I have talked to over 100 sources and one of them ignored my question leading me to believe their is truth to the rumor that the University of Florida allowed Florida State to win this past Saturday. Why? It’s very simple according to my source. UF can I’ll afford one of their “rivals” to become an all girls school again. After the last decade, high ranking FSU officials wanted to remove all male students and athletics due to the fact they played liked girls. So I believe FSU owes UF a big Thank You.
I first want to thank Todd and Quinn for sharing their thoughts on the “issue”. The problem here is that my response will differ in no way from the two of theirs. To take offense at the phrase “Happy Holidays” is truly uncalled for and I believe not the response Christ himself would have. Honestly, I observe the holiday season unfold and wonder where Christ fits into this at all. In the Christmas Tree? The gifts? The endless amounts of money being spent? Much of what we associate with this time of year is so far removed from Christ that a phrase not containing “Christ” should be the least of our worries.
If there was ever a reason that Christ seems removed from this time of year it would be because those demonstrating or called to demonstrate Christ have failed. I am guilty of this beyond belief. This season I believe if we truly desire to see Christ in this season then we need to be the Christ we want the world to see.
Quinn: do you practice Christmas in the way you said? I have never been aware of that way or traditional practice.
Its a common occurrence within many evangelical’s holiday experiences. The Evangelical will be checking out at his/or her local store, purchasing gifts and items associated with this specific time of year, and the store clerk will say, “Happy Holidays!”. Here lies the problem. As a believer, should one feel offended or offer the obligatory “Merry Christmas!” back or just by into the commonly accepted notion that the world is in fact ridding this time of year of Christ? This is the dilemma that is apparently facing many believers today. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this situation before I post my own later this week.
11-3. You read that correctly. That is some kind of good but I do not want to brag cause this is a new week and anything can happen. Like 12-2. Here are my picks.
Jacksonville at Buffalo- Well the Jaguars are coming off a huge victory against the Colts. You might remember that I correctly picked the outcome. What? You don’t? Well give yourself a second and go look at the greatness that was my week 4 predictions. Anyways, enough about my greatness, the Jaguars are visiting a horrible team in the Bills. The problem here is that the Jaguars have always lost games where they should easily win. The always play down to their competition. Luckily, the Bills weakness is at defense which will let MJD have an even bigger break out game than he had last week. Fitzpatrick of the Bills will be able to find holes in the Jags secondary. Heck, Josh Crews could find holes in the Jags secondary. With that said, the Jags will sneak out of Buffalo with a victory. JAGUARS win 24-20.
Denver at Baltimore- The Ravens will be able to stop the Broncos running game. Oh wait, Josh McDaniels will stop the Broncos running game. Flacco seemed to turn a corner in his game winning drive against the Steelers. That will be a huge step for the Ravens considering that the Broncos are 12th against the rush and Ray Rice is banged up. RAVENS win 20-13
Kansas City at Indianapolis- The Colts are going to torch the young secondary of the Chiefs. Peyton is going to make sure his defense can not lose another one for him. Matt Cassel is not good. He just is not. Also, Jamal Charles of the Chiefs is averaging almost 8 YPC but he does not get the ball enough. That will hinder the Chiefs not help them this week. COLTS win 38-20.
Green Bay at Washington- Aaron Rodgers is one of the most exciting players to watch. You know who isnt? The Redskins. Seriously, they are not exciting in the slightest. Exception to this is if Ryan Torrain runs over a defender like he did last Sunday. Anyways, GREEN BAY wins 30-20.
St. Louis at Detroit- Last year this matchup would be the laughing stock of the NFL. This year its only like that for Detroit. However, both teams look to be on the right road and are getting more competitive each week. The Rams won last week to go 2-2. Lions almost won against the Rams. Lions get their first victory. LIONS win 31-28.
Chicago at Carolina- Cutler is out. The Bears looked awful on offense last Sunday night. This game is going to be extremely close. T.O.s will decide this one. Thats why I am still going with the Bears on the road. Claussen is a rookie who will try to make one throw too many. Bears win 17-14.
