As I head into a 2009 filled with so many new opportunities, I’ve been dwelling on something that I think I need to have more of going forward. I’ve very clearly felt compelled to have more opinions. I know, I know, those that are acquainted with me have just shuttered in horror at any chance of me having more opinions. But I’m speaking to opinions that matter. Opinions that could possibly dictate my actions. Wikipedia defines an opinion as:

a person’s ideas and thoughts towards something which it is either impossible to verify the truth of, or the truth of which is thought unimportant to the person. It is an assertion about something especially if that something lies in the future and its truth or falsity cannot be directly established. An opinion is not a fact, because opinions are either not falsifiable, or the opinion has not been proven or verified. If it later becomes proven or verified, it is no longer an opinion, but a fact.

I love this definition. It’s something that is impossible to verify the truth of. I can have an opinion that the Dallas Cowboys have a truly terrific football team, but that is neither a fact nor is it possible to prove.

But what about the opinions that matter? I’ve been challenged to think about my opinions on the important things related to my family, relationships, and ministry. And am I ready to move these opinions in the direction of facts? Here are the opinions that I’m challenging myself to get in writing, and committing time to really think through how I can move them into the realm of facts.

• What is my opinion on the best ways to communicate love to a kid? Is it through my words, actions, or both? And what is the best way for each individual kid?
• What is my opinion on leading a child to Christ? Is there a way that is better than the other ways? Is there a way to lead a child to Christ, where their decision is truly life changing? Is it effective in a large-group environment?
• What is my opinion on dedicating a child in a church setting?
• What is my opinion on what makes a strong marriage? Is my opinion on this impossible to prove?
• What is my opinion on the best way to mentor and raise up new leaders? Is there a more effective way to do it than I’m currently doing it?

• I passed a mobile billboard this morning attached to a semi-truck. It was red with black letters, and said, “Go Tech! Beat OU!” Is it really necessary to advertise who you are rooting for?
• I think every store front in Lubbock says something to the effect of “BEAT OU!” And yes…we even have our regards on the electronic sign in front of the church.
• Thousands of cars in town have GO TECH flags dangling from somewhere…or painted on the windows!
• Who ever sells those full-size Tech flags is making a killing! There are so many homes with Red Raider flags flying, it’s creepy.
• My boys are picking up on the enthusiasm, and I’m not sure how to handle it. Last Sunday my 5 year old Dylan walks into the living room as I’m watching the Dallas Cowboy game; and starts jumping up and down at the sight of football while yelling, “Go Tech! Guns Up Baby!” I’d like to apologize to all my family for this, but I honestly didn’t teach him this at home.
  
• And the best of all appeared on my television screen last Saturday Night. I’m watching a college football game, and the local ABC affiliate pops with this a tag-liner that simply read…“ONLY 168 hours until game time!” It has been counting down for days now. Tonight I expect it to be somewhere around 72 hours.

So as I gather with some Oklahoma-friendly friends on Saturday Night I will be publicly pulling for my Sooners…but somewhere inside of me I’m beginning to pull for my hometown team. I can’t help it. I need therapy. God. Help. Me.

Vatican lists new sinful behaviours…

…and I now breathe a sigh of relief. I was worried the Vatican would add Fantasy football and Xbox360’s to the list this year.

In honor of all those offended by the Christmas story.

And on a side-note; I think ‘Mary and the Magic Baby’ might be my fantasy football team name next year.

Some random thoughts from this Sunday:

• I’m really happy that my son and wife got to be in the Christmas production at the church. It was an amazing performance, with all that you would expect and more of a Christmas Pageant. But the 5 performances in 4 days, and the 4 hour nightly practices for 2 weeks leading up to it have been slightly draining. I’m really looking forward to getting my family back to normal.

• Tony Romo is a god. Holy cow it’s fun being a Cowboy fan right now.

• My sometimes great fantasy football team has laid a first round playoff egg. My season is over, right after it got going.

• Pastor preached a sermon on regrets this morning. He used the life of Paul (Saul) as the example of a man torn by the regrets from his past. He directed one thing interesting to those younger than 30. He told them that between their teenage years and before they turn 30 they can add up the most regrets. He really challenged them to analyze the direction of their life, and to try their best to prepare the next 30 years for regret-free living. It’s an interesting thought; and I must agree.

• I had some people really let me down this morning at church. I’ve always thought that I might not be as talented and as gifted as others; but I can always follow through on my word. I’ve considered the ability to keep my word as one of my greatest talents. Maybe that is why it disappoints me so much when others can’t. I’ll shake it off by Monday morning, but right now it’s bothering me.

• There is a serious threat of snow and ice in the area tomorrow. Deep down inside I’m hoping the roads ice up and the kids can’t go to school tomorrow.

• The above mentioned threat of snow and ice sure kept people away from church this morning. These Christians are a fickle bunch of people. It’s almost as if they’re looking for an excuse to not go to church. Almost…

• Anyone watch A Smoky Mountain Christmas last night on TV? Me neither.