Friends,
The Cowboys, inexplicably, lost to the Redskins at home last Sunday. It did not take long to figure out why. T.O. started yapping after the loss that "he was not getting the ball enough." It is pretty apparent that this sentiment would go back to the week before and the Cowboys victory over the Packers where they relied heavily on the ground game. So, T.O. figured in on fully a third of the offensive plays Sunday, while they quit handing the ball to running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Let's do some math...handing the ball to the running backs more = victory. In this case, giving the ball to T.O. more = defeat. T.O. needs to go to school on himself -- his own past -- and just be quiet and play before he torpedoes the whole promising season for the Cowboys. Besides, I get tired of Skip Bayless saying..."I was right once again about 'Team Obliterator'." Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Woodcutter's Wisdom 2
Friends,
More from the marvelous story about the woodcutter...
The man responded, "once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book...life is so vast and yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment. Don't say that this is a blessing -- no one knows. I am content with what I know; I am not perturbed by what I don't."
"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another, so they said little. But down deep, they knew that he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.
The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again, the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments. "You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing...they were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."
The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows...we only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."
It so happened that a few weeks later, the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying...because their sons had been taken. The enemy was strong and there was little chance that they would return. "You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows that you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."
The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conlusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if this is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know -- only God knows."
**********************************************************************************
The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and struggles are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conlusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.
I don't know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best: "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
Blessings,
Don
P.S. Is there any application from this story that can be made to our culture right now? To the financial crisis? To the election? To.....???
More from the marvelous story about the woodcutter...
The man responded, "once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book...life is so vast and yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment. Don't say that this is a blessing -- no one knows. I am content with what I know; I am not perturbed by what I don't."
"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another, so they said little. But down deep, they knew that he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.
The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again, the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgments. "You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing...they were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."
The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don't go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows...we only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."
It so happened that a few weeks later, the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying...because their sons had been taken. The enemy was strong and there was little chance that they would return. "You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows that you were right. This proves it. Your son's accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."
The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conlusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if this is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know -- only God knows."
**********************************************************************************
The old man was right. We only have a fragment. Life's mishaps and struggles are only a page out of a grand book. We must be slow about drawing conlusions. We must reserve judgment on life's storms until we know the whole story.
I don't know where the woodcutter learned his patience. Perhaps from another woodcutter in Galilee. For it was the Carpenter who said it best: "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
Blessings,
Don
P.S. Is there any application from this story that can be made to our culture right now? To the financial crisis? To the election? To.....???
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Woodcutter's Wisdom
Friends,
"The end of the matter is better than the beginning," penned the sage.
"Be...patient in affliction," echoed the apostle Paul.
"Don't judge a phrase by one word," stated the woodcutter.
**********************************************************************************
Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before -- such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength. People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "The horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great, but he never sold the horse.
One morning, he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed..."we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better if you had sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."
The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly...say only that the horse is not in the stable -- that is all that we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?
The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."
The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I do not know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"
The people of the village laughed. They thought the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. Instead, he was a poor woodcutter...and old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of povery. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.
After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again, the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."
To be continued...indeed, blessings,
Don
"The end of the matter is better than the beginning," penned the sage.
"Be...patient in affliction," echoed the apostle Paul.
"Don't judge a phrase by one word," stated the woodcutter.
**********************************************************************************
Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before -- such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength. People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "The horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great, but he never sold the horse.
One morning, he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed..."we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better if you had sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. Now the horse is gone, and you've been cursed with misfortune."
The old man responded, "Don't speak too quickly...say only that the horse is not in the stable -- that is all that we know; the rest is judgment. If I've been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?
The people contested, "Don't make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."
The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I do not know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can't say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"
The people of the village laughed. They thought the man was crazy. They had always thought he was a fool; if he wasn't, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. Instead, he was a poor woodcutter...and old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of povery. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.
After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again, the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."
