Monday, December 31, 2007
Absolute Power...?-Part 3
Thus far in my examination of the steady decline of school bands in southern Arkansas, I have focused on directors and administrators. But in cases where these two groups are on the same page where maintaining a good band program is concerned, and a decline is still evident, where should we look next? The Arkansas Activities Association. This is the organization that governs the rules, scheduling, etc. of school activities outside the academic realm, i.e. football, baseball, soccer, and band. One of their duties is to oversee scheduling so that no two activities conflict, such as a playoff football game taking place at the same time as volleyball tournament (just to give an example). Another one of their duties is to set practice guidelines for sporting teams, so that no one school can gain an unfair advantage over another. Good rules thus far? I think so. But what happens when they are allowed to tell schools when their band programs can meet? What happens when they are allowed to set the regular day's schedule of band rehearsal; not the after school stuff, but DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY? And what happens when that schedule is adverse to building a proper band program, such as jr. high band not meeting with all of it's kids on the same day and when they do meet, they can only go for half a period so that some can go to remediation because the schools test scores are too low? Those are just a few examples of the dilemma facing some school bands here in south Arkansas. And, as if that weren't bad enough, the current president of the Board of Directors for AAA is a former south Arkansas band director. So, what is AAA doing with the power in which they have been entrusted? I challenge you not to take my word for it. The reason for taking so long on this particular post, and for its vagueness, is the need for more facts. So I ask you to look it up. See for yourself. Am I a conspiracy theorist, or is the Arkansas Activities Association operating under an agenda that will only destroy school bands?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
No Arbitration Talks Here
Allow me to walk away from my series entitled "Absolute Power...?", which focuses on the plight of South Arkansas school bands, for a moment or two. I have something more important to discuss.
On the morning of Thursday November 29, at 5:00a.m. I received a call from my friend and colleague, Gary Meggs. Calls at that time of the morning are rarely to deliver good news, so I braced myself. His exact words were, "start praying." I said, "okay. What's going on?" He then told me that he was following an ambulance "with Koskoski inside." Dave Koskoski is another friend, colleague, and also mentor to me. Apparently he had collapsed, and somehow been able to call Gary for help. The collapse had caused him to hit his head pretty good on something that hasn't yet been made known to me. But, I would soon find out that this was the least of his problems. What caused the collapse would become of major concern as the morning wore on. The doctor at Drew Memorial found fluid around Mr. "K"'s heart, and he knew if he didn't start draining it, Mr. K wouldn't live much longer. It was thought, because of a high white cell count, the fluid was infection setting in. However once the draining began, it appeared to be all blood. This told the doctor all he needed to know. Mr. K had suffered an aneurysm, rupturing his aorta. He was bleeding internally. He needed surgery and he needed it NOW. Knowing he wouldn't live long enough to get to Little Rock, the next closest option would have to do...El Dorado. Now here's where the story starts to get really interesting. You may be thinking as I was---EL DORADO?? Little known was the fact that God had already prepared for just this event in the life of my friend and mentor. You see, El Dorado just happens to be where the UAMS Professor of heart surgical techniques has his private practice. The man has an extensive resume', but just "wanted to live in a small town". Coincidence?
The initial surgery did not go off without a hitch. Nor did the second try, unfortunately. So, on his third attempt---in the same evening which was now speeding toward the wee hours of the next morning---this surgeon/UAMS professor, extensive resume' and all, revealed something else about himself. Before diving in to repair Mr. K's ruptured aorta, ---for the third time---he stopped...and prayed. See, not only had God sent a talented heart surgeon to little El Dorado, AR, but he sent one who KNEW that he could do NOTHING without the God of grace guiding his talented hands. Coincidence?
