Unfortunate Loss

Friends,

I am not wanting this blog to be a regular obituary column, but I thought it important to mention this. I have been pondering this message for the past couple of days...and strange as it may seem, count me among the hundreds of thousands of mourners for former prime-minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. I generally do not make forays into the political arena, but this one struck me. (As if discussing religion isn't controversial enough? :-) I have been an admirer of this lady since I was much younger. She was not a perfect human being, but she brought a sense of wisdom, courage, dignity, stability and reason to a people who were in need of it at the times that she served as a leader for her country. She was truly "out of place" and "out of time," in a sense, as a female politician in a place where it was a challenge to be so. She was trying to do and be the same timely leader, once again, that her people needed her to be over the past several months until she was assassinated two days ago. It is an unfortunate matter, but one that is all to familiar in the world in which we live. Please pray for the people of this nation that somehow order will come from chaos and that her legacy will be one where her people will dignify her life by standing up for the ideals that she believed in and pursued.

Don

Amazing Chip

Friends,

No, this is not about my brother-in-law, although he is a great guy.
:-) Scientists in Israel have inscribed the entire Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible (equivalent to our OT) onto a tiny nanochip about the size of a grain of sugar, measuring about .o1 square inch. This text was chosen to show how a large amount of information could be stored in such a tiny amount of space. It took about an hour to etch the 300,000 words onto the tiny silicon surface. The technology can be used to store vast amounts of data and is being considered for medical, as well as other scientific, practical advances. The previous smallest known copy of the Bible measured roughly 1x1x.5 inches, weighed .4 ounces and contained over 1500 pages.

Don

Death Star Galaxy

Friends,

Today, NASA put up this cool image of a couple of galaxies competing for space. Like something out of Star Wars, the larger galaxy with a great "black hole" in its midst is blasting the smaller galaxy with large amounts of radiation particles and other matter, thus the name "Death Star Galaxy." Ultimately, the smaller will "be assimilated" into the larger galaxy, so "resistance is futile." Tens of millions of stars and untold planets are in the path of this jet of destructive radiation. When one astrophysicist was asked what would happen if Earth was in the smaller galaxy, he indicated that it would be sterilized -- bummer. The astrophysicists advice? Avoid black holes when you can. Ha ha. Fortunately, there is no threat of this happening to our own Milky Way galaxy. Still, just the fact that we can see these images with the large array of powerful telescopes on the Earth, is amazing.

Don

Farewell

Friends,

The son of the Leader of the Band has been silenced. I was saddened today to learn that one of my favorite vocalists from my youth, Dan Fogelberg, succumbed to prostate cancer at age 56. He did so many great songs and beautiful ballads that are forever etched in the minds of his fans...songs like Leader of the Band, Auld Lang Syne, the Power of Gold, Run for the Roses and so many others were the inspiration of a gifted man. Thank you, Dan.

Don

The Mitchell Report

Friends,

The long awaited report on preformance enhancing drugs and baseball came out today. There were 70+ names on the "used steroids or HGH" list. Some of the usual suspects were on the list, but for the first time a couple of big name pitchers were revealed. Now, I would really like to believe their denials because I have always admired Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, but it certainly does not look good. And part of the reason for this...is that they DO look so good so late in their careers, just like Barry. If there were not performance enhancing drug issues over the past couple of decades, then why did so many of the baseball greats of yesteryear not play at such a high level into their late 30s and 40s, (a few folks like Nolan Ryan, Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige notwithstanding). Unfortunately, there is much suspicion in many sports in relationship to this subject. Another example, sprinter Marion Jones forfeited her Olympic medals yesterday... a sad ending to what had the appearance of being a great track career and potential for so much more that was done in by performance enhancing drugs. So, indeed, it is a sad time for sports. Perhaps, one day the drug testing will catch up with and stay ahead of the cheaters (wishful thinking?) from this era and it will one day all be behind us. Well...we can hope.

Don

A Good Teacher

Freinds, (Oops, a frIEnd of mine pointed out that I misspelled fiends, :-) uh, friends),

Someone offered a platitude one time that I was too young in the faith to understand, but as I have grown older and have experienced some hardship, I have to have a better appreciation and understanding of it. It is "pain is a good teacher." Unfortunately, this could be -- and frequently is -- in reference to physical pain, but is more often related to mental and emotional pain. I could honestly say that if I knew then what I know now concerning the past year and a half, in many respects, I would say -- "God, I want a do over," as I never would have made the decision to come to where we are today. Yet, we have learned and grown immensely from our difficult experiences...and for this we have come to understand and respect the spiritual battlefield for souls and have a greater respect for such wondrous virtues as faith, providence, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Someone else said one time, "some of the nicest people and some of the meanest people that you will ever come to know are in the church." This is a grand and a tragic statement all at the same time. I have come to appreciate the former in a much greater way; I am so very thankful for our friends that the Lord has brought our way. Some of the best Christian people we have ever known in our lives and ministry experience are right here in this town at Outreach church of Christ. We are so grateful for many of the wonderful experiences that we have shared with them. Even tonight, we just returned from the Brummett Christmas party...and what a tremendous experience it was for everyone -- what a blessing. Those homes could not be in better hands than with Robert & Tammy, Tom & Jackie, Ken & Dee...and all of their children are beautiful. Lord continue to bless them as they work together for You and to further the kingdom of God.

Don

Genuine Heisman Winner

Friends,

Okay...I obviously had the wrong guy picked for the Heisman trophy a couple of weeks ago. If I knew then what I know now, I would have picked Tim Tebow from the University of Florida, if not for any other reason than sentimentality. Come to find out, that Mr. Tebow was a homeschooler, raised in a Christian family in Alabama. At the time of his blossoming into a fine young quarterback in the state of Alabama, no homeschoolers were allowed to play high school athletics. The Tebow family played a significant role in getting the changes made that would allow Tim to be able to play quarterback for his high school football team in Alabama. Individuals like Tim Tebow exemplify that homeshoolers should have opportunity to be a part of the athletics (and music) system in the local community. Many homeschoolers grow and mature to become very capable human beings...and they are often Christians. For our family, we are very grateful that we have had the honor of homeschooling and for the Lord's blessings in this endeavor. Speaking of blessings...when Tim gave his Heisman acceptance speech, He said thanks first to His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he unashamedly said was His first priority in life. He followed this by prioritizing His values -- family, academics and then (4th) football. There was not a commentator in the room -- Lee, Kirk, or Chris who did not praise him highly for being a better human being even than a football player. In fact, Lee Corso said, there has NEVER been a better representative for the Heisman trophy. Congratulations Tim Tebow -- a very deserving and blessed winner!

Don

Shepherds

Friends,

Some timely thoughts concerning the new situation at Outreach church of Christ. When we consider the subject of "shepherding," I believe that Christians and Christian leaders have a difficult time with this concept. Why? How many examples of "shepherds" do we have in our society? Zero – none. This is a problem. Yet, we humans are compared to sheep – it is how God, through many of his biblical writers, describes us. (See Isaiah 53 and John 10, for example). And God describes His leaders as...shepherds. What can we understand concerning shepherds? When we consider the information from Acts 20:17ff, the "titles" or functions (elder/presbyter, v.17, bishop/overseer, v.28, pastor/shepherd, v.28) concerning God's church leaders, all support the same goal concerning this concept of "shepherd." This man is one who would oversee (bishop) God's flock in serving as a shepherd (pastor) and makes decisions (elder) in relationship to the goal -- caring for the sheep. We really only have examples from the Scriptures to help us to understand their role. So, we must study; we must learn to emulate how a shepherd operates. All of the examples of shepherds that I have seen in the Bible are individuals who are "men of the earth". They are gentle, yet wise. They are simple, yet profound. Consider those to whom the birth of Jesus was announced (Luke 2:8-20). When it comes to shepherds, I like to think about David. I admire him so much. He truly models, as a type of Jesus, what a shepherd is to be. He is a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). He is one who would go after the one sheep who has gone astray in order to bring it back into the fold (Luke 15:1-7). He is not intentionally self-willed, but humble (see Psalm 40:1-17). He has a sensetive heart and confesses his sin (see Psalm 51:1-13). He is one who would humbly lead the sheep and not dominate them (1 Peter 5:1-4); he communicates with them as Jesus says, "the sheep follow His voice because He knows them and they know Him" (John 10). Shepherds are servant leaders. Jesus is the ultimate example of who a shepherd is supposed to be -- He is the Chief Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He loves all of the sheep with unconditional love. He sets the example of how all of His people should live in relationship to one another -- sacrificially! Thank God for the unconditional act of love and grace by His Son; He who willingly laid down His life for all of us. It is this by which we have been saved -- the shepherd who is the Lamb of God! I am excited for the Outreach church of Christ and the shepherds who lead them. God bless them as they grow in spirit and love with the flock of God.

Don

Can't Beat Penuche

Friends,

Okay...my beloved wife made the best treat I have ever sampled this week this side of her mother's and my mother's treats. This is taking nothing away from my mother's banana pudding, mom Sue's penuche fudge, Emily's chocolate no-bake cookies, or Alyssa's chicken fried rice (okay -- it's not a treat, but it is still great stuff). However, I have to say...penuche fudge is where it is at!! Kim made some wonderful penuche (brown sugar, sugar and cream fudge -- good stuff, all mixed together...and then put in the freezer). Fortunately, every bite was terrific; unfortunately, it is already gone :-(. I say all of this with great apologies to paw paw John who will have to wait for the next batch (which, Lord willing, will not be too far down the road...say, Christmas, perhaps :-). Anyway, here's to penuche, the greatest of all treats.

