tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61911707568797409852024-03-12T21:10:01.814-07:00Jeremy's BlogBakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-59929524266502009362012-04-25T12:19:00.001-07:002012-04-25T12:58:04.268-07:00Mock Draft (What I Would Do)<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is what I would do if I were these GM's, this does not mean that all of this will happen but rather that I believe these are the players which teams should take. Enjoy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><u>ROUND 1</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. <b>IND</b>: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford, No Brainer</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. <b>WAS</b>: RG3, QB, Baylor, Once in a lifetime prospect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. <b>TB</b>: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (*Trade with Vikings) he is a STUD. He has the ability to change that offense from day one </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. <b>BUF</b>: Matt Kalil, T, USC (*Trade with Cleveland) he is a game changer and one that Ryan Fitz will be glad to have.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. <b>MIN</b>: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU, they trade down and get the player they want.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. <b>STL</b>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Justin Blackmon, WR, OK state, the perfect fit to bring in for Sam Bradford.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7. <b>JAX</b>: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE, SC, he has short arms… he is exactly the high energy player that this defense needs. Jacksonville is quietly building one of the better defenses in the NFL. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8. <b>MIA</b>: Ryan Tanahill, QB, Texas A&M, this is a need based pick, they need a QB</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9. <b>CAR</b>: Quinten Copels, DE, UNC, a player who has an extremely high ceiling but did not live up to that production as much. He will have a very bright future in Carolina where they need to get more of a pass rush. Add that with the growth of Cam Newton and that Jon Beason is coming back from injury, this will be a much improved defense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10. <b>CLE</b>: Michael Floyd, WR, ND, Cleveland gets the playmaker they need and a few extra picks after they had to trade down because Richardson was stolen by Tampa Bay</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11. <b>KC</b>: Courtney Upshaw, LB/DE, Alabama, A very hard working player who will fit in nicely on this defensive line. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12. <b>SEA</b>: Fletcher Cox, DT, Miss State, brings some toughness to this defense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">13. <b>ARI</b>: Riley Rieff, T, Iowa, Take the safe pick here and help protect your QB, Floyd would be nice but he is off the board.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">14. <b>DAL</b>: Mark Barron, S, Alabama, Need and talent converge here, if they go another direction see Barron at either 15 or 16.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">15. <b>PHI</b>: Luke Kuechly, LB, BC, This is the pick that needs to be made for Philly, they need a real run stopper in the middle. Kuechly is a beast and is ready to start right away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">16. <b>NYJ</b>: David Decastro, G, Stanford, The Jets covet a pass rush but they also need to upgrade their line. This is not so that he can be moved to tackle that would be a mistake, rather that they put him next to mangold while they ground and pound with Tebow at the H-back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">17. <b>CIN</b>: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor, a luxury pick here for a team that needed Decastro, Wright is a burner who can stretch the field and that will open up the entire offense for the running game. Teams have to double Green, wright will be able to operate underneath and get yards after the catch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">18. <b>SD</b>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama, this is just what SD needs to compete in a division with Peyton..</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">19. <b>CHI:</b> Bobby Massie, T, Ole Miss, If cutler is on his back he can’t get the ball to any of their playmakers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">20. <b>TEN</b>: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois, a turnover machine who will fit in nicely in Ten </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">21. <b>CIN</b>: Cordy Glenn, T/G, Georgia, Cincy gets its G of the future and gets a bit bigger up front in the very tough AFC North.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">22. <b>CLE</b>: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State, He seems to be past his issues and maturing as a player, Cleveland needs some help on the OL and he can move to the RT opposite Joe Thomas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">23. <b>DET</b>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stephon Gilmore, CB, SC, a solid corner who will help </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">24. <b>PIT</b>: Dontari Poe, DT, Mem, a work out warrior. That is what people also said about JPP, huge upside and the perfect fit in a weak class of NT.