Friends,
So...tell me -- is it really now news (AOL headline) when a person WAITS to get married before having sex? This is an amazingly bold headline that minimizes and marginalizes Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow's position at best and ridicules him at worst; he is a good person and devout Christian, and he should be held up as the ultimate good in a culture where anything goes and only the "abnormal" is glamorized. Yet, he is now the target of criticism for taking such a stand as to abstain from sexual activity before marriage. This is an unfortunate, although not really surprising, statement by "the media" and reveals just how far society and culture have gone toward a universal hedonism that further demeans that which is moral in general and Christian in particular. Blessings,
Don
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Turn Back the Clock
Friends,
I don't care what most of the sports talking heads were saying today..., like Rome, I will not use the "c" word in relationship to Tom Watson's failure to win the British Open. If he had won, it would have been the greatest golf story ever. At 59 years of age, Tom Watson was not ever supposed to be in it. Okay...some folks would give him one round, like Greg Norman last year --but, to be front running after days two and three was unthinkable. This is taking away nothing from this man who had previously won 6 British opens...the last one 23 years ago. But, at 59, one is simply not supposed to be putting a whupping on all of the "youngsters" on the PGA tour. After all, this man has been on the Senior Tour for nearly a decade. So, here he was with a one stroke lead going into the 72nd hole of the final round...and he gets a bogey to fall into a playoff with Stewart Cink. Unfortunately for Cink, everybody on the planet outside of his family was rooting for Watson. Unfortunately for Watson, he was out of gas. Cink won easily in the playoff, which was good for him. For Mr. Watson...he has nothing to be ashamed of or to hang his head about -- he has been a hall of famer for a long time. He may hate it as a competitor...but, the entire golf world and beyond is proud of him. Blessings,
Don
I don't care what most of the sports talking heads were saying today..., like Rome, I will not use the "c" word in relationship to Tom Watson's failure to win the British Open. If he had won, it would have been the greatest golf story ever. At 59 years of age, Tom Watson was not ever supposed to be in it. Okay...some folks would give him one round, like Greg Norman last year --but, to be front running after days two and three was unthinkable. This is taking away nothing from this man who had previously won 6 British opens...the last one 23 years ago. But, at 59, one is simply not supposed to be putting a whupping on all of the "youngsters" on the PGA tour. After all, this man has been on the Senior Tour for nearly a decade. So, here he was with a one stroke lead going into the 72nd hole of the final round...and he gets a bogey to fall into a playoff with Stewart Cink. Unfortunately for Cink, everybody on the planet outside of his family was rooting for Watson. Unfortunately for Watson, he was out of gas. Cink won easily in the playoff, which was good for him. For Mr. Watson...he has nothing to be ashamed of or to hang his head about -- he has been a hall of famer for a long time. He may hate it as a competitor...but, the entire golf world and beyond is proud of him. Blessings,
Don
Friday, July 17, 2009
Material Shopping -- Ugh!
Friends,
A perfect example of me (or my father) in a fabric store... :-)
Blessings, Don
A perfect example of me (or my father) in a fabric store... :-)
Blessings, Don
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Endeavour to the Space Station
Friends,
The space shuttle lifted off, albeit a month late, due to some hydrogen leaks in the fuel tanks, but it was on its way earlier today. I hope that friends Brandon and Goldie, on vacation in Florida, were able to position themselves to be able to see the launch today. Unfortunately, more foam insulation (8 or 9 pieces) came off the external fuel tanks and struck the shuttle on the leading edge of the wing. This is precisely what happened to the Columbia before its ill-fated re-entry in 2003. It is nearly impossible to keep this type of thing from happening, but they have managed to put many safeguards in place in order to protect the astronauts, so that they will be kept as safe as possible. They have many tools at their disposal in order to effect repairs on the shuttle. If all else fails and they are unable to repair the shuttle, the astronauts can stay on the space station for a few months until another could be launched to rescue them.
