Friends,
If you have read my sports posts...I do not do NBA messages very often. And when I have, it seems like it has been a lament about my former team, the Sonics moving to OKC. I have not truly been a big basketball fan since Jack Sikma, Gus Williams and the Johnsons were on the floor leading Lenny Wilkens' SuperSonics to NBA Finals appearances in the late 70s. Yet, it is pretty hard to ignore the 13 game (going for 14 tonight) winning streak of the Dallas Mavericks. Every since they made the trade to obtain guard Caron Butler, big man Brendan Haywood, and back up DeShawn Stevenson, they have been unstoppable. If they keep this up, I might just have to become a "fan," which would be saying something. :-) The last team that I found myself "sort of" rooting for was the Spurs teams of David Robinson (terrific fellow and basketball player) in the 90s. My only big hang up in following the Mavs...and I know it's probably blasphemy to Mavs fans...is that I am not a fan of Dirk Nowitzki. Nonetheless, I am impressed. I hope that they can ride this momentum into the playoffs. Nothing would make me happier in the sports Spring of 2010, but to have the Mavericks knock the much disliked Lakers out of the playoffs. So, for now, I am on the bandwagon...to a degree -- go Mavs!
Blessings,
Don
Addendum...ok, tonight has to be proof from above that I should not be a basketball fan, as the Mavs were spanked by the lowly Knicks to end their winning streak. :-P
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Covenant for Peace
Friends,
James Strahan shares, “Men are not to be judged by the presence or absence of faults, but by the direction of their lives.” Abraham has made some mistakes in his life, but has learned from them. After being at odds with his neighbor, Abimilech, king of Philistia, Abraham enters into an agreement…he makes an oath with Abimilech that they should be able to live in an honest and trustworthy relationship with respect to one another (Genesis 21:22ff).
The fact that some of Abimilech’s servants have seized Abraham’s well comes to light, which wold violate their oath. Abraham brings the facts concerning the situation to his neighbor, but Abimilech knows nothing about it. Only the Lord understands whether or not Abimilech is telling the truth, but Abraham makes certain that it is a dead issue. This time the two leaders go beyond giving a mere oath to actually making a covenant which involves the slaying of an animal. This is where the expression “to cut a covenant” has its origin. Abraham and Abimilech do so, and by walking between the sacrificial animal, they are saying, in effect, that they should become as the slain animal if one of them should break their covenant. This signifies just how serious a matter covenant is, and how serious that this matter is for them. Another result of this situation is that a new name for God is introduced here – El Olam, “The Everlasting God”. Abraham has already known God as El Elyon, “God Most High” and El Shaddai, “God Almighty.” What an encouragement to know “the Everlasting God” as the result of this situation. The things of this earth -- wells, trees, treaties – pass away, but not God. He remains forever!
In a recent interview, actor Mark Harmon was asked, “what is the most mysterious thing about life?’ He said, “Peace” -- an interesting answer. Just as war comes from the heart, so does peace. We must not give our hearts and lives over to being in conflict with people…and certainly not our neighbors or our friends. A preacher friend of mine said one time – “if you want to know what kind of a person I am, go ask my neighbor…he will tell you the truth.” As much as it depends upon us, we all have a responsibility to make peace and to live in peace with one another. If Abraham, the great man of faith, could beat the odds with another despite sin and mistakes, far be it from us to think that we cannot also do the same. We all end up in this position from time to time in life…yet, the true measure of a man or a woman, spiritually, is whether we can forgive and make peace. How are we able to do this? Just as Abraham and Ahimilech covenanted before God, so God has covenanted with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. God gave up His Son so that He would come and give His life for us that we could have the opportunity for eternal life. This is why we frequently call the New Testament, the new covenant. God’s covenant with us guarantees us peace with Him...if we accept it.
