Wednesday, May 6, 2009

You non-contributing zero :)

I've seen this posted a few different places. . . a hilarious clip from the Conan O'Brian show. (the transition at NBC cannot come fast enough).

Great perspective for us ultra-modern ungrateful whiners. (I'm raising my hand)




HT: Mark

Bird Watching

We are unabashed Chris "Birdman' Anderson fans around here. Last night, 8 points, 9 rebounds. . . epic. Remember Chris plays for the league minimum, was out of the league (and playing hoops at the Cherry Creek YMCA in south Denver) for two years, and never played college basketball (junior college was as far as he got).

Keep it up, Bird!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Hebrews

It's been great to read through the bible with our life group this year. Our bible reading plan is cool because it alternates, one book at a time, from the Old to New Testament. As with any Bible reading program, it's easy to get bogged down in Leviticus, and Numbers, and the ceremonial passages of the Torah early on in the year.

Well, if that's you, let me recommend reading Hebrews. Our program took us right from Leviticus into Hebrews and it helps explain so much of the sacrificial system (how Christ fulfills it), the old covenant (how the new one is better) and the Priesthood (Christ is now our High Priest).


It was so helpful to read those books (Leviticus, Hebrews) in that order. I highly recommend it. If you have questions about the O.T. law, if you're discouraged about the meaning of the ceremonial passages, and how it relates to you. . . don't give up. . .those books are rewarding when you go all the way through them. Then, give Hebrews a read.

Aaron

Incarnational ministry

So, a break from all of the trite NBA and A.I thoughts for 2 more serious posts today. . . . . .

It's been easy to pile on Michael Vick, call him a gangster, an idiot, etc. . . . What if someone thought enough of Jesus and our call to ministry to actually engage Mr. Vick and encourage him in the Gospel?

Well, Tony Dungy did just that. . . . .Way to go Tony, way to show your faith as real, way to reach out courageously to someone who is maligned, way to incarnate the Gospel into Michael Vick's life by visiting him in prison. Jesus had something to say about that kind of ministry . . check out Matthew 25:39-40.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Random NBA Playoffs

What an amazing playoffs it's been so far! And, while turning down tickets for two Nuggets home games already. . . I will be there for game 5. (so the Mavs need to win one game at least so we have game 5 :) )

Off to the races, random-style. . . .


--Brian Scalabrine makes me feel like I could still play in the league even though I couldn't start for my high school varsity team. exhibit A. I"m sure he's a nice guy, but seriously, how is he in the league?

--The Celtics pulled out that series, but I'm not sure how much they have left in the tank. Even if they can beat Orlando, (coached by "the master of panic" . . . Shaq is always right), I don't see them hanging around very long with Cleveland.

--Rajon Rondo should've had two flagrant fouls in that series. Unbelievable.

--The NBA has a referee problem. Everyone knows this, but . . . it's really annoying when they swallow their whistle at the ends of games. Those who were present for game 5 Nuggets/Twolves 5 years ago know what I"m talking about. There should be the same rules at the end of the games. I know, I know, let the players decide. But sometimes that turns into "let the players mug the guy with the ball to thus prevent victory for the other team"

--Chris Anderson is ridiculous. I dare anyone to find a player currently as effective as Birdman while playing for the league minimum ( a paltry 774, 000 a year :) ) This is a great story that, hopefully, will be told soon. But Birdman came from a childhood of abuse, went through Junior College, Euroleague, and the Chinese National League before getting to the NBA, got kicked out of the league for Drug Abuse, and now he's back. He's playing ridiculous, Nowitzki wants no part of Birdman, and I'm a huge fan. He seems to be a really down-to-earth guy. (with a faux-hawk and 300 tattoos :) )

--the Lakers look disinterested, if Ron Artest is smart he won't say anything to Kobe, don't tug on Superman's cape. Keep them bored.

--back to the first round. . . How does any NBA team lose to another team by 58 points? I think the Calvary Bible Church staff could keep it within 50 (that's for you, Adrian). Terrible effort by the Hornets.

--Don't believe the hype about Dirk Nowitzki getting fouled. Go ahead and youtube some replays if you want. . .but it's a classic perception problem. He's always off-balance, he's always stumbling, and it's not because he got fouled. We've seen this before (Manu Ginobili). Don't be fooled.

--You might think Kenyon Martin is a thug. His Technical Foul on Dirk N. was epic. He just threw him out of bounds. :) Did Dirk get in a rhythm the rest of the game? Did he hit 6 shots in a row again on Sunday? No. I say good foul. speaking of which. . .

--The fine from the NBA was ridiculous today. 25k and an "upgrade" to a flagrant foul for KMart. Please. The League is way too reactionary and fearful about fights these days. Let me remind you here. Remember, no one was suspended for this. No fines were levied. . . . These were the Golden Days of the NBA!!! Good Clothesline Kevin McHale! Let the boys play. If Ron Artest is involved with any game. . . just post extra security :)

Enjoy these playoffs!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Proof that the Apocalypse is upon us

Wow.



And, yes I will admit to having used a few songs from said band in church gatherings in the late 90's. I humbly ask your forgiveness.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Kathy Ireland Brings It

Continuing the theme of "bringing it", . . Supermodel, Kathy Ireland "brings it" on the abortion issue.

As a side note. . I find it very sad that more pastors and church leaders cannot frame the debate in such an eloquent way. I mean, no offense, but she's a super-model, and she basically disarms every pro-choice position in the last 35 years.

I know the reason for the hesitancy in the church is because this has become such a political issue. We have, and should stay away from that. . . but as Ireland says, this is a Human Rights issue, not a Women's issue. Amen, and what took so long for someone to intelligently speak about it in this way?

Aaron

ps. ignore all the other celebrity trash on this page. . . sorry for that. . . .