10 Questions I have this Summer- Pt. 2

As the summer has moved on, more questions have come to my mind about activities nationally and personally this summer. If you know the answers to any of these questions feel free to call or email me and let me know the answer. As mentioned in part 1, some of the answers can only be answered by the good Lord above!

11. Will the Hurricane season pick up again or will we have a pretty weak season for the 2nd year in a row on the Atlantic and Gulf seaboard?

12. How long will this warm weather lasts in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region? (I'm longing for a nice long stretch of 70 degree weather!)

13. Are the asteriks marks stories in the Barry Bonds Home Run chase really about steroids or are some people unhappy about another black man breaking the Babe's and Henry Aaron's record?

14. How will the nation act when an Hispanic man (probably A-Rod) break Bond's record in the next 8-10 years?

15. How many more bridges out there in our nation's road system are close to crumbling below?

16. How long will it take to find the missing bodies from the Minnesota bridge incident?

17. When will my old house sell?

18. Why does opening up and expressing yourself seem so easy at times and so hard at other times?

19. Why does the Pacific Ocean feel so much colder on a hot day in the summer then the Atlantic Ocean (even when the Atlantic location is further north)?

20. Can the Washington Glory win the professional fast pitch championship in thier first year of existence and the Washington Mystics (WNBA) sneak into playoffs (after their horrible start)?

Well, I would be happy to hear some of your comments. Still haven't heard from or about Kim from Pt. 1. If anyone reading this knows Kim and knows she's alright, please let me know. Keep praying for our troops and their familes as the war continues. Pray for my family! God Bless You!

Friends that are there for you!

For much of the summer I've been moving when not traveling. When you move, it's a good time to find out which of your friends will really stand by you. There are always some people whom are busy or out of town, or physically unable to help you. There are also friends that are always available in a pinch, and then there are friends whom may enjoy your company or your friendship, but just refuse to lift a finger to help you.

I didn't tell many of my friends that I was moving because I wanted to get as much done as possible before sharing my new house with many people. Some of my friends to this day (about 6-7 weeks later) still haven't heard from me that I've moved (until now if they should read this blog).

There is one friend of mine that is always there for me whenever I need to move. Be it something small for me or someone in my family or a full out move. I really appreciate his support during these times. As usual, once again, he was there to assist my family with our move. He readiy gave up a good chunk of a summer Saturday, his vehicle, and a few other personal things to help me! I thank God for people like my friend, Bryan! I also thank Bryan and his family for giving him up that wonderful day and for his awesome trust he showed me during my moving experience. If we had more people like Bryan in this world, I believe we would have less issues with crime.

For my friends that were too busy to help or who declined to help, I still love you. To Bryan, thanks once again for being there! You are a true example of a man witnessing through his actions. That's more important then any money in the world you might have! God Bless you and you know we love you, too!

10 Questions I have this Summer

Do you ever wonder why some things happen? Do you wonder what people are up too? Well of recently I've been pondering a few things and thought I would share them with you. Some of them are personal, some of them are of national interest and some of them can only be explained by the good Lord above! If you can answer any of these questions or if you have questions please contact me individually or post a comment.

1. I wonder how my friend, Kim, in Ohio is doing? I haven't heard from her in months and I'm hoping she is ok!

2. How come all of the Republican candidates except for one decided to skip the National Education Association's Annual meeting this year?

3. How can people start out to bowl in one direction and have the ball end up rolling behind them in the opposite direction?

4. Why do you young people in Philadelphia and Baltimore keep killing one another?

5. Why did Lynnette (a lady from after care for a local middle school) die and why so young?

6. When is little Darren going to recover after being drowned, revived and rushed to the hospital over two weeks ago?

7. When will our soldiers leave Iraq?

8. Why did we have 2 named tropical storms in the Atlantic by the first week of June and then no more through July 10th?

9. Why do people like to cover their bodies in tatoos?

10. When will Nicole C. Mullen and Out of Eden perform in the Philadelphia to Richmond area again?

The Last Day of School

We have a tradition at the school I teach. On the last day of school all 6th and 7th graders are dismissed first and then all of the teachers line-up outside of one door and wait for the 8th graders to come out. As they come out, many of the young ladies and some of the young men cry, as the teachers all clap and many of us give them hugs of admiration and good-bye. Watching the emotional throngs of students really gets to you sometimes.

