Great Quote Thursday

We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once- Calvin Coolidge

Great Quote Thursday

I have never been hurt by what I have not said- Calvin Coolidge

NBA Finals Prediction

A great NBA Finals match-up begins tonight with Game One as the Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Here are 5 reasons the Warriors will win in 6 games:

1. The bigs- The Warriors with a package of Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights and David Lee have more ability and flexibility than the Cavs options of Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov. How does Cleveland spell Trouble? If Kendrick Perkins or Brendan Haywood have to play much in the series.

2.  The LeBron match-up- You can't control LeBron, you can only hope to contain him. But if the Warriors want to go big against him, they have Draymond Green. If they need a smaller 3 on him, they have Andre Iguodala.

3. The bench- Golden State has several interchangeable combinations at its disposal, often when Harrison Barnes enters the lineup. Cleveland has the aforementioned Perkins and Haywood but also the seldom used Mike Miller and Shawn Marion. Matthew Dellavedova can be an effective sparkplug but he's just as likely to end up in a scrum with a Warrior.

4. Outside shooting- Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are known as the Splash Brothers for a reason. Igoudala and Leandro Barbosa can get hot at times. Dellavedova and James Jones are solid outside scorers. J.R.Smith and Iman Shumpert can score quickly and often but can be streaky.

5. Oracle Arena- One of the loudest venues in the NBA with one of the longest suffering fan bases may be determining factor in a game or two.

Here's 1 reason the Cavaliers will win in 7 games:

1. LeBron James- With Kyrie Irving down and Kevin Love out, it's entirely possible that LBJ carries the Cavaliers on his back, pushes the sled uphill, and wills the Cavs to a championship. It's the reason he came home.

Great Quote Thursday

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave- Calvin Coolidge

Point for the Day- What Now?

Hurting? Pray. Happy? Praise (James 5:13).

Point for the Day- What Now?

Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Our speech speaks to the condition of our heart (James 5:12).

Point for the Day- What Now?

What Now? is a study through the New Testament book of James.

No one wants rain in their life, but it's required to make us complete (James 5:7).

My 1000th Blog Post

In January of 2009, my wife Tonya convinced me to finally begin a blog. She'd been suggesting it for some time. "No one will read it", I said. But she would always reply with, "But one day, you'll be glad you did". Was she ever right!

Not that The Point has many views or followers but over the past 6+ years, I've cataloged hundreds of posts: from "Point for the Day" to "Great Quote Thursday" to "Parkerisms and Turnerisms" to "Fun on Friday" to book reviews, random thoughts as well as notes from biblical lessons I've taught.  

And this is post #1000. A memory books of sorts: a collection of 1000 thoughts, ideas and stories. 

Thank you Tonya for the encouragement to begin the process. You were right, I'm glad I did. 

Point for the Day- What Now?

Be patient. The harvest is incomplete without both the early and latter rain (James 5:7).

Great Quote Thursday

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom- Thomas Jefferson

Great Quote Thursday

Believe you can and you're halfway there- Theodore Roosevelt

Point for the Day- What Now?

Being wealthy is not a sin (I Tim. 6:10), but misuse of money is (James 5:1-3).

Great Quote Thursday

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company- George Washington

Point for the Day- What Now?

Make sure you're planning includes God (James 4:13-15).

Point for the Day- What Now?

Don't judge. God will. (James 4:12)

Point for the Day- What Now?

Trying to love God and love the world is spiritual unfaithfulness (James 4:4,5).

Point for the Day- What Now?

We often want what we want but that is not always what God wants for us (James 4:2).

Point for the Day- What Now?

An inability to get along with others is a sign of selfishness (James 4:1).

Great Quote Thursday

The loudest guy in the room is the one with the most to prove, and no way to prove it- Tim Grover

Point for the Day- What Now?

Righteousness (being right with God) grows in a climate of peace (James 3:18).

If there's constant strife in your marriage, it's possible there's a lack of "right-ness" with God.
If there's a consistent battle in your home between you and your children, it's possible there's a lack of "right-ness" with God.

