Willard's Winners.... Bowl Edition...

Well gang, Willard is back. He went into hiding, thinking the apocalypse was coming when the Dawgs lost to Vandy and to Kentucky. However, when Thanksgiving rolled around, Willard figured out that he was about to miss his Mom's deviled eggs and mashed tater's (as Willard puts it), so he came back home. He kept trying to put off using his powers of prognostication, but then, last night during the Poinsettia Bowl; Willard said I must use the gifts I have been given! So Willard called me at 4:00 am this morning with his prognostications! (I've got to teach Willard how to use the Computer)

Here are Willard's Winners...

Las Vegas Bowl: BYU v. Oregon: Willard's Winner= Oregon

New Orleans Bowl: Rice v. Troy: Willard's Winner= Troy

Papa John's Bowl: South Florida v. Eastern Carolina: Willard's Winner= Eastern Carolina

Armed Forces Bowl: Tulsa v. Utah: Willard's Winner= Utah

New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico v. San Jose St.: Willard's Winner= Whoever does not have to watch this game! (sorry Dennis, nobody but you cares)

Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii v. Arizona State: Willard's Winner= Who cares!

Motor City Bowl: Middle Tennessee State v. Central Michigan: The Raiders from the foothills of Tennesse will sack and pillage the Chippewa's Lodge. Willard's Winner... Middle Tenn

Emerald Bowl: Florda St. v. UCLA: Willard's Winner...Florida State.

Independence Bowl: Oklahoma State v. Alabama: Willard's Winner... Oklahoma State

Texas Bowl: Rutgers v. Kansas State: Willard's Winner... Rutgers

Holiday Bowl: Texas A&M v. Cal: Willard's Winner...CAL

Music City Bowl: Clemson v. Kentucky: Willard's Winner....Clemson

Sun Bowl: Oregon State v. Missouri: Willard's Winner.... Television Companies. They get to charge advertisers exorbitant ammounts of money for time, which is ironic because no one will be watching!

Liberty Bowl: Houston v. South Carolina: Willard's Winner... South Carolina

Insight Bowl: Texas Tech v. Minnesota: Willard's Winner... Texas Tech

Champs Sports Bowl: Perdue v. Maryland: Willard's Winner... Beware of the Terrible Terrapins... Maryland

Meineke Bowl: Navy v. Boston College: Maybe Meineke should put the breaks on funding this waste of time... Boston College.

Alamo Bowl: Texas v. Iowa: Willard's Winner... Texas stomps them flat!

Peach Bowl: Georgia v. Virginia Tech: Honestly, and not filled with bias, this could be the second best bowl game of the season. Richt's DAWGS will invade Atlanta looking to gobble up some peach pie. Beamer's high powered Hokie Bird attack wants a slice or two themselves. But this is our junkyard, and there will be no sharing this cobbler with those gobblers. Willard's Winner.... Georgia!

MPC Computers Bowl: Miami v. Nevada: I would hate to be Nevada. As many of the Miami players that are going to jail this off-season, you know that they are wanting to get their rocks off. Willard's Winner... Miami

Outback Bowl: Tennessee v. Pitt: Willard's Winner... Tennessee

Cotton Bowl: Auburn v. Nebraska: The Cornhusker Crew will amble down to Dallas after a good season, looking to shuck the War Eagles. The Huskers will pluck a few of the War Eagle's feathers, but in the end Auburn will fly high! Willard's Winner... Auburn (Bonnie, Willard is fussin' mad that I am going to an Auburn game!)

Capitol One Bowl: Arkansas v. Wisconsin: The Badgers of Wisconsin are looking forward to sunning themselves in the warmer climate of a southern state. They are also looking to take home a victory in a bowl game. They will find that Houston Nutt and his raunchy Razorbacks are no pulled pork sandwich, but rather that there are tusks on those pigs. Willard''s Winner... in a rout... Arkansas

Gator Bowl: Georgia Tech v. West Virginia: Uncle Chan's bumbling bees will head to Gainesville to sting the Mountaineers. The chief bumbler of them all (Reggie Ball) will not be able to find the one Drone that can get things done. (Calvin Johnson) Willard's Winner... West Virginia. ( You will notice that Willard said nothing about West VA doing anything good. He meant that. They won't have to, Reggie will once again lose an important game for the Buzz. But rejoice Atlanta, shout aloud you Tech faithful, for this is the last game Reggie Ball will ever lose for the Gold and Blue! Willard and I will both miss Reggie Ball. He made Georgia look real good.)

Rose Bowl: USC v. Michigan: Whoooooaaaaaaaahhhh Nellie! The Donnybrook Bowl game of the year! Folks, this one should be good. Pete Carroll's Trojans had had time to mend their armor, sharpen their swords, and heal the wounds of their last crushing defeat, which kept them out of the BCS Championship game. But Lloyd Carr's Wolverines have been sharpening their teeth and claws, and are fightin' mad about being left out of the big show too. So, both of these teams will fight dagger and nail for a Bowl win. The Trojans will fight valiantly, but in the end, the Rose Bowl trophy will go back to the Wolverine's den. Willard's Winner.............Michigan

Fiesta Bowl: Boise St. v. Oklahoma: The Blue Carpet and the BCS Boys have both been kind to Boise State. The Bronco's have waited a long time for a shot at a big bowl game. Well here is their chance. They will buck, and run up and down the field, but just as in ages of old, they will find the Sooners in the end zone before them. Willard's Winner... Oklahoma. (P.S. I can't pass up the opportunity to get my 2 cents in. Boise St. deserves to be at the Peach Bowl, or maybe even the Alamo Bowl, but not the Fiesta Bowl. Let's get a season against some tougher opponents and see if you deserve to play with the Big Boys.)

Orange Bowl: Louisville v. Wake Forrest: The Birds of Louisville will attempt to lodge in the Baptist Belfry. The Demon Deacons will form a committee to attempt to root out the pests, but since no Deacon can shoot it straight with anybody about anything, the Cardinals will find a wonderful place to roost. Willard's Winner ... Louisville

The Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame v. LSU: The Golden Domed Cardinals of South Bend will desced to the Parishes of Southern Louisiana to take stock of the faithful, and to bring them into order. They will find that the Parish Priests of the Bayou, have let things run wild and that there are Tigers roaming about. The Golden Domed Cardinals will try to perform the sacraments, but will find those Bayou Bengals too wild to tame. Willard's Winner... LSU

The BCS Championship Game: Ohio St. v. Florida: Urban Mayer cried enough Aligator tears to get his boys into the National championship pond, but Tressell's Buckeyes seem to have planted themselves firmly in that spot. The Gators will clamp down on the Buckeyes, and put them in the death roll. But in the end those overgrown lizzards will choke on those Ohio St. hulls.
Willard's Winner.... Ohio State.

Whatever happened to grit and gumption..

I despise weakness. I despise weak kneed, wishy washy, people as well. But what I hate the most is a leader who has a weak stomach. I find it deplorable that our nation is led by people who don't have enough grit to see something to the end. They care more for their own power plays, and pork barrell projects than they do for our fighting men, and for the tired, poor, and huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Do you realize that we used to be a nation of men and women that fought for truth and justice. We had leaders, yea I say Statesmen, like FDR, Churchill, and Richard B. Russell who knew the great responsibility freedom brings, and lived up to that responsibilty. They passed laws to protect and serve mankind, as well as; promoted liberty and justice around the world. We were a nation that refused to let a Kaiser, or the Reich, or Communist dictatorships rule because we knew freedom was something worth fighting for. At one time we understood that anything worth having was going to cost you something, and that it might cost dearly. Now we are so weak that we are not willing to sacrifice anything for the millions that are subject to tyranny. We lift weak hands and offer paltry gifts to those in need of our help.

