Why are we hesitant to receive free expressions of love and unsolicited kindness?
My hunch...we are prideful creatures.
We live with thoughts like these: "If I cannot get for myself, why do I deserve it from another?" or "If I receive, then I will be in debt and must return some kind of gift in the future."
First of all the last thought is a self-absorbed, ego-centric idea of a "this-for-that" economy and culture. You know it well as, "you best serve yourself and your family, because no one else will."
So, when someone else does...we freak and panic. "OMG! How can I ever repay you?" We miss the point of the gift. Reception does not determine or mandate repayment.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN GENEROUS AND KIND TO ME AND MY FAMILY DURING THIS TRANSITIONAL AND DIFFICULT TIME.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Growing Up
My only son and oldest child, Jon Mark, has begun the 7th grade which means a couple of significant events have already taken place:
1) He and his sister Emma went to their first Student Gathering (a.k.a. Youth Meeting) at the church last week.
2) He has his first football practice today after school.
Why are these two important in a young man's life? They are steps, processes, you know ... movement toward manhood. The student gathering means he gets to FINALLY rub shoulders, play foosball, eat pizza, get sweaty with zany games, and learn what it means to be a dedicated follower of Christ with a bunch of older dudes and gals. The friend part is cool and not discussed (boys and their friendships just happen; they are not planned nor analyzed). The gal part of Junior High life is totally chaotic and beautiful.
When you see a number of Junior High boys & girls in one room, there is this mass bulk of energy that appears confused, charged, and messy - appearances are sometimes accurate.
The chaos is a beautiful thing because it is a necessary and natural flow of human interaction; with a push of God's-ordained drive to be attracted to that opposite being sitting across the room.
The football team is another decision he has made on his own to be involved in athletics and to not be afraid of hard contact with the opposition, in order to make a good play and help his team/school win.
I am so proud of his growth academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
1) He and his sister Emma went to their first Student Gathering (a.k.a. Youth Meeting) at the church last week.
2) He has his first football practice today after school.
Why are these two important in a young man's life? They are steps, processes, you know ... movement toward manhood. The student gathering means he gets to FINALLY rub shoulders, play foosball, eat pizza, get sweaty with zany games, and learn what it means to be a dedicated follower of Christ with a bunch of older dudes and gals. The friend part is cool and not discussed (boys and their friendships just happen; they are not planned nor analyzed). The gal part of Junior High life is totally chaotic and beautiful.
When you see a number of Junior High boys & girls in one room, there is this mass bulk of energy that appears confused, charged, and messy - appearances are sometimes accurate.
The chaos is a beautiful thing because it is a necessary and natural flow of human interaction; with a push of God's-ordained drive to be attracted to that opposite being sitting across the room.
The football team is another decision he has made on his own to be involved in athletics and to not be afraid of hard contact with the opposition, in order to make a good play and help his team/school win.
I am so proud of his growth academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Friday, August 24, 2007
All Century MLB Team (circa 1999)
This is the official Major League Baseball All-Century Team voted by the fans in 1999. I have included my own "All-Time" team in a previous post; however I will add some modern players to the list.
The All-Century Team
Pitcher:
Grover C. Alexander
Bob Gibson
Jim Palmer
Mordecai Brown
Lefty Grove
Eddie Plank
Steve Carlton
Carl Hubbell
Robin Roberts
Roger Clemens
Walter Johnson
Nolan Ryan
Dizzy Dean
Sandy Koufax
Tom Seaver
Dennis Eckersley
Greg Maddux
Warren Spahn
Bob Feller
Juan Marichal
Ed Walsh
Rollie Fingers
Christy Mathewson
Cy Young
Whitey Ford
Satchel Paige
(Randy Johnson)
Catcher:
Johnny Bench
Mickey Cochrane
Josh Gibson
Yogi Berra
Bill Dickey
Gabby Hartnett
Roy Campanella
Carlton Fisk
(Mike Piazza)
First Base:
Jimmie Foxx
Buck Leonard
Eddie Murray
Lou Gehrig
Willie McCovey
George Sisler
Hank Greenberg
Mark McGwire
Bill Terry
Harmon Killebrew
Second Base:
Rod Carew
Charlie Gehringer
Joe Morgan
Eddie Collins
Rogers Hornsby
Jackie Robinson
Frankie Frisch
Napoleon Lajoie
(Ryne Sandberg)
Shortstop:
Luis Aparicio
Joe Cronin
Honus Wagner
Luke Appling
Cal Ripken Jr.
