I don't normally do this, but I feel compelled to tell you something ...
my predictions for the NFL playoffs.
Care to share your predictions as well?
NFC: (5)NY Football Giants beat (4)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6)Washington Redskins beat (3)Seattle Seahawks
(5)Giants lose to (2)Green Bay Packers (6)Redskins lose to (1)Dallas Cowboys
(2)Packers lose to (1)Cowboys
AFC: (I know ... nobody cares) (5)Jacksonville Jaguars beat (4)Pittsburgh Steelers (6)Tennessee Titans lose to (3)San Diego Chargers
(5)Jaguars lose to (1)New England Patriots (3)Chargers lose to (2)Indianapolis Colts
(2)Colts lose to (1)Patriots
Superbowl ... well, I know what I WANT to happen, but I'm not so sure. I have to go with it even though I have my doubts ... Patriots perfect season comes to an end as Romo pulls a Joe Namath to win Dallas a record 6th Superbowl victory (bringing them to 6-3 in "the dance")
CAVEAT: These are my predictions, but not necessarily what I'd like to see happen. Given my druthers, I'd rather see the Patriots lose to the Jaguars or at least the Colts.
Beating the Colts would be ideal to avenge our close loss in Superbowl V back in 1971.
Get your rest, TO. We're gonna need you in the playoffs.
Brent Thomas is a blogger (Colossians Three Sixteen) and a gentleman. His "Weekly Town Crier" Friday posts inspired my "Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays" posts.
He does some neat things, including his end of the year reflections.
Eric “Gunny” Hartman is one of our most vital weapons in the war on terror. Ever ready for the battle, Gunny pastors Providence Church in Garland, TX, teaches at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is a proud ally of the Fellowship of Reformed Churches and blogs here about various and sundry items. A beacon of hope in a dark and dreary world, our ally and friend Gunny always stands ready to defend the defenseless in the war on slooge everywhere. Wait, is slooge good or bad? I’m still not sure; is it good or bad? Let’s see if Gunny can help us understand (and please let me know afterwards if you have any better understanding of the world of slooge or not):
The president of the Evangelical Theological Society (Francis Beckwith) returns to Roman Catholicism
"... like such as in South Africa and the Iraq"
Appalachian State upsetting Michigan (and the copycat crimes that were rampant the rest of the season)
Michael Vick’s dog fighting slooge
The Little Mavericks getting bounced in the first round of the NBA playoffs … after the MVP endowed team won 67 games
"Don't taze me, bro!"
Scripture on my mind:
Psalm 9:1-2: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (ESV; our church’s theme verse for 2007)
Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” (ESV)
Personal Highlights:
Coaching a soccer team of 6 year old girls - As a first-timer, it was a challenge, but with such a great group of girls my heart was warmed just being around them and seeing them enjoy themselves.
Getting to speak at the Fellowship of Reformed Churches‘ annual conference on “The Character of God in Everyday Life” (hear Gunny’s message here).
Providence Church Highlights:
Having a joint worship service with North Garland Baptist Fellowship, a predominatly African American congregation that shares our passion for ethnic diversity.
Playing the role of Bruce Dickinson (yes, THE Bruce Dickinson) during our re-enactment of the “Cowbell” SNL skit at our annual talent show.
Celebrating our 1 year anniversary with a fish fry & picnic.
(The following is an article I wrote that was in the Murphy Messenger.)
There are just a few shopping days left until Christmas, so I hope you’re on top of things.
Of course, “tis better to give than to receive,” but we will be receiving some things with varying degrees of joy. Some gifts we will really appreciate and others … uh, well, we say to ourselves, “It’s the thought that counts.” But, is it? Is it really the thought that counts?
Is it better to get a dynamite gift that didn’t require a great deal of thought? For example, a sizable gift card to your favorite store.
Or is it better to receive that thoughtful gift that doesn’t really jazz you? For example, that fruit cake that nobody will eat (no offense intended to my late Grandma Collins) or the Right Guard I got from my Great Aunt one year (was there a hidden message?).
There is a possibility, however, that we’ve created a false dichotomy. It is possible to have a gift which is the product of heartfelt thought but is also a great gift in and of itself.