Don

(Not So Super) Sonics

Friends,

As a follow-up to my 4/18 post, I now offer the following: WHAT HAVE YOU BOZOS DONE TO MY FAVORITE TEAM? Well, it is pretty apparent. The new owners from OKC (and I'm still upset with the old one...and have a hard time buying certain coffee :-) "sold" off the team's two best players (Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis) and drafted some young and talented rookies (Mr Durant and Mr Green). In doing this, they have sacrificed the present (residing in Seattle) for the future (residing in OKC). Now, understand that the city of Seattle has much accountability in all of this. They have had ample time and opportunity to provide the necessary ingredients to make the Sonics work in Seattle. But, at this point, who has a burning desire to go see a 2-14 team? So, it is all going according to plan and the Sonics will likely be in OKC by next year or the year after. My "pain" comes from the fact that the Sonics are Seattle's oldest professional franchise and I used to listen to them on my transistor radio :-)...so there is some history for me personally -- I hate to see them leave Seattle. On the other hand, business is business, and having "my team" only four hours (or so) away will make it much easier to be able to go watch them if I would so desire. So, as I said earlier, it all works out (for me, at least :-), but it would be a shame to see the Sonics leave Seattle. As pure speculation, perhaps there is some long range plan for Paul Allen's professional basketball team end up in Seattle. (Certain fans from the city three hours south of Seattle surely would not want to hear this, and I hope for their sake that it would never happen, but...just wondering). So, here's hoping that the current Sonics will win at least ten games, but still get the #1 draft pick in the next lottery. Who knows? Maybe the future will be quite bright for the OKC Sonics.

Don

The "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" Heisman

Friends,

Is it my imagination (?), or was -- once upon a time -- say, 10 to 15 years ago, the winner of the Heisman pretty much ordained out of three or four candidates practically before the season began? If the Heisman favorite changed, it was something of a rarity. Welcome to 2007, where college football teams in the top 5 have been dropping like frozen rain. The latest? LSU, (for the 2nd time this year), and Kansas (unfortunately, after a magical run). Along with the fortunes or misfortunes of their teams, so cometh or goeth the Heisman Trophy candidates 2007. There have been no less than a dozen names mentioned at one time or another. Dennis Dixon for Oregon rode the crest of the Heisman wave for awhile until a season ending torn ACL left him and Oregon undone. Matt Ryan (Boston College) and Matt Grothe (South Florida) were gathering significant Heisman hype as their teams both rose to #2 in the polls. (But, we know what has happened to about a half-dozen #2s this year...BAM!). Darren McFadden, Arkansas running back started out as a Heisman favorite, then dropped out of the race after a few early games where he had a poor showing, only to come surging back at the end of the season with some memorable performances (none the least of which, DM being the main reason that LSU is no longer in the championship picture). Then there is Tim Tebow, the Florida sophomore who has been steady and spectacular all year. Yet, no soph has ever won the Heisman -- which could very well change this year. There have been others in the race at one time or another, as well. My favorite? Chase Daniel, the Southlake Carroll grad who has been a steady and dominating quarterback all year for the Mizzou Tigers. The other night against an undefeated Kansas, he was only 40-49 for 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns. Not too shabby. Now he leads his team into the Big 12 Championship game against Oklahoma this Saturday...surely to be a slugfest. If the Tigers win, they go on to play either West Virginia (likely) or Ohio State (unlikely) in the National Championship game. I am officially on the Mizzou bandwagon (who doesn't love a team on a roll-- c.f. Colorado Rockies until then ran into the Red Sox in the WS :-). So, go Chase...lead the Tigers to the promised land of college football.

Don

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Friends,

I shared this paragraph a couple of months ago in my "Spiritual Balance" post: Balancing the tensions of the roles we play in our lives -- husband, father, counselor, minister, preacher, friend...is important; we need to be able to "bend" without "breaking" – "blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape"...other tensions needing to be balanced in our lives are -- immanence and transcendence; sovereignty (God rules) and free will (God gives us freedom of choice); grace and obedience; and unity and doctrinal purity.

I share this again in order to lead into another principle which is in tension and which should be understood and balanced. Another tension in the spiritual world that frequently comes into play in our lives relates to how we deal with circumstances and relationships. Some gravitate toward the need to pacify or, perhaps, as Jesus would say -- "turn the other cheek." Some have interpreted this principle over the years as "peace at all costs," but I do not believe that this is what Jesus is saying. Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers" in relationship to "turning..." and this is a very different principle from "pacifism." Pacifism taken to an extreme often leads to enabling, which is to help someone "to continue to go down the wrong path." This is psychologically and spiritually unhealthy. A peacemaker needs to understand "the necessity of going to battle" or "doing some battling" in order to get to "lasting peace." This is not an easy or comfortable principle to grasp, but is essential to good stewardship or leadership. Others gravitate more toward this "stewardship" or "taking a right stand" because it is necessary, at times, to give an apologetic or defense of a principle, which can be as comprehensive as "standing for the Gospel of Christ." Paul tells us to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6). This is an admonition for the soldier who is readying for battle. This provides the impetus for the song..."Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before..." As "turning..." is a "defensive posture," so "marching" is an "offensive principle." "Marching" taken to an extreme leads to "dogmatism" which is a mindset that insists that it is correct and that there is no other way. The first mindset can become too pliable, the second too rigid. We must take care not to be too stubborn in the application of either of these mindsets. The key is this -- wisdom comes in knowing when to stand and march and also when to acquiesce and defend and when to do so in the right way and with the right spirit. Food for thought.

Don

Management Maxims

Friends,

The following are some principles that have been helpful over the years. I am certain that there are many more that could be added, but it's a start. I would love to say that I have "managed" them all well, but they have been beneficial --

I can't make people do what they do not want to do, but if it is a beneficial principle, I can help them to see it and own it.

My superior idea may not work as well as the inferior idea everyone likes, which is okay.

Motivation comes from within a person, not from without.

Everything looks easy to a novice.

Allow emotions to edify not denigrate.

A lot of good can be accomplished as long as nobody cares who gets the credit.

Better efficiency = better effectiveness.

Leader/follower principles:
Follow in strengths -- lead in weaknesses
Follow among leaders -- lead among followers
Follow in calm -- lead in crisis
Follow in planning -- lead in all other areas of administration
Follow in procedure -- lead in principle
Follow with people -- lead with things

God bless,

Don

Super Bowl (?)

Friends,

This has nothing to do with the subject, but is a matter of personal interest -- Oregon is getting a beat down right now, which is too bad because they are so close to a national championship game. C'est La Vie. Anyway, here is a great scenario (wish I could say it's a prediction) but it's a pleasant thought anyway (once again, with apologies to certain members of my family :-). Dallas continues to win, primarily -- maybe lose a couple -- but wins it's way through the NFC playoff system. They get to the Super Bowl. New England continues to mow teams down like a big hairy lawn mower. They win out through the rest of the regular season and go undefeated, win out through the AFC playoffs and get to the Super Bowl, where...you guessed it, the Cowboys exact revenge for an earlier season loss. No more undefeated season. '72 Dolphins happy. Cowboys are the champs! And everyone in Cowboyland rides off into the sunset to live happily ever after. Yeah, it's sort of a fairy tale, but its a cool one. God bless,

Don

White Dwarf

Friends,

No, this is not some strange fairy tale about an eighth dwarf related to Snow White. It is about a very small star, of which there are many in the universe. White dwarves are stars that are at the end of their lives. They are not very bright and make up about 6% of the stars that are known. They no longer have fusion reactions and therefore put out no energy. Since they have shed much or all of the hydrogen, helium and other gasses, what is left behind is often a star with a mass about the size of the earth, but with a density about as heavy as our sun. This makes these special celestial bodies very, very heavy. As one astronomer described it one time, if you put one teaspoon of white dwarf material on one end of a scale, you would have to put...you guessed it, an elephant on the other end in order to balance it out. Pretty amazing.

Don

Raining Cats...and Cows (aka A Moooving Experience)

Friends,

We poked a little fun at Alyssa a couple of weeks ago, so in honor of Emmy's love for cows, we offer this story. But first...what goes moo moo moo moo moo moo moo moo -- thud? An hour north of my hometown of Wenatchee, is the town of Manson on Lake Chelan. The story is told today in the FW Star-Telegram of a couple driving back to their hotel in this area when a 600 lb cow falling at 76 mph landed on the hood of their mini-van. The cow apparently had fallen 200 ft off of a cliff over the road. The couple, on a trip from Michigan, were frightened but fortunately were unhurt. Unfortunately, much to Em's dismay, the cow had to be euthanized. However...for the sake of pondering, this story has brought to mind questions for friends and family. We have to wonder what this cow was thinking??? One person wondered if the cow jumped off or was pushed. Hmm. Someone else wondered if this cow was auditioning for a chik-fil-a commercial. Yet, another thought perhaps it was looking for the cat and the fiddle and strayed a bit off course (?). Since Em is starting Algebra, I thought it would provide a good equation. If a 600 lb cow falls 200 ft at 76 mph (how on earth they figured this is beyond my math capabilities), how many feet per second would the cow be falling? Perhaps there is another reason for this event (?). If you have another reasonable explanation, please feel free to offer...and offer your condolences to Emily (who has offered the encouragement "not to have a cow" over the matter).