Point for the Day- What Now?

The desire to improve, to better provide for your family, to "get ahead" are all admirable efforts. But not when done selfishly or at the expense of others (James 3:16).

Great Quote Thursday

The willingness to experiment with change may be the most essential ingredient to success at anything- Pat Summitt

Point for the Day- What Now?

Though we may not think of it this way, Scripture compares favoritism (sin) as being equal with adultery (sin) and murder (sin) (James 2:10).

Point for the Day- What Now?

Those who follow Christ have traditionally not been known for their earthly wealth. But then, neither was Jesus (James 2:5).

Point for the Day

When our walk with Jesus becomes routine, we've lost our passion for Jesus.

Point for the Day

When we compare ourselves to others, we build a wall. That wall is not built on love.

Point for the Day

When we take pride in our position, we take glory away from God.

First-Round NBA Playoff Predictions

The NBA Playoffs tip-off today. Here are my picks for who will advance out of each series:

Eastern Conference
(#1) Atlanta Hawks vs. (#8) Brooklyn Nets
The Nets were fortunate to qualify for the post-season. The Hawks have stumbled of late but 60 wins is 60 wins.
Hawks take the series.
(#2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (#7) Boston Celtics
LeBron's in Cleveland. The Celtics, though playing great late-season basketball, are still rebuilding.
Cavaliers will advance.
(#3) Chicago Bulls vs. (#6) Milwaukee Bucks
Derrick Rose is back at almost-full strength for the playoffs. Milwaukee had a surprisingly positive regular season to make the postseason, even earning a 6 seed.
Bulls will move on.
(#4) Toronto Raptors vs. (#5) Washington Wizards
The Raptors struggled mightily in the second half of the season. Washington has veteran players with considerable post-season experience.
Wizards will advance to the second round.

Western Conference
(#1) Golden State Warriors vs. (#8) New Orleans Pelicans
Though Steph Curry deservedly garners lots of time on SportsCenter, the Warriors rank high in both offensive AND defensive categories as a team. That's how you lead the league in wins with 67. The Pelicans, led by Anthony Davis, have reached the post-season, thereby achieving a preseason goal.
Warriors will move forward.
(#2) Houston Rockets vs. (#7) Dallas Mavericks
James Harden in an MVP candidate. Dwight Howard plays like he's serious in the playoffs. The Mavericks are deep and Rick Carlisle is a solid coach.
Houston in a close series.
(#3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (#6) San Antonio Spurs
The Clippers may have the best starting five in basketball, though their bench has struggled. The Spurs may live to regret losing their final regular season game to the Pelicans which dropped them from a 2 seed to a 6 seed in the powerful Western Conference.
Spurs to take the series (I learned long ago not to pick against them). However, the Clippers could be world championship contenders.
(4) Portland Trailblazers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
Injuries have impacted both teams late in the regular season. But Wesley Matthews won't be back for Portland while Mike Conley and Tony Allen hope to play for Memphis.
Memphis should take the series.

Point for the Day

When we begin to think about how good we are, we begin to forget about how great God is.

Great Quote Thursday

You must be interested in finding the best way, not in having your own way- John Wooden (on leadership)

Point for the Day- What Now?

Assessment without action is useless (James 1:22-25).

Point for the Day- What Now?

God is good. He gives good. He wants good for us (James 1:17,18).

Point for the Day- What Now?

Temptation is not from God. Testing is (James 1:13).

Point for the Day- What Now?

A focus only on the now will fade (James 1:11).

Point for the Day- The New Normal (from the Sevier Heights staff blog)

A friend of mine has recently gone through a great deal of life change (new baby; new job) and he now lives in what I'd call the "new normal". His life is very different from what it was just a few short months ago. What used to be "normal" isn't anymore. His life is different...it's better. But it's not like it used to be. And it will never again be the way it was.

