January 9, 2011
Ravens 30
Chiefs 7
The 10-6 Kansas City Chiefs, being the AFC West Division Champions, hosted the 12-4 Baltimore Ravens. Although he watched and learned from his former Patriot teammate Tom Brady, this was Matt Cassel's first ever NFL playoff start. As for Chiefs' offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, both formerly employed by the New England Patriots during their Super Bowl runs, they both had experience in this type of playoff pressure. Even Chiefs' head coach, Todd Haley, had been there before; he was on the Arizona Cardinals coaching staff during their 2008 playoff run. But experience on the coaching staff doesn't easily translate to the field.
Seasoned veterans and Ravens Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs were ready to slug it out for sixty minutes. This postseason game marked the 7th playoff appearance for Lewis out of fifteen seasons in the league. The week leading up to the game, Lewis was wearing his 2000 Super Bowl ring, which most likely served as inspiration for the rest of the Ravens. Even quarterback Joe Flacco was better prepared this time around. Through three seasons as quarterback of the Ravens, he has helped them to 35 wins--one less than Miami Dolphins' Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.
The Chiefs had only allowed 14 turnovers in the 2010 regular season, and they had four in this game. Cassel was sacked three times (once by Ray Lewis and twice by Terrell Suggs) and was intercepted three times. Their only points scored occured in the first quarter. The Chiefs' touchdown was also the most rush yards given up by the Ravens at one time--41 yards by running back Jamal Charles. This was the first touchdown of 30 yards or more allowed in the last 2,484 opponent rushes.
Ravens Flacco had a career postseason high in completion, yards, and touchdowns in this game--he was 25/34 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs were making many Raven drives longer by penalties alone. Chiefs secondary, especially corner back Brandon Flowers, made it hard for Flacco to throw passes down the sidelines, so he had to rely on running back Ray Rice and throw inside to wide receiver Anquan Boldin and tight end Todd Heap. Heap performed well, with a season high ten receptions and 108 yards, making him the first Raven player with 100+ yards receiving. With the Ravens win, the Chiefs lose in the postseason for the 7th straight year. The Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh to face the AFC North Division Champion Steelers next weekend.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Packers Outsoar and Outscore Eagles
January 9, 2011
Packers 21
Eagles 16
This NFC Wild Card matchup is a rematch of Week 1, were the Green Bay Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20. This was their third postseason meeting. The Packers lead the Eagles in All-Time match-ups 24-15. The Packers allowed 320 yards and 20 points to the Eagles in their Week 1 win and have they have scored an average of 18 points themselves per game on teh road this season.
The week before this game, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick received a jersey from his former high school classmate, Lakers Kobe Bryant. The jersey was signed, "Be Epic." This was Vick's first playoff game in six years. Even with a career high 62.6% completion, 3,018 pass yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season, Vick had his work cut out for himself.
The Packers ranked #5 in overall defense and ranked #2 in opponents' points per game, with an average of 15.0 points allowed. Vick was sacked three times, the first sack having taken place during the first offensive drive of the game. Vick heavily relied on running back Lesean McCoy, who, although recovered the ball, fumbled it early in the first quarter.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was successfull in the Week 1 meeting, had a similar game, completing 18/27 for 180 pass yards and three touchdowns. Rodgers spread the ball around, having six receivers including Pro Bowl selection Greg Jennings as offensive threats. Rodgers also used his full backs John Kuhn and Quentin Johnson and running backs Brandon Jackson and James Starks.
Directly following Vick's failed two point conversion attempt to put his Eagles within a field goal of the Packers, line backer Clay Matthews waved to the crowd, as if telling the Eagles and their fans to sing their playoff swan song.
Despite Eagles head coach Andy Reid's 4-1 Wild Card playoff record coming in to the game, the Packers managed to shut them down for the second time this year. This is the Packers' first playoff win since 1997. The Packers will be travelling to Atlanta to face the NFC South Division Champion Falcons next weekend.