Blessings,
Don
James Strahan shares, “Men are not to be judged by the presence or absence of faults, but by the direction of their lives.” Abraham has made some mistakes in his life, but has learned from them. After being at odds with his neighbor, Abimilech, king of Philistia, Abraham enters into an agreement…he makes an oath with Abimilech that they should be able to live in an honest and trustworthy relationship with respect to one another (Genesis 21:22ff).
The fact that some of Abimilech’s servants have seized Abraham’s well comes to light, which wold violate their oath. Abraham brings the facts concerning the situation to his neighbor, but Abimilech knows nothing about it. Only the Lord understands whether or not Abimilech is telling the truth, but Abraham makes certain that it is a dead issue. This time the two leaders go beyond giving a mere oath to actually making a covenant which involves the slaying of an animal. This is where the expression “to cut a covenant” has its origin. Abraham and Abimilech do so, and by walking between the sacrificial animal, they are saying, in effect, that they should become as the slain animal if one of them should break their covenant. This signifies just how serious a matter covenant is, and how serious that this matter is for them. Another result of this situation is that a new name for God is introduced here – El Olam, “The Everlasting God”. Abraham has already known God as El Elyon, “God Most High” and El Shaddai, “God Almighty.” What an encouragement to know “the Everlasting God” as the result of this situation. The things of this earth -- wells, trees, treaties – pass away, but not God. He remains forever!
In a recent interview, actor Mark Harmon was asked, “what is the most mysterious thing about life?’ He said, “Peace” -- an interesting answer. Just as war comes from the heart, so does peace. We must not give our hearts and lives over to being in conflict with people…and certainly not our neighbors or our friends. A preacher friend of mine said one time – “if you want to know what kind of a person I am, go ask my neighbor…he will tell you the truth.” As much as it depends upon us, we all have a responsibility to make peace and to live in peace with one another. If Abraham, the great man of faith, could beat the odds with another despite sin and mistakes, far be it from us to think that we cannot also do the same. We all end up in this position from time to time in life…yet, the true measure of a man or a woman, spiritually, is whether we can forgive and make peace. How are we able to do this? Just as Abraham and Ahimilech covenanted before God, so God has covenanted with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. God gave up His Son so that He would come and give His life for us that we could have the opportunity for eternal life. This is why we frequently call the New Testament, the new covenant. God’s covenant with us guarantees us peace with Him...if we accept it.
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Has Nascar Sold Its Soul?
Friends,
As I have mentioned before...been a big Nascar fan since I was a young 'un. This year, the sport faces a host of issues. Attendance has been decreasing for a few years now since it's height at the turn of the millenium. The cause? There are a number in my estimation. One, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not lived up to his potential or his name in the eyes of many and, for the most part, has been irrelevant on the track in recent years. Not having the most popular guy in the sport do well is, well...unpopular. Second, the same guy has won the Sprint Cup four years in a row...Jimmy Johnson, Mr Personality (being a little facetious, here). A lot of people have not been excited about Jimmy, because they say he is a boring champion (unlike Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart). And all of this, even though he and crew chief Chad Knauss have obviously had the best team, or they're at least running the best racket -- (you know...Nascar's unwritten code...if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin' -- wink wink ;-). Nevertheless, folks are tired of him winning the whole thing all the time.
The biggest gripe from the fans is that the racing has become stale, boring -- "let 'em race like they used to in the old days," has been the cry...you know, rubbing is racing. So, this year, Nascar VP, Robin Pemberton said at the beginning of the year -- "Boys, have at it." Did the drivers have to take it so literal? The racing and the action have been more exciting to be certain...especially the always potential three tries for a green/white/checker finish. This past Sunday at Atlanta, Carl Edwards and the #99, purposely put the big hurt on Brad Keselowski in the #12 with seven laps to go, spinning him out. Kesleowski's car, then, went airborne and hit the wall upside down on the top of the car. Keselowski was unhurt, but Edwards was unremorseful for what he said was "retaliation...absolutely." Edwards and Keselowski have had a history of altercations, as Keselowski "accidentally" clipped Edwards last year, sending him flying into the wall and fence and stole a race from him on the last lap. Keselowski also hit Edwards early on in Sundays race and sent him to the garage for the better part of it, costing him any opportunity to win. Most of his fellow-drivers are probably patting Edwards on the back when no one is looking, as Keselowski has had on-track dust ups with a number of drivers.
