This is not a slight against John Eldredge, whose ministry I have benefitted from. But, it does show a problem I have with the "Wild at Heart" philosphy. Thanks Jared, for your clear words:
Jared Wilson:
**John Eldredge says a man is always asking "Do I have what it takes?" The gospel says the answer is no, but Jesus does, and we can have *him***
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Finals Wrap-Up
For those of you who've waited patiently for the last basketball blog of the year. . .here you go. . until November :)
--What a great series. The level of play wasn't the best, the games got ugly at times, but there couldn't have been two more evenly matched teams. These teams were equals. I"m still not sure the Lakers were "the best team", they outlasted the Celtics and were standing at the end.
--Character is why I like the NBA. . I love the sub-plots and the make-up of the teams and players. Game 7 is all about character and you saw it from some unlikely sources, . . namely, Rasheed Wallace and Ron Artest. The "thugs" were the guys with the courage to show up big in the end. Those of the faint of heart, "nice guys" need not apply.
(Ron Artest wins best postgame interview of all time by thanking his Psychiatrist! Loved that. . . .)
--Artest just flat out balled tonight. Paul Pierce and Rondo as well. Guys who weren't scared just going for it.
--A big question has to be. . .where has Rasheed Wallace been in the post for the last year? Or how about the last 10 years? In my mind Rasheed is in the long line of Charles Barkley, Vince Carter, Chris Webber, etc. . . of unrealized potential. That guy is unstoppable in the low post, and yet rarely ever killed teams with that as he showed tonight, . .and a few times in the late 90's with the Blazers. :) I was happy he had this game. . which we'd seen it more in these last few years.
--The officiating has been inconsistent in these Finals, tonight was very consistent: swallow the whistles. That was rugby out there at points tonight. I'm ok with it, but I think they might've called it a smidge tighter, just so it didn't get ugly and bogged down, which it did at points. All that to say, it was an evenly officiated game for the most part.
--Not to nitpick, but two missed calls were Gasol's travel at the end and Kobe's charge (which was called a block). I told Jody's dad that Gasol traveled right away, before the reply, it seemed obvious on t.v. That's basketball though, gotta deal with that.
--I loved the late 3 from DFish. . he and I had some great times together in the early 2000's. It's hard for me to root for this particular Lakers team, but I"ll always root for DFish. . .he's a class act, and has some Horry-esque tendencies in his late game heroics.
--I'll end with this. . . . let's please, please stop the Kobe/MJ comparisons tonight. Never again, ok? Kobe is no MJ. Show me where MJ shot 6-24 in a clinching game? Show me where MJ misses 4th quarter free throws at crucial points in the game?
Kobe works hard on copying the MJ fist pump, the MJ standing on the scorers table showing the number of titles (5), the MJ grimace, the MJ accent, . . . but he doesn't have the MJ game. I'm sorry. There is no other MJ. Kobe almost lost that game for the Lakers tonight. I appreciate the 16 boards from Kobe, I appreciate the athletic ability. But, Kobe hurts his own team too often. Shaq led the team to the first 3 titles of Kobe's career. Kobe ruined the 2004 finals for Shaq and his teammates (don't get me started), and had a sub-par 2008 finals. Kobe got saved by Gasol and Artest tonight.
That might seem harsh, but I don't think Kobe's the greatest. And, the conversations will start tonight after his 5th ring. I don't think Kobe even gets to take the important shots on the '87 Lakers, and I"ll leave it at that.
---------------------------------------
That blog got a little negative, sorry about that. Congrats to the Lakers and Celtics for a great series, and I hope all of these guys appreciate what they were a part of tonight. Great blog by my bro about that. Even in the midst of a silly game, these guys were part of something bigger than themselves tonight, two teams, two cities, defining moments. . .all great stuff.
Out.
EDIT: How could I forget Sasha Vujacic's free throws? Why did Phil J. put in a cold guy? That was crazy at the end. . . but he hit 'em. Give him credit. That was beyond Huge, I"m not sure what the next category is, but that's what those free throws were. I love all the "other guys" who had big moments tonight, Artest, Sasha, Baby, Rasheed, Rondo. . . great 4th quarter.
--What a great series. The level of play wasn't the best, the games got ugly at times, but there couldn't have been two more evenly matched teams. These teams were equals. I"m still not sure the Lakers were "the best team", they outlasted the Celtics and were standing at the end.
