Interactive Sermon

What's On My Mind?

A mind is a terrible thing to baste. Ribs, however...

Social Media ~ My workshop/discussion with local pastors about their use of Social Media this week went pretty well. My Big_Buts Twitter account is likely to surpass 2000 followers before this day is out. What's cool about that is that I'm getting REAL followers there--people who are interested in receiving a big but bible verse each day. No bots. No scammers or spammers. Very cool! And... as I type this I'm trying out a couple of new social media tools and reading some new articles I've found since my workshop. I'll bring you reviews soon. A good social media week.

Catechlismic ~ Not a spelling error. I made the word up. At Christ's Church we're using the Heidelberg Catechism to outline studies for a few months. I'm really enjoying this. What's more, I'm getting many, many comments from folks who are also enjoying the simple language summary of our faith with the accompanying Biblical texts. Who knew a five-centuries-ago document could be so cool? (I did. Just sayin'...) This Sunday: Q&A 9, 10 & 11. 

Football ~ Patriots in the Super Bowl! Lombardi Trophy coming soon to New England! Oh, and my beloved (and beleaguered) Buccaneers hired a new coach. The guy's a Jesus-Freak. I like that. We need all the (Divine) help we can get. Did you see the Bucs play last year? We need some seas to part, the sun to stand still, the moon to turn to blood... something!

Politics ~ I've grown weary of the Republican Presidential Debates. These guys have taken to tearing each other apart. I've lost interest. I say we ship them all off to an island with Jeff Probst. In 39 days they'll sort it out. One will have Outwitted, Outplayed and Outlasted the others. The tribe has spoken! 

Candidate Survivor ~ Now I'm jazzed. Think of it--we drop them all on an 'island' called real life. Instead of eating bugs and running jungle obstacle courses, they'd have to do OUR lives. They all have to live on a median household income, meeting family needs. They have to go to real jobs and deal with real bosses and work-a-day stresses. They have to deal with the schedules of kids. Schools. Doctor's visits on our budgets and with our insurance (or lack thereof). Face traffic in one of OUR cars, 'Check Engine' light flashing, left front tire leaking, without heat in New England, or without AC in Florida. I'll bet they'd be volunteering to be voted out. I'm going to send Jeff Probst a letter.

What's On My Mind? (NH Primary Edition)

Eve of the NH Primary thoughts and ruminations. Proceed with caution.

Tim Tebow ~ Oh let's get this out of the way before I wade into political waters. I love that the Tebow ride isn't over yet. I admit, I thought it would be. I believe the Steelers to have been the superior team. But, on any given Sunday... and especially when Tim is a Jesus Freak, you never know. Now comes the test: Brady and the Pats! Trouble is, Brady doesn't play defense and the Patriots have, uh... struggled on that side of the ball. Usually you don't notice because Brady and Welker and crew put up 80 points, and all is good. So this game will not be about Tebow. This game will be about the Broncos defense. It's all on them to keep it close. Then we'll see if God parts a sea or something. I'll predict: Pats by a dozen or more. See you next year, Tim. I wonder what would happen if he decided to run for... never mind.

Vermin Supreme ~ Doesn't that sound like a pizza someone would order in Cajun country? It's actually the name of a candidate on the Democrat ballot tomorrow here in NH. I'm a registered Republican, so I won't be voting that primary ballot, but how about it my NH Democrat friends? Show a little love to a candidate whose platform includes Dental Hygiene Laws and Tax Dollars for Time Travel Research? Only in NH. I wonder if President Obama is worried this guy is running against him? (Actually, I wonder if he even knows.)

Angry Old Washington Dudes ~ Is it just me, or have the Republicans cornered the market on parading out the AOWD candidates the last several years? I completely agree that Bob Dole and John McCain are true heroes, so read no disrespect in my comments. But where are the hip... and happy guys in this party? It's like a prerequisite: You either have to be named Bush or be an AOWD. Newt? This year's AOWD?

Proud Father ~ This past week I accompanied my two oldest daughters to the Clerk's office so they could register to vote. They both sat and watched the entire NH Debate with me the other night. They're informed voters. I'm very proud that they will make their way to the polls tomorrow to weigh in. I'm a proud husband, too. Shari knows her politics! We're playing our part. How about you?

Endorsements ~ It's amusing to me some of the endorsements candidates receive in the Primary race. A freshman NH State Senator that no one has ever heard of tweeted (to his 54 followers) that he was endorsing Rick Santorum. Oh boy! Bet Santorum's staff went wild. Today it was announced that Todd Palin (First Dude, as he was once introduced by his significant other, Sarah) is endorsing Newt. Hey, First Dude endorses AOWD--that could grab a headline. I'm not making this up: It was announced this morning that a goat--you read that right, A GOAT--chose John Huntsman somewhere in the north country. (Probably means more to NH citizens than the freshman State Senator.) I want to know, do such endorsements matter? It left me wondering: Who does Ted Nugent endorse? Ozzy? Dog the Bounty Hunter? Punxsutawney Phil?

