Friends,
I saw this and loved it, so now I share it --
Driving down a country road, I came to a very narrow bridge. In front of the bridge, a sign was posted: "YIELD." Seeing no oncoming cars, I continued across the bridge and to my destination. On my way back, I came to the same one-lane bridge, now from the other direction. To my surprise, I saw another YIELD sign posted. Curious, I thought, "I'm sure there was one posted on the other side." When I reached the other side of the bridge I looked back. Sure enough, yield signs had been placed at both ends of the bridge. Drivers from both directions were requested to give right of way. It was a reasonable and gracious way of preventing a head-on collision. When the Bible commands Christians to "be subject to one another" (Ephesians 5:21) it is simply a reasonable and gracious command to let the other have the right of way and avoid interpersonal head-on collisions. Stephen P. Beck.
Blessings,
Don
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
All Good Things
Friends,
One of the most recognizable streaks in sports came to an end Monday night...Brett Favre's amazing 297 consecutive games played streak. Even he marveled that the streak went on this long, during a recent interviewed. Most people compare it to baseball immortal Cal Ripken's streak of 2632 consecutive games played...which is an interesting comparison. I am not certain that they can be compared, but all I know is...I don't know how an NFL starting quarterback can take a beating every week and play every game for 19 years(?). I have always been a fan of Favre, the football player, although his personal agendas and issues in recent years have certainly diminished his legend to a degree. I do believe that when it is all said and done...a quarter of a century down the road...that he will be the most celebrated quarterback in NFL history. I have friends who argue his status as an all-time great, but Favre has to be in the top ten, if not in the top five of all-time greats. He owns just about every major positive statistic for NFL QBs...his being the all-time leader in interceptions, notwithstanding...
The Colts (see last week's message) were able to get back on track against Tennessee 30-28, although it wasn't easy. They are still battling injuries, and a shaky running game, but Peyton Manning did not make any significant mistakes...so that is a good sign. Speaking of Manning, it is remarkable to me that his younger brother, Eli, has throws 19 interceptions this year, and yet the Giants are 9--4. Let's hear it for the defense, eh? Well...Smith, Alex, replaced Smith, Troy at the helm of the 49ers this past Sunday, and you would think it was the second coming of Joe Montana. Smith threw for 255 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Too bad he was so inconsistent early in the year, as it may be too late to get the 49ers, who are 5-8 to the playoffs. Yet, anything could happen, as the 49ers are only one game out of first in the NFC Weak behind the Seahawks and Rams who are 6-7. The Chargers throttled the Chiefs 31-0, who were without starting QB, Matt Cassel who had an emergency appendectomy. Backup Brodie Croyle is going to have to prep better if they are going to stay ahead of the surging Chargers. Aaron Rodgers went down again with a concussion, and so did the Packers, 7-3, to the Lions. Once again, I am not sure what big bucks the backup QBs are being payed not to do their job when called upon, but...it's not a good thing. It may be a statement concerning just how overall weak the QB position is in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Patriots, Falcons, Saints, Steelers, Ravens, Jaguars and Eagles just keep racking up wins. Right now, it seems like the Patriots are #1...and then all of the rest. But, I am sure that it will get interesting before it is all over...this is one of the reasons why I love the NFL.
Blessings,
Don
One of the most recognizable streaks in sports came to an end Monday night...Brett Favre's amazing 297 consecutive games played streak. Even he marveled that the streak went on this long, during a recent interviewed. Most people compare it to baseball immortal Cal Ripken's streak of 2632 consecutive games played...which is an interesting comparison. I am not certain that they can be compared, but all I know is...I don't know how an NFL starting quarterback can take a beating every week and play every game for 19 years(?). I have always been a fan of Favre, the football player, although his personal agendas and issues in recent years have certainly diminished his legend to a degree. I do believe that when it is all said and done...a quarter of a century down the road...that he will be the most celebrated quarterback in NFL history. I have friends who argue his status as an all-time great, but Favre has to be in the top ten, if not in the top five of all-time greats. He owns just about every major positive statistic for NFL QBs...his being the all-time leader in interceptions, notwithstanding...
