Archive for January, 2010
I Thought We Were All Better Than This
Christian popular culture is like a reflection of regular pop culture through a funhouse mirror. In Christian-World, Kirk Cameron is a huge star, Jars of Clay is a hot music group, and sending money to strangers who browbeat you on TV is a rational decision. From G4tv.com.
So starts the review of a new video game coming out this year – “Left Behind.” Generally, I’m a positive person and enjoy sarcasm and the well placed barb with the best of them. For some reason this morning, this all hit me wrong…on multiple levels.
I was offended by the writer. I wondered if he had ever read C.S. Lewis, Donald Miller, or a host of other writers who are creative, thoughtful, insightful, and funny. I wondered if he was just as guilty as the “Christian sub-culture” – staying inside his particular world, never straying outside it to give the other side a fighting chance. I wondered if he had ever even met a real, thoughtful, Christ-follower.
But more than those feelings, there was another set rising in me. Why release a cheap, less than excellent video game? Why make corny, cheeseball movies that make everyone feel awkward and think they are watching a middle school production? Why scream and holler and generally make stupid comments of how God hates people? Why do all of these things then blame Jesus for it? And we tolerate it – we meaning the Christ-following subculture.
The gentleman at G4tv.com closed his article with this:
I’m not mocking Christians, the Bible, or Jesus. I’m poking fun at the man made junk that surrounds Christianity. The terrible cartoons, bad movies, half-***ed video games and obvious hucksterism is funny, no matter who you worship. … I wish Christians were being served with Art that is as great and formidable as their religion. With the exception of Mel Gibson films, the Christian entertainment I’ve seen is simplistic drivel.
I agree with him. The man-made junk that surrounds Christianity – I think Jesus’ reaction in the Temple gives a clear picture as to his opinion on the matter. I too desire Art that is as great and formidable as our faith. I’m hopeful the tide is turning – The Blind Side, The Book of Eli, and How To Save A Life all are movies that I think are great and formidable.
For years this was true – the masterpieces of Art that hang in museums around the world were done by people who loved God or were commissioned by the Church to paint them. In a world that valued military conquest and intellectualism, the Church for centuries was the only place that protected and elevated the arts.
I hope we’ve done this at Western Hills through this series. That wasn’t the goal…the goal was to create an experience for people to connect with God. I think ‘great and formidable’ art does this. I think it stretches us, demands more from us. I think it can take us to these thin places where God is easier to connect with.
I think if we – Christ-followers – would continue to uphold and demand this kind of art, Jesus would be easier to find. And the man-made junk that surrounds him would be easier to dismiss.
Which NFL Team is the hardest to be a fan of?
Not sure why this hit me this morning…but here’s my list. Over the next few posts we’ll play this out just like the NFL Playoffs. What makes a team hard to be a fan for? Win-loss record is part of it. Overall direction and stability of the team, sizzle factor. Example – Carolina Panthers have great stability and that might be the problem plus there is no sizzle on that team. Nothing that makes you want to watch them for 3 hours.
I’ll start with the NFC.
Division Winners:
NFC East: Redskins – no contest in this division.
NFC West: Rams – close call with the Seahawks but Rams beat them out.
NFC North: Lions – obvious call but Bear fans MIGHT have legit shot at this next year.
NFC South: Bucs – tightest race with Panthers in the running.
Wildcard Teams: Panthers, Seahawks
Wildcard Weekend:
Panthers vs. Rams
Seahawks vs. Bucs
Commentary
You can make your vote in the comments but some things to consider in the Rams/Panthers matchup. Rams have new coach, new lifeblood and opportunity to get better faster. Do the fans of the Rams buy it? Are the fans of Panthers fed up with the Fox way? I’m leaning towards that it is harder to be a Panther fan than a Ram fan. So I’d vote for Carolina.
Seahawks/Bucs – new coach vs. new QB? Seahawk fans are generally more depressed than Tampa fans due to weather. If Seahawks tank a season, not a lot to look forward to as opposed to Tampa.
AFC
Division Winners:
AFC East: Bills – and the latest hire really didn’t help.
AFC West: Raiders – I mean really…was there any doubt?
AFC North: Browns – they command this division, which is hard to do seeing that Cincy is in here as well.
AFC South: Jaguars – I thought about putting the whole city of Houston here. Which team do you root for – Texans or former Oilers/Titans? Texans for not getting in playoffs but so close? Titans and the drama at QB? Jags and their complete lack of a QB and creative game plan? Ultimately, Jags won the division by the slimmest of margins.
Wildcard Teams: Chiefs, Broncos
It’s no contest that right now if you are an AFC West fan, it pretty much sucks. Chargers pull their post-season chokefest. (And when you can explain why Norv got an extension for going 13-3 and losing in playoffs and Marty got fired for going 14-2 and losing – let me know.) The Chiefs…well, they’re the Chiefs. And the Broncos have put in McDaniels the Hun at coach.
