RePost: No Such Tales Are Told

The post below was at David and Sarah Dark's blog. Too good of a quote not to share.
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America is the wealthiest nation on Earth, but its people are mainly poor, and poor Americans are urged to hate themselves.... It is in fact a crime for anAmerican to be poor, even though America is a nation of poor. Every other nation has folk traditions of men who were poor but extremely wise and virtuous, and therefore more estimable than anyone with power and gold. No such tales are told by American poor. They mock themselves and glorify their betters.

- Kurt Vonnegut

NFL Week 5 Picks

Steelers @ Lions = Pittsburgh
Vikings @ Rams = Minnesota
Raiders @ Giants = New York
Cowboys @ Chiefs = Dallas
Redskins @ Panthers = Washington
Browns @ Bills = Buffalo
Buccaneers @ Eagles = Philadelphia
Bengals @ Ravens = Baltimore
Falcans @ 49ers = San Francisco
Texans @ Cardinals = Houston
Patriots @ Broncos = New England
Jaguars @ Seahawks = Seattle
Colts @ Titans = Indianapolis
Jets @ Dolphins = New York

Article: Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

Yahoo posted a brief list recently of 19 things your child’s teacher won’t tell you.

Reader’s Digest as a similar list. Both are worth the quick read.

Here are a five to give you an idea:

• The truth is simple: Your kid will lie to get out of trouble.
• Encourage your child to keep reading. That’s key to success in the classroom at any age.
• We spend money out of our own pockets to buy things our students need, such as school supplies and even shoes.
• We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.
• Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy.

In my community group thru church we have several teachers. And our church is champion this mission; “We want to be the presence of Christ in every neighborhood, school and apartment in the city of San Antonio.” This list gives me a few insights in how to serve these teachers and interact with these schools.

But it also got me thinking about something else I was thinking about this morning. Has anyone ever told you, “I think everyone should work in a fast food restaurant” or “I think everyone at one point in their life should work in retail?” Really? Do I really have to quit my job and work at McDonald’s to learn these essential nuggets of insight (haha…see what I did there)? Or rather, couldn’t we just learn to communicate what it is we are learning?

So…

What would I want to tell people about my profession (or hobby or whatever it is you do) but don’t? I’m going to have to think on this for a day or two.

What about you? What would you want me to tell me from your perspective?

NFL Week 4 Picks - Wrap Up

I was trying a different format for my picks and reviews this week. I hope it was helpful.

I’d love to hear any of your NFL thoughts. Please feel free to comment.

I love to talk sports, however, I’m aware that not everyone (anyone?) who reads this blog cares what my thoughts on the NFL are. Which is completely understandable.

Detroit @ Chicago = Chicago

I’m not surprised by the Chicago win. Just surprised by the 48 points they threw up. Cutler is turning out to be a great fit for this team.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland = Cincinnati

Why do I care nothing about either of these teams? Cincinnati is 3-1, but I don’t think they’ll be a playoff team. Sure I follow the soap opera that is the Cleveland QB debate. But really I don’t care about either of these teams. And I doubt many in Ohio do either, they’re content with their OSU Buckeyes.

Dallas @ Denver = Denver

Dallas. I told you. Romo is not an elite QB, he never was, and despite occasional games with big passing numbers this will never be the guy who returns the Cowboys to their former glory. Every Dallas fan owes and apology to Jessica Simpson and Terrell Owens, because the days of making up excuses for Romo’s bad play has got to come to an end. However, as a Dallas-hater, I will say that I don’t mind their current downturn in the least.

Denver. 4-0. Really? Sure their schedule has been light, but this team has a great defense, only giving up 26 (7, 6, 3 & 10) points in four games. But with the next four games against New England, San Diego, Baltimore and Pittsburgh undefeated could quickly become .500 ball. Although I think they’ll have a shot a squeaking out a win in one of those games.

Seattle @ Indianapolis = Indianapolis

Manning is rolling. Seriously, this guy on bad weeks doesn’t look that bad. Sure Seattle isn’t a great team, maybe not even a good team after some of their injuries, but this game was over by halftime.

