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The 11 year tick

Time moves fast at times and slow at other times. What happens between the minute change can be beneficial, the tick. The tick prepares us for another moment of life, another reset, victory or failure. For myself and my then new family (I am adopted) in 1975 we were given an 11 year tick. This tick would qualify as a reset, in my opinion. One that would come with tension, confusion, love and changed perception.

Picture a wife and husband who on the heels of losing a three year old child, chose to put on a brave face and  continue with life (not an easy task) and adopt a child. That child who had been abused and placed in foster care along with his sister.

Taz, Tweety, Sylvester and Daffy Duck during Daffy Duck For President Rally to Celebrate the Release of “Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two” at Sherman Oaks Galleria in Sherman Oaks, California, United States. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage for The Lippin Group)

Now that you have that in your mind, picture a biological mother who had mental health issues which lead to child abuse. In the 1970’s things like autism and bi-polar were not as well identified as they are now a days. So there is no real way of knowing the mental issues that the mother had. What seems apparent is she passed those same mental issues to the sister. That sister was much like the Looney Tunes, Tasmanian Devil when she came for visits. The sheer destruction she would leave at the end of visits was breathtaking and not in a good way.

In the 11 year tick, grieving parents, a child who was abused and placed in foster care moved out of the state they resided in and to a new state. That move proved to be beneficial. Sometimes to get away and out of places and areas that caused daily pain can be healing. Along with learning to be a family while trying to shed the awkwardness of not being biologically related without those constant painful reminders can also be beneficial.

When the family moved back to the state they lived before the tick, they were better equipped to handle a less than ideal past.

Do you have a tick? A time that allowed you space to heal, reset, gain victory or even fail?

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Why my family and I fast to ring in the New Year

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.” Ezra 8:23

A New Year, a fresh start, time of wonderment and anticipation. While today football games will be played, people will gather and food will be eaten, there remains a single goal or should I say a tone setter for 2022, to seek God for what we would like to see Him do for our family this year.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

We seek God NOT because we are righteous. In fact it is the complete opposite. I am small and have sin filled hands. We seek God and His righteousness because our plans fail or we need help in areas that only He can bring life to. However, when our plans are placed in the one who spoke the world into being there is a success rate that can not be matched.

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3

The key points to fasting in my opinion are:

1. Be willing to open your heart to the one who gave it it’s beat.

2, Be willing to make your fast difficult, meaning eat just vegetables, just liquids or nothing. God will fill you and satisfy your needs.

3. Be willing to make a list of things you want God to move in.

4. Be willing to allow God space to move in His time, not yours.

5. Be willing to trust God in the areas of your fast which will increase your faith.

Can you sense a pattern? Be willing. Sometimes it is much easier to say than to actually do. Many of my opinionated list is centered on having a certain level of patience.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:25

Empty white plate with a napkin on an old wooden brown background, top view. Image with copy space. Kitchen table with a towel and a plate – top view with copy space.

As 2022 starts, I am willing to lay it all before a Holy God. I know He will meet all of my families needs and requests. If you have not done so, maybe consider ringing in the New Year with a fast.

 

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The Book of Boba Fett Season 1, episode 1 review

*****Spoilers ahead*****

The who, what, where, when, and how regarding just how Boba Fett who was thought to be dead after falling into the Sarlacc Pit in Return of the Jedi have finally been addressed. This went a long way in explaining how the popular Star Wars character was able to show up in The Mandalorian. Wednesday, The Book of Boba Fett premiered on Disney Plus, some fans were satisfied some were not. As with anything Star Wars fan wise that is par for the course.

While I was on the fence as to whether or not Boba Fett should have his own show, that was quickly put to ease. It’s not that I did not or do not like Fett, he was always a background character with a supposed unfortunate death.

The Book of Boba Fett, Season 1, episode 1, was told in flashback form for a chunk of the show. What was nice was that Fett escaping the Sarlacc Pit was made cannon and not just a passage in the Tails from Jabba’s Palace novel.

