Everyone needs a little chaos so they can have a story to tell

It's hard to really get beneath the surface with anyone and get into a deep conversation without finding out just how much struggle there is through this life. It just seems like the harder the try to do right, the tougher the roads are. But that makes sense, right? I mean, there is more friction when you walk on a rough surface.

Sometimes, the questions is why...why do we have to keep struggling through all of it? We ask God..."Why can't it just be easy for me this once? Just one time, God?" And sometimes I hear back..."It's because I want you to testify". In other words, He wants me to have a story to tell.

I was reminded of this talking to Aeriole this morning. I am sure it can't be easy carving out a new life and all the uncertainties that come with it. But it is with all of us regardless of the stage of lives...struggles. Now we can blame Adam and Eve for sinning or we can do what Joy reminds us to do...Find God in the midst of it. And I bet He'll say something along this lines to you while He graces you with His love and presence - "Everyone needs a little chaos so they can have a story to tell."

It's 12 days to my wedding and I ask Amy almost everyday if she understands what she's getting into with me and she asks me the same question. It's been an interesting journey to say the least...a few vehicle problems, ran out of gas once and almost killed each other when we got lost (or em...misplaced). But there has also been many exits filled with friends and family along the way that helped us stay on track. For that, I am eternally grateful to all of you.

A couple of more pictures that didn't make the cut...

Kerri Butler, an amazing upstart photographer (book her early and often) took our engagement pictures. She didn't an amazing job and for the record, I ruined most of the pictures. Here are a couple of other that didn't make it past the cutting room floor.

I like the second one a lot...but Amy wasn't crazy about what her fingers were doing. I am not sure too many people would have noticed them but since I again ruined the rest of them, I gave in.

Anyway, there are a few more somewhere...if I can get past the embarrassing faces I was making, I will post them. One more thing...in my defense, it was like 45 below zero when we were taking the pictures and keeping a straight face was just not that easy.

Marriage Counseling - 65 Days to Go

So if you are killing time reading this, you might want to find a new hobby. I'd say job but the job market is really lousy right now so I'll stick to hobby. If you know me, you probably already know that I will be taking the "plunge" pretty soon. What you probably don't know if that I actually have an app on my iPhone that is helping me count down.

Every so often, someone says to me, "April 10, that's coming up" or some variation of that. And my reply either vocally or internally is...not soon enough. That said, Amy and I began marriage counseling a week ago and I just wanted to blab about that for a bit.

I don't know much about marriage because unlike riding a bicycle, I have never done it before. Now, I understand that at the every least my life is going to change. However, this is one of those times that I wish I could document a season or the changing of the season with a little more artistic fortitude. I would love to get out a video camera and travel the world asking people for their advice on marriage. Now, I have a wealth of people to look up to and no doubt that there will be an abundance of resources to pool from thanks to God, his word and the people He placed in my life.

Since I can't do that, I think God that what He has provided in the likes of the Lotterer's, Parish's and Kreighbaum's is more than sufficient. Why 3 couples you ask? Well, I am sure there are things they want to learn from us. That last part was a joke.

Have any advice or preliminary words of wisdom you'd like to share, I am all ears. By the way, ladies and singles, feel free to give me your thoughts as well.

Terror Squad

Sometimes, I like to get lost in the meaningless things in life like Converse...Here's the updated look of the "Terror Squad".

Yes, you can say I have a problem. No, I don't. It's not like I have names for each of them individually. That would be ridiculous, right? Haha...who would do such a thing.

The 5th Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong....2010 Edition

It is back...the often imitated but never duplicated Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong. This will be the fifth edition. If you are keeping score, over the first four years, I have managed to go 45.5/71 for a 64.08% clip. I'd say that's pretty good. That doesn't include the predictions that came through the subsequent years but I digressed.

So before I get with this year's list, I just want to go through the rules again. This is in large part light hearted. I am not a prophet or psychic or something crazy. I just like to em...take a peak at a few things and make calls. Many of these are sports related while others personal. So here are your predictions...

1. We'll start with the economy. The Unemployment rate is stop rising and in fact start falling and by the time this year is over, it will be under 10%.

2. Apple (shockingly) comes out with yet another version of the iPhone as they continue to maintain their role as most popular smart phone and I will sit this one out.

3. Ndamukong Suh will be the first pick of the NFL Draft beating out the temptation for the St. Louis Rams to pick Jimmy Clausen. Bonus pick...Tim Tebow gets drafted in the Top 2 rounds.

4. I will take the GMAT (maybe twice) and I will score over 600 points! This is actually a prayer

5. Facebook goes Public so Mark Zuckerberg can reap the profits of his hard work.

6. The Kansas Jayhawks will win the 2010 NCAA Tournament! Book it!

7. The San Diego Chargers win the Superbowl! I make this pick every year and I figure that it is bound to happen in my lifetime...right? Wow...crickets.

