Super Bowl LI

Super Bowl LI (51) is now in the books.  The committee and people of Houston were wonderful hosts and the weather was amazing. 

Some Super Bowl observations:

* Once a year we are given the opportunity to brush up on Roman numerals.

* Football is just part of the Super Bowl experience.

* Even if your team was not in the playoffs, there was much excitement about the extra activities as well as the game being played in Houston.

* Much planning, effort, attention to detail, time, and people were needed in order to have a successful event.

* There was much pride in our city for a job well done.

* Thankfulness that President and Mrs. Bush were both able to recover from their recent illness and hospital stay so they could attend the game and participate in the coin toss.  Even though he has tossed the coin at several games, President Bush still practiced beforehand so he could perform his task well.

* It was moving to see the respect, applause, and standing ovation given to President and Mrs. Bush as they entered the field for the coin toss to start the game.

* Vice-President Pence invited two Wounded Warriors and their dates to be his and Mrs. Pence’s guests at the game.  They were flown to the game, along with the Pences, on Air Force II.

* With all she had on her agenda on Super Bowl Sunday, Lady Gaga chose to begin her big day by attending St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and receiving communion.

* The half time show avoided political controversy and focused on patriotism and entertainment.

* Drones added an unexpected addition to the halftime performance, thanks to Intel and Disney.

* Predictions do not determine the outcome of a game.

* It takes teamwork to play football.  No one player can make all the plays.

* Never ever give up.

* The game is not over until the final whistle blows.

* Matthew Slater, of the New England Patriots, used his interview time to explain how to become a Christian.

* From football greats to Lady Gaga, people mentioned, recognized, and expressed appreciation for their family.

 We are all part of a game called life.  It is important to play by the rules, be intentional in our goals, work as a team, play to win the prize, and make certain the right leader is being followed. 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 25:57