Michael's Social Commentary

Santa and the Real Meaning of Christmas

2008-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. There is a magic in the air. I think most people are the same way. I love everything about it - even the magic and wonder of Santa.

Now, I'm a strong Christian and place my primary focus on the true meaning of Christmas (i.e. - the birth of Jesus). This does not mean I throw the baby out with the bath water (i.e. - getting rid of Santa). My kids love the wonder and magic of Santa and I would never take that magic from them. In time they will grow out of Santa, but while they are young I'll play along for their sake (and yes, mine).

Some Christians are strongly against this. To them it is a lie from the devil (or something like that). This doesn't bother me in the least. Honestly, I could care less. It only bothers me when they feel like they should burst a little child's (a child that is not their own) wonder in the name of God. I can't wrap my mind around this. Is this a virtue? I also thought that grace, kindness and love were virtues. My thought is - either play along, for their sakes, or just don't say anything at all.

Twilight: The Movie

2008-11-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

Okay - I have an opinion just like many others. First of all, I thought the movie did not live up to the book. But, I knew it wouldn't live up it the hype beforehand. So, I was not let down. Only Harry Potter and Narnia (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) movies have lived up to the book - but then again, that is my opinion.

The acting was poor at best. The highschool extras were the worst. The director should be slapped for putting them on the big screen. I smell cheese.

Bella, was okay, and I think Robert Pattinson (Edward) was better when he was in Harry Potter. Regarding Bella, when I read the books I disliked her (human Belle) the most. She needed to be pimped slapped and often. So, Kristen Stewart's lackluster performance fit well in my book.

Alice rocked the house - perfect cast. The rest of the Cullens were great casts and I loved Jacob (what little was shown).

Would I Like Jesus?

2008-11-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

The war within sucks. How is that for profound? When desires and the right collide - it can be a nightmare for the right to prevail. Jesus said it like this, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". Paul said it like this, "What I want to do I don't do and what I don't want to do, this I do". Michael Sullivan, the great 21st Century Rock Star Philosopher said it like this, "the war within sucks". However you say it - it is there and it is a beast.

There really is no hope for us to overcome this in the here and now. We will fail. That is not to say that we should not fight to do what is right, even when desire for the wrong pulls us. And yes, we can overcome through God's Spirit, but not totally. We are fallen - broken. We need to be fixed.

I guess I have been looking over the landscape of human events and seeing this black dot caked throughout history and it burdens me. Mankind is striving for the better, but still far away. Selfish tends to run the show - even at the smallest levels. Through Christ we can overcome and desire the right and even do it - even at the smallest levels, but not totally. We are a very broken people.

It makes me wonder just how foreign God's Kingdom will be from life as we know it. It makes me wonder if Jesus would show up today would I recognize Him? Or would He be just a blowhard in my book? I bet most churches wouldn't tolerate Him. I wonder if I would? Wow! It makes me wonder about myself.

Historic Vote. Obama Wins.

2008-11-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Historic Vote. Obama Wins.

This is not unexpected to me. I saw this one coming a long ways out. I'm happy for the African-Americans and how far we have come as a nation - that a black man can become the President of The United States. I do feel bad that his grandmother did not live to see this.

I, myself, did not vote for Obama. My world view and political holdings do not correspond with Obama's. I do not think tax hikes are the way to go (we can spend our money better than the Government). I do not like the out of control spending in Washington (but to be fair, the Republicans had their shot and turned into Liberals when given the power). And lastly, I can not vote for someone who would knowingly stands behind abortion (this one is a big issue for me - it is the taking of life, period).

That being said - I wish Obama good will and will pray for him and his leadership.

I am amused when Atheist's refer to themselves as Intellectuals.

2008-11-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

I am amused when Atheist's refer to themselves as Intellectuals. I'm sorry - I just am. In their supreme desire to throw off any constraints of Authority in their lives they have debased themselves into folly-thought. Seriously, how could any honest person look at a stick figure drawing and conclude - DESIGNER. But turn right around and look at the immense complexity of design found throughout the universe and say - well, no Designer here. How can any thinking person take this person seriously?