I know the true reason for this week kneed behavior. This lack of backbone is of course the influence of sin in people's lives. People lack the grit to carry on because they lack in faith in God. They lack faith in God because they have never met him, and choose to rail against him. We refuse to give freely because we are so selfish, and demand our own rights and well being. It all makes me long for the second coming, when there will be one who rules with justice and might, one who makes all things right, and does so with power and majesty. Maranantha!

Willard's Winners...

Well gang, I am moving to my new abode today, so I don't have time to be quippy. But here are my pics for this weekends matchups.

Reggie Ball will have three lucid thoughts this weekend, and throw the ball to Calvin Johnson each time. Calvin will catch them and run them in for touchdowns. Willard's Winner... GT

USC stomps UCLA and goes on to play for a National Championship. Satan is still out there folks, and this is proof.

Rutgers will run the ball well enough to keep West Virginia's offense off the field. Willard's Winner... Rutgers!

The Corn Huskers will get shucked. Willard's Winner... Oklahoma

The Oregon State Beavers pelts will be hanging on a thatched hut by the beach in Hawaii.

Florida will slow down Darren McFadden and the Razorbacks, make them throw the ball, and capitalize on turnovers to win.

And last but certainly not least:

Army v. Navy: The Cadets from the U.S. Miliatary Academy will march into Philadelphia this weekend looking to occupy some foreign territory, and bring home a prized win over the United States Naval Academy. The Cadets have trained hard, polished their big guns, and lubricated the tracks of their tanks. But, Armies' tanks are no match for the Big guns of the Navy Battleship. Willard's Winner... Go NAVY beat Army!

Willard's Winners...Thanksgiving Edition...

Well folks, It's Thanksgiving. Willard told me that he was going to his Mom's house to give thanks to the Lord for his salvation and subsequent sanctification, .....and to eat some turkey. Willard told me that if I would finish out the regular season, then he would predict the Bowl games for me. So here we go with the Thanksgiving Edition of Pigskin Prognostications.

Boston College v. Miami: The Beantown Eagles will fly into beautiful Miami to sun their bellies on South Beach this Thanksgiving Break. The Hurricanes will will try to dampen the Eagle's break, but will only manage a mist. Willard's Winner... Boston College.

Texas A&M v. Texas: The battle for Texas will pit Francione's Aggies against Brown's Longhorns. The Corp will train their rifles and sharpen their K-bars looking to carve out a few longhorn steaks, but the Bulls from pastures of Austin will gore the Corp. Willard's Winner... Texas

Virginia v. Virginia Tech: The Queen's men will march to Blacksburg to bring the Queen her Thanksgiving Turkey. But Beemer's Birds will avoid capture. Willard's Winner... Virginia Tech.
(George, I am sorry for last week's lapse in judgement. Hokie Hokie Hokie Hi, Tech Tech VPI, Sola Rex Sola Rah, Polytech Virginia, Rey Rah VPI, TEAM TEAM TEAM!)

Wake Forest v. Maryland: Well, the Terrible Terrapins showed a crack in their shell last week. The Demon Deacons also showed that the right Pastor can reign them in. So this weeks match up should be a good one. The Deacons will head to College Park looking to convert the Terps to their form of religion. But the terrible Terps will slam the front door in the Deacon's faces. Willard's Winner... Beware of the Terps!... Maryland.

The Donnybrook Game of the Week:

LSU v. Arkansas: Whoa Nellie, this game is big for the SEC. The Bayou Bengals will march to Fayetteville looking to Barbeque a little Razorback. Houston Nutt's Hogs have used their terrific tusk filled Scooter McFadden to run all over the field this season. The question is: Are the Tiger's Defensive Hides' tough enough to stand up to McFadden's tusks. I am going against Willard's Prognostication skills and picking... Chris' Champion...LSU

Notre Dame v. USC: Last year, this was one of the best games of the season, with the Trojans coming out on top. Since then, Brady Quinn and the rest of the Catholic crew have been constantly lifting up hail mary's and our fathers looking for divine help for this season's rematch. The Fightin' Irish bring a somewhat anemic offense to Southern California this weekend hoping to somehow find paydirt and a trip to the National Championship game. But the boys from Troy will fight valiantly, and keep Helen safely in the city. Willard's Winner... USC (Oh how it pains me to say that. I really do want the Irish to pull out the big Sheleighleigh and thump the Trojans.)

Georgia Tech v. Georgia: The Ramblin' Wreck from Georgia Tech will cruise on down Highway 316 to the Classic City looking to drive off with a few victory parts and some gas for their trip to a bowl game. But Coach Richt's Junkyard Dawgs run this lot, and will send that Yellowjacket jalopy back to its Atlanta impoud without the parts they need. Willard's Winner... Georgia!

Willard's Winners...

Well folks, Willard is still reeling from the loss to Kentucky, but is feeling much better after last weeks win. Didn't I tell y'all, That Dawg will Bite You! Willard, keep your chin up, and continue to take your medicine, and be ready for bowl season. In the meantime, I will do my best to prognosticate as well as you do. (Did anybody notice that I was 8-1 last week?)

Without further adieu... Here are Willard's Winners...

West Virginia v. Pitt: The Mountaineers from Morgantown are needing to show off their shooting prowess so as to make the BCS Shootout. They think that a few Panther pelts on their wall might impress the BCS boys to let them in the match. The Panthers will sneak out from their dens and try to slash those hunters, but the Mountaineers will drop them in their tracks. Willard's Winner... West Virginia

Cal v. USC: The Bears of Cal will lumber to Troy on a mission to knock Pete Carroll's mighty men off the BCS ramparts. Tommy the Trojan will have his sword sharp, and will make himself a nice bear rug. Willard's Winner... USC


Tennessee v. Vandy: The Vol navy will sail to Nashville looking to sink the Commodores' season. The Commodores will defend their harbor valiantly, but Fulmer's sharp shooters will pick off the Gold and Black Attack. The Battle for supremacy on Tennessee's waterways will be won by...Willard's Winner... Tennesee

Maryland v. Boston College: The Eagles of Beantown have been flying high this season, and are looking to feast on one of their favorite morsels, Turtle. But Coach Friedgen has toughened up his Tortoise troupe, and will have those shellbacks ready for battle. Willard's Winner...Beware of the Terapins!... Maryland!

Rutgers v. Cincinatti: Well folks, I must make a few amends for a moment. Last week I mistakenly chose Louisville to stomp the Scarlett Knights of New Jersey. I will have to say that the Scarlet Knights horses are quite powerful, and impressive. Let me go ahead and say this...Though the Bearcats of Cincy will defend their lair well, the State College of New Jersey's Scarlet Knights will trample them under-foot. Willard's Winner... and kudos go to... Rutgers

Virginia Tech v. Wake Forest: The Hokie Birds have taken a few lumps this season, but their wings have been mended; and are ready to fly to North Carolina to disrupt the Deacon's called church conference. The Demon Deacons would like nothing more than a little turkey snack before the main victuals arrive on Thanksgiving Day. The Elders will find those Hokies to be a tough bird to swallow, but with the help of a little communion wine will choke them down. Willard's Winner... Wake Forest.

And now for the Donnybrook game of the Week:

Michigan v. Ohio State: In the words of Keith Jackson... Whooooaaaah Nellie! The Wolverines will bring their powerful defensive claws to the Big Horshoe looking to crack the Buckeyes, and their National Championship hopes. Lloyd Carr and his boys will chop and chop at the proud Buckeyes, but Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. will rain down their tough acorns thumping the Wolverines on the head. Willard's Winner... Ohio State

Auburn v. Alabama: Tubberville's Tigers are still licking their wounds from the bite the Bulldogs put on them last week. And as it goes with wounded animals, the Tigers will be fightin' mad. Mike Shula's crimson pachyderms will try to stomp on the Tigers' tails, but will find those Felines a little too frisky. Willard's Winner... in a rout...Auburn!

