Bowl Predictions- Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas; Hyundai Sun Bowl; AutoZone Liberty Zone; Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl; and the Chick-fi-A Bowl

Five games today as we close out 2011 and then on Monday, January 2, the big games start.

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas- Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
Texas A&M finished slowly, ultimately costing Mike Sherman his job. Kevin Sumlin is the new Aggie coach but he will not coach this game. Northwestern finished strongly after a mid-season skid. This game will feature two good offenses and two shaky defenses.

Parker's pick: Texas A&M
My pick: Texas A&M

If George Foreman is still the pitchman for Meineke, expect to see lots of Big George commercials during this game.


Hyundai Sun Bowl- Georgia Tech vs. Utah
Georgia Tech's triple-option offense can generate lots of yardage but Utah has a solid defense. Utah struggled in its first year in the PAC-12 and sometimes struggles on offense. But the Tech defense isn't outstanding. Based on Tech's recent bowl difficulties, it seems that when good defenses have weeks to prepare for a specialty offense, Tech can have trouble scoring enough.

Parker's pick: Georgia Tech
My pick: Georgia Tech

I test-drove a Hyundai once.


AutoZone Liberty Bowl- Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt
Cincinnati is the co-Big East Champion. Not sure that means alot anymore. But they finished well playing a backup QB for much of the year. Zach Collaros is back from injury for this game. Vanderbilt is in a bowl for only the 5th time in history. New coach James Franklin has them believing they are a good team.

Parker's pick: Cincinnati ("I'd love to pick Vandy but........")
My pick: Cincinnati

Going to the Liberty Bowl, and to Memphis, may not appeal to alot of teams but for Vandy this is a major step forward.


Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl- Illinois vs. UCLA
This is a matchup of teams with interim coaches, certainly not what bowl sponsor Kraft ever anticipated. The Illini lost its last 6 games and Ron Zook is gone. Several assistant coaches are threatening to boycott this game over the termination of their contracts. Rick Neuheisel was let go by UCLA after another disappointing season and the Bruins at 6-7 had to receive a waiver from the NCAA to qualify for this game.

Parker's pick: UCLA ("Even though they have a losing record, they won more games in their conference")
My pick: UCLA

Kraft makes a mean macaroni and cheese.


Chick-fil-A Bowl- Virginia vs. Auburn
Coach Mike London has engineered an impressive turnaround at Virginia. Both Auburn coordinators are headed elsewhere, the QB situation is unsettled and outstanding RB Michael Dyer is suspended for this game. Solid vs. unsettled is usually a clear choice but in a bowl game you never know.

Parker's pick: Virginia
My pick: Virginia

Chick-fil-A. My pleasure.

Overall Bowl Record:
Parker: 15-3; he's on a 9 game win streak; 15 wins by a total of 160 points or 10.7 points per game; 3 losses by a total of 17 points or 5.7 points per game
Me: 12-6; 12 wins by 145 points or 12.1 points per game; 6 losses by a total of 32 points or 5.3 points per game

And with the same 5 picks, I won't catch him today.

Bowl Predictions- Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and Insight Bowl

The first full day of bowl season.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl- BYU vs. Tulsa
Two high scoring offenses should make this a fun game to watch. The team that has the ball last may win. Call this a toss-up.

Parker's pick: BYU
My pick: Tulsa

Shouldn't a military academy be playing in the Armed Forces Bowl?


New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs. Iowa State
Rutgers has become a perennial power in the northeast. Iowa State knocked off previously unbeaten Oklahoma State but finished 3-6 in the Big 12. That the Cyclones qualify for a bowl is a major improvement.

Parker's pick: Rutgers
My pick: Rutgers

New Era makes some really cool (and some really hideous) caps.


Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Mississippi State has big, strong line play. Wake has lost 5 of it last 6.

Parker's pick: Mississippi State
My pick: Mississippi State

Just an FYI but mortgage rates are at near record lows.


Insight Bowl: Iowa vs. Oklahoma
When I think of Iowa or Purdue or Missouri, I think 7-5. Average, just average. Oklahoma is a college football power. Great usually beats average.

Parker's pick: Oklahoma
My pick: Oklahoma

Insight Enterprises is a information technology outsourcing enterprise. The bowl was previously named the Copper Bowl.

Bowl Predictions- Champs Sports Bowl and Valero Alamo Bowl

Champs Sports Bowl- Florida State vs. Notre Dame

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Neither team, both 8-4, thought they'd end their season on December 29 in Orlando. Not a bad place to be this time of year, but both the Seminoles and the Fighting Irish planned to play in early January 2012. Florida State has a great defense and that should be enough to win this game.

Parker's pick: Florida State
My pick: Florida State

It's been a long time since I've bought anything at a Champs store.


Valero Alamo Bowl- Washington vs. Baylor

Steve Sarkisian is turning around the Washington program but Art Briles has Baylor, thanks to Heisman winner Robert Griffin III, playing fun, electrifying football.

Parker's pick: Baylor
My pick: Baylor

I have never purchased gasoline at a Valero station.

Bowl Predictions- Military Bowl and Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

Military Bowl- Presented by Northrop Grumman: Toledo vs. Air Force

Tim Beckman has left Toledo to become the head coach at Illinois. Toledo has a solid offense but still couldn't make the MAC Championship game. The Air Force Academy runs a triple-option offense that opponents know is coming but can't seem to stop consistently.

They're the underdog and maybe I'm just being hopeful but a military academy should win the Military Bowl.

Parker's pick: Toledo
My pick: Air Force

We have a family friend who works as a government contractor for Northrop Grumman.


Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl- California vs. Texas
This game pits two big name schools from two big name conferences who finished 7-5 overall and 4-5 in their conference. Cal has played better of late while Texas, though ranked, has stumbled to the finish. Texas, however, is the favorite.

Parker's pick: Texas
My pick: Cal

Had to look this one up for details but Bridgepoint Education offers on-campus and on-line education programs.

Overall bowl record:
Parker: 7-3
Me: 7-3

Bowl Predictions- Little Caesar's Bowl and Belk Bowl

Two games tonight as the big name bowls with big name teams are now only days away.

Little Caesar's Bowl:
Not really a very appealing bowl matchup at first glance. Neither team gets much TV time in the Knoxville area. Western Michigan has a high-powered offense while Purdue is fortunate to be bowl-eligible.

Parker's pick: Western Michigan ("they have a better record")
My pick: Western Michigan

In a pinch, Little Caesar's $5.00 Hot and Ready is a great fallback.

Belk Bowl:
The inaugural bowl for the southeastern based department store, this game features an average Big East team against an average ACC team. Louisville starts lots of freshmen including QB Teddy Bridgewater. As a result, the Cardinals offense struggles to put points on the board. The NC Sate offense is the pro-style version favored by Coach Tom O'Brien and led by Mike Glennon.

Parker's pick: NC State ("their defense creates lots of turnovers").
My pick: NC State

We don't shop at Belk much.

Overall bowl record:
Parker: 6-2
Me: 6-2
At some point, I'm sure we'll differ on a game but right now, the two games we missed were by a total of 12 points. Our winners have won by an 86 point margin.

Getting no help from me, I'm starting to think Parker really knows what he's talking about.

Bowl Predictions- Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

There are two bowl games over the next three days (tonight's Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and Monday's AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl) and then the pace of bowl season picks up significantly.

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl:
Nevada has racked up the yardage against lesser opponents and works from the fun-to-watch pistol attack offense but they only finished with a 7-5 record. Southern Miss is nationally ranked at 11-1, has a potent offense as well and just knocked Houston out of a BCS bowl game. However, USM's coach Larry Fedora is on his way out the door to coach North Carolina. Fedora's coming departure could make things difficult for Southern Miss but my guess is the players want to prove they're the reason for USM's success not just Fedora.

Parker's pick: Southern Miss ("It's pretty obvious they're going to win")
My pick: Southern Miss

Don't remember ever staying in a Sheraton but would love to go to Hawaii.


AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl:
This game involves two teams in transition- Missouri is headed to the SEC while UNC will have a new head coach after this game. Missouri, led by sophomore QB James Franklin, a dual run-pass threat, had to win 3 straight games to get to this bowl while North Carolina waits for Larry Fedora to arrive from Southern Mississippi.

Parker's pick: Missouri
My pick: Missouri

I had to look this up but AdvoCare V100 is a multivitamin.

Overall bowl record:
Parker: 4-2
Me: 4-2

Tonight's Bowl Prediction

Kellen Moore of Boise State is the winningest quarterback in college football history. BSU fell one field goal short in its quest for a possible BCS title game matchup. They should win easily against an Arizona State team with a losing record in the Pac-12. The combination of BSU thinking they are better than the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl and Arizona State playing above its ability under outgoing coach Dennis Erickson makes this game an upset possibility. But, we don't think that will happen.

Parker's pick: Boise State
My pick: Boise State

I hope to never need the services of MAACO, an auto body shop and collision center.

Overall bowl record:
Parker: 3-2
Me: 3-2

Tonight's Bowl Prediction

Tonight's San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl likely won't be a close game. TCU is a major college football power playing a surprising LA Tech team. Crazy things happen in bowl games, but I don't see that happening tonight.

Parker's pick: TCU
My pick: TCU

I've never been to San Diego but would love to visit; I think belonging to a credit union is a great idea; and we bought my Mom a poinsettia a few weeks ago.

Overall bowl record-
Parker: 2-2
Me: 2-2

More Bowl Predictions

Parker and I are 2-1 in our year-end bowl predictions thanks to an as-time-expired field goal by Louisiana Lafayette. Tonight, we're picking the same team again.

Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl: Florida International vs. Marshall
Parker's pick: Florida International
My pick: Florida International
FIU's T.Y. Hilton is a game-changer. Marshall is 6-6 and been outscored by its opponents by almost 8 points per game.
Never eaten at a Beef 'O' Brady's but St. Pete is a beautiful destination.