Packers 21
Eagles 16
This NFC Wild Card matchup is a rematch of Week 1, were the Green Bay Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20. This was their third postseason meeting. The Packers lead the Eagles in All-Time match-ups 24-15. The Packers allowed 320 yards and 20 points to the Eagles in their Week 1 win and have they have scored an average of 18 points themselves per game on teh road this season.
The week before this game, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick received a jersey from his former high school classmate, Lakers Kobe Bryant. The jersey was signed, "Be Epic." This was Vick's first playoff game in six years. Even with a career high 62.6% completion, 3,018 pass yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season, Vick had his work cut out for himself.
The Packers ranked #5 in overall defense and ranked #2 in opponents' points per game, with an average of 15.0 points allowed. Vick was sacked three times, the first sack having taken place during the first offensive drive of the game. Vick heavily relied on running back Lesean McCoy, who, although recovered the ball, fumbled it early in the first quarter.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was successfull in the Week 1 meeting, had a similar game, completing 18/27 for 180 pass yards and three touchdowns. Rodgers spread the ball around, having six receivers including Pro Bowl selection Greg Jennings as offensive threats. Rodgers also used his full backs John Kuhn and Quentin Johnson and running backs Brandon Jackson and James Starks.
Directly following Vick's failed two point conversion attempt to put his Eagles within a field goal of the Packers, line backer Clay Matthews waved to the crowd, as if telling the Eagles and their fans to sing their playoff swan song.
Despite Eagles head coach Andy Reid's 4-1 Wild Card playoff record coming in to the game, the Packers managed to shut them down for the second time this year. This is the Packers' first playoff win since 1997. The Packers will be travelling to Atlanta to face the NFC South Division Champion Falcons next weekend.
Jets Inch Colts Out of Playoffs By One
January 8, 2011
Jets 17
Colts 16
This is the second time these two teams have met each other in the playoffs in two years, the first being won by the Indianapolis Colts, where they had scored 24 unanswered points and beat the New York Jets 38-17 in teh 2009 AFC Championship game. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has a record 9-10 in post season games, and this one was his nineteenth start.
For the Colts defense, both defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, who had a combined 66 tackles and 24 forced fumbles the last two seasons, were healthy and played the whole game.
Jets' head coach Rex Ryan called this game against the Colts "personal" and had planned a different approach to stopping Manning's efficiency: shut down Manning's key receivers instead of focusing too much defensive energy on blitzing the quarterback--who is one of the best quarterbacks at changing play calls at the line of scrimmage. Jets corner backs and their coverage of Colt wide outs played a big part in their defensive attack, with Antonio Cromartie covering Pierre Garcon and Darrelle Revis covering Reggie Wayne. Revis held Wayne that day to only one catch for minus one yard.
Colts running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes each had at least 13 carries (Rhodes had 14) and their first half play rush yardage was more than their Week 17 play against the Tennessee Titans (First half 116 rush yards, Week 17, 101 rush yards).
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez had a shaky game, overthrowing his receivers and throwing an interception as well as getting sacked. Jets running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Sean Green helped Sanchez immensely; Tomlinson had 16 rushes for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri kept them in the game after wide receiver Garcon's score, their only touchdown, in the second quarter. Vinatieri made it from 32, 47, and 50 yards out, the last being what the Colts thought was the game winning field goal. This score would have added to Manning's one other postseason fourth quarter winning drive (he's had 45 in the regular season). Much to the Colts' chagrin, the Jets came back. Jets quarterback Sanchez rallied his teammates when they needed it the most and with a clutch catch made by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, the Jets were within field goal range. With under five seconds left in teh game, kicker Nick Folk nailed a 32 yarder, making him 4 of 5 for lead changing field goals and winning the game for his team.
Deservingly so, the New York Sports Digest headline after the game read, "Folk Yeah!" This was the Colts' first Wild Card loss in playoff history. Jets coach Rex Ryan now has a postseason record of 4-1. The Jets will head to Foxborough next week to face the AFC East Division Champion New England Patriots.