Jawa’s find Fett who was passed out in part from escaping, in part because he was covered in stomach acid. The Jawa’s take his armor which explained how Cobb Vanth ended up with and wearing Fett’s armor in The Mandalorian. We also hear about a mysterious mayor, which I have some thoughts on that. But that is for another time.

Boba Fett is then captured buy a group of Tuskin Raiders. He is held captive at their camp site until he saves one of the children, which sheds light on how Fett and the Tuskin Raiders have respect for each other again in The Mandalorian.

Star Wars fans were spilt on the kickoff show. Some said it was too slow, while others liked the pacing. I happen to like the pacing. There was a lot of back story to fill in, in order to catch fans up on Fett and episode 1 did just that.

I am interested to see where this goes. Not to mention to find out how Fennec Shand will use her skills  as an expert assassin during the course of the show. It feels like the show is going to pick up the pace going forward.

All and all, The Book of Boba Fett’s premier show was satisfying  if not spectacular which again feels like is coming.

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Will the Book of Boba Fett have a Luke Skywalker moment?

Seldom does a t. v. show give viewers what they really want. In the final episode of Season 2 of The Mandalorian, Disney did just that as Luke Skywalker made a cameo and filled the hearts of Star Wars fans worldwide. Today as The Book of Boba Fett has been released for streaming, I can not help but wonder if the show will have a moment like The Mandalorian?

American actor Mark Hamill on the set of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi directed by Welsh Richard Marquand. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

Star Wars is filled with beloved classic characters which is why when Luke Skywalker appeared on The Mandalorian it felt right. The old Star Wars magic was back and it was glorious. Hopefully that will continue going forward.

If The Book of Boba Fett follows suit, then the show could really go a long way in washing the bad taste left from the sequel trilogy. It then would become critical to bring the right character back.

If you remember Jabba the Hutt’s spokesmen Bib Fortuna also had a cameo in The Mandalorian but was killed by Boba Fett so he’s out of the running. There is one character who would both fit the timeline and make sense, Han Solo.

Boba Fett and Han Solo have had some interesting moments starting in A New Hope through Return of the Jedi. Not to mention the whole carbon freezing chamber, cargo hold moment in The Empire Strikes Back.

American actor Harrison Ford on the set of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back directed by Irvin Kershner. (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

If Solo is brought back (or like Luke Skywalker, his likeness) it would create more trust from fans who lost trust in Disney to create quality Star Wars material.

I am not saying this will happen, I do not know any rumors nor do I have any connection to spoilers. I just have the hope that given due to the way The Mandalorian Season 2 ended on such a high, feel good note that Disney will carry that into the Boba Fett streaming show.

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Adoption

This is an odd place to be and an even odder subject to be writing about. Adoption, it comes in different forms. Pet adoptions, person adoptions, city or stated adoptions even sports team can be adopted, the list goes on. There is a certain stigma for a person who is adopted, I mean there has to be right? A child or adults must be gossiped about behind closed doors when the cat is out of the bag as far as being adopted. Actually, I do not think so. I think the only so-called stigma is between the ears. I know, I am adopted.

For a long time I lived with a secret that really was not a secret except in my mind. I was adopted in 1975. Through an act of God, I was spared a life less desirable and given what some would call the chance of a lifetime.

I really did not know my biological family well. Perhaps I was to young or there are simply places I do not want to revisit in the recesses of my mind. As I grew I had no desire to look for biological family members. I was not part of their lives and I was good with that.

I do have a sister who is a bit of a hot mess. Part her own doing and part I firmly believe was a family curse passed down. I will refrain from details, because it is like a broken record to me and because God has called me to look forward and not back so that is where my focus is.

UNITED STATES – JULY 18: Exterior, Joseph P. Kinnerary U.S. Courthouse, Columbus, Ohio (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

I now embrace that I am adopted in ways that I never did before. Part of it is maturity and part of it is knowing who I am both in Christ and in the family I am blessed to be part of.

There is no stigma. Only joy of being part of something that has altered my beginning and transformed me into the person who God wants me to be. If you are adopted embrace it, celebrate it. If you are thinking of adopting, do it.