Science, which was first launched by Christians but taken over by Atheist's, has provided us with great knowledge. Science tells us "How things work". Science does not tell us "How things came to be" or "Why things came to be" or "Where things are going". Science is basically re-thinking the thoughts of God and/or discovering the thoughts of God. In the future science will further unlock the hidden mysteries of the universe and push us into a greater tomorrow. But science has in no way proved that God does not exist, rather just the opposite. The complexity of design, found by science, demands a Great and Complex Designer (well, maybe this only applies to stick figures to some people).

Now, I can understand an Atheist's concerns about the problem of evil or the many hypocritical Christians or sickness on earth or even the invisible-nature of God, etc. etc. These are honest questions and fair concerns. But to deign common scene just because you might have a chip on your shoulder for one reason or another doesn't make sound-sense and one shouldn't crown themselves as an intellectual for doing such.

I actually get a little upset with these people because they have cornered to Halls of Education and refuse to allow free thought and debate regarding the "Design Issue". Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech? (Please visit THIS LINK for more information here). And, at the same time, I feel very sad for them - because in the end they will stand before God and give an account anyway (the account that they so desperately wanted to throw off).

Weak Forest

2008-10-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

No offense.

This has summed up Wake Forest for the last 5 games. Wake Forest is able to move the ball down field but just can not get it done in the zed zone. Our offensive line is young and does not do a good job opening up holes for our backs or providing long enough pass protection for Skinner. We live and die by Sam Swank - and since he has been out for the last 3 games we have lost 2 of those.

Our defense looked good against Miami holding them to only one touchdown and forcing them to kick for the rest.

This was suppose to a great year for Wake Forest, but they look nothing short of WEAK. We play Duke at home next week. If we lose to Duke at home then I'm just going to kill myself.

Oh well - our basketball team looks loaded this year.

UFO Lights At Myrtle Beach

2008-10-23T19:36:00.000-07:00

Okay - this is the oddest thing that I have experienced yet, but none the less true.

You see this picture. It is the now-famous Phoenix Lights. Many believed that this was a large UFO. You can YouTube this video and several videos will pop up. Who knows what it was. The only thing for sure is - that something was there.

I say all of that to say this. This summer while vacationing at Myrtle Beach I experienced the same thing. It was 10 PM and Lori and the kids were finishing up a dance at a beach party at the camp ground we were staying at. I was standing off in the distance gathering their shoes, etc. Then out of the blue, about 100 yards up and maybe 200 yards out over the ocean, I saw one large light pop on. It didn't move and made no sound - it just remained still. Then another light popped on right beside it and then another and another. Four total. They made no sound and just hovered there for about 30 seconds. Then they started to blink in random order - and then were gone. Needless to say, I about wet myself. I looked around to see if I was the only person to notice this. It seemed like I was. Everyone else was just dancing, etc.

I don't know what to make of it. I'm not saying little green men were flying this thing. All I'm saying is it looked like the Phoenix Lights - only smaller. For what it's worth - this is my testimony.

Maryland killed Wake Forest!!!!!

2008-10-18T17:01:00.001-07:00

Last year, Wake Forest made an awesome come back in the 4th quarter when they were down 23 - 3 to beat Maryland. Wake had no such luck this year. Maryland kicked Wake's butt 26 - 0. I can't say I'm shocked. Wake has been looking weak on offense. Their defense hadn't looked this bad in a while (since the Navy game). Normally Wake's defense is their saving grace.

Wake Forest is still in the running for an ACC title bid, but after this tail-kicking they better come out to play from here on out.

Clemson Fired Bowden - I know Clemson fans are happy now.

2008-10-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

What should have been the most explosive offense in over a decade has imploded on itself. Clemson was pre-season ranked at #9 - and if would have remained undefeated, would easily be ranked #1 in the nation with a title birth bid in a BCS championship. There was no doubt that this Clemson offense was loaded - and I mean, loaded. With Thunder and Lighting and a powerhouse QB to back it up. They had everything. But they imploded.