Jets 17
Colts 16
This is the second time these two teams have met each other in the playoffs in two years, the first being won by the Indianapolis Colts, where they had scored 24 unanswered points and beat the New York Jets 38-17 in teh 2009 AFC Championship game. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has a record 9-10 in post season games, and this one was his nineteenth start.
For the Colts defense, both defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, who had a combined 66 tackles and 24 forced fumbles the last two seasons, were healthy and played the whole game.
Jets' head coach Rex Ryan called this game against the Colts "personal" and had planned a different approach to stopping Manning's efficiency: shut down Manning's key receivers instead of focusing too much defensive energy on blitzing the quarterback--who is one of the best quarterbacks at changing play calls at the line of scrimmage. Jets corner backs and their coverage of Colt wide outs played a big part in their defensive attack, with Antonio Cromartie covering Pierre Garcon and Darrelle Revis covering Reggie Wayne. Revis held Wayne that day to only one catch for minus one yard.
Colts running backs Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes each had at least 13 carries (Rhodes had 14) and their first half play rush yardage was more than their Week 17 play against the Tennessee Titans (First half 116 rush yards, Week 17, 101 rush yards).
Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez had a shaky game, overthrowing his receivers and throwing an interception as well as getting sacked. Jets running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Sean Green helped Sanchez immensely; Tomlinson had 16 rushes for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri kept them in the game after wide receiver Garcon's score, their only touchdown, in the second quarter. Vinatieri made it from 32, 47, and 50 yards out, the last being what the Colts thought was the game winning field goal. This score would have added to Manning's one other postseason fourth quarter winning drive (he's had 45 in the regular season). Much to the Colts' chagrin, the Jets came back. Jets quarterback Sanchez rallied his teammates when they needed it the most and with a clutch catch made by wide receiver Braylon Edwards, the Jets were within field goal range. With under five seconds left in teh game, kicker Nick Folk nailed a 32 yarder, making him 4 of 5 for lead changing field goals and winning the game for his team.
Deservingly so, the New York Sports Digest headline after the game read, "Folk Yeah!" This was the Colts' first Wild Card loss in playoff history. Jets coach Rex Ryan now has a postseason record of 4-1. The Jets will head to Foxborough next week to face the AFC East Division Champion New England Patriots.
Seahawks Dethrone the Super Bowl Champion Saints
January 8 2011
Seahawks 41
Saints 36
For the first time in playoff history, there was a team with a record under .500 competing in the postseason. This team was the 7-9 NFC West Division Champion Seattle Seahawks. They wer going to need all the help they could get to beat last year's Super Bowl winners, the 11-5 New Orleans Saints. At least that's what everyone around the league thought.
The Saints were preparing themselves for the 12th man, Seattle's home field fan advantage, all week. Throughout practices, team meetings and meals in the cafeteria, crowd noise recordings were played. Unfortunately for the Saints, the recordings didn't help enough. The noise of the fans within the Qwest Stadium the day of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game was so distracting the Saints jumped offsides three times.
By halftime, both teams had scored at least 20 points (Seahawks scored 24), making this the second time in playoff history where both teams scored 20 points or more in the first half. The Saints weren't looking like their normal selves on the offensive front. The wide receivers were shut down by the Seahawk secondary and quarterback Drew Brees had to rely on running backs Julius Jones and Reggie Bush. Jones did score two touchdowns though, making him the first player in history to score a touchdown in the playoffs against the team that had released him in the regular season.
Offensively, the Seahawks were on fire. Quarterback Matt Hasselback, who was still injured from the regular season, rallied his squad and drove them down the field to score four touchdowns. Saints penalties as well as big plays made by Seahawk wide receivers Mike Williams and Benjamin Obomanu separated the score differential in the Seahawks' favor. Despite a ten point Saints rally in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks answered back with running back Marshawn Lynch's 67 yard touchdown run, where he broke eight tackles in order to score.
