Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Think About How You Speak
On Sunday, our Pastor Hollie Miller (www.sevierheights.org) shared from a passage in Ephesians 4 and 5 and reminded us to think about how we speak.
Before I speak, I should ask:
1. Is it true?- v. 4:25
2. Is it wholesome?- v. 4:29
3. Is it kind?- v. 4:32
4. Is it pure?- v. 5:3-5
Great questions to ask ourselves everyday.
Before I speak, I should ask:
1. Is it true?- v. 4:25
2. Is it wholesome?- v. 4:29
3. Is it kind?- v. 4:32
4. Is it pure?- v. 5:3-5
Great questions to ask ourselves everyday.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
NFL Conference Championship Games
Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
The Ravens defense is outstanding as always. Ray Rice is a dual threat, all-purpose running back but Joe Flacco continues to have critics of his game (even his own teammate Ed Reed).
The Patriots offense has been pounding teams in recent weeks. Brady to Gronkowski is a lethal combo. The Pats defense is healthier than it's been all season.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Giants defense has been devastating in the playoffs. Their front four causes lots of problems for the opposing offense. The Giants offense, though not flashy, is reminiscent of their recent Super Bowl winning team.
The 49ers defense is among the top in the league. Playing at home is an advantage. People continue to wait for QB Alex Smith to stumble.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
The Ravens defense is outstanding as always. Ray Rice is a dual threat, all-purpose running back but Joe Flacco continues to have critics of his game (even his own teammate Ed Reed).
The Patriots offense has been pounding teams in recent weeks. Brady to Gronkowski is a lethal combo. The Pats defense is healthier than it's been all season.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Giants defense has been devastating in the playoffs. Their front four causes lots of problems for the opposing offense. The Giants offense, though not flashy, is reminiscent of their recent Super Bowl winning team.
The 49ers defense is among the top in the league. Playing at home is an advantage. People continue to wait for QB Alex Smith to stumble.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Be Resolved in 2012
With the beginning of the new year, I have begun to study the pastoral epistles in the New Testament again. A couple of days ago, as I read through Ephesians 4, I was reminded of a lesson I shared with some young married couples on January 1 of this year.
As many people begin a new year with resolutions, the text from Ephesians 4:25-32 lays out a plan for how we should live. The lesson was titled- Be Resolved in 2012:
1. Be truthful- v. 25
We should be careful not to exaggerate, make excuses or paint in shades of grey.
2. Be forgiving- v. 26
While there is such a thing as righteous anger, a Christian should settle matters with a solid trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:4,5).
3. Be aware- v. 27
Is there any sin you are hiding? Give the enemy no foothold, no opening, no opportunity.
4. Be giving- v. 28
Employees should work diligently at their place of employment. A job, a career, is a blessing. Not only that, we should use the resources from our labor to help those less fortunate.
5. Be encouraging- v. 29
Say nice things. Be nice to people. Brighten someone's day today.
6. Be thankful- v. 30
Remember how great forgiveness feels. And then live in a spirit of thankfulness.
7. Be peaceful- v. 31
Avoid drama; don't make it. Drama may make for interesting TV, but it's no way to live your life.
8. Be Christlike- v. 32
If you've been forgiven, live as an example, a representative, of Christ.
As many people begin a new year with resolutions, the text from Ephesians 4:25-32 lays out a plan for how we should live. The lesson was titled- Be Resolved in 2012:
1. Be truthful- v. 25
We should be careful not to exaggerate, make excuses or paint in shades of grey.
2. Be forgiving- v. 26
While there is such a thing as righteous anger, a Christian should settle matters with a solid trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:4,5).
3. Be aware- v. 27
Is there any sin you are hiding? Give the enemy no foothold, no opening, no opportunity.
4. Be giving- v. 28
Employees should work diligently at their place of employment. A job, a career, is a blessing. Not only that, we should use the resources from our labor to help those less fortunate.
5. Be encouraging- v. 29
Say nice things. Be nice to people. Brighten someone's day today.
6. Be thankful- v. 30
Remember how great forgiveness feels. And then live in a spirit of thankfulness.
7. Be peaceful- v. 31
Avoid drama; don't make it. Drama may make for interesting TV, but it's no way to live your life.
8. Be Christlike- v. 32
If you've been forgiven, live as an example, a representative, of Christ.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday's NFL Divisional Playoff Games
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Texans have a great running game but are starting a 3rd string, rookie QB on the road. The Ravens always have a strong defense and Ray Rice continues to develop as a top-flight running back. This game will be outside in the cold in Baltimore.
