Friends,
The kids and I went with a group to the Winter Jam 2010 Christian Music Festival at the American Airlines Center in Dallas last night. We really enjoyed our time at the four hour concert. We arrived about five minutes after 7 PM, the supposed starting time, but missed Sidewalk Prophets and their #1 song, "The Words I Would Say," to my dismay...as they started about 6:40 or so. My only other critique of the show was that speaker Tony Nolan spoke too much and for too long. He had some good things to say, but I think we all wanted more music and less talk.
We were able to thoroughly enjoy NewSong, the Newsboys with Michael Tait, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, and Fireflight. NewSong has been a favorite of mine for a couple of decades now. Their all time greatest hit, "Arise, My Love" still stole the show for me. Even though they are not as well known as some of the other groups, I really enjoyed Tenth Avenue North. They shared their three hit songs in a way that was meaningful...offering the words on the big screen, and playing at a decibel level that we could all sing along with, reasonably. Michael Tait belting out Jesus Freak was also memorable. I have to say that I was skeptical about how I would feel about him as the lead singer of the Newsboys, since I have been a big Peter Furler fan...but, Tait did an admirable job.
We look forward to the next (2011) version of Winter Jam. Hopefully, they will invite Sanctus Real and Kutless to be a part of their show. I saw these two groups when they first started out several years ago...and they were much louder and less refined. Now, they are more polished and have put together some really good songs in the past couple of years. I still need to see Phillips, Craig and Dean. Maybe I'll get the opportunity to do this sometime. I'm still bummed that Annie Herring has retired a few years ago (having seen her a couple of times)...as she has always been one of my faves. I still love to listen to Scott Krippayne, River, Al Denson, Avalon, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Harvest, First Call, Watermark and so many more. I am thankful for the Lord blessing these people with the gifts that they have been given...and blessing my life. Blessings,
Don
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Catch of a Lifetime
Friends,
He was 11 years old and went fishing every chance he got from a dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching some fish and perch with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, thin silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish along side the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass. The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 p.m. -- two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put it back, Son," he said. "Dad!" cried the boy. "There will be another fish," said his father. "Not as big as this one," cried the boy. He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father. Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his fathers voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The creature swished it's powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that never again would he see such a great fish.
That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father's cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock. He was right -- he has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish -- again and again -- every time he comes up against a question of ethics. For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we aren't supposed to have? We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young…for we would have learned the truth. The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and our grandchildren. Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened. -- Author unknown
Blessings,
Don
He was 11 years old and went fishing every chance he got from a dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching some fish and perch with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, thin silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish along side the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass. The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 p.m. -- two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put it back, Son," he said. "Dad!" cried the boy. "There will be another fish," said his father. "Not as big as this one," cried the boy. He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father. Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his fathers voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The creature swished it's powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that never again would he see such a great fish.
That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father's cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock. He was right -- he has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish -- again and again -- every time he comes up against a question of ethics. For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we aren't supposed to have? We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young…for we would have learned the truth. The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and our grandchildren. Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened. -- Author unknown
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Galactic Neighbor
Friends,
It seems like the nearby Andromeda galaxy (relative to other galaxies...it's still 2 million light years away) is "supercharged" in the photo below...but the shot was just taken with a high powered camera with infra-red lens from a satellite. Andromeda is twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, which is 100,000 light years across.
Blessings,
Don
It seems like the nearby Andromeda galaxy (relative to other galaxies...it's still 2 million light years away) is "supercharged" in the photo below...but the shot was just taken with a high powered camera with infra-red lens from a satellite. Andromeda is twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, which is 100,000 light years across.
Blessings,
Don
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tiger Thoughts
Friends,
If you have read any of my other sports posts on golf, which are actually pretty few, you know that I am a fan and supporter of Tiger Woods. I don't root for everyone and, in fact, to be an equal opportunity commentator...some golfers flat annoy me. :-) To say the past three months have been a nightmare for Woods is probably an understatement. It has to be one of the most incredible sports, as well as human interest, stories ever -- the #1 icon in the sports world takes an unceremonious fall because of infidelties in his life. He is still the #1 golfer in the world, and I believe that people, by and large, would like to see him recapture lost glory in relationship to his icon stature --this all remains to be seen. Yet, what I hope that people truly want to see, even more so, is if he can make good on his statement that he needs to have integrity in the struggling part, as well as the rest of his life. His press conference today was a good first step, in my opinion. He has been roundly criticized at every turn by the sports media...some who are sincerely concerned for him, while others are holier-than-thou folks who have taken some cheap shots at him. I am pulling for Tiger and his family...and I hope that others will be too. Christians believe in second opportunities...and even our country has been resilient in relationship to granting celebrities and athletes second opportunities following transgressions.
Tiger read for about 15 minutes from a prepared statement today, but it was apparent that his words and meaning were coming from his heart. He was humble and contrite, but also angry and defensive of his family. It is hard to fault him for this need to defend his families' privacy, but it might have been better in a follow up message -- it's hard to say. It took him three months to sort matters out before he needed to make a statement. Most sports writers and other media people did not like this, as they were wanting him to say something well before this point. Yet, I applaud him that he took his time and, therefore, said the things that he needed to say in the way that he needed to say them. I do have to say that one of the reasons I have always liked Tiger is -- he is real...right down to his passion after hitting a bad shot. I don't like it that he uses expletives, but I hope that he has done some examination in relationship to this aspect of his game...it would seem so. He did mention his Buddhist faith...and how his behavior and attitude has run contrary to what he was taught by his mother as he was growing up. I respect this. Do I wish that he would somehow and in some way come to know Christ? Yes, absolutely. But, I cannot criticize him because he has come to some important realizations about himself in relationship to his own life and faith.