This is seen in Christmas and the reason for the season. In giving Jesus to the world, God has expressed His love: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Roman 5:8)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Jesus was given as the only means of salvation from the penalty of our sin. We owed a debt we could not pay and Christ paid a debt He did not owe.
The reason we give gifts is because such a great gift was given to us. Our gifts will always pale in comparison with regard to heartfelt thought and intrinsic value, but as followers of Christ we love because He has loved us. We forgive because He has forgiven us.
Let me encourage you to show your appreciation for such a wonderful gift by selecting one of the churches advertised in this edition to participate in their Christmas services or any Sunday service. With “New Year’s Resolutions” right around the corner, put “finding a church home” on the list, but in the category of those you actually intend to keep.
We don’t always have great joy when we write out the “Thank you” cards for the fruit cake or the deodorant, but there is much joy in gathering to celebrate the dear Savior’s birth.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12, ESV)
Merry Christmas from the Hartman family to yours!
2007 has come and gone in the twinkling of an eye and it was a relatively smooth year.
One of the greatest joys in our life has been Providence Church. We’re blessed to be a part of such a great church family, but church planting is not for the faint of heart. It can be exhausting for all involved, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences to be a part of a new work of God’s grace. We have great people working with the kids, and our “Pot Providence” fellowship meals every two months help us better connect with each other as a church family.
Sarah Beth (8-1/2) dabbled in softball, dance, and gymnastics, but her passion was her art classes. She enjoys 3rd grade and even signed up to take Spanish after school. She has a great collection of “Littlest Pet Shops” and would devote her every waking hour to Webkins if we’d allow it.
Rachel (6-1/2) also had a busy year, being involved in t-ball, dance, and soccer. But there is no doubt that soccer is still her favorite. She still has a great affection for monkeys and has started a pretty extensive Mark McGwire collection. She’s enjoying 1st grade as a “Hunt Hound.”
Eric Jr. (4-1/2) enjoyed his first season of t-ball and still likes Lightning McQueen and Batman. His favorite activity, however, is sitting next to his dad (after bedtime) on the couch, as they eat chips and “watch Cardinals” or “watch Cowboys.” Growing up in the era of TiVo he has never yet wondered how sports can be ready for our viewing at a moment’s notice. Victoria (2-1/2) has really become demonstrative and loves to boss her brother around, cutting him no slack at all. She’s picked up the nickname “Hopscotch” and is a big fan of the Doodlebops and Rocky, the boxer, not the squirrel. She cannot go to sleep without her stuffed cat, Sophie (whom she calls “Soph”) and her blanket (whom she calls “Blank”). Every night it seems we’re all scouring the house to “find Soph & Blank” for her.
Mary Ellen was an assistant teacher at a church’s preschool and did some substitute teaching. She also started a “Keepers of the Home” group for young girls to become resourceful and godly women. She continues to play her violin at church each week and helps write the children’s church curriculum.
Gunny celebrated 10 years as an ordained minister and the 1 year anniversary of Providence Church. He coached Rachel’s soccer team, which was perhaps the highlight of his year, and he also got to speak on “The Holiness of God and His People” at the Fellowship of Reformed Churches' annual conference. He regrets neglecting his Harley and his PhD studies this year.
Life is good because we serve an amazing God. He is so worthy of our praise and service. We are thankful for His daily mercy, grace, and providential care.
At Christmas, of course, we’re thankful for the incarnation, where God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
Avail thyself of this ... Desiring God Ministries is offering The Pleasures of God for $4.99. That's a sweet deal for Christmas! I took my Sunday school class through this a few years back and it was awesome. Buy them in bulk for your church and they won't go to waste.
Get in on the ground floor as Lance of the Scrawny Pulpit starts a new blogging experience on January 1 with Solid Food for Fellow Pilgrims.
ReadGeorge Will Lowers the Hammer on Huckabee, courtesy of Denny Burk.
Read13 Ways to Bless Missionaries Without Paying for Postage.
Read Peter Mead's thoughts on That Time Before [Preachers] Speak.
Read this NY Times piece: An (Un)easy Guide to Holiday Tipping.