Robin Yount
Ernie Banks
Ozzie Smith
(Derek Jeter)
(Barry Larkin)
(Nomar Garciaparra)
(Miguel Tejada)
Third Base:
George Brett
Paul Molitor
Mike Schmidt
Eddie Matthews
Brooks Robinson
Pie Traynor
(Alex Rodriguez)
(Chipper Jones)
(Wade Boggs)
Outfield:
Hank Aaron
Rickey Henderson
Frank Robinson
Cool Papa Bell
Joe Jackson
Pete Rose
Barry Bonds
Reggie Jackson
Babe Ruth
Lou Brock
Al Kaline
Al Simmons
Oscar Charleston
Willie Keeler
Duke Snider
Roberto Clemente
Ralph Kiner
Tris Speaker
Ty Cobb
Mickey Mantle
Willie Stargell
Joe DiMaggio
Willie Mays
Paul Waner
Goose Goslin
Joe Medwick
Billy Williams
Ken Griffey Jr.
Stan Musial
Ted Williams
Tony Gwynn
Mel Ott
Carl Yastrzemski
Harry Heilmann
(Manny Ramirez)
(Ichiro Suzuki)
(Kirby Puckett)
(Dale Murphy)
(Larry Walker)
(Vlad Guerrero)
(Sammy Sosa)
(Gary Sheffield)
(Andruw Jones)
(Jim Rice)
The All-Century Team
Pitcher:
Grover C. Alexander
Bob Gibson
Jim Palmer
Mordecai Brown
Lefty Grove
Eddie Plank
Steve Carlton
Carl Hubbell
Robin Roberts
Roger Clemens
Walter Johnson
Nolan Ryan
Dizzy Dean
Sandy Koufax
Tom Seaver
Dennis Eckersley
Greg Maddux
Warren Spahn
Bob Feller
Juan Marichal
Ed Walsh
Rollie Fingers
Christy Mathewson
Cy Young
Whitey Ford
Satchel Paige
(Randy Johnson)
(Pedro Martinez)
(Tom Glavine)
(Mariano Rivera)
(Curt Shilling)
(John Smoltz)
(Trevor Hoffman)
(Mike Mussina)
(Billy Wagner)
Catcher:
Johnny Bench
Mickey Cochrane
Josh Gibson
Yogi Berra
Bill Dickey
Gabby Hartnett
Roy Campanella
Carlton Fisk
(Mike Piazza)
(Ivan Rodriguez)
First Base:
Jimmie Foxx
Buck Leonard
Eddie Murray
Lou Gehrig
Willie McCovey
George Sisler
Hank Greenberg
Mark McGwire
Bill Terry
Harmon Killebrew
(Frank Thomas)
(Jeff Bagwell)
(Albert Pujols)
(Todd Helton)
(Fred McGriff)
Second Base:
Rod Carew
Charlie Gehringer
Joe Morgan
Eddie Collins
Rogers Hornsby
Jackie Robinson
Frankie Frisch
Napoleon Lajoie
(Ryne Sandberg)
(Craig Biggio)
(Roberto Alomar)
(Jeff Kent)
Shortstop:
Luis Aparicio
Joe Cronin
Honus Wagner
Luke Appling
Cal Ripken Jr.
Robin Yount
Ernie Banks
Ozzie Smith
(Derek Jeter)
(Barry Larkin)
(Nomar Garciaparra)
(Miguel Tejada)
Third Base:
George Brett
Paul Molitor
Mike Schmidt
Eddie Matthews
Brooks Robinson
Pie Traynor
(Alex Rodriguez)
(Chipper Jones)
(Wade Boggs)
Outfield:
Hank Aaron
Rickey Henderson
Frank Robinson
Cool Papa Bell
Joe Jackson
Pete Rose
Barry Bonds
Reggie Jackson
Babe Ruth
Lou Brock
Al Kaline
Al Simmons
Oscar Charleston
Willie Keeler
Duke Snider
Roberto Clemente
Ralph Kiner
Tris Speaker
Ty Cobb
Mickey Mantle
Willie Stargell
Joe DiMaggio
Willie Mays
Paul Waner
Goose Goslin
Joe Medwick
Billy Williams
Ken Griffey Jr.
