Some thoughts...

I was reading the end of Mark 8 this morning - the part where Jesus tells the disciples around him that if they want to become his followers they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him. I don't have any profound thoughts on this - I understand the deny myself stuff - logically, it's just a lot harder to put into practice. One thing that caught my curiosity is the take up your cross phrase. I've never given this a lot of thought. Obviously Jesus knows where he is heading (to the Cross and Calvary) but I don't think that this statement would have made any sense whatsoever to the disciples Jesus is talking to. Now, that doesn't usually stop Jesus from saying things, I'm just wondering if this is a phrase attributed to Jesus after his death/resurrection/ascension. Also - what does it mean, exactly, to take up my cross? What do you think it means?

I watched the Bears-Vikings game yesterday, that was a lot of fun (48-41) but the one thing that struck me was Kyle Orton is good - not just a nice breath of fresh air after watching Rex Grossman crap the bed for 3+ years - but Orton makes good checks at the line, good decisions with the ball and a great passer rating. So this is what it's like to have an NFL QB!

Amy and I watched Iron Man last night - I'm not usually a big fan of the superhero movies (I loved the last two batmans, hated the last spiderman, refuse to watch edward norton degrade himself as the hulk, ect.) Actually, of all the superhero movies this decade (and there have been tons) I liked the first Spiderman, and the two Batmans. But I really liked Iron Man. It was fun, I was entertained the whole time and I've always liked RDJ - in spite of his issues, he's always hooked me in his movies. So, I liked Iron Man and I recommend it.

Now you know that. Oh and happy birthday to my friend Rich.

Ramblings

I read Mark 6 this morning, the part when Jesus sends out his followers 2 X 2 and they proclaim that all should repent and they didn't bring food or even a change of clothes. It's interesting, but I'm still contemplating the significance of the whole thing.

The Bears won yesterday, destroying the Detriot Lions, but the Lions are terrible, so it's hard to feel as good about that victory as say, the win over Philly last week. But, Kyle Orton had a really good day, and even if it was against a bad team, Grossman would have fumbled 3 times and thrown 2 int's.

The White Sox won yesterday as well, now they face a must win today to force a game 5 and send it back to Tampa Bay. I like their chances today at home with Floyd pitching - I'm more worried about what could happen Wednesday.

What I saw this past week:
Heroes - it's good again like season 1 - not crap like season 2. I really liked the first couple episodes - I love (as always) the Hiro storyline and think that his new "nemesis" is fantastic. I'm (as always) indifferent to Peter, Claire and Parkman. And I am wonderfully excited that they killed Ali Larter's character and made her a completely different character (hopefully no more episodes with her irritating son!)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - it's a fun show. Not overly amazing, but I like the mom (the queen from 300) and I've always been a Summer Glau fan (River from Firefly). I don't really like the guy playing John - and I am surprisingly happy about Brian Austin Green. Last Monday's episode was the best ever.

NCIS: Par for the course with NCIS.

The Mentalist - a new show, I like it - it is like a serious version of Psych (one of my favorite shows). If you haven't seen ths show - give it a watch this Tuesday (provided of course that it's on and not some senate debate).

Pushing Daisies: They didn't resolve the end of last season, and moved forward like it never happened - this is a problem for me. But it's pretty to watch in HD.

The Ex List - I made it to the second commercial break, then deleted it - this show was awful, terrible, horrible, boring, really bad. Don't give it a watch. There is a reason it premiered on a Friday Night.

The Unit - amazing. Sunday nights 10 PM Eastern/Pacific 9 PM Central/Mountain. Watch it!

I'm currently reading: Night Probe by Clive Cussler (I had the book and Cussler is always a fun read). Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell (starting it today).

Victory!

Not only is that the title of a movie starring Pele and Sylvester Stallone about WWII POW soccer, but it is also what the Bears accomplished last night! I greatly enjoyed watching the defense play well, Matt Forte (rookie running back) rush for over 120 yards and Kyle Orton (the QB) play smart, not commit any turnovers and lead the team to a 29-13 victory!

NFL Sunday!!!

Today is the real opening day in the NFL. I love the Bears, but unfortunately I don't think they will be all that great this season. But it's the beginning of the season so there is always reason to hope. At least Rex Grossman isn't the starter anymore.