Point for the Day

Teach and show. The process of discipleship as outlined in the Old Testament (Exodus 18:20).

Point for the Day

Comparing yourself to others is of no benefit. Completely trusting Jesus is (John 21:22).

Point for the Day

Details matter (John 21:11)

More Parkerisms and Turnerisms

Raising two sons, 10 and 6, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:

At a basketball game (after dinner)-
Turner: Smelling that yummy hot dog tells me I need to eat something else.

Parker: Mango (pronouncing it man go), that's an interesting name for a food.

Turner: I'll remember this day forever. Or at least until I die.

Great Quote Thursday

At times, we don't need more instruction. We need more compassion. Others need it too. Be an encourager today- Charles Swindoll

NBA Playoffs- First Round Predictions

The NBA Playoffs tip-off today. With 16 teams making the Playoffs, there are 8 first-round match-ups. Here are my thoughts on the first-round:

Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks
The Spurs have aged well over time and have had another impressive regular season. They are healthy heading into the playoffs. Dallas fought its way into the 8th slot in the West. Dirk Nowitzki will go off in at least one game but the combination of Tim Duncan/Manu Ginobili/Tony Parker really want to atone for last season's collapse in the Finals.
Spurs in 5

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder have Russell Westbrook for this year's playoffs. That matters. Nobody wants to play the grit and grind Grizzlies. But Kevin Durant should be the league MVP and he will take over games as necessary. This should be a great series.
Thunder in 7

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) Golden State Warriors
Lob City with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan of the Clippers versus the outside bombing of Stephen Curry and crew with the Warriors. These two teams don't like each other but the loss of Andrew Bogut to injury really hurts Golden State's inside game.
Clippers in 6

(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trailblazers
This should be a scorefest. Portland started the regular season on fire but cooled off after the All-Star break before finishing strong. Dwight Howard and James Harden are a potent inside/outside combination. This could be the best series of Round One.
Rockets in 6

Eastern Conference
(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks
Indiana was the top team in the NBA for most of the season, trying to earn the number one seed in the East. But the Pacers limped home the last two months of the season. That the Hawks even qualified for the playoffs would be impressive enough with the roster they have but it's quite amazing considering Al Horford was lost for the season early-on. Atlanta plays hard and surprises at times but Indiana plays better now that CJ Watson is back in the lineup following a return from injury. This should be a hard fought series and closer than a 1 vs. 8 pairing might suggest.
Pacers in 6

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats made the playoffs. That's impressive. Al Jefferson is legit. But LeBron James and the Heat don't want to waste energy on an early round match-up.
Heat in 4

(3) Toronto Raptors vs. (6) Brooklyn Nets
The Raptors return to the playoffs after several years in the lottery. The Nets have several seasoned veterans (Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce/Joe Johnson) with tons of playoff experience. Experience moves on.
Nets in 6

(4) Chicago Bulls vs. (5) Washington Wizards
The Bulls can play defense but they struggle to score. Joakim Noah has stepped up his game with the loss of Derrick Rose for another season. The Wizards' roster consists of lots of former lottery picks with little playoff experience. Coach Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls won't play around.
Bulls in 5

More Parkerisms and Turnerisms

Raising two sons, 10 and 6, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:

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

Turner: You are out of my mind. I mean, I don't know what you are talking about.

Parker: Why do they call it March Madness if it goes into April?

Point for the Day

This Friday is Good because Jesus is Lord.

Great Quote Thursday

Don't let ambition cloud your judgment and rob you of the opportunity to gain valuable life experience where you are- Charles Swindoll

Best Book Dedication Ever

From Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman-

To my Dad:
Following you taught me to follow Jesus

May my sons one day say the same of me.

Point for the Day

Jesus died alone so we would never have to be.

Point for the Day

Discouragement can lead to loneliness. But we are truly never alone. God always provides. (I Kings 19:15-18)

Point for the Day

We often look for the obvious. But when you are close to God, you can always hear His voice (I Kings 19: 11,12).

Point for the Day

When you fall into discouragement, get refreshed, then get up and get going (I Kings 19: 3-9).

Men's NCAA Championship Game Predictions

One Shining Moment will be played tonight shortly after a National Champion is crowned. Here's who we think will win tonight's big game:

Turner: Kentucky
Parker: Connecticut
Tonya: Connecticut
Greg: Kentucky

Final Four Predictions

As the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament winds to a close, tonight's two games will determine who will play in Monday night's championship game. Here's who each of us think will win tonight:

Florida vs. Connecticut
Turner: Florida
Parker: Florida
Tonya: Florida
Greg: Florida

Wisconsin vs. Kentucky
Turner: Wisconsin
Parker: Kentucky
Tonya: Wisconsin
Greg: Wisconsin

Great Quote Thursday

If words spoken well are powerful, imagine the power of a life lived well- Chuck Swindoll

Point for the Day

When things seem desperate, trust that God is in control (I Kings 17:15, 16).

Point for the Day

When things seem desperate, let Godly people help you (I Kings 17:13, 14).