The Saints attempted an end of game comeback, but two things went wrong: their two point conversion attempt and their onside kick the following play. Although an onside kick helped win the Saints the Super Bowl last year against the Indianapolis Colts, this year it didn't. Seahawks tight end John Carlson recovered it, ending the game for the Saints. This marks the fourth on-the-road playoff loss in Saints' franchise history. The Seahawks earn a trip to Chicago to face the NFC North Division Champion Bears next weekend.
Seahawks 41
Saints 36
For the first time in playoff history, there was a team with a record under .500 competing in the postseason. This team was the 7-9 NFC West Division Champion Seattle Seahawks. They wer going to need all the help they could get to beat last year's Super Bowl winners, the 11-5 New Orleans Saints. At least that's what everyone around the league thought.
The Saints were preparing themselves for the 12th man, Seattle's home field fan advantage, all week. Throughout practices, team meetings and meals in the cafeteria, crowd noise recordings were played. Unfortunately for the Saints, the recordings didn't help enough. The noise of the fans within the Qwest Stadium the day of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game was so distracting the Saints jumped offsides three times.
By halftime, both teams had scored at least 20 points (Seahawks scored 24), making this the second time in playoff history where both teams scored 20 points or more in the first half. The Saints weren't looking like their normal selves on the offensive front. The wide receivers were shut down by the Seahawk secondary and quarterback Drew Brees had to rely on running backs Julius Jones and Reggie Bush. Jones did score two touchdowns though, making him the first player in history to score a touchdown in the playoffs against the team that had released him in the regular season.
Offensively, the Seahawks were on fire. Quarterback Matt Hasselback, who was still injured from the regular season, rallied his squad and drove them down the field to score four touchdowns. Saints penalties as well as big plays made by Seahawk wide receivers Mike Williams and Benjamin Obomanu separated the score differential in the Seahawks' favor. Despite a ten point Saints rally in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks answered back with running back Marshawn Lynch's 67 yard touchdown run, where he broke eight tackles in order to score.
The Saints attempted an end of game comeback, but two things went wrong: their two point conversion attempt and their onside kick the following play. Although an onside kick helped win the Saints the Super Bowl last year against the Indianapolis Colts, this year it didn't. Seahawks tight end John Carlson recovered it, ending the game for the Saints. This marks the fourth on-the-road playoff loss in Saints' franchise history. The Seahawks earn a trip to Chicago to face the NFC North Division Champion Bears next weekend.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
DJ XIII--A Drum 'n' Bass Bio
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gabriel Rowe, better know as XIII (thirteen), relocated and made his home in Chandler, Arizona. Spinning now for three years, XIII decided to become a DJ because he wanted to give back to the rave scene that inspired him. "I felt I had the music ability, and I wanted to become a part of the scene--not just be the guy who parties and gives light shows," he said.
Liquid drum & bass is his favorite genre of electronic music to play. To XIII, it is the best of both worlds. "I feel liquid drum & bass embodies two important things: dance-ability--it's music you hear and want to dance and groove to, and musicality--it's well organized and doesn't just sound like noise."
As far as influences go, Pac D, Estefex, Marky, and Nu:Tone are the four main DJs that have made a mark on XIII. "They both have the ability to always pick the right tracks and they have the perfect flow." Liquid drum & bass producers Marky and Nu:Tone are what XIII says are the best in the league and can play both jazzy, atmospheric sounds and the opposite end of the spectrum, heavy-hitting, jump-up--well. "Every drum & bass DJ should have a couple of their records in their collection," XIII said.
XIII's popularity in the Valley has increased--it's apparent in his busy schedule. He has gone from playing three shows total the year he started spinning to three to four shows a month this year.
His newest mix, "A Different Beat," which can be found on Soundcloud, was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau and is, in his own words, easy going and lighthearted.
XIII has incorporated dubstep into his sets due to its popularity among ravers in the scene, but he hopes that he can help get more people interested in drum & bass again. Within the next few years, XIII hopes to reach a goal he has for himself--being booked out of state for shows.