New York Giants @ Kansas City = New York Giants

Manning is rolling. Wait…er…I know I just said that, but that’s right. The Manning boys are really good. I would take note that KC did put up 16 point. And Eli getting injured could be a major blow to this team.

Buffalo @ Miami = Buffalo

Buffalo is just not getting things going. I’d look for Dick Jauron’s tenure to end soon.

Baltimore @ New England = Baltimore

You hate to see a game being discussed for its questionable penalties than it’s great play, but that’s exactly what’s happening with this game. Two roughing-the-passer calls lead to TD drives. The Tom Brady rule strikes again. I think these two teams will get another shot at each other in the playoffs.

New York Jets @ New Orleans = New Orleans

Brees’ second game in a row without a TD pass has to be of some concern, but the Saints keep on marching. Sanchez showed some real rookie flaws in this game. I think he’ll definitely learn from them. But he will have another two or three games like this one this season.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh

Even though San Diego kept fighting back into this game, you never really thought the Steelers were going to lose. Because if you don’t play defense you don’t win. And San Diego could not stop Pittsburgh’s offense. Mendenhall looked good in this game for Pittsburgh. 29 touches for 165 yards and 2 TDs. That’s stepping up.

St. Louis @ San Francisco = San Francisco

San Fran is developing into another Baltimore type team. A dominating defense with a offense that turns out some solid play. St. Louis is an awful team that’s biggest concern right now is drafting McCoy or Bradford as the number one overall pick in next year’s draft.

Tampa Bay @ Washington = Washington

Two bad teams = who cares.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville = Tennessee

Wow! Tennessee needs to start looking towards next year because this season is over. And with the season being over they may want to consider re-starting Vince Young. He is the future of the franchise.

Oakland @ Houston = Houston

Oakland had just two field goals. They are a bad, bad, bad team. Is JaMarcus Russell trying to having a worse NFL career than Ryan Leaf? I didn’t think it was possible, but it may be.

Green Bay @ Minnesota = Minnesota

Favre looked good last night against his former team. I have two questions: Does the Green Bay organization allow Favre to retire as a Packer? And with Favre throwing 3 TDs is he the face of this team over Adrian Peterson, and will that become an issue during the season? Winning cures everything. So when Brett has his 3 pick game (and Brett will have a 3 pick game) resulting in a loss what happens to the makeup of this team?

Still undefeated teams: New Orleans, Denver, Indianapolis, Minnesota and New York Giants

As of this week I’m thinking the last undefeated team will be the winner of the Giants/Saints game in two weeks on Oct. 18. A game I currently think NO will win, as they have a bye week next week, and because it’s in New Orleans.

Still winless teams: Cleveland, Tennessee, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and St. Louis, and Carolina

I think the last team to finally put up a win should be St. Louis. I’ve said it before, but St. Louis is a worse team than last year’s 0-16 Lions. I wouldn’t be surprised in the St. Louis goes 0-16 this season.

Last Week 12 - 4

Season (as of last week) 36-12

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This Week 11-3

Season 47-15

2009 NFL - Week 4 Picks

Detroit @ Chicago = Chicago

Detroit did finally win a game, and they’ll win another this season.  Just not against Chicago in Chicago.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland = Cincinnati

Cleveland is mess.  And Cincinnati is putting things together.  Are the Bengals a playoff team…eh…I’m not sure…but they should win this game.

Dallas @ Denver = Denver

Dare I say that they dismal Denver Broncos that had such a horrific offseason and preseason might just 4-0.  Yes.  For 2 reasons.  (1) this game is in Denver and (2) the bipolar play of Romo is due for a down day (week 1 = Romo was okay, week 2 = Romo was awful, week 3 = Romo was okay).

Seattle @ Indianapolis = Indianapolis

This is a tough pick.  But the Colts are at home and Manning just finds ways to win. 

