What a Game!

Posted on January 22, 2007 by Jason

If there was ever any doubt that football makes for great drama, tonight’s Colts / Patriots game should effectively end the debate. Two fierce rivals. Five lead changes. One monumental comeback. What a game…

Peyton Manning finally exorcised his big-game demons in fitting fashion by mounting a historic comeback against his nemesis, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Trailing by 18, the Colts clawed their way back to a 38-34 victory, claiming the AFC Championship and a berth in next month’s Super Bowl. The showdown with the Bears in Miami represents the opportunity for Manning to shed his reputation as the best player in the league without a ring. He has no desire to be Dan Marino, at least not in that regard. As big as tonight’s game was, Manning knows his legacy will be written in two weeks.

Super Bowl XLI will be historic for more important reasons. Never before has an African-American coached a team to the Super Bowl. Now both Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith will share that honor. Said Coach Dungy, “It means a lot. I’m very proud to be representing African-Americans. I’m very proud of Lovie.”

But I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time to talk about that over the next two weeks. Tonight I’ll savor the sweetness of the classic I just witnessed. Like I said, what a game!

_______________

So, we’re watching the Colts / Pats game with the kids. Reche Caldwell, a New England wide receiver, drops a pass in the end zone. Hit him right in the hands. Caldwell — whose teammates have affectionately nicknamed him “Headlights” for the gargantuan size of his eyeballs — walks back to the huddle with his eyes wide open in amazement that he just cost his team six points. I’ve honestly never seen more white in someone’s eyes. It’s like his eyeballs were trying to escape from his face or something.

Anyway, Sunny notices his look and exclaims, “Whoa! Look at his eyes!”

From that point forward, everytime Caldwell’s face appeared on the screen, Joshua looked at us and said, “Mommy, Daddy, look at his eyes! Look at his eyes!”

Man, these kids are like sponges…

Posted in Football, Humor, Kids | 10 Comments

The Centrality of the Cross

Posted on January 19, 2007 by Jason

The more I follow Jesus, the more I’m convinced that life is all about the cross. It’s central for Paul. In his polemic against the Judaizing circumcision group in Galatians, Paul’s argument centers around the cross. He writes, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. (Gal. 3:1)” I’ve written before about the Call of the Cross. But the more I follow Him, that call becomes clearer. Jesus and the cross have to be normative for my life.

Tertullian, an early church leader and Christian apologist, wrote of the centrality of the cross:

At every forward step and movement,
at every going in and out,
when we put on our clothes and shoes,
when we bathe,
when we sit at table,
when we light the lamps,
on couch, on seat,
in all the ordinary actions of life,
we trace upon the forehead the sign [of the Cross].

John Stott writes:

There is then, it is safe to say, no Christianity without the cross. If the cross is not central to our religion, ours is not the religion of Jesus.

What do we learn from the Cross?

  • The only way to life is through death.
  • In the face of violence, Jesus turned the other cheek.
  • Though he was beaten and bruised, he prayed for forgiveness.
  • The punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
  • Our God has gone to unfathomable lengths to reconcile us back to Himself.
  • The cross isn’t reserved for Jesus. I must take up mine and follow Him.
  • Love is greater than.
  • Love is eternal.
  • Love wins.

Jesus, teach me to take up my cross. May this be my heart’s true desire: to follow You, even unto death, my Lord.

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Jesus | 3 Comments

Why My Wife is Great — Reason #483

Posted on January 18, 2007 by Jason

Sorry I haven’t posted much this week. Haven’t really had the time. Full-time ministry plus 6 hours of grad class have occupied most of my time this week. I’ve actually had a couple things on my mind that I wanted to write about this week, but I’ll have to save them for later.

But it occurred to me the other night how awesome my wife is. We’re watching TV, I flip over to SportsCenter to catch up on some highlights. Sunny’s back is to the TV. But she hears the sportscaster’s voice and goes, “Hey, isn’t that Scott Van Pelt?” She was right. It was at that moment that I realized, “I have an awesome wife.”

Posted in Random, Sunny | 4 Comments

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on January 15, 2007 by Jason

Today I want to honor the life and legacy of a great American: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I’ll always admire Dr. King for being a voice of influence in the civil rights movement in our country. His message of non-violent activism (“We have only our bodies,”) brought to light the brutal racism many African-Americans were enduring in those days. “I have to do this – to expose myself – to bring this hate into the open.” These words were uttered by Dr. King after he’d been knocked to the ground by a rock that hit him in the right temple. We’ve come a long way in the fight for racial equality in this country. We still have a long way to go but I’m thankful for courageous souls such as Dr. King. He was far from a perfect man, but he leaves behind a legacy of equality and non-violence. Our nation is a better place because of this great man.