Bowl Predictions

The 2011-12 bowl season begins today with three match-ups. To open bowl season, Parker and I are picking the same three winners.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Temple vs. Wyoming
Parker's pick- Temple
My pick-Temple
Playing tougher competition should help Temple, who has a better defense.
By the way, Gildan makes a good t-shirt.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs. Utah State
Parker's pick- Ohio
My pick-Ohio
Utah State is slightly favored in this game, but Ohio has won several games in dramatic fashion. Ohio's QB, Tettleton, just seems to make things happen.
On a side note, Parker prefers mashed potatoes. My favorites include flavored baby red potatoes. However, loaded baked potatoes and twice-bakeds are quite fine.

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl:
Parker's pick- San Diego State
My pick- San Diego State
Louisiana-Lafayette is basically playing a home game, but San Diego State has more talent.
We've never used R&L Carriers.

Great Quote Thursday

There are no experts of the future. There are only experts of the past, and they sit in the study section- Dr. John Enders

Books and Blogging

If you like/love to read books and maintain a blog, I'd suggest you check out www.booksneeze.com. It allows you a great opportunity to combine those interests.

Heisman Guessing

This evening, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner will be announced. The five finalists are: Montee Ball (RB, Wisconsin); Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor); Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford); Tyrann Mathieu (DB, LSU); and Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama).

My son, Parker, and I have written up our thoughts on the finalists and our voting projections:

Parker:
Ball: He's scored a ton of touchdowns.
Griffin: I haven't seen him alot.
Luck: He's a good thrower.
Mathieu: He won't finish first.
Richardson: Might be on the same page as Ball.

Me:
Ball: I admit I was surprised to hear he was a finalist; hadn't heard much about him until late in the season. Amazing touchdown total. Back-to-back close losses to Michigan State and Ohio State ruined the Badgers championship hopes and hurt Ball's Heisman campaign.
Griffin: Electrifying to watch. Like a smaller, quicker Cam Newton. Baylor still lost 3 games.
Luck: Could suffer from the Peyton Manning syndrome- people may be sick of hearing about him. Take him away from Stanford and that team is probably quite average.
Mathieu: Defensive back. Returner. Sophomore. One-game suspension. Not going to happen.
Richardson: Best offensive player on a great team. Recent Heisman by Mark Ingram, another Bama back (though totally unrelated) could work against him with voters. Team couldn't beat LSU at home.

Parker's Picks (how he thinks voting should go):
1. Ball
2. Richardson
3. Luck
4. Griffin
5. Mathieu

My picks (how I think voting will go):
1. Griffin
2. Luck
3. Richardson
4. Ball
5. Mathieu

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, is 4 years old. The combination of the developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here a few more:

A recent conversation:
Turner: "At school today, the girl said, Don't follow me".
Me: "We're you, because we don't chase girls?"
Turner: ""Yes, but I just wanted to go down the slide. My turn was next".
Me: "Oh, we'll that's okay".

At a recent wedding reception, I had stepped away to get a drink refill. When I came back-
Turner (pointing to a man sitting a couple of chairs down from us): "He's 68".
Me: "What? He's 68? What?"
Turner: "He asked me how old I was, and I said 4, then I asked him how old he was".

Great Quote Thursday

You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them, but by building a fire within them- Bob Nelson

Leading and Inspiring a Team

In 1969, as the United States was racing to be the first country to successfully execute a manned lunar landing, the Apollo 11 mission was hours away from making history when flight director Gene Kranz, the leader of the entire mission operation, called his team together and shared the following:

"Hey gang, we're really gonna go and land on the moon today....We're about to do something that no one has ever done. Be aware that there's a lot of stuff that we don't know about the environment that we're ready to walk into, but be aware that I trust you implicitly....I know we're working in an area of the unknown that has high risk. But we don't even think of tying in this game, we think only to win, and I know you guys, if you've even got a few seconds to work your problem, we're gonna win. So let's have at it".

Here's The Point: A team will follow a leader who prepares the team well, exudes confidence in the team's ability, and who personally leads the team on the mission.

Source: Apollo: The Race to the Moon (Murray and Cox)

Catalyst Conference 2011- Mark Driscoll

Mark Driscoll is the Founding Pastor of Mars Hill Church, the Acts 29 Network and the Resurgence. He spoke at Catalyst on the topic of fear. Here is some of what he shared:

Fear in the mind causes stress in the body. How is stress going to help you? (Luke 12:25)

Fear is not always a sin but it is always an opportunity. When you fear someone, you cannot love them. Who has too much influence over your physical, emotional and spiritual well being? Whose opinion matters way too much to you?

Is my appetite for praise unhealthy? Am I overly devastated by criticism? Criticism in modern culture is instant, constant, global and permanent.

Are you committed to people and things that God did not call you to?

Fear is vision without hope.

Fear is not rational but it is powerful.

Fear is about getting what we don't want.

"Fear not" is the most frequently given command in Scripture. "Fear not, I am with you" is not just about facing fear but knowing that God is with us.

As Christ-followers, we've got to reset "worst-case scenarios"; if we die, we go to Jesus.

Everything may not be okay but if Jesus is with you, you'll be okay.

Just One Page

How important is Scripture to you?

What if all you had was one page of the Bible from which to study and learn God's Word? What if, upon entering a country that is closed to the Gospel, you were only able to sneak one page of the Bible into the lining of your suitcase.

Yesterday in our Bible Fellowship class, we tried something we had not done before. Last week, every person in class was given a photocopied page from the New Testament and asked to read over and pray through the passage they were given. Then yesterday, we asked people to share what God had shown them from their One Page.

It was a really great time of sharing as over a dozen people shared how God spoke to the them through their One Page this week. Some shared about how they need to be more aware of their daily testimony. One person shared about praying in thankfulness and with joy. One person shared about remembering who he was before he met Christ.

We will spend another Sunday morning looking at One Page in the future.

Being a Dad Who Cares

As a Dad of two young sons, I try to be involved in their world by knowing their friends (and their friends' parents when possible), by being involved as a youth sports coach, by volunteering in their classrooms. Because I care about my sons. And because I care about children.

Reggie Joiner, in his book The Slow Fade, writes from the perspective of the Dad of college-aged adults that he is. But this excerpt (pg. 34), though not written about being a parent of young children, summarizes why I try to be involved in my sons lives as well as those of other children:

"When I meet someone who is college-aged, I think about my kids, then I think about their parents, and I wonder what I can do that would reflect what I would want another adult to do if this were my son or daughter. It's not that I am extremely gracious or noble; it's just that I am a Dad and I have children, and I know adults who care about my kids. So I tend to care about other people's kids; it's just contagious that way".

Remembering Jeremy Frye

Today marks three years since my friend Jeremy Frye passed away as the result of complications he sustained during an accident that occurred while he was hiking.

Here is a post I wrote two years ago. The thoughts still very much apply today.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, is 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are a few more:

Turner (turning off the TV and running out of the living room): "I turned it off so it wouldn't run down the batteries".
Parker (quietly to me only): "I don't think he knows the TV doesn't run on batteries".

Turner: "If you don't let me have chips, I'll be sad. And you don't want me to be sad".

Me: "Turner, what are your 3 favorite sports?"
Turner: "Umm. Soccer. Pumpkin bowling. Eating".

Great Quote Thursday

Today, Tonya and I and several members of our church staff and their spouses attended Re:Awaken, a one-day workshop for leadership health at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. I will post more about the workshop in a future post.

For now, here's a great quote from Perry Noble- Freedom comes when you don't have anything to prove.

Book Review- Sherman: The Ruthless Victor

Sherman: The Ruthless Victor by Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin is a recent addition to Thomas Nelson's The Generals series. Unlike the Von Hassell and Breslin biography of George Patton which I have previously reviewed, the Sherman biography is quick to draw attention to Sherman's faults. At no point in the book is Sherman deified. Rather, the authors clearly detail Sherman's insecure, yet ruthless personality. His treatment of Southern blacks, his burning of Atlanta as well as his infamous "March to the Sea" outline a cruel and uncaring individual.

The product of a difficult upbringing, Sherman failed early on as a military leader; failed as a college administrator (at what is now Louisiana State University); and failed in business as a banker. Due to the connections of his father-in-law, whom Sherman despised, Sherman continued to receive additional opportunities not normally afforded those with a faltering track record.

Married, yet unconnected to his wife and children, Sherman consistently chose to accept business and military assignments with little regard to the impact his choices would make on his family. However, the ruthless nature which allowed him to be the hammer for the Union forces during the Civil War, has led to his place in history.

If you are looking for a brief biography that provides significant information on Sherman's life (I wish The Generals Series would provide detailed bibliography notes within the text), I would recommend this book.

I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

What Keeps Us Up at Night- Sermon by Tim Miller

On Sunday, our Discipleship and College Pastor, Tim Miller (http://www.insidethewalk.org/) shared a sermon from Revelation 2:1-5 and Acts 2:42-47 encouraging our church to be willing to periodically reevaluate the ministry of the church; to make sure we focus on priorities. You can watch the sermon here.

Here are the main points from what Tim shared:
In each pairing below, the first item takes precedence over the second item listed. However, the second item is still important.
Truth over Trends
What’s lost over What’s Found
(Growing) Relationships over (Getting) Results
Serving over Sitting

Great quote: Without periodic evaluation, we can’t maintain proper direction.