But this story doesn't end there. Perhaps the most telling example of how God moves occurred before the initial surgery was to take place. Gary, staying with his friend, was sitting in the ICU waiting room while Mr. K was being prepped for surgery. Those of you who know Gary Meggs know him to be a man of God. Gary had prayed for K all day, but he was pretty distraught and it was hard for him to comfort himself, or anyone else for that matter, with any particular scripture from the Word of God. It isn't that he didn't want to do so; his mind was simply all over the place. As he sat, the waiting room phone began to ring. There were a few other people waiting, but no receptionist at the time. Finally Gary decided to answer the phone himself. "ICU waiting room..." The voice on the other end said, "I beg your pardon??". Gary responded, "this is the ICU waiting room at Southeast Regional Medical Center in El Dorado." The voice on the other end replied, "who is this?" Gary: "this is Gary Meggs." Voice: "well hey, Gary. This is Wayne Sinclair." Allow me to stop right there and tell you that Wayne Sinclair is an Elder at a local El Dorado church. He also just happens to be Gary's cousin. What he would say next simply blew Gary away. Wayne: "I called because this number showed up in my cell phone." Gary: (partially chuckling) "Wayne, I've been sitting here for a while and can assure you that not I nor anyone else called you from this phone." After ascertaining why Gary was there, Wayne said, "I'm on my way." He arrived, took Gary by the arm, and they immediately went to the chapel. Once there, Wayne opened his Bible to Matthew 18:19, and read aloud: "Once again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in Heaven." It was just the scripture that Gary needed to comfort him as his friend and colleague, Mr. Koskoski, fought for his life. Then...they prayed.
Now I need to ask a series of questions. What is the best heart surgeon in the state doing practicing in little El Dorado, AR, when he teaches his craft some 90-100 miles away in the states capital? When did this man of skill develop his faith? How did an ICU waiting room phone number pop up in the cell phone of a man equipped to pray with another? And how is it that the man who needed this prayer partner and timely scripture was the one sitting by the phone when it rang---not to mention the fact that they are related, and anyone else who answered the phone would have hung up with no explanation of the need? I have the one word answer to all of those questions. GOD.
You see, we do not serve an arbitrary God; one who sits at a bargaining table and decides who He will love today more than another, or which prayers He is willing to answer based on where the individual in need happens to be at the time. No. Our God is a God of unconditional love. Our God places people where they need to be, when they need to be there. Our God is a God of infinite GRACE.
All WE need do, is trust Him.
On the morning of Thursday November 29, at 5:00a.m. I received a call from my friend and colleague, Gary Meggs. Calls at that time of the morning are rarely to deliver good news, so I braced myself. His exact words were, "start praying." I said, "okay. What's going on?" He then told me that he was following an ambulance "with Koskoski inside." Dave Koskoski is another friend, colleague, and also mentor to me. Apparently he had collapsed, and somehow been able to call Gary for help. The collapse had caused him to hit his head pretty good on something that hasn't yet been made known to me. But, I would soon find out that this was the least of his problems. What caused the collapse would become of major concern as the morning wore on. The doctor at Drew Memorial found fluid around Mr. "K"'s heart, and he knew if he didn't start draining it, Mr. K wouldn't live much longer. It was thought, because of a high white cell count, the fluid was infection setting in. However once the draining began, it appeared to be all blood. This told the doctor all he needed to know. Mr. K had suffered an aneurysm, rupturing his aorta. He was bleeding internally. He needed surgery and he needed it NOW. Knowing he wouldn't live long enough to get to Little Rock, the next closest option would have to do...El Dorado. Now here's where the story starts to get really interesting. You may be thinking as I was---EL DORADO?? Little known was the fact that God had already prepared for just this event in the life of my friend and mentor. You see, El Dorado just happens to be where the UAMS Professor of heart surgical techniques has his private practice. The man has an extensive resume', but just "wanted to live in a small town". Coincidence?
The initial surgery did not go off without a hitch. Nor did the second try, unfortunately. So, on his third attempt---in the same evening which was now speeding toward the wee hours of the next morning---this surgeon/UAMS professor, extensive resume' and all, revealed something else about himself. Before diving in to repair Mr. K's ruptured aorta, ---for the third time---he stopped...and prayed. See, not only had God sent a talented heart surgeon to little El Dorado, AR, but he sent one who KNEW that he could do NOTHING without the God of grace guiding his talented hands. Coincidence?