What we can learn and understand is that Tiger is altogether human. He was on the top of the world, and as he said, he thought he could and should be able to do whatever he would want to do with and in his life without any significant repercussion. I think that this is the big lie and deceit of being a celebrity in our world system...not to mention in relationship to being, perhaps, the biggest celebrity in the world -- certainly the sports world. Humility can come when we least expect it sometimes, but God can work in it to make us better people. I hope that some of the burden is lifted from his shoulders...and that he will seek to continue to rebuild his life and relationships. Perhaps, this will not only make him a better golfer, but a better person.
Blessings,
Don
If you have read any of my other sports posts on golf, which are actually pretty few, you know that I am a fan and supporter of Tiger Woods. I don't root for everyone and, in fact, to be an equal opportunity commentator...some golfers flat annoy me. :-) To say the past three months have been a nightmare for Woods is probably an understatement. It has to be one of the most incredible sports, as well as human interest, stories ever -- the #1 icon in the sports world takes an unceremonious fall because of infidelties in his life. He is still the #1 golfer in the world, and I believe that people, by and large, would like to see him recapture lost glory in relationship to his icon stature --this all remains to be seen. Yet, what I hope that people truly want to see, even more so, is if he can make good on his statement that he needs to have integrity in the struggling part, as well as the rest of his life. His press conference today was a good first step, in my opinion. He has been roundly criticized at every turn by the sports media...some who are sincerely concerned for him, while others are holier-than-thou folks who have taken some cheap shots at him. I am pulling for Tiger and his family...and I hope that others will be too. Christians believe in second opportunities...and even our country has been resilient in relationship to granting celebrities and athletes second opportunities following transgressions.
Tiger read for about 15 minutes from a prepared statement today, but it was apparent that his words and meaning were coming from his heart. He was humble and contrite, but also angry and defensive of his family. It is hard to fault him for this need to defend his families' privacy, but it might have been better in a follow up message -- it's hard to say. It took him three months to sort matters out before he needed to make a statement. Most sports writers and other media people did not like this, as they were wanting him to say something well before this point. Yet, I applaud him that he took his time and, therefore, said the things that he needed to say in the way that he needed to say them. I do have to say that one of the reasons I have always liked Tiger is -- he is real...right down to his passion after hitting a bad shot. I don't like it that he uses expletives, but I hope that he has done some examination in relationship to this aspect of his game...it would seem so. He did mention his Buddhist faith...and how his behavior and attitude has run contrary to what he was taught by his mother as he was growing up. I respect this. Do I wish that he would somehow and in some way come to know Christ? Yes, absolutely. But, I cannot criticize him because he has come to some important realizations about himself in relationship to his own life and faith.
What we can learn and understand is that Tiger is altogether human. He was on the top of the world, and as he said, he thought he could and should be able to do whatever he would want to do with and in his life without any significant repercussion. I think that this is the big lie and deceit of being a celebrity in our world system...not to mention in relationship to being, perhaps, the biggest celebrity in the world -- certainly the sports world. Humility can come when we least expect it sometimes, but God can work in it to make us better people. I hope that some of the burden is lifted from his shoulders...and that he will seek to continue to rebuild his life and relationships. Perhaps, this will not only make him a better golfer, but a better person.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A New Kind of Love
Friends,
Joseph Mazzella shares…I was in a local grocery store the other day when suddenly I heard the sound of breaking glass behind me. I turned around to see what had happened. A young mother had turned away from her shopping cart for a second to look in one of the freezers. That second was all it took for her growing, baby boy to test out his new found ability to grab and lift things from his seat in the cart. Unfortunately, the big jar of spaghetti sauce was more than he could handle. I smiled when I walked back to help and saw the look of utter surprise on his face. His arms were still outstretched where the jar had been a few seconds before. On the floor below the puddle of red was slowly oozing across the aisle. After making sure that both Mom and baby were alright I headed down the aisle to get help from a store employee. As I glanced back at them, though, I saw something that truly warmed my heart. The baby had finally taken his eyes off the shattered jar and looked up at his Mom. Instead of scolding him or even giving him an angry look she smiled down at him with eyes full of gentle understanding and unconditional love. Her tender gaze and kind smile never changed either not even when a friend gave her some good natured teasing about the mess. I knew then that this Mom was going to give her son a lifetime full of laughter and love. I think that God must smile down on us with that same look at times. We are His beloved Children and yet as hard as we try, we often make a mess of things too. We want to learn to love. Still, we stumble, fall, let important things slip through our fingers, and even break a few hearts along the way. God never gives up on us, however. He forgives us and fills our hearts, souls, and lives with His gentle understanding and unconditional love. May we all learn to love each other deeply…as He loves us. May we all better learn to live our lives centered joy, laughter, love, and understanding.
In the Old Testament, the command that God’s people love one another was only one of many…now, with Jesus, the old commandment is lifted out and given a place of honor. The command to love is the fulfillment of God’s law. When God’s people love one another, they treat each other with respect and kindness…and this can and should be in any relationship…parent/child, brother/sister or friend/friend. This is what is evidenced in the story shared…there is a new depth and understanding that we humans cannot “manufacture” on our own...this kind of love has to come from the Spirit of God. This “new” commandment, new kind of love, agape, is to stand at the very beginning of the Christian life and grow stronger…it is not an appendix to our Christians experience, it is at the heart of it! Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples…if you love one another” (John 13:35) -- without it, the Christians life really means nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Jesus, Himself, is certainly the greatest example of this new commandment. In commanding Christians to love, Jesus does not ask us to do something that He has not already done. Jesus’ life was an illustration of love…His disciples hurt him again and again…and yet, He continued to love them. They, likewise, learned to love one another because of Jesus’ love. Jesus loved tax-collectors, sinners, the thousands who would sit at His feet and listen to Him, including children and babies. He never showed hatred or malice, even when He would need to admonish those listening to His message. He hated sin and disobedience, but never hated the people who committed sins…including that of the religious leaders and others who hated Him. It is easy to talk about love…it is more difficult to practice it. We can’t say that we love God or a fellow believer and yet be hateful toward them. We must be Jesus to them, so they can come to know His “new kind of love” in a meaningful way. When genuine love flows out of a believer’s heart, there is greater understanding and perception of spiritual things. It is not enough to recognize that Jesus brings a new kind of love and that God’s love is revealed in Him…it must also be revealed in our lives as well!