Why Young Adult Ministry is Important

I've recently begun reading The Slow Fade by Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar and Abbie Smith. It's a book that challenges churches to not ignore or overlook young adults in the life of the church. On page 23, there is a quotation from David Kinnaman, President of Barna Research, that succinctly states why I'm passionate about ministering to young adults:

"There is considerable debate about whether the disengagement of twentysomethings is a lifestage issue- that is, a predictable element in the progression of people's development as they they go through various family, occupational and chronological stages- or whether it is unique to this generation. While there is some truth to both explanations, this debate misses the point, which is that the current state of ministry to twentysomethings in woefully inadequate to address the spiritual needs of millions of young adults. These individuals are making significant life choices and determining the patterns and preferences of their spiritual reality while churches wait, generally in vain, for them to return after college or when the kids come. When and if young adults do return to churches, it is difficult to convince them that a passionate pursuit of Christ is anything more than a nice add-on to their cluttered lifestyle".

Change

On Sunday, November 13 at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, our Senior Pastor Hollie Miller spoke on the topic of change from Genesis 15:1-21. You can view the message here: http://player.vimeo.com/video/32149916.

The outline:
Change is often necessary; we need to accept it- Exodus 3:1-8; Exodus chapters 3-15.
Change is never easy; we need to endure it with patience- Exodus 16: 1-3; Numbers 11
Change is usually frightening; we need to face it with faith- Numbers 13:26- 14:4
Change is ultimately rewarding; we need to embrace it with joy- Joshua 1 & 2

Here's a great statement from the sermon in which Pastor Miller referenced the children of Israel's reluctance to enter the Promised Land after the 10 of the 12 scouts (not Joshua and Caleb who years later did ultimately reach the Promised Land) thought it too dangerous to proceed: "When you don't act in faith, you will lose opportunities that may never come again".

Catalyst Conference 2011- David Kinnaman

David Kinnaman is the President of Barna Research Group. At Catalyst, he shared some research from his new book, You Lost Me. Here is some of what he shared:

Significant historical shifts are caused by profound social events.

The majority of young adults in their 20's are unmarried and unconnected to standard institutions.

52% of students say they are possibly interested in careers in science, yet only 1% of student pastors taught about scientific topics in the past year.

We've struggled because we've tried to mass produce disciples.

3 areas to focus on: solid relationships; revelation; dependence on God

God is speaking to the next generation whether we coach them well or not.

What type of reformation will this digital age bring?

Are we introducing people to an institution or to a movement of God?

Encourage serving. Doing is the antidote of doubt, not simply a better answer.

Great Quote Thursday

There is a difference between being rigorous and being ruthless- Jim Collins

Catalyst Conference 2011- Jim Collins (Part 2)

During his session at Catalyst, Jim Collins offered 10 ideas and practices to help any leader improve performance:

1. Run the Good to Great diagnostic tool at www.jimcollins.com (it's free as is everything on the site).

2. Ask how many seats are on the bus? Ask how many seats can we fill with the right people within a year?

3. Who will you allow to mentor you? Have a personal board of directors.

4. Get your personal hedgehog right before it's too late.

5. Once you have a hedgehog, set up a 20 mile march plan and stick to it.

6. Fire bullets (test things), six of them, by the end of the year. Bullets first, then cannonballs.

7. Turn off electronic gadgets for 2 days every 2 weeks. Disciplined people practicing discipline in a world of chaos need to find moments of quietude.

8. Create a "stop doing" list.

9. Double your reach to people half your age by changing your practices while maintaining your values.

10. Set a BHAG ("big hairy audacious goal") that makes you really useful. Go out and make yourself useful.

Catalyst Conference 2011- Jim Collins (Part 1)

Jim Collins is a researcher, management expert and the author of "Good to Great" and "How the Mighty Fall". Following are some notes from his session at Catalyst:

Good is the enemy of great. Greatness is a function of choice and effort, not circumstance.

Try to change every "what" question into a "who" question. Leadership is not about personality, it's about humility.

Humility + will= the beginning of leadership.

Bad decisions taken with good intentions are still bad decisions.

Overreaching borne of hubris leads more to a fall than complacency.

It takes discipline not to overstretch. We must use self-discipline in an out-of-control world.

Innovation must be married to discipline. The discipline must amplify the creativity without destroying it.

Productive paranoia- in an uncertain world, you must be prepared for what you can't predict.

The only mistakes you learn from are the ones you survive.

Look at evidence as opposed to others for cues.

Change practices but keep core values. The combining of those two makes things enduring and great.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, is 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are a few more:

While laying in bed, trying to stay up later: "For those that take naps, they can be wild at night".

While outside recently as a neighbor was burning some brush: "I smell somebody cooking leaves".

After we'd spent a bit too much time in Old Navy: "Can we leave this store soon? I'm about to get frustrated".

As we drove by an empty pasture near our house, one that is usually filled with cattle-
Me: I wonder where all the cows are?
Turner: I have an hypothesis.

Great Quote Thursday

Words of encouragement from the notes of a sermon Kyle Lake planned to give on the morning of his unexpected death:

Live.
And live well.
Breathe.
Breathe in and breathe deeply.
Be present.
Do not be past.
Do not be future.
Be now.

Catalyst Conference 2011- Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is a well-known author and radio personality. He spoke on the topic, "Leadership Matters: Core Strategies and Values That Have Led to a Successful Business". Here are the notes from Ramsey's session:

1. People matter
Be intentionally relational. Opportunities come through people.

2. An incredible team and a culture of excellence matters
Spend more time on screening potential team members
Having people in the wrong seat on the wrong bus makes people crazy
Does the spouse get the mission?
Ministry is not a job, it is a calling

3. Slow and steady matters
Don't try to outgrow your resources
Better to hold and wait than to do it and do it wrong
Don't out-advance your supply line

4. Financial principles in ministry and life matter

5. Learn to always be generous
A higher calling matters
Opportunity is always attracted to greatness
Care deeply about the why
If you plant stupid, you reap desperate

"A Fresh Breath of Jesus"- Dr. Bob Pitman at Sevier Heights

Yesterday, Dr. Bob Pitman, former Pastor of Kirby Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee spoke at Sevier Heights. You can watch his sermons online later this week by going to the Watch/Listen page at www.sevierheights.org

On Sunday evening, Dr. Pitman spoke on "A Fresh Breath of Jesus" from John 20. In John 20:22, Jesus breathes on His disciples. This was the beginning of the turnaround for the disciples following Christ's crucifixion. But this was not something He had not offered or given to them before.

At times in life, every believer needs the fresh breath of Jesus on them.

You need a fresh breath of Jesus:
1. If you have lost the sense of God's presence- v. 19
Until Jesus appeared in the room, He was not there
2. If you've become gripped by a spirit of fear- v. 19
Just because God doesn't give us a spirit of fear doesn't mean it can't come from somewhere else
3. If you are no longer experiencing God's peace- v. 19, 21
4. If you have lost your joy- v. 20
We often forget where our joy comes from (read John chapter 19)
5. If you have lost your passion for Christian service- v. 21

Catalyst Conference 2011- David Platt

David Platt is the Pastor of the Church at Brook Hills and the author of Radical. Here are notes from his evening session titled "Leadership in the Presence of God" (Exodus 32:1-10 and I Corinthians 10:6-13):

Why do we have golden calves of ministry:
1. We have become leaders without conviction. Aaron gave a sinful people exactly what they wanted (Exodus 32: 1-4). We are tempted to do the same.
2. We have devised salvation without dedication. So many say that they "prayed a prayer" sometime in the past and claim Christ but are living in sin.
3. We have manufactured worship without humiliation. They were worshipping but not worshipping God. When we attempt to fashion God in our image, we may be worshipping ourselves and not God. If brokenness and humility don't have a place in our worship, God has no place in our worship.
4. We have created a God without retribution (Exodus 32: 7-10). Do we really believe that the wrath of God is real?

Don't minimize the mercy of God or gut the mission of the church.

We have a mission that warrants urgency.

Symbols represent things we can't put into words.

Catalyst Conference 2011- Lisa Borders

Lisa Borders is the President of the Grady Health Foundation and the former City Council President and the Vice-Mayor, City of Atlanta. She spoke on "The Multiplier Effect: Essentials to Leading in Business, Politics and Ministry". Following is some of what she shared:

Leadership is passion turned into action. Anyone can be a leader because everyone can be passionate about something.

There has been a change in recent years in leadership styles; from the "sage on the stage" (socratic model) to the "guide on the side" (distributive model). The guide on the side gives counsel when asked.

A leader must prepare:
Prepare yourself- academically and experientially
Prepare the environment- people need to know what to expect
Prepare the pipeline- the pipeline is the next generation

Leaders must have a strategic #2 in place. Also have a #3, #4 and #5 in place by cross-training. The #2 should be able to do what you can do and be able to do what you can't do better. Get someone whose strength is your weakness.

Men don't ask for directions; women don't ask for help.

There is no such thing as balance; there's only rhythm.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, is 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are a few more:

When I introduced Turner to a co-worker whose wife is in the Bible Fellowship class that Tonya and I lead (the co-worker is working on Sundays), the conversation started like this:
Turner: "What's your Mom's name"?
Me: "You mean what's his wife's name".
Turner: "Oh yeah, sometimes I get confused".

While at the beach over fall break, Turner was sitting on the steps at the edge of the indoor pool dumping buckets of water on his head when a 5-year old girl comes over and asks him to play in the water with her. Turner hopped off the steps and walked over to where we were sitting:
Turner: "That girl wants me to play with her".
Tonya: "That's okay. You can play with her".
Turner: "No. I don't want to play with her. I don't want to marry her or babysit her".

Turner asked me to build him some sand castles while we out on the beach one afternoon. After building 10 of them, Turner said to me, "Daddy, you did such a good job. You could be one of my servants".

Great Quote Thursday

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are- Roy Disney

World Series Prediction

The St. Louis Cardinals continue to surprise. Two months ago, they were not expected to be in the playoffs and Tony LaRussa seemed on his way out. Now as the World Series begins tonight, they are on the amazing ride where everything seems to be going their way.