Wildcard Weekend
Chiefs vs. Jaguars
Broncos vs. Browns
Commentary
I’m seeing an AFC West sweep this weekend. Jags are historically pretty solid and if they do draft Tebow this year, the fan base will go nuts. The Browns have some winning, have Holmgren, and have Cribbs. Basically…they have hope. The Chiefs are looking better with new Coordinators hires. Broncos are tanking. 2-8 to finish season, Cutler, Marshall, fired Mike Nolan, Scheffler, lost Dennison and Turner to Redskins…I could go on. Time to find sharp metal object.
Put your comments and votes to good use here. We’ll play through the weekend and then move to the Divisional Round.
Coaching My Kids And If That Really Is A Good Idea
I see dads doing it and I’ve done it in the past – being the Coach. I think it’s cool and good for dads to coach their kids but I learned something about me when I coached. I’m one competitive beast. I want to win. I coached to win. I want our team to win.
My favorite saying – “Take a beating, give a beating.” Let you read the backstory here. Cowboy’s upset at the Vikings for the last touchdown? Cowboy up. You didn’t take the foot off the gas for Philly – and you shouldn’t have. Take your medicine like men.
What is bizarre is that Cooper and Camber have gotten this competitiveness… Cayden…not so much. Watching Cayden play is like watching a Disney movie. She’s running around, skipping, playing, smiling…generally having a good time. Deer and bluebirds sit on the sideline cheering everyone on.
“Who won?”
“Dad, that’s not why you play.”
“Really? Why then do you play?”
“Because it’s supposed to be fun.”
“Winning is fun.”
“Dad – it’s not whether you win or lose – ”
“You see, Cayden, that’s where you are wrong. It does matter – ”
Amy from the kitchen – “GRANT!!!!!”
“Ok, Cayden…we’ll finish this conversation later out of earshot of your mother.”
Which is funny because Amy is one competitive beast as well. Maybe more so than I am but I’ll let her tell her side of the story on her blog. Oh wait…she doesn’t have one. Oh well, you’ll have to take my word for it. If you played one of Amy’s teams back in the day, their goal was to hit the floor at 400 mph and not stop…ever.
And Coop and Cammy are more in that vein. I like this. I really like this. Not everybody agrees…and that’s fine but I think this competitiveness translates well into spiritual matters. That’s why I like it. In sports, if you want something you have to go get it. Work for it. Practice. Invest in it. Seek it. Pursue it. It doesn’t just happen. And the pursuit can be fun or it can be work – depending on your attitude and focus. Athletes themselves know there is value in the journey as well as the destination. But the destination absolutely has value and drives the journey.
Are you catching all the spiritual tie ins? I’m mentoring a couple of guys right now and this insight has finally clicked for them – if I want to be close to God, have intimacy with Jesus Christ – I have to want it, pursue it, invest it, practice it. It doesn’t just happen. Showing up on Sunday isn’t enough. The pursuit can be fun or work, depending on my attitude and focus. There’s value in the process of pursuit but the destination – closeness to Jesus, spiritual transformation – has the ultimate value and drives the journey.
So yeah, I’m coaching my kids….just not on the court.
Haiti and How Long Will The World Stop For Her
For the next two weeks at Western Hills, we’ll be taking offerings that go 100% to Haiti. I’m confident that like most churches, our folks will respond generously. I’ve even had a couple of folks confide in me that they think God is telling them to take a week or two of vacation to go and help. They have the skills needed, the time and the resources to do that.
As another earthquake hit yesterday (6.1), the numbers are mind-numbing. 250,000 people dead. Another 200,000 people missing. 1.5 million people homeless. That’s a city the size of Wichita, Kansas either dead or unaccounted and every single person in Kansas City, Kansas homeless. In a country that already was the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, the road to recovery will take much longer than what is typical of the world’s attention span.
What is not surprising is that faith organizations are moving faster to help than governmental agencies. The faith-based ministries have more access to directly help people in need. Many of these agencies – Compassion International, Samaritan’s Purse, and World Vision to name a few – were there years before the disaster and will be there years afterward.
It brings a level of confidence in giving towards Haiti knowing that the money will be used to help – not get lost in bureaucracy. That the money is going to be used to help in Jesus’ name. That the money will get their faster than any other venue. And that the money is going to be used for long term help, not just drive by care.
It’s why we’re partnering with faith-based relief to Haiti and why we will continue to partner with such agencies. I’ll have more details on Sunday but come ready to give in confidence knowing that it will be used in Jesus’ name.
Origins: humanity, the art and insight
Sermon on January 10 was about humanity. Philip was our artist. He is a senior at the high school and works with Circle of Friends. He’s a very soft-spoken young man.
