U2 EUCHARIST

This is what I'm talking about!

As one of my friends once told me, "U2 is my favorite worship band." A church in New York has caught onto that type of thinking ...

Video

USA Today

MUSIC ON AN ISLAND

During a meeting at work the other day we were asked what three albums we would bring with us if we were stranded alone on an island. Every now-and-again it's fun to do these icebreaker exercises but when it involves music, there's a little extra fun involved for me. So here are my three:

1) U218 (U2) -- Fairly obviously selection.
2) Greatest Hits (Bruce Springsteen) -- Great compilation of rock songs by one the best rockers ever!
3) Come Away with Me (Norah Jones) -- For the more "mellow" mood on the island. Plus this album won eight Grammys!

Honorable Mention - X&Y (Coldplay), Closer (Josh Groban), How to Save a Life (The Fray)

So that's what I am going with; although I'm hoping my music collection never shrinks to just three album choices.

NOTRE DAME HOCKEY

Get on the bandwagon now. It's already getting quite full.

The story of the year in the Irish athletic department and college hockey in general is by the far Notre Dame's ascent to the top of the landscape. Just two seasons ago this team suffered (and I mean suffered) to a 5-27-6 record. Fast forward to this season and they are 21-5-2 and ranked second in the nation and lead their conference.

Here's a couple stats that are quite astounding:

- ND is 9-1-1 this year against teams ranked in the Top 15! (maybe Charlie Weis could take note on how to beat nationally ranked team)

- Goalie David Brown is 20-4-2 and leads the nation in wins. He is also one of the leading candidate (if not the leading candidate) for the Hobey Baker award given to the nations top player.

- The Irish are outscoring their opponent by an average of two goals per game which is the second best mark the nation.

With a month left in the regular season the Irish are well on their way to making the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in school history. But more importantly, this team could be on its way to making a run at the National Championship so get on the bandwagon now!

SIX DEGREES

The man that could be linked to any actor or actress in Hollywood with just Six Degrees of seperation has taken that "title" and used it for the benefit on those who wish to contribute to charity.

Six Degrees is a site were you (yes, YOU!) can become a celebrity for your own cause. So click around and donate some of your time, energy, resources or maybe even some cash if you wish.

BEST BUY EXPERIENCE

So this morning I headed out to Best Buy to purchase the new Norah Jones album. Amidst the cruddy weather, I have been looking forward to the release for a few weeks and I wasn't going to let snow and cold discourage me!

Here's were it was odd -- I got to the store about five minutes before it opened (I thought it opened at 9 a.m. but it was 10 a.m.) and there were about 10-15 other people waiting in line to get into the store. It wasn't like the Playstation 3 release or anything but I could tell they wanted something badly.

When the doors opened at 10 a.m. everyone went right to the computer section and I was the only one (yes, the only one) to go left toward the music. I rather easily and quickly found my CD and headed to the register. I asked the guy what everyone was waiting for in the computer section. His answer - Windows Vista.

Talk about a close call ... Man, I thought they were going to sell out of the Norah Jones CD the first day of the release! What a huge relief!

THE NEXT PRESIDENT

I have decided that I am going to run for President. Not sure when though, considering that I am 28 years old and federal law requires that a Presidencial canditate be at least 35. I used to always joke that I am going to run for the highest office in the nation in the year 2036 but since everyone and their brother (or sister) is going to "bid" for the job this year, why not now? Of course in 29 years I don't think our nation's problem will change.

Here's what I would do (and I'm dreaming big) --

- Fix poverty. If we can make bigger and badder phones, computers, TV, etc., etc. you'd think this country could find a way to get a hungry a piece of bread, fruit, water.

- Get people on the same page. Just get the Senators, State Represenatives thinking about the good of the overall nation and not just party politics.

- Health. This country is way overweight and needs help soon.

- Honesty/Integrity. If President's office can't be trusted ... ummm ... how is the rest of the country going to be?