Tampa Bay at Cincinnati- Cincy couldnt pull out the victory against the Browns. Speaking of Browns I have a joke, what do you get when you cross Mangini with Jake Delhomme? The FREAKING CLEVELAND BROWNS. They are horrible. Enough about them, Cincy will get back to their winning ways against an over achieving Tamp team. BENGALS win 28-10.
Atlanta at Cleveland- (please see above) ATLANTA wins 24-14.
New York Giants at Houston- Giants defensive line looked amazing last week. Houstons offensive line has looked above average this season. This game will truly come down to whether Arian Foster can continue to run like a wild man. He will. TEXANS win 30-23.
New Orleans at Arizona- Look at the AZ QB situation. Enough said. (Seriously though, what does that say about just how awful Leinart was. AZ cut him) SAINTS win 27-14.
UPSET ALERT: Tennessee at Dallas- The Titans lost last week at home. Dallas was on a bye so we all lost. Sike. I think that CJ28 goes crazy this week. He is due. TITANS win 24-21.
San Diego at Oakland- Oakland is going to play their best game to date. I am tempted to pick the Raiders but with no McFadden I will go with the now pass happy Chargers. CHARGERS win 23-17.
Philadelphia at San Francisco- The Eagles have no Mike Vick. What I dont understand is why the doctors just dont give him a shot like Vick gave to his dogs. Too soon? Well the 49ers will finally get a win this week. Thank you Frank Gore. 49ERS win 20-17.
Minnesota at New York Jets- MOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yea I forgot, REVIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As nice a pickup Moss is going to be, this is not the week to showcase that. Moss will score a TD but not rack up many yards. The problem for the Jets is that AP is there. Minnesota will stop the run of the Jets and force Sanchez into some crucial turnovers. VIKINGS win 27-17.
8-8. You do not make the playoffs (normally) but your head coach does not get fired (normally). Thats what my record was last week in my Week 3 picks. My upset special came through, thanks in large part to New Orleans kicker Garret Hartley. Yet, I picked the Jacksonville Jaguars to defeat the Eagles as well as the Texans over the Cowboys and neither of those turned out that way.
Enough whining about how bad the Jaguars look and that they look as bad as ever… oh i have not even written that yet. Anyways here are my picks for Week 4. Go to your local bookie or see Collin Douglas and make your money thanks to these selections.
Indianapolis Colts visit the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am a fan of the Jaguars. I am surprised at how bad they have played the last two weeks. David Garrard looks as though he has never played QB before. Yet, I am tempted to pick the Jaguars this week. Only because everyone is going against them. I could try and convince you that the run game will pick up for MJD and will keep Manning off the field. I could say that newly acquired Aaron Kampman will pressure Manning and throw him off. But all that is necessary just to give the Jaguars a chance. Enough. JAGUARS win 28-27
ATLANTA over 49ers- The Falcons are coming off a huge victory against the Saints. If the Falcons were traveling to the west coast I would pick the 9ers but they are not so the Falcons continue their surge to be a top team while the 49ers fall to 0-4 and fire the defensive coordinator. FALCONS win 27-20
Cincinnati at Cleveland- Carson Palmer does not look good compared to the old Carson Palmer. The only problem here is that the opposing QB is worse. Cleveland still has not learned how to pull out a close victory. BENGALS win 23-20
New York Jets visit Buffalo Bills- Buffalo is not that good. They got better by releasing Trent Edwards and starting Fitzpatrick but they are still not that good. Partly due to the fact that they do not give the ball enough to CJ Spiller. The Jets escaped Miami with a win and thats exactly what they will do this week. JETS win 17-13
Seattle visits St. Louis- Both teams are coming off upsets victories. Bradford has looked very solid all things considered. RAMS win 24-14
Denver Broncos visit Tennessee Titans- Chris Johnson got back to his old ways last week against the Giants. This continues against the Broncos who have turned into a pass heavy team. The Broncos Kyle Orton will thrown two INTS and head back to Denver 1-3. TITANS win 28-17.