Parker's pick: Ravens
My pick: Ravens
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
The Giants defense embarrassed the Falcons last week. New York can look really good or average depending on the week or the opponent. Green Bay, the defending Super Bowl champ, has home field and a usually unstoppable offense. The Packers defense isn't great but their offense is usually able to outscore the opponent.
Parker's pick: Packers
My pick: Packers
The Texans have a great running game but are starting a 3rd string, rookie QB on the road. The Ravens always have a strong defense and Ray Rice continues to develop as a top-flight running back. This game will be outside in the cold in Baltimore.
Parker's pick: Ravens
My pick: Ravens
New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers
The Giants defense embarrassed the Falcons last week. New York can look really good or average depending on the week or the opponent. Green Bay, the defending Super Bowl champ, has home field and a usually unstoppable offense. The Packers defense isn't great but their offense is usually able to outscore the opponent.
Parker's pick: Packers
My pick: Packers
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday's NFL Divisional Playoff Games
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Saints record setting offense has been humming. The surprising 49ers have a strong defense. New Orleans is not nearly as potent on the road or outdoors. San Fran is tough at home.
Parker's pick: 49ers
My pick: Saints
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
The Broncos overtime victory over Pittsburgh will be remembered for a long time. I greatly appreciate Tim Tebow's testimony and the way he conducts himself. The Patriots are the number one seed for a reason. Though their defense is suspect, the Patriots offense can seemingly score at will and they'll be at home.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
The Saints record setting offense has been humming. The surprising 49ers have a strong defense. New Orleans is not nearly as potent on the road or outdoors. San Fran is tough at home.
Parker's pick: 49ers
My pick: Saints
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
The Broncos overtime victory over Pittsburgh will be remembered for a long time. I greatly appreciate Tim Tebow's testimony and the way he conducts himself. The Patriots are the number one seed for a reason. Though their defense is suspect, the Patriots offense can seemingly score at will and they'll be at home.
Parker's pick: Patriots
My pick: Patriots
Monday, January 9, 2012
Bowl Prediction- BCS National Championship
Alabama vs. LSU
Hard to believe Bama will struggle on special teams like they did against LSU during the regular season. Hard to believe a Nick Saban team could lose to the same team twice in one year. LSU has enjoyed a season for the ages. If they win this game, this is one of the all-time great teams.
Parker's pick: Alabama
My pick: Alabama
However, Geaux Tigers as we're rooting for LSU and Coach John Chavis.
Hard to believe Bama will struggle on special teams like they did against LSU during the regular season. Hard to believe a Nick Saban team could lose to the same team twice in one year. LSU has enjoyed a season for the ages. If they win this game, this is one of the all-time great teams.
Parker's pick: Alabama
My pick: Alabama
However, Geaux Tigers as we're rooting for LSU and Coach John Chavis.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Bowl Prediction- GoDaddy.com Bowl
Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
A matchup of teams who dominated their conferences. Both teams can score. Arkansas State has a better defense.
Parker's pick: Arkansas State
My pick: Arkansas State
A matchup of teams who dominated their conferences. Both teams can score. Arkansas State has a better defense.
Parker's pick: Arkansas State
My pick: Arkansas State
NFL Playoff Predictions- Wildcard Sunday
(5) Atlanta Falcons vs. (4) New York Giants
1:00 PM
The Falcons don't play as well on the road or outside. The Giants defense has suffered through quite a few injuries but finished the season strong.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (4) Denver Broncos
Pittsburgh has injury worries but Denver is surprised to even be in the playoffs.
Parker's pick: Steelers
My pick: Steelers
1:00 PM
The Falcons don't play as well on the road or outside. The Giants defense has suffered through quite a few injuries but finished the season strong.
Parker's pick: Giants
My pick: Giants
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. (4) Denver Broncos
Pittsburgh has injury worries but Denver is surprised to even be in the playoffs.
Parker's pick: Steelers
My pick: Steelers
Saturday, January 7, 2012
NFL Playoff Predictions- Wildcard Saturday
(6) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (3) Houston Texans
4:30 PM on NBC
Cincinnati back-doored it into the playoffs last week with a loss to the Ravens. The Bengals are a very young team and probably happened into the postseason a year sooner than many thought possible.
Houston is in the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history. But the Texans plan to start a third-string QB among the many injuries the team has sustained this year. Having home field for a first-ever playoff game should be enough to carry the Texans who beat Cincinnati earlier in the season.