8. I hate this call but I'll make it anyway...The New York Yankees repeat as World Series Champs

9. Finally, I break my 4+ year streak and leave the borders...overseas baby! Please, happen, please! PLEASE!

10. Another of my many friends that I have stood by during their nuptials will be an expecting parent (excluding those currently expecting). Trust me, there is something in the water...that is as soon as this snow crap dissipates.

11. Republicans won't like me for this one...it's not really a political statement but it has political implications...Another Supreme Court seat opens up.

12. Brett "Grandpa" Favre comes to the NFL for the 2010 NFL Season and remains a Viking

13. LeBron James defies conventional wisdom and rather than bolt for a bigger media market, re-ups with your Cleveland Cavs for lots of cash!

14. I will finally stop shuffling my feet and apply to get into a PhD program...maybe Arkansas, North Carolina, somewhere in Texas...but I will take that next step.

15. Now...this bold prediction is concerning the BCS Championship tonight. Now, I am 4/4 in my predictions on this game since I started. I have a saying...when in doubt, go with the team bigger, stronger and faster. That team will be Alabama. They are to good, too fast and too complete not to dominate the line of scrimmage from start to finish.

Perhaps the only position Texas is better is the QB position. There is just no way Texas wins this game. *Sigh* That said, you know where this is going. You know who I am going to pick and you know it is not Alabama. My head says the Crimson Tide but the intangibles tell me pick Texas. The #2 team has won 6/7 BCS Championships. The last Heisman winner to win a BCS Championship in the same year was 2005 USC Trojans with Matt Leinart. The last 3 have whiffed. So, I am going to defy all things reasonable and go with the Longhorns.

So...there you have it. 15 predictions sure to go wrong. Am I crazy...insane, on the money? Let me have it...

An Ode to Facebook- My Favorite Status Updates of the Year

Pardon me while I indulge myself. I recently read Kerri's Blog as she chronicled a year's worth of information written in her planner and I thought I should take a peak back myself. Now, I do have a planner but I am not that dedicated to it. However, Facebook allows us the chance to look back at our status updates and I thought to go through them and find out the more intriguing one chronologically. First I must warn...my stuff isn't going to be as meaningful and as deep as Kerri's. So here we go...

Jan 01 2009 - Ugo Alexander Nwagwu (UAN) is happily at work!
Jan 09 2009 - UAN is predicting a Gator repeat for next year!
Jan 12 2009 - UAN had an amazing God Weekend in Omaha
Jan 20 2009 - UAN is trying to weigh his "can do" with God's "should do"

Feb 10 2009 - UAN just got done screaming around the block with his nephew! Best lunch break in a long while!
Feb 12 2009 - UAN wants to be in good hands
Feb 12 2009 - UAN thinks being in good hands is too expensive
Feb 25 2009 - UAN with a cold stare and ice running through his veins slew the 4 Headed Dragon. Let 02/24/09 live in infamy as the day he conquered the CPA!

Mar 5 2009 - UAN is going to bed before 12.30am for the third straight day...if you text him, he'll hurt you!
Mar 16 2009 - UAN is going fishing. Yeah...say what?
March 30 2009 - UAN is having a fiesta of previously unfelt emotions after his nephew called him Uncle today! What is this salty liquid discharge coming from his eyes?

April 2 2009 - UAN is wondering why life's giving him the finger today
April 8 2009 - UAN traded in the Celica. Goodbye Celica...as far as cars go, you were his first true love :'(

May 5 2009 - UAN loves the IRS
May 15 2009 - UAN won two tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert playing Bingo last night. Hey, doesn't matter the game, he plays to win.
May 27 2009 - UAN can't help but smile as the Red Devils burn in hell...sorry, Rome.

June 5 2009 - UAN just had two doughnuts; one to celebrate National Doughnut Day and the other to help heal his ailing ego.
June 16 2009 - UAN wants to keep reading Isaiah 40:12-31 over and over and over again...
June 23 2009 - UAN got his nightly beatdown from Zyrtec and now he is paying the price. Good thing he has nasty Folgers to dull the pain.

July 4 2009 - UAN holds these truths to be self evident; that all men were created equally and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights...
July 7 2009 - UAN is about to go under but unlike Sarah Palin's political career, he'll be back up better than ever...Seriously, thanks for all your prayers.
July 28 2009 - UAN is jumping off the Vikings sinking ship!

Aug 3 2009 - UAN decided to try one session of P90x...now he's not sure that program was ever intended for humans.
Aug 7 2009 - UAN had the best jambalaya ever at Mother's! Wow..next up is Cafe du Monde. Oh, yeah it was great to see his sister again!
Aug 11 2009 - UAN just played his first game of basketball since his knee surgery...knee hurts like a mother...hit the game winner which makes it worth it.
Aug 18 2009 - UAN is re-booking his seat on the Minnesota Vikings Bandwagon as sources are strongly indicating FAVRE COULD BE SIGNING!

Sep 9 2009 - UAN is watching the clock at 09:09 on 09/09/09
Sep 21 2009 - UAN "The summer days are gone too soon, you shoot the moon, and miss completely...Now the fall is here again, you can't begin to give in..."
Sep 30 2009 - UAN wonders why raw tomatoes taste like laundry detergent to him.

