Bring on the weekend!

 A redundant title? I suppose so, but I'm carrying around a greater-than-usual anticipation for the coming weekend.  I guess it's a combination of a big Hogs game and a frustrating work week mixed with the prospect of a delicious pulled pork sandwich that has me worked up. Yes, I am smoking a pork butt to feed everyone watching the game with us. Yes, it will take 8-10 hours and I'll lose sleep Friday night in the process. Yes, it's worth it.  I'll come back afterwards with a blog detailing the whole process.  Taking something from 8lb hunk of pork meat to tender, smoky goodness is an engaging but really (and I mean REALLY) rewarding process. If only my wife could share in the fun with me.  Unfortunately, she's on weekend rotation.  People need pills on Saturday and Sunday too, I suppose.

Arkansas has quite the challenge ahead of them this weekend, as the #1-ranked Crimson Tide of Alabama roll (no pun intended) into Fayetteville for a 2:30pm showdown. If  you live in Little Rock and make a habit of listening to drive-time sports call-in shows as I do, you've no doubt heard outlandish predictions of 20 point victories for Arkansas. If the Razorbacks lose, these very fans will turn and call back in after the game and demand the immediate firing of the entire coaching staff, the AD, and the janitor.  Athletic schizophrenia, I suppose.  Fortunately, I am capable of keeping a clear head throughout all this senseless chatter. Arkansas will have to play at the very highest level they can to beat the Tide. Alabama has a two-tiered rushing attack (similar to the McFadden-Jones tandem we had a few years ago) and a coach who is second to none. They also have a stellar defense. The Hogs' offense has proven it can score, but hasn't proven it can run the ball for a first down with consistency.  The O will will have to score early, protect Ryan Mallett, and control the clock so that UA's defense has a chance to rest. In the SEC, it's commonly said that winning on the road requires you to be 10 points better than the home team. Are the Tide 10 points better than the Hogs? I lean toward "yes." They haven't lost a game since 2008, they're well-coached, and they don't take a Saturday off. Last year, Arkansas got bruised, bloodied, and beaten pretty badly in Tuscaloosa. I expect this game will be closer than that, but Alabama still has the edge until the Hogs (or anyone else) take it from them. I'm predicting Alabama wins in a close one, 41-38. Here's hoping I'm wrong.

We are in the first portion of an interesting topic at the Oliver life group.  Patrick Mead of Rochester Church of Christ in Rochester, MI, did a series a few years back entitled "God at War." We are going through this study and discussing things that don't get mentioned in church as much as they probably should. Here are a few questions that have been discussed so far:

• If God is good and all-powerful, why is there evil in the world?
• Why do bad things happen to good/innocent people?
•  Is God in total control, and is everything a part of his plan?
• How much power do Satan and his demons/angels have on earth?

A lot of our discussion has challenged our assumptions and notions about God.  Fortunately, we have a group that is hungry to learn and understands that taking on and considering challenging topics is a vital step in spiritual growth. We are moving away from the "milk" of God and towards the "meat," and it's very exciting.  I wholeheartedly recommend Patrick's lessons, which can be found here as well as on iTunes.

My "war against the flesh" continues. It seems that my flesh is no longer all that motivated to stay in shape and exercise. This always happens around this time of year for some reason or another. Sadly, it usually coincides with increased food consumption, especially during holidays and weekends. The spirit is willing, but the body is lazy.  I'm not buying new pants, so I guess I'll just gut it out. Stay well, everyone, and check back in Monday or so for the BBQ report.