NFL Week 13 Picks: SUPER EXPRESS EDITION
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I've got to get these out in a hurry. Last week was a normal 10-6 week for me. Should have been 14-2, if I hadn't let my hatred of certain teams get in the way. Oh.
I've gotten slack with the explanation for my picks, in case you were hoping that would change this week? Don't bet on it. I've got too much work to do. LOL
Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions
Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan
*Thanksgiving Day*
Please take the Lions off the Thanksgiving sked and replace them with the Giants, good lord. This is going to be ugly. The Titans might not pass the ball 15 times all day -- and why would they when rushing against a team with a defense like a sieve?
Call:
Tennessee 24
Detroit 9
---
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys
Texas Stadium
Irving, Texas
Another embarrassment to the NFL. Dallas is more viable than Detroit, and many people thought Seattle would be good this year. However, this game won't be a blowout. Just a snoozefest.
Call:
Seattle 17
Dallas 23
---
Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THIS IS THE GAME THAT SHOULD BE ON TV!!! The friggin' NFL Network is like the KGB. I refuse to comment on it in protest.
Call:
Arizona 34
Philadelphia 23
---
San Francisco 49ers vs. Buffalo Bills
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Orchard Park, New York
The Bills are in dire straits in regards to their playoff chances. The 49ers have settled into their post-honeymoon Mike Singletary slump. Bills win a much needed game.
Call:
San Francisco 13
Buffalo 21
---
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, Ohio
Watching the Bengals play the swarming Ravens is like watching people get tossed to the hungry lions. No, not the DETROIT TOOTHLESS LIONS, either.
Call:
Baltimore 30
Cincinnati 10
---
Indianapolis Colts vs. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland, Ohio
The Browns' owner has put the Browns on notice. Not that it matters. The Colts are back and they are going to bludgeon the Browns out of their own stadium. Crennel and Savage and their clown act will end in December.
Call:
Indianapolis 31
Cleveland 14
---
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
OK, a repeat of the 1996 NFC Champeenship game. The Panthers are "better" than the Packers, but neither team looks like more than a one and done in the playoffs. It's a wonder (with Jake Delhomme's play, DESPITE the running game) how they're 8-3. The Packers proved that if they can't get INTs with their secondary, they can't keep up with decent scoring teams. The Panthers DO score very well, ya know...
Call:
Carolina 27
Green Bay 20
---
Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri
The Rams have mailed in the season and are vying for the #2 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The end.
Call:
Miami 28
St. Louis 6
---
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
The Saints scored a HUGE win Monday night. Will it carry over to this game? It is tough to do much against the Bucs, because they don't give up big plays nor make mistakes. I just find it hard to believe that the Bucs can cover all the guys that Brees passes the ball to. Maybe Bush comes back for this one? Who knows? He won't matter.
Call:
New Orleans 27
Tampa Bay 17
---
New York Football Giants vs. Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
Landover, Maryland
The Giants defeated the 'skins in Week 1 at home, but this is going to be a tougher game. The Redskins are reeling, though. Their defense is playing well, but the offense is falling off badly. If Jason Campbell does not right the ship in this game, they are going to be in trouble. The Giants' pass rush and exceptional back-seven coverage (still not sure where all the nonsense about the Giants' secondary being supposedly "weak" is coming from) is going to get at him and he's going to make mistakes. Clinton Portis MUST have a 100 yard game to give them a chance.
Call:
NY Giants 31
Washington 24
---
Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California
Panic time for the Chargers. They usually go on a winning streak during this time of the year. They need it. But Matty Ice will rebound from a couple of mediocre performances to carry the Falcons to a win over the spotty Chargers' defense. Michael Turner and Roddy White continue to wow the casual fan (and help me win fantasy football games). The Chargers can (and will) lose this game and STILL potentially win the AFC West in Week 17.
Call:
Atlanta 28
San Diego 27
---
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
The Patriots are going to get exposed Sunday. That is all I am going to say. Playing the Steelers are an accurate barometer of who's great and who's just pretending to be contenders this year in the NFL. You will know what the Patriots are made out of after this one.
Call:
Pittsburgh 24
New England 20
---
Denver Broncos vs. New York Football Jets
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Goodness sakes the Broncos defense... (pause as I well up with tears). This could be a bloodbath if the Jets remain true to form. No, it WILL BE. The Broncos just got BLOWN OUT BY THE OAKLAND RAIDERS!!!