New York Giants @ Kansas City = New York Giants

I don’t know if I can honestly pick Kansas City to win any games this year.

Buffalo @ Miami = Buffalo

Buffalo has had some moments this season where they look to be stepping up into that next level of play.  And despite Miami playing at home, and all their celebrity ownership, their wildcat offense has been playing more like a kitten.

Baltimore @ New England = Baltimore

Tough, tough, tough pick.  New England is at home.  This are two upper level teams.  But I’ve been saying Baltimore is the best team in the NFL for a reason.  This game demonstrates that.

New York Jets @ New Orleans = New Orleans

Another tough pick.  Two 3-0 teams.  Brees needs to bounce back from last week’s subpar performance, but this is a tough NY Jets defense.  However they are at home and Sanchez has to have at least one awful game during his rookie season.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh

At Pittsburgh = the reason I’m picking Pittsburgh.  But having lost two in a row Pittsburgh will be playing as if this was the playoff game.  Because honestly their playoffs may be on the line.  But look for P. Rivers to air it out and make this a close game.

St. Louis @ San Francisco = San Francisco

Does Kansas City play St. Louis this year.  Because that might be a game KC wins.  Because St. Louis is just as bad last year, and despite their better record they were actually worse than the Lions last year.

Tampa Bay @ Washington = Washington

Tampa Bay is starting Josh Johnson this week.  Both teams are bad.  Both teams coaches are not impressive.  But Washington has enough talent on their squad that they should win.  But I wouldn’t be surprised if they lost.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville = Tennessee

Tennessee is 0-3 but don’t count them out.  This team will compete for a playoff spot and the road begins here in week 4. 

Oakland @ Houston = Houston

Does JaMarcus Russell even want to play?  Houston does.

Green Bay @ Minnesota = Minnesota

This should be a fun game.  I imagine these two teams split their two match-ups this season, but since Minnesota is at home I’m giving this one.  Favre has been stealing the spotlight and the plays from Adrian Peterson.  Despite Favre’s pray and a pass last week against San Francisco I’m curious how long the locker room holds up.

 

"what's your function"

In English class, way back in high school, I was taught never to begin a sentence with a conjunction.  But why is that wrong (you see what I did there)?  I have read so many books, occasionally some by “great” authors, and they have broken this high school English rule.  I figure if it was okay for a ten year old Paul McCartney then it’s okay with me.

Actually I don’t think I really knew what a conjunction was until a few years back.  I didn’t grow up watching School House Rock, and never had Conjunction Junction burned into my psyche.  Honestly until about a minute ago I thought Conjunction Junction was on The Electric Company, a show I only occasional saw.

I certainly didn’t learn what a conjunction was in high school.  Which is not to say that it wasn’t taught to me at some point.  Most likely it was, but my memory of my high school education is hazy, much like many of my memories from that time in my life.  While I never have done drugs I imagine being on drugs is similar to my high school experience.   

I know that the words and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet are conjunctions, but are there any other.  I think there needs to be a new conjunction word.  When was the last time a conjunction word came into being?

NFL Week 3 Picks - Wrap Up

End of Week 3 thoughts:

·         If this trend continues I will most likely pick 12 out of every 16 games correctly.  That’s a 75% accuracy rating.

·         I was pleasantly surprised with the play of the 49ers.  While I did expect the Vikings to win I certainly wasn’t happy with the heartbreaking last second TD by Brett Favre.  My personal season goal for the Niners was to go at least 8-8.  I think this team may actually be better than that.

·         The play by Kolb in Philadelphia makes you wonder why they went after Michael Vick and Jeff Garcia.  It seems that they should have had more confidence in a guy they drafted much earlier than anyone expected him to be drafted.

·         Denver is a surprising 3-0 team.  Next week they play the Cowboys who I’ve never been entirely confident it.  Denver could go 4-0?

·         The Giants shut out Tampa Bay.  I still think Baltimore is the best team in the NFL right now, but more and more I’m impressed with New York’s ability to figure out the win.

