Jeremiah 1:7 – “Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”

I have always felt a little bad for Jeremiah. Why does he get stuck with being the bearer of bad news constantly for God? Everybody from his generation hates him. What is amazing to me is that Jeremiah never falters (at least that’s what I recall). He “approval” rating is probably 5% in Israel at the time. But he doesn’t care. He just keeps on doing what God has told him to do.

That kind of direction and purpose had a to be a somewhat invigorating feeling for Jeremiah. I hope that feeling comes to me, and soon. Here I am, with a month to go before graduating from college, and I still don’t’ feel like I have that direction in life. Where is God leading me? What people is he leading me to be with? Will he provide the funds necessary to make due if I go it alone out there? Big questions that I frankly don’t have an answer for.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am blessed beyond belief. I have no student loans, I’ve got a job for the summer that is going to be a growing and awesome experience. I’ve got some of the most solid friends I could ask for. But that close-knit relationship with God? It just seems sort of unattainable now.

On my spring break, we talked about Mother Theresa. In her journals, she consistently lamented the fact that God was so far away from her; she never really felt his presence in her life. She felt marooned and isolated.

Talk about depressing. How can someone that is going after God that hard not feel His presence? But at the same time, that gives me a kind of strength. If Mother Theresa was never feeling God’s presence and was able to accomplish all that she did, I certainly can’t complain with all the blessings he’s bestowed on me.

SPORTS! - In honor of Jess Hendriksma

God has even granted me some simple joys in life, including new friendships and success for my favorite sports team. I think God enjoys making us happy in little things like that. The pleasure we get out of things like sports are just a tiny taste of what we will get later. But I’ll break down my team, the Bucks, a little more in depth.

The Bucks - same shit, different year.

Pardon my french, but this was disappointing for me. The Bucks had been playing so well that they were actually giving me some hope about a possible first round victory against the likes of the Celtics or Hawks. I got to watch their game against the Suns when I was home - and witnessed live the horrifying demise of Andrew's right arm. It was hideous; and it's just one more reason I don't like Amare.

What's left now? I'll break down what needs to happen for the Bucks to have a chance against the Hawks, who appear to be their first round matchup.

Steady Salmons - Contrary to popular belief, John Salmons has to continue his consistent production. I can't really ask much more from him than about 22 ppg. I don't want him to score anymore than that, because it will kill the ball movement that has made the Bucks such a big success.

Juggernaut Jennings - Brandon, on the other hand, needs to return to early season form. I don't see the Bucks pulling off a victory unless Jennings shoots 45% for the series, and averages at least 18 ppg. His assist numbers are important too, but Jennings' has to have the swagger to knock down shots off the pick and roll, because if he's shooting his typical 37%, the Bucks have no shot.

Draino Delfino - Delfino needs to come in with an average of 3 three's a night for the Bucks to be successful, as well as crash the boards in the absence of Bogut. If he averages 14 and 7 a game, I'd be real happy.

Krafty Kurt - Kurt Thomas needs to bust some skulls and average 10 boards a game. If he can get in Horford's head and limit him, it would be a huge help.

The Ersanator combined with Turk Nowitzki - This is the biggest leap. Ersan Ilyasova needs to play unbelievable well for the bucks to have a chance. He needs to be the energy guy that will grab four offensive boards a game, and also nail 2 daggers from deep a game. If Ersan doesn't average 14 and 8 for the series, they have no chance. He needs to match Josh Smith's production.

Persistent Prince - I don't need big numbers from you, but you need to keep Joe Johnson from ever scoring more than 25 a game. He's good and he's gonna get his, but making him take a lot of shots to get there is important.

My prediction? Hawks 4, Bucks 1. Bucks have to steal one game for the home crowd.

All you wanted to know about the Bucks and my life issues. Until next time....