Call:
Denver 14
NY Jets 27
---
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
McAfee Coliseum
Oakland, California
Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. Both teams suck. God bless and good night.
Call:
Kansas City 6
Oakland 3
---
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis, Minnesota
*SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL*
The Bears really need to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division. Winning this game will give them tiebreakers and more confidence down the stretch in the last quarter of the season. I think they will pull it off.
Call:
Chicago 23
Minnesota 17
---
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium
Houston, Texas
Why is this game coming on Monday Night...?
I'm only watching for three insignificant (in the context of the game itself) reasons: 1) The prospect of seeing Sagecopter II 2) Steve Slaton rack up points for me in Fantasy, but at the same time 3) The Jaguars are being benched as my fantasy defense this week in favor of the Browns; who will do no better against Indy. Man fantasy sucks at times.
Call:
Jacksonville 13
Houston 27
---
More later...
As politically incorrect as I wanna be.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
My NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
My NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I finally got around to doing these. I've been doing the wash, cooking and making other preparations for the CALVARY that will be at our house for Thanksgiving. Finally, order is restored with the Jints at the top of the heap with NO QUESTIONS ASKED again.
1. New York Football Giants. The best team in the NFL. All-around. No debate allowed.
2. New York Football Jets. Many will argue, especially since the Jets have lost to the Raiders and nearly lost to the Chiefs; but RIGHT NOW they are the best team in the AFC.
3. Tennessee Titans. Titans fans and apologists should take heed from a Giants fan here -- KERRY COLLINS IS YOUR QUARTERBACK. If the Titans are smart, they'd practice some Wildcat Offense and put Vince Young in there during the playoffs.
4. Indianapolis Colts. They're back; which means the AFC should cower. They can win out. YES, seriously.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. They still appear to be shaky to me. Parker in? Parker out? Roethlisberger in? Roethlisberger out?
6. Carolina Panthers. I have to give them credit, even if Jake Delhomme has looked CRUDDY this month.
7. Atlanta Falcons. They have four losses, but they're still impressive and better than Dallas, Washington and Tampa Bay.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... still trying to figure out how they do it. They are the most boring team to watch.
9. Baltimore Ravens. You do not want to play them right now. They could very well finish 11-5 or 12-4 this year.
10. Arizona Cardinals. There's no shame in losing to the best team in the NFL by only 8 points. Kurt is the MVP and they are still impregnable and impetuous on offense.
11. New England Patriots. Get outta here with the Cassel talk. They still aren't impressing me.
12. Washington Redskins. They're reeling, but still a smidge ahead of Dallas.
13. Dallas Cowboys. Sure, Owens had a great game, but they WERE playing hapless SF.
14. Miami Dolphins. WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!!
15. New Orleans Saints. HUGE win for them Monday. They're the best of the 6-5 teams in the NFC.
16. Chicago Bears. You never know which team is going to show up each week... appropriately in the middle of the pack.
17. Minnesota Vikings. Gus Frerotte is going to lead them right OUT of the playoffs.
18. Buffalo Bills. They are reeling like Washington, but they got a nice win last week to salvage their slim playoff hopes.
19. Philadelphia Eagles. The Iggles are in DEEP trouble. They have a game coming up against the Giants in New York as well. That game will either bolster to completely kill their slim playoff hopes.
20. Denver Broncos. The Broncos SUCK.
21. Green Bay Packers. The Bi-Polar team of the NFL.
22. San Diego Chargers. Time for the Chargers to man up and go on their patented/annual 5-game win streak. They probably only need to win 8 games (including the tie-breaking win vs. Denver in Week 17) to win the division, but a safer bet for them (and Norv's job) is to win out and ensure they make the playoffs.
23. Houston Texans. They beat Cleveland. Whoopee.
24. Cleveland Browns. The Browns have been put on notice. Will this increase urgency on this talented, but underachieving team?
25. Jacksonville Jaguars. They piss me off with their defensive play. It has cost me two games in Fantasy Football.
26. Oakland Raiders. THE RAIDERS CAN REALISTICALLY WIN THE AFC WEST. That ought to tell you how bad this division is.
27. Kansas City Chiefs. They Chiefs are playing much better, but they still are a few pieces short of a puzzle.
28. San Francisco 49ers. They could've jumped on Dallas early on Sunday and did not take advantage of sluggish early play by the Cowboys. Then the avalanche occurred.
29. Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgrem has to throw up in his throat thinking about going out like this.
30. St. Louis Rams. YIKES.
31. Cincinnati Bengals. They need to get rid of Chad Johnson. ASAP.
32. Detroit Lions. Goodness gracious SAKES alive... can they just go 0-16 and draft ANOTHER WR next year?
M.D. Wright
11.26.08
I finally got around to doing these. I've been doing the wash, cooking and making other preparations for the CALVARY that will be at our house for Thanksgiving. Finally, order is restored with the Jints at the top of the heap with NO QUESTIONS ASKED again.
1. New York Football Giants. The best team in the NFL. All-around. No debate allowed.
2. New York Football Jets. Many will argue, especially since the Jets have lost to the Raiders and nearly lost to the Chiefs; but RIGHT NOW they are the best team in the AFC.
3. Tennessee Titans. Titans fans and apologists should take heed from a Giants fan here -- KERRY COLLINS IS YOUR QUARTERBACK. If the Titans are smart, they'd practice some Wildcat Offense and put Vince Young in there during the playoffs.
4. Indianapolis Colts. They're back; which means the AFC should cower. They can win out. YES, seriously.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers. They still appear to be shaky to me. Parker in? Parker out? Roethlisberger in? Roethlisberger out?
6. Carolina Panthers. I have to give them credit, even if Jake Delhomme has looked CRUDDY this month.
7. Atlanta Falcons. They have four losses, but they're still impressive and better than Dallas, Washington and Tampa Bay.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... still trying to figure out how they do it. They are the most boring team to watch.
9. Baltimore Ravens. You do not want to play them right now. They could very well finish 11-5 or 12-4 this year.
10. Arizona Cardinals. There's no shame in losing to the best team in the NFL by only 8 points. Kurt is the MVP and they are still impregnable and impetuous on offense.
11. New England Patriots. Get outta here with the Cassel talk. They still aren't impressing me.
12. Washington Redskins. They're reeling, but still a smidge ahead of Dallas.
13. Dallas Cowboys. Sure, Owens had a great game, but they WERE playing hapless SF.
14. Miami Dolphins. WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!! WILDCAT!!!
15. New Orleans Saints. HUGE win for them Monday. They're the best of the 6-5 teams in the NFC.
16. Chicago Bears. You never know which team is going to show up each week... appropriately in the middle of the pack.
17. Minnesota Vikings. Gus Frerotte is going to lead them right OUT of the playoffs.
18. Buffalo Bills. They are reeling like Washington, but they got a nice win last week to salvage their slim playoff hopes.
19. Philadelphia Eagles. The Iggles are in DEEP trouble. They have a game coming up against the Giants in New York as well. That game will either bolster to completely kill their slim playoff hopes.
20. Denver Broncos. The Broncos SUCK.
21. Green Bay Packers. The Bi-Polar team of the NFL.
22. San Diego Chargers. Time for the Chargers to man up and go on their patented/annual 5-game win streak. They probably only need to win 8 games (including the tie-breaking win vs. Denver in Week 17) to win the division, but a safer bet for them (and Norv's job) is to win out and ensure they make the playoffs.
23. Houston Texans. They beat Cleveland. Whoopee.
24. Cleveland Browns. The Browns have been put on notice. Will this increase urgency on this talented, but underachieving team?
25. Jacksonville Jaguars. They piss me off with their defensive play. It has cost me two games in Fantasy Football.
26. Oakland Raiders. THE RAIDERS CAN REALISTICALLY WIN THE AFC WEST. That ought to tell you how bad this division is.
27. Kansas City Chiefs. They Chiefs are playing much better, but they still are a few pieces short of a puzzle.
28. San Francisco 49ers. They could've jumped on Dallas early on Sunday and did not take advantage of sluggish early play by the Cowboys. Then the avalanche occurred.
