Tiger

I have viewed the recent saga of Tiger Woods with mixed emotions. Having grown up when Jack was king, I have been shocked at how quickly Tiger has whittled away at Nicklaus' record of major tournament titles. I guess we naturally tend to hold on to the past as having been better and view upstarts with some disdain (I felt the same way as Jeff Gordon, and now Jimmy Johnson approach Richard Petty's record of 7 NASCAR championships).

While admiring his skill at playing golf, I have never been a fan of Tiger. I have often pulled for the field, especially in the majors. I have, however, gained a measure of respect for him over the past couple of years especially as he dealt with injury, even winning the 2008 U.S. Open on a bum knee.

Currently, Tiger is facing something more daunting than he has ever faced on the golf course: the loss of his earnings potential, his reputation, and potentially even his family. This battle is one of his own making. When the failings of a public figure are exposed, one can choose to:

• ignore or excuse the behavior,
  
• gloat or take some sense of satisfaction in the problems of others, or
  
• learn from the situation

The only good that can come from a situation like Tiger's is if important lessons are learned. Here we see a man possessing seemingly what everyone would want to be happy:

• great wealth
• health
• a beautiful wife and children
• an exciting profession
• and on and on

Yet, he wasn't satisfied. If the process of seeking satisfaction, he may have lost it all. It reminds me of the words of Solomon, king of Israel who, after seeking everything his heart desired found them worthless. In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, he concluded:

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Why?

"Leader" Harry Reid (i.e. leading our nation to destruction one bill at a time) and "Speaker" Nancy Pelosi (i.e. purveyor of nonsense, hatred and evil) are determined to force all Americans to fund abortion, the ongoing murder of our nation's children. This adds further insult to their ongoing efforts to takeover and ultimately destroy the American health care system.

Why are liberals, who proclaim to be for the disenfranchised, the downtrodden and the rejected, so continually infatuated with protecting the "right" to kill those who cannot speak for themselves? Why the unconscionable effort to force their warped perception on a nation that is still, I believe, generally good? Would "tar and feathers" be appropriate?

We all commit sin (I was tempted to say "have our shortcomings"). Still, it is very frustrating to see those given the power to lead, continue to move in such a destructive direction. Other than the profiteers of the abortion industry, who benefits from the slaughter? I suppose those politicians who continue to protect the practice.

One can only wonder whether the millions aborted over the years will stand as witnesses against those who had the power to stop the killing, yet only lived to promote and expand the madness.

Sen. Reid’s Government-Run Health Plan Requires a Monthly Abortion Fee

Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on November 19th, 2009

Follow @GOPLeader on Twitter for updates.

Just like the original 2,032-page, government-run health care plan from Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) massive, 2,074-page bill would levy a new “abortion premium” fee on Americans in the government-run plan.

Beginning on line 7, p. 118, section 1303 under “Voluntary Choice of Coverage of Abortion Services” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run health plan. Leader Reid’s plan also requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers abortions (line 13, p. 120).

What is even more alarming is that a monthly abortion premium will be charged of all enrollees in the government-run health plan. It’s right there beginning on line 11, page 122, section 1303, under “Actuarial Value of Optional Service Coverage.” The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury account – and these federal funds will be used to pay for the abortion services.

Section 1303(a)(2)(C) describes the process in which the Health Benefits Commissioner is to assess the monthly premiums that will be used to pay for elective abortions under the government-run health plan and for those who are given an affordability credit to purchase insurance coverage that includes abortion through the Exchange. The Commissioner must charge at a minimum $1 per enrollee per month.

The Lane Train

I'll have to admit to being a little anxious when Lane Kiffin was named the new football coach at Tennessee nearly a year ago. While it was definitely time for change, I was a little concerned about the amount of experience Coach K had accumulated.

While there have been a few bumps along the way, I am more than impressed. From day one, a new enthusiasm was infused into a program that had gradually grown stale and undisciplined over time. The staff that was assembled and the salvaging of the first recruiting class were very impressive.

While the record is perhaps 1 or 2 wins from my optimistic goal for this point in the season, the turning of the program is very evident. The fact that the improvement is primarily being led by players who were part of the program prior to this year points to one thing...excellent position coaching and player development. Any high school coach paying attention would do well to steer his best players toward UT. Their talents will be developed.

At least for now, we have reclaimed the second spot in the SEC East. The gap between UT and Florida will be overcome, perhaps much sooner than many think. I predict a very interesting game next September when the Tebow-less Gators travel to Knoxville.

Go Big Orange!

Blogging The Tennessean

The most frequent question asked by children has to be, "Why?" Sometimes it seems that as adults, we don't have the time or interest to continuing questioning things around us. These are just a few questions about headlines on the front page of The Tennessean today.

