Gladiator

I love my job... I feel like I get paid to just... live. I work with one other minister named Dale who has helped me keep my focus on keeping my work as not just a job but something more. I first met Dale briefly before he was off to Albania for 6 weeks. I was new and alone and unsure how we would hit it off. Well, I suppose after nine years of working in the same job says something. Dale is a brilliant man, he is currently working on his doctorate in ministry and holds two masters above his undergrad work. All of this and he still talks to me. Dale has a lot of passion and has a heart for truth. When something hits him, he'll share it with you whether you like it or not. He has a heart for ministry. He visits the elderly and those who are ill and in the hospital. He always prays for them and their family, a difficult thing to do when it looks as if all is lost. However, Dale reminds us of our true home. Something that's funny is, his favorite movie is Gladiator. I'm not sure if it's because he wants to swing a sword around, but hey, who wouldn't want to do that? I think it's because the story line has a strong sense of doing right, even if it cost your life. He is a strong family man and a wonderful example of how to act and sometimes how not to act as a husband and father. Just ask him... he'll tell you. It is a joy to be on his team. peace. johno~

love the game, love the kids

I'm still not sure I would ever make a good coach. I have witnessed 3 in my time as a parent with my kids in community sports. Sandy, however, stands out among the other two. This sport is her life. She loves the game of softball and she loves the kids. She told me once, "I don't care what the score is, I just want them to learn the sport and have fun." Not the words you would hear from a coach who only wants to win and will do anything to make that happen. These are words from someone who wants to give back, continue a legacy in a time that thinks only of the here and now. Giving back builds something. It's tradition. It's character. It's honor. I'm not sure if we will ever win a game, but Sandy will win hearts. She takes that which is unshaped and forms something better than gold trophies, which are lost over time in brown boxes and garbage dumps. What is formed is a child who rises up and understands the legacy of giving. Young ladies who will, someday, be mothers, teachers, leaders, and small town softball coaches. A life that gives back will reward generation upon generation; It is greater than gold. peace. johno~