Parker's pick: Texans
My pick: Texans
(6) Detroit Lions vs. (3) New Orleans Saints
8:00 PM on NBC
Detroit can look unbeatable at times. Matthew Stafford has finally stayed healthy but injuries in the running game have hampered their offensive success as the season has progressed.
New Orleans looks unbeatable, not losing since the end of October. QB Drew Brees set the single-season passing yardage record this season as Darren Sproles added another dimension to an already loaded offense. The Saints defeated the Lions 31-17 on December 4.
Parker's pick: Saints
My pick: Saints
4:30 PM on NBC
Cincinnati back-doored it into the playoffs last week with a loss to the Ravens. The Bengals are a very young team and probably happened into the postseason a year sooner than many thought possible.
Houston is in the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history. But the Texans plan to start a third-string QB among the many injuries the team has sustained this year. Having home field for a first-ever playoff game should be enough to carry the Texans who beat Cincinnati earlier in the season.
Parker's pick: Texans
My pick: Texans
(6) Detroit Lions vs. (3) New Orleans Saints
8:00 PM on NBC
Detroit can look unbeatable at times. Matthew Stafford has finally stayed healthy but injuries in the running game have hampered their offensive success as the season has progressed.
New Orleans looks unbeatable, not losing since the end of October. QB Drew Brees set the single-season passing yardage record this season as Darren Sproles added another dimension to an already loaded offense. The Saints defeated the Lions 31-17 on December 4.
Parker's pick: Saints
My pick: Saints
Bowl Prediction- BBVA Compass Bowl
Southern Methodist vs. Pittsburgh
The Mustangs of SMU limped to the finish this season. That often does not bode well in a bowl game. It was thought that SMU coach June Jones was headed to Arizona State. However, Pittsburgh is once again dealing with a head coaching change as its former coach Todd Graham is now the head coach at ASU.
Parker's pick: Pittsburgh
My pick: Pittsburgh
The Mustangs of SMU limped to the finish this season. That often does not bode well in a bowl game. It was thought that SMU coach June Jones was headed to Arizona State. However, Pittsburgh is once again dealing with a head coaching change as its former coach Todd Graham is now the head coach at ASU.
Parker's pick: Pittsburgh
My pick: Pittsburgh
Friday, January 6, 2012
Bowl Prediction - AT&T Cotton Bowl
Kansas State vs. Arkansas
The turnaround that Bill Snyder has engineered in his return to Kansas State is nothing short of amazing. He truly deserves the coach of the year awards he has received. Bobby Petrino is developing Arkansas into a major college football power.
Parker's pick: Arkansas
My pick: Arkansas
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-9
Me: 19-12
The turnaround that Bill Snyder has engineered in his return to Kansas State is nothing short of amazing. He truly deserves the coach of the year awards he has received. Bobby Petrino is developing Arkansas into a major college football power.
Parker's pick: Arkansas
My pick: Arkansas
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-9
Me: 19-12
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Bowl Prediction- Discover Orange Bowl
West Virginia vs. Clemson
The scoreboard could light up tonight with two powerful offenses. Both West Virginia and Clemson each had one surprising loss that ruined a potentially outstanding season.
The Mountaineers are looking for a strong finish in what has been a tumultuous 12 months with lots of coach drama, a coaching change and several player issues. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney almost lost his job after last season and this year won the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award.
Parker's pick: Clemson
My pick: Clemson
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-8
Me: 19-11
The scoreboard could light up tonight with two powerful offenses. Both West Virginia and Clemson each had one surprising loss that ruined a potentially outstanding season.
The Mountaineers are looking for a strong finish in what has been a tumultuous 12 months with lots of coach drama, a coaching change and several player issues. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney almost lost his job after last season and this year won the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award.
Parker's pick: Clemson
My pick: Clemson
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-8
Me: 19-11
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Bowl Prediction- Allstate Sugar Bowl
Michigan vs. Virginia Tech
Two evenly matched teams square off tonight. Both offenses run and throw well. Both defenses are solid. On paper, this game could either way.
Parker's pick: Virginia Tech
My pick: Michigan
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-7
Me: 18-11- Parker's making it difficult for me to catch up to him.
Two evenly matched teams square off tonight. Both offenses run and throw well. Both defenses are solid. On paper, this game could either way.
Parker's pick: Virginia Tech
My pick: Michigan
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 22-7
Me: 18-11- Parker's making it difficult for me to catch up to him.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Bowl Prediction- Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Stanford vs. Oklahoma State
The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl features two teams that were oh so close to playing for the national championship. Stanford's pro-style offense lead by Heisman finalist Andrew Luck will go against the rapid pace Oklahoma State offense that features QB Brandon Weeden and star WR Justin Blackmon. Alot of points are likely to be scored.
