Posts

Posted on

Being the calm in peoples worry and stress

Embed from Getty Images “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

In uncertain times such as the current times, there is enough worry and stress going around it is almost contagious. There is real fear, worry and stress globally, Christ followers absolutely should not be overcome by worldly issues.

What are ways we can breathe peace into people lives while being quarantined, and in an age of social distancing? First and foremost hold onto God’s promises! He is faithful. That is what we need to bring to people.

Meet the people where they are. A good way to do this is by admitting to them that you are dealing with the same issues they are. When we put ourselves in the same boats with others it begins to  deescalate some of the absences of peace.

Be quick to let them know you are trusting the Lord through all of the uncertainty. Offer them a word from God, something like: “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take this suffering away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Encourage people to invite Jesus to walk with them in the fear, worry and stress. The mind is a dangerous place to be at times. Turning the T.V. and news off can also be helpful.

Pray with them perhaps pray a bible verse over them, like “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

Reflect Jesus, this what Christ followers are asked to do. When we do through the power of the Holy Spirit people are set free.

 

Posted on

Redevelopment of family nucleus during quarantine

Embed from Getty Images “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133: 1

Perhaps the best thing that can come out of the whole COVID-19 pandemic is families learning how to be families again. As many people have been working from home as have their children due to school and trade center shutdowns.

We live in what seems at time like a non-stop world. Sometimes we are caught up in it and we do not even realize it. Running here, going to the stores there, dropping a child off at band practice, the list goes on and on.

No matter the origin of the virus, I believe God has played a major part in it. After all the earth appears to be in a sabbath of sorts. So what does this mean for the family nucleus?

It means that first and foremost families are around each other more and for longer periods of time. So there must be grace and mercy in order to ensure that people are heard. When you have children you must allow them the space to get their emotions out. If emotions become the target of someone in the house then some alone time may be a good idea.

I feel it is most important for Mom and Dad to be on the same page. Even if one continues to leave the house for work. The parents need to keep a sense of perspective, if that happens the rest of the household will remain calm.

This is a great time to listen to your children and spouse. We have come up with some projects around our house. I find it interesting and a chance for me to learn from my family when I ask them what their thoughts on how to approach a task.

It breathes confidence in them and shows that I am listening to them. When I do this with my children and wife it brings us into unity. The book of Ephesians explains that unity is what we all need, “being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4: 3.

With the uncertain times we are living in. Unity becomes the key to family redevelopment.

Posted on

Steve Yzerman relied on patience his first year as Detroit Red Wings general manager

Embed from Getty Images It has been exactly one year since Stevie Y. came home. Home to both the city he played in and the city his family is firmly planted in Detroit. Nobody, not media, not fans, not even Steve Yzerman himself thought the job of rebuilding the Detroit Red Wings would be easy.

Before COVID-19 put the NHL on pause, the Detroit Red Wings were 17-49-5, to put it differently, the Red Wings had lost 54 of 71 games. It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that is woefully bad.

39 points earned by the Red Wings is still 23 points behind the Ottawa Senators and their 62 points. with 145 goals the Detroit hockey team is proud owners of fewest goals scored in the league. While the 267 goals the porous Red Wings defense let in is good for most goals allowed.

With all the bad, Steve Yzerman said he was not surprised by the task at hand. The Detroit Red Wings are the only NHL team already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.

Steve Yzerman said ” I knew what I was getting into, I think I have a general idea what it takes to build a team.” The same day Yzerman said that he also said “Patience is very difficult to sell.”

Yzerman wanted and demanded to see growth in player development in players and prospects. That has happened. The good news is while players have taken steps forward the Red Wings are in good position for the first pick in the 2020 NHL draft.

The plan is to get as many draft picks as you can, not just draft picks but high picks to increase the odds a player or players will turn into something special. That is the lot of a rebuilding team.

What remains to be seen is the fate of current Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill. Yzerman has supported the coach throughout the season. The Red Wings hold a team option for the coach. But this summer there will be several big name coaches available, Yzerman could bring in his guy.

The Detroit Red Wings have struggled in year one of Steve Yzerman’s return. They may not be a whole lot better next season. But that is okay. Remember, draft picks are what is on the horizon this season and next.

Posted on

The Detroit Lions want players who are ready to play

Embed from Getty Images As you read the headline you probably were thinking “no kidding.” However, with no offseason workouts because of COVID-19, it is importantant the Detroit Lions get the number three pick in the draft right. Not only that but it needs to be a player who can step in a deliver.

An advantage the Detroit Lions and general manager Bob Quinn had was that Quinn and the Lions coaching staff coached in the Senior Bowl. Giving the shutdown of most public events and gatherings this has actually turned out to be huge.

There are some very good defensive players in this draft class. That is good news for a Detroit team needing upgrades in the secondary and at edge rusher. The Lions are in a good position to make a pick or trade down and grab some extra picks.