Detroit at Green Bay- Detroit has made strides this season. They seem a little more competitive this season than in years past. Yet, the Packers are heading home after a tough loss against the Bears and will take it out on the Lions. Rodgers will throw for well over 300 yards but watch for John Kuhn to get 2 goal line TDs. PACKERS win 38-20
Baltimore at Pittsburgh- This game is going to be a great hard hitting event. Two defenses that hate each other. Steelers are on their 4th QB yet remain undefeated while the Ravens finally got Flacco back to form in week 3. The Ravens will not allow the Steelers many scoring opportunities. RAVENS win 16-10
Carolina at New Orleans- New Orleans wins. Its that simple. They win big. SAINTS 31-17
Houston at Oakland- Andre Johnson is not 100 percent. Thats ok. TEXANS win 30-20
UPSET ALERT. Washington at Philadelphia- The return of McNabb and Mike Vick is the starter at Philly, it is such a good story line. An even better story is McNabb winning. Thats what will happen. It will happen in exciting fashion. McNabb throws a game winning score to Chris Cooley. Watch. SKINS win 30-28.
Arizona at San Diego- San Diego must truly mean what Will Farrel said it did. At least after their performance in Seattle last week. Lucky for them, they get the Cardinals this week. These arent your older siblings Cardinals. These are the Anderson Cardinals. Thus, CHARGERS win 31-20.
Chicago at New York Giants- Cutler did not look to have his best stuff last week. They still won. The Giants lost a game many thought they would win. Turnovers killed the Giants last week. This week the Giants end the Bears undefeated run. GIANTS win 23-20
New England at Miami- New England looked good on offense last week. So did Miami. Miami lost last week. New England won. That will not be the case this week. DOLPHINS win 28-24
It’s been awhile. Its actually been a long time since my last entry. I understand my following of readers have been crying out for more entries so I must oblige. I’m going to offer my picks for week 3 in the NFL and maybe just maybe a little analysis along the way.
First game is the Philadelphia Eagles visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams enter with one win and one loss. The Eagles take the edge at the QB position. Mike Vick is back in a starting role and entering with 459 yards passing in 6 quarters of play. The lack of turnovers by Vick thus far in the young season will be the true edge that Vick holds over Jacksonville’s QB, David Garrard. After week 1 Garrard appeared to transform into 2007 Garrard but he quickly erased that sentiment with his turnover happy performance against the Chargers in Week 2. The key for the Jaguars this week will be getting Maurice Jones Drew going. MJD has been a shell of himself in the first two weeks of the season. Jacksonville can not depend on Garrard to win them games. If they do Philadelphia will win.
With that said, Jacksonville is 44-14 under Del Rio when they score at least 21 points in a game. After this week they will be 45-14. Philadelphia’s lack of defense will allow MJD to get going and take the game away from Mike Vick. MJD will rush for three scores while surpassing the 120 yard mark. JACKSONVILLE wins 27-21.
Dallas vs. Houston. Dallas has no identity. They have all kinds of talent but no clue what to do with it all. Romo is not the downfall of this team as some might suggest. Roy Williams is not even the guy to blame. Jason Garrett and Wade Phillips are the two to blame. Being 0-2 puts a lot of pressure on the Cowboys. The Texans on the other hand enter 2-0 and clicking on all cylinders offensively. Matt Schaub has the best wideout in the game in the form of Andre Johnson and the two are unstoppable. In fact, the only weapon capable of shutting the two down is Arian Foster. 241 yards in week one against the Colts explains why Johnson and Schaub were rather non existent.
The game is in Houston. If the game were in Dallas I believe the results would be different. However, seeing as how the coaching staff for Dallas is still in tact, the Texans will exit week 3 with a 3-0 record.
