Living Between the Steps

Last week I came across a story that I used yesterday in my sermon.  I have not been able to get it off my mind since I read it.   

   A college professor told of being invited to speak at a military base one December. On arriving, he met an unforgettable soldier named Ralph. Ralph had been sent to meet him at the airport. After they introduced themselves, they headed toward baggage claim.
   As they walked the concourse, Ralph kept momentarily disappearing. Once it was to help an older woman whose suitcase had opened up. Once it was to lift two toddlers up to where they could see Santa. Another time it was to give directions to someone who was lost.
Each time, he would return with a big smile on his face. “Where did you learn to live like that?” the professor asked.
   “During the war, I guess.” Then Ralph told the professor about his tour of duty in Vietnam. He described his job – clearing minefields. He said he had watched friends be blown up before his eyes – one after another.
   “I learned to live between the steps,” he said. “I never knew whether the next one would be my last, so I learned to get everything I could out of the moment between when I picked up my foot and when I put it down again. Every step I took was a whole new world. And I guess I’ve just been that way ever since.”

I want to be a person who lives between the steps.  I am adding this to my list I made earlier in the year that included "taking every thought captive."

Crunch Day

Friday is the day of the week that I have a love-hate relationship with.  Early in my preaching career, I would do my prep work for my Sunday morning sermon on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Now I do most of my study on Thursday and then organize my thoughts and notes on Friday.  I have just found that it is fresher for me on Sunday by doing it this way.

There are weeks that I can't wait to come to the office because my mind is full of things I want to say.  Those weeks, the text seems to just jump off the page shouting its message.  But there are other weeks in which I have read the text, chewed on it, read what others have said, heard what others have preached, read the text again.  And I come in Friday morning going, "What am I going to say to the church Sunday?"

But here is the love part.  God is always faithful.  And it amazes me that often times those weeks in which I struggle with what to say are the very weeks that, after I preach, people will say, "That is exactly what I needed to hear today.  You spoke right to me."

So here I am this morning.  It's one of those weeks.

I LOVE this job (if it is right to call what I do a job).  Thank You, Father.        

Happy Birthday Yesterday, Jonathan

Last night Jonathan spoke here at the Decatur church, and did an incredible job.  I am so proud of him and his family.  We have had Jennifer, Jed and Jocelyn with us since Saturday.  And it has been a treat.

Yesterday was my youngest child's (see Jonathan, above) 25th birthday!  I know, it seems cliche-ish -- but my, how time has flown!  He was the only one of our three that I actually got to be in the delivery room (actually, the operating room) during the birth.  (My, have things changed in that regard.)  I was the 1st to hold him after he was delivered.  I will never forget that moment. 

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I came across this quote and can't get it off my mind.  It really changes my perspective.

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory."  

Reframing My Blog Mission Statement

I decided last week to stop blogging because I had concluded that somehow I was not being effective, since blogging is intended to solicit responses.  That may be so.  I have been writing a blog for nearly four years, and have been ineffective in getting a dialog going.  So I felt like I must be doing something wrong.

But I have discovered that I miss it.  I miss putting down thoughts each day that mean something to me at that time.  I guess more like a personal diary that people are able to peek in on.  So I am going to try to redefine what I am doing and not be concerned about if I get any responses or not.  This is my online diary -- it's therapeutic for me.   

I quote from A. W. Tozer a lot.  He was a basically uneducated preacher (in the sense of formal education) from the mid to 3rd quarter of the 20th century.  Sometimes he comes across as a bit grumpy, but his insights into many things are as fresh today as they were when he wrote them.  Here is one for today:  

Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.
--Psalm 96:8-9

We of the nonliturgical churches tend to look with some disdain upon those churches that follow a carefully prescribed form of service, and certainly there must be a good deal in such services that has little or no meaning for the average participant--this not because it is carefully prescribed but because the average participant is what he is. But I have observed that our familiar impromptu service, planned by the leader twenty minutes before, often tends to follow a ragged and tired order almost as standardized as the Mass. The liturgical service is at least beautiful; ours is often ugly. Theirs has been carefully worked out through the centuries to capture as much of beauty as possible and to preserve a spirit of reverence among the worshipers. Ours is often an off-the-cuff makeshift with nothing to recommend it. Its so-called liberty is often not liberty at all but sheer slovenliness...mostly there is neither order nor Spirit, just a routine prayer that is, except for minor variations, the same week after week, and a few songs that were never much to start with and have long ago lost all significance by meaningless repetition.

In the majority of our meetings there is scarcely a trace of reverent thought, no recognition of the unity of the body, little sense of the divine Presence, no moment of stillness, no solemnity, no wonder, no holy fear. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 4-5.

Tiger and I are Taking Leave

The heroics of Tiger Woods' U. S. Open victory continue to grow.  Anyone who thinks he was grimacing for the theatrics of it (I must admit, early on I was wondering myself) should apologize for thinking that now.  I mean really!  He played 91 holes with a double stress fracture in his left tibia?  AND WON!

So Tiger is gone for 8 months to a year.  My guess is that Tim Finchen (commissioner of the PGA) is pretty depressed today.  Take Tiger Woods away from golf and what do you have?  Can Phil Mickelson carry it?

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I want to thank those who have read my blog for several years.  However, I have decided to take a leave from it for a while and consider if it is something that is worth taking time every day to do.

Blessings.

The Battle

The media was falling all over itself yesterday as it reported on California's 1st day of homosexual "marriage."  Every news source I turned to was all over the story.

Calling this "marriage" does not make it marriage any more than calling me Tiger Woods makes me so.  Words have meanings, and the meaning of marriage goes back to Genesis 2: 24:  "For this reason a MAN shall leave his father and mother and be united to his WIFE, and the two will become one flesh."  

However, there is good that comes out of anything -- if we just look for it.  I hate the sin of homosexuality.  I also hate the sin of marital unfaithfulness, and the sin of cohabitation.  I hate the sin of greed.  I hate the sin of materialism (ouch.  Now it's getting personal).  I confess:  I used to have trouble separating hatred for sin from hatred for the person.  I am not saying I am over that now.  But I did find myself praying this morning for God to allow homosexuals to see past the hatred of "Christians" -- and find healing for their wounds in Jesus.  So one positive is that God is breaking down my hard heart.

I see a paradox at work here.  We Christians believe homosexuality to be an abomination.  After all, that is what God called it.  Yet because of our poor history in being so slow to fight against racism, we have supplied homosexuals with their greatest political tool.  They are claiming to be fighting for their "civil rights."  And they are saying that the church opposes them today just as it opposed Blacks -- denying them their rights years ago.  So here we sit with egg on our faces.  

Sure, it isn't the same argument.  Scripture would be adamantly opposed to racism -- even though many adherents were not.  The same argument cannot be made about homosexuality.  In fact, Scripture uses some of its strongest language in opposition of this sin.

Let us pray that God can break through to the heart of the homosexual.  And I want to pray that I will be Jesus to him or her -- the Jesus of John 4 and John 8.  Boy, do I have to battle my flesh on this one.       

  

Get Well Soon, Tiger

Somehow Tiger managed to pull it out again.  I think half the trophy should be given to Rocco.  What a bulldog!  And what a nice guy.

Tiger has said he will be away from golf indefinitely because of his knee.  What in the world does that mean?  I would hate to see him not play in the British Open next month, or the PGA in August.  And certainly, he has to play in the Ryder Cup in September.

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Yesterday my son, Josh, left a reply saying "Props to Romo."  I am assuming either he meant "Rocco" or he is referring to the challenge that Tiger issued last year after the U. S. Open at Oakmont.  He said that a 10 handicapper could not break 100 on a U. S. Open course.  So, Golf Digest got together a foursome -- Tony Romo (scratch golfer -- 10 better than Tiger's comment), Matt Lauer (8 handicapper), Justin Timberlake (6 handicapper) and one guy who was chosen from thousands across the country (12 handicapper).

The media has acted like Tiger was proven wrong.  Romo shot 84 -- 13 stroked higher than his average score.  Lauer -- remember, an 8 handicap -- shot 100.  Timberlake, a 6 handicap, shot 98.  The other guy shot over 110.  Sounds to me like Tiger's assessment was right on.  It also reminds me of just how much better those pros are than I -- a 5 handicapper.

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I get my car back today!  It has been in the body shop after a fender bender a month ago.  I have been driving a loaner pickup.  Whew!  You can watch the gas gauge move just by starting it.    

Tiger vs. Rocco

WOW!  What a U.S. Open!  Tiger has hit enough incredible shots to fill a career highlight reel.  But he has also looked like me at moments.  And who could root against Rocco?  What a delightful guy!

Today I will be glued to my TV for the playoff.  I want to see Tiger win because I am caught up in his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' majors record.  But I won't be disappointed if Rocco wins, either.  In the famous words of Bill Murray, "It's a Cinderella story."

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More from Yancey's Disappointment with God:  

Faith, the forgiveness of sins, the power of the Evil One -- these were the concerns that drove Jesus to his Father in prayer each day.  Such an emphasis confused the crowds, who primarily sought solutions to their problems in the physical world:  poverty, illness, political oppression.  In the end, Jesus failed to measure up to their expectations of a king.  (Has anything changed?  I know of many ministries that emphasize physical healing and prosperity, but few that direct their focus to such persistent human problems as pride, hypocrisy, and legalism --the problems that so troubled Jesus.)      