Oct 12 2009 - UAN would like to lay his hands on the punk that stole his iPhone!
Oct 13 2009 - UAN has a schedule for a deep tissue massage at noon today...hopefully "Gretchen" can pound out the knots in his back.
Oct 15 2009 - UAN has a suggestion for all the billing companies that want me to go paperless...make it worth my time i.e. deduct the cost of mailing my bill (you know the 44cents) from my bill and we will be in business.
Oct 22 2009 - UAN is installing the new Windows 7. So geeked up right now!
Oct 31 2009 - UAN is a P90x graduate with a 70 consecutive days workout streak.

Nov 4 2009 - UAN loves the perks of working at a fresh produce company! Honey Crisp? Don't mind if I do!
Nov 6 2009 - UAN loves the Black Jack Taco from Taco Bell!
Nov 19 2009 - UAN has Facebook Status Update Writers Block
Nov 23 2009 - UAN woke up this morning to three little birds outside his door step singing sweet songs of melody pure and true - "Don't worry about a thing; Cause every little thing is gonna be alright."

Dec 1 2009 - UAN had a dream last night about giving his grandmother a hug. It was actually quite moving.
Dec 10 2009 - UAN "Alea iacta est"
Dec 21 2009 - UAN "Knowing you Jesus; there is no greater thing."
Dec 28 2009 - UAN is looking foward to Brunch with Phil, Jake and Jon

Wow...what a year...what a life. If you are reading this, you are probably a part of that life and I thank you.

Deperate People

You cross the great divide, You took our place
You offered up Your life, for we have failed
The veil was torn and love remained
You are holy Lord

Distraction costs us, how we seek Your face
We offer up our lives to bring You praise
A love the walls cannot contain
You are holy Lord

We're rising up in spirit and in truth
A living sacrifice we worship You
People undivided Lord hear us sing
We are Yours and You are our King

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase Your heart

We didn't come to leave here entertained
Or worship under any other name
We're crying out for You alone
You are holy Lord

We're rising up in spirit and in truth
A living sacrifice we worship You
People undivided Lord hear us sing
We are Yours and You are our king

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase Your heart

Show us the way to Your heart

We found our voice
We found our cause
We're on our knees, the carpet's worn
We join our hearts
With distant shores sing to You Lord

This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
This is our love
Hearts joined as one
Desperate for all You are
Lord break down these walls
And see how we love
Desperate for all You are
We chase your heart
We chase your heart

Hillsong United. "Desperate People"

2009 Predictions in Review

We are down to hours and minutes before this year is over (unless you are in Oceania and in that case you have about 365 days to go) and it is time to make Predictions and Resolutions which in most part will all fail. But it's okay because the preparations and plans for a new year and decade are never the same without the aforementioned predictions and resolutions.

It's been an exciting year for me but 2010 is bound to be more life altering than 2009 for obvious reasons. However now isn't the time to make predictions...it's time to review them. With that, here is your (technically my) "2009 Predictions Sure to go wrong" in review.

1. Gators!!! Yes...the Florida Gators will beat the Oklahoma Sooners in the biggest College football game of the year and be crowned National Champions!

The Gators with a daunting defense shut down the Sooners to win their 2nd Championship in 3 years. Tally so far 1/1.

2. The economy will get worse before it gets better. However, the DOW Jones Industrial Average, an index that acts as a barometer for the health of US Companies will finish the year above 10,000.

When I wrote this, the economy was in a tail spin an the DOW Jones fell to a decade low 6547 Points in March. However, baring a historic collapse in the next few hours, the DOW will finish above said 10,000 points. Tally so far 2/2

3. An annual pick...the San Diego Super Chargers will be Superbowl Champs! Okay...fan pick but did you see what they did to the Colts? If they replicate that game play this week...it will be hard for the Steelers to win that game.

Chargers didn't....no further comments (why, oh why!)....Tally so far 2/3.

4. Apple will come out with another version of the iPhone and there is a very good chance they'll sucker me into getting it.

On June 19 2009, Apple came out with the iPhone 3GS...on June 19 2009, I received my shipment of the device...score. Looking good at 3 of 4.

5. There will be scandals galore when the spending of the bailout cash doled out by the US Treasury last year are reviewed. Some business executives and or politicians will be fighting for their careers.

Without going into details aplenty...Score this one in my book. Scandals regarding bonuses using Tax Payers Dime was all the rage in the summer. Several Bank CEOs have received the boot including Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis. 4/5

6. The defending NCAA Bball National Champion, KANSAS JAYHAWKS! will find away to make the tournament but the Tar Heels of North Carolina will be Crowned National Champions in NCAA Basketball...they are too good not to.

Yes and Yes! Score this in the win column...5/6

7. Sam Bradford sadly for him will declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft and yes be snagged by the hapless Detroit Lions. Hopefully, the money he makes will buy him happiness.