Don

New Shepherds

Friends,

Congratulations to the new shepherds -- Jimmy C. Adams, Danny Hemphill, and Dennis Ensor -- and to the Outreach church of Christ for their choice of leaders. We are thankful for each of these families and know that they will do an excellent service for the congregation. The church started a few weeks ago...and the leaders and the people are making some important decisions at this juncture about the future and all would appreciate your prayers. We are all pleased with the direction and the love of the fellowship. (Ephesians 4:1ff).

Don

Trekking Again

We have not been to space in too long, so here goes...after 40 years and various incarnations, such as The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager and a spate of movies, there is a new movie coming out that has created a bit of controversy before it even gets to the big screen. It is pretty well known that William Shatner (Capt.James T. Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) have had a mostly friendly rivalry for 40 years concerning who should get top billing (which sort of reminds me of a certain Bible story :-). Now, the new movie is going to go back to before "where no man has gone before," in a sense, to a time prior to TOS Enterprise's first five year mission. It will include all of the main original characters -- Kirk, Spock, Scotty, McCoy, Sulu, Uhura, et. al. played by new younger actors. (Unfortunately James Doohan "the original Scotty" and DeForest Kelley "the original McCoy" have passed on). Back to the movie, the kicker is that Nimoy will make a cameo appearance, but not Shatner. This has, well...not set too well. Part of the problem lies with the fact that Kirk was killed off in the movie ST Generations; still, nothing has ever stopped them from bringing back characters before (see Spock in ST movies II and III). So, the story continues...it will be interesting if we will indeed see the good Captain again. Stay tuned.

Rockie Start

Okay Rockies, so you got bombed 13-1 in game one. It's okay -- three other teams have lost by more than 10 runs in game one of the World Series and have come back to win. Let's make it 4 okay? I'm counting on you. My whole family...even my beloved father-in-law, who is from Maine, are Sox fans and although I would hate to see them all be disappointed, I would get over it :-). So, game two begins right now. Go Rockies!

Don

The Promise

Friends,

Two nights ago, about 20 of us went to the theatrical and musical production of "the Promise" in Glen Rose. It was an amazing event which was wonderfully presented. The actors were very gifted, but what amazed me the most was the quality of the singing -- their strong voices resonated powerfully in that big amphitheater. It was a great evening of fellowship with friends and I would do it again in a minute. If you have the opportunity to go to this production...go, for it is "worth the price of admission" and then some :-). Take care and God bless,

Don

Driving Miss Alyssa

Friends,

As we were driving today for our weekly Cefco run for snacks, we went through the infamous Gentry St. "S" curve at the top of the hill. Whenever we do so now, it reminds us of the trip we made up the hill a week or so ago when Alyssa was driving the van. As she was approaching the "S" she was crowding the line a bit and another auto was coming from the other direction. They kept on coming and Alyssa kept on crowding and then Kim and I finally hollered -- in unison -- "ALYSSA GET OVER!" She did so with several yards to spare, so it wasn't too close of a call...but, close enough. We said, "sis, what were you thinking?" She said the car was in her "blind spot." We said -- "What? The car was out the left side of your front window! Are you telling us that this is your blind spot?" She said she couldn't see it, (which has made us question how on earth Alyssa could have passed Divers Ed in WA). We were just teasing, of course. It may have been Aly this time, but it will probably be me, or Kim, next time. We have these funny moments that happen to all of us that cause us to be able to chuckle and just enjoy life. Praise the Lord that He gives us these moments of serendipity. Nonetheless, now whenever we pass through the "S" we have to say -- "Aly, do we see any cars coming into our blind spot?" Take care (and drive carefully because Aly may be coming toward you with her blind spot),

Don

Rockin' Team

Friends,

The underdog Colorado Rockies swept the Arizona Diamondbacks and now are on the way to their first World Series. This is all fine...unless they end up facing the Red Sox. Then there will fireworks in the family since Kim is a Red Sox fan. :-) All I have to say is -- go Rockies!

Don

Take the Money and Run (not really, actually)

Friends,

I don't put out (satirical or sarcastic) messages like this very often, but...I just can't stand it anymore! What is it with these high price ball players not producing? A certain running back for a certain team in the AFC West held out for the big bucks in the preseason this year -- and got them. His numbers Sunday? 9 rushes, 12 yards. His whole year has been this way. Yet another fellow for my "old" favorite team had a "break through" season in his contract year a couple of years ago -- and yet this year? Not much happening. Sunday? 11 rushes, 25 yards. All would appear to be lost ;-) if not for Kris Brown...yes THAT Kris Brown. Who on earth is Kris Brown? A kicker, for the Houston Texans. Brown had 5 field goals in the Texans' win over the Dolphins...the final one a 57 yarder to win it (after two 54 yarders earlier in the game). Way to go Kris! At least SOMEONE was worth the money Sunday. Give the kicker a raise. :-) Take care,

Don

Amazing Finish

Friends,

My "current favorite" team (love the underdog) going onto the post season, the Colorado Rockies had won 12 out of 13 games to end the regular season. Thanks to their timely tear, the Rockies were able to force a playoff tiebreaker with the San Diego Padres scheduled for today. The game just went into extra innings tied 6-6...and stayed so until the 13th. The Padres got a two run homerun in the top of the 13th -- bummer. Double bummer because the all-time saves leader, closer Trevor Hoffman would be coming in for the bottom half of the inning. Game over, right? It should have been, but...the Rockies quickly jumped on Hoffman for three hits and scored two runs to tie the game. With one out and a man on third, Jamey Carroll slapped a liner to right field, which was caught. Matt Holliday, the runner on third charges to the plate where the throw meets the catcher and him. He somehow slides in under the catcher -- safe!! Rockies win 9-8! Bedlam ensues -- you just gotta love it. One of the best finishes to a baseball game I've ever seen. Now, on to Philadelphia for the cardiac kids. Go Rockies!

Don

Oh Garbage!

Friends,

On our way to Dallas last weekend with some friends, we stopped in Burleson for dinner...us guys did the Chinese buffet and the girls did Taco Bell. I did not find out until today just how interesting was the girls' visit to "the Bell." The food was nothing spectacular, but when they went to dispose of their "remains from dinner" the garbage can "thanked them." Say what??? A talking garbage can? Apparently so...and it had a number of different sayings. Now I've heard it all!! All I can say is that I guess it gives new definition to...talking trash
:-) (ha ha ha).

Don

World Cup Semis

Friends,

The U.S. women's soccer team lost in the World Cup Semifinals this morning to Brazil, 4-0. Unfortunately, the loss was clouded by controversy. The starting goal keeper, Hope Solo, who had not given up a goal in over 300 minutes of Cup play was replaced by hero of the past Briana Scurry. Scurry had a 12-0 record against the Brazilians, yet she had little time to get the chemistry together with this team...and it showed. Solo, who was visibly and verbally upset after the loss, blamed the coach's decision. It is hard to blame her, in many respects, as the loss did indeed appear (in large part) to be the result of a decision that now (good old hindsight) looks awful. The U.S will now play Norway in the 3rd place game. We'll see if the turmoil works for them or against them. Go U.S.!

Don

Lectureship

Friends,

After a wonderful experience at the ACU lectureship over the past three days, we returned home last evening. We were able to visit with friends from other parts of Texas, as well as the Northwest. The keynote speakers and classes were exceptional...considering the subject matter was Micah (?) ;-). One of our two favorite messages was presented by Landon Saunders, Monday evening -- it was powerful; Jeff Walling also had a tremendous lesson last evening. I was able to reconnect with an old (as far as long ago...not his age
:-), professor from my days at Columbia Christian College. Tom Sibley founded and leads a Bible institute in Zagreb, Croatia and I was able to sit in on his class on "the glory of God" and what the Lord is doing in Croatia. It was fun to reconnect and remind him that he pulled a young, freshman "counseling" major into his office and said, "Don, you need to be a Bible major." I thanked him for that and said, "25 years later, I am still a Bible major, thanks in part to the Lord working through you. " These spiritually enlightening lectureship experiences are an excellent time for learning and fellowship. If you have opportunity, I would encourage you to come to ACU next year for the lectureship, the third week of September 2008. God bless.

Don

Filled with the Spirit

Friends,

I would like to offer some encouragement today. One of my favorite messages in the New Testament is Ephesians 5:18-21, but not for the reasons that you might think. It reads: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (NAS)
This has typically been THE passage among others that we have used to defend our practice of singing acappella in our fellowship -- and this is fine. We have had to pull it out of its context in order to make this argument, but combined with other New Testament passages, I believe that it is valid. Still what does it REALLY say? There are five spiritual attitudes which are to be present in our lives IF we are filled with the Spirit of God! If we are filled with the Spirit, we will not become drunk with wine or any other alcoholic drink; be filled with the Spirit, not "spirits." If we are filled with the Spirit, we will sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord at other times and on other days than "the appointed times;" songs will be continually be flowing out of our hearts. If we are filled with the Spirit, we will sing not just from the mouth, but it will have special meaning -- coming from the heart; God wants our hearts not vain worship. If we are filled with the Spirit, we will always have thankful hearts to the Lord . So much better to be grateful to the Lord than to be a grumbler. Finally, if we are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, we will live by the golden rule "to do unto others as you would have them do unto you." We do not enforce our will upon others, but yield to them with a spirit of submissiveness.
Now, this certainly is not all there is to living a Spirit-filled life, but it certainly is a good start! Have a great day :-).

