So, what movies do you want to see made? They can be far-fetched or seem like a strong possibility. State your thoughts! Here are some of mine:
A film about the Christian martyrs of Japan back in the 1600s. For info on this historical tragic event, go here: . A movie was made in 1956 in Japan called Seidou no Kirisuto ("Christ in Bronze") (), but doesn't seem to be available anywhere. If this film is made, I'd either want it to be a Japanese production, or, if it must be non-Japanese by country of origin, a Japanese language film, such as Clint Eastwood's "Letters From Iwo Jima".
Live-action Pocket Monsters (Pokemon) films! As far as countries go, Japan would be preferrable, but I wouldn't even much mind an American, English language one as long as the original names and stuff were maintained (yeah, like that'll ever happen). I think with the CGI we have today, a live-action Pocket Monsters movie could look pretty amazing, especially for die-hard fans like me. Just don't make the Pokemon look like Garfield or Scooby Doo did when they got silver screen live-action films.
A Splinter Cell movie starring Michael Ironside as Sam Fisher. According to IMDb, there's a Splinter Cell movie due next year, but Ironside will not be Fisher. If they can't get Ironside to play him, I'd rather it be a CGI animated film (which could still look really great, but live-action would really be neater). Let's face it, Ironside is Sam Fisher. He's voiced him in every game, and I don't know if I could accept anyone else in the role. I know he's old, but Fisher's character (if they are sticking with the current timeline) isn't exactly young (besides, CGI could really aid him in looking younger. It's already been proven that works!). I know he's not in shape, but he could get in shape. Obviously he wouldn't do the stunts, but who does?
I want to know that when Captain America gets a movie a year or two from now, he'll be played by a white actor. I mention this only because I've heard rumors of Will Smith playing the role (he's one of the best actors I've seen in my life, but come on!). This isn't at all racial by the way. I'd be just as annoyed to hear rumors of a white woman playing Storm in the X-Men, or an Asian man playing Black Panther (if he ever gets a movie). The point is staying true to the original character and story.
A good otter movie. For that matter, I can't think of a wolf movie I've liked either. I've seen "Ring of Bright Water" (otter) and "Dances With Wolves", and disliked them both! I've seen a great lion film in "Born Free", a great orca film in "Free Willy", and plenty of good dog flicks. But I want my wolf and otter fix! ;-)
A Daredevil remake. 'Nuff said.
A sequel to "The Incredible Hulk". It was very good, and totally left it open for a sequel.
More Japanese Christian movies period! This one trails only a new Japanese Christian martyr film (which really is totally in the same category) as my #1 most wanted unmade film.
A Super Gals film, preferably animated with all the same Japanese cast back. Actually, I'd like several films, but just one would tickle me pink. A live-action one could be interesting too, but I'd really just prefer a well animated film. I know this probably will never happen, but I can dream. At least we got 52 eps out of the series, which is more than I would've expected right there! So I can be happy still! ^^
A Mobile Suit Gundam film. The first "Transformers" really stunk IMO, and I won't even see the sequel. We need a good mecha film.
More hockey biographical films. I'd especially like Sakic to get one (followed by Bourque and Roy), but I'm not picky. About the only NHL player with a movie is Maurice Richard (who's film is called "The Rocket" in the USA), and while he certainly deserved one, we need more (Gretzky, anyone?).
More films that counter stupid stereotypes. I'm sick of most relationships being non-biracial (nothing wrong with relationships of the same race, not at all, but why is this 99% of the time what we see?). I'm sick of the person with glasses, freckles, or braces being the nerd. I'm sick of long nails constituting a tramp or a witch. I'm sick of the fat guy being the dope. I'm sick of the disabled not getting more attention. I'm sick of the same kinds of characters and storylines floating through the majority of the movies we see today. I'm also certainly sick of everyone feeling like they have to go along with what the world say is right because they're afraid to speak out and be ridiculed or attacked for it, especially when it comes to what is morally and spiritually right. Some filmmakers do this, thank God, but that's usually from the small name companies who still believe in good things, not the big name people who have been so sucked into fame, money, and the world's ways.
Speaking of people speaking out for what's right, isn't Abe Lincoln getting a movie? If not he certainly should!
