NFL 10 week 15 synopsis

Now THAT looked like the Colts. Manning was as good as he gets. The defense stopped Jones-Drew, one of the top Backs in the AFC. Mathis and Freeney drove Garrard nuts. And we got the W, which keeps playoff hopes alive if we can find a way to beat Oakland next week and the Titans after that.



I'm glad we were able to beat out hated rival, the Zebras. Oh, you thought the Colts were playing Jacksonville? So did I, until the game started. There were so many, I wrote them down.



To start, Jacksonville ran a third down play and the Colts stopped them cold. Then the referee walks out and says, "There is no penalty. Repeat down." Uh... what? Where the heck does that come from. "I have money on Jacksonville, so repeat down." That seems more likely. Jacksonville got a Field Goal from that. Then, they call pass interference, because a corner looked at the receiver before the ball was throw ten yards out of bounds. Yep, that sounds like the corner's fault to me. Third, a guy hugs then trips Reggie Wayne, and there was no call (as happened multiple weeks in a row this season, proving why we hate playing the Zebras). That was followed by perhaps the most irritating. A punt returner waved his hand in what is traditionally called a "fair catch." They decided that he didn't wave hard enough, so when he ran to the endzone, it was called a touchdown. (If you're keeping score, that means the first 10 scored by Jacksonville were with help by the refs). And this was the first half. In the second half, they added an intentional grounding, no wait, we take it back. Freaking refs.



Let's talk about some big players who deserve a mention. Austin Collie came back and lit up Jacksonville the first half with 2 TD and like 100 yards until he took a bad hit and got knocked out with a concussion. It looked like the Philly game all over again. The difference being it wasn't helmet-to-helmet so no penalty and it didn't look as bad. I don't think this one was as bad. The other difference is the Colts fans have class and didn't boo why they were working on him, nor did Jacksonville. Because Philly fans are nasty people. In the mean time, I hope the Colts take the "Collie-dives-for-the-ball-and-gets-hit-in-the-head-and-knocked-out" play out of the playbook.



Donald Brown and the Colts' O-Line deserve a mention because they Colts had more yards in the first half then they averaged this season. Brown also broke the largest run since 04, which is only 49 yards because they Colts largely run only in the red zone. And if that run wasn't enough, he did it again in the second half.



Bethea also deserves a mention, because he was mentioned on nearly every defensive play, including a pick or two with help from the pass rush of Mathis and Freeney rushing balls.



Tyjuan Hagler (pronounced Ti-wan, unless you are Terry Bradshaw) scooped up the attempted onside kick and ran it in for a TD.



And Cox deserves a mention. He's a Jacksonville player who on a punt shoved a Colt player into the returner who had waved for a fair catch. The ball bounced off the returner and the Colts recovered. It was the one play that the refs didn't screw us by acknowledging the block in the back causing the contact, and gave Manning the ball in the red zone. So thanks Cox.



Rest of the League:
Cowboys-Redskins. Rex Grossman? Seriously? Did Caughlin have a stroke this season? The only surprise in this game was that the Cowboys Defense was bad enough to let them come back. Grossman maybe the new Brett Farve, as his constant turnovers and sacks in the early game was a reminder of the Geezer.



Panthers-Cards. Yep, no one cares.



Bengals-Browns. Yet another crushingly close loss for the Browns, despite the return of Colt McCoy.



Chiefs-Rams. Rams lose, no surprise.



Ravens-Saints. Game of the week. These two great teams when at it. I gotta say, the deciding factor of this game was probably home field advantage. Ray Rice ran rugged for the Ravens. I just wish I could have watched this game, but Indy played at the same time.



Eagles-Giants. This was the game to watch after the Ravens-Saints game ended. The Giants had this game won. They did. Until 8 minutes left. Then suddenly the Eagles poured it on. They game back 28 points to win, one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history (the Colts did the same amount in four minutes against Tampa Bay in 03). The last play was the best/worst. High snap, punt away. But instead of kicking it out of bounds, he kicked it right to DeSean Jackson, who fumbled it, then took it to the house for the game winning score.


Falcons-Seahawks. Aw, that's just mean making them play Hotlanta.


Pats-Packers. Wow. The Packers almost toppled the Pats, WITHOUT Aaron Rodgers, who was out injured. In fact, if he was running that 2 minute drill, I bet Green Bay would have won. Even Tom "We Suck" Brady basically admitted that they got lucky in the post game interview.



My throat hurts from yelling at the refs. Next week I'm visiting my parents. I'll post if I have time, but don't hold your breath. In the mean time, you all have a Merry Christmas. And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a nice Dec 25th anyway.

Ministry is painful

When I started this blog, my intention was to write this blog as a genuine Christian. There is a lot of people who claim to be Christians who say and do a lot of evil things and misquote the Bible to justify themselves. They quote where Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people persecute you" to say that they must be doing the right thing when people hate them because they are jerks. It has nothing to do with Jesus, but when people hate them.

There is only one problem. I am a minister. As a minister, I am considered fake. Because I'm paid to care, they say. And they have good evidence. I've been this way since high school, an outspoken Christian who tried to just be different from what they always seen. I had one kid who walked up to me one day and stated, "You know why I'm not a Christian? My preacher died in a casino gambling away money he stole from the church." This happens, so I wanted to avoid those preconceptions.

Maybe I should take the opposite approach. Maybe I should write to ministers.

Ministry sucks. I recently heard a preacher say "Doing the work of God can destroy the work of God in you." This is true, especially because of church people. I hesitate to calm them Christians. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Church people can be awful. A prof told us if we stayed in ministry long enough, some woman would try to get us to have an affair with her. Then you have church people that stroke your ego, try to be your buddy just to advance their own agenda. Actually the woman who propositioned many ministers may fall in this category or the next, the needy. By this, I don't mean those with real needs, but the guy who stops in twice a week when you're trying to work, because every snide comment his wife make brings him to tears, even if she was just teasing. They want attention, and seem to make up little things to be upset about to get it. They can solve no problems on their own, and listening to or advising them only enables their need.

And this brings us to the last and worst category that I deal with, because they are the ones that I actually deal with: the hyper critical. Some people complain about everything. Absolutely everything. It's too cold. It's too hot. They don't like my shirt. They don't like my shoes. The music was too loud, or too quiet (on the same Sunday). The sermon was too long. The communion devotion was too short. We should do more fellowship dinners. They don't like surving in the nursery once a month, but they were mad at those visitors whose baby cried last Sunday. Someone had coffee in the Sanctuary (but fellowship dinners are ok?). Everything has to be their way, even though their way only matters to them, everyone else hates their way, and it is selfish and anti-biblical.

This week a lady posted on facebook complaining about not doing enough Christmas music, because that is the only way to praise Jesus. Apparently we don't worship Him the other 11 months, just the one leading to Christmas. Because Jesus never grew up, never performed miracles, never died for the sins of the world, or raised from the dead. Nope, he's just a baby that Santa gave presents to. Nope. Just a baby. That's why church is about what they want, and everyone else can go to Hell.

Is it a wonder that Jesus turned over temple tables and drove people out with whips? Is it a wonder Paul wrote scathing letters that make up most of the New Testament? Ministry can be great. You can tell people about Jesus and salvation. You can help those truly in need, like those in need of food and clothing. You can change people's lives, teaching them to care about others needs and what they can do about it. You can ignite people's passion and help them feel truly alive and free as Jesus promised. You are also available to minister to people who were just diagnosed with cancer or who just lost a loved one.

As a minister, I wish I had more time to do ministry, and less time for church people. If you are not a minister by trade, do me a favor. Don't be one of these people. Give a crap that people are in pain and dying and you can do something about that. Don't hold the attitude that we work for you. We don't. We work alongside you. We just have the time to learn about leading and the Bible and other things that you don't. This doesn't make us better. But we do need your trust and partnership. Give us a break, help us out, and stop chucking spears at us.

NFL 10 week 14 synopsis

Colts vs. Titans. This game comes down to who would not do as bad. Well, the Colts sucked less than the Titans. Most importantly, they weren't as bad as the last few weeks. Manning had no INTs. They had a running game. The offensive line had a push. The defense repeatedly came up with big stops.

But really, even though they were better, they weren't good. They had moments of good. Garcon and Wayne had big games. On defense, when it was 7-0, Dwight Freeney somehow ran from one end of the field to the other, and before Kenny Britt could get out of bounds, knocked the ball out, which Hagler recovered. They also forced man 3 and outs.

In truth, the Titans help. One 3-0 they could have made, but a reciever dropped an easy pass. There was also a punt, well, the long snapper launched the ball way over the punter's head. The punter also made a mistake. He tried to pick up the ball, but failed, allowing the Colts to recover (not that it mattered since it would have been a turnover on downs, but it could have potentially been a TD).

The Colts also struggled. There first two TDs came when the Titans got pass interference calls on 3rd down to give the Colts another chance. (It helps when they actually call pass interference, unlike the previous two weeks.) They did not score any touchdowns in the second half. They had one opportunity. Reggie Wayne was supposed to come on a crossing route, running inside from the post. Blair White was supposed run the out route, drawing the defense away from Reggie. Instead, he ran in and tried to make a play on the ball. All he managed to do was knock the ball away from Reggie, bring up fourth down and a field goal. Reggie, stared at him like the biggest idiot in the world. Manning ripped him a new one, understandably. It was the biggest defensive play of the night by Tennessee

To be fair to Blair White, Manning has thrown so many interceptions in the past few weeks, maybe he thought he could get more catches by pretending to be on the other team.

Rest of the League:
Bills-Browns. Yet another crushingly close loss from the team that blew out the Patriots and apparently fired them up. The Bills almost upset the Steelers, and now upset the Browns. I think I speak for everyone when I say get better Colt McCoy, because no on wants to see Delhomme play.

Jags-Raiders. Well, that's annoying. The Raiders have just fallen apart since the injuries have caused this season to rapidly fall to pieces.

Steelers-Bengals. Oh, Bengals lose again. How a team goes from sweeping the division for the first time ever to one of the worst n the NFL, I don't know.