Don

Marital Bliss

Friends,

This week I have been married to my wonderful wife, Kimberly for 20 years. The actual day was yesterday, the 6th, but we are going to celebrate with friends tomorrow. She has been THE primary blessing from the Lord in my life and I am so thankful that she has been my partner in ministry. Our wonderful children put together a special 20th anniversary picture CD for our enjoyment -- it brought tears of joy to our eyes. Have a blessed day!

Don

Moving Mountains

Friends,

I posted this message once, but now it has some new meaning for me. I frequently think about Jesus' profound statement concerning faith -- "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains (Matthew 17:20)" It would appear that this does not require very much faith, since a mustard seed is pretty small. Remember that this saying was Jesus' response to His disciples for not being able to cast out a demon -- they had (very) little faith, it would appear. Wow! If all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains, what does it say about how "big", rather, "small" was their faith? Would it be as big as an atom?I like to say, jokingly, that "if you have faith the size of a mustard seed and a backhoe, you could move a mountain." It really is a bad joke, not just because of the joke -- but isn't this the root of the problem with many of us Christians? We tend to think that we can make everything happen on our own. We like to be self-sufficient -- "I can handle it." This is the American way! Why should I need to live by faith, when I have everything I could ever want or need in these good old United States. Aren't we missing something here? (An eternal perspective, perhaps?) Daily Bible study? I know I need it, but I have too many things going on. Come to the building for Bible Study? You have got to be kidding! Not when I already have the Bible figured out! Not when these people are not like me! Not when I do not even like some of them! Not when we have work, play, school, sports, agriculture, rest, computer, books, more work, etc.This is the most difficult part of this little equation isn't it? The application -- What about us? While we Christians play "king of the mole hill" as it pertains to arguings, maneuverings, gripings, judgings, grudgings, busyness -- there are scores of people in the church and out of the church who need to see Jesus living in us, and it may or may not be happening. We need to be able to move mountains! This can only happen through genuine faith. Are we willing to exercise the humility and the submission to get there? Lord, please help my faith! I want to be able to move mountains, and I know that it can only happen with your help and guidance? Lord, help us all to take ourselves off of the mountain (mole hill) top and elevate you back to your rightful place where you belong! Help us to humble ourselves and get back to studying the Bible (individually and collectively). Help us to pray! Help us to fellowship! Father, help our faith; help us not to be satisfied with "atom-sized faith". Father, help it to be as big as a mustard seed -- and even bigger! We need you and we need each other if we are going to make a difference. Burn the apathy and the indifference out of our spirits and souls. Help us to care! Renew our hearts! Renew our spirits. "Create in me a clean heart, O God... and renew a right spirit within me!" Help us to yearn, to long, to desire -- to hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)!Jesus said to her, "woman believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father...but an hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers." (John 4:21, 23). Are you willing to be a true worshipper?

Don

Support

Friends,

During these challenging times, we recognize that God is in control! We acknowledge this daily. Our family just wants to thank all of you who have been so lovingly supportive of us. Our Christian family in Hamilton is simply exceptional. Your spirits are truly in tune with the Spirit of the Lord. We are at peace. We know that God will reveal His plans to us and we look forward to His leading. God bless you all!!

Don, Kim and family

Wazzup

Hello Fans! ;-)

I haven't disappeared -- just taking a break. I just want to let you know that I love you all. God is good...all the time! All the time...God is good!

Don

P.S. Did anyone see the lunar eclipse yesterday?

Fellowship is a Staple

Friends,

We had a wonderful time Wednesday evening with the pleasant folks at the Airport Freeway Church of Christ. It was a blessing for our family to be able to be there and for me to be able to share a message from the Word of God. The fellowship was great -- we had a nice visit with our friends Paul & Feydra Gorsline and their wonderful little boys, Fisher and London. An interesting side note is that I met a fellow named Rich who is a member there. (I hope that I have the facts right). He, along with his partner Roger, began operating a small office supply store in the metroplex and were in business for a few decades. After twenty years or so, some Japanese businessmen were looking for some office products and happened upon their store. These business men were impressed by the store and the service and offered to invest and help them spread their business. The name of the store operated by Rich and Roger? Staples...and you know the rest of the story. Hope you have a great weekend!

Don

Rangers?

Friends,

Nevermind the "home run pitcher," who were those guys who scored 30 runs the other night, and what did they do with the Rangers?

Don

Acappella Youth Rally

Friends,

After soaking it in for a couple of days, I have to say... what an excellent event we had Sunday! It was so cool to have so many people in our auditorium singing praises to God. Sitting up front to hear the hundreds of voices resonate was a thrill! We had friends from all over the region as well as a host of people from our community here. The crowd doubled for what was an inspirational concert by our friends Acappella. They were terrific! We have developed a special bond with this group and it is a blessing from the Lord. Thank you to all of you who helped to make this a joyous event. Thank the Lord for such a great opportunity to share in countless blessings with many people -- the joy of the Lord is indeed wonderful! Take care and God bless y'all.

Don

Spiritual Balance

Friends

I had a friend ask me if I see my self as "the Middle Man", which is the name attached to my blog. The answer is, undeniably, "yes". It is not simply a title, but a description not only concerning philosophy but also theology. Someone once said, "the truth is generally found somewhere between the two extremes," and I believe that this is proven over and over gain by circumstances, people and just life itself. Another wise saying is "moderation in all things." Yet, why do you hear it more in relationship to dieting than anything else? Hmmm. Many of the things that I am going to share are observations about life and godliness -- they are not "the rule of thumb" or "the law," just a perspective.
We may not understand or appreciate "balance" as much until we see matters that are "out of balance." When you drive your automobile down the road and the tires become "out of balance" what happens? Your car starts to wobble some and it is very annoying. So it is with life -- when people become out of balance, they begin to wobble and it creates multiple difficulties for them and for those around them.
In relationship to the principle of balance -- reason, passion and ethics are all areas that affect us as we seek to live the Christian life. I believe that God made all people to be logical, passionate, ethical to one degree or another. As it relates to "how we live our lives as Christians," I believe that these principles naturally, and spiritually apply to us. I would view passion and ethic as matters to be gauged vertically -- to be likened to a thermostat. As it pertains to passion and ethic, there is "no place to go but up" -- we need to "be burning bright at the top of the thermostat;" we must be all for Jesus in relationship to this principle. Reason is a matter to be gauged more horizontally -- to be likened to a scale. As it relates to most issues found in the Scriptures, I believe that we need to be balanced in our reasoning. There are a few exceptions to this -- I would call them "essentials." (See Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 for example.) There are certain passages that set reasonable precedents for us, as well. (See Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 1 Timothy 2:8-15 for example). But for the most part, our reasoning (as well as our ethic, passion) needs to be founded in prayer and wisdom (as learned from the Word of God). I believe that wisdom and experience teach us that being "extreme" or "dogmatic" as it relates to most issues only leads to contention and division for the church...and in this, there is no wisdom. Paul teaches Timothy concerning such matters in 2 Timothy chapters 2, 3. Paul also shares with the Roman Christians in chapter 14 that Christians need to be reasonable with each other as it relates to most issues (matters of opinion). Some may want to do things one way, while others may wish to do things another way. Paul indicates that there is room for all! There is room in the church to believe, practice, worship in more than one particular way and it is okay. What Paul does indicate is that when one group imposes on the other group(s) that their way is "the only way" that it leads to trouble.
The person who goes far to the "right" philosophically and religiously becomes self-righteous, leaning on his own understanding. He takes "law" to an extreme and it becomes his rule. He insists that all there is -- is authority, and that it is all objective. "I have it figured out" and "everyone must agree with me" is his perspective; you have to believe exactly the way he believes in order to be acceptable (there is an overemphasis on objectivity). He becomes controlling and dictatorial in his extreme. In essence, his wisdom becomes the rule.
The person going to the far "left" philosophically and religiously also leans on his own understanding, but it is from a different perspective. He takes "freedom" to the extreme and it becomes his rule. For the person who goes to the extreme left there really is no law (anything goes); he insists that there is "no authority" but that everything is subjective. For this person, you cannot be certain to believe in anything authoritatively in order to be acceptable (there is an overemphasis on subjectivity). He becomes carefree and dictatorial in his extreme. In essence, his wisdom also becomes the rule.
Both of these represent extreme perspectives concerning life and godliness and neither are balanced -- this is not wisdom. Both of these types of people will tell you that they "find freedom" in their beliefs, but in reality, they are truly bound. To ignore the commands of God makes us lawless and puts us in bondage. (For example, see John 14:15-31). To add laws where God does not do so makes us law-bound, and likewise, puts us in bondage. (For example, see Matthew 15:1-20). Neither is correct. There is no balance... and true freedom is found in a genuine balance. We must be "set free from having to live according to law" truly, in order to experience -- genuine Christian liberty (Galatians 5:1ff). At the same time we must pay attention to those critical principles which Jesus reveals in order to experience genuine Christian liberty (Mark 16:16ff). As it has been revealed, it is not possible to have unity with those on the far left or the far right; unity is only possible where there is love, wisdom, and certain moderation.
Some of the best wisdom found in the Bible has to do with "balance". The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon are filled with information concerning the wisdom of "balance." In Ecclesiastes, He says there is a time for everything (3:1-8); He also says not to be excessively "righteous" or "wicked" (7:16-17). What does he mean by this? Does this mean it is okay to be a "little wicked" or not altogether "righteous?" It is symbolic -- and it means, be balanced as it relates to life. Many of the Proverbs reveal the wisdom of following God and the folly of leaning on one’s own understanding. Life is for the righteous man and death for the wicked. There is a balance in this. "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight" (11:1). "A just balance and scales belong to the Lord..." (16:11) -- figurative expressions with eternal value.
Jesus challenges those around Him to do what is right, with balance as a key component. His wisdom reflects a balanced perspective -- "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s" is a reply he makes to those who seek to trap Him at one point (Matthew 22:17ff). His Sermon on the Mount reflects "balance." "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit" -- why? "They shall inherit the kingdom of God" (Matthew 5:3). When Jesus talks with Nicodemus in John 3:3ff concerning what is necessary to be "born again," He says that he must be born "of water and Spirit" -- two elements, one birth. In this, there is balance. When Jesus talks with the Samaritian woman in John 4:1ff, He tells her that those who worship God must do so "in Spirit and in truth." Both elements are necessary for life and godliness. When we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we take both the bread (representing His body) and the fruit of the vine (representing His blood); in this there is balance. In one of my Psychology classes, a professor whom I greatly admire said, Jesus was the most balanced individual ever to live -- intellectually, philosophically, theologically. If He had taken a personality test, this would have proven to be true; it would reveal a perfectly balanced personality and life.
Balancing the tensions of the roles we play in our lives: Husband, Father, Counselor, Minister, Preacher, Friend, likewise, is important; we need to be able to "bend" without "breaking" – "blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." It is arrogance to assume that we have all of the answers – we need to exercise humility and faith in the Lord and not be dependent upon self-sufficiency. Other tensions needing to be balanced in our lives are: Immanence and transcendence; sovereignty (God rules) and free will (God gives us freedom of choice); grace and obedience; and unity and doctrinal purity.
Balance is the key to individual and church growth. Paul says that we Christians must "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesisans 4:4), which is an excellent reflection of the balance required for us to experience growth as a body of believers. We must value both unity and peace if we are going to arrive at growth. A church, like Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7ff), that has the maturity to live according to unity and peace is going to receive the blessing and the praise of the Lord. We have numerous examples of how we should conduct ourselves in relationship to "balance." I believe that we will be wise to consider these principles and make them our own individually and corporately.