Now, in my defense, he should have listened to me. Instead, he had an injury plagued season and probably cost himself $Millions in the process. 5/7

8. Yahoo Inc. will be acquired by someone...maybe Microsoft, Time Warner maybe, but someone will acquire Yahoo.

Came really close to happening but close isn't good enough. 5/8

9. Chrysler will merge with GM to save themselves from going under

Chrysler instead made a pact with Fiat. Close but no cigar. 5/9

10. I will be stuck within these boarders again for the 3rd straight year...the longest streak since the one which ended in 1995...so sad.

I was stuck in these boarders and it was sad. Maybe we can turn the tide in 2010. 6/10

11. Assuming Tim Tebow, the all world QB of the Gators stays in school, those Florida Gators will face the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 version of the BCS Championship game.

Tim Tebow came back and came close but in the end, I was one game from making this call happen. Texas gets in so I get half a point- 6.5/11.

12. The BCS will announce plans for a plus playoff scenario for College Football.

Hasn't happened yet...ugh...but there is a ground swell. 6.5/12

13. I will be a licensed Certified Public Accountant...wish me all the best.

YAY! I have the Certificate to Prove it! 7.5/13

14. Book this one...one of my many friends that I have stood by as they have tied the knot will be another expecting father.

Josh H. and Jen H. are expecting a child (hopefully a girl). Can't wait! 8.5/14

15. You've heard of Stephon Curry of Davidson, right? Well, remember this name...Seth Curry. You will come March as Liberty University...yes, the Flames will be there and Seth Curry will lead them there.

EPIC FAIL. 8.5/15

16. Oh...I'll probably be involved in someone's wedding...haha. That's me coming out of retirement.

Jonathan, it was an honor. Babies by the end of the year perhaps? Too soon? 9.5/16

17. Now for the Hail Mary of the Day...the Chicago Cubs will finally break the curse of the Billy Goat and make it to the World Series! Now, I don't like the Cubs so I figured I'd ruin their season before it starts.

EPIC FAIL 2. 9.5/17

So the final tally is 9.5/17...a sub par 55%. Came close on a few and whiffed on others. Stay tuned for the 2010 edition of Predictions sure to go wrong. No one cares about this list but I love to look back and chuckle at the good and yes, even the bad calls. Happy New Year Everyone...wishing you a prosperous 2010.

Best of times and Worst of times

Lately, I have found myself humming/singing two of my favorite worship songs, "Know You Jesus" and "To Carry to Glory." I believe those song titles are right. Coincidentally, they were both written by Harold Forbis (I believe anyway)...but that really isn't the point.

Life lately has been bitter sweet and as close to those extremes as they can be. I asked my best friend to marry me and she said yes...the feelings that followed are indescribable. My younger brother Ben graduated and got a job...a good job in this turbulent economy. I am happy for him and I am proud of him. I always tease him about being a vampire because he was always home during the day and no where to be found at night. But kudos to him for working hard and graduating from the MBA program. Also, Christmas is around the corner...not because of the gifts but the reminder that Jesus came and for one purpose only; To reconcile man with God. My relationship with Him (which needs to get better) isn't just a part of my life, it's all of it.

Now the bitter side of things, I won't go into a whole lot but some of you may already know what I am talking about. But all of it...good, bad, ugly remains meaningless if they don't all serve to carry the Glory of God, and out of knowing Jesus. I am learning that if you can't change your circumstance, you can still change your posture and your reactions because you continue to remain accountable for those things.

Habakkuk couldn't have put it any better in Chapter 3: 17-19

¹⁷ Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls—
¹⁸ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
¹⁹ The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

So while I'll continue to pray for certain circumstances to change or be different, I'll continue to sing Knowing you Jesus; there is no greater thing.

Statement Addressing Engagement Rumors on my Facebook Wall

Tuesday, December 15th 2009 - There have been multiple congratulations and felicitations on my Facebook leading to rumors that Amy I am engaged. I would like to publicly address these allegations. These rumors are neither baseless nor falsified. They are in fact true. On Friday, December 11th, 2009, I asked Amy to marry me and she said yes! I also want to go on the record to say that she was fully cognitive when she was asked and when she answered. No truth to the rumors that her answer was due to fatigue from traveling back from Green Bay or the sparkle from the bling.

I understand the media's insatiable appetite for rumors but I would ask that you do not respect our privacy concerning this matter (basically, hound Amy, not me). I truly want to thank you all for your support in this very exciting time of our lives.

Any further questions should be directed to the comment section on this post. Thanks!

Clash of the Titans (1981) - Rated PG

Growing up, I didnt' watch a lot of Television (TV) or movies. It was probably due to the fact that from age 10 - 14, I was in a boarding school and prior to that, my parents just didn't buy a lot movies. In addition, at the time, there weren't many movie theaters around the city where I grew up. That said, one of the movies I watched at least a dozen times in my childhood was the 80s flick, Clash of the Titans.