29. Seattle Seahawks. Mike Holmgrem has to throw up in his throat thinking about going out like this.
30. St. Louis Rams. YIKES.
31. Cincinnati Bengals. They need to get rid of Chad Johnson. ASAP.
32. Detroit Lions. Goodness gracious SAKES alive... can they just go 0-16 and draft ANOTHER WR next year?
ESPN's NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
ESPN's NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
ESPN.com
1 (2) Giants 10-1-0 They were pretty impressive in beating the Cardinals without the services of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress. The G-Men have another tough road test at FedEx Field on Sunday. (MM)
2 (1) Titans 10-1-0 They probably were due for a dud. They need to re-establish the run. Who better to help than Detroit? (PK)
3 (6) Jets 8-3-0 Their victory over the previously unbeaten Titans gave them six wins in a row and made them the team to beat in the AFC. (TG)
4 (4) Steelers 8-3-0 Even on an off night, the Steelers still won by 17 points. That's the mark of a solid team. (JW)
5 (5) Buccaneers 8-3-0 The Bucs took care of business in Detroit by scoring on offense, defense and special teams. They might not be flashy, but they get the job done. (PY)
6 (8) Colts 7-4-0 The Colts have built a nice streak and now look to have easy stretch. (PK)
7 (3) Panthers 8-3-0 A defense that was supposed to be very good fell apart against Atlanta. The remaining schedule is brutal. (PY)
8 (10) Patriots 7-4-0 Matt Cassel has put together the best two weeks of any NFL quarterback. The Patriots are one game behind the Jets after drubbing the Dolphins in Miami. (TG)
9 (11) Cowboys 7-4-0 The Cowboys have a chance to reach 8-4 Thursday, then can sit back and root for the Giants on Sunday. Tony Romo looked like himself again in Week 12, and that's a great sign for the Cowboys. (MM)
10 (14) Falcons 7-4-0 The Falcons are coming off a huge win against Carolina and improving each week. (PY)
11 (7) Cardinals 7-4-0 Don't be surprised if the Cardinals find a way in Philadelphia. (MS)
12 (9) Redskins 7-4-0 They notched a solid road win against a Seahawks team that refuses to quit. This will be an unbelievably emotional week with the one-year anniversary of Sean Taylor's death. (MM)
13 (13) Ravens 7-4-0 After all these years, the Ravens finally feasted on an opposing team with quarterback issues. (JW)
14 (12) Dolphins 6-5-0 Their playoff hopes absorbed a major blow with a 20-point loss to the Patriots and a season-ending injury to leading receiver Greg Camarillo. (TG)
15 (19) Bears 6-5-0 There's nothing like a trip to St. Louis to raise your confidence. (KS)
16 (20) Saints 6-5-0 The Saints finally looked the way they were supposed to all along in the blowout victory over the Packers. (PY)
17 (21) Vikings 6-5-0 There is something to be said for accepting a gift game. Now, if only Adrian Peterson could remember what time that meeting is. (KS)
18 (18) Bills 6-5-0 The BIlls feasted on everybody's favorite slump-buster, the Kansas City Chiefs. (TG)
19 (15) Broncos 6-5-0 The Chiefs and Raiders have combined for four wins. Two have come against the AFC West division leader. Yikes. (BW)
20 (16) Packers 5-6-0 An embarrassing performance on MNF has left the Packers needing help to win the NFC North. (KS)
21 (17) Eagles 5-5-1 This is a team in turmoil. A loss against the Cardinals on Thursday could signal the immediate end of the Donovan McNabb era. (MM)
22 (22) Chargers 4-7-0 Can the Chargers take any more final-minute heartbreak? I think not. (BW)
23 (25) Texans 4-7-0 Not quite the MNF circumstances they expected when the schedule came out. (PK)
24 (23) Jaguars 4-7-0 The popular preseason pick to unseat the Colts is playing to avoid last place in its division. (PK)
25 (24) Browns 4-7-0 It's hard to put a finger on what this team will try to accomplish the rest of the season. (JW)
26 (31) Raiders 3-8-0 Tom Cable just beat Mike Shanahan by 21 points -- in Denver. Al Davis is a very happy man this week. (BW)
27 (26) 49ers 3-8-0 Interim coach Mike Singletary faces an uphill fight, as the 49ers play three of their next four games on the road. (MS)
28 (27) Seahawks 2-9-0 Next season can't arrive soon enough for the Seahawks, who are in transition. (MS)
29 (28) Rams 2-9-0 Steven Jackson could return this week, but the Rams' troubles go deeper. (MS)
30 (29) Bengals 1-9-1 The Chad Ocho Cinco trade watch begins in five weeks. (JW)
31 (30) Chiefs 1-10-0 The Chiefs punctuated their awful season by allowing 54 points, a franchise record. (BW)