·         The Jets are the big surprise team so far this year, but I’m actually more impressed and surprised by the Giants who have somehow figured out the best way to use all their pieces to get the win.  Do these two teams play each other this year?

·         There are five 0-3 teams left (Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Rams and Panthers).  The Rams, although they won a game last year, were actually worse than Detroit (which finally ended their 19 game losing streak this week) and it shows.  The Titans are the only team I see being able to maybe turn things around and still make something out of this season…if they win in week 4.

·         Why did Carolina get Jeff Garcia?  Delhomme looked bad for the third week in a row.

·         Romo didn’t throw any interceptions last night, but he didn’t throw any TDs either.  Week 1 Romo had a great game against a bad Tampa Bay team.  Week 2 Romo was roughed up by a good Giants team.  Week 3 Romo was a non-factor against a bad Panthers team.  And Jerry Jones is still saying he believes Romo can win them a Super Bowl.  I hate the Cowboys so personally I’m glad they are keeping him.

 

Cleveland at Baltimore = Baltimore

New York Giants at Tampa Bay = New York Giants

Jacksonville at Houston = Houston

Atlanta at New England = New England

Green Bay at St. Louis = Green Bay

Kansas City at Philadelphia = Philadelphia

Washington at Detroit = Detroit

San Francisco at Minnesota = Minnesota

Tennessee at New York Jets = Tennessee

New Orleans at Buffalo = New Orleans

Chicago at Seattle = Chicago

Miami at San Diego = San Diego

Denver at Oakland = Denver

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati = Pittsburgh

Indianapolis at Arizona = Arizona

Carolina at Dallas = Dallas

 

Last Week  12 - 4

Season (as of last week)  24 – 8

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This Week  12 - 4

Season 36-12

 

CHF Challenge

My friends Frankie and Taylor have thrown down the gaunlet.
And since I've never been afraid of a challenge...well that's not entirely true...never being afraid of some challenges I have gladly accepted.
Recently Frankie and Taylor were challenged by Oak Hills Church, which is partnering with Children's Hunder Fund, in conjuction with our Bigger Than You campaign, to fill up a box with food for a family in need.
This will be a chance to see and experience how many families struggle with 3 meals a day.
Now I'm not entirely sure what all the rules or time lines for the challenge, but I'll find out on Sunday when I receive my Food Pak from my friends.
I'll be blogging thru the experience and most likely will be throwing doen the challenge to one of my readers too.

Here are the rules:

• We only eat food from the Food Pak- breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, fourth meals, etc.
• No eating out.
• We only drink water.
• We pray daily thanking God that He provides for us in abundance and for the families who live on less than what we are currently eating.
• We don't grumble and complain...even if we are hungry when we go to bed!

Here is the CHF Food Pak grocery list and the items included in the Food Pak:

• two canned meat products 12 oz: tuna and chicken
• 1 bag or box of rice 16oz: enriched, long grain, white rice
• 1 bag of pinto beans 160z: Goya's frijoles pintos
• 1 bag or box of pasta 16oz: twirls!
• 2 small cans of tomato paste or sauce: 1 sm can paste, 1 can cream of broccoli soup
• 2 canned green vegetables 14oz: green beans and mixed veggies
• 2 canned fruits: mandarin oranges and peaches
• 1 bag of salted nuts 6oz: raw Spanish peanuts
• 1 small box of crackers: saltines
• 1 box of granola or nutritional bars: crunchy granola bars variety pack
• Possible additions: peanut butter (check!), soup 12oz can (broccoli cheddar), trail mix, refried beans, cooking oil, dried fruit (apples and cranberries). We also added oatmeal.
• And...we added tortillas...this is Texas, ya'll!

2009 NFL - Week 3 Picks

Please feel free to share you picks.

My thoughts on why I choose certain teams is toward the bottom.

