Where does the time go?

Wow! February 3rd. One twelth of 2008 is gone. Where does the time go? It is amazing how quickly time flies even when one is not working full-time. After finishing my ministry at Wonder City at the end of the year, I have taken some time off from ministry for some much needed refreshment and renewal. One of the blessings and curses of this past month was being able to worship wherever we choose on Sunday. We have visited various churches and experienced some different styles of worship. It was a blessing to be able to worship and not have any responsibility for what is happening-just to be there and be able to worship. As someone who is the process of planting a church recently wrote it is the difference of attending worship verses doing worship. The down side of it was that Amy and I were basically visitors in a number of churches over the past month. There was no connection with those we were worshiping with. We were not really a part of that particular body. There was a vertical connection, but no horizontal connection. I have learned the value in being connected to a body of believers.

Being on this time of renewal and refreshment is not to say that I have been sitting at home doing nothing. (Despite what Amy may think-I only took one nap this past week.) I have been doing some work around the house. I have also already "started" my new job as Director of Development for Memphis Urban Ministry. Although I have not officially started the job, I am working 2-3 days a week from home; attending meetings, scheduling appointments, and doing whatever else I need to get done. This week I will be geting a mailing out, working on a document for the MUM staff meeting (Tuesday), and attending a couple of meetings. This coming Sunday Amy and I will reengage our leadership roles in the urban churches in Memphis-churches where we have both vertical and horizontal connections.

On a lighter note, the SuperBowl is tonight. New York vs. New England. I am going to enjoy the game, and in the first time in a couple of years not care who wins or loses. I would love to see history made and the Patriots go 19-0 humbling the '72 Dolphins. Even as I have been sitting here watching the pre-game this afternoon Fox has interviewed several members from the '72 Miami team and they have said they are actively looking for someone to beat the Patriots. On the other had, I would love to see Eli and the Giants win. I would love to see the underdog pull it out. My prediction is that New England will win by 10-14 points. Kickoff is now less than 30 minutes away, so I guess the outcome will be final in about 4 hours or so. For Amy, she is just glad football will be over!

More Football Reflections

I was shocked this past weekend when both WV and Mizzuo lost throwing the BCS into complete disarray (just one more reason why a playoff of some kind is needed). I expected OK to beat Mizzuo, but I did not expect WV to lose to Pitt! What a crazy college football season. I am glad to see that an SEC team is playing for the National Championship. Go Tigers!

Additionally, I did not expect (but very glad to see) Alabama get a bowl game. With so many SEC teams bowl eligible, I expected the Tide to get left out with a 6-6 record. I thought we would need at least a 7-5 record to go bowling. I will be watching on Dec 30th as Bama plays Colorado in the Independence Bowl. Roll Tide!

SEC Football Reflections

Well, Bama did lose this past weekend. Oh well! I can't say that I am completely surprised considering the way the team has been playing recently.

On the other hand there were two things that have completely surprised me in the SEC recently. First, Arkansas beat LSU! I would have never predicted that. I thought for sure that LSU was going to come out focused and take care of business knowing that losing would end their national championship hopes. Let me say for the record that I hate the overtime system in college football. It may work well for other conferences and teams in the NCAA, but not the SEC. Every season there multiple games that go 3+ overtime periods in SEC play (both games LSU has lost this year were 3+ overtime loses). The SEC teams beat each other up and are just too good. Giving teams the ball on the 25 yard line practically guarantees a score each possession. I don't know that they need to play a whole overtime period equal to a regular quarter of play, but I do believe some kind of timed overtime period that is fully played (no sudden death) is what is needed. Maybe something in the eight to ten minute range with fourth quarter rules applying. Each team could receive 2 timeouts. If the game is still tied at the end of the overtime period, then allow the game to end in a tie. Ties could be factored into the BCS and would definately make the current system even more interesting (although I am also for a playoff system-but that is another post for another time).

Second, living in Arkansas I have constantly heard the dissatisfaction with coach Nutt and the desire of the fans to have a new head coach. There were some that doubted the U of AR would let him go since he just signed an extension (before this season if I remember correctly). Also, all he has done is win at the U of AR. He has not been a bad coach with a losing record. So, I was surprised when he resigned from the Razorbacks and headed to Oxford, MS to be the new head coach at Ole Miss. People around here are glad he is gone. I will be very interested next season when the AR-Ole Miss game comes up on the schedule. That rivalry will now be more intensive than ever.

Cool New Tool & Bama

I like this new feature on blogger where I can put a poll out there and get everyone's feedback. I have decided my first poll will be a football poll. I am a big Alabama fan! I can't believe we lost to LA-Monroe this weekend. However, after two straight loses, redemption is coming this weekend in the form of Auburn--our arch enemy. The Tide will be hungry and looking to show everyone that we are deserving of a bowl. Tell me what you think and vote--will Bama beat Auburn this weekend?