Lessons from a Doe, a Deer

Yesterday morning, Jonathan and I played golf in Houston.  We had a great time together. When we reached the 18th tee, we looked up to see a deer running across the fairway.  Mind you, this is not out in the country!  It's in Spring, Texas -- pretty much surrounded by houses!  I felt sorry for the deer.  She crossed the fairway, looked around, and ran back.  You could sense the panic in her.  Then she repeated the process again.  Finally, she found a little bit of undergrowth and disappeared.

I have thought about that several times since.  The feeling of helplessness -- being in a place you don't belong and looking for a place of safety.  I feel like that at times, too.  But I realize that while I long to be home with the Father, I have been placed here not to run around in fear and confusion -- but to bring the Kingdom of God into a fearful and confused world.

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Tiger survived yesterday.  Only 4 back.  Phil's only three back.  Just about where they want to be.  I am still wondering if Tiger's knee is going to hold up.

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How about the Celtics last night?  I know that many of you are not for that Eastern division team.  But as I said in an earlier blog, I can't stand the Lakers:  Guru Phil Jackson, Kobe (keep the women inside) Bryant, Jack Nicholson and the whole Hollywood ("We are actors, so that makes us experts on every subject") scene.  So I would consider being for the Iranian team if they were playing the Lakers.

Here's hoping the Celtics wrap it up in 5.  What a turnaround! 

Summer Plans

Today Beverly and I are headed to Houston where I will speak tonight at the Bammel Road Church of Christ.  My son Jonathan is one of the ministers there.  Tomorrow he and I plan to play golf before we return home tomorrow night.  It's a tough assignment -- having to go get some sugars from two of my grandkids, so pray for me:) 

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Right now my mind is thinking ahead to upcoming events.  As I get older, I try not to do that as much as I used to -- wishing away time because of something I would be looking forward to.  But Beverly and I are going to a marriage conference in three weeks -- in San Francisco.  I will attend a few sessions, but she will be in sessions all day.  I am really going on a week's vacation / sabbatical.  I plan to do a lot of reading, sightseeing and refocusing.

Then a few weeks later, we are headed to Alaska for a cruise.  I have been getting packets from the cruise line, and it makes me all the more excited.  Many of the excursions look so interesting -- but I would need to get a 2nd mortgage to do them.  But I would really love to go on an Orca watch.  I may splurge for that one.

Lord, help me not to waste one day, but stay in the present -- even as I get excited about the future.  

Playing God

The Cowboys have been a little unsure of themselves at running back.  So, I bet Jerry Jones is licking his chops this morning with the news that Cedric ("I know some people think drinking and driving is wrong; but I haven't broken any laws") Benson has been cut by the Bears.  He would fit in perfectly with Jones' collection of characters.

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Here's more from "Disappointment with God":  

From Time, July 23, 1984:  "It was an unholy coincidence that many took to be divine retribution.  Two weeks ago, canon David Jenkins, 59, who had publicly asserted that neither the Virgin birth nor the Resurrection need be taken too literally, was formally consecrated as Bishop of Durham . . . Less than three days later, in the early hours of the morning, lightning forked down on the wooden roof of the minster's 13th century south transept . . . Jenkins' detractors lost no time in claiming that their views had been vindicated . . ."

Yancey then observes:  "The problem with the York Minster lightning bolt, of course, is that it stands as such an exception.  So fire from the heavens hits a famous church -- what about all the Unitarian churches that brashly deny orthodox Christian doctrines, not to mention the Muslim mosques and Hindu temples?  Why should David Jenkins provoke divine wrath when the outright blasphemer Bertrand Russell lived unpunished into cranky old age?  If God consistently sent lightning bolts in response to bad doctrine, our planet would sparkle nightly like a Christmas tree." 

I have thought the same thing when people want to say that God punished New Orleans with Katrina and Muslims with the tsunami.  So what was the punishment against the Decatur Church of Christ building for when it was destroyed by a tornado in October 2001?  We sure need to be careful when we start pretending to play God. 

Finding God

It's US Open week!  Yeah, buddy.  I wonder if Tiger will be ready?  I would love to see it come down to him and Phil on Sunday afternoon.

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I heard something interesting on GMA this morning.  Did you know that since Gerald Ford, every president except one has been left handed?  That's right.  Carter, Reagan, Bush, Sr., Clinton.  And the two candidates for this year?  Both left handed.  What's with that?

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I am trying to become more of a reader.  My son Josh reads a book a week it seems.  I absolutely love to read, so this should come easily.

I have begun a book that I have wanted to read for years.  I love Philip Yancey.  He just seems to put on paper the thoughts that I am struggling with.  I've read nearly everything of his except perhaps his best-seller, Disappointment with God.  So far, it is one of the best books I have ever read.  I will keep it close for re-reading.

In the 1st chapter, "God Within the Shadows," he begins with this quote from Annie Dillard.  I have been chewing on it since I read it Friday night:

"You do not have to sit outside in the dark.  If, however, you want to look at the stars, you will find that darkness is required.  The stars neither require it nor demand it."

Wow!  That is SO true of God.  Think about it.   

Introducing Jocelyn Brooke Ross

Here I am holding Jocelyn only hours after she was born. She just looked perfect!
I don't know if you can see it or not, but Jonathan and Jed both have toothpicks in their mouths. Jed likes to do whatever his daddy does. Jonathan, you better watch out!

Isn't she precious?! I love holding my babies.

Jocelyn Makes Four (Grandkids)

We got home last night. What a few days it has been! On Monday, Jennifer went into labor at about 6 AM. By 11:30, she went to a Birthing Clinic. At about 1 PM, Jocelyn Brooke was born -- 7lb14oz and 20 3/4 inches. She was born in water! It is a new technique for the US, but I can't argue with the results. She did not look like a normal newborn. Rather, she looked more like how a baby looks after several days.

Anyway, by 4 PM -- Jennifer and Jocelyn were home! You read it right. They were home with a 3 hour old baby. We got there about 6, and what a joyous time it was! Everyone is doing great. Jed isn't quite sure about the new person who is receiving so much of HIS attention. But he will do fine.
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What is with the wind this year? I do not remember a year that it has been this windy. Today it's supposed to be blowing 35-40. I'm thinking about getting a windmill generator.

Changes

This morning we saw our son Josh and his wife Kayci and our grandson Truitt off to their new home in Memphis, Tennessee. Josh will be the preaching minister for the Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis. I know they have a long day ahead of them, and pray that everything goes well. Truitt isn't crazy about his car seat. I can only imagine! Being strapped in like that could be claustrophobic!

As we were helping them pack and get off, we received a call from my other son Jonathan. His wife Jennifer has gone into labor. So we will probably be leaving early afternoon to go meet our granddaughter Jocelyn.

Lots of changes going on in our family these days!

The Old Variety Shows

For my generation growing up, almost everyone remembers "The Carol Burnett Show." It was a variety show, which was a very popular format during the 60s and early 70s. One of the funniest people on TV was Tim Conway. He never could carry a show on his own, but he was hilarious as supporting cast. Kind of like another one of my all-time favorite comedy actors, Don Knotts.

Well, the "Carol Burnett Show" was filmed before a live audience. And part of the funniness of it was that Conway did a lot of improv. He would do something funny that the other actors weren't expecting in the skit, and Carol and Harvey Korman would just roll over laughing.

I heard this morning that Mr. Korman has passed away at age 81. When I think of him, I don't think of his own humor. I see him busting it laughing at Conway. A show like that wouldn't make it today. But it brought laughter to millions for many years.

Does anyone else remember variety shows? There used to be a lot of them. My dad liked "The Dean Martin Show." But none had the longivity of Burnett, though. I think I saw where she was voted the 2nd best female comedian in TV history. #1 of course was Lucy.

Something to Chew On

Randy Moon sent me this email yesterday. I love these kinds of things, perhaps because I like trivia. But there is a lot of wisdom in some of the statements. I hope you enjoy it:

Only in America ........do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America........do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America.......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America........do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America........ do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America........do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

Only in America.......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.


EVER WONDER ...

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why you don't ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a 'broker'?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Will Smith

Yesterday, my brother said he tried to post a comment to my blog and it didn't accept it. I hope that hasn't been the case for the thousands of you out there who contribute to the discussion here (that's a joke, by the way). I don't know what happened, and have checked my settings. Hopefully it was just a May 27th glitch.

I have always liked WIll Smith. Not to the level my son Josh does, but I do like him. Now I like him more. Listen to this piece that was on the Smart Marriages website:

Will Smith has found the perfect way to keep a marriage on track - rule out divorce.

The movie star has been married to actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith for a decade and insists they'll never split because divorce isn't an option for them.

He explains: "Divorce can't be an option - it's really that simple. If you just remove the option because, if you have the option, one day that person's gonna make you wanna divorce.

"That's been a huge part of the success for she (Pinkett Smith) and I...We're like, 'Listen, we're gonna be together one way or the other so might as well try and be happy."

Good advice, Will.