The Colts (see last week's message) were able to get back on track against Tennessee 30-28, although it wasn't easy. They are still battling injuries, and a shaky running game, but Peyton Manning did not make any significant mistakes...so that is a good sign. Speaking of Manning, it is remarkable to me that his younger brother, Eli, has throws 19 interceptions this year, and yet the Giants are 9--4. Let's hear it for the defense, eh? Well...Smith, Alex, replaced Smith, Troy at the helm of the 49ers this past Sunday, and you would think it was the second coming of Joe Montana. Smith threw for 255 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Too bad he was so inconsistent early in the year, as it may be too late to get the 49ers, who are 5-8 to the playoffs. Yet, anything could happen, as the 49ers are only one game out of first in the NFC Weak behind the Seahawks and Rams who are 6-7. The Chargers throttled the Chiefs 31-0, who were without starting QB, Matt Cassel who had an emergency appendectomy. Backup Brodie Croyle is going to have to prep better if they are going to stay ahead of the surging Chargers. Aaron Rodgers went down again with a concussion, and so did the Packers, 7-3, to the Lions. Once again, I am not sure what big bucks the backup QBs are being payed not to do their job when called upon, but...it's not a good thing. It may be a statement concerning just how overall weak the QB position is in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Patriots, Falcons, Saints, Steelers, Ravens, Jaguars and Eagles just keep racking up wins. Right now, it seems like the Patriots are #1...and then all of the rest. But, I am sure that it will get interesting before it is all over...this is one of the reasons why I love the NFL.
Blessings,
Don
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Sure Thing
Friends,
Among the more famous thoughts by Ben Franklin...in 1789, he said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Now, a wise man like Ben Franklin knew other things were certain, including spiritual matters…but, I believe we can understand what he was saying. Concerning the aforementioned certainties, we can agree with Mr. Franklin…yet, concerning spiritual truths, we should be the first to say, “we know for certain” what it is that lies ahead…what lies beyond death’s gate. The word “know” occurs thirty-nine times in 1 John…eighteen times in chapter 5 alone! There are times when believers question things that God says are certain. I have heard some say, “I do not know if I am going to heaven or not.” John says that if we are seeking God’s will, living the blameless life of a faithful follower of Jesus, then we should indeed “know that we are saved” (v.13). And, this does not mean that we are sinless or perfect…just that we are blameless, forgiven. God says so!
There are some divine certainties about being in Christ that we should not question, but simply trust in the Lord. This requires genuine faith -- "little faith” is going to struggle…"no faith” is going to be condemned…but “growing faith,” although it may be challenged, is going to reap a blessed reward! As we grow in faith, we grow in our ability to overcome the flesh, world through the love of God. It is important to understand that by using the word, “overcome,” that John is not describing some special class of believers. He uses the word as a name for Christians who are genuinely maturing in Christ. Those who truly live by faith in Christ have the victory! The better that we come to know and love Jesus, the easier it becomes to trust Him with our needs and for help, guidance in the battles of life.
Remember, some of the folks that John was writing to were those who were still questioning if Jesus Christ was the One in whom they should be trusting. Some of these people had been exposed to a number of false teachers…certain Gnostics…as we have shared previously, who deny Jesus’ deity. To nail down his argument, John presents, once and for all, some infallible witnesses to deal with the false teachers and those whom they had been influencing. The first witness – the water. Jesus came “by water and blood.” The water refers to His baptism and the Spirit who came upon Him like a dove. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The second witness – the blood. The Father gave further witness as the time drew near for Jesus to die. Concerning “the Name,” He speaks to Jesus from heaven saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again” (John 12:28b). Jesus would shed His blood on the cross…there would be darkness, earthquake, and tearing of the temple veil. Some false teacher’s said Jesus “received the Christ” at His baptism, and that He would lose it at the cross. Yet, on both occasions, as we have seen, the Father witnesses to the deity of His Son! The third witness – the Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to bear witness to the Christ at His baptism and at His death (John 15:26, 16:14). The Spirit’s witness is to be trusted, because He is presently working, and is “the Spirit of Truth.” The Spirit witnesses to us (Romans 8:15-16)…and His witness is our inner confidence that we belong to Christ, a confidence that we do not and cannot work for, but one that God gives to us. The Spirit also witnesses to us through the Word of God…as we read God’s Word, He speaks to us and teaches us. In all of these spiritual principles, we can know that we have eternal life, through Jesus Christ who has been witnessed. And, we are the Lord’s witnesses, as well...it is our responsibility to share the message of hope to a lost world!
You hear people say, “I wish I could have faith or have more faith.” Yet…everyone lives by faith! All day long, people live in a trusting relationship with others…this requires faith. We trust the doctor and the pharmacist…we trust the restaurant cook…we trust the person driving on the other side of the highway. If we can so trust men in these ways, how can we not trust God who knows all things and has power over all things? Jesus is God…this has been witnessed, and we can trust this! It is a sure thing. If we can’t trust this principle with our lives, souls, who or what can we trust?
