Football Friday: Round 2

Posted on January 11, 2008 by Jason

After going 4-0 last week, I’m probably doomed for an 0-for this weekend. But just for the record, here’s the leader board after Round 1:

Sunny: 2-2
Jason: 4-0

Here are our picks for this week, starting with the AFC:

Jaguars vs. Patriots. The Jags looked good last week against Pittsburgh, at least when they rolled to an early lead in the first half. But it’ll take four flawless quarters to outduel Brady & Belichick in Foxboro. Going 16-0 in the regular season is nice, but this is where it counts. I expect New England to come out gunning. Jacksonville’s only chance is to play ball control and get Taylor and Jones-Drew running downhill. But I don’t expect it to happen. And neither does Sunny.
Sunny’s pick: New England
Jason’s pick: New England

Chargers vs. Colts. This should be the best game of the weekend, in my opinion. I know Peyton looked like the second coming of Ryan Leaf the last time these two teams hooked up. But I think this Indy squad is better than last year’s Super-Bowl-winning unit. Look for the Colts to put 8 in the box to stuff the run, forcing Philip Rivers to beat them with his arm. With his favorite target, Antonio Gates, banged up with a bad toe, look for Rivers to force some throws, which is exactly what Indy wants. Indy by a field goal.
Sunny’s pick: Indianapolis
Jason’s pick: Indianapolis

And now, the NFC:

Seahawks vs. Packers. I know Green Bay went 13-3. I know Favre had statistically his best season in a decade. But I’m unimpressed. Look, both teams are statistically equivalent with regard the two most important factors when it comes to postseason success: running the ball and playing defense. I know it’s tough for to go to Lambeau and win. But I see no reason why Seattle can’t do just that. Lest we forget, this team was in the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. Sure, Shaun Alexander isn’t an elite back anymore, but he and Maurice Morris form a capable committee. Look for Patrick Kearney and Julian Peterson to apply plenty of pressure to Mr. Favre. I know you don’t want your boy to go out this way, Jake. But it’s gonna happen.
Sunny’s pick: Green Bay
Jason’s pick: Seattle

Giants vs. Cowboys. Is there actually a football game to be played here? With all the Tony & Jessica to Mexico talk, I kinda forgot. I’m sure this isn’t the distraction Wade Phillips needed as he prepares his team for this matchup. This one has all the makings of an upset. There’s the fact that the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in 11 years. There’s Phillips’ less than inspiring playoff record (0-3). There’s T.O.’s injury. There’s the difficulty in beating a team 3 times in one season. And, oh yeah, then there’s Tony Romo. That said, I can’t say with any confidence which New York team will show up. I think the Cowboys will prevail, but I think this one will be pretty close. Sunny agrees.
Sunny’s pick: Dallas
Jason’s pick: Dallas

After going oppo on a couple of picks last week, Sunny and I are playing it pretty straight this week, with the only upset my Seattle pick. I love the NFL.

Posted in Football, Sunny | 5 Comments

Music Suggestions?

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Jason

So I have about $40 in iTunes cards that is just burning a hole in my pocket. I’d like to sample some new music and I thought I’d ask for some suggestions. I just stumbled across The Gabe Dixon Band; I really like their sound. Anything you’re listening to that I should give a spin?

Posted in Music | 10 Comments

I’d Better Get Used To It

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Jason

I think the Resolution is making me a better person. I really do. But so far, the external proof might be a little hard to come by. In fact, you could argue that based on yesterday, I’m taking a step back.

Yesterday, a guy flipped me off and cussed me out on the way home from work. Two hours later, a member of our church told me I was going to hell and that I was taking all of Mayfair with me.

A little disheartening, to say the least.

Obviously, there are explanations I could give. The guy on the way home was just an angry young man who was looking for an argument when I changed lanes at the same time he did. The lady at church has some bi-polar issues and she refuses to take her medicine. But all of that doesn’t change the fact that my attempts to embody the love of Christ aren’t always going to be met with positive reinforcement. I guess I’d better get used to it.

I am convinced more and more about this “no fear in love” thing. The more I reflect on that truth, the more I’m willing to open myself up to relationship. I find myself thinking about that phrase at various times during the day. Even in the midst of these explosive situations, there’s a gentle voice in my soul that says, “There is no fear in love.” I guess I’d better get used to that, too.