Willard's Winners...

Well folks... Willard has gone off the deep end. After crushing defeats to both Vanderbilt and Kentucky in the same season, Willard has moved back out into the woods near Ellaville. My Aunt heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight: "Apocalypse is comin', head for the hills!" My Aunt said that Willard would be back soon though. She explained that he only took 2 jars of pickled eggs with him, and that wouldn't last him long.

Since Willard is on hiatus, I will be filling in the rest of the season. I hope that I will be able to fill those big (but nasty) shoes. So here we go!

Louisville v. Rutgers: The high flying Cardinal attack will wing its way into Jersey looking to leave a stain on the Scarlett Knights' perfect record. The Templars will defend the State College of New Jersey valiantly, but castle will fall. Willard's Winner... Louisville

Cincinatti v. West Virginia: The might Bearcats of Cincy will attempt to scale mountains of Morgantown. The Mountaineers know that mountain well, and will train their high powered rifles, and there will be Bearcat pelts decorating the Mountaineer lodge. Willard's Winner... West Virginia

South Carolina v. Florida: The Ole' Ball coach will lead his chickens down to the Swamp looking for a little Gator tail snack. The Coach's hens are sort of wiry and tough this year, but will be no match for the Gator chomp. Willard' Winner... Florida

Miami v. Maryland: The blustery windbags from South Florida will gust their way into College Park this Saturday hoping to topple Coach Friedgens' Tortoises. The Canes are looking to get back a little of their wind, but will find that the Terrible Terrapins can weather their bluster. Willard's Winners... Beware of the Terrapins...Maryland!

Nebraska v. Texas A&M: I have heard that the Aggies have a dog named Reveille. That is what I will need to wake me up from this bore of a game... Willard's Winner...anybody who does not have to watch this game!

Notre Dame v. Air Force: The Golden Domers from South Bend will make the pilgrimage to Colorado to shoot down the fighting Falcons of The U.S. Air Force Academy. I don't have anything quippy to say, but the Catholics had better be prayed up for this one. Willard's Winner... In a nail-biter... Notre Dame.

TCU v. New Mexico: The Lobos of New Mexico will be looking to defend their den against the Horned Frogs of TCU this weekend. The Horned Frogs will bring their potent offensive poison, and vitiate the wolves. Willard's Winner... TCU
(Sorry Dennis, but your wolves just can't hack it. Hey, at least you are cleaner than the Old Mexico!)

Bama v. LSU: Yeah, as if Bama has a chance. I won't even waste my creative juices on this one. Willard's Winner... LSU!

Wake Forest v. Florida State: The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest have shown themselves to be as mean as the most cantankerous set of their Baptist namesakes. Pastor Bowdon and his Native American flock will attempt to keep the congregation together, but the upstart Elders will split that Seminole Sanctuary. Willard's Winner...Wake Forest.

Georgia v. Auburn. Coach Richt's bumbling Bulldog band will stumble into the Prettiest Little Village on the Plain this week looking to knock off the Tubberville's Terrific Tigers. The War Eagle attack has been strong, and will fly over the Bulldog ground game. The 5th ranked Tigers will pounce, claw, and scratch all over those Bulldogs. But in the immortal words of Lewis Grizzard: THAT DAWG WILL BITE YOU! Willard's Winner... Georgia!

Wicked Mad Props To My Peeps...

Hey guys, thanks for helping me celebrate. I had a great time hanging out with you guys, even if the Hokies didn't win.















Ladies, thanks for the cake, presents, and presence. Thanks for helping make my Birthday great.

Willard's Winners Week 7...

Well gang, I am sorry for leaving you hanging out in the wind with no prognostications. I was at home, having so much fun that I simply couldn't break away to call Willard.

Willard is once again depressed over Georgia's loss to Tennessee this weekend. A few minutes after the loss, I composed myself, and called Willard's best buddy Ray Earl to offer Willard some comfort, and to keep him from doing something drastic. Luckily Ray Earl got to Willard's house just before Willard made it to the truck with his spray paint. Oh, the mess he would have made.

Willard's Winners for Week 7 are...

Virginia Tech v. Boston College: The Hokie Birds of Blacksburgh will invade Beantown this Thursday. Coach Beamer's Boys have had a tough season, and will find
Boston inhospitable. The Beantown Birds will take aim at the Mountain Turkeys, but their aim will be slightly off. Willard's Winner... Virginia Tech


Minnesota v. Wisconsin: Willard tried hard to take this game seriously. He realizes that there are people who really like these two teams, and there are some that think this is real football. Willard finally broke down and declared his winner. Willard's Winner... Whoever does not have to watch this game!

Ole Miss v. Alabama: The Rebels of Oxford will hop on I-20 and head East to the wide spot in the road called Tuscaloosa looking to fill their bellies on Elephant stew. Coach Orgeron's sharpshooters will take aim, but will find Shula's Crimson Pachyderms tough to bring down. Willard's Winner...Alabama

Michigan v. Penn St.: Coach Carr's Wolverines will scamper into Happy Valley looking for an easy victory. They will find out that the Nittany Lions still have a bit of a bite, but Willard says that the Wolverines will still hear Hail to the Victors after the final gun. Willard's Winner... Michigan.

Maryland v. Virginia: The Turtles will meander into Charlottesville for a tangle with the Queen's guardians. Willard said that though the rest of the world may not think much of either of these teams, this should be a great game to watch. Willard's Winner... Beware of the Turtles...Maryland.

Florida v. Auburn: In the words of Keith Jackson...WHOA NELLIE! This one should be a Donnybrook! Coach Urban Mayer will lead his lizards to the "prettiest little village on the plain" to take on Coach Tuberville's War Eagles. After last weeks debacle, Tuberville's Tigers will be fightin'mad and ready to defend their home. The Auburn Tigers will slash and gnaw on the Thunder lizard's tails, and send them back to their primordial ooze depressed. Willard's Winner... Auburn.
(Aside...This is a little depressing. You see because Auburn will beat Florida this weekend, then no team from the SEC will play for a National Championship. However, USC, who plays 2 ranked teams a year will play in their 3rd in 3 years. Please oh please, somebody convince the NCAA to go to a playoff!)

Vanderbuilt v. Georgia: The Commodores will sail up the Oconee River looking to sink the Bulldog faithfull. Joe T III and the rest of the Dawgs will be guarding the Junkyard, and will take a Bulldog bite out of Vandy. Willard's Winner... Georgia.

My trip home...

I had a great trip home this past week. I got some rest, read some, forgot about school and work, and got to see this guy. My nephew has been studying Tae Kwon Do for about a year now. He is the smallest guy in the class, but has a lot of fight in him. His small stature has caused a few problems for him. The kids in the class start out far apart, but because Patrick doesn't cover as much area sometimes the other kids crowd him on the mat. Once, Patrick unknowingly got crowded, and on a roundhouse kick, kicked the snot out of another kid. Hilarious for the parents watching, not so for the kid that got kicked!





Patrick and I hung out like the bestest buddies that we are. We watched Teen Titans, Scooby Doo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all the best cartoons.




My birthday is coming up this week, so my sister baked me a cake. She rocks! This is/was my tasty and beautiful University of Georgia Cake! Patrick even helped with the icing.

Possibly the best commercial ever...

Yes!!!!

Willard's Winners Week 5...

Well, you all know about Willard's outburst last week concerning the lack of quality college football games. Well, Earl; Willard's huntin' buddy put together a special event to calm Willard down. Earl put together his county wide famous "MUD FLOPPIN'." For those of you not acquainted with mud floppin' let me explain. First someone digs a pit. You then fill it with water and let it sit for a day or two. Then you let the kids go play in the water, stirring up the mud. Then you gather everybody together, eat some BBQ, and then everybody Flops on in. They have all kinds of prizes for "Best Swan Dive", "Best Cannon Ball", and everyone's favorite, "Best Belly Flop." Willard just loves the Mud Floppin' and it cheered his spirits right up.

