On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.
In I Kings 18, Elijah calls the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel for a showdown to prove once and for all who is the one, true God. In verse 21, we learn that the children of Israel are divided in their loyalties between Jehovah and Baal. Elijah says they must choose one.
Though his followers prepare a sacrifice and call for him, Baal doesn't show up; "there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention" (v. 29). But Elijah prepares a sacrifice to Jehovah, has the wood and the sacrifice repeatedly covered in water, and then he calls for God to consume the offering and God does (v. 36-38).
But it is verse 39 that stands out to me. Only after God did something amazing did the people believe Him and choose to follow Him.
Here's The Point: How many times do we want God to something "big" for us to trust Him? When, in reality, the fact that He gives us breath to breathe is amazing. And undeserved.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Book Review- Scott Dickson's Never Give Up
Scott Dickson is an airline executive who served as the CEO of Vanguard Airlines, a regional air carrier based out of Kansas City, prior to its demise in the months following the 9/11 tragedy. Already dwarfed in debt, the effects of 9/11 as well as the tightening of credit as Vanguard tried to recover were more than the airline could overcome, ultimately leading to its shutdown.
Never Give Up- 7 Principles for Christians Leading in Tough Times offers the following wisdom:
Principle #1: Put Fear in its Place
Principle #2- Remember to Pray
Principle #3- Get God's Perspective
Principle #4- Provide "Front-Line" Leadership
Principle #5- Communicate- Often and Honestly
Principle #6- Persevere through Everything
Principle #7- Focus on the "Bigger Picture"
Dickson draws from Biblical examples as well as his own personal experiences to share wisdom to those who lead in and through difficult situations. What makes Dickson's writing more interesting is that Vanguard did not survive. There was no happy ending for Vanguard.
This is a good, but not great, book. However, the wisdom shared is beneficial.
Never Give Up- 7 Principles for Christians Leading in Tough Times offers the following wisdom:
Principle #1: Put Fear in its Place
Principle #2- Remember to Pray
Principle #3- Get God's Perspective
Principle #4- Provide "Front-Line" Leadership
Principle #5- Communicate- Often and Honestly
Principle #6- Persevere through Everything
Principle #7- Focus on the "Bigger Picture"
Dickson draws from Biblical examples as well as his own personal experiences to share wisdom to those who lead in and through difficult situations. What makes Dickson's writing more interesting is that Vanguard did not survive. There was no happy ending for Vanguard.
This is a good, but not great, book. However, the wisdom shared is beneficial.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Fun on Friday
Recently purchased a bag of Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips in what claims to be the first 100% compostable bag. But the interesting thing is how loud the bag is. It even states on the bag "this bag is louder because it is compostable". While the "green" goal of a compostable bag is admirable, I'll be surprised if this concept catches on simply because of how loud the bag is.
How is it possible for traffic to completely stop on the interstate? Not that I want to see a vehicle broken down on the side of the road. I certainly don't want to see a bloody crash site. But I continue to be amazed at how often you can be driving down the interstate at 70 MPH and then a half mile later you're sitting perfectly still. For seemingly no reason.
Not usually a breakfast eater but recently I found myself driving our family through a McDonald's drive-thru to get some jelly biscuits. I ordered the jelly biscuits at $1.25 each until I noticed that sausage biscuits were only $1.00. I then cancelled my jelly biscuit order, ordered sausage biscuits for $1.00 each and then requested and received free packets of jelly. Go figure.
How is it possible for traffic to completely stop on the interstate? Not that I want to see a vehicle broken down on the side of the road. I certainly don't want to see a bloody crash site. But I continue to be amazed at how often you can be driving down the interstate at 70 MPH and then a half mile later you're sitting perfectly still. For seemingly no reason.
Not usually a breakfast eater but recently I found myself driving our family through a McDonald's drive-thru to get some jelly biscuits. I ordered the jelly biscuits at $1.25 each until I noticed that sausage biscuits were only $1.00. I then cancelled my jelly biscuit order, ordered sausage biscuits for $1.00 each and then requested and received free packets of jelly. Go figure.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Great Quote Thursday
If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself- Dwight Moody
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Elijah- A Man Named Obadiah
On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the old testament prophet.
In I Kings 18, we meet a man named Obadiah. A follower of God but also a leading servant in the house of the wicked King Ahab. A man with a job that no one would really want. But a man who risked his own certain death by hiding and subsequently providing for 100 prophets of God during a period of drought and famine. A man who played a significant role in the history of Israel with very little historical notice. And therein lies a great lesson.
Here's the Point: God used Obadiah where he was. In a place that wasn't easy. In a difficult work environment. To have a major impact.
Often people wish for a better or different job because their current job is hard and/or the coworkers are difficult. But the Bible consistently tells us of people (Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah.....Obadiah) who worked in very difficult work environments but people for whom God had a great plan and used them where they were.
In I Kings 18, we meet a man named Obadiah. A follower of God but also a leading servant in the house of the wicked King Ahab. A man with a job that no one would really want. But a man who risked his own certain death by hiding and subsequently providing for 100 prophets of God during a period of drought and famine. A man who played a significant role in the history of Israel with very little historical notice. And therein lies a great lesson.
Here's the Point: God used Obadiah where he was. In a place that wasn't easy. In a difficult work environment. To have a major impact.
Often people wish for a better or different job because their current job is hard and/or the coworkers are difficult. But the Bible consistently tells us of people (Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah.....Obadiah) who worked in very difficult work environments but people for whom God had a great plan and used them where they were.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day
Today, Father's Day, is one of my favorite days of the year. Being Daddy to our two young sons is a great honor and privilege.