"Giuliani, the former New York mayor who has led most national polls since early in the year, saw his support drop from 29 percent to 23 percent in the survey. His one-point lead over Huckabee was well within the poll's 4.8 percentage point margin of error."
Read these thoughts on Charity: where people give and why.
"Whom do you give to, and why? How important is anonymity — or, conversely, how important is the recognition? How consistent are you in your causes, and what makes you change your thinking? Do you prefer microcharities and/or people you know, or do you prefer big institutional charities, and why? How important is the tax deduction in your giving — and, since it rewards money but not time, does it make you less likely to donate your time? What are some particular charities that you love? If you were the King of Charity for a day, what would you change about the state of charitable giving?"
Read about how Romney's campaign motivates fellow Mormons to dip into pockets.
"Mitt Romney's Mormon religion is enough of an obstacle for him among some voters that the Republican presidential candidate was prompted to give a much- advertised speech on faith last week.
There is one area, however, where the former Massachusetts governor's religious affiliation gives him an important advantage: money. Fellow Mormons are pouring millions into his candidacy and promoting his campaign."
"A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child."
Read as Luke Bobo asks (1) Are we a culture of cheaters? and (2) Do cheaters win?
Dig this: Instead of collecting it, an Ohio church hands out money.
Read about Desiring God's suggested gift for your pastor. I should have put this on my wish list as well!
Read Joshua Harris' thoughts on Affluenza Part 1: The Real Money Problem Part 2: The Deception of Greed Part 3: Greed Destroys Us Part 4: Our Unique Vulnerability
Read about the upcoming Hobbit movie, part of the Lord of the Rings slooge.
Read Lionel Woods' thoughts on "The New Phariseeical Movement." (P.S. If you've not check out his site, it's worth it just to hear his great background jam.)
Check out Time Magazine's 10 Biggest Religion Stories of 2007.
"How could any of this be? God is in the flesh now! I cannot get my little pea-brain to comprehend it, yet this is precisely what the Bible teaches."
Read as Johnny Mac answers the question, Does Hebrews 6:4-6 teach that a true believer can lose his salvation?
Comment of the Week: "... our young girls are under relentless pressure to look older before their minds catch up. what is more tragic is that some moms are struggle with identity too and when they 'grow up' they want to be just like their teenage daughter." (from Luke Bobo)
“Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.” --"Kris Kringle" in Miracle on 34th Street
The Cowboys were humiliated on Sunday, at least the offense was. They were humiliated ... at home ... to the hated Eagles. I'm not sure I'd call that match up a "rivalry," but it got me to thinking about this year's team and what's lacking.
It's not a stretch to think that the Cowboys will make it to the Superbowl this year, but I find myself thinking that there's just a little something missing from a Superbowl run ... a rival.
Winning something is all the more sweet when there's a rival to overcome. Winning in the 90s was great because we got to rub the 49ers noses in it.
I got to thinking about the need for rivals and then to my favorite rivalries. This may be different than "the greatest rivalries" that some sports show may list. Michigan & Notre Dame may be great, but I don't care, so it's not great to me.
--- Be thinking about YOUR favorite rivalries in sports and/or which you think are the greatest. ---
I'll share my favorite rivalries.
Cardinals vs. Cubs - I grew up a Cardinals fan and there's always been great joy in beating the Cubbies. They're the team you love to beat. They're not typically a rival for winning the division, but over the years some great games have been played.
Lakers vs. Celtics (1980s) - After writing a book report about a man named "Lew Alcinder" in 3rd grade, I was forever thereafter a fan of the Mighty Lakers, the new home of "Kareem." How great were those games in the 80s with Lakers (Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Rambis, Scott, Nixon, McAdoo, Cooper, etc.) matching up with the Celtics (Bird, Parrish, McHale, DJ, Ainge, Walton, etc.), particularly in the NBA Finals? That was the Golden Era of the NBA for sure.
Cowboys vs. Redskins - As long as I can remember I've been a Cowboys fan, even while living in Kentucky and Alabama and other parts of the globe that my dad's Army career took us. This rivalry tends to work best when at least one of the teams is good, which is probably why the rivalry has been its weakest the past five years.