So without further adieu (Willard, that means no more waitin')here are Willard's Winners:

BYU v. TCU= The Mormon Cougars are looking to travel to Fort Worth looking for a tasty dish of roasted reptile. Coach Gary Patterson's horny toads will prove themselves to be a tough meal for the Cougars to swallow. It looks like somebody had better be baptised for those BYU boys. Willard's Winner... TCU

Auburn v. South Carolina= Tubberville's Tigers will prance into the Gamecock's ring this Saturday. The Ole' Ball Coach will have his his kickin' chicken's spurs sharp, but just like Little Jerry Seinfeld, SC is no match for Auburn's Feline Frenzy. Willard's Winner... Auburn

Tennessee v. Memphis= The battle for Tennesse will take place near the muddy waters of the Mississipi this year. The Tigers of Memphis will scratch and claw at Fulmer's hounds but in the end the Vols will drag the title of Tennessee's Best Team back to Good Ole' Rocky Top. Willard' Winner... Tennessee

Wisconsin v. Indiana= The slow ground and pound attack of Wisconsin will bore everyone to death before Indiana has the chance to turn the ball over the 2nd time. Willard's Winner... Whoever does not have to watch this game!

Alabama v. Florida= Coach Shula's Crimson Pachyderms will lumber into the Swamp after their crushing defeat at the hands of the Razorbacks last week. Though they will be fighting for their bowl lives, the Gators will eat that Elephant one bite at the time. Willard's Winner... (and oh how he hates to say it) Florida

The Georgia Institute of Technology v. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University= Willard said: "Dang, after having to write all that down, I don't have nuthin' to say. Willard's Winner... Virginia Tech

Louisiana Tech v. Clemson= Willard's Winner in a rout... Clemson

Ohio St. v. Iowa= The Hawkeyes of Iowa will set their keen vision on knocking off the #1 Buckeyes in their home stadium. But the Hawkeyes will find the Tressel's Buckeye Trees an inhospitable place to light. Willard's Winner, in the Donnybrook Game of the Week... Ohio State

Pudue v. Notre Dame= The Altar-boys of South Bend somehow pulled one out of their golden domes last week, but will find the Boilermakers a little easier to convert. Willard's Winner... Notre Dame

The University of Georgia v. Ole Miss= Coach Richt's Bulldogs will march into Oxford this Saturday. Ole Colonel Sanders will try to rally the troops to fight off the Junk Yard Dawgs. But the only time we will hear the Rebel Yell is when UGA VI bites the Rebs on the tail. Willard's Winner... GEORGIA!

P.S. If you are wondering what happened to my Dad, wonder no more. He is vacationing in his Summer Home, and could not be reached. (By that I mean that my Grandmother's lawn needed to be mowed, the last of the tomatoes and beans picked, and the turnips had to be planted.)

Capt. J. A. Filos...

Hey guys, the segment above is from a show on the History Channel called Mail Call. It talks about all kinds of weapons, old and new. The Captain speaking to the host about the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle is a friend of mine from High School and College. We used to call Jason the "Hispanic Causing Panic." With this machine he really is causing panic, in our enemies!

Willard's Winners Week 4....

Well, Willard is trying to learn how to use, what he calls; the "inner net." He bought a computer, and has been trying to email me his picks for this week. He said that he didn't understand why I haven't been getting the "e-males" he has been sending. However, the one email that I did receive had a picture of his opening screen. (see pic above) This might be the problem with Willard's emails.

Well, since Willard could not email his picks, I called him. Willard was quite upset with this weeks schedule. He ranted for about 15 minutes. About the only words I could really understand were: "WILLARD'S WINNER, WILLARD'S WINNER...I'LL TELL YOU WHO WILLARD'S WINNERS ARE...EVERYBODY WHO DOES NOT HAVE TO WATCH COLLEGE FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND...THERE AIN'T ONE.... (I can't finish the rest of the sentence)

So there you have it folks, Willard's Winners for this week are those of you smart enough to rent a movie on the cruddiest weekend of college football ever!

Don't worry folks, Willard will be back next week with his prognostications.

Willard's Winners, Week 3...

Willard and Charles squared off against each other in their prognostications last week, with Willard coming out on top. Well, they both took a smart pill this week, and scribbled out their picks for this weeks winners. Both "gentlemen" are extremely excited about this weekend of important games.

Here we go!

Iowa St. v. Iowa: Willard's Winner & Charles' Champ... Anybody who does not have to watch this game!

Arkansas v. Vandy: Charles and Willard broke out the squirrel rifles and threatened each others' lives over this one. Charles chose Arkansas, Willard chose Vandy. There is a jar of pickled pigs feet riding on this one!

Clemson v. Florida St: Charles said that the "Cheatah's" from Carolina are going to be roaring mad about last weeks loss, so they will come out scratching and clawing, and biting their way around the Bowdon Bayou. But those sneaky Seminoles' spears will find their mark in the kitty cats hearts. Willard's Winner... Florida St.

Nebraska v. USC: The Cornhuskers will roll into Troy looking to shuck Pete Carroll's horse down to the cob. They will soon find out that there is still a lot of fight in the hoplites from the Peloponeses. Charles Champ... USC

Troy v. Georgia Tech: Since Willard used up all his references to the Trojans in the previous prognostication, he'll just say: Willard's Winner...Georgia Tech (P.S. Charles agreed)

Miami v. Louisville: Last week, the Cardinals of Kentucky flew fast and straight even without their lead bird. But this weekend they will fly into a gale, the likes of which they have never seen. Willard's Winner/Charles' Champ... Miami

Oklahoma v. Oregon: Bob Stoops' Boomer Schooner will ramble on up to Portland this weekend, looking to get the jump on the Ducks. They will find the ground between the mountains and the see tough to navigate, but Stoops' boys will eventually find touchdown sod for bustin'. Willard's Winner/Charles' Champion... Oklahoma

Michigan v. Notre Dame: Willard wanted me to tell all the other pigskin pupils out there that this was a tough game to judge. He said that the Wolverines were a tough group this year. He also noted how Notre Dame was playing this one at home. Willard said that after much studying, and an extra smart pill or two he came to the conclusion... Willard's Winner... Notre Dame (By the way, Charles said it was a no brainer...Notre Dame)

Florida v. Tennessee: Oh what a wonderful game this will be! Urban Meyer and his swamp lizzards will crawl their way up to the Rockytop of Neyland Stadium. The lizzards will attack in their new, wacky formation; but Fullmer's riflemen will drop them short. There will be rejoicing and aligator boots and belts for everybody! Willard's Winner/Charles' Champion...TENNESEE

LSU v. Auburn: This one is the Donnybrook Game of the Week! Folks, if you don't get to watch any other game this year, don't miss this one! The Bayou Bengals will be stalking their way to the "Prettiest little town on the Plain" looking to eat a little Eagle. (or is it a tiger, I don't know, heck they don't know either!) Anyway, the Bengals will claw and scratch the Eagles near unto death, but will find the Eagles a tough bird to swallow. Charles' Champ/Willard's Winner... In a close one... Auburn! (War Eagle fly down the field, ever to conquer, never to yield...)

And last, but certainly not least!

UAB v. UGA: The Blazers of Birmingham will try to chargrill a little Bulldog "Between the Hedges" this weekend. Matt Stafford and the Junk Yard Dawg Defense, thanks to UGA VI; just happen to know where there is a fire hydrant big enough to put out the Blazer's fire. Charles' Champ/ Willard's Winner...Georgia!

What is wrong????

I have not been able to connect to my blog for the last three days. This is a test post to see if this will solve my viewing problems.

Willard's Winners Week 2...