Stan Musial
Ted Williams
Tony Gwynn
Mel Ott
Carl Yastrzemski
Harry Heilmann
(Manny Ramirez)
(Ichiro Suzuki)
(Kirby Puckett)
(Dale Murphy)
(Larry Walker)
(Vlad Guerrero)
(Sammy Sosa)
(Gary Sheffield)
(Andruw Jones)
(Jim Rice)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
"VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR..."
The music video mention in the title was the first one aired by MTV and music television, along with our culture was changed.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
In 1977 -
My dad was the last one to the table as we waited patiently. When he passed by my mom's seat, he tossed two objects down on her yet-to-be-filled plate. As all three of us kids looked and inquired about these strange two things that brought my mom such joy...whaalaa - tickets to see Elvis! 
Tragically, he died within a few weeks of this surprise. My buddy Anthony Norton threw his skateboard in the air and it struck a telephone pole and broke a wheel. The death of Elvis caused much pain in our neighborhood and in my home.
Today that happened 30 years ago.Thursday, August 09, 2007
A Date In History -
August 8, 1863 : General Robert E. Lee Offers Resignation
In the aftermath of his defeat at Gettysburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. As the press began to openly speculate about Lee's leadership, the great general reflected on the campaign at his headquarters in Orange Courthouse, Virginia.
The modest Lee took the failure at Gettysburg very personally. In his letter to Davis, he wrote, "I have been prompted by these reflections more than once since my return from Pennsylvania to propose to Your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army.... No one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire.... I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measure to supply my place."
Lee not only seriously questioned his ability to lead his army, he was also experiencing significant physical fatigue. He might also have sensed that Gettysburg was his last chance to win the war. Regardless, President Davis refused the request. He wrote, "To ask me to substitute you by someone ... more fit to command, or who would possess more of the confidence of the army ... is to demand an impossibility."
August 8, 1974 : President Richard M. Nixon Resigns
On this day in 1974, President Richard M. Nixon resigns in the wake of the Watergate burglary scandal. He was the first president in American history to resign. In a televised address, Nixon, flanked by his family, announced to the American public that he would step down rather than endure a Senate impeachment trial for obstruction of justice.
Since 1972, Nixon had battled increasing vociferous allegations that he knew of, and may have authorized, a botched burglary in which several men were arrested for attempting to bug the offices of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. Between 1972 and 1974, the press, and later a Senate investigation committee, revealed disturbing details that revealed that Nixon had indeed attempted to cover up the crime committed by key members of his administration and re-election committee. The most damning evidence came from subpoenaed tape recordings of Nixon’s White House conversations. Nixon fought the release of the tapes, which led the House of Representatives in 1973 to initiate impeachment charges against the president for obstruction of justice.
During the televised address, Nixon stated that he had never been a "quitter" and that choosing to resign went against his instincts. He refused to confess to committing the alleged high crimes and misdemeanors of which he was accused. He claimed his decision was encouraged by his political base and was in the best interests of the country and said that he hoped it would heal the political and social division caused by the Watergate scandal.
A report by the Washington Post on August 9 revealed the drama that had unfolded in the White House cabinet room an hour before Nixon’s resignation speech. After saying goodbye to 46 members of Congress, including his staunchest supporters, the president told them that the "country could not operate with a half-time President," broke into tears and left the room.
August 8, 2006 : I Agreed To Resign From Parkgate Community Church
Okay, so I am still sorting through this whole "resigning" from being a pastor. It has been a whole year since that discussion took place in the pastor's office @ 8:30 in the morning. I really thought then that by now, I would have been appointed to another place to serve and love.
Still waiting...we are back worshipping at Parkgate after 5 months of worshipping mostly at Sagemonth church. The kids are very pleased and more settled since we are back, but I am not 100% sure as to why we are there and not "in ministry" somewhere else.
August 8...will return many more times with many more resignations. Hopefully, my name will never again be attached to history like this again. God rules.
In the aftermath of his defeat at Gettysburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. As the press began to openly speculate about Lee's leadership, the great general reflected on the campaign at his headquarters in Orange Courthouse, Virginia.
The modest Lee took the failure at Gettysburg very personally. In his letter to Davis, he wrote, "I have been prompted by these reflections more than once since my return from Pennsylvania to propose to Your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army.... No one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire.... I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measure to supply my place."
