Saturday, October 30, 2010

Looking Up

Friends,

We are often enticed to look down at the ground so to speak, as if the earth or nature is going to provide answers to life’s questions and struggles. We also tend to look around at other people hoping for a solution to our insecurities and issues. What we need to do, rather than looking down or looking around is just take some time to look up -- not just because we need to see God’s beauty in creation or in the night sky, but to keep our spiritual focus on things above. Too often in life, we let our circumstances dictate our actions, our thoughts, even the way we see things. Too often we do not notice the beauty that we are surrounded by or the special heavenly gifts our Heavenly Father bestows upon us. We even forget about the answers to our morning prayers that are faithfully fulfilled during each and every day. We have blurry spiritual eyes, and we need to put on our heavenly eyeglasses in order to see reality. As long as we limit our view to an earthly perspective, we will miss the daily blessings bestowed on us from our Father in heaven. Only by concentrating on Jesus and walking with Him will our view be lifted up high. Only then will we be able to see our circumstances from God's viewpoint. All fear will leave us, as we will know that we have indeed a caring Father in Heaven. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Sound of Music

Friends,

This is no ordinary fare for me on the blog, but just coudn't resist. I saw a friend "like" the Sound of Music on facebook, and so I did the same, knowing that there are other "musicals" enthusiasts out there. Now, I have come to realize why -- today is the 45th anniversary of the release of the movie, and the lead cast made an appearance on Oprah today (imagine that :-). Anyway, for the sake of nostaliga, and with the promise that I wil get back to one of the main themes for this blog soon, here are some pics to ponder...

Blessings, Don




Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Upside Down League

Friends,

Today is the beginning of the NBA season, and...it just doesn't hold much allure to me. As I have blogged before, the NBA is so predictable. We know that the same six teams or so are going to fighting it out to the end with the Lakers winning the title again -- boring. So, now we come to the NFL and the 2010 season where there is not too much that has been predictable. Most folks expected the Jets, Colts, Steelers, Ravens and Patriots to be atop the AFC, but the Chiefs have unexpectedly cast themselves into the mix The Texans and Titans, from the South, are also playing well, which creates some real drama for that division. It is the NFC that has analysts and common folks collectively scratching their heads. The Cowboys were supposed to be the first team to host a Super Bowl at home...and they find themselves 1-5, now, and do not have their starting QB, Tony Romo, for most of the rest of the season. The Giants started out an awful 1-2 in the East, but have reeled off four wins in a row in rather impressive fashion, and now may be the team to beat in the NFC. That is, unless the Seahawks (4-2), Buccaneers (4-2) and Redskins (4-3) do not have something to say about it -- you're kidding me right? These three teams have been bottom dwellers the past few years, but here they are atop or near the top of their divisions. Ahhh...gotta love the NFL, where parity is a reality. On any given Sunday, any team can beat another team...and in any given year, a bottom feeder can rise to the top, and a top dog can sink to the bottom.

The big drama for week 7 involved none other than Brett Favre. This week, the news was more related to on-field issues than off-field (which is good, I guess). Favre came out of yet another rough start...against the Packers, no less...and now has two small fractures in his already banged up ankle. He was also publicly criticized by his coach...and here I thought that Favre was the coach. :-) The big drama is whether his 291 start streak is in jeopardy. With 99 percent of NFL QBs, it most certainly would be, but...we're talking about the Old Gunslinger here. He will tell them that he is going to play and they will probably shoot his ankle with some painkillers and send him out there for week 8 against the Patriots. One begins to get the idea (which I have already pondered, actually), that Favre will not come off the field until they cart him off, once and for all...and it could happen this Sunday. I do believe that when this happens, that he will be finished...but, how can anyone say for certain(?).

It is apparent that the Saints aren't marching anywhere this year without running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. Thankfully, they are both slated to be back in New Orleans' lineup this week...and none too soon, since Sean Payton's bunch was thumped by the steadily improving, but perennially lowly, Cleveland Browns 30-17. Thomas' running style is the solid, pounding variety that backups have been unable to provide. Bush provides such an unpredictable element that opposing defenses have to plan for...and it keeps opposing coordinators off-balance. The Saints will be happy to have his shifty, quick bursts back in the offense.