Buccs-Skins. The Redskins almost upset the Buccs who once claimed to be the best for no reason, except that they missed the extra point because the longsnapper through the ball right over Hunter the punter's head. He tried to get to the ball, but the PAT failed, and the Deadskins lost by one. I once heard someone say that 9 times out of 10, the team that misses the extra point loses by one. That doesn't seem to be statistically true, but it sure was this week.

Falcons-Panthers. First in the NFC vs. last. That's just sad.

Lions-Packers. Aaron Rodgers went out early in this game, and that impressive Packers D just didn't make it a shut out. They allowed one TD in the fourth, but without Rodgers the offense did not score enough.

Rams-Seahawks. Ok, this division is so bad, they should take away their championship and give it to another Wild Card slot. I mean, they are worse than the AFC South.

Pats-Bears. Wow. I think the Bears forgot to, well, play football. Seriously. I hate to say it, but I guess no one can beat Tom "We Suck" Brady and the Pats in the snow. I also hate to say it, but the Pats are the AFC team to beat. Let's just hope someone beats them, and hard.

Chargers-Chiefs. Uh... what happened to KC? This was the last undefeated team in the NFL, but they got dominated.

Dolphins-Jets. Wow. That has to be one of the Sanchize's worst games. They still could have won that, except Holmes dropped an easy one. I think that just took the wind out of Sanchez's sails.

Giants-Vikings. Let's start with the news on this one. This adventure starts with snow in Minnesota. I know. Who would have thought that it would ever snow in Minnesota. Anyway, for some reason, they did not design a stadium that could withhold snow. In Minnesota. They got 17 inches and the roof collapsed. So this game was New York at Minnesota at Detroit on Monday night. The Giants got snowed in, and had trouble getting to Detroit. So while stuck in an airport, the Giants made a way to entertain themselves. They made the rookies put on a talent show. I tell you this, it reminds me of m senior year in college when we were studying and yelled "Freshman!" A freshman walked into the room we were in, and we sent him to Wendy's to get us Frosties and burgers, and money to get himself.

Now on the FAR, I mean REALLY FAR opposite end of the spectrum is well, old. The other piece of news is the end of the streak from the Geezer. GOOD RIDANCE. Maybe now he can go home and leave us alone. They are still saying he's the best ever. If anyone would play long enough, they have to get a couple of records eventually. But doing something a long time does not make you good. He has the INT record in I believe the same game at the TD record, because every throw is pretty much one or the other. He does not deserve to be on a list with guys like Montana, Elway, and Unitas.

NFL 10 week 13 synopsis

To be honest, due to my usual extreme business, I did not have time to watch much football, or even watch NFL gameday highlights like I usually do, so this one will be brief.

Manning sucked. He started the game with two interceptions. It was in the 2nd quarter before he had two RECEPTIONS. I don't know if he has to lose to pay off some bad gambling debt or something like that that you see on TV, but it almost looks like he's doing it on purpose.

Reggie Wayne was kinda out there playing by himself. At least we got Mike Hart back for a little while before he was hurt again. Too bad our O-line had their worst play ever. Manning almost got sacked on a running play because Polluck didn't even touch the guy he was supposed to block. You want to know why we can't run? It isn't because Addai is hurt. It is because Saturday can't get any help down there at the line (the same reason we lost week 1 to Houston).

The D, well, I threw my hat down in anger at the first Dallas TD, because 4 guys could have at least tried to stop him, and just let him run by instead. That pretty well started the landslide.

Despite all this, special teams where the one bright spot, due to a blocked punt. Unfortunately, they also caused a penalty that allowed them to tie, that and a couple of Manning pick 6s and another pick in overtime. The Colts were awful and almost pulled this game out.

As far as the Cowboys, it is amazing what they can do when they pretend to be professionals.

Rest of the League:
What can I say? I didn't get to see much. Most teams that I was rooting for lost. Cincy almost upset the Saints, but didn't. The Browns managed to win. The Ravens just could not score enough points to win. The Jets sucked, despite playing Tom "we suck" Brady. Favre got knocked out of the game on the first play, which is the one good thing about football this week. Going to retire now that your throwing arm is hurt, ya Geezer? Should have retired years ago. Oh wait you did. This time stay down.

The only other news to report is that Josh McDaniels of the Broncos was fired for doing what Bellicheck won a Super Bowl for in what is now known as "Spy Gate 2." Silly McDaniels, you know that you are only allowed to cheat if you win or if you are with the Pats, who are by nature a bunch of stinking cheaters.

Men or Babes

I was doing some serving tonight. I was packing lunches for kids to have meals on weekends when not in school. This elementary school gets a grant to get this food, and we were helping pack it into bags for the kids to take home.

While doing so, this boy, whom I had the priveledge of having at weeks of camp and also getting to baptize earlier this year, was there helping. We had to undo plastic wrapping and open boxes. So I loaned this boy a knife. I showed him how to use it and how to be very careful.

I have carried a knife since I was 10. I grew up in the country. In my family, we cut strings off of bales of straw or hay daily. We open packages. We need knives daily. Carrying a knife was a rite of passage for me, and a very important one. A knife represets the ability to carry out work. Can a knife be dangerous? Absolutely. If not, it would not be a rite of passage to becoming a man.

You see, if there is no danger, it isn't really masculine. Look at football. Twenty-two men on two sides who hit each other as hard as they can. Rock climbing is obvious. Skydiving, rafting rapids, backpacking the AT, all these have an element of danger. And men are drawn to them.

Well, this boy's mom started to disagree. She was scared. "You should live with him. He's immature. I have to tell him to brush his teeth." Though she did not take the knife away, she repeatedly, verbally expressed her doubt in her son. Afterward, she continued this rant.

No matter what I said, I could not possibly get her to understand what she was doing. Masculinity is bestowed. It does not happen passively. It must be passed down. And in cannot grow in the mother's bossum (to use old-fashioned expressions).

The reason he is immature, is because she suffocates maturity in him. She tells him everyday to brush his teeth, so he doesn't have to remember to do it. In two weeks of camp over two years, I never once told him to brush his teeth or shower or change clothes or pick up his dirty clothes. Yet he did it, because he was ALLOWED to mature. As long as she keeps controlling his every move, he will NEVER grow.

Women cannot teach, cannot bestow masculinity. In our world, men are rare. Men come home and plop down in front of the TV. They don't teach their sons how to become men. Most of them are boys themselves, who don't know how to be men. They never learned how to be dangerous. They never learned how to lead. They never learned to live. And they certainly never learned to teach what they didn't learn.

It is sad really. So women, release your boys. Let them go. Let them GO. LET THEM GO. They have to fall and pick themselves up, or they will never learn to walk. Men, take them from their mothers. Teach them. In some native American cultures, after a rite of passage, they would take them back to their mothers, who would pretend not to know them. The man that bestowed masculinity upon them would introduce the young man to his mother. Her baby was gone. He was a man now. Let that be a lesson. Raise up young men.

NFL 10 week 12 synopsis

Hey Manning, see the guys with horseshoes on their helmets? They're on our team. Thanks for that. I know he ended up with a wrapped elbow. He also had guys in his backfield all night. 26 yards rushing for the night. Manning had 4 INTs.

It also did not help that the refs were apparently from Jacksonville. The third interception came from a guy blatantly grabbing Reggie Wayne, throwing him to the ground, and grabbing the ball. Pass interference anyone? The stadium booed and booed. Think about it. Take 7 away from the Charger and give it to the Colts in the third and they are in a position to try to come back. The next drive also stalled when Manning was sacked. He was sacked because they grabbed the right guard by the facemask and shoved him backwards into Manning.

Once again, the lone bright spot was the defense. They held the Chargers to field goals until the game was out of reach anyway. I do have an idea for how to improve things. We should put out linebackers on offense so that they can tackle the other team when Manning throws the ball to them.

Rest of the League:
Jets-Bengals. That's just mean to make the Bengals go to Jersey on Thanksgiving.

Saints-Cowboys. It is amazing what the Cowboys can do when the pretend that they are professionals. It was not, however, enough to knock off the defending champs.

Pats-Lions. I don't think the Lions have won a Thanksgiving game that I can remember. Having to face Tom "We Suck"Brady and the Pats... Well, they've turned into the second best team in the AFC.

Giants-Jags. Thanks Giants. At least we're still only a half game off in the division.

Falcons-Packers. Holy cow this game was good. It was everything you could hope for. These two teams were the NFC best, and possibly a preview of the NFC Championship. These teams were evenly matched, but in the end the home team won by a field goal. Excellent game.

Bears-Eagles. These were the other two best teams in the NFC, who ironically played the same day. I must say for the first time this season, it looks like the Bears are legit IN SPITE OF their QB.

Browns-Panthers. Too bad the Panthers aren't a better team so that they could blow them out. Peyton Hillis had a big game for the Browns. Unlike many heartbreaking finishes this season, Cleveland ended up with a W on this one.

Steelers-Bills. The Steelers think they are so good, but barely squeaked by a team that got their first W two weeks ago. Yeah. You're so good.

Texans-Titans. The one highlight of this game from the Titans was at least they didn't have to cuddle VY after the game.

Vikings-Skins. See what I said about the Steelers, and insert a comment about Favre being older than dirt. He ran 10 yards at one point, and was so out of breathe he said he felt like he ran a mile. Oh Childress, why did you hitch yourself to that wagon?

Ravens-Buccs. The only thing I have to say about this game is that one INT by the Buccs was the best interception ever. The guy caught the ball with his feet. His feet!

Niners-Cards. The only reason I am talking about this boring, meaningless game is the post-game interview. They showed on the sidelines during the game Anderson laughing at a joke down 18. He explained that this guard made a joke to lift his spirits and keep him in it. One reporter asked him about it again and again. After about the fourth him, he exploded. Some criticize him, but most don't. I'm with the majority on this case. If you push me like that, I'll blow too. I'm just saying.

Observations from an Airplane.

Saturday evening I sat in an airplane. The plane was 45 minutes late. I was staring out the window as Maryland flashed below me. Houses were little dots in the midst of masses of reds, oranges, and browns from the fall leaves. As we got lower, eventually you could see other dots that were moving on gray lines, cars on the interstate.

All of this can make you feel insignificant. Is this all our lives are? Are we ants scurrying around on the dirt? I could not see people. I could not see individuals. I could not see their hopes, their dreams, their struggles, their fears, their doubt, their pain. I could only see masses of dots.

