Posts Tagged ‘Eagles’

Now, I have a friend, who will remain unnamed, who cheered for certain sports teams while he grew up. In his thirties, he accepted a job in the New York City area, and, thus, he changed his favorite teams to New York teams. Conveniently, at the same time as the Giants won the Super Bowl, but that’s beside the point.

I, myself, have grown up cheering for every Philadelphia team that there is (yes, even the MISL team, the “Kixx”). I love the Phillies. I love the Eagles. I love the Flyers [the Sixers, I can live without, but I love them too like I love an uncle who I never see and gives large financial contracts to mediocre friends]. You get the point. In Philadelphia (much like other blue-collar cities/towns), you live and die with your teams. I could never, ever, ever think about switching teams, but…

If I were to change the location of my ministry, should I change the teams I cheer for in order to be more missionally minded? Better yet, who would Jesus cheer for in that situation?

For some of you, this is no big deal, but, for me, it is. This may seem like a lame topic, but it’s a serious one for someone who loves his or her team so much. I could never see myself moving to New York and cheering for the Giants, or worse, the Yankees [or even worse, move to Queens and be a…a…a…(gulp)…Mets fan]. But would I be missing out on missional opportunities because I’m unable to relate with New York fans because I insist on being a Philly fan?

I don’t think many people think about this. But maybe being missional, maybe being part of the kingdom of God means changing teams? So, maybe my unnamed friend is right to cheer for the Yankees and Giants (as much as I hate to say it).

What do you think?

[PS- Yankees suck!]

Highlights of the week:

1. Anniversary celebration (01.07) took place Saturday night away with Amanda. Mom and Dad took Giselle, and we headed for “Old City” Philadelphia. We stayed in the Penns View Hotel, which was very nice. We had lunch at Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar, and dinner at Old Original Book Binder’s. At Book Binder’s, I ordered lobster, and they brought out a live lobster and asked me if it was “good.” I hesitantly replied, “Yes.” It was “good.” Sunday morning, we had breakfast at the Hotel, and we went to the 11 AM service at the historic Christ’s Church. The message was about God working in us to allow us to see ourselves as he sees us. That sounds “self-help-ish,” but it wasn’t. It was very nice. I never had wine with the Eucharist so that was different, and the style is slightly more traditional than The Well, but beautiful, nonetheless. We followed that up with a little lunch at City Tavern (which is where George Washington and many of the patriots dined) before we headed home.
2. We signed up for Netflix and are streaming it through the Xbox 360. It’s pretty cool. We’ve only watched old episodes of The Office so far, but we intend to spend more time in front of the TV, don’t you worry.
3. Gave a sermon on Job 28 for a seminary class, and I got an A. So, A’s are always nice.

Books I’m reading:

1. The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones
2. The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators edited by Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson
3. A few pages into Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life by Ed Cyzewski, and I will be blogging about it as part of my agreement with Ed and NavPress.

Job update: I’m interview this week at McCafferty Hyundai so please pray for me.

Disappointed by: (a) The Eagles… (b) After Proposition 8’s passing (an amendment to the CA Constitution to ban gay-marriage) in California, a Google-map was put out to show who donated to the amendment and how much they donated. I suppose we have a “right” to know, but I don’t think it is proper to do so. These people/organizations could now be victims to hate/anger/frustration on the part of those who disagree. I didn’t sit well with me to add a link here since I felt that it could spread more exposure on the privacy of others.

Let’s celebrate about something: Let’s celebrate the heroic pilot who landed the a jet place on the Hudson River

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Seminary update: like I said, gave a sermon on Job 28, and it was a success. So, I’m pretty much done what I need to do for this class. This is a benefit of being on the first to go.

Looking forward to:

1. Flyers’ game with Aaron on Wednesday.
2. Spring training to start…Go Phillies! (See what you’ve done to me, Eagles!)

I’m a little late at getting to this. Sorry, but here you go -

Highlights of the week:

1. my birthday was this past weekend. Likely, the best birthday I’ve had yet. Amanda really went out of her way to make me feel special, and I appreciated that. If you’re married, have you ever had a moment where you said, “Now, I know why I love him/her so much”? It was that type of moment. We had friends over on Saturday, and we had a family dinner at Pizzeria Uno’s on Sunday.
2. Eagles are going to the NFC Championship gaming after laying the “smack down” on the Giants.
3. my post Why I’m Not Emergent received much acclaim. Emergent Village’s Twitter-feed was the first to mention it, followed by Baptimergent’s Twitter-feed. I hope to compile all of this later.