I think there are two opposite and incorrect extremes in understanding humanity. The first is seeing us as the center of the universe, the focal point. Refusing to acknowledge that we are broken in some way. In essence, making ourselves our own god.
But I think the opposite extreme is also wrong – thinking that mankind is so totally depraved and wrong of being of any value at all. The mere fact we are made in the image of God gives every human value and dignity, regardless of station in life.
We are beautiful, deep, broken, repairable, redeemable creations.
There are some subtleties in these paintings that if you are in a hurry, you will miss. The first is how every color in the palette is used to make Adam and Eve. Philip said, “I really don’t know what color they were so I used them all.”
The second thing to notice is the serpent. He’s there. He’s not overbearing, he’s not dominant. He’s subtle, like a whisper. Can you find him? I love this depiction of the serpent. He’s not offensive or overbearing, you can miss him. But once you recognize him for what he really is, you’ll never miss him again.
More Thoughts On Origins:Sin
What a Sunday. You can listen to the service here. Rick – once again – hit it out of the park with his acoustic version of Gravedigger. I’m going to go back and do a quick overview of each week with the artwork and a quick bio of the artist.
Spencer was this week’s artist. He is a high school student that has autism. Normally he works with chalk, dealing in very bright and vibrant colors. These were here interpretations of sin.
His work stirred two very profound insights for me. First, there is a layer of darkness over the entire painting. Sin darkens everything it touches. Something innocent dies with sin. Always. Completely. The effects of sin are overwhelming, overarching. Fatal. Inescapable.
Second, it’s still possible to see the good through the darkness. As horrible and horrific as sin is and its effects, God’s grace is bigger, brighter, and better. It takes a greater good to beat sin and God is that greater good. Grace trumps all. The real philosophical insight isn’t – why do good things happen to bad people but rather, why isn’t worse than what it is? Why is it in every tragedy, there is still hope? Light? Yes, sometimes it is hard to see. Sometimes our perspective and where we sit in the middle of the darkness makes it almost impossible to see. But it is still there.
Very grateful to Spencer for his insight and his art.
Origins: earth
And it was good…
All good theology starts with Genesis 1. That is, I think all good theology starts with the concept that God existed before the beginning and He created and what He created was good. Why?
Because God is good and the creation has His fingerprints all over it. It is creative, diverse, wonderful, complex, beautiful, full of folly, complicated, simple and….good. Because if it isn’t good, it isn’t worth redeeming which makes the rest of scripture pointless.
These particular paintings were done by Jenny who has Williams Syndrome. WS is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder but Jenny has a very sunny, fun disposition in spite of this. You can probably see this in her artwork. It made her the perfect choice to be the artist for this topic.
Another aspect about Jenny came out in the artwork. She loves to help people. That’s part of God’s good creation – people, the ability to help and receive help from others. Jenny recently graduated from Washburn Rural and started her own business JennyLu Designs.
Making It In A Technologically Frustrated World
I’m working on getting rid of the clutter in my life. It’s a hard process but the first step is to be utterly ruthless with throwing things away that you aren’t going to use or haven’t used in a year. In an electronic world, this is getting harder to do because it’s just a file, right? It’s time as well.
I’ve got 6 pages of apps on my iPhone because you never know when you’re going to want to know the name of that actor in that abstract film or how to say “I can’t see how this could possibly go wrong” in Pig Latin.
But I’ve figured some things out.
First, I’m done with Facebook. Yes, I still have an account and my updates will be updated (from the department of redundancy and repetitive department) but through Twitter. With the ‘respond to a comment via email’ feature now, I don’t ever have to get on their ridiculous cluttered site. Except when someone DM’s me and it takes me days to respond.
The truth is this – and I’m sorry if this hurts your feelings – but I don’t care about your farm, mafia hits, bejeweled scores, treasure hunts, movie quizzes or which character on LOST you are most like. Really…I don’t. I’m guessing most other people don’t either, they are just too scared to tell you. And since Facebook chooses to change the layout every 6 hours and I can’t or won’t take the time to figure out how to filter all the junk off my feed – it got punted.
Twitter — you are becoming a favorite. It’s simple. It’s clean. It’s fast. It works awesome on my iPhone. I can set up a list as to who I want to keep updated with. However, the whole following thing is intriguing to me. It is baffling to me who chooses to follow me. For instance, Dave Matthews Blog is following me. I’m honored and humbled. One of my favorite artists in the world. I reciprocated.
PETAnews and WiiGameCheats are also following me. I’m not as honored. In fact, I’m fairly confused as I’ve never posted anything about PETA…perhaps the Wii but the only cheating I do is take steroids before playing Guitar Hero. And while I’m not for the torture of any animal that isn’t a cat, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of animals with a side of potatoes and a nice Chianti.
