Friends,
This two week period in January is what I call "the sports desert" (for me :-0). (Yes, this is all a gripe :-). There is no NFL (except the SB media blitz), no NCAA football, no MLB, no NASCAR, thankfully there is some golf and tennis (although it is a little hard to get too excited about either of these on a regular basis). No, I am not a huge basketball fan. As stated before, I will follow the Sonics -- wherever they end up. I do not care much for NCAA basketball except at tournament time. So, we wait.....until February and then things get exciting again. Bring on the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500, and then all becomes well with the sports universe, once again. Also, in case you had not noticed, by declaring my favorites (of recent posts), I have been giving the "kiss of death" to some of my teams -- the Cowboys, the Packers (both done in by the Giants)...and even the WSU men's basketball team lost to UCLA the day I wished them well. Unfortunately, this has not been a good trend. I anticipate that things will turn around at some point, but before they do, I would like to say -- go Giants. ha ha. Take care and God bless,
Don
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Frozen Tundra
Friends,
As one of my favorite ESPN fellows, Chris Berman, likes to say..."they are playing on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field." In the case of this weekend's NFC Championship Game -- really! The high for Green Bay is supposed to be 4 or 5 degrees, with wind chills to well below zero. The last time our family was dealing with these kinds of temperatures, we were living up in Dryden in the pear orchard and we had over a week of single digit and below zero temperatures. Fun stuff! I couldn't keep a car battery alive and the diesel fuel in the tractor plow was so gelled that there was no way to get it started. Thankfully, there was no snow. So, if anyone wonders why we moved to Texas, in part, it is because of temperatures and experiences like these mentioned. I don't do single digit temperatures anymore (unless it is by some total fluke of TX nature or visiting WA for the winter holidays), and I am happy to say so. :-) So, for the folks on the tundra, I hope you like frozen cheese...and go Packers.
Don
As one of my favorite ESPN fellows, Chris Berman, likes to say..."they are playing on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field." In the case of this weekend's NFC Championship Game -- really! The high for Green Bay is supposed to be 4 or 5 degrees, with wind chills to well below zero. The last time our family was dealing with these kinds of temperatures, we were living up in Dryden in the pear orchard and we had over a week of single digit and below zero temperatures. Fun stuff! I couldn't keep a car battery alive and the diesel fuel in the tractor plow was so gelled that there was no way to get it started. Thankfully, there was no snow. So, if anyone wonders why we moved to Texas, in part, it is because of temperatures and experiences like these mentioned. I don't do single digit temperatures anymore (unless it is by some total fluke of TX nature or visiting WA for the winter holidays), and I am happy to say so. :-) So, for the folks on the tundra, I hope you like frozen cheese...and go Packers.
Don
Thursday, January 17, 2008
When We "All" Get To Heaven
Friends,
This past Sunday, if you were keen of eye, when the song "When We All Get To Heaven" flashed by (which I had to cut out because I was out of time and did not want to prolong an already "wonderfully expanded" song service), the title in the lower left hand corner -- not placed by me -- said "When Most of Us (Christian folk) Get To Heaven." Now, while credit must be given to the clever individual who produced this, it must also be noted that this is probably a more theologically accurate description of humanity (and even those claiming to be Christian) in relationship to the song than the original. Universalists believe that "all believers" -- or practically everyone -- will get to heaven. Jesus indicated in "the Sermon on the Mount," "the story of the sheep and the goats" and in "the parable of the sower" that universalism, or, "all who believe" will make it to heaven...is not accurate. Those who are planted in the good soil, the sheep and those who enter through the narrow gate will make it. Those not in the good soil, the goats, and those who try to enter through the broad way...will not. This is not easy to accept, but the Lord will ultimately separate those who claim to be Christian and are so in name only from those whose lives are dedicated to Him as Lord, Ruler, Master. While watching Rick Atchley's video concerning heaven last evening, he pointed out that one of the giant killers for some "believers" is pride. Everyone believes that they are going to go to heaven -- many good people -- but most of these folks are not committed to Christ. Even amongst the most hateful, evil people in the world, somehow, they believe that their final resting place is going to be with God or Jesus (or both) in heaven. Pride! We have to ring out the truth concerning our Lord and Savior and quench the self-deception (lovingly, of course) -- we cannot accept the false gospel of universalism...as tempting as it may be to want to believe it or accept it. We can only know Jesus and discern His will for lives (and for humanity in general) through humility. If we claim Christ and yet are "universally" living for self, it simply will not work. While no one is perfect, Jesus expects for us to be submissive to His will and the will of His Father first and foremost in our lives -- He has to be Lord. When we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then heaven will be ours.