This is how many people see God. "He's not concerned about me." Half the world's population doesn't have enough food. More slaves exist upon the earth now than ever before (including right here in the USA). North Korea bombs South Korea. Young men and women sacrifice everything in Afghanistan. Countless other wars that don't make the 6:00 news have been going on for generations. With all this going on, does God look down from heaven and see scurrying ants?

No! Our God is one who is deeply involved in our lives. This is a God who can look into you and see your heart. He sees your hopes, dreams, struggles, fears, doubts, and pain. He knows you in and out like a lover. Indeed, He loves you more than anyone else can. He WANTS to be involved. He WANTS to hear your prayers, struggles, and doubts.

You are not an ant to Him. You are His child. So climb in his lap and talk to Him. He wants to hear from you.

NFL 10 Week 11 synopsis

I was afraid of that. With the injuries not just to WR, TE, and RB positions, but with a decimated secondary, I didn't expect the Colts to play that well.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Each year, my church does a Congregation meeting/dinner, which I am forced to attend just because I'm me. Our Sr. Minister goes on vacation, so I'm left in charge. Guess when it falls? The Sunday before Thanksgiving, from 5-8. I had to be there early. That means I missed everything, from kickoff to final. I got home to see the post-locker room interviews and highlights. So I went to the dinner. Oh I went. I went in a Colts jersey (Brandon Stokely. I always liked him. When he got traded to the Broncos, they jerseys went cheap and I got one) and my Super Bowl Champions hat. One guy, before leaving, showed the score on his phone. At that point, it was 31-21 Pats. Boo!

Here's what I know from highlights. Manning threw 3 INTS. The first one was just bad. The second one, Manning made a mental mistake. He must have thought it was a different play. Garcon was supposed to cut back, and did, leaving himself wide open. Just before the cut, Manning threw the ball (as they do with timing routes), but threw it as if Garcon was going to keep going. He said that was his mistake in the post-game interview. And the third INT (how often does Manning throw any, let alone 3?!) he just underthrew the ball, so instead of going to Garcon, it went short to the Pats. That drive would have one them the game had they gotten in the endzone, tied with a field goal (Vinateri was mad that he didn't get a shot at it). Now his arm or the ball may have been bumped if you look at the film, but Manning took all the blame for all 3. Glad he at least holds himself accountable (rare in our world).

I wonder if his shoulder is secretly hurt or something, because he pretty well lost the game against the Eagles the same way. Something to think about. Regardless, we have got to get better if we want to keep our division hopes alive.

Gotta give props to Reggie Wayne and Blaire White (who is Blaire White and where did he come from? I don't know, but I know where he went. Endzone. Twice.) for their outstanding performances. Also props to the D for stiffening in the second half, allowing the Colts to come back on the Pats (because they always have to come from behind against the Pats.)

Too bad Hagler didn't pull in that ball LIKE HE SHOULD HAVE to get an INT on Tom "We Suck" Brady, allowing the Colts not to have to drive that far and maybe Manning never throws that INT but a TD instead. And too bad Bellicheck punted instead of going for it on 4th down last year. He he he he heeee...... A guy can dream, right?

Rest of the League:
Bears-Fins. Two defensive teams this year. I guess we know who's D is better now.

Ravens-Panthers. Panthers lost... shocker. Someone needs to tell their QB that Ed Reed and Ray Lewis play for the other team.

Jets-Texans. Wow. What a game. It looked like the Jets were going to blow out the Texans. Then the Texans scored 17 points in the fourth. Then Sanchez through an INT, which the Texans got 3 more out of. With that interception, I thought the game was over. But the Texans didn't get a first, and the Jets drove the field for a last-second win. After two overtime wins the two previous weeks, Rex Ryan, the Sanchize, and the rest of that offense is proving that they can finish games. I also have to mention Sanchez, after throwing that interception, chased down and tackled the guy to allow his team the win. Gotta love a tackling quarterback.

Bills-Bengals. The Bengals looked like they were going to win this one early, but apparently forgot to come out of the locker room the second half. The Bills scored 5 TDs in the second half and shut out the Bungals. I would be remiss if I did not mention that TO dropped some easy passes, just like he has for every other team. So I say, as I have for every other team he has played for, maybe they would throw you the ball more often if you would actually try to catch it.

Jags-Browns. The Jags got lucky. AGAIN. For the 3rd time this season, they won undeservedly, but by luck. They should not have won. Period. I do have to say, that they are a big reason I hate the AFC South. They went from last to first in the division over the past 2 weeks. We had better beat them in Lucas Oil. I'm just saying.

Skins-Titans. Each quarter, these teams matched each other score for score. In the first, each got a TD. In each quarter after that, they score one field goal each. Then in OT, the redskins finally put one through to win. But the big story is that VY hurt his thumb and came out. He wanted to play, but they put in their backup. He then threw his helmet and shoulderpads INTO THE STANDS and stormed off. He and Jeff Fisher (head coach) got into a shouting match after that (apparently police or security had to brake it up) and VY left, staying for neither the team meeting or press conference. Fisher announced VY is fired as starter. He characteristically has had a habit of being a big baby who throws temper tantrums. There were games where he threw a couple of INTs and then refused to go back in. He's immature and not a team player. I would have cut/traded him years ago. Its about Jeff.

Chiefs-Cards. Man the Cards are bad this year.

Cowboys-Lions. Again, it is amazing what they can do when they act like professionals. They wouldn't be in this mess if they would have done that all along.

Steelers-Raiders. Oakland was playing like the old days, when the team was a bunch of ex-cons. Someone needs to tell them this is football, not hockey. One fight they got away with, but a player decking the opposing QB for no apparent reason, that won't fly.

Eagles-Giants. Wow that offense is scary. This was the first ever time both Mannings have thrown 3+ INTs in the same week. But with Vick at the helm, these Eagles are just phenomenal. I saw an interview with Tony Dungy on Vick. Vick told Coach Dungy that he felt he owed Atlanta an apology, because in Atlanta he relied on talent. Now he is actually studying and preparing for games like Peyton does, to add in the mental factor to pure physical ability. OK Vick. I'll join your banwagon, for now anyway.

Packers-Vikings. Oh yeah. Packer went Incredible Hulk on the Vikings, who could do nothing right. Today, the Vikings fired Brad Childress. He gambled on making the decision to fire Moss without consulting GM or owner of the Vikings. That put his neck on the line, and all his eggs in the Favre basket. Hitching your wagon to a Hoverround, not a wise move. There's a reason the Packers let him go. Everyone is sick of the retire, come back, retire, come back merry-go-round. Chilly, you should have cut the Geezer, not catered to his every wish. Now you paid the price.

NFL 10 Week 10 synopsis

Ah... the Bengals. Our closest geographic rivals. Manning has never lost to the Bengals, but until last week, he had never lost to Andy Reid either. Well, the game was... not very good. The Colts only touchdowns of the game came off turnovers (one a pick 6, the other with a fumble which led to an offensive drive for a TD). Everything else came down to Vinateri's right foot, for the second time this season. But loosing 2 running backs, their all-star tight-end, and a handful of recievers will do that to an offense. That doesn't even include that half the defense is injured.

But we do have some key players still in, starting with #18 Peyton Manning (cause let's face it. If Painter comes in, we're done) and Jeff Saturday, best center in the NFL. Reggie Wayne and the rest of Saturday's O-line helps too. And Tami is doing pretty good, about like you would expect from any other tight-end besides Clark. On Defense, Freeney and Mathis still make themselves felt, especially at the end of the game. Linemen can only block them for so long.

Even if it is the Bengals, a win is a win this time. Ocho had an amazing game, with acrobatic catch after acrobatic catch. TO, on the other hand, thinks he's still playing for the Cowboys and didn't even try.

Rest of the League:
Falcons-Ravens. This game was everything I hoped it would be... in the last five minutes. Inside of the two minute warning, both teams had scoring drives that showed just how great they are this season. Altanta is the best team in the NFC this year.

Fins-Titans. Thanks for the help in getting the division lead back. Randy Moss has one game down, three to go with the Titans. I wonder who will take him next? This game also saw play from FIVE different QBs, Pennington, Henne, and Thigpen for Miami, and Collins and Young for Tennesee.

Bears-Vikings. Culter is trying to chase down Favre's Interceptions record, but darn it if the Geezer won't let that stand. He threw 3 INTs in that game, and lost a fumble. Now that's the Favre we come to know and... well, respect isn't the right word...

Bills-Lions. Speaking of not letting records fall, the Lions have one record, the only team to go 0-16. They didn't want to let that go, so they let the Bills win.

Jags-Houston. The Jags got lucky. Again. That's all I'm saying.

Broncos-Chiefs. Holy Cow, the Broncos got an offense. Where did that come from? They've been awful. And the chiefs, well, I guess they haven't recovered from the beating Oakland gave them.

Cowboys-Giants. Sorry TC. It is amazing what a group of men can do when they pretend to be professions and actually try for sixty minutes. I agree with some of the talking heads on TV, who said this says more about the players, who SHOULD have been trying all along.

Seahawks-Cards. No one cares.

Niners-Rams. Aw... the Niners one. Isn't that sweet.

Pats-Steelers. Yeah, I didn't really care about this game. Only thing you need to know is that Tom "We Suck" Brady is still a pretty boy chump. Pitt tried to score all their points in the 4th, but it was too little too late.

Jets-Browns. Game of the week. Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan (twins) going against each other. And this game was tight. It was a shame that the Jets aren't a better team so that the Browns could blow them out. There was some blown tackling with 16 seconds left on the clock in overtime allowing the Jets to win the game.

Cowboys humor

I recieved this as a forward this morning, and had to share.

The Texas State Police are cracking down on speeders heading into Dallas. For
the first offense, they give you 2 Dallas Cowboy tickets. If you get stopped a
second time, they make you use them.