Willard made me promise to put up a picture of his buddy Earl. (Earl picked Willard up off the side of the road the other day when Charlene put him out of the car.) Earl, thanks for picking Willard up.

Well, Willard and Charles have both given me their picks for this week, and here they are:

Auburn v. Miss. ST.= Both said: "No contest!" Willard's Winner, Auburn

Penn St. v. Notre Dame= Again, both agreed that the Fightin' Irish would wollop the Nittany Lions. Charles Champion, Notre Dame.

Clemson v. Boston College= Charles seems to think that the intellectuals from Beantown will offer the Cheatahs of Clemson a good game, but is not willing to step out on the limb to give them the victory. Willard says it is a no brainer. Willard's Winner and Charles Champion, Clemson

Cal v. Minnesota= Willard and Charles both agree that Cal did not like the hospitality they found in the Eastern Hills of Tennessee last weekend, and will have learned their lesson. Willard's Winner, Cal

Ohio State v. Texas= Willard thinks the Buckeyes will be a tough nut to crack, but Charles thinks the Longhorns have enough hoof to crack them.
Willard's Winner, Ohio St Charles Champion, Texas

Virginia Tech v. North Carolina= The old song goes: Nothin could be finer than to be in Carolina in the mornin'. Virginia Tech will think so too! Willard said this one would be a terrible whoopin'. Willard's Winner & Charles' Champion= Va Tech

Ole Miss v. Missouri= The Rebels are looking to raid Columbia this weekend. They will bring their squirrell guns and shoot a few rounds down Missouri's range. The Tigers will give it the old college try, but in the end we will hear the Rebel yell. Willard's Winner & Charles' Champ, Ole Miss

Vandy v. Alabama=As you will remember, Charles and Willard almost came to blows over the Vandy/Michigan game last week. Well, Willard won out on that one and Charles learned his lesson. Willard's Winner & Charles' Champ= Alabama

Texas Tech v. UTEP= Nobody cares!

Western Illinois v. Wisconsin= Willard's Winner and Charles' Champ, Whoever does not have to watch this game!

THE University of Georgia v. South Carolina= Once again, the Kickin Chickins will try to defend their roost from the Bulldog onslaught. That coach, who's name Willard refuses to speak; will have his Roosters in fightin' shape, and as Charles puts it, in good enough shape to win. Willard thinks that the Dawgs will have themselves a hard fought, tough, chicken dinner. Charles' Champion...South Carolina Willard's Winner... Georgia
(After this one, I am going to have to talk to my Dad. Y'all pray for his soul.)

Week 1 Report...

Well, College Football did not disappoint this weekend. There were several good games, that captured my attention and kept me from doing anything productive this weekend.

Without further adieu, let's get to the good stuff. Willard and Charles were both right on the money with their prognostications. Both only missed 2 games out of 12. Both had one game that they called from their hearts instead of their heads. Willard picked his heart favorite Virginia over Pitt, and was crushed when the Panthers mauled his Cavaliers. Charles picked the Commodores of Vanderbuilt, but they were crippled by Michigan. Both missed the Tennessee game, where Fuller's hounds ganged up on the Cal Bear Cubs.

A Great Article...

Dr. Mohler seems to have a poignant grasp on the issue of preaching. While there is much to be said, this article seems to say a great deal that needs to be heeded by preachers today.

A note to John Layne...

John, I know that you tried really hard with Bonnie, but the poor thing needs to go back to the 2nd grade. She seems to think that Richt is pronounced ricket and not rikt. I guess that is what you get when you go to Auburn. In Bonnie's defense, both Dick and Jane books did stay checked out most of the time. The PHD student was working on his dissertation.


John, I am trying my best to keep her straight out here.

Willard's back...

Well, Willard finally got his house put in behind my Aunt's house. He was tired of driving into town to call me once a week with his picks. There was also a little problem between Willard and his girlfriend. It seems that Charlene has been shooting out his windows since the break-up. Enough of that, let's get to the good stuff. As you all know, College football season is 2 days, 22 hours, and about 30 minutes away. (not that I am counting) Willard is all excited, and looking forward to another great season of Georgia Football. He explained to me that he will be watching more football this season, so that he will know more about the teams that: (and I quote) "Georgia is going to put a stiff whoopin' on." Sometimes Willard is a bit one sided in his prognostications, so I am getting my father's input on some of this years biggest match-ups as well. Without further adeiu, here are Willard's Winners and Charles'Champions.

TCU v. Baylor= Willard and Charles both agreed that the Horned Frogs would leave a bad taste in the Bear's mouths. Willard's Winner... TCU

Washington ST. v. Auburn= Again, Willard and Charles both agreed that the Tigers are a little too tough for the Cougars. Charles' Champion: Auburn

Kentucky v. Louisville= Willard and Charles both agree that the Cardinals will sing a sweet song, and tame those little kittens from Lexington. Charles' Champion: (and as he puts it:"the team taking their first step towards a National Championship") Louisville

Virginia v. Pitt= Willard's Winner: Virginia, Charles Champion: Pitt

Cal v. Tennessee= Sorry Big D, The Bears will maul Fuller's hounds Willard's Winner & Charles' Champion: Cal

Marshall v. West Virginia: The Mountaineers will train their sights on the Thundering Herd of Marshall, and drive them to edge of extinction just as their namesake. Willard's Winner/Charles' Champion: West Virginia (I just want it to be known that my Dad seems to think that the winner of the Big East has a sure lock on a birth in the National Championship Game this year. I don't know if he is right, but time will tell.)

South Carolina v. Mississippi State: The ole ball coach has his fightin' chickens thinking they are the cock of the walk. Well they may just be. Willard's winner & Charles' Champion: South Carolina

Vanderbilt v. Michigan: Willard and Charles almost got into a fight over this one. As a matter of fact, I believe a little bit of crow is going to have to be eaten over this one. Willard says that the Wolverines will gnaw their way to a win, while Charles thinks the Commodores will chart a path to victory. Willard's Winner: Michigan. Charles Champion: Vanderbilt

Northern Illinois v. Ohio State: Willard and Charles both agreed on this one... Nobody Cares!

Notre Dame v. Georgia Tech: The Catholics of South Bend will attempt to spread their kind of gridiron religion on streets of downtown Atlanta. The engineers will work hard to keep that wrambling wreck running, but the Parish Priests will perform extreme unction on that old jalopy. Willard's Winner/Charles' Champion: Notre Dame

Florida State v. Miami: Over the last few years the Hurricanes have blown a mighty gale. But Bobby Bowdon and his Seminoles will weather this storm leaving Miami in a tropical depression. In the Donnybrook game of the Week; Willard's Winner and Charles' Champion: Florida State

And Last, but certainly not least,

The University of Georgia v. Western Kentucky: Coach Richt will lead his proud Bulldogs between the hedges to take on the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky. Unfortunately the boys from Kentucky will live up to their names, and all we will see of them is them with their tails between their legs topping the hill running double time from the Bulldog BITE! Willard's Winner & And Charles' Champion: Georgia

A Sad Evening...

I had a sad evening last night. After spending some time with Bo, I went back to Fort Worth Hall. I rode the elevator to the third floor, got off, walked left to the end of the hall, turned right and walked the 20 paces towards my door, when all of a sudden it hit me; I am the only ward of Cell Block C left. All the others have been paroled. I walked down the cell block noticing, there were no more tags reading: George Butler, Darrell Winters, Thomas Winborn, or Nathan Lawrence. Instead there are new names, that I don't know, and that don't know me. These guys don't know my struggles, and I don't know theirs. They don't know how to make me mad enough to tackle them in the snow. They don't know how to get me to leave the dorm at 1:00 am. They don't know that my eyes almost disappear when I laugh really hard, and they don't know how to get me to act like an idiot. I miss the guys that do know those things. This is going to be a weird semester without my friends being around.

Sweet Colorado....