Public option includes opt-out
In an effort to make the attempted take-over of the U.S. health care system by the federal government more palatable, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev, has promised that the legislation will include a provision allowing states to choose not to participate in the "public option." Why should anyone believe anything Sen. Reid has to say? Once that power is granted to the federal government, it will only expand.

Lottery chief: Game would help education
Apparently we need another lottery game, Mega Millions. It is said the game would increase lottery sales $30 - $40 million annually, making an additional $10 - $15 million available for education. Where does the other $20 - $25 million go (the majority of the revenue)? The Tennessee Lottery website states that more than $1.5 billion has been raised for education. In light of that figure, assuming it is true, what will another paltry $10 mil do? Basically it will continue to add tax burden to those that play, like the guy in the story hoping for a home in the Bahamas as he cashed his $6 winning ticket.

Halloween can be a walking nightmare
The article provides a good reminder to parents to ensure their children are properly supervised and are visible as they go out for halloween. The statistics used the basis for the article are likely incomplete. In terms of raw numbers, the premise of the article is probably true...twice as many children are hit by a vehicle while walking on halloween than any other night of the year. I suspect an underlying reason is that there are many times the number of children out walking on the streets after dark that night compared to other nights. In reality, children could be less likely to be hit by a vehicle. Each accident is a tragedy. Accurate reporting will not diminish the loss.

Survey: Hiring expected to rise in next 6 months
The lead in to the article states, "Results from a new economic survey may ease concerns about rising unemployment and its effect on consumer spending as forecasters say more employers appear willing to hire in the coming months." Hopefully that will be the case. What impact will the increasing load of government regulation have on hiring? It's been shown that an increasing minimum wage increases unemployment. What impact would government controlled health care have (shudder)?

NFL

I really enjoy football, yet I have decided to quit investing time or money in anything related to the NFL. No, it's not due to the Titans poor showing this season. Rather the blatant hypocrisy exhibited by the league in response to the potential minority investment in a franchise by Rush Limbaugh is more than I can bear.

While I don't always agree with Rush, as an American citizen he should have the same opportunity as anyone else to participate in owning a league franchise (well, the same opportunity as anyone else with $$$ to invest). Yet those who disagree with him politically have successfully used lies and race baiting in an effort to pressure the NFL to force him out of the group bidding to acquire a franchise. The league, unfortunately, chose to cave in to such nonsense.

I find it interesting that while the commissioner and a few owners claimed Rush was too racially divisive to be part of the NFL, they seemingly have no problem with the "league worthiness" of certain other minority franchise owners that produce blatantly racial, immoral and even anti-American material (http://1rzx.sl.pt). Note the story referenced contains suggestive and crude language and actions. The double standard is only too obvious.

So...while I personally enjoy NFL football, I will no longer attend, watch, read about, and hopefully in time, think about professional football. Thank goodness I live in the South where college football is really better and more exciting anyway.

Imagine That

I like all kinds of music. When my dad used to complain about me listening to hard rock, my response was, "I don't really care about the words, it's the music I like." I can honestly say to this day that my contention was true.

While I still enjoy listening to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc. I've found that as I grow older, I have started paying more attention to lyrics and the philosophies conveyed in song. For example, while I have always enjoyed listening to John Lennon, I find the worldview presented in his song Imagine to be so hopeless and dreary. By comparison, I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe presents an alternative of hope and light for today and for the future.

Man has always imagined that he was in control. Perhaps we need to spend more time imagining what it will be like when we meet our Creator.

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Imagine, John Lennon



I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side...
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see...
When Your face
Is before me...
I can only imagine

{Chorus}:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine...

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I Can Only Imagine, MercyMe

Just When You Think You've Seen It All...

Our current crop of politicians constantly finds ways to exasperate me. Take, for example, the House's recent legislation to expand federal hate crimes law to cover sexual orientation (http://1pt6.sl.pt). There are several problems with this line of "thinking":

First, why should there be a special class of crime classified as "hate crimes?" Don't all crimes involve some form of hatred? Whether the victim is hetro or homosexual, the result is the same. Does this mean crime against hetrosexuals is less evil that crime against gays? It would seem that if proper penalties were created, and enforced, we wouldn't need such nonsense.

Second, despite the politicians' "assurances" to the contrary, this type of legislation will impact religious freedom in America.

Finally, attaching legislation such as this to a defense bill is reprehensible. It's a perfect example of all that's wrong with our government. Our leaders have a significant impact on our society. Unfortunately, most are not leading, but simply following paths they think will give them the best chance continue in a position of power.

