Friends,
The following is a story concerning former NFL quarterback, Ryan Leaf, from an interview with Kathy Goertzen of KOMO News in Seattle...
Blessings, Don
*******************
Ryan Leaf has set a lot of records for Washington State University. Even though the Cougars barely lost at the '97 Rose Bowl, Leaf's success as quarterback prompted him to leave WSU and become a first-round draft pick in the NFL.
He bombed, was booed and benched.
"For that reason, I stayed away from WSU and Cougar nation for a long time -- for all the wrong reasons," he said. "What I should have done was run back to the family that always supported me. And I pushed them away, because I was embarrassed."
Leaf will be the first to tell you he did not know how to focus his intensity or handle his failure to win.
"But for sure, it was an embarrassing moment in my life at 21 years old," he said. "But I think a lot of people do embarrassing things when they're 21 years old. And if that's my truly embarrassing moment at 21, I'll take that one over some of the other stories I've heard.
"I just think everyone grows up and everybody changes in their time. Mine just happened quite publicly -- a lot of it."
His disappointing personal behavior and failure in the NFL only deepened the pain that led to an addiction to prescription pain pills.
"All my life, whenever I had surgery, they gave me prescription pain killers for the physical pain you have. So when I had this emotional pain, or this other pain I couldn't define, this was the only thing I ever knew that worked," he said.
Leaf hit rock bottom when he was convicted for stealing pain pills from injured kids he coached. He finally entered rehab. It would be the beginning of his metamorphosis.
"The self-centeredness, the dishonesty, the inability to be social and be a good person - all those things that change when you become happy - are such a bigger and better highlight," he said.
Leaf was learning a new, more positive outlook. He says that helped him deal with his next challenge.
"When he said it was a brain tumor, it never once crept in my mind that it was cancerous. I said, 'OK, who do we get to fix it and how do we do that?'" he said.
Leaf had surgery for the benign tumor. Though it's not the same tumor as mine, doctors were not able to get it all, because, like mine, it wrapped around some critical nerves. He'll know after an MRI next month if the tumor is growing and he needs radiation.
Through it all, he did not take medication for pain.
"Going through a of days of pain and discomfort in a hospital bed is well worth it, than feeling the way I did for three years previous," he said. "I remember what it was like. I was miserable, and I don't ever want to feel that way again."
At 35, Leaf says he's changed for the better and is looking forward, not back.
"My life for the next 35 years will be defined by how I become a better person and help people. I think I'll have a much more drastic effect on people's lives than I ever would have had as a football player," he said.
Leaf thinks college athletes should get paid to play. He'll tackle that issue when he comes out with the first of three books this October about the greatest four years of his life at WSU.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
On a Rather Insignificant Sphere
Friends,
Phillip Yancey in "The Jesus I Never Knew” tells the story of a senior angel who showed a very young angel the splendors of the universe. They viewed whirling galaxies and blazing suns, and then moved across the infinite distances of space until at last they entered one particular galaxy of 500 billion stars. As the two of them drew near to the star which we call our sun and to its circling planets, the senior angel pointed to a small and rather insignificant sphere turning very slowly on its axis. It looked as dull as a dirty tennis ball to the angel, whose mind is filled with the size and glory of what he had seen. “I want you to watch that one particularly,” says the senior angel, pointing with his finger. “Well, it looks very small and rather dirty to me,” says the little angel. “What’s special about that one?” To the little angel, earth did not seem so impressive. He listened, in stunned disbelief, as the senior angel told him that this planet, small and insignificant and not overly clean, was the renowned Visited Planet. “Do you mean that our great and glorious Prince…went down, in Person, to this fifth-rate little ball? Why should He do a thing like that?” The little angel’s face wrinkled in disgust. “Do you mean to tell me,” he says, “that He stooped so low as to become one of those creeping, crawling creatures of that floating ball?” “I do, and I don’t think He would like you to call them ‘creeping, crawling creatures’ in that tone of voice. For, strange as it may seem to us, He loves them. He went down to visit them to lift them up to become like Him.” The little angel's look was blank. Such a thought was almost beyond his comprehension.