To be continued...indeed, blessings,
Don
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Making Melody to the Max
Friends,
I always enjoy the opportunity to go to workshops and lectureships in order to be encouraged, stretched and to grow. Our family enjoyed the ACU Summit the past two days. The speakers are generally good, but what stands out to our family is the singing when the large group is gathered together. I don't know if it the nice round, acoustically blessed coliseum, the sheer numbers, or what (?), but the Spirit moves the spirits of those who are there to make tremendous melody to the Lord. I thought on the way home...we should just bring as many outsiders to such an event as possible, just so they could experience the pure power and beauty of the singing alone, not to mention the good messages. Perhaps, this is just a little bit of what heaven will be like...we know that we are going to sing -- praise the Lord. Blessings,
Don
I always enjoy the opportunity to go to workshops and lectureships in order to be encouraged, stretched and to grow. Our family enjoyed the ACU Summit the past two days. The speakers are generally good, but what stands out to our family is the singing when the large group is gathered together. I don't know if it the nice round, acoustically blessed coliseum, the sheer numbers, or what (?), but the Spirit moves the spirits of those who are there to make tremendous melody to the Lord. I thought on the way home...we should just bring as many outsiders to such an event as possible, just so they could experience the pure power and beauty of the singing alone, not to mention the good messages. Perhaps, this is just a little bit of what heaven will be like...we know that we are going to sing -- praise the Lord. Blessings,
Don
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Give Him A Break
Friends,
With a minute left in the Broncos-Chargers game last Sunday, Broncos QB, Jay Cutler, dropped back to pass and fumbled...and the Chargers recovered. Referee Ed Hochuli blew the play dead quickly calling it an incomplete pass. All the Chargers would have had to do would be to run out the clock for the win. Instead, the Broncos, given a new lease on life, took the ball into the end zone and made a 2 point conversion for the win. After the game, Hochuli, a veteran NFL official (rated top 3), and who has done playoffs and Super Bowl, went over to apologize the Chargers coach Norv Turner saying, "I blew the call." Turner would say at his perss conference that it was "inexcusable." Perhaps...but it was an error, a mistake. Hochuli has repeatedly apologized this week, but has been continually receiving hate mail from Chargers "fans." What does it take? This ref has manned up and said he was sorry and yet continues to be vilified. Unfortunately, this is a pretty sorry statement about the direction our society has been going for quite awhile in relationship to sports...it has become life and death -- thanks to Las Vegas oddsmakers and unreasonable Fantasy Football nutcases. Hochuli made a mistake...and yet, you would think that he was worse than OJ (and I am not going there any further :-). It is unfortunate that this was a critical mistake that likely cost the Chargers the game. But, this is the nature of refereeing, officiating. The major leagues (NFL, MLB, etc.) have already instituted instant replay...and yet there will always be some human element involved. So...give the poor man a break -- let him have his life. Blessings,
Don
With a minute left in the Broncos-Chargers game last Sunday, Broncos QB, Jay Cutler, dropped back to pass and fumbled...and the Chargers recovered. Referee Ed Hochuli blew the play dead quickly calling it an incomplete pass. All the Chargers would have had to do would be to run out the clock for the win. Instead, the Broncos, given a new lease on life, took the ball into the end zone and made a 2 point conversion for the win. After the game, Hochuli, a veteran NFL official (rated top 3), and who has done playoffs and Super Bowl, went over to apologize the Chargers coach Norv Turner saying, "I blew the call." Turner would say at his perss conference that it was "inexcusable." Perhaps...but it was an error, a mistake. Hochuli has repeatedly apologized this week, but has been continually receiving hate mail from Chargers "fans." What does it take? This ref has manned up and said he was sorry and yet continues to be vilified. Unfortunately, this is a pretty sorry statement about the direction our society has been going for quite awhile in relationship to sports...it has become life and death -- thanks to Las Vegas oddsmakers and unreasonable Fantasy Football nutcases. Hochuli made a mistake...and yet, you would think that he was worse than OJ (and I am not going there any further :-). It is unfortunate that this was a critical mistake that likely cost the Chargers the game. But, this is the nature of refereeing, officiating. The major leagues (NFL, MLB, etc.) have already instituted instant replay...and yet there will always be some human element involved. So...give the poor man a break -- let him have his life. Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Aqueduct
Friends,
John H. Morgan says that our life in Christ can be compared to an aqueduct, the stone waterways that would bring water from nearby mountains into parched cities in Italy and Spain and are still is use in some countries today. The objective foundation of our spiritual lives -- the Word of God -- is like the huge, stone aqueduct itself. The subjective element -- our daily walk with the Lord, empowered by His Spirit -- is like the fresh water flowing through it. Some Christians neglect the Word of God and seek only the subjective experience. But, without the solid Word of God to contain and channel that experience, the experience itself drains away into error and is lost. Other Christians boast of well-engineered aqueducts based on extensive knowledge of the Bible, but they are bone dry. They bring no water (spiritual refreshment). Strong spiritual lives require both the knowledge of the Word of God and the intimate daily relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sounds like a smart fellow. I wonder if he has read John 4:24? Blessings, :-)