So Who? ~ I'll tell you first that I like all these candidates. I'll be comfortable supporting whichever man wins the party's nomination. (I should be fully honest: I'm troubled greatly by Ron Paul's foreign policy views, so I'll keep my fingers crossed it's not him in the end.) Some have suggested you vote your conscience in the primary, and then you align behind the nominee. I think that's a respectable approach. Me? I'm jumping ahead of it. I'm voting for the guy I think is the eventual nominee. He's the guy who is leading in the polls, here, there and everywhere, while everyone else is battling for second. I suppose if a few guys dropped out so only one other-than-Romney was in the race, things could be different. But at the moment, I'm agreeing with the numbers. So there you have citizen Darin's politics in a paragraph. At least I'm not voting for Vermin Supreme.

See you at the polls?

 

What's On My Mind?

The mind is a terrible thing to baste. 

Christmas Day ~ Falls on a Sunday this year. Talk about a Christmas gift... Twenty-six years ago Christ's Church was born out of a painful split from Amherst First Baptist Church. This Christmas Day the two congregations will join to share a Christmas Day Worship Service together. How cool is that? Sharing the hope, love, joy and peace of this Advent Season--couldn't be a more fitting expression.

A Season For Postludes ~ A few years ago I asked the members of the World Famous Christ's Church Worship Band to add some seasonal favorite 'silly songs' as postlude music to our Advent and Christmas services. They obliged, and we've had some fun listening to their creativity as we've transitioned from worship service to fellowship time. I hear so many complimentary words about this 'tradition' from guests and newer Christ's Church attenders. Thanks musicians and music leaders. I really appreciate the joy and spirit you bring to our Advent season gatherings.

"Tebow, tebowing." ~ That has to be my favorite sports quote of the year. Mike Greenberg of ESPN was narrating highlights of another Denver Broncos come from behind win when the camera caught Tim Tebow celebrating the winning drive in prayer, and uttered those words. Has there been as lightning-rod, polarizing a story in sports in years? They either love him or hate him. Most of the sports commentators fall into the latter category. And all the kid does is play hard and treat people with respect--and give credit to his Lord. Is that so bad? Really?

On Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and... Politics

Kiss The Ring ~ I've been watching the political scene unfold in anticipation of the New Hampshire Primary in January. I'm not sure which candidate I will vote for yet. I find it humorous that the latest headlines have to do with which candidates have agreed to and which ones are refusing to sit down for a debate hosted by Donald Trump. Really? The reality TV star and famous rich guy? The 'You're Fired!' guy? Someone is taking this seriously? First--were I a candidate, I would say 'no!' Helping the Donald get ratings and... uh... richer, by taking a role in his latest reality TV idea isn't a stop on the way to the White House. Now if Saturday Night Live called...

Then Again ~ Just as I'm typing that, don't be surprised if the candidate that ultimately gets my vote is one of the ones who said 'no!' to Donald's invite. Just sayin.

What's on your mind?

 

 

Pigskin Preaching Week 13

A respectable 13-3 last weekend. That's more like it. We're into that time of the season where winners turn it on--they go streaking--not of the naked/exposed vane, but of the putting together a string of victories.

Speaking of streaking, what was that caught on video in the Bucs' locker-room? Wasn't a post-game victory speech, we know. Turns out it was an unidentified 'member' of the Buccaneer team. Can we please stop the locker-room camera access while players are still showering and changing? Do we really need this much information? Methinks not. Look at this (no pun intended)! Now networks are having to apologize and pay FCC fines; children are needing therapy; and one player has an abbreviated adult film career to add to his resume. 

Just because I love to type in hype: TEEEEEEEEBOW! Don't look now, but it was a much better statistical game for him too. Some brilliant person pointed to his improving last week, no? 

While we're on the subject of God's favorite players, do you remember Stevie Johnson? He's the guy who blamed God for a dropped pass last year in a tweet. One year to the day later---he was showing us his dance skills with not one, but two totally offensive touchdown celebration moves on the same play. First he danced, imaginary guns in hand, and shot himself Plaxico-style in the thigh. Classy. Then he sprouted Jet-wings, swirled about and crashed to the ground. Classier, still. Bad dancing costs. All that dancing cost his team a fifteen yard penalty. Cost him, too. The league took $10K from Stevie's pocket. Lightened his load for his next flight, they did. Hey Stevie, get back to pass catching and tweeting about God.