So, the dilemma is this -- the Nascar purists love this...the "let 'em smack each other around" mentality and resulting action. The Pemberton dictum has made certain that this has been the case. Others are saying that this is setting a very bad and dangerous precedent, as we now have Nascar drivers with short memories and fuses delivering the equivalent of a 95 mph fastball to the chin...only in cars going 190 mph. They say that this is going to lead to the death of a driver or fans in the stands as the result of a car or its parts flying into them. It is, indeed, a sticky wicket. Well...the cautious fans have been saying that Edwards should be suspended for at least four races and lose points. The purists have been saying...no suspension or fine -- leave 'em all alone. It seems that the Nascar higher-ups have chosen to side with the purists (and did they really have a choice...having set themselves up for such with their preseason proclamation?), as Edwards has received a three race probation, but no fine or suspension...hardly even a slap on the wrist, really. Well...Nascar and its fans are getting what they have bargained for...and wanted. It has made the racing and the rubbing more exciting (which I like...within reason), but at what ultimate price? I guess...and I'm afraid...that we will see. Blessings,
Don
As I have mentioned before...been a big Nascar fan since I was a young 'un. This year, the sport faces a host of issues. Attendance has been decreasing for a few years now since it's height at the turn of the millenium. The cause? There are a number in my estimation. One, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not lived up to his potential or his name in the eyes of many and, for the most part, has been irrelevant on the track in recent years. Not having the most popular guy in the sport do well is, well...unpopular. Second, the same guy has won the Sprint Cup four years in a row...Jimmy Johnson, Mr Personality (being a little facetious, here). A lot of people have not been excited about Jimmy, because they say he is a boring champion (unlike Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart). And all of this, even though he and crew chief Chad Knauss have obviously had the best team, or they're at least running the best racket -- (you know...Nascar's unwritten code...if you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin' -- wink wink ;-). Nevertheless, folks are tired of him winning the whole thing all the time.
The biggest gripe from the fans is that the racing has become stale, boring -- "let 'em race like they used to in the old days," has been the cry...you know, rubbing is racing. So, this year, Nascar VP, Robin Pemberton said at the beginning of the year -- "Boys, have at it." Did the drivers have to take it so literal? The racing and the action have been more exciting to be certain...especially the always potential three tries for a green/white/checker finish. This past Sunday at Atlanta, Carl Edwards and the #99, purposely put the big hurt on Brad Keselowski in the #12 with seven laps to go, spinning him out. Kesleowski's car, then, went airborne and hit the wall upside down on the top of the car. Keselowski was unhurt, but Edwards was unremorseful for what he said was "retaliation...absolutely." Edwards and Keselowski have had a history of altercations, as Keselowski "accidentally" clipped Edwards last year, sending him flying into the wall and fence and stole a race from him on the last lap. Keselowski also hit Edwards early on in Sundays race and sent him to the garage for the better part of it, costing him any opportunity to win. Most of his fellow-drivers are probably patting Edwards on the back when no one is looking, as Keselowski has had on-track dust ups with a number of drivers.
So, the dilemma is this -- the Nascar purists love this...the "let 'em smack each other around" mentality and resulting action. The Pemberton dictum has made certain that this has been the case. Others are saying that this is setting a very bad and dangerous precedent, as we now have Nascar drivers with short memories and fuses delivering the equivalent of a 95 mph fastball to the chin...only in cars going 190 mph. They say that this is going to lead to the death of a driver or fans in the stands as the result of a car or its parts flying into them. It is, indeed, a sticky wicket. Well...the cautious fans have been saying that Edwards should be suspended for at least four races and lose points. The purists have been saying...no suspension or fine -- leave 'em all alone. It seems that the Nascar higher-ups have chosen to side with the purists (and did they really have a choice...having set themselves up for such with their preseason proclamation?), as Edwards has received a three race probation, but no fine or suspension...hardly even a slap on the wrist, really. Well...Nascar and its fans are getting what they have bargained for...and wanted. It has made the racing and the rubbing more exciting (which I like...within reason), but at what ultimate price? I guess...and I'm afraid...that we will see. Blessings,
Don
Monday, March 8, 2010
Neighbors...You Gotta Love Them
Friends,
A person tells this interesting story...