What was their weakness? A young offensive line and coaching. While watching Clemson play Wake Forest I noticed that their offense line was allowing Wake it break through in almost every play - and Wake performed few blitz's. And secondly, they continued to try to hammer up the middle or off tackle. Why would a coach continue to go up the middle when they are getting beat? That was poor coaching.

Well, it all came to a head yesterday when Clemson fired Bowden. It was expected. I heard some of the quotes from the players. Bowden didn't have the respect of the players and it is hard to win without that. Plus, he blamed others instead of himself. That was a sign of the impending firing. It is to late in the season for Clemson to win the ACC, but there is always next year. It seems like it is always next year for Clemson.

The Happening

2008-10-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan but The Happening was the biggest waste of 90 minutes that I have personally wasted in a very long time. I would have rather chewed alumina foil. I kept holding out - waiting, because most of his movies tend to pull the knock out punch in the end. But this one just bombed. May God forgive me for wasting these past 90 minutes.

Do yourself a favor - run, don't walk, away from this movie at Blockbuster. If you don't heed this warning then you have no one to blame but yourself.

An Ugly Win.

2008-10-10T05:06:00.001-07:00

Alphonso Smith after his game turning interception. He is currently the best in the nation at causing turnovers.

Let's face it Wake lives and dies by their defense and Sam Swank (our field goal kicker). Swank was hurt last night and couldn't play. So, we missed two field goals. Our defense did come out to play. They truly man-handled Clemson the whole of the game, with one good drive from Clemson that produced a touchdown.

Our offense looked very good also. They also handed Clemson their lunch in the back of the bus all night long. However, when they entered the red zone they could not produce. This has been the same story all year long for Wake. It does no good to be a great offense (well, not great - just good) and never score touchdowns - thus, the reason we have to live by Sam Swank (I don't want to think about next year when Swank is gone).

Wake won 12-7. The score didn't reflect just how bad Wake man-handled Clemson. It was an ugly win - but it was a win.

The road to the Orange bowl goes through Winston-Salem

2008-10-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Clemson has 2 losses entering this game. A recent lose to Maryland, who turned around and lost to Virginia last weekend. They also lost to AL - who looks set to make a National Title run this year. Clemson was set to make that run this year, but has imploded on themselves with a weak offensive line and, of course, coaching (word on the net is Bowden is being let go).

Wake on the other hand lost to Navy 2 weeks ago. Navy also lost to Duke earlier this year. Neither team is riding HIGH. However, Wake is ranked at 21.

This game would have had a lot of jazz to it. Both teams were predicted to enter this game highly ranked and undefeated. A lot of the sparkle of this game has been lost. But the fact remains, the road to the Orange Bowl goes through Winston-Salem. unless something very crazy happens (which very well could). Whoever wins this game will play VT in the ACC playoffs.

I'm nervous about this game. Clemson is tough and looking to prove themselves to the nation. Wake on the other hand is looking to do the same thing. Wake does have the home field advantage and it is a Thursday night game. I expect a lot of Clemson fans to be here, but not as many if it was a Saturday game. This should be a barn-burner.

A major blow was given to Wake when it was reported that Sam Swank might not play. He is the nations leading Field Goal Kicker. Considering that this will be a close game that could play a major factor because Swank is very reliable up to 53 yards.

My Top 10 List At Age 36

2008-10-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

So, I'm 36 today. I don't feel old - well, actually I do. I have to stretch a lot more than what I used to do. I've had a back operation. And me and Advil are good friends. But outside of that - I don't feel old. Oh yeah, Lori doesn't let me eat as many hamburgers as I used to (that one is a bummer).

In my 36 years of life I have learned a lot and today I would like to share with you my top ten list. Enjoy!

10. Workout. The older you get the easier it is to put on the weight. When you workout you feel better. When you workout you look better. When you workout you will last longer. Think of your family. Stop making excuses. Just do it.....