But this story doesn't end there. Perhaps the most telling example of how God moves occurred before the initial surgery was to take place. Gary, staying with his friend, was sitting in the ICU waiting room while Mr. K was being prepped for surgery. Those of you who know Gary Meggs know him to be a man of God. Gary had prayed for K all day, but he was pretty distraught and it was hard for him to comfort himself, or anyone else for that matter, with any particular scripture from the Word of God. It isn't that he didn't want to do so; his mind was simply all over the place. As he sat, the waiting room phone began to ring. There were a few other people waiting, but no receptionist at the time. Finally Gary decided to answer the phone himself. "ICU waiting room..." The voice on the other end said, "I beg your pardon??". Gary responded, "this is the ICU waiting room at Southeast Regional Medical Center in El Dorado." The voice on the other end replied, "who is this?" Gary: "this is Gary Meggs." Voice: "well hey, Gary. This is Wayne Sinclair." Allow me to stop right there and tell you that Wayne Sinclair is an Elder at a local El Dorado church. He also just happens to be Gary's cousin. What he would say next simply blew Gary away. Wayne: "I called because this number showed up in my cell phone." Gary: (partially chuckling) "Wayne, I've been sitting here for a while and can assure you that not I nor anyone else called you from this phone." After ascertaining why Gary was there, Wayne said, "I'm on my way." He arrived, took Gary by the arm, and they immediately went to the chapel. Once there, Wayne opened his Bible to Matthew 18:19, and read aloud: "Once again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in Heaven." It was just the scripture that Gary needed to comfort him as his friend and colleague, Mr. Koskoski, fought for his life. Then...they prayed.
Now I need to ask a series of questions. What is the best heart surgeon in the state doing practicing in little El Dorado, AR, when he teaches his craft some 90-100 miles away in the states capital? When did this man of skill develop his faith? How did an ICU waiting room phone number pop up in the cell phone of a man equipped to pray with another? And how is it that the man who needed this prayer partner and timely scripture was the one sitting by the phone when it rang---not to mention the fact that they are related, and anyone else who answered the phone would have hung up with no explanation of the need? I have the one word answer to all of those questions. GOD.
You see, we do not serve an arbitrary God; one who sits at a bargaining table and decides who He will love today more than another, or which prayers He is willing to answer based on where the individual in need happens to be at the time. No. Our God is a God of unconditional love. Our God places people where they need to be, when they need to be there. Our God is a God of infinite GRACE.
All WE need do, is trust Him.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Absolute Power...?-Part 2
In my recent quest to determine what's wrong with Southern Arkansas school bands, I inadvertently turned up a clue that both puzzled and disappointed me. However, before I get to the point, let's explore other options.
There is no doubt that part of the problem lies with the band directors themselves. I don't like pointing fingers, but I have to face cold hard facts when they're staring me right in the face. We simply have some LAZY band directors out there. Perhaps the word "lazy" is too harsh. Okay. Let's try APATHETIC. I know guys in the business who show up at 7:55a.m. and leave at 3:30p.m. As a band director, I can tell you that this, quite frankly, will NOT get it done! Band directing IS NOT a first bell-last bell kind of job. These are the same guys who can never seem to understand why their band struggles year after year.
That said, let's explore another problem: UNINFORMED administrators. We have far too many principals and superintendents who don't know what it takes to build and maintain a good band program. As a result, they supply their schools' band director(s) with too small a budget, inadequate equipment and an IMPOSSIBLE schedule. (This can lead right back to an apathetic director; if he/she never goes to his/her administration to inform them, then they'll always get what they always got). But, once informed, some administrators simply refuse to acknowledge the importance of their band program, and thus do only enough to be able to say, "...band? Yeah, we HAVE one."
Those problems aside, one even more frightening---if you can imagine---looms in the distance.
There is no doubt that part of the problem lies with the band directors themselves. I don't like pointing fingers, but I have to face cold hard facts when they're staring me right in the face. We simply have some LAZY band directors out there. Perhaps the word "lazy" is too harsh. Okay. Let's try APATHETIC. I know guys in the business who show up at 7:55a.m. and leave at 3:30p.m. As a band director, I can tell you that this, quite frankly, will NOT get it done! Band directing IS NOT a first bell-last bell kind of job. These are the same guys who can never seem to understand why their band struggles year after year.