 

Cleveland at Baltimore = Baltimore

New York Giants at Tampa Bay = New York Giants

Jacksonville at Houston = Houston

Atlanta at New England = New England

Green Bay at St. Louis = Green Bay

Kansas City at Philadelphia = Philadelphia

Washington at Detroit = Detroit

San Francisco at Minnesota = Minnesota

Tennessee at New York Jets = Tennessee

New Orleans at Buffalo = New Orleans

Chicago at Seattle = Chicago

Miami at San Diego = San Diego

Denver at Oakland = Denver

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati = Pittsburgh

Indianapolis at Arizona = Arizona

Carolina at Dallas = Dallas

 

-          I think Baltimore may be the best team after the first two weeks.  Strong offense and strong defense.

-          The difference between Baltimore and San Francisco, both 2-0 teams, is that Baltimore doesn’t have the clearly missing/lacking pieces that San Fran does.  And the questions around San Francisco make you choose Minnesota at Minnesota.

-          Tennessee (0-2) is on the ropes, and a confident Jets (2-0) team, leads to a Tennessee victory.

-          Surprisingly I’m banking on Denver going 3-0 with a win over Denver.  But after this week their record should tank.

-          New England has been stewing over their loss to NY Jets all week.  They’ll take it out on a good Atlanta team at home.

-          Detroit will finally end their losing streak. 

-          I’m thinking Indianapolis at Arizona may be the best game of the week.  Manning vs. Warner, two of the greatest QB passers ever.  A toss up, but Arizona is at home, so…

Video: World's Longest Basketball Shot

Have you seen this?

And just in case you feel that it's a fake here's another view from another angle. It's quite possibly the world's longest shot ever. Big shot. I think it's real because everything is bigger in Texas. Even if it was made at College Station.

NFL Week 2 Picks - Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up Bulleted Thoughts:

-          Carolina is in trouble, so how did they let the Eagles pick up Jeff Garcia before them?

-          Kurt Warner was 24 of 26 in his passing completion for a new NFL record 92.3%.  That’s a ridiculous stat.  

-          Is Brett Favre allowed to have more touchdowns than Adrian Peterson.  He did this week, and if that trend continues I’m curious if over inflated egos burst the party bubble in Minnesota.

-          Tennessee has two tough losses, and they have some issues to iron out.  But I’m not ready to count them out yet. 

-          Still Drew Brees vs. Adrian Peterson in my book for MVP. 

-          I can’t believe that my pick of the Jets over the Patriot was right.  Waiting to hear the first “Rex Ryan is a genius” reference.

-          Washington won without a TD, and the crowd booed them for it.  As they should have.  All the money spent on that team and not one touchdown?

-          Sproles being hit by Ray Lewis in the backfield on a key fourth and 2 may be my favorite play of the weekend.  Ray Lewis is a freak and should have a place on Sundays after he retires, probably on the sidelines, he is one smart player.

-          My Niners are 2-0.  I don’t want to say the “P” word out of superstition, but it definitely makes me confident in their ability to reach 8 wins.  I wish they could sign Crabtree only to trade him away for a first round pick next year. 

 

Carolina at Atlanta = Atlanta

Cincinnati at Green Bay = Green Bay

Minnesota at Detroit = Minnesota

Arizona at Jacksonville = Arizona

New Orleans at Philadelphia = New Orleans

Houston at Tennessee = Tennessee

St. Louis at Washington = Washington

New England at New York Jets = New York Jets

Pittsburgh at Chicago = Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay at Buffalo = Buffalo

New York Giants at Dallas = Dallas

Baltimore at San Diego = San Diego

Oakland at Kansas City = Oakland

Seattle at San Francisco = San Francisco

Cleveland at Denver = Denver

Indianapolis at Miami = Indianapolis

 

Last Week  12 - 4

Season (as of last week)  12 - 4

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This Week  12 - 4

Season 24 – 8

 

 

NFL Week 2 Picks

This is a difficult week for making picks. Largely because there was several week 1 surprises and we just don't have a real clear picture at who some of these teams are this year.
For instances Oakland is at Kansas City this week. Generally I want to select the home team in this rivalry if there isn't any clear dominate team. But Oakland did play well this past week against San Diego, despite their loss. But was that just a week 1 fluke?
Anyways. Below are my week 2 picks.
Please feel free to comment and share yours.

