Relaxing Amongst Chaos

ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN News are all listed as "Favorites" on my remote control.

One way I can relax amongst the "Tabasco sauce", is following the world of sports. Right now there is a lot happening, so here's a quick rundown of what's going on:

COLLEGE (NCAA)
Of cource there is March Madness. You can't turn on the TV without being kept up-to-date. This year, it is "Madness". No BIG10 teams are left and peoples brackets are in total chaos. (Mine included.)

The overlooked Frozen Four is going on right now. And both the men and lady Gophers have been invited to the tourney. The ladies are currently in the semi-finals against #2 ranked New Hampshire and that battle will be decided on Friday at our very own Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis. The #2 ranked Gopher men will begin round 1 against Holy Cross also on Friday.

PROFESSIONAL
Because Major League Soccer is always overlooked, (yes, there is professional soccer here in the U.S.) I will start with them first. The "First Kick" happens on April 1st. And no joking goes along with soccer fans. They are some of the best fans of any pro sport.

Also having an opening day will be Major League Baseball. Opening night is April 2nd but the Minnesota Twinkies don't play until the 4th. And for you Brewers fans (Kevin), their first game is on the 3rd against the Padres.


The NFL Draft will be taking place on April 29th and 30th. This will finally end the debate of who is going to get Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and Matt Leinart.



The NBA season is coming to a close and KG and the T-Wolves have been out of playoff contention since pretty much day 1.


After the NHL took a year off, this year has been exciting with the relaxed rules allowing for more pucks in the net. Unfortuately our Wild will most likely not be going to the playoffs but it's still a victory in that I have been able to enjoy several games this year at home.

WORLD
Japan defeated Cuba to win the first ever World Baseball Classic. A lot of people wondered how much of a success the inagural competition would be, and it seemed to turn out fairly well.


Last but certainly not least we have the 2006 World Cup. Germany is hosting this year's worldwide football (soccer to us Americans) tournament. The United States is actually ranked fairly high but don't have any respect from the rest of the world. (And rightfully so I might add.)

—b


Thursday, March 23rd, 2006/Matthew chapter 9

GOD'S MESSAGE FOR ME TODAY
And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." —Matthew 9:2

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO MY LIFE?
I take prayer for granted. Here 4 guys and their friend, who is a paralytic, rip open someones roof (see Mark and Luke for more details) just to talk with Jesus. All I have to do to talk with my heavenly Father is pray. And when I do pray, I don't take it as seriously as these guys did. Good for them. Bad for me.