A Miyazaki films that is like his new ones in every aspect except bad content, i.e.: I don't want another based around Shintouism and/or witchcraft.
That's all for now. What about you?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"Halloween - Why Are We Celebrating?"
My dad wrote this tract years ago, and it explains a little about the famous holiday of candy and spooks. This is what my dad wrote.
To the average person Halloween is nothing more than a time to dress in outrageous costumes and attend parties; to some it can also represent a time to indulge in mischievous acts, including vandalism. The fact is, most individuals don't understand the spiritual implications associated with this "holiday". For example, they don't realize that the tradition of wearing costumes originated with the ancient Celtic Druids. The occultists believed that a person could acquire strength and other attributes of animals, spirits, demons, or animal/beasts by dressing in costumes which resembled them (a belief still followed by most Satanists and other members of the occult to this day). The modern day "trick or treat" night also originated with the Druids. They believed that on the eve of Oct. 31 the pagan god Samhain (god of death) would come to visit the living accompanied by the spirits of the dead. These spirits would harass and play "tricks" on the living, such as the destruction of crops, if they were not appeased (treated). The party game of dunking for apples began as a method of divination. If a person dunked for an apple and grabbed it with their teeth they would supposedly be able to select a mate and the selected person would be unable to resist them. The pumpkin or "jack 'o lantern" arose from the tale of an infamous man named Jack. The story says he was so bad that he was refused by heaven and hell and doomed to roam the earth. This individual supposedly carried a glowing piece of coal in a carved out gourd to light his way at night.
While many people of today's "modern and enlightened" society dismiss as nonsense the spiritual implications associated with this satanic "holiday", it is important to remember that occult members do not. To members of the occult, October 31st is one of the four major days which they refer to as "witches sabots" or "cross quarter" days. The ancient Druids referred to Samhain day (Halloween) as a mystical time of "betwixt and between"; a day on which many occult members still practice the conjuring of spirits.
Law enforcement agencies all across the country report increases in occult-related crimes, such as poisonings, kidnappings and ritual murders, in the days surrounding Halloween. Also, in response to the increased occult activity during this "holiday" season, several animal shelters and anti-cruelty organizations nation wide have banned the purchasing or adopting of black cats on the days prior to, during, and following Halloween in an attempt to reduce the number of animals tortured in ritual sacrifices.
Obviously not every person who celebrates Halloween is in the occult. Most people who participate in the events of this day will never become practicing Satanists or occult members; however, police reports reveal that most individuals become involved in occult activities gradually and are initially inspired by a curiosity for the supernatural. This being the case, it seems clear that by participating in this holiday, with all the overtones which it bears, we run the risk of inviting the seed of curiosity into the hearts of our loved ones.
Not every child who chases a ball into the street will be hit by a car, and not every child who participates in Halloween will be seduced into the occult or become another statistic to some violent act; but for every one ho does there will be a family filled with grieving and regret.
Each year innocent children fall prey to those who are involved in the occult, and for the families who are victimized by these vicious acts the arguments in favor of participating in this day are replaced by mourning.
If you are celebrating Halloween this year, for the sake of your family, PLEASE make this year your last.
To the average person Halloween is nothing more than a time to dress in outrageous costumes and attend parties; to some it can also represent a time to indulge in mischievous acts, including vandalism. The fact is, most individuals don't understand the spiritual implications associated with this "holiday". For example, they don't realize that the tradition of wearing costumes originated with the ancient Celtic Druids. The occultists believed that a person could acquire strength and other attributes of animals, spirits, demons, or animal/beasts by dressing in costumes which resembled them (a belief still followed by most Satanists and other members of the occult to this day). The modern day "trick or treat" night also originated with the Druids. They believed that on the eve of Oct. 31 the pagan god Samhain (god of death) would come to visit the living accompanied by the spirits of the dead. These spirits would harass and play "tricks" on the living, such as the destruction of crops, if they were not appeased (treated). The party game of dunking for apples began as a method of divination. If a person dunked for an apple and grabbed it with their teeth they would supposedly be able to select a mate and the selected person would be unable to resist them. The pumpkin or "jack 'o lantern" arose from the tale of an infamous man named Jack. The story says he was so bad that he was refused by heaven and hell and doomed to roam the earth. This individual supposedly carried a glowing piece of coal in a carved out gourd to light his way at night.