This just in: The Colts have benched Curtis Painter in favor of... Jeff George. Just kidding. It's really Dan Orlovski. Last time that dude played it was on an 0-16 Lions team. The Colts hope to get Andrew Luck in the draft next year. Dan Orlovski brings the kind of experience to guarantee it.

People are wondering--Can the Packers stay perfect? Can the Colts go winless? Yes x2.

I'll cap it and get to the picks. Let's get this streaking thing rolling. Eagles over Seahawks (no, you didn't read that wrong); TEEEEEEBOW over Vikes; Steelers over Bengals; Bucs over Camthers; Bears over Chiefs; Jests over R'skins; Falcons over Texans; Dolphies over Raiderz; Titans over Bills; Pats all over Orlovski; Niners over Rams; Cowboys over Cards; Ravens over Browns; Packers over Giants; Saints over Lions; Chargers over Jags (but if I were to forecast a surprise, this is the one I'd consider reversing).

Pigskin Preaching Week 12

HT: Jackie for pointing out my oversight on the schedule. How dare I refer to week 11 as week 10... pay no mind to the fact that teams had only played nine games, thanks to the idiocy of bye weeks. Ugh. What, they're paid million and they need a week off? 

Nine and five made for a better week 10... wait... week 11... what the??? I did better. That's what I'm trying to say. No matter when it happened, it happened. I'm like Tim Tebow. My stats suck, but I win. Yes?

The injuries are mounting. Two starting QBs headed to IR this week. Say goodbye to Matt Cassell and Matt Schaub. Not far behind them, Jay Cutler is likely to miss the rest of the regular season. The reigns are handed to guys with names that inspire fan confidence--Tyler Palko, Caleb Hanie and Matt Leinert. No really, Matt Leinert gets another shot. And in Indy they're still hoping Peyton Manning can play before the season's end. Sure, it was a neck injury. But a wheelchair bound Peyton might be better than Curtis Painter, right?

Picks? Thought I'd forgotten, did you? Packers over Lions, Cowboys over Dolphins, Ravens over Niners on Thanksgiving; Bengals over Browns; Texans over Jags; Rams over Cards; Jets over Bills; Bucs over Titans; Camthers over Colts; Falcs over Vikes; Raiders over Bears; R'skins over S'hacks; TEEEEEEBOW over Chargers; Pats over Eagles (since my friend Jason will proudly be wearing his Zoltan Mesko jersey to the game); Steelers over Chiefs; Giants over Saints. Take 'em to the bank.

Hey, Tebow Critics

Sports Radio is all about Tim Tebow. All about how he will never amount to a real NFL Quarterback; How he's a sideshow; How his style is unsustainable at this level; How you'd want him to marry your daughter not lead your offense; Etc., Etc.

The man is 4-1 over 5 games as a starter. How many NFL teams would like their QB to have won four of their last 5? Still, they crucify him (pun intended). His stats justify it, they say.

I have something to offer from my own love for NFL stats. What should they say of a QB whose numbers through his first ten starts yielded a 37% completion percentage, only 1170 yards and 7 TDs against 8 INTs? They'd crucify him, no? Makes Tebow look like an All-Pro, right?

How about a QB who managed a 52% completions, 1500 or so yards, but threw 4 TDs against 13 INTs on his way to 1 win in 10 games? Tebow is looking really good, eh?

One more (although I could keep going). How about a QB with a 47% completion rate and 3200 yards, threw 13 TDs... but also chucked 35 INTs to the opponent? You'd be looking up Tebow's agent, wouldn't you?

You'd have just benched Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, Hall of Famer Steve Young, and 46,000 yard 20 years-in-the-NFL passer Vinny Testaverde---all in favor of Tim Tebow. Shall we talk about Troy Aikman? Shall we talk about Terry Bradshaw? Shall we talk about Joe Namath?

Okay, okay--one more for fun. Try this one on for size: A 47% completion percentage, 1600 yards, 7 TDs and 14 INTs on route to a 4-6 record across 10 games. Lot of room for improvement--and I'd add, numbers far worse that Tim Tebow's across ten games. Take a guess?

Those numbers belong to Super Bowl Champ, Hall of Famer, and... TIM TEBOW's BOSS, John Elway. 

I'm really tired of the media giving this guy zero upside. Why is it assumed he won't pick up his completion percentage a few points? Why is assumed his 7 TDs to 1 INT ratio is a fluke? Why is 4-1 not, well... an 80% winning percentage? I am really beginning to believe it has something to do with his faith--not just that he's a believer but that it is so visible a part of him. 