32 (32) Lions 0-11-0 Calling all healthy quarterbacks: Can anyone stop the Lions' march to 0-16? (KS)
ESPN.com
1 (2) Giants 10-1-0 They were pretty impressive in beating the Cardinals without the services of Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress. The G-Men have another tough road test at FedEx Field on Sunday. (MM)
2 (1) Titans 10-1-0 They probably were due for a dud. They need to re-establish the run. Who better to help than Detroit? (PK)
3 (6) Jets 8-3-0 Their victory over the previously unbeaten Titans gave them six wins in a row and made them the team to beat in the AFC. (TG)
4 (4) Steelers 8-3-0 Even on an off night, the Steelers still won by 17 points. That's the mark of a solid team. (JW)
5 (5) Buccaneers 8-3-0 The Bucs took care of business in Detroit by scoring on offense, defense and special teams. They might not be flashy, but they get the job done. (PY)
6 (8) Colts 7-4-0 The Colts have built a nice streak and now look to have easy stretch. (PK)
7 (3) Panthers 8-3-0 A defense that was supposed to be very good fell apart against Atlanta. The remaining schedule is brutal. (PY)
8 (10) Patriots 7-4-0 Matt Cassel has put together the best two weeks of any NFL quarterback. The Patriots are one game behind the Jets after drubbing the Dolphins in Miami. (TG)
9 (11) Cowboys 7-4-0 The Cowboys have a chance to reach 8-4 Thursday, then can sit back and root for the Giants on Sunday. Tony Romo looked like himself again in Week 12, and that's a great sign for the Cowboys. (MM)
10 (14) Falcons 7-4-0 The Falcons are coming off a huge win against Carolina and improving each week. (PY)
11 (7) Cardinals 7-4-0 Don't be surprised if the Cardinals find a way in Philadelphia. (MS)
12 (9) Redskins 7-4-0 They notched a solid road win against a Seahawks team that refuses to quit. This will be an unbelievably emotional week with the one-year anniversary of Sean Taylor's death. (MM)
13 (13) Ravens 7-4-0 After all these years, the Ravens finally feasted on an opposing team with quarterback issues. (JW)
14 (12) Dolphins 6-5-0 Their playoff hopes absorbed a major blow with a 20-point loss to the Patriots and a season-ending injury to leading receiver Greg Camarillo. (TG)
15 (19) Bears 6-5-0 There's nothing like a trip to St. Louis to raise your confidence. (KS)
16 (20) Saints 6-5-0 The Saints finally looked the way they were supposed to all along in the blowout victory over the Packers. (PY)
17 (21) Vikings 6-5-0 There is something to be said for accepting a gift game. Now, if only Adrian Peterson could remember what time that meeting is. (KS)
18 (18) Bills 6-5-0 The BIlls feasted on everybody's favorite slump-buster, the Kansas City Chiefs. (TG)
19 (15) Broncos 6-5-0 The Chiefs and Raiders have combined for four wins. Two have come against the AFC West division leader. Yikes. (BW)
20 (16) Packers 5-6-0 An embarrassing performance on MNF has left the Packers needing help to win the NFC North. (KS)
21 (17) Eagles 5-5-1 This is a team in turmoil. A loss against the Cardinals on Thursday could signal the immediate end of the Donovan McNabb era. (MM)
22 (22) Chargers 4-7-0 Can the Chargers take any more final-minute heartbreak? I think not. (BW)
23 (25) Texans 4-7-0 Not quite the MNF circumstances they expected when the schedule came out. (PK)
24 (23) Jaguars 4-7-0 The popular preseason pick to unseat the Colts is playing to avoid last place in its division. (PK)
25 (24) Browns 4-7-0 It's hard to put a finger on what this team will try to accomplish the rest of the season. (JW)
26 (31) Raiders 3-8-0 Tom Cable just beat Mike Shanahan by 21 points -- in Denver. Al Davis is a very happy man this week. (BW)
27 (26) 49ers 3-8-0 Interim coach Mike Singletary faces an uphill fight, as the 49ers play three of their next four games on the road. (MS)
28 (27) Seahawks 2-9-0 Next season can't arrive soon enough for the Seahawks, who are in transition. (MS)
29 (28) Rams 2-9-0 Steven Jackson could return this week, but the Rams' troubles go deeper. (MS)
30 (29) Bengals 1-9-1 The Chad Ocho Cinco trade watch begins in five weeks. (JW)
31 (30) Chiefs 1-10-0 The Chiefs punctuated their awful season by allowing 54 points, a franchise record. (BW)
32 (32) Lions 0-11-0 Calling all healthy quarterbacks: Can anyone stop the Lions' march to 0-16? (KS)
If the People Around Me Would Change
If the People Around Me Would Change
Valorie Burton
Author & Life Coach
Do you find yourself frustrated by the same types of occurrences in your life—over and over again?
