afternoon as Dad is full of tryptophan (that stuff in Turkey that makes you tired. No joke, it works!)

Photo of Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 18, 2006. Ohio State beat Michigan (again), and yes, Jennie and I were there to see it in person. What an amazing game!

Happy Halloween!

Allie had a great time last night, running around the neighborhood with us and getting candy that she'll give to her parents to eat. More pictures to come... including 10.5 month-old Luke in his Simba outfit. Totally and blatantly awesome!

The past three weeks have been a complete blur, but they have been great.

October 21 was a reunion of some of my college guy friends and a fantasy basketball draft. So great to see Dave Pacheco, Danny Wright, Jonathan Wiley, Scott Feather, Jason Knavel, Dave Jones, Brian Gornik, Chadd Sommers, and of course Tom Burns - who had us all over to his house for City BBQ and MADDEN. Good times had by all. Pictures may follow, if I get the time.

Last weekend, Jennie and I ventured to Akron for an all-too-rare weekend of R&R. Sheraton Suites. Pancho's. Bennigan's. Buckeyes. Illuminate. I am not sure it can get any better than this.

Currently, our church is going through a sermon series entitled "American Idols" and looking at some of the 'false gods' in our culture. These are any things or ideals that have unfortunately become more important to us (Americans, Christians, etc.) than God... And this week's topic is Sex. Any ideas? Pray for me - a difficult but important topic to address.

Still watching LOST, and I am starting to agree with some of you who are telling me it is getting too crazy or too "out there." Those of us who got into the show weren't expecting it to turn into the X-Files, but it seems like it is spiraling out of control. At least they are keeping us interested in the fate of Jack, Kate, and Sawyer. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if we're supposed to like any of those characters anymore. At this point, the only admirable characters seem to be Mr. Ehko and Sayid. And what's up with Desmond knowing stuff before it happens?

I might get to go to the Ohio State-Michigan game. Not getting my hopes up, just saying it could happen. Yikes. That game is essentially the national championship. Then again, you might say the same for the OSU-Texas game earlier in the season, as Texas is unbeaten since....

Luke is crawling, clapping, laughing, and starting to repeat sounds and gestures we do.

Breakfast Done Right.

This morning, the men from our church got to spend the morning with Craig Krenzel.

As a Buckeye fan, it was very, very cool to meet and have breakfast with one of my all-time favorite players from my all-time favorite team, the 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes.

As a Christian, I really enjoyed hearing Craig talk about the wonderful things God has done and is doing in his life. Craig and Beth have recently been blessed with a son, Brayden, born in January. Craig was relieved to hear that Luke Underwood would also be attending Ohio State, and that my son would not have to tackle his son.

As a Pastor, it was a real thrill to see this whole thing come together. Several men have stepped up in volunteer roles, and this is the second big event they have put together. Kudos to Matt Kuchers, Rob Heber, Bob Klumpp, Mike Welch, and a whole bunch of other guys. We had around 210 men here at 7:00am for a great breakfast, a challenge from Craig Krenzel, and a Q&A time with the former OSU quarterback.

Thanks also to our neighbors, Jason, Craig, Jordan, and Tyler for coming - and to Jason for taking this picture of Krenzel and me. I thought it was great that Jason brought a biology textbook for Craig Krenzel to sign. This was truly a breakfast to remember!

"Must-See" Television?

Welcome to October, where every other commercial is about how some new show is "taking America by storm." Well, forgive me if I'd rather not be addicted to television.

I don't know what the latest stats are, but you always hear about the "average American" and like 20 hours of television a week. Maybe that number is low.

So, what's on TV at the Underwood household?

Allie's favorites -- Well, we really don't want her to watch all that much. But when we do, it's things like Winnie the Pooh, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and the Wiggles.

Luke's favorites --- anything Ohio State, Pro Football, or simply to sit and laugh at the blank screen.

Jennie's favorites --- The Gilmore Girls. I had no idea how many people watch this show. I can't even tell you what network it's on. I just know that the dialogue is like reading Shakespeare.

Gary & Jennie's favorites --- LOST. The Office (sometimes). College Football GameDay.