Well, Bonnie and I went to see the McDonnall's this week. We had a blast! We had some fun, and also got some rest. That is the best kind of vacation.


The McDonnall's, Bonnie and I went 4 wheelin' up Cut Bank, a 200-300' hill. We had a great ride, kickin' up dust, jumpin' jackrabbits, and scaring deer. This is the McDonnall's and Bo catching a bit of a rest near the end of a rough ride. It also shows a great view of the Wet Mountain Valley.


This .44 packs a big wollop. Bruce could put a bullet where he wanted it, me not so much. Honestly, I am just happy to still have the use of my hand.



This is a 300 Weatherby. It was an awesome rifle. I put about 10 rounds in group about 3" in spread. It also gave me a nice little bruise on my right shoulder!



This is the rifle I have always wanted to shoot. You may think that an automatic assault rifle is awesome, but this rifle kicks butt! The M-1 Garand is the rifle that won WWII. It weighs a ton, but is fun. It shoots great, packs a ton of wollop, and when it ejects the clip after the last round, your heart leaps. It rocked!

Favorite Song Lyrics...

Bonnie and I were joking around the other day, when she reminded me of one of the best lines from a song that I have ever heard. So, here it is; I will share with you my two favorite song lyrics, and then you get to add yours. If you can top my two, I will give you wicked mad props, publicly; on my blog!

My two favorite song lyrics are:

1. "Loving you is like fryin' bacon nekkid!"

2. "I gave her a ring, Ohhh she gave me the finger. I gave her my word, she gave me the bird. I can't seem to recall why, and you know I just can't remember, but I gave her a ring Ohh she gave me the finger!" By the Kinchafoonee Cowboys

Is anyone up to topping those two?

Dang it Lawrence...

Well, I told you all that if Nathan did not comment on my blog then I would out him about his favorite item on the menu (or off the menu as it were) from Julie's Fresh Kitchen. Well, I just can't do it. You see, I was trying to force Nathan to comment on my blog, and it just wouldn't be right for me to tell this highly embarrassing story about him. Dang it Lawrence, you won't allow to have any fun at your expense!

Some funny stuff I found while searching the web...

I was searching the internet last Friday when I came across a site for ultra-conservatives. They had a store where you could buy t-shirts. Here are a few of my favorites.






The American Civil Liberties Union is not our friend. They hate Christians with a passion. Not to mention that they will not grant us the same rights which they fight for others to have. They are so blinded by their pseudo-intellectualism that they can't see their own inconsistencies.





I thought that this was a pretty good definition of a liberal.






Oh tis true, tis true.

Five things about me...

I got tagged by Bonnie, so here I go!

Five Things in My Freezer
1. Ice (on the sides, not in a tray)
2. an Ice pack (Bonnie's)
3. My freezer is about 6" by 4"
4. My whole refridgerator only has 5 items in it.
5.

Five Things in My Closet
1. Clothes
2. dirty clothes
3. febreeze for the dirty clothes
4. clothes so dirty febreeze won't work anymore
5. cowboy hat

Five Things in My Car
1. Books
2. towels
3. Boots
4. tools
5. lots of trash

Five Things in My Purse (I don't have a purse, so I am going with my wallet)
1. Driver's license from the great state of Georgia!
2. Credit cards
3. Blockbuster Card/various other membership cards (I'm popular, all the best clubs want me on their list!)
4. Southwestern "Gold Card" (I am sure it is the mark of the beast)
5. Calling Card

I tag Geo and Nathan (Nathan, I know you peruse my blog and never comment. Now, you must. If you don't, I'm going to out you to the whole world about your favorite thing to order at Julie's Fresh Kitchen!)

A good time was had by all... (especially the idiot next to me! not Bonnie, but rather the guy on the other side of me! thanks for the help ginny!)

Last night, Bo and I went to the Rangers game. (Mad props to Dennis Garcia for the free tickets!) We had a good time. The Rangers got spanked by the worst team in baseball, but we enjoyed the game anyway. I am soooooo disappointed. I had a foul ball hit right to me, but I didn't get it. I lost it in the background, and by the time I saw it again, I couldn't get my hand on it. To add injury to insult, the ball hit me on the knee, and I am swollen and sore. Oh well, I had a good time anyway.

We had an interesting individual sitting next to us at the game. We had this guy who felt the need to talk to everybody, drink massive ammounts of beer, and lead everybody in forming the wave. He tried to talk to me, but soon figured out that I was not amused with him, so he left me alone (though bothered everybody else).

The boys...

Last week, I was house-sitting for a family in Crowley. They had two great dogs, Bear and Gus. Gus was a sweet, unassuming bird dog, who would take as much petting as you would give him, but would not come searching for it. Bear, the yellow lab; (aka the biggest lab in the world) would beg for a pat on the back. They loved me, and followed me everywhere I went in the house. When I would go to sleep at night, the boys would sit outside my door. When I woke up in the morning they would still be there. Geo and Thomas, I now know why you guys wanted a dog.

A blessing from God...

In 2002 I was blessed of God to go to England for 3 weeks. I went with a group from SWBTS. We studied Baptist history, and toured many of the important sites of Baptist history. I was so blessed, and refreshed by that trip. I often look back upon it as a blessing from God. As I write this post, a group from SWBTS is in Oxford enjoying the time of their life. I wish them as wonderful a trip as I had. I also would like to say, that I am jealous of them as well. I wish that I could go back.

My most poignant memory of the trip was on our day trip to Tewksbury. We stopped our coach, and walked a few blocks, turned left down a little cobblestone alley; where we saw the oldest surviving Baptist church in the World. We went inside and lifted up the old boards covering the baptistry, when Dr. Leon McBeth began to tell the story of how the congregants of the church would meet at night in order to not be found out. He told us how they were considered dissenters that could and would be punished for their beliefs. He recounted how those devout believers in believers baptism by immersion would line up and form a bucket brigade, from the Cherwell river a hundred yards away; so as to fill the baptistry bucket by bucket. He then recounted how they would form that same line to empty the baptistry as well. I remember thinking, "Wow, these people took baptism, and the faith so seriously."

I later realized that there were countless others that struggled and even gave their lives for the faith. It inspired me to take faith seriously. We do not deal with pebbles when we think about and communicate our faith. We are dealing with jewels set in casings of gold. Our faith, our savior, our God, our commission; are all precious. They are more precious than anything. We should treat them as such.

In honor of Big D...

I was rummaging through some of my books the other day, when I found this wonderful piece of artwork. This is Big D's rendition of me as a televangelist. If you read this, and know Big D's phone number; give him a call and give him some love!

The Norm that norms all other norms*...

Today, I was reading another in a long list of Dr. Mohler's articles on the renaming of God issue. (See this)

In this article, Mohler hits the nail on the head: We have no right to rename God. What is happening here is that there are some who wish to give God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit new names which help people understand who they are. (In fact, these people wish to give names to God that promote their own theological construct (a seriously flawed one I might add.). These constructs promote the acceptance of homosexuality as norm, and the acceptance of women as head shepherds, and a long list of other Biblically incorrect ideas. The issue boils down to this, who holds the power of meaning, who has the right to say what a text means. Those who wish to rename God claim for themselves the right to force meaning onto the text (in this case the Word of God). They say: "I can impose what I believe this text to mean, no matter what the author clearly states. I have more knowledge, and I have evolved so that I know your thoughts better than you do author!" Whereas, in reality, the power of meaning lies completely in the hands of the one who writes the text (in this case God, & the inspired author). The problem that those who wish to rename God have, is that they are their own gods, and wish to form YHWH into a "god" which they can control. May this episode teach us and show us the need to remember that the Bible, God's Word; is our norm. It forms our thinking, our thinking does not form it! The Bible is the norm that norms all other norms!

*Taken from Dr. Mohler's presentations at ETS Southwest regional meeting 2006.

I felt like a little kid...

