Many things grieve me.
A loss of a loved one, though I've never actually had that happen to me yet.
The degrading of our nation.
The loss of innocent, unborn lives.
And the fact that many people are wandering through life not knowing what truth is.
I was listening to a radio program in my car this morning. It was the usual early morning talk about random subjects, and the topic of "what I want in life" came up. Each personality gave their comments about what material things they would like to have and such. But then another broadcaster, deep voice and all, spoke up.
"All I want - is just to be happy for life and eternity...I just don't know how."
That saddened my heart greatly!
This man is wandering through life trying to find happiness. But he doesn't know how to attain it! Many people in this world are wandering through life trying to find joy, peace, meaning.
But why?
Is it because there is no absolute truth out there? Well, that can't be true. Because if that statement were true, then it would be contradicting itself.
Manti Te'o. Sigh...Nobody knows what's what and who's who, or, not who. Who knows?! But I can guarantee you that something about this story is true. Because there is such a thing as absolute truth!
I believe there is Truth, true Truth. But how can lost people know about it if somebody doesn't tell them?
We as Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ. Jesus told his disciples that He would make them 'Fishers of Men'. Meaning that He would train and grow them to reach out to people after He would leave this world.
We have a responsibility to share with others what Christ gave to us. People are lost and spiritually dying. They're seeking truth, but instead of finding it they fill their lives with worldly things. They wander and wonder...
Just today I have started to carry my Bible with me around school, and I have already gotten a comment! Maybe it starts with just a simple thing as that. Find a way to start a conversation, bring it to spiritual things and let God do the rest. It is amazing to see what happens when we step aside and let God and His Word do the talking.
Truth.
People are looking. Looking for something to fill that void. Christ can do just that. But people have to be told about it, we can't just hope that the lost will find out on their own.
It starts with you and I. What are you doing to further God's Kingdom?
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The woes of a Lion
Play makers! You have the quarterback, you have the monster receiver, and you have a decent running game. But alas, something just isn't working. You look great on TV, and whenever your talked about people always picture the names and faces of the a fore mentioned positions. But before I try to butter this up any further I'll just be blunt with you...your defense needs help. And not just any kind of help, you need the kind of help a double amputee needs. You have no legs, or, talent. What you need is new legs, or, new players, and/or perhaps new coaches too.
But one thing we all can agree on is that you had a chance. You had a dream. You just didn't deliver...Oh, the woes of being a Detroit Lion.
Not much can be said for the success of the Lions this season, or a lot of teams for that matter. But people had them held high. They were Super Bowl picks for some, and division winners for many. But something didn't pan out.
The thrower to catcher duo of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson made Detroit fans feel swell about things. These were two young emerging all-stars. Top fantasy picks by many. But the old saying comes ringing about - football is a team game. Three realms of this game must be played as well as the other for a consistent successful team. You hurt yourself on Special Teams by giving the opponent good field position. You hurt yourself on Offense by not scoring. But ultimately you hurt yourself on Defense by giving up points. By not defending your end-zone.
Now, if I can, I'll see if I can turn this into and understandable concept.
We as Christians ought to be proclaiming the name of Christ. But what happens when I can't defend what I have just told a person? What happens when I tell a person that they need to be saved, but can't tell them why?
Sure, I may sound pretty. Detroit looks pretty on Offense. But if I can't defend what I have just proclaimed then I'm just like a Lion's team that can't defend their own goal. We need to be ready to defend what we say, with the Word of God!
We need to be properly trained and have knowledge of what we say. We need to spend time in the Bible. We need to be what we preach. To be as Christ, the ultimate goal.
Now, we as humans have faults, we're not perfect. But that doesn't mean that we should try to hide behind the eloquence of a good Offense or think that if we use extreme vocabulary in a perfect grammatical way that people will believe what we say.
Defense...it's key. Be ready to back up what you say. Don't wait until game day, start now! Get into God's Word! Don't be like Detroit. Don't hide behind the looks of fancy players on Offense. Get some defense and be prepared.
Are you ready?