Finally, when I checked the scores around lunch-time Sunday, you know that I had to do a double-take when I saw the score -- Raiders 31-Broncos 0 -- with 13 minutes left in the second quarter. This was almost surreal. The Raiders have been nothing, if not terrible, on offense since Rich Gannon left nearly a decade ago. Meanwhile, the Broncos have not had that poor of a showing this year, even though they were 2-4 coming in o last weekend. There had to be much rejoicing for Raider nation when the final outcome was 59-14 in favor of the silver and black. A person just has to wonder...one, if the Raiders can possibly keep this up, and two, just how long of a leash does young Josh McDaniels have with Pat Bowlen's pride and joy? Well, there is much that remains to be seen as the final ten weeks unfold. I have to believe that major injuries, like Favre's and Romo's, are going to continue to play a major part as the season unfolds (and the higher-ups want to expand the season to 18 games???). At the rate that things have been changing this year...I am willing to bet that it is going to get very interesting before it is all said and done.

Blessings,
Don

P.S. Yes, Dolphin fans, you were robbed of a win...we Seahawk fans remember a Big Ben wrong call around the goal-line in Super Bowl XL painfully well...

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Rangers' First World Series

Friends,

It has to be a dream come true for two groups of people that the Texas Rangers have reached their first World Series...die-hard Rangers fans who have waited for 39 years for their team to finally arrive, as well as the Dallas Cowboys, who have to be pleased that the Rangers are taking a lot of attention away from them and their underachieving season. In fact, I think Jerry and Co. should send a big thank you note to Nolan and Co. signed by all in the Cowboys organization. ;-) But, seriously...it is a wonderful things that the Rangers have left the short list of team never to play in a World Series...with the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos being the only other teams not to make the big stage. So, as a lifelong Mariners fan before I moved to Texas, and now a die hard Rangers fan...one has to know how painful a baseball journey it has been for yours truly, and how much of a joy it is to see Texas arrive at baseball's pinnacle series.

Now, the wait is over...it is show time! The Rangers will play the San Francisco Giants, a team that has not been to the World Series since 2002 in the middle of the Barry Bonds era. It should be an interseting matchup between a power pitching team (Giants) and the power hitting Rangers. The old adage is that good pitching will always beat good hitting, but those people didn't play the 2010 Rangers who have been just tearing the cover off the ball in the postseason. I will say this...if the Giants pitch like the Yankees, this will be a short series in favor of the Rangers. If they pitch well, I still like the Rangers' pitching ace in the hole, Cliff Lee to carry them to their first World Series title. It may take six or seven games, but I do like the intangibles of Nolan's group. They have an awful lot of momentum and team spirit right now. As I mentioned in a recent blog, it is hard not to credit the dramatic and positive influence that Josh Hamilton has been on this team's success. Josh has an incredible story...and what a story book finish it will be if he can do his part to help lead Texas to the baseball promised land. Go Rangers!

Blessings,
Don

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bigger...Stronger...Faster

Friends,

There has been a lot of talk this week about the safety of NFL players by those who are administrators for the league. After four highly visible, devastating helmet to helmet hits this past weekend that resulted in concussions, it was decided today that there will be immediate fines and suspensions for such hits...even for first time offenders. This has, predictably, created an uproar among NFL commentators (many of them former players) and current players. Many of these former and current athletes believe that the rules changes that are being implemented today are going to cause the NFL to become "softer" and make guys "let up on their hits." They claim that this is antithetical to what football and the NFL is all about...and that is -- the goal for the defender is to try to separate the offensive player from the ball. This may be true, but some wiser heads are saying that the enforcement of the safety rules that are already in place concerning helmet to helmet hits is necessary for the short term and long term well-being of the players.

