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The Radical Question by David Platt is being promoted by WaterBrookMultnomah Press, a publisher for whom I am pleased to do some book reviews. Although I have not yet read (or reviewed) this book, you can request a free copy of The Radical Question by going to clicking here or you can download and read chapter one here, or just find out information on The Radical Question by going to the Radical book web site.

NHL Round 2 Playoff Predictions

Here are my predictions for Round 2 of the NHL playoffs.
As was the case for many people, they can't go much worse in the Eastern Conference!

Western Conference
San Jose over Detroit in six games - San Jose had their scare in round 1 & Phoenix proved Detroit is more beatable than we all thought.
Vancouver over Chicago in six games - Luongo easily outbattles Niemi. Chicago is a good young team, but not quite ready to get to the next level.

Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh over Montreal in five games - Though I'm still shocked Montreal dumped the offensively powerful Washington Capitals, good for them! But the Penguins are in a class by themselves in the East.
Philadelphia over Boston in seven games - Boston was impressive to beat the Sabres and made Ryan Miller look very human (something no one could really do this hockey season). However, I'm picking Philly to keep rolling with a good balance of strong defence, solid offensive balance, and Brian Boucher.

Open and Shut

Another great episode of House, MD on Monday April 26, 2010 titled "Open and Shut." Basically, three great paradoxes concerning marriage:
1) Be honest with your spouse about the little things that "annoy" you... and be willing to let these indiosyncracies stay as little things.
2) What people sometimes see as a barrier or "excitement killer" in marriage, is actually God's protection for both partners.
3) Trust and forgiveness are so vital for a marriage.

Okay, well I'm not sure I summarized those best, yet I can assure you I have an amazingly patient and incredible wife!

That kinda husband in 50 years!

I was coming home from the office a little early on a Friday afternoon (in my wheelchair) when Mr M passed me driving up to our area of homes. I was a little surprised to see him in our neighborhood, but waved nicely as he waved to me. A few seconds later my initial surprise found answer as I saw him stop by our neighbour's house. Mr R was carrying his box - I don't know what's in it but I'm guessing pictures of him and his wife, maybe their children and families, etc. As I drove by, I could see Mr R praying with his arms outstretched to the Lord in the car and Mr M with head bowed. I pieced the details together in those few seconds and realized Mr M was probably picking up Mr R and they were driving together to the L Nursing Home to visit their respective wives who are in care there. And I teared up as I drove by and thought, "Lord, I want to be that kind of husband in 50 years... or whatever!" Personally, I can't imagine outliving Sarah, given that I'm already older than her and perhaps "not as healthy" (too put it politetly!). But if for some reason in God's design she's in an extended care facility and I'm healthy enough to live at home, "Lord, I want to be that kind of husband" if that day comes. May God help me!

Leadership Reflections April 2010

Just a few miscellaenous storylines running through my head... and a few blogs... related to leadership:

• Jarome Iginla (captain of the Calgary Flames) - he could just dive in a hole and avoid the media, as apparently teammate Craig Conroy wishes he would, be he comes out every day and answer the call with the media. Whether its questions about how poorly he's playing, why the team cannot win when they desperately need to, of if he's even going to be a member of the Calgary Flames next year, he just keeps answering the questions. He's the leader. He's been given (and earned) the "C" and so that's his job he believes. He doesn't complain about being in a Canadian market and admits he loves being in a hockey-crazy city where the hockey team is the topic of the day. Good on ya, Jarome! Way to step up and be a leader even when its tough.
• John Piper's upcoming leave - although its been reflected upon plenty in the last week, just want to express my appreciation to Pastor Piper for his godly example in realizing that something is amiss and taking necessary steps to deal with the soul concerns. BTW, equal kudos to their church elders for giving him a paid leave, even though Pastor Piper suggested he not be paid for this leave. Oh yeah, and again, good job by John Piper for inviting Rick Warren to speak at the next "Desiring God" conference.
• I just gotta say: my heart is blessed reading the blog of Pastor Mark Batterson and the National Community Church in Washington, DC. Though I do not even pretend to understand American politics, I believe God may be doing something in Washington, DC when His Church is so keenly alive. No, I don't know what... how... but God is still moving in that city through His people.