 

Pigskin Preaching Week 10

It's time for me to sound off on it. The story that won't go away. It's amazing to me that the team is 4-5, as in 'who cares?' and the topic still dominates every NFL commentary--Tim Tebow.

Let's be clear. The Broncos are 4-5. Let's be clearer, still. They're 3-1 since Tim Tebow took over. He's completing less than 50% of his passes. He's 3-1. His throwing motion looks terrible. He's 3-1. He misses badly on several open receivers each game. He's 3-1. They can't possibly win like this in the NFL. He's 3-1.

What is it about this guy that makes the sports commentary world ride him like no other? My guy--Josh Freeman, for instance. He was on his way to the Hall of Fame just a few months ago. Now he's thrown 13 picks against only 8 touchdowns. Not a word about Josh's struggles on SportsCenter. Tim? Only one pick against seven touchdowns in four games. What gives?

This week Broncos Coach John Fox is reported to have said Tim can't play in a normal NFL offense game-plan. Go back and read it in context. Go ahead... I'll wait. Not at all what they're describing in the sports-spin, now is it?

I'm hoping. I'm hoping that someday soon (and tonight would be a GREAT someday for me), Tim Tebow puts together a good game, above 50% completions, a couple hundred yards, and a solid performance. What will they say then?

One last thought and I'll bring my rant to an end: The Coach's name is John Fox. I'm acquainted with him from his years in Carolina (the Bucs' rival). He's a sly as a fox and as good a coach as there is. If he can get his opponents believing Tim Tebow can't... hold onto your shorts, Ethyl!

Say it with me: 3-1

Far better than my last outing, I'm afraid. Thanks Jason for pointing out my ten loss weekend. That is the worst I've ever fared. EVER! But with this NFL season--I mean, Tebow is winning running a high school offense--who can hold me accountable? Still, I'm a pro. So here goes a rebound. You watching?

TEEEEEBOW over Jets (Why the heck not?); Ravens over Bengals; Cowboys over R'Skins; Bills over Dolphies; Falcons over Titans; Vikings over Raiders; Browns over Jags; Suh all over Cam; Bucs over Packers (Someone has to stop the Pack from having a perfect season, no? Mercury Morris agrees.); Rams over Seahacks; Niners over Cards; Bears over Chargers; Giants over Eagles; Pats over Chiefs. 

Pigskin Preaching Week 9

Penn State and Nebraska on Saturday and no Joe Paterno leading the Nittany Lions? I can't imagine it. I can't imagine the horrible circumstances that have led to this. What a nightmare. In the wake of this depravity, and in respect of the children who were abused--I'm not feeling my normal appetite for wit and humor where football picks are concerned this week. I'm just sad.

Here's the NFL slate: Chargers over Raiders, Falcons over Saints, Colts over Jags, Chiefs over Bronocos, Steelers over Bengals, Panthers over Titans, Bucs over Texans, Redskins over Dolphins, Rams over Browns, Cowboys over Bills, Eagles over Cards, Ravens over Seahawks, Bears over Lions, Giants over Niners, Pats over Jets, Packers over Vikings.

Things That Make Me Go 'Hmmm'

Gig Is Up ~ A Wisconsin congregation went to court to get a restraining order... against their pastor. Seems they voted him out, but he's refused to leave. Bet Sunday's service was a hoot, eh? This is indicative of a church family that didn't have enough potluck suppers, methinks.

Actually, BRRRRrrrr ~ I'm a very proud pastor to have officiated Leah's baptism on Sunday. So the water temperature was below 40 degrees. No problem. This girl wanted to proclaim her faith in Jesus, and I'm thrilled to have been part of it. I'm also thankful for towels and heat in the car.

1K ~ On the brink of 1000 Twitter Followers of Big_Buts this morning. Should eclipse the number today. Very honored to have you all along for daily tweets of Bible verses including the word 'but'. Not a follower? What are you waiting for?

Presidential Politics ~ This is why I'd never run for President. That girl whose butt I pinched back in sixth grade would show up on a talk show with Gloria Allred, I just know it. At least I can't be accused of paying her off. I got sent to the Principal's Office and was paddled. Yep, that was back in the day when an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth still ruled public school discipline. It was butt for butt--punishment fit the crime.

JoePa ~ I don't know or understand the details. Frankly, I'm not sure I want to know. I'm sad that this Penn State scandal is likely to be what is remembered of one of football's greatest ever. While he's not accused of any wrong-doing, the incomprehensible charges against members of his staff reflect on him. This one doesn't make me go Hmmm as much as it makes me sad. Profoundly sad.

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