Q. What do you call 47
millionaires around a TV watching the Super Bowl?
A. The Dallas Cowboys

Q. How do you keep a Dallas Cowboy out of your yard?
A. Put up a
goal post.

Q. What do you call a Dallas Cowboy with a Super Bowl ring?
A. Old

Q. What's the difference between the Dallas Cowboys and a
dollar bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.

Q. How many Dallas Cowboys does it take to win a Super Bowl?
A.
Nobody remembers.

Q. What do the Cowboys and a possum have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!

NFL 10 week 9 synopsis

I'm not really going to talk a lot about the Colts game.

During the second quarter, Austin Collie caught a ball only to immediately take a helmet-to-helmet hit to the side of his head.

Now I have watched a lot of football. This is one of three hits I have ever seen where I instantly started praying because I knew it was bad. One was a high school game that the kid, named JD, was STAT-Flighted to a hospital. It was scary. So was this. Collie was instantly unconscious, falling limp to the ground, except for his arms, which were stuck tightly to his chest in a way that I can only describe looking like rigor.

The ball of course squirted out from his limp grasp, but the fumble didn't count. They called it a hit on a defenseless reciever (probably should have been called a helmet-to helmet). Collie ducked from another blow coming in from the other side and didn't see the safety on his left. Him lowering his head is what caused the hit. Regardless, he was laying there lifelessly, and I was praying. "Oh God, I don't care about the game. I don't care about the season. Just let him be ok. He's just a kid."

Many of the players were praying similarly, I am sure. I cannot imagine what his mother was thinking. The trainers and doctors rushed to him. Manning and Saturday each took a knee behind them to speak to him, maybe pray. It took them several minutes to wake him, more to strap him to a board and get him on a stretcher. It was a concussion. It could have killed him, especially if his helmet had come unsecured.

In the mean time, Philly fans were booing. They wanted the fumble, not the penalty. So they booed. And booed. And booed. Way to show some compassion. This 23 year old risked his life to provide you with some simple entertainment, and you boo while doctors try to revive him? Way to show some class. I'm sure his mother appreciated your concern over a flag while she worried if her son were even breathing or would walk again.

I've said that Philly fans are the only fans that hate their own team. They treat their own team the same way. They showed a lack of character in this game. In light of a man's life, what is a game? Who gives a crap about your stupid penatly? You won the game anyway when Manning threw a bad pass (I don't know if the reciever was supposed to cut back and didn't, but there were no Colts, only Eagles, where the ball went). Next time, just shut your freaking mouths and have a moment of silence for the injured player. In other words, act with basic human decency.

Rest of the League:
Gotta say, this middle-of-the-season week did not disappoint. It had a lot of the best match-ups that could happen this season (including the Colts-Eagles game, were it not for the hit on Austin Collie putting the game in a perspective of real life).

Ravens-Fins. The team that cannot be beat on the road going to play a team that cannot loose at home. It was a good game, but the home team won.

Jets-Lions. The Sanchize vs the QB who endeared himself to the hearts of a nation by playing with a broken collar bone to make his loser team win. This was a great showcase of these two sophomore quarterbacks. These two great teams made a great matchup, with the Jets coming back to win in OT. They made several mistakes, and NYJ took out the Lions kicker, forcing them to get a defensive linemen to kick (it looked like the old days when linemen always kicked). Them missing that XPA allowed the game to go to overtime, where the Jets won.

Chargers-Texans. Wow, the chargers won a meaningful game. Unfortunately, at this time of year, the chargers usually start building momentum, get into the playoffs, and give the Colts fits.

Bears-Bills. The bills lost. Again. They haven't won yet. 0-16 anyone?

Flacons-Buccs. I called it. Now Buccs, stop claiming to be the best in the NFC. You're 3rd in you division.

Giants-Seahawks. Both Mannings played teams with green uniforms and bird mascots. Only the Giants played the Seahawks. Which are aweful.

Saints-Panthers. Panthers lost again. Shocker.

Vikings-Cards. Well, the Geezer actually managed to play the entire game this time. First time this season? And he wasn't his usual self. With the game on the line, he didn't throw an INT. Wow. That's just wierd.

Steelers-Bengals. I'm impressed that the Bungals actually made a game of this. They show sparks of being a football team for the second time this season. The rest of the time, they're just the Bungals.

Browns-Patriots. That's right. Browns-Patriots. Browns won. Pats lost. I am happy. Tom "we suck" Brady tried to make a long explanation as to why they were OUTRIGHT DOMINATED THE ENTIRE GAME. He made a shorter statement week 2. "We sucked." Just stick with that. By the way, the Browns QB Colt McCoy was AMAZING. The trick play was great, his running TD was fabulous. But their defensive goalline stand at the end of the first half is what really allowed them to win the game.

Packers-Cowboys. Anticipated to be the NFC championship before the season started. Now the Cowboys don't even try. I forgot a few things I was going to say last week and didn't, like that both players and fans kid their faces under towels. A fan held up a sign saying "at least we have the Rangers." Now they didn't even act like they were trying. Now I'm not normally for firing a coach mid-season, but when he doesn't look like he cares and neither do the players, that's a leadership issue. I'm glad they fired him, for their own sake. You know who would do good in Big D? Former TB Coach and ESPN commentator John Grueden. He could put some fire under those boys. I hate to feel like I'm giving the Cowboys advice that might help them improve though (sorry Damon and Varner)

Raiders-Chiefs. Who would have guessed that this would be the most anticipated game of the week? And it lived to expectations, including going to overtime. Both teams like their conference's West Division going into this game, but alas, playing an actually good Raiders team in the Black Hole is tough.

NFL 10 Week 8 synopsis

Well I feel better. We have the lead in the division for the first time since week 1 when the Colts were outright dominated from beginning to end by the Texans. Last night, we got some payback.

The first thing I want to mention is that Freeney especially seemed lethargic week 1. Last night he opened and closed the game with a sack, ending with sack-strip. He, Mathis, and Session hit Schaub all night. Hayden dominated their star WR Johnson, including going around him to get a pick 6. They also shut down the run. This defense which was dominated, pushed around, and embarrassed week 1 did some dominating, pushing around, and embarrassing. And that is with 5 starters and 1 backup injured. They got some payback.

Offensively, the O-line also refused to be dominated. Saturday and company kept Manning well protected, allowing him some time to adjust to new recievers.

In the first series, you could see the loss of Dallas Clark affecting them with three straight drops resulting in a three-and-out. After that, Tammi stepped up. Gonzalez made some big plays. Wayne, well, was Wayne. Garcon played in his usual self. And did you seem Manning's bug block? That is a guy who wants to win no matter what it takes. Not every QB would do that. Though Clark's presence was missed in that there were a few dropped balls that he would have caught, they stepped in for he and for Collie. Mike Hart earned his start because he runs with heart. I think Brown should officially be bumped to third string. I'm impressed by Hart.

Rest of the League:
Lions-Redskins. Let's get this straight. It was just stupid for Shannahan to pull McNabb for the two minute drill to win. It showed no confidence in the supposed team leader. I don't care who it was, that sack would have still happened, even if it was Manning. But, it was a poor decision for the team. Especially since your backup isn't Drew Brees or Gary Collins. It is REX GROSSMAN. The same guy we jokingly said was MVP of Super Bowl XLI, because he played so poorly. He warmed up by running, not throwing. Aparently he had watched Lions in the backfield all day. Regardless, this stupid story overshadowed the return of Stafford, who played great. Good job Lions. Sorry everyone is ignoring you.

Jags-Cowboys. .... uh.... Looking for a new coach yet? Shannahan may be available.

Niners-Broncos. One day, we might actually allow the Brits to see football teams play football.

Fins-Bengals. I'm impressed. The Nati actually managed to score.

Packers-Jets. It is hard to believe that the creative mind of Rex Ryan could not score at home. The Packers D held strong, letting 3 field goals be the only scores of the game.

Chargers-Titans. The Chargers actually won, even if they did allow a safety by the Titans, which is personally my favorite way to score because it happens so rarely. I have to say since I am not a VY fan, he was having a great game, including a big block, before he reaggrivated his ankle sprain. He was actually living up to his hype for once.

Buccs-Cards. Tampa Bay is still claiming to be the best NFC team. Until they get a big, defining win and win at least one round of the playoffs, I won't be convinced.

Saints-Steelers. For Halloween, the Saints came as the defending World Champs. For the first time this season, they showed some spark and played one heck of a game. I guess a friend here was right. He, a Steelers fan, was worried after the Browns embarrassed the Saints, that they Steelers would pay for it like the Giants paid for the Colts embarrassment in week 2.

Raiders-Seahawks. I had to laugh when the commentator pointed out that people all over the NFL were dressing up for Halloween. In the Black Hole, they always look like that.

Pats-Vikings. For Halloween, Randy Moss dressed up like a Viking (if only for Halloween), while the rest of the Pats dressed like Red Coats. Someone needs to explain to them that was the OTHER SIDE of that war. Tom "we suck" Brady showed Moss some love, and the defense showed him respect by triple covering him much of the game. How is that respect? It is a recognition of skills of a threat. That Geezer Favre was taken out, not by his broken ankle, but a cut on his face. You can tell from his stubble that he does not shave, so is not used to having cuts on his face. Maybe if he did, he would not have been carried off the field and driving off on a cart looking like he had passed out for a cut on his face. That's just rediculous. So much for Iron Man. Somebody get this guy a bandaide and some Ensure and tell him to get his butt back out there. Did you notice how the number of stitches kept climbing as they retold it. At first it was "a couple," then eight, then ten. Next thing you know the story will involve him scooping up his face into his helmet and having it sowed on. As much as he wants to blame his hurt elbow, ankle, and chin, I think this comes down to two things. 1) Favre is not happy unless he is all that is being talked about and didn't want to let McNabb have all the spotlight. 2) It isn't a bum body. It is a lack of heart. He's given up. He doesn't want to be there. Hey Childress, instead of waving Moss, why don't you wave your worthless, old, used up QB?

Wilderness

This weekend, I got to relax. How? By loading as much camping gear as I could carry and hiking into the wilderness. My friend and I called it "Man Weekend." This was the second year we had done this. Last year, another friend of ours was able to come also.

As men, it is important for us to go out in wilderness. We got away from choked cities and breathed fresh air. We hiked trails through untamed wilderness. We chopped firewood and made fire. We peed on trees. We saw stars without light pollution to hide them. We heard two owls vying for territory. We slept outdoors. We filtered water from mountain streams and ate jerky.