Shows we don't want to watch: "Must NOT See" TV - 'Deal or No Deal,' 'My Name is Earl,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' and 'The Bachelor.'

Shows we've never seen: CSI (regardless of location). Survivor (sorry!) - we're just not into the "reality" shows anymore, if we ever were.

We're down to 2.5 hours a week, plus Buckeyes. Just don't have the time, and if we did, it's not worth it.

What are your shows? Do you spend lots of extra time flipping channels? Are you trying out new shows like Studio 60 or "The Nine"?

Are you offended that I did a blog about television?

Do you own a television? Is anything on it a "must-see" for you?

September to Remember...

This was a good month. Can't believe how fast it went, though. October is usually my absolute favorite month of the year, but this year, I'm not even sure I'm ready for it yet. Top things I'll remember about September...

- Labor Day weekend in Akron. Schweitzer time!
- Seeing Allie grow and learn to sing "Hang On Sloopy" and say Bible verses.
- Date night with Jennie @ Ruby Tuesday's, the Mall, and Best Buy.
- Going with Jennie to Pittsburgh and the Hootie & The Blowfish / Better than Ezra concert.
- Ohio State 38, Iowa 17.
- Doing the "Adventures in Prayer" series at our church and the 24 Hours of Prayer.
- Watching Luke smile all the time and laugh when he catches a ball.
- Having my parents let Jennie and me win repeatedly at euchre.
- Ohio State 24, Texas 7.
- Rhett Edwards is cool.
- Eating at Chipotle more than once.
- Falling asleep to podcasts by Ed Young, John Ortberg, and Mike & Mike.
- Reading Isaiah and journaling more frequently.
- Speaking at the ARK college group at Ohio Wesleyan last Tuesday night. Great group!
- Completing my class on Spiritual Growth with Dr. Bruce Demarest @ Denver Seminary.
- Pancho's with Jack D.
- Getting a new cell phone since my old Sprint one was ready to quit.
- Seeing Jennie lead a high school girls' group again.
- Finding out that Craig Krenzel is going to speak at our next men's breakfast.
- Sharing Zeppe's pizza with Hunt and Sommers?
- Having people make nice comments on my blog.
- Seeing Pastor Darrell Anderson recover so well from open heart surgery.
- Learning how to do my own podcast (oh, you didn't know about that?)
- Wondering how life could go any faster than it has this month.
- Dan & Jill Bahry and dinner.
- Seeing some people show great faith and hope in the midst of really rocky times in life (Langwassers, Andersons, Rumbalskis).
- Celebrating my mom's birthday and also Jennie's mom's birthday.
- Ohio State 28, Penn State 6 - and yeah, actually being there at the game was a great highlight of this year.
- Learning more about Grace, Prayer, and the Bible.
- Getting a copy of a small group curriculum written by Tim Cooper.

There. A haphazard list of September highlights. If I forgot something, feel free to let me know. I purposefully left off anything having to do with fantasy football or pastoral meetings. There are some things you just don't blog about. =).

Actually, I did have a meeting with a few pastors last week at Quaker Steak and Lube. Now THAT'S how we pastors kick it.

Cute x 2

Remembering Labor Day Weekend (Photoblog 1.1)

Photoblog 1.0

Luke chills in the bath. He loves it. He actually likes water being poured on his head.
Allie with her cousin Ruby from North Carolina on Labor Day. They finally got to meet and play!
Dude has cuteness.

Enter our "Caption" Contest!!

Here are Allie and Luke, surprised by something. It's your chance to write up a caption for this photo, and enter it in the "comments" below! A new, fun way to spice up the Mutterings, paired with a sweet pic of the cutest kids in Underwoodville.

You've Got... Mayhem?

So, I finally post again. Thanks to those of you who commented - I really appreciate it. For the last few weeks, I've really, honestly intended to post something, but it's been a crazy month.

I also have had some time to think about my own ways of communicating. I went for a while where I loved to communicate through instant messenger (iChat, of course), emails, message boards, and blogs. I have probably registered and started about eight blogs in the last two years. I keep up with 1.5 of them.