Blessings,
Don
Among the more famous thoughts by Ben Franklin...in 1789, he said, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Now, a wise man like Ben Franklin knew other things were certain, including spiritual matters…but, I believe we can understand what he was saying. Concerning the aforementioned certainties, we can agree with Mr. Franklin…yet, concerning spiritual truths, we should be the first to say, “we know for certain” what it is that lies ahead…what lies beyond death’s gate. The word “know” occurs thirty-nine times in 1 John…eighteen times in chapter 5 alone! There are times when believers question things that God says are certain. I have heard some say, “I do not know if I am going to heaven or not.” John says that if we are seeking God’s will, living the blameless life of a faithful follower of Jesus, then we should indeed “know that we are saved” (v.13). And, this does not mean that we are sinless or perfect…just that we are blameless, forgiven. God says so!
There are some divine certainties about being in Christ that we should not question, but simply trust in the Lord. This requires genuine faith -- "little faith” is going to struggle…"no faith” is going to be condemned…but “growing faith,” although it may be challenged, is going to reap a blessed reward! As we grow in faith, we grow in our ability to overcome the flesh, world through the love of God. It is important to understand that by using the word, “overcome,” that John is not describing some special class of believers. He uses the word as a name for Christians who are genuinely maturing in Christ. Those who truly live by faith in Christ have the victory! The better that we come to know and love Jesus, the easier it becomes to trust Him with our needs and for help, guidance in the battles of life.
Remember, some of the folks that John was writing to were those who were still questioning if Jesus Christ was the One in whom they should be trusting. Some of these people had been exposed to a number of false teachers…certain Gnostics…as we have shared previously, who deny Jesus’ deity. To nail down his argument, John presents, once and for all, some infallible witnesses to deal with the false teachers and those whom they had been influencing. The first witness – the water. Jesus came “by water and blood.” The water refers to His baptism and the Spirit who came upon Him like a dove. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The second witness – the blood. The Father gave further witness as the time drew near for Jesus to die. Concerning “the Name,” He speaks to Jesus from heaven saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again” (John 12:28b). Jesus would shed His blood on the cross…there would be darkness, earthquake, and tearing of the temple veil. Some false teacher’s said Jesus “received the Christ” at His baptism, and that He would lose it at the cross. Yet, on both occasions, as we have seen, the Father witnesses to the deity of His Son! The third witness – the Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to bear witness to the Christ at His baptism and at His death (John 15:26, 16:14). The Spirit’s witness is to be trusted, because He is presently working, and is “the Spirit of Truth.” The Spirit witnesses to us (Romans 8:15-16)…and His witness is our inner confidence that we belong to Christ, a confidence that we do not and cannot work for, but one that God gives to us. The Spirit also witnesses to us through the Word of God…as we read God’s Word, He speaks to us and teaches us. In all of these spiritual principles, we can know that we have eternal life, through Jesus Christ who has been witnessed. And, we are the Lord’s witnesses, as well...it is our responsibility to share the message of hope to a lost world!
You hear people say, “I wish I could have faith or have more faith.” Yet…everyone lives by faith! All day long, people live in a trusting relationship with others…this requires faith. We trust the doctor and the pharmacist…we trust the restaurant cook…we trust the person driving on the other side of the highway. If we can so trust men in these ways, how can we not trust God who knows all things and has power over all things? Jesus is God…this has been witnessed, and we can trust this! It is a sure thing. If we can’t trust this principle with our lives, souls, who or what can we trust?
Blessings,
Don
Friday, December 10, 2010
Air Apparent
Friends,
I saw a gorgeous red sky sunset on the way home from the Metroplex today, and I wish there had been a camera present to get some pictures. Yet, the atmospheric colors reminded me of the picture below, but from a different perspective. Here is a unique sideways shot of the atmosphere...with complementary labels.
Blessings,
Don
I saw a gorgeous red sky sunset on the way home from the Metroplex today, and I wish there had been a camera present to get some pictures. Yet, the atmospheric colors reminded me of the picture below, but from a different perspective. Here is a unique sideways shot of the atmosphere...with complementary labels.
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
6-6 Isn't Going to Cut It, Unless You Are In the NCAA
Friends,
It is amazing to see the Indianapolis Colts struggling this year (6-6) after so many years of winning twelve games or more. Peyton Manning has a very un-Peyton like 11 interceptions in three games. I am not a huge Colts fan, but I still have a hard time seeing the Colts and Manning continuing their current slide....and the Tennessee Titans, who are struggling even worse, may be just what the doctor ordered for them this week. And all of this to say, I can't imagine anyone outside of northern Florida who would have said that the Jaguars would be leading the AFC South at his point of the season...especially with a 7-5 record.