This morning as I was running (well, jogging), I was listening on my MP3 to one of my favorite recording artists, Michael W. Smith. A song came on that is one of my favorites of his because of its driving beat (remember, I am an ex-drummer), but I had never really paid attention to the words. But this morning they really struck me as I thought about the many parents who will be releasing their seniors over the next couple of weeks. So here are the words. And may you be blessed.


Fly To The Moon

Fly to the moon
Well, you could do it if you wanted to
Try flying high
The only limit is the endless sky
So, go on and fly to the moon

Live in the sun
You know your living has just begun
So much ahead
Don't let the night leave you for dead
So, come on, live in the sun

Fly to the moon
And when you find your wings I will celebrate with you
Watch you as you soar
Take the wishes that are yours
And let them fly you to the moon

Dream on a star
You can let it take you near or far
Feet on the ground
Don't let anybody hold you down
So, go on and dream on a star

Fly to the moon
And when you find your wings
I will celebrate with you
Watch you as you soar
Take the wishes that are yours
I know you can fly to the moon
You can do all things
I will celebrate with you
It's hard to let you go
Still, you have to go,
I know

So go on, fly to the moon
And as you spread your wings
I will celebrate with you
Hope we taught you good
Hope you know that if I could
I would fly away with you

Gotta take it all the way
When you follow dreams
Follow far
Flying high and away
You're flying all the way
To the moon

Memorial Day

I've always tended to work out in the afternoons, I guess because I tend to sleep as late as I can in the morning -- giving me just enough time to get ready, eat a bite and get to work. But this morning I went running. It felt really good. Since the afternoons are now into the mid 90's, it just makes more sense to run when it's in the 70s. So, I may change my routine a bit.
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The Colonial could not have asked for a better script. Phil Mickelson hit an unbelievable shot out of certain doom to within 9 feet on the last hole, and then sunk it for a win. I loved the guy in the background doing a cannonball about the time the putt went in the hole. My guess is that will become a ritual by next year.

Beverly and I really enjoyed our day at Colonial Friday. It is such a pretty place, with huge pecan trees providing ample shade throughout. I did not remember, from my past experiences there,being able to get so close to the players. There was several times that I was able to stand within 10 feet of Phil.
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Enjoy your Memorial Day. Take a moment to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Go on line and read about D-Day or Iwo Jima. Or rent "Saving Private Ryan." I cannot even relate to the bravery shown by so many. We owe so much to them.

The Tradition of Colonial

Beverly and I are going to the Colonial today. I look forward to watching Phil Mickelson and other tour players who amaze me with their abilities. But I also look forward to showing Beverly one of the grand great golf courses of the 20th century. I would love for golf to return to the days when courses like Colonial were considered great. Tight fairways. Well-placed trees. Courses that required the golfer to think rather than just see how far he can hit it. But that is not what most fans want.

Have a blessed weekend!

Pray for the Chapman Family

So David Cook beat David Archeleta by 16 million votes, with 97 million cast. I don't know why, but the whole "Idol" thing was anti-clamatic for me this year. I won't be running out to buy recordings of either, since I have yet to buy any of the Idol music. If I did, it would be Carrie Underwood.
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I heard some tragic news this morning. Stephen Curtis Chapman's teenage son was backing out of the driveway and ran over and killed one of the children Chapman and his wife had adopted from China (a 5 year old daughter). My heart goes out to the Chapman family this morning.
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Tozer is on preaching this month. I wish today's words would convict all preachers everywhere. They have served as a reminder to me. I was especially convicted by the last sentence. Here they are:

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. --Galatians 1:10

This is one of the marks of our modern time--that many are guilty of merely "nibbling" at the truth of the Christian gospel.

I wonder if you realize that in many ways the preaching of the Word of God is being pulled down to the level of the ignorant and spiritually obtuse; that we must tell stories and jokes and entertain and amuse in order to have a few people in the audience? We do these things that we may have some reputation and that there may be money in the treasury to meet the church bills....

In many churches Christianity has been watered down until the solution is so weak that if it were poison it would not hurt anyone, and if it were medicine it would not cure anyone! I Talk Back to the Devil, 30-31.

Honoring a Hero

Yesterday Jacob, Beverly and I had the privilege of attending the dedication of a new dorm at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls. The building has been named for Kathyrn Nordman's father who was killed in action in 1965 as he flew air defense in dangerous weather for ground troops in Viet Nam. Even after his plane caught fire, he still delivered his payload before crashing.

I felt so honored to be there. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. I know Kathryn and her family must be so proud of the tribute given to her father and the legacy he has left.

I was never in the military. Maybe I missed my calling to some degree, because I am SO impressed by most anything military. I have had the privilege of serving at funerals of veterans who were buried at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. I get goose bumps as "taps" is played. And watching the color guard as they fold the flag and present it to the fallen's relative. I am moved when I hear a 21-gun salute, or hear fighter planes fly over. I'm captivated by the precision and discipline that goes into every move that is made.

I am also impressed by the way soldiers are trained to care about the fallen -- to leave no one behind. So much of the self-discipline of soldiers would work well in our churches, too. But I don't want to stretch that analogy too far.

Blessings on the Mattis family (Kathryn's maiden name). And thanks for letting me share in your special day yesterday.

Monday Morning Musings

My son Josh and his wife Kayci and my grandson Truitt are coming today to spend a few days with us before they head off to Memphis where they will begin their ministry with the Sycamore View Church of Christ. They are such a gifted couple, and I am very proud of them. The Southwest Central church in Houston has been so good to them over their two years there. I pray that their transition in ministry goes well.

I still find it hard to believe that I have been here in Decatur for over three years now. God is SO good. After I nearly gave up on ministry due to my prior experience, the Lord directed me to a place that has been incredibly affirming of Beverly and me. Because of the difficult season we went through several years ago, it has made me more appreciative of this wonderfully affirming group of believers. I've said it in the past, but it seems more relevant with the passing of time: Normally a preacher experiences a honeymoon period of about 6 months to a year (this is probably why some preachers move around so much). Well, after three years, we STILL feel like we are in our honeymoon stage.

We are SO blessed!
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Tonight is game 7 between San Antonio and New Orleans. I can't decide who I am for. I'm kind of tired of the Spurs being in the finals. It seems like everyone has been saying for years that they are too old. Yet, every year at crunch time -- here they are. New Orleans is interesting because they are fresh faces. And them being this far helps in some small way to vindicate the Mavs.
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Kenny Perry, a professional golfer who is also a deacon in the Church of Christ in Franklin, Kentucky (I think that is the name of the town) was in a playoff for yesterday's tournament. His second shot to the par 5 18th (1st playoff hole) hit a pine tree far to the right of the green, ricocheted across the green -- nearly hitting the pin, and ended up in the water on the left side. Talk about bad luck! Oh, well. I am glad to see he is getting back on his game after some extensive surgery a couple of years ago.

Beverly and I are planning to go to the Colonial this Friday. Maybe we will follow him around some. When he walks by, I think I'll say, "Hey Kenny! 728B. Acts 2:38." He will immediately know what we have in common:)

Kingdom Difference

I've been ill at home for a couple of days, so I have been out of Bloggerville. After going to the doctor yesterday, I am doing much better today -- so far.

I read this morning that the California Supreme Court has ruled against a state law banning homosexual marriage. This and similar issues are difficult ones for me. I believe that God only sanctions marriage between a man and a woman. In fact, that would be the definition of marriage.

However, the libertarian in me says that government legislation on moral issues is inconsistent at best -- as well as useless. Maybe I am just trying to prepare for the inevitable, because I believe our nation will soon allow homosexual marriage. But the legislating of morals has never worked. In early America, adultery was against the law. Can you imagine that today? What would happen to our workforce if every adulterer was in prison? Obviously, prohibition was a huge failure.

I think the answer to the above issues is found in this: If homosexual marriage is allowed, it will provide Christians with an opportunity to show the world the difference that living in a God-honoring way can make. We have not done well in recent years with that, since the Christian divorce rate is pretty much identical to our cultures. But we are to be an upside-down kingdom -- living vastly different from the world. And here will be an opportunity to be salt to the decaying and light in the darkness.

A Tribute to May

May is perhaps the busiest month of the year. I graduated from high school and college in May. Many weddings are in May, as was my oldest son's and his wife's (6 years ago last Sunday). Lots of endings come in May.

My father passed away in May, 1996. We buried my father-in-law this May. My youngest grandson was born in May, 2007.

For our church, May means Mother's Day, Children's Place graduation (tomorrow night). Senior Sunday and Memorial Day.

So May is a paradoxical month. A time of change. School comes to an end. Huge life changes for seniors. But May is also about fresh starts. Everything seems to be at its greenest and most colorful in May.

I don't know that it's my favorite month -- because I love the Fall, too. But I like May.

How about you?

Back From H-Town

I don't know what's in the air, but I'm ready for it to leave! My wife and daughter have been hit hard by allergies for several days -- pretty much lost their voices. For Beverly, that renders her nearly immobile:) Well, it hit me yesterday. I think it is Cedar that affects me, because I get it in the spring and the fall.
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It was so good to be at my grandson's 1st birthday party Saturday. He and his family are getting ready to move to Memphis. They will be coming to stay with us for several days next week. I can't wait!