Anyhow, I probably gravitated to these internet-versions of communication for the same reasons most people do:
(1) Quick.
(2) Convenient.
(3) I'm not really interrupting someone else.
(4) Cheaper than a phone call (in time and money).
(5) Cool technology.
(6) A lot of people are doing it.
(7) I get some silly thrill out of having my own web page where people visit my site and read my junk.
(8) Saves my voice in times like tonight where my throat is sore.
(9) I can talk with whoever about whatever without interrupting other people.
(10) We all knew there was no #10 in the first place.
(11) You can send pics, files, and information through these things.
(12) You can communicate with more than one person in one sitting.

Yeah, I guess those are the reasons I gravitated towards these computer-screen communications.

However, over the past 4-6 months, I have found myself gravitating AWAY from email, IM, and blogs.

Why?

Well, let me share thoughts about each one...

(1) E-Mail..... I have seen too many people deal with conflicts or personal issues through an e-mail, instead of going to the person face-to-face. With an e-mail, a person can usually only hear the worst of what you are saying. You may be typing words with good intentions, but they can be received with bad intentions. --- Many people (myself included) have had times where, rather than approach a friend lovingly to work out a disagreement or conflict, we HIDE behind a computer screen and type out our rationale. --- Ultimately, this often creates MORE PROBLEMS than solutions. -- If over 80% of communication is NON-VERBAL, then why are we restricting ourselves to the 20% revealed in an e-mail. -- Also, how many people have accidentally sent an e-mail to the wrong person? --- Or typed an e-mail to a bunch of people, sharing their email addresses with everyone when that's really not your privilege to give out? --- Or... (and this is the worst) clicking "Reply All" and sending your deep thoughts or personal disagreements to EVERYONE on accident, when they were just meant for one person.

RESOLVED: In short, I have really cut down my use of e-mail. I no longer feel excited to hear the "ding" sound my computer makes when I've got mail. For the most part - if I really want to communicate, I have to weigh the consequences. Do I really want convenience over clarity? Do I prefer speed over love? Do I prefer reading sterile words to hearing my friend's voice? Let's consider the situation, the person, and the priority of REALLY COMMUNICATING before we send out our serious thoughts in can only be termed "junk mail."

(2) Instant Messenger.... A lot of the same things apply here. I can't see the person's face. I can't tell if they are telling the truth, giving sarcasm, being defensive, or merely stating a thought. I am guilty, guilty, guilty, of having sensitive conversations through instant messenger before. I'm glad to say I haven't had one in at least two months - and it feels great! So often, a "friendly disagreement" moves to a debate which moves to people saying things they don't mean, or things that are easily mis-interpreted. --- With IM, if you're logged on, people assume that they can beep you and talk with you right there, and if you don't respond, that you're rudely ignoring them. Seriously, if you leave your computer, or are busy working with other windows open, people still get the idea that you are right there in the room with them - ignoring them! --- Many of the problems with instant messenger are the same as that of email. One difference is that you are typing at the same time as the other person. This situation means that you really don't have to listen to each other. If you are having a disagreement, whoever types first gets the upper hand. It's not really a place for serious dialogue or sharing, unless each person understands that it may take time for the other to respond. Does anyone else see what I mean?

RESOLVED... Well, I've resolved not to use instant messaging much anymore. When i do, I will only have that application open when I might want to be available. YES, I know that some programs (iChat) let you tell people that you am "busy" under your name. However, I really don't feel like adjusting my status every time I have a phone call or meeting or are trying to focus on work. I'd rather just shut the program down. With an Apple, I can shut and open programs in a snap.

(3) Blogs... Again, blogs can be impersonal, unclear, and open for anyone's critique. Some of you LOVE that about blogs. For some, a blog is a place of debate. But the debate or disagreement happens without that 80% of nonverbals (tone, attitude, explanation, body language, smile, volume, you name it!). --- Some people like to use blogs to tell everyone about everything in their lives. Like how I'm eating another Halls "Defense" Cough droup tonight and I love those things. I guess that's fine if people do that. --- Some people use blogs as places to defend all of their preferences, beliefs, actions, or hobbies. That's cool too. --- Some people like to use blogs as journals for their family, life, and spiritual updates. That's cool too. Makes you feel like you're writing a book or journaling or something.