As we go through life, we must continually adjust what we call "normal". In reality, we're each now living in the "new normal".  At different ages and stages along the way, life changes. Sometimes it's an abrupt change. While at other times, change comes more gradually. Maybe you've experienced some of these life changes:

A couple invests months, even years, in a dating relationship thinking they are headed toward marriage. Eventually, they break up. Previously, they identified as part of a couple, but each of them now hits the reset button on their future...with a different perspective. A new normal.

The parents of a newborn are continually adjusting to their young child's sleep patterns (or lack thereof). As soon as they think they've figured things out, a change occurs. A new normal.

A family of three grows with the addition of a second child. Where once the parents could play "zone defense" now they're required to play "man-to-man". A new normal.

A promotion at work means more income, which is great. But with it comes longer hours, greater responsibility and more pressure.  A new normal.

As a newlywed couple, your time was your own and you slept in on Saturday mornings. Now, 10 years later, you find yourselves at a ballpark 2-3 nights a week (plus Saturday mornings). And you wouldn't have it any other way. A new normal.

Your parents, who you depended on throughout your life, begin to age and begin to depend on you for some assistance. A new normal.

This day, however it is and whatever the circumstances, is ordained by God just for you. Be reminded of Psalm 118:24:  "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it".

He knows your past and He knows your "new normal". And He loves you. Find joy in Him today.

Great Quote Thursday

Every step along the way is going to prepare you for the moments that define you- Bryan Clay

Book Review- A Nice Little Place on the North Side

I really wanted to like this book. I did. Subtitled "A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field", I was looking forward to a baseball history book. When I received the book and realized it was brief and would be a quick read, I was even more interested in the book.

But it's not really a book of history. While it loosely contains a collection of stories tracing a timeline though the history of the Chicago Cubs, it is overly loaded with heavy doses of George Will's musings. And therein is my issue with this book.

If you're a Cubs fan, you've probably heard all of these stories. If you are a sports fan (as I am) but not necessarily a Cubs devotee, you've probably heard many of them. But Will's ramblings distract from the book. He spends page after page covering such random topics as how beer shaped modern culture, natural selection and Daniel Patrick Moynihan and then attempts to relate all these to the Cubs and Wrigley Field.  Based on the book's title, this is not what I expected.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game Predictions

Tonight's NCAA Men's Basketball Championship should be a great game. Here are our picks for the final:

Turner: Duke

Parker: Wisconsin

Tonya: Wisconsin

Greg: Wisconsin

Thoughts on the NCAA National Championship Game- Wisconsin vs. Duke

Does Wisconsin have any gas left in the tank? After Kentucky knocked them out of last year's tournament, the Badgers were publicly hopeful of getting another shot at the Wildcats this year. They got it and took care of business. Can they get back up after a highly emotional game on Saturday night?

Duke defeated Michigan State by 10 on November 18. In the rematch on Saturday, the Blue Devils won by 20. Duke defeated Wisconsin by 10 in Madison on December 3. Will the same pattern hold true in this rematch?

Before the Wisconsin/Kentucky national semifinal, I said that for Wisconsin to win that Frank Kaminsky, Sam Dekker and Nigel Hayes must all play well PLUS one more Badger. Against Kentucky, it was Bronson Koenig. The same holds true tonight.

If Duke's Jahlil Okafor or either Frank Kaminsky or Sam Dekker for Wisconsin get in foul trouble, the opposing team will win the game.

With all the hoopla surrounding Kentucky's freshmen, its time to recognize that Duke's (likely) one-and-done trio of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones plus Grayson Allen is a stronger group.

Biggest contrast in this game: Duke relies heavily on its freshmen (Okafor is thought to be the overall number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft) while Wisconsin is strong because of its player development (Kaminsky, a senior, played little in his first two seasons for the Badgers).