Houston at Tennessee = Tennessee
New Orleans at Philadelphia = New Orleans
Arizona at Jacksonville = Arizona
Oakland at Kansas City = Oakland
Cincinnati at Green Bay =Green Bay
Minnesota at Detroit = Minnesota
St. Louis at Washington = Washington
New England at New York Jets = NY Jets
Carolina at Atlanta = Atlanta
Tampa Bay at Buffalo = Buffalo
Seattle at San Francisco = San Francisco
Baltimore at San Diego = San Diego
Pittsburgh at Chicago = Pittsburgh
Cleveland at Denver = Denver
New York Giants at Dallas = Dallas
Indianapolis at Miami = Indianapolis

NFL Week 1 Picks - Wrap Up

Below were my picks from Week 1.  I got 12 out of the 16; that’s not bad. 

Here are some thoughts from week 1:

-          I had wanted to pick the 49ers because that’s my team.  But on paper they shouldn’t have won that game.  So while I wrongly predicted, I’m okay with it.   I like the look of the Singletary Niners and expect them to break .500 this year.

-          The wild cat offense was the “it” formation of last year, but in week one it was overall defended against rather well.  Especially by the Falcons in their win over the Dolphins.

-          Mark Sanchez looked crisp in his first NFL game against the Texans, I was expecting him to do well, but not that well.  There was a lot of hype about the Texans in the preseason, even some talk about them winning their division (owned by the Colts for the past several years), but with their performance on Sunday I don’t see that happening.

-          And let’s be honest.  With all the chaos in Denver this off-season, and as bad of a teams as the Bengals are, that game was a tossup. 

-          The MVP talk will revolve around Adrian Peterson, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Philip Rivers.  (Oh wait.  It already has been).

-          The Rams are an awful team.  I expect the Lions to win more games than them this year.  And while the Lions obviously had the worst record last year, they were probably still a better team than St. Louis last year. 

-          Rumors are that the Eagles and Panthers may be going after Jeff Garcia.  McNabb is supposed to be out at least one game, Vick should be eligible soon, so I see the Panthers getting him.  And the Panthers need him.  Delhomme looked awful.

-          Six touchdowns by Drew Brees.  It was like I was watching a John Madden video game.

-          Urlacher is done for the season, and the Bears were anticipating a big year from him.  Cutler played bad.  And Matt Forte did nothing to help my fantasy team.  I know we shouldn’t make week 1 predictions, but is this still a playoff team?

-          Terrell Owens only had two catches for 46 yards, but I think his presence on the field makes the Bills a better team.  He needs to understand that.  I like that the Bills are acknowledging that. 

 

Titans @ Steelers = Steelers

Cowboys @ Buccaneers = Cowboys

Chiefs @ Ravens = Ravens

Vikings @ Browns = Vikings

Jets @ Texans = Texans

Broncos @ Bengals = Bengals

Jaguars @ Colts = Colts

Lions @ Saints = Saints

Dolphins @ Falcons = Dolphins

Eagles @ Panthers = Eagles

Redskins @ Giants = Giants

49ers @ Cardinals = Cardinals

Rams @ Seahawks = Seahawks

Bears @ Packers = Packers

Bill @ Patriots = Patriots

Chargers @ Raiders = Chargers

 

Week One Record: 12-4

Season Record: 12-4

Sermons I've Recently Listened To...