John, in 1 John 2, reminds us that we can’t live with hate toward a brother or sister and be in good standing with the Lord. We cannot conscientiously live a lie…God knows our hearts. Love is about living forgiveness…this is our grace calling in Christ Jesus. The new covenant is about grace and love and the more that Christians are able to come to understand this principle, the quicker they are able to be set free to love without bias or prejudice! John wants us to understand that this agape, or unconditional love, is what is going to truly make the difference in our relationships. It doesn’t expect anything in return. There is no, “I will love you if…” It is “I love you…period, exclamation point!” Unconditional, sacrificial love is above and beyond any kind of love the world has to offer...and is truly the key to relationships, the key to faithfulness, and ultimately, why we can and will be successful.
Blessings,
Don
Joseph Mazzella shares…I was in a local grocery store the other day when suddenly I heard the sound of breaking glass behind me. I turned around to see what had happened. A young mother had turned away from her shopping cart for a second to look in one of the freezers. That second was all it took for her growing, baby boy to test out his new found ability to grab and lift things from his seat in the cart. Unfortunately, the big jar of spaghetti sauce was more than he could handle. I smiled when I walked back to help and saw the look of utter surprise on his face. His arms were still outstretched where the jar had been a few seconds before. On the floor below the puddle of red was slowly oozing across the aisle. After making sure that both Mom and baby were alright I headed down the aisle to get help from a store employee. As I glanced back at them, though, I saw something that truly warmed my heart. The baby had finally taken his eyes off the shattered jar and looked up at his Mom. Instead of scolding him or even giving him an angry look she smiled down at him with eyes full of gentle understanding and unconditional love. Her tender gaze and kind smile never changed either not even when a friend gave her some good natured teasing about the mess. I knew then that this Mom was going to give her son a lifetime full of laughter and love. I think that God must smile down on us with that same look at times. We are His beloved Children and yet as hard as we try, we often make a mess of things too. We want to learn to love. Still, we stumble, fall, let important things slip through our fingers, and even break a few hearts along the way. God never gives up on us, however. He forgives us and fills our hearts, souls, and lives with His gentle understanding and unconditional love. May we all learn to love each other deeply…as He loves us. May we all better learn to live our lives centered joy, laughter, love, and understanding.
In the Old Testament, the command that God’s people love one another was only one of many…now, with Jesus, the old commandment is lifted out and given a place of honor. The command to love is the fulfillment of God’s law. When God’s people love one another, they treat each other with respect and kindness…and this can and should be in any relationship…parent/child, brother/sister or friend/friend. This is what is evidenced in the story shared…there is a new depth and understanding that we humans cannot “manufacture” on our own...this kind of love has to come from the Spirit of God. This “new” commandment, new kind of love, agape, is to stand at the very beginning of the Christian life and grow stronger…it is not an appendix to our Christians experience, it is at the heart of it! Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples…if you love one another” (John 13:35) -- without it, the Christians life really means nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Jesus, Himself, is certainly the greatest example of this new commandment. In commanding Christians to love, Jesus does not ask us to do something that He has not already done. Jesus’ life was an illustration of love…His disciples hurt him again and again…and yet, He continued to love them. They, likewise, learned to love one another because of Jesus’ love. Jesus loved tax-collectors, sinners, the thousands who would sit at His feet and listen to Him, including children and babies. He never showed hatred or malice, even when He would need to admonish those listening to His message. He hated sin and disobedience, but never hated the people who committed sins…including that of the religious leaders and others who hated Him. It is easy to talk about love…it is more difficult to practice it. We can’t say that we love God or a fellow believer and yet be hateful toward them. We must be Jesus to them, so they can come to know His “new kind of love” in a meaningful way. When genuine love flows out of a believer’s heart, there is greater understanding and perception of spiritual things. It is not enough to recognize that Jesus brings a new kind of love and that God’s love is revealed in Him…it must also be revealed in our lives as well!
John, in 1 John 2, reminds us that we can’t live with hate toward a brother or sister and be in good standing with the Lord. We cannot conscientiously live a lie…God knows our hearts. Love is about living forgiveness…this is our grace calling in Christ Jesus. The new covenant is about grace and love and the more that Christians are able to come to understand this principle, the quicker they are able to be set free to love without bias or prejudice! John wants us to understand that this agape, or unconditional love, is what is going to truly make the difference in our relationships. It doesn’t expect anything in return. There is no, “I will love you if…” It is “I love you…period, exclamation point!” Unconditional, sacrificial love is above and beyond any kind of love the world has to offer...and is truly the key to relationships, the key to faithfulness, and ultimately, why we can and will be successful.
Blessings,
Don
Monday, February 15, 2010
Going Fast
Friends,
I have always enjoyed racing...whether go karts, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats or cars...it is thrilling. Perhaps, in a different life, this is something that I could have done full-time, as I just enjoy the thrill going fast...sort of a metaphor for life, it would seem. :-) I do have the goal of doing a drive-around as part of Texas Motor Speedway's program at some point...but it will have to wait for now. I will have to continue to be happy to do so, virtually, on the computer...and to write about it.