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">25. <b>DEN</b>: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU, a perfect fit inside who can collapse the pocket making Von Miller’s job even easier. Just the type of player Jon Fox loves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">26. <b>HOU</b>: Ruben Randle, WR, LSU, Again this a deep class of WR but Hou knows it needs another weapon, as displayed last year when AJ went down. Randle is a great add here and will be a good #2.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">27. <b>NE</b>: Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama, NE gets a tough gritty hardnosed player to add to a Defense that struggled in every facet of the game. With Vince Wilfork in front of him he will fly around next to Mayo.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">28. <b>GB</b>: Nick Perry, DE, USC, GB needs to get someone who can play opposite of Matthews and here Nick Perry is the fit. He is a strong DE who can get a good pass rush.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">29. <b>BAL</b>: Shea McClelin, LB, Boise State, A very smart football player but not at a big area of need. However he can come along slowly as he learns what it means to be a pro from Ray Lewis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">30. <b>SF</b>: Stephen Hill, WR, GT, a big fast WR who can give Alex Smith a real weapon on the outside. A fairly big Boom/Bust factor but hard to ignore the potential. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">31. <b>NE</b>: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Doug Martin, RB, Boise State, RB is not their highest need but he is a complete back who can do a little of everything. Will be a nice compliment to what they are already doing.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">32. <b>NYG</b>: Levonte David, LB, Nebraska, this would not fill any specific needs that are pressing but when you are the Champs you get that luxury.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ROUND 2</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">33. <b>STL:</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lamar Miller, RB, Miami</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">34. <b>INDY:</b> Colby Fleener, TE, Stan</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">35. <b>MIN:</b> Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">36. <b>MIN:</b>(from TB) Kevin Zeitler.G/C, Wisc</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">37. <b>CLE:</b>Branden Weeden, QB, OKst</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">38. <b>JAX:</b> A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">39. <b>STL:</b>(from WAS)Mitchel Schwartz, T, Cal</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">40. <b>CAR: </b>Devon Still, DT, PennState</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">41. <b>CLV:</b>(from BUF) Chandler Jones, DE, Syr</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">42. <b>MIA:</b> Harrison Smith, S, ND</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">43. <b>PHI:</b> Jerel Worthy, DT, Mich ST</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">44. <b>KC:</b> Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">45. <b>DAL</b> Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">46. <b>SEA:</b> (from PHI) Brock Oswiler, QB, Ari </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">47. <b>NYJ: </b> Alan Branch, DE, Clemson </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">48. <b>NE:</b> Casey Hayward, CB, Vandy</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">49. <b>SD:</b> Johnathan Martin, T, Stanford</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">50. <b>CHI:</b> Brian Quick, WR, Apalachian St: Reminds many scouts of VJax.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">51. <b>SEA:</b> (from PHI) Ryan Broyles, WR, OU</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">52. <b>TEN:</b> Peter Kontz, C, Wisconsin</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">53. <b>CIN:</b> David Wilson, RB, VT</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">54. <b>DET:</b> Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">55. <b>ATL:</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bruce Irvin, LB/DE, WVU</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">56. <b>PIT:</b> Jeff Allen, G, Illinois</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">57. <b>DEN:</b> LeMichael James, RB, Oregon</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">58. <b>HOU:</b> Bobbly Wagner, LB, Utah State</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">59. NO----------------------</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">60. <b>GB:</b> Brandon Taylor, S, LSU</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">61. <b>BAL:</b> Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">62. <b>SF: </b>Jeff Allen, G, Illinois</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">63. <b>NE: </b>Josh Chapman DT, Alabama</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">64. <b>NYG:</b> John Robinson, CB, UCF</span></span></div>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-89874394820697894542012-02-07T06:49:00.000-08:002012-02-07T07:45:34.319-08:00#TheSocialMediaProblem<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjGPaJ2XDGk/TzE59XXsi-I/AAAAAAAAALU/WbjgtQO_gDo/s1600/social%2Bmedia%2Bexplained.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjGPaJ2XDGk/TzE59XXsi-I/AAAAAAAAALU/WbjgtQO_gDo/s320/social%2Bmedia%2Bexplained.