Time for my yearly complaint

Every year at this time, I feel frustrated as a fan of College Football. Why? Simply, the system stinks. We let .500 teams go to bowl games to pad the bank accounts of corporations and deny College Football a true champion. Conferences like the Big 12 have been sucked into the system because frankly a team that goes to the National Championship game brings a lot of money to all the schools in the conference. So, today, Texas is left sitting at home because the pollsters like Oklahoma better. Texas...#3 in the nation will not get to play for a National Championship because someone needs to get richer. It's not right. I think the same could be said for many teams.

The argument for the current system is that more teams can participate in bowls and that it keeps the regular season meaningful. I'll use yesterday's Bedlam game as an example. Say, we have an 8 team playoff. You think that game is not meaningful for both teams. If Oklahoma State wins, they could get into the playoff. OU loses and they are probably out.

Here's my suggestion..(I would prefer a 16 team playoff, but will settle on Obama's 8 team playoff). Also, I think there should be no automatic bids....dumbest thing in the world. Let it be the best 8 regardless of conference.

According to the new BCS, here's the first round....#1 Alabama vs. #8 Penn State, #2 Oklahoma vs. #7 Texas Tech, #3 Texas vs. #6 Utah, #4 Florida vs. #5 USC. You could play all games at traditional bowl sites in traditional bowl games.

Who is with me and Obama?

Top 5 Things I'm most Thankful for

1. My God - No one else has done more for me in my life than God. He sent his son, Jesus, to die on the Cross for my sins. He leads me beside still waters. He guides me along life's journey. He comforts me. He encourages me. He is the everlasting God and I'm incredibly grateful for all he has done.

2. My wife and girls - Sasha is a fantastic mother and wife. She keeps us all going. She works hard at school teaching 3rd grade and oversees our Kid's Ministries at the church. She is kind, thoughtful and loving. My girls are the joy of my life. They make me laugh and smile. They are both sweet. I'm very grateful today for my wife and girls.

3. My family - I'm thankful for the Godly heritage that I have on both sides of my family tree. I'm thankful for my mom and dad. I'm thankful for my grandparents. I'm thankful for my aunts, uncles, cousins and neices. Oh yeah, I'm thankful for my sister too. :)

4. My friends - I'm blessed to have some of the best friends in the world. I'm thankful for each and everyone of them especially Brian, Darrell and Michael. Those three guys have been there for me numerous times and I'm grateful for them today.

5. Cornerstone - I'm thankful to God today for allowing me the honor of pastoring His church. I do not take it lightly. I'm also thankful for the leaders, workers and volunteers that make things happen. I'm thankful for Pastor John and Rachel. I'm thankful for every family and person that attends Cornerstone.

I'm blessed.

Thankful for days like today

1. We put up the Christmas decor today. Mackenzie was two weeks old last time we put up the tree. Last year, we were moving during the holidays. So, we didn't put up the tree.

2. I put up Christmas lights outside for the first time in my life. Suprisingly, it wasn't as much of a chore as I thought it would be.

3. We have photo frame stocking holders. Mady has a tradition of coloring a picture of each family member and putting the drawing in the frame.

4. My dad is here for the Thanksgiving holidays. Mom and Bill were here last week. The girls enjoy the grandparents being around.

Thankful for Teamwork

Teamwork makes the Dream work. Last night was evidence of great teamwork. We had over 20 people that came together to help decorate the church for Christmas. Pastor John made some incredible Gumbo. Several had gathered around 3:30 to pull out the decorations. By the time we ate at 6:00, we were well on our way to having things in place. After getting folks assigned during the meal, we had people working all over the church. Beverly helped us know where everything went and the church looks fantastic.

Thank you Cornerstone family for coming together and helping make the church look awesome for the Christmas season. :)

**EDIT: The above line "we had people working all over the church" was edited from "we ate people working all over the church." At Cornerstone, we do not practice Cannibalism. :)**

The Little Things

Over the next week, I'm going to take the time to blog about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for the little things.....the times I look at my girls in a peaceful sleep....the unexpected monetary blessing...the moments when Sasha watches sports with me (like last night's Mavs victory over the Rockets)...a phone call from an old friend...

It is the little blessings in life that I'm thankful for.

BTW, just checked and both girls are sound asleep.

Sunday Five

1. We wrapped up "The Power of Love" series. This week's message was from Luke 6. It was on "Loving our Enemies."

2. Huge props to the Staleys for doing Kid's Church to give Sasha a chance to be in the sanctuary. Thank you guys for your servant's heart.

3. Jake did a great job speaking last night. His message on obedience was fantastic. It's always great to hear from one of our Missionaries.

4. It was great having my Mom and Bill in service on Sunday Morning. I love having my family in service.

5. We had a great time at the fellowship after service last night. Several stuck around. Pastor John made an outstanding Calzone Ring. Tammy cooked some Chicken Casserole that was awesome. Plus, we watched part of the Cowboys victory over the Redskins. Most of us left about halftime. It was fun hanging with the Cornerstone family.

Friday Sports Musings

1. I cannot believe how bad the Mavs are. I in no way thought they would win it all this year, but I didn't think they would start the season 2-6. I really honestly think it is time to rebuild. This team, as is, will not win a championship. I just hope we're not in for another repeat of the 90s...that was Brutal for Mavs fans.

2. Romo is back for the Cowboys this week. Hopefully, he can provide the spark. I don't think I can handle losing to the 'skins twice in one season.

3. High School Football Playoffs start this weekend. I hate that Atlanta is missing the party, but am pumped that my Alma Mater, China Spring, is making another appreance (they lost in the finals last year). I'm also pumped that Brownsboro is headed to the playoffs as well....lots of great friends there.

4. Love having NFL on Thursday night. If you don't have NFL Network, sorry. :) Switch to Dish.

5. I'm looking forward to the Baylor/TAMU game. Baylor has a legit chance to win this game.