NCarolinian

Let us lump some game summaries together. Tarheels vs. Evansville Sloppy 1st half play Better 2nd half play The match-up was for the Zeller family to come down from nearby (approx. 40 miles) and watch the game, they were not disappointed. Long Beach State vs. Tarheels Too close Teams kept exchanging fast breaks Parents got to attend the game William and Mary vs. Tarheels Carolina had better dominate in this one and did. Our 3-ball showed up Tarheels vs. Rutgers 3 Pointer continues to drop. Too many turnovers for both teams IMHO. Great ball movement! To all...Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays, oh yes, and...GO HEELS!

What a world we live in today!  A world, but especially a nation, the U.S., where companies perfect their skill at convincing you that their product or service is something you can't live without.  The successful "fisherman" of a company gets the best of us to say to them "I want, I want, I want" and I wanted it yesterday and on sale. Things. Our world is populated by physical, material things.  Because as the song goes, "We are living in a material world...", except I'm not a girl and I'm praying I'm not materialistic.  Of course the world has been this way for some time now - trying to outdo the last latest and greatest gadget or gismo, but if you can afford to give your condition some time, even the latest and greatest will be outdated soon and the next in line will be pushed even harder. There is something to be said about always having to have.  There is a void there that someone is trying to fill.  Always jumping to the next new c...

I'm going to let you in on a bit of myself - I LOVED TO BE PRAISED.  I eat it up, soak it in, take it to heart and try my best to balance it all out with a healthy dose of humility so my head doesn't get too much bigger. Proverbs 27:2 states, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Why is this so challenging?  Because I know what I think I do best.  Others may disagree and think I'm on another level than where I think I'm at, but that is where the "rub" begins.  I want to start my speech out with the same person that started this sentence - "I".  Then, I want to brag a little.  Shoot!  How else are you going to know I did something of worth outside of my relationship with you?  I guess I don't trust others enough to tell, do I? Somebody else had what I call this "I Disease" and he fell hard and permanently.  Isaiah 14:12-15 speaks to this disease and subsequent fall.  I defi...

A shout out to Tanya's uncle, Herb Price, for the tickets he supplied me and my dad to the Kentucky vs. UNC game!  The National Anthem was worth the price of the tickets!  The Chancellor played a nice, smooth jazzed up version on the keyboard while a female staff member sang the song.  Great team! After the game we went out the door to find everything covered in snow.  Very beautiful.  Kinda cold standing in line waiting for the next bus to come pick you up with a "jillian" other people, but the win and being with my dad made it all worth it. There was a little spark of what Barnes can provide for the Heels in this game.  But the inconsistent play by him still continues.  Thankfully for Carolina the low post is occupied by one Tyler Zeller.  And I cannot scream loud enough - Feed The Monster!  If the others can practice and really nail down some perimeter shots then when the "monster" is full or cannot partake because ...

Plain and simple: The Tarheels loss to Minnesota was due to the lack of not spreading the "love", the "rock", the ball around for others to contribute in the points column besides Barnes.  You can not wait for a star player to get hot and watch him go 0-12 and not have others REALLY take a crack at getting the team back on track. The loss to Vanderbilt was due to the lack of knowledge of what play signals go with what plays and "where-in-the-heck am I suppose to be on the floor" mentality for everybody - which leads everybody and their grand mama to scream -  the Heels have no leadership .  Carolina desperately needs a floor General and we have been missing that ever since Larry Drew took the point. The Ashville win?!  Really?! (Sarcasm included)  This was due to the fact that we allowed other players to play (note my comments on Minnesota).  Zeller got 23 points.  Wow!  Look what happens when you get the ball to someone who has been on the ...

Welcome to another great year and edition of In My Humble Opinion.  The self-proclaimed, award-winning publication on the pulse of the Carolina Tarheel men's basketball team.  I am Chad the writer, editor, CEO, and all other positions and it is great to have you along for this wonderful ride with the true Blue and White! Our journey starts with Lipscomb this time.  Before the encounter Coach Williams said he was concerned with this team because of their outside threat (3-point capability).  That fear was well met with plenty of bombs from the Bison in the first half that kept them in the game.  This shot has always been Carolina's weakness and everybody knows it.  The percentages have been played and continue to be played to a certain degree, but with three point specialist in other teams arsenal, UNC is going to have to develop a plan for that threat.  I suggest placing someone with very long arms and the talent of knowing how to move his ...