Just when we thought the San Diego Chargers were getting on their typical late season roll, they are upset by the Oakland Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the lowly Broncos (bummer for Josh McDaniels), so they now have a two game lead in the AFC West with two games left to play. If the Chargers are going to somehow pull a rabbit out of their hat, they have no better opportunity than this Sunday when they face the Chiefs. If they lose, they will likely be out of the race with only three games left after this week. (Special note -- can one really ever count the Chargers out? If we remember right, they Charged from several games behind last season to overtake the Broncos on the last weekend, so...)
The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons seem to have cemented themselves as the leaders for home field advantage for the playoffs. Of course, it is still awfully early to be making this call, but they have really been playing well of late, and it is going to take a couple of significant losses for each of them to fall from their lofty perches. (Was that just the kiss of death? Probably not. :-) Yet, as a New Orleans Saints fan, I hope that they will exact revenge for an early season defeat to the Falcons that should not have taken place (once again, we remember that kicker, Garrett Hartley, missed a twenty-something yard field goal as time ran out that would have sealed the win for the Saints). I have to say, though, that until someone unseats the defending champs, I am liking their chances, as they are on a winning streak of their own. The team that could and should unseat the Saints? New England just throttled fellow 9-2 team, the New York Jets 45-3...and they might be a good bet. Speculation is fun, but with a quarter of the season to go, many things can still change, so buckle your chin straps and hang on...
Blessings,
Don
It is amazing to see the Indianapolis Colts struggling this year (6-6) after so many years of winning twelve games or more. Peyton Manning has a very un-Peyton like 11 interceptions in three games. I am not a huge Colts fan, but I still have a hard time seeing the Colts and Manning continuing their current slide....and the Tennessee Titans, who are struggling even worse, may be just what the doctor ordered for them this week. And all of this to say, I can't imagine anyone outside of northern Florida who would have said that the Jaguars would be leading the AFC South at his point of the season...especially with a 7-5 record.
Just when we thought the San Diego Chargers were getting on their typical late season roll, they are upset by the Oakland Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the lowly Broncos (bummer for Josh McDaniels), so they now have a two game lead in the AFC West with two games left to play. If the Chargers are going to somehow pull a rabbit out of their hat, they have no better opportunity than this Sunday when they face the Chiefs. If they lose, they will likely be out of the race with only three games left after this week. (Special note -- can one really ever count the Chargers out? If we remember right, they Charged from several games behind last season to overtake the Broncos on the last weekend, so...)
The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons seem to have cemented themselves as the leaders for home field advantage for the playoffs. Of course, it is still awfully early to be making this call, but they have really been playing well of late, and it is going to take a couple of significant losses for each of them to fall from their lofty perches. (Was that just the kiss of death? Probably not. :-) Yet, as a New Orleans Saints fan, I hope that they will exact revenge for an early season defeat to the Falcons that should not have taken place (once again, we remember that kicker, Garrett Hartley, missed a twenty-something yard field goal as time ran out that would have sealed the win for the Saints). I have to say, though, that until someone unseats the defending champs, I am liking their chances, as they are on a winning streak of their own. The team that could and should unseat the Saints? New England just throttled fellow 9-2 team, the New York Jets 45-3...and they might be a good bet. Speculation is fun, but with a quarter of the season to go, many things can still change, so buckle your chin straps and hang on...
Blessings,
Don
Monday, December 6, 2010
Vocalizing Joy
Friends,
A consideration for the holiday season and for "the post-season" is to proclaim our joy and thanksgiving. There is tremendous value in the very act of vocalizing our joy. C. S. Lewis once confessed that for many years he was uncomfortable with the Scriptural admonitions to praise God. He once considered it a rather arrogant request. But in his book “Reflections on the Psalms,” he writes: “…The most obvious fact about praise…whether of God or anything…strangely escaped me. I thought of it in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise....the world rings with praise....I had not noticed that the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds, praised most, while the cranks, misfits and malcontents praised least...praise almost seems to be inner health made audible...”
An intangible relationship exists between the body and the soul. Sometimes the health of the inner soul can bring health to a sick body. And sometimes the body can bring the soul into a state of blissful happiness. The act of rejoicing, praising, or giving thanks with our mouths may serve to express the joy of our hearts but it may also relief the sorrow of a troubled act and replace it with joy. The demonstration of our faith through acts of rejoicing transforms our feelings. In other words, we can, indeed, act our way into a better way of feeling. Richard Foster in “the Celebration of Discipline” echoed this theme when he wrote, "Joy begets joy. Laughter begets laughter. It is one of those things in life that we multiply by giving." The more we rejoice, the more we will want to rejoice.