Both Bo Ryan (Wisconsin) and Mike Krzyzewski (Duke) are highly successful head coaches and were born 10 months apart in 1947. Both are recognized for their tactical, in-game coaching. Both have won multiple national championships. But here's the twist. Ryan won 4 Division III men's basketball championships with tiny Wisconsin-Plattville. Krzyzewski has won 4 men's national basketball championships at Division I Duke. Those achievements go alongside his two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA world championship golds. Coach K is in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Ryan found out today he is not part of this year's class. If Wisconsin wins tonight, it will only fortify his HOF credentials.

Is Wisconsin on a run of destiny? Yahoo Sports noted yesterday that if the Badgers win tonight, they will have had the toughest run through the tournament of any team ever. They will have played the better ranked team in each game of the tournament and come out with the victorious. And if they defeat Duke tonight, they become not only national champions but legends.

Happy Easter

He has risen, just as He said (Matthew 28:6).

Point for the Day

To reach the end, you have to start.

We all have a desired destination for our lives. Some goal(s) we want to achieve. And it's probably nowhere near where we are now. But you have to start somewhere. Often the goal is so big or so far in the future, it seems unreachable. But to reach the end, you have to start.

Point for the Day

Much that happens in the world would not be possible if someone didn't volunteer their time. If you volunteer, thank you. If you don't, why not? Everyone has something to offer.

Point for the Day- What Now?

Prayer is asking with belief, not simply wishing for something to happen. God is Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord will provide) not a genie from a Disney movie (James 1:6).

Great Quote Thursday

The future of the church lies in the hands of the young, and the destiny of the church is in the hands of the aged- Cal Jernigan

Great Quote Thursday

A wife has one driving need- to feel loved. When that need is met, she is happy.
A husband has one driving need- to feel respected. When that need is met, he is happy.
When either of these needs isn't met, things get crazy with conflict. (Emerson Eggerichs)

Point for the Day- What Now?

The testing of our faith leads to endurance.
Endurance leads to us becoming mature and complete.
Yet no one wants their faith to be tested.
James 1:3,4

Point for the Day- What Now?

Rather than seeing troubles and trials as leading to joy, we often attempt to pray them away (James 1:2).

There are lessons to be learned through every experience of life. The seemingly negative experiences (the health scare, the financial crisis, the difficult decision) can be counted as joy when we remember that God has planned those for our good, to bring joy to us for His purpose. Though they may not feel like it in the moment, troubles and trials can be an opportunity for joy.

Point for the Day- What Now?

James, the brother of Jesus, penned the New Testament book of James as a letter of instruction to followers of Jesus Christ instructing them how they should live now (What Now?); in effect, answering the question, how should I live now that Christ lives in me?

There's possibly no greater picture of life-change in all of Scripture than that experienced by James. From a disbelieving brother (John 7:1-5) to a pastor who referred to himself as a slave and servant of Jesus (James 1:1). Christ's resurrection made all the difference (I Corinthians 15:7). 

Point for the Day

The first weekend of the men's NCAA basketball tournament is considered by many to be the best weekend in sports each year. But this week, conference tournament week, is a really great week for sports fans.

During conference tournament week, for some teams, the next loss means the end of the season. For some players, the next loss means the end of their basketball career. The end of the road. The end of their childhood dreams.

That's why every game means there's something to play for. Because every win means you play again.

And that makes for a very exciting week of sports viewing.

Great Quote Thursday

It isn't hard to be good from time to time in sports. What's tough is being good everyday- Willie Mays

Point for the Day

Was reminded today at the graveside service for Shirley Townsend (a long-time servant, leader, deacon in our church) that a man need not be loud for his voice to carry and his words to be heard.

Point for the Day- Scarlet

What was meant for bad was eternally good (Matthew 27:27-31).

Point for the Day- Scarlet

The scarlet cord was obvious.
The scarlet cord was purposeful.
The scarlet cord represented salvation.
(Joshua 6: 22-25)

Great Quote Thursday

What we say flows from what is in our heart- Chuck Swindoll

Point for the Day- Scarlet

Rahab made sure her rescue, her salvation, was secure (Joshua 2:21).