While many people of today's "modern and enlightened" society dismiss as nonsense the spiritual implications associated with this satanic "holiday", it is important to remember that occult members do not. To members of the occult, October 31st is one of the four major days which they refer to as "witches sabots" or "cross quarter" days. The ancient Druids referred to Samhain day (Halloween) as a mystical time of "betwixt and between"; a day on which many occult members still practice the conjuring of spirits.
Law enforcement agencies all across the country report increases in occult-related crimes, such as poisonings, kidnappings and ritual murders, in the days surrounding Halloween. Also, in response to the increased occult activity during this "holiday" season, several animal shelters and anti-cruelty organizations nation wide have banned the purchasing or adopting of black cats on the days prior to, during, and following Halloween in an attempt to reduce the number of animals tortured in ritual sacrifices.
Obviously not every person who celebrates Halloween is in the occult. Most people who participate in the events of this day will never become practicing Satanists or occult members; however, police reports reveal that most individuals become involved in occult activities gradually and are initially inspired by a curiosity for the supernatural. This being the case, it seems clear that by participating in this holiday, with all the overtones which it bears, we run the risk of inviting the seed of curiosity into the hearts of our loved ones.
Not every child who chases a ball into the street will be hit by a car, and not every child who participates in Halloween will be seduced into the occult or become another statistic to some violent act; but for every one ho does there will be a family filled with grieving and regret.
Each year innocent children fall prey to those who are involved in the occult, and for the families who are victimized by these vicious acts the arguments in favor of participating in this day are replaced by mourning.
If you are celebrating Halloween this year, for the sake of your family, PLEASE make this year your last.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Featured character
I thought I'd post different favorite fictional characters of mine occasionally.
Today's character is Stitch of Disney's Lilo and Stitch.
"Originally made to cause chaos across the galaxy, he is marked by his short temper and mischievous behavior, traits that endear him to his friend Lilo, who adopted him as her puppy dog." - Wikipedia
Today's character is Stitch of Disney's Lilo and Stitch.
"Originally made to cause chaos across the galaxy, he is marked by his short temper and mischievous behavior, traits that endear him to his friend Lilo, who adopted him as her puppy dog." - Wikipedia
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The passing of a legend
Colorado Avalanche franchise superstar and nearly career-long captain, center Joe Sakic, has announced his retirement after 17 incredible NHL seasons, all spent with the Avalanche franchise. He won 2 Stanley Cups, 1 Conn Smythe, 1 Hart Trophy, and finished with 1,641 career points, the 8th most in NHL history.
However, Sakic (I just learned today from an old interview with Sakic that his name is correctly pronounced "Sa-kich", not the common English pronunciation "Sa-kik") was far more than just his achievements. He was a heart and soul all-around player that was the core of the franchise for its entire in the Rocky Mountains. He was and is THE Avalanche player. There so much I could, and want, to say about Joe Sakic that I don't even know where to start. There is no player like him, nor will there ever be. Hockey will miss him unbelievably. This is truly a sad and emotional day not just for die-hard Avalanche fans like myself, but for the NHL and sports as a whole. You'd be hard pressed to find a hockey fan who hasn't heard of the name Joe Sakic. Many players, including the recent Avs draftee and likely NHL star Matt Duchene, have idolized and modeled their games after him.
Sakic could fill every part of the game. He obviously could score goals. In fact, he own the greatest, most powerful, most accurate, and certainly fastest wrist shot I'v seen in my whole life. His wrist shot was harder and faster than most people's slapshots. When he let one of those rip, if he didn't score, he'd at least make one heck of a golden opportunity.
Sakic was also one of the game's great playmakers. In fact, in his usual humble manner, he'd more often pass his teammate than fire the shot himself. He could make beautiful, quick, fluid passes that would find the player even if his was in the midst of a maze of activity. Sakic had vision like a hawk. He was aware of everything around him on the ice. Not only that, but he was a genius hockey player. He knew the right choice to make at the right time even when he only had a second to make it. Few other players have ever had the instincts and hockey sense of Sakic. He was also a great faceoff man, winning crucial draws when the team really needed it.