Parker's pick: Stanford ("Andrew Luck will make a difference in this game")
My pick: Oklahoma State
The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl features two teams that were oh so close to playing for the national championship. Stanford's pro-style offense lead by Heisman finalist Andrew Luck will go against the rapid pace Oklahoma State offense that features QB Brandon Weeden and star WR Justin Blackmon. Alot of points are likely to be scored.
Parker's pick: Stanford ("Andrew Luck will make a difference in this game")
My pick: Oklahoma State
Bowl Prediction- Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio
Wisconsin vs. Oregon
The BCS games begin with "the Grandaddy of them all". After the bowl schedule was announced a few weeks back, this is the game I've most looked forward to. Wisconsin's smash and bash vs. Oregon's flash and dash. Two very conflicting styles. Wisconsin plays hard-nosed traditional football while Oregon employs a spread offense and trick plays.
Parker's pick: Oregon
My pick: Oregon
The BCS games begin with "the Grandaddy of them all". After the bowl schedule was announced a few weeks back, this is the game I've most looked forward to. Wisconsin's smash and bash vs. Oregon's flash and dash. Two very conflicting styles. Wisconsin plays hard-nosed traditional football while Oregon employs a spread offense and trick plays.
Parker's pick: Oregon
My pick: Oregon
Bowl Predictions- TicketCity Bowl; Outback Bowl; Capital One Bowl; and TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl
Here are our picks for today's early games:
TicketCity Bowl- Houston vs. Penn State
Houston is in transition as coach Kevin Sumlin is gone to coach Texas A&M. With 6th year senior Case Keenum leading the offense, the Cougars can score lots of points. Penn State is awash in controversy.
Parker's pick: Houston
My pick: Houston
TicketCity is an online reseller of tickets to sports and entertainment tickets, not a new nickname for the city of Dallas where this game is being played.
Outback Bowl- Michigan State vs. Georgia
Two strong schools from two strong conferences, two teams that lost in their conference championship games. On paper, this is one of the more even matchups of bowl season.
Parker's pick: Michigan State
My pick: Georgia
Outback steakhouse and Tampa...a good combination.
Capital One Bowl- Nebraska vs. South Carolina
Nebraska is back among the top teams in college football after being away for a few seasons. South Carolina is as good a program as its ever been. South Carolina has a strong defense but will miss Marcus Lattimore who is out with a season-ending injury.
Parker's pick: South Carolina
My pick: Nebraska
Expect lots of commercials asking "What's in your wallet?"
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl- Ohio State vs. Florida
Two teams from power conferences. Two teams that finished 6-6 overall and 3-5 in conference. Two teams connected to Urban Meyer. Florida's speed should make the difference.
Parker's pick: Florida ("even though they're not our favorite team")
My pick: Florida
TaxSlayer is an online filer of tax returns with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as its spokesman. Expect to see lots of Little E commercials if you watch this game.
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 17-6
Me: 14-9
TicketCity Bowl- Houston vs. Penn State
Houston is in transition as coach Kevin Sumlin is gone to coach Texas A&M. With 6th year senior Case Keenum leading the offense, the Cougars can score lots of points. Penn State is awash in controversy.
Parker's pick: Houston
My pick: Houston
TicketCity is an online reseller of tickets to sports and entertainment tickets, not a new nickname for the city of Dallas where this game is being played.
Outback Bowl- Michigan State vs. Georgia
Two strong schools from two strong conferences, two teams that lost in their conference championship games. On paper, this is one of the more even matchups of bowl season.
Parker's pick: Michigan State
My pick: Georgia
Outback steakhouse and Tampa...a good combination.
Capital One Bowl- Nebraska vs. South Carolina
Nebraska is back among the top teams in college football after being away for a few seasons. South Carolina is as good a program as its ever been. South Carolina has a strong defense but will miss Marcus Lattimore who is out with a season-ending injury.
Parker's pick: South Carolina
My pick: Nebraska
Expect lots of commercials asking "What's in your wallet?"
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl- Ohio State vs. Florida
Two teams from power conferences. Two teams that finished 6-6 overall and 3-5 in conference. Two teams connected to Urban Meyer. Florida's speed should make the difference.
Parker's pick: Florida ("even though they're not our favorite team")
My pick: Florida
TaxSlayer is an online filer of tax returns with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as its spokesman. Expect to see lots of Little E commercials if you watch this game.
Overall bowl record:
Parker: 17-6
Me: 14-9
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