Don

Big Man Pitcher

Friends,

What on earth? Hats off, big time to Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings. Remember, this is a pitcher -- he hit 4 for 5, with two mammoth home run blasts (both over 4oo ft), and had 6 RBI's. I have been following baseball since I was a kid, and I don't ever remember a pitcher having the hitter's dream day that he had today. On top of all of this, he won the game -- he's now 6-6. All in a day's work. Maybe the NFL's Arizona Cardinals should sign him to play linebacker!

Don

Near Future Happenings

Friends,

A few bits of good news.

It appears that we have our house in Grandview rented as of Saturday; we will know Friday for certain. This is a blessed development and we are thankful. The house is still for sale and we still need to move it as soon as possible, but at least this helps us and our (future) tenant out for the meantime.

Acappella is coming back to be with us this weekend and perform at our youth rally. We are all very excited!!! They enjoy coming here which is really cool, and are planning on being with us Saturday through Monday morning, unless plans change. We are expecting 300 to 5oo or more folks from all over the area. This is a huge event for the church. We only hope that it will be as successful as last October's benefit for Heartgift.

I have the honor of speaking at the youth rally and am nervous about it and excited at the same time. Following this, we will be travelling up to Euless to the Airport Freeway Church of Christ where I will be speaking Wednesday evening, the 22nd for a meeting. A lot of studying in store.
Pray that the messages will bless those listening.

Big week ahead! Keep all of these matters in your prayers.

Don

Space Station Picture

Friends,

Since its original flight in 1981, the space shuttle has held my fascination. The first term paper I did when I went to college was concerning the shuttle. The shuttle has provided us with some valuable information over the years. At the same time, the tragedies involving the Challenger and Columbia will always be in our memories. Thanks to those involved with the shuttle program and working with the Russians and their space program, the International Space Station is in the process of being assembled. Beginning in 1998, it is slated to be finished in 2010. I am thankful that we have the ability to receive wonderful images from the ISS and spaces shuttles such as the one below -- Hurricane Flossie churning in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy!

Don

Wrong is Always Wrong

Friends,

Although this is a different perspective from which to view concerns of righteousness, I though it was interesting, so here it is.

Don


Wrong is Always Wrong
By Stephen R. Bradd

We live in an age of loose and sagging morals, and the world continually attempts to rationalize improper behavior. Christians must remember that wrong is always wrong--despite the temptation to make excuses for sinful actions in certain circumstances. Let me elaborate upon this theme by making five simple points.
1). Wrong is always wrong--even if you don't get caught. For instance, it is wrong to cheat on one's taxes, even if the chances of getting caught are minimal (Rom. 13:7). We need to remember "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:13). The fact of the matter is that when we sin we are always caught, for God sees all things! You may be able to hide some sins from others, but it is impossible to hide anything from the Lord. Just because you were not caught breaking the law (either civil or divine), doesn't mean you've gotten away with anything.
2). Wrong is always wrong--even if you do it for a good cause. Simply because you have an honorable purpose does not justify committing a dishonorable deed. The end never justifies the means. All sin is transgression of God's principles (I John 3:4). An example of sinning for a good cause would be stealing from the rich in order to give to the poor. It should be noted that one cannot truly give that which doesn't belong to him. Also, though giving to the poor is certainly good, it is always wrong to steal (Eph. 4:28). A much more common transgression in our society is that of couples living together before marriage. Some attempt to justify the practice thinking that it will help them determine if they're compatible or not. Friends, it doesn't work. Statistically, those who live together before marriage are nearly twice as likely to divorce after marriage than those who live separately until making their vows. Do not commit evil with the intent that good may result (Rom. 3:8).
3). Wrong is always wrong--even if others are doing things that are even worse. If you are sentenced to eternal destruction, you won't be comforted on the Day of Judgment knowing that others did things that you considered to be worse than your sins. If a man lusts after a woman (Matt. 5:28), he has committed sin. He is deceiving himself if he thinks that such is acceptable since other people are doing things much worse--like actually committing adultery and fornication. Lust, like any other sin if not forgiven, will result in an eternity in hell, period. Simply because you aren't as bad as someone else doesn't mean that you're living a life pleasing to God.
4). Wrong is always wrong--even if it doesn't bother your conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrongdoing. Simply because a person commits an act in sincerity, and it doesn't bother his conscience, does not guarantee that it isn't a sin in God's eyes. In Acts 23:1, Paul said - "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." Did Paul, in good conscience, commit sin prior to that day? Indeed he did, especially when he persecuted the church! Imprisoning and killing Christians did not bother his conscience, but he was still sinning. Sins of revenge often fall into this category. Some feel justified in seeking vengeance when they have been wronged. Such ought to be left to God (Rom. 12:19). Just because a certain act doesn't make you feel guilty does not mean that you aren't guilty.
5). Wrong is always wrong--even if it is commonly considered acceptable. The Bible says -"You shall not follow a crowd to do evil..." (Exod. 23:2). The Christian should not be trying to blend in with the world. He should not conform to sin. Rather, he should stand out as a servant of God and against all sins, even those that society may deem acceptable. Abortion has been legal for over thirty years in America, but it is still wrong to shed innocent blood. Homosexuality becomes more acceptable in the minds of America everyday, but God still calls it a sinful perversion. Just because many believe something is okay doesn't mean that it is. Friends, let us never forget that wrong is always wrong, and let's live like we believe it.

Meteor Shower

Friends,

For you astronomy buffs...The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend; it is so named because the meteors appear to originate from the constellation Perseus. The best time to see it will be Sunday evening to sunrise Monday morning. There may be as many as 60 meteors per hour. There will be no moon, so it will make it easier to see the show, which will come from all directions. The annual Perseid shower occurs when the Earth's orbit crosses the path of debris thrown off by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As the space pebbles, rocks and the like — many the size of a grain of sand — enter the atmosphere, they burn up in a flash, appearing as "shooting stars" across the sky. Take it in and enjoy!