Ok, those are the only four things I have come up with for now. I have 29 years to figure out the rest before I run for my election campaign. I need a Vice President. Anyone interested?

Hail to the Chief. Whoever it is ...

FREAKONOMICS

" ... if morality represents and ideal world, then economics represents the actual world." (pg. 206)

I love this book. This book is easily one of the best books I have ever read.

Every now and again you run across and CD you can't stop listening to or activity you just have to do or you'll find yourself in the fetal position if you don't. I could not stop reading Freakonomics. Malcolm Gladwell was right, I was "dazzled" by this read.

My parents bought this book for me when I was in California but I just never took the time to pick it up and read it. In taking less than a week to read it, I'm trying to figure out what I was waiting for.

The books looks at these odd correlations and finds a way to relate them. Here's a few examples:

- Real Estate Agents and the KKK
- Crime Rates and Aboration
- Children names and their likelihood for success

Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? How much do parents really matter? What kind of impact did Roe v. Wade have on violent crime?

This book is about questions and finding more questions. So it was a perfect read for me. The author isn't so much interested in finding a concrete answer to everything but making your think about why he feels the way he does. You may agree or disagree, it doesn't matter as long as you immerse yourself in the process.

If you like looking at a variety of studies and then being shocked by their findings, this is a must read for you. There are a fair amount of facts and figures but the way it is presented is stunning and genius.

It's an absolutely brilliant read. A few months back a newer, updated version was released so be sure to pick up that version instead of the one released at the end of 2005.

iPHONE

This video was on Conan O'Brien not so long ago and since it is one of most viewed this month (and probably ever), I thought it appropriate to share:

The iPhone

My personal favorite was the Hand Grenade or the treadmill!

NEVER GRADUATE!

This is what college athletics is all about!

You got some 40-something year-old men's basketball coach at the University of Tennessee with a big "V" painted on his chest in the middle of the student section helping his fellow "classmates" spell-out GO VOLS during UT's women's hoops game against Duke. Freakin awesome!

Never graduate Bruce Pearl ... ever! Granted there is a difference between holding on to your collegiate past longer than you should but there is something to be said for having a little fun and letting loose, you know?!? Too many up tight work environments will make everyone into Office Space clones if we can't have a little fun. So kudos to Bruce Pearl for stepping out and living a little bit on the edge. Not to mention supporting his colleagues.

Think what this would look like if Charlie Weis did this at a Notre Dame basketball game, well, ok don't think about that any more! Sorry I asked you to! What about Roy Williams at UNC or
Rick Pitino at Louisville or whoever would have the guts to do something out of the norm. Gotta be excited for some one who isn't afraid to let loose and be different.

EMBRACING "THE LEPERS"

This past Thursday evening Dr. Bob had a rather interesting take on when Jesus heals the man with leprosy in Luke 5:12-16. He drew this correlation between how Americans should embrace the homeless (i.e. "the lepers of our time") in the same way Jesus embraced, loved and healed the man with leprosy in this particular passage.

He noted this one really great quote from Bill Hybels that I wanted to pass along:

"My faith is diminished in direct proportion to the distance I keep from the poor and people of other races."

The question then becomes - how are you valuing, serving and loving the poor, the lepers and the "unclean" in your life?

TWO INTERVIEWS

1) A few weeks ago I watched Rob Bell do this interview for a British TV station. Aside from the insight that Bell gives, it's rather amusing to watch American and British culture collide between the interviewer and Bell. (It's a rather long interview - about 45 minutes)

Here

2) Philip Yancey, who is one brilliant author, gave a brief interview with Relevant Magazine not to long ago about his new book and some thoughts on prayer.

Here

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Well, I am now 7-for-8 in predicting NFL playoff games. The "so called" experts at ESPN have just one person with the same mark so I'm rather pleased with my picks considering my history of awful predictions. If it weren't for those freakin' Colts last week I would have a perfect mark! Anyway ...

