TENNIS

This past weekend the 2006 Saint Mary's tennis season concluded at the MIAA conference tournament in Holland, MI. Certainly an experience that words can not really describe.

Just to focus on the tournament a little bit there is two words to describe it: very intense. The players end up playing 4 matches the first day of the tournament then playing 3 matches the very next day. You start at 9 a.m. during the opening day and aren't done til 8:30 p.m. then turnaround and start again at 9 a.m. the next day and play for another seven hours. The players end up playing like 14 hours in tennis in a 36 hour time frame. Yeah, intense and probably too much.

Admist all that crazy-ness, there was one run during the tournament I will never forget. Obviously, I love athletics. Sports are just great, if for nothing else the underdog. Our best doubles team at Saint Mary's came into the nine-team tournament unseeded and had to play the second seeded team in the first round. After dropping the first set, they some how, some way found a way to win the next two sets in a tiebreakers to advance to the semifinals. That was shocking enough.

In the semifinals, they faced the third seed team and once again dropped the first set. After fighting off a match point in the second set they won that set in a tiebreaker before grinding out a third set victory and all of a sudden they found themselves in the finals. This is the type of finals run that was like George Mason beating Michigan State and North Carolina to make the Sweet 16. Very unexpected but extremely pleasant.

However, the story isn't a completely happy ending as they lost in the finals to the No. 1 seeded team. Yet, what they did was so much fun to watch and be apart of. I also gotta believe that what they did, probably won't be done ever again in this conference. Yes, that special!

NFL DRAFT

Hello, Houston Texans! What in the world are you thinking?

Let's look at your options with the No. 1 pick, Reggie Bush or Mario Williams ... hmmm ... if you had the opportunity to draft "superman" wouldn't you do that? If you had the opportunity to draft a player who has won a Heisman Trophy wouldn't you do that? If you had the chance to draft a player who has won a national title and helped his team win 30-plus games, wouldn't you do that?

Well, I guess not! So you draft a player who played at that powerhouse college football program that is North Carolina State (yes, note the sarcasms). When you just finished the previous season with a 2-14 record you get a the prize of drafting first in the draft. Not a lot of privledges come with being the worst team in the NFL but the No. 1 pick is a perk. So why blow a chance to draft one of the best college players in the last 25 years?!? There is a reason you won two games last year, it obvious you have no clue what your plans for the team are.

Certainly, Mario Williams could be a great defensive player but when you have a chance to draft Batman or Robin, you better draft Batman not Robin (so to speak). At this rate the Texans might as well try and figure how they can use the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft because they very well could be headed back to that position ... Brady Quinn, anyone?!?

THE STAINS FAMILY

Recently I was introduce to one of the more amazing stories of persecution I have ever heard of. I don't mean to sound trite when I say that but the story of the Stains family just really gripped me. The attack on the church by those who do not believe or those who have no interest in the cause of Christ, unfortunately, is nothing new. Once again, though, this is a story that shows that God can work life even through death.

If you decide to read the story, I highly recommend closing your door (if you are able) and turning off any backround noise ...

The Stains and the God they Loved

PIZZA AND LATTE

Last weekend I spent Saturday afternoon in Columbia, MO at a wedding for one of my best friends from college. It was my third visit to the town in middle of the "Show Me State" and each time I go, I can't help but want to go back. It's becoming my favorite "small town" that I have ever visited for two reasons ...

- The best pizza shop outside of Chicago. Shakespeare's Pizza is outstanding. Everything is made fresh right in front of you. I highly recommend trying the wheat dough. The atmosphere is great as well.

- The best latte I have ever had at Lakota Coffee Company. In addition their small size wasn't small and it wasn't expensive either. I might have been influenced by the Bruce Springsteen playing in the backround.

Aside from the fact that their is much more to life than pizza and coffee, this town is great. A nice downtown area, hiking trails (I recommend the Devils Cavern Trail!), friendly people, nice golf courses. The only downside to Columbia is the University of Missouri is there but I could get over that.

BUILDING THE GPA

I got my grade today for one of the seminar classes at Bethel. I was feeling really good about checking out what I got in my "Missions" class so I was statisfied with a "B" but overly excited. I really thought I had a legit chance to get that elusive grade of a "A" but I guess Dr. Bowers thought differently.

None the less I will certainly take the grade. The final class I have this year is "Intrepreting the New Testament" and I am really hoping I can grab an "A" so only time will tell. The pre-class reading is, well, rather "interesting" to say the least.

Getting Smarter, I think ...

FOR THE DUCKS!

This is what happens when rain cancels tennis practice ...

I think the duck might be playing better than I am right now.

ROAD TRAINING

I am now in the "training" process. I'm not interested in training for a marathon or for a sporting event but I'm practicing for something more important - a big time road trip. Seeing that I have to travel some 2,000 miles in about a month. I've working up up a sweat in preparing for my cross country travels. Here are some essentials: (Yes, note the sarcasism!)

Sleep -- Boredom can often set in when you are the only one in the car for a three-day (or so) trip. Gotta be plenty rested! I mean, you gotta stay awake!