I have watched Nascar racing for as long as I can remember...back to when I was a teen. This past weekend at Daytona was about as exciting a weekend of racing that I can remember. This is due, in part, to rule changes on the part of the Nascar governing body to make cars faster and more able to move around and pass. This is appealing to the fans, who disliked the sterile races of the past few years where restrictor plated cars (on their carburetors to slow them down) would go around the biggest, fastest tracks all together in a pack. This would result in very little action until someone would would make a mistake and trigger a big wreck...ugh. Despite a pothole in the greatest and grandest track delaying the action yesterday, the racing was fast and furious. The result was nice guy, Jamie McMurray (who showed that there is still crying in Nascar, even though there isn't any in baseball :-), getting a big push from friend, Greg Biffle, in the end to win the race. This was a good story...as a racer, who has been deemed to be on the down side of his career, hooked up in the off season with owner Chip Ganassi (who needed a driver with Martin Truex's departure) and won the sports most prestigious race -- pretty cool. A quick shout out to Junior, who finished second...hopefully, the start of a better year for him.
I will take a moment to comment on Danica Patrick. I am happy that she brings some attention to Nascar...and she significantly helped to elevate the viewership and spectatorship for the minor leagues Nationwide race on Saturday. I find it distasteful, however, that she has to seek to bring so much attention to herself...as a sex symbol with her commercials and the like. I understand that this is 90% of the public's appeal for her...yet, let's see what kind of racer she will be.
I also have been a long time fan of the Winter Olympics, even preferring them to the summer games. Much of this has to do with, once again...going fast. I love watching downhill skiing, bobsledding, speed skating, and the luge. Like many other people, I am saddened by the death of the luger from Georgia. It really brought a melancholy start to the games. There is a great danger involved with speed events, and the athletes understand when they are going 70, 80, 90 mph, that there are great risks. It is thrilling to see a downhiller racing down a mountain...and I hope that Bode Miller and Lindsay Vonn both do very well. It is also exciting to watch the luge, bobsled and skeleton...but I hope and pray that there will be no more accidents...and that everyone will be safe.
Blessings,
Don
I have always enjoyed racing...whether go karts, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats or cars...it is thrilling. Perhaps, in a different life, this is something that I could have done full-time, as I just enjoy the thrill going fast...sort of a metaphor for life, it would seem. :-) I do have the goal of doing a drive-around as part of Texas Motor Speedway's program at some point...but it will have to wait for now. I will have to continue to be happy to do so, virtually, on the computer...and to write about it.
I have watched Nascar racing for as long as I can remember...back to when I was a teen. This past weekend at Daytona was about as exciting a weekend of racing that I can remember. This is due, in part, to rule changes on the part of the Nascar governing body to make cars faster and more able to move around and pass. This is appealing to the fans, who disliked the sterile races of the past few years where restrictor plated cars (on their carburetors to slow them down) would go around the biggest, fastest tracks all together in a pack. This would result in very little action until someone would would make a mistake and trigger a big wreck...ugh. Despite a pothole in the greatest and grandest track delaying the action yesterday, the racing was fast and furious. The result was nice guy, Jamie McMurray (who showed that there is still crying in Nascar, even though there isn't any in baseball :-), getting a big push from friend, Greg Biffle, in the end to win the race. This was a good story...as a racer, who has been deemed to be on the down side of his career, hooked up in the off season with owner Chip Ganassi (who needed a driver with Martin Truex's departure) and won the sports most prestigious race -- pretty cool. A quick shout out to Junior, who finished second...hopefully, the start of a better year for him.
I will take a moment to comment on Danica Patrick. I am happy that she brings some attention to Nascar...and she significantly helped to elevate the viewership and spectatorship for the minor leagues Nationwide race on Saturday. I find it distasteful, however, that she has to seek to bring so much attention to herself...as a sex symbol with her commercials and the like. I understand that this is 90% of the public's appeal for her...yet, let's see what kind of racer she will be.
I also have been a long time fan of the Winter Olympics, even preferring them to the summer games. Much of this has to do with, once again...going fast. I love watching downhill skiing, bobsledding, speed skating, and the luge. Like many other people, I am saddened by the death of the luger from Georgia. It really brought a melancholy start to the games. There is a great danger involved with speed events, and the athletes understand when they are going 70, 80, 90 mph, that there are great risks. It is thrilling to see a downhiller racing down a mountain...and I hope that Bode Miller and Lindsay Vonn both do very well. It is also exciting to watch the luge, bobsled and skeleton...but I hope and pray that there will be no more accidents...and that everyone will be safe.
Blessings,
Don
Friday, February 12, 2010
True Bread
Friends,
A story...as told by anonymous...
A beggar came and sat before me. "I want bread," he said. "How wise you are," I assured him. "Bread is what you need. And you have come to the right bakery." So I pulled my cookbook down from my shelf and began to tell him all I knew about bread. I spoke of flour and wheat, of grain and barley. My knowledge impressed even me as I cited the measurements and recipe. When I looked up, I was surprised to see he wasn't smiling. "I just want bread," he said.
"How wise you are." I applauded his choice. "Follow me, and I'll show you our bakery." Down the hallowed halls I guided him, pausing to point out the rooms where the dough is prepared and the ovens where the bread is baked. "No one has such facilities. We have bread for every need.
But here is the best part," I proclaimed as I pushed open two swinging doors. "This is our room of inspiration." I knew he was moved as we stepped into the auditorium full of stained-glass windows. The beggar didn't speak. I understood his silence. With my arm around his shoulder, I whispered, "It overwhelms me as well."
I then leaped to the podium and struck my favorite pose behind the lectern. "People come from miles to hear me speak. Once a week, my workers gather, and I read to them the recipe from the cookbook of life." By now the beggar had taken a seat on the front row. I knew what he wanted. "Would you like to hear me?" "No," he said, "but I would like some bread."
"How wise you are," I replied. And I led him to the front door of the bakery. "What I have to say next is very important," I told him as we stood outside. "Up and down this street you will find many bakeries. But take heed; they don’t serve “the true bread.” I know of one who adds two spoons of salt rather than one. I know of another whose oven is three degrees too hot. They may call it bread," I warned, "but it's not according to the book."
The beggar turned and began walking away. "Don't you want bread?" I asked him. He stopped, looked back at me, and shrugged, "I guess I lost my appetite." I shook my head and returned to my office. "What a shame," I said to myself. "The world just isn't hungry for true bread anymore."