I get that. Blogs are good.

Comments from friends are fun. Comments from friendly strangers are fun, but can be weird since I don't know the people.

BUT.... A blog is also on-going interaction with people (comments and responses) that can easily be mis-read, mis-understood, mis-interpreted. --- A blog is something that, unless you update it regularly, people don't read it. I used to like that kind of accountability. However, I'm not the only one who - I think - has realized that blogging several times a week has lost it's excitement. --- Finally, any of you who have read my blog (here) in the last few months realize I've wrestled with my purpose, desire, or responses to this blog. Oh - and the fact that when you have two kids, a wife, friends, family, and a church and community to love, spilling out thoughts into web-land isn't high on the priority list anymore. (Read: not getting hyper here, just saying how it is.)

RESOLVED: I still like to blog (can you tell? This one is long, dude). But the thrill or novelty isn't what it used to be, and I've seen how on my blog (and other people's blogs), the posts and comments can divide people or frustrate people when that was never the intention. I don't want to "HIDE" behind the typed word.

Granted, writing this blog was fun and stirring in my mind for a few weeks now. I also don't think this is the kind of topic that I really needed to talk with all of you "live, in person" about. Regardless, I would indeed like any feedback on this post that you might have.

Maybe you are also sour on blogs, and don't want to post =).
Maybe you are still in love with your email, and want to convince me otherwise. I'm open.
Maybe you came here hoping for pics of Luke. I've got a bunch here, but they're still on the digital. Don't worry, I haven't given up on posting pictures, either!

"No Comment."

Wow. To quote Jerry Maguire impersonating the "great" Frank Cushman, "No comment."

That's what happens when I post a blog. Nobody comments.

You would think that would discourage me. That I'd be disheartened and stop blogging for a couple of weeks.

My own parents rarely check this blog, even when I tell them there are new pictures on here! Then again, I haven't put new pictures on here lately.

The "no comments" thing, though... might be good.

If nobody's reading, then maybe I could turn this into a real journal. Just me and my thoughts. Or better yet, me and my prayers.

Or just a place to dump my thoughts and keep a record of the important things in life. Milestones. Things I'm learning. Books I've read. Lebron contract updates.

You know?

I'd like to give a shout out to any Lake friends who are reading - Koe, Pull, Ward, Buck, Bowers, and Chadd. C'mon, Chadd - we know you went to Lake - admit it.

I'd like to give a shout out to any Michigan friends who are reading - the Walta clan, Ackermans, Newcastle, and MooDine. You guys rock.

I'd like to give a shout out to the Delaware homeys reading my stuff - Jennie, Frank, and maybe that's it. Well, a shout out to the Younkins and Josiah, who also read once in a while.

Chapel guys (Smith, Hardy, Derr, Kunk, Barton) - and this includes Chapel alumni like Ostovic, Robertson, Megilligan, Bales, Clark, Kober, Arnold, Bowser, Barrett, Delaney... I'll move on. As if those guys are reading my blog anyway.

Grace guys - Honus, Jeaoure, Danny, Oberbrunner, Larned, Feather, Jones, Rhett, and of course, Roger Peugh... You guys rule too.

Green guys... like Smokin Dan and Coop and Chadd. Wait a minute - is Chadd a Chapel guy, Green guy, or Lake guy?

um. no comment.

Back from Denver yet?

Well, if you've been checking my blog to find out, you wouldn't know. I haven't posted since July 26. Unreal. Do I even like to write anymore?

I mean, lots has happened in the last three weeks.

- Luke turned 8 months old.

- Gary made more homemade salsa.

- Jennie and I celebrated 6 years of marriage and ate dinner out at Bun's restaurant in downtown Delaware.

- Rhett Edwards, our new youth director, moved to Delaware.

- Um, I returned from Denver.

- Pastor Darrell Anderson found out he needs triple-heart bypass surgery tomorrow (please pray!)

- We celebrated the opening of a new Free Store in Delaware.

- I went to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit via satellite in Akron, Ohio.

- I ate lunch at the Akron Family Restaurant with an old friend.

- Pancho's served us several NINE-LAYER DIPS.

- Jennie and I read through the book of Acts.