Clash of the Titans in essence was the movie of my childhood and if you've seen it, chances are that you grew up in the 80s and maybe early 90s. I hadn't thought much about it until about two weeks ago when I stumbled unto the trailer of a remake coming out in March staring Liam Neeson as Zeus. The trailer got me all pumped...so much so that I went to Hasting and purchased the original in attempt to get ready for the remake. It cost me a small fortune- $11.79 after taxes to be exact and it was totally worth it (nostalgic valuation applied of course).

Now, for personal reasons, I do not make movie recommendations especially movies that I saw "a long time ago" but if you decide to see this movie, I will warn you that it does contain nudity which surprised me since I watched it with my siblings many times. What was also surprising was it's PG rating.

Overall, I found it still entertaining although the clay-mation and pseudo-animation was laugh inducing. The acting was actually better than I expected and the storyline was interesting to say the least. I am looking forward to watching the remake in the theater next year. There are movies that should never be remade in my opinion but this is one flick that I believe is due for a remake.

The Sound of 1:53am

I got into my car after walking Amy to her door; We had just returned from an OU Texas A&M blowout in Norman. I started making my way home at 1.53am and I did something I usually do when I am by myself in the car which is listen to public radio. It took a second but then the most beautiful song started...

It was a female vocalist singing in a language that I couldn't identify yet alone understand. And I she sang, the only instrument I could hear was an acoustic guitar. As I listened practically in a trance, I tried to imagine what she was singing about...something positive, perhaps, I thought to myself. Sweet sounding songs should be positive...or at least optimistic or about something, hopefully someone...love maybe.

I realize something about myself. I tend to write or compose when I am sad or my life is in disarray which is why I am yet to compose anything meaningful in almost two years. Now, that doesn't mean that life has been a bed of roses. Actually, save for a few bright spots, it's been quite tough and challenging. The difference this time is that, I recognize that everything I need to get through this life has been provided to me by God and I am surrounded by it all...friends, family, nature, life, the seasons and my best friend.

So since I can't compose anything, I am going to indulge in those who can. The song I hear a little over an hour ago was sung by a lady named Sarah according to the announcer at the end. I don't know where she is from nor do I know what she was singing about. I prefer it that way...otherwise, I could find out that she sang about war, famine, poverty and sorrow. I think I'll take my ignorance bliss to go and thank her for the tunes in my head that will eventually put me to bed.

Learning through Coaching

I don't think too much about being a dad someday. I don't think too much about it because I have never thought I'd make much of a good one plus the fact that I am unmarried makes the concept so foreign. I think about parenthood as a way that God shows you all your flaws in one instance but yet at the same time he shows you all the grace he has towards you...that is of course, if you serve him.

I have spent the last 7 weeks helping coach a group of 15 6th graders...well, 14 6th graders, and a 4th grader. I accepted Joey's job offer as an assistant coach because I wanted to show up the other teams with my knowledge of football. Problem is that no one told me that to be able to coach 6th grade football, I would have to attempt to understand 6th graders. No one told me that to understand them, I would have to put aside my own selfishness and sense of self worth. Well, we have played five and won a total of zero.

Now we did have a tie and last week, the team we played billed as the best needed a safety to win. On that play, we played with one less player than they did. Okay...that's getting me away from the point I am trying to make which is, we haven't won a game yet as the season winds down, I realize just how much I have learned from trying to teach. So what have I learned.

1. To be a parent, coach, friend, leader...half the battle is showing up...over and over again regardless of the results. They know you care when you are there.

2. 6th graders have the attention span of well...6th graders and it's about 6 minutes long so be straight to be point and quick about it.

3. 6th graders care just as much as I do about winning but they move on from losses a lot quicker.

4. You can go a longer way with an encouraging word than you can with a critical one. "You are playing hard but I need more out of you" sounds better than, "why did you miss that blocking assignment"

5. Coaching to their strengths is beyond just a talent issue; sometimes, it's more of a mental issue.

6. 6th graders can also be on emotional roller-coasters and it is okay.

7. Most times kids act up just for attention but sometimes that's why they try hard too.

8. Kids want you to be interested in other parts of their lives...yes, the one that you don't care about.

9. This generation of kids will be the smartest of all generations to date but if you don't do them right, they will turn out to be the laziest. They need mentors and fathers like never before.

10. Perhaps most importantly, I learned that there are much better fathers out there...Bob Romine has a way with them like you won't believe. Basically, you are never alone as a parent unless you want to be.

11. I also learned that I have a lot to learn...yeah, that's shocking, right?

At the beginning, I thought to myself that this isn't something I'd ever want to do again but I think I want to do it again next year. It's a sacrifice of time and energy but it's rewarding for the kids who have turned into my teachers.

So who even comes close to being like God?

Who has scooped up the ocean in his two hands
Or measured the sky between his thumb and little finger
Who has put all the earth's dirt in one of his baskets,
Weighed each mountain and hill?

Who could ever have told God what to do
Or taught him his business?
What expert would he have gone to for advice,
What school would he attend to learn justice?

What god do you suppose might have taught him what he knows,
Showed him how things work?
Why, the nations are but a drop in a bucket,
A mere smudge on a window.