That said, let's explore another problem: UNINFORMED administrators. We have far too many principals and superintendents who don't know what it takes to build and maintain a good band program. As a result, they supply their schools' band director(s) with too small a budget, inadequate equipment and an IMPOSSIBLE schedule. (This can lead right back to an apathetic director; if he/she never goes to his/her administration to inform them, then they'll always get what they always got). But, once informed, some administrators simply refuse to acknowledge the importance of their band program, and thus do only enough to be able to say, "...band? Yeah, we HAVE one."
Those problems aside, one even more frightening---if you can imagine---looms in the distance.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Absolute Power...?
For a while now I have known that there is a force behind why school bands in Southern Arkansas are in a slow and steady decline. Recently I have tracked that force to an unlikely source. As of yet, I do not have ALL the facts I need, but I plan on getting them, and subsequently voicing them here---among other places.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Of Milestones and Men
I am now one hour into the 40th year of my existence. Gee....I don't FEEL any different. I wonder if I'll start ACTING differently?
One thing that I look forward to is something that I started noticing 2-3 years after the last milestone. At around age 33, ---isn't THAT a significant age?---I began to be more self aware than ever. I discovered that I was learning more about myself. But, I also discovered the ability to read other people for the first time in my life. What an amazing find! (And no, gentlemen...I do not know anymore about women than you do, so don't start beating a path to my door).
So, as I go through year number 40, I'll keep a close watch on any new discoveries, and I'll share as many of them as possible. I can hardly wait to see what comes; especially the things that God reveals to me.
Stay tuned!
One thing that I look forward to is something that I started noticing 2-3 years after the last milestone. At around age 33, ---isn't THAT a significant age?---I began to be more self aware than ever. I discovered that I was learning more about myself. But, I also discovered the ability to read other people for the first time in my life. What an amazing find! (And no, gentlemen...I do not know anymore about women than you do, so don't start beating a path to my door).
So, as I go through year number 40, I'll keep a close watch on any new discoveries, and I'll share as many of them as possible. I can hardly wait to see what comes; especially the things that God reveals to me.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
The Post-graduate Post
I started this journey in the fall of 1999.
From 1994 up to that point, I was the junior high band director in a town with a rich band tradition, marred by the constant influx of director after director. In fact, at the time of MY departure from Warren, I was the longest tenured director there since the retirement of Curry Martin in 1984. And after five years, even I, a man teaching at his alma mater, had had enough. The death of my father, an impossible co-director, and the addition of block scheduling all told me it was time for a change. And thus, the journey toward my masters degree began.
The journey was then interrupted by the community of Prescott when two of its citizens brought their daughter to Monticello for band camp. They asked if I would come be their band director. I was flattered, and long story short, got the job. My time in Prescott was indeed enjoyable. Along with other relationships that I will never forget, Prescott was where my connection with the Whaley family began---but that's a story for a future blog. Alas, home was calling, so I ended my Prescott chapter after only two pleasant, but sometimes trying years. Why trying? SOME of my Band parents.... Enough said.
So the journey was to resume at this point. And resume it did. I became a student assistant to the UAM band and worked in the education department on a stipend to fund the rest of the journey in the fall of 2002. And then...a less pleasing interruption occurred. One Sunday morning, my already surgically repaired right hip decided to stop supporting my weight. I figured I'd go see my primary care physician on Monday, and be back at work/school on Tuesday. It was not to be. After a lot of medical testing to determine what was causing this problem, it was FINALLY determined that my repaired hip was in need of re-repair. So, because of the intense pain and obvious lack of mobility, I made the decision to withdraw from the masters program and begin the long healing process. Surgery finally took place in April of 2004. Yes...it took that long. (The state of medical care in our great country is also a subject for another blog).
Now we enter the fall of 2004. The journey is ready for its continuance. It wouldn't be easy, however. The statute of limitations had run out on some of my courses since 1999. Appeals would have to be made and some courses repeated. Perseverance then became the key.
Enter the present. The spring of 2007 officially ended for undergrads today. And for me, that long journey, affluent with new job opportunities and unexpected health issues, will finally end in less than two days. This Friday, I will be among the graduates. I will be awarded my Master of Education Degree.