My sister has a small 60 acre family farm that was annexed into the city about 15 years ago. While she still maintains it as a horse farm most of the adjoining property around her has since been sold for residential development. For the most part she gets along fine with her neighbors but she has one neighbor who took it upon himself to cut a barbed wire fence, fill in a perimeter drainage ditch and extend his lawn another two acres into her field. The property has twice been officially surveyed and the neighbor was served with a written notice for encroaching on her land. On top of that she has twice taken him to court for property damages for cutting the fencing, yet he continues to extend his lawn more and more. One day in early spring, I was at the farm and sis was at wits end as to how to deal with this character. I said, "No problem sis, I will get his attention today"
I went and got the trusty, old John Deere farm tractor out and gave the horse barn a thorough spring cleaning, removing about 4 tons of manure, which I loaded on the manure spreader. I, then, hauled it to the back of the property where the neighbor was happily puttering along on his little Craftsman riding mower. I went right up close to the property line and dropped the manure spreader in gear, then I ran parallel to the fence making sure that nothing was being thrown over the fence but making a good ground cover at the state mandated maximum rate of two tons per acre. I made one pass and when I turned around to come back on the parallel track the neighbor walks out in the fields and asks "What on earth do you think your doing?" I said, "Simple buddy, I am just spreading all the manure you’ve been passing on to us?"
The neighbor then pulled out a cell phone and called the police. An officer came and asked me what I was doing? I said, “I am spreading horse manure in preparation for plowing this field, it’s technically called ‘organic farming’…you don’t have a problem with that, do you?" I then got off the tractor and walked the officer over to the property line and showed him the survey stakes and where the neighbor had actually cut the fence. The officer then went over to the neighbor…who was livid…shouting all kinds of stuff about health regulations, and other things. The officer then pulled out his pad and asked the neighbor for his ID. The neighbor thought the officer wanted his information to file a complaint against me, so he immediately handed his license to the officer, all the while still pointing at me and shouting obscenities and nonsense about health laws and such. Imagine the neighbor’s surprise when the officer handed him a citation for cutting the fence, filling a drainage ditch and trespassing, then telling him that what I was doing was perfectly legal and normal functions for a working farm. The officer then waved at me and hollered "have a good day, and by the way, if this guy gives you any more problems call me, next time I come out here, I'm gonna haul him in."
I love it when a plan comes together, don’t you? :-) More about neighbors later...
Blessings,
Don
A person tells this interesting story...
My sister has a small 60 acre family farm that was annexed into the city about 15 years ago. While she still maintains it as a horse farm most of the adjoining property around her has since been sold for residential development. For the most part she gets along fine with her neighbors but she has one neighbor who took it upon himself to cut a barbed wire fence, fill in a perimeter drainage ditch and extend his lawn another two acres into her field. The property has twice been officially surveyed and the neighbor was served with a written notice for encroaching on her land. On top of that she has twice taken him to court for property damages for cutting the fencing, yet he continues to extend his lawn more and more. One day in early spring, I was at the farm and sis was at wits end as to how to deal with this character. I said, "No problem sis, I will get his attention today"
I went and got the trusty, old John Deere farm tractor out and gave the horse barn a thorough spring cleaning, removing about 4 tons of manure, which I loaded on the manure spreader. I, then, hauled it to the back of the property where the neighbor was happily puttering along on his little Craftsman riding mower. I went right up close to the property line and dropped the manure spreader in gear, then I ran parallel to the fence making sure that nothing was being thrown over the fence but making a good ground cover at the state mandated maximum rate of two tons per acre. I made one pass and when I turned around to come back on the parallel track the neighbor walks out in the fields and asks "What on earth do you think your doing?" I said, "Simple buddy, I am just spreading all the manure you’ve been passing on to us?"