In Philip Yancey’s Soul Survivor, he quotes from King’s last speech the night before his assassination:

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land.
I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.
So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

_______________


As a postscript, I commend to you Scott Freeman’s stirring tribute to Dr. King.

Posted in Social Issues | 5 Comments

Football Friday & Jack’s Back

Posted on January 12, 2007 by Jason

After going 3-1 in last week’s Wild Card games, I’m ready to make my picks for this week’s matchups. Let me just say that I’d take any of the AFC teams over any of the NFC teams. That said, each game this weekend should be a good one.

AFC
Patriots at Chargers – I have a tough time with this one. I know the Chargers were an NFL best 14-2. I know LT was the most dominant force in the league this season. I know Shawn Merriman will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after Miami’s Jason Taylor was named Defensive Player of the year. I know all of that. But I still wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats pull the upset here. It’s tough to ever pick against Billichik and Brady. Despite Philip Rivers’ lack of playoff experience, despite Marty’s litany of playoff missteps, I’ll go with the rest of the crowd and take the Chargers. But it’ll be a close one: Chargers, 27-23.

Colts at Ravens – I like the Ravens in this one. I picked the Colts to hold serve against a tough Chiefs team last week, but not this time. I’ve said it before, but I like the Ravens in the Super Bowl. McNair’s a gamer, the D is tough and I can’t see the Colts run defense playing like it did last week. I’ll take the Ravens in their building, 19-14.

NFC
Eagles at Saints – The Eagles are the hottest team in the NFC these days. I undersold their solid run game when I picked the Giants last week (although NY gave a valiant, albeit failing, effort.) But the Saints are my NFC Super Bowl pick. I love what Brees, Bush & Co. have done to reinvigorate the city of New Orleans. (See here.) I might be playing with my heart here, but here goes: Saints, 30-24.

Seahawks at Bears – I deliberate here as well because nobody knows which Chicago will show up. For the first 6 weeks of the season, the Bears mauled their competition so thoroughly, it was whispered that they might rival the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. That prediction looks almost laughable now. They’re banged up on D and Rex Grossman continues this maddening Jekyll & Hyde routine. I’d like to pick the upset here but the Seahawks depleted secondary makes that problematic. In the end, the Bears ability to run the ball against the ‘Birds should make the difference. Bears, 13-10.
_______________

On a separate note, Jack Bauer returns this weekend to grace our homes with gratuitous violence, counter-terrorism hijinks and nick-of-time heroics. I vowed last year would be my last after the ridiculous plot line became just too much. I’ve been ripped for being critical of this “great” show that’s clearly jumped the shark. You want greatness? Check out Season 4. The series should’ve ended with a covertly-alive Jack walking off into the sunset to live out his days in anonymity in Mexico. Alas, the execs at Fox continue to milk the cash cow for all she’s worth. Let me save you people the trouble of watching this season: a seedy, idealistic terrorist group will apprehend some toxic chemical / nuclear weapon and with the assistance of a mole inside CTU (is this the most mole-infested organization on the planet or what?) will threaten to anihilate Los Angeles. At the 55 minute mark in each episode, we’ll be left to wonder, “Will Jack be able to save the day?” until dramatically, at the 11th hour, he swoops in and lives to save another day. This is “exhilirating” television. I’ll tell you what would be exhilirating: kill off Bauer. The show’s lost all plausibility because we know no matter how bleak the situation, Jack will wiggle, wrestle or steel-jaw his way out of peril. If the producers want to lure back long time viewers (like me), they should kill off Jack without warning. That’d be unpredictable. Maybe then I’d watch again.

Posted in Football, Television | 17 Comments

What I’m Learning This Week

Posted on January 11, 2007 by Jason

This week, I’m learning patience. I’m learning to wait on the Lord. I want Him to act, to reveal Himself, but it has to happen according to His time. I’m learning how impatient I am.

I’m learning that He’s good and His love endures forever. His unending goodness will be the anthem of glory for all eternity. I’m learning to taste and see.

I’m learning that He’s God and I’m not. His ways are not my ways. I’m learning to acknowledge His sovereignty.

I’m learning how to become the person He wants me to be. Even though I go kicking and screaming sometimes. I’m learning to embrace His image in me.

I’m learning to hold His hand. Even when He leads me where I don’t want to go, I will hold on. I’m learning faith.

I’m learning He’s my Father. Even when I’m scared. He’s there.

That’s what I’m learning this week.