It starts the last week of school as many of our students whom will go to at least 3 different public high schools and who knows how many private schools, begin to realize that many of their classmates that they've spent the past 3-9 years with, are going to different places. I think deep inside they also realize they're about to go into a new dimension (high school) of life and that there innocent days of life are beginning to end.

This year it started with the 8th grade dance and graduation. As the time neared for it to end, the tears started flowing. This was 3 full days before school ended. Next, all through the awards day, yearbook signing, and the last day of the school you could see the biggest kids in the school crying in the hallway and lunchroom!

Why do some kids cry and others don't! I don't know for sure, but assume it's just the emotional links inside. The difference this year for me, was on the last day of school as we are clapping and hugging the kids good-bye, we couldn't get rid of the kids! They didn't want to leave! Several teachers had to herd them onto their buses and to their cars and send them off. We want the elementary kids to get home too late. They are ready to cheer and step up into the wonderful world of being a 6th grader at our wonderful school.

What most of the kids don't know is after all of the buses and waves are completed, the teachers all cheer, slap high fives, and are thankful for a much needed summer break. We finish cleaning our rooms, check out, break bread together, and leave to our workshops, rest, or summer jobs! Whatever the case, the 2-month time is needed for a refreshing of the mind to get ready for the next school year. Now how would we do this with year-round schooling?

A smile and hug can do wonders!

Many of you reading this know I love softball! I play it, coach it, and watch it all spring and summer. Last Saturday I pitched the worst game of my life (seriously). I couldn't throw a strike much of the day and I walked about 13 or so batters. We had another pitcher so I thought the coach would replace me several times as our big lead started to disappear but he didn't. He stuck with me (much longer then I would have). Why I was having problems throwing strikes, I have no idea? Usually as a pitcher, you make adjustments when you're struggling, and presto! You're pitching better. None of my adjustments were working.

Eventually, after a miracle escaping of the 8th inning still tied, I came back out in the 9th inning to try one more time unsuccessfully. Thankfully we scored a host of runs in the top of the 9th to take a 10-run lead or so! After starting the bottom of the inning with a couple more walks, I was gracefully taken out for the other pitcher. He came in and presto! Got us out of the inning and did a great job in the 2nd game, shutting the team out altogether. Something you rarely see in slow pitch softball- a shut-out!

Well as any good competitor knows, I wasn't feeling good about my performance, even though the team and I got the win. Everyone on both teams tried to cheer me up and say nice things but I just couldn't understand what was happening. Some things aren't meant to be known! Well all I could do was say to myself it was the Lord's will and I hope I do a lot better in tomorrow's game because there's no 2nd pitcher on that team!

Well later on that evening when I went out for dinner, who should run up to me and say "Hey Mr. J! What're you doing here? I miss you so much!"? One of my former students and her sister. Both of these young ladies have down syndrome and if that is not enough, have had to deal with lots of tragedy in their personal life. To see their bright and beautiful smiles and their happiness despite their tough life, just made me feel really good and helped me to forget my game for awhile!

Of course it rained the next day and now I have to wait for this weekend to get back out on the field, but when all things are put in perspective. What is a bad game of softball?

What would you do with $2.5 million?- pt. 2

Well after telling you what I might do with the money if I had it, I must tell you if I received a check for that amount of money and knew it was for some other organization, I would have to give it back. There are many rules and laws in reference to this kind of activity and though like the teacher involved and many other people I would want to keep and think I should be able to keep the money, it ultimately comes down the fact that it's not my money! Once I find out it's not my money, I'd have to let it go. Many state laws state that it's your civic duty to return the money. If you get lucky someone might give you a reward. Even though the money is quite attractive, the spirit end me would be bugging me until I did the right thing! The teacher involved, as of 5/30/07, was still in jail on a $200,000 bond. She has been charged with criminal misconduct and spending money that is not hers. All of her assets have been frozen. No mention of the money sent to the ex-boyfriend? If he's spent the money, I can't see how he would be penalized. The current boyfriend? Well he's on the run (as of 5/31), a former rapper, he could be anywhere from Minnesota to LA to NY.

