Reflections

'Canes Upset in Close Game!

Wow! What a football game! Boys we are all very proud of you for playing your hearts out. It went back and forth, back and forth, right down to the very end.

Ryan and Jacob it was awesome to see you in the backfield pulling flags! Peyton, Dylan, Parker, Alex, and Michael we couldn't be more proud. You stopped a very good offense on four different series.

On offense...it looked pretty promising as Michael took the opening play 40 yards for a TD. Our second TD, Michael made an awesome cut back move and outran the Gators defense behind some outstanding blocking by the entire offense. Dyaln made an incredible catch and great run for a TD on 4th down!!! How exciting was that?! With us up 18-14, our team drove down the field and it came down to 2 very close calls by the referee as to whether or not Michael scored.  

Give the Gators credit for scoring on the last drive with only 1:50 on the clock.

We can still end up in a tie for first place if we are able to hold off the Seminoles! Here we go...Go Hurricanes!

Here's the link to some more photos.

'Canes Go 4-0

The 'Canes just seem to be getting better and better. Michael opened the game with a 40 yard scamper after a great fake by Alex and he then simply outran the entire Knghts defense. The next play the boys executed the shotgun pass to Dylan perfectly.

Parker ran for 2 TDs (or was it 3?) and Michael ran in 3. Alex awesome runs on both extra points--you made great moves to get the ball in the end zone! We would not be doing all of this scoring if it wasn't for every player doing his part--especially with so many perfect blocks (Way to go: Austin, Ryan, Dillon, Alex, Dylan, Parker, and Michael.)

Dillon Stanley had a great run, snapped the ball on-time (every time). And he is the ONLY center in the league who can snap the ball in the shotgun formation!!! That gives us a HUGE advantage. Austin was blocking well and had a good cut-back on one of his runs. Also, Ryan--nice run!!!

The defense was not to be outdone by the offense as they held did not let the Knights into the end zone for the 2nd time this season. Wow. You all played awesome. Ryan was in their backfield and pulling flags! Dylan and Michael played the corners beautifully and defended the pass well (nice interception Dylan and nice knock downs Michael.) Parker and Alex where awesome in their pursuit of the runners and pass defense. Jacob and Peyton--way to go! Your defense was awesome. And Dylan Stanley--you did a super job in your first time on defense. Nice hustle.

Here is the link to the pictures...Enjoy!

KLR Best Practices--Helpful Quotes

"Building a world-class company calls for a world-class commitment to your own personal growth." From the E-Myth Mastery, by Gerber. So true. In fact this is also true...

"Building a world-class [         ] calls for a world-class commitment to your own personal growth." You fill in the blank! [Life, church, business, marriage, family...other ideas?]

'Canes Move to 3-0

In our toughest game yet, the 'Canes put up 13 unanswered points in the second half to move to 3-0 outscoring the Seminoles 20-7.

Congratulations team! The defense was awesome. The last defensive stand was very impressive as the 'Canes kept the Seminoles out of the end zone to end the game. Also, Dylan played the outside linebacker position beautifully. He handled EVERYTHING they tried to throw his way. Ryan and Jacob did a super job pulling flags in the Seminoles backfield! Everyone on defense was aggressive and kept pursuing. Way to go!

The offense again put up 20 points, with everyone doing his part. Good fakes. Excellent blocking. Snapping the ball on time. And aggressive running. Nice job boys. The final TD was a thing of beauty. Dylan made an incredible block on the incoming rusher, and that's all Parker needed as he turned on his speed and wove his way through the entire defense for his long TD run. Alex put the seal on the deal with a nice run to the corner for the extra point (nice block Michael)! Also, Michael ran hard picking up key first downs and showing his nose for getting the ball in end zone on two excellent runs.

We've played every team once. Now we get to do it again. I fully expect the other teams to be ready for us. I have no doubt, we'll be ready too! Gators here we come!!! Here's a link to some more photos.

'Canes Defense Stifles Knights

Congratulations 'Canes! The big story from Wednesday night's game was DEFENSE!!! I'm pretty sure the other team did not even get a first down. Wow. Big time congratulations to every member of the defense in our 20-0 win over the Knights.

On offense, we played a much stiffer defense than last game, and did a great job of really moving the football, making 1st downs, and getting the ball in the end zone. As usual--blocking and good fakes were essential.

We're off to a great start. Boys we are very proud of you and how you have come together as a football team. And, many thanks to all the moms and dads for your support, encouragement, and involvement.

Next up? The Seminoles Monday October 6th!

Follow this link to some of the game photos.