This will be a sixteen day mission with the typical seven member crew. During their two weeks there, the astronauts will continue to piece together the space station, working toward its completion date of 2011. When this crew reaches the space station, it will be the first time that as many as 13 people will be on board...and it will have a multi-national "Star Trek" appearance. Besides the seven Americans, there will be two Russians, two Canadians, one Japanese, and one Belgian. It is so good that we are able to work together with scientists and astronauts from many different countries to make the space station a reality. Gene Roddenberry would be proud!
Oh...and did I mention that it is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo launch that put man on the moon for the first time? I do not remember much on the television from 1969 (I was 5), but I do remember the Apollo event and the Jets beating the Colts in Super Bowl III. Blessings,
Don
The space shuttle lifted off, albeit a month late, due to some hydrogen leaks in the fuel tanks, but it was on its way earlier today. I hope that friends Brandon and Goldie, on vacation in Florida, were able to position themselves to be able to see the launch today. Unfortunately, more foam insulation (8 or 9 pieces) came off the external fuel tanks and struck the shuttle on the leading edge of the wing. This is precisely what happened to the Columbia before its ill-fated re-entry in 2003. It is nearly impossible to keep this type of thing from happening, but they have managed to put many safeguards in place in order to protect the astronauts, so that they will be kept as safe as possible. They have many tools at their disposal in order to effect repairs on the shuttle. If all else fails and they are unable to repair the shuttle, the astronauts can stay on the space station for a few months until another could be launched to rescue them.
This will be a sixteen day mission with the typical seven member crew. During their two weeks there, the astronauts will continue to piece together the space station, working toward its completion date of 2011. When this crew reaches the space station, it will be the first time that as many as 13 people will be on board...and it will have a multi-national "Star Trek" appearance. Besides the seven Americans, there will be two Russians, two Canadians, one Japanese, and one Belgian. It is so good that we are able to work together with scientists and astronauts from many different countries to make the space station a reality. Gene Roddenberry would be proud!
Oh...and did I mention that it is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo launch that put man on the moon for the first time? I do not remember much on the television from 1969 (I was 5), but I do remember the Apollo event and the Jets beating the Colts in Super Bowl III. Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
To Heal or Not To Heal -- There Is No Question
Friends,
We’re not certain which feast Jesus was observing when He comes to Jerusalem (John 5:1ff)…and it is not really important. What is important is that His main purpose is to heal a lame man and use the miracle as the basis for a message to the people. John describes the people at this pool as sick, blind, lame, paralyzed. We come to understand is that this pool has healing qualities, so people would come to this place in order to be healed. He also gives us further information about the pool itself. Some manuscripts leave out the end of verse 3 and all of verse 4, but we would be missing some important information about this pool itself if we did not have it.
Jesus comes up to a man who has been by the pool…not for 38 days, or weeks, but for 38 years! This may very well be the individual who has been there the longest, but we can’t know this for certain. Nevertheless, He asks the man what would seem to be a nonsensical question – “Do you wish to get well?” Now, you would think that the man would respond with an enthusiastic – “Yes, I want to be healed!” Instead, he begins to give excuses. He has been in this sad condition for so long, that his will is as paralyzed as his body. Jesus heals this man through the power of the spoken word…and the way He does it also makes a point. He asks the man to do the very thing that he has been unable to do – get up and walk. The cure is immediate, and there are certainly many people at the pool who witness it.
So, everyone rides off into the sunset and lives happily ever after, right? Not so fast, my friends. This healing takes place on the Sabbath. Could Jesus have come a day earlier, or waited a day? Yes. But, He wants to get the attention of the religious leaders. The Scribes listed 39 tasks that were prohibited on the Sabbath, and carrying a burden was one of them. Instead of rejoicing at the wonderful deliverance of the man, the religious leaders condemn the former lame man for carrying his bed, and therefore, breaking the law. It’s not easy to understand the relationship between this man and Jesus. There is no evidence that he believes in Christ or was converted. In fact, he does not even know who it is that has healed him until Jesus meets him in the temple. It is here that Jesus tells him, “Sin no more that nothing worse befall you.” Jesus’ words indicate that he man’s physical problems are the result of sin. Now, if this wouldn’t save you, what would? Still, the man informs the Jewish leaders that it is Jesus who did these things. Why? Fear, most likely – amazing how that works…and not in a good way.