- The Browns lost their All-Pro Center, LeCharles Bentley, to a season-ending injury.

- The Cavs signed Drew Gooden.

- The Indians lost a ton of games.

- I had lunch with Frank Sturges.

- I sent several text messages to a few guys, trying to figure out how to use that interesting "toy" (of text messaging).

- I enjoyed speaking a few more times from Philippians.

- Luke is cute, making more creative noises, and about ready to crawl.

- Dairy Depot served me several orange-vanilla twist cones.

- You decided to post a comment after this message.

The Denver "mid-week" Mutter

Yeah, I'm having a burger at Buffalo Wild Wings here in Denver. Checking email, cause they have the free wifi. Can't forget the basket of wedges with ranch.

Class?
- The class is going very well, and it's great to rub shoulders with full-time pastors and missionaries like this. Exchanging ideas, stories, insights, frustrations... it's all very good. I'm enjoying dialogue with Tom from Indianapolis, James from Colorado Springs, and Matt from Denver.
- We also have people in our class from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Canada. That reminds me, we had a couple visit our church for the first time on Sunday, said they were from Canada, and the best I could muster up was, "Um, do you know Steve Nash?" I can crack myself up while not being funny.
- One of our speakers has been Alan Andrews, president of the Navigators. Great heart for people and for leading them to spiritual maturity in Christ.
- We had a retreat all day in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Didn't feel the altitude. Did have a coke float. Didn't get much alone time with God like I had hoped for. Did have a full class schedule while in the mountains. Didn't get to talk much to Jeff, another young guy who probably likes football. Did get to ride up with several new friends. Didn't get any homework assignments. Did get to see a two-minute rainstorm on the east side of the mountains.

Food?
- Here's the score, followed with some HOT and NOT comments....
- Mega Wraps: 2 (HOT: Steak Fajita Wrap. NOT: Eating too much horseradish).
- Jamba Juice: 2 (HOT: The Berry-Lime Sublime. NOT: The Strawberry Nirvana (too milky).
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 1 (HOT: Great burgers. NOT: Playing video trivia by yourself.)
- South Beach Diet Bars: 2 (HOT: Getting them for cheap at Wal-Mart. NOT: Having one melt in your car all day).

Jennie and the kids were in Big Rapids with her parents for a couple of days. I love how cell phones are so clear and keep us together even when we're apart. Only three more days...

Props to my Prof, Bruce Demarest. Missionary in Africa for about ten years, studied under the renowned F.F. Bruce in England, and taught Theology for 25 years. Now he teaches spiritual formation and discipleship, while still teaching and writing about theology, bible, and the spiritual disciplines. It's truly an honor to sit under a guy like this. And to see how humble, warm, friendly, and servant-hearted... Yeah, it's really a privilege. Here's to two more great days of class.

Next week in Denver...

Yeah, I haven't blogged in two weeks.

Yeah, I'm holding out on some recent pics of Allie and Luke.

Yeah, I'm going to Denver this week, for a class on Christian Spiritual Formation... It's my third class in Denver in two years. I suppose I will have spent as much time in Denver as I have in Akron over the last 13 months. Weird. The class has been great so far, with lots of good reading about spiritual growth, prayer, and helping people grow in the church.

Since I am often into lists, here you go - with the TOP TEN things I'm really looking forward to about being in Denver...

(10) Like three minutes from the Seminary is this plaza... The plaza itself has Champp's Restaurant, Qdoba, The Apple Store, and Panera (wireless internet). You can sit out on the Panera porch and watch the sun set over the Rocky Mountains in incredible colors... unbelievable.

(9) The Next Level Church. Tuesday night @ 7pm.

(8) Having a class with Bruce Demarest. Dude has written at least three books that I have read and enjoyed (Soul Guide, Satisfy Your Soul, and Integrative Theology). Having recently read Satisfy Your Soul, I admire Dr. Demarest for his thoughffulness and perspective on Christianity. Apparently, he's also an avid outdoorsman and hiker.

(7) Seeing the Seminary again. Great people, great facility, great culture and passion for training Christian leaders. It's just an inspiring place to be. I also feel the same about this place.

