Sometimes It’s More Than A Game

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What a great first weekend of college football. The Buckeyes looked like they might be better than last years team. You know, the team that had a record number of NFL draft picks.  It is early. We will see how how the rest of the season goes.
It was great to see the upsets. Houston beating Oklahoma. Texas A&M beating UCLA in overtime. Wisconsin beating LSU. Clemson almost losing to Auburn. Tennessee almost losing to Appalachian State. South Alabama beating Mississippi State. Western Michigan upsetting Northwestern. Richmond upsetting Virginia.

Texas upset Notre Dame on Sunday night. Texas was my first choice of schools to go to but out of state tuition was/is too expensive so I became a Buckeye instead.

Most of the SEC struggling to win or lost. Seven SEC teams losing in week 1.

Alabama  losing. Oh yeah, that was just a dream. They looked unbeatable , but they said that two years ago also.

All these great games, close games, upsets, etc…..

But sometimes it’s more than a game.

James Conner, star running back for Pittsburgh, coming back from Hodgkins Lymphona cancer.  He broke Tony Dorsett’s records that had stood for 38 years. He was invincible…until he wasn’t. He played in the first game in 2015 then was out the rest of the year battling for his life. You can read his story in his own words here :  http://www.theplayerstribune.com/james-conner-pittsburgh-college-football-cancer/

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photo credit : James Conner

Travis Rudolph, Florida State wide receiver,  was visiting a school and saw a boy eating alone. He sat down and joined him for lunch. The boy, Bo Paske, has autism and often eats lunch by himself. Travis says he didn’t think it was that big of a deal. We are all the same and one man can make a difference. You can read the full article here: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/us/photo-of-fsu-football-star-sitting-with-boy-eating-alone-at-florida-school-charms-internet.htmlnyskyz.com.

photo credit : Michael Halligan, Associated Press.

 

Sarah Hill, the wife of Weber State’s head coach Jay.  She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Weber State football players, coaches, family and friends shaved their heads in support.  At the end of each practice they chant How strong are we? Strong like Sara. You can read the story here : http://www.sltrib.com/sports/4275503-155/weber-state-football-wildcats-rally-around

(Leah Hogsten  |  The Salt Lake Tribune)  Sara Hill hugs her daughter Allie, 5, after she and her husband, Weber State football coach Jay Hill, talked about her battle with Hodgkins lymphoma and how the Wildcat family has rallied around her and her husband at Stewart Stadium, Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Weber State football players, coaches and family and friends shaved their heads in support of her chemotherapy treatments.
photo credit Leah Hogsten , Salt Lake Tribune

 

The one that really brought a tear to my eye is Nebraska. On July 23rd, they lost their senior punter Sam Foltz in a car accident. Michigan State punter Mike Sadler also passed away in the accident. On Nebraska’s first punt of the game they only sent out 10 players, the punter didn’t go out. They took a delay of game which the opposing team, Fresno State, respectfully declined. Tell me you don’t get goose bumps watching this video. http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2016-09-03/nebraska-football-honors-sam-foltz-lines-10-men-first-punt?cid=ncaafbsocial_fb_sf35087046

 

Lions by Skillet – 

Cheer You On by Jordan Feliz – 

We March On by Hillary Scott and The Scott Family – 

Beyond Me by TobyMac – 

It’s Alright by Stephen Marley – 

Artists Stand Up To Cancer – 

 

 

This Darkness

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I wrote this several years ago when I was trying to turn the words into a song. That hasn’t worked out, maybe because I’m not as good  a song writer as John Cooper and Skillet.  The first two songs after the post reflect that. Some day I will get there. Just have to keep writing.

 

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This Darkness

 

Even when I’m in this darkness

I feel your hand reaching out

When every night the skies are starless

You whisper and it sounds like a shout

 

I fall deeper and deeper in

I run from You, run from my shame

I sin, I sin, I sin, I sin again

I don’t understand how You still call my name

 

This darkness is overwhelming

Your voice is like a rope

This darkness is all consuming

Your word is my hope

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Why can’t I get out of this mess?

Why do I run from Your love?