While he usually was a finesse-type player, he could also be a great physical player when the situation called for it. In fact, though he only had one fight in his whole career (vs. Doug Gilmour of the Chicago Blackhawks), he really kicked butt. More importantly, he could hold his own in tough situations in-game against the great defensemen and enforcers of the league. Heck, often they'd have trouble even catching him. Joe Sakic was one fast guy, with amazing acceleration. He was a tremendously gifted skater, who, if he got off on a breakaway, could not be caught.
For all his offensive talent, Sakic was also an fantastic defensive player. He knew all about how to play defensively and could put himself in just the right spot to foil an opposing player's plan. He could read players amazingly well. He knew what they were thinking. Often Sakic would be out on the penalty kill as much as the power play. Sakic has been rightly called one of the greatest two-way players of all time.
Sakic was an amazingly creative hockey player. He was always coming up with new strategies and moves to win a game. Once the shootout was added to the NHL at the start of the 2005-06 season, Sakic quickly came up with an incredible move that goalies never really did figure out how to beat. He'd go down the slot and get the goalie thinking Sakic would pull to his left to shoot, but then would gracefully sweep the puck to his right, making the goalie commit himself, deke around the goalie, and just as he'd pass by the side of the net he'd backhand the puck right to the top shelf. That move surprised and entertained me to death every time I watched it.
One thing that will always be remembered about Joe was his ability to surprise and steal game, to add that much needed play of goal at just the right moment. Long time Avs color commentator Peter McNabb labeled Sakic as the greatest clutch player in the history of the game. Sakic is the all time NHL leader in overtime playoff goals with 8 (a few years ago he passed the great Maurice "The Rocket" Richard to become the all time leader). Any Avs fan can give you examples of times he stole a game when the Avs most needed it. He always came through for Colorado.
That was the kind of player Joey was. His amazing skills and leadership earned him nicknames such as "Super Joe" and "Smokin' Joe". He was one heck of a leader. Sakic, however, was the kind of player who had a pure natural presence about him. When he stepped on the ice, everybody, including the opposing team, respected him. I don't think I've ever heard any player, coach, or sports commentator or writer speak one negative thing about Joe Sakic. He commanded respect without saying so much as a word. His playing, the way he handled himself, and his great integrity always spoke itself. Sakic, from the time he came to Colorado to the time of his retirement was always one of the most respected people in the NHL. Now, he will be one of the most respected players of all time.
Something that will always be remembered about Joe by fans, staff, and players alike is his tremendous integrity. His amazing sportsmanship even won him the Lady Bing Trophy in 2001, the year he lead the Avalanche to their second and most recent Stanely Cup championship. Never have I seen such a humble and classy player. He is, in fact, one of the classiest people I've witnessed in my life, even outside of hockey, and I've never even had the honor of meeting him. He never, despite his achievements, spoke about himself, nor did he ever want the spotlight on himself. He wanted it on everyone else, especially his team and his family. That's who Joey really was and still is.
He was known not just as a gentleman on the ice, but off it as well. He was always friendly to the people around him, signing autographs and attending Avalanche-related events. But what really stood out was the was he always reached out to help others, especially those in need. He supported and personally helped out in numerous charities, many of which we never even hear about. Many charities he supported were for children. If he was ever presented with an award or some other honor and there would be people lined up to give it to him, if there was a kid, that would be the first person he'd go up to and talk to. Today I saw a short video of Sakic during a stoppage in a game and he skated to the Plexiglas were a kid who couldn't have been more than a few years old sat with his mom. He then leaned over with his face against the tiny space between the glass so he could talk to him.
Sakic's a fantastic family man. He has three young kids and loves them all dearly, and they him. As he spoke at his retirement press conference earlier today, you could see one of his boys crying as he watched his dad on the stage, saying his goodbyes. His family loved watching him play, and his kids obviously think the world of him. He also dearly loves his wife, and they seem to have a great marriage. When Sakic was asked today what he'd want to be remembered as, his response was that he wanted to be remembered as a good family man, and a good hockey player. Mission far more than accomplished, Joe.