The Texas Rangers are a solid team both in pitching and hitting. It's no small accomplishment to make back-to-back World Series appearances. The have advanced through the playoffs as they were favored to do.

Even with the Cards having home field advantage (due to the National League's victory in the All-Star game) and seemingly being a team of destiny, I'm picking the Rangers in 7 games. With that, watch the Cards now go out and continue to amaze.

Great Quote Thursday

Risk is always the response of the righteous- Judah Smith

Catalyst Conference 2011- Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson

Darren Whitehead serves as Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago. Jon Tyson is the Lead Pastor at Trinity Grace Church in New York City. They are the co-authors of a book titled "Rumors of God". Here is some of what they shared in a Catalyst Lab session about the future of the church:

The future of the church is not anti-leadership but anti-celebrity.

The New Testament shows numerous examples of church leadership styles.

How people address Scripture is the main issue facing the church in the future; not necessarily social issues.

Disciple children to be grounded in moral principles regardless of the crowd.

What must the church get right in the future? Prayer.

We must maintain a faithful presence not simply look at results.

Catalyst Conference 2011- Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers. He shared a session titled: The Importance of the Leader's Heart. Here are my notes from that session:

You will maximize your influence as a leader when you embrace 5 truths about the heart-
1. Your heart is the essence of your identity
2. Your heart is the most valuable leadership tool you have (Proverbs 4:23)
3. Your heart directly impacts your influence- Your heart is the greatest gift you bring to your team
4. Your heart is either healthy or unhealthy- As a leader, you may focus on what's missing but don't focus on what's wrong. Lead with an open heart.
5. Your heart is under constant attack- It is critical that a ministry leader have close friends.

Catalyst Conference 2011- Andy Stanley

I had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Catalyst Conference. Over the next several posts, I'll share some of the notes I took in the various sessions.

Andy Stanley is the Lead Pastor of North Point Community Church and one of the founders of the Catalyst Conference. Here is some of what he shared in the opening session:

Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. When you do for one, you often end up doing for more than just one.

You're truly accessible to only a few. The more successful you become, the less accessible you will become. If you refuse to face this reality, you will burn out trying to be accessible to everyone. However, we use our success to become more inaccessible than necessary.

Unawareness is bliss. Otherwise you feel you must help and do something.

Don't use the excuse that we're too big or too busy.

Fairness ended in the Garden of Eden.

1. Go deep rather than wide
2. Go long-term rather than short-term: going long sometimes helps us see success stories; stay involved until it's resolved, one way or another
3. Go time not just money

Be present. Be engaged. Be what God has called you to be- your good works glorify the Father.

MLB Playoffs- League Championship Series

As the second round of the baseball playoffs swing into action, here are my predictions:

American League: Texas has solid pitching and hitting and holds home field advantage. Detroit is solid as well but dealing with an injury to Delmon Young. Home field would be more of a factor if Detroit were hosting potential cold weather games. In any event, I think the Rangers are headed to the World Series for the second year in a row.

National League: Sometimes a team gets on a roll and just keeps surprising people. Can you say St. Louis Cardinals? Milwaukee won this year's NL Central Division because it's a better team top-to-bottom. The Brewers should win this series and advance to the World Series.

After predicting two winners and two losers in the opening round of the playoffs (http://insidethepoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/fun-on-friday-mlb-playoffs.html), we'll see how this goes.

Fun on Friday- MLB Playoffs

Before the first pitch of tonight's Major League Baseball playoffs, I thought I'd take a shot at predicting the winner of each first-round series.

American League:
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers
The Rays are thrilled just to be here. A month ago, the Rays being in the playoffs seemed highly unlikely; it took an historic collapse by the Boston Red Sox for the Rays to get in.
The Rangers have been strong since the first game of the season. Texas has solid pitching, something it's seldom had, and strong hitting.
Pick: Texas Rangers
The Rays are a solid team. They've got momentum. But the Rangers are a strong team in all areas.

Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees
The Tigers started slowly and caught fire. They blew away the rest of the AL Central.
The Yankees are the Yankees. They pay lots of money and have lots of big-name players.
Pick: New York Yankees
Call it playoff experience or maybe just on reputation, but I think the Yankees have enough to hold off the Tigers. Were the Tigers to win the series, however, I would not be surprised.

National League:
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Cardinals didn't expect to be here a month ago. In mid-summer, there was talk that Tony LaRussa had lost this team's attention.
The Phillies have been the favorite all year.
Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
The Cards will play hard and give the Phillies all they've got. But the Phils are the winningest team in the majors because of outstanding pitching (Hallady, Lee, Hamles, Oswalt) and effective hitting (Howard, Utley, Rollins, Pence). The favorite doesn't always win. I think they will in this series.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Seriously, how many Diamondbacks can you name? They were supposed to be terrible this season. Their success is totally unexpected.
The Brewers play in a small market and don't get much national TV airplay. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are big-time players. Adding Zack Greinke to the rotation was a major addition.
Pick: I would love it if the D-Backs were to advance. Who doesn't love an underdog, come-from-nowhere story? But the Brewers are here because they're a good team; plus they need to win now because Prince Fielder is leaving for bigger money as soon as he can.

Great Quote Thursday

Timing is more important than time- Hollie Miller

Great Quote Thursday

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort- Jesse Owens

Don't Be Stupid- The One Talent Guy

I'm currently teaching through a series in our young marrieds' Bible Fellowship class called "Don't Be Stupid- Stupid People in the New Testament". The concept is that it is often easy to look back in Scripture and see where people made "stupid" decisions or choices while at the same time overlooking our own poor choices. Rather than judging, our goal should be to use Godly wisdom and learn from the mistakes of others.

In Matthew chapter 25, Jesus tells the story of a master who went away for a time. He left talents (a monetary amount) with some of his servants. One servant received 5 talents; another received 2 talents and another servant received 1.

When the master returned from his journey, he asked what each servant had done with what was given him. The servant with 5 talents had earned 5 more and the master was pleased. The servant with 2 talents had earned 2 more; this also pleased the master. However, the servant with the lone talent had buried his talent so as not to lose it and this greatly displeased the master.

Here's The Point: God wants more from us than playing it safe and doing little or nothing of value with what He has given us. He desires the kind of service and effort that produces results.

No employer ever hired an employee just to be. There is always a role, a function. There is work to be done.

We've each been given talents (skills, abilities, aptitudes) that are an area of specialty for us. Things we're good at. Because God allows us to be good at it; He gave us the talent. Don't be stupid. Don't waste your talent. Whatever you have has value.

A couple of weeks ago, a group from our young marrieds ministry helped with a clean-up day at a local high school. One guy came around 9:00 AM. I asked what time he'd gotten off the night before. "Midnight", he replied. Learning that, I was surprised he'd come at all. Later that morning as we talked, I asked if he was off on Saturday. "No", he said, "I go back in at 2:00. But I love doing this kind of stuff". Impressive. He used what he had on that day. The Master would be pleased.

Don't be stupid. Use what you've been given.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, recently turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are a couple more:

"I want a wallet so I can buy some money".

Wanting to test the new battery in his Thomas the Tank Engine mini-lantern: "I want to take my light to a very dark place". (There's a deep Biblical principle there.)

After his 4 year old check-up at the pediatrician's office: "If I keep eating healthy foods, I'll be 6 foot 1".

Great Quote Thursday

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen- Winston Churchill

Fun on Friday

Ever flown Allegiant Air?

They have some really great prices for flights from Knoxville to several Florida destinations as well as to Myrtle Beach, SC. But there are some aspects of flying Allegiant Air that make it a bit different from the major airlines:

When they say "Welcome Aboard", it doesn't always sound as if they really mean it.

The seating on an Allegiant plane is 2-3, with 2 seats on the right of the aisle and 3 seats on the left side. The seat assignments are AC on the right and DEF on the left. So I wonder what happened to seat B?

Speaking of seating assignments, unless you reserve your seat (for a slight extra fee) which allows you to board the plane first, you are allowed to board in a sort of general admission, first-come, first-serve boarding arrangement. It's uncomfortable to watch people push to the front of the line to board first and then try to get seats together. It's worth the $10 to sit together, peacefully.

It was a little unsettling to look out the window and see hail damage on the wing.

Before you land at your destination, you are reminded by the flight crew to keep your window shades closed once you land to help maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. But telling you that the "metal tube" you're riding in (yes, they called the plane a metal tube) seems an awkward way to describe the aircraft.

But would we fly Allegiant again? You bet we would.

Great Quote Thursday

A candle loses nothing when it lights another candle- Thomas Jefferson

"Daddy, I Can't See Your Face"

Recently, our family went out of town for a long-weekend vacation. In doing so, we spent a couple of nights in a hotel.

Traveling with two boys under age 7 is always an adventure. They think staying in a hotel is great fun. But getting sleep while on the road isn't always easy. To try to get the most rest possible, when we're away from home, we don't yet let the boys sleep together in the same bed.

On the first night of this trip, Tonya slept in a bed with Turner (4) while I slept in a bed with Parker (7). The second night we adjusted and Turner slept in a bed with me.

That night as we turned out the lights, Turner turned to me and said "Daddy, I can't see your face". Instantly, I knew I had a teachable moment. Wanting to comfort Turner and, at the same time, teach him a lesson about our Heavenly Father, I replied, "Maybe you can't see my face but you can hear my voice and feel my touch and know I am right here with you. God is here with us too. Let's get some sleep. Good night, big guy. I love you". "Good night, Daddy, I love you", Turner replied. And he was quickly off to sleep.

Here's The Point: We may not be able to see His face (just yet), but we can hear His voice and know His touch. And know everything is okay.