Series – IT … (Southland Christian Church)

Jon Weece – IT Happened once…IT will happen again

Jon Weece – IT is Love and Love is IT

Jon Weece – Whatever IT takes

Jon Weece – You’re IT

Lee Strobel – Share IT

 

Series – Jonah: A Roundabout Journey … (Real Life Church)

Rusty George – On the Run

Rusty George – In Too Deep

Rusty George – Never Too Late

Rusty George – Offended by Grace

 

Series – The Kingdom is Surprisingly … (Ozark Christian College)

Kenny Boles – The Kingdom is Surprisingly Productive

Matt Proctor – The Kingdom is Surprisingly Big

Mark Scott – The Kingdom is Surprisingly Valuable

Dave Smith – The Kingdom is Surprisingly Gracious

Chad Ragsdale – The Kingdom is Surprisingly Messy

 

Series – Q3 … (Northpointe Church)

Andy Stanley – Ask Big

Andy Stanley – Doing Life

Andy Stanley – Going Long

 

Series – Bigger Than You … (Oak Hills Church)

Max Lucado – Week 1: Tri-focal Vision (Acts 1)

Max Lucado – Week 2: Get in the Middle of Something and Pray (Acts 2:1-21)

Max Lucado – Week 3: Don’t Forget the Bread (Acts 2:22-41)

 

Series – Still Amazaed … (2009 North American Christian Convention)

Jeff Stone – Grace that Amazes

Rick Rusaw, Chuck Booher, Dr, David Holmes – Grace that Feels

David Clark – Grace that Heals

Dudley Rutherford, Dave Bycroft, Rick Stedman – Grace that Shares

Matt Proctor – Grace that Empowers

Max Lucado – Grace that Transforms The 3:16ed Life

 

Series – Crying for the Lost … (Shepherd of the Hills Church)

Matt Proctor – Yield Vessels

Aaron Brocket – Intentional

Rick Kyle – No Excuses

Dudley Rutherford – Go! Into All the World

 

Matt Proctor - Patience

Various (MC- Mark Moore) – Gaining Wisdom

 

2009 NFL - Week 1 Picks

Are you ready for some football?!  I am.

I’ll be posting my weekly picks here on the old blog. 

Feel free to share you picks. 

 

Titans @ Steelers = Steelers

Cowboys @ Buccaneers = Cowboys

Chiefs @ Ravens = Ravens

Vikings @ Browns = Vikings

Jets @ Texans = Texans

Broncos @ Bengals = Bengals

Jaguars @ Colts = Colts

Lions @ Saints = Saints

Dolphins @ Falcons = Dolphins

Eagles @ Panthers = Eagles

Redskins @ Giants = Giants

49ers @ Cardinals = Cardinals

Rams @ Seahawks = Seahawks

Bears @ Packers = Packers

Bill @ Patriots = Patriots

Chargers @ Raiders = Chargers

Book Review: Fearless

I’ve been a long time Max Lucado fan.  I can remember the first time I read his book On The Anvil and being absolutely challenged and changed by Max’s written words.   (Wow! I think I was in middle school…has it been that long?)   It was helpful that Max puts out a dozen books a year, because we always had something to give my dad for Christmas or his birthday.  So much so that my dad would often say “I’m all ‘Max-ed’ out.”

The thing I have appreciated most about Max’s writings is how he puts muscle and flesh on what was previous just a skeleton of an idea, or thought, or belief, or story.  He has helped make my faith real.  He has a gift at drawing out the images I fail to see.  He would expose what I failed to picture.  If Jesus was drawing in the dirt, Max would point out the dirt in his fingernails, and I would go, “Oh yeah.  That’s right.  Fingernails get dirty.”  That’s what great communicators do.  That’s what great storytellers do.  And I think at the heart of Max is that: a storyteller.

The past couple years Max Lucado has been my pastor, and having been subject to the leadership and teaching of Max I would say that Max believes in what he’s selling.  And that is the key to Max’s storytelling, that’s the key to Max’s writing.  How does Max catch what we can miss?  Max has been spending a lot of time in that world.  Why does Max catch the dirt in Jesus’ fingernails?  Because Max is hanging out with Jesus and watching him play in the dirt, getting in the dirt with him, and then having to wash his hands and clean those fingernails.  (Have I taken that illustration too far yet?)