But one thing we all can agree on is that you had a chance. You had a dream. You just didn't deliver...Oh, the woes of being a Detroit Lion.
Not much can be said for the success of the Lions this season, or a lot of teams for that matter. But people had them held high. They were Super Bowl picks for some, and division winners for many. But something didn't pan out.
The thrower to catcher duo of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson made Detroit fans feel swell about things. These were two young emerging all-stars. Top fantasy picks by many. But the old saying comes ringing about - football is a team game. Three realms of this game must be played as well as the other for a consistent successful team. You hurt yourself on Special Teams by giving the opponent good field position. You hurt yourself on Offense by not scoring. But ultimately you hurt yourself on Defense by giving up points. By not defending your end-zone.
Now, if I can, I'll see if I can turn this into and understandable concept.
We as Christians ought to be proclaiming the name of Christ. But what happens when I can't defend what I have just told a person? What happens when I tell a person that they need to be saved, but can't tell them why?
Sure, I may sound pretty. Detroit looks pretty on Offense. But if I can't defend what I have just proclaimed then I'm just like a Lion's team that can't defend their own goal. We need to be ready to defend what we say, with the Word of God!
We need to be properly trained and have knowledge of what we say. We need to spend time in the Bible. We need to be what we preach. To be as Christ, the ultimate goal.
Now, we as humans have faults, we're not perfect. But that doesn't mean that we should try to hide behind the eloquence of a good Offense or think that if we use extreme vocabulary in a perfect grammatical way that people will believe what we say.
Defense...it's key. Be ready to back up what you say. Don't wait until game day, start now! Get into God's Word! Don't be like Detroit. Don't hide behind the looks of fancy players on Offense. Get some defense and be prepared.
Are you ready?
Thursday, December 20, 2012
No, Really?
And now, a new article called No, Really?. Where the actions and results explain the very meaning of, DUH!
Action - Indianapolis Colts (Go Indy!) appear to have found a great quarterback.
Result - Indy wins games.
Action - NFL player kills girl friend and self.
Result - NBC/Liberal media call for gun control.
Action - Different NFL player drives drunk, crashes, kills passenger and teammate.
Result - No guns were involved. No out-cry.
Action - Arizona Cardinals on losing skid.
Result - Coach appears to be losing job in near future.
Action - Baseball trades and…
Result - Nobody cares, it's football season.
Action - Notre Dame goes 12-0 by the skin of their teeth.
Result - Gets you into the national championship in the BCS. Unless, of course, you're Ohio State, and you broke the rules.
Action - Iowa Hawkeye football has no talent.
Result - Wins only four games. Coaches get hated on. Hope for better next season. And repeat. (I still love you though.)
Action - Indianapolis Colts (Go Indy!) appear to have found a great quarterback.
Result - Indy wins games.
Action - NFL player kills girl friend and self.
Result - NBC/Liberal media call for gun control.
Action - Different NFL player drives drunk, crashes, kills passenger and teammate.
Result - No guns were involved. No out-cry.
Action - Arizona Cardinals on losing skid.
Result - Coach appears to be losing job in near future.
Action - Baseball trades and…
Result - Nobody cares, it's football season.
Action - Notre Dame goes 12-0 by the skin of their teeth.
Result - Gets you into the national championship in the BCS. Unless, of course, you're Ohio State, and you broke the rules.
Action - Iowa Hawkeye football has no talent.
Result - Wins only four games. Coaches get hated on. Hope for better next season. And repeat. (I still love you though.)
Friday, December 7, 2012
I cannot hide from You.
I cannot hide from You.
That's the name of a certain song that has recently been stuck in my mind. The song, sung by Greg Long, has really been an encouragement and yet a challenge to me.
God sees and knows everything we do, say, or think. In a way, that statement can be convicting. Being a sinful human being there are some things that I don't want God to know about. But He does, and I have to my best to remember that.
On the other hand, to know that God is always there, always, is such an awesome feeling! There's no place I can go, where God can't be to pick me up. To guide me. To love me.