Don

Yielding to the Lord

Friends,

"But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy; and they laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public jail. But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 'Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.' And upon hearing {this,} they entered into the temple about daybreak, and {began} to teach. Now when the high priest and his associates had come, they called the Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent {orders} to the prison house for them to be brought. But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned, and reported back, saying, 'We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.' Now when the captain of the temple {guard} and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. But someone came and reported to them, 'Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!' Then the captain went along with the officers and {proceeded} to bring them {back} without violence (for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned). And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, 'We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.' But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. 'The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.' He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 'And we are witnesses of these things; and {so is} the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.'But when they heard this, they were cut to the quick and were intending to slay them. But a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, 'Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody; and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. And he was slain; and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away {some} people after him, he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.' And so in the present case, I say to you, 'stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.' And they took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, and {then} released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for {His} name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus {as} the Christ." (Acts 5:17-42, NAS)

This is a passage that we just read in our quiet time as a family…and it is fascinating and wonderful at the same time. The point of this message and what precedes it in Acts 4 (concerning Peter and John’s situation) is that God is going to do His will. It is not a matter of if, as many of us humans are prone to believe, but a matter of when. God is not just transcendent – He is not kicking back in some easy chair watching things unfold in His creation, rather, He is the LORD – He is active; He is near! If there is a consistent message throughout the Old and New Testaments concerning God’s activity, it is that He is continually working out His will among His people. God’s Spirit worked mightily in the lives of those who sought His direction at this important stage of the early church. Should we understand this principle any differently today?(While recognizing that none of us today have the capability to perform miraculous deeds as the apostles did.) God’s will is that his church should be spiritually focused, spiritually motivated and spiritually mature so that He can more easily work out His plan among his people. He is going to use His people to accomplish what it is that needs to be done in His church and in the world. I believe that vv.38-39 are particularly poignant in relationship to God’s will – "…for if this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." I have thought about this principle in a number of situations and at a number of different times. All I can say (as I am sure that we all do) – is that I want to be on God’s side. No one wants to be one who would be considered to be in opposition to what is the working out of God’s will. If we are not careful to be honest in our evaluation of God’s message and in relationship to the working out of His will, we could indeed find ourselves in a place where we would rather not be. This is significant for us in terms of our spiritual health and in relationship to eternity. One of the key principles revealed in the Word in our relationship to God is yielding or submission. We have to be very careful that we do not force the Lord to conform to our presuppositions or thinking about life and godliness, because this is not an honest evaluation of our spirituality. We must routinely be willing to evaluate and reevaluate our thinking and actions by "looking in the spiritual mirror," so to speak, to see if we are indeed living according to the will of God and not our own will in God’s name (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Don

Thanksgiving

Friends,

It's thanksgiving! Maybe not the holiday, but for the spirit! I just saw "Be Thankful" in my documents folder and it reminded me of something that we need to consider more than once per year. I hear a lot of folks make excuses for grumbling and complaining and say, "well, it's just my human nature." I believe that we, particularly those of us who are in Christ, have a higher calling. We are to be spiritual! We do not need to be making excuses for the flesh. We need to be spiritually motivated, encouraging and edifying one another. In how many different passages does Paul (among other New Testament writers) speak about living up to our spiritual nature and not down to our carnal or fleshly nature? Grumbling, complaining or exercising condemning criticism appeals to that base desire of the flesh and it is not a blessing. This behavior is more divisive than it is unifying. We think that we feel better by grumbling or being critical, but do we really? The Spirit of God wants us to have His nature -- we are to be spirit-ual, not carnal. I have been sharing (what I believe are) some important messages concerning the Fruit of the Spirit over the past couple of months. The more that we seek to be spiritually motivated by allowing the Spirit of God to work out His Fruit in our lives -- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control -- the more we will be a blessing to those around us and not a curse. Jesus says, "what comes out of the mouth begins in the heart" (Matthew 15:1ff). God wants our hearts! Our hearts need to be focused on Him, not on our own selfish desires. This may require some significantly different thinking on our parts. And this has nothing to do with traditional or non-traditional issues -- just our hearts simply focused on how the Lord wants our spirits to be no matter what the situation that we may find ourselves in. It is an attitude! What once may have started as a habit (being a grumbler or being grateful) soon becomes our world view or lifestyle. Either way, we are typically in the mindset of grumbling or in the mindset of being grateful. It is possible that our entire world view may need to change from an attitude of grumbling to an attitude of gratitude. This single process is the healthiest thing that can take place in our lives from a spiritual perspective. But, it can only happen if we are willing to be submissive to the Spirit of God and what Fruit He is trying to work out in our lives. Paul tells the Roman Christians that "the Spirit of God bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). Let's seek to live spiritually and not carnally; let's seek to be a blessing and not a curse to our brothers, sisters and to outsiders who want to get to know us; let's get in line with what the Spirit of God is trying to do in our lives individually and collectively and reap the blessings.

Don

VBS

Friends,

We had a wonderful Vacation Bible School this week. We had 40 to 50 kids and a lot of adult helpers. Thanks to Shelley, Troy and so many others who made it a great event for the church and the community. I believe that the Lord is able to do marvelous things in the lives of the young children through VBS that they will never forget. Indeed, they will have many positive memories as they become adults. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings!

Don

Needing To Sell

Friends,

As many of you know, we believed that we had our house in Grandview sold in May, only to have it fall through. This put us in a difficult position. We have been praying for a buyer, as have many of you on our behalf -- and we thank you. Please continue to pray earnestly as we are about to enter a new phase. There are a lot of homes for sale in Grandview at this point in time, and we really do not want "to give our house away," so to speak. But, we really need to sell it in the next week or two or we will have to try to get new renters to move in, which we really do not want to do! It is a big challenge. For those of you in Washington, if you know of anyone who would be interested in buying or renting our home, please contact us through comment or e-mail. We would appreciate all of the help that we can get at this time. Take care and God bless,

Don

Good For Him

Friends,

Jon Lester, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma last year and it appeared that it might put an end to his promising professional baseball career. Fortunately, this form of cancer has become much more treatable in the past several years. I am happy to report that the 23 year old Mr Lester returned to the pitcher's mound after eleven months on Monday. With his parents in attendance, He pitched six innings against the Cleveland Indians, giving up only two runs to win his first game back. Thanks be to the Lord for His success!

Don

The Gravity Of It All

Friends,

Gravity is pretty important...without it, we fly away, for one. We also would not be able to enjoy the ocean tide, since it is gravity from the pull of the moon which triggers tidal force -- and this is not to mention that the University of Alabama would have to find a new mascot :-). This is the main reason that we have not yet been able to send people to Mars; we have not perfected an artificial gravity environment that would sustain human life for the several years' journey (and back) that would be required -- weightlessness wreaks havok (atrophy) on the human body over extended periods of time. We are okay to be able to get astronauts to the space station and even the moon for shorter periods of time. (In fact, Sunita Williams just completed the longest stay by a female astronaut at the space station -- 195 days). This is all fine and dandy around the environs of earth, but when we go out into deep space, we begin to understand what a monster gravity can become. The gravity well of a black hole (where not even light cannot escape) is so powerful that it can pull stars and planets apart. Something far more impressive occurs on a galactic scale, where a process called "tidal stripping" can occur. This is where a smaller galaxy comes into close enough proximity with a much larger galaxy that the larger one pulls the smaller one into an orbit where it then begins to pull it apart. The larger galaxy strips stars from the smaller one and absorbs them into its own domain. Amazing! If you think about gravity from this perspective, it gives it a whole new weight...ha ha.

Don

The Faith of the Freshman

Friends,

I found this interesting...

This is a true story of something that happened just a few years ago at USC.

There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever really gone against him because of his reputation. At the end of every semester on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there is anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!"
In twenty years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "Because anyone who believes in God is a fool". If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple task to prove that He is God, and yet He can't do it." And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. All of the students would do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students thought that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but! For 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.
Well, a few years ago there was a freshman who happened to enroll. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about his professor. He was required to take the class for his major, and he was afraid. But for three months that semester, he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said, or what the class thought. Nothing they said could ever shatter his faith...he hoped.
Finally, the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" The professor and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom. The professor shouted, "You FOOL!!! If God existed, he would keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleat of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away unbroken. The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man, and then ran out of the lecture hall.
The young man, who had stood, proceeded to walk to the front of the room and shared his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of His power through Jesus.

God always has His way -- it may not occur at the time or in the form that we think that it should happen, but He does have His way.

Don

Old Team, New Focus

Friends,

I don't get it. After a number of years of futility, my old favorite MLB team, the Mariners are having a breakout year. Was it really that long ago that they won 116 games? (2001) Nevertheless, I move -- they win; it's just not right :-) I hope that they keep on winning, because my other favorite team is the Astros, and well... not exactly their year. The best thing that they can do is re-sign the most exciting player in baseball -- Ichiro. He is so amazing and they need him if they are going to contend in the future (not to mention the present). It is unfortunate that Mike Hargrove left. Did his unhealthy relationship with Ichiro have anything to do with his resignation and the upgrade of the M's chances of resigning their star? My guess is that it did, although no one will say this. Grover did a great job turning the team around this year -- I wish him (and new skipper, John McLaren) well. Here is hoping the M's catch the Angels, or at least secure the wild card position. See ya.