I guess what I’m saying is this: Max writes what he knows, and Max knows Jesus.

 

However.  I haven’t read any of Max’s book in some time.  Because the truth is one could get “Max-ed” out.   With all the books, and booklets, and student edition books, and Bibles, and greeting cards, and etc…well…there may be something to the adage “everything in moderation”.  Also Max has a style of writing that can…um…that can…this is hard to write about your pastor, but…well his writing can get old.  I remember reading In the Grip of Grace and coming to a point in the book and thinking, “This is all really good, but I’m bored.”  Now it didn’t help that at the time I was attending Bible college; a place where yuppity, arrogant scholarly students referred to Max as “light”. 

 

So does that give you an idea as to how I approached reading and reviewing Max Lucado’s new book entitled Fearless?  I’m a huge fan of Max Lucado, as a pastor, as a writer, as a person and would recommend anything of his to anyone, but I had grown bored. 

 

So what did I find when I opened up Fearless?

 

I found Max Lucado all over again.  Seriously have you read this guy’s stuff.  He’s a good writer. 

 

In Fearless, Max traces over the passages where Jesus speaks into the fear of his disciples and encourages them to fear less.  In these encounters the disciples had much to fear; two thousand years later many of us find much to fear as well.  We live in a world where there is enough evil and uncertainty that can shake our bones and rattle our nerves, but Max gently and pastorally guides his readers through encounters with a Christ who conquers fears. 

 

This stuff will preach.  And while I’m not sure which came first the rough drafts of the book or the sermons, it is true that Max has preached some of this material.  Which reminds me of a chaplain at an Air Force base in Germany who was reading a chapter from one of Max’s books each week.  People were coming out of church really impressed with this chaplain’s wordsmithing and oratory skills.  My dad and I came out of church saying, “Those stories were really familiar, he’s got a Lucado-ish way about his preaching.”  The following week I brought the book in with me and read along as he preached.

 

Like I said Max has been my pastor for the past couple of years.  This fall Max is teaching thru the book of Acts and as a church we are asking how do we, like the early church, passionately live out the truths, passion, teaching and mission of Jesus.  As we attempt to radically engage the city of San Antonio, I’m thankful for a pastor who is willing to fear less.

 

Get the book.

T.O.O.B.

Have you heard about TOOB? It's a dome like structure in which you can watch movies or play video games given them a 3D like appearance. They have a small version and a larger group version that you can purchase and rent. This would be great for some youth activities.
Here check it out in the video below and then visit the website: thinkoutofbox.com

This definitely gives new meaning to the term boob toob.

Top Ten: Favorite Books

He may be a complete stranger, but he’s my blogging friend.

Pete D recently posted a top ten list of topics to make a top ten list about.  Which makes me laugh….brilliant.

Julie, Pete’s daughter, and a fellow lover of The Game posted her top ten favorite books; we shared one.

So I thought I’d take a minute and make a list myself. 

Here is my top ten, in no particular order, and just off the top of my head (meaning it may be different tomorrow):

 

1.       The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

2.       Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

3.       Your God is Too Safe or The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan

4.       A Time to Kill by John Grisham

5.       To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

6.       A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

7.       Harry Potter and ____________ (all 7 books) by J.K. Rowling

8.       The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

9.       In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

10.   The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

 

What’s yours?

Welcome to Guyland

Great article HERE from the Fuller Youth Institute which asks the question, “What’s the deal with guys?”

 

The article quotes sociologist and gender studies expert Michael Kimmel:

 

Guyland is the world in which young men live.  It is both a stage of life, a liminal undefined time span between adolescence and adulthood that can often stretch for a decade or more, and a place, or rather, a bunch of places where guys gather to be guys with each other, unhassled by the demands of parents, girlfriends, jobs, kids, and the other nuisances of adult life.

 

Working with students I have seen this world, and yet despite the fact that I’m a card carrying member of Guyland I often have little clue how to engage it or even understand it.  Then article is helpful and brushing away the fog.

 

"awkward side hug"