Blessings,
Don
A story...as told by anonymous...
A beggar came and sat before me. "I want bread," he said. "How wise you are," I assured him. "Bread is what you need. And you have come to the right bakery." So I pulled my cookbook down from my shelf and began to tell him all I knew about bread. I spoke of flour and wheat, of grain and barley. My knowledge impressed even me as I cited the measurements and recipe. When I looked up, I was surprised to see he wasn't smiling. "I just want bread," he said.
"How wise you are." I applauded his choice. "Follow me, and I'll show you our bakery." Down the hallowed halls I guided him, pausing to point out the rooms where the dough is prepared and the ovens where the bread is baked. "No one has such facilities. We have bread for every need.
But here is the best part," I proclaimed as I pushed open two swinging doors. "This is our room of inspiration." I knew he was moved as we stepped into the auditorium full of stained-glass windows. The beggar didn't speak. I understood his silence. With my arm around his shoulder, I whispered, "It overwhelms me as well."
I then leaped to the podium and struck my favorite pose behind the lectern. "People come from miles to hear me speak. Once a week, my workers gather, and I read to them the recipe from the cookbook of life." By now the beggar had taken a seat on the front row. I knew what he wanted. "Would you like to hear me?" "No," he said, "but I would like some bread."
"How wise you are," I replied. And I led him to the front door of the bakery. "What I have to say next is very important," I told him as we stood outside. "Up and down this street you will find many bakeries. But take heed; they don’t serve “the true bread.” I know of one who adds two spoons of salt rather than one. I know of another whose oven is three degrees too hot. They may call it bread," I warned, "but it's not according to the book."
The beggar turned and began walking away. "Don't you want bread?" I asked him. He stopped, looked back at me, and shrugged, "I guess I lost my appetite." I shook my head and returned to my office. "What a shame," I said to myself. "The world just isn't hungry for true bread anymore."
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The New Red (Former) Planet
Friends,
And here all this time, we thought that Mars was the red planet, but recent photos reveal that Pluto (the formerly known...Mickey Mouse planet) is actually turning red. This is taking place for some difficult to explain reasons related to cosmic radiation...or, perhaps it is simply because Pluto is angry at no longer being classified as a planet(?) -- who knows? :-) Blessings,
Don
Monday, February 8, 2010
It's A Brees
Friends,
Well...not really. But, the way Drew Brees played, you would think so...at least from his efforts in Super Bowl XLIV (44). Brees, originally from Texas, had the second most efficient day (going 32-39) for a QB in Super Bowl history in leading the Saints to victory, 31-17. This is not too bad for a quarterback that no team, except the Saints, even really wanted five years ago because of a devastating injury to his shoulder the year before. So, even though the Saints quickly started down 10-0 in the 1st quarter to the Peyton Manning led Colts, Brees and coach Sean Payton just seemed to be on a mission...and they were not going to be denied. In fact, after they were down 10-3 in the 2nd quarter, they were stuffed at the goal line on a 4th down, not getting the score to tie the game. Nevertheless, I leaned over to a friend and said -- I really believe that they are just getting started. One could tell that they had overcome their 1st quarter jitters and had the offense on a roll. In fact the defense stepped up on the next series of plays and stopped Manning and the Colts offense with a three and out just before half-time. Brees and the Saints offense promptly moved the ball into field goal position and got the three points to make it 10-6 at half time. I really think that three series set was the key to the game. I am going to take a moment to give big props to rookie kicker, Garrett Hartley, who is also from Texas. :-) If not for Brees being nearly perfect, Hartley would have been the game MVP with three field goals of 40+ yards...which was the first time this had been done in Super Bowl history -- very impressive. Payton coached a bold and masterful game; he was out to do whatever it would take to win, and he did so...and he looked like a genius doing it. His attempting the first onside kick in Super Bowl history to start the second half was huge! The recovery of the kick just seemed to set the momentum for the entire second half. On the other side, Manning did not necessarily play poorly, but he certainly was not a clutch performer...nor did he get a lot of help from Reggie Wayne, among others. Unfortunately for Manning, the lasting memory related to his Super Bowl will be a costly pick 6 near the end of the game that sealed the game for the Saints. But, enough about the Colts :-)...the Saints flat out won this game. And this win is a big lift for the city of New Orleans and, indeed, the entire state of Louisiana. Finally, it was great to hear Brees acknowledge the Lord in His life...and just made it seem appropriate for the guy who leads a team called the Saints. How could a believer not feel good about this team? Blessings,
Don
Well...not really. But, the way Drew Brees played, you would think so...at least from his efforts in Super Bowl XLIV (44). Brees, originally from Texas, had the second most efficient day (going 32-39) for a QB in Super Bowl history in leading the Saints to victory, 31-17. This is not too bad for a quarterback that no team, except the Saints, even really wanted five years ago because of a devastating injury to his shoulder the year before. So, even though the Saints quickly started down 10-0 in the 1st quarter to the Peyton Manning led Colts, Brees and coach Sean Payton just seemed to be on a mission...and they were not going to be denied. In fact, after they were down 10-3 in the 2nd quarter, they were stuffed at the goal line on a 4th down, not getting the score to tie the game. Nevertheless, I leaned over to a friend and said -- I really believe that they are just getting started. One could tell that they had overcome their 1st quarter jitters and had the offense on a roll. In fact the defense stepped up on the next series of plays and stopped Manning and the Colts offense with a three and out just before half-time. Brees and the Saints offense promptly moved the ball into field goal position and got the three points to make it 10-6 at half time. I really think that three series set was