Posted in Church, Love of Christ, No Fear | Leave a comment

No Fear In Love, Part 2

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Jason

I made this post on my other blog. Wanted to post it here, too. I have much to say, but with grad classes starting up again this week, I haven’t had the time to blog here like I want to. Maybe this weekend.

So, this New Year’s Resolution thing. 10 days in and I’m beginning to realize how incredibly difficult it is to be controlled by the love of Christ. On the one hand, I’ve become more intentional about things, like choosing to be more patient with the kids or not getting upset when somebody cuts me off or refuses to let me over. So that’s good. But there’s another sense in which a more consistent awareness of the love of Christ only exacerbates my unloving deficiencies.

Case in point: In my devotional time, I’ve really been drawn to the passages of Scripture that describe the love of God. As a result, I’ve been spending a lot of time in 1 John 4 lately. Last week I came upon a passage that I instantly fell in love with, mostly because I’ve never paid attention to the last line. 1 John 4:16-18 reads:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I wish I had the words to tell you how important this passage has become to me in such a short amount of time. At various times this week, when I would feel the urge not to love, I would begin reciting this little phrase to myself, as if it were my own little mantra.To live in love is to live in that place where fear has been expelled. I cannot be motivated by fear and motivated by love. For there is no fear in love.

But like I said, this kind of awareness only underscores my deficiencies. Because I am fearful.

Fear keeps me from being transparent in my relationships.
Fear allows me to keep people at arm’s length so they don’t ever get to know the real me.
Fear gives me the permission to retaliate when I’m hurting.

But look at how all of that changes when love drives out fear:

Love lets me be authentic in my relationships.
Love breaks down my barriers and bids me to share myself with others.
Love calls me to seek reconciliation when I’m hurting.

I promise I’m not going to bore all of you with all the little details of how I’m attempting to live out this resolution. (That would be simultaneously egotistical and embarrassing.) But I can also promise you that this won’t be the last time you’ll hear me say this in 2008:

There is no fear in love.

Posted in 1 John 4, Love of Christ, No Fear | Leave a comment

No Fear in Love

Posted on January 10, 2008 by Jason

So, this New Year’s Resolution thing. 10 days in and I’m beginning to realize how incredibly difficult it is to be controlled by the love of Christ. On the one hand, I’ve become more intentional about things, like choosing to be more patient with the kids or not getting upset when somebody cuts me off or refuses to let me over. So that’s good. But there’s another sense in which a more consistent awareness of the love of Christ only exacerbates my unloving deficiencies.

Case in point: In my devotional time, I’ve really been drawn to the passages of Scripture that describe the love of God. As a result, I’ve been spending a lot of time in 1 John 4 lately. Last week I came upon a passage that I instantly fell in love with, mostly because I’ve never paid attention to the last line. 1 John 4:16-18 reads:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I wish I had the words to tell you how important this passage has become to me in such a short amount of time. At various times this week, when I would feel the urge not to love, I would begin reciting this little phrase to myself, as if it were my own little mantra.To live in love is to live in that place where fear has been expelled. I cannot be motivated by fear and motivated by love. For there is no fear in love.

But like I said, this kind of awareness only underscores my deficiencies. Because I am fearful.

Fear keeps me from being transparent in my relationships.
Fear allows me to keep people at arm’s length so they don’t ever get to know the real me.
Fear gives me the permission to retaliate when I’m hurting.

But look at how all of that changes when love drives out fear:

Love lets me be authentic in my relationships.
Love breaks down my barriers and bids me to share myself with others.
Love calls me to seek reconciliation when I’m hurting.

I promise I’m not going to bore all of you with all the little details of how I’m attempting to live out this resolution. (That would be simultaneously egotistical and embarrassing.) But I can also promise you that this won’t be the last time you’ll hear me say this in 2008:

There is no fear in love.

Posted in Devotional, Jesus, Scripture, The Resolution | Leave a comment

Sports Tidbits

Posted on January 8, 2008 by Jason

Pretty busy tonight, so I don’t have time for a full-fledged post. Instead, just some quick thoughts from the world of sports.