Blessings,
Don
A consideration for the holiday season and for "the post-season" is to proclaim our joy and thanksgiving. There is tremendous value in the very act of vocalizing our joy. C. S. Lewis once confessed that for many years he was uncomfortable with the Scriptural admonitions to praise God. He once considered it a rather arrogant request. But in his book “Reflections on the Psalms,” he writes: “…The most obvious fact about praise…whether of God or anything…strangely escaped me. I thought of it in terms of compliment, approval, or the giving of honor. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise....the world rings with praise....I had not noticed that the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds, praised most, while the cranks, misfits and malcontents praised least...praise almost seems to be inner health made audible...”
An intangible relationship exists between the body and the soul. Sometimes the health of the inner soul can bring health to a sick body. And sometimes the body can bring the soul into a state of blissful happiness. The act of rejoicing, praising, or giving thanks with our mouths may serve to express the joy of our hearts but it may also relief the sorrow of a troubled act and replace it with joy. The demonstration of our faith through acts of rejoicing transforms our feelings. In other words, we can, indeed, act our way into a better way of feeling. Richard Foster in “the Celebration of Discipline” echoed this theme when he wrote, "Joy begets joy. Laughter begets laughter. It is one of those things in life that we multiply by giving." The more we rejoice, the more we will want to rejoice.
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Three Players Fined...and Patriots West Looks Fine.
Friends,
It's is just about time for kickoff for week 13 tonight with the Texans and Eagles facing off...and I haven't sorted out week 12 yet -- it's been a bit hectic this week. Week 12 was a pretty boring compared to recent weeks, although one thing remained the same -- Steelers LB, James Harrison, was fined $25,000. I have heard enough of this guy already. He doesn't like being fined for head on helmet hits. The league already has dozens of guys on the IR...and the NFL is trying to slow that number down. Eliminating helmet to helmet hits and head on helmet hits will prolong players' careers. And since the league wants to extend the schedule to 18 games next year, this might just be a good idea. You also probably saw the footage of Texas wide receiver, Andre Johnson, being taunted by Titans defensive back, Cortland Finnegan...and the fight that followed. It was not a pretty sight...but, both players received only fines, but no suspensions, which was surprising. And the good (bad) news is that the Texans and Titans, being division rivals, play each other again later in the season, so there could be even more fireworks.
The Kansas City Chiefs' offense appears to be full stride at this point in the season, as they beat down the Seahawks 42-24. What makes this offense tick? Dwayne Bowe leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns, as he and quarterback, Matt Cassel, have developed quite a chemistry. The dynamic running duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are the best running back set in the league this year. I guess the Chiefs really are becoming "Patriots West." The Vikings won new coach, Leslie Frazier's, debut as they defeated the Redskins 17-13. The Bills were a dropped pass in the end zone by Steve Johnson from upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers in OT. Alas, they were not able to pull off their third win in a row. Jay Cutler led the Bears to a win over the favored Eagles and Mike Vick, 31-26. Cutler, who has a history of throwing untimely picks, had four touchdowns and zero interceptions. The surprising Bears are 8-3 and leading the NFC North. Finally, Peyton Manning and the Colts are going to have to get a running game going if they are going to get out of their funk. Manning threw four picks in a blowout loss to the surging San Diego Chargers, 36-14. The Colts have lost three out of four and do not look anything like the team that went to the Super Bowl last year. Somehow, they always seem to get to the playoffs, but their streak of twelve win seasons is likely going to end at 6. Here's to week 12, just in time for week 13... :-)
Blessings,
Don
It's is just about time for kickoff for week 13 tonight with the Texans and Eagles facing off...and I haven't sorted out week 12 yet -- it's been a bit hectic this week. Week 12 was a pretty boring compared to recent weeks, although one thing remained the same -- Steelers LB, James Harrison, was fined $25,000. I have heard enough of this guy already. He doesn't like being fined for head on helmet hits. The league already has dozens of guys on the IR...and the NFL is trying to slow that number down. Eliminating helmet to helmet hits and head on helmet hits will prolong players' careers. And since the league wants to extend the schedule to 18 games next year, this might just be a good idea. You also probably saw the footage of Texas wide receiver, Andre Johnson, being taunted by Titans defensive back, Cortland Finnegan...and the fight that followed. It was not a pretty sight...but, both players received only fines, but no suspensions, which was surprising. And the good (bad) news is that the Texans and Titans, being division rivals, play each other again later in the season, so there could be even more fireworks.