the key to the game. I am going to take a moment to give big props to rookie kicker, Garrett Hartley, who is also from Texas. :-) If not for Brees being nearly perfect, Hartley would have been the game MVP with three field goals of 40+ yards...which was the first time this had been done in Super Bowl history -- very impressive. Payton coached a bold and masterful game; he was out to do whatever it would take to win, and he did so...and he looked like a genius doing it. His attempting the first onside kick in Super Bowl history to start the second half was huge! The recovery of the kick just seemed to set the momentum for the entire second half. On the other side, Manning did not necessarily play poorly, but he certainly was not a clutch performer...nor did he get a lot of help from Reggie Wayne, among others. Unfortunately for Manning, the lasting memory related to his Super Bowl will be a costly pick 6 near the end of the game that sealed the game for the Saints. But, enough about the Colts :-)...the Saints flat out won this game. And this win is a big lift for the city of New Orleans and, indeed, the entire state of Louisiana. Finally, it was great to hear Brees acknowledge the Lord in His life...and just made it seem appropriate for the guy who leads a team called the Saints. How could a believer not feel good about this team? Blessings,
Don
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Living Blameless
Friends,
At a worship service, a well-dressed woman came forward at the invitation. The minister took her hand and began praying. First, he prayed for his own short comings, “Lord, I sin, and I know that I can’t save myself, but I need your forgiveness.” The minister continued in prayer on behalf of the lady. Following the prayer, she told the minister, “I do want to be a Christian, but I am not a sinner.” The minister replied, “You cannot receive the salvation of the Lord if you cannot acknowledge that you have sin in your life, because Jesus died for sinners.” She replied, “But, I am a good sinner.” “A good sinner? There are no good sinners!” And he asked her to reconsider her stance. She said, “I am not really a bad person,” after which the minister said he really could do nothing more for her at that time. Right then, the lady put a vice-grip on his hand, looked him in the eyes and said, “Please forgive me…I am so proud -- deep down, I do know that I need the Lord to forgive me.” The minister said, “Wonderful, now you are ready to do business with God. This is the way that a lot of folks live. One of my friends said one time, it took him a long time to choose to become a Christian, because, as he put it, “I thought I was a good guy.” But, this is not the point. If goodness was the measure, then it would certainly impact everything related to salvation. The point is, until we can admit, our “badness”…that is, that we have sin that needs to be forgiven…no matter how “good” we have been…then we cannot receive the salvation of the Lord. John gives us the antidote in 1 John 1-2. If we turn our lives over to Jesus, He can deal with our sin problem and provide freedom for our souls.
John mentions the subject of “sin” nine times in this section, so he must be trying to make a point…it obviously is an important matter.
Sometimes humility comes hard. We “all have sinned,” (Romans 3:23) and yet, sometimes, I think that we want to “enjoy” it. Well, if Satan didn’t make sin pleasurable, then it wouldn’t be very tempting. We need to be aware of this, and embrace the love, joy and peace of the Lord that far outweighs and “outpleasures” anything that Satan is going to bring our way. If we lie, cheat or steal, we are being dishonest…and one sin leads to another. As Abe Lincoln said one time, “If a man is going to be a liar, he had better have a good memory.” This is why we not only need forgiveness, but why we also need to forgive one another. If a person wants to keep a record of wrongs, it can become a full-time job…bitterness can keep us plenty busy, and this is not a good place to be. For any sin…if we spend our energy defending it, or pretending it isn’t there…then there is nothing left for living! Worse, it becomes who we are, and that is…fleshly. If we “walk in the light of the Lord, as He is in the light,” then we can live blamelessly, having our sins confessed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. And having confessed our sins, we can live forgiven lives and not continue to live in the guilt, worry or anxiety related to past sins. Friends, we have indeed been set free (from sin) to live as free people. We have an Advocate pleading our case in heaven -- Jesus...and an Advocate helping us to live holy lives here on the earth -- the Holy Spirit. We have every opportunity to live positively and productively for the Lord, so let's make the most of it. Blessings,
Don
At a worship service, a well-dressed woman came forward at the invitation. The minister took her hand and began praying. First, he prayed for his own short comings, “Lord, I sin, and I know that I can’t save myself, but I need your forgiveness.” The minister continued in prayer on behalf of the lady. Following the prayer, she told the minister, “I do want to be a Christian, but I am not a sinner.” The minister replied, “You cannot receive the salvation of the Lord if you cannot acknowledge that you have sin in your life, because Jesus died for sinners.” She replied, “But, I am a good sinner.” “A good sinner? There are no good sinners!” And he asked her to reconsider her stance. She said, “I am not really a bad person,” after which the minister said he really could do nothing more for her at that time. Right then, the lady put a vice-grip on his hand, looked him in the eyes and said, “Please forgive me…I am so proud -- deep down, I do know that I need the Lord to forgive me.” The minister said, “Wonderful, now you are ready to do business with God. This is the way that a lot of folks live. One of my friends said one time, it took him a long time to choose to become a Christian, because, as he put it, “I thought I was a good guy.” But, this is not the point. If goodness was the measure, then it would certainly impact everything related to salvation. The point is, until we can admit, our “badness”…that is, that we have sin that needs to be forgiven…no matter how “good” we have been…then we cannot receive the salvation of the Lord. John gives us the antidote in 1 John 1-2. If we turn our lives over to Jesus, He can deal with our sin problem and provide freedom for our souls.
John mentions the subject of “sin” nine times in this section, so he must be trying to make a point…it obviously is an important matter.