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Bears - 25
Saints - 21

I think the Bears home field advantage will pay off in this game. The Saints defense is solid but the Bears running backs are better. I also believe that the Bears defense will be just good enough to slow down the Saints quick offense. In addition, I think the slower turf and the weather conditions will hurt New Orleans ability to move the ball. I did read this really strange stats were the Bears have just one win in their last nine home playoff games when the temperature is below 40 degrees.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Patriots - 27
Colts - 24

This is probably the main reason I am picking the Patriots - Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have never lost on AFC Championship game together (3-0). Payton Manning is 5-6 in the playoffs and has never won three straight games and never made the Super Bowl. If New England can control time of possession they should win. The less Indianapolis is on the field the better.

So that's what I am going with. This weekend is more fun than Super Bowl weekend in my opinion so enjoy!

COLBERT & O'REILLY

For those Bill O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert fans the two of them had a little interesting faceoff on Thursday evening. First, Colbert went on O'Reilly's show then O'Reilly went on Colbert's show a little later.

The wit and sarcasm of Colbert is hilarious.

Colbert on O'Reilly ("No Spin Zone")

O'Reilly on Colbert ("Colbert Report")

Enjoy!!

"24" -- SEASON #6

So after finally fully digesting everything that has happened during the first four hours of season six on "24" I have a few thoughts:

* Wayne Palmer as President -- Absolutely love it!

* Was I the only one in America who suddenly had a sly smile the moment Jack Bauer got off the plane?

* How in the world does Jack Bauer get to the hideout of this "peaceful terrorist" dude in some beat-up car faster than a bunch of helicopters from the U.S. military?

* They killed Curtis! Un-freakin-real! What a great surprise!

* They blew-up an atomic bomb in L.A. ... woah! Think how ticked Jack Bauer is going to be now!

* I'm trying to figure out who the mole inside CTU is -- my guess is that it is either Bill Buchanan (with a tie-in to his wife at the White House) OR this Nadia Yassir person

Alright, that's all I got for now ... Jack's Torture Report

SOUL CRAVINGS

I recently completed Erwin McManus' new book "Soul Cravings" after just four sittings. It's a fairly quick read but, once again, he presents all these really interesting and thought provoking insights. I wouldn't call it a "simple read" but the guy just makes a lot of sense.

Like most of stuff that I read by him I find myself torn between "should I highlight that passage or not" because you could very easily have your entire book covered in highlighter. To sum it up very briefly the entire focus of the book revolves around the idea that every person on the planet (Christ Follower or not) is on a search for three things: Intimacy, Destiny and Meaning.

He really goes out the whole topic of religion through out the entire book. His views might make your uncomfortable but, once again, the guy just makes a lot of sense.

The books helps you understand and relate to people better. It might even help you understand yourself better. All of have these three quests but everyone's quest is vastly different from one another.

Definitely a must read!

SCARY INSIGHT

Remember what you were doing before you were a teenagers? I recall playing a lot of baseball, kickball and enjoying times with my friends during recess. Not holding a semi-automatic weapon or living in fear of stepping just one foot outside my home thinking I might be shot. I certainly don't have to remember watching friends or family members getting killed right in front of me.

I was reading Newsweek shaking my head time-and-time again about what the children living in Iraq are going through on a daily basis. It just isn't right and the United States should be fairly afraid, if not very afraid, of what these children are capable of in the future. In a recent survey take by the United Nations, 47 percent of children living in Iraq have suffered or are suffering exposure to a major traumatic event. What will that generation look like and do in a decade or less?

According to the article there are over 1,000 checkpoints all over the Baghdad area. ONE THOUSAND ... And you thought paying a toll at the end of a highway ramp was bad try getting stopped a dozen or so times a day for "routine check" of your daily activities. And, oh yeah, you are just 15 (or so) years old!

Who do these children blame for all their problems? ... Americans! Very Scary! It's almost as if we are started another war within a war.