I didn't become a serious Avs fan until 2001 when the Avalanche won the Cup. My greatest memory to this day was the moment that Joe Sakic handed Ray Bourque, likely the greatest defenseman of all time, his first Stanley Cup, the one he'd played his entire 20 year career to get. Traditionally it's the captain who first hoists the Cup when his team wins it. Not Joe. In his usual, selfless manner, he received the Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and immediately skated to Ray to let him lift it first. After that night, I was the Avaholic I still am today, and my favorite player was Joe Sakic. The first jersey I ever bought was a then home jersey sporting the Avalanche burgundy and white. I still have it in my closet a few yards away from me as I type this message, hanging proudly next to Bourque and former star Avs goalie Patrick Roy jerseys. I have a Sakic picture mounted on my wall just a little beyond my computer monitor. Before a took interest in the position of goaltender, I wanted to model my game after Joe's just like so many, many others did and still do. Even now, Sakic remains (with a couple others) my favorite NHL player of all time.
What I most love and admire about Sakic, above all else, is his walk with the Lord. My favorite thing about seeing Sakic on TV is not to watch him play or hear him speak, but to look into his eyes. Sure, I know as a fact from all I've heard that Sakic is a born-again Christian, but those eyes are the eyes of a man who is a TRUE Christian, not someone who prays and goes to church and other than that life his life for himself in whatever way he chooses. Those eyes are the eyes of a man who walks closely with God, and loves Him greatly. What I see in his eyes are great strength, power, and wisdom, and that blessing he received through God has been wonderfully demonstrated throughout his whole life as we've seen him. That's what I'll miss most about Joe Sakic, but I hope that someday I'll meet him in person, not just on this Earth, but greater yet in the Lord's wondrous Kingdom of Heaven. There I'll get to know the man behind the eyes as I want to know him.
Joe Sakic's passing from the hockey world as a player will always leave a gaping hole, one that the Avs will never be able to fill, no matter how long or hard they try. He's absolutely irreplaceable. There never has been another player like Joe, nor will there ever be. He was one of a kind, one that will be remembered by hockey fans for as long as the world endures.
We'll all miss Joe Sakic very much. While I so, so much wish he could have kept playing at least for one more year, I know he's made the right choice. I'm sure he talked it over carefully and thoughtfully with his family before coming to his decision, and most importantly, I'm sure he devoted it to the Lord through prayer and consideration. I'm sure the Lord gave him peace with this. It's time. While I'll never be ready to see him leave, I do hope he continues to be involved in hockey, in what ever position God has for him, if that God's will, and hopefully, that place will remain in Colorado where the fans will continue to enjoy his presence and commitment.
Even now I get choked up myself just thinking about his retiring from the Avs and from the NHL. Yet I'm also happy for him. This is the next chapter in his life, as he said, and he'll love and enjoy being able to spend as much time with his family as he wants now; something far, far more important than hockey, as great a game as it may be. He'll be missed by us still watching, though, and we'll always miss him.
He set a example for years to come in the game of hockey, and for all those he worked with and met off the ice. Truly there will never be another Joe Sakic. But we will always have the ememory of him, and what he did for us.
Joe Sakic was the core of the Avalanche franchise. He is what made hockey great in the state of Colorado. We'll never forget him.
Goodbye, Joe. Thank you so, so very much.
To view the Denver Post's story on Sakic's retirement, go here:
A video tribute to Sakic:
However, Sakic (I just learned today from an old interview with Sakic that his name is correctly pronounced "Sa-kich", not the common English pronunciation "Sa-kik") was far more than just his achievements. He was a heart and soul all-around player that was the core of the franchise for its entire in the Rocky Mountains. He was and is THE Avalanche player. There so much I could, and want, to say about Joe Sakic that I don't even know where to start. There is no player like him, nor will there ever be. Hockey will miss him unbelievably. This is truly a sad and emotional day not just for die-hard Avalanche fans like myself, but for the NHL and sports as a whole. You'd be hard pressed to find a hockey fan who hasn't heard of the name Joe Sakic. Many players, including the recent Avs draftee and likely NHL star Matt Duchene, have idolized and modeled their games after him.
Sakic could fill every part of the game. He obviously could score goals. In fact, he own the greatest, most powerful, most accurate, and certainly fastest wrist shot I'v seen in my whole life. His wrist shot was harder and faster than most people's slapshots. When he let one of those rip, if he didn't score, he'd at least make one heck of a golden opportunity.