The NFL does have a problem. Players today are bigger, stronger and faster than those who played even ten years ago. When these guys collide with one another going umpteen miles per hour (which seems to have the impact of a car wreck, in my estimation), concussions continue to mount. In fact, there are twice as many concussions this year than there were at this same time last year. Those players who made the controversial plays this past Sunday, James Harrison of the Steelers, Brandon Merriweather of the Patriots and Dunta Robinson of the Falcons have been fined ($75,000, $50,000 and $50,000 respectively) by the league for their hits. They have complained that the penalties are unfair...in fact, Steelers linebacker, James Harrison, who has already had a reputation as a player with questionable tactics, has even hinted that he will retire rather than change his ways. (To this, I say -- go ahead and retire...perhaps this will make a contribution toward cleaning up the game). This is going to be a difficult process and it is a challenging and controversial subject...there can be no doubt. Yet, contrary to the fear-mongering, I do not believe that the purpose of the NFL higher-ups is to "soften" the game at all, but it is to take away that cheap shots that threaten players' careers...and to this, I applaud them. I want to see my favorite sport...and the favorite sport of millions of Americans...continue to grow and prosper. If this is going to take place, then there are going to have to be some necessary adjustments. I really hope that the leaders of the league do not disturb the integrity of the game, but they do need to keep their own integrity intact by making these necessary changes.

Blessings,
Don

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Magnificent Lee

Friends,

After Cliff Lee's remarkable pitching performance in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, people are beginning to talk. After Lee shut down the Yankees, allowing two hits over eight innings...and following two stellar performances against the Rays in the ALDS...some are beginning to speculate that he may be on the short list all-time of great playoff pitchers. In fact, there are a lot of prisoner-of-the-moment sports folks who are already saying that he IS already the all-time best playoff pitcher. I don't know about this just yet, but I will say this -- when your name is being mentioned with the likes of Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax and Christy Mathewson, as well as Mariano Rivera, you have entered into some mighty elite company. Lee has a 7-0 record and a miniscule 1.26 ERA over eight career post-season starts. It just so happens that he is pitching for the Texas Rangers who have had zero post-season highlights in their history...that is, until this year. Now, thanks to him and his teammates' marvelous efforts, Nolan Ryan's team is but a couple of wins away from their first World Series. Now, this isn't going to be a cakewalk. After all, the Rangers are playing the Yankees...they of the 27 World Series Championships in their history, and defending MLB Champions. It may not be easy, but I do like Texas' chances. Here's to hoping that Mr. Lee gets the opportunity to pursue and win his first World Series title so that he may remove all doubt as to who is the most dominant playoff pitcher of all-time.

Blessings,
Don

Monday, October 18, 2010

Into the Light

Friends,

Some thoughts for my friend, Jim, :-) and anyone else that may be blessed... At this point, you are aware of the rescue of the 33 Chilean miners who had been trapped for 70 days about a mile underground. It has been a joy to see the footage of the reunions and just to know that these men who could very easily have perished far underground are now safe above ground. It has also been interesting to hear and read some the parallels that have come about as the result of this story. How similar is this experience to our own experience in coming from the darkness and into the light? It is hard not to see how God can use this event in this way. It is interesting that it took a steel encased tube to be the conduit by which rescuers could lift up these men out of the ground and back to safety. In a like way, Jesus is our "conduit" who leads us out of the darkness and into the Light. It was hard not to notice the miners' sunshades provided to protect their eyes. To come from such darkness as the depths of the earth into the light of the sun would be an incredibly bright prospect, indeed. Jesus Christ was lifted up on a cross so that we could come out of the darkness of this world and into the marvelous light of His life. I am sure that for many, the transition from the world to the Light is at first blinding, but as we get accustomed to seeing with spiritual sight, we are able to "see" the darkness for what it is...and appreciate and enjoy the Light of Him who came to rescue us.