Many feel like 16-year old Jumaa ... (from Newsweek) Jumaa longs to kill Americans. "'I will carry a weapon,'" he declares. "'I will fight them to defend my land, country and religion.'"

What kind of world do you want?

85 HOURS

If you had 85 hours to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? For what amounts to 3.5 days what would you do?

Maybe take a nice little weekend vacation. How about read a book (or two)? Or would you ride a stationary bike for 85 consecutive hours?

George Hood of Aurora, IL decided to take 85 hours to peddle over 1,000 miles in an effort to raise money for a organization that helps families of slain police officers. Amazing effort -- HERE

SUNDAY BLISS

If you are ever looking for a "perfect" formula for a church service, I think Mars Hill pulled it off on Sunday morning. Take one of the preachers/teachers in the country and have him talk for about 20 minutes then take a national recording artists to lead praise/worship for the remainder of the service and you have something quite amazing.

A handful of people traveled to Grand Rapids, MI amid the wintry weather mix of weather that fell the night before to experience a service with Rob Bell and David Crowder. It continues to astound me when individuals use their God given abilities and talents at the highest level. Then to be invited to be apart of that for a little over an hour is such a blessing!

Rob spoke from Psalm 71:23 with his main premise being - why sing? why praise? ...

- Because we feel like OR if we don't we might feel like it. God reigns and it's going to fine

- To put great words on our lips; there is no need for skepticism or cynicism

- Because it's like a beautiful cathedral of/in sound

- worship and praise toward God who loves the bride that is the church and she is worth it

- Things are so beautiful and true that it can only be sung in poetry

- We are redeemed because there is something bigger in God's plan that "me" and "I"

After Rob's talk the packed house inside the sanctuary just flat out worship with David Crowder for the next 40 minutes or so. It was absolutely beautiful, amazing, chilling, etc. ... It was just something that I will look back on and smile for years to come.

They led us in "Here is Our King" "You are My Joy" "I saw the Light" (w/ Banjo) "No One Like You" "O Praise Him" plus a few others that I can't remember specifically. It was, once again, absolutely awesome.

NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND

Since I was a perfect 4-for-4 in predicting the NFL playoffs last weekend, I figure I would go ahead and give the next round a shot. I might be pressing my luck but it's not like it's the end of the world if I mess up a pick.

AFC

New England Patriots -- 30
San Diego Chargers -- 26

Baltimore Ravens -- 23
Indianapolis Colts - 18

NFC

New Orleans Saints -- 33
Philadelphia Eagles -- 28

Chicago Bears -- 27
Seattle Seahawks -- 19

I think the game I am looking forward to watching the most is the Saint-Eagles contest. It would be a fantastic story if the Saints (winners of one playoff game in franchise history) can make it to the NFC Championship. Both AFC games should be fairly close with experience winning out in one of the game (New England) and home field being the key to victory in the other (Baltimore). As for the Bears, they should be alright since Seattle's defense is not very good.

Looking to go to 4-for-4 for the second straight week!

UNION RESCUE MISSION

Last night I was searching a few things on YouTube and came across this cool little four minute video on the Union Rescue Mission along skidrow in downtown L.A. It was a brief moment of happiness as some amazing memories from this past summer came rushing back to me.

Feel free to enjoy - here.

As Jesus so eloquently puts it in Matthew 25:35-40:

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

U.S. SOCCER SAVIOR?!?

"David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America."
- MLS commissioner Don Garber

No one knows if David Beckham's "celebrity" is still big enough to help save the MLS and, for that matter, transcend soccer in America.

The thing that shocks me more than anything else is that the L.A. Galaxy just paid this guy $250 for a five year contract! Is he really worth that much? Certainly not. From my perspective this is just an example of desperation from soccer types in America to try and boost U.S. soccer on a world wide scale. Beckham coming to America could help that cause but wasn't that what Pele' was suppose to do back in the 70's when he played for the NY Cosmos? Reuters Article

Would it be a good thing if Beckham coming to American makes this country and legit threat to compete on world soccer stage, absolutely! I remain fairly skeptical about that though. If it works then that would be great but I'm certainly not holding my breath on this one. He's 31 years old and has already played his best soccer so who knows how could he will be at 35 or 36 when his contract expires.