9. Read. Reading is mind food. Branch outside of your comfortable zone and read other opinions. Open your mind. Changing your mind isn't flip-flopping - it is learning and growing. Be more than just a professional coach potato.

8. Don't eat as much red meat and have a glass of red wine. Red meat isn't that great for your health (i know, I hate that also) and red wine has many health benefits (a glass with your meal or in the evening - not to get drunk on).

7. Keep a journal. The main reason I keep a journal is so that my children and their children will have a record of my life. How many of us would love to have a journal from our grandparents and/or great-grandparents. That would be priceless, wouldn't it. We tend to know just general items about them. Think of them and leave a legacy.

6. Guard your heart. Men should guard their eyes and women should guard their emotions. There are too many broken homes from people who forgot to guard their hearts. Remember, Rome didn't crumble overnight. Your heart can fade one baby-step at a time.

5. Spend the money to get a good bed. You need a good nights rest. Bad sleep equals a bad day. I know - I'm preaching to the choir here. I have a tempur-pedic and I love it. I get some awesome sleep - and naps.

4. Invest in a business of your own and own Real Estate. Think ahead. Plan for the future. If you want to be wealthy then these two are the path to that direction. They are not the only path, but the best path.

3. Play with your kids. Be there for them and with them. Tell them stories and read books to them. Go to their games. Don't think that "buying" them things is the same thing. Your kids are the most important thing, outside of your relationship with your husband or wife. Guard that relationship while you have the chance. Time flies -- -remember, one day they will be gone.

2. Woo your wife (or husband). It is the little things that speak volumes. Even get a book to help you out here if you lack ideas - that's not cheating, that's called wanting to woo them. You will get extra credit for that.

1. Seek God. God has created you to know Him. Nothing else will be able to fill this void.

How To Deal With Modern Day Pharisee's

2008-09-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I would first just say - move on. This is the path of least resistance. And I think that most people tend to move in that direction. Most people are not interested in "the fight" over non-important legalistic areas. Most people just agree to disagree and move on. But I have to confess - I was not one of them (a modern day pharisee), once upon a time.

When I became a Christian (17 yrs. old) I was one of the legalistic people, but that was mainly because I started attending a church that held tightly to those belief systems. That is not to say that I don't still love that church. Rather just the opposite. I owe most of my beginnings to that church and friends and the people there. They truly loved God, but just tended to focus on a lot of "extras" that lead me down the path of "holier-that-thou". After many years I pulled out of this and saw it for what it was. Then I became a fighter on the "other" side. I would stand up against those who would belittle others as being less spiritual and suppressing the freedom in Christ. But, after many years, I found this fruitless as well. My eyes were opened to the silliness of "the fight" in general. From there - I just moved on and focused on what God actually cared about.

Life is a journey with many learning curves.

So this brings me to the topic at hand - How to deal with modern day Pharisee's. Pray for your attitude, as I do mine. I understand that legalism can get under your skin and you may want to just scream - but does that help anything? No! How will you point out the fault of others if you have a negative fault? This is profoundly human and very hard to overcome, but it can be done (Remember, Edward decided to become a vegetarian vampire. If he can do it then so can you. Sorry, I just had to throw in some "Twilight"). Then pray for them and speak softly. Drop "the fight" mode. It helps nothing. Of course, I would strongly suggest to just move on, but when confronted head on - just speak softly and prayerfully. You may not change them, but God will be changing you. And that is a beautiful thing......

It is for this reason that I have used the book cover's "Blue Like Jazz" and "The Grace Awaking" for my cover to this blog. These are a must read! It will help you refocus on what is really important. Get it today and enjoy.

Modern Day Pharisee's

2008-09-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

Modern Day Pharisee's are among us - just like they were among those in the day of Jesus. Let me briefly define what a "Modern Day Pharisee" is in 21st Century terms. Well, basically, it is someone who places a higher level of importance on non-God directed commands (i.e. - human extra laws of spirituality). Let me give an example to help better illustrate this point. It would be like saying you can not wear shorts because the Bible says you should dress modestly. It is the attitude that "I'm more spiritual than you and you should submit to my opinion on this issue and if you don't then you are a bad Christian". Now, I could care less if someone wears shorts or not - for whatever reason. I just can't stand that "holier-than-thou" attitude. It is a very divisive and judgemental attitude. Of course, if you point this out to them then they will say they are "being persecuted for righteousness sake". So, in short you can't win. To save yourself a headache - just move on.