The neighbor then pulled out a cell phone and called the police. An officer came and asked me what I was doing? I said, “I am spreading horse manure in preparation for plowing this field, it’s technically called ‘organic farming’…you don’t have a problem with that, do you?" I then got off the tractor and walked the officer over to the property line and showed him the survey stakes and where the neighbor had actually cut the fence. The officer then went over to the neighbor…who was livid…shouting all kinds of stuff about health regulations, and other things. The officer then pulled out his pad and asked the neighbor for his ID. The neighbor thought the officer wanted his information to file a complaint against me, so he immediately handed his license to the officer, all the while still pointing at me and shouting obscenities and nonsense about health laws and such. Imagine the neighbor’s surprise when the officer handed him a citation for cutting the fence, filling a drainage ditch and trespassing, then telling him that what I was doing was perfectly legal and normal functions for a working farm. The officer then waved at me and hollered "have a good day, and by the way, if this guy gives you any more problems call me, next time I come out here, I'm gonna haul him in."
I love it when a plan comes together, don’t you? :-) More about neighbors later...
Blessings,
Don
Friday, March 5, 2010
City in Space
Friends,
Here are two shots of the International Space Station from the space shuttle Endeavor when it visited last month. It is the largest man-made creation ever to orbit above the earth and can easily be seen with the naked eye if you happen to catch it going by. As I have mentioned previously, it is due to be completed in the next couple of years. There is currently an international crew of five astronauts aboard. There will be just a few more shuttle flights, as the fleet is due to be retired at the end of this year, but the ISS will continue to be supplied by
Russian rocket ships that will rendezvous with it. The bottom picture is of an astronaut working outside of the station on the same mission. I would love to be able to see the Earth from this point of view.
Blessing, Don
Monday, March 1, 2010
See You in Sochi
Friends,
The Winter Olympics in Vancouver are officially over...and so now we wait four looong years before we get to enjoy the excitement of certain sports that we only watch and enjoy every four years...unfortunately. As we saw in the closing ceremonies last night, the next games will be in Sochi, Russia, which prompted the question (for me) -- where in the world is Sochi, Russia? I have to confess that I am having to struggle with a place name that sounds like something I eat at a Chinese Buffet. Nonetheless, I had to map it and find out that it is on the NE edge of the Black Sea...just north of Georgia (the country, that is :-).
This allows for a sad segue. I believe that these Olympic Games will forever be shadowed and remembered, in large part, for the death of the Georgian luger before the games even began...which was tragic. Yet, that sobering moment may also have some ultimate good in a sense, as it gave the world a moment to consider the bigger picture as it relates to athletics. Perhaps, it gave pause to consider how we are all humans, and that we're all in this "life and death struggle" together...not just as Americans, Canadians, Russians, Chinese, etc.
Some other moments that were memorable for me. Though I turned to the Big-Hockey-Game-for-All-of-North-American-Bragging-Rights just in time to see the medal ceremony, it obviously had a lot of build up...especially since the U.S. pulled off such a huge upset of the Canadians in preliminary play. I did see the highlights, and it certainly lived up to its billing, even if the Canadians did win it in overtime.
What can I say...curling rocks (pun intended :-). The only other sport where the Canadians really defeated the Americans in an event (national pride, you know). The American curling team, which won bronze in 2006, was a woeful 2-7. Curling is a game of inches...and, even though you have to respect these ordinary Joes who seem like genuinely good guys...they didn't get it done in the clutch. Oh well...hopefully, they will have a better showing in Sushi (Sochi).