GIANTS over Titans.- Vince Young will not bounce back after being benched and will have 3 turnovers. 24-17
PITTSBURGH over Tampa Bay- Pittsburgh defense is too solid. Polamalu will force 2 turnovers and the Steel curtain wins a tight one 13-9
BENGALS over Panthers- Clausen is making his first start. Rookie QBs, not named Big Ben, do not win in their rookie year. Look for T.O and Ochocinco to make it in the end
zone this week. 31-20
RAVENS over Browns- this seems too easy. Ravens defense will annihilate Seneca Wallace. Flacco will rebound in a huge way. 27-10
49ers over Chiefs- The Chiefs look much improved. A lot of speed on special teams and in skill positions. Yet, the niners are coming off a tough loss and looking to take out their frustration on someone. Niners win 20-17
FAVRES over Lions- The Lions were able to score frequently last week against the Eagles. They still lost.The Vikings will get the offense rolling in a big way against a rather porous defense. A. Peterson will run like a mad man with 3 scores. Vikes win 31-13.
PATRIOTS over Bills- this has less to do with the Pats needing to rebound and more to do with the fact that the Bills might be the worst team in the league. Brady and Welker light up the Bills to the tune of 350 yards passing. Pats win 42-17.
FALCONS over Saints- in my upset pick, the Falcons defense will be too much for the sluggish Saints offense. Turner and Snelling will be too much for the Saints defense to handle. Falcons score an upset victory 24-20.
REDSKINS over Rams- McNabb will continue to give the Redskins organization hope and the Eagles regret for adding him to a division rival. Bradford will continue the ups and downs typical for a rookie QB. The difference here will be Steven Jacksons inability to get in the end zone.
Skins win 27-20.
OAKLAND over Cardinals. In Gradkowski we trust. Or in Anderson we fall. Either way Raiders win thanks to a huge effort by run DMC. Raiders win 23-20
Life is constantly pulling at each individual. Pulling in many directions at the same time. Sometimes it becomes difficult to tell which direction is right and which way to avoid. Sometimes the circumstances that are shaping the world shape us as individuals.
I had a discussion this morning about christianity and the concept of being “set apart”. What does this really look like? What does it truly mean? The general issue of appearance seems to be the first issue discussed as well as values. As christians we are to be so much more. Make an impact like Christ made an impact. So how do we do that? My answer (please know that this is not original): our reaction to life.
When Christ was here on earth for the short time that He was, His ministry is marked by his reactions to the way the world treated him. Christ never lets the circumstances of society determine His understanding of God. We see this even in His darkest moments of trial. When the weight of the world is on Him He ask that Gods will be done. Not His own. Gods.
I write this because I have been troubled with something recently. As many people are aware, America’s House of Representatives has passed the Healthcare legislation. Some say that it will change the nation for better while others are saying it is the end of America as we know it. Each side may be true. My issue with this has been the christian response. I speak in general terms but I am fully aware that not every follower of Christ has reacted in this manner. Many followers of Christ have become gloom and doom prophets with the passage of the bill. Why?
I understand the policy might not meet the standards of some but the fact is it is now in motion to become the law. Christians please remember this, God is still on the throne. The same God that created the world, flooded the world, watched His Son die, and created each individual for His glory is still on the throne. He is in control. So why have we allowed the circumstances of the world to determine our outlook on life? Are we not called to be set apart? Let us take advantage of this transitional time in society to be beacons of hope and love pointing towards Christ and not towards the errors and merits of human leaders.
Confession from the church? It sounds backwards. For years confession took place within the church not from the church. I introduced you or reminded you of a story that Donald Miller gives in his book Blue Like Jazz. I remember when I read that specific part being completely shocked. The idea that christians were apologizing to unbelievers for wrongdoings whether old or new. I have thought about this concept within the last few days and whether there was truly a need for this in christianity today.
Review of history will often times show the “dirt” that is not seen during the present time. This is obvious in American history whether it be war tactics or policies enforced. One can see the Roman Catholic church and see the corruption and deceitfulness that crept into that establishment. Todays Christian movement is no different. As mentioned before, the crusades, slavery, welfare, etc, were policies or events that were strongly influenced by christians. Should christians today apologize though?