Watch him sweep up the islands like so much dust off the floor!
There aren't enough trees in Lebanon nor enough animals in those vast forests
To furnish adequate fuel and offerings for his worship.
All the nations add up to simply nothing before him—less than nothing is more like it. A minus.

So who even comes close to being like God?
To whom or what can you compare him?
Some no-god idol? Ridiculous!
It's made in a workshop, cast in bronze,

Given a thin veneer of gold and draped with silver filigree.
Or, perhaps someone will select a fine wood—olive wood, say—that won't rot,
Then hire a woodcarver to make a no-god
Giving special care to its base so it won't tip over!

Have you not been paying attention?
Have you not been listening?
Haven't you heard these stories all your life?
Don't you understand the foundation of all things?

God sits high above the round ball of earth.
The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.

The rulers of the earth count for nothing; Princes and rulers don't amount to much.
Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.

"So—who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy.
Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
Counts them off, calls each by name—so magnificent! so powerful!—and never overlooks a single one?

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out
Doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired
Gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out
Young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired
They walk and don't lag behind.

Isaiah 40: 12-31
The Message Bible

The 4th Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong....2009 Edition

Yes! It is back...the often imitated but never duplicated Annual Predictions Sure to go Wrong. This will be the fourth edition. Not that anyone is keeping score but over the first 3 years, I have managed to go 36/54 which is a tidy 66.67%...

Now without further ado...here is your "Predictions Sure for go Wrong for 2009!"

1. Gators!!! Yes...the Florida Gators will beat the Oklahoma Sooners in the biggest College football game of the year and be crowned National Champions!

2. The economy will get worse before it gets better. However, the DOW Jones Industrial Average, an index that acts as a barometer for the health of US Companies will finish the year above 10,000.

3. An annual pick...the San Diego Super Chargers will be Superbowl Champs! Okay...fan pick but did you see what they did to the Colts? If they replicate that game play this week...it will be hard for the Steelers to win that game.

4. Apple will come out with another version of the iPhone and there is a very good chance they'll sucker me into getting it.

5. There will be scandals galore when the spending of the bailout cash doled out by the US Treasury last year are reviewed. Some business executives and or politicians will be fighting for their careers.

6. The defending NCAA Bball National Champion, KANSAS JAYHAWKS! will find away to make the tournament but the Tar Heels of North Carolina will be Crowned National Champions in NCAA Basketball...they are too good not to.

7. Sam Bradford sadly for him will declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft and yes be snagged by the hapless Detroit Lions. Hopefully, the money he makes will buy him happiness.

8. Yahoo Inc. will be acquired by someone...maybe Microsoft, Time Warner maybe, but someone will acquire Yahoo

9. Chrysler will merge with GM to save themselves from going under

10. I will be stuck within these boarders again for the 3rd straight year...the longest streak since the one which ended in 1995...so sad.

11. Assuming Tim Teebow, the all world QB of the Gators stays in school, those Florida Gators will face the Texas Longhorns in the 2010 version of the BCS Championship game.

12. The BCS will announce plans for a plus playoff scenario for College Football.

13. I will be a licensed Certified Public Accountant...wish me all the best.

14. Book this one...one of my many friends that I have stood by as they have tied the knot will be another expecting father.

15. You've heard of Stephon Curry of Davidson, right? Well, remember this name...Seth Curry. You will come March as Liberty University...yes, the Flames will be there and Seth Curry will lead them there.

16. Oh...I'll probably be involved in someone's wedding...haha. That's me coming out of retirement.

17. Now for the Hail Mary of the Day...the Chicago Cubs will finally break the curse of the Billy Goat and make it to the World Series! Now, I don't like the Cubs so I figured I'd ruin their season before it starts.

Let me know what you think...send comments or emails. I took more risks this time and I expect this to be the worst here yet but hey, we'll see this time next year. But for now...GO GATORS!!!

Happy 2009! To all of You...Predictions for 2008 in Review

In the words of my good friend Jean K. Jean, France's own original Def Jam Comedy Import "IN-CRE-AH-BLE!" That's how you describe the year that was 2008 in virtually every facet. Wow! Name the topic and 2008 was a year to remember! Best of all, the Kingdom of God is still expanding and the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

For the fourth year in a roll, I am going to write a note tagged "Predictions sure to go Wrong in (Insert Year)" but what I like to do the first day is review the Prior Year's predictions. Here is the list...