(6) Possibly visiting The Garden of the Gods and Adam's Moutain Cafe' on Friday... Home of the best burrito I've ever had in my life.

(5) Eating at least once at Mega Wraps. It's right next to the Jamba Juice, and

(4) Our one-day spiritual retreat into the mountains on Wednesday, July 26. Led by Alan Andrews, leader of the Navigators... it wouldn't suprise me if he takes us to Glen Eyrie retreat center near Colorado Springs.

(3) Jamba Juice. No explanation needed.

(2) Seeing the Rocky Mountains. They are amazing. I love the drive on 285 West as I'm coming toward the Seminary from the airport. You're going down the hill and you see the mountains sprawling out in front of you - and above you. Awesome. I'll get some footage.

(1) Getting a great deal of alone time with God. That's the point of the whole week this time. The point of the class. The retreat - the whole week should be terrific.

And, so you all remember it's not REALLY like a vacation, here are the TOP TEN things I'm NOT looking forward to about being in Denver....

(10) Well, it's my first Denver trip since Tim & Suzanne Cooper have moved to Michigan. It's not going to be the same without seeing them. Seriously - it was always awesome seeing them there. Maybe I'll see if Coop will go to some Jamba Juice in Detroit and we can talk on cell.

(9) While I'm sure the class will be great... but, like, I'll be in class for 30+ hours this week... you know...

(8) Missing the Father-Son baseball game outing at our church. Granted, the "sons" are supposed to be age 5 and up, but - did you know - I'm a pastor? Just like Billy Zane, Pastors make their own luck.

(7) Without Cooper, how I am I supposed to find the ESPN Zone restaurant downtown?

(6) For those of you who like to travel, or eat out, or go to school, or stay at different places... as usual, this ain't free.

(5) Being away from our church for a week. I do love it and I will miss seeing people all week. I'll be back Sunday, though!

(4) Did I mention that I'll really miss seeing Tim Cooper?

(3) Being away from Luke for a week

(2) Being away from Allie for a week. Tonight, I got to pray with her and tuck her in bed. She is an absolute blast, and so cute. Her new thing is putting blankets all over me and giving me her doggie, as if she's putting me to bed.

(1) Being apart from Jennie for a week. It's never a good thing. Thank God for Sprint's free nights and weekends.

Thanks, Big Guy!

Today, Lebron James announced that he will stay with Cleveland for five more years..

Being from Akron, I knew of Lebron by his freshman year of high school. Jennie and I got to see him play a whole bunch of times at the JAR Arena at Akron U. I was the wide-eyed homer telling my friends from Grace and parts unknown about this high school kid from Akron who would one day be the best basketball player in the world.

Six or seven years later, Lebron is runner up for the NBA's Most Valuable Player. He's the All-Star MVP. He leads a lifeless franchise from obscurity to playoff victory. He is the first player since Oscar Robertson to average so many assists, points, and rebounds per game in one season.

He's giving back to the community. Investing in schools in Akron and Cleveland. Throwing charity basketball tournaments. Visiting hospitals, starting scholarships for kids... Keeping his life, attitude, words, and actions clean.

Finally... a hero Cleveland can be proud of. Finally, a hero who stays. Finally, a hometown hero that pretty much the whole world knows about.

And yes, he's only 21 years old.

(Disclaimer: Yes, I know he's merely human and makes mistakes. Yes, I know the Cavs have not won the championship yet. Yes, he will be a free agent in 2013 or whatever, and could leave Cleveland then.)

Today, he signed a contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland till about 2013. Can't wait to see what the next six years of Cleveland sports holds!

For fun, here's my TOP TEN CLEVELAND SPORTS HEROES of my lifetime...

10. Eric Snow. Cavs point guard who showed up with big-time defense and clutch play in the playoffs. He came to Cleveland way past his prime, but those-who-know-me are aware of my affinity for Snow. He's from near my stomping grounds in Canton... I played on his team at a junior high basketball camp in 1987. These are the ties that bind, people. Snow is one of my all-time favorite basketball players. To see him and Lebron on the court together, beating the Pistons in three consecutive playoff games... has to be one of my all-time sports highs.