Another thing, what does it say about the state of U.S. soccer that we have to go across the ocean to bring in a high profile athlete? It says this country is a football, baseball, basketball and hockey nation. Soccer in America, while a good, sport will never be great like it is in other parts of the world.

PHOTOGRAPHING

Quick Note: Got this forwarded e-mail from my pal Marty the other day and I just had to share.

This is a case of photographer photographs photographer. The following photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The descriptions are his own. The identity of the photographer IN the photos is unknown.

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock IN the Grand Canyon. The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod I asked
myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not taking that sunset picture on that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?

This is the point of no return.

After the sun set behind the canyon's horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available) and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes. At that point he had the full attention of the crowd. After that, he jumped on his thong sandals...The canyon's depth is 900 meters here. Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.

We've come to the end of this little story. Look carefully at the photographer. He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand. Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.He lands low on this flip flops both his right hand and right foot slips away... At that moment I take this shot. He pushes his body against the rock. He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

YOUR WORLD

The other day I sat and watched Five for Fighting's new video for the song "World" and it really got me thinking more than normal. (fyi -- it's the same song that was used for the food drop video Corey did a few weeks ago)

There's a constant line in the song that keeps asking the question "What Kind of World Do You Want" and I think it's a legit questions and, in fact, a necessary one. If you want to see the video or just hear the lyrics -- Here

I started mulling over some of these questions (just sampling) --
Do I know what kind of world I want?
Can good things happens if I don't know what I want?
What Kind of World Does God want?
How can that happen?

Then I thought about these verses in Ephesians 4:21-25 --
Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So how are we being made new in our attitude through God so that we are living in righteousness and holiness in creating that world that is righteous?

"History Starts Now"

CHALLENGE OF "WEALTH"

Note: Read this interview in Relevant Magazine, so wanted to share a quick snippet:

Question: What do you see as the greatest challenge for young Christians in the next 10 years?

Rob Bell: The unbelievable amassing of wealth and consumer good that we have at our fingertips in American culture. Our greatest challenge will be to learn how to move this into blessings for others, or we will continue to be more selfish and indifferent to the cries of the world. These insane amount of goods that are at our service are not doing good thing to our souls.

RECENT HISTORY

So I was sitting in Barnes and Noble the other day and the person who was sitting at the table before me must have been looking at Time and Newsweek because each magazine was sitting on the window ledge next to the table. Being a person that can be distracted quite easily, I decided to begin flipping through each magazine.

After just a few pages, I realized one thing: the previous few days were some of the most “important” in recent memory. Not for what was discovered or found but rather this world lost. Two of the most influential leaders in the last 30 or so years died. However, the methods of influence were vastly different.

Gerald Ford – here’s a guy who did things with honesty and integrity. Certainly you may question some of his decisions but as I was watching portions of his funeral, you saw nothing but respect for a man who helped change the way government was run. Never elected as a Vice President or even as President, he was man, a husband and a father that will be missed.

Saddam Hussein – the very definition of what a leader should NOT be and do. What he was, was a classic bully. He ruled with fear only but still influenced (or shall I say corrupted) the opinions and thoughts of those living in the Middle East. His weakness exposed when he was captured in what amounts to a rat hole a few weeks before Christmas in 2003.

The world is definitely a different place because of them. There is no doubt that much can be learned from these two individuals. The type of world that each of them wanted was vastly different from each other and the effects of their desires will be felt for a while.