Muli-tasker -- When driving in a car you have to be able to keep yourself occupied so playing with the radio, changing CD's, maybe chat on the phone for a moment, snacking on food are all things you should be practicing while driving prior to a long trip.

Being still -- I love being able to move around but when stuck in a car it's pretty tough to move more than a few inches. I recommend that shifting your position in the car every 30 minutes help a great deal so no body parts go numb!

Cruise Control -- This is pretty important. I love the cruise button but those slow cars that feel like they belong in the fast lane can often times mess-up your cruise. Be sure to know when to hit the break before ramming into that slow car in the fast lane!

Patience -- This is the most important. I recommend driving around the Dan Ryan Express in Chicago to really get good at this!

Well, those are some important tips ... I gotta go to practice! My roomate in college once told me that I was never afraid of a good road trip. That's only because I practiced hard prior those trips!

STAND AGAINST THE WIND

I finally finished Erwin McManus' new book "Stand Against the Wind" on Saturday morning. I say finally because I got the thing the day it came out (feb. 13) and well, I should have finished it that freakin day! In fact I probably read the thing twice since I started over midway through.

Anyway ... The book is a more condensed version of "Uprising" which was one of the best book I have ever read. It walks through a variety of characteristics such as integrity, perseverance, generosity, humility and courage among others. He weaves this amazing matrix of when all these characteristics are used correctly; we live the life God truly wants us to live.

Just a few lines on some of those characteristics:

Humility - "Humility brings us to God not out of obligation but out of gratitude. When we humble ourselves we choose the place of least honor and allow God to call us to any role of servant hood He might desire. Humility begins with emptying ourselves so that we can receive from God all that we need for the journey."

Perseverance - "God desires us to become faithful, trustworthy people. Perseverance is the ability to remain faithful through the duration ... Faithfulness keeps your character from going bad."

Integrity - "Integrity is not about being flawless but being 'falseless.'"

Generosity - "Generosity in its primal essence is love ... Jesus always gave more than He took."

Courage - "Courage isn't the absence of fear, it is the absence of self."

FASHION

Maybe Jessica Simpson should have been wearing these while making the "Dukes of Hazzard"

Think they will be available at the UP Mall anytime soon?

(Click on the picture to read the fine print)

BLOG OF THE WEEK

In honor to the start of baseball season and the fact that I love the New York Yankees.

Bronx Pride

SCUM OF THE EARTH

Last night on the CBS Evening News they did a story on the Emergent Church and took a look at what is going on with that movement. You can see the transcript and download the three minute video - Here.

I got into a brief conversation last night about how 82% of Americans believe in God. When I first saw that my thought was I can't believe it's not higher than that because that means that 1 out of 5 don't believe in God. My second thought was, is that God with a big "G" or little "g"? Not sure on that one.

Then of those 82% who believe in God (little or big "G") about a third of them say that traditional religion is out of date (the whole "religion" thing is for another debate). Well, yeah duh! Not too many people are walking into a building more than twice a year (Easter and Christmas) looking for God.

This is why I believe places like Granger, Willowcreek, Mosaic, Mars Hill, etc., etc. get it. Meet people where they are then love them too much to keep them there. I could go on but I would digress ...

They got most of their video from a church in Denver, CO (of all places!) called "Scum of the Earth" ... So I started browsing around the website and it certainly has some interesting stuff for small groups!

NEW BOOK

I know I may have some issues (see post below) but Bill Hybels is someone I consider to be "The Man" and his new book is coming out the end of July!

Just Walk Across the Room

NEW NAME?

A few weeks back I found out what people are saying behind my back. (well, at least one thing they are saying behind my back - HA!)

Rob-win Hy-Berg

My first reponse to all that above non-sense was, "what in the world does that mean" ... Not a moment later I was informed what it meant "[Rob] Bell" then "Er[win] McManus" and "Bill [Hy]bels" and final "John Ort[berg]" ... see the connection?

You see, if you haven't notice already, I am a big fan of those guys. In their own little ways through sermons, book and articles they have formed, so to speak, who I am today. But who in the world takes the time to think of these things to come up with a new name? Is this a compliment? Maybe a slap-in-the-face? Or maybe I am just making a big deal out of something that doesn't freakin matter.

None the less, I will just add it to the list of names that people have called me over the years and laugh loudly ;-)

UNITED 93

In about two weeks the premiere of "United 93" will hit movie theatres all over the country. Some of the early screenings of the film have had one very clear theme - "this is a scary movie"

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, I'm pretty sure the fear from this movie will be felt by everyone who watches this movie. A few months ago I first saw the trailer before a movie and even during the trailer I had chills.

Recently, Time magazine did an article on the making of the movie and you can read that - here. That article sums up a lot of emotions as I'm sure the movie will as well. If you want to watch the full length trailer - here.

AMAZING! SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

(ok, these are not from me but I found them rather funny. I will not reveal my sources!)

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mousetrap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from hitting the snooze button and rolling over and going back to sleep.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are: You only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.