Email – Handle it once. File it, respond to it, delete it, or keep it unread. Pretty straightforward, right? It is but the email inbox can get cluttered…very quickly. One solution I’ve come up with is that anything marked with FW and has like 50 other people on the recipient list gets spammed. Amazing how much that clears up the inbox.
There is one thing that is happening in my ministry circle that I don’t understand – signing other pastors/ministers up for email updates. It’s happened a couple of times. Some well meaning person signs me up for prayer updates across the globe and all of a sudden, my inbox is slammed. I’ve tried having one conversation about this and I quickly learned there is no way to NOT look like a jerk when you are asking to be unsubscribed from Johnny’s kidney replacement prayer update. Spam filters are wonderful things though.
I grew up using a computer, using email. If I want to sign up for an email update, I am perfectly able to do just that. I don’t need help. If you do that for me…you just lost your right to be in my inbox. (By the way, Danny P…I’m sorry for the Britney Spears Fan Club Update Newsletter I signed you up for last year. I’ve since repented. I hope you’ve forgiven me.)
iPhone — “I haven’t opened my Bible all week.” That is literally true for me thanks to the YouVersion.com app on my phone. Daily bible reading plans are right there, bookmarks. With Kindle and the web, I’m almost close to having my whole library accessible on my iPhone. And I love my iPhone. Can’t wait for 4.0.
I’m pretty sure that this culture’s golden calf is the iPhone. Or at least the technology behind it. To be able to put a web browser, pda, gps, email, camera, and phone in one device astounding. The problem is that we think it creates more time and more space to make life easier. That isn’t always true. Here’s to less clutter.
Art, ORIGINS, and Circle of Friends
I had this crazy idea one day last November while visiting Washburn Rural High School. The backstory: I’m a bit of an art geek. Yes, it’s true. The Denver Art Museum was a haven for me. In fact, last month I took the kids to the Kemper Contemporary in Kansas City. They like it as well – at least the older two.
There is something that happens to the human spirit when it observes good art. I’m not sure if it’s completely fair to call it worship but I don’t think that’s all that far off either. So I’ve had this desire to include art any time it’s possible in the context of worship.
Back to my crazy idea – I knew we were going to do this series on ORIGINS and I wanted to have dramatic art pieces that went along with each of the stories. But who can paint 12 different paintings, 6 different themes with the first one just a few weeks away? That’s when I saw the painting at WRHS. So I asked around to see who painted it – turns out I knew him and his mom worked at the school.
That’s when I first heard about Circle of Friends. I walked into the mom’s office and there was even more artwork. Most of it done by disabled kids. Circle of Friends paired disabled kids with ‘abled’ kids for the purpose of creating a ‘normal’ high school experience. Lunch buddies, class buddies, peer tutors and art are just some of the ways this club is bringing healing to these students.
I asked about the possibility of these kids in this club painting the stories of Genesis – no rules or direction other than read the story first. What could they come up with? Would they even be interested in doing something like this?
The answer was an overwhelming yes. All of a sudden this whole project kind of generated a life of its own. Hobby Lobby sold us the canvases at an incredible discount. The idea of selling of them to benefit Circle of Friends turned into an auction, turned into an auction on the Topeka’s First Friday Night Artwalk February 5. Warehouse 414 stepped up and said they’d sponsor it for us.
All of this is great and there is no telling how all this will play out but I’m struck by a couple of observations.
I’m hearing from some of the students that are painting that this is the first time they’ve ever read these stories in Genesis. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever read a Bible at all.
When the pieces are revealed, there has been this pause…this holy silence of wonder. Then applause. I think the art for some is ministering to a place in their soul they didn’t know existed. And they’re liking it.
It’s another avenue to connect and serve the community around us. With budget cuts, the arts are going to suffer the most. And when the arts are left out of a kids education, we all suffer from it in the long. I think beauty and the appreciation of beauty is part of what makes humanity very different from every other being alive. When we lose this, we lose a part of what it means to be human.
What an opportunity for us..to provide a context for artists to experiment with these stories, our stories. A chance for some to hear God’s story for the first time. A chance for us to see God’s story through a different lens.
If you haven’t seen these paintings, you need to come by and spend some time in our worship center. For those who are out of town…I’ll try to upload some pictures later.
A Very Good Long Sunday
Sunday, January 10
7.30 am – alarm goes off. Didn’t exactly sleep great last night. We had some dear friends come into town and spent the night with us. Nate & Cathy. They are going to be my ‘Secret Shoppers’ at Western Hills this morning. Kids are asleep. Amy is sort of asleep. I’m not sure if moms ever really sleep, sleep. But that’s another topic.