And really, that's what it's all about. His love for us.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
He wants to be there for us. He is there for us. He always will be there for us.
I cannot hide from You,
You know me all too well,
There's no story of my life that Your memory could not tell,
I can ride the morning wings till I'm completely out of view,
But whether in dark or light,
I cannot hide from You.
God loves us. It's evident. Just as a parent that loves their child and makes sure to know where and what they are doing, so our Father keeps track of us.
We can't hide from Him. No matter what. He created you, and He loves you.
Are you trying to hide from God?
It's my prayer that we all remain aware that God is omniscient (all knowing). He knows about everything.
Be thankful for that.
That's the name of a certain song that has recently been stuck in my mind. The song, sung by Greg Long, has really been an encouragement and yet a challenge to me.
God sees and knows everything we do, say, or think. In a way, that statement can be convicting. Being a sinful human being there are some things that I don't want God to know about. But He does, and I have to my best to remember that.
On the other hand, to know that God is always there, always, is such an awesome feeling! There's no place I can go, where God can't be to pick me up. To guide me. To love me.
And really, that's what it's all about. His love for us.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
He wants to be there for us. He is there for us. He always will be there for us.
I cannot hide from You,
You know me all too well,
There's no story of my life that Your memory could not tell,
I can ride the morning wings till I'm completely out of view,
But whether in dark or light,
I cannot hide from You.
God loves us. It's evident. Just as a parent that loves their child and makes sure to know where and what they are doing, so our Father keeps track of us.
We can't hide from Him. No matter what. He created you, and He loves you.
Are you trying to hide from God?
It's my prayer that we all remain aware that God is omniscient (all knowing). He knows about everything.
Be thankful for that.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
1/4 Season Rundown
Here we are, four weeks into the NFL season, and a lot has changed since the beginning. Super Bowl contenders falling off the map, nobodies becoming somebodies, and other teams right where everyone thought they'd be.
Here's my rundown on each team.
AFC
North
Steelers: Sitting at 2-2 people are somewhat disappointed, but don't fret, yet, they still have time.
Ravens: Right about where they were thought to be, not much to say.
Bengals: Young team, showing signs of talent, but time will tell.
Browns: Showing signs of improvement, but they still have a long way to go.
East
Patriots: One loss to Buffalo, but Buffalo not too shabby this year, the Pats will be fine.
Jets: Oh, Rex Ryan...we thought you guys would be East contenders, that hope isn't gone, but it's hard to see right now.
Bills: 3-1...is anyone surprised? They've finally got some talent, now if they can keep it going.
Dolphins: Lost cause right now...
South
Texans: It's finally your year, don't blow it.
Titans: Veteran QB, don't think that's enough though.
Jaguars: They need...help...
Colts: Nothing without Manning
West
Raiders: Showing signs of life, but more time is needed.
Chargers: It's your conference title to lose.
Chiefs: Grease fire...
Broncos: If they don't figure things out, they'll run out of time.
NFC
East
Redskins: Looking good early, but time will tell.
Cowboys: The play of Romo determines their outcome.
Giants: At one moment they look real bad, then at a second glance not too bad...time will tell.
Eagles: Way overrated...they do have talent, just need to use it successfully.
North
Packers: On top, as predicted.
Lions: Watch out GB, these Lions are hungry...
Bears: Like the Giants, 50/50
Vikings: Adrian Peterson can't do it himself.
South
Saints: Still a good team, they just slipped at Green Bay.
Falcons: They need a defense.
Bucs: Very talented.
Panthers: Newton is legit, they just need a defense.
West
Cardinals: They're falling...fast.
Seahawks: Not making much noise.
Rams: They're falling...and falling...and falling...
49ers: They're good, good enough to win the West anyways.
Well, that's it. It will all change again and again, but for now that's my rundown.
Enjoy the madness!!
Here's my rundown on each team.
AFC
North
Steelers: Sitting at 2-2 people are somewhat disappointed, but don't fret, yet, they still have time.
Ravens: Right about where they were thought to be, not much to say.