Blessings, Don
Phillip Yancey in "The Jesus I Never Knew” tells the story of a senior angel who showed a very young angel the splendors of the universe. They viewed whirling galaxies and blazing suns, and then moved across the infinite distances of space until at last they entered one particular galaxy of 500 billion stars. As the two of them drew near to the star which we call our sun and to its circling planets, the senior angel pointed to a small and rather insignificant sphere turning very slowly on its axis. It looked as dull as a dirty tennis ball to the angel, whose mind is filled with the size and glory of what he had seen. “I want you to watch that one particularly,” says the senior angel, pointing with his finger. “Well, it looks very small and rather dirty to me,” says the little angel. “What’s special about that one?” To the little angel, earth did not seem so impressive. He listened, in stunned disbelief, as the senior angel told him that this planet, small and insignificant and not overly clean, was the renowned Visited Planet. “Do you mean that our great and glorious Prince…went down, in Person, to this fifth-rate little ball? Why should He do a thing like that?” The little angel’s face wrinkled in disgust. “Do you mean to tell me,” he says, “that He stooped so low as to become one of those creeping, crawling creatures of that floating ball?” “I do, and I don’t think He would like you to call them ‘creeping, crawling creatures’ in that tone of voice. For, strange as it may seem to us, He loves them. He went down to visit them to lift them up to become like Him.” The little angel's look was blank. Such a thought was almost beyond his comprehension.
Blessings, Don
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Rangers Advance...and Other Playoff News
Friends,
Well...so much for the Tampa Bay Rays being a team of destiny. I was among those who was concerned that the Rays would carry their momentum into their ALDS series against the Texas Rangers and make life difficult, if not even upset them. Ahhh, but the Rangers were like a tiger lying in wait for its prey, or should I say, Ray. :-) The Rangers pitching was strong enough, despite a bum outing by C.J. Wilson in game one. I believe he will be better in the ALCS. As usual, it was the Rangers bats that carried them. How about that Adrian Beltre? He looks like a pretty decent off-season pick up at this point. His three home runs in the clincher against the Rays is the stuff of legend...and if he continues to hit like this, he might just have a legendary post-season. I wasn't certain going into the post-season, but I do believe the Rangers are hungry. It remains to be seen whether they will be playing the Tigers or Yankees (and this will be determined tonight in game 5 of their series), but either way, I like the way the Rangers are peaking at this time. I hope that they can fulfill heir dream and win the World Series that eluded them last year.
Speaking of series ending games, all three remaining LDS games (today and tomorrow) are going to be game 5s. This could be interesting...and hopefully exciting. I doubt that it will be as exciting as the final day of the regular season...which was only the most exciting day in MLB history, with the Cardinals and Rays getting in to the playoffs and the Red Sox and Braves completing their September collapses. Nonetheless, this post-season is just as unpredictable in so many ways. So far, the home team has won every game in the Brewers/Diamondbacks series...so, it would seem to be advantage Brewers, but anything can happen. The Cardinals have been hanging tough with the Phillies, but I have a hard time not seeing the Phillies advance at home, but once again... The big question that Rangers fans have been asking is -- who would they rather have the Rangers face in the ALCS...the Yankees or the Tigers? The opinion seems to be split. I said that I would rather see them face the Yankees early on in the playoffs, but now, I think the Tigers are less fearsome...but either opponent is going to be tough. All I can say is -- go Rangers!
Blessings, Don
Well...so much for the Tampa Bay Rays being a team of destiny. I was among those who was concerned that the Rays would carry their momentum into their ALDS series against the Texas Rangers and make life difficult, if not even upset them. Ahhh, but the Rangers were like a tiger lying in wait for its prey, or should I say, Ray. :-) The Rangers pitching was strong enough, despite a bum outing by C.J. Wilson in game one. I believe he will be better in the ALCS. As usual, it was the Rangers bats that carried them. How about that Adrian Beltre? He looks like a pretty decent off-season pick up at this point. His three home runs in the clincher against the Rays is the stuff of legend...and if he continues to hit like this, he might just have a legendary post-season. I wasn't certain going into the post-season, but I do believe the Rangers are hungry. It remains to be seen whether they will be playing the Tigers or Yankees (and this will be determined tonight in game 5 of their series), but either way, I like the way the Rangers are peaking at this time. I hope that they can fulfill heir dream and win the World Series that eluded them last year.