Sometimes humility comes hard. We “all have sinned,” (Romans 3:23) and yet, sometimes, I think that we want to “enjoy” it. Well, if Satan didn’t make sin pleasurable, then it wouldn’t be very tempting. We need to be aware of this, and embrace the love, joy and peace of the Lord that far outweighs and “outpleasures” anything that Satan is going to bring our way. If we lie, cheat or steal, we are being dishonest…and one sin leads to another. As Abe Lincoln said one time, “If a man is going to be a liar, he had better have a good memory.” This is why we not only need forgiveness, but why we also need to forgive one another. If a person wants to keep a record of wrongs, it can become a full-time job…bitterness can keep us plenty busy, and this is not a good place to be. For any sin…if we spend our energy defending it, or pretending it isn’t there…then there is nothing left for living! Worse, it becomes who we are, and that is…fleshly. If we “walk in the light of the Lord, as He is in the light,” then we can live blamelessly, having our sins confessed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. And having confessed our sins, we can live forgiven lives and not continue to live in the guilt, worry or anxiety related to past sins. Friends, we have indeed been set free (from sin) to live as free people. We have an Advocate pleading our case in heaven -- Jesus...and an Advocate helping us to live holy lives here on the earth -- the Holy Spirit. We have every opportunity to live positively and productively for the Lord, so let's make the most of it. Blessings,
Don
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Super QBs
Friends,
It is Super Bowl week and there is more news and there are more sound bites than anyone can really digest. As usual, there is a lot of discussion about the quarterbacks. Two of the best are playing in this year's big game. There is a a lot of speculation among football enthusiasts that if Peyton Manning wins...that he will be the best quarterback of all-time. I am a big Peyton Manning fan...and he is arguably the most likable quarterback of all-time (although, Terry Bradshaw is right there with him). Before he is done playing, Peyton will likely be the best of all-time, but I don't think we should crown him just yet. I believe that Mr. Montana is still the greatest of all time, to be followed by Tom Brady, and perhaps John Elway. A shout out to Drew Brees, who has yet to win the big game, but has proven himself over the past several years, and is one of the most respected at his position today.
A melancholy adios to Kurt Warner who retired at the end of this past week. The past couple of years have likely cemented his status as a hall of fame quarterback. He was two minutes away from winning his second Super Bowl a year ago, and took teams who were perennial losers, the Rams and Cardinals, to the title game. Kurt has a story that is unrivaled, as he went from being a grocery clerk to the Arena Football League to NFL Europe and, ultimately, to the NFL's Rams. If not for an injury to Trent Green in his first year, Warner may not have ever been given the chance, but the opportunity presented itself and he made the most of it. He led the Rams to two SBs in three years and then was traded to the Giants. This began a multiple year decline for Warner who was thought to be washed up, but then, after coming to the Cardinals a few years ago, was pressed into duty after Matt Leinart was ineffective. The greatest quality about Kurt Warner is his faith. He has led the way for contemporary professional Christian athletes in relationship to being outspoken for the Lord. Undoubtedly, he has been a good example for Christian younger quarterbacks like Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow. Warner could very well have played a few more years, but has decided to leave at the top of his game...and this will surely benefit him in the short term and the long term. We'll miss you Kurt.
Speaking of Tim Tebow...he has continued to be in the news for multiple reasons. He has not been in the Super Bowl, yet, but he could be one day...but, he is, nonetheless -- super. A Christian, he is going to have an ad spot during the Super Bowl where he supports the sanctity of human life. I respect him for this, very much...although he has and will receive some harsh criticism from many...particularly humanists in the media. But, he has not shied away from what he believes is his responsibility as a believer with an opportunity to share the message of the Lord. He has been unfairly criticized, in my opinion, for his Senior Bowl efforts, because he has more pressure on him as he is recognized perhaps the greatest college player ever. He was 8-12, even if for only 50 yards, but Tony Pike from Cincinnnati, whom eveyone is touting as a can't miss, "mechanically sound," prospect was only 5-12 passing. Tebow may not have "the mechanics" that many pro scouts like, as they say he has a longer throwing motion and questionable accuracy(?)...but no one can dispute his will to win. And he is a big time winner. All I can say is that I will take a guy who may not be mechanically perfect, but is a winner anytime...and I believe that Tebow will be a winner in the NFL. All we have to do is go back to the last guy, Kurt Warner, to look at someone who was counted down and out multiple times...and yet, would have the last laugh. Good luck and God bless, Tim...hope you have a long and productive NFL career. Blessings,
Don
It is Super Bowl week and there is more news and there are more sound bites than anyone can really digest. As usual, there is a lot of discussion about the quarterbacks. Two of the best are playing in this year's big game. There is a a lot of speculation among football enthusiasts that if Peyton Manning wins...that he will be the best quarterback of all-time. I am a big Peyton Manning fan...and he is arguably the most likable quarterback of all-time (although, Terry Bradshaw is right there with him). Before he is done playing, Peyton will likely be the best of all-time, but I don't think we should crown him just yet. I believe that Mr. Montana is still the greatest of all time, to be followed by Tom Brady, and perhaps John Elway. A shout out to Drew Brees, who has yet to win the big game, but has proven himself over the past several years, and is one of the most respected at his position today.
A melancholy adios to Kurt Warner who retired at the end of this past week. The past couple of years have likely cemented his status as a hall of fame quarterback. He was two minutes away from winning his second Super Bowl a year ago, and took teams who were perennial losers, the Rams and Cardinals, to the title game. Kurt has a story that is unrivaled, as he went from being a grocery clerk to the Arena Football League to NFL Europe and, ultimately, to the NFL's Rams. If not for an injury to Trent Green in his first year, Warner may not have ever been given the chance, but the opportunity presented itself and he made the most of it. He led the Rams to two SBs in three years and then was traded to the Giants. This began a multiple year decline for Warner who was thought to be washed up, but then, after coming to the Cardinals a few years ago, was pressed into duty after Matt Leinart was ineffective. The greatest quality about Kurt Warner is his faith. He has led the way for contemporary professional Christian athletes in relationship to being outspoken for the Lord. Undoubtedly, he has been a good example for Christian younger quarterbacks like Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow. Warner could very well have played a few more years, but has decided to leave at the top of his game...and this will surely benefit him in the short term and the long term. We'll miss you Kurt.