1. Barack Obama will win the Iowa Caucus for the Democrats, and Huckabee, the Republicans Sure happened as I said so 1/1

2. That same Obama chap will pull off the Democratic Nomination and go on to be the first Black POTUS…hey, don't hate the messenger. Ditto...wow was it exciting...so 2/2

3. LSU will beat Ohio State and be crowned as National Champions in the NCAA Football Bowl Series World. 3/3...I am on a roll

4. The San Diego Chargers will shock the Pro Football World and win the Super Bowl (fan pick, I know).
Okay...first strike but they were one game away from the big one...3/4

5. I will end the year with my weight below the Mendoza Line (for those who don't know, the Mendoza Line is 200). Okay this one is tricky because until my eating binge this past few days, I did but whatever...3/5

6. Microsoft Corporation will come out with or plans for a superdupermagnastastic device (no, not Surface) and my money is on a new phone to compete with the iPhone. ...bit the dust on that one. They did manage to crash all Zunes! 3/6

7. I won't be involved (in any significant manner anyway) in any weddings period. I am retiring from all that stuff (for the year anyway). I succeeded...now I am going to unretire...4/7

8. The US Economy will teeter on the brink of a recession…but it won't quite hit one. Boy did we hit a freight train of a recession or what...wow 4/8

9. I will be forced to stay in the country again without any opportunities to leave for the 2nd straight year and it will be sad and I may cry (I am kidding on the crying part). Sadly, I was right...5/9

10. Florida and Oklahoma will be chosen to meet in the 2009 BCS Championship Games. Now this has to be the call of the year! Trying to pat myself on the back but my arm is sore 6/10

11. Oil prices will end the year below the $100 a barrel mark. Thankfully so! 7/11

12. I will be on the verge of finishing one book or start writing another. Lets move on, shall we? 7/12

13. Doug will have another opportunity through the hands of God to go to another country which he hasn't been to before. ...did he? I don't recall. I'll put an incomplete here and someone let me know

14. Facebook will overtake MySpace as the most popular Social Networking site (not necessarily by numbers but by Q Rating) Right on again...Facebook is taking it to Myspace like "insert NFL team" took it to the Detroit Lions this season 8/13

15. Apple will come out another version of both the iPhone and the iPod sticking it to anyone who care to buy the biggest and latest coolest technology out there…fools like me. They do it all the time...it was a gimme call 9/14

So 9/14...64% completion rate! That would land you in the Pro Bowl at QB. Well...I will be writing up the next round of predictions later and keep an eye out for it.

PS: If here is a link to the original predictions if you care enough which you probably don't. Oh and if you have something you want me to make a call on...leave a suggestion in the comment and it might make the list.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&FriendID=48086692&blogMonth=1&blogDay=5&blogYear=2008

News Flash..."It's not about Me...." or you for that matter...

In the midst of a rough couple of weeks, I found myself reluctantly reading a book by Max Lucado called..."It's not about me". I know what you are thinking...that I need to read that book because I am very selfish and self-centered. Well, I'd have to agree with you there.

While I am not done yet, what I can say about what I have read so far is that I am ever amazed at the "cannot-comprehend-able" bigness of the God that we serve...and how He loves us. That last part blows my mind because I realize that I am not good enough, never have been and never will be. The best part of it is that I don't have to be! If it was about me, then it will be up to me to figure out this life...and all it's whys and God knows (literally) that I have no shot at that. But it is all about Him (God) and His son (Jesus) and as a result, I can find my security and my identity in Him.

Well, that's all I have...I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter where you are or where you've been or where you are headed, the moment you let go of you...the moment you stop looking at the mirror...the moment you let go and let God...it changes everything. I am not there yet or even close but I am working on it.

Like a Toothache, I am ready for it to all be over...

To me, this has been the longest political season of my life! It has lasted almost 21 months in my head. Don't get me wrong, I follow politics year around in season and out of season. I think it is because my dad exposed me to the news early and often as a child. It is strange because I have begun sounding like a pundit and most of my analysis seems to be on point with the mainstream media.

But, that said, I am ready for these elections to be over! It certainly isn't because I can't take more of it or because suddenly I have lost interest. It is because that I have a life outside of all of it!!! I have a major exam coming up two weeks from today...I have a day job and most importantly, because of my relationships.

Listen, I love my friends! That's it. I love my family and I also love my church family! The problem is that, these debates between everyone concerning the two presidential candidates (sorry Cordell, I have no respect for third party candidates) is getting way too personal. It is so bad that other than a select few people, I refuse to have a conversation about it.

To anyone whom I have offended by my politics and my positions, I do not apologize but I want you to know that I don't care where we live or under what circumstance...I love you and you mean more than that to me. Let us put aside what separates us and unite around what is important to us which is Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God. Because, Obama and McCain will pass off the scene but the Kingdom won't and it is our job to see to that.

That's really all I have to say because no matter who wins tomorrow, when we face our maker at the end, it won't be what political ideologies we believe in or what party we belong to, it will be about what we did with the Talents and opportunities God gave us and if that helps expand the Kingdom. Please vote as is your civic right and responsibility. Let God be your guild but in the end, the outcome won't shock him. You are not big enough to mess up God's plan for your life or this country.

Now, later, I might blog on how I think things will pan out in terms of the elections. Maybe...

Back by Popular Demand: Why October is the Best Month of the Year!

Every, I re-publish a list of why October is the best month of the Year. Most of you have seen it and are probably tired of it. But I am taking a walk with a certain special somebody yesterday evening and the weather was simply amazing and I started to talk about October and it position as the aforementioned. Number 12 on this list is brand new!