So, predictably, the Jews turn away from the lame man and focus their attention on and aim their accusations at Jesus. Jesus has challenged their legalistic traditions…and they are calling Him on it. The Jews had taken the Sabbath – God’s gift to man – and had transformed it into a prison house of regulations and restrictions. Jesus makes Himself equal with God by telling the Scribes and Pharisees that He and His Father are working. They instantly recognize this and change their “Sabbath” accusation to “blasphemy,” which is punishable by death…and so it goes.
Know that by doing what is right, there can and will be opposition by some who do not understand or have been hardened in some way. We need to help as Jesus helped, even though there may be persecution for it. We need to continue to be opportunistic in seeking and sharing the Lord with those around us.
British writer George McDonald points out that the end of this passage gives us profound insight into our Lord’s miracles. Jesus did instantly what the Father is always doing slowly. In nature, the Father slowly heals broken bones, but Jesus healed immediately. Nature repeatedly multiplies bread, from sowing to harvest, but Jesus has it multiplied instantly in His own hands. Jesus had tremendous power. By far the most important thing He accomplished, that the Father accomplished through him, was to willingly die on a cross to take away our sins and set us free. Praise be to God! Blessings,
Don
We’re not certain which feast Jesus was observing when He comes to Jerusalem (John 5:1ff)…and it is not really important. What is important is that His main purpose is to heal a lame man and use the miracle as the basis for a message to the people. John describes the people at this pool as sick, blind, lame, paralyzed. We come to understand is that this pool has healing qualities, so people would come to this place in order to be healed. He also gives us further information about the pool itself. Some manuscripts leave out the end of verse 3 and all of verse 4, but we would be missing some important information about this pool itself if we did not have it.
Jesus comes up to a man who has been by the pool…not for 38 days, or weeks, but for 38 years! This may very well be the individual who has been there the longest, but we can’t know this for certain. Nevertheless, He asks the man what would seem to be a nonsensical question – “Do you wish to get well?” Now, you would think that the man would respond with an enthusiastic – “Yes, I want to be healed!” Instead, he begins to give excuses. He has been in this sad condition for so long, that his will is as paralyzed as his body. Jesus heals this man through the power of the spoken word…and the way He does it also makes a point. He asks the man to do the very thing that he has been unable to do – get up and walk. The cure is immediate, and there are certainly many people at the pool who witness it.
So, everyone rides off into the sunset and lives happily ever after, right? Not so fast, my friends. This healing takes place on the Sabbath. Could Jesus have come a day earlier, or waited a day? Yes. But, He wants to get the attention of the religious leaders. The Scribes listed 39 tasks that were prohibited on the Sabbath, and carrying a burden was one of them. Instead of rejoicing at the wonderful deliverance of the man, the religious leaders condemn the former lame man for carrying his bed, and therefore, breaking the law. It’s not easy to understand the relationship between this man and Jesus. There is no evidence that he believes in Christ or was converted. In fact, he does not even know who it is that has healed him until Jesus meets him in the temple. It is here that Jesus tells him, “Sin no more that nothing worse befall you.” Jesus’ words indicate that he man’s physical problems are the result of sin. Now, if this wouldn’t save you, what would? Still, the man informs the Jewish leaders that it is Jesus who did these things. Why? Fear, most likely – amazing how that works…and not in a good way.
So, predictably, the Jews turn away from the lame man and focus their attention on and aim their accusations at Jesus. Jesus has challenged their legalistic traditions…and they are calling Him on it. The Jews had taken the Sabbath – God’s gift to man – and had transformed it into a prison house of regulations and restrictions. Jesus makes Himself equal with God by telling the Scribes and Pharisees that He and His Father are working. They instantly recognize this and change their “Sabbath” accusation to “blasphemy,” which is punishable by death…and so it goes.
Know that by doing what is right, there can and will be opposition by some who do not understand or have been hardened in some way. We need to help as Jesus helped, even though there may be persecution for it. We need to continue to be opportunistic in seeking and sharing the Lord with those around us.