NFL WILD CARD

Not that I am good at predicting these things but it's fun none the less so, just a quick thought on this weekend's Wild Card playoff games:

AFC
Indianapolis Colts -- 33
K.C. Chiefs -- 27

New England Patriots -- 23
New York Jets -- 14

NFC
Philadelphia Eagles -- 30
New York Giants - 19

Seattle Seahawks -- 23
Dallas Cowboys -- 20

I think the best chance for an upset is K.C. but I just don't see them winning on the road. Watch out for the Eagles. They are playing well enough coming into the playoffs to make a possible run at the Super Bowl. Never count out the Patriots with Tom Brady at quarterback. With Seattle you never know what you will get (i.e. lots of talent that has under-performed all year).

FIGHT FAT WITH FAITH

For all of you out there trying to fight the weight problem (especially post holiday), this guy Patrick Moore posted an article on Yahoo about "Fighting Fat with Faith" ... Slightly interesting.

Here

CALLING ALL PEACEMAKERS

NOTE: Back in December Rob Bell gave this absolutely outstanding message at Mars Hill. If you wish to download the message, it's from the Dec. 10 service - here. Below are some of the notes and figures that he talks about during his talk. I may be bias in "over hyping" this particular talk but I am pretty much unapologetic about getting information out about helping the under resourced and poverty stricken across the world. Or as Rob Bell would say, bringing peace to the world.

Rob Bell – Calling All Peacemakers, Pt. II

Luke 19:41-42 –

How are we weeping over the world like Jesus did over Jerusalem? Jesus is with us all times, so how would he seek to bring peace?

We are not fuzzy on the issues of justice from destruction and evil when it is raging out of control. For example, things like Sept. 11, terrorism and post-Hurricane Katrina rioting among many others.

With all appropriate measures …

* We Grieve
* We Honor/Respect
* We Condemn

A few numbers from the War in the Middle East:

(As of Dec. 10)
- 2903 America Soldiers have died in Iraq
- 21778 America’s have received injuries in Iraq
- About 50,000 Iraqis have died in the conflict but it could be much more

Numbers About Living in the World:

- 1.2 billion people live on $.23 a day
- In all about 2.5 billion live on less than $2 a day
- The wealthiest billion of world live on $70 a day (Americans are the upper, upper, upper million of the wealthiest)
- The combined wealth of the three wealthiest people in the world (who are all American) exceeds the Gross National Product (GNP) of the least under developed countries in the world combined (roughly 600 million people)
- 12 % of the world population uses 85% of the world’s water
- 40 % of the world lacks basic water sanitation (this is a very vicious cycle)
- 1 billion people are without safe drinking water
- Every 16 seconds someone dies from hunger
- 2 of 3 Americans are overweight
- The U.S. GNP is about 22% of the world capital while the U.S. population is about 6% of the entire world’s population
- 80% of the world lives in what is considered sub-standard living conditions (for example - flood zone, disease area)
-Average home size: Japan 1,000 square feet, Ireland – 930 squad foot, U.S.- 2349 square feet
- 2 billion people world wide have no electricity
- 1 billion people on the earth can’t sign their own name
- 1 % of the world owns a computer
- 1 % of world has college education
- About 22 million died from a preventable disease. In 2001 10 million were children
- 4 out of 5 American adults graduated from high school while 1 and 4 children worldwide have to work instead of school
- 8% of the world owns a car (a third of American families own at least three cars)
- The U.S. accounts for 25% of the world oils consumption while the U.S. only has 3% of the world’s reserves
- 1 in 16 moms died during the birth process in Africa while in America the number is 1 in 3700
- During “Black Friday” (the shopping day after Christmas in the U.S.), American’s spent about $9 billion in 2006. To have water sanitation in the world, it’s about $9 billion yearly.