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship | 3 Comments

Hall Travesty

Posted on January 9, 2007 by Jason

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced its inducting class of 2007 today. I gotta admit, I’m a little ticked. And it’s not because Mark McGwire only garnered 23.5% of the vote. (Although if these ridiculous voters are going to take the moral high ground on Big Mac, then they’d better not vote for Bonds. Or Sosa. Or Palmeiro. Or Sheffield. Or Piazza. Or Clemens. Or Bagwell. Or Pudge. Or any of the dozens of superstars whose names are associated with performance enhancing drugs. But that’s another blog altogether.)

What upsets me is that some of the Baseball Writers of America didn’t vote for Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn. 6 of these buffoons left Ripken off their ballot; 11 did the same with Gwynn. Not only are Ripken & Gwynn Hall of Fame talents; they’re world class people. Leaving them off your ballot is a gross misuse of the voting privilege, a travesty.

Paul Ladewski, a columnist for the Daily Southtown in Chicago, says he left his ballot blank because he can’t vote for anyone who played in the “Steroid Era”. What? You’re telling me that when Greg Maddux hangs ’em up, you’re not voting for him? Gimme a break. The guy looks like an accountant. We’ll see, Ladewski.

I’m a baseball purist, but these guys are over the top. There’s a stream of thought among some HOF voters that says no player ever deserves unanimous induction. “If Babe Ruth didn’t get 100%, then neither should Ripken.” These doofwads function as the self-appointed conscience of Cooperstown. Well, way to go, boys. Just when you think baseball can’t embarrass itself any more…

Here’s my question: What’s your criteria for HOF voting? What kind of messed up, bizzaro-world are you living in when a lifetime .338 hitter is NOT a first ballot Hall of Famer? 3,141 hits; 8 batting titles; 15 All-Star appearances….nah, come back next year Tony. You don’t really meet my standards.

Or how about Ripken? Rookie of the Year; 2-time MVP; 19 All-Star appearances. And oh yeah…he showed up to work everyday for 16 years. His consecutive games played streak single-handedly saved baseball in the aftermath of the ’94 strike. But I see your point, Paul.

How is it that a dope like this guy gets a HOF vote? You don’t want your vote, Paul? Send it to me. (I write about baseball on occasion, you know!) Send it to somebody who cares. Send it to somebody who values Gwynn’s scientific approach to the art of hitting. Send it to somebody who values the perseverance of Ripken’s streak. Send it to somebody who understands that being a great player takes a back seat to being a great human being.

Cal, Tony, you deserved better. You’re both first ballot in my book.

Posted in Baseball | 19 Comments

Go Gators!

Posted on January 9, 2007 by Jason

I can’t believe I actually said that. But, hey, I’m living in the moment.

(Disclaimer: If you’re not an SEC fan, then this blog probably isn’t for you. Just hit the back button and check in tomorrow. You’ve been warned.)

All you SEC-haters, where are you now? Everybody and their dog picked Ohio State to wallop Florida. The Gators were pretty much given a snowball’s chance of beating the vaunted, #1-ranked Buckeyes. On paper, it was no contest.

But nobody’s ever won a championship on paper.

These 7 and 1/2 point underdogs rose to the occasion. Final score: 41-14. A total shellacking. A demolition. A massacre. Game over at halftime. I don’t care that Ohio State hadn’t played in 50 days. I don’t care that Ted Ginn was banged up. These boys got their tails handed to them, suffering their worst loss in 13 years. And it was awesome!

Heisman? Hardly. Troy Smith, the much lauded Buckeye QB, looked like a lost puppy dog out there last night, going 4 for 14 for 35 yards. This is the best player in college football? Looks like he’d be 3rd string at Florida.

My good buddy Lane notes in his blog that OSU apologist Lee Corso actually argues that Ohio State was still tired from playing Michigan. What? Are you serious!?! That was a month and a half ago! Yeah, I’m sure they didn’t have any rest at all in the past 7 weeks. Please…

Florida simply outplayed OSU. Up front. Defensively. Offensively. In every facet of the game. Go Gators, baby.

Will there ever be any doubt that the SEC is the best conference in college football?

Posted in Football | 4 Comments

I Wonder

Posted on January 8, 2007 by Jason
I Wonder
by Ruth Harms Calkin

You know, Lord, how I serve You
With great emotional fervor
In the limelight
You know how eagerly I speak for You
At the women’s club.
You know how I effervesce when I promote a fellowship group.
You know my genuine enthusiasm at a Bible Study
But how would I react, I wonder
If you pointed to a basin of water
And asked me to wash the calloused feet of a bent and wrinkled old woman
Day after day
Month after month
In a room where nobody saw
And nobody knew

Posted in Devotional | Leave a comment

"Stop Putting Your Fork Up Your Nose!"

Posted on January 5, 2007 by Jason

File that under Phrases I Never Thought I’d Say.
Said at dinner tonight to my precious son.

Posted in Humor, Kids | 2 Comments