Perhaps it is the aggressive people in the traffic you endure daily during your commute. Maybe it is the behavior of someone you deal with regularly who does not behave as you think they should. Or perhaps you do not like where you live, your job, your looks or some other aspect of your daily life. Your happiness does not have to be based on what happens around you or to you. On more than one occasion, I have learned this important lesson:
You won't become happy if someone else changes or if the world around you changes. You become happy when you change.
From a Greek prison cell, the apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation," (Philippians 4:12). This week, I challenge you to choose happiness despite what happens around you. It is not what happens to you or what goes on around you that ultimately shapes your character and state of being. It is how you choose to respond to it. Things or people around you may be frustrating, but is your response to it making it more stressful or less stressful for you? Here are a few of the ways that you can make frustrating circumstances more stressful:
* Regularly complaining about your circumstances. Some people complain to anyone who will listen. Others complain repeatedly to themselves or the person closest to them. Make a decision to stop complaining. Find a solution or accept the situation as is.
* Always expecting the worst in people. Do you feel like the world is against you? If so, you'll respond to every situation in fear rather than love, thereby escalating the intensity of any potential conflict and its impact on your emotional state of being.
* Taking it personally when strangers are rude or inconsiderate. Have you noticed lately that people in general seem to be stressed and less considerate of others than they used to be? It has nothing to do with you. People have issues. So choose not to respond as though you are being personally attacked. If you do, you'll find yourself in victim mode nearly every time you leave your house!
* Blaming others for your unhappiness. "If only my spouse/kids/boss/friends would change, I would be happy." Do you ever find yourself saying something like this to yourself? Blaming others gives us an excuse not to take responsibility for our own happiness. Don't give your power away to others.
* Feeling sorry for yourself. "Why me? Why am I the one who has to deal with this? Everybody else's life is better." The truth is, everyone has to deal with something. Ask, "What's the lesson here? How can I come out of this a better person?" Choose to allow challenges to strengthen your faith rather than diminish it.
So how can you change when the world around you remains the same? You make a decision to do so. The key is to respond rather than react. A reaction is automatic. It doesn't require thought and is generated by external happenings. A response is inspired, generated internally through thought, contemplation and prayer. It means that despite the external happenings, you choose to answer button-pushing situations in a way that honors your desire for peace and happiness in your life.
Your decision to change does not mean that rude people are right or that frustrating friends or family members are not to be accountable for their words and actions. It simply means that your happiness and peace are not determined by what they do. Don't wait in vain for others to change or the world around you to change. You make the change.
My Challenge to You This Week:
Identify one change you can make that will allow you to experience contentment in a situation that upsets you. Let go of your attachment to the idea that someone or something must change in order for you to be happy. You make a decision to change.
Journaling Assignment:
By insisting something around you needs to change, what have you been able to avoid? (For example, taking responsibility for your own happiness, having a difficult conversation, etc.). How and when will you face the fear that has caused you to avoid what needs to be addressed?
Related Resource:
Are you in the place you'd hoped or expected to be? Is this the best life you could be living? Check out the Listen to Your Life book or DVD for more on how to pay attention to your deepest desires, listen to God's voice, and explore your gifts and talents.
Taken from Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter. Written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. © 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.valorieburton.com.
Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy?.
Valorie Burton
Author & Life Coach
Do you find yourself frustrated by the same types of occurrences in your life—over and over again?
Perhaps it is the aggressive people in the traffic you endure daily during your commute. Maybe it is the behavior of someone you deal with regularly who does not behave as you think they should. Or perhaps you do not like where you live, your job, your looks or some other aspect of your daily life. Your happiness does not have to be based on what happens around you or to you. On more than one occasion, I have learned this important lesson:
You won't become happy if someone else changes or if the world around you changes. You become happy when you change.