--Character is why I like the NBA. . I love the sub-plots and the make-up of the teams and players. Game 7 is all about character and you saw it from some unlikely sources, . . namely, Rasheed Wallace and Ron Artest. The "thugs" were the guys with the courage to show up big in the end. Those of the faint of heart, "nice guys" need not apply.
(Ron Artest wins best postgame interview of all time by thanking his Psychiatrist! Loved that. . . .)
--Artest just flat out balled tonight. Paul Pierce and Rondo as well. Guys who weren't scared just going for it.
--A big question has to be. . .where has Rasheed Wallace been in the post for the last year? Or how about the last 10 years? In my mind Rasheed is in the long line of Charles Barkley, Vince Carter, Chris Webber, etc. . . of unrealized potential. That guy is unstoppable in the low post, and yet rarely ever killed teams with that as he showed tonight, . .and a few times in the late 90's with the Blazers. :) I was happy he had this game. . which we'd seen it more in these last few years.
--The officiating has been inconsistent in these Finals, tonight was very consistent: swallow the whistles. That was rugby out there at points tonight. I'm ok with it, but I think they might've called it a smidge tighter, just so it didn't get ugly and bogged down, which it did at points. All that to say, it was an evenly officiated game for the most part.
--Not to nitpick, but two missed calls were Gasol's travel at the end and Kobe's charge (which was called a block). I told Jody's dad that Gasol traveled right away, before the reply, it seemed obvious on t.v. That's basketball though, gotta deal with that.
--I loved the late 3 from DFish. . he and I had some great times together in the early 2000's. It's hard for me to root for this particular Lakers team, but I"ll always root for DFish. . .he's a class act, and has some Horry-esque tendencies in his late game heroics.
--I'll end with this. . . . let's please, please stop the Kobe/MJ comparisons tonight. Never again, ok? Kobe is no MJ. Show me where MJ shot 6-24 in a clinching game? Show me where MJ misses 4th quarter free throws at crucial points in the game?
Kobe works hard on copying the MJ fist pump, the MJ standing on the scorers table showing the number of titles (5), the MJ grimace, the MJ accent, . . . but he doesn't have the MJ game. I'm sorry. There is no other MJ. Kobe almost lost that game for the Lakers tonight. I appreciate the 16 boards from Kobe, I appreciate the athletic ability. But, Kobe hurts his own team too often. Shaq led the team to the first 3 titles of Kobe's career. Kobe ruined the 2004 finals for Shaq and his teammates (don't get me started), and had a sub-par 2008 finals. Kobe got saved by Gasol and Artest tonight.
That might seem harsh, but I don't think Kobe's the greatest. And, the conversations will start tonight after his 5th ring. I don't think Kobe even gets to take the important shots on the '87 Lakers, and I"ll leave it at that.
---------------------------------------
That blog got a little negative, sorry about that. Congrats to the Lakers and Celtics for a great series, and I hope all of these guys appreciate what they were a part of tonight. Great blog by my bro about that. Even in the midst of a silly game, these guys were part of something bigger than themselves tonight, two teams, two cities, defining moments. . .all great stuff.
Out.
EDIT: How could I forget Sasha Vujacic's free throws? Why did Phil J. put in a cold guy? That was crazy at the end. . . but he hit 'em. Give him credit. That was beyond Huge, I"m not sure what the next category is, but that's what those free throws were. I love all the "other guys" who had big moments tonight, Artest, Sasha, Baby, Rasheed, Rondo. . . great 4th quarter.
Monday, June 14, 2010
I would watch this
I wasn't aware of the Oprah "winner gets their own show" contest. But, I would totally vote for this guy, and I would watch his show. This is hilarious. Also, check out John Mayer's video response to this guy. Awesome. Let's make this happen people. . you know, the people who can make such things happen.
Or we could launch another season of Celebrity Fit Club and the show that Simon Cowell used to be on (it's no longer "American Idol") ugg.
Or we could launch another season of Celebrity Fit Club and the show that Simon Cowell used to be on (it's no longer "American Idol") ugg.
