Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Constant Tug of Wars in Life
In my life, I constantly experience temptations. There are many struggles in my life that are unfortunately not one time deals. The difficulty I have is trying to maintain some of these struggles. Sometimes it seems as though I can improve one area of my life while another struggle seems to surface at the same time. I know there are many ways to relieve stress, and many of these are negative. There are positive ways to relieve tension, but often these methods may be more inconvenient to us as people. I believe stress and how people deal with stress is a huge issue for myself and most likely, many of my fellow classmates. Personally, I rest assured that God is in control and he will help me through all of my struggles. Even when it may seem as though I am making no progress as a person, I know God will continue to fortify and never waste the struggles I face in my life.
Reading: More Than Just the Catch by David Tyree (pgs. 1-24)
The next book I have decided to read is More Than Just the Catch, by David Tyree. David Tyree was a special teams standout in the NFL and made possibly the greatest play in Super Bowl history. His book is about his story of courage, hope, and achieving the unthinkable. In the prologue, Tyree describes his sudden rise to fame in the NFL. Despite his success as a special teams player for the New York Giants, he did not become a household name until he made an incredible catch in the Super Bowl. He describes how God put him on the big stage to display his incredible story for all people. He was able to use the stage as his tool to share God's message to all football fans. God used the Super Bowl to elevate Tyree's fame, continue his story of achieving the impossible, and help Tyree share his faith.
In chapter one, Tyree describes his extremely difficult childhood and family life. Even before he was born, Tyree's parents were fighting. Their tensions eventually became too much and the two divorced each other. Tyree had two sisters, Jessica and Tara. Specifically, he was very close to his sister Jessica. There were several times in which he clung to Jessica for support through their many adverse times at home during their childhoods. Specifically, Tyree mentions a time in which the two kids were sent to Jamaica with their mother's "friends." Her "friends" turned out to be maniacs and they severely beat David while David and Jessica's mother was away in the United States preparing to move to Jamaica permanently. The times seemed like a horror film to David and his sister, but the two became even closer through this scary experience. Eventually, they were saved by their mother and grandfather. Tyree describes at the end of the chapter that despite the dysfunctional qualities within his family, they were still a close-knit group. His family laid a foundation for him to take with him for the rest of his life.
After reading this first section of Tyree's book, I could not help but feel compassion for Tyree's home life. I personally do not know how it would be to have divorced parents. Certainly, I cannot relate to his nightmare scenario he experienced in Jamaica as well. However, I believe Tyree would agree in my analysis that the experiences, although horrific, were vital to his growth as a person. He was made stronger through his close relationships with his few family members. I always know there are many things that I wish were not existing in my life. I also know there were past experiences I had with my family and other people that I would never want to repeat. However, I would not trade my family for any family in the world. Even if my family causes some rifts and unwanted drama, I believe these tensions can actually give me perspective and prepare me as a person in maturity. I have been exposed to some more serious and detrimental factors of this world simply through my family, specifically my three older brothers. Despite my disapproval for some of their decisions, I know that I am made stronger and God has given me purpose in having my brothers as members of my family. I look forward to reading more in Tyree's story, More Than Just the Catch.
In chapter one, Tyree describes his extremely difficult childhood and family life. Even before he was born, Tyree's parents were fighting. Their tensions eventually became too much and the two divorced each other. Tyree had two sisters, Jessica and Tara. Specifically, he was very close to his sister Jessica. There were several times in which he clung to Jessica for support through their many adverse times at home during their childhoods. Specifically, Tyree mentions a time in which the two kids were sent to Jamaica with their mother's "friends." Her "friends" turned out to be maniacs and they severely beat David while David and Jessica's mother was away in the United States preparing to move to Jamaica permanently. The times seemed like a horror film to David and his sister, but the two became even closer through this scary experience. Eventually, they were saved by their mother and grandfather. Tyree describes at the end of the chapter that despite the dysfunctional qualities within his family, they were still a close-knit group. His family laid a foundation for him to take with him for the rest of his life.
After reading this first section of Tyree's book, I could not help but feel compassion for Tyree's home life. I personally do not know how it would be to have divorced parents. Certainly, I cannot relate to his nightmare scenario he experienced in Jamaica as well. However, I believe Tyree would agree in my analysis that the experiences, although horrific, were vital to his growth as a person. He was made stronger through his close relationships with his few family members. I always know there are many things that I wish were not existing in my life. I also know there were past experiences I had with my family and other people that I would never want to repeat. However, I would not trade my family for any family in the world. Even if my family causes some rifts and unwanted drama, I believe these tensions can actually give me perspective and prepare me as a person in maturity. I have been exposed to some more serious and detrimental factors of this world simply through my family, specifically my three older brothers. Despite my disapproval for some of their decisions, I know that I am made stronger and God has given me purpose in having my brothers as members of my family. I look forward to reading more in Tyree's story, More Than Just the Catch.