Speaking of series ending games, all three remaining LDS games (today and tomorrow) are going to be game 5s. This could be interesting...and hopefully exciting. I doubt that it will be as exciting as the final day of the regular season...which was only the most exciting day in MLB history, with the Cardinals and Rays getting in to the playoffs and the Red Sox and Braves completing their September collapses. Nonetheless, this post-season is just as unpredictable in so many ways. So far, the home team has won every game in the Brewers/Diamondbacks series...so, it would seem to be advantage Brewers, but anything can happen. The Cardinals have been hanging tough with the Phillies, but I have a hard time not seeing the Phillies advance at home, but once again... The big question that Rangers fans have been asking is -- who would they rather have the Rangers face in the ALCS...the Yankees or the Tigers? The opinion seems to be split. I said that I would rather see them face the Yankees early on in the playoffs, but now, I think the Tigers are less fearsome...but either opponent is going to be tough. All I can say is -- go Rangers!
Blessings, Don
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Considering Alzheimer's and Divorce
Friends,
I do not regularly offer critiques concerning spiritual points of view here, but in this case, I believe it is warranted. Pat Robertson made yet another "shocking" statement recently. I have a hard time believing that he really believes what he is saying -- that Alzheimer's disease is a morally acceptable reason to divorce...or if it is for shock value. Either way, it is troubling. Here are some thoughts concerning whether Alzheimer's is a reason to divorce via Ed Fudge's gracEmail.
Blessings, Don
*************
Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson recently said on his television show that a man whose wife had Alzheimer's disease could morally divorce her and marry someone who was healthy. His reasoning? The wife burdened with dementia, Robertson mused, "is 'not there' anymore."
Some say the remark is an embarrassment to Christianity, others call it profoundly cruel. But Russell D. Moore, Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, says those responses are far too easy. Robertson's statement is worse than cruelty and more culpable than an embarrassment, says Moore. It is "a repudiation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"Pat Robertson’s cruel marriage statement is no anomaly," Moore explains, noting that Robertson and company have for years preached a so-called prosperity gospel that resembles "an Asherah pole" more than it does a cross. Their emphasis has been on a "politicized Christianity" that sees churches as a means to "mobilize voters," rather than as communities of faith that "stand prophetically outside the power structures as a witness for the gospel." Many viewers, seeing this "parade of cartoon characters" presented as preachers of the gospel, assume that "the giggling evangelist" on their television screen really represents Jesus. Many assume, when they watch television coverage of "political rallies to 'take back America for Christ,' that they see Jesus. But," Moore warns, "Jesus isn’t there."
Instead, says Moore, "Jesus tells us He is present in the weak, the vulnerable, the useless. He is there in the least of these (Matt. 25:31-46)." Or, to be very specific, Moore explains. "Somewhere out there right now," he writes, "a man is wiping the drool from an 85-year-old woman who flinches because she think he’s a stranger. No television cameras are around. No politicians are seeking a meeting with them. But," Moore concludes, "the gospel is there. Jesus is there."
Russell D. Moore, "Christ, the Church, and Pat Robertson," Moore to the Point (September 15, 2011).
I do not regularly offer critiques concerning spiritual points of view here, but in this case, I believe it is warranted. Pat Robertson made yet another "shocking" statement recently. I have a hard time believing that he really believes what he is saying -- that Alzheimer's disease is a morally acceptable reason to divorce...or if it is for shock value. Either way, it is troubling. Here are some thoughts concerning whether Alzheimer's is a reason to divorce via Ed Fudge's gracEmail.
Blessings, Don
*************
Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson recently said on his television show that a man whose wife had Alzheimer's disease could morally divorce her and marry someone who was healthy. His reasoning? The wife burdened with dementia, Robertson mused, "is 'not there' anymore."
Some say the remark is an embarrassment to Christianity, others call it profoundly cruel. But Russell D. Moore, Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, says those responses are far too easy. Robertson's statement is worse than cruelty and more culpable than an embarrassment, says Moore. It is "a repudiation of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
"Pat Robertson’s cruel marriage statement is no anomaly," Moore explains, noting that Robertson and company have for years preached a so-called prosperity gospel that resembles "an Asherah pole" more than it does a cross. Their emphasis has been on a "politicized Christianity" that sees churches as a means to "mobilize voters," rather than as communities of faith that "stand prophetically outside the power structures as a witness for the gospel." Many viewers, seeing this "parade of cartoon characters" presented as preachers of the gospel, assume that "the giggling evangelist" on their television screen really represents Jesus. Many assume, when they watch television coverage of "political rallies to 'take back America for Christ,' that they see Jesus. But," Moore warns, "Jesus isn’t there."