Zach's oprah deal from Zach Anner on Vimeo.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Our Day at Memorial Stadium
My good buddy Andy is high up at NU, so we got to spend some time touring the NU athletic facilities yesterday with the kids. Wow, what a time together. I have photos, stay tuned. I'm not sure if Dad or the kids had more fun :) I"ll let you decide.
It's amazing to be in a huge, empty stadium. You feel really small. Sam and I both were able to catch touchdown passes; we all got to stick our finger in the field turf and pull the rubber tires out; I tried a 47 yard field goal. . .I may or may not have made it; Sam ran a kickoff back for a score, and Malachi was an excellent Center (he has the build don't you think? ) We also got to re-enact one of my favorite NU-CU plays from the last few years. With the Big 12 going away the "rivalry" will be over, but the memories remain. Enjoy the photos!:
Dad's touchdown:
Sam's Touchdown
Sam and Malachi run the play (we've got 4. . .hey we're working on it)
My Field Goal try (not the 47 yarder):
The Third Largest T.V. in the World:
Malachi's Center Stance:
Eden totally not into it:
The precise spot, (yard line, end zone, etc) where Ndamukong Suh stepped on Cody Hawkins' head in 2008. :) Watch the clip, then relive the experience. (except Andy is about 200 pounds lighter than Suh, and I'm about 200 pounds heavier than Cody Hawkins):
Next year's Christmas Card: (if you have zoom on your browzer, check out Malachi's face in this one. . .classic)
Thanks a million Andy! I won't forget this afternoon,. . . . great times.
It's amazing to be in a huge, empty stadium. You feel really small. Sam and I both were able to catch touchdown passes; we all got to stick our finger in the field turf and pull the rubber tires out; I tried a 47 yard field goal. . .I may or may not have made it; Sam ran a kickoff back for a score, and Malachi was an excellent Center (he has the build don't you think? ) We also got to re-enact one of my favorite NU-CU plays from the last few years. With the Big 12 going away the "rivalry" will be over, but the memories remain. Enjoy the photos!:
Dad's touchdown:
Sam's Touchdown
Sam and Malachi run the play (we've got 4. . .hey we're working on it)
My Field Goal try (not the 47 yarder):
The Third Largest T.V. in the World:
Malachi's Center Stance:
Eden totally not into it:
The precise spot, (yard line, end zone, etc) where Ndamukong Suh stepped on Cody Hawkins' head in 2008. :) Watch the clip, then relive the experience. (except Andy is about 200 pounds lighter than Suh, and I'm about 200 pounds heavier than Cody Hawkins):
Next year's Christmas Card: (if you have zoom on your browzer, check out Malachi's face in this one. . .classic)
Thanks a million Andy! I won't forget this afternoon,. . . . great times.
Conference Shuffle
So, it looks like Nebraska is in the Big 10, whilst CU and the Big 12 south went to the PAC-10. Stop it with the math. . .these conference names are logos, not the number of teams present (sorry Jody).
There is no villain in this story, except money. Nebraska is being painted as the money-grubbing villain that blew up the Big 12, but that's not true. If the Big 10 calls, you listen. It would be a dumb move to reject that invitation. It would be like if you were offered a job promotion that wasn't more hours, or more stress. . .just more money, prestige, and respect in the academic world. Would you take it? Thought so. Enough with the NU bashing. . . if anything, Texas' hold on all conference decisions and their cowboyish (George W. anyone?) way of going about pretty mundane decisions was a turn off. Good riddance, Texas, and I can't wait until Oct. 16th in Lincoln, bring it.
(an interesting side story here is the next 2 seasons of football. There will be some heated, caustic, rivalry games, and I'm excited about it. These will be grudge matches to the Nth degree. )
So, the Big 12 wasn't strong enough to hold together. But, that's ok. KU, Kstate, Baylor, etc, will find a good conference to be a part of. The good side effect of the huge super conferences (PAC 16, etc) is that we're one step closer to a playoff that doesn't involve the BCS. If enough schools can get in these super conferences, than those games will be de-facto playoff games leading to more meaningful bowl games. Eventually the NCAA won't be able to block a playoff because one will be happening under their noses. I'm happy about that.