Bode Miller made a dramatic return to form after partying out of the 2006 games. I am thankful that he had the will and the skill to come back and redeem himself, so to speak. I like these kind of stories. I am not really a big Bode Miller fan, but I am proud of him, nonetheless. I was glad that Lindsey Vonn won the gold and the bronze in two of her premier events, but she was something of a disappointment in failing to complete her other three events. She was really the poster child of these games, which was not her doing...but, she was NBC and the media's darling. She did show some courage to race while wounded, but, to be honest, she just wasn't as classy or real as Julia Mancuso, who won two skiing silver medals in these games to go with her gold in 2006.
As I have said in a previous post, I love all of the speed events...bobsled, luge, speed skating, and the aforementioned skiing. A shout out to the U.S. men's four man bobsled team...and to Geoffrey Bodine, former NASCAR driver for building a sled...that could win the gold medal. The Americans hadn't done anything in this event in 60 plus years, which makes me wonder what those bobsleds looked like. The ladies also won a bronze in the two man (woman) bobsled, which was great. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say congratulations to Emily's fave, Apolo Ohno, who finished his career with an American record eight total Olympic medals. Apolo got robbed in one race, but got a gift in another, so I guess everything evened out. And not just because he is from my home state of Washington, I think Apolo is a genuine guy who has been a good ambassador for our U.S. Olympic team for three Olympic Games now. Way to go.
Even though I, generally, haven't been into figure skating...the best story of these Olympic games was the bronze medal performance of Joannie Rochette of Canada. Sadly, she had lost her mother to an unexpected heart attack two days before she was going to perform. She did an amazing job in both her short program and long program. It took a lot of fortitude and will to do as wonderfully as she did...and there were few dry eyes that watched her perform her short program. She was able to cap off her Olympics by carrying her Canadian flag in the closing ceremonies.
But, I really am going to save what was the best for last for me...and you're going to go -- really? I absolutely loved watching the men's nordic combined team do something that had never been done by anyone on an American Olympic team...and that was win team and individual medals in the nordic combined (ski jumping and cross country skiing). Maybe it is because the cross country aspect works, in so many ways, like cycling, (which I also love watching), but Bill DeMong and Johnny Spillane just made these games for me. Thanks and congratulations to them...as they did such a remarkable job of getting medals in events where we simply had done very little before -- very cool. Til 2014...au revior.
Blessings,
Don
The Winter Olympics in Vancouver are officially over...and so now we wait four looong years before we get to enjoy the excitement of certain sports that we only watch and enjoy every four years...unfortunately. As we saw in the closing ceremonies last night, the next games will be in Sochi, Russia, which prompted the question (for me) -- where in the world is Sochi, Russia? I have to confess that I am having to struggle with a place name that sounds like something I eat at a Chinese Buffet. Nonetheless, I had to map it and find out that it is on the NE edge of the Black Sea...just north of Georgia (the country, that is :-).
This allows for a sad segue. I believe that these Olympic Games will forever be shadowed and remembered, in large part, for the death of the Georgian luger before the games even began...which was tragic. Yet, that sobering moment may also have some ultimate good in a sense, as it gave the world a moment to consider the bigger picture as it relates to athletics. Perhaps, it gave pause to consider how we are all humans, and that we're all in this "life and death struggle" together...not just as Americans, Canadians, Russians, Chinese, etc.
Some other moments that were memorable for me. Though I turned to the Big-Hockey-Game-for-All-of-North-American-Bragging-Rights just in time to see the medal ceremony, it obviously had a lot of build up...especially since the U.S. pulled off such a huge upset of the Canadians in preliminary play. I did see the highlights, and it certainly lived up to its billing, even if the Canadians did win it in overtime.
What can I say...curling rocks (pun intended :-). The only other sport where the Canadians really defeated the Americans in an event (national pride, you know). The American curling team, which won bronze in 2006, was a woeful 2-7. Curling is a game of inches...and, even though you have to respect these ordinary Joes who seem like genuinely good guys...they didn't get it done in the clutch. Oh well...hopefully, they will have a better showing in Sushi (Sochi).