Thought of the Day:

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING, BUT, THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS

FIXED

My car window is finally working again! On the bright side of all that, the cost wasn't nearly as much as first anticipated! It gets better, now my exhaust problem is also fixed. Also for cheaper than the original quoted price - ROCK!

(of course, seeing that it is sunny and 60-something degrees today my window will be down)

"REJECTED"

Recently, I have been totally engrossed with the "All American Rejects" ... Corey Mann said that he loved this band and when I read that I thought he was on crack.

Then slowly but surely I started to warm up to them and the first I "finally listened" to "Dirty Little Secrets" I was hooked. What a great video. Watch it - here.

On Friday I spend like 30 minutes at Barnes and Noble listening and reading reviews of their two albums. I also found out that they wrote "Swing, Swing" which is extremely catching and enjoyable to listen to.

I think I might just need to round up some cash to buy at least of their albums. Sounds like quality stuff but more importantly well thought out song writing.

MLB SEASON

Holy Cow the Major League Baseball season is almost a week old and I haven't posted any sort of predictions for the upcoming season. Some baseball fan I am!!

AL East - NY Yankees (I'm bias I know!)
AL Central - Chicago White Sox
AL West - Oakland A's
AL Wild Card - L.A. Angels

NL East - NY Mets
NL Central - St. Louis Cardinals
NL West - L.A. Dodgers
NL Wild Card - Atlanta Braves

Eventually the Braves run of 14 straight division titles has to end so I predict this is the year it will finally happen. The NL West is an absolutely awful division so I picked the Dodgers to win by default!

The World Series - Cardinals over the White Sox

It pains me not to pick my beloved Yankees to make it back to the World Series but they don' have enough pitching and well the White Sox do. I think St. Louis final ends it World Series drought of being so close recently and finally wins the Fall Classic.

COUNTDOWN SAYS ...

He is an American icon. He will destroy you if he has to. He is CHUCK NORRIS!!

Top Chuck Norris "sayings" ...

1) Chuck Norris doesn't believe in Germany. (No he just doesn't believe in it)

2) Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer, but he has never cried!!

3) Once Chuck Norris walked into a McDonalds at 10:35 to order breakfast but they wouldn't serve it to him. So he went outside and made that McDonalds a Wendy's

4) Chuck Norris has a night light. Not because he is afraid of the dark but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris!!

5) Chuck Norris has counted to infinity... Twice!

If you get a moment and you need a decent laugh, check out the Brokeback parody of Chuck Norris - here.

BLOG OF THE WEEK

Ok, I'm getting back into the "blog flow" after my recent stretch of crazy-ness. This is the blog of a pastor outside Lansing, MI. He's a great guy and when I heard him he gave an amazing talk on sex.

Noel Heikkienen

If you want to hear some of his sermons, which are pretty solid, be sure to check out the audio link at the top of the page.

JESUS THE ICE WALKER?

So what's up with Jesus walking on Ice? There's a professor at Florida State who has developed an argument that states Jesus could have walked on ice and not water - USA Today Article.

Could this be an adventure in missing the point? Is this guy trying to get attention? When was the last time it was cold enough that the Sea of Galilee could even freeze? Maybe the bible translators are wrong on their interpretation of certain words?

None the less admist all those questions, at least the guy is getting involved in a biblical conversation, so to speak.

L.A. BOUND!

I have had a lot of good things happen in my life. I have been very blessed on many levels. On Thursday evening I recieved a gift that I never thought I would recieve.

Right before the start of the Coldplay concert I get a call with an L.A. area code. This was the phone call from Mosaic that I was waiting for after my interview the previous week. I couldn't answer at that moment so I stepped out to call them back and in a back stairwell at the United Center in downtown Chicago I got offered the internship I never thought I had would ever get. This chance, this opportunity is something I have wanted since getting accepted to grad school. I mean, I can not truly describe how exciting this is.

I was just pumped up about getting an interview for the position and then to be offered the chance is mind-blowing. So the 10-week internship will be an adventure on so many levels. I have never been west of Denver, I have to raise $2,000 by May 21, leadership advancement and I have to live in the Pacific Time Zone - HA! (oh, let's hope for no earthquakes in L.A. this summer!!)

This is going to be a challenge but I know that it is a challenge that I will grow and expand myself in ways that I never imaged previous to this experience. I just know it. There's so much more to say but I just don't know how to say it!

Living like a Barbarian ...

FRUSTRATION

Ok, what's the deal with computers. You know they are kind of like a dating relationships -women, you can't live with them and you can't live without them! (I'm sure it's vice versa as well)

My computer that stored all the data for the Saint Mary's athletic website AND all the statistics for each team crash late Friday evening. All attempts to revive the laptop were unsuccessful. It's kind of like starting all over again. None, the less things are looking up because I got this awesome new laptop and the process of getting the stats up and going again are underway!

Monday I had the pleasure of losing my car key for half the day then the window on my driver side won't go back up after I put it down. The motor that runs the automatic window is dead and cost around $300 to fix - yuck! So until that's fixed I have my window down. Not a good thing at night!

Just plugging along ...