British writer George McDonald points out that the end of this passage gives us profound insight into our Lord’s miracles. Jesus did instantly what the Father is always doing slowly. In nature, the Father slowly heals broken bones, but Jesus healed immediately. Nature repeatedly multiplies bread, from sowing to harvest, but Jesus has it multiplied instantly in His own hands. Jesus had tremendous power. By far the most important thing He accomplished, that the Father accomplished through him, was to willingly die on a cross to take away our sins and set us free. Praise be to God! Blessings,
Don
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Pitching Giants
Friends,
Even as little as a year ago, I would not have been able to conceive of writing the message I am about to write. I have never been a fan of the San Francisco Giants major league baseball team...especially when BB was on board -- not too hot on the city itself, either. But...everything changed throughout the course of last season and in the off-season. The Giants picked up my all-time favorite pitcher in the off season...Randy Johnson -- he of Mariners fame. They needed him to go along with stalwart, if not slow starter, Barry Zito, young Matt Cain...and the Freak -- Tim Lincecum. You absolutely have to love this young man from Washington. He has been nothing short of spectacular since vaulting to the big leagues a couple of years ago. He is under 6 feet tall and probably 160 pounds, soaking wet...but, boy can he bring it. He won the Cy Young award as the National League's best pitcher last season. Johnson has been around since shortly after the parting of the Red Sea...and has won a handful of Cy Youngs over the years. He is a cinch first ballot hall-of-famer. He can help give some advice to this young pitching staff...sans Zito. In fact, he was replaced in the starting rotation recently by Jonathan Sanchez, because he had to go on the 15 day disabled list with a sore shoulder. I mean, the guy is 45 years old, which is Methuselah for a mlb starting pitcher...or, make that Noah -- Jamie Moyer of the Phillies, who will be 47 this year, is Methuselah. :-) Sanchez had been sent to the bullpen recently because of starting struggles this year, going 2-8 and a high ERA. So, when he came back to start for the first time in awhile last night, all he did was settle in and pitch a no-hitter! Pretty amazing. It was the first Giants no no since 1976 with John "the Count" Montefusco (and I remember him well...guess that certainly dates me, eh?). So...as hard as I hate to admit it, I guess I have become something of a Giants fan this year...at least of the pitching staff. Here's hoping they finish well. And don't ever get this confused with the New York football Giants...never...NEVER will I root for them. :-) Blessings,
Don
Even as little as a year ago, I would not have been able to conceive of writing the message I am about to write. I have never been a fan of the San Francisco Giants major league baseball team...especially when BB was on board -- not too hot on the city itself, either. But...everything changed throughout the course of last season and in the off-season. The Giants picked up my all-time favorite pitcher in the off season...Randy Johnson -- he of Mariners fame. They needed him to go along with stalwart, if not slow starter, Barry Zito, young Matt Cain...and the Freak -- Tim Lincecum. You absolutely have to love this young man from Washington. He has been nothing short of spectacular since vaulting to the big leagues a couple of years ago. He is under 6 feet tall and probably 160 pounds, soaking wet...but, boy can he bring it. He won the Cy Young award as the National League's best pitcher last season. Johnson has been around since shortly after the parting of the Red Sea...and has won a handful of Cy Youngs over the years. He is a cinch first ballot hall-of-famer. He can help give some advice to this young pitching staff...sans Zito. In fact, he was replaced in the starting rotation recently by Jonathan Sanchez, because he had to go on the 15 day disabled list with a sore shoulder. I mean, the guy is 45 years old, which is Methuselah for a mlb starting pitcher...or, make that Noah -- Jamie Moyer of the Phillies, who will be 47 this year, is Methuselah. :-) Sanchez had been sent to the bullpen recently because of starting struggles this year, going 2-8 and a high ERA. So, when he came back to start for the first time in awhile last night, all he did was settle in and pitch a no-hitter! Pretty amazing. It was the first Giants no no since 1976 with John "the Count" Montefusco (and I remember him well...guess that certainly dates me, eh?). So...as hard as I hate to admit it, I guess I have become something of a Giants fan this year...at least of the pitching staff. Here's hoping they finish well. And don't ever get this confused with the New York football Giants...never...NEVER will I root for them. :-) Blessings,