Book(s) I’m reading

1. The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier by Tony Jones
2. The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators edited by Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson

Couch-potato:

1. Been playing a lot of Rock Band and Rock Band 2. Amanda enjoys it so it’s kinda like we are bonding. I guess, we are.
2. NFL Playoffs have been holding my attention, especially since the Eagles are still in it.

Had a good laugh at: Donovan McNabb’s mid-game “phone call” on the Giants’ sideline. I thought it was pretty funny.

Like I said, I thought it was funny. But Troy Aikman didn’t. I find it slightly hypocritical because I seem to remember a certain Dallas Cowboys team that the before-mentioned QB was on where the players danced after every good play. Talk about wondering what “goes through guys’ heads.”

Job update: likely having an interview for an automotive salesperson position. Not sure when, but my aunt is trying to hook me up. Probably, this week or next.

Seminary update: I was chosen to speak first for my homiletics class this Saturday. I will be speaking on Job 28. I guess if you go first, they don’t have anyone to compare you to so that should work out.

Looking forward to:

1. Eagles vs. Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game. Go Eagles!
2. Eagles the Super Bowl. Yes, book it.
3. Paula Abdul to be phased-out from American Idol. Yes, book it. Why do you think there is all-of-a-sudden another female judge? Can American Idol keep 4 judges?
4. Spending a night this weekend in downtown Philadelphia with Amanda.

Highlight(s) of the week:

1. We spent New Year’s Eve with a few friends of ours, playing Rock Band and discussing schooling for children (I know, it was late). We had a nice time. It was nice hanging out with people within the same age range.
2. We went skiing at Bear Creek with my family. One injury. Not too bad. I didn’t fall at all, but then again, I’m not necessarily hitting up the black diamond hills. Giselle didn’t go on the hills, but she hung out with my mom in the lodge.
3. My in-laws bought Wii Fit. So, Amanda and I have been bonding over that. I had recently lost some weight, and I thought I was doing awesome. But Wii Fit told me I was “obese “(!). Talk about a killjoy! In fairness to me, I did just eat and had two beers so I think was a little full. I did it the next day, and I was “overweight.” After being told I was obese, I can live with being overweight.
4. E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles! First victim - the Vikings. Next opponent, the Giants (notice, I didn’t say “victim” because I’m not that cocky).
5. Overall, Advent and Christmas seasons were beneficial times for me and my family. Amanda and I had some really wonderful times together, so I’m going to miss have all that time to spend together.

Book(s) I’m reading:

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda and I took Giselle to get her pics with Santa (because we’re pagans like that). (2) We also had a chance to go to Longwood Gardens with our friends, Ron and Juli. (3) 3 semesters of my MDiv have been completed. 3 to go!

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Giselle started to crawl this week! She is slightly unorthodox in her approach; oftentimes, going sideways, but it is exciting. (2) We made it one week meat- and dessert-less for our Advent fast. Our family has really been enjoying Advent together. We also bought an Advent calendar house yesterday. Not sure what to fill it with yet. Any suggestions?

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda survived her first week teaching. I’m very proud of her. (2) The Phillies made it to the NLCS! (3) See ministry update

Book(s) I’m reading: Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

Music I’m diggin’: Coldplay’s Viva La Vida; Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) the Eagles still don’t know how to score a touchdown when near the goal-line; (2) that people could be so offended by things Shane Claiborne has to say; (3) Bethel’s youth worship band was excellent - much better than when I was there…hahaha 

Ministry update: High School’s “Redeem, Restore” retreat to Philadelphia was not only fun but was also a great time of growth for us. (a) scavenger hunt in downtown Philadelphia - 15th & Market, down to 2nd & Chestnut, and to Chinatown; (b) assisted the Sunday Morning Breakfast Rescue Mission and heard some great stories; (c) able to see our good friends from Montvale Church; (d) heard Shane Claiborne give a talk at Bethel - the Church at Franklin Mills; (e) We (I) got to visit The Well church for the first time; (f) cheesesteaks at Steve’s Prince of Steaks; (g) slept on Bethel’s floors for the whole weekend

Seminary update: finishing up my class Developing Relationships in Community tomorrow so I’m excited to start a new class next week with Dr. Gary Schnittjer which covers Joshua-Chronicles 

Looking forward to: (1) my dad and I being a part of John Franke’s induction into the the role of Chairman of Missional Theology at Biblical Seminary - Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren will each speak for a session; (2) meeting a my new nephew who is coming sometime soon, we hope