The first impression I got when I started reading this Psalm was that of an attempt to stay away from "shame".  The shame of missing a command, law, or statute that the LORD had given to His people.  "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.  They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.  You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.  Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!  Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands." (vv.1-6) We should all know by now that there is only one person that has not missed fulfilling a command, law, or statute in history - Jesus of Nazareth.  However, this Psalm goes on to describe how one can "keep his way pure" and the answer is found in verse 9. "How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word." For the Jews ...

If any of us, especially worship leaders, were wondering about where to find some answers on the topic of worship in the Bible start at Psalm 92:1-3 . "It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp." What? And who and a little bit of why?  "It is good" for us to worship the LORD and not only is it "good" to worship Him, but worship is actually already broken down in this verse into "praise" (Hebrew - Yadah) meaning to give thanks, extol, make a public confession,or make an admission AND "make music" (Hebrew - Zamar) meaning to sing, sing praises.  Another why?  Of course all of these praises and making music is to the glory of His name .  Here, "O Most High" is the name that is selected and lifted up.  But in each one of our lives we can pick a different name w...

Red Letters (by D.C. Talk) Pages filled with a holy message Sealed with a kiss from heaven On a scroll long ago Phrases, words that were bound together Now have the power to sever Like a sword evermore Heed the words divinely spoken May your restless heart be broken Let the supernatural take hold (chorus) There is love in the red letters There is truth in the red letters There is hope for the hopeless Peace and forgiveness There is life in the red letters In the red letters   One man came to reveal a mystery Changing the course of history Made the claim he was God Ageless, born of a virgin Mary Spoke with a voice that carried through the years It's persevered Heed the words divinely spoken May your restless heart be broken Let the supernatural take hold (repeat chorus) (bridge) What You say moves me, revelation, come and take me The more I look [the more I look] the more I see [the more I see] The Word of God [the Word Of God] is what I need O...

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O LORD my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave." Psalm 86:11-13

 I saw an article that had a picture with the caption "Incredible Religious Monuments" recently.  That is what triggered my thoughts and spirit to the subject at hand - us as Incredible Christian Monuments.  In describing my faith I do not call or label myself "religious".  You can be "religious" about tying your shoes every day or other activities.  I am a Christian and I am honored to be branded as such.  Usually most monuments are set up in honor of people, places, or things of the past.  To that end I still say that we as Christians and even non-Christians wanting to learn about the faith can study the great men and women of Christendom, the "Monuments" that have passed on (C.S. Lewis, Walvrood, Moody, etc...).  BUT I believe we, as Christians, can be "lively monuments".  A person where other people can come to and draw from their life experiences but more importantly their life walk with Jesus in those experiences; ...

Laying my heritage aside and given all the options of faith there are out there, I still choose you LORD.  You knew I would and I can see you smiling in my spirit-man, but I still had to make the decision.  There is no better explanation for our human condition and no better plan of salvation that has been executed than my God's.  You are My God!  I count the cost and see what it cost Father God and Jesus and can see no greater love than this.  That is My God!

I am a sheep, my shepherd is the LORD Himself.  Wanting anything will not consume me because the Shepherd directs me to rest in and on His provisions (green pastures).  The Shepherd even leads me into a time of refreshing, beside quiet waters, where He restores my soul from my daily wanderings. The Shepherd guides me down the right path that I might boast on Him alone.  And even though I may come close to death sometimes I will not be afraid of any evil because The Shepherd is with me, protecting and comforting me with His rod and staff. While the lions, tigers, and bears - my enemies - stand before me and look on they are powerless as you, The Shepherd, prepare a trough (table) of provisions before me. The Shepherd anoints this sheep's head with oil and I witness my blessings/provisions (cup) overflow. For sure, His goodness and His love will follow me around every day of my life and I will be in the Shepherd's house forever.

My first observation is Haman's wife, Zeresh, and friends were the major contributors to his downfall. Haman still was the one who kicked it all off and kept it going but he was helped along his path of destruction by his own wife and friends. My second observation is that as you read the book of Esther from front to back (not skipping around) I saw a shift of character focus.  The main character in the beginning is Esther with slight undertones of Mordecai.  Then in the middle of the story Mordecai is a greater figure, at least equal to all the other characters of the story.  Finally, there is no doubt Mordecai is the prominent character at the end of the story. To elaborate on my first observation let us look at what happened in the story.  To summarize and paraphrase some (Esther 3:5 - 5:13) it all started when King Xerxes's high official, Haman, saw that a certain someone, Mordecai, would not give him any respect.  Haman not only thought o...