Strange twist in this story? As I was reading this news story on msn.com something in my head started saying there's something familiar in this story! When I started reading about the occupation of the lady, her current job, the location and looked back at the name- I almost had a cow! I realized there was a strong possibility I know this lady! Before anyone asks, NO! I wasn't the one that received the $100,000 check! To my disappointment! or my benefit? After doing further research I found some pictures and video that supported this theory more! I met this young lady about a 1.5 years ago while at an educational conference. She was very nice and the actions mentioned above seem far from possible. I keep hoping I will find out that her lawyer is right! The extra information that will come out at her trial will some kind of way exonerate her.

In the event, it doesn't, I want to leave her a message: The only perfect man died on the cross. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Get on your knees and ask the Lord for forgiveness! After this, truly ask the businesses affected for forgiveness and pay back the money you owe! The hardest thing will be explaining your actions to your students. Ask the Lord for guidance and don't waver! Again, this info. is only recommended if you're found guilty. Many times in the country, people forget that we are considered innocent until proven guilty! Let's see what happens!

One last question to ask? Why did the police see fit to place a gun to her heard when they arrested her? Especially after she and the boyfriend appear to have no prior record?

What would you do with $2.5 million?- pt. 1

Last night when signing off of checking my email, a quick blurb on the msn page mentioned that a teacher had accidentally received a check for more then $2.5 and decided to cash it and buy some things with it. According to the article she bought 4 cars, set up her live-in boyfriend and herself with $500,000 cd's (smart thinking), retirement funds, bought jewelry, and even gave a check to another guy- most likely an ex-boyfriend for $100,000. She even decided to call the agency that gave her the money and tell them about the mistake and then told them she wasn't going to give it back.

This article started making me think of several things. Why would someone do this? What would I do in this situation? What would I do with 2.5 million dollars? How much trouble is she going to get in? and a few other questions.

This will be a 2 or 3 parter. I'll start with the question about what I would do with the money if I had it. Well I would tithe a certain percentage of it. I would probably buy housing in at least 2 cities and yes I would buy a new car and get some retirement plans for my future. I would also find some needy organizations to give some money too. I would also make sure that my sons have a good college future and that my parents have no more mortgage to take care of for the remaining years of their life. What about you? What would you do?
Tomorrow I will talk about and try to answer some of the other questions above? There are some interesting twists to the story of the teacher. Some you will find hard to believe. Pt. 2 is coming!

My thoughts on suicide and death of a student

As promised my next thoughts are on suicide. Most suicides in our area take place because of issues with depression. There are many things to be depressed over but as christians we should try to remember that if we stay focused on the Lord he is not going to give us anything to go through that we can't handle. Unfortunately suicides seem to go in cycles. When one person starts the cycle friends, parents and associates of that individual need to be aware of several symptons of depression. The following is a list of symptons of depression. If you find one of your children, friends, or people you know showing some of these symptons please seek help right away.

Symptons of Depression


Depressed mood
Change in sleeping patterns (too much, too little, etc.)
Change in weight or appetite
Speaking or moving unusually fast or slow
Loss of interest in usual activities
Withdrawal from family and friends
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate
Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishing to be dead
Anxiety, agitation, or enraged behavior
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Neglect of physical health
Feelings of hopelessness or desperation
(www.twopaths.com)

Biblically speaking the Bible says very little specifically about suicide though there are several references that are usually interpreted to show that we should trust in the Lord to take care of us. Some of these scriptures are:

1 Cor 6-19-20
Luke 12: 6-7
Job 1:21
Heb 9:27
John 3:16

My heart goes out to the families that have to deal with this tragedy. Please try to look out for clues from your loved ones. Looking at the list myself has definitely put me on alert for one of my loved ones as he has to hear of someone he knows that recently lost his life. I know this person, too and it caused me great trauma to hear that one of my former students had ended his life. I was training in Reno, NV when I received a text message from my youngest son that Ahmer was dead. I was fighting a lost voice and this sad news made doing the training that more difficult for me. I wanted to know why and couldn't find out until I had completed my 2nd session. Once I found out that he had hung himself, I went through many emotions. I was concerned for his salvation (this young man was a muslim), his family (very nice people- including both of sisters which I know), my kids (both of them knew him and his family well), and other students. Ultimately, instead of staying in NV to site see after I completed my training, I just wanted to get back into my home area and be nearer to my children. I ask you to continue to pray with me for the family of this young man and all the children in the school. Please read the list and watch your loved ones. Seek help from a counselor, psychologists or some other professional if you feel one of your loved one seems to be showing some of the symptons from the list.