  • I’m not a big fan of the BCS Championship Game being played this late. A week after New Year’s Day? Come on. For that matter, I’m not a big fan of the BCS Championship Game. Wouldn’t it have been great to see the winner of LSU-Ohio State play the winner of USC-Georgia? Oh well. In the meantime, can we arrange it so the Buckeyes get destroyed by the SEC Champ in perpetuity?
  • I’m already tired of the Roger Clemens talk. Thankfully, my New Year’s Resolution to only speak that which is compelled by the love of Christ refrains me from weighing in here. I will say this: it’s gonna get worse before it gets better for the Rocket.
  • Congrats, Goose. Jayson Stark says you’re the most dominant reliever of all-time. At the very least, you’re in the conversation. And now, deservingly, you’re in the Hall. Is there any chance Jim Rice gets elected next year, in his 15th and final year on the ballot? Here’s hoping the class of ’09 is comprised of Rice and the two best leadoff hitters of the past 30 years, Tim Raines and Rickey Henderson.
  • I’m like the Carnac the Magnificent of NFL picks this year. I was 4-0 last week, which gives me a 2 game edge over Sunny going into this week’s slate of games. I’ll go ahead and share my upset special here: Seahawks over the Packers (sorry Jake). You heard it here first.
  • Is the hockey strike over yet?
  • For you diehard Redbird fans out there, check out View from the Cheap Seats. Be sure to check out this note about the full-page ad Jim Edmonds took out in a St. Louis sports magazine thanking the fans for their support. We’ll miss you, too, Jimmy.
Posted in Baseball, Football, Sports, St. Louis Cardinals | 7 Comments

Be Found In Him

Posted on January 7, 2008 by Jason

Today I give you a devotional writing from the pen of my good friend Cindi. As you can tell, she’s quite a deep thinker and a great writer. Enjoy these thoughts from a fellow sojourner along the Way.

Luke 15

Have you ever lost an item around the house and spent a lot of time searching for it? I am notorious for losing my car keys at least three times a week. What’s really embarrassing to admit is they are usually right in front of me or at least located in a very obvious place. Yesterday morning I was almost late to church because I couldn’t find my car keys. I immediately went into a panic searching all over my apartment for them because I hate being late to church. Besides, at Mayfair if you’re not there at least ten minutes before worship starts, you don’t get YOUR parking place or YOUR seat. Thankfully, my keys appeared before my eyes…on the dining room table right where I tossed them when I got in from work Saturday night.

Saturday morning I met Mom and Dad for breakfast at Gibson’s (best biscuits in town, other than my Mom’s) and I arrived early to get us a table. Mom came in as Dad parked the car. A few minutes later Dad walked through the entrance and looked over the restaurant to see where we were sitting. He had the funniest look on his face as his eyes scanned all over the room and finally Mom waved her hand and we were right under his nose.

Sometimes we make things so difficult but in reality, they’re not that difficult. We search for fulfillment in our lives and we search for happiness and we search for peace and we extend that search for many years. The pain and the cost of our search is more extensive than words can describe. We expect that search to be so extensive and involved when actually, it’s right under our nose. Some of us have worn ourselves out searching for whatever it is that will fill the emptiness in our lives. How ridiculous would it have been for me to continue to search for my keys after I found them? I mean, that’s down right stupid.

Yet, some of us are so consumed with the search itself and consumed with the desire of finding something better that we keep digging and we keep grasping and we keep reaching for more, when all we need is right there in our hands. Why? Why do we put ourselves through that?

Years ago I had a friend tell me that the reason she drank so much alcohol in college was because she was so empty inside. I asked her if the alcohol ever filled the void and of course, the answer was no. Satan has deceived a countless number of people and made them believe that those pills will eventually make them feel good all the time. Maybe it’s a relationship that they have no business being in but yet they’ve bought the lie and are convinced true happiness and true fulfillment is found in that person. Then there’s the person who says, “Just a little more money…yeah, everything would be perfect if I had more money.” When does it ever become enough?

Eventually this search wears you down and you become emotionally, physically and yes, spiritually exhausted. People who are young look much older than their true age because the search has worn them down.

Jesus said, “Come to me and I’ll give you REST.” Matthew 11:28-30. The fulfillment, completeness and yes, the peace that we all so desparately want is found in Christ. Not in a bottle; not in a needle; not in a pill; not even in a person.

Some of us have sat on a church pew since we were riding a stick horse but yet we keep searching for what’s right there in our hands. Jesus did the searching for us. Let yourself be found in Him.