I have been house-sitting for a family down in Crowley. They have a beautiful home, and everything is quiet there and peaceful. There are no trains going by 6 times a night. There are no people shooting outside your window, and no traffic speeding by 24 hours a day. But that was not the real reason I had such a wonderful time. The real reason I had such a wonderful time house-sitting was that the people whose house I was sitting, had a pool! It was a beautiful, crystal blue pool. It was cool, and refreshing to lounge in. And lounge in it I did! I went swimming everyday! I was a pool fiend. You probably don't care, but I was excited.
(I spared all of you the torture of seeing me in the pool, so I used the stock photo above.)

Oh that this might be said of us all...

I was reading Dr. Mohler's blog on apologetics for the postmodern world today when I came across this quotation.

The famous skeptic philosopher David Hume was once observed on his way to hear George Whitefield preach one of his five o'clock morning messages on Christ. The observer chided Hume: "I didn't think you believed in God." Hume replied, and referred to Whitefield: "I don't. But I am convinced this man does."

I encourage you, live a bold faith in God and in his Son!

A interesting assessment of liberal "christianity"...

While reading Dr. Mohler's blog, I came across this quote talking about the decline in mainline church attendance.

When your religion says "whatever" on doctrinal matters, regards Jesus as just another wise teacher, refuses on principle to evangelize and lets you do pretty much what you want, it's a short step to deciding that one of the things you don't want to do is get up on Sunday morning and go to church.

You can read the rest of the article this quote was taken from here.

Shootin' stuff cures a multitude of ills...

Well, as you all know, my hopes of England winning the World Cup have been dashed, and I was truly sad for a little while after Saturday's match. However, I did not have much time to be sad because Emily's birthday party was Saturday afternoon. So Bonnie and I drove out to Weatherford, cooked some burgers, talked, laughed, and had a generally great time. We then got to the highlight of the night (at least for me), the shooting. Thomas set up some targets in his backyard, and we mad mincemeat out of them. All my stress was blown away with each one of those targets I blasted.



Bonnie and I enjoying the day.


Here's Thomas "Dead-eye" Winborn




The girls got into the pistol packin'fun giving us their rendition of Charlie's Angels.

I'm sad...

Well, my mighty Brits fell to the Portuguese today. They fought valiantly, and lost on penalty kicks. I am disappointed, but understood that they didn't really have the best team. They played well though, and went deep into the Cup. Now, I think that I will support...


Germany

For all of you that remember the 80's...

And I don't want to hear anything about how old I am!

Things are really, really slow at work today...

This poor guy never saw it coming.

Another funny one...

Yes, I am bored!

I don't care who you are, this is funny...

I really want to do this to somebody. I have dreamed of filling someone's Escalade for months now.

England moves on to the quarterfinals...

Whew! The British futballers squeaked by Ecuador today! I am extremely happy. The English side played poorly, as they have the whole Cup, but squeaked out with a win. England's defense is pretty tough, but does have holes in it. David Beckham has continued to make his golden foot useful for the English side. All cup long he has placed his corner kicks, and free kicks well. Today he placed one very well. Beckham bent one right by the Ecuadoran goal keeper, just inside the post. It is said that defense wins championships. But anyone who has ever won a championship will tell you, that it does not hurt to have the cards fall your way too. England has been that way. They have a good defense, and the cards are falling their way as well. Hopefully this will continue and the Golden Cup will live in London.

Why I am rooting for England in the World Cup...

In case you are wondering (and I know that you are not) I am a fan of the Three Lions side. I like England for many reasons. First, I have visited England and I loved my visit. The people were very nice, and the views gorgeous. Second, I love the fans of English soccer. They are the loudest and best. None of this relying on hot chicks to draw attention to your fans like those silly Brazilian do. (Besides, there are no hot chicks in England, except maybe Rosamund Pike & Keira Knightly . Bonnie please don't get upset.) I also like England's side because I love the grit of their footballers. David Beckham may be a nothing but a pretty face to us in the States, but he is a tough player. I like Wayne Rooney, who has the tenacity of an English Bulldog. I also like the way the Englanders don't give up. Toughness is big with me. Finally, I root for England because the Americans are wimps! The US soccer team was made up of a bunch of mamby pamby whinny babies with no heart. We came to the worlds biggest sporting event with no excitement about being there. The US side played lackadaisical soccer, and let their fans down. I saw it in the first match, that this American side was willing to lay down and accept defeat. It was at that moment that I decided not to invest myself in them. So there you have it, that is why I support the Three Lions club. Though they may not make it far into the World Cup, I can at least support their Lion hearts.

Thoughts running through the mind of a near graduate...

I have been thinking a lot about whether or not I have what it takes to be a pastor of a local congregation. I know so little of God's word, of man, of leadership, of business, of preaching, etc. I often think, how in the world can I do this. I know that it is not up to me to do great and mighty things, and that it is up to God to do so. But I still think about such things. I have been thinking lately about how little I know about how to treat the people whom I will be serving. I came across this article today, which offered me some answers to my questions.

When writing the post on Pastors as Protectors, I felt sure Luther has spoken to the issue and just this evening I came across this quote:

“A preacher must be a fighter and a shepherd. He must have teeth in his mouth. Teaching is a very difficult art. Paul contends (2 Tim 4:2; Titus 1:9), as does Peter (2 Peter 2), that sound doctrine must be urged and that those who contradict must be answered.”
However, the right sort of ‘protecting’ will be that sort that arises from deep affection for the people, not simply a hankering for conflict. This deep love, “mother love” (1 Thess 2:7) as Luther calls it, is one thing that seems so terribly lacking in ministries today. This quote is great!

“Men who hold the office of the ministry should have the heart of a mother toward the church; for if they have no such heart, they soon become lazy and disgusted, and suffering, in particular, will find them unwilling. … [Luther drawing from John 21 paraphrases the words of Jesus] Unless your heart toward the sheep is like that of a mother toward her children- a mother, who walks through fire to save her children- you will not be fit to be a preacher. Labor, work, unthankfulness, hatred, envy, and all kinds of sufferings will meet you in this office. If, then, the mother heart, the great love, is not there to drive the preachers, the sheep will be poorly served.”
Amen! And may the Lord grant a fresh baptism of this sort of love for the people of God. Then there will be a decrease in the treating of God’s people as merely steps on a ladder and more awareness of them as the people of God “which He obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28)."

This one was good as well: "men in general today do not think often enough about our role as protectors, so also there is a lack of consideration of the pastor’s role as protector. But, this is certainly a key aspect of our role. Paul’s description of the pastor in Titus 1 closes with:

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that
he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who
contradict. (v9)
The reason for this qualification is seen immediately in 1:10f. Pastors need to be the sort of men who can refute false teachers because false teachers are around and they will cause trouble unless they are dealt with. This is also in view when Paul exhorted the Ephesians elders:

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:28-31)
You cannot serve the church as pastor if you are unwilling to confront error for the good of the church. Those who cower at danger or try to say these issues are not their concern show themselves hirelings and cowards. The true shepherd is willing to give his life for his flock. Surely here we are to imitate the pattern of the Chief Shepherd who said:

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He
who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees
the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and
scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about
the sheep. (John 10:11-13)
The hireling mentality is too easily encouraged today. The hireling thinks more of his next move, of his reputation, his advancement. The shepherd loves his flock and is ready to die for them. This is not the creating of unnecessary conflict (as some take it). This is love in action, and can only really emerge as we establish close knit community where pastors are not CEO’s or simply hired guns but rather members of the community, the family, who have been called out for service. Brothers, let us protect the church."

I guess part of being a leader is to be strong and very courageous, but not for yourself, but rather for others; putting their best interest ahead of your own, yet being indebted to the cross, and the savior thereof; and not to man. Leading a local congregation will be a daunting task. I often do not relish the idea of it.