Sakic was also one of the game's great playmakers. In fact, in his usual humble manner, he'd more often pass his teammate than fire the shot himself. He could make beautiful, quick, fluid passes that would find the player even if his was in the midst of a maze of activity. Sakic had vision like a hawk. He was aware of everything around him on the ice. Not only that, but he was a genius hockey player. He knew the right choice to make at the right time even when he only had a second to make it. Few other players have ever had the instincts and hockey sense of Sakic. He was also a great faceoff man, winning crucial draws when the team really needed it.
While he usually was a finesse-type player, he could also be a great physical player when the situation called for it. In fact, though he only had one fight in his whole career (vs. Doug Gilmour of the Chicago Blackhawks), he really kicked butt. More importantly, he could hold his own in tough situations in-game against the great defensemen and enforcers of the league. Heck, often they'd have trouble even catching him. Joe Sakic was one fast guy, with amazing acceleration. He was a tremendously gifted skater, who, if he got off on a breakaway, could not be caught.
For all his offensive talent, Sakic was also an fantastic defensive player. He knew all about how to play defensively and could put himself in just the right spot to foil an opposing player's plan. He could read players amazingly well. He knew what they were thinking. Often Sakic would be out on the penalty kill as much as the power play. Sakic has been rightly called one of the greatest two-way players of all time.
Sakic was an amazingly creative hockey player. He was always coming up with new strategies and moves to win a game. Once the shootout was added to the NHL at the start of the 2005-06 season, Sakic quickly came up with an incredible move that goalies never really did figure out how to beat. He'd go down the slot and get the goalie thinking Sakic would pull to his left to shoot, but then would gracefully sweep the puck to his right, making the goalie commit himself, deke around the goalie, and just as he'd pass by the side of the net he'd backhand the puck right to the top shelf. That move surprised and entertained me to death every time I watched it.
One thing that will always be remembered about Joe was his ability to surprise and steal game, to add that much needed play of goal at just the right moment. Long time Avs color commentator Peter McNabb labeled Sakic as the greatest clutch player in the history of the game. Sakic is the all time NHL leader in overtime playoff goals with 8 (a few years ago he passed the great Maurice "The Rocket" Richard to become the all time leader). Any Avs fan can give you examples of times he stole a game when the Avs most needed it. He always came through for Colorado.
That was the kind of player Joey was. His amazing skills and leadership earned him nicknames such as "Super Joe" and "Smokin' Joe". He was one heck of a leader. Sakic, however, was the kind of player who had a pure natural presence about him. When he stepped on the ice, everybody, including the opposing team, respected him. I don't think I've ever heard any player, coach, or sports commentator or writer speak one negative thing about Joe Sakic. He commanded respect without saying so much as a word. His playing, the way he handled himself, and his great integrity always spoke itself. Sakic, from the time he came to Colorado to the time of his retirement was always one of the most respected people in the NHL. Now, he will be one of the most respected players of all time.
Something that will always be remembered about Joe by fans, staff, and players alike is his tremendous integrity. His amazing sportsmanship even won him the Lady Bing Trophy in 2001, the year he lead the Avalanche to their second and most recent Stanely Cup championship. Never have I seen such a humble and classy player. He is, in fact, one of the classiest people I've witnessed in my life, even outside of hockey, and I've never even had the honor of meeting him. He never, despite his achievements, spoke about himself, nor did he ever want the spotlight on himself. He wanted it on everyone else, especially his team and his family. That's who Joey really was and still is.
He was known not just as a gentleman on the ice, but off it as well. He was always friendly to the people around him, signing autographs and attending Avalanche-related events. But what really stood out was the was he always reached out to help others, especially those in need. He supported and personally helped out in numerous charities, many of which we never even hear about. Many charities he supported were for children. If he was ever presented with an award or some other honor and there would be people lined up to give it to him, if there was a kid, that would be the first person he'd go up to and talk to. Today I saw a short video of Sakic during a stoppage in a game and he skated to the Plexiglas were a kid who couldn't have been more than a few years old sat with his mom. He then leaned over with his face against the tiny space between the glass so he could talk to him.
Sakic's a fantastic family man. He has three young kids and loves them all dearly, and they him. As he spoke at his retirement press conference earlier today, you could see one of his boys crying as he watched his dad on the stage, saying his goodbyes. His family loved watching him play, and his kids obviously think the world of him. He also dearly loves his wife, and they seem to have a great marriage. When Sakic was asked today what he'd want to be remembered as, his response was that he wanted to be remembered as a good family man, and a good hockey player. Mission far more than accomplished, Joe.