The Kansas City Chiefs' offense appears to be full stride at this point in the season, as they beat down the Seahawks 42-24. What makes this offense tick? Dwayne Bowe leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns, as he and quarterback, Matt Cassel, have developed quite a chemistry. The dynamic running duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are the best running back set in the league this year. I guess the Chiefs really are becoming "Patriots West." The Vikings won new coach, Leslie Frazier's, debut as they defeated the Redskins 17-13. The Bills were a dropped pass in the end zone by Steve Johnson from upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers in OT. Alas, they were not able to pull off their third win in a row. Jay Cutler led the Bears to a win over the favored Eagles and Mike Vick, 31-26. Cutler, who has a history of throwing untimely picks, had four touchdowns and zero interceptions. The surprising Bears are 8-3 and leading the NFC North. Finally, Peyton Manning and the Colts are going to have to get a running game going if they are going to get out of their funk. Manning threw four picks in a blowout loss to the surging San Diego Chargers, 36-14. The Colts have lost three out of four and do not look anything like the team that went to the Super Bowl last year. Somehow, they always seem to get to the playoffs, but their streak of twelve win seasons is likely going to end at 6. Here's to week 12, just in time for week 13... :-)
Blessings,
Don
Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Funny, the Foolish and the Forgiven.
Friends,
Here is a list of answers to some of life's puzzling questions --
1. In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
2. Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
3. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
4. “Hang On Sloopy” is the official rock song of Ohio.
5. The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.
6. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades - King David; Clubs - Alexander the Great; Hearts - Charlemagne; and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
7. An ostrich's eye is bigger that it's brain.
8. The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.
9. Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
10. The Bible has been translated into Klingon.
These are just some of the marvelous answers the world has to offer. :-) They're great answers if you're playing Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy but they're not much help when your life is in jeopardy. They're not much help if you need guidance in a relationship or forgiveness for something that broke that relationship. And they're not much help when you begin to question the purpose and meaning of life...or even when you begin to question whether life as we know it is all that there is.
There are signs of the presence of God everywhere -- every time someone reaches out to care for someone else...every time the poor and hungry are fed and cared for...every time a missionary doctor brings healing to those who are hurting...every time a child smiles and laughs because they know they are loved...every time another Habitat House is started or completed...it is a sign of God's presence. But, we often miss them, because we aren't looking with the eyes of faith. God chose what is foolish to shame the wise. God chose what is weak to shame the strong. God chose the lowly so that we couldn't boast about anything but Christ Jesus and the grace, redemption and forgiveness we have experienced through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I believe that God laughs joyously every time the foolishness of the cross changes someone's life...or gives someone hope...or heals someone's wounds...or lifts someone's burdens. Thank you, Lord, that your foolishness is far greater than our wisdom! (1 Corinthians 1:18ff)
Blessings,
Don
Here is a list of answers to some of life's puzzling questions --
1. In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.
2. Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches.
3. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
4. “Hang On Sloopy” is the official rock song of Ohio.
5. The reason firehouses have circular stairways is from the days of yore when the engines were pulled by horses. The horses were stabled on the ground floor and figured out how to walk up straight staircases.
6. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history. Spades - King David; Clubs - Alexander the Great; Hearts - Charlemagne; and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
7. An ostrich's eye is bigger that it's brain.
8. The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.
9. Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
10. The Bible has been translated into Klingon.
These are just some of the marvelous answers the world has to offer. :-) They're great answers if you're playing Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy but they're not much help when your life is in jeopardy. They're not much help if you need guidance in a relationship or forgiveness for something that broke that relationship. And they're not much help when you begin to question the purpose and meaning of life...or even when you begin to question whether life as we know it is all that there is.