So what is an example of a player who is and who is not NFL ready you ask? Let’s take Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. The talented linebacker/safety has been mocked by some to the Lions. But is is an example of while a good player he would need an adjustment time. This to me makes Simmons a less likely player to he headed to Detroit.

While a player who can step in right away and help out and greatly improve the defense is a player like Ohio State defensive back Jeff Okudah. Okudah checks all of the boxes. A big defensive back, quick, will be a shut-down corner. Okudah has great hip control (which is huge for defensive backs) and is a solid tackler. This should be the Lions pick even if they slide back one or two slots.

In this years draft, general managers will be making their selections from their homes due to the current pandemic. Bob Quinn said yesterday any and all trades will be made ahead of the draft for all teams.

Quinn said he has two laptops, two cell phones, three monitors, as well as a big screen T.V for the draft. Quinn said he and the Detroit Lions coaches and scouts are ready for the 2020 draft.

Bob Quinn said as far as he understands there will be an NFL season, but is unsure what that will exactly look like at this time. But it all starts Thursday with the 2020 NFL draft.

Posted on

As stimulus checks arrive, why not give to those in need

Embed from Getty Images “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”, 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8.

Food pantries are running low, the need is great. As more people have and will file for unemployment the need grows, while pantries continue to run on fumes.

As the leader of my house, I made the decision that my family will be giving a generous donation to a food pantry with a portion of our stimulus check. First and foremost the Lord has provided, it is not ours to keep.

1 Timothy 3: 5 tells us “For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” I can manage my house all glory to God. I provide and the Lord is pleased. So you might ask yourself where does the “how will he care for God’s church” come into play?

We have been blessed to be part of two church congregations with extensive histories. I feel that in order to honor current members and just if not more importantly past members then we need to strive to be Christ to everyone, so we do not damage the legacy that has been set before us.

Again, giving is a way to provide like Jesus, I can pray and ask God to multiply our offering and He will. My heart breaks thinking about people being at the point they can no longer provide for their household. So anyway I can honor Jesus I am going to. The fact that it blesses people is what it is all about.

Please consider giving and helping. I leave you with this ” Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3: 27.

 

Posted on

Mandalorian docuseries on Disney Plus coming Star Wars Day May 4

Embed from Getty Images For a long time Star Wars fans have adopted May 4th as “Star Wars Day,” They figure it is close enough to “May the Force be with you.” This May 4 will be special for Star Wars fans on Star Wars Day, Disney Plus has announced and eight part in depth, behind the scenes look documentary at the widely popular “The Mandalorian” series exclusive to the streaming platform.

The documentary will explore never before seen footage from the cutting room  and roundtable conversations hosted by director, writer, and producer Jon Favreau.

One of the episodes will explore  how the special effects and props team brought The Mandalorian’s creatures to life. Which should be interesting to watch.

Also in the documentary fans will be treated to a look at George Lucas’ legacy, technology used in The Mandalorian, the show’s music score, and connections to Star Wars characters across the galaxy. To sort of connect the dots.

Faced with a lack of new content  due to the global pandemic, like many other companies, there is a need for new content for its streaming service, and Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian can fill that role until new Star Wars content is ready.

One good thing is that Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” had finished filming before the production shut down was mandated, Disney has not indicated if the second season’s release date will be affected.

If your like me, a pretty big Star Wars fan, this documentary series should be fun, interesting and a way to pass the time until Season 2 premieres.

Posted on

How to get the most out of reading the Bible

Embed from Getty Images “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119: 105

This article may pinch. But that is okay. This article is for the Christian reader who professes they read God’s word, yet can not put any context around what they read or quote.

Most Christian’s if they are reading their bible’s at all, only read the surface stuff and do not take the time to really dive into the Word of God. Which is exactly what we should be doing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is not getting answers from state and health officials, the President or anyone for that matter.

Yet, God has the answers because God is The answer. So how then can bible verses have more context? How then can Christ Followers be peace in the storm? Understanding God’s word would begin to answer those questions.

Let’s look at a simple bible verses most Christian’s know “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. There it is in it’s surface appearance.

Now it is time to put some context around it so it has the deep meaning the timeless verse should have.

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4: 9-10. Now we are starting to build a body.

Let’s continue, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will He not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32, now not only do we have some body but we now have a question to ponder.

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1: 15-16, Now we begin to get the entire gospel of Jesus and all we are doing is checking the concordance in the bible.

Finally we get the redemption of Jesus’s mission “and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” Revelation 1:5.

There are many more verses that would bring even more fullness to John 3:16. I used only four bible verses that bring into light just how weighty the famous bible verse as an example.

If you profess to be a Christian, then I think for the sake of your walk with God, as well as having answers for a world looking for them, then really get into God’s word.