We stayed two nights with my other grandson and his family. He will be two next month --just about the time that his sister arrives. I got to play golf Friday with my son Jonathan. It was a treat. It took a long time, but the blackberries are ripe, and so while we waited, we picked berries and ate them.

Get Educated on Islam

I was reading about Islam the other day and came across this quote:

Christians and Jews say "I will die for what I believe."
A Muslim says "You will die for what I believe."

I know that people could make the argument that historically, "Christians" have killed in the name of Jesus, etc. And that would be true. But even a cursory reading of the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament would uncover no evidence for killing in the name of Jesus. In fact, Jesus called His followers to just the opposite -- to suffer for the sake of the gospel. To turn the other cheek. To forgive one's enemies.

Islam, on the other hand, is carrying out the very words of their false prophet Mohammed. He called for his followers to cut off the heads of "the infidel" (that's Christians and Jews). He called for the conquering of the world -- submitting it to Islam or the sword.

So while the argument can be made about violence done by those who follow certain religions, it is scary when you take it back to their actual "holy books."

Further, I am skeptical of the claim that Islam is a religion of peace. Islam does not teach peace or love. It teaches submission and domination. And don't be fooled by the politically correct media telling us that Muslims that live in the United States have no agenda. That may be true for some. But Islam teaches the practice known as "Takiyah." Takiyah teaches Muslims to do whatever is necessary to achieve victory over the "enemy" or "infidels". In short, they can lie, promise peace, and even act like an infidel. But when their opponents' guards are down -- they are to crush them.

It is bone-chilling to read reports of things that are being said in American mosques today.

I know many think I am being an alarmist, but we have buried our heads in the sand on this issue. We assume that Islam will play by "American" rules of live and let live. THEY WON'T. To do so is to be an unfaithful Moslem.

I challenge you to go on line and read some of the teachings of Islam. Become informed.

Let's Talk Some B-Ball

Hmmmm. Maybe the Mav's 1st round loss to New Orleans wasn't such an embarrassment after all. They have looked pretty impressive in going up 2-0 on the Spurs.

I read an email this morning that I thought was cute. A family who are friends of ours serving as missionaries in New Zealand sent out their update. In it, Troy (the daddy) mentioned that his teenaged son (a Spurs' fan) asked if Tony Parker was the greatest basketball player ever. Troy said it made him feel old to tell his son about Michael Jordan, and have him not know who he was talking about.

So, it got me to thinking: Who would make your list of the greatest basketball players ever? And if anyone puts Dirk (I like him, really), I will edit your response:) And PLEASE -- no Shaq. Throw any 500 pound man out there and he is going to disrupt play -- especially when the refs let him get away with anything.

The two that come to my mind: Magic Johnson (absolutely grace in motion) and Michael Jordan (no doubt about it -- the BEST ever). I would like to put Wilt Chamberlain in there, but don't know that he wasn't simply the Shaq of his day. If you look at old film, he looks a head taller than anyone else on the court. But the dude did score 100 points in a single game. And his average for that year was over 50, I think.

Others I have truly enjoyed watching through the years -- especially in their primes: Larry Bird, Dr. J, Jason Kidd, Hakeem.

I don't know if my sons are going to reply to this or not, but I can tell you who their favorite is: John Stockton.
NOT!

Thank You

I was visiting with the many people who came through at my father-in-law's visitation last Wednesday night. The encouragement I had received from brothers and sisters in Christ had sustained me and my family, and I was feeling very blessed and grateful.

I was speaking with one lady when I said, "I don't know how people without a community of faith make it during times like this." She leaned over to me and with a smile whispered, "Vodka."

I was reminded over and over again over the last few days of just how rich I am. The kindnesses shown by my Decatur church family have been too many to count. The food. The thoughtful words. My elders' being 2nd-milers. People thinking of things we needed before we even realized it. They guys who came over Saturday morning to take care of some chores at my mother-in-law's house. It has blown me away!

But it didn't stop there. The turnout at the graveside in East Texas was incredible! There must have been 200 people there! Of course, my father-in-law had served two churches (Crockett and Groveton) as an elder. Both those churches were within a half hour of the cemetery. I began my ministry in Crockett. So to see loyal friends who waited for a while since we were running late -- it reinvigorated us. Wonderful, wonderful people.

Everyone who participated in the service did incredible jobs. I chose the word "integrity" in shaping my thoughts about my father-in-law. My brother-in-law concluded the service by saying his word for Mr. Jones was "acceptance." How true.

Thank you to everyone who journeyed with us over the past week. Your kindnesses will not be forgotten.

A Great Man

Yesterday was a day we have known was coming, and yet a day we have dreaded. My father-in-law passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He was 80 years old.

Billie Jones grew up on a farm in Trinity County (deep east Texas). And although he didn't stay on the farm, he never lost that down-to-earth charm.

Billie Jones LOVED people, almost as much as he loved the Lord. He never met a stranger. Or let me put it this way, if he DID meet a stranger, that person did not stay a stranger long.

He loved the Lord SO much! He taught me many things. How to be a good husband and a good father. But one of the most valuable lessons I learned was watching his focus on prayer.

He defined integrity, and this is what I will talk about quite a bit tomorrow at his funeral. He believed that if you said you were going to do something -- you do it. Even if it hurts, you do it.

In recent years, his thoughts have become more and more focused on heaven. A few years ago, I began a Bible class by asking people about places they would like to visit. He said, "Heaven." I kind of made fun of his "church" answer, and immediately regreted it. Why? Because I realized that for him, it was not a "church" answer. He TRULY meant it.

Yesterday, Billie Jones got his wish.

Miley, Tell Me It Ain't So!

My granddaughter loves Miley Cyrus and "Hannah Montana." I have to admit, when she is at the house watching it, I listen in. The show is funny -- though corny. And Miley has been so wholesome on any show I have seen her on.

Then news comes out about a photo shoot she had with Vanity Fair magazine in which some "racy" pictures were taken. Here is Miley's statement:

"I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed," Cyrus said Sunday in a statement through her publicist. "I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans who I care so deeply about."

Give her credit for apologizing. But was the magazine to be blamed, or was it an error on the Cyrus' part in judging Miley's audience. After all, since the pictures came out, there has been an outcry against her.

The following is a statement from Vanity Fair, defending its position: "Miley's parents and/or minders were on the set all day," the magazine said. "Since the photo was taken digitally, they saw it on the shoot and everyone thought it was a beautiful and natural portrait of Miley."

So is this another example of a teen going "adult," like Britanny Spears and so many before her? Or is this truly a regretful error on the part of the Cyruses? Or is it much to-do about nothing?

Persistent Prayer

Dr. Moody Stuart once drew up a set of rules to guide him in his prayers. Among these rules is this one: "Pray till you pray."...

I can so relate to that. There are occasions when I "pray" that there are so many distractions that I never actually pray. Perseverance no doubt plays a large part in effective prayer.
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I have added another item to my list of things I want to become. I want to be known as an encourager. Not in the sense of "It's a great day! Put a smile on your face." No, I want to be known as someone who says things to people that help them to reframe their futures.

So I add that to "taking each thought captive" and to prayer becoming as natural as breathing.

Carly's Gone

A bit of a surprise on American Idol last night. Carly got cut. I was really expecting it to be Brooke this week. I think she was expecting it too.

Carly has one of the better voices of all the contestants. But that full-arm tatoo and her angry-rock style may have turned voters off. I would like to think her choice of the blasphemous "Jesus Christ, Superstar" may have had something to do with her lack of votes this week (I kind of doubt it).

How must it feel to be Brooke, Syesha and Jason at this point? Does anyone really doubt that the last two standing will be David Cook and David A?

Spiritual Goals

From Tozer:

"Most of us in moments of stress have wished that we had lived so that prayer would not be so unnatural to us and have regretted that we had not cultivated prayer to the point where it would be as easy and as natural as breathing...."

My personal spiritual goals (Rick) right now are 1. to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10: 5) and 2. For prayer to be as natural to me as breathing.

"Speak Where the Bible Speaks"

"Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent." It has been a motto by which we in Churches of Christ have tried to live. However, we have often been inconsistent in how we view being silent where the Bible is silent. Does it mean we are forbidden to do anything that the Bible does not endorse? Or does it mean we have freedom? But still, it is good to be a part of a fellowship that wants to find its answers in Scripture.

I have been amused through the years by some of the funny things people have said to me -- confident that they had the backing of the authority of God. I thought of one of them last night. Years ago, when I was ministering in Crockett, Texas, there was a lady who was a chronic complainer. One evening, I had baptized a young boy (about 10), and this woman came to me right after the baptism. She told me he was too young to be baptized. I personally prefer to see people wait until they are mid-teens to make such an important life decision. But I can't make that decision for another person. Anyway, this lady said, "He's not even to the 'age of accountability.'" We have used this term for years, but it is not to be found in Scripture. So I asked her, "What age is that?"

Here was her answer: "Well, since Jesus was 12 when He was in the Temple and He was perfect, then we need to add one year to that -- since we are not perfect. So, the age of accountability is 13."

Now that is rooted in some deep application of Scripture!