There is something deep in us that is called to the wild. Because God may move in the cities, but He met us in the woods. God created Adam in the wilderness and brought him to the garden. Eve was made in the garden. God met Abraham on a mountain. He wrestled Jacob under the stars. He met Moses alone on a mountain. God strengthened David in a cave. He fed Elijah by and open stream, and passed by him in an open cave. He worked with John in the dessert. He sent Jesus to the wilderness, and to a mountain grove. And he appeared to Paul not in the city, but along the road.

You do not fully appreciate Beethoven until you hear his music. You do not appreciate Michelangelo until you see his sculptures or murals. How can you appreciate the Creator without experiencing creation?

NFL 10 Week 7 Synopsis

This post is dedicated to Ken and Anita. But we'll get to that.

First I have to say that the Colts may be in trouble. It was announced that Tight End Dallas Clark hurt his wrist, and it was announced last Wednesday that he has to have surgery and rehab and is out for the season. He is not only one of the top NFL tight ends, but recievers. The threat that he is cannot be underestimated. That is why many teams double cover him with a corner and a linebacker and single cover Reggie Wayne. So the Colts offense is in trouble. Tami better step up, and their recievers better get healthy quick.

Rest of the League:
Steelers-Fins. The Miami D gave Pittsburgh fits as I knew they would. But early on Miami struggled in the Red Zone to get TDs and got field goals instead, which allowed Pitt to win in the end.

Falcons-Bengals. Ohh, the Bungles lost again. At least this time Palmer wasn't SO terrible. He was his usual underperforming QB, and not the awfulness he has been this season.

Ravens-Bills. Wow. Aparently the Ravens decided to play the first half with one arm tied behind their backs. Then exploded all over the Bills. Buffalo fought hard to stay in it, but Ray Lewis made an amazing strip in overtime to allow them to kick the game winner.

Chiefs-Jags. KC finally did what the Colts have not, won in the AFC South.

Browns-Saints. I'm not sure how, but the Browns dominated the Saints entirely. It was such a blow out, it wasn't much of a game. It seems that Brees has not been sleeping since the birth of his son Bowen, and so through balls at Browns linebacker Bowens all day.

Panthers-Niners. The Panthers got their first win against a San Fran team that couldn't beat the Girl Scouts (but could STILL beat my old high school team).

Titans-Eagles. Here's an idea. COVER KENNY BRITT. If they would have kept him from catching 3 easy TDs in the 4th quarter they would have won.

Buccs-Rams. Somehow a mediocre Tampa Bay has ended up at 4-2 like every other NFC team leaving their coach to claim to be the best team in the NFL.

Giants-Cowboys. Big win by Eli and the G-men. Big D may have a chance. They have gotten rid of their hated QB due to a broken clavical. Now all they need is to get a coach and get rid of Jerry Jones and they can save the season.

Seahawks-Cards. You know it is a bad NFL season when two teams that are pathetic this season are playing for the top of their division. It may be time to pack up and go home.

Patriots-Chargers. Ok, as bad as the Chargers are, this should prove that Tom "we suck" Brady is right, because they should have won by a lot more.

Redskins-Bears. If you love Defense as I do, you would have loved this game. I'm guessing that it set a record for most turnovers. It started with an AMAZING Bears pass rush that resulted in a pick-6. It was a great play. These two teams traded interceptions then traded fumbles, then traded interceptions again. But it was Cutler throwing to Hall 4 times that made the difference. Culter said in a post game interview that if they play the Skins again, he would still throw at Hall. Someone needs to tell him that the guys in black are his team, and he should try throwing at them. He will not become one of the game's greats by throwing Intercepts. After all, Brett Favre is the only one who can do that.

And now for why this is dedicated to Ken and Anita (besides the fact that when I look at a map of my viewers, I see one little green African country and smile).

Packers-Vikings. That's right. Aaron Rogers beat the pants of the future occupant of the Shady Acres Retirement Village. The Geezer finally got his elbow feeling better, only to injure his ankle, which has the NFL wondering if he will start Sunday. Childress might be forced to bench him to try to put in someone that can actually win. Way to go Packers. That W must feel good.

*add on*
I learned that Favre has two broken bones in his ankle. Someone didn't take his Boneva.

That's the way you want to play? Bring it.

Lately I've been stressed out, burned out, and insecure. I've been seeing the negative in everything, and complaining about all of it. I just haven't felt like myself.

Saturday, I had this amazing opportunity. My church organized a free yard sale in the poor section of the community. We didn't expect them to come to us. We didn't attach strings (like making them sit through a two hour presentation on the gospel before they could take anything). We just tried to show love without conditions. Because love can change the world.

While we were organizing this and after, one person kept making comments to me and to others about how I wasn't helping. He said this because while he was folding clothes, I was in my office working. While he was here Friday, I (on my only day off) went grocery shopping, did laundry, and went to pick up a guy who wanted to help but needed a ride and lived over a half hour away.

You see, my job is mainly a behind the scenes guy. As I write this, I am waiting for a sermon MP3 to format to load on the church website. So I did up front things, behind the scenes things, and was here in evenings when this guy wasn't. So when I was on this high, I was also low.

Well, yesterday, I had an epiphony. If you've never read the book Wild at Heart by John Eldridge, I highly recommend it. It is a personal favortie of mine. It is about restoring genuine masculinity as God intended it. It is about being a warrior, carrying on the fight. As you would imagine, this has become a defining imagery for me.

Anyway, one thing he talks about is that each man has a Wound. This Wound is the place where his heart has been pierced, and his strength has been stolen. (Women, reading and understanding this will help you understand the men around you.) Really, every man has the question on his heart. The question can be worded many ways, and in the same way, now words can fully express it. "Am I enough? Am I strong enough? Am I man enough? Do I have what it takes?"

In some way, this question has been answered "no." My dad was a large, physically impressive man in my childhood. He had a strength to match his great size. He had me work construction with him. I learned a lot of things that way. But I also got my Wound. Dad always wanted me to lift more than I could carry to help him. And he always wanted me to hurry faster. I would be moving as fast as I could burdened with a heavy load, and he would say "my dead grandmother can move faster than that."

What I learned was that because I was smaller and weaker, I was not enough. I had to work harder. Since then I have been trying to work harder, being the first to volunteer and trying to prove to everyone that I am not lazy.

That's what I realized yesterday. For six weeks, Satan had plunged his dagger into the weak spot in my armor AND I DIDN'T NOTICE. Once I realized that, it was as if a great burden was lifted from me. Now, I've got the dagger out, shield up, and I'm ready to do some beating down with my sword. I'm ticked. I'm angry. I'm ready for the fight.

On a related note, this is why I have a hard time accepting gifts, praise, or affection. I feel that I have to earn everything. And I feel that I can never work hard enough to earn anything. For example, my dad would yell at me all day, then tell my mom how hard that I worked and he is proud of me. That screwed me up.

When I fell away from God for a time, it was largely because I was trying to earn grace, which is a free gift from God, and I wouldn't accept anything free. That's why our free yard sale made a difference in the community. It was utterly free, without conditions or strings. So do something nice, something free, for someone that you care about. And if it is me, don't be offended if I struggle with accepting it. It is not a lack of gratitude. It is a lack of feeling worthy on my part. Don't mistake it for humilty either. Insecurity can be just as pride filled as anything.

NFL 10 week 6 synopsis

Sorry I'm late. I've been swamped at work and have had no internet at home.

Well, the Colts won. They looked better this week, though still not great. 4 fumbles (lost 3). Manning should have had 3 INTs. Luckily, they were playing the Redskins.

The best thing was that the Colts suddenly had a running game for no aparent reason, at least until Addai re-injured his neck. But he had done enough by then.

Vinateri, after being their big scorer last week missed two this week. That just ain't normal.

The highlight was the D. They had poor tackling and let the skins stay in it too long, but Powers was a one man recking ball. The Colts aren't really known for their corners, but he just had one heck of a game. And this new safety Angerer (in since Sanders and Brackett are both injured) came in and did had some good plays. The D needs to work on tackling, but still came up with the big INT to win the game.

Hopefully the Colts will use their bye week to get healthy and fix their biggest problem, inconsistency.

Rest of the League:
Vikings-Cowboys. Stupid Romo. For the second week in a row, I was forced to root for the Cowboys and they let me down. I still keep hoping that a team will slobberknock that old Geezer around so badly that he'll leave mid season. In the mean time, Texas newspapers are showing the Cowboys season in their obits section.

Rams-Chargers. St. Louis is actually decent this season. San Deigo is not.

Steelers-Browns. Just like a few years ago leading to Super Bowl XL, the Steelers feel threatened by an Ohio team, they take out the key player to their offense.

Niners-Raiders. Wow. San Fran finally won a game. Amazing.

Saints-Buccs. Maybe NOrleans can turn their season around. I mean it was just TB, but still.

Seahawks-Bears. Ok, the Bears can't be that good. Either that, or Seattle finally showed up for a game this season.

Giants-Lions. Those poor Lions. Despite everything though, they were in this game to the end with their 3rd string QB. Maybe once they get a healthy QB back they can start winning some of these close games.

Texans-Cheifs. Looks like the Chiefs and Colts have something in common. They can't beat teams in the AFC South.

Fins-Packers. GB just can't finish. They just can't win these games. Someone on NFL network said they need the ghost of Reggie White to come back and show them how to win.

Pats-Ravens. Grr... The Ravens D just couldn't stop Tom "we suck" Brady enough. Branch kept catching balls, and then making big plays after the catch. One Pats fan was wearing a "Moss Who?" T-shirt. That pretty well sums it up.

NFL 10 week 5 synopsis

Well, that sucked.

Let me set up this game. Indy played Kansas City, the only undefeated team left in the NFL. Who would have thought that the Colts play Chiefs in week 5, and the Colts were underdogs??!!!

If you know me, then you know I would rather play well and lose than to play poorly and win. Well, I did not get my wish. That game was AWFUL. Manning sucked. I've seen him play better and get 4 INTs. He under threw almost every throw. His completions were only half of his attempts, which is rare for Peyton. He had 1 INT, admittedly his fault, and 0 TDs. He was awful.