Blessings,
Don

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Saturn's Rings Distortion

Friends,

If you thought that tsunamis were particular only to our home planet...not so. There are enormous, mile-high tsunamis of ice particles that are moving around the interior of Saturn's rings...and it makes for an interesting spectacle. The waves are created by the largest of Saturn's moons, Titan, whose gravity provides for the dynamic effect of huge peaks and gaps. Below is an graphic rendition of what this looks like...
Blessings,
Don

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Rangers Do Things the Right Way

Friends,

There is a pleasing story running on AOL Fanhouse concerning the Rangers. The Rangers celebrated their ALDS clinching win with Ginger Ale instead of champagne, so as not to cause teammate Josh Hamilton stumble. (He has battled substance abuse in his past). Rather than ask for heads to roll when people make mistakes, as would many leaders and organizations in our pragmatic society, the Rangers organization chose to help Hamilton and Manager Ron Washington through their struggles this past year. So...is the ALCS opportunity as much about blessing as talent and strategy? Some may laugh, but one has to wonder... Yet, I will say this -- God rewards those who try to things the right way, and from all appearances, Nolan Ryan and the Texas Rangers baseball club are setting a good standard for other clubs and businesses to follow. We need more people today to show that it is not all about #1, but that selflessness and service are a route to blessing others...and as the result, blessings flow back.

Blessings,
Don

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Drama On Top of Drama

Friends,

ESPN really knows how to pick them. Last night's MNF game between the Jets and the Vikings had plenty of intrigue going into the game, with the Rex Ryan's on a roll and the "under fire" Favre connecting with new teammate Randy Moss for the first time. The first two-and-a-half quarters of the game were not exactly dramatic, and could probably be described as "plodding" and "boring." But, the last quarter is, as they say..."why they play the game." Favre was his feisty, vintage self, as he threw three touchdown passes in the final quarter plus and nearly pulled off a comeback in a game that was lost. It was good football drama. But, the "other" vintage Favre threw an interception in the last minute to seal it for the Jets, 29-20.

There were other games played on Sunday, week 5. Like the Vikings, the Cowboys fell to 1-3, after they fell behind the Titans early, but just couldn't reel them all the way in. Tony Romo was pretty good in leading Dallas back, but a late "excessive celebration" penalty against Mark Colombo (which was a ridiculous call, by the way) after a touchdown gave the Titans a kickoff from the Cowboys 15 yard line. The Titans "no-name" kick returner promptly returned it deep into Cowboys territory and they promptly scored the game-winning touchdown for a 34-27 victory. So, the 1-3 Cowboys will play the 1-3 Vikings up there next week...speaking of drama.

It is clear that the Saints are not the same team without playmaker Reggie Bush. But, I say that they are also missing starting running back Pierre Thomas just as much. Without the threat of a good running game, teams are loading up to defend the vaunted Saints passing game and are forcing star QB, Drew Brees, into mistakes. This is precisely what happened Sunday as the Saints were upset by the Arizona Cardinals and rookie QB Max Hall, 30-20. The defending champs aren't in any significant danger, yet, but a quick return for Thomas and Bush will certainly be welcome for New Orleans.

Time for a shout out to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1), who defeated the Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) 24-21. The Bengals won the AFC North in 2009 and were supposed to challenge for their division again, but one has to wonder about the chemistry of that team, as it seems like there are just too many contrary personalities to keep it together and working. The Buccaneers have a young QB (Josh Freeman), a young defense, and a young coach (Raheem Morris)...and yet, they just continue to beat teams that they were not supposed to beat. At this point, it would seem that the Buccaneers are not going to be a pushover. Although I am not a Bucs fan, one has to give them props for where they are at for 2010, and that is -- on top of their division after five weeks.

The "Slip Sliding Away" award may have to go to the Green Bay Packers if they have any more injuries...in fact, it may have to go to them anyway. Already missing star RB Ryan Grant for the year, the Packers have lost key defensive players...some for weeks, and others for the season...and are also missing their top two tight ends, and may not have starting QB, Aaron Rodgers, for this coming Sunday due to a concussion. They need a "get well soon" card.