My prayer is that we will continue to speak where the Bible speaks. But I also long for us to be silent where the Bible is silent. By the way, I interpret that to mean that in silence, we are not to bind.

Monday Mishmash

I'm blogging a little later than usual this morning. Beverly and I were at the hospital in Grapevine until fairly late seeing our newest "grandson." Yes, Jody and Rachel Adams had their baby a couple of weeks early. He is beautiful, and they look like naturals as parents already. Calvin and Virginia were beaming!

I have a feeling this baby (named Clayton) may make Guinness' Book of World Records as the most spoiled baby in history. However, he has a pretty high bar set by our grandkids (Beverly is a spoiler par excellant).
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I got to play golf again Saturday at Vaquero. What a treat that is! I feel guilty with the way I am treated out there. I think I am the only person who says "thank you" to the wait-staff. They are unbelievable. On the range, you finish with a club, and someone is there to clean it for you. People are constantly coming up asking if you want something to drink. No tipping is allowed.

My friend who invited me said you would not believe how many of the members complain about the conditions and service. I'm going, "HUH?" I guess some people will complain about heaven, too!
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Isn't it amazing what a sincere compliment can do for you? Last night, one of our deacons came to me and said some of the kindest things about Beverly and me and how much he appreciates us. Kind words are SO energizing.

I sometimes wonder about words I speak -- especially to our young people. I know that words spoken to me by individuals from church when I was a teenager made a big difference in my life. I want to be that difference-maker to others, too.

Where is the Accountability?

I was a business major in my undergraduate college degree. I have admiration for the theory of the free-enterprise system. But doesn't there need to be some accountability? Doesn't doing what is right for America still outweigh gouging for all the greedy profit one can get?

I cite two examples: Exxon-Mobil continues to rack up obscene quarterly profits -- PROFITS (that's after expenses) for the last several quarters. I'm talking about profits like no corporation in history has come close to. Yet all the while they are taking the United States down into a recession -- coupled with inflation. After all, fuel prices affect the price of EVERYTHING. Can I afford $4 a gallon gas? Yes, in my two Honda Civics, I will be OK. But my heart hurts for the poor who will have to do without food perhaps in order to get to their job -- if they are fortunate enough to have one. It is sinful and unholy greed. And I do believe that a just God does not close His eyes to greed and taking advantage of others.

But where is the accountability? There is none. There isn't really even the practice of a free market system here. The oil companies essentially have a monopoly. In economics, it is called an olygopoly (sp?) in the case of big oil; where there are only a handful who are competing. And how easy would it be for those few to be in collusion with each other?

2nd example: AMR (parent company of American Airlines) reported yesterday that their quarterly losses amounted to $328 million dollars. I can remember a day when bonuses were given for superior performances. So with that staggering quarterly loss, what happened to the top corporate executives of AMR? The CEO received a bonus of $1.7 million, while the CFO received only a paltry (I am being sarcastic) $934,000. Not salary -- but bonus!

What do you think the company is going to tell the pilots and flight attendants and other employees when it comes time for contract talks? They will say, "Have you seen our bottom line? We are losing money. Why can't you people understand that and accept your 10% pay cut like good, loyal employees during these hard times?"

Again, where is the accountability? Does ANYONE out there picture God smiling on such greed?

More on Postmodernism

In recent weeks, I have written some about postmodernism. I came across something yesterday that I found interesting, so I wanted to share it with you:

Tim Stafford wrote in Christianity Today about teaching an introduction to Christianity class to a class of postmoderns. He said that at the beginning of class he showed his students a jar full of beans and asked each participant to guess how many were in the jar. then he asked them to write down the name of his or her favorite song.

When the lists were complete, he revealed the actual number of beans, and they determined which class participant was closest. Then he asked, "Now which one of these sons is the closest to being right?" The class answered that there is no right answer to a person's favorite song, because favorite songs are a matter of personal taste and preference.

Then Stafford asked the group, "When you decide what to believe in terms of your faith, is it more like trying to determine the number of beans or choosing your favorite song?" He said that the majority of the class said it is more like choosing your favorite song.
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You heard it here: Tonight on American Idol, either Brooke or Carly is gone. Kristi Lee squeeks by again.

God is Good!

Beverly and I are truly amazed at the ways in which God is blessing us right now -- affirming that we are where He wants us to be. Last night Beverly had her annual fundraiser for Wise County Christian Counseling (check out her website at www.wiseccc.org). We had a packed house! It was wonderful to have my daughter and her friend there. And a surprise blessing was to have our friends Tommy and Jennifer Maddox, who helped to make this ministry a reality, in attendance and at our table. It was just and incredible evening! I am SO proud of my wife.
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Our journey has been an interesting one. When we married, Beverly thought she was getting a man who would be involved in marketing, and I thought I was getting a homemaker. After about 5 years of marriage, I went to work for Amoco Oil -- working a swing shift in the refinery in Texas City. A few years later, the Lord pulled me toward ministry -- and with that, Beverly went back to finish her teaching degree.

By our 13th year of marriage, I was in full-time ministry and Beverly was teaching school. Things stayed that way for about 11 years. Then, she went back to get her Masters degree in counseling (intending to use it in school teaching) -- and fell in love with it.

So, here we are now. I have been in ministry 20 years this June -- and love it more today than I ever have. And Beverly is doing counseling -- with unbelievable success rates. She is SO gifted.

That's why I say that I think God has brought all of this together, and just continually affirms to us His purpose for us here. And we are SO at peace with that. Thank you, Father! Thank you.

Sons . . . Masters

My oldest son Josh and his family are moving out of the country. He announced yesterday to his precious church in Houston that he has accepted the preaching position for the Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. Crossing the Mississippi River into a foreign land:).

I am thankful to the Southwest Central Church for treating them so well. There is certainly a mutual love evidenced there. Now I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use them in this new adventure. They will be starting in June. I guess my grandson Truitt will be a Volunteers fan.
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It was great having my other son Jonathan and his family here Friday and Saturday. I had a morning leadership retreat on Saturday, so I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with them. But what time I did was great. Jonathan and I played golf Friday afternoon. And then I hung out with Jed. He is such a delight! Funny, and talking up a storm!
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Tiger will have to wait another year for a shot at the Slam. His play seemed to be pretty uninspired this week. Beverly and I watched some of the Masters, and I was struck at how often we would comment about how beautiful Augusta is. I have known a number of people who have been there. All of them say that it is better than they expected. Not many places that is true of. The Grand Canyon. Yellowstone. Augusta.

I read last week that no one has even been added to the waiting list for a ticket to Augusta since 2000. People put their right to purchase tickets in their wills. It's crazy.

Congratulations to Trevor Immelman!

The Bad Word: Monotony

I've heard the quote, but I can't find it in order to get it exactly right. So we might call it a paraphrase. C. S. Lewis once observed that only God and children enjoy monotony.

Think about it. What do we do when we see that there is going to be a rare break in our busy, hectic schedules? We have to fill it with activity, right? It's like we dread the thought of a still moment.

Yet it's in the stillness that we become more aware of the Father. Maybe that's why we try to keep so busy. But I think our "busyness" is more a mindset foisted on us by our culture. Busy people are productive people. Busy people are the important people. Busy equals meaningful.

Listen to people when they are together. For some, it's like a competition to outdo the other on how busy they are. It almost reminds me of kids on the playground. "I'm busier than you are." "Oh, yeah? Well . . ."

Truth be know, that all bores me. I'm not impressed with extreme business. The person who works 70 hours a week receives my sympathy -- not my admiration.

Life is about relationships. Time spent with God. Time spent with family. Time spent making connections with people.

Let us learn to enjoy monotony.

Happy Birthday, Malaya!

Today is my granddaughter's 8th birthday. What a special day it was when I became "Grampy." I can't wait to be with her tonight! Happy Birthday, Malaya. You have added so much to your Grammy's and my life.
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Last night, church was cancelled because of the storms. So, Beverly and I went home and watched the Masters Par 3 championship. It was the 1st time it has ever been telecast, and it was really cute. The players allow their kids to caddie for them. And the kids hit shots. It was precious.

Midweek Miscellaneous

My father-in-law, Billie Jones, is back in the hospital this morning. He has a case of pneumonia. I love to hear him interact with the nurses, and hope if I ever find myself in the situation that he is in that I will be like him. He never loses his sense of humor.

The way things have been over the last couple of months, they need to just leave that plastic wrist band on him:)
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So far this season, American Idol has gone according to script. America has done a good job in its voting, in my opinion. Last night, Carrie and Michael and Brook turned in the weakest performances. I am looking for Carrie to be voted off this week.

David Cook, the frontrunner, turned in a mediocre performance. I think David Archileta (sp?) took the driver's seat back this week.

The results will not be until Thursday night this week.
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I love Randy Galloway's headline this morning after the Rangers' season opener yesterday. It says, "Home Opener Went Well Until Game Got Started." Not a good start for Mesquite star Jason Jennings, as Baltimore won 8-1. He went to high school with my daughter at Mesquite Poteet.
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Tomorrow's the big day: The Masters. One of the greatest Masters' in my memory was in 1986 when Jack Nicklaus, at the age of 46, tore the back 9 up on Sunday to win his 6th green jacket. Hard to believe that was 22 years ago.