9. Omar Vizquel. One of the best shortstops in baseball for the last fifteen years, most of which was spent in Cleveland. I lost count of his gold gloves, clutch hits, hilarious jokes, stolen bases, and surprise homers. Seems like sheer foolishness that the Indians didn't re-sign him a year or two ago. He's flirting with .300 again, playing incredible defense... and he's probably like 45 years old. Props to John Hart, who acquired Vizquel from Seattle for the legendary Felix Fermin.

7. (tie) Jim Thome. This slugging third baseman grew up in the Indians farm system, and became one of the most prolific hitters in all of baseball. Thome was huge on both Indians World Series teams, and now plays for some team in Chicago. Several years ago, Thome spurned Cleveland to play for Philadelphia for much more money than the Indians could afford. After several disappointing years in Philly, Indians fans were relieved we didn't spend to keep him. Still a much-loved legend by the Lake.

7. Earnest Byner. The heart, soul, and spirit of the Browns in the late 1980's. An undrafted rookie out of who knows where, he became a 1,000 yard rusher in the NFL. Unfortunately, he's remembered for one fumble in Denver in 1988. A tremendous player who many felt embodied the heart and soul of Cleveland, I met Byner at a baseball card show on Arlington Road. He's now an assistant coach for Washington.

6. Kenny Lofton. Yes, the 1990's Indians were tremendous. Lofton is still playing... but in Cleveland, he was the best leadoff hitter in baseball for several years. I got his autograph with Honus in 1995.

5. Mike Hargrove. Indians manager to two World Series appearances. But I got my first exposure to Grover as a five year old at old Cleveland stadium. Got his autograph. He was the "human rain delay" with all of his pre-at-bat rituals. I associate him both with the old era of losing baseball, and the more recent 1990's era of great Cleveland baseball.

4. Albert Belle. In 1994, this guy was the heart of the most feared lineup in baseball, and his power, nasty attitude, and sheer athleticism were unique to most any baseball player in Cleveland history. Some amazing memories with him in 1995, when I spent the summer at home and scalped tickets to a bunch of games. Tremendous clutch hitter. His life since baseball has taken a turn for the worse, but dude was amazing in left field for the Tribe.

3. Bernie Kosar. Yeah, his hair and his game were somewhat strange. But he was the face of the Browns in the late 80's, when they went to the AFC Championship three times. Count me as part of the generation that grew up on the Dawg Pound in C-town, and Kosar was at the helm. He was clutch. For the Wikipedia entry on Kosar, click here.

2. Mark Price. Shorter than me, an All-NBA point guard, leading some terrific Cavs teams, now a coach in Australia. Oh, and he went to my home church and interviewed the Wailer on his radio program.

1. Lebron James. Let's just get it over with right now. Isn't it obvious? He's from Akron. Like this shirt. Saw him at Outback Steakhouse in March, 2003. Dude is nice.


Honorable Mentions: Charles Nagy, Manny Ramirez, Brad Daugherty, Romeo Crennel, Larry Nance, Shawn Kemp, Terrell Brandon, World B. Free, John Hart, Orel Hershiser, Jose Mesa, Frank Minnifield, Hanford Dixon, Chip Banks, Webster Slaughter, Bob Wickman, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Chuck Kyle, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Craig Ehlo, Ron Harper, Tom Cousineau, Joe Tait.

Discipline is Good.

Well, here's a terrific book about the history, value, and heart behind those spiritual exercises that will help you grow spiritually. Dallas Willard writes with a heart for all that is beautiful, personal, and incarnational (Christ-in-us) about the Christian faith.

Yet another book I'm reading for my class in Denver in a few weeks. I picked this one, mostly because I've heard lots of great things about Dallas Willard, and haven't read much of his stuff. Some of the highlights - or most important thoughts I "downloaded" from this book....

- How churches have focused on the front end of the Great Commission ("Go and make disciples") and have not emphasized really a key part of discipleship, the back end of the Great Commission ("teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."). Unfortunately, we may have a lot of people who believe Jesus, but aren't really much like Him in their character and lifestyle.