Don
John H. Morgan says that our life in Christ can be compared to an aqueduct, the stone waterways that would bring water from nearby mountains into parched cities in Italy and Spain and are still is use in some countries today. The objective foundation of our spiritual lives -- the Word of God -- is like the huge, stone aqueduct itself. The subjective element -- our daily walk with the Lord, empowered by His Spirit -- is like the fresh water flowing through it. Some Christians neglect the Word of God and seek only the subjective experience. But, without the solid Word of God to contain and channel that experience, the experience itself drains away into error and is lost. Other Christians boast of well-engineered aqueducts based on extensive knowledge of the Bible, but they are bone dry. They bring no water (spiritual refreshment). Strong spiritual lives require both the knowledge of the Word of God and the intimate daily relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sounds like a smart fellow. I wonder if he has read John 4:24? Blessings, :-)
Don
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Locked Out
Friends,
After quarterback, Jake Locker, of the University of Washington scored a touchdown in the final seconds of UW's game with BYU, he tossed the ball into the air. The officials threw a flag and penalized him 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. This, in turn, moved the ball back 15 yards for the ensuing extra point attempt, which was (of course) blocked. UW lost the game 28-27. Now, there are a number of issues that come into play here. The new NCAA ruling is such that any display of emotion (like tossing the ball in the air) is "against the law" and laid out to discourage end zone celebrations...even if Locker, for instance, was not taunting anyone in any way. In fact, when Locker saw the flag, he was ready to get after the person who committed the personal foul, but then, incredulously, was forced to come to the realization that he was the unwitting, guilty party. This is more archaic than the NFL (no fun league :-) that has rightfully cracked down on certain celebrations that are "over the top," but certainly not so stringent that a guy could not spike the ball, slam dunk on the goal post, toss it in the air or some such thing. Lighten up Pac 10, NCAA. The officials should have enough leeway and common sense to be able to tell the difference between what is taunting or excessive celebration and what is merely an exhuberant expression. This pharisaic ruling needs to be done away with (as a vast majority of the great, and wise :-) sports talking heads agree) and a more reasonable, balanced regulation needs to be adopted. Unfortunately, this turns into another illustration of the all too common occurence that refs shouldn't decide games, just be the facilitatators of them. Now, Tyrone Willingham, who is already on the coaching hotseat, may ultimately suffer the consequences of this loss (that may or may not have happened, but UW at least would have had a fair, fighting chance in OT).
For what it's worth, Locker is a great athlete. I watched him pick apart (by his running and passing) our area Prosser team in the Washington state 3A championship a few years ago...a team that had the new all-time leading state passer in Kellen Moore (now at Boise State) and, who were not only previously undefeated, but had wiped out the competition all year. And so...here is a crazy prediction -- Locker, inspired by what has happened over the past week, actually leads UW to a big upset of the University of Oklahoma this weekend. Yeah, I know it's crazy, but what I have I got to lose, really ;-). Blessings,
Don
After quarterback, Jake Locker, of the University of Washington scored a touchdown in the final seconds of UW's game with BYU, he tossed the ball into the air. The officials threw a flag and penalized him 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. This, in turn, moved the ball back 15 yards for the ensuing extra point attempt, which was (of course) blocked. UW lost the game 28-27. Now, there are a number of issues that come into play here. The new NCAA ruling is such that any display of emotion (like tossing the ball in the air) is "against the law" and laid out to discourage end zone celebrations...even if Locker, for instance, was not taunting anyone in any way. In fact, when Locker saw the flag, he was ready to get after the person who committed the personal foul, but then, incredulously, was forced to come to the realization that he was the unwitting, guilty party. This is more archaic than the NFL (no fun league :-) that has rightfully cracked down on certain celebrations that are "over the top," but certainly not so stringent that a guy could not spike the ball, slam dunk on the goal post, toss it in the air or some such thing. Lighten up Pac 10, NCAA. The officials should have enough leeway and common sense to be able to tell the difference between what is taunting or excessive celebration and what is merely an exhuberant expression. This pharisaic ruling needs to be done away with (as a vast majority of the great, and wise :-) sports talking heads agree) and a more reasonable, balanced regulation needs to be adopted. Unfortunately, this turns into another illustration of the all too common occurence that refs shouldn't decide games, just be the facilitatators of them. Now, Tyrone Willingham, who is already on the coaching hotseat, may ultimately suffer the consequences of this loss (that may or may not have happened, but UW at least would have had a fair, fighting chance in OT).