Don't Be Stupid- The Other Thief

Last Sunday, I began a new teaching series in our young marrieds' Bible Fellowship class called "Don't Be Stupid- Stupid People in the New Testament". The concept is that it is often easy to look back in Scripture and see where people made "stupid" decisions or choices while at the same time overlooking own own poor choices. Rather than judging, our goal should be to use Godly wisdom and learn from the mistakes of others.

I love a good biography. The best biographies come from firsthand accounts, original references. The people who were at a place and saw a certain thing happen at a specific time know that event the best. They were there.

Of all the people in the New Testament who made poor choices, possibly the "dumbest" guy in all of Scripture would be the Other Thief. Here's why. As an eyewitness to the crucifixion, he saw firsthand the heart of Christ. The last words of Christ reflected His priorities and His love for others:
1. For His Father (Matt. 27:46). We know Christ's relationship to His Father was restored (Luke 23:46).
2. For His mother (John 19:25, 26)- With all Mary had been through, Jesus wanted to be sure she was cared for.
3. For friends and others (John 19:25-27)- John had given all to follow Christ; now he had family again (possibly John is asked to care for Mary because Jesus' own brothers did not yet believe in Him).
4. For you and me (John 19:30)- Jesus took the punishment for all sin; "It", the payment, the sacrifice, had been made.

But then we see the Other Thief do something very "stupid". Having clearly seen the heart of Jesus firsthand, he still rejects Christ (Luke 23:39-43).

And then, darkness set in (Luke 23: 44, 45a). And it was too late for the Other Thief.

Here's The Point: Each of us know people who are without Christ. We must reach them before darkness sets in. Use your time wisely. Make His love known. Don't be stupid.

Fun on Friday

A few weekends ago, Tonya and I traveled to Florida for a few days to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary. We were there during Discovery Channel's Shark Week, but fortunately we remained safe.

While driving in Florida, I was reminded that there is no motorcycle helmet law there. I can only imagine that riding with the wind blowing through your hair is a cool sensation. But from a safety standpoint, is it really worth the risk?

Mom and Pop pizza places are the best. You know, the places with the generic pizza boxes. Like this place (www.geraldispizzaplace). We highly recommend it.

And this place is worth a visit- beautiful views, amazing seashells (http://www.floridastateparks.org/stumppass/default.cfm).

Great Quote Thursday

Spotting a problem is easy. Anybody can do that. In fact, merely calling attention to a problem is called complaining. Solving a problem is harder; it requires an act of leadership. Most people would rather complain than contribute to a solution- Mark Sanborn (You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader- page 41).

The Walk is Back

The Walk, a Wednesday night worship service for college students and young adults sponsored by Sevier Heights Baptist Church, is back tonight beginning at 8:00 PM at the World's Fair Park Amphitheater.

On August 31, the Walk shifts back to the Sevier Heights campus at 3232 Alcoa Highway.

Check out www.insidethewalk.org for more information.

Book Review- You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn

This short book, subtitled "How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference", by leadership author and speaker Mark Sanborn encourages people to lead , regardless of their position within an organization. At just over 100 pages, it's a good, quick read.

Here are some valuable insights Sanborn shares in the book:

It's impossible for a title or an organizational chart to reflect all the many people who act as leaders or exert leadership throughout the organization.

Real leaders bring the same commitment to excellence to whatever they do, whether on the stage or behind it.

It's easy to be incredibly busy and still accomplish little.

One of the quickest ways to burn out is to stop doing what you enjoy. The more successful you are, the greater the risk that you'll move into a position that will take you away from doing those things you're really good at doing and really like to do. You may have more responsibilities and as a result have less time to spend doing what you care most about.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms (and a Parkerism)

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are a few more:

"Daddy, I'm going to tell you something that will make you sad. New people become old people and you are too".

"Why did God make possums"?

When talking about Dollywood: "Is it hard for Dolly Parton to keep up with all of that"?

And a Parkerism:
Me: "Thanks, Big Guy".
Parker: "You're welcome, Extra Large Guy".

Great Quote Thursday

I have seen competent leaders who stood in front of a platoon and all they saw was a platoon. But great leaders stand in front of a platoon and see it as forty-four individuals, each of whom has aspirations, each of whom wants to live, each of whom wants to do good- General Norman Schwarzkopf

Book Review- The Truth About You by Marcus Buckingham

Marcus Buckingham's The Truth About You is a short read that helps the reader differentiate between his strengths and weaknesses. While conventional wisdom teaches that an individual should work to improve the areas they are weak in, Buckingham promotes the perspective that that time is better spent trying to enhance one's strengths. While you can't ignore your weaknesses, Buckingham suggests that time is better spent working to strengthen your strengths.

Here a some nuggets from the book:
Your interests are a very good clue to your strengths. Your interests aren't random.

Don't expect your organization ever to know you like you do. The organization will start with the performance it wants- a job that needs to get done- and then it'll work backward to you.

Don't you have some things you're good at, but they bore you, drain you, or frustrate you? You are certainly capable of doing them, and because you're capable of doing them, people keep asking you to do them- in fact, they come to rely on you to do them- but if you never had to do those things again it would be too soon.

People join because of the "Why". They stay because of the "Who". And, in the end, they quit because of the "What".

The Truth About You is worth your time.

Great Quote Thursday

A person first starts to live when he can live outside himself- Albert Einstein

Why the NBA Needs to Play a Complete 2011-2012 Season

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the members of the National Basketball Players Association are currently in a lockout period during which the league owners want to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement that is more agreeable to them (meaning they want a larger piece of the large pie). Depending on whose financial statistics you believe, the owners are either losing money due to tough economic conditions or they're in a financial mess of their own making by signing players to bad contracts (see Eddy Curry).

But here are several reasons the two sides should start contract negotiations soon:
The National Football League will soon kick off its season.
The start of the college football season in about three weeks away.
The Major League Baseball season is winding down and headed toward the playoffs.
College basketball will tip-off this fall and will be televised on multiple channels every night.
The National Hockey League is as healthy as its been in some time.

Here's The Point: If the start of the NBA season is delayed or if the season completely lost, being "out of sight, out of mind" is no place for a professional sports league to be. The competition for the fan's dollars is too strong and the economy is too unstable to risk a league becoming irrelevant. It's very difficult for fan's to care when millionaires and billionaires can't make a multi-billion dollar pie work for everyone involved.

Book Review- Decision Points by George W. Bush

This memoir of former U. S. President George W. Bush is written around the major "decision points" of the Bush presidency. Rather than an entire life history of the former President, Bush instead focuses on topics such as the selection on his cabinet; his relationships with his wife, daughters and parents; his administration's work against terrorism; the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and others.

Bush is candid in assessing his administration's successes (work for freedom and opposing terrorism) and its failures (the aftermath of Katrina; his ill-advised aircraft carrier landing). He devotes an early chapter of the book to sharing about his struggles to maintain sobriety during his early adulthood. Additionally, he is very open about his Christian beliefs.

As with any modern day government leader, your interest in this book may depend on your political leanings. But regardless of your politics, details of the discussions and arguments that proceeded (and followed) the administration's decisions is very interesting reading.

Great Quote Thursday

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat- Theodore Roosevelt

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are some more:

Turner: "Daddy, I wish I could stand on a ball and juggle and not get hurt".

Me: "I love you big guy".
Turner: "How am I growing up so big"?

Before a recent nap:
Turner: "I will always love you Daddy. I will never stop loving you".
Me: "I'll always love you big guy. I'll never stop loving you either. Where did you hear that"?
Turner: "I made it up myself".

Great Quote Thursday

Trust is earned or lost in simple ways that we communicate - Michael Maslansky (The Language of Trust, p. 69).

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 8:13-18

When Ezra the scribe reads the words of the Law to the people, they realize they have overlooked the festival of booths that their forefathers had previously observed. In observing this practice, originating during the time of the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites would gather branches and limbs of trees and construct temporary coverings or tents ("booths") in the wilderness to show their absolute reliance upon God. By the time of Nehemiah, the practice was no longer being observed as it once was.

Under conviction based on Ezra's reading of the Law, the people of Israel begin to observe the festival of booths once again. Considering that Jerusalem had just been restored, and individual homes had been built throughout the city, moving into a booth, even on a temporary basis proved their appreciation and obedience toward God.

Here's The Point: Just as the children of Israel had chosen to ignore the practice of observing the festival of booths, oftentimes we grow to overlook disciplines that were once crucial to our own spiritual growth. Consider these examples:

1. Years ago when you barely made any money, you tithed. But now, you make ?0,000 a year and to tithe on that amount would be costly.
2. There was a time when you read the Bible daily but now your world has gotten so busy and you simply can't find the time anymore. Because you have more important things to do.
3. You used to journal your thoughts, chronicle what God was teaching you, showing you, on a daily basis. Journaling used to mean so much to you. But now, there's just not time.

Maybe, just like the Israelites in Nehemiah's day, we need to assess what is important.

Book Review- The Language of Trust

A book I happened upon in a clearance bin at a local discount store, I was pleasantly surprised with The Language of Trust- Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics by Michael Maslansky with Scott West, Gary DeMoss and David Saylor. Written as a book for business, The Language of Trust addresses the importance and proper use of language in what the authors call the "post-trust era" or PTE.

Previously, experts used to be sought out for their expertise. But now, with information so readily available through multiple sources (websites, blogs, social media, etc.), the need for "official" information is left to the determination of the seeker. In a society in which people are more skeptical than ever before, the way in which an idea is presented carries great weight. Connecting with an audience requires attention to the wording used, the context, as well as the medium being utilized.

Here are some great concepts detailed in the book:
Four Principles of Credible Communication-
Be Personal- The Personal Principle: It's not about you, it's about them
Be Plainspoken- The Plainspoken Principle: If they can't understand you, it's your fault
Be Positive- The Positive Principle: Negativity breeds Contempt
Be Plausible- The Plausibility Principle: Life isn't perfect; neither is what you are selling

The book is filled with great quotations, statistical information to support the positions taken, and practical advice for improving the quality of an individual's or organization's communication.