When asked for a random fact about himself, he answered with his two favorite video games: Team Fortress II and Oblivion. But when XIII was asked about the most important skills for a DJ to have, he was all business. "Three things: the ability to beat match, mix, and network. Plain and simple."
Look for a new mix from him every month.
Liquid drum & bass is his favorite genre of electronic music to play. To XIII, it is the best of both worlds. "I feel liquid drum & bass embodies two important things: dance-ability--it's music you hear and want to dance and groove to, and musicality--it's well organized and doesn't just sound like noise."
As far as influences go, Pac D, Estefex, Marky, and Nu:Tone are the four main DJs that have made a mark on XIII. "They both have the ability to always pick the right tracks and they have the perfect flow." Liquid drum & bass producers Marky and Nu:Tone are what XIII says are the best in the league and can play both jazzy, atmospheric sounds and the opposite end of the spectrum, heavy-hitting, jump-up--well. "Every drum & bass DJ should have a couple of their records in their collection," XIII said.
XIII's popularity in the Valley has increased--it's apparent in his busy schedule. He has gone from playing three shows total the year he started spinning to three to four shows a month this year.
His newest mix, "A Different Beat," which can be found on Soundcloud, was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau and is, in his own words, easy going and lighthearted.
XIII has incorporated dubstep into his sets due to its popularity among ravers in the scene, but he hopes that he can help get more people interested in drum & bass again. Within the next few years, XIII hopes to reach a goal he has for himself--being booked out of state for shows.
When asked for a random fact about himself, he answered with his two favorite video games: Team Fortress II and Oblivion. But when XIII was asked about the most important skills for a DJ to have, he was all business. "Three things: the ability to beat match, mix, and network. Plain and simple."
Look for a new mix from him every month.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Spirit Pt. IV: Vulgar Language
We’ve all said them plenty of times. These words can be uttered due to angry thoughts, disappointment, sadness, and times of excitement.
We say them regardless of whether or not another word would fit better. We say them without thought or obligation to anyone.
My experience with these words is similar to anyone else’s experience: Vulgar.
Although I may slip myself, I don’t see the point in saying a phrase like “God Damnit.” God hasn’t damned us, ultimately it is us who damn ourselves through the decisions we make while on earth. Plus, it’s incredibly offensive to God. It’s not like He walks around saying “Jack Damnit” or “Allen Damnit” every time He gets angry with one of His children. Why should we say this of our maker?
Plus, the others….don’t really need to name them—They don’t sound intelligent, they’re pretty boring, and there are many other words that could be used to achieve even more of a desired and detailed effect, the dictionary proves this.
Wouldn’t it be more fun to instead use words that aren't usually used within the context of curse words? For example, in place of using the word "shit," use the word "stuff" or even the word "fudge." Isn't it more amusing to say someone's "full of fudge?" Plus, I think it would aid in the dispersing of anger that was felt, bringing a smile to the angered person's face. Laughter is the best medicine, so is being goofy. Replace the words that not only offend but hurt others by words that will most likely make the other person or group laugh, and more often than not, it will be easier to get over negative thoughts that were felt in the first place.
"The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips." Proverbs 18: 7
"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." Proverbs 18:27
"But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God!'" Matthew 4:4
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:4
Words are very influential and powerful. Why use words that are only meant to demean, offend, and anger friends, family, and God? To use these words and depend on them is to become a fool, to use words that are pleasing to God's ears are to attempt to live and communicate in his image.
From this blog post on, I will work on using the many other words in the English language to describe my feelings. Besides, why use four-letter words when you can use six-million dollar words and goofy words that are answered by laughter and joy felt by all involved?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Spirit Pt. III: Escapism & Fear
What is my first thought when something doesn't go right? Flight. As humans, one of our main instincts is to choose one of these two when we enter situations that are uncomfortable: fight or flight. For me, I don't fight much; I choose flight more often than not. I have not made the right decisions regarding escapism---I've had rough patches in my life in which I chose to escape the situation instead of facing it head on. I'll experience a situation that makes me uncomfortable and I get scared---not sure if it's scared of what I'll do or scared of what I'll encounter, but I disappear.