Though she'd sent the spies from Israel away into the mountains for three days (Joshua 2:16), and though they would then need to return to report back to Joshua (Joshua 2:23, 24), and though God's plan for attacking Jericho would take a week (Joshua 6:2-4), Rahab's immediate obedience led to her rescue, her salvation (Joshua 6:22-25).

Point for the Day- Scarlet

Joshua chapter 2 shows us a glimpse of the life-change process that Rahab (a prostitute) experienced.

God's people reached out to her. She already knew about, but did not know, God. She believed and God changed her life. A life-changing process.

What Rahab did (v. 6-8): She met and helped some men from Israel (enemies of her own people) who had come to scout out her town, Jericho.

What Rahab knew (v. 9-11A): She knew of the mighty ways God had blessed and protected His people, in allowing them to escape Egypt and in overcoming their enemies.

What Rahab believed (v. 11B-13): She became a believer and follower of the One True God; "the Lord your God, is God in heaven above and on earth below".

Great Quote Thursday

If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me, I cannot see any way in which I would have ever made progress- Calvin Coolidge

Great Quote Thursday

Maturity doesn't come with age. It begins with the acceptance of responsibility- Ed Cole

Point for the Day- Scarlet

For a local church to fully be The Church, it must leave the local church campus often (Leviticus 14:3A).

Point for the Day- Scarlet

Church people: Don't avoid Leviticus. Leviticus points to Jesus.

Point for the Day- First Things First

Children trust parents who they know trust God- Genesis 22:6-8

Point for the Day- First Things First

Against unbelievable circumstances, God keeps His promises- Genesis 21:6,7

Point for the Day- First Things First

God knows our heart- Genesis 18:10-15

Point for the Day- First Things First

Commitments can be costly- Genesis 17:10,11

Point for the Day- First Things First

All couples will struggle from time to time in their marriage. Over several years of counseling couples through the issues they deal with, I've recognized three basic areas into which marital issues fall. They are basic, ABC-level even, but if a couple will recognize the need to focus on the basics, get these first things first, their marriage can be stronger.

A- Accept your spouse's strengths and weaknesses
Too often we focus only on his/her weaknesses

B- Believe in God's perfect plan
Too often we attempt to "help" God with His plan when we need to wait on His perfect timing

C- Commit to making the marriage work
Too often couples give up instead of putting in the work needed to help their marriage succeed

When a couple addresses these first things first, when these principles serve as the foundation for the future, a couple's marriage has a greater likelihood of harmony and security, of success.

Super Bowl Predictions

With only the Super Bowl remaining to be played, our family contest is over as Tonya has already wrapped up the win.

Here are the pre-Super Bowl standings:
Tonya (10-0)
Greg (8-2)
Parker (7-3)
Turner (7-3)

Our Super Bowl picks:
Parker: Patriots (not who he's rooting for)
Turner: Patriots (because the Seahawks beat the Packers)
Tonya: Seahawks (knows it's hard to repeat)
Me: Patriots (love their offense, not the organization)

Great Quote Thursday

If you can get it done now, do it; the future comes with no guarantee that you'll have the time or opportunities available to you today- Chuck Swindoll

Fun on Friday

I told the boys to "Quit using so many tissues. They don't grow on trees". Then I realized that they actually sorta do.

Great Quote Thursday

We have men of science, too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living- Omar Bradley, November 11, 1948

NFL Conference Championship Picks

As we head into the NFL Conference Championship weekend games, Tonya continues to lead our family standings by correctly choosing every game so far:

Tonya (8-0)

Turner (6-2)

Greg (6-2)

Parker (5-3)

Sunday, January 18

NFC

(2) Green Bay Packers vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks

Parker: Seahawks

Turner: Packers

Tonya: Seahawks

Greg: Seahawks

AFC

(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (1) New England Patriots

Parker: Patriots

Turner: Patriots

Tonya: Patriots

Greg: Patriots

Great Quote Thursday

If a man has character, everyone has confidence in him- Omar Bradley

National Championship Game Predictions

(4) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. (2) Oregon Ducks
Parker: Oregon
Turner: Oregon
Tonya: Oregon
Greg: Oregon

Point for the Day- First Things First

God makes promises. We want proofs. Trust His plan (Genesis 15:1-6).