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706405929263336418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">When I first came across this picture on twitter I laughed and wanted to go get a donut. I then thought to myself... "I should re-tweet this"</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">It is amazing to me the shift in culture over the past 5-10 years. What did we do before <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66ffff;">Twitter</span>, Youtube (input any social media here)... Now there are advantages to all of these forms of social medial but I think that they have made us more self centered.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Does anyone really care that I just ate a donut? Why do we feel the need to tell people what we are doing every second of every day? Do we just want to make it easier for people to stalk us? Because it would not be hard, just follow the statuses.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">“Just got home” </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">“About to shower!” </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">“My dog chewed my sandals while I was in the shower!!!” </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">“Still wet from the shower. ‘bout to eat. Yummmmm!”</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">“This chicken tastes funny”</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I came Walt Mueller's blog talking about this same picture and he wrote;</span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">"Does anyone who grew up pre-social media remember a time when before, during, or after doing anything/everything in the course of a day you would pause, step outside, and shout out what you were doing at the top of your lungs? Or you would go to the neighbor's house, knock on the door, and announce what you were doing, had done, or were about to do? No, of course not. We would have thought there was something very, very wrong with people like that! "-Walt Mueller</span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So the question remains, is social medial a problem?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">YES.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We have become too concerned with updating and commenting that we are no longer living. We are glued to our phones 24/7. Never was this more apparent then at the Super Bowl party at my house this past weekend. There were 20+ High School and Middle School students hanging out watching the game and everyone had their phone out and was either on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span> or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66ffff;">Twitter</span> throughout the night (myself included). Not to mention that most of the things which were shared were for the people in the room, but we wanted more people to see what was going on. We want to feel important and liked. We want re-tweets, likes, comments and to start new #trends. This is how we feel validated. Too some extent we think our self worth is determined by our friend list or how many people are following us. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We have made life into a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span> timeline and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66ffff;">Twitter</span> feed. I am not suggesting that social media has made us this way rather that it has revealed a deep seeded problem which has been lying just beneath the surface of our culture for a long, long time. The answer is not to stop all forms of social media, nor is it WWJF or WWJT (What Would Jesus <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span>/<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#66ffff;">Tweet</span>). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We need to rethink how we use social media and how social media uses us.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">How can this bring glory to GOD not us.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div></div>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-47413036947935168732012-02-01T06:33:00.000-08:002012-02-01T06:34:13.480-08:00Bullying: My Perspective<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">As I sit in the student center at the PIttsburgh Theological Seminary trying to get some work done prior to class, my mind keeps wandering back to my high school experience. The torture of having to wake up and go to the very place which I hated. You see every day I would go to school just knowing that it was going to be a bad day, there was no hope. I was going to be made fun of. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">This is what is going through the minds of bullied teenagers as they ride the bus on their way to another daunting day of school. There is no escape and the worst part is no one is stopping it. People that you thought were your friends stand by and say nothing as jokes are said to your face. That was what it was like 10 years ago and I can only imagine how much worse it is today.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">The hardest part was that I could not understand why my peers enjoyed putting me down. Granted I did not have the best hygiene, I had hand-me-down clothes and I was overweight, but is that enough reason to make fun of someone? I began to believe what they were all saying and the only way in which I could deal with all the pain was to be proactive and make fun of myself and laugh it off. The plan was to beat them to it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">No matter how teens deal with it, bullying leaves deep scars of insecurity and self doubt. It is no surprise then that bullied teens are 30% more depressed and 20% more suicidal then non-bullied teens. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Parents, Teachers, Friends: we all have to fight bullying. Far too long have we let it fester and grow in our schools. We fight drunk driving and drugs because we have seen the direct problems that it causes in the lives of teens. We must do the same with bullying.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">So what does the Bible have to say?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Jesus say LOVE your enemies and PRAY for those who persecute you.(Matthew 5:43-48) Repay their HATE with His LOVE. When I read those words I don’t even know how to begin doing that. There is not much comfort in those words for me or for someone who is being bullied. But then I remember what God said in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” This is what I was seeking, and the message we need to be spreading, YOU ARE NOT ALONE !!!!! God is with you and WE are with you. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">So then what can we do about this issue of bullying? How can we stop the hate? Paul writes in </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Phillippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">If anyone can speak to being bullied it is Paul. He was beaten, stoned, attacked, spit on and driven away on many occasions. Instead of attacking back what does he do? He rejoices in the Lord and makes his requests known to God through prayer.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Parents be praying for your kids and their friends DAILY, Teacher be in prayer for your students DAILY, Friends be in prayer for yourself and your friends DAILY. Together through the power of prayer we can come before a holy and righteous God who loves and cares for us, and we can lift up this serious issue which is plaguing our schools.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-13339573014107305732009-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-26T10:11:27.514-07:00Crazy Love Chapter 6Are you really in love with Jesus or just the stuff he offers?<br /><br />To paraphrase Jon Piper from his book, God is the Gospel. If you could have heaven with no sickness, no pain, all of your friends and family. Being able to do the best activities you ever did, but Jesus was not there could you be satisfied?<br /><br />Are we in love with Jesus?<br /><br />This is a hard question to answer, but an important question to ask none the less. If we come to the conclusion that we may not be, what is next? How do we fall in love with God?Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-62702878998019069252009-10-22T14:09:00.000-07:002009-10-22T14:21:38.666-07:00Crazy Love Chapter 5Serving Leftovers to a Holy God.<br /><br />What is it that you believe? Why do you believe it?<br /><br />You see all to often we do not investigate enough what it is that we truly belive. We do not know the Bible enough so instead we listen to people who do. We hear what they tell us and take that as what the Bible says.<br /><br />Have you ever really read the Bible? I don't just mean a chapter here or there, but really gone through the pages and asked God to reveal to you what a relationship with him is all about. There comes a time when you will have to decide what you believe. Not what your pastor or youth pastor has taught you. So please read the Bible and ask God to show you the truth for yourself,<br /><br />We will be talking about our own doubts. What about God do we really doubt, and why?<br /><br />Then taking a look at the Bible and seeing what it says about those very doubts.Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-63018861950010392652009-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:002009-10-22T14:21:30.712-07:00Crazy Love Chapters 4The Profile of a Lukewarm person.<br /><br />This week we will take a long hard look at our own lives to see if we are really in love with God. Do we have a crazy and passionate love for him, or do we go through the motions. This is a very hard process, but one that is very important. We do not want to be lukewarm, instead we want to be piping hot, on fire for God. With a passion for his word.<br /><br />Here are some examples of what Francis Chan describes as a lukewarm person:<br /><br />Lukewarm People attend Church regularly. They believe it is what "good Christians" are expected to do.<br /><br />Lukewarm People give money to charity and the church, as long as it does not impinge on their standard of living.<br /><br />Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbor, they are afraid they will be rejected.<br /><br /><br />What is it that holds you back, that causes you to be lukewarm?Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-8235118360847705122009-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:002009-10-17T12:14:20.513-07:00God's Global MissionFamily Devotional 10/18/09<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student Life Publishing</span><br /><br />You are wealthy Did you know that? Okay maybe not in comparison to the celebrities in People magazine but if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75 percent of the world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in a dish somewhere....you are among the 8 percent that comprise the world’s wealthiest.<br /><br />But we possess an even greater wealth. Knowledge of salvation.<br /><br />Read Psalm 67 together as a family. It’s almost as if the unknown writer of the hymn had a glimpse into the future. Although he didn’t know exactly how salvation would come he was sure that it would come because he believed in God’s promise to Abraham.