Don
This past Sunday, if you were keen of eye, when the song "When We All Get To Heaven" flashed by (which I had to cut out because I was out of time and did not want to prolong an already "wonderfully expanded" song service), the title in the lower left hand corner -- not placed by me -- said "When Most of Us (Christian folk) Get To Heaven." Now, while credit must be given to the clever individual who produced this, it must also be noted that this is probably a more theologically accurate description of humanity (and even those claiming to be Christian) in relationship to the song than the original. Universalists believe that "all believers" -- or practically everyone -- will get to heaven. Jesus indicated in "the Sermon on the Mount," "the story of the sheep and the goats" and in "the parable of the sower" that universalism, or, "all who believe" will make it to heaven...is not accurate. Those who are planted in the good soil, the sheep and those who enter through the narrow gate will make it. Those not in the good soil, the goats, and those who try to enter through the broad way...will not. This is not easy to accept, but the Lord will ultimately separate those who claim to be Christian and are so in name only from those whose lives are dedicated to Him as Lord, Ruler, Master. While watching Rick Atchley's video concerning heaven last evening, he pointed out that one of the giant killers for some "believers" is pride. Everyone believes that they are going to go to heaven -- many good people -- but most of these folks are not committed to Christ. Even amongst the most hateful, evil people in the world, somehow, they believe that their final resting place is going to be with God or Jesus (or both) in heaven. Pride! We have to ring out the truth concerning our Lord and Savior and quench the self-deception (lovingly, of course) -- we cannot accept the false gospel of universalism...as tempting as it may be to want to believe it or accept it. We can only know Jesus and discern His will for lives (and for humanity in general) through humility. If we claim Christ and yet are "universally" living for self, it simply will not work. While no one is perfect, Jesus expects for us to be submissive to His will and the will of His Father first and foremost in our lives -- He has to be Lord. When we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, then heaven will be ours.
Don
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
UFO
Friends,
Disclaimer -- contrary to popular belief (which I have heard from a number of people now), I am NOT responsible for the UFO over Stephenville...even if I did start working there for CTCC the same day that this object showed up in the skies. I am publishing the accusatory information from two loved ones concerning this matter just so that you can also see and understand that all of this simply is not true --
#1. Imagine my surprise when the lead story on Studio B with Sheppard Smith dealt with the sighting of an unidentified flying object over Stephenville, Texas. Knowing that you were in town today I surmised that what they saw was in reality a ray of God's sunshine reflecting off the sparsely covered head of a newcomer to the community. The report went on to say that military jets were seen chasing the UFO. Of course, both Dyess and Sheppard Air Force Bases denied having any planes in the area. Why in the world would the USAF confirm that they were scrambled because some bald preacher was too proud to wear a hat?
#2. So, how fast were you driving through Stephenville over the weekend? Nice to know you'll be working in Looney-Land. Beam me up Scotty!
Okay...now it's my turn. Now, while I am not saying that I completely dismiss the notion of the existence of UFOs, there is always an explanation...and it is not related to my head or my car
;-). (Although, a friend of mine used to say that the shekinah, or the glory of God, has been seen residing on the pate of bald men in our day and time). The Air Force has said that they have had nothing going on in the area -- right! This was obviously some ill-advised flyby by some "rookie" pilot in a new-fangled stealth bomber that is capable of hovering --or -- it is the chariot of the Lord as described in the book of Ezekiel. Either way, it would be very cool (especially the latter!). So, whatever you believe...(and much of the country seems to believe) this all started in some guy's field in Dublin -- not Stephenville. (Just to clarify) Take care.
Don
Disclaimer -- contrary to popular belief (which I have heard from a number of people now), I am NOT responsible for the UFO over Stephenville...even if I did start working there for CTCC the same day that this object showed up in the skies. I am publishing the accusatory information from two loved ones concerning this matter just so that you can also see and understand that all of this simply is not true --
#1. Imagine my surprise when the lead story on Studio B with Sheppard Smith dealt with the sighting of an unidentified flying object over Stephenville, Texas. Knowing that you were in town today I surmised that what they saw was in reality a ray of God's sunshine reflecting off the sparsely covered head of a newcomer to the community. The report went on to say that military jets were seen chasing the UFO. Of course, both Dyess and Sheppard Air Force Bases denied having any planes in the area. Why in the world would the USAF confirm that they were scrambled because some bald preacher was too proud to wear a hat?