The line on Tiger is 6 to 5 (unbelieveable!). Next is Phil Mickleson at 10 to 1. Tiger is so far ahead in world rankings right now that if you split his ranking, he would still be #1 and #2.
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Can't wait to see my oldest grandson Friday! He called me yesterday and said, "Hi, Rick!" Jonathan said when he prays at night and they get to me, he says "Gobble, gobble, gobble!" (You can supply whatever joke you want here). He is trying to say Grampy -- I think. But I don't even care if he calls me "Gobble."

Prayer. . . Rosie

Thanks, Kyle, for responding to my blog yesterday. I don't know if the lack of responses to the subject of prayer speaks more about how few people read my blog or to how difficult a discipline prayer is. I prefer to think it is a lack of readership.

I don't know about you, but I think the toughest thing about prayer is distractions. That's no doubt why Jesus suggested going into one's "closet" to pray. It removes the distractions. I have loved times when I can be away from all that and just be with the Lord. I used to love to hunt for that reason. Sitting under a pine tree in East Texas on a cool Fall afternoon. Just me and the Lord -- those were special times.
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One week from today is tax day. Fortunately, my tax preparers insist that I have my stuff in by mid-March. So, I submitted it in late February, and am now waiting for my refund. There are things I procrastinate about, but I must confess to finding humor in seeing lines at the post office at midnight on April 15.
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Here is some late-breaking, shocking news: Rosie O'Donell was on GMA this morning. In her expert opinion, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama should run on the ticket together to (these are her words) "save our democracy."

She has written a childrens' book (I know you parents of little ones are lined up this morning for this one). Can you imagine what she must be like at home when she goes into one of those outbursts of anger? She and her lesbian lover are raising four children. She has made a fortune off of being on TV, and yet she does not allow her kids to watch it. There seems to be some irony there.

Who's next with a childrens' book? Howard Stern?

This is enough to get us all on our knees.

Prayer

My internet connection is moving slower than a snail today. It has taken me forever just to get to my blog site.

Today's devotional from Tozer has hit me right between the eyes:

To pray successfully is the first lesson the preacher must learn if he is to preach fruitfully; yet prayer is the hardest thing he will ever be called upon to do and, being human, it is the one act he will be tempted to do less frequently than any other.

God Tells the Man Who Cares, 69.

I confess that this is one discipline I struggle with. Oh, I pray. But I would not consider my prayer life to be one of my strengths. I would welcome any feedback as to how you incorporate prayer into your life.

Computer Gives Birth to Baby

Suppose we get to the point where humans have some kind of memory chip implanted in us. Will we then become computers? No, we will still be what we were born as -- humans, male and female.

ABC seems obsessed right now with this story about a man giving birth to a baby. It is a bogus story from start to finish. The person giving birth is not a man. It is a woman who has had some surgery and taken some hormones -- and now claims to be a man.

Words have meanings, or else a language cannot exist. And yet in our "postmodern" culture, your words can mean whatever you want them to mean -- and my words can mean something different. How then will we ever communicate?

The same holds true with the current issue of "gay marriage." Here are two words that have been given new meanings. Gay used to mean happy. What an oxymoron. Homosexuals, as a whole, don't seem to be very happy. But the word "marriage" is also being given new meaning. Marriage is the joining of a man and woman in union. "For a man will leaven his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

I can call Beverly my husband and my mother my father and my father my mother. I have a right to do that. But that doesn't make it so. Why? Because words have meanings.

Once again, this is political correctness gone amuck.
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Are the Cowboys ever in luck! Not only might they sign Pacman Jones for a cornerback, now they can sign Chris Henry -- Bengals' receiver cut yesterday for his consistently criminal lifestyle. I bet Jerry Jones is drooling. The way things are going, he can have the team picture taken at the police station, and they can pose in mug-shots.

Speaking of Jones: It has now been nearly as long since the Cowboys have been to the Super Bowl than it was when Jerry bought the team -- claiming it needed to rid itself of the past leadership and get some fresh blood. Hmmmmm. That's a pleasant thought, come to think of it.
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It was one of those moments that you always remember where you were. 40 years ago today a true American hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, was gunned down in Memphis, Tennessee. He inspired a generation of people to shed the sin of racism. Some people love to point out his moral faults. But to do so is to dismiss what he accomplished. Lincoln had them, as did Jefferson, Franklin, Kennedy and FDR. That is not to defend moral failures; but let's apply an even hand to all. King would rank in my top 5 greatest Americans of all time.

Modernism and Postmodernism

In last night's mens' class, we wrestled with a wonderful topic: Being Christ in a Post-modern world. It is hard for us to see as we live through it, but a significant philosophical change has taken place in people's world view. Those of us 35 and older don't recognize it -- except as we view it in those who are younger. It is not the same as the age-old "generation gap." No, this is a "once-in-a-500 year" total change in the way people process their world.

Those of us 35 and older lived in the age known as "modernism." It is a philosophical age that begin in the 1500s. It brought Europe out of the Dark Ages and into the "age of enlightenment." One of the leading modernist philosophers was John Locke. His methods greatly influenced Alexander Campbell -- the premier leader of the American Restoration Movement, of which Churches of Christ are a part. Modernist philosophy was about reason and absolutes. And as a modernist reads that, we think, "Of course, because that is important to establishing truth."

But a postmodernist does not see things that way. He or she hear our reasoning and ask, "So what? What difference does it make?"

You will hear many people bashing postmodernism -- especially one who is strongly tied to modernism. Our hard drives are not programmed for their way of reasoning. Nor is theirs for ours.

So what can we expect? Good and bad. This can lead to more clashes between the generations -- unless we realize that we live in two different paradigms. It means some of the things that we modernists wanted to fuss and fight over will mean nothing to the postmodernist. In fact, it will probably drive him or her away. So we better have really good and compelling reasons for what we do.

On the positive side, postmodernists will probably be more about actually being Jesus in the world. A Jesus of social justice and concern for the disenfranchised. While a group of modernists might think being like Jesus means knowing and discussing God's Word (extremely important), the postmodernist will be more about embodying THE Word (also extremely important).

Ideally, I wish we could take the best of both worldview philosophies and put them together.

Stereotyping Jesus

I read an article in Christianity Today entitled "A Jesus for Real Men." It deals with the new men's movement that began with John Eldredge's book Wild at Heart (2001) that lamented that the masculine spirit was at risk because "most men believe God put them on the earth to be good boys." He suggests that the church's tendency to promote discipleship as merely becoming "nice guys" keeps men from embodying their God-given maleness.

In his book Why Men Hate Going to Church, David Morrow says that while the local congregation is "perfectly designed to reach women and older folks" -- with its emphasis on comfort, nurture and relationships -- it "offers little to stir the masculine heart, so men find it dull and irrelevant."

According to james Driscoll, "real men" avoid the church because it projects a "Richard Simmons, hippie Christ" that "is no one to live for" and "no one to die for." Driscoll adds, "Jesus was not a long-haired . . . effeminate dude." Driscoll says Jesus was more like the "Ultimate FIghting Jesus."

The article then goes on to try to balance our view of Jesus. I have long had a problem with the way Middle Ages art portrayed Jesus. He looks pretty wimpy -- as well as very European (that's another discussion). But I have a hard time picturing Him as Hulk Hogan, either. I think there is value in studying Jewish history of that time, and tying that in with the Biblical text. Certainly the impression we would come away with of Jesus would not fit neatly into either of the above-mentioned stereotypical molds. Yes, He was a man's man. But He was also very tender and compassionate.

I found the article to be interesting.

Spring Sports Stuff

I certainly don't claim to be a sports expert. In fact, while I used to closely keep up with sports, I don't do so any more. So I am just throwing this out for fodder for you to respond:

1. Everyone seems to get caught up in March Madness. Why, oh why can't I? I can't even tell you who is left.

2. Baseball season has begun. The Rangers appear to be headed for the cellar again. Why are some teams consistently bad while other teams are consistently good? Why are some teams loaded with pitching, while other teams can't name more than a half dozen good pitchers in their past 40 years?

3. What has happened to the Mavs? Last year, they had one of the best records in NBA history. Of course we all know about their disappearing act in the playoffs. But this year, they are going to be lucky to be the 8th seed in the West. Have they lost that much? Or has the rest of the West gotten that much better? Or have they given up on Avery?

4. Jerry Jones is pursuing "Pacman" Jones. He seems to be in a one-man bidding war, because no one else seems to want the guy. Jerry appears to have a man-crush on trouble-makers (see T. O. and Tank Johnson). Would the Cowboys' acquiring Pacman be a good thing or a bad thing?

5. Next week is the most exciting tournament in golf -- the Masters. That course is what heaven must look like. It looks like every blade of grass is cut to perfection. And the azaleas are always beautiful. Does anybody want to bet against Tiger Woods?

6. Any time I write anything about golf on MY blog, I have to endure a couple of NASCAR comments. So, I might as well throw something out there about the great sport of auto racing. How many gallons of fuel will be wasted this next race as people watch cars go around in a circle?

Sitting Before God WIthout Getting Lazy

On 5th Sundays, our church has a potluck lunch, a short devotional led by our young men, and then we are done for the day. Beverly and I always try to make that Sunday a "date time."