Instead, says Moore, "Jesus tells us He is present in the weak, the vulnerable, the useless. He is there in the least of these (Matt. 25:31-46)." Or, to be very specific, Moore explains. "Somewhere out there right now," he writes, "a man is wiping the drool from an 85-year-old woman who flinches because she think he’s a stranger. No television cameras are around. No politicians are seeking a meeting with them. But," Moore concludes, "the gospel is there. Jesus is there."
Russell D. Moore, "Christ, the Church, and Pat Robertson," Moore to the Point (September 15, 2011).
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Some Excellent Thoughts To Consider
Friends,
In his latest gracEmail, Ed Fudge has addressed some important issues...and I wanted to share.
Blessings,
Don
A critic of this (Ed's) ministry says that we in the Churches of Christ have restored the New Testament church. Our mission now, he says, is to guard the truth and not to lose our identity and become simply another denomination.
* * *
We might say that we wish to be nothing more than simple Christians after the New Testament order -- with all the risks and ambiguities that aspiration will involve. We might insist that "our" congregations are free under Christ alone -- wondering whether the very pronoun "our" contradicts such a claim. We might scrupulously avoid linking local churches by any formal denominational structure -- yet honestly acknowledging the informal interlocks, networks and influences that more or less control us all. But we must realize that we are a part of history. Our movement did not fall out of the clear blue sky. It had roots, ancestors, environment, just as all earthly movements do.
We can recover the sense of being a "movement" in at least two respects. We can remember first that we belong to the church universal, and at best make a contribution within that larger picture. Second, we can remember that one never "restores" unless he keeps "moving." It is unmitigated hypocrisy for anyone to urge all his religious neighbors: "Just go by the Bible, regardless of what your parents, church, or anyone else has ever taught you to be," then respond to his own critics within by intoning "what faithful gospel preachers have always taught." Our children are neither blind nor deaf to such foolishness, and those we have taught to be honest will reject it outright. Still some will shake their heads and ask why so many are "leaving the old paths."
Our "identity" must finally be no more than that of any faithful Christian in any age of the world. Separated from trusting faith in Jesus Christ, "distinctives" are worse than worthless. Then they also instill self-righteousness and compete with the true gospel. In the day of judgment there will be no point in bringing God a package of tracts proving our "soundness," or dragging in a bundle of arguments that state our "identity" and distinguish our "distinctives." Nothing we can bring will see us through that Day. We can only point then to the sinless Son of God, slain for our sins and raised for our justification. Better to lighten our baggage now in preparation for what will then be inevitable! We can appreciate our history (everybody has one) while keeping it in perspective.
In his latest gracEmail, Ed Fudge has addressed some important issues...and I wanted to share.
Blessings,
Don
A critic of this (Ed's) ministry says that we in the Churches of Christ have restored the New Testament church. Our mission now, he says, is to guard the truth and not to lose our identity and become simply another denomination.
* * *
We might say that we wish to be nothing more than simple Christians after the New Testament order -- with all the risks and ambiguities that aspiration will involve. We might insist that "our" congregations are free under Christ alone -- wondering whether the very pronoun "our" contradicts such a claim. We might scrupulously avoid linking local churches by any formal denominational structure -- yet honestly acknowledging the informal interlocks, networks and influences that more or less control us all. But we must realize that we are a part of history. Our movement did not fall out of the clear blue sky. It had roots, ancestors, environment, just as all earthly movements do.
We can recover the sense of being a "movement" in at least two respects. We can remember first that we belong to the church universal, and at best make a contribution within that larger picture. Second, we can remember that one never "restores" unless he keeps "moving." It is unmitigated hypocrisy for anyone to urge all his religious neighbors: "Just go by the Bible, regardless of what your parents, church, or anyone else has ever taught you to be," then respond to his own critics within by intoning "what faithful gospel preachers have always taught." Our children are neither blind nor deaf to such foolishness, and those we have taught to be honest will reject it outright. Still some will shake their heads and ask why so many are "leaving the old paths."