Bengals: Young team, showing signs of talent, but time will tell.
Browns: Showing signs of improvement, but they still have a long way to go.
East
Patriots: One loss to Buffalo, but Buffalo not too shabby this year, the Pats will be fine.
Jets: Oh, Rex Ryan...we thought you guys would be East contenders, that hope isn't gone, but it's hard to see right now.
Bills: 3-1...is anyone surprised? They've finally got some talent, now if they can keep it going.
Dolphins: Lost cause right now...
South
Texans: It's finally your year, don't blow it.
Titans: Veteran QB, don't think that's enough though.
Jaguars: They need...help...
Colts: Nothing without Manning
West
Raiders: Showing signs of life, but more time is needed.
Chargers: It's your conference title to lose.
Chiefs: Grease fire...
Broncos: If they don't figure things out, they'll run out of time.
NFC
East
Redskins: Looking good early, but time will tell.
Cowboys: The play of Romo determines their outcome.
Giants: At one moment they look real bad, then at a second glance not too bad...time will tell.
Eagles: Way overrated...they do have talent, just need to use it successfully.
North
Packers: On top, as predicted.
Lions: Watch out GB, these Lions are hungry...
Bears: Like the Giants, 50/50
Vikings: Adrian Peterson can't do it himself.
South
Saints: Still a good team, they just slipped at Green Bay.
Falcons: They need a defense.
Bucs: Very talented.
Panthers: Newton is legit, they just need a defense.
West
Cardinals: They're falling...fast.
Seahawks: Not making much noise.
Rams: They're falling...and falling...and falling...
49ers: They're good, good enough to win the West anyways.
Well, that's it. It will all change again and again, but for now that's my rundown.
Enjoy the madness!!
Friday, September 9, 2011
2011 NFL Playoff Predictions
Here we go again! Another long summer is coming is coming to an end. The temps are falling, the trees are losing their lush green color, and most guys (and some ladies) are feeling the buzz to watch someone get completely destroyed by another. Yep, football is in the air!
From coast to coast and border to border, people across this great nation have had to put up with Basketball, Baseball, and whatever else keeps you out of trouble. But not anymore. Football is back!
After a "Lockout" that lasted nearly five months (which goes to show the greediness of people, and just how much this league is based on money more than anything else) the players and owners signed a ten year deal. Which means we just have to go through this AGAIN in ten years...but for now, enjoy it!
So just to give you an insight of how I think this season will turn out, here's my playoff predictions (not that they mean anything, because I'm terrible at picking winners).
AFC
(Division)(Winner)(Seed)
North - Ravens 3
South - Texans 4
East - Patriots 1
West - Chargers 2
Wild Card - Steelers 6
Wild Card - Jets 5
NFC
North - Packers 3
South - Saints 1
East - Eagles 2
West - Rams 4
Wild Card - Falcons 5
Wild Card - Cardinals 6
My Super Bowl Picks are the Patriots over the Saints.
There they are, they're probably no good but it's better than nothing. A dark horse team I haven't mentioned is the Lions. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, watch out, with that defensive line you never know what could happen.
So sit back, enjoy your diet coke, and enjoy this season. Before you know it, it'll be over, and we'll be back to Basketball, Baseball, and again, whatever keeps you out of trouble. Until next season, that is...
From coast to coast and border to border, people across this great nation have had to put up with Basketball, Baseball, and whatever else keeps you out of trouble. But not anymore. Football is back!
After a "Lockout" that lasted nearly five months (which goes to show the greediness of people, and just how much this league is based on money more than anything else) the players and owners signed a ten year deal. Which means we just have to go through this AGAIN in ten years...but for now, enjoy it!
So just to give you an insight of how I think this season will turn out, here's my playoff predictions (not that they mean anything, because I'm terrible at picking winners).
AFC
(Division)(Winner)(Seed)
North - Ravens 3
South - Texans 4
East - Patriots 1
West - Chargers 2
Wild Card - Steelers 6
Wild Card - Jets 5
NFC
North - Packers 3
South - Saints 1
East - Eagles 2
West - Rams 4
Wild Card - Falcons 5
Wild Card - Cardinals 6
My Super Bowl Picks are the Patriots over the Saints.