<br /><br />No amount of riches can give us the salvation that we so desperately need. Without God’s mercy, we are hopeless and bound for destruction. But we have a giving, loving and gracious Saviour who has had a plan for salvation since the beginning of time. We have a Father whose heart aches and who has gone to a great extent to be reconciled to His children.<br /><br />As we grasp this, praise and thankfulness should flow from our lives. It is a love story so amazing that we won’t want to keep it to ourselves. We have the privilege of telling other people this news, and He desires all who have ears to hear it.<br /><br />With our abundance of knowledge, material wealth, possessions, and technology also comes a great responsibility. Not only are we more privileged than most people on the earth, but we also know a truth that millions have never heard or experienced. God has blessed us and now it’s our turn to be a blessing.<br /><br />Connection Questions:<br />1. As a family, write down specific ways that God has blessed your family. Then take time to thank Him for those things.<br /><br />2.Take turns naming specific gifts, talents, and passions that each family member has that God can use for His glory.<br /><br />3. Statistics are beginning to show that less and less people in America are claaiming any religious affiliation. Does this motivate you and help you to see the urgency of sharing the message of CHrist? What do you need to do to be prepared to share the message of Christ more effectively?<br /><br />4. What are the biggest obstacle to sharing your faith? What can you do to overcome those obstacles?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Copyright Student Life Publishing</span>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-18354677286240429242009-10-04T11:34:00.000-07:002009-10-04T11:35:49.159-07:00Family Devotion 10/4/09Do you ever think about why you do the things you do? Do you<br />do your homework because you’re looking to your future, and<br />you want to learn? Or is your motivation for doing your homework<br />because you have to or you will fail, or because mom or<br />dad tell you to? Do you go to work because you love what you<br />do or is your motivation to bring home a paycheck? Do you<br />clean the house because it makes you or another family member<br />happy or are you required to?<br /><br />Our motivation for the things we do or the way we behave can<br />influence our quality of life. Life is much more enjoyable when<br />we do things because we want to or out of love for someone. If<br />we are required or expected to do most things then it becomes<br />very difficult to continue in this behavior pattern. Children respond<br />better to parents and authority better when they respect<br />and love them. They want to please these authority figures.<br /><br />The best response would be a natural response rather than a<br />command.<br /><br />Read John 14:15-24 through the lens of “I have to,” then read<br />it through the lens of “I want to.” What happens when you read<br />it from the perspective of obeying Jesus’ commandments are<br />a direct result of loving Him because of what He has done for<br />you? There is a huge difference in motivation when we know<br />that Jesus died to forgive us of all our sins. It is even greater<br />when we understand that He sent the Spirit (a helper) to live in<br />us so that we’ll know that He’s always there with us. It becomes<br />our nature to obey God—because we want to.<br /><br />This week think about what Jesus has done. When we understand<br />the reality of what Jesus did for us, we begin to trust<br />Him and become less dependent on our own power. When we<br />begin to live in reality, the love of God actually transforms us<br />and we have a desire to be obedient because we realize His<br />ways are best. When we embrace Jesus and the gift He has<br />given we want to be obedient to Him and serve Him each day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Connection Questions:</span><br />1. What are some things you do because you are required to? What are some things you do because you want to?<br /><br />2. Based upon the passage we read how are believers different<br />than those who don’t believe?<br /><br />3. What is the result of obedience versus the result of disobedience?<br /><br />4. How does being obedient speak to the rest of the world?<br /><br />5. What can you do this week to alter your motivation for<br />obedience?Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-732787918968357832009-10-04T11:07:00.000-07:002009-10-04T11:23:15.536-07:00Crazy Love Chapter 2You Might Not Finish Reading this Chapter!<br /><br />We all are busy and have different routines throughout the day. Why is it that too often those routines do not include time with God?<br /><br />We say we don't have time or we just forget about Him as the day goes on. It happens to everyone, however I think that if we thought about our time with God differently that our habits would change.<br /><br />Is today the day that we might stand before the throne, the day we might meet God face to face? Could it be our time already? No one knows the answer to this question except God. However if today is that day would you live it differently or would it be like any other day?<br /><br />Is there something that you need to change in order to make your life right with God?<br /><br />We cant afford to not spend time with God each day!Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-20362824644555062582009-09-26T19:19:00.000-07:002009-09-26T19:41:17.119-07:00Crazy Love Chapter 1Over the next 10 weeks we will be looking at a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It is my hope and prayer that by looking at what Francis has to say about our relationship with God, our lives will change.