Our "identity" must finally be no more than that of any faithful Christian in any age of the world. Separated from trusting faith in Jesus Christ, "distinctives" are worse than worthless. Then they also instill self-righteousness and compete with the true gospel. In the day of judgment there will be no point in bringing God a package of tracts proving our "soundness," or dragging in a bundle of arguments that state our "identity" and distinguish our "distinctives." Nothing we can bring will see us through that Day. We can only point then to the sinless Son of God, slain for our sins and raised for our justification. Better to lighten our baggage now in preparation for what will then be inevitable! We can appreciate our history (everybody has one) while keeping it in perspective.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Seeing Red
Friends,
I asked Ian where this picture was taken? He said what I was thinking -- Arizona? New Mexico? Perhaps, Eastern WA even? How about Mars...
I asked Ian where this picture was taken? He said what I was thinking -- Arizona? New Mexico? Perhaps, Eastern WA even? How about Mars...
Blessings, Don
Sunday, August 7, 2011
I Wanted to See Jesus Today
Friends,
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the old man instead standing by the pump at the gas station. We said hello to each other as we shared our smiles and left on our way.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the most delightful little child with his mother and she was so sweet to him at the Wal-Mart. I smiled at each and the little fella reached out to touch my arm and my heart as I said, "Hello, little one." He laughingly, fled away. I stood there smiling and beaming from the purest and sweetest touch of innocence.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the old lady, a bent figure with curved spine holding two very heavy shopping bags. She looked so tired. I watched as she tried to cross the street. I was afraid she wouldn't make it as I said, “Let me carry those things for you,” and she did. We made it across the street and I carried those bags up 3 full blocks right to her doorstep. She thanked me and I felt so good.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the man at the train station, he asked for spare change and I looked at him. Without thought of what he would do with the change, I gave it to him. I did so with a prayer and blessing. Then I left and caught the train home.
You see I really wanted to see Jesus today and He really wanted to see me too. It was then that I realized that we had seen each other all throughout the day. He was inside a different shell each time that I saw Him but it was He. His face and expressions would be different each time but He was always the same. He wanted to see me and know what I would do each time that I met Him.
You see I really did want to see Jesus today and I did see Him clearly all the day long.
From Maria Carey
Blessings, Don
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the old man instead standing by the pump at the gas station. We said hello to each other as we shared our smiles and left on our way.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the most delightful little child with his mother and she was so sweet to him at the Wal-Mart. I smiled at each and the little fella reached out to touch my arm and my heart as I said, "Hello, little one." He laughingly, fled away. I stood there smiling and beaming from the purest and sweetest touch of innocence.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the old lady, a bent figure with curved spine holding two very heavy shopping bags. She looked so tired. I watched as she tried to cross the street. I was afraid she wouldn't make it as I said, “Let me carry those things for you,” and she did. We made it across the street and I carried those bags up 3 full blocks right to her doorstep. She thanked me and I felt so good.
I wanted to see Jesus today. I saw the man at the train station, he asked for spare change and I looked at him. Without thought of what he would do with the change, I gave it to him. I did so with a prayer and blessing. Then I left and caught the train home.
You see I really wanted to see Jesus today and He really wanted to see me too. It was then that I realized that we had seen each other all throughout the day. He was inside a different shell each time that I saw Him but it was He. His face and expressions would be different each time but He was always the same. He wanted to see me and know what I would do each time that I met Him.
You see I really did want to see Jesus today and I did see Him clearly all the day long.
From Maria Carey
Blessings, Don
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Last Shuttle Flight
Friends,
This is a picture of the very last shuttle reentry from orbit. The Space Shuttle Atlantis came home for the last time 10 days ago. There will be a hiatus in manned space flight from the U.S. for some time, but there will continue to be flights from Russia, as well as other robotic crafts that will be launched to explore our solar system...and beyond.
Blessings,
Don
This is a picture of the very last shuttle reentry from orbit. The Space Shuttle Atlantis came home for the last time 10 days ago. There will be a hiatus in manned space flight from the U.S. for some time, but there will continue to be flights from Russia, as well as other robotic crafts that will be launched to explore our solar system...and beyond.
Blessings,
Don
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