Great Quote Thursday

One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you- Dennis A. Peer

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 9

When the people heard the Book of the Law of the Lord read to them (v. 1-5), they were convicted to confess their sins before God. Not simply there own sins, but the sins of the Israelites from ages past. From verses 5-38, the people retrace their history from the book of Genesis through the books of the Kings. There were many high points (God choosing Abram- v. 7; the rescue at the Red Sea- v. 9-11; God speaking from Mt. Sinai- v. 13; many more).

But there was also a pattern of disobedience toward God (v. 16; 19; 26; 28; 30; and more). Reading the Israelites' history as it's recounted here is very much like a roller coaster- lots of ups and downs.

But through it all God was faithful: "But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love"- v. 17b.

Here's The Point: When was the last time you took time to look back at your history to see how truly gracious God has been to you? Your life probably has some roller coaster effect to it as did the Israelites.

In class on Sunday, each of us wrote out at least 5 ways that God had been "gracious and compassionate" and "abounding in love" toward us. It was a great time of reflection that I'd encourage you to do.

Great Quote Thursday

The Bible was written for us to apply- Tim Miller

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 8:4

Here are some of my teaching notes from our Me? series last Sunday. The text is Nehemiah 8:4:

After the wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the people gathered to hear Ezra the scribe read from the Book of the Law of Moses. In verse 4, the Bible says Ezra stood on a wooden platform that was "built for the occasion".

That means Nehemiah and the Jews knew the reading of the Law in a public arena was important; they planned in advance to do it.

Here's The Point: Attention should be given to matters of importance. Like the reading of Scripture. Is it important to you and me?

Thoughts About Baseball at the All-Star Break

Winning your division in baseball is significant, but doesn't guarantee post-season success. With the Atlanta Braves just a handful of games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and currently in solid control of the wild card spot in the National League, getting into the playoffs is the main goal.

The Pittsburgh Pirates having a winning record at the break and within striking distance of the lead in the National League Central division is a great thing for baseball. I hope their solid play continues and this is not simply a first-half "feel good" story.

The Tampa Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles annually deal with the largest competitive discrepancy in all of professional sports. They simply can't keep up with the big-market New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for the long run. Sometimes David does defeat Goliath. It can happen, but more often than not, paying big money for the best players means more wins.

If Major League Baseball goes forward with realignment as is being discussed, I hope it adjusts the divisions (East, Central, West) to each include 5 teams. The current division structure in both the American and National leagues with 6 teams in the Central division and 4 teams in the West division is something that should be fixed.

Thank You for Reading The Point

This blog post is intended for the sole purpose of saying thank you.

Sometime earlier today the view counter for this blog crossed over 5000 views. In the vastness of the blogosphere, that's a very minor number. But considering that I was hesitant to ever start blogging, and only did so after significant encouragement from my wife (thank you Tonya), I continue to be amazed that people take the time to read the thoughts I post.

So, if you are one of the people who checks this blog from time to time, THANK YOU. That you take your time to read these posts is much appreciated.

Big Guy Weekend 3

Last Friday and Saturday, in what has become an annual tradition, I took Parker on a fun-filled trip we call Big Guy Weekend. This summer we went to Atlanta for a tour of Turner Field and a Braves game against the Baltimore Orioles.

These weekends are a great opportunity for father-son time. We get to spend time talking about things we both enjoy and I get to hear Parker's heart, the things that are important to him. Next year, Turner will begin to have his own Big Guy Weekend as well.

I would suggest every Dad of a son have a Big Guy Weekend. A friend of mine has what he calls Dude Days with his son. If you have a daughter, maybe you have a Princess Weekend. Whatever you call it, spending quality time with your child is time well spent.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind has led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are some more:

Turner: "I need a drank" (with an a).
Me: "Say drink" (with an i).
Turner: "I can say toilet. That's an easy word."

After building an impressive Thomas the Tank Engine train track with the help of his 7 year old brother Parker: "This is huge-mongous!!"

I recently was reading Turner a Thomas the Tank Engine book and read a line that stated, "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an oily spot on the track".
This is the conversation that followed:
Turner: "Daddy, don't say oily".
Me: "Okay. What should I say then"?
Turner: "Say I like your windmill".
The sentence then read "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an I like your windmill spot on the track"....... and Turner was good with that.

To a new Dad with a 2-month old son: "Your baby is not a toy".

Great Quote Thursday

Are you listening or are you just waiting for your turn to talk?- Robert Montgomery

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 7:1-3

Here are some of my teaching notes from our Me? series last Sunday. The text is Nehemiah 7:1-3:

v. 1- Details Are Important
Not only was the wall rebuilt but the detail work (doors, gatekeepers, singers, priests) had to be in place.

In a marriage, details matter. Ask any wife. Her husband may be a great husband 90% of the time but the other 10% (the things, or the details, he overlooks) is what often stands out and gets remembered.

In the workplace, details matter. If your supervisor gives you a solid review but points out a couple of areas needing improvement (areas where you need to pay attention to detail), all you remember is the areas(s) needing attention.

v. 2- Follow Godly Leadership
Nehemiah chose Hanani to be a leader in Jerusalem because he found him to be "a man of integrity" and a man who "feared God more than most men do". That type of individual is one to be followed, not simply someone who is popular or someone who is leading the current movement or fad.

v. 3- Take Nothing For Granted
The city gates were not to be opened until "the sun is hot", meaning that the gates were safely kept closed until the citizens were awake and prepared. Too often we make a move or decision without thinking through all the consequences of our actions. Think. Prepare. Be ready.

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 5:14-19

Here are some teaching notes from our Me? series. The text is Nehemiah 5:14-19:

v. 14, 15- Lead By Example
Nehemiah knew that the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was difficult for the people and he did not want to increase the burden.

v. 16, 17- Lead Through a Life of Service, Not Opportunism
While focusing on the work at hand, Nehemiah expressed his leadership by giving to others.

v. 18,19- Just Because You Have an Advantage, Don't Take Advantage
Being governor brought privileges. Nehemiah refused the extra benefits and, as a result, it strengthened his leadership among the people.

Great Quote Thursday

Faith is action- Hollie Miller

Great Quote Thursday

I've never missed anything I've given away- Otis Scruggs

Refuel Conference- Jud Wilhite

Jud Wilhite is the Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, NV. Here are some notes from his session from John 4:

Reach out to the broken and you will always have an audience.
Ask- who is hurting in our community and how can I help them?
Helping broken people gets messy
Ministry is messy because sin is messy
Start to see restriction as an opportunity
Fight the martyr mentality; find the yes
If you always think small, you will have a small impact
Tell the truth in love; be yourself and tell the truth

Refuel Conference- Tom Mullins

Tom Mullins is the Founding Pastor of Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach, FL. He shared some practical life advice that he learned from his grandfather, calling his session "Grandpa's Wisdom". Here are some notes from his session:

Be conscientious, especially in the small things. Be trustworthy in little things.
Always leave a place better than you found it
Be the same person no matter where you are or who you are with
If people can trust you, they will follow you
Give your best where you are
Always give more than is expected
Go the second mile (the harvest multiplies in the second mile)
Hang out with second mile people
None of us are strong enough to run alone; we all need somebody to run with
Whatever you start, finish; be known as a finisher
You must commit to build a ministry
God blesses tenacity
Finish strong

Everyone needs:
A mentor (a Paul)
An encourager (a Barnabas)
Someone to mentor (a Timothy)

Refuel Conference- Jonathan Falwell

Jonathan Falwell is the Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA and the host for the Refuel Conference. Here are some notes from his session:

If you are doing exactly what God has called you to do, you cannot fail
You've got everything you need to succeed (I Corinthians 1:4-9)
Focus on the Christian life, not the church life
Christianity is not the religion of church but a relationship with Christ
The greatest thing I can do for my church is to daily become more like Christ

Fun on Friday

While traveling to and from the Refuel Conference in Lynchburg, VA, there were several things that caught my attention:

Where did the name Hungry Mother State Park (I-81, exit 47) come from?

Rural Retreat, VA (I-81, exit 60) really does seem quite rural.

I never want to officially find out but I do wonder what "Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft" really means.

People in Virginia are fond of regional museums. There are lots of them.

There are alot of really nice people in the city of Lynchburg but the city's road and interstate system makes it very difficult to get from "here" to "there" without a u-turn or going well out of your way to get to your destination.