Yesterday we went to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. It is probably about a week or two early, as many of the flowers are just getting ready to blossom. But we enjoyed it. Our intention had been to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, but there were so many people that it was difficult. So, we found a secluded bench and sat together for over an hour. We talked and watched the squirrels and talked and watched the butterflies and talked and watched the humanoids. I commented to her how sad it is that we humans too rarely do that any more. Just sit and take in all God has given us to watch.

Then we left there and went to Joe T. Garcia's for supper. It was a good day.
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I was convicted by Tozer's prayer for preachers this morning:

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
--2 Timothy 2:3-4

Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember
that I am a prophet--not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ....

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven.
God Tells the Man Who Cares, 105-106.

Don't be alarmed at him referring to preachers as prophets. The primary idea of a prophet is not to foretell the future, but to speak for God.
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Happy Birthday yesterday to my little brother John. He ministers to a church just outside of Tampa, Florida. I am SO proud of him and his family. I hope you had a wonderful BD.

Lifestyle Changes

Today marks a week since I began some life changes. We went to dinner with my daughter and her husband last Friday night, and something came up about my blood pressure being elevated. They gave me a lecture (a kind one, but a direct one) about how I needed to change my exercise and diet. jenny talked to me about foods I could eat and David convinced me I could get running shoes that would take the stress off my knees (that is why I had quit running 15 years ago).

That night, Beverly and I took a long walk -- and I ran about a half a mile. Saturday, I went to the shoe store and got fitted with some running shoes. Since then (except for Easter lunch), I have eaten only salad, fruit, granola, grilled fish or chlcken, sweet potatoes and steamed vegetables. I have worked out 5 days. I ran 2.6 miles yesterday, and walked an additional 2.2.

I have to be honest: I never expected the food to be so good! I actually look forward to it! We have had talapia, salmon, chicken fajitas and grilled chicken breasts. And the steamed veggies are delicious. I am able to eat to my fill, and yet consume about 500-600 calories per meal.

Result: This morning, I weigh 7 pounds less than I did last Friday. And my bloodpressure? It is already coming back into line.

I don't even desire fried foods right now. Beverly got a new cookbook that we are looking forward to trying. It's really fun. I can see this being a totally new lifestyle for us.
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On a different note about lifestyles: GMA reported this morning on the desire to find a "gay" gene. There is an element in our culture that is determined to find it. The end of the story might be similar to the Emperor's New Clothes. They will just tell everyone there is one -- and people will quote the "experts." Kind of like the revelation this week about the study that found that lung cancer isn't so bad because it is treatable. The study was funded by a tobacco company.

Defrauded By Priceline.com

I have never used this space for anything like this before. Yesterday I was making some travel arrangement for our trip to Alaska in July-August. We are going on a cruise with Calvin and Virginia Buchanan. We are arriving in Vancouver, BC a day early and staying a day afterward, so we needed a hotel.

I bid on a hotel and got one at the airport, which is actually in Richmond, BC (catch that because it is important to the development of this story). There was a link on the page for rent cars, so I clicked on it -- since we would need one before and after the cruise. It showed me what was available at Richmond Airport. I bid on a car and got it.

After I printed my reservation, I noticed that the cars would be available in Richmond, VA. I had never entered that at all. This was something that the website prompted. So I called Hertz and they told me they could do nothing about it. They said to call Priceline. I called Priceline and was treated with the most condescending of attitudes by the "customer service" agent. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and received more of the same.

I know what their policies are -- which they robotically reminded me of about a dozen times. But this was THEIR error. I was not asking for any money back. All I wanted them to do was transfer my cars from Richmond, VA (their creation) to Richmond, BC. I found them to be totally unreasonable. They told me that I could cancel my TWO reservations for $50 each. By the way, that was my bid for the cars. They were totally unwilling to do anything else.

So, I have paid $100 for nothing. I am not saying that I held no responsibility here, but I feel like this was totally unreasonable. I will NEVER use Priceline again, and I encourage you to do the same. If you do use them, be very careful. I think this practice is extremely deceptive. They could have their computers change something like the states letters, and even though you review your order -- this is something that can easily be missed. Result? They get your money without offering any service. And probably have many people who just turn around and bid again. Quite a gimmick.

I will be trying another website in the future -- perhaps hotwire,com. But there is one I will never use again -- priceline.com. They and their atheist pitchman WIlliam Shatner have lost my business for good.

A Sorry Sabbath

I know that we are now on this side of the good news of Resurrection Sunday. But for some reason, over the last few days I have thought a lot about what Saturday must have been like. You have the crucifixion -- which must have sent Jesus' disciples into a state of utter confusion. And you have Resurrection Sunday -- which must have been thousands of times more exhilarating than we feel when we watch our favorite team come back from a 20 point deficit to win in the last seconds.

But what must Saturday have been like? I don't mean to be depressing because we know the end of the story. But can you even imagine what Jesus' followers must have felt like that day? As the reality of previous days kicked in. I'm sure they were scared out of their wits. I imagine they had begun taking inventory of their own lives. 3 years wasted? My bet is they were probably angry too. Angry at the Jews. Angry at the Romans. Angry at themselves. But maybe most angry at Jesus. Had they been so easily duped?

Don't you know that Jesus must have wanted to come back earlier to comfort them? My guess is His heart was breaking as He watched their pain. What a sorry Sabbath day it must have been.

But that made Sunday all the better. And 2,000 years later -- it ought to continue to make "the Lord's Day" (the apostle John's words) extra special.

Which makes me think (this could be dangerous): When we partake of the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day -- we have traditionally said it is to remember His death. I certainly agree that is part of its purpose. But if we are only to commemorate His death, why not take the Supper on Friday or Saturday. No, we take it on Sunday! Resurrection Day! Victory day!

He is risen! Praise the Lord -- He is risen!

Today the Transaction was Made

So how is the Jason Kidd trade looking now? Again, I LOVE Jason Kidd -- from 5 to 10 years ago. Why don't the Mavs see if John Stockton wants to come play? They could probably give away several #1s for him.

It's looking like the Mavs need to move into rebuilding mode.
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Well, one Texas team is out (Baylor) and one continues (A&M). Texas should be joining A&M in the winners' bracket today.
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Today is Good Friday. I know, we traditionally haven't observed such days. We like being out of school on it, though. But unlike Christmas (we really don't know when Jesus was born), we do know that Jesus was crucified the day before Passover -- which is tomorrow. So roughly 1,978 years ago today, the most unfair -- but greatest -- transaction in history took place. Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. The wrath of God was poured out on Him -- so that I never have to incur it myself.

That makes THIS Friday pretty good, wouldn't you say?

Confessing Sin

This morning on the news I heard a report about on-line confessionals. Interesting. Go on line and post your sin.

You know, due to the Roman Catholic teaching that one must confess one's sins to a priest, we have tended to knee-jerk (as is too often our response to issues). We proclaim that you can confess your sins directly to the Lord. And that is, at least on the surface, true. Yet Scripture tells us to confess our sins to one another (James 5: 16) and then to pray for one another. For the last 150 years, that has pretty much been done by walking down the aisle during the "invitation," and filling out a card that says, "I have sinned. Please forgive me." Then an elder or a minister reads the person's "confession" -- followed by something like, "Well, brother, we all sin."

I think that James is calling us to something more. He is calling us to accountability and community. Yes, I can receive forgiveness of my sin as I confess it to the Father. But when I share my sin (and my struggle) with others, there is an accountability that comes with that. And if those to whom I confess really care about me, they are going to journey with me through it.

This is why the most successful treatment of alcohol / drug abuse / sexual addiction is not found in prescription drugs or even treatment centers. It is found in AA and programs like that. ACCOUNTABILITY. We need it in our lives. And I like what I see happening in churches. When a person comes forward with a sin struggle, it's not as likely that he or she will simply say, "I have sinned," followed by a prayer -- and then off to Luby's. And then that person is fodder for the gossip mill for a while.

Rather, people are coming looking for help. And more and more I see fellow strugglers pulling up beside them to be with them through it. Here in Decatur, I see the majority of the church embracing that person (and I don't mean just after the service -- I'm talking about where he lives) instead of shunning him or her. it is a beautiful thing. It is a Christlike thing. It is church.

Practicing the Word

This morning as I met with a group of guys the discussion turned to how we, as churches, lay out the truths of the Word -- but seem to have a difficulty in making those truths practical. It does seem to me that the expectations of the American church have been far too low. Leadership in many churches is satisfied if a large percentage of their flock "attend services." Yet even as they attend services, thoughts can be far away on those things that are carnal or worldly.

How do we translate the Word into our lives? I think it helps for it to be modeled. We who have been following Jesus for a while need to be mentors. Instead of talking politics, sports and TV -- we need to talk more about struggles, cross-living and the pursuit of God.

Any ideas as to how to make the Word "flesh"? I would be interested in feedback.

Watching the Diet

I stayed home yesterday and tried to just relax. My blood pressure has been escalated for a few days, and I thought it might help to have a "chill" day. I have tried to get in to see my doctor, but they are moving offices and their phone is out of service.