There they are, they're probably no good but it's better than nothing. A dark horse team I haven't mentioned is the Lions. If Matthew Stafford stays healthy, watch out, with that defensive line you never know what could happen.
So sit back, enjoy your diet coke, and enjoy this season. Before you know it, it'll be over, and we'll be back to Basketball, Baseball, and again, whatever keeps you out of trouble. Until next season, that is...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Round Ball - Round Up
It's the NBA Finals!! The only part of the NBA season people care about!
And guess what, the Lakers are out! And so are the Celtics! Who would of thought?
But I'm not going to talk about them, no, I'm just going to give a brief summary of the four teams that decided to play during games, unlike the last year's finalist.
Let's go West first.
Dallas: Where has Dirk Nowitzki (his mom probably sneezed when naming him) been?
All the years he's been with the Mavricks and now he decides to play like he wants a championship? Well, I don't know where he's been, but he's playing some pretty awesome B-Ball right now, and that could carry Dallas to the top.
Oklahoma City: OKC is like that little two-foot tall kid that is surprisingly really good, but in the end his size is just not good enough.
West Results: Dallas leads the series 2-1 right now. And though I think the OKC Thunder will get one more win, Dallas will move on. No doubt about it.
East.
Chicago: The team with the best record this season, and MVP Derrick Rose has turned out to be a flop.
Barely getting past Indiana and Atlanta, the Bulls now trail Miami 2-1, so if they (Chicago) wants to move on they better give it all they got, because they're playing a hot Miami team. But one thing's for certain, Chicago has been way over rated.
Miami: The team that made all the moves to win now looks like they actually might, but they have to play like it. The Heat win when they want to. That's the way it's been all season, win just enough to get in the post season and then turn on the jets. So if they really want to win it all then they'd better just keep playing like they have been.
East Results: Chicago's got guts, but Miami's got talent. I'm sure the windy city will get another win here, but the Heat will move on.
Finals Results: It's a tough decision. Dallas, who's on a role, and Miami who's also on a role. I think the winner will be whoever finishes this round better.
But if I had to give an answer now, than I think I'd go with Miami in 7 games. They've got the stars, the talent, and the want.
And guess what, the Lakers are out! And so are the Celtics! Who would of thought?
But I'm not going to talk about them, no, I'm just going to give a brief summary of the four teams that decided to play during games, unlike the last year's finalist.
Let's go West first.
Dallas: Where has Dirk Nowitzki (his mom probably sneezed when naming him) been?
All the years he's been with the Mavricks and now he decides to play like he wants a championship? Well, I don't know where he's been, but he's playing some pretty awesome B-Ball right now, and that could carry Dallas to the top.
Oklahoma City: OKC is like that little two-foot tall kid that is surprisingly really good, but in the end his size is just not good enough.
West Results: Dallas leads the series 2-1 right now. And though I think the OKC Thunder will get one more win, Dallas will move on. No doubt about it.
East.
Chicago: The team with the best record this season, and MVP Derrick Rose has turned out to be a flop.
Barely getting past Indiana and Atlanta, the Bulls now trail Miami 2-1, so if they (Chicago) wants to move on they better give it all they got, because they're playing a hot Miami team. But one thing's for certain, Chicago has been way over rated.
Miami: The team that made all the moves to win now looks like they actually might, but they have to play like it. The Heat win when they want to. That's the way it's been all season, win just enough to get in the post season and then turn on the jets. So if they really want to win it all then they'd better just keep playing like they have been.
East Results: Chicago's got guts, but Miami's got talent. I'm sure the windy city will get another win here, but the Heat will move on.
Finals Results: It's a tough decision. Dallas, who's on a role, and Miami who's also on a role. I think the winner will be whoever finishes this round better.
But if I had to give an answer now, than I think I'd go with Miami in 7 games. They've got the stars, the talent, and the want.
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