People are harping on the defense. They did a heck of a lot better than last week. It looked like the old "bend don't break" Colts D. What they do is hold the other team to field goals while the offense delivers touchdowns. This lets them build a lead, to which the opposing teams are forced to throw. That unleashes Freeney and Mathis. To be honest, Freeney kinda looked like he didn't want to be there, and Manning DEFINATELY looked like he didn't want to be there. It looked like some throw-away preseason game. They just didn't look like they were trying.

To make it worse, Addai was injured, leaving the Colts only with their 3rd string running back. As an Ohio State fan, it is difficult for me to admit that I was excited when they picked Mike Hart up from Michigan a few years back. He looked like he didn't know the game was supposed to be a throw away, and was excited for the opportunity to play. He ran for a TD in the 4th to put the game out of reach. This was the only TD by either team, as the Colts score was mainly from Adam Vinateri's right foot.

Just to tell you how bad this game was, the highlight real had three plays (in order): Manning's 3rd quarter INT, Manning throwing a 15 yarder for a first down to Reggie Wayne, and Mike Hart's TD run. The only news worthy thing about the game was that with KC's fall from undefeated, this is the first season without a 4-0 team since 1970. Congrats 79 Dolphins, you get to break out the champagne early this year.

Rest of the League:
I have to start with Monday night.

Jets-Vikings. I guess Randy Moss didn't help Minnesota beat the Jets like Tom "We Suck" Brady and the New England Pansies hoped. You kinda had to feel bad for Favre. You know that when it rains, his arthritis acts up. But seriously, Favre somehow injured his elbow during the bye week. Aparently Life Alert was called to his house because he fell in the tub. He pushed the button and said quote, "I've fallen and I can't get up." He didn't want to get up for that game either. When he had a chance at the end, despite sucking as bad as Peyton did Sunday, he did what he does best, threw an INT for a pick-6. He then started to CRY on the sidelines. Seriously, Geezer, man up.

Jags-Bills. Buffalo lost again. Big surprise.

Eagles-Niners. San Fran lost again. Big surprise. Headlines in Philly read, "Eagles win. Fans still threaten to murder Kolb, saying Vick would have won by more."

Buccs-Bengals. Ok, time to put in the back up. I'm done with Palmer.

Falcons-Browns. Another close one, at least for most of the game. The Falcons did score a TD in the end, but for most of it the Browns were right in it again.

Lions-Rams. The Lions finally got a big win, and maybe they can use this to build momentum that was lost when that game wimming TD was robbed from them.

Cards-Saints. Wow. The Cards are bad this year. I can't believe they won. The Saints are just so hot and cold, descriptive of basically the entire NFL this year.

Giants-Texans. Speaking of hot and cold, both of these teams started with high expectations. The Texans seemed to start with it and lose it, and the Giants seemed to have found it. I think its better to end strong than start strong. We'll just have to see what happens now.

Titans-Cowboys. Well, Big D tried to come back, but could not sustain it. They are just oer-hyped as usual. They never have lived up to the hype, and with Romo at QB, perhaps never will.

What do you think? Who is the best teams this year? Comment below.

NFL 10 week 4 synopsis

Can we say Upset Special? Let's start with UT vs. LSU. Yes college football. UT had LSU beat on a last-second goal line stand, except that they had 13 men on the field, and a game cannot end on a defensive penalty. LSU scored, game over.

Now to my Colts. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? 59 yard field goal? That sucks. Once you get in a certain range, the kicker boots as hard as he can and hopes that it goes through the uprights. It did. Jerk. I missed the second half due to being at my Life Group. Now on the opening drive, the Colts had their way with the Jags D, but one their second they got a 3 and out. They were somewhat inconsistent. One thing was consistent, Marice Jones-Drew. He, as always, ran all over the Colt's D. The worst part is that they are 0-2 in the division.

Rest of the League:
Browns-Bengals. Sorry Kenny G. The Browns finally after weeks of devestatingly close losses, managed to pull one out.

Ravens-Steelers. Flacco managed to perform as needed, and the Ravens D just made one more big play then the Steel curtain.

Giants-Bears. Big Blue finally performed up to their potential and were as a nightmare for the Bears as the Colts were to them. They were as scary as having to change Brett Favre's diapper. Bet you were wonder how I was going to insult the Geezer on a bye week. Hey Favre how did it feel to watch TV? That's what you should see every week. Retire for good.

Rams-Seahawks. I know, no one cares, but still.

Flacons-Niners. San Fran almost pulled the upset, but couldn't seal the deal. Bet they're glad they got a new kicker.

Skins-Eagles. So, they can't win without Vick. Sad, really. Did anyone else notice Philly gave more love to McNabb than when he was their QB? I've always said no fans hate their own team more than Philly.

Texans-Raiders. The Texans after losing to Dallas last week allowed Oakland to do WAY too well compared to how they played weeks 1 and 2. Let's see if they can keep it up.

Needless to say I'm routing for Miami to again upset Tom "we suck" Brady. I wonder if he will say it again?

*Added after Monday night*
If Pats-Fins does not prove the importance of special teams, nothing will. Punt return for TD, blocked field goal, and blocked punt returned for TD. Take away those two TDs and add that field goal, and you have the Dolphins down by 4 most of the 4th quarter with the ability to win.

Songs that make men cry?

In the UK, they did a study revealing the top 10 songs that make men cry. Here is the list they came up with.



Let us not forget, however, that these "men" are English. The English aren't exactly known for their manliness. The fact that Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" made the list is proof of that. I mean, come on, seriously?

I'm not saying that men can't/don't/shouldn't cry. I'm saying the Brits don't count as men. No one cares about Princess Diana. Get over it. It's not like you really knew her. I didn't cry when Reagan died.

Anyway, this got me thinking about the only song that ever made me cry. My family was on the way back from church one night, and "Butterfly Kisses" came on the radio. I don't like this song, because I have taste. However, in the verse that talks about him walking his daughter around the aisle I got thinking about the fact that soon my sister would be off to college, perhaps married, and I started to cry thinking about her not being there with me anymore. I was just a kid.

I did not know that my sister would come home every weekend from college, or that she would live there for 6 years after she graduated. I actually moved out first. I also did not know that these tears would be prophetic. I performed her wedding, and cried because I was so happy. Her husband is great, and I have no fears about how he treats my sister.

So to sum up, I cry when I have good reason. The Brits cry because they are British. I mean, wouldn't you get depressed if it rained all year round, you had to eat sheeps bladders, and you had to talk in that accent?

NFL 10 week 3 synopsis

This game was a little worrysome, and not just from the win-lose standpoint. The Colts had several (I believe I heard 6) starters out at the beginning of the game. Throughout the course both sides had plenty of injuries, most who came back. I kinda think it was just hotter than they expected, so dehydration and cramping was an issue in that high altitude.

Ok, onto the game itself. The defense is still sick of hearing about how bad they did two weeks ago. It looked like the old "bend, don't break" days of old. Orton had big yardage, but two different times, the defense refused to let them in on fourth and goal. I think that they were out to make a statement, even without Bob Sanders (or perhaps especially because of that).

The Colts offense was, well, the Colts offense. Manning was Manning. Wayne was Wayne. They double covered Clarke all day, and did well at hampering them in the endzone.

Rest of the League:
Cowboys-Texans. I don't think anyone saw this one coming. Perhaps the Texans were a flash in the pan, but now people have learned how to stop them. Maybe the Cowboys after turning the ship around. All I know is that Romo wasn't crying after the game for once, and that the Texans don't have to worry about the undefeated talk anymore. You know who does?

Chiefs-Niners. That's right. Kansas City is finally putting all those perenial early first-round picks to good use. They are one of the few undefeated teams left.

Steelers-Buccs. Yes Jim, I know that the Steelers are also undefeated. All that proves is that the Buccs are terrible, the Steelers D is good as usual, and Rothlisberger is overrated as a QB. I mean, even their 3rd stringer can win with them.

Titans-Giants. Guess Big Blue still hasn't recovered from the beating they were thrown last weekend.

Pats-Bills. Tom "We Suck" Brady and the New England Patriots barely squeaked by the Bills. The BILLS! I mean, come on. They haven't fielded a decent team since the 90s. Seriously.

Eagles-Jags. Yes, Vick had a big day, but it was the Jags. They only have 1 player, pocket Herc. That was like sending a Basset Hound in against a Doverman. That doesn't prove that the doverman is tough. Just that the Basset Hound was neutered.

Vikings-Lions. Once again, the lions have a crushing defeat, though this time it was at a bigger margin. Brett Farve is still a Geezer, and still played poorly, but Minnesota ran all over Detroit like a Ford F-250.

Rams-Redskins. Ha ha. I told you McNabb wouldn't help. You lost to the Rams, for crying out loud. The skins did show some life at the end of the 1st half, but nothing in the second.

Seahawks-Chargers. Here's an idea, Chargers. You should play some special teams. They would have won, had they not allowed Leon Washington to run back TWO 100-yard punt returns for TDs. Here's an idea. Don't kick it to him. Kick out of bounds.

Falcons-Saints. Wow. What a game. If the Saints kicker wouldn't have choked at 29 yarder in overtime, the Saints would have won. Of they would have had another chance if they wouldn't have tried to ice the kicker, making the blocked punt not count. That's a tough way to lose such a tight game. Atlanta, however, put the NFL on notice that they are coming and they want to win.

Ok, that's it for now. Be sure to comment below.

Priveledge

Privilege is one of my biggest pet peeves lately. It seems to permeate everywhere. It is this "I deserve it" mentality. Let's look at some examples from recent memory.

Washington: Politicians honestly believe that they are better than everyone else. They don't care what promises they make, because the rules don't apply to them. Charlie Rangle is a great example. He's on the finance commitee, but is being brought up on ethics charges for tax evasion. If that was me, the IRS would have taken me for everything I am worth. Him? Well, his response is "I'm not going anywhere." He deserves to be there, and you should vote for him because he deserves to be there.

Even with the Health Care thing. Virtually everyone was opposed to it, but Pelosi, Obama, and insiders of both parties have this "father knows best" mentality and passed it anyway. If you are so stupid that you cannot understand that paying more for crappier health care is good for you, well, who cares? They don't.