<br /><br />Chapter 1: Stop Praying<br /><br />Goal:<br /><br />To fully understand the importance of prayer and its role in our relationship with God.<br /><br />Lesson:<br /><br />How often do things that we are so used to start to become mundane? School, chores, friendships even God. Some of us my have known God for a long time and our life with him has just become boring. It is the same old thing. I pray a little and I read my Bible a little.<br /><br />"If your high view of God does not effect of how you think of him then he is just another word in the sand"<br /><br />You see sometimes we forget who God really is. That we have the amazing opportunity to speak with Him. The creator of millions of stars and galaxies, He wants to talk to us!<br /><br />It is time to shake things up......to stop praying.......and sit in awe of God.<br /><br /><br />Discussion Questions:<br /><br />When you think of God what is the 1st thing that comes to mind?<br /><br />What does being in God's presence mean?<br /><br />What is the purpose of prayer? How should we pray?<br /><br /><br /><br />If you are interested in a copy of Crazy Love we will be taking orders this week so that we can truly dive in over the next 10 weeks.<br /><br /><br />Questions:<br />collins@fpcb.orgBakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-25332481048401547072009-09-23T08:51:00.000-07:002009-09-23T09:06:38.932-07:00When Words CeaseObey.<br /><br />That little word that gives us so much trouble.<br /><br />The song my mother would so regularly sing;<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“O-B-E-Y, obey your mom and dad</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">O-B-E-Y, it makes them very glad</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Listen to the words they say</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Obey your parents every day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">O-B-E-Y, obey your mom and dad!"</span></span><br /><br />From the time that we are young Children we are asked to obey, our parents, our teachers, and most importantly God. However obeying is so much more then an act. It is a state in which we submit our desires and our pride to that of a higher authority. This is not for their benefit, but instead for ours.<br /><br />So where do we start?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Begin where you are. Obey now. Use what little obedience you are capable of, even if it be like a grain of mustard seed. Begin where you are.” (Thomas Kelly 32)</span></span><br /><br />It does not matter where it is that you are. Wherever life has brought you, just start there. Do not try to change where you are before you begin. Once you just start God will direct your steps.<br /><br />Then what?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pray</span></span>. Be in prayer all day. Every moment that goes by during your day, pray. Just as Paul urges us to pray continually (1 Thes 5:17). This more about a state of mind then it is one long prayer, a verse or a phrase that you meditate on throughout the day. “Let your will be mine”, “I delight to do thy will Oh God” Ps 40:8.<br /><br />The more time we spend in prayer the less it becomes about words.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Words may cease and one stands and walks and sits and lies in wordless attitudes of adoration and submission and rejoicing and exultation and glory.” (Kelly 34)</span><br /></span><br />How great would that be to sit in a room and not need word but just be overwhelmed by the creator of the universe. The Alpha and Omega, Yahweh himself. I believe this is what the apostle Paul was getting at in 1 Thessalonians 5. Communion with God that is beyond words, it is as much a part of you as breathing.<br /><br />You see in practicing this Spiritual Discipline we are preparing the soil of our lives for God. The more we pray, and ask for God’s desires to be our own, the more fertile we become. Thus creating in us a lavish field ripe for growth. If we do not prepare the soil then we are in effect not allowing the Gardener to work. Our disobedience makes us spiritually barren.<br /><br />What if I fail?<br /><br />If you forget God for an hour or slip and fall, do not sit in regret. Instead pick yourself up and begin where you are. God loves you and will not leave you, no matter how big a slip up you have.<br /><br /><br />Resources:<span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Testament of Devotion</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thomas R. Kelly</span></span>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-39293440367630595432009-05-21T09:17:00.000-07:002009-05-21T10:07:27.697-07:00What Pathway are You On?<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What Pathway are You On?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">For a long time this has been the question that I have continued to ask my self. From the time I was in High School until now. I would alway recheck and see if the path I was on would lead me to the place I wanted my life to be. There were times that I had to redirect my life because it was leading me in a direction that was not healthy. However sometimes it took wise counsel in my own life to even see that. Earlier this week I listened to a sermon by Andy Stanley and he had a great view about this very topic.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So I want to ask you today....</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Where do you want your life to be?