Ohio Sports Update

If you are a huge sports fan and live in Ohio, chances are you are only truly interested in the Cavs at this point. I don't blame you! It seems to be the one successful team we have left in NE Ohio. But if you are a true fan, you are a supporter of the Browns, Cavs, Indians, and Buckeyes. I want to give a quick update for each of these teams.

1. Browns - It looks certain that we will secure either the 1st of 2nd pick for the 2010 NFL Draft. It is sad to say, but that seems to be the best thing going for us at this point. If ever there was a time to be positive though, it will be these last 4 games for the Browns. Not only do they face the struggling Steelers this week, but they also face the Chiefs and Raiders in 2 of our last 3. My only rant for this week (and it is definately premature) would be to make sure we give Mangini (if he is not fired) less control over the draft this next year. We have so many pressing needs. We need a much better plan for this year's draft!

2. Indians - It looks like it will be a quiet offseason for the Indians. The Tribe will use 2010 to develop major league experience for the young players/prospects. If you are huge Indians fan like me, it will take some time to get over the fact that ownership refuses to spend money. My one piece of advice, when you do get over that fact, is to sit back, relax, and enjoy a season of development. Although we won't win many games, it will be a great chance to evaluate the job that Shapiro is doing. Has he been making good trades that not just shed payroll, but give us future major league starters? You have to believe that if the players we received for Sabathia, Martinez, and Lee trades do not pan out, then Shapiro's time in Cleveland should be up. Be on the lookout for names like Michael Brantley, Carlos Santana, Trevor Crowe, Matt LaPorta, and Justin Masterson. If you can, look for cheap tickets and just enjoy the ballpark atmosphere!

3. Buckeyes - There is not much going on in Buckeye football right now. Our Rose Bowl bid was locked up weeks ago and all they have is 20-some odd days left of practice until they play in Pasadena. I will focus on men's basketball. The Buckeyes took a huge hit when Evan Turner broke two vertebraes in his back this weekend. He is scheduled to be out up to 8 weeks. It will be a test for the rest of the Buckeyes as they head into their Big Ten schedule. William Buford will have to step up his game over the next 8 weeks. There are still two positives that come out of this. One, the Buckeyes should still make the Big Dance. Two, maybe this will open the door for Evan Turner to stick around Columbus for his senior season. Can you imagine the Buckeyes with Turner, Diebler, Lighty, Buford, and a recruiting class that is undoubtely in the top 3 in the nation?

4. Cavs - There is only one question to ask: Is Shaq working out so far? Some say yes, some say no. My answer would be that it hasn't given us a signifcant boost to make us significantly better than last season.

That is your Ohio sports update.

Assasin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken

Over the past month, all of the new staff members from church have been going through a Catalyst book study. So far, we have read about engaging in culture, the importance of community, and living a healthy lifestyle. I have read a lot of things that have caused me to re-evaluate my ministry and personal life.

Today, I read an article by Mike Foster (founder of XXX church). In the article, he talks about seven deadly assassins that can reak havic on your life. There are things like sex, money, egos, and emotional baggage, but the one they focus on is something they call the "Assassin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken". It is the idea of the leader who is constantly juggling too many plates and trying to do too many things at the workplace. The leader who is insistent on always putting in the long hours and pushing harder. We work ourselves to death because we find value and worth in the things we do and accomplish. I know I can relate to this, as I am sure we all can! The problem is that if we continue down this path, we are on the road to being "slain by the Assassin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken". We work ourselves so hard that we become burnt out or worse yet we compromise our relationships with the people who are most important to us.

Here are a few tips Mike gives:
1. Manage life in seasons - It is ok to go through seasons where the afterburners are on full force. Work hard, but also rest hard.
2. Stop Trying to Prove Yourself - Do you work yourself to death because failure is just not an option? Are you leading an out-of-control life so that you never have to feel embarrassed, weak, or lower than others in your workplace? Your value is not determined by the amount of hours you work. We aren't asked to be workaholics.
3. Take a technology break - If you don't think you have a problem with being glued to your cell phone, email, facebook, or twitter, try turning it off for 48 hours.

Is it worth compromising your marriage or ripping off your kids just because you have to juggle every plate and become all things to all people? Is it worth compromising your time with God just because there are too many other tasks going on to take time for Him? What are your willing to give up just to prove yourself to someone or are you willing to just stop trying to prove yourself and accept that you have worth value beyond the number of hours you can spend behind a desk? Try slowing down every once in a while. I know we all need it!