Jamaica

It started Saturday when Jamaica's Usain "Lightening" Bolt ran 100 meters in 9.69 seconds -- faster than anyone ever before. (It may have actually been Sunday in China. The time change has me all confused.)

Then female Jamaican sprinters put a huge exclamation point on Jamaica's speed by sweeping the 100 meters. Shelly-Ann Fraser took the gold, Kerron Stewart took the silver and lastly Sherone Simpson won the bronze.

Go on Jamaica with your bad self. I ain't mad at ya!!

He Kexin

They say that China's little gymnast, He Kexin, may really be 13 years old -- and therefore too young to have "legally" participated in the Olympics. Well, it is obvious that she's not 16 but I even question 13. She is clearly a "little kid".

Shame on you China! It's understood that you will likely get away with it -- but don't insult the world's intelligence.

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps? That boy is bad!

I used to think that the world's greatest athlete was either Tiger Woods or Kobe Bryant. Now I'm not so sure. Watching Michael Phelps swim and win medal after medal and break record after record has been absolutely incredible.

He is unquestionably the highlight of the XXIX Olympiad!

Bernie Mac

I just learned the shocking news that comedian, Bernie Mac, died this morning. I am saddened beyond words. There was something so incredibly unique about Bernie Mac. Maybe it was the combination of his tone of voice, facial expressions and demeanor -- but he was one of my favorites. Just the sight of Bernie Mac used to make me laugh.

I grew up in a home where profanity was the norm. While it's not necessarily right, it was the profanity that often made what would ordinarily be a dry comment a funny one. My family members had a talent for making people laugh in just the way they used four-letter words. Although it provided entertainment I think hearing it so much is the reason I don't use profanity today.

Bernie Mac possessed that familiar talent. As a Christian, I guess I should be embarrassed to say that I was entertained by the language, but I'm not. It was the way I grew up and as long as it isn't vulgar or sexual, it really was humorous.

Bernie Mac's comedy however, definitely went beyond the shock value of profanity. He was just down right funny. His show was funny. Simply hearing him talk was funny. Watching him walk was funny. He was a very, very talented man in many ways.

When I heard the news of his passing this morning I woke my kids up to tell them. They both (even my "no tears" daughter) welled up with sadness and disbelief.

This is a very sad day. Bernie Mac will truly be missed. My prayers are with his family, personal friends and many fans.

I hope he knew the Lord.

The Olympics and China

The Opening Ceremony for the Olympics was held today. The next couple weeks are certain to be exciting. (Go Team USA!)

While watching the events, let’s remember to pray for the athletes and pray for those who are being persecuted in China. The religious freedom and human rights that we take for granted here in the United States, are not rights enjoyed by the Chinese.

God can be glorified through these Olympic games. Enjoy and pray. . .

L.A. Is A Nice Place To Visit -- But I'm Glad I No Longer Live There

Last week as I was flying into Los Angeles, they experienced a 5.4 earthquake. When I landed my son, daughter and I all received numerous text messages from family and friends alerting us about the earthquake. My immediate thought was “oh no, that means we will feel the aftershocks.”

Having grown up in Los Angeles, I’ve experienced a number of earthquakes through the years. Even with that said, earthquakes always have and continue to terrify me. There’s something about that loud rumbling sound and unexpected shaking that frightens me like nothing else.

Earthquakes – another reason I’m glad I left L.A.

TGIF

I've been working in Los Angeles and have really missed writing. I will be back on schedule next Tuesday.

See you then. . .

(Hmmm, I wonder if I've been missed.)