When I am struggling to find rest

I hear You say lift your eyes  above

 

Everytime I feel your warmth shine

I run, I run, I run to the cold rain

Everytime You say give me all I says it’s mine

And I fall, I fall, it’s always the same

 

This darkness is overwhelming

Your voice is like a rope

This darkness is all consuming

Your word is my hope

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As I struggle to comprehend

As I struggle to understand

I hear you say this isn’t the end

and then I reach for your hand

 

This darkness is overwhelming

Your voice is like a rope

This darkness is all consuming

Your word is my hope

I reach for your hand

When I am consumed by all my problems

When I have hit rock bottom

When I can’t see through the darkness

I hear You say you love me regardless

I reach for your hand

 

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I Want To Live by Skillet – 

Out Of Hell by Skillet – 

I Will Rise Again by Jason Gray – 

In This Darkness by Ginny Owens – 

Rise by  Colton Dixon – 

Rise by Sixx AM – 

Face Everything And Rise by Papa Roach – 

In The Darkness by Dustin Kensrue – 

March Out Of The Darkness by Papa Roach – 

New, Forgotten, Unknown 9/2/16 New Music Friday

Four new musician followers this week.  Take a listen, find some new music to listen to.  Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote the lyrics to,  Lily Messer is the voice and Ceylon Wise is the producer. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

What I Am by Lara Landon – 

This Love by Joseph Cannavo –  

Awake by  A Foreign Affair –  

Lucky Star by Stan Silver – 

 

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers I have listened to recently.  Pick out a few you haven’t heard and take a listen.

Bad Day by Group 1 Crew –  

Bounty On My Head by Grizfolk – 

Heart Gone Cold by Foghat – 

Rebound by Drew Balbridge –    

Can’t You Hear Him Calling by Candi Staton –  

Couldn’t Believe by Broods –   

Leave Them All Behind by Billy Talent –  

Go Big Or Go Home by American Authors – 

How Much Longer by Half  Mile Home –  

Better by Hezekiah Walker – 

Love Remains by Hillary Scott and the Scott Family – 

God by House Of Heroes – 

Drive It Like You Stole It by Hudson Thames – 

Good Company by Jake Owen –  

Pick Up Lines by Justin Moore – 

Stars by Kat Deluna – 

Son Was Lifted Up by Leeland – 

If I Didn’t Know You by Nick Fradiani – 

Be Enough by Nonpoint – 

Interstate by Randy Rogers-  

Breakdown by Rebelution – 

Write It On The Wall by Royce Lovett – 

Anthony by Run River North –  

Catch Me When I Fall by Stitched Up Heart –  

The Day That I Found God by Switchfoot – 

Blood On My Hands by Through Fire – 

Come Holy Spirit by Vertical Church Band – 

Don’t Ask My Neighbors by Will Downing –  

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer – 

On Itunes :  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

Difference In A Year/ Emerald City Half Marathon 

Photo by CapCity Sports Media www.capcitysportsmedia.com
Photo by CapCity Sports Media http://www.capcitysportsmedia.com

 

Here is a recap of last years training and race.  The Ups and Downs of Training a 9/10 Year Old- and my spiritual life
Needless to say it was a struggle. I am proud to say I grew up. Last year it was all about pushing Kylie and Brinley, mainly Kylie. You have to get the miles in or you won’t finish. You have to do this or you have to do that and getting push back from Kylie.

This year was different. This year it was let’s get what you can in , do what you can and see what happens. Kylie was sick for a week and half and then a week after she recovered Brinley was sick for a week.    Throw in the heat and humidity on top of that and there wasn’t much training going on.  I really don’t think they even ran ten times in six weeks.  They did do a five miler on the treadmill but the outdoor runs were always less miles than they were supposed to be because of the heat.

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Was I ever surprised on race day. Even though it was hot they both set personal records. No, let me change that.  They smashed their time from last year. Last year they finished in 1:17:22 (11:49 per mile pace).     This year Kylie finished 1:09:48 (10:40 per mile pace).  She took almost 8 minutes off last year, 1:09 minute per mile faster.  Brinley finished in 1:12:18 (11:03 per mile pace).  She took almost 5 minutes off last years time.

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Was it the music or the determination to PR?

Kylie was strong the entire race. She surprised me at the water stations.  I thought she would stop and walk but no, she stopped, drank, and was off. Maybe it was the music. This is the first race Kylie ran with music. Brinley started to struggle around mile four.