Pacers In the Playoffs?
The Indiana Pacers have not made an appearance in the NBA playoffs in quite some time now. This year, they are back and they made their debut today against the number one seed in the eastern conference, the Chicago Bulls. As heavy underdogs, the Pacers played very well the entire game except for the last five minutes or so when they blew their lead. They ended up losing even though they led all but about two minutes of the game. As a Pacers fan, I was extremely disappointed. However, I was happy to see the Pacers fight hard and I look forward to seeing what they can do in other games versus the Bulls in this series.
Reading: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (pgs. 281-301)
I found some magical moments in my next section of reading in Dungy's book, Quiet Strength. In chapter twenty, Dungy describes a very magical game he experienced during the 2006 season with the Indianapolis Colts. They were playing the New England Patriots in the AFC championship with a chance to go to the Super Bowl on the line. The Patriots were favored by many due to their recent success in the playoffs and specifically success against the Colts. Dungy gave the team great motivation with his retelling of the story, David and Goliath from the Bible. The Colts fought hard all game, especially in the second half. The Patriots seemed to be in total control at one point with a 21-3 lead over the Colts. However, the Colts never gave up and ended the game on top. Dungy's team had a never say die attitude that led them to winning over the Patriots and also shaking a monkey off their back with a trip to the Super Bowl.
Dungy was happy to find that he would be playing his good friend, Lovie Smith, and the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl. One of the coaches, Dungy or Smith, would become the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl. As for the game itself, the Colts, despite a rough start, dominated the entire game. The Colts won the game and sent Dungy into the record books as a coach. Dungy describes the surreal feeling of winning the game. He never envisioned how exactly his dream would feel in reality. At the end of the chapter, Dungy states that despite all the monumental moments in his life, he will always look back on the small, seemingly unimportant, yet vital trials he faced in his life to lead him to be the man he is today.
In the epilogue, Dungy describes one of life's true purposes in his opinion. He describes his personal experiences with helping other people. He explains that touching other people is an extremely important facet of life. He tells the reader to try and touch as many people as possible, because it is God's purpose for us as people of this earth.
After reading the conclusion of Quiet Strenght, I felt very nostalgic. I felt this way because I remember how special the 2006 NFL season was for me personally. During this season, I truly became a dedicated Colts fan. I sparked a strong liking for football in general as well. The football season gave me positive emotions that I truly feel I needed at the time. I gained joy from watching the Colts and eventually resting in the fact they won the Super Bowl. I can also relate to Dungy when he describes the true purpose of touching the lives of others. I know I am founded in Christ, I associate myself with Christ as one of God's children and I believe I must share the message of Christ with others. However, this fact does not mean I am going to slam Jesus into another person's life. I have great respect for all people and I certainly would not insult or ever look down upon someone with a different faith. I believe my actions will always be my strongest tool to sharing my faith. In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed Dungy's book for the truths he wrote about and I look forward to reading more books of the same level of literacy.
Dungy was happy to find that he would be playing his good friend, Lovie Smith, and the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl. One of the coaches, Dungy or Smith, would become the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl. As for the game itself, the Colts, despite a rough start, dominated the entire game. The Colts won the game and sent Dungy into the record books as a coach. Dungy describes the surreal feeling of winning the game. He never envisioned how exactly his dream would feel in reality. At the end of the chapter, Dungy states that despite all the monumental moments in his life, he will always look back on the small, seemingly unimportant, yet vital trials he faced in his life to lead him to be the man he is today.
In the epilogue, Dungy describes one of life's true purposes in his opinion. He describes his personal experiences with helping other people. He explains that touching other people is an extremely important facet of life. He tells the reader to try and touch as many people as possible, because it is God's purpose for us as people of this earth.
After reading the conclusion of Quiet Strenght, I felt very nostalgic. I felt this way because I remember how special the 2006 NFL season was for me personally. During this season, I truly became a dedicated Colts fan. I sparked a strong liking for football in general as well. The football season gave me positive emotions that I truly feel I needed at the time. I gained joy from watching the Colts and eventually resting in the fact they won the Super Bowl. I can also relate to Dungy when he describes the true purpose of touching the lives of others. I know I am founded in Christ, I associate myself with Christ as one of God's children and I believe I must share the message of Christ with others. However, this fact does not mean I am going to slam Jesus into another person's life. I have great respect for all people and I certainly would not insult or ever look down upon someone with a different faith. I believe my actions will always be my strongest tool to sharing my faith. In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed Dungy's book for the truths he wrote about and I look forward to reading more books of the same level of literacy.