More soccer news

Week two of the World Cup was an exciting one. My own favorite team, England; won again. Albeit an ugly win, they won just the same. This assures them of moving on to the round of 16. Hopefully, the extra time will give Wayne Rooney time to heal, so that he can make an impact for the Three Lions.

Today, there were two great matches. Ghana upset the Czech Republic. This was huge because Ghana had never even scored a goal in the World Cup before today, much less win a match. And the US played a great match tying Italy. With this tie, the US needs to win against Ghana, and Italy to beat the Czech Rep. If both of those things happen, then the US will sqeak into the next round.

For those of you who don't like soccer, you should give it a try. It will play with your emotions! I don't know much about the game, but watching gets me on my ear. Every made goal is a rejoice, and every missed goal is equal to the loss of a kingdom. Children cheer and run wildly for every win, and grown men cry at losses. All over the world, millions of man-hours of work are being lost. Pubs all over Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America are filled to capacity. And people on every continent are finding themselves kissing perfect strangers because of what is happening on few grassy fields in Germany. It is wonderful!

The World Cup...

Well, I am somewhat happy with the first weekend of the World Cup. (I know most of you do not care, but it is my blog, and I will write about what I want to.) My favorite team, England; won their first match. However, I am disappointed that they only scored one goal, and they didn't even really score that one. In case you didn't get up at 8:00 am Saturday morning to watch, David Beckham drilled one on goal when a defender from Paraguay headed it in for him. They looked pretty anemic the rest of the match. The three lions really need for Wayne Rooney to come back and give them a spark.

I am still pulling for the Orange Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire. They are my hope for a team from Africa making it to the next round.

Calvinism and the BoSox...

Bart Giamatti did not grow up (as he had dreamed) to play second base for the Red Sox. He became a professor at Yale, and then, in time . . . president of the National Baseball League. He never lost his love for the Boston Red Sox. It was as a Red Sox fan, he later realized that human beings are fallen, and that life is filled with disappointment. The path to comprehending Calvinism in modern America, he decided, begins at Fenway Park.

I stole this from a comment on Lance's my space.

One of my favorite authors...

I was reading this when I remembered one of my favorite authors. Lewis Grizzard was a beloved writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. I remember long summer evenings at my Grandmother's house, listening to my Grandfather read Lewis Grizzard's latest yarn about the University of Georgia, or Weyman C. Wannamaker a great American; to my Grandmother. She would throw her head back, slap her knee and laugh uncontrollably. Here is a sample of Lewis' humor.

Let's Put An End To Salad Bars


At long last, I am getting some assistance in my ongoing crusade against what I consider to be a dastardly affront to the American consumer, the salad bar.
In a recent edition of The Wall Street Journal, there was a front- page article indicating that not only are salad bars, in my opinion, an insult to the average American eat-outer (Who wants to go to the trouble and expense of eating out and then have to get up and make his or her own salad?), but they can be a health hazard.

The Journal points out that because salad bars usually feature a number of perishable foods and because you don't know who's been handling the food before you got up to make your salad, there is a chance you could wind up with food poisoning as a result of a visit to a salad bar.

The Journal also points out that people can sneeze on the lettuce, stick their fingers in the blue cheese dressing and drop a hair or two on the feastings as well. Fad got out of hand

There are even worse things that can happen. I quote from the Journal's article: "Jack Williams, a Los Angeles County health official, was piling lettuce on his plate one day when he saw a youngster pick his nose and then use the same hand to pluck a cherry tomato and fling it back."

Grr-oss.

What happened to the salad bar in this country is what happens to a great many fads. It got out of hand.

Wendy's has a salad bar, Burger King has a salad bar and it likely won't end there. I am awaiting the day chiropractors put a salad bar in their offices.

Picking up germs at a salad bar isn't the only risk the customer takes when he or she approaches a salad bar, either.

Some restaurants do put a "sneeze shield" on their salad bars, but the problem there is with a shield, you have to bend over and then reach way in the back, which is where most restaurants put all the good stuff, like the cherry tomatoes.

A person could severely injure his or her back, attempting to make a move only a contortionist could pull off without fear of winding up in traction. Come to think of it, perhaps chiropractors are the ones who have been behind this sal ad bar idea all along. Don't fix your own

Here is what we as Americans should do to get rid of salad bars forever:

When you have finished giving your order and the waitress or waiter says, "Help yourself to the salad bar," you reply, "Are you out of your mind? I worked all day. My wife/husband worked all day. We decided to treat ourselves by going out to dinner.

"We want to sit here at this table, have a couple of drinks, and then eat dinner.

"We don't want to have to mix our own drinks. We don't want to have to prepare our entree, and we do not - under any circumstance - want to get up and go to the trouble of fighting the mob at the salad bar.

"We demand someone prepare our salad for us. We will tell them exactly what we want on our salad, and we expect them to be brought here at our table promptly and we expect them to be served with a smile. Understand, bean-sprout-breath?"

If everyone were that forceful, we could rid our country of salad bars and make it a much better place in which to live, raise a family and eat out.

Move quickly before one more nose-picker has the opportunity to get his hands on our tomatoes.


Some of my favorite Grizzard quotes are:

Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house.

Lewis’ advice to Atlantans in case of nuclear war: "If you live on the South side of Atlanta, get on I-75 and go south. If you live of the North side of Atlanta get on I-75 and go north. If you are a Yankee get on 285." (For those of you not familiar with Atlanta highways, I-285 is a loop around the city)

The public, more often than not, will forgive mistakes, but it will not forgive trying to wriggle and weasel out of one.

Dang it Chavez, there's no need to be independent...

Hey Gang,

Geo and I went to one of the best baseball games I have ever seen. The Rangers got the stuffing knocked out of them early in the game, but the Rangers' big bats won the evening. Bonnie's favorite player, Rod Barrajas; hit a grand slam. The 23 year old second baseman hit two chili peppers over the left field wall. Big Tex; Mark Texiera blasted a homerun, and Phil Nevin popped a walk-off homer over the left-center field fence.

Geo, thanks for ticket, and for the great evening. You are a great friend, and I am blessed to have one like you.

You might be a redneck if...

Well, it is never too late to blog about a great time. So here is the story of our night at Thomas' new digs. Thomas, as most of you know has a new house out in the Weatherford area complete with a large empty back yard that is perfect for shootin'. So, we all loaded up and headed west for some charred beef, and some hot lead. A "load" of fun was had by all. Here is "Bullseye Bonnie" shooting the .22.
Here is Thomas having fast fun with the AK. I think he liked it, but the surprised look on his face after he shot it was a mixture of "oooh I like that but whoa it was powerful."

Here's Emily, looking like the pin-up girl for the NRA. She was a great shot with that shot gun! Thomas, you had better never make her mad!

Here's Madison. Who knew that such a great theological mind could be such a good shot as well. Madison, I just want to remind you that that sort of violence is never to be used against heretics!

P.S. Congratulations to Thomas "the Turkey Assassin" Winborn for his recent success hunting. He bagged a large turkey this past weekend.

Wedding News...

Ha! had you all thinking that I was going to divulge something about Bonnie and I didn't I?

The real reason for this post is to let all of you know that Nathan & Beth are now hitched. The ceremony went quite well, and was beautiful. The reception was wonderful; God was honored, and a good time was had by all. The Bride and Groom are currently enjoying their wedded bliss in Andalusia, Alabama, followed by Shreveport,LA, and then Bridgeport,TX.

I really wanted to say Congratulations ! to Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence, and I also wanted to say thank you for letting me be a part of that special time in your life. I consider it a privilege to have been there.

Beth & Nathan,
May the Lord, who can do greater things than we could ever ask or imagine; bless you with his presence and his grace in your marriage. May he be the tie that binds you both together, and the wellspring from which your love for each other will flow. And may your lives together glorify His precious and great name. Amen.