A Satisfying Saturday

I can't say I saw it coming, but the Tennessee win over Georgia wasn't totally unexpected. Ok, the margin of victory and suddenly prolific passing attack were shockers (congrats to J. Crompton...you deserved a game like today). Beating the Dawgs, however, was a very reasonable expectation as this day began. While not one of the teams I really love to "hate," it still is always very satisfying to beat Georgia.

While we've had some disappointing games this fall, improvement is very evident. As fans, we have to keep a long-term perspective. Football programs are a lot like our economy: they tend to have up and down cycles (assuming a lack of governmental interference which almost always prolongs the bad times, but that's a blog for another time.) With all the moving parts, once a program declines a bit, it almost always takes a while to get back to the top. Tennessee is moving in the upward direction.

As the game winds down, it's time for me to wrap things up and do what I promised I'd do when we won...go out and jump in the pool. Hey, the water temp is probably still in the mid-60's. That's warmer that the air temp today. Go Vols!

Now playing: George Strait - King Of The Mountain
via FoxyTunes

I guess it's appropriate to be listening to King George while working in Texas, anyway...

I'm wrapping up a 3 day trip to Dallas, a city I love to visit but wouldn't want to live in (it's just too big for my liking). I actually didn't make it to the downtown area, but spent most of my time in Mesquite, just east of Dallas. If you ever have occasion to stay in Mesquite, along 635, I would highly recommend the Hampton Inn on Rodeo Drive (http://1ore.sl.pt). That's rodeo as in cattle, not shopping. Very clean, great breakfast, 24 hour exercise room, etc.

I had a good visit with the employees of our Gospel Advocate - Mesquite store (http://1orf.sl.pt). We also had opportunity to visit a couple of other bookstores and see some of the area churches that are customers. Tonight, I ate good BBQ at Soulman's Garland location (http://1ori.sl.pt). Their slogan is "We are not stingy with our meat." True dat.

Well, it's back to work for a while before calling it a day. Tomorrow, back to Nashville.

The Ego Has Landed

I enjoy commercials and witty news headlines. When they are good, they're memorable. If they stink, at least they don't last very long. One of the funniest headlines I've seen recently appeared today on The Drudge Report: The Ego Has Landed. The story referenced the International Olympic Committee selecting Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It had been assumed, at least by some, that Chicago would be selected as the host city, in large part due to a last minute visit made by the president, first lady, and the other "O" (Oprah). Alas, their celebrity and self-assurance were not enough to sway the vote.

While I'm pretty sure it's wrong, it's hard not to feel a little satisfied when the pompous are grounded. Especially considering that they were making such a "sacrifice" by jetting to Copenhagen (http://1ndl.sl.pt). Pride still does go before a fall.

Lessons from the Feeding of 5000

In Mark 6:.30-44, a miraculous act of Jesus is recorded. From a few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus fed a crowd consisting of 5000 men, plus women and children. Obviously Jesus, having created all matter, also knew how to work with and within his creation (i.e. also walking on water, healing diseases, bring the spirit of life back to those who had died, etc.)

Beyond acknowledging his mastery of nature and the elements, we can draw personal lessons from this event:

Jesus wants us to impact the world using what we have

When he asked his disciples to feed the crowd, they responded "rationally" as we might. "That would take 8 months wages! Should we spend that much?" Jesus then asked them to bring what they already had...not what they could acquire over time or produce in a year, but what was currently at their disposal. The result: 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

Our offerings and efforts are meager

We might consider it laughable to bring such a resource for such a big job. "What's the point?" we might ask. I have to imagine the disciples approached Jesus rather sheepishly as they brought the bread and fish to Jesus. "Will the Master ridicule us for bring him this?"

With his blessing, our offerings and efforts are more than adequate

Jesus has a different perspective on reality than man does. He wasn't concerned in the least by the puny resources at his disposal. He calmly directed the disciples to seat the crowd, gave thanks to God, the giver of good gifts, and sent the disciples to distribute the food. As we read, everyone was more than satisfied.

What about us?

Jesus' plan involves working through us in our ordinary, imperfect states ("jars of clay" Paul states in 2 Corinthians ch4) as his ambassadors to the world using talents already at our disposal. Waiting until we are "better prepared" or "more knowledgeable" isn't part of his plan.

In a real sense, it doesn't matter how proficient we think we are, we are still mere servants, parts of a spiritual body needing all members working together to properly function. Looked at another way, even our best individual efforts are rather pitiful when compared to the mission.

Yet, we're assured that we can "do all things through Christ." For his glory, He will make up anything that may be lacking in our faithful efforts. Continue planting seeds; God will bring the appropriate increase at appropriate times.