While I was home, I finished reading a novel by Francene Rivers. I finished the 2nd in a 3-book trilogy. It is the story of the movement of faith in the generation after the resurrection of Jesus. She really pulls you into the lives of a handful of characters, and the 2nd book's ending had me crying (I don't cry easily).
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Tiger did it again! I never would have thought I would see a golfer better than Jack Nicklaus come along. But we are watching one right now. He comes to the 72nd hole needing two putts to force a playoff. So what's he do? Drains a 25 footer to win! And the scary part is -- everyone expected him to do it!
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We are getting some much-needed rain today. Already had over an inch and a half, and it's still pouring. It has been wonderful!
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I am really trying to watch what I eat more closely (no smart comments here, please). Realizing I need more fiber, I have been eating homemade granola over some low-fat vanilla yogurt for breakfast each morning. It is really good. We got the recipe when we were at a bed-n-breakfast in Kennebunk, Maine year before last.

I'm also TRYING to eat more grilled stuff instead of fried. I'm actually finding that I like it. In fact, one of THE best out-to-eat meals I have had in a long time was last week at Cheddar's. I got their grilled talapia topped with grilled shrimp. It was absolutely delicious. If it wasn't 30 minutes away, I would have gone back for more!

Any suggestions for tasty food that's heart-healthy?

Calling Oprah's Hand

Today I am taking the risk of ruffling a few feathers. I want to like Oprah Winfrey. She seems to be a kind woman who does many good things through charities she supports, etc. Yet some of the things she says and promotes would cause people to rise up against her -- if she were not Oprah Winfrey. It's like she is untouchable. Millions of people bow down to her every whim. Actually, it is pretty scary.

Let me begin by saying I get real tired of receiving emails that run down celebrities and politicians -- making all kinds of slanderous accusations about them. For Christians to take part in the spreading of gossip and untruths intended to destroy a person's character is sinful. But I have found the following information on Oprah's own web site. I have read a transcript of a discussion she had on her show in which she doggedly asked a Christian man how he could say there is only one way to heaven. And she claims to be a Christian! Listen, my brothers and sisters: If any other celebrity had done that, the Christian people of America would be boycotting him or her. Imagine if Tom Cruise said that. Or John McCain. Or Hillary Clinton.

But of greater concern perhaps is her promoting of "A Course on MIracles" -- a daily feature on her XM radio program. This is new age to the core. I have gone to the web site and read up on it. It promotes all religions as paths to God. It claims that we are our own god. It says (these are quotes): A "slain Christ has no meaning." It says, "The journey to the cross should be the last useless journey." Here is a great quote; try it at your church this weekend: "Do not make the pathetic error of clinging to the old rugged cross." Or this one: "The name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol . . . It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray." And finally, "The Atonement is the final lesson he (man) need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation."

This attacks the Christian faith at its very core. Again, I want to like Oprah. I do not thing she intends to be a conduit for evil. But I DO believe that she is vulnerable to the tug of new age religion. And her endorsement of anything has tremendous power. Remember what Paul warned (2 Corinthians 11: 14) "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

Birthday Shoutout

Nine inches of snow! Who would have believed it? It is SO beautiful. Yesterday morning about 11, I had to run to Fort Worth to pick up some books for Beverly. I thought I would beat the storm home, since the weathermen had said it would hit late afternoon. Well, I ended up coming home in the worst of it. By the time I got home, we already had 5 inches on the ground. Incredible!
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__ years ago today, a little girl was born into this world in Pasadena, Texas. Who could have warned the world of what it was in store for? She was born with a heart for people -- a compassion that is extremely rare. And she was born with an energy level that would allow her to pour herself into the lives of people -- and rarely become tired. She bore three incredible children -- and instilled in them a love for the Lord and the things of the Lord that causes me to stand back in amazement. She has loved her man like no one ever could for 31 years. She has been at the top of her profession as a homemaker (14 years), a teacher (12 years) and a marriage and family therapist (6 years). She has mentored women into intimate relationships with the Lord. She is equally gifted in teaching a large group or investing herself one-on-one. And as a Grandmother (Grammy), she has no rival. Her love for the Lord is absolutely contagious. I know, because I caught it from her.

All this to say: Beverly, you are my hero. I am SO blessed of the Lord. So, I hope that today is an incredibly rewarding day for you. Happy Birthday, my precious bride.

More Quarterbacking

Yesterday's (Wednesday) Star-Telegram headline on the front page of the Fort Worth section said it would be a while before we saw any snow again. Yep. 48 whole hours. In Jack Bauer's hours, that is a long time. The weather service is predicting that we will get 3 inches tonight and into tomorrow morning.
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I mentioned the top quarterbacks in the game yesterday, and realized as I wrote it that the question I asked was a no-brainer. The talk on ESPN sports yesterday was this: Who are the top 5 quarterbacks in history? THAT is a tough question -- with lots of opinion involved. So, take part in my poll. Who would you say are the top 5 EVER? It's hard because some quarterbacks might not have been so good had they not been surrounded by a good team (Terry Bradshaw comes to mind). Others might have been great, but were stuck with mediocre teams (Dan Marino, for instance). One important characteristic to me is how the individual elevated his team to a new level.

Here is my list (I admit a bias):
1. Joe Montana (GREAT leader)
2. Johnny Unitas (Elevated the position of quarterback to what it is today)
3. Troy Aikman (probably should be lower, but I just love the guy. May be the most pinoint-accurate passer ever. Great leader)
4. Bret Favre (gotta love him!)
5. Peyton Manning

I know, there are many I left off. This is really hard! I grew up idolizing Roger Staubach, and now he doesn't even make my list. But his career was not all that long. He was a great champion, though. And Elway, Bradshaw (5 Super Bowl rings), Brady (needs more time), Moon. Wow.

So take the challenge. And John: Tell Eric not to EVEN bring up Mark Brunell.

Quarterbacks

I'm going to miss Bret Favre. Professional sports needs more athletes like him. He was easy for everyone to relate to. He never lost his childlike passion for the game. He seems to be an incredible family man. He has known the struggle of battling through addictions -- and winning.

And the records! He leaves the game as #1 in yards, attempts, completions, TD passes, wins and, yes, interceptions. That is pretty much every quarterback record. Amazing!
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I wonder if Tony Romo is sorry he didn't wait and test the free agent market. Certainly after watching Ben Roethlisberger sign for more than double his contract, he might be having second thoughts. Jerry Jones is probably feeling pretty smug. I would hardly rank Ben in the top 5 quarterbacks in the game.
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Who would be your top two quarterbacks in the game right now? Mine would be Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Is that too no-brainer a question?

What Would You Do?

I love snow! There is something so peaceful about watching it fall. It's almost gone already, but the 2 inches or whatever we got last night was nice. I was resigned to the fact that we weren't going to see any snow this year. So I thanked the Father this morning for its beauty.
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Beverly and I watched a new show last night called "What Would You Do?" It was interesting, as it sets people up to deal with ethical and moral questions -- as well as some that are just funny. The funny ones are like if a person has a piece of spinach stuck in his/her teeth, would you tell them?

One of the situations was of some teenage girls who were unmercifully tearing down another girl in a park. They were calling her a loser, telling her she was ugly, pushing her and doing things with her hair (all the girls were actors). But hidden cameras were filming bypassers' reactions. What would you do? Some women stopped to intervene. One man told them to stop or he would call the police. The commentator mentioned that more women intervened than men. I'm not sure that particular setting was a fair assessment of what men or women would do. For a man to intervene in a park with teenage girls is a setup for a sexual harassment charge.

What would you do?

In another scene, a woman came into a donut shop outside of Waco dressed in Islamic wear (an actor). The clerk (an actor) told her that he didn't serve her kind. He told her to get on her camel and go back to her homeland. He claimed he was a true American. Amazingly, some people cheered him on. One man even chimed in with him against the woman. Fortunately, most of the people turned on the man. Several said they would never be back to that establishment.

What would you do?

Interesting. As we consider what we would do, we need to ask ourselves, "What would jesus do?"

Hillary's Ad Campaign

The Mavs are now 4-3 with Jason Kidd. They have not beaten a team with a winning record. They played competitive games against San Antonio and LA, but I don't think competitive games is what they were hoping for.
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I don't ever want to use the pulpit for political purposes. And I really don't want this blog to become that either. Even as I express views from time to time, I hope that the reader does not know who I am actually voting for.

However (you knew that was coming, didn't you?) I will make it obvious today who I am NOT voting for. I don't get Hillary's new ad campaign. It is a scare tactic that was used by Barry Goldwater back in the 60s. The basic premise is: Who do you want answering the phone if a crisis call is made to the White House?

1. I voted for George Bush in the last campaign. I must admit, I have been disappointed in him. But while the popular thing to do these days is to bash him over everything he does -- let's give him credit: There has not been another attack on America.

2. Out of the remaining three legitimate contenders for president (Clinton, Obama and McCain), Hillary is the last one of those I would want answering that phone. I just don't see her shrill voice steering us through a crisis.

It just seems like this ad campaign will work against her. Does she think that since Obama did not vote to go to war in Iraq -- that would mean that he could not lead us through a crisis. That is the obvious implication. But it just seems to me that given the choice between those two -- America would not choose her.

This is not intended to be a political statement. Simply an observation of character and leadership skills. Agree or disagree?