8.00 am – Poke head in kid’s rooms on way downstairs to make coffee and bagel. Praying for Bryan over at TBC, Joe at FBC, and Matt over at First Naz in Oakland. Check my phone real quick…got a text from Matt. He’s praying for me. Heading to church.
8.15 am – Forgot that the last time I was in my car, AC/DC was playing and the radio is REALLLLY loud when I crank it up. Turn off radio in route to church. I always drive to the church in silence. Pray for the churches I pass and our ministry team leaders.
8.30 am – Park in my traditional spot…furthest from the door. Rumors around the church are I park there because I’m forecasting a day when we run out of parking. Funny story, just not true. I blame Gene Wilkes and my father-in-law for this habit. Before Gene was the famous author and speaker, he was a pastor of transitioning church in Plano, Texas and I was an intern. Fixing bathrooms, ceiling tile, changing lights, and whatever else that needed to be fixed. As the church was growing, parking was scarce. To make sure guests and others had places to park, Gene and Tom started parking out on the street about a block away. It was a simple but profound statement of servant leadership to me. Been a habit ever since – find the furthest parking space and park there.
8.40 am – band is warming up. Rick is back. Randi and Charlie are here as well. This is my favorite time of the morning. Listening to the band, sitting in the back of the dark auditorium…it’s not practice for me. It really is worship. I enjoy this. Listening to the team fix, tweak, change at the last minute.
9.10 am – The worship team is in the back praying and once again I’m caught in the lobby. It’s not a huge deal – I love connecting with people and I know the importance of being available, touchable on Sunday morning. I’m talking with a 5th grader about the NFL Playoffs. I got the Ravens and the Cards. Going for the clean sweep of the weekend as I picked the Jets and Cowboys. He’s got the Ravens and the Packers. Is this really a significant conversation? Absolutely. At least I hope it is for the 5th grader. I’m not a rock star, I’m his pastor and friend that he can talk about life, spirituality and yes, even football with. If I hurry, I might be able to catch the team…
9.20 am – Shane is coming out of the prayer room. “You missed the prayer time. Don’t worry. We prayed for your salvation.” Big laughs follow. Rick and I do the man hug/hand shake thing before he goes out. Why? I’m not sure. It’s corny really but we do it almost every Sunday morning. I don’t think it makes service go any better…then again.
9.37 am – After opening song and welcome, show the art piece and introduce the artist of the morning. In both services, spontaneous applause erupts. First for the art piece then for the artist. What most folks don’t know about the artist – he’s walking through one of the hardest seasons of his life. I’ve known this kid for all of 5 months and in a single instant…when it registers on him that they are applauding him…I see joy in him.
The piece of art is incredible. There are nuances and details that I still find after staring at it for a few days. It’s the perfect illustration as to what makes us human – worship. We love to worship. We were created to worship. Yes, we get distracted and at times worship the wrong things but that is the reason we stand and applaud beauty and accomplishment. Worship.
11.00 am – Second service starts. Full house. Where are we going to put these people that keep showing up?
12.15 pm – Newcomer’s Brunch. Once again, Angie and Gary and that team have outdone themselves. Soup, sandwiches, cookies…great spread. Room is full. Introduce leaders and life group leaders. Watching folks connect with our life group leaders, passing out addresses and emails. 25 minutes later, the ‘program’ is done but people are still hanging around and connecting.
1.45 pm – late lunch with friends. Lots of laugh and get to hear from their perspective what a first time guest experiences at Western Hills. I’ll write more on this later. Much to think on but overall very positive experience.
3.15 pm – Home. Youth starts at 5.30, have some of our life group coming over at 6 pm. Officially we will start next week to get off the youth schedule. Before that — got to get a nap. Watch the opening quarter of Pats/Ravens game I DVR’d. Good night….go Ravens.
5.15 pm – Back to the church for youth open gym. David Manner shows up to help us set up the volleyball nets. Good thing because I’m not sure I’d ever gotten them up right without him. Good to see him finally.
6.10 pm – As usual, got talking at youth and now I’m late to my own house. Check phone — missed calls. Dang. On my way.
6.17 pm – We bust out Band Hero on the Wii. No one is brave enough to sing. Too bad.
7.45 pm – Amy and kids are back from youth. Cayden and Camber will now be the lead singers for our Life Group Band. It’s awesome.
9.30 pm – Last of the life group is leaving the house. One couple hangs around and we end up talking for another hour. This is church too. The life on life stuff that doesn’t happen in a building on Sunday morning. It can’t happen there. This is too vulnerable, risky. This kind of transparency and life change could only happen in a living room, a home.
10.35 pm – I’m pretty spent. Amy and I finish up an episode of Burn Notice. Talk about the day and the upcoming mission trip to Brazil.
A very good long Sunday.
Is it 13 or 8? Is Saban Ever Happy? Will ‘Bama repeat?
