JUST BY CHANCE

I had my second interesting encounter of the week on Friday afternoon.

Not a whole lot of people know who Patrick Lencioni is but I am huge fan of his books. He has written “Death by Meeting,” “Silos, Politics and Turf Wars,” and most notably “Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” His stuff and way he writes is awesome. He also gave an outstanding talk at the 2003 Willowcreek Leadership Summit.

On Friday afternoon I was heading to the Notre Dame athletic department to take care of some business. I walk by the main office and I see this guy who looks like Patrick Lencioni. No chance it could be him. After taking care of my stuff in the department, I walk back out and he is still in the waiting area by the office.

Being the outgoing guy that I am, I just say “Hey Patrick.”

He turns around and we engage in this brief conversation about his books, his reason for being in town (he lives in California) and some other things. A rather fun few minutes for me.

So he may not be some “awesome” celebrity but it was still rather cool to meet one of my favorite authors.

JAY BAKKER

Pastors Kid. Revolutionary. Emergent.

Call him what you want but Jay Bakker is stirring the souls of people up and down the east coast. The guy has a pretty amazing story and he is just 30 years old. Check out his book - here.

A few years ago he spoke at the annual GCC Men's Retreat were he gave two killer talks on being filled with the Grace and Mercy that God gave you. I will never forget how he came to our bon-fire the last night and just chatted with about 40 guys til 2 a.m. Outstanding weekend.

Recently he moved from Atlanta were he was the head guy at Revolution before starting a new Reolution movement in New York City.

OK, more than anything for this post I just wanted to direct you to an article that the New Yorker recent did on his move to NYC -- Hip for Him. Enjoy!

PHOTOS FROM "FRAY GUY"

Seriously, this was a once in a lifetime experience. After the event when I was chatting with him, it was so odd to think that I just paid $33.00 to see him in a few weeks in Grand Rapids. Good Times ...

Issac Talking to the crowd of about 1200.

Me, Issac, and Anna (Issac's Wife)

Me & Issac

Some of the my notes that I scratched down
(Notice the Chipotle reference on the autograph!)

ISSAC SLADE

Ok, blogger isn't allowing me to post pictures right now but I will later!

Not many people know who Issac Slade is but I am sure that most people have heard his music in some way shape or form. He is the lead singer for The Fray.

On Wednesday morning he was the speaker/singer for chapel at Grace College and being the music fan that I am, me and my friend Andy invested the time to hear what he has to say. It was time well spent. The college just give him the microphone for about 50 minutes and he sang and talked the entire time. Just him, a panio and a microphone.

He started with song that I never heard before so I am not sure what song he started with so please forgive me. After the un-named song he began his talk about "Authority" and how that tied in with the college's chapel theme of authentic leadership. He talked about how we have to know our 1) Story 2) Craft & 3) Limits

He chatted a little bit about his past and how his relationship with Jesus has been formed for the time he was a kid and his first live singing experience at mall when he was eight years old singing a Keith Green song. More than anything he wanted to make the point that -- People want to know how your story and how God has impacted it and how that can/should relate to another person.

After that he played "Over My Head" which was pretty sweet then talked about his craft. He told a pretty good story about playing in a Starbucks when he was 18 and how he learned to better relate (so to speak) to an unbelieving audience.

Once the Starbucks story was over he talked a little about his dating relationships and then he played "Look After You" a song he wrote for his wife (see picture). He closed with knowing your limits and having people who hold you accountable and are "willing to kick you in the stomach when you need it"

His final song was "How to Save a Life" that sounded amazing with just him and the panio. Be sure to check out http://www.howtosavealife.com/ sometime as well!

Afterwards I wanted around to chat with him for a bit and got to meet his wife as well. The best part was this guy who came up and asked if "we were with the band" ... Needless, to say me and Andy were not with the band but at least it was kind of cool to be asked!

The only thing that I will say about Issac is that he is a big Chipotle fan! In fact, he eats there for free! The perks of being the lead singer of band that just went platnium.