A great deal has happened since the journey began. To name some, one sister and my mom will not be in the audience to see me awarded this degree, as I anticipated they would be when it all began. Instead, they will watch from Heaven and they will both be smiling. As I approach the end of this particular journey, I thank God for this adventure. It has taught me a lesson in how to approach another journey--- one with ETERNAL consequences.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
---The Apostle Paul (2Timothy 4:7)
From 1994 up to that point, I was the junior high band director in a town with a rich band tradition, marred by the constant influx of director after director. In fact, at the time of MY departure from Warren, I was the longest tenured director there since the retirement of Curry Martin in 1984. And after five years, even I, a man teaching at his alma mater, had had enough. The death of my father, an impossible co-director, and the addition of block scheduling all told me it was time for a change. And thus, the journey toward my masters degree began.
The journey was then interrupted by the community of Prescott when two of its citizens brought their daughter to Monticello for band camp. They asked if I would come be their band director. I was flattered, and long story short, got the job. My time in Prescott was indeed enjoyable. Along with other relationships that I will never forget, Prescott was where my connection with the Whaley family began---but that's a story for a future blog. Alas, home was calling, so I ended my Prescott chapter after only two pleasant, but sometimes trying years. Why trying? SOME of my Band parents.... Enough said.
So the journey was to resume at this point. And resume it did. I became a student assistant to the UAM band and worked in the education department on a stipend to fund the rest of the journey in the fall of 2002. And then...a less pleasing interruption occurred. One Sunday morning, my already surgically repaired right hip decided to stop supporting my weight. I figured I'd go see my primary care physician on Monday, and be back at work/school on Tuesday. It was not to be. After a lot of medical testing to determine what was causing this problem, it was FINALLY determined that my repaired hip was in need of re-repair. So, because of the intense pain and obvious lack of mobility, I made the decision to withdraw from the masters program and begin the long healing process. Surgery finally took place in April of 2004. Yes...it took that long. (The state of medical care in our great country is also a subject for another blog).
Now we enter the fall of 2004. The journey is ready for its continuance. It wouldn't be easy, however. The statute of limitations had run out on some of my courses since 1999. Appeals would have to be made and some courses repeated. Perseverance then became the key.
Enter the present. The spring of 2007 officially ended for undergrads today. And for me, that long journey, affluent with new job opportunities and unexpected health issues, will finally end in less than two days. This Friday, I will be among the graduates. I will be awarded my Master of Education Degree.
A great deal has happened since the journey began. To name some, one sister and my mom will not be in the audience to see me awarded this degree, as I anticipated they would be when it all began. Instead, they will watch from Heaven and they will both be smiling. As I approach the end of this particular journey, I thank God for this adventure. It has taught me a lesson in how to approach another journey--- one with ETERNAL consequences.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
---The Apostle Paul (2Timothy 4:7)
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Stakes Are High
Each day is a gamble.
Each day, we play the game.
Each day, we hold all the chips---or so we are told. But, that is the lie. Each day, we are told the lie. We are told that we can do what we want, when we want to do it, however we choose to do it. The truly scary part? A lot of us believe this. We go through life gambling with money that isn't ours. Why? Because we believe the lie.
And then, one day the chips run out. We are left wondering how to get back into the game. As long as we can play the game, everything is fine. Right? Afterall, we were successful before. Why not now. If only we could find a way back into the game. But we are left with no way to get back in. And then, we are told the biggest lie of all; "there is nothing left to play for. The game is over, and this is all there is." A lot of us believe this lie, as well.
So, who is lying to us? Satan, the prince of lies. Who really holds all the chips? God. Then why did they run out? Because WE were trying to hold them. We were gambling with money that wasn't ours. Is life really a gamble? No. It is a gift from the One holding all the chips. So, let's stop gambling.
Easy to say. Hard to do. Especially for those in the world who do not understand the gift. They easily fall for the lie---until the day when life no longer holds any meaning. Then, they simply want out of the gambling arena. I have a buddy facing this very thing. I pray I can get to him in time. Please pray with me.
Each day, we play the game.
Each day, we hold all the chips---or so we are told. But, that is the lie. Each day, we are told the lie. We are told that we can do what we want, when we want to do it, however we choose to do it. The truly scary part? A lot of us believe this. We go through life gambling with money that isn't ours. Why? Because we believe the lie.