Great Quote Thursday

Genius is the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple- C. W. Cerar

Refuel Conference- Steven Furtick

Steven Furtick is the Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. At Refuel, he spoke from Mark chapter 5:21-43. Here are some notes from his session:

Jairus didn't have time for someone to cut in line in front of his miracle (v. 24-34)
Sometimes walking in radical faith means practicing selective hearing
Don't try to apply human logic to divine principles
"Just believe" (v. 36) was a focused statement of purpose not just words of encouragement
Jesus doesn't see a situation the way I see a situation (v. 39)
If no one is laughing at or questioning your vision, your vision is too small

Refuel Conference- Ed Stetzer

Ed Stetzer, the Vice President of Research and Ministry Development for Lifeway Christian Resources, spoke from I Thessalonians 1:1-10 on "Idols, Identity and Loyalty". Here are some notes from his session:

The Gospel is not "you do"; it is "Jesus did".
Other people's idols are easier to spot than our own
Not all idols are carved stones of primitive people (fame, fortune, beauty, sports)
Any creation that takes the place of the Creator is an idol
Church attendance and ministry success can become an idol of the heart for a minister
Pursue faithfulness not false idols of success
You cannot lead what you do not live
Some people treat church attendance like a vaccination
It's easier to look like a Godly pastor than it is to be a Godly pastor

Refuel Conference- John Maxwell

I recently attended the Refuel Conference in Lynchburg, Virginia. John Maxwell, the leadership speaker and author, was the opening speaker of the conference. Maxwell encouraged all in attendance to develop a "life list"- a list of things you should do everyday. These items must be about who you are and out of your calling. The "life list" must be personal and small in number, no more than a half dozen. Here are some notes from Maxwell's session:

Before his session ended, Maxwell only had time to share three "life list" items from his list-

1. Value People
Follow Jesus through the Gospels and see how He valued people
Ask yourself- what can I do today to add value to people?
Nothing is neutral; valuing people is intentional
Valuing people who are different from you is extremely important
You must value everybody, not the just the people who are valuable to you

2. Manage the Decisions I Make
Think decision management not decision making
We prepare or repair daily
It only takes 14 days to stop managing a good decision

3. Be Bigger on the Inside Than I Am on the Outside
Be better on the inside than I am on the outside
Success has a way of messing people up
Be very careful- don't let your reputation become larger than your character
Job (in the Old Testament) was bigger on the inside; God knew that, Satan did not
Don't follow anybody who doesn't follow somebody; everyone needs to serve someone

Fun on Friday

Hoping the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks goes the full seven games. It's been interesting to watch Miami's Big 3 go against Dirk and a bunch of guys who play their specific roles.

If you've seen one Hallmark Channel movie, you've seen pretty much every Hallmark Channel movie.

Another Turnerism: "Don't say oil. It can hurt your stomach. Say, I like your clothes". We have no idea what that means.

Great Quote Thursday

Your life on earth will be measured by two things: what you accomplish with your life and what you accomplish with your legacy- Phil Cooke

Book Review- Jolt! by Phil Cooke

Jolt! by Phil Cooke is written along the lines of any number of books by John Maxwell. Comprised of 25 chapters crafted around 5 areas of life that could use a "jolt" (your direction; what matters; your potential; your heart; your future), Cooke encourages the reader to take the time and effort to improve their life.

Cooke is a professing Christ-follower but also a Hollywood producer. That combination allows him an interesting perspective on culture. Drawing from his media experiences, he offers a wide-ranging book that covers a broad set of topics. To support the various concepts he addresses, Cooke includes numerous quotations throughout the book.

As with any motivational book along the lines of Jolt!, this book offers an opportunity for self-improvement. However, there is nothing necessarily exceptional about Jolt! It's not that it is a poor read; it's that there is nothing in Jolt! that meets the back cover promise that the book "will revolutionize your thinking and shake up your life". While helpful, the jolts don't really "establish a new direction, maximize potential, overcome insecurity, and create an amazing future and legacy".

I reviewed Jolt! in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Great Quote Thursday

We're not retreating, we're just advancing in another direction- George Patton

Me? series begins

This morning we began a new teaching series in our young marrieds Bible Fellowship class called, Me? It’s a study through the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. In my personal spiritual walk, outside of the Gospels and the story of Jesus Christ, I’ve probably been impacted by the stories of Nehemiah, Joshua and David more than any others.

The book of Nehemiah is a great book for young adults as it addresses leadership, service, maturity and knowing the heart of God. As I study through Nehemiah, I find myself being consistently challenged, as if God is speaking directly to me.

As I shared this morning from the first chapter of Nehemiah, I asked each class member to listen to hear if God was speaking to them about a specific area in their life; to ask, “God, is that for me”?

In chapter 1, as he learns of the disgraceful state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah finds himself wrestling with a huge burden. In this struggle, there are some questions that jump off the page for me:

V. 4- Does my heart hurt for the things that hurt the heart of God? or Do I ignore the needs of the world?

v. 5/6- Do I intercede on the behalf of others? or Is my prayer life simply a list of things I want God to do or give to me?

v. 6/7- Do I willingly and consistently confess my sin to God? or Do I overlook areas that I’d rather not address?

v. 8/9- Do I truly know what God has promised? Do I know Him deeply in all His richness? or Do I simply know a collection of stories, stories about God with really knowing Him in all His glory?

v. 10/11- Do I give thought to what God wants for my future? or Do I think I have a plan and simply hope He approves?

What is God saying to me? To you?

Fun on Friday

People watching at Dollywood is more entertaining than any ride or show.

Interesting how who I root for changes from round to round in the NBA Playoffs. I'm a big Atlanta Hawks fan but they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls in Round 2. However, I'm now pulling for the Bulls to defeat the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Anybody but the Heat.

Great Quote Thursday

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes....and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility- Eleanor Roosevelt

Chad Mitchell selected for UT’s FUTURE Program

My friend, Chad Mitchell, has been selected to be a part of the inaugural class of 8 students in UT's FUTURE Program. The FUTURE Program is a post-secondary education program for special needs students.

A significant honor to be a part of the inaugural class, Chad was selected from among numerous applicants from across the state of Tennessee. He will begin classes in August.

Having been good friends with Chad’s family for many years, when Tonya and I were married in 1999, Chad was the ring bearer in our wedding. He now works part-time on our church’s Facilities staff. Now, he will also be a Tennessee Vol!

Congratulations Chad!!!

Book Review- Mark Batterson's Soulprint

Mark Batterson's Soulprint is a thought provoking work that encourages everyone to find their God-given identity, to live the life and be the person that God created each of us to be. Batterson takes the reader through moments in the life of King David to illustrate the purpose of finding our soulprint.

The book was initially difficult to follow as I looked for a progression of Batterson's thoughts as he chronicled the life of David. While the author presents "soulprint" moments in David's life in chronological order, one concept or idea does not connect to the next point. It was as if the author had thoughts in mind and then connected them to David's life.

While the book is, in effect, divided into 6 chapters (5 "scenes" and a closing), the book actually reads as a collection of what could be stand alone essays or blog entries.

As with other Batterson books I've read, this book spends considerable time relating psychological concepts to Scripture. The author is clearly intrigued by mental and psychological theories.

I reviewed this book in conjunction with WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Fun on Friday

Our (almost) 4 year old son, Turner, is at that amazing age where his speech is improving, his vocabulary is expanding and his thought processing is developing. As a result, he often shares with us what we've dubbed "Turnerisms". Here are a few recent gems:

I don't want to take a shower. I want to be stinky.

Always tell the truth. It can help other people.

Thank You, Jesus, for my wonderful life.

7 year old girls always like to go to Weigel's. Boys always like to go to Toys R Us.

Mango. That's an interesting name for a food.

Does Jesus got trains in heaven? (and) Can you jump out of heaven?

Great Quote Thursday

The farther backward you look, the further forward you are likely to see- Winston Churchill

Fun on Friday

I know alot of people think the NBA Playoffs go on seemingly forever (and they do) but I enjoy the nightly playoff games on TNT and ESPN right now. My 7 year old told me today that "we'll start watching baseball games after basketball is over". I love that kid.

Not much in sports is more exciting than the sudden death nature of NHL game sevens.

If Tobias Harris chooses to stay at UT, my family will be pumped. But if he chooses to enter the NBA Draft, the team that drafts him automatically becomes one of our favorites.

Great Quote Thursday

Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline- Jim Collins

Easter 2011

Eternally grateful that Christ arose. And that He lives.

Fun on Friday

Something I learned today: sometimes when there is a 10% chance of rain, it actually does rain.

Today, my three year old called me a "No person". I think I'll take that as a compliment.

Great Quote Thursday

Although not always easy, the right thing to do is always the right thing to do.

Fun on Friday- First Round of the NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs tip-off tomorrow. Here are my picks for the winners of the first round matchups:

Eastern Conference-
Chicago over Indiana ; Miami over Philadelphia; Boston over New York; Orlando over Atlanta

Western Conference-
San Antonio over Memphis; Los Angeles over New Orleans; Dallas over Portland; Oklahoma City over Denver

I’m going with the higher seed in each pairing but I’m guessing the closest series will be Orlando/Atlanta; San Antonio/Memphis; and Dallas/Portland.

Great Quote Thursday

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work- Thomas Edison

Don’t Be Stupid- The Children of Israel and the Golden Calf

I recently taught a series called, "Stupid People in the Old Testament". The concept is that it's very easy to look back at the past and see where people made "stupid" mistakes but so easy to overlook the fact that we often still make the same poor decisions today.

In Exodus 24, Moses goes up on a mountain to receive instruction from God. He is there for 40 days. During this time, although God has blessed them in many ways- release from Egypt, parting of the Red Sea, daily manna- the children of Israel grow restless. So much so that they turn to polytheism (the worship of many gods) and ask the priest Aaron, the brother of Moses, to build another god for them, a god that they can see. Aaron takes their earrings and crafts a golden calf (Exodus 32: 3,4).

When Moses comes down from the mountain, he is so disappointed and angry that he melts the golden calf, grinds it into powder, then scatters the powder into the water and makes the people drink it  (Exodus 32: 19, 20).

The people’s impatience led them to take their focus off of their loving, wonderful God and to seek another option for guidance, leadership and direction.

Don’t be stupid: You may have grown tired of waiting for an answer from God- for a parent’s salvation; for answers to your sister’s substance abuse issues; for having a child; for getting a new job- but don’t give up and turn away from God. Keep praying. Keep waiting.

My Pastor, Hollie Miller, recently said, “Just because you don’t see the hand of God working doesn’t mean God is not working”.  

Don’t be stupid.

Don’t Be Stupid- The Angry Brothers

I recently taught a series called, "Stupid People in the Old Testament". The concept is that it's very easy to look back at the past and see where people made "stupid" mistakes but so easy to overlook the fact that we often still make the same poor decisions today.