I ran ahead with Kylie because there was no stopping her and then I would run back and check on Brinley. Then go back up to Kylie and so forth. The last time I checked on Brinley a couple moms had taken her under her wing and said we got her, run with the other one. I love the running community.

Photo by CapCity Sports Media www.capcitysportsmedia.com
Photo by CapCity Sports Media http://www.capcitysportsmedia.com

After Kylie’s second mile she was faster each mile after that.   That was even after taking a short walk break around four and half because her toenails were hurting. She even took another small walk break around five and half just to catch her breath from the heat. Those were her two fastest miles, beside mile one.

Photo by CapCity Sports Media www.capcitysportsmedia.com
Photo by CapCity Sports Media http://www.capcitysportsmedia.com
Photo by CapCity Sports Media www.capcitysportsmedia.com
Photo by CapCity Sports Media http://www.capcitysportsmedia.com

Anyway , I am so proud of both of them. Just goes to show you everyone trains differently. Some need pushed, some will just do their thing.

By the way, Kim had another strong run. She did awesome in the heat also.  She finished in 1:42:04. 

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Then afterwards they celebrated at our church.  Our church had youth small group kick off that night so they had lots of fun.  Very busy day and they were wiped out when we got home.  Their legs were sore the next day.

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Go Big Or Go Home by American Authors – 

Rock On by Tucker Beathard – one of Ky’s favorites right now  

Say Something by Royce Lovett – 

Play It Again by Luke Bryan – Can’t talk about Kylie without Luke  

At The Corner Of Unicorn Lane

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At the corner of Unicorn Lane

Right before you get to Leprechaun Street

There lives a…. I don’t want to tell you it’s name

It’s not something most would want to meet

Some say it’s small, like an elf, fairy or pixie

Some say it’s big, like a Sasquatch, an ogre, or a Nephilim

I have seen it and to talk about it is quite risky

What I will say  is that it doesn’t look like any of them

 

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Some say it’s a hybrid, like a griffin, a Minotaur or a mermaid

Others say it’s a shapeshifter, a werewolf, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I have seen it and trust me, don’t get in its way

The last person that did has disappeared, perhaps has died

I’ve heard some says it’s a Kirin or a dragon

I’ve heard some say it’s a Chupacabra or a vampire

I have seen it and it’s worse than you can imagine

I can understand that  you might think I’m a liar

Let me continue please

I’m not an expert but it’s important what I have to say

Trust me, it’s for your safety

For it doesn’t matter if it’s night or day

Image result for Friedrich Nietzsche monsters

Some say it is a hideous creature

Others say it looks just like you and me

Some say it has the scariest features

It’s always different for those  unfortunate enough to see

So when you go down Leprechaun Street

And you get to the corner of Unicorn Lane

Please keep walking, I beg you to move your feet

Especially on a cold dark night when it starts to rain

Enough already! You exclaim. Just tell me does it really exist?

I hesitate, not sure if you can handle the truth

Please stop asking ! I can’t say! Oh, why do you insist?

Are you ready? Are you sure? It… it’s…. aahhhh it’s YOU!

 

 

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Monster by Skillet – 

The Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace – 

Dark Side Of Me by Coheed and Cambria – 

Darker Side Of Me by Veer Union – 

Jekyll and Hyde by Jonathan Thulin – 

Monster by Stitched Up Heart – 

The Monster Is Loose by Meat Loaf – 

Monster You Made by Pop Evil – 

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/expert/”>Expert</a&gt;

 

New, Forgotten, Unknown 8/26/16 New Music Friday

Five new musician followers this week.  Take a listen, find some new music to listen to.  Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote the lyrics to,  Lily Messer is the voice and Ceylon Wise is the producer. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

Heaven Open by Colin Baker –  

Believe by Arra – 

Bottle Rockets by  Cali Rodi (Rick Barker Music) –  

Every Road Leads Back To You by Christiana D’ Amore –  

Motherless Land by Virgin Marys (official VMS fans) –  

 

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers I have listened to recently.  Pick out a few you haven’t heard and take a listen.