Do you sense "the joy of the LORD" in your life?  Is it "your strength"? In Nehemiah 8:1-3 it says, "They [the Israelites] told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.  So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.  He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand.  And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." Continuing on in verses 9-11 it states, "Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, 'This day is sacred to the LORD your God.  Do not mourn or weep.  For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.  Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjo...

"In the third year of his [Jehoshaphat] reign he sent his officials ...to teach in the towns of Judah.  They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.  The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat.  Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks;" The officials who went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people had their part of THE WORD to share - the Book of the Law of the LORD.  Notice what happened as a result of them spreading the news of this Book .  "The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat."   And on top of that Jehoshaphat gets tribute in the form of costly gifts, silver, and animals.  All of this because the Word of th...

I guess there could be several analogies drawn to the situation that surrounded Jesus at the time of His betrayal, trial, scourging, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.  Analogies like "the chess game" analogy or "master puppeteer" analogy or "the great play" analogy.  In each scenario there are many participants with roles that are manipulated by one or more to acquire a desired outcome.  Satan tried to "pull his own strings" by influencing those close to Jesus to try to thwart Jesus' plan.  Like whispering into Peter's ear for Jesus not to go through with His plan.  And Judas being possessed by the Fallen One himself to betray the only begotten Son of God.  BUT God the Father knew the schemes of Lucifer and whatever Satan threw at Jesus for bad God turned for good. Everybody around Jesus was "moved" (chess perhaps) into position before, during, and after Jesus' ministry here on earth.  The fact that the Son of God was...

I knew the Islamic faith had many times during the day when they called upon their members to face Mecca, bow, and pray, but I did not know there was any such similarity within Judaism. Evidently, the history of the Jews "praying toward..." was important enough to have documented twice.  1 Kings 8:22-53 and 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 are the same account - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication (Temple).  When Solomon prays he asks the Lord, God of Israel, to hear the prayers prayed when the people pray a certain way - toward the location of their focus.  Their attention is where the Ark of the Covenant resides - in the temple on top of Mt. Moriah where Solomon is giving this Prayer of Dedication.  There is no mention of bowing, just facing the direction of who should be their passion.  There is also no mention that this is a command, but what I get from Ezra's (2 Chronicles 6) recording of Solomon's words is a cultural practice of respect. Solomon prayed to God...

Ever heard the expression "just tie a knot and hang on" or heard it explained that life can get so challenging that you feel like you have "hit the bottom of the barrel and now there is no way but up"?  These may be great don't give up sayings or messages but I want to go a different direction.  To those who have experienced this end of the rope or bottom of the barrel phase of life, you know the emotions attached.  Feelings like helplessness, confusion, and resourcelessness may abound.  A lot of "lessness" words can be applied here.  But when life gets to this point we are likely on our knees consulting someone who should have been consulted before getting to this point - God.  Surprisingly enough, a lot of times this is right where God wants us and can use us, minus the negativity of life's circumstances. I am speaking about humbling thyself.  Bringing yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually to be totally dependent on God.  Intenti...

To be sure everything is not an accident.  To be sure everything is not by chance.  What is the purpose in living?  What is the meaning of life itself if an accident or chance is the governing force?  What is the truth?  Who knows the truth?  So many voices claim their way as the truth or the way.  The cry, "It's all relative" is a cop-out and rejection of the correct way or path.  By definition, truth has no relativity.  Truth is true for all. The fact that these questions are being asked alludes to the answer.  There has to be something or even someone greater than humanity.  From all the walks of faith which one is the truth?  Just by behavior of the members of each faith we know not all paths lead to the same God.  The differences within the teachings found in the many holy texts also show how the same God is not reached by all faiths.  There can be only one. Who made the claim they knew the truth?...