Finances: So stupid. I know a family that the dad works two full time jobs and walks to work. The wife stays at home and sits on her rear, but has to have the car just in case she wants to go somewhere. She spends money like its going out of style. She won't cook, so the family goes out to a different all-you-can-eat buffet each night. She doesn't bathe her kids, so they smell. Her grandmother comes over once a week to make sure the teenage son showers each week, and cleanes house while the mom sits on her enormous rear. I was one of many people who helped this family move recently, and the mom sat in her recliner and watched us work.

Plus, I know two families who ask us to pray for their finances, but take frequent vacations because "they deserve it." After all, their lives are so bad they need these vacations. Maybe if they would WORK and STAY AT HOME their finances wouldn't be in bad shape. God has already provided what they need, so I won't pray for that anymore until they are willing to obey. No one deserves a vacation. It is a luxury that most of the world can't afford. If you can, do it. But it is not right for your kids to suffer because you feel the need to drive to Colorado for a fishing trip.

Same with the housing crash. People deserved that house they couldn't afford. How dare that bank expect them to honor that contract! They knew they couldn't afford it, so the bank should have known that they couldn't and not expected them to pay.

The church: This one makes me the sickest, and I have been dealing with the most lately. I am constantly harassed by people who don't want to serve, but wish to have more fellowship events where they can sit with the same friends they sit with on Sunday. They deserve it. And they don't like all these new people coming, because they don't "know everyone anymore."

In essence, they are saying "we're full. They rest of you have to go to hell now." If they want to know what they deserve, it isn't the church they want. THEY DESERVE TO BURN IN THE FIRES OF HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY. Eternal loneliness and torture for forever. If we EVER forget that even for a second, we spit in the face of God, call the death of Jesus worthless, and tell the Holy Spirit we don't need him and don't want him interfering with us.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to send people to the Hell I deserve because I'm too lazy to get off my fat butt and serve another human being with the kind of love God showed me. They don't deserve it, but God does. The Holy One, God Almighty, the LORD is the ONLY one who deserves anything good. If he is willing to give up his rights to come to earth and be rejected and tortured to death by the people he came to save and then turn around and forgive them, then why can't we give up our "rights" that only exist in our own minds?

Edit 6/12/11: In light of recent events, check out part 2.

NFL 10 week 2 synopsis

I must ask the question. Where the heck was this team last week? I mean seriously are you kidding me? Everything that went wrong last week went perfect this week. Last week the O-line were shoved around like rag dolls. This week they did a little shoving of their own. The Giants plan was to play the pass. After last week, I can understand why. You have to have an offensive line before you can run. This week, they ran like crazy. Which of course sets up the play action for big plays. Coughlin looked confused. So was I.


The big story of this came came down to two men. But it was not the Manning Bowl that stole the show. No, instead of Peyton and Eli, it was Robert and Dwight. Like the O-line, and D-line was disrespected last week, because they earned it. They were ineffectual in a way they had not been in years. This week, they played with a vengance. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney had three sack-fumbles between them. I felt sorry for that blind-side rookie (who's name escapes me) that Freeney beat all night. It looked like a Madden game, when you control a custom character with all 99s for stats and rush the QB the whole time. Eventually, you get through a few times.


Ok, and another story. Brandon Jacobs threw his helmet into the stands and got into a fight with the fans trying to get them to throw it back. Security was sent up to retrieve it. Personally, I think he should have signed the helmet and let them keep it. It isn't like he used it after that anyway. He was sat on the sidlines like the child throwing a temper tantrum that he was. He is a professional and needs to act like it. He says it slipped when he was trying to slam it down. He shouldn't have been doing that either.

Rest of the League:
Packers-Bills. You know what this reminds me of? The old picture of when the government offered bounties on Bison, and there is a picture of a mountain of buffalo skulls.

Fins-Vikings. I watched this game during the 1:00 time slot. Miami looked GREAT. Especially on Defense. They mobbed Favre all day and beat the heck out of him. I bet the Geezer wishes today he had retired like he should have. I would also bet that he had a hard time getting out of bed today. And it wasn't Jared Allen making a name for the Vikings D as he usually does, but Jason Allen of Miami's D catching ball after ball from Favre (as Favre does best). You cannot win with a QB throwing 3 INTs and a fumble. Not even with Miami trying to help just to make the game interesting.

Steelers-Titans. Hey VY? You cannot win with a QB throwing 3 INTs and a fumble. The Titans just could not hold onto the football. How many games finish with both teams playing a different QB from the starter. Dixon was hurt, forcing the Steelers to play their backup, without really missing a beat. The Titans finally pulled Young for Collins. They say Young is going to start next week. Don't you know your QBs are good only every other year? Its Collins turn this year. Start him.

Bears-Cowboys. Ok, I'm going to stop trying to predict game outcomes. I thought the Giants just might beat the Colts. I thought the Vikings would beat Miami. And I thought the Cowboys would have an easy day against the Bears. Quite the opposite. That game wasn't as close as the score reflected. The Bears just came out firing on all cylanders. After, Romo said, "It just feels like we will never win a game." It's week 2 ya baby. You should only be crying like that week 12. Besides, I would think you would be used to losing by now, you loser.

Eagles-Lions. Well, a second crushingly close defeat for the Lions. If they keep at it and don't just give up in frustration, they have to win soon.

Bengals-Ravens. Wow. This game was as tight as expected, only lower scoring. The Bengals won on 5 field goals making their only scores, but it was enough. The Ravens just couldn't put it together.

Texans-Redskins. Anyone else thinking of a cowboys and indians reference? The skins tried to scalp them early, and nearly succeeded, but just could not follow through in the second half. You have to play all four quarter in football to win, not just the first two.

Jets-Pats. J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Good job Sanchize. Now you're living up to expectations. Like the Colts, I have to ask, where was this team last week? Gotta love Rex Ryan and his ablility to motivate this team no matter what. Tom "the Chump" Brady in a statement after tha game said that they couldn't do anything in the second half, ending with "we just sucked." I couldn't agree more. I've been saying that for years. Now if he would just admit that not only do they suck, but he is a chump and they cheat too, I would be even more happy. But for now, I'll take "we suck." Maybe that will be his new nickname: Tom "we suck" Brady is a chump.

NFL 10 week 1 Synopsis

If I would have told you that Manning was 40/57 for 433 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs, would you have predicted that the Colts won? I would have. Instead, the Colts were DOMINATED from begining to end. Where? At the line. On offense and defense, their linemen were shoved around all day. On offense, this led to the Texans RB Foster had clear field all day long. The Colts were just beat. Soundly. That's all there was to it. If it wasn't for Bullett's INT and a couple of TDs too late to matter, the score would reflect how badly the Colts did.

Oh, and I have to mention that they might have stood a better chance had a TD not been pulled back for a Jeff Saturday holding call. When was the last time you heard Jeff Saturday, known as the best Center in the NFL, getting a holding penatly. That should tell you how much the Colts were dominated. Congrats Texans.

Rest of the League:
Saints-Vikings. Gotta love that when everyone else was undefeated, Favre wasn't. You should retire, you Geezer.

Pats-Bengals. Who-dey? De Pats, unfortunately. Not the high expectations people had for the Bengals. It might help if your recievers would play instead of sitting around in the locker room tweeting. A tip to that Cincy fan, next time if you are going to hit Brady, HIT HIM HARDER. Chump.

Steelers-Falcons. Ok, well, Pit's defense did ok. Now you just need an offense. And no, one big play didn't count.

Titans-Raiders. The Raiders lost, CJ2K ran the ball. Anyone else shocked? Nope.

Chiefs-Chargers. Oh... poor baby Rivers. The crowd was too naisy and made him mad. He was pouting. Nice job.

Ravens-Jets. Ok, I can understand if you are at the end of the game trying to get out of bounds to save time, but GET THE FIRST DOWN FIRST!!!!!

Redskins-Cowboys. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. At least it gave locals something to think about other than their beloved V-Tech getting beat by JMU.

Now the one you really want to read about.
Bears-Lions. Detroit got robbed, by letter of the law. The ref did enforce the new rule as it is written. But it is terrible. The old rule was that you had to take the ball to the ground. This time, he dropped the ball while getting up. One commentator said "You have to hold onto the ball until a week from Tuesday." What's next, if you spike the football in the endzone it is incomplete?

Leave comments below.

Fragments

This week, and maybe for the past few, I felt like my mind wasn't right. I just didn't seem to be myself. My mind felt like a puzzle, jumbled up in the box. I just felt off. I couldn't think straight. Needless to say, my stress level was high and my productivity was low.

Well, in our staff meeting, I ended up working on a chart of the benefits and negatives of a possible change, as well as holes that need filled to do so. In doing so, it was like taking that jumbled puzzle and putting pieces in order. It is nice to arrange the chaos every once in a while.

Ok, let's do this.

Its coming to be that time, when my Sundays will not be the same for months. Why? FOOTBALL. I love me some football. I love the Colts. The offense, well, let me just say two words: Peyton Manning. He is known for his ability to orchestrate one of the best offenses every year. In front of him, Jeff Saturday, best center in the NFL and a good christian man. Even without Marvelous Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Dallas Clarke, even Pierre Garcon step up to make one of the most exposive teams ever.

The Colts also have an underrated defense. They are one of the most exciting defenses there is. Bob Sanders about hits harder than anyone (except for probably Ray Lewis and Ed Reed of the Ravens). Then you have prize defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Dwight Freeney is known as a guy who is too little to play D-line, but is the most dangerous end in the AFC. He is fast, and just runs around people. He gets to the QB because they are running from Robert Mathis. His talent is not that he goes after the sack. He goes after the ball. He strips that ball from many a QB or RB.

Oh how I do love my football. I'm ready for the real season to start (preseason doesn't count).

Aside from my love of the Colts, allow me to tell you some things you will see.

#1 Tom Brady is a chump.
#2 Brett Farve is a geezer who should have retired long ago.
#3 I love the game. I'd prefer to see the Colts play well and get beat by a better team than to play poorly and squeak by an inferior team with a W.

Most of the rest of this blog has been done seriously, so I hope this brings some light-heartedness. Look for these each week and enjoy!