NEW SEASON OF TV

The new television season always intrigues me. It might be from the constant commercials that I intake while watching a sporting event on a given network but, none the less, after watching a few shows during premiere week, here's a few of my quick thoughts:

How I Met Your Mother -- More of a guilty pleasure. Not really a fantastic show but there are enough good laughs that I keep watching. (Monday, 8:30, CBS)

CSI: Miami -- I throughly enjoy this show every Monday evening. The season kick-off was outstanding. I'll keep watching. (Monday, 10:00, CBS)

House -- Outstanding show! (Tuesday, 8:00, Fox)

Smith -- Of all the new shows in the fall, this one really caught my interest. It's got a dynamite cast of characters and there's something about wanting "the bad guys" to pull off their next heist. I will certainly keep watching. (Tuesday, 10:00, CBS)

Kidnapped -- If you watching Mel Gibson in Ransom back in the mid-90's then this show is along those same lines. (Wednesday, 10:00, NBC)

CSI -- What an odd ending to a season premiere. (Thursday, 9:00, CBS)

ER -- Ok, I admit that this has been a favorite of mine for a long time but this show might need to be pulled off the air! (Thursday, 10:00, NBC)

SPECIAL NOTE -- Although I watch these shows, it's not like my life revolves around having to see every single episode or something. Believe me when I say, there are better things to do than watch TV!!

THINKING OUT LOUD

Just a few thoughts from the Notre Dame-Michigan State game from Satuday evening in East Lansing.

First, since I didn't watch the first half of the game because of a prior engagement that I had to attend to the first score of the game I heard was MSU 24, ND 7. I wasn't really shocked at that score and then I remember thinking that this town may just burn for a few days if the Irish lose.

The second half started the best way it possibly could have for ND because for most of the third and fourth quarter it looked like Michigan State was just playing about as conservative as they could. (i.e. playing not to lose). Kirk Herbstreit said something to the effect that it looked like Michigan State was waiting for something bad to happen. That's why they are Michigan State and not, say, a Michigan or Ohio State because the Spartans have talent but not confidence.

Notre Dame still isn't a tough team offensively. The defense, give them a lot of credit, never gave up even when you thought they might. However, that can't be said for the offense. For example they were 1 for 11 on third down!?! One for 11!! The offensive line is getting beat up and thus the running game isn't there. They seem much more timid than they did last year. Samardzija looks like he is using "gator arms" for some of the balls thrown his way.

Was this a great game? No, but it was a fun game to watch that's for sure. I almost turned it off and I probably would have if ND didn't score with abough eight minutes left in the game. Goes to show you that you can never "walk away" from a sporting event.

Finally, John L. Smith might have just lost his job along the Michigan State sidelines.

CHIPOTLE!!

It's here! It's finally here!! Yes, even in little old South Bend, IN there is now a Chipotle!! (ok, so it is in Mishawaka -- same thing)

On Thursday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. it was free burritos all day long. Who wouldn't take a few, or several, moments out of their day to go enjoy a free burrito? Well, in my case I had two free burritos!

After class broke for lunch right before I noon, I darted right to my car and drove five minutes up the road to wait in line. Since it was free burrito day I figure their would be line and, of course, there was but it flowed rather well. All in all, I probably only waited about 35 minutes for my Steak Fajita Burrito and it was worth every second.

I debated whether I should endulge myself in another visit for my dinner but I figure it would be an economically sound decision. I am, after all, trying to save money. So I arrived for dinner at 5:55 p.m. and waited in a line that was much longer but moved along just the same. Luckily I was able to chat with my friend Jen during the wait. Around 7:15 I got my Pork Fajita Burrito!

Call me totally crazy or whatever you want for waiting in line for a combined two hours for two free burritos but, hey, it's Chipotle!!

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Doesn't that title of this post make you want to read on!?! HA!

I started my fourth three-day seminar at Bethel this week, the class - "Biblical Theology" ... In doing all the pre-class reading I get frustrated at this topic sometimes. Don't get me wrong but it seems that too much time is spend talking about theology and all sort of methods that come with that instead of really moving people towards the life that God intended.

Someone at Mosaic once told me early in the internship, and I am para-phrasing here but the point is still made ... "I would encourage you not to spend time talking about theology because people just want 'real person-to-person' conversation and most people I know would rather not talk about theology."

OK, I know that talking about God and how He can help move you toward the life you should be living is essentially theology but, no one really cares about those "big theological words" you know (systematic, diachronic, whatever, etc., etc.).

Can we just help people move forward in their life in a righteous and Godly manner and put "those big theological words" in your back pocket for another time or discussion?

I COULD DO THAT

Have you seen the story of this writer/athlete who is donating the next two years her time to be an Olympics Athlete at the 2008 Summer Games?