As some comments on the earlier entry stated, I believe that it is imperative for christians to apologize for actions that have taken place or are still currently taking place. However, the idea of an apology is only effective when action takes place. For instance, when someone lies to you and then apologizes, that apology is only effective when and if the person does not lie again. If the person continues to lie the apology is in vain. As followers of Christ, I believe that apologies should take place. Apologize for the fact that those who took place in such horrible events were not loving others as Christ was. I believe it builds bridges. What harm comes from offering apologies to people who might still hold such things against the movement of Christ? We often times feel it to be unnecessary but this is often times due to our own pride. It is never easy to apologize. Especially apologizing that you never took part in. Yet, people still see christians today through lenses that were formed from events of the past. While this may be unfair in some aspects it is the reality. Thus, having a mindset of humility and willingness to apologize, fences may be mended.
Not with words alone however. If followers of Christ do not show the true love of Christ then apologies are worthless. The two parts in my mind are inseparable in order for both to be truly effective. Humility and an acknowledgement of wrongdoings combined with action to restore relationships as well as show and share the love of Christ are the ways that Christ has called us to live by.
This entire entry was started with a story from another believer who apologized to the unbelievers of his university. At the end of the story he shares how his normally rather agnostic campus was intrigued and more comfortable discussing religion and God with the followers of Christ. There is something beautiful and yet mysterious in a sincere apology.
I once read a story from an author named Donald Miller. In this book, Blue Like Jazz, Miller describes how he and a few other followers of Christ set up a “confession” booth at their college campus. The occasional student would enter the booth with the intention of confessing their “transgressions” but instead they found Miller and the others apologizing to them. Miller confesses for the crusades, slavery, and other social injustices that the church played a part in. They apologized for their lack of influence today as well.
Why is this uncommon? Should the church apologize to those who it has done wrong? Is this concept farfetched and unnecessary? I would like to her your thoughts as I work on my own theory that I plan on posting before the weeks end.
Perception tends to be reality. Whether that is in the way you view someone or something. But how we perceive something to be is often times like looking at a shadow. Sometimes a shadow is a clear depiction of the real object. Sometimes a shadow can show the outline of a monster when it’s really a mouse depending on where the light shines from. The point being that sometimes what we see does not match up with what is. But why do we as humans, as friends, and family often times seem one way but are truly another? Why do believers fall into this trap?
It’s compelling when you really look at it. The concept of people not always being true to themselves and who they are. It is seen everyday in schools across the nation today. Kids are wearing things and saying things just for the benefit of social acceptance. It is what drives many of us. Whether we know it or not. “We get so much in the habit of wearing disguises before others that we finally appear disguised before ourselves.” French author Francois de la Rochelfoucauld. How many times have you really looked at yourself and evaluated if whether you were being true to yourself and who God created you to be?
I find myself in this situation and maybe you can relate: I am around person X and I find myself acting one way and saying these things and then I am with person Y and my persona is different as is my conversation. Why and is it wrong? There is a certain level of natural adaptation, I believe, that humans posses that allows themselves to feel comfortable in different environments. It’s natural. The problem with most people, myself as well, is that people compromise who they are. This is when “wearing masks” becomes a problem. This is when the person loses sight of who he/she truly is and who God has called them to be.
Compromise-the acceptance of standards that are lower than desirable. I think our problem is that we are honestly ignorant. Maybe I speak for myself. I know the reason I struggle with compromise is because I have failed to set high standards, lack a high degree of integrity, and honestly lose sight of who God has called me to be. It is extremely easy to compromise. It requires no effort at all. That is why we often times do that. That is why it feels so natural to act one way around one group around friends and a completely different way around another. But that should not be our standard. As a follower of Christ I truly understand that I have been called to a higher standard but like Peter I tend to take my eyes of Christ and begin to sink.
I want to encourage you to find who you are truly called to be. But I also hope that everyone can begin to shed the masks they wear and truly be who they are.I am tired of wearing masks and even feeling at times that I have to wear masks. I pray that I can drop the different identities I own and lose myself in Christ. There is no need to be someone else. I pray that when people see me they see Christ. I know I do a poor job of it but that is my prayer. And maybe more people will begin to do the same as a result.