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It is better to give than receive

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day”- Deuteronomy 8:18

Christmas 2021 is done. Well, that is if you do not have more celebrating to do with family, friends or co-workers. I was reminded just how much fun it is to give. In fact I would rather give than receive any day.

Photo taken in Sosnowiec, Poland

I have been married for 26 years and am blessed not only with a fantastic wife but three pretty fantastic children. All three of our children are unique in their own way and all have strong opinions which can be a blessing. Our children are all deep thinkers and that truly is a good thing.

There are times over the course of 24 years (that is the age of our oldest) where I have questioned myself as a father many times over. All I can do is seek the kingdom of God first for those times.

In 26 very good, sometimes challenging, always growing years this Christmas some parental concerns were lifted during the gift giving portion of our Christmas Day celebration. Yes our children are by and largely grown now, but that does not always mean they are mature. This was a day when it all came together, to the glory of God.

Our family of five and two dogs gave gifts that were so on point that some tears of joy fell. Jesus said if you know how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in heaven give you good gifts?

To see the expressions on the faces of the people as they opened a gift was worth every blood, sweat and tear drop that went and goes into parenting and marriage.

Old dusty well-used bible on timber table with golden background

To realize that you really do love the person or people in your life and to show that you value them in a tangible way is to show Christ to them.

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shining a spotlight on a trio of players for the Detroit Lions

The record is bad, there is no question about that. For the rebuilding Detroit Lions there is some good. For instance general manager Brad Holmes first draft class has by and large performed well. Head coach Dan Campbell and his staff have done a solid job at player development. I would like to shine a spotlight on three players that can help the Lions going forward.

Rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, what a find by Brad Holmes and the Lions scouting department. St. Brown is the Detroit Lions record holder for receptions in a rookie season. Let’s look a little deeper, St. Brown is developing into a well rounded player. His blocking has lead to the comparison of Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward. One area that the Lions and St. Brown want him to focus on improving is yards after the catch. But, St. Brown is a keeper and has shown he can move the chains.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 31: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles tries to get around Tracy Walker III #21 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 31, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Next is a player that had a bad 2020, but has rebounded in a big way, safety Tracy Walker. The Lions second leading tackler  45 solo total tackles as well as 26 assists, Walker has 5 passes defensed. In just his fourth NFL season Walker is a leader. He is a player that should get a contract extension at seasons end.

Now comes a player that has really (and I mean really) come into his own.  Cornerback, Amani Oruwariye who got his sixth interception of the season last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Oruwariye currently ranks as the third best DB in the NFL. Providing the Lions secondary with a soon to be shutdown cornerback.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 19: Amani Oruwariye #24 of the Detroit Lions intercepts a pass intended for A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals during a game at Ford Field on December 19, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Three players that can be building blocks, St. Brown, Walker and Oruwariye have provided enough in their development to give hope they will be long-term solutions for a Detroit Lions team that is rebuilding and looking for playmakers.

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Draft position aside, the Detroit Lions need to build the culture

The Detroit Lions are 2-11-1 on the season. Do not let that fool you, the Lions are better than the record would indicate. For weeks the Lions seemed locked into an destined for the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. By beating the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday the Lions fell to the second pick at least for now. Here is the catch. Draft position does not matter. Really. Detroit will still pick in the first 10 draft slots and by all accounts they will get an elite player. That should not be the focus.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Perhaps you have heard the phrase that reverberates around sports franchises, “build the culture.” So what exactly is building the culture? The phrase in it’s truest meaning is an expression of team values, attitudes and goals. Building the culture put’s the team’s focus on winning, improvement and promotes team successes.

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said that is critical to the teams success by laying a solid foundation of culture building. Head coach Dan Campbell echoed the same thing. The fact that the Lions are winning games late in the season is a good thing.

This is a rebuild. Dan Campbell and his coaching staff have done a remarkable job with a roster void of a bunch of talent. The Lions have lost many close games. The fact they are starting to win some shows a few things.