This is kind of interesting for those "arm chair quarterbacks" and "I could do that" coach potatoes who think being an athlete is something simpel and easy. ESPN.com has brought aboard Kathryn Bertine, a tri-athlete and writer as well, to train to be an Olympic Athlete. What sport? Well, it's still in question as to which sport she will compete in but she is training.

The article and future articles are devoted to her chronicles as she trains for the 2008 Bejing games.

WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME

I have been searching for this clip since the Leadership Summit when Bill Hybels interviewed Bono. Just click on the link and watch. Absolutely Beautiful!

Where The Streets Have No Name

Be sure to listen to Bono recite part of Psalm 116 at the beginning ... Just Beautiful!

"What can I give back to God for the blessings he's poured out on me? I'll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!" - Psalm 116:12 (the message)

HITCH

I know the movie "Hitch" is a few years old but I have finally gotten around to watching it. I must admit that it was a rather funny movie. Unrealistic for sure, but at least I got a good laugh every now and then.

I pretty much despise dating movies for the very reason that I mentioned above -- they are unrealistic and, for that matter, a figment of someones imagination. But is that anyones fault?

The males, the females, perhaps it is Hollywood's fault dating movies are nothing like the real thing. Think about this - what would dating in real life look like if there weren't movies like "Hitch" or "The Notebook" and such? It would have to be different. I just gotta believe that.

I have no problem paying for meal, opening the doors, taking her coat and such. Going above and beyond should be expected when you have stronger feelings for another individual. However, going out on a date becomes a problem when the girl is "waiting" for her Cinderella moment. Just an FYI -- there's a 99.9% chance that moment isn't coming.

Isn't it enough that a guy puts his heart (and soul for that matter) "out there" and becomes vulnerable. Isn't dating a wonderful thing? The person who can love and care for you most deeply is the one who can hurt and "cut" you the deepest. Gotta love that! Yet, we as people go back for more and more until we find that "it" factor in a relationship.

I don't get dating movies. I really don't and never will. Shoot -- forget dating movies. I just don't get dating. Maybe never will.

Ok, this post is longer than it should be (or is it to short!?!?)

I'M RETIRING ...

... from Notre Dame ticket gathering!

Not that it comes as a huge shock but getting tickets to the Penn State-Notre Dame was about as much fun as riding a rollar coaster without a seat belt. Sure it might be fun for a moment but not so long into the ride, you are going to be in trouble.

I felt good about getting the needed four tickets. Of course that was back in April and before this became the most request game in Notre Dame history! Let's see -- there are 67,000+ requests for tickets and just 35,000 slots ... hmm ... that's a problem.

Fortunately for me on Thursday morning after asking everyone I knew along with their brothers and sisters, I have completed the mission! Seriously, it feels like I just won a championship of some kind or something. This should be a sport!

Basking in the glory of completing the mission!!!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL EXTRAVAGANZA

This is pretty much a dream Saturday for me. Maybe I have "issues" if this is considered a dream Saturday but it's my dream! Think about it, I am a die-hard Texas Longhorns fan and I live 3 miles from the Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus.

In what was certainly one of the top games in college football last season when Texas went into Ohio State and beat the Buckeyes on the way to the national title; here we go again. Granted a lot of last seasons game was because Vince Young help carry the Longhorns to victory but even though he has left for the NFL my optimism is unwavering for Texas.

I have high hopes for the #2 Longhorns as they battle #1 Ohio State on Saturday evening in Austin, Texas. Call me crazy and flat out insane or even a little bias but I think that Texas will knock off the top ranked Buckeyes. Not saying that Texas will have a repeat showing in the National Title game but whoever wins this game has a serious inside track to that game.

TEXAS - 24, Ohio State 20

As for the first game for Penn State at Notre Dame Stadium since the "snow bowl" during the 1992 season, you can feel the excitement around the South Bend area. Not quite to the same par as the USC-ND game last year but fairly close.

This is an intriguing match-up. I still think the Irish are over-rated at #4 in the national polls but they are, at least on a paper, a better team than Penn State. The one thing that makes Notre Dame really dangerous in this game is they won't have a repeat performance of their game against Georgia Tech last weekend were the eaked out just 14 points.

Although Penn State's defense isn't bad by any stretch but I don't think they are good enough to hold down Quinn & Co. down for 60 minutes. The Nittany Lions offense is so-so and they would need some trickery to score more than 20 points.