“Can you see when American’s use the word democracy, the world hears the word – greed.”
- Rob Bell

“The U.S. can not win the war of terrorism unless we confront the social and political roots of poverty. No nation, no matter how powerful it is, will ever be safe until it has dealt with economic depression when it mingles with tyranny.” (i.e. the real war isn’t a war on terrorism, it is a war on poverty)
- Colin Powell

A study group of under developed countries came to American seeking help and here is what a government official said that has gone across to these countries –

“The American Lifestyle is not up for negotiation”
(certainly there is context but this is what these countries have heard)

This is not what God has in mind for His creation. The ultimate sign of respect might be to ask why and what can we do. How would God ask us to respond? As Christians our loyalty is first and foremost to the Kingdom of God and not American, Canada, France, etc. and when the Kingdom of God comes in conflict with man’s kingdom as a Christ-Follower we must follow God.

When we step outside of America and see what is going on, this can not be what God had in mind. Are we weeping and helping the world? American has taken care of itself long enough and it is time to help others on a daily (not a weekly, monthly, and annual) basis.

We are calling all peacemakers,
We are calling all peacemakers,
We are calling all peacemakers …

BEING DIFFERENT

I think the best thing I gathered from watching the Sugar Bowl last night was during a commercial break when Notre Dame had one of their spots run and this quote came across the screen at the end of the commercial:

"How can we make a difference if we are afraid to be different"

- Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

SUGAR BOWL

I wasn't going to get "in" on a lot of talk surrounding the Sugar Bowl but since it is Brady Quinn's last game and Notre Dame hasn't won a bowl game since I was in junior high, I throw a few thoughts into the ring:

If ND is going to win this game it is because they:

#1 -- Control Time of Possession and scored a non-offensive touchdown (or the defense/special teams sets up a touchdown)

#2 -- Brady Quinn completes about 70% of his passes without an INT

#3 -- The Irish convert at least 50% of their third-down attempts

#4 -- LSU is held to less than a 100 yards rushing

OK, with those simple bullet points I don't see Notre Dame winning this game but I won't be shocked if they do:

LSU 37, Notre Dame 27

HEY, THAT'S MY UNCLE!

He is about as warm and friendly as a snake looking for lunch but, Bob Knight is now the winningest men's college basketball coach ever.

I have this odd story about Bob Knight -- He and my Uncle Lenny look very much alike (but I guarantee that my uncle is much more friendly) and years ago when Bob Knight threw a chair across the floor in protest of a referees call (see video), I remember thinking to myself as a seven year-old, "why did uncle Lenny just throw a chair across the floor" ... Fortunately for me at the next family function I found out it was not my uncle throwing the chair. None the less, they still look some what similar (at least to a seven year-old).

Anyway ... He is pretty much the New York Yankees, Notre Dame football or Duke basketball of coaching, you either love him or hate him. For whatever reason I like Bob Knight.

Are his methods odd and strange? Yes, they are but the guy teaches his players more than just the game of basketball. In an era were most people complain about over discipline, at least one person isn't afraid to teach it. Yes he does go over the top with some of his methods but his players seem to be learning and that should be applauded.

Overly stubborn? Yes. Teacher? Yes. Bully? At times. He is the greatest coach of all-time? Probably not but at least for now he is the winningest.

So congratulations uncle L---- ... I mean ... Bob Knight!

LOOKING FORWARD

Seeing that it is now officially 2007 (or 10 years since I graduated from high school) there are a few things of note that I am looking forward to for a variety of reasons:

January -- Norah Jones releases her third solo album "Not too Late" at the end of the month

Febuary -- I get to see Josh Groban for the second time when he visits the United Center in Chicago.

March -- Rob Bell's "Sex God" from Zondervan will be available. After recently reading the sampler version, it looks to be another solid effort.

April -- Baseball season starts!

May -- Spiderman 3 comes to a theater near you!

End of June -- My lease runs out at Castle Point. Resign a new one? Move? ... Also be sure to look out for Eric Bryant's first book "Peppermint Filled Pinatas"

July -- Transformers on the big screen.

August -- The 12th annual Willowcreek Leadership Summit.

October -- I celebrate my final birthday in my 20's

Late in 2007 -- There have been rumors of new albums by Coldplay and u2 coming out during the end of the year.