Reading: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy (pgs. 241-280)
In the next section of Dungy's book, Quiet Strength, I found more truths from his book through his difficult experiences as he describes in his book. In chapter eighteen, Dungy describes an unforgettable season he had coaching the Indianapolis Colts in 2005. The team started out hot and ran their record to 13-0 before finishing 14-2. The team had a dominating presence on the field as they beat opponents easily and set several records in their season as a team. Sadly, Dungy experienced the death of his son, Jamie, during the same season. He was shocked to hear the result of his son taking his own life. Everyone in Dungy's family along with their friends were devastated. Dungy describes the funeral ceremony in great detail with a large crowd around him. Many people were there who were positively impacted by Jamie in their lives. Dungy described all of the positive aspects of Jamie at the service. He also gave advice to all the parents at the service to treasure the moments with their children and love them always. Although the 2005 football season ended in an early playoff exit, Dungy will always remember all of the accomplishments and struggles during the season that made him a stronger individual.
In chapter nineteen, Dungy details the Colts magical 2006 regular season. They won a lot of games, but by closer margins than their season the previous year. In addition, they struggled mightily during the final stretch of the regular season. Dungy knew their new philosophies would payoff though. They managed to win the final game of the season and snag a number three seed for the playoffs. The Colts won their first two games in the playoffs with a rejuvenated defense. In addition, they had the the luxury of playing the New England Patriots, their nemesis, at home for the AFC championship. Dungy describes at the end of the chapter how it was fitting to play the Patriots, their rivals, to have a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
After reading this section of Dungy's book, I cannot help but feel for Dungy after learning about the death of his son. I believe any death of a child would be difficult, but a child committing suicide has to be more disturbing. However, I admire Dungy's attitude and outlook on the situation. He knew his child was in heaven due to his faith and he did not dwell on the fact he took his own life. Dungy was extremely optimistic on what he actually gained in the sadness. I want to have the same attitude as Dungy in this somber portion of life. Despite the terrible emotions that come along with hardship, I must rest assured that God has a purpose in all things. He will use struggles to build me and mold me. In addition, I will one day reunite with my father God in heaven. I look forward to reading the conclusion of Quiet Strength.
In chapter nineteen, Dungy details the Colts magical 2006 regular season. They won a lot of games, but by closer margins than their season the previous year. In addition, they struggled mightily during the final stretch of the regular season. Dungy knew their new philosophies would payoff though. They managed to win the final game of the season and snag a number three seed for the playoffs. The Colts won their first two games in the playoffs with a rejuvenated defense. In addition, they had the the luxury of playing the New England Patriots, their nemesis, at home for the AFC championship. Dungy describes at the end of the chapter how it was fitting to play the Patriots, their rivals, to have a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
After reading this section of Dungy's book, I cannot help but feel for Dungy after learning about the death of his son. I believe any death of a child would be difficult, but a child committing suicide has to be more disturbing. However, I admire Dungy's attitude and outlook on the situation. He knew his child was in heaven due to his faith and he did not dwell on the fact he took his own life. Dungy was extremely optimistic on what he actually gained in the sadness. I want to have the same attitude as Dungy in this somber portion of life. Despite the terrible emotions that come along with hardship, I must rest assured that God has a purpose in all things. He will use struggles to build me and mold me. In addition, I will one day reunite with my father God in heaven. I look forward to reading the conclusion of Quiet Strength.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Spring Break Reflections
I had an eventful and enjoyable spring break this year. Despite the fact I did not travel for vacation, I was able to relax yet have a productive break. Specifically, I was able to go to four colleges close by for visits. I was and still am interested in these small Christian schools. I visited Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan on Monday, Anderson on Wednesday, and Huntington on Friday of spring break. I enjoyed parts to all of these colleges, but I also feel like I narrowed down my choices for a college in the future. I had gone on several college visits before, therefore, I was experienced and I was able to gather more and better information from each school. In addition, I was able to hang out with many of my friends during break. I was fortunate enough to see almost all of my close friends over break. Every night of spring break, I had some sort of activity I was doing with friends or family. More specifically, I spent one night at an engagement party for my oldest brother. I enjoyed spending time with his fiancee's nephews. I always like being productive and in my opinion, I was productive both in the the work I accomplished and also the time I spent with other people. Overall, I believe I had a fantastic break even if it was not perfect.
Tuesday Response
Jamie Isaia's antique and colossal home alludes to an elegant and colorful mind of the home's owner. The various antique and extravagant technology is evident in the home. There are somber, yet beautiful color schemes throughout the house. These colors and equipment correlates to the owner's lover for all things of a past day. The quaint books in his home also infers that he is a profound and educated man. He seems to be more into polished works rather than flashy items. His animals, such as an alligator head and his dog alludes to his gentler side towards other creatures. His bathroom is quite beautiful with elegant shades of light blue shimmering on the walls. He may be referring to his interest in the bathroom as a sacred and somewhat mysterious place. Overall, Isaia's simple, yet meaningful decorations in his home display his obvious interest in old-fashioned, comfortable decor and setting within a house.
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