There are signs of the presence of God everywhere -- every time someone reaches out to care for someone else...every time the poor and hungry are fed and cared for...every time a missionary doctor brings healing to those who are hurting...every time a child smiles and laughs because they know they are loved...every time another Habitat House is started or completed...it is a sign of God's presence. But, we often miss them, because we aren't looking with the eyes of faith. God chose what is foolish to shame the wise. God chose what is weak to shame the strong. God chose the lowly so that we couldn't boast about anything but Christ Jesus and the grace, redemption and forgiveness we have experienced through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I believe that God laughs joyously every time the foolishness of the cross changes someone's life...or gives someone hope...or heals someone's wounds...or lifts someone's burdens. Thank you, Lord, that your foolishness is far greater than our wisdom! (1 Corinthians 1:18ff)
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Clash of the Titans
Friends,
Well...I always seem to be about a week ahead of myself with these football messages. I pondered the state of the Titans last week, wondering what was wrong, and...voila! The latest and greatest struggle between coach Jeff Fisher and qb Vince Young hath boiled over. This is probably what was simmering last week. The amazing thing is that no one has heard a peep out of Randy Moss, which is probably a good thing. Nonetheless, coach and qb had a blowup of epic proportions following the Titans overtime loss to the Redskins Sunday with Young walking out of the team locker room, saying, "I am walking out...not on the team, but on the coach." This kind of insubordination is intolerable, but there seems to be some deep rooted angst involved on both sides of this dispute. Young had injured his thumb on his throwing hand late in the game and the coach pulled him out. Now, this whole matter is convoluted, because Young wanted to go back into the game even though his thumb was damaged, but Fisher stuck with untested rookie, Rusty Smith, instead, and the Titans ended up losing the game. The Titans placed their starting qb on injured reserve, Monday, so he is no longer available for the rest of the season. This move begs the question -- did they place Young in the IR because he is truly seriously injured, or is it a followup to the coach's threat that Young would not start for the Titans again this season? One still has to admire Young's courage for wanting to be on the field trying to lead his team to a win, especially given that his toughness has been questioned in the past.
That there has been friction between Fisher and Young, there is no question. Young has been somewhat problematic since he has been with the Titans. He spent the first several games of last season in Jeff Fisher's doghouse and on his bench, only to come back and nearly lead them to the playoffs after they started 0-6. Fisher also benched his two time pro-bowl QB early this year for some reason and started veteran Kerry Collins. All Young has done is lead the Titans to 30-17 record when he has started, which is pretty good. I think there is enough blame to go around, but I put the greatest blame on the coach who just doesn't seem to like his star qb. Some will say that head coaches don't need to be psychologists, and that may be true, but I don't think they need to be as clearly antagonistic as Fisher has been with Young, either. It is all probably water under the bridge, because it is unlikely that coach and qb are going to be able to coexist any longer. The real question is -- will owner, Bud Adams, let his long-tenured coach walk away, as he has been publicly supportive of Young...or will he trade or cut the volatile qb, the leader of his team? It will be interesting to see how it goes, especially since Adams has said that both of them are going to work it out and continue to work together. Okay.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys won their second straight under new coach Jason Garrett during NFL week 11, although they will have a stiff test on Thanksgiving against the Saints. The Jets are the new cardiac kids of the NFL, as they found another way to win a game in the last few minutes for the third week in a row. They could just as easily be 5-5, instead of 8-2, but as the saying goes...good teams create their own luck. This appears to be the case with the Jets. The Jets main division rival, the Patriots, held off the Colts in their annual battle of the future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Tom Brady has been on a roll of late, and he played better than Peyton Manning, who literally threw away an opportunity for the Colts to tie the game near the end of regulation. Manning threw a senseless interception when they could have made a relatively easy field goal to put the game into overtime. I think Peyton Manning is a great guy and very good quarterback, but he is going to have to overcome his late game "Favre-like" picks that keep his team from succeeding (see last season's Super Bowl).
Speaking of Favre -- wherefore art thou? He is playing, but he looks like a shell of his former (last season's) self. The Vikings were dismantled by the Packers, 31-3, and it cost head coach Brad Childress, his job. This disturbs me in multiple ways, and I am not certain which aspect disturbs me most(?) Childress led his team to the NFC Championship game last year and were just a couple of plays away from the Super Bowl (thanks to Favre), but this year, the Vikings are 3-7 (mostly thanks to Favre), and so the coach pays the price...doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The other thing that bothers me is that it seems that some of the Vikings layed down and didn't give the full effort this past Sunday...much like the Cowboys seemed to do under former coach Wade Phillips when star qb Romo went down. Do these multi-millionaire players really need further motivation to get up for a game...other than the fact that they should love the game they play? Some of them are -- either just drawing a paycheck, or wanting to get rid of a coach that they don't like...or both. I think that the wealth of riches contributes to a general malaise when things are not going well...and such weakness affects not only sports, but the entirety of our society. I am not certain what the solution is. I feel bad for Childress...even though he made some mistakes, for certain. At the same time, I don't feel bad for Fisher. Funny game isn't it?
:-)
Blessings,
Don
P.S. An article in AOL Fanhouse today concerning the Lions provides some credence to the above argument...unfortunately. I don't want to see the game I love become a joke...wiser heads and good leaders, hopefully, will prevail.