NFL Elite Eight Weekend Predictions

Following Wildcard Weekend, Tonya leads our standings by correctly choosing the winner in all 4 games:
Tonya (4-0)
Parker (3-1)
Turner (3-1)
Greg (3-1)

Saturday, January 10
AFC
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (1) New England Patriots
Parker: Patriots
Turner: Patriots
Tonya: Patriots
Greg: Patriots

NFC
(4) Carolina Panthers vs. (1) Seattle Seahawks
Parker: Seahawks
Turner: Seahawks
Tonya: Seahawks
Greg: Seahawks

Sunday, January 11
NFC
(3) Dallas Cowboys vs. (2) Green Bay Packers
Parker: Cowboys
Turner: Packers
Tonya: Packers
Greg: Packers

AFC
(4) Indianapolis Colts vs. (2) Denver Broncos
Parker: Broncos
Turner: Broncos
Tonya: Colts
Greg: Broncos

More Parkerisms and Turnerisms

Having two sons, 10 and 7, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:

Tonya (from the other end of the house): Parker. Turner. Come here a minute.
Parker: Uh oh. What did we do wrong?
Me: (Laughter)
Parker: It's never a good thing when Mommy says that.

After seeing my high school senior pictures:
Parker: That looks like poodle hair.
Turner: That's embarrassing.
Me: Turner, would you like to wear your hair like that?
Turner: You mean the poodle hair? I'll pass.

Great Quote Thursday

With maturity, balance replaces extremes and confidence replaces insecurity- Chuck Swindoll

Point for the Day- First Things First

God made a great promise to Abram:

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you". (Genesis 12:2,3)

What an awesome promise! But are their qualities in Abram's life, in the way he lived, that allowed God to trust him with such blessing? I believe so as we see in Genesis 3:1-9.

Abram heard from God- v. 1-3
Abram obeyed God- v. 4-6
Abram worshiped God- v. 7-9

Point for the Day- First Things First

Husbands, be careful where you lead your family. Your marriage is far more valuable than temporary financial gain (Genesis 12:10-20).

Point for the Day

If there's an issue you've been waiting to deal with, you have three options:
You can address it.
You can absorb it.
You can avoid it.

Point for the Day

Enjoy the now instead of worrying about the then.

Point for the Day

"That's not bad" also means "That's not good". It just sounds nicer.

NFL Wildcard Weekend Predictions

Saturday, January 3
(5) Arizona Cardinals 11-5 vs. (4) Carolina Panthers 7-8-1
Parker:  Panthers
Turner: Panthers
Tonya: Panthers
Greg: Panthers

(6) Baltimore Ravens 10-6 vs. (3) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
Parker: Steelers
Turner: Ravens
Tonya: Ravens
Greg: Steelers

Sunday, January 4
(5) Cincinnati Bengals 10-5-1 vs. (4) Indianapolis Colts 11-5
Parker: Colts
Turner: Colts
Tonya: Colts
Greg: Colts

(6) Detroit Lions 11-5 vs. (3) Dallas Cowboys 12-4
Parker: Cowboys
Turner: Lions
Tonya: Cowboys
Greg: Cowboys

Great Quote Thursday

Making mistakes is the privilege of the active. It is always the mediocre people who are negative, who spend their time proving they were not wrong- Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA founder

College Football Playoff Predictions

Continuing a family tradition of selecting bowl game winners, here are our guesses for the college football playoff semifinal games:

Semifinal #1- Rose Bowl  (Florida State vs. Oregon)
Parker: Oregon
Turner: Oregon
Tonya: Florida State
Greg: Oregon

Semifinal #2- Sugar Bowl (Alabama vs. Ohio State)
Parker: Alabama
Turner: Alabama
Tonya: Alabama
Greg: Alabama