NOTRE DAME -- 31, PSU -- 17

(Looking forward to seeing Joe Pa run out onto the field!)

READY FOR THE NFL!

For the first time in a quite a long time I am excited for the start of the NFL season. Being a Dolphins fan my entire life there hasn't always been much to cheer for. Yet this year I have some serious optimism for my beloved 'fins! With that in mind, here's my predications for the upcoming season:

AFC East
1. Miami Dolphins, 11-5
2. N.E. Patriots, 10-6*
3. NY Jets, 8-8
4. Buffalo Bills, 6-10

AFC Central
1. Cincinnati Bengels, 10-6
2. Baltimore Ravens, 10-6*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers, 9-7
4. Cleveland Browns, 5-11

AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts, 12-4
2. Jacksonville Jags, 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans, 7-9
4. Houston Texans, 4-12

AFC West
1. Denver Broncos, 11-5
2. S.D. Chargers, 9-7
3. K.C. Chiefs, 8-8
4. Oakland Raiders, 5-11

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-6
2. NY Giants, 10-6*
3. Dallas Cowboys, 8-8
4. Washington Redskins, 8-8

NFC North
1. Chicago Bears, 10-6
2. Minnesota Vikings, 8-8
3. G.B. Packers, 6-10
4. Detroit Lions, 5-11

NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers, 12-4
2. Atlanta Falcons, 9-7*
3. T.B. Bucs, 9-7
4. New Orleans Saints, 5-11

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks, 11-5
2. St. Louis Rams, 9-7
3. Arizona Cardinals, 9-7
4. S.F. 49ers, 3-13

* - Indicates Wild Card Winner (i.e. going to the playoffs)

Super Bowl XXXXI -- Carolina def. Cincinnati

I like to pick the Dolphins for the Super Bowl but I just don't see it happening this year although, they will get close. The Colts always choke down the stretch and that will happen once again.

The NFC is awful except for Carolina and Seattle. I just think the Panthers have a bit more fire-power to pull them through this season.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?!?

SPEECHLESS

Since I have been back from SoCal I have spent a lot of time engrossing myself with anything involving U2. I mean anything – books, magazines, interviews, concerts, etc., etc.

I have been going through this book that is basically a conversation between Bono and his friend Michka Assayas. I haven’t been “reading it” really but rather just hopping around some of the different conversation topics. Near the end of the book, this back and forth chat is had:

Michka Assayas: What leaves you speechless?

BONO: [sighs … silence for 20 seconds] Does singing count?

Michka Assayas: I’m afraid not. Songs have words.

BONO: But not when I start. Usually it is just a melody and nonsense words. Hmmm … Songs are about as succinct as I get. I’m sparing you. [laughs, then ponders a moment] “Forgiveness” is my answer.

Michka Assayas: You mean being forgiven?

BONO: Yeah.

It kind of got me to thinking (ok, not “kind of” thinking but rather just really thinking). What leaves me speechless? I immediately started thinking about standing at the top of a mountain along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. It really is quite a mesmerizing site to see. Snow capped and beautiful. However, I feel like that I can use words to describe it.

What leaves me speechless?!? …. hmmm … things like Grace and Mercy come to mind. How ‘bout Jesus on the cross? What about Child Abuse or Poverty?

This is a great question. I’m speechless for the moment.

US OPEN CLASSIC

Was it the best tennis match in US Open history? Probably not. But it was certainly one of the most memoriable, if not the most memoriable.

For just under four-hour on Thursday evening (and into Friday morning), Andre Agassi and Marcos Baghdatis went "at it" in front of what had to be the loudest crowd in the history of tennis. Sports has a tendancy to bring forth emotions that normally aren't there. Last night was one of those examples.

In a match were Agassi was in control for most of the match until midway through the fourth set. Just eight points from victory, Agassi saw the eighth ranked Baghdatis raise his game and the next 75 minutes of tennis was something to behold. Certain theatre that will be replayed over-and-over on ESPN Classic and during rain delays of upcoming tennis tournament.

What made it so amazing to me was the effort that was on display. Pardon the old clinche' reference but those two were going at it like two heavyweight fighters. It was just an awesome display of tennis and drama that had controversial calls, physical exhaustion, head shaking moments and times of sheer nervousness.

Will the 36 year old Agassi continue this run all the way to a championship? If he did it will be along the same lines of the 1980 US Hockey team winning Olympic Gold! One thing that is for sure, Agassi will go down swinging.