Bode Miller made a dramatic return to form after partying out of the 2006 games. I am thankful that he had the will and the skill to come back and redeem himself, so to speak. I like these kind of stories. I am not really a big Bode Miller fan, but I am proud of him, nonetheless. I was glad that Lindsey Vonn won the gold and the bronze in two of her premier events, but she was something of a disappointment in failing to complete her other three events. She was really the poster child of these games, which was not her doing...but, she was NBC and the media's darling. She did show some courage to race while wounded, but, to be honest, she just wasn't as classy or real as Julia Mancuso, who won two skiing silver medals in these games to go with her gold in 2006.
As I have said in a previous post, I love all of the speed events...bobsled, luge, speed skating, and the aforementioned skiing. A shout out to the U.S. men's four man bobsled team...and to Geoffrey Bodine, former NASCAR driver for building a sled...that could win the gold medal. The Americans hadn't done anything in this event in 60 plus years, which makes me wonder what those bobsleds looked like. The ladies also won a bronze in the two man (woman) bobsled, which was great. I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say congratulations to Emily's fave, Apolo Ohno, who finished his career with an American record eight total Olympic medals. Apolo got robbed in one race, but got a gift in another, so I guess everything evened out. And not just because he is from my home state of Washington, I think Apolo is a genuine guy who has been a good ambassador for our U.S. Olympic team for three Olympic Games now. Way to go.
Even though I, generally, haven't been into figure skating...the best story of these Olympic games was the bronze medal performance of Joannie Rochette of Canada. Sadly, she had lost her mother to an unexpected heart attack two days before she was going to perform. She did an amazing job in both her short program and long program. It took a lot of fortitude and will to do as wonderfully as she did...and there were few dry eyes that watched her perform her short program. She was able to cap off her Olympics by carrying her Canadian flag in the closing ceremonies.
But, I really am going to save what was the best for last for me...and you're going to go -- really? I absolutely loved watching the men's nordic combined team do something that had never been done by anyone on an American Olympic team...and that was win team and individual medals in the nordic combined (ski jumping and cross country skiing). Maybe it is because the cross country aspect works, in so many ways, like cycling, (which I also love watching), but Bill DeMong and Johnny Spillane just made these games for me. Thanks and congratulations to them...as they did such a remarkable job of getting medals in events where we simply had done very little before -- very cool. Til 2014...au revior.
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Winter Jam Reflections
Friends,
The kids and I went with a group to the Winter Jam 2010 Christian Music Festival at the American Airlines Center in Dallas last night. We really enjoyed our time at the four hour concert. We arrived about five minutes after 7 PM, the supposed starting time, but missed Sidewalk Prophets and their #1 song, "The Words I Would Say," to my dismay...as they started about 6:40 or so. My only other critique of the show was that speaker Tony Nolan spoke too much and for too long. He had some good things to say, but I think we all wanted more music and less talk.
We were able to thoroughly enjoy NewSong, the Newsboys with Michael Tait, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, and Fireflight. NewSong has been a favorite of mine for a couple of decades now. Their all time greatest hit, "Arise, My Love" still stole the show for me. Even though they are not as well known as some of the other groups, I really enjoyed Tenth Avenue North. They shared their three hit songs in a way that was meaningful...offering the words on the big screen, and playing at a decibel level that we could all sing along with, reasonably. Michael Tait belting out Jesus Freak was also memorable. I have to say that I was skeptical about how I would feel about him as the lead singer of the Newsboys, since I have been a big Peter Furler fan...but, Tait did an admirable job.