#2. So, how fast were you driving through Stephenville over the weekend? Nice to know you'll be working in Looney-Land. Beam me up Scotty!
Okay...now it's my turn. Now, while I am not saying that I completely dismiss the notion of the existence of UFOs, there is always an explanation...and it is not related to my head or my car
;-). (Although, a friend of mine used to say that the shekinah, or the glory of God, has been seen residing on the pate of bald men in our day and time). The Air Force has said that they have had nothing going on in the area -- right! This was obviously some ill-advised flyby by some "rookie" pilot in a new-fangled stealth bomber that is capable of hovering --or -- it is the chariot of the Lord as described in the book of Ezekiel. Either way, it would be very cool (especially the latter!). So, whatever you believe...(and much of the country seems to believe) this all started in some guy's field in Dublin -- not Stephenville. (Just to clarify) Take care.
Don
Monday, January 14, 2008
Not So Cool
Friends,
This was a was a bad weekend for our favorite football teams. Unfortunately, both the Cowboys and Seahawks were retired until Spring ball. Now this is a good thing for people from NY and Wisconsin, but if your heart and life is WA and TX...it becomes, go Mariners and Rangers(?). Actually, we will still root for the Patriots as they are Kim's team. Have a great day.
Don
This was a was a bad weekend for our favorite football teams. Unfortunately, both the Cowboys and Seahawks were retired until Spring ball. Now this is a good thing for people from NY and Wisconsin, but if your heart and life is WA and TX...it becomes, go Mariners and Rangers(?). Actually, we will still root for the Patriots as they are Kim's team. Have a great day.
Don
Friday, January 11, 2008
For Those in the Chill
Friends,
A shout out to some of our WA friends. It has been in the 50's with spikes to the 70s some days ;-). The WSU Cougars men's basketball team is having a superb season. They are undefeated, ranked #4 in the nation and 14-0 at this point, having beaten USC last night. They have a tough upcoming task against UCLA. I hope they keep making Mike proud. Also, for any of you bowlers out there -- and you know who you are (Kal :-)...just keep practicing, because I will be back for a rematch sometime. So, be ready! Thanks to Toby and Curt for helping with our house...Lord willing it will all be fulfilled soon. We miss you all and hope to be back for a visit before too long. Take care and God bless,
Don
A shout out to some of our WA friends. It has been in the 50's with spikes to the 70s some days ;-). The WSU Cougars men's basketball team is having a superb season. They are undefeated, ranked #4 in the nation and 14-0 at this point, having beaten USC last night. They have a tough upcoming task against UCLA. I hope they keep making Mike proud. Also, for any of you bowlers out there -- and you know who you are (Kal :-)...just keep practicing, because I will be back for a rematch sometime. So, be ready! Thanks to Toby and Curt for helping with our house...Lord willing it will all be fulfilled soon. We miss you all and hope to be back for a visit before too long. Take care and God bless,
Don
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Distraction of Contempt
Friends,
Keeping ourselves pure is a worthy and daily pursuit. We need to be submitting to the Lord continually in order to be gaining spiritually and not losing the battle of the mind. The temptation to spite and be vengeful is great from time to time. This passage by Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest is a helpful reminder about leaving things with the Lord.
Don
**********************************************************************************
What we must be aware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. "Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously" (Malachi 2:16). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes that we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find that they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.
Beware of "the cares of this world…" (Mark 4:19). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by "the cares of this world."
Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, "I must explain myself," or "I must get people to understand." Our Lord never explained anything – He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.
When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.
Oswald Chambers
Keeping ourselves pure is a worthy and daily pursuit. We need to be submitting to the Lord continually in order to be gaining spiritually and not losing the battle of the mind. The temptation to spite and be vengeful is great from time to time. This passage by Oswald Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest is a helpful reminder about leaving things with the Lord.
Don
**********************************************************************************
What we must be aware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. "Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously" (Malachi 2:16). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes that we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find that they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.
Beware of "the cares of this world…" (Mark 4:19). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by "the cares of this world."
Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, "O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself." Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, "I must explain myself," or "I must get people to understand." Our Lord never explained anything – He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.
When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.