Players have clearly bought into what Holmes and Campbell are trying to do. The team has fought hard and not given up even as losses mounted. The Lions are not even close to being the worst team in the NFL.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs onto the field during an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, December 19, 2021. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Another thing that has become clear, the organization does not seem to mind sliding in draft position either. Players are focused on winning games, the coaching staff is focused on getting everyone better prepared.

Fans need to look past draft picks. It is far more important to build the culture simply because that has a far reaching impact on the team moving forward.

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Staring at the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions are set to add elite talent

There is no quarterback worthy of a top 10 draft selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, let’s get that out of the way. There are however, some elite edge rushers and wide receivers which just so happens to be a serious point of need for the Detroit Lions. At 1-11-1 the Lions are set for a high draft pick if not the first over all selection.

There are two names that the Detroit Lions have been linked with in the upcoming draft. Be it the first pick or the second pick either the University of Michigan defensive standout and edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson or University of Oregon defensive standout and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux will be there for the Lions taking.

So which is the better fit? That is a trick question. They both fit the Detroit Lions area of need and are both expected to go 1-2 in the draft. In other words, flip a coin. Both Hutchinson and Thibodeaux would be tremendous draft picks and would give an improving Lions defense a building block.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) pursues a play on defense during the Big Ten Championship college football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Dec. 4, 2021 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What makes Aiden Hutchinson so attractive is his first step and hand placement. Hutchinson made the best offensive linemen in the Big Ten look silly. His game translates very well to the next level.

EUGENE, OREGON – SEPTEMBER 04: Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Duck sacks quarterback Jake Haener #9 of the Fresno State Bulldogs during the first quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won 31-24. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

What makes Kayvon Thibodeaux appealing is his sheer athleticism. Along with Hutchinson, Thibodeaux first step off the line of scrimmage is lethal.  Thibodeaux’s long strides get him in position to make a play quickly. His game also translates very well to the NFL.

One thing seems highly probable, the Detroit Lions enter the 2022 NFL Draft and leave with either Aiden Hutchison or Kayvon Thibodeaux as the franchises first round draft pick. Again, either player will not only help the rebuilding Lions, but will be an impact player the defense needs starting from day 1.

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The Michigan Wolverines have caught Ohio States in recruiting

It has been a long time coming. The Michigan Wolverines fan base has been waiting for what seems like 100 years. But, 2021 has been the year, the Wolverines finally got over the hump and soundly beat Ohio State 42-27. Not only did that change the perception Jim Harbaugh could not beat a top team, it also changed the perception of would be recruits.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 04: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Jim Harbaugh’s 2022 recruiting class has been nationally praised. The Ohio State Buckeyes had been used to getting whichever recruit they wanted. That came to a grinding halt with the Michigan win on the gridiron. Sure Ohio State had a nice recruiting class, Michigan had a better one.

This is something to keep an eye on going forward. Not only has Harbaugh and the Wolverines caught Ohio State on the field but just as importantly off of it as well. In fact Michigan flipped a four-star recruit from going to Ohio State.

The fact that Jim Harbaugh figured Ohio State out on the field is not a surprise. It was only a matter of time. Good coaches figure it out even if it takes some time. What should concern Ohio State is that the schools biggest rival has also figured out a way to keep high profile recruits from going to Columbus.

There is a clear shift taking place. Ohio State has had a long run at or near the top of the Big Ten Conference. Michigan has now caught up to the Buckeyes. One other notable observation about the Wolverines recruits is that Harbaugh focused on offensive and defensive linemen.

CANTON, OH – AUGUST 3: Former head coach Bill Parcells poses with his Hall of Fame bust during the NFL Class of 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on Aug. 3, 2013 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Sure, Michigan landed some high profile skill position players. But, Harbaugh took a page out of former NFL legendary head coach and Hall of Fame member, Bill Parcells book when he continued to build both the offensive and defensive lines.

That, if you recall that is exactly how Michigan beat Ohio State. The Michigan offensive line punished the Buckeye’s defensive front, while the defensive line was harassing the Ohio State quarterback for all four quarters.

Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan Wolverines football team have caught Ohio State on and off the field. Winning will do that for you.