Posted on

This should be a time to seek God more

Embed from Getty Images “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

We are all at home more these days and I am perfectly fine with that. In fact I am really digging into my Bible more as well as a men’s small group. God is good.

I have had to train myself to get to the point where things that were one an idol have become much less important and God has become THE source that I crave. He is the only idol I truly chase. As I said it did not happen over night.

If this whole COVID-19 pandemic had happened before 2007, T.V., video games, movies would have eaten up much of my time. Now as I start my day with my beautiful wife we read God’s word together. It brings us unity in our marriage and our household.

There are many things that can take our eyes off of God, things that seem to increase as the weather gets nicer outside. One Bible verse really caught my attention.

It says: “The Lord looks down from heaven on all man kind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm 14:2. Wow! So God seated on His throne in Heaven looks down to see who is seeking Him?

That is exciting, humbling, nerve wrecking  and downright intimidating. I do not view God as a creeper, but the man is watching. He is looking for those who are actively seeking Him. I want to be counted into this group. It is better the a Super Bowl championship, World Series ring or Masters jacket.

When you seek God, He blesses. He fills you with what you need. He supplies everything. You become rooted to the rock. In theses days that have an uncertain feel to them. God is looking for people who are looking for Him.

To seek God, one must be or become consistent. Set a time everyday to read God’s word. Before you do say “Lord I’m looking for you, would you meet me today?” He will!! It does help to have someone who you can both be accountable to. If not, there are other ways. Set a time to start and even a timer to end.

Do whatever works for you. But do it!! Be consistent. God is.

Posted on

Detroit Lions Amani Oruwariye could have an expanded role

Embed from Getty Images The 2019 Detroit Lions defense struggled. The Detroit secondary which had it’s share of ups and downs, was the group largely to blame. With the departure of top cornerback Darius Slay, second year corner Amani Oruwariye could see more playing time.

Drafted in the fifth-round of last years draft, the Penn State product Oruwariye played in just nine games as a rookie. His production in those nine games gives the Lions some hope.

With a respectable 17 solo tackles with two interceptions Amani Oruwariye showed promise while playing in only 19% of the Detroit Lions defensive snaps.

The 2020 NFL draft is two weeks away and the Lions will look to improve the secondary. With that said Oruwariye may be Detroit general manager Bob Quinn’s best late-round draft picks.

Amani Oruwariye, has both very good speed and the the ultra important length, teams look for at the cornerback position. Entering only his second pro season Oruwariye has the making of a player who could push for CB2.

As well as he played Amani Oruwariye is still growing into his role. Oruwariye plays physical and improved his tackling. Something scouts wondered if he could before last years draft.

Oruwariye has been praised for his intense film study habits. Oruwariye who has to face Detroit Lions wide receivers Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay in practice has said he believes facing them has helped in his game.

If the Detroit Lions draft a cornerback with the teams first round draft pick it would give the Lions a young athletic combo at DB. Something the team has struggled to do through their history.

Two young dynamic corners would give the rest of the Lions defense the flexibility to rush the quarterback and stop the run. This must be the path Bob Quinn takes. It would be a quick way to fix the defense.

Posted on

Report the Detroit Lions have had talks with multiple teams for the third pick in the draft

Embed from Getty Images NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed all 32 NFL teams that the 2020 NFL draft would proceed in a fully virtual format. This is to make sure the the NFL is in compliance with current regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Detroit Lions who currently own the third pick in the draft are looking to trade back.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport, broke the news that Detroit has had talks with multiple teams interested in the third overall pick. This comes as no surprise that Detroit is “open for business.” The ideal is that the Lions would move back while gaining more draft picks.

The Detroit Lions currently have seven picks in the 2020 draft, including one in each of the first four rounds and two in the fifth round. With Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa having been cleared medically, quarterback needy teams began calling Detroit general manager Bob Quinn.

The Detroit Lions have been linked heavily to two defensive players, Ohio State cornerback, Jeff Okudah and Auburn’s defensive tackle, Derrick Brown. Also to a lesser degree Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.

The defensive needy Lions could land anyone of the three who would upgrade the defense even if they traded back. The Miami Dolphins were said to have serious interest in Tagovailoa.

Bob Quinn is in good position. He could make a trade and get more draft picks and improve the Lions roster. Quinn could also choose to stand pat  and draft one of the defensive players.

The guess here is that Detroit will move back. It is the right move to make. Get the defensive player at a better slot for the value pick. The Dolphins with three first round picks have the assets to pry the third pick in the draft from Detroit.

58 NFL draft prospects are going to be joining the draft virtually.

The draft runs from April 23-25, with the round schedule as follows:

Thursday, April 23: Round 1
Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3
Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7

The first round Thursday, April 23 starts at 8 p.m. ET and will be shown on ESPN.