Cindi A. Bradley

Posted in Devotional, Jesus, Scripture | 3 Comments

Football Friday: The NFL Playoffs

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Jason

Every year Sunny and I make picks when the NFL playoffs start. For all my football-following, she waxes me every year. But this year is different. I’m fresh off a championship in the first ever Already & Not Yet Yahoo Pro Football Pick ‘Em Challenge and I’m feeling cocky. Bring it on, blondie. I’ma win this thing this year.

So here we go with our Playoff Picks. This little Friday feature is sure to keep you riveted for the month of January. We’ll start with the NFC:

Redskins vs. Seahawks. The ‘Skins are the improbable story of this year’s playoffs. They had to win 4 in a row just to get here, with a backup QB (Todd Collins) playing out of his mind. The emotional factor is sure to be high as Washington will be playing for fallen teammate Sean Taylor. Although Sunny’s drinking the ‘Skins Kool-Aid, I’m not buying it. Seattle’s running game isn’t dominant, but I can’t see them losing at home to a lesser Washington team.
Sunny’s pick: Washington
Jason’s pick: Seattle

Giants vs. Bucs. I think this will be a close game. It’s a testimony to the overall weakness of the NFC that the Bucs won their division. I guess somebody had to. I think this one could go either way, but Sunny and I are both picking the visiting team.
Sunny’s pick: New York
Jason’s pick: New York

And now for the AFC:

Jaguars vs. Steelers. This is the premiere game of Round 1 in my opinion. Either of these teams could play in the AFC Championship Game. But I think Pittsburgh will sorely miss Willie Parker. Once again, Sunny and I seem to agree that the road team will pull the upset.
Sunny’s pick: Jacksonville
Jason’s pick: Jacksonville

Titans vs. Chargers. As much as I’d like to see it happen, I’m not sure the Titans can pull the upset here. But Sunny’s a believer. Admittedly, she’s biased. And I wouldn’t mind if I’m wrong on this one. But it’s nice to have another game where we disagree.
Sunny’s pick: Tennessee
Jason’s pick: San Diego

For the record, that’s three road team upsets in Round 1 for Sunny. I’m picking two, so we’ll see if our upsets hold true. We’ll be back next Friday to prognosticate Round 2.

Posted in Football, Sunny | 5 Comments

The One You Love the Least

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Jason

I read a Dorothy Day quote in Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace? that has always stuck with me. She said, “You really only love God as much as you love the person you love the least.” I hope that isn’t true.

Posted in Love God, Love Others, Quotes | Leave a comment

No Fear In Love

Posted on January 4, 2008 by Jason

I came across a few passages from 1 John today that give me even more motivation to love.

  • 1 John 2:9 – Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.
  • 1 John 3:14 – We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
  • 1 John 4:7-8 – Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

It seems that there’s always this social dimension to God’s love. To love God and to be loved by God means to love others. And, I suppose, to be loved by others. I think I have a problem with both of those, but the second one is probably more difficult. Sure, there are people in my life that are awfully tough to love. But I usually find it easier to love them than to allow them to love me. What I mean by that is I have a hard time letting people get close enough to me that they can love me. I like to keep people at arm’s length. So there’s this dissonance that I experience that comes out of fear.

And then I come across a verse like this one that totally wrecks me:

1 John 4:16, 18 – God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. There is no fear in love.

This runs counter to every one of my instincts. I guess I have too much of my father in me. Alton Bybee made sure that his son would never be a gullible one. One of the fundamental lessons I learned from my Dad was to never trust anyone. Always be skeptical. People are out to get you. If you don’t look out for yourself, nobody will. I have to say, these lessons have served me well these 31 years, especially in light of my father’s early death.

But there it is, staring at me on the pages of Holy Scripture: There is no fear in love. I love what Peterson does with this verse:

There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

If I’m serious about the love of Christ becoming my primary motivation for everything, then I’m going to have to abandon this fear stuff. I don’t suppose I fear death or judgment quite like I should, but I fear betrayal. I fear being taken advantage of. I fear vulnerability. But I think that love requires putting yourself out there. It takes great courage to do something truly courageous. And love is the most courageous way of all.

So I need to work on this no fear thing. I may have to seek some outside help on this one.

Posted in Dad, Love of Christ, No Fear, Scripture | Leave a comment