There is no villain in this story, except money. Nebraska is being painted as the money-grubbing villain that blew up the Big 12, but that's not true. If the Big 10 calls, you listen. It would be a dumb move to reject that invitation. It would be like if you were offered a job promotion that wasn't more hours, or more stress. . .just more money, prestige, and respect in the academic world. Would you take it? Thought so. Enough with the NU bashing. . . if anything, Texas' hold on all conference decisions and their cowboyish (George W. anyone?) way of going about pretty mundane decisions was a turn off. Good riddance, Texas, and I can't wait until Oct. 16th in Lincoln, bring it.
(an interesting side story here is the next 2 seasons of football. There will be some heated, caustic, rivalry games, and I'm excited about it. These will be grudge matches to the Nth degree. )
So, the Big 12 wasn't strong enough to hold together. But, that's ok. KU, Kstate, Baylor, etc, will find a good conference to be a part of. The good side effect of the huge super conferences (PAC 16, etc) is that we're one step closer to a playoff that doesn't involve the BCS. If enough schools can get in these super conferences, than those games will be de-facto playoff games leading to more meaningful bowl games. Eventually the NCAA won't be able to block a playoff because one will be happening under their noses. I'm happy about that.
Randomizer
--It's been too long, apologies, you 4 readers you.
--Sabbatical is going well, I've visited Watermark Church of Denver, Core Community Church in Omaha, and The Journey church in St. Louis. All were very rich times of worship together, and I learned alot from each one. (might get into "lessons" later, but not in this post)
--It's been great re-connecting with Jody. For whatever reason, a change of scenery and change of time brings out the best conversations in us. It makes me feel a little stupid that we don't talk like this all the time at home. There is no "we didn't have time" excuse. . . sure, things are easier on vacation, but I need to be more intentional. It's been great, she's my best friend.
--It's been fun riding bikes with the kids. We're staying at my mom's house in Gretna, NE (my home town) for a few weeks. So, we've been taking bike rides daily to all of my old stomping grounds, schools, parks, etc. . . . . Good times. I don't like it how everything is spread out so much in Colorado. I'm not a competitive biker (see Britton, Jody) so I just like little rides around town. Mission accomplished.
--Times, places, and people change. But, it's always a neat moment for me when a location, smell, sound, or something takes you immediately back to a previous memory. Those things happen alot these days. There's hardly a street in Omaha or Gretna that I don't have a memory of. . . went in the old High School the other day (it's a middle school now) and I went in the gym. Every concert, basketball game, school play, and my graduation were in that room. It was cool. I used to bemoan the changes every time I would come home (I'm getting older), but now it's fun. . . like "folks will never know what went happened there one day a long time ago". :)
--I spent yesterday in Lincoln with lifelong friend, Andy Washburn. So, some Big 12 (RIP) and Big Red talk is in order, . . . if you don't like such talks, skip the next two posts. :)
--Sabbatical is going well, I've visited Watermark Church of Denver, Core Community Church in Omaha, and The Journey church in St. Louis. All were very rich times of worship together, and I learned alot from each one. (might get into "lessons" later, but not in this post)
--It's been great re-connecting with Jody. For whatever reason, a change of scenery and change of time brings out the best conversations in us. It makes me feel a little stupid that we don't talk like this all the time at home. There is no "we didn't have time" excuse. . . sure, things are easier on vacation, but I need to be more intentional. It's been great, she's my best friend.
--It's been fun riding bikes with the kids. We're staying at my mom's house in Gretna, NE (my home town) for a few weeks. So, we've been taking bike rides daily to all of my old stomping grounds, schools, parks, etc. . . . . Good times. I don't like it how everything is spread out so much in Colorado. I'm not a competitive biker (see Britton, Jody) so I just like little rides around town. Mission accomplished.
--Times, places, and people change. But, it's always a neat moment for me when a location, smell, sound, or something takes you immediately back to a previous memory. Those things happen alot these days. There's hardly a street in Omaha or Gretna that I don't have a memory of. . . went in the old High School the other day (it's a middle school now) and I went in the gym. Every concert, basketball game, school play, and my graduation were in that room. It was cool. I used to bemoan the changes every time I would come home (I'm getting older), but now it's fun. . . like "folks will never know what went happened there one day a long time ago". :)
--I spent yesterday in Lincoln with lifelong friend, Andy Washburn. So, some Big 12 (RIP) and Big Red talk is in order, . . . if you don't like such talks, skip the next two posts. :)
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