Well...I always seem to be about a week ahead of myself with these football messages. I pondered the state of the Titans last week, wondering what was wrong, and...voila! The latest and greatest struggle between coach Jeff Fisher and qb Vince Young hath boiled over. This is probably what was simmering last week. The amazing thing is that no one has heard a peep out of Randy Moss, which is probably a good thing. Nonetheless, coach and qb had a blowup of epic proportions following the Titans overtime loss to the Redskins Sunday with Young walking out of the team locker room, saying, "I am walking out...not on the team, but on the coach." This kind of insubordination is intolerable, but there seems to be some deep rooted angst involved on both sides of this dispute. Young had injured his thumb on his throwing hand late in the game and the coach pulled him out. Now, this whole matter is convoluted, because Young wanted to go back into the game even though his thumb was damaged, but Fisher stuck with untested rookie, Rusty Smith, instead, and the Titans ended up losing the game. The Titans placed their starting qb on injured reserve, Monday, so he is no longer available for the rest of the season. This move begs the question -- did they place Young in the IR because he is truly seriously injured, or is it a followup to the coach's threat that Young would not start for the Titans again this season? One still has to admire Young's courage for wanting to be on the field trying to lead his team to a win, especially given that his toughness has been questioned in the past.
That there has been friction between Fisher and Young, there is no question. Young has been somewhat problematic since he has been with the Titans. He spent the first several games of last season in Jeff Fisher's doghouse and on his bench, only to come back and nearly lead them to the playoffs after they started 0-6. Fisher also benched his two time pro-bowl QB early this year for some reason and started veteran Kerry Collins. All Young has done is lead the Titans to 30-17 record when he has started, which is pretty good. I think there is enough blame to go around, but I put the greatest blame on the coach who just doesn't seem to like his star qb. Some will say that head coaches don't need to be psychologists, and that may be true, but I don't think they need to be as clearly antagonistic as Fisher has been with Young, either. It is all probably water under the bridge, because it is unlikely that coach and qb are going to be able to coexist any longer. The real question is -- will owner, Bud Adams, let his long-tenured coach walk away, as he has been publicly supportive of Young...or will he trade or cut the volatile qb, the leader of his team? It will be interesting to see how it goes, especially since Adams has said that both of them are going to work it out and continue to work together. Okay.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys won their second straight under new coach Jason Garrett during NFL week 11, although they will have a stiff test on Thanksgiving against the Saints. The Jets are the new cardiac kids of the NFL, as they found another way to win a game in the last few minutes for the third week in a row. They could just as easily be 5-5, instead of 8-2, but as the saying goes...good teams create their own luck. This appears to be the case with the Jets. The Jets main division rival, the Patriots, held off the Colts in their annual battle of the future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Tom Brady has been on a roll of late, and he played better than Peyton Manning, who literally threw away an opportunity for the Colts to tie the game near the end of regulation. Manning threw a senseless interception when they could have made a relatively easy field goal to put the game into overtime. I think Peyton Manning is a great guy and very good quarterback, but he is going to have to overcome his late game "Favre-like" picks that keep his team from succeeding (see last season's Super Bowl).
Speaking of Favre -- wherefore art thou? He is playing, but he looks like a shell of his former (last season's) self. The Vikings were dismantled by the Packers, 31-3, and it cost head coach Brad Childress, his job. This disturbs me in multiple ways, and I am not certain which aspect disturbs me most(?) Childress led his team to the NFC Championship game last year and were just a couple of plays away from the Super Bowl (thanks to Favre), but this year, the Vikings are 3-7 (mostly thanks to Favre), and so the coach pays the price...doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The other thing that bothers me is that it seems that some of the Vikings layed down and didn't give the full effort this past Sunday...much like the Cowboys seemed to do under former coach Wade Phillips when star qb Romo went down. Do these multi-millionaire players really need further motivation to get up for a game...other than the fact that they should love the game they play? Some of them are -- either just drawing a paycheck, or wanting to get rid of a coach that they don't like...or both. I think that the wealth of riches contributes to a general malaise when things are not going well...and such weakness affects not only sports, but the entirety of our society. I am not certain what the solution is. I feel bad for Childress...even though he made some mistakes, for certain. At the same time, I don't feel bad for Fisher. Funny game isn't it?
:-)
Blessings,
Don
P.S. An article in AOL Fanhouse today concerning the Lions provides some credence to the above argument...unfortunately. I don't want to see the game I love become a joke...wiser heads and good leaders, hopefully, will prevail.
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