Oswald Chambers
Friday, January 4, 2008
BCS
Friends,
College football's Bowl Championship Series has about wrapped up its annual offerings. The BCS Championship is set for Monday evening pairing one-loss Ohio State against two-loss LSU. Most of the BCS games have been drubbings with USC clobbering Illinois in the Rose Bowl, Georgia spanking Hawai'i in the Sugar Bowl and West Virginia trouncing Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Yet, last night underdog, and one-loss, Kansas defeated a solid Virginia Tech team in a close game. Some observations -- if I were commissioner (aka ruler :-) of the BCS, I would not have disrespected Kansas so much and would have had a one loss Kansas playing one loss Ohio State in the National Championship. But, few outside of the state of Kansas wanted to see them play in the Championship...but they did earn their way this year, even if they were not in their conference championship (overrated). Hindsight is always 20-20...not many expected Kansas to beat Virginia Tech (except for me and few other goof balls ;-). Also, a matchup pairing USC and Georgia at some point would have been a great game for the Rose Bowl, perhaps. The Pac 10 still likes to pair up the traditional #1 in their conference against #1 in the Big 10. But, Ohio State played the spoiler by ascending to the National Championship game, so Big 10 #2, Illinois, played in the Rose Bowl, and they were a dog. Missouri should have been in the BCS mix somewhere. If the BCS is going to get some good pairings besides the National Championship, the Bowls are going to have to loosen up their affiliations so that a USC--Georgia match-up could be possible. The Championship should be interesting, but I hope that one day that there will be a playoff, 1 through 8 where its 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7 and so one. You could even have a +1 game after the first round of pairings where you have the two best teams (if this could be determined) coming out of the playoff to play for a Championship. It's a nice dream anyway.
Don
P.S. On a football related note -- go Seahawks!
College football's Bowl Championship Series has about wrapped up its annual offerings. The BCS Championship is set for Monday evening pairing one-loss Ohio State against two-loss LSU. Most of the BCS games have been drubbings with USC clobbering Illinois in the Rose Bowl, Georgia spanking Hawai'i in the Sugar Bowl and West Virginia trouncing Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Yet, last night underdog, and one-loss, Kansas defeated a solid Virginia Tech team in a close game. Some observations -- if I were commissioner (aka ruler :-) of the BCS, I would not have disrespected Kansas so much and would have had a one loss Kansas playing one loss Ohio State in the National Championship. But, few outside of the state of Kansas wanted to see them play in the Championship...but they did earn their way this year, even if they were not in their conference championship (overrated). Hindsight is always 20-20...not many expected Kansas to beat Virginia Tech (except for me and few other goof balls ;-). Also, a matchup pairing USC and Georgia at some point would have been a great game for the Rose Bowl, perhaps. The Pac 10 still likes to pair up the traditional #1 in their conference against #1 in the Big 10. But, Ohio State played the spoiler by ascending to the National Championship game, so Big 10 #2, Illinois, played in the Rose Bowl, and they were a dog. Missouri should have been in the BCS mix somewhere. If the BCS is going to get some good pairings besides the National Championship, the Bowls are going to have to loosen up their affiliations so that a USC--Georgia match-up could be possible. The Championship should be interesting, but I hope that one day that there will be a playoff, 1 through 8 where its 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7 and so one. You could even have a +1 game after the first round of pairings where you have the two best teams (if this could be determined) coming out of the playoff to play for a Championship. It's a nice dream anyway.
Don
P.S. On a football related note -- go Seahawks!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Flying Blind
Friends,
As we were traveling to East Texas the other day, we encoutered something unusual. Just before arriving in McGregor, I saw a truck ahead of us going the other way. He had a large cargo, although I could not tell what it was. As he drew closer, I could see that it was a tall deer blind. All of the sudden as he was about to pass us, it lifted up out of the back of his truck and crashed to the road just ahead of us on the other side of the highway. Since he was going 60+, it tumbled and was destroyed. I sure as day do not know what he was thinking by not securing it and I was thanking the Lord that it stayed in his lane and that no one was following him -- it would have been a bad scene. Nevertheless, whenever I think of an airplane flying only by radar, I will have a new thought in mind in relationship to flying blind. ha ha.
Don
As we were traveling to East Texas the other day, we encoutered something unusual. Just before arriving in McGregor, I saw a truck ahead of us going the other way. He had a large cargo, although I could not tell what it was. As he drew closer, I could see that it was a tall deer blind. All of the sudden as he was about to pass us, it lifted up out of the back of his truck and crashed to the road just ahead of us on the other side of the highway. Since he was going 60+, it tumbled and was destroyed. I sure as day do not know what he was thinking by not securing it and I was thanking the Lord that it stayed in his lane and that no one was following him -- it would have been a bad scene. Nevertheless, whenever I think of an airplane flying only by radar, I will have a new thought in mind in relationship to flying blind. ha ha.
Don
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)