What We Live For by American Authors –  

Afraid Of Heights by Billy Talent –  

All Of Your Glory  by Broods – 

You Got The Love by Candi Staton –  

Don’t Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers –  

Doesn’t Make It Right by Dirty Heads –  

Dance With Ya by Drew Balbridge –  

Come Friday by Eliot Sumner –  

Upside Of Lonely by Foghat –  

Old Friend Of Mine by The Grascals – 

Best Is Yet To Come by Group 1 Crew –  

Seperate Lives  by Haleos –  

I Can See You Trying by Half Mile Home –  

Beautiful Messes by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family  –  

Colors Run by House of Heroes – 

Famous by Skillet – 

American Country Love Song by Jake Owen –  

Somebody Else Will by Justin Moore –  

Close My Eyes by Kat Deluna – 

Carry It All Away by Leeland –  

Remember Me by The Little Roy and  Lizzy Show  – 

Divide.Conquer Them by Nonpoint – 

West Texas Rain  Wade Bowen –  

Can’t Come Down by Run River North – 

Up by The Score –  

Breathe by Through Fire –  

 

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer – 

On Itunes :  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

That Was A Crazy Three Weeks

In case you were wondering, I am still around.  I have about a hundred drafts of things that have popped in my head the last three weeks but life has been crazy.

First off, there is the person that works with me that we have to fill in for the other when one of us goes on vacation. She decided to give one week notice that she wanted vacation two weeks ago. Normally that wouldn’t be a big deal but the problem was it was Kylie’s last full week of summer break.

Therefore, the things we were going to do over the last two weeks of summer were pushed into trying to get done in one week. We hit three different pools and did our annual trip to Zoombezi Bay and Columbus Zoo.  We used to do season passes but the thirty minute drive gets old after say two times.

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Then I had to fill in at work for eleven straight days. Always a good time. Especially when there is a full moon all eleven days. At least it seemed like it. I was fried after that.

Of course the Olympics started that week also so I was staying up a little later. More on that in a few.

Then I was off and it was Kylie’s last two days before school started so I didn’t write at all last week. Did you miss me? Not only that I didn’t read much of other people’s writings. And of course we were still watching the Olympics.

How amazing was the United States?  Several times I teared  up in the emotions of the moment. So many medals won in events we hadn’t had much success in.  Women’s wrestling where Helen Maroulis won by beating the heavily favored Japanese woman. I saw her interview where she said she started to believe in herself when she understood that no matter what happens it doesn’t change who she is in Christ.

Since I am a distant runner it was awesome to see seven medals won by the United States in those events. I believe that was either the most ever or a tie for the most ever in middle to long distance running.

Today was the first day I’ve had by myself since school ended. It was weird. I missed having Kylie around. But it was also nice to get things caught up.

I even ran outside for the first time all summer. Eight miles in my new shoes. I felt really comfortable. I love my Brooks Pure Connect shoes. I ran in them for three years, three of my best years running. They quit selling them in stores two years ago and I tried other Brooks and even went back to Nike but it wasn’t the same. That is probably why I have had one injury after another for the last two years.  So I went online to brooks.com and found pure connect and ordered a pair. No problem on my run. I might have to order a spare pair, or three just to have around.

Then yesterday we went back home to spend time with my mom. Yesterday was the three year anniversary of my dad passing. It was good to see my brother and his family and my mom.  Lots of memories.

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That’s about it. Oh, I am looking into trying to get some of my short stories published for children’s books. I have started the process so let’s see how it goes. With that being said I probably won’t be posting any short stories, like Rodney The Raccoon or The Snowflake, until I find out if I make it or not.  I will still do poems and writing in general though. Say some prayers for me.

Have a great rest of the day.

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Crazy In A Good Way by Veridia –  

People Are Crazy by Billy Currington – 

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne –  

Beautiful Life by 7eventh Time Down – 

I Drive Your Truck by Lee Brice – 

Drink A Beer by Luke Bryan – 

You Should Be Here by Cole Swindell – 

 

New, Forgotten, Unknown 8/19/16 New Music Friday

Two new musician followers this week.  Take a listen, find some new music to listen to.  Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote the lyrics to,  Lily Messer is the voice and Ceylon Wise is the producer. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

Rebellion by Karina Hanssen –  

Enter Sandman by Tony Coppin (Temallica)(Metallica cover) – 

 

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers I have listened to recently.  Pick out a few you haven’t heard and take a listen.

