Open your eyes but don't look down, there are beautiful things all around.

For the beauty is in all whether their big or their small, it comes in all shapes and sizes even the short and the tall. 

I say this for one simple reason that some may not understand, but for those of you who do let's get together and make a stand. 

Let's get rid of all the hatred and that feeling of separation, and try to give one another that special feeling of Love and validation. 

For that's what Christ did it was his sole purpose, to come down to this earth he wasn't even nervous. 

He knew that he would suffer and bleed from every poor, that people would even call his mother Mary a whore. 

But none of that could stop him he was on a mission, for his father in heaven had a glorious vision. 

It's called the plan of salvation it is our saving grace, if we choose to follow him we'll have eternal life and see his face. 

We can thank him for his sacrifice and giving us a way, to return to our Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom some day.

-Tucker Bass 

True Friends

I’ve come to a realization… We enslave ourselves with the opinions of others. Too often we let ourselves become reliant upon them, we let them dictate what we do or how we do it. We want to be accepted so badly by society or accepted by those who surround us. I Say be you, whoever it maybe. Don't fight to be accepted, fight to be respected. As long as you can accept who you are that should always be enough.

Brings me to my next point.

  I recently watched a movie called Paper Towns and a line in it inspired me to write this piece. “I came all this way for Margo, but would she have come all this way for me?” The answer was “No”. Margo was a mystery, and everything and everyone made her out to be something she wasn't, but deep down no one really knew her. She never thought about anyone but herself, so I asked myself the same question.

Do I know who my true friends are? Do they only show up when it’s convenient for them? What about when its convenient for me? I’ve found myself going out of my way to try and keep friends together from high school. Those of whom I thought were some of my best friends, and we once were. I’ve spent a lot of time in my life thinking about them, wondering what changed and why we never see each other anymore. Feels like a one sided relationship and most of us know how that feels. We always told each other that we'd be friends forever and some of them are still close friends but with the others, I’m done wasting my time.

That said I have some amazing friends, some of which i feel I can call true friends. People I can call when I’m in a time of need. But I also have convenient friends, we all do, and you know who they are… Those of whom are only there when they want to be. Then you have those friends who are always there, the ones who are there not because they feel like they have to be, but because they want to be. They feel an obligation out of care and love to be there for you when its all good or when its bad. Those who ask you how you are, or how your mom is doing. The friends who truly know your problems in life, but are still there and want to help. That’s a True Friend, don’t waste your time on the ones who don't care. Live for yourself and for the others who’d do the same for you.  

My Take on the first week of the NCAA Tournament

My Take on the first week of the NCAA Tournament

            It all started Tuesday Night in Dayton, Ohio as the BYU Cougars blew a big 17 point lead in the second half of a “First Four” Matchup against The Ole Miss Rebels. A big disappointment for Cougar fans looking for a deep tourney run, The Dayton Flyers had the obvious advantage in their matchup against Boise State. What was it you ask? They got to play on their home floor, where they are undefeated this year. Credit Dayton though, after skimming past Boise State by 1 point in the “First Four” they made a statement against Providence, winning by 13 Points and advancing to the “Round of 32”. Where they lost by six in a near upset against a rolling Oklahoma Sooners team.

The first day was one for the ages! An NCAA Tournament record 5 games decided by one point was truly Madness. Brackets were definitely broken on that day, the majority thanks to Georgia State and the Hunter Family. As well as Baylor for making bonehead plays down the stretch. Definitely the story of the weekend as Coach Hunter celebrated his sons Buzzer beating three, cracking his cast that was put on a week prior after their Conference Championship celebration because he tore his Achilles. Kevin Ware was making his return to the NCAA tournament after that gruesome injury a couple years ago against Duke, and showed us he can still play ball at a high level.

As for myself, and many others UAB was my bracket buster… Where did they come from? Taking down 3 seed and Big 12 Tournament Champs Iowa State in a 1-point upset, who I had going to the “Sweet 16”. UCLA won two games after most people said they didn’t belong there. Now not to be rude but I’m still not impressed. The Ref’s bailed them out in the second round with a goaltending call that was wide right. And then they matched up against that UAB team that came out of nowhere to beat Iowa State.

Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans are once again in the “Sweet 16” after upsetting the 2 seed Virginia Cavaliers in the third round. That makes it 7 of the last 8 seasons by the way! An impressive run for Michigan State, proving to be one of the most consistent programs over the last decade, and now the favorites in the East thanks to NC State’s upset of the 1 seed Villanova Wildcats on Saturday!

The Utah Utes survived a trendy upset pick in round two against Stephen F. Austin. And proceeded to take care of business against Georgetown in the round of 32. Getting their first “Sweet 16” birth sense 2005. They will square off against Coach K. and the Duke Blue Devils. Okafor and Poeltl will battle in the post, as Delon Wright and Justice Winslow will go at it on the perimeter.