From a Greek prison cell, the apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation," (Philippians 4:12). This week, I challenge you to choose happiness despite what happens around you. It is not what happens to you or what goes on around you that ultimately shapes your character and state of being. It is how you choose to respond to it. Things or people around you may be frustrating, but is your response to it making it more stressful or less stressful for you? Here are a few of the ways that you can make frustrating circumstances more stressful:
* Regularly complaining about your circumstances. Some people complain to anyone who will listen. Others complain repeatedly to themselves or the person closest to them. Make a decision to stop complaining. Find a solution or accept the situation as is.
* Always expecting the worst in people. Do you feel like the world is against you? If so, you'll respond to every situation in fear rather than love, thereby escalating the intensity of any potential conflict and its impact on your emotional state of being.
* Taking it personally when strangers are rude or inconsiderate. Have you noticed lately that people in general seem to be stressed and less considerate of others than they used to be? It has nothing to do with you. People have issues. So choose not to respond as though you are being personally attacked. If you do, you'll find yourself in victim mode nearly every time you leave your house!
* Blaming others for your unhappiness. "If only my spouse/kids/boss/friends would change, I would be happy." Do you ever find yourself saying something like this to yourself? Blaming others gives us an excuse not to take responsibility for our own happiness. Don't give your power away to others.
* Feeling sorry for yourself. "Why me? Why am I the one who has to deal with this? Everybody else's life is better." The truth is, everyone has to deal with something. Ask, "What's the lesson here? How can I come out of this a better person?" Choose to allow challenges to strengthen your faith rather than diminish it.
So how can you change when the world around you remains the same? You make a decision to do so. The key is to respond rather than react. A reaction is automatic. It doesn't require thought and is generated by external happenings. A response is inspired, generated internally through thought, contemplation and prayer. It means that despite the external happenings, you choose to answer button-pushing situations in a way that honors your desire for peace and happiness in your life.
Your decision to change does not mean that rude people are right or that frustrating friends or family members are not to be accountable for their words and actions. It simply means that your happiness and peace are not determined by what they do. Don't wait in vain for others to change or the world around you to change. You make the change.
My Challenge to You This Week:
Identify one change you can make that will allow you to experience contentment in a situation that upsets you. Let go of your attachment to the idea that someone or something must change in order for you to be happy. You make a decision to change.
Journaling Assignment:
By insisting something around you needs to change, what have you been able to avoid? (For example, taking responsibility for your own happiness, having a difficult conversation, etc.). How and when will you face the fear that has caused you to avoid what needs to be addressed?
Related Resource:
Are you in the place you'd hoped or expected to be? Is this the best life you could be living? Check out the Listen to Your Life book or DVD for more on how to pay attention to your deepest desires, listen to God's voice, and explore your gifts and talents.
Taken from Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter. Written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. © 2008 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.valorieburton.com.
Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy?.
Obedience To God
Obedience to God
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Not only what we talk about, but what we think about is screened by the Lord. Is it acceptable to the Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all night." I Samuel 15:11
Saul's problem is a common one. He thought his "overall performance" was good enough to see him through. All the while, God was placing the emphasis on obedience to specific directives. God has not changed. "to obey is better than sacrifice." (I Samuel 15:22)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. Genesis 31:13
God has a running account of our kept and forgotten vows, and so often as the occasion arises, He calls for their fulfillment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And the Lord said unto me, Arise, get thee down quickly from hence; for thy people which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they are quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image." Deuteronomy 9:12
Humanity has not changed. When we lose touch with the true and living God, we start making our own. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." St. John 16:13
One of our great problems is that we ask God for answers and guidance and then debate Him over His response. "Whatsoever he saith to you, do it." "We ought to obey God."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
Here is the argument settler. If you can't do a thing in accordance with His Word and will, don't do it. "Not my will, but thine, be done."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"...And that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Exodus 24:7
God's paths are clear. It is our dull hearing that gets us into trouble. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "We ought to obey God rather than man."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you." Jeremiah 7:23
Here is a condition and a promise that we cannot afford to ignore if we are to live happy and fruitful lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men." St. Mark 1:17
Jesus beckons us to the world's greatest business. Only in eternity will we see just how great. Stop what you are doing and follow Jesus in this, the most rewarding work of all! "He that winneth souls is wise."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." St. Matthew 25:21
Contrary to what we sometimes think, we will be rewarded not for our success but on the basis of our faithfulness. "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Copyright © Saint Matthew's Churches.
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