And then, one day the chips run out. We are left wondering how to get back into the game. As long as we can play the game, everything is fine. Right? Afterall, we were successful before. Why not now. If only we could find a way back into the game. But we are left with no way to get back in. And then, we are told the biggest lie of all; "there is nothing left to play for. The game is over, and this is all there is." A lot of us believe this lie, as well.
So, who is lying to us? Satan, the prince of lies. Who really holds all the chips? God. Then why did they run out? Because WE were trying to hold them. We were gambling with money that wasn't ours. Is life really a gamble? No. It is a gift from the One holding all the chips. So, let's stop gambling.
Easy to say. Hard to do. Especially for those in the world who do not understand the gift. They easily fall for the lie---until the day when life no longer holds any meaning. Then, they simply want out of the gambling arena. I have a buddy facing this very thing. I pray I can get to him in time. Please pray with me.
Friday, March 09, 2007
The Next Chapter
There are chapters to our lives. Each chapter brings its own unique set of problems, joys, and adventures. These adventures take us on the journey called "life". How we receive what each chapter brings forth tells a lot about us. Even more telling is how we receive the end of one chapter in order to begin the next. You see, it is inevitable. The chapter WILL end. A new one MUST begin. I believe dealing with this is two-fold. First, we must be able to recognize a chapter's ending. Second, we must be willing to allow it to end. If one were reading a book, no matter how enjoyable a chapter, one knows that it has to end. It would not do to continue repeating a chapter over and over again, because one would never get to the end of the book. Life is like that. No matter how enjoyable this life-chapter seems, once it ends, we must be prepared to move on. You see, there is simply more to the story; and it MUST be told. And who knows? The next chapter may be the most enjoyable yet. "Read" on.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Super Bowl XLI
Okay, I can't resist. It's time for me to throw in my two cents.
First, congratulations to two fine NFL teams for making it to the big game. Let's face it, it's hard; so you really can say that it's an honor just to be here. If it wasn't hard to get here, the Detroit Lions would be perennial participants.
Now for my take on the two teams involved in this years big event:
The Chicago Bears probably should have been here a year ago. If defense wins championships, then their presence is no surprise. The Bears defense gave up 294 ypg, second only to the Ravens 264 ypg during the regular season. This defense did to opposing running games what termites do to wood, make it non-existent. The star of the Bear's defense, of course, is Brian Urlacher, middle linebacker. If you don't know who he is, ask Shaun Alexander, RB for the Seattle Seahawks. Shaun got to know Brian up close and personal in the NFC championship game, and Brian won!
The Indianapolis Colts are bridesmaids no longer. This is a team that should have been here two previous times were it not for the fact that history had to write more about the Patriots and the Steelers. Home of arguably the games best signal caller, Indianapolis won 9 straight to open the 2006 season. A bump in the road in the form of shoddy run defense had critics scratching their heads as the regular season progressed. But quarterback eater DE Dwight Freeney put all that noise to rest right before the playoffs began. He said the run D would return, and it did with a vengence. Kansas City Chiefs RB, Larry Johnson, can attest to that. For the AFC title, the colts stared arch nemesis New England in the eyes, and never flinched.
My prediction:
The two defenses will show up as they should in a big game. So, it will come down to which offenses can make the most plays. That of course means which QB (both of whom called signals in the SEC in college) can come up the biggest. And my money is on Archie's kid.
Final score:
Colts 27
Bears 20
First, congratulations to two fine NFL teams for making it to the big game. Let's face it, it's hard; so you really can say that it's an honor just to be here. If it wasn't hard to get here, the Detroit Lions would be perennial participants.
Now for my take on the two teams involved in this years big event:
The Chicago Bears probably should have been here a year ago. If defense wins championships, then their presence is no surprise. The Bears defense gave up 294 ypg, second only to the Ravens 264 ypg during the regular season. This defense did to opposing running games what termites do to wood, make it non-existent. The star of the Bear's defense, of course, is Brian Urlacher, middle linebacker. If you don't know who he is, ask Shaun Alexander, RB for the Seattle Seahawks. Shaun got to know Brian up close and personal in the NFC championship game, and Brian won!