Don
Friday, July 10, 2009
Swimming Pools
Friends,
Ahhh, summer time – hot weather, pop sickles, long days and swimming pools. Over the years, we have had our share of swimming pools for the cooling off of the family. I believe we have gone through 3 of the 12-14 foot variety of pools that expand as you fill them. :-) At our home in Grandview, we would set up the pools on the patio below, down by the basement of our tri-level house. One such pool we had set up had worked for a few months, which was a record, I believe. One day, I was sitting in the family room downstairs while the kids were swimming, when all of the sudden, a two foot wall of water comes right at the French doors. Emily had been doing one of our favorite pool past times…running around making a whirlpool, when her foot went right through the horizontal seam at the bottom. This wall of water wasted no time in finding its way into the basement and was roaring out of our yard toward our neighbor, Mrs. Green’s yard, and would soon inundate her basement. We quickly set up some barriers from our yard through the fence and into her yard with some wooden beams and foam floaters from the pool...and funneled the water around her house and down her driveway. Whew! Well…what are you gonna do? Nothing like a little panic to get the old blood pressure up a bit. ;-) We turned that pool into the company, and they gave us the obligatory aplogy a new pool and away we would go again! Such fun! Just thought this would be a good story to share, as it is 105 degrees outside...in the shade. Blessings,
Don
Ahhh, summer time – hot weather, pop sickles, long days and swimming pools. Over the years, we have had our share of swimming pools for the cooling off of the family. I believe we have gone through 3 of the 12-14 foot variety of pools that expand as you fill them. :-) At our home in Grandview, we would set up the pools on the patio below, down by the basement of our tri-level house. One such pool we had set up had worked for a few months, which was a record, I believe. One day, I was sitting in the family room downstairs while the kids were swimming, when all of the sudden, a two foot wall of water comes right at the French doors. Emily had been doing one of our favorite pool past times…running around making a whirlpool, when her foot went right through the horizontal seam at the bottom. This wall of water wasted no time in finding its way into the basement and was roaring out of our yard toward our neighbor, Mrs. Green’s yard, and would soon inundate her basement. We quickly set up some barriers from our yard through the fence and into her yard with some wooden beams and foam floaters from the pool...and funneled the water around her house and down her driveway. Whew! Well…what are you gonna do? Nothing like a little panic to get the old blood pressure up a bit. ;-) We turned that pool into the company, and they gave us the obligatory aplogy a new pool and away we would go again! Such fun! Just thought this would be a good story to share, as it is 105 degrees outside...in the shade. Blessings,
Don
Monday, July 6, 2009
Who's #1?
Friends,
I have to say that it is Roger Federer...in tennis -- all time. There are some who would diminish his accomplishments, saying that he has beaten inferior competition compared to Borg or Sampras. How can one discern this? I am not smart enough to do so. All I know is that he had an epic battle that he lost by a sliver to Nadal at Wimbledon last year -- his first finals defeat after winning five men's championships. We can't take away from Federer the fact the Nadal got hurt and was unable to play in this Wimbledon. These things happen...they are a part of the game. Federer just won another huge, all-time type of a battle with an exceptionally game Andy Roddick of the USA at this year's Wimbledon for his 15th major championship. (It was great to see Roddick play so well, by the way). Fifteen gives Federer one more than Sampras, and four more than Borg or Laver. I know that nostalgia buffs are going to say Laver or Borg..and an excellent case could be made for either of these champions...or Sampras, for that matter. It was very cool that all three -- Laver, Borg and Sampras -- were on hand for Roger's triumph...a very nice gesture.