The Response

I very rarely take time to write two days in a row, but I had to today. Yesterday I wrote very honestly about my insecurity and recent depression. (Click to read)

God responded. He does that, you know. The more time you spend with Him, the less you believe in coincidence. Shortly after yesterday's blog, my phone rang. It was one of my closest friends, a man who is my accountability partner, but we had not spoken together for over a month. I knew that I should call him with what I'm dealing with, but if you've ever dealt with depression, the things that you need to do to get better is exactly the things that you do not want to do.

Anyway, my dear friend, a man that I call my brother, called ME in the time that I needed to call him. The Holy Spirit guided him to pick up the phone and call me. God used my close friend to lift me up when I needed it. Thank you God for having perfect timing.

My Insecurity

I've been wrestling with my own insecurity a lot lately. John Eldridge, in his book Wild At Heart, writes that all men have the question written on their hearts "Am I enough?" Each man also has a wound from a time when that question was answered "No."

Lately the spear has been stuck in my gut answering the question "no." My boss keeps telling me I need to get over it. That doesn't help. It only makes me insecure about how aparent my insecurity is. Wonderful isn't it?

In many ways related to my job, I feel like a boy. Coordinating resistant volunteer who SHOULD but don't is a difficult and frustrating task. It also hurts that during my younger days, my dad was also fired from this job. I talk a good, confident game, but may actually be one of the most insecure men that I regularly spend time with. I've even had trouble accepting compliments my entire life, because I just know those people are lying.

It is easier to spot a certain type of men than others. That is the classic know-it-all. I have had several friends over the years who if they don't know something, make it up. They don't set out to be liars or obnoxious, they are just trying to relate. Many confident people are trying to prove their confidence and competence to others, because if they can convince you, they just may convince themselves too. Actors Bruce Willis and Harrison Ford both admit to sever insecurity, and started acting because instead of having to be themselves, they could be someone else.

I guess we all have our areas. Lately I have just felt consumed by it. I guess I wonder if those I work with figure out that I have no idea what I'm doing if they will get rid of me. I also wonder if someone else could do a better job, and in my weaker moments wonder if they should so that my church can grow. Our attendence has crashed over the summer, and I guess I again find myself secretly wondering if it is my fault or more specifically, if I could have prevented it.



I think that part of it may also involve my resistance to dating. Most of my life I have been the outcast. I was the last pick for dodgeball, baseball, and everything else. I'm just used to being a loser, and being told so. I've never really succeeded in anything in my life until now. I used to believe that everyone was they best they knew at SOMETHING. (This does not include professionals or celebrities, just those they really knew.) It seems foolish now, but that's what I thought. And I was mediocre at everything.

Anyway, I'm so used to being the outsider that rejection is my normal. I have always been the third wheel. Even among my closest friends in college, there was three of us. And it was "John and Robyn" and I was along. Now my closest friends here are married. And I'm not sure that's God's plan for me, despite constant outside pressure. So I continue to feel like a spare tire.

What am I to do about this? Nothing really works right now. I've not been sleeping well, so my depression is in swing. I just look to the return of Jesus, when He will make all things right, including me. Satan may have wounded me, torn some holes in my armor, but he can't kill me. I'll just keep limping on until then.

Disappearing Rights

You want more proof that both parties are the same? Both parties, even the Tea Party activists and many Libertarians are plotting to end the first Amendment of the Bill of Rights. In case you don't know, that's the one that gives us the freedom of religion, speech, and the press.

Here's the issue. They want to keep people from being able to worship as they choose. They want to eliminate freedom of religion in favor of getting out one political message or another. Now they want to eliminate freedom of religion for "popular opinion." They are playing on people's prejudices and anger to stop freedom.

They want to stop a mosque from being built near ground zero. Now whatever you think about if they mean this as an insult, a "poke in the eye," or if this is a statement of Muslim superiority, I would ask that each person think this through to the end.

If they stop this from being built, then they will start telling people where they can worship or pray. Soon they will start saying who you can pray to, or if you can. Or if you can own a Bible. Or if you can speak on certain passages (they are already trying on that). Soon we are living in the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany. Our founders believed that the freedom of religion is THE right on which all other are based. All men are "created equal." Who created us that gave us this equality?

Any time we consider any action, we should ask "What precedent does this set?" This has the potential to set a dangerous one.

The Big One

Ok, I've delayed this for a while. This is the one I shouldn't write. But I'm going to anyway. I am going to talk about that one thing that makes people about more hostile than anything.

Homosexuality.

Before you get on your high horse of your preconcieved notions, let's stop to look. There are mostly extremes, with few in between. Mostly there are "pro gay" people who believe it is normal and natural, and "anti gay" people who believe it is an abomination and that homosexuals will burn forever in hell.

The latter sometimes go as far to march with "God hates fags" signs or go beyond biggotted slurs to ream out, threaten, or even beat or kill homosexuals. This is a trajedy. These people are filled with a darkness and hatred for others that they take out on others. Its the same for the KKK. They hate others in order to ignore their problem. It makes them feel righteous or superior, or something like that. They make me sick.

Homosexuals are made in the image of God. He loves them. Jesus died for them. Jesus would rather die than to live in heaven without them. That is fact. They are not predestined for hell. They are in fact people.

Homosexuality is sin, but homosexuals are not depraved, at least no more than you or me. Temptation does not make them evil. Sure, homosexual acts are sin, but the desire is no more than temptation. I would recommend counseling, but I would recommend the same for porn or sex addicts of any kind. I would recommend it for alcoholism, drug use, abuse, anger issues, and a hoard of other issues.

Playing catch up and immigration

I haven't posted in a while. The reason why is because I threw my back out. Uh. Back pain is terrible. It is easy to immobilize you. It seems like it should be bearable, but...

I ended up calling for help and staying a few days under medical supervision. It was rough to be immobilized and dependant on others. That's the way it goes.

Ok, onto topics that matter. Some people, Republicans, want to repeal the 14th Amendment, specifically section 1.

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to
the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State
wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge
the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any
State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of
law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the
laws.

They call this now the Anchor babies Amendment. In its original design, shortly after the Civil war, was to declare all slaves as citizens. Now, Mexicans jump the border to have babies in the US that are citizens.

Republicans, in an effort to win voters, are now anti-immigrant. They confuse the Arizona issue with anti-immigrant sentiment. This makes me sick. I hate it when people play politics, especially with people's lives.

My opinon? I'm all for anchor babies. Let the amendment stand. They are US citizens. Don't take that away. It would be wrong. Besides, in this country, we don't understand what it means to be desperately poor. You've never had to chose which of your children eats this week. You've never had to chose whether your family would die of dehydration, or diseases from the only available water.

If that is a serious problem, then still deport the parents, with baby in tow. When the baby then a legal adult, they as a United States citizen return free and clear. It seems simple. In the mean time, I don't want to reward illegal behavior, but I think there needs to be some understanding of desperation and not punish innocent children. Let's go after some of these dangerous illegals who are dealing drugs, starting gangs, and killing people.

Charlie Rangle

Well, itsn't this great. Charlie Rangle, head of the finance commitee, does not pay taxes. At least, not all of them. Of course, most of our Senators and Representatives don't. They just don't get caught. This guy is an idiot.

For 40 years he has been in congress. You want to talk about out of touch. Why aren't there term limits? Because they are not going to vote for limits for themselves. Or pay decreases. Or Tax increases. They don't give a crap. They say, in either party, that they are watching out for the little guy. They aren't. They care only about themselves. It's old. Members of Congress should have to work real jobs. I don't mean law professors or real estate. They should have to dig ditches, clean Port-a-Johns, or deliver pizzas. Seriously. They should have to meet and WORK for REAL PEOPLE. Because they do.

Pornation

I've been thinking about porn. No, not like that. Its a major problem in our world. 45% of men admit having a serious problem with porn. Admit. And it is so accessible. It is common. USA Network has a new show called Covert Affairs. The opening in the show involves the very hot actress taking her top off three times in the first minute. Way to have integrity.

Then you have the latest Miley "No longer Hannah Montana" music video. She is in a provocative outfit, in a bird cage, dancing like a stripper. With celebrities like her to look up to, is it a wonder teenage or even preteen girls are making pornographic pictures and videos and putting them online?

For more, please watch this video.

I intend to write more on this in the future. With this being such a big problem, I hope that this blog can not just share my opinions on things, but be a forum for help for those struggling with this issue.

Stupid again

Some of the people that I made the "Stupid" blog entry returned to haunt me. I thought the deal was over.

Here's what they say: anything Jesus said about the Kingdom of heaven/God was only about the afterlife. What? Are you serious? I looked this morning, and found TWENTY-ONE references to the Kingdom refering to this life IN THE BOOK OF MATTHEW ALONE. The other new Testament authors have the same understanding. Read Luke/Acts (origonally a two-volume work). Luke especially understood that Jesus idea of the kingdom and of life was about the outcasts. Jesus went to those that you "aren't supposed to." He went to the lepers (those suffering from contagious disease that people feared and hated. Anyone thinking AIDS?), the tax collectors (corrupted Jews collaborating with the enemy to steal from their own people), prostitutes (yeah...), women (outcasts of all societies of the time), children (same), Gentiles (that other race, whether it be white, black, hispanic, asian, etc.), the disabled (which in that day were considered cursed by God).

Jesus didn't say, "I'll stay here and let them come to me." He WENT to THEM. His idea of the kingdom was that his followers would go to the poor and the outcast. He sought them out. He looked for ways to help them. Go to biblegateway.com sometime and search for the Kingdom. Jesus said constantly "The kingdom of heaven is like..." and he talked about a Kingdom that seemed small and insignificant, but spread everywhere.

Here this, no matter your perference of the kingdom of this world (Obamacrat, Blue Dog, GOP, Tea Party, etc.) it is still flawed. Maybe God's kingdom is flawed here too, but we have seen the Perfect, and strive to achieve the example He set. If your loyalty is to any version of the kingdom of this world, you will still learn that it is temporary and flawed. At the end of things, it will "burn up like chaff." That isn't a threat. It is a "poof and it's gone" type of thing. You can argue, you can plead, it doesn't matter. So you can either strive for the world, or you can bring the Kingdom down to the world. Your choice, but I advise the latter.