 

The Kentucky Wildcats continued their quest for perfection this weekend. They didn’t look as dominate as many had hoped they would, but they are in the “Sweet 16” for the second year in a row. And are looking for their second straight “Final Four” and a chance at the National Championship. Who do you got???

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH

YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!

Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough, that people don’t really understand you? Do you ever wonder what could be, or what could’ve been? More often than not we take people in our lives for granted. We use them without knowing that we are, and we run from our feelings because it’s the “safe” thing to do.

When does it finally become a thought in our minds that we are making mistakes? Is it when we have lost what we once had, and regret loosing it, or when we’ve gone too far and don’t think its possible to turn back? Do we pass up on chances because we are caught up on the past and are afraid of being hurt again? Look I myself have felt all of this. (Guilty as charged) I’m no expert on life or the situations we go through, but neither is Dr. Phil but he gets paid to give people advise.

If we don’t take chances in life we will never learn what it is we truly want. If we don’t have confidence in the decisions were making, and in the chances we are taking it’s because we aren’t relying on God to help us make those decisions.  

Everything comes down to what you believe in and how you live it. Trusting yourself and the intent of your heart, trusting the Lord and in his timing. It doesn’t matter who you are or the mistakes you’ve made. God loves you. He sent his only begotten son to atone for our sins. He suffered more than any of us will, he was nailed to a cross, beaten, and tortured. He bled from every poor and still asked god to forgive the men who did it to him. Yet we think our lives are hard.

I spoke earlier to the fact that we sometimes take those we care about for granted. Well the same goes for you, don’t ever take yourself for granted. God hasn’t, and he never will. Remember to surround yourself with the people you love, and those who love you. Not for what you do, or the money that you have, but because of the person that you are, and the person you are trying to become.

I’m sorry that this turned into a church piece, but then again I’m not. I’ve tried to make changes in my life, and being more open about what I believe in and living it better is part of it. Some of you will read this and think that I am weird, or that I am a “MOLLY MORMON”. I’m just a normal guy I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’m far from perfect, and I’m far from where I want to end up some day. But I challenge you to do the same in your life. We may not believe in the same things, but that doesn’t matter. Be open about what you believe in and don’t be afraid to share it with the world. You have a voice too, let it be heard.

MAKING THE CHANGE

MAKING THE CHANGE

Sometimes they seem like brilliant vibrant ideas and other times they are weird but oddly familiar. But somehow hold a place in people’s hearts. You can change a person’s life with words written on a page or in a text, I've witnessed it myself. Try your hardest to live with that thought in the back of your mind whenever you say something, because it could trigger something inside you or inside others and inspire change that people never thought they were capable of.

I’ve come to a realization that life here on earth is only as good as you make it. Don’t live with regret, when you live with regret you’re living in the past. We can always learn from the mistakes we've made and become a better person for it. We can change but only if you have the want and desire to. Sure life is hard, but the beauty is in the attempt.

You have to be honest with yourself and stand up for what you believe in, always tell the truth. Open your heart and be vulnerable, because that’s when you will learn the most about yourself and the others around you. Everything in life happens for a reason, it might be hard to recognize why in that exact moment, but if you take the time and try understand the situation it just might surprise you.

I’m nowhere near the person I want to be, but i feel like I'm making strides on becoming the man i hope to be someday. I'm going to challenge myself from this point forward to do everything in my power to be the man i hope to be for my future wife and Kids. If i die and people say i was a good husband and father then it was a life well lived. I challenge any and all of you who are reading this to do the same.  Don’t be content, don’t settle for mediocrity, and don’t sell yourself short. You deserve the best this life has to offer you, No matter who you are or where you come from, I know with a little belief in yourself and in God everything is possible. 

Now go, make all of your dreams a reality! Make the small things the big things, and maybe in the midst of it all you’ll fix something that’s broken. Perhaps while you live your dream it will give someone hope and a desire that they can live theirs. I stress to you, ALWAYS live in the moment be selfish sometimes, and stop worrying about what others say or think of you. Last but not least never forget that what we choose in our short time here on earth affects eternity.

More “LOVE” in Cleveland!

Kevin Love’s wishes may finally be coming true. He’ll likely join Lebron James and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, and become the leagues newest “Big 3”.

If we take a look at last years “Big 3” of James, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh. They were amazing posting 62.3 PPG, 18.2 RPG, and 12 APG.

The new “Big 3’s” combined numbers from last season of Love, James, and Irving: 74 PPG, 23 RBG, 16.9 APG. What does the future hold in Cleveland, possibly a championship?