Lee not only seriously questioned his ability to lead his army, he was also experiencing significant physical fatigue. He might also have sensed that Gettysburg was his last chance to win the war. Regardless, President Davis refused the request. He wrote, "To ask me to substitute you by someone ... more fit to command, or who would possess more of the confidence of the army ... is to demand an impossibility."
August 8, 1974 : President Richard M. Nixon Resigns
On this day in 1974, President Richard M. Nixon resigns in the wake of the Watergate burglary scandal. He was the first president in American history to resign. In a televised address, Nixon, flanked by his family, announced to the American public that he would step down rather than endure a Senate impeachment trial for obstruction of justice.
Since 1972, Nixon had battled increasing vociferous allegations that he knew of, and may have authorized, a botched burglary in which several men were arrested for attempting to bug the offices of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. Between 1972 and 1974, the press, and later a Senate investigation committee, revealed disturbing details that revealed that Nixon had indeed attempted to cover up the crime committed by key members of his administration and re-election committee. The most damning evidence came from subpoenaed tape recordings of Nixon’s White House conversations. Nixon fought the release of the tapes, which led the House of Representatives in 1973 to initiate impeachment charges against the president for obstruction of justice.
During the televised address, Nixon stated that he had never been a "quitter" and that choosing to resign went against his instincts. He refused to confess to committing the alleged high crimes and misdemeanors of which he was accused. He claimed his decision was encouraged by his political base and was in the best interests of the country and said that he hoped it would heal the political and social division caused by the Watergate scandal.
A report by the Washington Post on August 9 revealed the drama that had unfolded in the White House cabinet room an hour before Nixon’s resignation speech. After saying goodbye to 46 members of Congress, including his staunchest supporters, the president told them that the "country could not operate with a half-time President," broke into tears and left the room.
August 8, 2006 : I Agreed To Resign From Parkgate Community Church
Okay, so I am still sorting through this whole "resigning" from being a pastor. It has been a whole year since that discussion took place in the pastor's office @ 8:30 in the morning. I really thought then that by now, I would have been appointed to another place to serve and love.
Still waiting...we are back worshipping at Parkgate after 5 months of worshipping mostly at Sagemonth church. The kids are very pleased and more settled since we are back, but I am not 100% sure as to why we are there and not "in ministry" somewhere else.
August 8...will return many more times with many more resignations. Hopefully, my name will never again be attached to history like this again. God rules.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Greatest Softball Teammates
P - Wade Calvert (Georgetown, KY)
C - Bob Feeback a.k.a. Dad - who still gets it done (Winchester, KY)
1B - P.D. McNabb (Cynthiana, KY) a former 3B converted to 1B after major knee surgery
2B - Nathan Bentley (Greenup, Lexington, Harrodsburg, Outer Banks) - tremendous athlete who can play anywhere.
3B - (tie) Donnie Draper & Alan Ware - (Lexington & Winchester, KY). Both have outstanding fielding skills. Alan is a HR hitter and Donnie is 2B hitter. Take your pick, you can't lose.
SS - Robbie Feeback (my brother is solid up the middle) - Winchester, KY
LF - Rob Quam (great guy, great player) - Lake Wales, FL
LC - Bill Hoffman of Georgetown, KY. He earns a starting nod because of his reckless and boundless energy. Not to mention...he is extremely funny and great in the dugout.
RC - Chris Seals (Wilmore, KY) - great dude, really good outfielder
RF - Biz Gainey (Apopka, FL). One of my closest friends in college and beyond. Loves to throw out runners trying to stretch a double.
EH - Mike Stout. My Little League Assistant Coach and friend gets to hit without playing the field!
Bench: Kris Stevens (Georgetown dude can fly); Aaron McHone (San Antonio dude that can fly); Luke Bentley (Greenup, Lexington, Wilmore, California, etc) - he plays a mean outfield and is downright hilarious to have on a team; and Van Joyner - (Lake Wales, FL). Van is extremely athletic for a guy around 50.
Head Coach: Oney Vanlandingham (Georgetown, KY)
Assistant Coach: Billy Fain (Georgetown, KY)
Okay, so I left off a lot of buddies, friends, great players, and others...One can never make a definitive list and include everyone. This team has a great mixture of talent and character, not to mention some real comical people!
C - Bob Feeback a.k.a. Dad - who still gets it done (Winchester, KY)
1B - P.D. McNabb (Cynthiana, KY) a former 3B converted to 1B after major knee surgery
2B - Nathan Bentley (Greenup, Lexington, Harrodsburg, Outer Banks) - tremendous athlete who can play anywhere.