Associated with "Punishment" Exodus 9:23, 28, 29, 33, 34 1 Samuel 2:10; 7:10; 12:17,18 Isaiah 29:6 Jeremiah 25:30 Joel 3:16 Revelation 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 Associated with "Display of Power" Exodus 19:16; 20:18 Job 26:14; 36:33 Psalm 77:17-18; 93:4; 104:7 Associated with "Voice of God" Exodus 19:19 Job 40:9 Isaiah 33:3 Jeremiah 25:30 Joel 3:16 Revelation 6:1; 14:2 Associated with "Describing....." Sons of Zebedee - Mark 3:17 Throne Room of God - Revelation 4:5 Song of 144,000 or the teaching of the song - Revelation 14:2 Voice of Great Multitude - Revelation 19:6

As "punishment" or "a display of power" Ex. 9:23, 24; 19:16; 20:18; 22:13; 22:15 Job 36:30; 36:32; 37:3; 37:11; 37:15; 38:24; 38:35 Psalm 18:12-14; 29:7; 77:18; 78:48; 97:4; 105:32; 135:7; 144:6; 148:8 Jeremiah 10:13 Ezekiel 1:4; 1:13,14; 21:10; 21:15; 21:28 Hosea 6:5 Nahum 2:4 Habakkuk 3:11 Zechariah 9:14 Revelation 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 As "descriptive of Lucifer's fall" Luke 10:18 As "descriptive of the Throne Room" Revelation 4:5 As "descriptive of the appearance of someone" Daniel 10:6 Matthew 28:3 Luke 9:29; 17:24; 24:4 As "descriptive of His Coming" Matthew 24:27

We are taught by many teachers, evangelists, and our own pastors the main Scripture passages that pertain to the "why" for Jesus' first visit.  The most used one or at least the first one that comes to my mind is John 3:16 .  And if you just ask a Christian off the street why Jesus came to earth you probably will get a standard answer, like "to save humanity from sin and secure our place in heaven with other believers".  While this is true I found there is more.  In asking one question, a good list of Scripture passages help to explain why Jesus came and did what he did and said what he said.  That question was - What did Jesus, Himself, say He came to do? My research found, He Came To....... "bring division" (Luke 12:51) do the will of him who sent me/not lose any He has given me but raise them up on the last day/provide eternal life for those who look to the Son and believe in Him ( John 6:38-40 ) fulfill prophecy ( Matt. 5:17 ) make us "...

Have you ever heard loud, powerful, shattering thunder?  Imagine hearing the wings of an army of eagles fly overhead.  Have you ever heard the crackle and sizzle of lightening as bolts attempt to find their mark?  Have you ever been in the company of a strong trumpet blast?  Imagine yourself standing beside Niagara Falls and hearing that deafening roar.  Have you ever been in a large crowd and just stopped and listened to the murmur of the mob?  Ever wonder what the voice of God sounds like?  The previous questions are Biblical descriptions of God's voice to get you thinking. Even though in 1 Kings 19:11-13 the voice of the Lord is "a still small voice" or "a whisper" , most of the encounters with God's voice leave you quite "shaken and stirred" (nod to 007).  God's voice has been linked in Scripture to the breaking of Cedars, the shaking of the desert, the twisting of the oak, the shattering of Assyria, speaking from a cloud, and even the ...

"He was a rich man. he thought to himself, in all the ways that mattered." (p.29) "His features were pleasant enough, but he was not particularly handsome - not a man who would stick out in a crowd." (p.84 - Isaiah 53:2) "Mackenzie, I am neither male nor female, even though both genders are derived from my nature." (p.93 - John 4:24) "'So, when he healed the blind?'  'He did so as a dependent, limited human being trusting in my life and power to be at work within him and through him.  Jesus, as a human being, had no power within himself [except John 10:18  - authority to lay his life down and pick it up again - my comment here] to heal anyone.  Only as he rested in his relationship with me, and in our communion - our co-union could he express my heart and will into any given circumstance.'" (p.100 - John 5:16-30) "'Don't you have a chain of command?'  Makenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us, o...

Here in this world of technology and information and instant access I thought I would join the crowd of people known as "bloggers" and see what it is all about.  From my research, blogging can be anything from a personal diary that is shared to a political soapbox, the spectrum is grand.  A lot of my blogging is going to be centered around my faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings.  But at other times there will be inserts of my other interests such as sports and music that should keep you on your toes, if you are interested in those things too.  So, here's to sharing and I hope we both or we all can grow and share a few laughs and tears of joy as I try something new with you.  Welcome.