Roll Tide, this one was a long time coming. I remember the ’92 championship. I watched ‘Bama roll up on the U in my in-laws house in Plano, Texas. But that’s not important right now. What is important is answering these ever important questions…
Is it 13 National Championships or 8?
Alabama claims these years as national championships – 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, and of course 2009. Interesting controversy given that if we had a playoff, we wouldn’t be even talking like this. Alas, we don’t so college presidents can take some of the blame for creating a culture where this kind of debate can take place.
For a LONG explanation – read here. It fleshes it all out in glorious detail.
Here’s the short version: The Official NCAA record book recognizes Alabama with seven “consensus” national championships — the six by Bryant (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, and 1979) and Gene Stalling’s in 1992. Plus last nights, that gets you to 8. (That was for all my Auburn audience out there that has a hard time adding.) The official count of National Championships for the NCAA starts with the year 1950.
In the same record book, the NCAA looks back and lists how past football seasons would have played out using the current/past bowl system. For the 1925 and 1926 seasons, they list Alabama as the national champions. “Not official” but listed in the same book…just like college football. Take something simple, make it ridiculously complicated, don’t talk plainly about it, make money off of it, and call it wonderful.
Another independent source – the College Football Data Warehouse – adds the ’30 and ’34 season to the Alabama stash of championships.
So what about the 1941 championship? Hardest one to defend really. Alabama went 8-2, losing to eventual SEC champion Mississippi State and finished #20 in the AP poll. I have no idea how that year is a national championship. Nothing I can find really explains it. Just like I have no idea how Alabama DID NOT get the National Championship in 1966 after going undefeated for the 3rd year in a row and the pox of creation Notre Dame won it. Or the ’77 season as well. But I’m not bitter.
Good thing we have the BCS now to eliminate all future confusion and potential of that happening again, right Boise State?
Is Saban Ever Happy?
If I were the two students who donked the Gatorade bucket on Saban last night, I wouldn’t expect a lot of playing time next year. Even after the game, Saban looked like the losing coach. In the press conference, he laughed a bit when asked about the Gatorade but just a bit…and those players are still running the stairs at the Rose Bowl.
I’m guessing he is happy but more relieved. But who would know. Maybe Saban is like the Grumpy dwarf. Maybe he’s so protective of himself in the media, we’re never going to know. After the beating he took in the media after the Dolphin/Bama dance, who could blame him for basically giving the media nothing. Mack Brown on the other hand – can see why he is such a huge hit on the recruiting trail.
Will ‘Bama repeat?
Jeez, can we just enjoy this one for a bit? Sure we can. Roll Tide. Hey Texas, Hey Texas…Rammer Jammer…
But let’s just get this straight right now – McElroy did not WIN that game last night. The Alabama defense and two monster, not of this planet running backs won that game last night. The Gilbert kid from Texas played better than McElroy.
Ok, that’s not entirely true. The turnovers were bad but they weren’t all his fault. If Texas had another WR other than Jordan Shipley that could catch…be a completely different game. Well, not completely different. Bama D did what it did all year long – keep game close, punish opposing teams when they make a mistake, then ask the offense to not screw the thing up.
They can repeat if QB play improves. If it doesn’t…not sure. Arkansas – if Ryan Mallett returns – will be stacked. LSU & Auburn will be greatly improved as well as Tennessee if Kiffin can keep his players out of jail. I’d like to think yes…but that’s why they play the games.
In the meantime — Roll Tide and another dominant showing by the SEC in the BCS Championship game.
Alabama, Texas and the BCS Championship Game
I’ve waited long enough. I can’t keep my mouth shut anymore. Alabama with ROLLLLLL tonight against Texas…hopefully.
There probably hasn’t been a closer match-up in the title game since the last time Texas was here against USC. In that game, Texas was considered an underdog, the pundits underestimated the impact the Texas QB would have. I think there are a lot of parallels in this game as well.
As a Tide fan – nothing was more satisfying than the dominant performance over the Gators in the SEC Championship game. Alabama dominated in every phase of the game, played their most complete game ever. It was a welcome site after eeking out a win against Auburn, needing 3 block kicks against Tennessee, and a Herculean effort from Ingram to beat South Carolina. In other words, Alabama has played close, tight games this season and their defense, special teams and Ingram has bailed them out.
Texas had a great season then laid an egg in the national spotlight against Nebraska in the Big 12 game. What was forgotten was the way they had dominated every one else the rest of the year. While Nebraska’s offense was hideous that night (and for most of the season as well) part of the reason was because of Texas’ defense.
So what to expect tonight? Expect to see Alabama’s defense do what they’ve done all year – roll up on 1st and 2nd down, putting the offense in 3rd and long so they can unleash the Frankenstein of Saban. 3rd and long is never fun for an offense but Alabama’s defense takes it to an art form. They were #3 in the nation in forcing 3 and outs. It’s just about impossible to convert 3rd down against Alabama.