We look forward to the next (2011) version of Winter Jam. Hopefully, they will invite Sanctus Real and Kutless to be a part of their show. I saw these two groups when they first started out several years ago...and they were much louder and less refined. Now, they are more polished and have put together some really good songs in the past couple of years. I still need to see Phillips, Craig and Dean. Maybe I'll get the opportunity to do this sometime. I'm still bummed that Annie Herring has retired a few years ago (having seen her a couple of times)...as she has always been one of my faves. I still love to listen to Scott Krippayne, River, Al Denson, Avalon, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Harvest, First Call, Watermark and so many more. I am thankful for the Lord blessing these people with the gifts that they have been given...and blessing my life. Blessings,
Don
The kids and I went with a group to the Winter Jam 2010 Christian Music Festival at the American Airlines Center in Dallas last night. We really enjoyed our time at the four hour concert. We arrived about five minutes after 7 PM, the supposed starting time, but missed Sidewalk Prophets and their #1 song, "The Words I Would Say," to my dismay...as they started about 6:40 or so. My only other critique of the show was that speaker Tony Nolan spoke too much and for too long. He had some good things to say, but I think we all wanted more music and less talk.
We were able to thoroughly enjoy NewSong, the Newsboys with Michael Tait, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, and Fireflight. NewSong has been a favorite of mine for a couple of decades now. Their all time greatest hit, "Arise, My Love" still stole the show for me. Even though they are not as well known as some of the other groups, I really enjoyed Tenth Avenue North. They shared their three hit songs in a way that was meaningful...offering the words on the big screen, and playing at a decibel level that we could all sing along with, reasonably. Michael Tait belting out Jesus Freak was also memorable. I have to say that I was skeptical about how I would feel about him as the lead singer of the Newsboys, since I have been a big Peter Furler fan...but, Tait did an admirable job.
We look forward to the next (2011) version of Winter Jam. Hopefully, they will invite Sanctus Real and Kutless to be a part of their show. I saw these two groups when they first started out several years ago...and they were much louder and less refined. Now, they are more polished and have put together some really good songs in the past couple of years. I still need to see Phillips, Craig and Dean. Maybe I'll get the opportunity to do this sometime. I'm still bummed that Annie Herring has retired a few years ago (having seen her a couple of times)...as she has always been one of my faves. I still love to listen to Scott Krippayne, River, Al Denson, Avalon, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, Harvest, First Call, Watermark and so many more. I am thankful for the Lord blessing these people with the gifts that they have been given...and blessing my life. Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Catch of a Lifetime
Friends,
He was 11 years old and went fishing every chance he got from a dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching some fish and perch with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, thin silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish along side the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass. The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 p.m. -- two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put it back, Son," he said. "Dad!" cried the boy. "There will be another fish," said his father. "Not as big as this one," cried the boy. He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father. Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his fathers voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The creature swished it's powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that never again would he see such a great fish.
That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father's cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock. He was right -- he has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish -- again and again -- every time he comes up against a question of ethics. For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we aren't supposed to have? We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young…for we would have learned the truth. The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and our grandchildren. Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened. -- Author unknown
Blessings,
Don
He was 11 years old and went fishing every chance he got from a dock at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake. On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching some fish and perch with worms. Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset, thin silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake. When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish along side the dock. Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass. The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 p.m. -- two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy. "You'll have to put it back, Son," he said. "Dad!" cried the boy. "There will be another fish," said his father. "Not as big as this one," cried the boy. He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father. Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his fathers voice that the decision was not negotiable. He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water. The creature swished it's powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that never again would he see such a great fish.
That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father's cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock. He was right -- he has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish -- again and again -- every time he comes up against a question of ethics. For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we aren't supposed to have? We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young…for we would have learned the truth. The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory. It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and our grandchildren. Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened. -- Author unknown
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Galactic Neighbor
Friends,
It seems like the nearby Andromeda galaxy (relative to other galaxies...it's still 2 million light years away) is "supercharged" in the photo below...but the shot was just taken with a high powered camera with infra-red lens from a satellite. Andromeda is twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, which is 100,000 light years across.
Blessings,
Don
It seems like the nearby Andromeda galaxy (relative to other galaxies...it's still 2 million light years away) is "supercharged" in the photo below...but the shot was just taken with a high powered camera with infra-red lens from a satellite. Andromeda is twice the size of our own Milky Way galaxy, which is 100,000 light years across.
Blessings,
Don
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