The Void by Andy Black – 

Twice by Catfish and The Bottlemen – 

Old Man’s Symphony by David Nail –  

Weight Of The World by Jon Bellion – 

Something To Live For by Livre – 

Testify by NeedToBreathe – 

What I See, Your Day by Nik Day –   no videos but this is really good cd

Home by Rachael Sage – 

Well, I’m Sorry by Real Friends – 

I’ve Seen Enough To Know by Royal Southern Brotherhood –  

Second Guesses by Saosin –  

Take Another Turn by Sarah Jarosz –  

Moon Tension by Scorpion Child –  

My Own Worst Enemy  by Steven Tyler – 

When The Light Shines Through by Switchfoot –   

My Offering by Union Of Sinners and Saints – 

Upside Down by Valley Creek Kids – 

Give Me Something To Remember by 3Oh!3 – 

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer – 

On Itunes :  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

New, Forgotten, Unknown 8/12/16 New Music Friday

Six new musician followers this week.  Take a listen, find some new music to listen to.  Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote the lyrics to,  Lily Messer is the voice and Ceylon Wise is the producer. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

Reason by Alex Di Leo – 

Misfit by High Dive Heart – 

Take A Chance With You by Benza Maman – 

Wasted Away by David R. Guitard –  

Save ME by David Roberts (Ravencroft Band) – 

Proverbs 7 by See The Rise –  

 

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers I have listened to recently.  Pick out a few you haven’t heard and take a listen.

We Don’t Have To Dance by Andy Black – 

Purpose Filled Life  by Bear Hands –  

San Diego by Blink 182 –  

Redemption by The Boxer Rebellion –   

7 by Catfish and the Bottlemen –   

Punchline by Chevelle –  

Night’s On Fire by David Nail –  

Pray For The World by Deon Kipping – 

Once In A Lifetime by Flo-Rida –  

Perspectives by Hands Like Houses –  

Made To Last by Issues –   

Prayer by James Mcartney –  

Maybe IDK by Jon Bellion –  

No Good by Kaleo –  

We Believe by Keith and Kristyn Getty – 

Look At Yourself Again by Latice Crawford – 

Perception by Livre – 

No Regrets by Magic –  

Let’s Stay Home Tonight by NeedToBreathe –   

Miracle by Nik Day – 

Scared To Be Alone, Mess by Real Friends –   

Red, White and You by Steven Tyler –  

Live It Well by Switchfoot – 

Independence Day  by Union Of Sinners and Saints –  

Moth To A Flame by Virginmarys – 

Walls Came Down by William Murphy – 

Hurting by Mountain Heart –  

 

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer – 

On Itunes :  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

For The Memories

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For my mom. I know you will cry, especially being so close to dad’s going to Heaven three year celebration.  I am always thinking of you, praying for you, and loving you. Even though I don’t call home enough.

For The Memories

I booked that old hotel we always stayed at on the beach

The one you loved so much, the waves were within our reach

I made reservations at the restaurant you like

I took a walk on that trail you loved to hike

I bought that old movie you raved about

I know you love me, that’s no doubt

I bought two tickets to the baseball game

I had to laugh when it was cancelled because of rain

I got two scoops of ice cream, one for you, one for me

I changed the paint in the bedroom from blue to green

I got out that old rusty bike and took it for a spin

I was excited when we first got them way back when

I got out the boys old ball gloves

I think baseball was their first love

I dusted off all the old trophies they had won

Even though I knew the tears would come

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I even got out a few of those old records

The scratches and hisses, the old covers made of cardboard

I got out the old photo albums

I remember  you were so handsome

I heard our granddaughter playing your old drums

I had to smile as she played to the words she would  hum

It’s all the small things I seem to miss

As I sit here and silently reminisce

All the things that were little all are now  grown

All the things we did together I now  do alone

For the memories,  filled with so much emotion

I reach for your hand and take a step into the ocean

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Remember When by Alan Jackson – 

In Loving Memory by Alter Bridge – 

Memories Don’t by Emily Shackelton – 

Remembering You by Steven Curtis Chapman – 

New Favorite Memory by Brad Paisley –  

Slow Dancing With A Memory by Darryl Worley – 

Nothing Holds A Memory (Like A Song) by Jason Cassidy – 

The Song Remembers When by Trisha Yearwood – 

More Than A Memory by Garth Brooks (performed by Lee Brice) – 

The Memory Will Never Die by Default – 

Memories and Moments by Tim O Brien & Darrell Scott –