Marked Moments

Each one of these experiences allowed me to reflect just how proud I am to live in America, vote in America, and give thanks to those who have come before us and currently serve in the military that provide us all the blanket of freedom that makes this country great. We should not have to be reminded of this just on Veteran's Day but every day. My hope and prayer each day is for God to watch over those who serve all over the world and protect them and their families.

My most recent StumbleUpon session I stumbled upon this cool visualization called Left vs. Right (World) on Information is Beautiful's website by David McCandless and Stefanie Povasec. I have tweeted about it before but due to its many rementions by me and others online and offline I wanted to make it easier for folks to have fun digesting this infographic visualization of our two party political system. Your comments welcome. Enjoy!

It was inevitable that Emmitt Smith #22 running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL's all-time leading rusher would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only uncertainty would be how it would all play out for him during the emotional events this past weekend. As I listened to his acceptance speech and the others before him there were several themes that I found interesting that most of them had in common that I wanted to share.

1. Most of them professed to be born again Christians with Jesus Christ being the primary leader in their life.
2. They all were blessed by God with amazing raw talent and through their commitment and dedication became great football players.
3. They all had signifcant role models in their life that motivated and stretched them to be the best they could be.
4. In their own way each of them were gracious and humbled by the opportunity to play the sport they love the most at the highest level.
5. Finally, as a football fan (and a Cowboy fan) I felt honored to have witnessed most of their glory days as players and the joy and excitement they have brought to me through a sport I love with a passion.

These are amazing takeaways. As we all reflect on our own God-given talents and we must recognize we all have the opportunity to experience a hall of fame career in our own little corner of the world. Let these hall of fame players inspire you as they have inspired me. Here is Emmitt Smith's acceptance speech in a 5-part video. A special shoutout goes to dcfanatic888 for the compilation. Enjoy!

Emmitt Smith Induction Speech, Part 1 HIghlights

Emmitt Smith Induction Speech, Part 2

Emmitt Smith Induction Speech, Part 3

Emmitt Smith Induction Speech, Part 4

Emmitt Smith Induction Speech, Part 5

This is an awesome video of the Milky Way coming into view about 20 seconds in. More proof that everything is bigger in Texas. Even the Milky Way. Enjoy!

Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo. Original post on Crunch Gear.

God, grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change;
The courage to change the things I can; And the wisdom to know the difference. ~Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr

One of my favorite movies starring Kevin Costner. It is a great time to watch during baseball season. Watch it this weekend and be inspired.