Speaking of Tim Tebow...he has continued to be in the news for multiple reasons. He has not been in the Super Bowl, yet, but he could be one day...but, he is, nonetheless -- super. A Christian, he is going to have an ad spot during the Super Bowl where he supports the sanctity of human life. I respect him for this, very much...although he has and will receive some harsh criticism from many...particularly humanists in the media. But, he has not shied away from what he believes is his responsibility as a believer with an opportunity to share the message of the Lord. He has been unfairly criticized, in my opinion, for his Senior Bowl efforts, because he has more pressure on him as he is recognized perhaps the greatest college player ever. He was 8-12, even if for only 50 yards, but Tony Pike from Cincinnnati, whom eveyone is touting as a can't miss, "mechanically sound," prospect was only 5-12 passing. Tebow may not have "the mechanics" that many pro scouts like, as they say he has a longer throwing motion and questionable accuracy(?)...but no one can dispute his will to win. And he is a big time winner. All I can say is that I will take a guy who may not be mechanically perfect, but is a winner anytime...and I believe that Tebow will be a winner in the NFL. All we have to do is go back to the last guy, Kurt Warner, to look at someone who was counted down and out multiple times...and yet, would have the last laugh. Good luck and God bless, Tim...hope you have a long and productive NFL career. Blessings,
Don
Monday, February 1, 2010
Jehovah Jireh
Friends,
We see sacrifice and provision in the life of Abraham. We can learn much about the sanctity of human life from his perspective and the Lord’s as we come to Genesis 22. Tests happen in life…they may not necessarily be direct, personal tests from God, but they can be. Sometimes our own disobedience causes pain or disappointment, and at other times tests are just circumstances in life that affect us. When tests come our way, our first response is often, “Why, Lord?” And this may be followed by “why me, Lord?” We want explanations immediately. This simply does not always take place. Yet, the question could just as well be, “why not me?” We are not always going to miss these opportunities for growth…which is what they truly are. Indeed, the fact that we ask for an explanation may suggest that we have plenty of room to grow.
Isaac is the miracle child – the gift of God to Abraham and Sarah, and they both love him very much. And now, God asks Abraham to offer him in sacrifice? The request is a test of faith, hope and love…not only for Abraham, to whom the request is made...but also for Sarah. What would she think? How would she feel? She wasn’t going to be making this stressful journey. The key to life and godliness is found in Abraham’s response. He has heard God’s word, and immediately he obeys by faith. In his heart, Abraham knows that God’s will can never contradict God’s promise…so he holds on to the promise (21:12). Abraham tells the two servants that are with him, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come to you again” (22:5). He has no intention of bringing back his son, dead, but alive...amazing! Even as he pulls the knife above his head and gets ready to drop it…and indeed begins to do so…the angel of the Lord yells – “Stop!” Then, Jehovah Jireh, "the Lord will see to it" or "provide," steps in and provides the ram to take Isaac’s place. In his heart and by his obedience, Abraham offers Isaac as a sacrifice as the Lord requested. And this is all a type or sign of the Son of the Heavenly Father, Jesus, who would come. Even then, as Abraham was making the sacrifice in his heart, the Lord would be thinking – I will not be able to stop with my Son, but will allow Him to die!
Testing develops our faith and matures our character…and may even protect us from sin. When we are faced with disadvantages, let us allow the Lord to help us to turn them into advantages. God will be Jehovah Jireh to us…He will provide for us! We may not understand right away, but we can understand that the Lord has our own good right at the center of it all. He helps us to learn and to grow…to be better, stronger. One day, as Abraham believed that Isaac could be resurrected from the dead, and as our Lord was resurrected…likewise, we who are alive in Christ will one day be raised from the dead to eternal life. We have everything to hope for and to live for…so, let’s live for Him today! Blessings,
Don
We see sacrifice and provision in the life of Abraham. We can learn much about the sanctity of human life from his perspective and the Lord’s as we come to Genesis 22. Tests happen in life…they may not necessarily be direct, personal tests from God, but they can be. Sometimes our own disobedience causes pain or disappointment, and at other times tests are just circumstances in life that affect us. When tests come our way, our first response is often, “Why, Lord?” And this may be followed by “why me, Lord?” We want explanations immediately. This simply does not always take place. Yet, the question could just as well be, “why not me?” We are not always going to miss these opportunities for growth…which is what they truly are. Indeed, the fact that we ask for an explanation may suggest that we have plenty of room to grow.
Isaac is the miracle child – the gift of God to Abraham and Sarah, and they both love him very much. And now, God asks Abraham to offer him in sacrifice? The request is a test of faith, hope and love…not only for Abraham, to whom the request is made...but also for Sarah. What would she think? How would she feel? She wasn’t going to be making this stressful journey. The key to life and godliness is found in Abraham’s response. He has heard God’s word, and immediately he obeys by faith. In his heart, Abraham knows that God’s will can never contradict God’s promise…so he holds on to the promise (21:12). Abraham tells the two servants that are with him, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come to you again” (22:5). He has no intention of bringing back his son, dead, but alive...amazing! Even as he pulls the knife above his head and gets ready to drop it…and indeed begins to do so…the angel of the Lord yells – “Stop!” Then, Jehovah Jireh, "the Lord will see to it" or "provide," steps in and provides the ram to take Isaac’s place. In his heart and by his obedience, Abraham offers Isaac as a sacrifice as the Lord requested. And this is all a type or sign of the Son of the Heavenly Father, Jesus, who would come. Even then, as Abraham was making the sacrifice in his heart, the Lord would be thinking – I will not be able to stop with my Son, but will allow Him to die!
Testing develops our faith and matures our character…and may even protect us from sin. When we are faced with disadvantages, let us allow the Lord to help us to turn them into advantages. God will be Jehovah Jireh to us…He will provide for us! We may not understand right away, but we can understand that the Lord has our own good right at the center of it all. He helps us to learn and to grow…to be better, stronger. One day, as Abraham believed that Isaac could be resurrected from the dead, and as our Lord was resurrected…likewise, we who are alive in Christ will one day be raised from the dead to eternal life. We have everything to hope for and to live for…so, let’s live for Him today! Blessings,
Don
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