- Jesus himself practiced spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, solitude, retreat, Bible Study, servanthood.... Why do we think we can just "choose to act like Jesus" in certain moments in life when we really do not train ourselves to be godly (1 Timothy 4:7-8)? Jesus (and Paul, and Moses, and Joshua, and Peter, and the disciples, and....) entered a life of spiritual exercise, commitment, and discipline.

- Solitude has incredible value for spiritual life, prayer, and reflection. Our world (pace, noise, to-do lists) crowds out our ability to connect with God. We must go to "the desert" or to the "closet" and get private space with God apart from the noise.

- These spiritual exercises (or "disciplines") will look different in each person. There are tons to choose from, and we must work at the ones where we are weak.

- I was constanly challenged and impressed by this thought - the disciplines are those things that help me train my body, mind, and soul to belong first and foremost to God. Our culture trains us to do what feels good, and that lifestyle cannot deliver what it promises. Life in God delivers far greater than we think, but most of us have not tried to really live the Christian life.

Overall, this was a great book. Some thoughts and chapters were difficult to wade through, but well worth it. An interesting chapter on poverty is included, discussing if a life of poverty is a spiritual discipline. Some books you read for entertainment or because a friend recommended them. This one could powerfully enrich my life and faith. After I'm done with the class, I'd consider reading it again.

Ted Ginn

Are you kidding me?

Bear sighting!

Dude on the right (Jeremy Bear) was caught bowling with some friends in Southern California recently, wearing a shirt designed by Dude.

What are the odds?

One cat is from CVCA, the other is from CVCA.

I know another cat from CVCA.

What is the world coming to?

Since I must, here is yet another cat from CVCA.

Small world isn't it?

Yikes. I'm a link dropper.

Finally!

Today, at last, I finished Dan Brown's "other" book, Angels & Demons. Since I am a guy who likes to make lists, here are the top five reasons I finished the book today....

#5 - "Every now and then, I like a good fiction that gets my "reading juices" going" - Usually at least one a summer. In previous years, authors like John Grisham, Michael Crichton, and... well.. John Grisham. But Dan Brown's the "hot author" to read, and I liked his other book. What's it called again?

#4 - "I really enjoy spiritual thriller mysteries" - The Da Vinci Code, The Testament (Grisham), Mothman Prophecies, Signs, K-Pax, Dragonfly... these are all spiritual thrillers. Unbreakable. The Sixth Sense. I guess it's my favorite type of story, and I anticipated that from this book. Dan Brown again takes aim at the Catholic church. Actually, he doesn't. That's one of the reasons I like the book, you end up seeing both sides of the story and have a lot to think about.

#3 - "Well, see, I've been reading it for over a year now." - Sometime ago, I bought a paperback copy of Angels & Demons, read 150 pages of it, and then lost it. Yep, I lost it. The new paperback copy (thanks, Amazon.com) sat on my shelf for a few months, and it was just time to pick it up. You'll see why in the following reasons...

#2 - "I simply could not put the book down." - Once I got going again, it was quite a page turner. Small pages, fast action, easy dialogue, suspense. I had no plans to finish the book this weekend. Just the next chapter. Just the next couple pages. Just the next paragraph. Robert Langdon (main character) again takes us all over Europe on a scientific symbology chase with world-shattering ramifications. It was good. There were honestly parts that were not good (violence), making this a tough movie to make. But I hear it is in the works. Not sure I'll want to see it.

#1 - "I was actually sick the last couple of days." - Strep throat. Actually, the doctor said it's probably strep, and he'll call me soon. Seriously? Believe it. So I've been bedridden for three days, with a sick throat. Doctor's first words when shining that light in my mouth were, "Wow, that's ugly." Sore throat, fever, headaches, cold sweats, stomach symptoms (need I be graphic here?), and soreness all over. The fever hit a high of 102.6 early Thursday morning. (I'm not bluffing.)

Finished the book on Saturday morning. Fever's gone. Strep's not. Throat feels sharp. Book ended well. Sentences are short. Blog is done.

(Wait a minute - did Gary just "review" a book without giving a final recommendation?)

Actually, I'd read The Da Vinci Code first. If you like that, and feel like reading another suspense spiritual thriller mystery adventure puzzle maze, then read Angels & Demons. I'm not sure which one was better...