The Indianapolis Colts are bridesmaids no longer. This is a team that should have been here two previous times were it not for the fact that history had to write more about the Patriots and the Steelers. Home of arguably the games best signal caller, Indianapolis won 9 straight to open the 2006 season. A bump in the road in the form of shoddy run defense had critics scratching their heads as the regular season progressed. But quarterback eater DE Dwight Freeney put all that noise to rest right before the playoffs began. He said the run D would return, and it did with a vengence. Kansas City Chiefs RB, Larry Johnson, can attest to that. For the AFC title, the colts stared arch nemesis New England in the eyes, and never flinched.
My prediction:
The two defenses will show up as they should in a big game. So, it will come down to which offenses can make the most plays. That of course means which QB (both of whom called signals in the SEC in college) can come up the biggest. And my money is on Archie's kid.
Final score:
Colts 27
Bears 20
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A Rallying Cry
Fellow Razorback football fans, news from the Hill in the past several days has been puzzling, confusing, and even a little depressing. But I implore you all to take heart. Once the news of Gus's departure came down, were we really surprised to see Mustain jump ship? And if Ben Cleveland follows that should not surprise us either. While it may be easy to deride Mitch for not living up to commitments and having a quitters mentality, I suggest to you that we should possibly applaud him for his loyalty to his high school coach. Afterall, he has been with Gus Malzahn a lot longer than he has been with Coach Nutt. And let us remember that Mustain is YOUNG. He isn't making these decisions on his own, nor is he mature enough at this point in his life to realize all the ramifications of such a decision. He will learn as we all had to after making an 18 year old's decision when we looked back on it with 30-40 year old eyes.
But, enough about the FORMER Razorbacks. I want to call upon all true fans to focus on the current Razorbacks. You see, there are still some guys on the team named Jones, Dick, and oh yeah, some guy named McFadden. These guys need our support. Whatever you may think of recent events, spelling doom and gloom for the program some 8 months before the next kickoff is just plain crazy. Besides, it was McFadden & Jones and that stingy Hog's defense that gave us those ten wins. So, let us NOT panic and become pessimists. A great deal of fine tuning is coming between now and September. Let us NOT wait until the middle of the season when we once again beat Auburn to decide we want to get behind this team. Let's get behind them NOW.
So, to the "Springdale Connection", I bid you a fond farewell, and sincerely wish you the best. As for me and my Razorbacks, we look forward to celebrating a Heisman Trophy winner, and a National Championship a little less than one year from now.
GO HOGS!!!
But, enough about the FORMER Razorbacks. I want to call upon all true fans to focus on the current Razorbacks. You see, there are still some guys on the team named Jones, Dick, and oh yeah, some guy named McFadden. These guys need our support. Whatever you may think of recent events, spelling doom and gloom for the program some 8 months before the next kickoff is just plain crazy. Besides, it was McFadden & Jones and that stingy Hog's defense that gave us those ten wins. So, let us NOT panic and become pessimists. A great deal of fine tuning is coming between now and September. Let us NOT wait until the middle of the season when we once again beat Auburn to decide we want to get behind this team. Let's get behind them NOW.
So, to the "Springdale Connection", I bid you a fond farewell, and sincerely wish you the best. As for me and my Razorbacks, we look forward to celebrating a Heisman Trophy winner, and a National Championship a little less than one year from now.
GO HOGS!!!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Post Passion '07
What a conference! I definitely feel closer to God since it. I just want to keep that going now, and stay in His will. Another thing that the conference has impressed upon me is the need to witness to the lost. I think we as Christians take for granted our great gift from God, and we forget the Great Commission. One of the speakers, Louie Giglio, spoke on exactly that. Christ left us with one very specific instruction to carry out until His return---GO! Louie even chided churches for how they consider inviting a missionary to the church and taking up a love offering at the end of service to be true witnessing. But, Jesus called us ALL as individuals to do our part in furthering the kingdom. Louie said something else very important. God doesn't NEED us to carry this out. God will do what He set out to do even if the rocks have to proclaim the matchless name of Christ. But how sad for us to go to Heaven someday and not be a part of the greatest party in the universe. How much better to arrive and have God introduce you to people for whom you had a part in witnessing. Wow! What a day that will be!
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