By disappearing, I felt that the pain, anger, sadness, nervousness---any uncomfortable feeling would disappear as well. I awoke each new day to find that this mentality wasn't helpful. Contrary to that belief, disappearing and taking flight from my problems only made them more of a problem in the end.
The biggest problem I have encountered these past eight years was dealing with my grandmother's death. It seemed completely unbelievable to me to understand that a woman so soaked in God's life would pass away with all of her health problems. I asked myself, "Wouldn't God heal her if He truly existed?" This made me question everything I learned growing up going to church. After her funeral I stopped attending church. After her burial I forsook God.
Attending high school, I went through the motions of life, knowing that something was missing. I figured this out as soon as a year after my grandmother's death. Frustrated with my realization of this, I was confused as to where to turn. I bought a book of World Religions and read it thoroughly to find that before I could take on something as important as religion, I needed to understand who I was as a person first. I started attending college and that is where sin found me the most. I did whatever I could to escape the feeling of not being whole. I continued doing this to the point that I convinced myself that I wasn't escaping, I was living, just being a college student, doing what all college students do.
Earlier this summer I was indulging in drinking with a friend when I realized, "this is not where I want to be." I didn't want to drink every night, I already had for the most part due to my extreme sadness over the break-up with my last ex. I went to go to sleep that night and in that dark dorm room I saw a light. It wasn't just the light outside the window--it was much more, and it deeply touched my heart. I went to sleep that night knowing that when I woke up the next day I would embark on a huge change for myself. That next morning I realized I couldn't escape anymore. I needed the light, the strength, the love of God. This is why escapism is a personality trait of mine that I wish to vanquish from myself with the word of the Lord.
Fear is closely rooted with escapism. Fear is what is felt that entices a person to fly from the situation. I personally fear situations in which I feel weak, unprepared, angry, saddened, or new. When I say new, I mean that I've come to the conclusion that even though I've experienced many things, there are still many things, feelings, thoughts---all in all lessons I haven't learned yet. When I feel new in a situation, I'm uncertain as to how I'm going to act, and I'm scared of what the new situation will bring out of me.
I fear being lonely---completely alone in this big world. I fear being hurt again in any of my relationships, whether they be romantically involved or those with family and friends. I fear failure the most. Growing up, thanks to my father, doing something wrong was punishable by harsh words. I began to fear failure because I felt that if I did something wrong, I'd be reprimanded. I became my worst critic---making any mistake at all was debilitating to my emotional and mental health.
What I needed to understand was that we all make mistakes. We're human, and even though we are God made, we are mortal. We are sinners, we will make the wrong decisions. The important thing is to realize that we do so and learn from them. I can make mistakes, but I need to be honest with God and tell Him about them. He will always lend an ear to me, I just have to open my mouth first. Fear is not a personality trait that God wants His children to have. It's the last thing He wants His children to feel.
When I am tempted to ESCAPE from a problem, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you." Psalms 139: 7-12
"So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose." Hebrews 2:2-4
"Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" Hebrews 12:25
When I am temped to FEAR a feeling I may have regarding a situation or an event in my life, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 7: 34
To escape from my problems is to be lead by temptation. I need to understand that I cannot escape from my problems, but instead fight them head on. It is the devil who wants to lure me away from my problems. I should not want to escape, I have no reason to escape. I am a part of God's kingdom, I am a child of God. Why escape from the Holy arms of God's embrace?
Fear is placed on this earth by the devil. He wants to make people afraid of what they can't comprehend or understand at the time. He wants God's people to be afraid of situations they are made to face in their lives so that they are lead to sin and make bad decisions, ultimately being lead away from God's grace. I need not fear evil or the unknown; I need to relinquish my fear and instead accept God's love into my heart, knowing that He will be there for me through all of my trials and tribulations. He knows I'm not perfect and that I will fail, but He will lift me up with His righteous right hand if I ask Him to.
Stay tuned for Pt. IV.