Well, needless to say, I decided to go ahead and republish it...so here it is!

1. October undoubtedly has the best weather. It gives you everything, heat, cold, rain, dryness. If you love the heat and its cold, the sun is usually out to toast your buns a little. Nature is great in October...that's when the leaves begin to change colors and looks and ah ya ya...it makes you feel alive!

2. If you love sports, well congratulations. Why? Because Baseball is in its post-season, Football is fully in season and so is soccer (European Leagues) and if you love basketball and hockey, they are in their preseason. All major sports are on and even some minor sports are on.

3. Students, you've probably settled into the grove of school but grades are not an issue yet. I mean, you have two months to get through whatever slump you are in and to get into a grove (this is a shout out to Jon Sperry. Hang in there my friend). If you are a parent, your kids look more confident and have more moxy or mojo.

4. For all you ladies out there, you entire wardrobe is open to you. Short Sleeves, long sleeves, sweats, dresses, shoes open, shoes closed, flip flops, no shoes...

5. If you love the outdoors and love doing stuff outside, you can do whatever you want to do and don't have to worry as much about the heat or getting sun burnt. Go to the park, take longer walks, runs, lose weight. You can go Sky Diving, jump off a bridge, para-sailing, scuba diving. The list is endless.

6. Candy galore because of Halloween. I mean, candy calories in October do not count because it is an accepted practice. You get to dress funky for Halloween and no one thinks you are a dork. Yes, Spidy outfit is only hot in October if you are a grownup.

7. Christmas is around the corner but far enough away where you can plan and budget and not feel rushed. Plus if you buy something for someone and your relationship changes for the better or worse, you have enough time to make the appropriate changes.

8. Gas mileage is best in October. Why? You don't need your A/C to combat the heat and if you never had A/C, turn on the fan and a nice breeze. You don't have to deal with warming your car up yet so you can hold off your jealously for those with Auto start.

9. Sales, Sales, Sales. Sales on everything you need next summer are great in October. From a New Car (from dealers trying to makes space for the next year's Models), a Motorcycle (prices drop because no one rides in the winter), summer clothes, summer vacation, the list is endless.

10. Nigeria's Independence day is October 1, my parent's birthdays are both in October...the World Series is in October...what more do you want!!!

11. Everyone is nicer in October, why? Because of all the reasons above. Cops smile more, service in restaurants are great, moms, dads, kids are all gleaming with the October buzz.

12. (NEW!)...It is peak of Political Coverage during election year! If you love politics, every major election, you will be tickled pink during October! If you don't like politics, the above 11 are still reasons to be uber excited about October. For those like love politics...debates, yard signs, negative ads, SNL skits, positive ads, mud slinging, poo slinging...all in anticipation of that first Tuesday in November.

"Oh, by the way, my birthday is October 26 in case you forgot. ;-)."

Blogging Time! Olympics, Job Update, DNC, CPA, Obama and the Fleeting Fall Season

Ah! Been so long since I have blogged but I have a lot to cover so I will get on it! For whatever reason, I feel fired up this morning...it may be the little sleep and coffee working me but that is the story of my life. So I got a few topics to cover so let's go!

Olympics- Simply put, the 2008 Beijing Olympics were the best in History, period! Okay, take away the allegations about societal oppression and the smog laden city and yes, BEST OLYMPICS EVER! Maybe the smog wasn't so bad because World and Olympic Records was getting toasted like flaming pop tarts...in all sports. The two stories that will resonate beyond the Games would be the domination of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt in swimming and track respectively. Between the both of them 8 world record fell...EIGHT! These guy weren't just winning, they were embarrassing the record books. Case in point with the 9.69s record in the 100m set by Insane Bolt...he did it while having time to spread his arms and thump his chest before crossing the finish line. I have to admit that as much as I pulled for him, watching him run with so much ease was sickening. I still say that his feats will resonate worldwide more than Phelps but both are equally impressive.

Job Update- Job is going well...

DNC- Now that Olympics are over, the Party Conventions will dominate my TV screen (when I have time that is) for the next couple of weeks. Right now, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is going on and I will tune into some of that but it is really interesting drama with the Clintons. I am looking forward to the acceptance speech I must say. I know...geek alert.

CPA...2 exams down, two to go. I was lucky enough to have almost a 3 week break. Problem now is breaking out of the break which is 3 days overdue. My life is effectively over till the 12th of November. But we press on.

Obama- I want to say something about this dude. The GOP has done a GREAT job painting this guy as so many things negative. Some personally outlandish and downright silly. I guess what I want to say is that you can learn a lot about a guy from how he has raised his family and if I am judging between both presidential candidates on that, I have to go with Barack still. I think Paul says in Timothy (paraphrasing here), if a man can't take care of his family, how can he lead in the church and I think there is a parallel with running a country. But what do I know.

Fall Season- Football, Futbol, Changing Leaves, Great Weather, Baseball Playoffs, Heroes, Presidential Elections, My birthday...these are a few of my favorite things!