3B - (tie) Donnie Draper & Alan Ware - (Lexington & Winchester, KY). Both have outstanding fielding skills. Alan is a HR hitter and Donnie is 2B hitter. Take your pick, you can't lose.
SS - Robbie Feeback (my brother is solid up the middle) - Winchester, KY
LF - Rob Quam (great guy, great player) - Lake Wales, FL
LC - Bill Hoffman of Georgetown, KY. He earns a starting nod because of his reckless and boundless energy. Not to mention...he is extremely funny and great in the dugout.
RC - Chris Seals (Wilmore, KY) - great dude, really good outfielder
RF - Biz Gainey (Apopka, FL). One of my closest friends in college and beyond. Loves to throw out runners trying to stretch a double.
EH - Mike Stout. My Little League Assistant Coach and friend gets to hit without playing the field!
Bench: Kris Stevens (Georgetown dude can fly); Aaron McHone (San Antonio dude that can fly); Luke Bentley (Greenup, Lexington, Wilmore, California, etc) - he plays a mean outfield and is downright hilarious to have on a team; and Van Joyner - (Lake Wales, FL). Van is extremely athletic for a guy around 50.
Head Coach: Oney Vanlandingham (Georgetown, KY)
Assistant Coach: Billy Fain (Georgetown, KY)
Okay, so I left off a lot of buddies, friends, great players, and others...One can never make a definitive list and include everyone. This team has a great mixture of talent and character, not to mention some real comical people!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
All Time Rankings...
For whatever reason my skewed brain believes and acts upon, I enjoy making lists of the best of things. Subjects range from Favorite Movies, Songs, Books, & even my favorite years!
My leadoff category is Best Baseball Team Ever & Batting Lineup (historical and current):
I also have included bench players following each position, which makes a very large roster.
My leadoff category is Best Baseball Team Ever & Batting Lineup (historical and current):
I also have included bench players following each position, which makes a very large roster.
2B
1. ROGERS HORNSBY
1. ROGERS HORNSBY
1b JOE MORGAN
1c EDDIE COLLINS
1d JACKIE ROBINSON
1e ROD CAREW
CF
2. WILLIE MAYS
2. WILLIE MAYS
2a TY COBB
2b MICKEY MANTLE
2c TRIS SPEAKER
2d JOE DIMAGGIO
2e KEN GRIFFEY JR
2f DUKE SNIDER
LF
3. TED WILLIAMS
3. TED WILLIAMS
3a BARRY BONDS
3b STAN MUSIAL
3c JOE JACKSON
3d RICKEY HENDERSON
3e MANNY RAMIREZ
RF
4. BABE RUTH
4. BABE RUTH
4a HANK AARON
4b FRANK ROBINSON
4c ROBERTO CLEMENTE
4d AL KALINE
4e BOOG POWELL
1B
5. LOU GEHRIG
5. LOU GEHRIG
5a JIMMIE FOXX
5b HANK GREENBERG
5c WILLIE MCCOVEY
5d FRANK THOMAS
5e MARK MCGWIRE
3B
6. MIKE SCHMIDT
6. MIKE SCHMIDT
6a ALEX RODRIGUEZ
6b GEORGE BRETT
6c EDDIE MATTHEWS
6d PAUL MOLITOR
6e PIE TRAYNOR & FRANK BAKER (TIED)
C
7. JOHNNY BENCH
7. JOHNNY BENCH
7a YOGI BERRA
7b MICKEY COCHRANE
7c ROY CAMPANELLA
7d IVAN RODRIGUEZ
7e MIKE PIAZZA
SS
8. HONUS WAGNER
8. HONUS WAGNER
8a JOE CRONIN
8b CAL RIPKEN JR
8c ROBIN YOUNT
8d BARRY LARKIN
8e ERNIE BANKS
8f DEREK JETER
8g OZZIE SMITH
P
9. WALTER JOHNSON
9. WALTER JOHNSON
9a CHRISTY MATTHEWSON
9b LEFTY GROVE
9c TOM SEAVER
9d ROGER CLEMENS
9e SANDY KOUFAX
9f BOB GIBSON
9g GREG MADDUX
9h NOLAN RYAN
Of course with any baseball list, many have been left off worth mentioning and ranking.
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