In Genesis 37, we are introduced to a young dreamer named Joseph. As his father’s favorite son (v. 3), Joseph receives special attention and gifts from his dad. This special treatment was obviously not well-received by his older brothers (v. 4). When Joseph naively shares the dreams he is having with his brothers and his father, the brothers’ jealousy reaches a boiling point and they scheme to rid themselves of their favored sibling (v. 18). Instead of killing him, the brothers sell him into slavery.

Due to God’s amazing blessings, Joseph goes from slavery to prison to second in command of all Egypt. And some 40 years later, the same brothers who wanted him dead come to Egypt begging for food in the midst of a worldwide famine. The angry brothers don’t recognize Joseph but he recognizes them. Finally, after four decades, the brothers are reconciled but they as well as their father lost years and years of peace.

Don’t be stupid: If you have something unsettled with someone you’ve offended, don’t waste time. You’re not going to have peace until you seek forgiveness and make peace.

Fun on Friday

Here's something I wonder about. How can bagged bananas cost less per pound than non-bagged bananas? I mean, shouldn't the bagging process alone make the bagged bananas more expensive? Maybe since they're often greener, the bagged bananas aren't grown as long, making them cheaper?

My family likes to shop at Old Navy. The clothes are affordable; they offer some cool items (like NBA, MLB and NFL shirts); and often have great sales. But my favorite thing about Old Navy may be the 25 cent superball machine. It's an inexpensive takeaway that the boys always enjoy. And it buys us some shopping time.

Great Quote Thursday

Doing the basics well every single time leads to success- Deborah Taylor

Pick for Tonight's NCAA Championship Game

Butler is back in the big game for a second consecutive year. UConn is on an amazing post-season run. The Kemba Walker vs. Shelvin Mack matchup should be a great one- they may both go for 25 tonight. Matt Howard is Butler's leader inside but he seems to always be in foul trouble in big games. I'm hoping for a great, close game but in the end I think UConn's depth and length inside will be more than Howard and Butler can contain.

Thank You For Being Here

I was out of town for a couple of days last week at a conference. When I'm away, I always try to bring something back for Tonya and the boys. Nothing major, just a simple "I wasn't here, but I was thinking of you" small gift.

Last week, during a break in conference sessions, I went out in search of my take-back-home gifts. As I exited a store I was in and pushed the exit door handle, I noticed a sign that most all stores have, the "Thank you for shopping with us. Please come again" sign. But this time that sign struck me differently than before. As I read that "thank you", I realized that I needed to take a moment this week in the young marrieds Bible Fellowship class that Tonya and I lead and thank the couples for being there.

So this morning, before I began teaching, I shared the story of the store exit sign. And then I thanked the couples for being in class. Think about it, on a beautiful Sunday morning, they could have gone hiking, gone to another church, spent the morning in bed, gone for a run in the park, gone to another class at our church, worked around their house and yard. You get the idea. There were lots of options. Some better than others and yet they chose to spend their morning in Bible study and fellowship with us.

And that's why I wanted to tell them, "thank you for being here".

Picks for Today's Final 4 Matchups

This weekend's games involve four teams that probably did not expect to be here. Kentucky couldn't win a game on the road for much the SEC regular season. UConn had to win 5 games in the Big East tournament, which means they were a low seed in their own conference tournament, to hit their stride. Butler reached the championship game last year, in what many people deemed to be a fluke, but lost their best player to the Utah Jazz in the first round of last year's NBA draft. VCU played in a play-in game just to be a part of March Madness.

VCU vs. Butler- It's amazing to think that VCU is still playing. Butler was in this spotlight last year. That experience alone should be enough to give them an advantage. Can the VCU run continue? Why not, I wouldn't be surprised, but I don't think so. Butler to the championship game.

Kentucky vs. Connecticut- This game, unlike the early game, involves two traditional college basketball powers. It hurts me to admit but UK seems to be on a winning roll. Can Kemba Walker carry the Huskies once again? I hope so (anybody but Kentucky!) but the Wildcats team speed should offset the Huskies bigs. I hope I'm wrong but.....Kentucky to the final.

Fun on Friday

For the sports fan, this is a fun stretch. Major League Baseball's opening day was yesterday. The NCAA Final Four weekend determines the college basketball champion on Monday night. The NBA and NHL playoffs begin soon. NFL draft news is picking up. Lots to enjoy.

Congratulations to our friends the Tyners who brought their two new sons home from Ethiopia today. It was a treat for our family to meet them upon arrival. Now that's fun on Friday.

Great Quote Thursday

Information without context breeds questions.

Picks for Today's Elite 8 Matchups

Two great games on Saturday and I went 1-1 with my picks. For Sunday:

VCU vs. Kansas- The Jayhawks seem like the complete team with quality guards and strong inside play. VCU continues to surprise. Anything is possible but it's hard to pick against Kansas.

Kentucky vs. North Carolina- Both teams are young and talented. UK may be tougher but UNC has a longer bench. Maybe it's wishful thinking but I'm picking North Carolina.

Picks for Today's Elite 8 Matchups

Went 2-2 with my picks on Friday night, making me 3-5 in the Sweet 16. Why stop now?

Butler vs. Florida- If Florida hits their 3's, their senior leadership and deeper bench should be enough. But they're playing Butler who just excels at tournament time. With that said, I'm picking the Gators to reach the Final Four.

Arizona vs. Connecticut- Two teams riding amazing last-season runs. Kemba Walker continues to build his legend. UConn to the Final Four.

Picks for Tonight's Sweet 16 Matchups

Yesterday's picks didn't go so well (I went 1-3), so I might as well try this again.

Marquette vs. North Carolina- The Tarheels underclassmen are playing well. Marquette has great guard play while North Carolina is strong inside. Should be a Tarheel victory.

Richmond vs. Kansas- The Jayhawks have been known to lose to lesser opponents as they did in last year's tournament to Northern Iowa. The Spiders' best shot to win the game would be to shoot an incredible percentage from the floor. If not, Kansas' size should control the boards and be enough for the win.

Kentucky vs. Ohio State- The Buckeyes experience, bench and inside-out game should be enough to defeat the Wildcats.

VCU vs. Florida State- Who guessed this would be a Sweet 16 matchup? Both teams are probably surprised to be here- the VCU team is a great post-season story but they had to play in a Round 1 game just to be in the tournament. Won't be surprised either way this game goes, but I think the Seminoles' size and likely rebounding edge will pull out a close victory.

Picks for Tonight's Sweet 16 Matchups

Connecticut vs. San Diego State- The game being on the West Coast will help SDSU. After an amazing late season run, UConn's season likely ends tonight.

Brigham Young vs. Florida- If Florida's guards are healthy, they should be able to stay with Jimmer. Florida's experience and speed will win out.

Arizona vs. Duke- Arizona has won two close games to get to this game. I don't see that happening again tonight.

Butler vs. Wisconsin- Nothing flashy here. Just good, solid fundamental basketball. Could be close, with either team winning. I'm thinking Wisconsin.

Fun on Friday

This week, we experienced some technical difficulties with our Comcast Triple Play (our home phone, cable and internet service). When I called Comcast to report the outage, using my cell phone, I was electronically put on hold but told that I could report the outage by going to www.comcast.com. I would have done that except that I had no internet service.......which is the reason I was calling.

Yesterday, a new Chick-fil-A opened less than 5 minutes from our house. Tonight, we fought through the masses to experience the grand opening. Heard lots of "my pleasure" and was very impressed by the organization's opening team that comes in to assist the new restaurant staff as they ease into their roles.

Great Quote Thursday

Your only job is to help your team be better- Tony Dungy

Fun on Friday

Recently learned that The Electric Company is back on the air. It's much different now from the version I remember as a kid. Still pretty cool though.

As the people of Egypt recently protested, and eventually, gained freedom from a repressive regime, many peoples around the globe were encouraged to seek to live in a society free from tyrannical rule. However, it should come as no surprise that we've heard nothing of Cubans protesting the long-term Communist regime of Fidel Castro since most Cubans have no access to the Internet or, for that matter, electricity.

Great Quote Thursday

I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man- Alexander Hamilton

Fun on Friday

The copier repairman made a visit to our office yesterday. As I passed him in the hallway, I said, "Good morning". He grunted back something that sounded like "muhhrh". I sensed that he may not be happy in his job. But what he should know is that when he comes and fixes the office copier, he's the most popular guy around.

This morning, my wife, our younger son and I visited the UT Athletic Department shop inside the Stokley Athletic Center on the University of Tennessee campus. In one of the few minivans on campus.

Great Quote Thursday

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes- Washington Irving

Stupid People- Ol' Red

On Sundays in the Young Marrieds Bible Fellowship class that my wife and I lead, I'm currently teaching through a series called, "Stupid People in the Bible". The concept is that it's very easy to look back at the past and see where people made "stupid" mistakes but so easy to overlook the fact that we often still make the same poor decisions today.

In Genesis chapter 25, we read the story of Esau (who is described in verse 25 as being both red and hairy), the name Esau meaning Edom or "red". A skilled and rugged hunter, Esau is the firstborn son of Isaac and thus holds claim to the family birthright (providing at least a double share of the inheritance distribution following a leader's death). The holder of the birthright became the family's defacto leader following a patriarch's death. This would be a prized role in any culture, but not so with Esau.

One day, upon returning from the fields (v. 29-34), Esau grossly exaggerates his weariness and hunger following a day of hunting (v. 32- "Look, I am about to die, so what is this birthright to me?), and in a legendary moment of shortsightedness, sells his birthright to his brother Jacob (later called Israel) for a bowl of stew!

In a moment of weakness and profound poor judgment, Esau receives a bowl of stew but forfeits the right to be a part of the lineage of the coming Christ (Matthew 1:1-3). By thinking only in the moment, he gave away a linkage of historic proportions. How stupid!

Don't Be Stupid:
Think long-term.
You don't know what the future holds.
Be patient.
Invest, don't run.
Build your legacy now.