Funny thing is, I use to think about this alot and even write about it a lot. I used to attend a church, where I was there youth pastor, and the legalism was so thick there that you could cut it with a knife (that is not to say that everyone there was legalistic). Of course, there were other more-legalistic churches in the area that they made fun of, just to make themselves feel not-so-legalistic. Sadly, I actually got to the point I "hated" even going to church because I "hated" being hated on because I liked a more modern-sound with my music and not just traditional hymns, etc. etc. This experience was a joy-killer. But from this experience I found THE SUMMIT CHURCH. Since then I have not even experienced legalism and/or don't really even think about it that much. I don't have to. Those people would never come to The Summit anyway - ya know, because we don't believe in God and preach out of the TV Guide, and all. (Yes, I'm LOL)

My thoughts used to be - fight the legalism. Now, my thoughts are - just leave them alone and go your own way. It is not worth the fight. It drains you of energy and joy. Focus on what God has actually called us to do (i.e., Love God and Love People).

Stupid Addictive Vampire Book

2008-09-25T04:37:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that I'm actually blogging about this book after I hated on it for so long. Yes, I'm having to eat my words now and they don't taste good. For the record, I figured that this book was a cheesy teeny "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" type book. But - it is way more. I mean, way more!!!!!!!!! I'm so tired this morning because that stupid addictive vampire book kept me up until 1 AM last night. I feel like one of the "cold one's" this morning.

I actually want to go to the beach and light up a driftwood camp fire - as long as I have a stake with me.

So, I have to give this book 2 thumps up. It is a must read if you like vampire books - and even if you don't.

The Deacs Take Down The "Once" Mighty Powerhouse of the ACC - FL ST.

2008-09-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

Wake Forest safety Kevin Patterson goes airborne as he is tackled following his second interception against Florida State. Wake created 7 turnovers with 5 of them being interceptions. Our defense was honestly nothing short of awesome. Our offense commanded the game also, expect when they got in the red zone (which just happens to be the most important area to turn the offense on). Props to the FL ST. defense for stepping it up in the red zone. Wake won 12 - 3 - but honestly, the game's ending score didn't reflect just how bad Wake manhandled the once Powerhouse of the ACC. It could have and should have been a 30+ point game for Wake. This makes 3 years in a row that Wake has handed FL ST. their food in the back of the bus. My, oh my, how times have changed. What is even funnier is the Wake haters that come out of the woodwork to try to downtalk Wake's win. Saying things like FL ST. is weak, etc. etc. Are you kiddng me....... Really? They scored 117 points in their first two games. That was more than any other NCAA team did. As far as FL ST. goes, well, lets just watch the rest of the season for them. I see them losing to Clemson and FL, but winning the remaining. We'll see. And as for the Deacs - their biggest game is yet to come (Clemson). I'm honestly still nervous about that game, but I'm sure Clemson is saying the same thing. It will be a fight......

Chance + Time = WHAT????

2008-09-17T06:10:00.001-07:00

HAHAHAHA. I found this flair on facebook the other day. It might be a little small so I'll spell it out.

Chance + Time = The Human Brain. It's so cool how that all worked out (of course, this was meant as humor).

I don’t even have to comment on this because the lack of logic toward a non-Designer position speaks for itself. And yet, if I drew a picture of the human brain (or a stick figure for that matter) then they would easily conclude that there was an artist that designed it. Go figure......

Wake Forest Football After 2 Weeks

2008-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Deacs are currently 2-0 in the season. They have played 2 lower level teams in BCS conferences. They destroyed Baylor and looked very good. They should have destroyed 'Ole Miss, but it ended up being a very close game. I was impressed with Skinner's command of the ball during their last drive with 1:01 left on the clock to win the game (currently holding highest pass percentage at 75% - he is a threat for this reason alone). I wasn't impressed with our weak running game (I hope Coach Grobe reads this and passes more). This will have to do better when we face FL St. next week. The FL St. game will be defining for us. They seem to have a pretty good team ranking in the high 20's in polls - while Wake is ranked #20. If Wake beats them at home then I feel good about entering the Clemson game on Oct. 9th. If I'm honest with myself I would have to give Clemson the win because they are loaded (despite their poor performance with AL on their season opener). However, Wake tends to create 3-4 turnovers a game on defense which turns into points for the Deacs. It should be a classic battle of a great offense (Clemson) and a great defense (Wake Forest).

Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps

2008-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps. We've all heard that phrase. And it has "some" merit to it. That being - work hard, have self-respect and respect for others, take responsibility, stop blaming others, etc. etc. All people agree with that.

But what if you don't have any boots or straps for that matter. How about the "least of these"? Are we our brothers keepers? Not everyone is born into hope and promise. I come from a middle-class family in Bristol, VA. We were not rich and we were not poor. We are like most of America - middle-class. I had opportunities. Grant it - I took hold of opportunities that came my way and made some happen (that goes back to the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps"). But others are hurting and wondering if anyone cares. These don't have the boots or bootstraps. I feel for these - but is that enough?

I would encourage everyone reading my blog (all 3 of you) to find a ministry outlet to give back and help the hurting in one fashion or another. I say ministry in the general sense - that being, help out your fellow brother not necessarily under a church umbrella, although I highly recommend that. Give with no strings attached (time, talents and money).

Double Standards

2008-09-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Double Standards. Double Standards. Double Standards. I just found this youtube clip and I think it speaks for itself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEkNS3QxFCM (John Stewart is pretty funny - even though I consider it pretty sad that many people actually get their news intake solely from him).

Man, this partisan garbage is getting so old (from the left and right). It is nothing but hate, hate, hate and more hate. People can disagree and still be civil, can't they? Grant it - I'm a conservative Republican, but I have many good friends that are liberal Democrats. There is no hate between us (at least there better not be, or I'll have to kill them - in the love of Jesus, of course.... hehehehe).

I just can't stand double standards..... That's all I'm saying. Can I get an Amen.....

Just Report - Please.....

2008-09-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

I think everyone would agree that FOX holds a right-leaning position - while NBC/MSNBC holds a left-leaning position. I have no problem with that as far as commentary is concerned, but not in the reporting of news and general news coverage. The media needs to stop it and just start reporting the facts. If I want a commentary then I'll tune in to the commentor's. This recently came to a head at MSNBC with Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews. MSNBC had both of them anchoring the RNC. Now, I knew this spelled "non-reporting" from the start. It would be like FOX having Bill O'Reilly anchor the DNC.

MSNBC has relieved Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews of anchoring duties for the remaining debates and election night coverage. David Gregory will anchor with Matthews and Olbermann appearing as analysts.

The key, I think, is this:

Executives at the channel’s parent company, NBC Universal, had high hopes for MSNBC’s coverage of the political conventions. Instead, the coverage frequently descended into on-air squabbles between the anchors, embarrassing some workers at NBC’s news division, and quite possibly alienating viewers. Although MSNBC nearly doubled its total audience compared with the 2004 conventions, its competitive position did not improve, as it remained in last place among the broadcast and cable news networks.

Ad Hominem Attacks

2008-09-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Palin's speech the other night (and poor McCain's speech put me to sleep - and I'm not joking). She did a good job despite the ad hominem attacks leveled against her and her family (criticizing her record, resume and experience, that is fair and balanced - but attacking her family, come on). I really feel for Bristol. First of all, you know she has to be embarrassed among her peers and now the far-left has made her circle of attention world-wide. I respect her decision to grant her baby life. Remember these words - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It seems like some in this country only like to speak about Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Well, I could go on and on about this issue, but let's stop and just say, I feel for that 17 yr. old girl.

Wake Forest Football - and to think we used to be a basketball team only

2008-08-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Wake Forest will have a good year this year. They were ACC Champs 2 years ago and man-handled UConn last year in a bowl game (that's right, Vogel - I did say man-handled). They have most of the starters back and look good. Pre-Season ranked at #23 - which is a first time in school history to be pre-seasoned ranked. A lot of eyes will be on them because they are the 2nd smallest division 1 school (behind Rice). Our biggest game will be against Clemson - which by the way, they are loaded. Clemson should win the ACC and maybe even be National Championship contender. If Wake enters that game (week 5) undefeated then watch the fireworks display. Wake does have home-field advantage, but Clemson fans come out in full butt-ugly-orange force. It might help Wake since it will be a National televised game and that it is on a Thrusday night.

The offense returns the ACC's past two rookies of the year, running back Josh Adams and quarterback Riley Skinner Adams rushed for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman last season, and Skinner threw for 2,204 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also led the nation last season by completing 72.4 percent of his passes, and is once again being counted on to manage games and take what the defense gives him.

To all of my Clemson friends and old-youth that went to Clemson - I still love you, but I can't stand Clemson. Sorry..........

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

2008-08-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

This movie is a must see. Rent it NOW!!!!! Buy it when it comes available for purchase. This is a must have for your video library. Have your children watch this - and re-watch it. It is no longer in Movie theatres - actually it was in very few theatres. Many forces tried to even stop this movie from showing - period.

We are living in the age of the death of freedom of speech - well, at least toward those who hold a Christian Worldview. Honest pursuit of truth is not allowed in our Universities and Colleges today.

I could go on and on - but I think watching this trailer of the movie will speak volumes for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGCxbhGaVfE

You're Gonna Miss This

2008-08-25T09:30:00.001-07:00

I've been teary eyed most of the day today. Maybe I'm an 'ole softy, but just thinking of my kids growing up pains me. Don't get me wrong. I love watching them grow every step of the way. I love watching them learn new things - it is like magic that words can't fully describe. It is such a blessing (and I don't use that word cheaply) to be a father. For me, becoming a father has opened the door further into understanding the heart of God. But none the less - I'm teared up today.

Tiffany started 2nd grade today. Drake will enter Kindergarten next year. (sigh). It reminds me of that Trace Adkins song, "You're Gonna Miss This". I'm listening to it right now - and it is not helping matters at all.

Before I know it they will be gone and I'll take on another role. That's life, huh. Different roles. Different stages. Cherish each moment because before we know it - they will be gone. One thing is for sure - I'm gonna miss this......

Trace Adkins "You're Gonna Miss This"

You’re gonna’ miss this
You’re gonna’ want this back
You’re gonna’ wish these days
Hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna’ miss this

Debt & Family When You Are Starting Out

2008-08-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

This blog is mainly written for those getting ready to graduate from college and those getting ready to enter college. Of course, it could help out those who are "young" like me too.

Most people will have student loans and some credit card debt before they leave college ... and then you have to actually start paying it back. Most college kids will land a good paying job and think - "WOW, I have more money than I ever had". They will get married, get two new cars, a new house and of course, furniture to boot. Debt and more debt. By the time kids swing around you are living one step away from being bankrupt - just living paycheck to paycheck.

Let me suggest this route instead. When Lori and I left college we both had dissent paying jobs, but instead of buying all things new, etc - we paid off debt. We learned to live on one income (mine) and used her full income (minus tithe) to pay off school loans, car debt, etc. When Tiffany arrived we were debt free and was able to allow Lori to stay at home with Tiffany to raise her. We learned to live on one income and knocked out our debt in the process.

Anyway, take this idea and twink it to make it your own and apply it to your life today. Debt is so weighty and can cripple anyone. So I say, cripple it before it cripples you.

Explaining the Difference Between Micro and Macro-Evolution

2008-08-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is the difference between Micro and Macro-Evolution. One is verifiable and the other is make-believe. I hope this helps.

The difference between micro and macro-evolution is a major point of confusion between the Christian worldview and the Darwinian evolution worldview in today’s culture. Micro-evolution is the adaptations and changes within a species while macro-evolution is the addition of new traits or a transition to a new species. Micro-evolution is a fact that is plainly observable throughout nature. Macro-evolution is a theory that has never been observed in science. Evolutionist usually argue that those who believe in creation are ignoring the facts, however, there is nothing that evolutionist observe in science that creationist or Christians as a whole disagree with. The point of contention is not on what is observed, but the belief systems that interpret what is being observed. Nothing in the Bible contradicts science; it is the assumptions that evolutionists insert into their world view that contradict the Bible. Evolution is a hypothesis introduced as a possible explanation of origins.The difference between micro and macro-evolution is a major point of confusion between the Christian worldview and the Darwinian evolution worldview in today’s culture. Micro-evolution is the adaptations and changes within a species while macro-evolution is the addition of new traits or a transition to a new species. Micro-evolution is a fact that is plainly observable throughout nature. Macro-evolution is a theory that has never been observed in science. Evolutionist usually argue that those who believe in creation are ignoring the facts, however, there is nothing that evolutionist observe in science that creationist or Christians as a whole disagree with. The point of contention is not on what is observed, but the belief systems that interpret what is being observed. Nothing in the Bible contradicts science; it is the assumptions that evolutionists insert into their world view that contradict the Bible. Evolution is a hypothesis introduced as a possible explanation of origins.

Micro-evolution is a fact. This has never been disputed by anyone who understands what micro-evolution is. Micro-evolution is the alteration of a specific trait due to natural response. Take a look at Darwin’s observation of the changes in finches. Isolated in the Galapagos Island, Darwin discovered finches that had much longer beaks than those found off the island. His assumption was that evolution was changing this species. However, these finches remained finches. Princeton professor Peter Grant completed an 18 year study of the finches on this island. He concluded that during drought years, the finches with shorter beaks died off because with a limited supply of seeds, only those that could reach the grubs living under tree bark could survive. With limited resources on a small island, these finches could not migrate to find food. We clearly observe natural selection, but not macro-evolution. However, it is not a permanent change. The finch offspring with shorter beaks prospered during seasons of plenty. Natural adaptation is the function of micro-evolution.

Don’t mistake micro-evolution for Darwinian evolution. They are not related. When a Christian says they do not believe in evolution, it is not a reference to changes in specific traits. It is a reference to changes that require crossing the DNA limitations. When the facts stare evolutionists in the face, they are reduced to either insulting those who present the evidence or they must admit their world view doesn’t hold water. Evolutionists always call Christians and creationists non-thinkers because we question their illogical theories. Critical analysis is not un-intellectual, but it is unreasonable to refuse to honestly look at the whole picture painted when all the facts are presented. When someone builds their belief system around a godless world view, it leaves the realm of science and becomes a religious defense. Anyone who gets angry at the facts is not defending science, but is defending their hope that God does not exist and their hope that there is no God in which we are accountable.

There Is No God!!!!!!

2008-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

I'm very confused. How can a person look at this simple drawing of a banana and conclude 'Artist" or "Designer", and yet look at the banana itself and then turn around and conclude "well, it is a product of chance plus time".

I tend to think that a lot of the reason why people say that there is NO God is because of the silence of God. I can understand this argument more so than blatant stupidity being passed off as science and shoved down our throats like a banana. That is not to say that the theory of evolution is stupid, rather the statement "there is no God" (even though I have my concerns with modern-day evolution - but that is another blog for another day). So maybe, it is better said that we (humans) have major concerns and questions over the nature of God, than to say, "there is NO God". I think most people fall into this camp. I still struggle over this and I'm unsure if I'll ever find the answer to this question while on this ball. I also tend to think that a major reason why people turn away from God and begin believing in the "no-God" arguments is because they hear a lot of cookie cutter answers from Christian circles that don't really answer anything. It tends to be a bunch of double-talk lanced with Christian words.

Maybe, a little refreshing honesty and transparency is needed once again on both sides.