The Lighter Side of Life

I coach Michael's flag football team. Last year, on the way to games I would hum the tune "Drunken Sailor" made popular (to guys like me) by NFL Films Classics. As I hummed along, I would see in my mind's eye slow motion pictures of some of the NFL's greatest plays--thinking I was getting Michael pumped up for the big game.

After weeks of this, Michael broke his silence with this question: "Dad. Why do you always sing the SpongeBob song when we go to football games?!"

'Canes Role In Opener

Haven't had this much fun in a long time! On Monday night, the mighty Hurricanes took the field in their opening game of the Avalon Pop Warner Flag Football League (6-8 year olds). The 'Canes rolled 46-20 over a worthy opponent, the Gators.

It was fun to watch this group of young men come together as a bunch of football players playing as a team. It was also awesome to see the contributions of each of the boys. Here are some of the highlights:

Jacob wrecked havoc in the Gators backfield with his strong rush. Ryan was on fire pulling flags in the Gators backfield and making awesome blocks. Austin made key blocks and had a great run for an extra point. Dylan S. commanded the center position beautifully and ran in the first extra point. Parker was awesome playing both ways (as did Alex, Dylan, Ryan, and Michael), and scoring one of the extra points on a great run. Dylan threw key blocks and made a textbook catch--turned and outran the entire Gator defense for an impressive touchdown. Alex threw 2 times--both completions, and had a couple of outstanding runs--one for a long touchdown and another for an extra point. And Michael was on fire, scoring every time he got the ball. Finally, Peyton put the icing on the cake with a key interception to end the game.

Boys way to go! You played as a team. You played great. And more importantly, you showed your character in being gracious winners and good sportsman. It's a pleasure to be your Coach.

Follow this link to some of the game photos.

Beale Street Blues

Stephanie and I had an awesome time on Beale Street while in Memphis.

Wednesday came early. Going on little sleep, we covered the remaining 530 miles on our trip (we did overr 300 miles the night before.) After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we had dinner at the famous Rendezvous--one of THE places for ribs in Memphis. (BTW: worth the drive--but I still like Orlando's Bubbalou's Boddacious Bar-B-Q better!)

Following dinner, instead of hanging out in the hotel--I asked her if she wanted to see the town. Glad we did.

We found Beale Street--the "home of Memphis blues". From the 1920s to the 1940s, Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, Rosco Gordon and other blues and jazz legends played on Beale Street and helped develop the Memphis Blues style.

Stefie and I are both "feelers". Our tendency is to be touched by the highs and lows of life. So here we are...in a new city...knowing NO ONE...far from home..and about ready to drop her off for college. We were both all over the map emotionally--feeling tons of anticipation, excitement, and angst!

I once heard that to really remember something, let yourself tune into what you are feeling at the time. Blues is just what the doctor ordered!  It helped seal this memory in my soul by putting words and music to the deep almost inexpressible feelings I had. This is one I'm sure I won't ever forget. What a prized memory indeed.

Memphis Here We Come!

I had one of those "treasure those moments in your heart" occasions on Saturday night. Jill and I came home from a wedding of friends. Of course, when we got home all 3 of our teenage daughters joined mom and me in the kitchen and wanted to hear all the wonderful details.

Being the only male in the discussion--I faded to the background--and that's when the moment came. I noticed first of all how big all the girls had gotten. Stephanie, Katie, and Kimberly are now all taller than mom! I looked on this scene with such joy and shock. "How did this happen?" They are now young women. And absolutely beautiful in who they have become and are becoming.

Life moves steadily onward. It never stays "as is". It is relentless as it layers day upon day--often going on unnoticeably until it calls us to accept and adapt to one of its many inevitable transitions.

Well, tonight, one of those transitions is upon us. Ready or not. Here it comes.

The van is packed and we are taking our "baby", our oldest daughter off to college. It is a moment we have prepared for over many years. One that we held out as a goal--but one we also secretly dreaded--knowing that life once again will require us to adapt--and knowing that our oldest is taking a vital step in her preparation for HER life in this world.

The transition away from mom and dad has begun. Change is upon us. We are both happy and sad. And determined to also "treasure this moment in our hearts."

Memphis here we come--I'll keep you posted.

So What's Next???

It's been a while since I updated on my job status. I wanted to get some clarity before making any sort of "announcement". All I can say is that this has been an interesting journey! In the Fall I entered into due diligence and got down to the final steps in buying a roofing company. The Seller made some last minute changes--which basically killed the deal from my perspective. So, I spent December trying to figure out "what next"? I decided to do some consulting under the banner "Kern Leadership Resources (KLR)"; and in 4 short months I ended up with 6 clients.

One of my "clients" has been Summit Church. I performed a ministry audit and then continued to help with various organizational development needs. It looks like I will be continuing in this capacity for the foreseeable future. I'll keep you posted as the story continues to unfold!