Back in the day those 2 teams really hated each other. I remember the recent game where the Cowboys were up by 13 with less than 2 minutes left and the Redskins smoked us with 2 big touchdown passes. I was so mad. But, there were our "paycheck players" yucking it up afterward, smokin' & jokin' with the Redskins as though they were teenagers hanging out at the mall.
Aggies vs. Longhorns - I'm an Aggie, so this one needs little explanation. However, I will point out that the Ags have smoked the t-sips like a cheap cigar the past 2 years in a row. Who's your daddy?
Cowboysvs. 49ers (1990s) - I still rejoice to see the 49ers watching the playoffs on their television screens, but the rivalry has dissipated. With Michael Irvin & Steve Young all friendly-like, you know it's over. I appreciate T.O. trying to resurrect it a few years back when his celebrations on "The Star," but all that did was show us that Emmitt still cared and that George Teague should be in the "Ring of Honor."
Still, in the 90s we had a great rivalry. Remember Kenny Norton, Jr. turning traitor on us by going to San Fran? Remember really turning up the hate meter when Deion left Atlanta for San Fran? Remember how you felt being down 21-3 in the NFC Championship game in '94 inside like the first 3 minutes of the game? I refused to watch the Superbowl that year, knowing that the Cowboys should have been the ones whipping up on the Lightning Bolts to the tune of 55-10. November 12th 1995 (PM) was the 2nd time ever for me to preach and it was hard dragging my badself up to church to share our obligation to "Serve the Living God" after losing that game, a turning point in the rivalry. Honestly, we were fortunate that SF lost to Green Bay in the '95-96 playoffs so we could play them in the NFC Championship Game instead.
I was not a Barry hater, but I'm thinking that if Jimmy had stayed in Dallas, 5 Superbowls in a row, without a doubt. This rivalry also taught me that the chief characteristic of a fan is rooting for the laundry, a uniform. I loathed nobody more than Deion ... until he became a Cowboy. Then I was a big fan all of the sudden. I'm even warming up to T.O. this year.
Stars vs. Red Wings - This one really kicked in for me in '98 when the Stars were bounced by Wing in the Western Conference Finals. I never had any particular players who bear my ire, but the uniform in general. In both our trips to the Stanley Cup Finals ('99 & 2000) we were fortunate that Lanche knocked off Wing, because I don't think we could have taken Wing in a 7-game series either year. This rivalry died some, but not for me. I got particularly tender (even with the Stars) when Brett Hull AND Derrian Hatcher (my favorite Star) wound up wearing the hated red & white.
Though we've not had any good encounters in the playoffs lately, I still root for the Red Wings to eat it ... Reno-style.
Cardinals vs. disAstros - This one rivals the Longhorns for personal intensity and animosity. In fact, when Rachel was 2 I got in trouble from Mom for teaching Rachel to answer the question, "What do you think of the disAstros?" with "We hate 'em."
During baseball season I check the scores of 2 teams, the Cardinals and the disAstros, and a "W" for the former is just as good as a "L" for the latter. Since the wacky creation of the present divisions, the DisAstros have been the chief competition for the division title.
Honorable Mention: Mavericks vs. Spurs, Rocky vs. Apollo, and the Von Erichs vs. the Fabulous Freebirds.
What are your favorite rivalries in sports?ORWhat do you think are the greatest rivalries in sports?ORWhat teams do you love to "hate"?
Read one pastor's greatest fear: What Scares Me Most as a Pastor. (Presumably more than Jar Jar)
Check out this great collection of links: The Golden Compass Christian Response Roundup.
Read about the dilemma some black churches have with regard to Kwanza: Some churches conflicted over Kwanzaa.
“One of the primary reasons people celebrate Kwanzaa is because the belief is somehow our self-worth is inherent or wrapped up in our culture,” said Murrow, an evangelical Christian, in an interview.
“Our self-worth only comes from knowing Christ as Lord and Savior, so we can't really do both.”
Read about the shady past of he who is Saint Kwanza, its creator, Maulana Karenga (formerly Ron Ron Everett).