For what it's worth, Locker is a great athlete. I watched him pick apart (by his running and passing) our area Prosser team in the Washington state 3A championship a few years ago...a team that had the new all-time leading state passer in Kellen Moore (now at Boise State) and, who were not only previously undefeated, but had wiped out the competition all year. And so...here is a crazy prediction -- Locker, inspired by what has happened over the past week, actually leads UW to a big upset of the University of Oklahoma this weekend. Yeah, I know it's crazy, but what I have I got to lose, really ;-). Blessings,
Don
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Case for the Race
Friends,
Somebody tell me...aside from the Olympics, when was the last time that the 100 meter dash had any meaning on the international stage? I didn't think so -- I can't remember either. :-) It was probably when it was the 100 yard dash. And yet, here we are a couple of weeks after the Olympics and sports commentators and anchors have actually been giving us information on a a 1oo meter race in Europe between Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt, the two big Jamaican stars from the Olympics. Bolt had to actually come from behind to beat Powell and did so in 9.77 seconds (which is still amazing). Understand that normally, if Usain Bolt had not been the 2nd biggest sensation at the Olympics, this event in Switzerland (I believe) wouldn't even be a blip on the sports radar...but have a guy break three world records, and what do you get? Coverage. The next thing you know, we are all actually going to have sports coverage and even care about the next big swimming event ;-). Blessings,
Don
Somebody tell me...aside from the Olympics, when was the last time that the 100 meter dash had any meaning on the international stage? I didn't think so -- I can't remember either. :-) It was probably when it was the 100 yard dash. And yet, here we are a couple of weeks after the Olympics and sports commentators and anchors have actually been giving us information on a a 1oo meter race in Europe between Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt, the two big Jamaican stars from the Olympics. Bolt had to actually come from behind to beat Powell and did so in 9.77 seconds (which is still amazing). Understand that normally, if Usain Bolt had not been the 2nd biggest sensation at the Olympics, this event in Switzerland (I believe) wouldn't even be a blip on the sports radar...but have a guy break three world records, and what do you get? Coverage. The next thing you know, we are all actually going to have sports coverage and even care about the next big swimming event ;-). Blessings,
Don
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Danger Zone
Friends,
WARNING! You are about to enter the political zone. (Special note: I have often said, I do not blog about politics...isn't religion dangerous enough?) Nevertheless, here is a rare foray into the void.
WOW! Sarah Palin's speech last night was outstanding. I usually don't spend a lot of time watching these conventions, but I was compelled to hear her last evening. Overall, I have been impressed by the things that I have been hearing about her -- in spite of the skewering her family has received from the liberal media the past few days. (Another note: what kind of mongrels are some of these people anyway?) Considering how she has been ripped...for her to stand up in front of millions of people and deliver as she did -- it was impressive, to say the least. (Have I tipped my hand yet?) I am not going to say anything negative about the other contenders (as, I reserve such for religious discussions :-), but if I were them, I would be concerned about the bump that she is going to give to many folks. Granted, there is a long way to go, but I would have to say that, at least she is off to a good start. We'll have to see how her boss does this evening (?).
Don
WARNING! You are about to enter the political zone. (Special note: I have often said, I do not blog about politics...isn't religion dangerous enough?) Nevertheless, here is a rare foray into the void.
WOW! Sarah Palin's speech last night was outstanding. I usually don't spend a lot of time watching these conventions, but I was compelled to hear her last evening. Overall, I have been impressed by the things that I have been hearing about her -- in spite of the skewering her family has received from the liberal media the past few days. (Another note: what kind of mongrels are some of these people anyway?) Considering how she has been ripped...for her to stand up in front of millions of people and deliver as she did -- it was impressive, to say the least. (Have I tipped my hand yet?) I am not going to say anything negative about the other contenders (as, I reserve such for religious discussions :-), but if I were them, I would be concerned about the bump that she is going to give to many folks. Granted, there is a long way to go, but I would have to say that, at least she is off to a good start. We'll have to see how her boss does this evening (?).
Don
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Humorous, Minor Case in Point
Friends,
Concerning pre-suppositions. When considering my message last Sunday, I was talking about the fact that the gospel came to Colossae, in no small part, thanks to the help of a fellow named Epaphras. Now, I have always known this guy to e-PAPH-russ...for forever, and yet, when one looks up his name, it is pronounced -- EH-puh-FRASS. Funny. House wars and church conflicts have started over less, I am certain...but, I just thought it was interesting. (CAR-ib-be-an or car-ib-BE-an, tom-ay-to or to-mah-to ;-). Blessings,
Don
Concerning pre-suppositions. When considering my message last Sunday, I was talking about the fact that the gospel came to Colossae, in no small part, thanks to the help of a fellow named Epaphras. Now, I have always known this guy to e-PAPH-russ...for forever, and yet, when one looks up his name, it is pronounced -- EH-puh-FRASS. Funny. House wars and church conflicts have started over less, I am certain...but, I just thought it was interesting. (CAR-ib-be-an or car-ib-BE-an, tom-ay-to or to-mah-to ;-). Blessings,
Don
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