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Is this path you are on really going to get you where you want to be? </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">There are all types of paths that this world will tell you to take. Here are some pathway choices, sound familiar?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>1. I want to end up with this great christian guy or girl, so I will go out with who ever asks me....if they are cute. </i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>2. When I get married I want to have a great sex life so I will sleep with all the people I can so that I will be experienced.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>3. I want to have a close family that can do everything together so I will work as hard and as much as I can to get that for them.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>4. I want my future kids to respect me and come to me for advice so I am going to fool around outside my marriage.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>5. I want to see my grandchildren grow up so I am going to neglect my health</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>6. I want to be a Godly man or woman and so I am going to read the newspaper every morning.</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Path trumps intention every time. Direction determines the destination, NOT intention !!!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">It does not matter what your intentions, prayers, desires are. Your direction determines your destination. So the path you choose will determine what your marriage will be like. The path you choose will determine the types of lives your kids will have. The path you choose will determine the place you spend eternity. Not your intentions.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">You can have the best intentions in the world. You could pray your head off. But if your path will take you to your destination. You can not sleep around and party and expect that when you “grow up” you marriage will be great. It wont, because the path you choose determines you destination. You can want to be a great man or woman of fatih, but if you never open your Bible then it wont happen. The path to that destination is different then the one you chose.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So what if I am on the wrong path?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The answer is not easy but it is simple. Get on a different path. Look at where you want your life to be and choose that path. Make your decisions based on you future. We too often get focused on what we are doing but we need to be focused on where we are heading. We are focused on the immediate, and need to be focused on the ultimate.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Sometimes we can not see this on our own. All too often we do not see what direction we are moving in. It could be one with a disastrous ending but we think ours will end differently because of our intentions. Some how our path will not follow those that have come before us. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Direction determines destination, NOT intention</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">What is the path you are on and where is it going to take you?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The people around us can have the best view of our path. That means we need to be asking those we trust if these path decisions will lead us to that point. Go up to someone who is where you want to be and ask them. They would be the best advice givers as to what you should be doing.<br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Has someone tried to warn you but you did not listen? Please reconsider.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Remember our direction determines out destination. Not our intentions.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>“6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:14 "I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon." 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Proverbs 7:6-27</i></span></p>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-13471692660703079992009-05-10T05:17:00.000-07:002009-05-10T05:36:11.780-07:00How He Loves<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There is a song that has been stuck in my head now for a few weeks. It is How He Loves by Eddie Kirkland. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He is jealous for me,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When all of a sudden,</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 16px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Verdana; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And I realize just how beautiful You are,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 16.0px; font: 11.0px Verdana"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And how great Your affections are for me.</span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The picture that is painted with these words is so powerful. The image of God loving us like a hurricane blows me away. Hurricane's are one of the most powerful forces on earth. It can tear through a town, throwing cars and cattle every which way. What a great comparison to God's Love. He would do anything for us, that is how great his love is. Romans 8:38-39 says it best,</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nothing can stop God's Hurricane Love, nothing. His Love is so big that it eclipses our afflictions. He covers us, completely. David said it best in Psalm 32</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Blessed is he <br /></span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">whose transgressions are forgiven, </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">whose sins are covered"</span></span></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; ">We are so blessed because God's Love covers us completely. When we see his Love in a tangible way such as this we can then fully see God's beauty. We then understand how unworthy we are, but that does not stop the out pour of Love.