Perspective

Many people exhaust themselves in efforts to appear a certain way before others. Perhaps it involves how they look or dress. It could be how they are perceived socially. Maybe they hang their reputation on their list of accomplishments.

In finishing Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church tonight I came across the following statement, "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." (11:30) This certainly seem in direct opposition to the posturing that often goes on in our society.

Paul earlier referred to "jars of clay" in chapter 4. Paul recognized that God was accomplishing His purpose through him, even with all of his personal weaknesses and deficiencies. In fact, this use of a less than spectacular vessel further demonstrated God's power.

We do not have to be perfect to be useful. We do not have to have presence to demonstrate Presence.

Back at it

I recently started journaling as part of a class at church. It has been a bit of a struggle, but I sometimes do find it helpful. I think that exercise is what reminded me that I started a blog quite a while back. I was surprised to realize that it has been nearly a year since I last posted!

I hope to incorporate this into my journaling efforts and being more regular at posting. I don't know yet if I'll keep the focus where it was initially or if I will begin to emphasize other thoughts. Time will tell.

There...a blog entry for the first time since April 2010.

Sports, everyone?

It's hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sports available this time of year. There is literally something for everyone.

Right now I'm watching the Celtics try to win game 1 of their series versus the Miami Heat. Boston has stepped up the D to get back in the game, but I'm not confident that they'll be around too long, but I'll keep watching anyway. The intensity in the NBA definitely ramps up during the playoffs.

I'm still enjoying the Predators first playoff road win against the Blackhawks last night and hoping for a second Sunday night. While I didn't get to watch the win, I did keep close tabs with my phone.

Phil Mickelson's win at Augusta last Sunday inspired me to hit the range a couple of nights ago. The only real positive was that I wasn't sore the next day. I hit a few good shots, but I'll definitely spend more time hitting practice balls before going to play.

There is auto racing at Texas tomorrow and Talladega isn't far away. I don't follow NASCAR as closely as I used to but it's hard not to watch Talladega.

The Boston Marathon is Monday followed by our marathon in Nashville a week from today. I hope we can finally have an American win in Boston again.

While spring football is winding down for the Vols, the Titans are preparing to draft. Here's hoping for good seasons for both this fall.

I just heard that a pitcher for the Rockies threw the first no hitter of this season. I've drifted away from baseball since the boys quit playing. I try to pull for my Cincinnati Reds every year, but they are usually effectively eliminated by late May.

Enough for now. It's down to the last few minutes of the Celtics game. Utah v. Denver is next.

Healthcare on the Ropes

Well, it appears America has finally taken one of the last steps toward full-blown socialism. What is most unbelievable it that our "representatives" aren't representing the majority of our citizens, but rather a Utopian view that cannot exist in reality. If there is any doubt about the FedGovt being able to efficiently and effectively run healthcare, consider how well run most other government programs are.

I suppose that I always knew America wouldn't exist in perpetuity as The Founders intended. All groups of people change over time. I had hoped, however, that our downfall wouldn't come from within. I guess that is most always the case as well as corruption and self-interest replace public service and leadership. It's really good to know one's true and lasting citizenship is in an eternal, indestructible Kingdom. Times like these are good for bringing that fact squarely to mind.

I thought a post by "Gary" provided appropriate commentary from a nationalist standpoint.

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Gary Thu Feb 25, 2010 03:46 pm PST Report Abuse

I think this man said it the best and will let his comments speak for themselves.

Thomas Jefferson

It has been said the greatest volume of sheer brain power in one place occurred when Jefferson dined alone. -- John Kennedy

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. -- Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. -- Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. -- Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. -- Thomas Jefferson

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. -- Thomas Jefferson

Stay With What You're Good At

I heard Bennie and the Jets on the radio tonight. I've always liked the song and it reminded me of how talented Elton John was back in the day (I guess he still could be but I don't listen to much "new" music).

While I've always liked a lot of Elton's songs, I've never been a big fan of him personally. I suppose his recent foray into controversy doesn't really help. Recently, John stated his opinion that Jesus Christ way gay http://bit.ly/bYQTZD (warning - The Sun posts some objectionable content).

While John knows a lot about music, his comment shows that he knows very little about Jesus and His Father, whom Jesus came to make known. While I used to really get angry about such comments from public figures, I'm starting to view them with sympathy. We should pity their blindness. On a lighter note, I think the third verse of Tim Hawkin's parody of Imagine speaks well to the situation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_pzd_w1sS4

Super Bowl Ads

In addition to rooting for Peyton Manning to win his second Super Bowl title in a couple of weeks I, like most people, will anticipate each commercial advertising spot. There are usually a handful of memorable ads during the game each year that generate almost as much discussion as the game.

I've noticed a lot of activity on Twitter this week relating to an ad CBS plans to run. Most of the tweets that hit my filter were requesting that people sign a petition complaining about CBS taking an ad described as "pro-life" from Focus on the Family, while evidently not electing to take an ad from the United Church of Christ. I don't know the purpose of the planned UCOC spot, but I would assume it would speak to their embracing of the homosexual lifestyle.

I didn't really know much about the FOF ad until I read a short piece in The Tennessean this morning. The planned ad tells the story of a missionary expecting her fifth child. Due to an illness contracted during the mission trip, she was advised to abort the child. She ignored the doctors and gave birth to a health baby. The story of Tim Tebow and his mom should be inspirational to many. Who knows what a child may accomplish, given the opportunity to live?

The article lists several groups protesting the ad, including Women's Media Center, NOW, Feminist Majority and others. Jembu Greene, president of WMC said, "An ad that uses sports to divide rather than to unite has no place in the biggest national sports event of the year -- an event designed to bring Americans together." She, and other critics are concerned that the ad will convey an anti-abortion message.

I freely admit that people like Greene rub me the wrong way. She, and others like her, use the language of reconciliation while promoting division and murder. I am beginning to see, however, that what she and her followers need is pity and prayer. They have pursued a life goal that seems admirable and worthy in their sight; failure and destruction are their actual legacy. Paul spoke to their condition in Romans 1:18-25:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

The next time we're tempted to be bitter toward promoters and supporters of evil, may God help us to offer a prayer on their behalf and demonstrate true compassion toward them. Without a change of heart and life, they face a hopeless future.

Buh Bye Kiffin, Welcome Coach Dooley

As a Tennessean and UT fan, I embraced Lane Kiffin. In some ways, his bravado was a welcome change after a few years of decline. There was always an underlying sense of uneasiness, however. I think you should be able to battle your neighbor on the field, but still be able to shake hands when the game is over.

Shocked would be a good word to describe my initial reaction to hearing he was leaving. Anger soon followed (partially due to feeling jilted, primarily due to the proximity of signing day). After watching the initial press conference of new coach, Derek Dooley, I feel blessed. I was ready to take the field myself after watching the presser! There is no comparing the quality of the two men. We now have a winner on The Hill!

While it is possible that our 2010 recruiting class will suffer a few losses, I can't help but feel UT has found the man who will lead us for quite a few years to come. It might take a year or two longer to get back to where the Big Orange should be, I think it will be far more gratifying when we get there. I'm not a prophet, but I have a feeling this will be a good ride.

Let all Big Orange fans get up, "dust off our britches," and get to work. Go Coach Dooley! Go Big Orange!