By disappearing, I felt that the pain, anger, sadness, nervousness---any uncomfortable feeling would disappear as well. I awoke each new day to find that this mentality wasn't helpful. Contrary to that belief, disappearing and taking flight from my problems only made them more of a problem in the end.
The biggest problem I have encountered these past eight years was dealing with my grandmother's death. It seemed completely unbelievable to me to understand that a woman so soaked in God's life would pass away with all of her health problems. I asked myself, "Wouldn't God heal her if He truly existed?" This made me question everything I learned growing up going to church. After her funeral I stopped attending church. After her burial I forsook God.
Attending high school, I went through the motions of life, knowing that something was missing. I figured this out as soon as a year after my grandmother's death. Frustrated with my realization of this, I was confused as to where to turn. I bought a book of World Religions and read it thoroughly to find that before I could take on something as important as religion, I needed to understand who I was as a person first. I started attending college and that is where sin found me the most. I did whatever I could to escape the feeling of not being whole. I continued doing this to the point that I convinced myself that I wasn't escaping, I was living, just being a college student, doing what all college students do.
Earlier this summer I was indulging in drinking with a friend when I realized, "this is not where I want to be." I didn't want to drink every night, I already had for the most part due to my extreme sadness over the break-up with my last ex. I went to go to sleep that night and in that dark dorm room I saw a light. It wasn't just the light outside the window--it was much more, and it deeply touched my heart. I went to sleep that night knowing that when I woke up the next day I would embark on a huge change for myself. That next morning I realized I couldn't escape anymore. I needed the light, the strength, the love of God. This is why escapism is a personality trait of mine that I wish to vanquish from myself with the word of the Lord.
Fear is closely rooted with escapism. Fear is what is felt that entices a person to fly from the situation. I personally fear situations in which I feel weak, unprepared, angry, saddened, or new. When I say new, I mean that I've come to the conclusion that even though I've experienced many things, there are still many things, feelings, thoughts---all in all lessons I haven't learned yet. When I feel new in a situation, I'm uncertain as to how I'm going to act, and I'm scared of what the new situation will bring out of me.
I fear being lonely---completely alone in this big world. I fear being hurt again in any of my relationships, whether they be romantically involved or those with family and friends. I fear failure the most. Growing up, thanks to my father, doing something wrong was punishable by harsh words. I began to fear failure because I felt that if I did something wrong, I'd be reprimanded. I became my worst critic---making any mistake at all was debilitating to my emotional and mental health.
What I needed to understand was that we all make mistakes. We're human, and even though we are God made, we are mortal. We are sinners, we will make the wrong decisions. The important thing is to realize that we do so and learn from them. I can make mistakes, but I need to be honest with God and tell Him about them. He will always lend an ear to me, I just have to open my mouth first. Fear is not a personality trait that God wants His children to have. It's the last thing He wants His children to feel.
When I am tempted to ESCAPE from a problem, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you." Psalms 139: 7-12
"So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose." Hebrews 2:2-4
"Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!" Hebrews 12:25
When I am temped to FEAR a feeling I may have regarding a situation or an event in my life, I need to look to these following verses of scripture:
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:7-8
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love." 1 John 4:18
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 7: 34
To escape from my problems is to be lead by temptation. I need to understand that I cannot escape from my problems, but instead fight them head on. It is the devil who wants to lure me away from my problems. I should not want to escape, I have no reason to escape. I am a part of God's kingdom, I am a child of God. Why escape from the Holy arms of God's embrace?
Fear is placed on this earth by the devil. He wants to make people afraid of what they can't comprehend or understand at the time. He wants God's people to be afraid of situations they are made to face in their lives so that they are lead to sin and make bad decisions, ultimately being lead away from God's grace. I need not fear evil or the unknown; I need to relinquish my fear and instead accept God's love into my heart, knowing that He will be there for me through all of my trials and tribulations. He knows I'm not perfect and that I will fail, but He will lift me up with His righteous right hand if I ask Him to.
Stay tuned for Pt. IV.
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