Don

Trip

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you for your thoughts and prayers while we were on our trip. We had a good visit with our family and friends in Wenatchee, Cashmere, Grandview and Puyallup. My uncle's funeral went as well as could be expected. Please continue to keep my folks in your prayers, as I know that this is a difficult time for them. Still, God is amazing how He is able to work things out in so many different situations. Our flights went well -- no delays. We were able to get a lot of work done on our house last Monday. Please pray that it will sell soon.
Upon returning home, we had Troy and Jodi's rehearsal and wedding Friday and yesterday. Things could not have gone better. We are so proud of them and their growth as a Christian couple. We are pleased to be able to work with them here in Hamilton, Texas. We believe that God is doing great things here and has other wondrous things in store for the Park Heights Church of Christ, if we let Him. We can see His Spirit moving and working in the church and helping others in the community and beyond to be drawn to us. This is so refreshing and real to so many. Keep us in your prayers as we preach, evangelize and minister. God bless,

Don

Sad Day

Friends,

Just found out that my mom's brother -- Uncle Wesley passed away this afternoon. Please keep our family in your prayers.

Don

End of an Era

Friends,

Space...the final frontier... Oops, wrong show. As a young person interested in astronomy, I was naturally drawn to sci-fi. I grew up watching all of the original star-treks over and over as well as all of the newer incarnations (TNG, DS9, Voyager). Those were great shows, but none of them hold a candle to the greatest of all sci-fi shows ending its original ten year run this week; this would be Stargate SG-1. There is a legion of fans who have followed this creative show with its wonderful actors. It has been fun to follow all of the characters throughout the series, but none were greater than Col/Gen. Jack O'Neill played by Richard Dean Anderson (of McGyver fame). Unfortunately, he left the series after the eighth season; although it has not been the same, it has continued reasonably well with new characters the past two seasons. This show will air indefinitely on the sci-fi channel, so for those of you who have not had an opportunity to see it (and if you enjoy science fiction), it will be around. Stargate Atlantis continues and a new series, Stargate Universe, will begin next season -- so the show lives on in its own incarnations. So, I tip my hat to a show that has held my fascination for many years now and look forward to new versions. Take care,

Don

Space Clouds

Friends,

I have this article on my bulletin board that regularly reminds me that God is not only in control, but that he has a sense of humor. The article "Space Clouds Puzzle Scientists" is the result of some images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The article is as follows, "The Hubble Space Telescope is presenting astrophysicists with a tantalizing puzzle -- the existence of hydrogen clouds in space that should have dissipated billions of years ago. The Hubble spotted the clouds between Earth and the nearest quasar (a bright and distant active core of a young galaxy) about four or five months ago. Until then, scientists were comfortable with the theory that hydrogen clouds resulted from the Big Bang that created the universe 15 billion years ago -- that they slowly formed into galaxies, stars and planets over the next few billion years. The scientist were in for a further shock. Not only were the clouds there, but their density was more or less the same as it would have been 10 to 12 billion light years ago."

Facinating. There are a lot of good scientists out there who believe in God; for those that do not, it is funny when He throws them a curve ball. I praise God for these little reminders that He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and not man or circumstance.

Don

Jr Lands at Hendrick

Friends,

I know that it is not too shocking that Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended up at Hendrick Motorsports with Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. Still, I believe that most fans figured that this would be the third choice behind Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress. Nevertheless, if Jr. wants to win and win now, could he have chosen a better team? No. The Hendrick crew is hitting on all the right cylinders with the Car of Tomorrow and just seems to be getting better. They have won most of the races this year and do not seem to be looking back. Combining Jr. with Gordon and Johnson really does create a "super team" of sorts. As to whether some fans think that Jr. is "selling out" by going to the team with his biggest racing rival (Gordon) -- not so. He had to do what was best for his career and he has done it. I believe that the rivalry with Gordon will be well-intact. Good luck in 2008 Jr. and hopefully we'll see you in the #5 car.

TMM

Serendipities

Friends,

We received a call from Kim's parents on Monday that their friends Bill and Sally had some furniture (a couch and two chairs) for us. All we had to do was go over and pick it up. They said the color for all of the above pieces was aqua and we thought -- "wonder if it will match our glider rockers?" We called our friend Johnny who gracefully was willing to go to San Angelo with us to help retrieve it. We went on our way and arrived safely. Then we enjoyed the blessing of a wonderful visit and dinner with Kim's folks. When we arrived to pick up the furniture, it was all ready to go. We had been talking about getting another couch -- and here was one as a gift; and not only this, the couch and chairs would be a perfect match to our rockers! We expressed our gratitude and then we were on our way home. Serendipities -- the little blessings from God that happen along the way in our daily walk with Him. How often do we thank God for "the little things" that He sends our way? We need to be discerning and thankful for how wonderfully the great God of the universe cares for even our most minute needs. Thanks Lord for the furniture, for the visit with Kim's parents, for our visit with Johnny, for Bill and Sally and their generosity, for the good dinner, for safe travel, for places to stop along the way, for wonderful weather...where do I stop?

Don

Prodigal

Friends,

I was thinking about some old friends of mine yesterday. I have shared this story before, but it is such an blessing to me that I wanted to share it again in this form. Wilmer and Iona Brown moved to the area where we were working with the church in the early 90's. Iona came to visit us several times and soon became a member. She had been a member where they had been living previously, but Wilmer had not been attending worship services with her. Over the next couple of years, I would go out to visit Iona and Wilmer would be there, but he would be distracted with other things. So, although we would have friendly exchanges, we never really got to know each other.
After we had been working with the church for about four years, (three years after the Browns had moved there), Wilmer came to see me in my office one day. He wanted to visit, so I asked him to sit down. I really did not know him at all, so I didn't know what to expect. He said, "Don, I became a Christian when Iona and I were first married and I went to church with her, but after a few years, I had a disagreement with some of the people where we were attending -- so, I quit. I have been gone for thirty years now, but the Lord has put it on my heart to come back." I was amazed and pleased to hear this all at the same time. It seems that he had enjoyed getting to know a number of the folks from the church who had gone up to visit with him and Iona and it prompted him to want to come back. Praise the Lord! The next part of our conversation was just as amazing to me. He said, "Don, I feel like I need to be baptized again." I said, "okay, but why?" He said "I have been gone for so long, that I just believe that it is the right thing to do." I explained to him that the blood of Jesus was still sufficient to cleanse his sins (1 John 1:5-10), even though he had been gone so long. He persisted and I prayed with him. I did not want him to have an unclean conscience, so based upon 1 Peter 3:21, I baptized him. He was a faithful member with Iona after this event until he passed away a few years ago. It just reminds me of how thankful that I am for the grace and mercy of my Lord. Even though an individual could be gone from the Lord and His church for so long, that he could still respond to a second opportunity for life (like Peter did with his Lord, John 21:15ff). This simply reveals the power of God -- nothing more, nothing less.

Don

Dwell on These Things

Friends,

I attended a counseling seminar in college which was, more-or-less, concerning the "the power of the mind." It was conducted by a counselor whose one focal point for the four sessions was: "Your mind is the garden, your thoughts are the seeds; what you produce will be flowers or weeds -- inevitable so." What a tremendously helpful statement! I have thought about this frequently over the years and have shared it with others. The mind is indeed a powerful tool which can be used for good or ill. Paul tells us we need to submit our minds to the Lord (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:2). We must pray and ask God for wisdom -- to help us to focus on those things which are beneficial. Paul gives us a great "list" of principles for consideration: "...Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8) -- a good list to keep in front of you for your quiet time or on the fridge, just to see it regularly. This can be make a great difference in our Christian walk.

Don

LeBron Takes Over

For all of the criticism LeBron James has taken for not being a clutch player, he didn't look too shabby Thursday evening, did he? How old is he again? 20? -- Awfully young to already be tagged with this label. Michael Jordan had played for several years before he made it to the NBA Championship. He ended up being pretty good :-). LeBron only scored 29 of the 30 of his teams points, completely taking over the game in overtime to propel his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to the win. Tonight the Cavaliers have an opportunity to make it to the finals for the first time and we'll see if LeBron will step up again. I think that certain sportswriters and sportscasters may be best friends for people like LeBron. Their constant criticism of him as a "choker" has just served as motivation for him (see also Phil Mickelson, Payton Manning :-). I, for one, hope that LeBron and the Cavs make it to the finals.

Don

Unflappable

Friends,

We just had the opportunity to spend two weeks with my folks and it was great. We had to take them back to DFW today; it was hard to see them go, but we look forward to meeting again in the near future, Lord willing. While they were here, we were able to enjoy a number of activities. We had a nice dinner with the Beers' Saturday evening. Also, we traveled down to Giddings to see some family friends about a week ago. Along the way, near Flat (a funny name for a place that is hilly, by the way) we saw an Embarq work truck alongside the road. He was a few hundred yards ahead of us when -- all of the sudden -- he pulled out in front of us and into oncoming traffic. Going 60-70, I didn't have alot of reaction time, but I honked the horn and swerved around him to the left, borrowing the other lane momentarily. Thankfully nothing else was coming; it was a relatively close call. As Mom, Kim and I were gathering ourselves, I asked dad how he was doing. In "dad fashion", he said, "well, for a second there I thought I was going to get to try out your passenger air bag." Ha ha! Dad always seems to have a pithy or funny statement for most things, which is disarming in a situation like we faced; instead of being stressed out, we were able to laugh. This unflappable quality is one of the things that makes him so endearing. I appreciate my dad and mom both for their love and helping me to understand what life really is all about. As I get older, I really try to better follow my dad's example of "don't sweat the small stuff -- and most of it is small stuff." A good lesson for anyone to learn.