Having said that if any team is equipped to battle this it is Texas. Colt McCoy may not have the urban legendness of Tebow but he is every bit as good as him. A fact I’m sure Saban has hammered into his defense. If Texas can’t get the rushing game going, it will be a long night for them.
On offense – Texas will stack the box and put the game in McElroy’s hand. Can the 1st year QB handle it? Will he perform ala Auburn/Florida game or South Carolina/Tennessee game? I’m guessing Texas will man to man in the secondary. Alabama’s WR Maze and Jones should be able to take advantage of this and they should have plenty of open looks and opportunities. The question is can McElroy get them the ball accurately, on time before getting hit?
Interesting Tidbit of Game #1 – take a look at how many Mac’s are in this game? McElroy, McCoy, McElwain, Mack Brown, McClain. What does it mean? Not sure…
Interesting Tidbit of Game #2 – I made this comment in passing, was about to blog on it, decided to google it first – found out someone had beat me to the punch. The Curse of the White Helmet. The article is worth reading but here is the short version…
Teams that have wore the white helmets this post-season have by and large gotten their clocks cleaned. Florida Gators rocked the white helmet in the SEC championship game – blown out. Oregon wore white vs. Ohio State, making OSU look dominant. Arizona changed to a white helmet for their bowl game against Nebraska. Result: Nebraska looked like Florida. Florida went back to orange helmets while Cincy rocked out new white helmets. Result: Florida beat Cincy worse than they got beat when they last wore white helmets.
Other notable white helmets:
Auburn wore white helmets and escaped with a W somehow against Northwestern.
Penn State needed a monsoon and game winning field goal to beat LSU.
Roll Tide.
Developing Leaders On The Go
Yesterday morning marked a significant change for WH in terms of our approach to leadership. The Council met at 7 AM in the library with only the study of God’s word and prayer on the agenda. No decisions, no discussion of decisions, no reports, no motions – just opening up God’s Word.
It will be a regular thing for us moving forward. The only way we’ll see the reality of God having the last word on our decisions is if we are consistently listening to God’s voice. We started in Mark 10:32-52.
Here were some of the nuggets…
Jesus was ruthless with the truth with his disciples as to what was going to happen and where he was taking them. You don’t get much clearer than – I’m going to be betrayed, mocked, spit on, beat, killed and rise again.
Even with clear, concise communication it’s possible for those closest to misunderstand.
James and John’s request probably wasn’t asked out of complete selfish ambition. No one else ‘stepped up’ to help lead the Kingdom. Could have been asking for those positions just to be close to Jesus. It does reveal a lack of understanding of what Jesus was saying and a lack of understanding of the kind of leadership Jesus required.
The “I Syndrome” will kill any movement – thinking of problem or potential only through the lens of “I” or our particular ‘silo.’ Leadership with Jesus will always include a death of the self – the cup and the baptism. This includes they ‘silos’ we bring to the table.
Jesus’ answer was redemptive – do you understand, you will drink/baptized one day. Jesus’ answer was definitive – Those positions aren’t mine to ‘give.’ Jesus’ answer was a teaching moment – it’s not top down but servant leadership.
What does servant leadership look like for me? For us? Is it putting the mission and vision above individual, certain teams?
Jesus dealt with the ‘indignant’ straightforward with high level vulnerability, calling the elephant out in the room. Easy to miss how risky this confrontation was and how hard it is to pull off in the ‘real world.’ We must do the same thing. How without blowing up the ship?
Bartimaeus was living example of what to be – blind to self, insightful to TRUTH – “Son of David, have mercy.” Simple, straightforward – I WANT TO SEE! He already had insight, vision. Couldn’t be shut up by the ‘mature.’
Tough, uncomfortable questions – Jesus didn’t all, didn’t grant every request. Did he receive sight because he asked or because he was faithful? Was it just a drive-by healing?
The hour flew by…looking forward to the next one. Mark 11:1-25.
Camber Is Freakin Hilarious
Camber has been having ongoing conversations with her friends about church. Today she came home with this gem.
Camber: Do you think I’d understand your preacher if I went to your church?
Camber’s Friend: Maybe. I don’t know. Wait, what’s the “Preacher?”
Camber: The guy that stands up and teaches you the Bible.
Camber’s Friend: Oh. We call him “Father.”
Camber: I call our preacher Father too…because he is my father.
That’s funny. We just exploded in laughter when Camber told us this.
The 2009 Bronco Soap Opera And Hope For 2010
My buddy Dave threw down his end of the year review of our beloved Broncs and as much I would love to skip this annual tradition of writing mine BEFORE the playoffs…it was not meant to be this year.