Blessings,
Don

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Pats Riot in Miami

Friends,

This week's version of MNF was a massacre...and it cost a coach his job. The New England Patriots throttled the Miami Dolphins in their house, 41-14. The Pats special teams, in general, and Patrick Chung, in particular, steamrolled the Dolphins special teams for a blocked punt as well as a blocked kick that went the other way for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Dolphins special teams coach, John Bonamego, is now looking for another job as the result of the debacle. But then, as if Mr Chung had not yet made his mark...he also intercepted a Chad Henne pass and went 50+ yards for a pick six. The former Michigan QB had an evening to forget. Hopefully, he will bounce back after a bye week and work some things out. On top of all of this, the Patriots are the first team in NFL history to have a passing TD, rushing TD, interception TD, kickoff return TD and blocked field goal TD all in the same game this evening. If you think about it...that is pretty amazing.

Well, there were some other games played over the weekend, and a few things worthy of note for week 4. For all of the offensive talent that the Cincinnati Bengals have...including the T.O. and Ochocinco show...it doesn't seem to be working, as the Bengals lost to previously winless cross-state rival, the Cleveland Browns, 23-20, and are now 2-2. It just has to make one wonder how that locker room is...is the team chemistry at the boiling point yet? If not, I am willing to bet it will be before the season is over. Now, the J-E-T-S are playing like the team that Rambunctious Rex thought they would be. "They are who we thought they were..." to quote a famous line by Dennis Green after beating the hapless Bills 38-14 to go to 3-1. The Jets have pretty well handled all three division rivals in consecutive weeks after a season opening loss to the Ravens. And speaking of surprises, the Rams continue to perform with Sam Bradford at the helm, handling the Seahawks 20-3, and are on top of the NFC West at 2-2...not that this is much to brag about. The bigger story may be their defense that continues to beat up on opposing offenses. One final note...I doubt that the Colts are on the rocks, but after losing 31-28 to the Jaguars thanks to a last second 59 yard field goal and their kicker, Josh Scobee, they are clearly not as strong defensively as they were last year. However, hard to count against Peyton Manning and company. We will see when they face the 3-0 Chiefs next week.

Blessings,
Don

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Winning...A Matter of Perspective

Friends,

It was fun to watch my kids play soccer while they were younger…nothing much cuter than a bunch of five year olds running around a little field chasing after the ball. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to coach Alyssa’s under 12 soccer team. We had a great group of young athletes who were talented and played well together. Our team would go 5-0 in the Fall and then 4-0 that next Spring. We entered the Spring Jamboree and won all of our games in order to get to the final championship game. It was late in the afternoon and all of the players and coaches were tired after a day of tournament play. We played a Prosser team to 0-0 tie at the end of regulation time. We then went through two short overtime periods and it was still tied. We went to a penalty kick shootout in order to decide the whole ball of wax, and...we ended up losing 5-4 -- a very tough way to go out.

So…what do you do, then? You suffer with the girls and parents for a bit…but, what perspective does a young person or an adult take from such an experience? Some in the world would say – we were the first losers and nothing else really matters. We chose to take a more spiritual, realistic look at it all. We celebrated as a team that had such a wonderful time together, had grown together as soccer players and as human beings. We celebrated being 13-1 and chose to learn from the loss as much as from the wins along the way. Sure, it would have been nicer to win, but what is it that really mattered? We need to ask ourselves…what are the greater issues to be discovered and learned through life experiences? It is all a matter of perspective.

Some opponents saw Paul’s ministry as a wreck instead of the gift of God that it truly was. Though these people accused Paul of a lot of wrong-doing, he had nothing to hide, either in his personal life or in his preaching. Paul was open, honest and sincere…there was no deception or distortion in his life or preaching. Paul’s positive attitude contributed to productive ministry for God. Paul did experience some disappointment because of his trials in Europe and Asia. Would he lose heart when his life was so focused on doing so much good for so many? Paul had no reason to lose heart (Galatians 6:9)...for God, in His grace and mercy, had called him and enabled him -- and he knew it! He was called to dispense grace and mercy to others and he did just this. Paul showed great courage through his life and ministry…having been beaten with rods, stoned (perhaps to death), whipped, shipwrecked and imprisoned. It all helped his perspective concerning what truly mattered in life...for Paul, it was all about living for Jesus. In all of these matters, Paul understood that winning wasn't just the end of the journey, but it was how he lived the journey...as a winner!

Blessings,
Don