Don

Red Stars and Blue Moons

Friends,

It is one of those special atronomical times that come around once every few years -- the blue moon. It is true that there a only certain things that happen once in a blue moon. This is the month! What is a blue moon? It does not typically mean that the moon will actually turn blue during this event, although the moon has appeared to be blue at certain times. The blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within a one month period of time -- usually at the very beginning and the very end of said month of the blue moon (as in the 1st, and 31st).
In keeping with the patriotic theme, there are some stars in our galaxy that are red hot. Many of these are red giants at the end of their life cycle -- stars such as Antares in Scorpius and Betelgeuse in Orion. The diameters of these giants would incorporate the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and in many cases, Mars. Some of them will ultimately go supernova (see "A Big Bang" blog). One would think that these would be the "hottest" stars in the sky -- they are actually the coolest. Star colors follow what we know as the color spectrum, (beautifully be seen in an intense rainbow). From the coolest to hottest, there are red, orange, yellow (our sun), white, green (presumably, although I am not aware of any in this portion of the color spectrum), blue, and indigo or purple. Blue stars tend to be significantly larger than our yellow sun and are often hundred and even thousands of light years away; because of their size and strength we are able to have a clear view of some of them -- stars such as Rigel in Orion and Spica in Virgo. Because blue stars tend to burn so hot, when they die, they go supernova in a much more powerful way than any other stars on the spectrum. When you look at certain stars through a strong enough small telescope, you can actually discern their color, which is cool -- or is it hot?

Don

Deal...Please!

Friends,

I have an aversion to alot of the "reality tv" shows that are on -- for good reasons :-). Yet, one show that I do tend to watch, occasionally, is "Deal or No Deal". This is such a simple show -- a new "Let's Make a Deal" of sorts. What has been amazing to me is that this show is a psychologist's (not to mention a banker's) dream come true -- I will explain. The producers of this show know that they are going into it to give away mucho $. Yet, how could they have envisioned the millions of dollars that they would save based upon one simple fact -- human greed! It is equally painful and hilarious to see contestant after contestant waste huge amounts of money because they cannot distance themselves from the 1,000,000 dollar signs in their eyes. So many of these goofball contestants listen to their even more nutty, "supportive" relatives and friends (who have nothing and everything to lose) when they say to "go for the gusto, you came here with nothing" when the contestants have $200,000 to $400,000 in their hands. How many have gone home with $100 (or so)? It is a crazy example of human nature run amok. I will keep watching this show, if nothing else, to continue to see how many people succumb to greed and walk away with practically nothing ;-).

Don

P.S. -- Kim plans to get on this show at some point in the future (if she ever gets her video done), and I will be going along as THE VOICE OF REASON, ha ha :-0

Breaking Bread

Friends,

Only because it has randomly come up three times in the past week or so, (the last time being this evening with a pastor friend of mine) do I feel like I need to say anything about this particular subject. It must be the providence of God, no? When the early church came together to partake of the Lord's Supper, on what days did this take place? I offer this: A Discussion of Acts 2:42-47
(Did the early Christians partake of the Lord’s Supper daily or only on Sunday?)

Acts 2:42 PP4
[And fellowship] The word rendered "fellowship," koinonia is often rendered "communion." It properly denotes "having things in common, or participation, society, friendship." It may apply to anything which may be possessed in common, or in which all may partake. Thus, all Christians have the same hope of heaven; the same joys; the same hatred of sin; the same enemies to contend with. Thus, they have the same subjects of conversation, of feeling, and of prayer; or they have communion in these things. And thus the early Christians had their property in common. The word here may apply to either or to all of these things to their conversation, their prayers, their dangers, or their property; and means that they were united to the apostles, and participated with them in whatever befell them. It may be added that the effect of a revival of religion is to unite Christians more and more, and to bring those who were before separated to union and love. Christians feel that they are a band of brethren, and that, however much they were separated before they became Christians, now they have great and important interests in common; they are united in feelings, in interests, in dangers, in conflicts, in opinions, and in the hopes of a blessed immortality.

[Breaking of bread] The Syriac renders this "the eucharist" or the Lord's Supper. It cannot, however, be determined whether this refers to their partaking of their ordinary food together, or to feasts of charity, or to the Lord's Supper. The bread of the Hebrews was made commonly into cakes, thin, hard, and brittle, so that it was broken instead of being cut. Hence, to denote "intimacy or friendship," the phrase "to break bread together" would be very expressive in the same way as the Greeks denoted it by drinking TOGETHER, [sumposion] (grk 4849). From the expression used in , compare with , that they had all things common, it would rather seem to be implied that this referred to the participation of their ordinary meals. The action of breaking bread was commonly performed by the master or head of a family immediately after asking a blessing (Lightfoot).
(from Barnes' Notes)

Acts 2:42-47 PP6
3. They frequently joined in the ordinance of the Lord's supper. They continued in the breaking of bread, in celebrating that memorial of their Master's death, as those that were not ashamed to own their relation to, and their dependence upon, Christ and him crucified. They could not forget the death of Christ, yet they kept up this memorial of it, and made it their constant practice, because it was an institution of Christ, to be transmitted to the succeeding ages of the church. They broke bread from house to house;
kat' oikon-- house by house; they did not think fit to celebrate the eucharist in the temple, for that was peculiar to the Christian institutes, and therefore they administered that ordinance in private houses, choosing such houses of the converted Christians as were convenient, to which the neighbors resorted; and they went from one to another of these little synagogues or domestic chapels, houses that had churches in them, and there celebrated the eucharist with those that usually met there to worship God.
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

From certain passages in the Word of God, we understand that the early Christians did, indeed, partake of the Lord’s Supper (as well as their agape feast; today -- it's potluck) as they would assemble together for the Lord’s Day – Sunday (See 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, Acts 20:7, for example). According to this passage (Acts 2:42-47), they were breaking bread together daily, which could mean agape feasts, or agape feasts and the Lord's Supper. (They were also praying, sharing belongings, etc.) There are varying opinions concerning the subject – as seen in the above discussion on the subject by Barnes and Henry (a couple of respected commentators), just as an example. Concerning whether Christians could or should partake of the Lord's Supper on any other day, I believe that the jury is out. Therefore, I would be very wary about being dogmatic either way concerning this subject. I think that we can back ourselves into a corner very quickly, theologically, by affirming positions too strongly where the evidence simply does not indicate that such a strong stance should be taken.

Don

An Ode to Anonymous

Anonymous -- Who are you? You are anyone and no one. You have been me and you have been many. You live to be secretive. (You could work for a detective agency or the FBI :-). What you are is something altogether different. You are unaccountable. You can be painfully honest. You may very well be guilty. You say things that make people think. Why do you say what you say? You have an opinion or a conviction. Everyone does, but you believe that your opinion or conviction simply must be heard; it cannot be contained -- it must be expressed! When does anonymous speak? At the most opportune times, for certain. At times, when it is most appropriate, but also when it can be least appropriate. I find you fascinating, anonymous. I find you annoying, anonymous. I would like to get to know you better, but rarely is this possible. As much fun as it is to be you, the best thing that you could do, anonymous, is not to be...you.

A Concerned Friend of Anonymous

A Splendid Event

Friends,

Our family attended the annual spring band concert, as performed by the 5th grade, 6th grade, Jr High and High School bands. I really do not have enough exclamations in my vocabulary to describe it -- amazing, terrific, sensationsal, to offer a few. We were particularly inspired the "Inchon" piece by the High School band. Kim and agreed that it was a masterpiece that you would hear from a professional symphony somewhere. To those who participated in the concert, thank you for an enjoyable evening.

Don

A Big Bang

Friends,

Amazing! This week scientists revealed that they have detected a super, supernova that is 100 times more powerful than "normal" supernovas (as if "normal" supernovas are not amazing enough). A supernova is the massive, destructive explosion which occurs when a star's energy runs it course and collapses in on itself. It is not unusual for stars go out with such a bang. This king of all exploding stars, SN2006gy, that blew itself to bits was an extremely rare giant in a galaxy 240 MILLION light years away. At its peak, it emitted more than 50 BILLION suns worth of light which shined 10 times brighter than even its own host galaxy for a period of time. If you love astronomy, this is so cool! It is truly remarkable that we can actually "see" these events at this point in time -- praise God for such technology. As I shared in my earlier blog on "light years" this baby blew up a long time ago -- and just during the past year people are getting to see the results. Most supernovas happen with stars several times the mass of our own sun; this one was about 150 times the mass of our sun. Scientists say that there are about a dozen of these type of super, massive stars in our own Milky Way galaxy -- which is not very many when you consider that there may be as many as 400 billion stars in our galaxy! The possibility of one of these stars exploding in our galaxy is extremely rare and it would be very unlikely that it would have an effect on us. Once again, this all helps us to realize the smallness of our existence in God's grand scheme of things and just how big is the universe. To close with an illustration, our planet, Earth, could be characterized by a grain of sand, whereas the known universe would be all of the sand on all of the beaches of the world. Mind boggling -- but perhaps just a small way (no pun intended) for us to appreciate the enormity of God's creation.

Don