My original thought was 6-10 so why am I so bummed about another 8-8 season? Ever heard the adage it’s not where you are that matters as much as how you got there?
To start 6-0, have a 3.5 game lead in the division, look as good as they did at the start of the season and then to watch it crash was disheartening. 2-7 in the home stretch against some terrible teams – Washington, Oakland, and Kansas City. They may have traveled a different road but ended up in the same destination: 8-8, late season collapse, little to no red-zone scoring, turnover prone, punchless running game, and worse now there is a soap opera in the locker room.
Shanny got fired for less than this but McDaniels won’t. And perhaps he shouldn’t get fired with the uncapped year in front of us and potential lock-out looming in 2011.
What is disturbing is that more and more decisions coming out of Dove Valley look like business decisions not football decisions.
Hiring a young, rookie head coach. Trading this years first rounder for last years second? That pick would have been the 14th pick in 2010 draft along with Chicago’s 10th (or 11th – not determined yet) pick. Football side – a chance to add 2 first rounders to a team that desperately needs a talent boost. Business side – that’s a lot of money.
The treatment of Marshall and Sheffler? Why alienate 2 starters at the end of a season with the potential to go to the playoffs? If they are both restricted free agents and both going ask (and probably get) a hefty pay raise, just save the energy and make it known you don’t want them.
I’m not saying that IS the case, but if it was – McD even screwed this up. Even if Marshall dogged it, Sheffler’s attitude was in the tank, there was no benefit in going public with that info. In fact, it hurts the Broncos more in terms of trade value. Every team in the league knows now that it is next to impossible for Denver to re-sign those two. Trading for them now is stupid. Just wait for the restricted free agency knowing that Denver can’t and won’t match it.
Which is probably the biggest growth area needed in 2010 for McD – you ARE the head coach and everyone knows it. No need to flex in front of team or media to prove it. Just act like it. Take some notes in this area from both your predecessor (Shanny) and your mentor (Belicheck). They were masters at this. Treat your players like men.
This is not to say ‘all is lost’ for the 2010 Broncos. Far from it. Mike Nolan proved once again why he’s a defensive genius as a coordinator. Doom showed why he was drafted. Defense played much better than 2008.
Depth is still an issue. Special teams are still an issue (the punt/kick-off coverage). The offense is still an issue – the line and the QB. Orton isn’t horrible, he isn’t great either. He’s not the elite, cannon arm, overcome mistakes QB that dominate the top of the AFC right now. Colts, Pats, Chargers, and Steelers have that. Having said that, I expect the Broncos to retain Orton precisely because he’s cheap, he knows the offense, he’s not a drama queen, and there really isn’t a better alternative.
ASIDE MOMENT – I realize the Steelers didn’t make the playoffs this year. But it’s more because their defense and injuries than anything else. I’d still take the Steelers over the Jets. Which is ridiculous to think that the Jets made the playoffs but as embarrassing as that is, they won when they needed to…which is more than Denver can say.
This offseason there is little hope for less drama. With Marshall and Sheffler as restricted free agents, that will get a lot of press. This year’s draft is deep on the defensive side of the ball which is exactly why the Broncos will draft 2 offensive players. I hope they get Rolando McClain. Please don’t draft Terence Cody. He was/is a great college player with a personality but I think he’ll be a bust in the pros. He doesn’t work or study as hard as McClain.
I still bleed orange and blue and a pox on the Raiders.
365 Days Ago
January 4, 2009 was my first service as Lead Pastor at Western Hills. As many of you know, I’m not really a sentimental type, unless the topic is Alabama football but I was reminded of something yesterday by some of our congregants. WH wanted to focus on three things in 2009 – prayer, stewardship, and leadership. They had made that decision before I ever got on the scene. Not a bad three things to focus on any year but for WH it was crucial.
I’m humbled by what God did through that focus in these last 365 days.
The ‘outer’ accomplishments/markers are fairly easy to list –
Adopted an elementary school, supplied volunteers and school supplies throughout the year,
Potawatomi Nation relationship blossomed with serving at Pow Wow and giving Christmas gifts to reservation.
We added Rick Stones and Darci Koci to the team and they’ve been awesome.
We’ve grown as a church this year – both numerically, financially, and spiritually. Saw $102,000 in debt retired.
Our vision was clarified and codified. After years of process the mantra of Love God, Live Connected, Serve All is not just the rally cry but our leadership structure was biblically redefined.
So many more ‘things’ that could be added to the list – ministry to the homeless, student ministry stories, Upward, Life Groups… all of which were foundations setting us up for an incredible 2010…an opportunity to see God unleashed like never before.
But for me what is most impressive and the most important to remember is how we made decisions this year. The common fabric in all of these decisions? They were made out of a seasons of prayer, after seeking God’s wisdom and voice.
What a great 365. Ready to start the next 365.