The Wire

For those of you following the ongoing drama in my life, here is what happened last night...

We were up by 12 (36-24) with 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

With 4:32 left in the 4th quarter we were tied 41-41.

Nate Humphrey hit a three at 4:22 and we were up 44-41.

Ben Walsh hit a three (3:51) and we were up 47-41.

They hit a two (3:01) and we were up 47-43.

Bart Loy hit a wide open lay-up (1:57) and we were up 49-43.

They hit a three and we were up 49-46--with 1:42 left in the game.

Seth Tankersly was fouled with 47 seconds left and hit two clutch free throws. We were up 51-46.

They hit a three (yes--another three), and we were up 51-49--with less than 15 seconds to go.

Ben Walsh was fouled and hit the front end of a 1 and 1. We were up 52-49 with around 10 seconds to go.

It was down to the wire...(which was the exact opposite of what I had hoped for.)

They shot a deep, deep three with about 6 seconds left, and...

and...

and..........................................

it was an airball. We rebounded the ball and ran out the last 4 seconds.

Final Score - LCCA 52, Zanesville 49.

No dramatic music. No picket fence. No Gene Hackman.

But it was a win!

(I think I will stick to Junior High Basketball.)

Shooter

Tonight should be an interesting one for me. I will be making my debut into the world of varsity basketball coaching. Our varsity coach had to leave town unexpectedly yesterday, and he asked me to coach his team in the big rivalry game tonight. I am more than happy to do it for him because I am a loyal friend. (I hope you are reading this, Coach!) I feel a bit like the character "Shooter" in my favorite movie, Hoosiers. You know--the guy who is the town drunk? I feel like him because in the second half of the movie, he gets put in a position where he has to coach the varsity team in a big game. He feels a bit overwhelmed and is a little lacking in confidence. When it comes down to the wire, however, he makes the right decision and they win the game. Let's hope that, when it comes down to the wire tonight, reality will reflect fiction. Actually, let's hope it doesn't come down to the wire at all. Let's hope that our guys build a 45 point lead by the 2nd quarter. If it does come down to the wire, however, I know exactly what I will do. I will look at those 7 players and say, "Boys, we're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!"

A New Year's Prayer

Whenever I hear a song that clearly, simply, and accurately declares Bible Doctrine, it catches my attention. (Probably because not many songs accomplish this!) Over Christmas break, I listened to the song below. I had heard it a few times before, but this was the first time I really listened to it. At that time, it served as an answer to a very specific prayer request I had offered to God. Danielle and I have decided to make it our prayer and focus for 2008. Read it carefully. Listen to it carefully (if you can find a recording of it). It is saturated with doctrine. I hope you will spend your year in Christ alone.

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song.

This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease,

My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ Alone, who took on flesh--Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness--scorned by the ones He came to save.
'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.

For every sin on Him was laid. Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay. Light of the world by darkness slain.

Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again.

And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me.

For I am His and He is mine--bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death--this is the power of Christ in me.

From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His Hand.

'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Eldansdad Family Films

As a teacher, one of the biggest questions I face each school year does not come from one of my students. It is the question of what to do with my summer. I enjoy having some free time, but I also would like to be a good steward of the opportunities God has given me. Summer is the perfect time for me to pickup some extra income. The question is--how? Last summer I decided to take what had basically amounted to a hobby of mine and try to use it for some supplemental income. The result? A small, home-run business called Eldansdad Family Films. I can provide memorable and well-designed DVD's for just about any occasion. This is something I love doing, and I would be glad to do some creative work for you. If you are interested, just drop me a note at eldansdadff@yahoo.com. I have included several images of my promotional materials below. Take a look at them and see the possibilites!