Love will be heading to Cleveland, Wiggins, Bennett, and a future first going to Minnesota. From what I’m hearing the trade is a done deal – in principle, anyway. (There are also reports of a possible 3-team deal that would send Anthony Bennett to Philadelphia and Thaddeus Young to Minnesota as well). Nothing can be official until August 24, which is a month after Wiggins signed his rookie deal and becomes available to trade.  

The NBA could veto the trade if it is determined that it violated league rules. There are strict guidelines that these two teams have to abide by, especially concerning making deals while the 30-day period of Andrew Wiggins contract situation is in effect. The deal can be made behind closed doors/in principle, but some dealings cannot be made public.

Like a Kevin Love extension for instance.

Yahoo sports reported Thursday that the Cavaliers and Love had agreed to a contract extension worth 120 million over five years. According to league rules (bylaws) trade talks can happen within the 30-day period. However… The Cleveland Cavaliers cannot offer Kevin Love a contract extension until the deal is made official. If it is proven that both sides agreed to an extension before the trade was okayed by league officials, BYE, BYE Kevin Love, and expect some sort of punishment to be handed out to both teams.

Now lets all hope for the sake of Andrew Wiggins and everyone else involved that it actually comes to fruition. Wiggins has expressed a desire to play in Minnesota. He wants to feel “wanted”. He also wants to prove his doubters wrong (aka Cavs new general manager “Lebron James” and the rest of the organization). Obviously the NBA is a business, but I feel bad for the kid. LBJ comes in and basically demands an acquisition of Kevin Love and let’s be honest what LBJ wants, LBJ gets.

Lebron commented on the possible trade:

“I’m going to be very excited to have him. I don’t really care about the 26 (points) and 12 (rebounds). I care about the basketball IQ. His basketball IQ is very, very high. I had an opportunity to spend 32 days with him on the 2012 Olympic team. Its funny, I always told Kevin ‘You’re very good, man’ He always thought I was blowing smoke. I always told him he was going to be a reason why we won the gold medal, and he played a huge role for us. So I’m looking forward to it, He’s a great piece.”

Kevin Love has grown tired of loosing in Minnesota. It’s cold and miserable. Free agents don’t want to sign there. He’d always be alone. People say he can’t carry a team and doesn’t have leadership capabilities. He’s wanted out for years, his heart hasn’t been anywhere near Minnesota. Well guess what… Wish granted. You are about to enter uncharted waters. You were never in the spot light before. You could quietly go about getting 20 and 10 every night, unlace your shoes and hit the showers. In the “lime light” You’re expected to become apart of a “dynasty” you might not need to be a leader, but you must succeed right out of the gate. Because having running mates like Kyrie Irving and King James means it’s championship or bust. And it’s all on you.

Video,

First Take- Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless on Kevin Love trade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yV7muTlHa4

             Becky Hammon the first full time women associate!

           

            The San Antonio Spurs have hired former six time WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon to be an assistant coach. The 2^nd women associate in NBA history. First being Lisa Boyer, who was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching staff during the 2001-02 season. However Lisa never traveled with the team, which makes Becky the first full time women associate to travel with an NBA team.

Becky played 16 seasons in the WNBA, the past eight with the San Antonio Stars. She finished seventh all time in points (5,809), fourth in assists (1,687) and sixth in games played (445).

After a career ending knee injury last year, coach Pop once again invited her to participate in practices and coaches meetings, like she had in prior years. He had this to say about her recent hire  “I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff. Having observed her working with our team this past season, I’m confident her basketball IQ, work ethic, and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs.”

What better place could this have come to fruition? It’s a plus for many reasons, one she learns from the best, whether it’s players like Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, and Coach Greg Popovich. Who may be the most respected coach in the NBA, he will be her guide. She comes into a great situation, The team just won the NBA Championship, Pop and Tony signed extensions, Tim opted into the last year of his contract. Not to mention they are a favorite in the west to return to the finals again this season. It’s a roster full of Vet’s and good character.

In 2008 Pop told the media “ She (Becky) wants to coach after she’s done. Because she’s not just a great player she’s a smart player, a great person in our community, just somebody that we all respect so much, we gave her an opportunity to sit with us during the year. She came to our coaches’ meetings, argued with us, she did everything.” 

This hire opens up opportunities for many other women coaches. People seem to believe that male athletes will have a hard time being told what to do by women. Why is that? We all grew up with a mom, she told us what we could and couldn’t do, and we respected her. Some of us have bosses who are females, yet we listen to what they say and follow their lead. Why should it be any different in the sports world? If coach Pop has confidence in her abilities and knowledge of the game, that’s all one should need.  

WATCH! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLiXOwXeSZI