Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Persistent and Consistent

Both are major parts of the christian walk. But both are hard to maintain. Both encompass a lot of what a christian should do.

Being consistent in your walk is hard. The faulting is inevitable. But its being consistent after the fact. Not only that, but to be persistent in honoring God, no matter what. Both are imperative to the growth involved.

Here are some questions. I thought of about the two words.

Is one more important than the other?

Is there a healthy medium for both?

How imperative are these qualities?


Thoughts, Insights ............

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Overrated

Overrated. We all find things overrated. Some may be different, then others. But there are a lot of overrated things out there. Here's a list of places, people and things, that I think are overrated. What do you think is overrated? Agree? Disagree? Any thoughts, on the list?


Apple sauce
Apple Cider
Alcoholic beverages
Nirvana (the band)
U2
Tom Hanks
Spiderman
Prom
Tony Romo
Caps
Apple Computers
Virus Software
Star Trek
Kanye West
Family Guy
Carmelo Anthony
California
Watermelon
NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Starbucks
Golf
Halo
Reality Shows
MTV
Harry Potter
Reebok
Twitter
Transformers
Buffets
Cher
Oprah Winfrey
Lil Wayne
Super Bowl Commercials
Politics
Popularity
Wealth
Ring tones
Lottery Tickets
Candles
Vitamins
Guns
Italian Food

Friday, April 17, 2009

2nd round - Finals Predictions

Earlier I posted my 1st round predictions. Now I will map out the rest of the post-season. It should get interesting, from here on out. Enjoy!

East 2nd Round

1. Cleveland- (66-16) Cleveland 4-2
4. Atlanta- (47-35)

Atlanta is very talented, but not very deep. The Cavs have the superior defense, with an efficient offense. I give the Hawks a puncher's chance, but they will have to play perfect. Which won't happen.

2. Boston- (62-20)
3. Orlando- (59-23) Orlando 4-3

Boston has home court, are the defending champs, and a lot of pride. Orlando will beat Boston, because Garnett won't be manning the middle. Howard must take advantage of this! The Magic win, barely.

West 2nd Round

1. Los Angeles- (65-17) Los Angeles 4-2
4. Portland- (54-28)

This rivalry, will only get hotter. Brandon Roy is an emerging superstar. Portland is young, but very feisty. Portland will give LA all they can handle. LA's depth and experience will be, too much for the Blazers.

2.Denver- (54-28) Denver 4-3
3. San Antonio- (54-28)

This was the hardest series to call. The void Ginobili leaves the Spurs, is to great to overcome. Denver is healthy and more mature. Melo will have his way with the aging wing defenders of the Spurs. Denver has home court and younger legs. Plus, how will Duncan's knees hold up, from playing one playoff series, already?

Eastern Conference Finals

1. Cleveland (66-16) Cleveland 4-2
3. Orlando (59-23)

Orlando will be beat from a grueling series with Boston. Cleveland matches up well with Orlando. Orlando relies heavily on 3-pointers and jump shots. You win championships with defense. Orlando will shoot their way out of the series.

Western Conference Finals

1. Los Angeles (65-17) Los Angeles 4-1
2. Denver (54-28)

This platform will be new for Denver( outside of Billups). LA will love this match. Denver's defense has improved. But Denver's commitment is not to defense. The Lakers will force Denver to chuck up shots. The Lakers have a better defense and a balanced attack on offense.


NBA Finals

1. Cleveland (66-16)
1. Los Angeles (65-17) Los Angeles 4-2

The matchup David Stern is dreaming about. Kobe vs LeBron for the whole thing! Kobe is, not hungry, he is starving for his fourth ring. LeBron wants one as well. But does his hunger equal Kobe's desire? This game will come down to matchups. Bynum, Gasol, and Odom all present problems for the Cavs. The Lakers will be able to contain Mo Williams. With contributions, from Fisher, Shannon Brown and at times Kobe. Also the Lakers have a lot of players they can throw at LeBron. The Lakers have too much firepower for the Cavs. The Cavs will hang tuff. But LA will win at the Q. Which will put them on top.

Los Angeles 2008-2009 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!

1st Round Predictions

The playoffs start tomorrow and I'm excited. To me, two things have defined the playoffs, injuries and questions. With Kevin Garnett and Manu Ginobili out, it brings even more parody to the playoffs. Also don't forget injuries to Orlando's Jameer Nelson and Tracy McGrady. Questions, will Kobe get a ring? Will LeBron cement his "greatest player" title in these playoffs? Will the Rockets ever get out of the first round? Has age got up to the Spurs and Celtics? Is Portland to young to contend? Are Orlando and Denver for real?

A lot to, be determined. I will boldly give you, my picks for the 1st round. Tomorrow I will give out the rest of the picks, including my pick for NBA Champions. Enjoy!


East

1. Cleveland- (66-16) Cleveland 4-1
8. Detroit- (39-43)

Detroit is fading and the Cavs are shining. LeBron and Co. will take of business, on both sides of the ball, in a easy series.

2. Boston- (62-20) Boston 4-1
7. Chicago- (41-41)

No KG no problem, at least for the 1st round. Derrick Rose is an all-star in the making. But Boston still has enough firepower, to get a 2nd round appearance.

3. Orlando- (59-23) Orlando 4-1
6. Philadelphia- (41-41)

The 3's will fall and Dwight Howard will be a one man wrecking crew. Philly will score points, which should make this series a high scoring affair.

4. Atlanta- (47-35) Atlanta 4-3
5. Miami- (43-39)

This series is too close to call. Wade is amazing player, with no help. The Hawks have multiple players they can throw at Wade. Hawks prevail in a very exciting series.

West

1. Los Angeles (65-17) Los Angeles 4-1
8. Utah (48-34)

LA has too much, for Utah to handle. Utah will steal one at home. This series should get the Lakers warmed up for the 2nd round.

2. Denver (54-28) Denver 4-2
7. New Orleans (49-33)

Chris Paul will give all Denver can handle. However, Billups, Melo, and J.R. Smith will score at will. New Orleans has Paul, but that will not be enough.

3. San Antonio (54-28) San Antonio 4-2
6. Dallas (50-32)

No Ginobili, means Roger Mason, Matt Bonner, and Drew Gooden must step up. Dallas is playing good ball right now. But the Spurs will get the big plays from their bench. Parker should have a good series.

4. Portland (54-28) Portland 4-3
5. Houston (53-29)

In a very competitive series. Yao will score and the Rockets will play D. But Portland has home- court, which will put them over the top.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Quick To Judge

As she walked on stage she was gleaming with confidence. She smiled to the crowd. A crowd that was dissecting her. Smiling and thinking, what business she had up there. She knew it, and still was ready to go. Once she opened her mouth, it was all over.

If you haven't seen Susan Boyle shock the UK and the world. You missed on something truly special. Susan just wanted to sing. So she got on to Britain's Got Talent. She came out and shocked the doubters, and cynics.

She has never been kissed by a guy. Lives in a small village and she has a learning disability. Oh yeah, she's 47 years old and unemployed. Everyone looked at her in bewilderment. When she walked on stage. The crowd and the viewers judged her, before she even opened her mouth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

But it got me think. Don't we all judge people before we know them? Don't we always find someone to talk about. Who is not the same age, or different culture, social status. Whatever the case maybe. We all judge.

The Susan Boyle clip is a great example of that. Of how we alienate people so fast. Imagine, if we took the time to, know who they are. Judging is for the Lord and not for us. Judging can be dangerous and destructive to anyone around us. Judging to me, is lying to yourself, or others.
Because....

I believe we all have something to offer. No matter origin, age, beliefs. We all have dreams and goals, and flawless. So let us, build each other up and not tear each other down. In the big picture we are all the same. God made us, in his perfect image. We are all children of God.

Let us not forget that!

Monday, April 13, 2009

5 Countries: Where would you go?


If you had to choose five countries. That you have never been too. What countries would you choose? Rules: you can't revisit a country and, it can be a place, state, of the country you currently reside in. Here are my five. What are your five?

In no particular order.

1. Italy- I'm a history major and I love history! Italy is stacked with history. Plus I have this infatuation with the Mediterranean sea. It's gorgeous. I would love to see the Colosseum and pretend to be a gladiator. I would visit Sicily, Naples, Milan, and the list goes on. Last, but not least I would go check out the Vatican.

2. New Zealand- First off, Lord of the Rings was filmed there(check). New Zealand is very diverse, beaches, mountains, and a volcano! I would visit Wellington(capital) and Auckland. I don't know a whole a lot about New Zealand. Which makes me want to go there. Lastly, New Zealand has this seclusion about itself. That is very appealing to me.

3. South Africa- I have always admired the beauty of Cape Town. It's amazing. Even in South Africa you can catch the African wildlife. That would be cool to see all the animals. I have had friends and family(brother and dad) go down there. To serve people in need. I would be honored to do the same. My dad went down there and it changed his life. I believe that trip is what gave him, his passion for missions.

4. India- It's awesome to see how people commute in India. I would love to go to Mumbai, New Delhi and Calcutta. But I would like to try the food. India would give me. A good slap in the face, of culture shock. I would swim in the India ocean and visit something called the Taj Mahal.

5. Spain- I would definitely partake in dodging the bull. In their annual bull -running. Spain has rich history as well. I would go to Madrid(capital), Barcelona. I would hike the Pyrenees mountains. To top it off enjoy some fine wine.

Friday, April 10, 2009

The Great Weekend

Today is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter. So what is Saturday? What is significant about Saturday, if anything? Is it simply the day between two important days? Or is Saturday just as important? We just haven't founded a catchy name yet.

Sorry about the rant, thought it was intersting.

Regardless this weekend is monumental. Not for all, but for a good amount of people. No matter where you are for Easter. I encourage, urge you, to take time once again. To reflect on what it means. What was given up, for us.

Take time for this Great Weekend, I like to call it. It combines all the days. All the days play a role and all are important. Take time to be thankful and to realize. We have been given a gift. A gift that cost a lot. A gift out of love.

So enjoy your Easter!
Praise God for it all!

Oh yeah, got any catchy names for Saturday?

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Spurs Future

I have been a Spurs fan for the longest time. I loved them when they sucked and when they won the Finals. I have always loved the Spurs. It didn't matter what their current state was. I was a fan.

Now that the news has come out about Ginobili. Being out the rest of the season. It's disheartening to know the Spurs are out of contention. But, the bigger issue arises. The Spurs future.

Tony Parker to, me is now the building block. For the new Spurs regime. The Spurs need to invest in young talent. Talent that can play back to backs. Talent that can leap, run, and dunk. Parker is 26 he's entering his prime. Tim Duncan is exiting his prime ( 33 this month). Manu is still effective, but for how long?

The Spurs have a lot of issues to deal with. I believe the turn of the tide has arrived. The Spurs must change something. Philosophy, personnel, what ever it may be. The Spurs have some assets that can help them.

Tiago Splitter- the 6'11 Brazilian has Dirk like skills. Playing in Europe right now. Consider one of the best players not playing in the NBA. The Spurs have his draft rights

Ian Mahinmi- the 6'11 Frenchmen has being playing with the Austin Toros. He's raw still, but has shown some promise. Also did I mention, he's 23.

Austin Toros- the Spurs have a plethora of talent. They could evaluate for the team.

George Hill- he's 22, plays D and has scoring potential. Pop needs to play him more!

I trust that the Spurs will make the necessary moves to be in contention next year. Parker will be there, Duncan too. Hopefully, a healthy Ginobili as well.

In a weird way we are re-building. But we have talent to build on. Parker is the cornerstone now. I'm excited to see. What new additions the Spurs will get. I have a feeling, it will be promising.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Not So Easy

Don't you wish sometimes that the christian life. Would be as easy as walking in a park? Or when a storm comes your way. You can just press the easy button?

Boom! Its gone, no more worries. Boy, wouldn't that be nice? Imagine being a christian without any strife. Imagine no more, life sucking trials and temptations. No more, persecution from those who scoff your belief in Christ.

Being a christian isn't easy. It means sacrificing a lot. Most of time sacrificing things we don't want to lose. However, choosing to follow, and practice of being a Christ- follower. Does not go in vain.
Matthew 6:19-34

Remember Jesus is good all the time!