I didn't become a serious Avs fan until 2001 when the Avalanche won the Cup. My greatest memory to this day was the moment that Joe Sakic handed Ray Bourque, likely the greatest defenseman of all time, his first Stanley Cup, the one he'd played his entire 20 year career to get. Traditionally it's the captain who first hoists the Cup when his team wins it. Not Joe. In his usual, selfless manner, he received the Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and immediately skated to Ray to let him lift it first. After that night, I was the Avaholic I still am today, and my favorite player was Joe Sakic. The first jersey I ever bought was a then home jersey sporting the Avalanche burgundy and white. I still have it in my closet a few yards away from me as I type this message, hanging proudly next to Bourque and former star Avs goalie Patrick Roy jerseys. I have a Sakic picture mounted on my wall just a little beyond my computer monitor. Before a took interest in the position of goaltender, I wanted to model my game after Joe's just like so many, many others did and still do. Even now, Sakic remains (with a couple others) my favorite NHL player of all time.
What I most love and admire about Sakic, above all else, is his walk with the Lord. My favorite thing about seeing Sakic on TV is not to watch him play or hear him speak, but to look into his eyes. Sure, I know as a fact from all I've heard that Sakic is a born-again Christian, but those eyes are the eyes of a man who is a TRUE Christian, not someone who prays and goes to church and other than that life his life for himself in whatever way he chooses. Those eyes are the eyes of a man who walks closely with God, and loves Him greatly. What I see in his eyes are great strength, power, and wisdom, and that blessing he received through God has been wonderfully demonstrated throughout his whole life as we've seen him. That's what I'll miss most about Joe Sakic, but I hope that someday I'll meet him in person, not just on this Earth, but greater yet in the Lord's wondrous Kingdom of Heaven. There I'll get to know the man behind the eyes as I want to know him.
Joe Sakic's passing from the hockey world as a player will always leave a gaping hole, one that the Avs will never be able to fill, no matter how long or hard they try. He's absolutely irreplaceable. There never has been another player like Joe, nor will there ever be. He was one of a kind, one that will be remembered by hockey fans for as long as the world endures.
We'll all miss Joe Sakic very much. While I so, so much wish he could have kept playing at least for one more year, I know he's made the right choice. I'm sure he talked it over carefully and thoughtfully with his family before coming to his decision, and most importantly, I'm sure he devoted it to the Lord through prayer and consideration. I'm sure the Lord gave him peace with this. It's time. While I'll never be ready to see him leave, I do hope he continues to be involved in hockey, in what ever position God has for him, if that God's will, and hopefully, that place will remain in Colorado where the fans will continue to enjoy his presence and commitment.
Even now I get choked up myself just thinking about his retiring from the Avs and from the NHL. Yet I'm also happy for him. This is the next chapter in his life, as he said, and he'll love and enjoy being able to spend as much time with his family as he wants now; something far, far more important than hockey, as great a game as it may be. He'll be missed by us still watching, though, and we'll always miss him.
He set a example for years to come in the game of hockey, and for all those he worked with and met off the ice. Truly there will never be another Joe Sakic. But we will always have the ememory of him, and what he did for us.
Joe Sakic was the core of the Avalanche franchise. He is what made hockey great in the state of Colorado. We'll never forget him.
Goodbye, Joe. Thank you so, so very much.
To view the Denver Post's story on Sakic's retirement, go here:
A video tribute to Sakic:
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July!
It's Independence Day! What are you doing? My family and I are having lots of friends and family over for a big party. I hope the weather is good enough for us to shoot off some good fireworks!
Despite the current state of the country and the direction it's heading in, this is a day where we can remember when America really was the greatest nation on Earth, the day freedoms were born for multitudes of people from then and on. Today is a day for family and for good summer fun, and to relish the God-given freedoms we have to enjoy. Praise the Lord!
Despite the current state of the country and the direction it's heading in, this is a day where we can remember when America really was the greatest nation on Earth, the day freedoms were born for multitudes of people from then and on. Today is a day for family and for good summer fun, and to relish the God-given freedoms we have to enjoy. Praise the Lord!
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