On September 17, 1971, Karenga was sentenced to one to ten years in prison on counts of felonious assault and false imprisonment. The charges stemmed from a May 9, 1970 incident in which Karenga and two others tortured two women who Karenga believed had tried to kill him by placing 'crystals' in his food and water.
A year later the Los Angeles Times described the events: 'Deborah Jones, who once was given the title of an African queen, said she and Gail Davis were whipped with an electrical cord and beaten with a karate baton after being ordered to remove their clothes. She testified that a hot soldering iron was placed in Miss Davis' mouth and placed against Miss Davis' face and that one of her own big toes was tightened in a vice. Karenga, head of US, also put detergent and running hoses in their mouths, she said.'
Read about the the Lottie Moon behind the "Lottie Moon Christmas Offering" for International Missions or listen to a sermon about her from Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. (You may also give online or through a local SBC church. Either way, 100% of the tax-deductible funds go toward international missions efforts.)
"But, in a fallen world, the reality is the opposite. When a local church really begins to follow Christ, then they can expect conflict. It is certain. In fact, a lack of conflict, may be a warning sign!"
Read Rich Lowry's National Review about the potential for the Republican party to commit "Huckacide" due to Huckabee's un-electability.
"Democrats have to be looking at Huckabee the way Republicans once regarded Dean — as a shiny Christmas present that is too good to be true."
Read about why one Fightin' Texas Aggie is Done with Huckabee.
Listen to the audio from the recent Fellowship of Reformed Churches' "The Character of God in Everyday Life" conference. My address was on "The Holiness of God and His People" and I'd be interested in your feedback.
Read Joshua Harris' thoughts on Affluenza Part 1: The Real Money Problem Part 2: The Deception of Greed
Read some thoughts and historic quotes from Dr. Sam Lamerson On Dealing with Criticism. (HT Ray Fowler)
Read as Jesse Johnson explains that evangelism at his church is a practice not a program. (HT Ray Fowler)
“The man [asked me], ‘What does your church do for evangelism?’ ‘We evangelize,’ I answered … At Grace Church, our philosophy of evangelism hinges on the idea that evangelism is not a program. A church does not transform a community through activities and events … Rather, a church impacts its community through the lives of its members.”
Read about the bio of the man behind the recent church & YWAM murders in Colorado. Matthew Murray (age 24) is not the stereotypical mass murderer, for example, raised in church and homeschooled: "Homeschooled, conservative family, murderous?"
This is likely in bad taste, but I don't mind having fun at a wife beater's expense. Read the article from the NY Post detailing the passing of Ike Turner: Ike "Beats" Tina to Death. (I guess you need a bit of history here ... when Ike & Tina Turner were together back in the day he was a "domestic abuser.")
Read this bit of irony: Gennifer Flowers may vote for Hillary. (But would Hillary vote for Gennifer Flowers?)
"In the 1992 presidential race, the former television reporter [Flowers] claimed to have had a 12-year affair with then-candidate and Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. Clinton initially denied the allegation, but later, during his deposition in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case, acknowledged a single sexual encounter with Flowers."
R.I.P.Dan Fogelberg, a musical artist with whom I had only recently renewed my affection, to the tune of buying one of his CDs late Saturday night, mere hours before he died at 56 after a bout with prostate cancer. Some of my favorite Dan Fogelberg tunes: Longer, Same Old Lang Syne, and Leader of the Band:
Listen to TV theme music and songs from the past & present. (HT Ray Fowler)
Let me tell you somethin, brother ... Read about the resurrection of American Gladiators, a show for those too highbrow to watch "professional" wrestling. The new host, interestingly enough, is Terry Gene Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan).
Read about Questions your Doctor Didn't Used to Ask.
Find out ... How far can you go after the gas light in your car comes on?
Comment of the Week: You might also confidently assert that your line goes back to Noah. We seldom stop to think that we are all descended from Noah as surely as Adam. The line of every single person you read about in Genesis prior to Noah (other than those from whom he descended) was extinguished. (Matthew Bradley)
"If Al Gore invented the Internet, I invented spell check." - Dan Quayle, US Vice President from 1989-1993
Get your rest, TO. We're gonna need you in the playoffs.