Tiny Laster- A man to remember!

My intent for my next blog was to discuss suicide. Unfortunately about 3 weeks ago, one of the former students from my middle school ended his life. I'll talk about that soon. Unbelievingly just after receiving the information on the suicide, I received some additional bad news. Tiny Laster had passed away on the morning of May 3rd. Tiny was a man with a little name but a big heart and a man full of knowledge. A man that many people loved and many people loved to hate. He was a man with a big heart and much vision. He ended his life coaching the Hampton University Pirates softball and volleyball teams after coaching basketball, softball and volleyball for much of his life. He spent much of his life in Alabama until coming to Hampton to help the programs out there for the past 15-20 years. He entered my life in the late 1990's or 2000. As a young volunteer asst. coach for an up and coming softball team at Coppin St. College I met him on the dirt as his team was drubbing our team for the umpteenth straight time. I was initally appalled at him when I realized that he threw his weakest pitchers against us (still beating us) and he would let his players coach the bases against us. I remember being so insulted when visiting a game between Hampton and Morgan St. University during spring break one year and noticed his demeanor was totally different. Morgan St. was a much more competitive team at that time and I noticed his best players were out there on the field for the entire game and he spent the entire game coaching 3rd base (like all of the other coaches we faced). I was incensed until after spending a few months thinking about it, I realized that I would have done the same thing. This helped encourage me to try to help my program become more competitive by trying to recruit some of the best players available. At the end of my 2nd year (as a paid asst. coach now) I watched him get off of his rear and actually coach 3rd base in a game against us when we surprised them by staying close to them late into a game. They ended up beating us a again but I could see he had begun to respect us and he told us just that. As time went on, the head coach at Coppin moved on and the new coach bought in her own staff and I moved down the road to Howard University ( a new program). As a first year program we played Hampton tight, almost knocking them off with only 1 recruitable player. It was nice to hear from a successful coach like Tiny, "that you are doing a fine job." When my head coach resigned after the 1st year I was dejected and remember talking to him as I visited him on campus at Hampton and remembering him allowing me to watch one of his practices and allowing me to assist him when his team came up to MD to play some games that year. That was a thrill to me. I didn't want to be out of the game and he gave me the opportunity to stay in the game. The next year, I found out he mentioned good things to Morgan St. about me and that my started my next stint on the college level. All thanks to Tiny!

This brings me to the week he passed away. I talked to him the Sunday before he passed away as he told me the outcome of his game and he mentioned that he was tired. He asked me about my coaching desires for the next couple of years and he asked me to help him find a place for his team to stay during the tournament. We were going to talk during the week. It was quite a shock to my system when I was talking to another coach 4 days later and heard him say to me "Did you hear about Tiny Laster?" That was such a shock to me! Hearing Jeff Savage make that statement put me in disbelief for the next week! He was too young to go (61). A man that had fought so hard for equal benefits for young ladies under Title IX, a man that strived hard to keep his ladies teams as #1 of their respective conferences, a man that would be quick to pull out his rule book no matter if he was wrong or right, a man who had fought being on kidney dialysis the past two years while still coaching was gone. A man who just 1.5 days before he died won his last softball regular season championship against Norfolk St. with a perfect 14-0 conference record. Tiny thanks for all you've done. Rest in peace my brother!

Explanation of my entries

This Blog will cover my thoughts on different news, education,weather and sports events from a christian perspective. I plan on writing on different issues and pray to be lead by the Holy Spirit in my writing. Feel free to comment. I just ask that you keep your comments respectful and focused on the Lord and no other agenda.

One of the first issues I would like to discuss is how the family of the VA Tech shooter should be treated. It saddens me that the family of this sick man feels threatened by other people due to the actions of their son. The situation is sad to say it at the least by why do people want to harm the parents? Unless the family specifically knew of something and decided not to share it with others they are as innocent as you an me on this issue. They have the unfortunate job of being the parents of a mass murderer whom appeared to be a slightly sick but almost normal college student that just snapped! They have enough items on their plate dealing with the mourning of the death and the unexplained actions of their son, not to have to worry about people looking for them. Have a heart and pray for strength for this family. They have to bury their son and live with his actions for the rest of their lives. Why don't you ask the Lord to provide comfort and peace for the family and a strong committment to the Lord (if they don't know the Lord). What are your thoughts on the family of the mass murderer at Va Tech.