Hopeful for Saturday

Saturday will be the first time I have run a road race in almost a year. I know it's hard for most people to understand, including my own family, but I really look forward to the event of racing, including the pain of the effort. I guess it's like game day for a ball player. I don't know about every other runner, but I have a routine the night before and morning of races. It's no big deal, just an enjoyable part of the process.

Last year at the Shelby Bottoms Boogie 5k, I ran 27:36, far off my best 5k of 23:03 a few years earlier. I was once again racing for the first time after a long layoff. This year, I've been preparing carefully, running a little longer and slower, trying to stay somewhat injury free while still getting in decent running shape. I need to drop about 20 pounds to be at a good running weight; that's not happening anytime soon. I have a real addiction to this thing called food.

I ran some timed half mile intervals tonight for the first time, just to try to get a feel for a pace for Saturday. I hope to break 26 minutes (25:38 would be an 8:15 pace - pace calculator @ http://1kc2.sl.pt), so I decided to shoot for about 4 minute halves. I ran 3:59, 3:49, 3:50 and 3:51. Maintaining an 8 minute mile would get me under 25 minutes. I would be pumped to see a number under 25 minutes at the finish. Realistically, it should take 1 - 1.5 minutes more. We'll see on Saturday.

"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."
- Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

FOLLOW UP: I ran 25:34 in a steady rain. I was very pleased with the effort and may have had a little left in the tank. I am currently nursing an unfamiliar pain in the upper shin / knee area, so the next race may have to wait a while. I hope to be running again by mid-October. KB

The Big Orange

Well, Tennessee lost a game they really should have won last Saturday (UCLA). We will likely lose a game we should lose this weekend (Florida). Hopefully, Tennessee fans will keep these and other games this season in their proper perspective.

We are, quite frankly, not as good as we once were. The gradual but very definite decline in the program is what led to a change in leadership. I hope fans will be patient; CLK & staff will get us there. I also hope folks will back off of the extreme criticism of J Crompton. I think he's doing what he can; it just hasn't been and may not be good enough. He is still a Vol; I don't think he wants to play poorly.

There are positive signs of a return to glory. Even last weekend after a bitter loss, UT received 3 more quality commitments from future Vols. We appear to have a QB for next season that will be an upgrade. We are signing more dynamic, athletic players. We will get back to where we want to be. We'll just have to endure a few more disappointing games to get there.

In spite of what this weekend, and others this season may hold, it's still great to be a Tennessean and a Vol fan.

Nashville: finally a modern city?

Many in the Metro Council congratulated themselves tonight for establishing local law solely written for those that practice homosexuality. Some leaders expressed a sense of relief that Nashville has "finally" shown itself to be a modern, cosmopolitan city as a result of this vote. I'm not sure how giving formal recognition and approval to homosexual practice makes a city modern. At least as far back as Sodom, cities have been known for having a contingent of citizens practicing homosexuality.

What our leaders actually did was start effectively discriminating against those that would speak for God. God does not hate homosexuals; neither should those that claim to follow His son, Jesus. However, God has spoken on the subject. Very clearly. So must Christians. Eventually, legislation such as that passed by the Metro Council must lead to laws against the expression of God's view. Hopefully, when that time comes, we will be able to say as Peter did, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God."

I'm trying to change how I view politicians. While there is undoubtedly many a "good and decent public servant" at the various levels of government (reference from the movie, Dave, one of my favorites), it seems that too often, shysters and outright liars become our elected representatives. It is particularly galling when double standards, fear-mongering, and misinformation are spread as "news reporting" to further the unconstitutional reach of federal government. What business is it of Washington to try to micromanage the affairs of private businesses, to takeover health care, to encroach upon the lives of individual citizens? Based on the premise of the first, a second American Revolution will be discussed by some.

Yet in the big picture, I suppose I (we) shouldn't be surprised at where we find ourselves. Our country and our government is comprised of individuals, individuals often having gross misunderstanding of reality. We have worked so hard to remove God from our schools, public life, and society in general that we are simply reaping natural results...results as certain as 2 + 2 = 4.

To quote Paul in his letter to Christians in Rome (1:21-23), even though God has provided sufficient evidence of His existence and presence, man "...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..." Public policy often demonstrates this truth.

The good news? Christians, while recognizing the obvious and proven limitations of human government, are to be good citizens who are thankful for our country, prayerful for our leaders, and focused on our true home (Philippians 3:21).

Enjoying a few quiet minutes on a beautiful day. Not everything planned was completed; it was still a good day. Success isn't always a completed to do list.

Test post to PR&L blog from my Treo. I plan to begin posting with some regularity with thoughts on PR&L, in part to help clarify my thoughts on life in America today.