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh How He Loves Us.....</span></div></div>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-352325646401515552009-04-14T13:17:00.001-07:002009-04-14T13:20:28.743-07:00Living Like Jesus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">When people spend time with you do they leave that time saying it was like being with Jesus?<div><br /></div><div>This is the question that has been running through my mind for almost a week now. I so badly want the answer to be Yes. That after Youth Group kids feel closer to Jesus Christ through our time. However most of the time I feel it is not the case. So how can we change this? What needs to be done so that our lives mirror the very life of Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>My proposal is to "let go"!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>It is that simple. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let go of your fear, let go of your insecurities and allow Christ to fully reign in your life. But how many of us have a death grip on certain things in our life, I know I do. You will see when you let go of the things you hold onto (TV, cell phone, money or popularity), there then becomes room for the Holy Spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is not until you have let go that you can truly live.</div><div><br /></div><div>So for this next week try to let go of something and give it over to God. Let me know how it goes.</div><div><br /></div></div></span>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-69861260934297469592009-04-10T07:54:00.000-07:002009-04-10T08:25:05.022-07:00Good FridayI am sitting in my office trying to think of what to accomplish this friday morning. It has been almost 2 hours and all I can manage to do is dwell on the weight of this day. A day in which God laid his life down in my place. That over 2000 years ago my punishment was taken and nailed to a cross.<div><br /></div><div>But even worse I find my self not seeing this every day. Why is it that I recognize this more today then I would on any other friday? This realization has showed me what it is that runs my life. I spend more time in front of a TV or computer then I do in conversation with my Lord and Savior. But for some reason today I see it, as opposed to blindly going about my day. A I answer some emails, play some guitar, listen to a podcast while I plan for youth group. Then I head to lacrosse practice, home, dinner, TV, and bed. Same thing the next day. Not spending enough time on my knees</div><div><br /></div><div>Why do so many of us allow for outside influences to run our lives?</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe we all sometimes lose touch with our creator. When did texting and video games suddenly surpass the greatness of our Lord? It happens slowly, gradually. One little thing after another. Until we finally have a day where we sit back and realize how fast this year is going and we have not spent the time with him we should. </div><div><br /></div><div>For me today is that day. The day I see my selfishness contrasted by Christ's sacrifice. It is my prayer for you that today you see this great sacrifice and realize where your heart has been. That maybe it is time for a change. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191170756879740985.post-19711086400558803692008-12-23T12:17:00.000-08:002008-12-23T12:22:35.184-08:00Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; ">Secrets kill us, every day we alk around with something on our back, it drags us down and we feel like we are drowning. We can't say it out loud becasue everyone will hear it. What if we had friends who were close enough to help us. What if we had someone to go to? What if We could be FREE again. This is what you can feel. This is what God can do. He can take your secrets away. He can help you feel free again. <br /><br />There is a book out called PostSecret, people mail in their secrets. The ones they never told anyone before. This is the start of something. A journey that will take us all to a place of freedom. Here is one of the post cards.<br /><br /><br />"I attended your lecture at my college last week. As you read some of the secrets you'd received I found myself doing all I could to hold back tears .<br /><br />After your presentation, I had my biggest midterm of the semester and I was so nervous I was shaking. I had just heard some bad news about my brother and it was eating me up inside. Before my exam I went into the bathroom, locked myself in a stall, and took out a pen. I wrote all my secrets on my legs and looked at them. When I walked back into the hall I felt some relief. My secrets were out there (under my pants where no one could see) but they were real now. <br /><br />I was able to take my midterm without having a panic attack."<br /><br />They were real, that is how freeing just writing the down can be. Please if you have a secret share it with someone you care about that can help you along this journey.</span>Bakerstownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17697694596474479637noreply@blogger.com0