There can be no doubt that Serena and Venus Williams are the number 1 and 2 women's players in the world at this point in time. I don't know what the deal is with tennis rankings, but it must be worse than the NCAA's BCS...which would be hard to believe. The women's rankings have had Dinara Safina #1 -- she who has never won a major championship...and who was just annihilated one and luv by Venus in the Wimbledon semis. It's time for a new points system. If the Williams sisters ladies continue to play at this level for a few more years, they may very well be spoken of in the same breath as Chris Evert, Steffi Graf and (ugh) Martina Navratilova -- in fact, they probably already should be. Congrats to Serena and Venus! Blessings,
Don
I have to say that it is Roger Federer...in tennis -- all time. There are some who would diminish his accomplishments, saying that he has beaten inferior competition compared to Borg or Sampras. How can one discern this? I am not smart enough to do so. All I know is that he had an epic battle that he lost by a sliver to Nadal at Wimbledon last year -- his first finals defeat after winning five men's championships. We can't take away from Federer the fact the Nadal got hurt and was unable to play in this Wimbledon. These things happen...they are a part of the game. Federer just won another huge, all-time type of a battle with an exceptionally game Andy Roddick of the USA at this year's Wimbledon for his 15th major championship. (It was great to see Roddick play so well, by the way). Fifteen gives Federer one more than Sampras, and four more than Borg or Laver. I know that nostalgia buffs are going to say Laver or Borg..and an excellent case could be made for either of these champions...or Sampras, for that matter. It was very cool that all three -- Laver, Borg and Sampras -- were on hand for Roger's triumph...a very nice gesture.
There can be no doubt that Serena and Venus Williams are the number 1 and 2 women's players in the world at this point in time. I don't know what the deal is with tennis rankings, but it must be worse than the NCAA's BCS...which would be hard to believe. The women's rankings have had Dinara Safina #1 -- she who has never won a major championship...and who was just annihilated one and luv by Venus in the Wimbledon semis. It's time for a new points system. If the Williams sisters ladies continue to play at this level for a few more years, they may very well be spoken of in the same breath as Chris Evert, Steffi Graf and (ugh) Martina Navratilova -- in fact, they probably already should be. Congrats to Serena and Venus! Blessings,
Don
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sports Dynasties...Thumbs Down
Friends,
And this is why, in large part, I will always prefer the NFL over MLB or the NBA. God bless parity! Ron Artest to the Lakers...Shaq-n'-roll to the Cavaliers. We know who is going to reign over the NBA next year...count 'em on 1 hand -- Lakers, Cavaliers, Spurs, Magic and Celtics... and the Yanks, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Mets in the majors. Do we sense a theme here? Mostly large markets, for sure, but it these are the teams that the NBA and MLB market to succeed.
This is what makes the NFL so interesting...we can have the Cardinals, yes, THE CARDINALS (not St. Louie, but the NFL Phoenix, AZ variety) in the Super Bowl. While it is true that the Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys, Eagles and Giants will all be tough, again, we never know when a team like the Bears, Saints, Dolphins or some such could get hot and make a run for the Super Bowl. Such is not likely going to happen for the KC Royals, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, or Milwaukee Brewers. Can't wait for the NFL...just around the corner. Oh, and yes, I hope Favre comes back and plays for the Vikings. I know that I am seriously in the minority, but he is such a gamer and a future first ballot hall-of-famer. We may never see another player like him for a generation or more. I like the guy...will always be a fan and root for any team he plays for. In addition...bring on fantasy football! :-) Blessings,
Don
And this is why, in large part, I will always prefer the NFL over MLB or the NBA. God bless parity! Ron Artest to the Lakers...Shaq-n'-roll to the Cavaliers. We know who is going to reign over the NBA next year...count 'em on 1 hand -- Lakers, Cavaliers, Spurs, Magic and Celtics... and the Yanks, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Mets in the majors. Do we sense a theme here? Mostly large markets, for sure, but it these are the teams that the NBA and MLB market to succeed.
This is what makes the NFL so interesting...we can have the Cardinals, yes, THE CARDINALS (not St. Louie, but the NFL Phoenix, AZ variety) in the Super Bowl. While it is true that the Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys, Eagles and Giants will all be tough, again, we never know when a team like the Bears, Saints, Dolphins or some such could get hot and make a run for the Super Bowl. Such is not likely going to happen for the KC Royals, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, or Milwaukee Brewers. Can't wait for the NFL...just around the corner. Oh, and yes, I hope Favre comes back and plays for the Vikings. I know that I am seriously in the minority, but he is such a gamer and a future first ballot hall-of-famer. We may never see another player like him for a generation or more. I like the guy...will always be a fan and root for any team he plays for. In addition...bring on fantasy football! :-) Blessings,
Don
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