I know several guys who are celebrating their very first Father's Day this year. To them, and to me, Happy Father's Day!
I know several guys who are celebrating their very first Father's Day this year. To them, and to me, Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Fun on Friday
My wife and I recently had a dinner date at Pei Wei. The restaurant was crowded. Very crowded. We found a small table for two in the middle of the restaurant. But the tables for two were spaced so closely together that we might as well have shared a booth with the strangers on both sides of us. I sat closer to the strangers on both sides of me than I did to my wife who was sitting across the table from me. The food was good though. Very good. Might I suggest Pei Wei Spicy?
Never been a huge soccer fan but I find the World Cup very interesting. Also, those buzzing horns are pretty cool. Wouldn't mind having one of those.
Never been a huge soccer fan but I find the World Cup very interesting. Also, those buzzing horns are pretty cool. Wouldn't mind having one of those.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Book Review- Margaret Feinberg's Scouting the Divine
Scouting the Divine is the current book from Margaret Feinberg. In it, she attempts to help the reader connect the culture in which the Bible was written with modern times. From the back cover of Scouting the Divine:
"What does it mean to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd when the only places I've encountered sheep are at petting zoos? How can I understand the promise of a land overflowing with honey when I buy mine in a bear-shaped bottle? Is it possible to grasp the urgency of Jesus' invitation to abide in the vine when I shop for grapes at a local grocery store"?
To better understand the Biblical culture, Feinberg spent time with and interviewed a shepherdess, a farmer, a bee keeper and a vintner. Scouting the Divine helps explain the immense care given by as well the important role a shepherd plays; the effort that goes into tending farmland; the intricacy of the beehive and the beauty and variety of honey; and the detail and difficulty associated with cultivating a vineyard.
Written in an easy-to-read, storytelling style, I enjoyed reading this book.
"What does it mean to know Jesus as the Good Shepherd when the only places I've encountered sheep are at petting zoos? How can I understand the promise of a land overflowing with honey when I buy mine in a bear-shaped bottle? Is it possible to grasp the urgency of Jesus' invitation to abide in the vine when I shop for grapes at a local grocery store"?
To better understand the Biblical culture, Feinberg spent time with and interviewed a shepherdess, a farmer, a bee keeper and a vintner. Scouting the Divine helps explain the immense care given by as well the important role a shepherd plays; the effort that goes into tending farmland; the intricacy of the beehive and the beauty and variety of honey; and the detail and difficulty associated with cultivating a vineyard.
Written in an easy-to-read, storytelling style, I enjoyed reading this book.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Elijah- The "Now" Moment
On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.
In I Kings 17:8, God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath. Enemy territory. He's told a widow will provide for him there. He goes as instructed and meets the widow. He asks her for a cup of water....during a drought. She obliges. He asks her for a meal....when she is almost out of food. She obliges. All because of the promise from God that Elijah shares in verse 14 that her food supply will not run out until it rains again. She takes Elijah at his word. But...
But only after God later heals her son (verse 22), does the widow begin to truly believe. From verse 24: "Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord's word in your mouth is the truth".
Here's The Point: The widow's "Now" moment doesn't come immediately. It's only after she'd spent time with Elijah, found him to be an honest man and then learned of his God, did she truly begin to believe. His life, his living testimony, matched his words. Over time. There's a lesson to be learned in that.
In I Kings 17:8, God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath. Enemy territory. He's told a widow will provide for him there. He goes as instructed and meets the widow. He asks her for a cup of water....during a drought. She obliges. He asks her for a meal....when she is almost out of food. She obliges. All because of the promise from God that Elijah shares in verse 14 that her food supply will not run out until it rains again. She takes Elijah at his word. But...
But only after God later heals her son (verse 22), does the widow begin to truly believe. From verse 24: "Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord's word in your mouth is the truth".
Here's The Point: The widow's "Now" moment doesn't come immediately. It's only after she'd spent time with Elijah, found him to be an honest man and then learned of his God, did she truly begin to believe. His life, his living testimony, matched his words. Over time. There's a lesson to be learned in that.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Fun on Friday
Glad to see that Wipeout will be back on ABC this summer.
I get headaches from time to time. I've learned that Excedrin is often very effective. Excedrin comes in many formats: PM, Back and Body, Tension Headache and several others including the standard, original version. But it's all pretty much the same stuff. Kind of like Mexican food. There not much difference in tacos, burritos, chalupas, etc.
Tried the new Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A this week. Won't order it every time but it's a nice addition to the menu. Still the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich but the new flavor adds a nice kick.
I get headaches from time to time. I've learned that Excedrin is often very effective. Excedrin comes in many formats: PM, Back and Body, Tension Headache and several others including the standard, original version. But it's all pretty much the same stuff. Kind of like Mexican food. There not much difference in tacos, burritos, chalupas, etc.
Tried the new Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chick-fil-A this week. Won't order it every time but it's a nice addition to the menu. Still the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich but the new flavor adds a nice kick.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Great Quote Thursday
You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle- General Dwight Eisenhower on the eve of the D-Day invasion
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
D-Day Memorial Photos
This is the final installment of this week's focus on the 66th anniversary of D-Day.
Here are some photos from our recent visit to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. As I posted on Monday, our visit proved to be a moving experience. While our pictures tell part of the story and the Memorial's website is informative, this brief video that Tonya recorded
shows the centerpiece of the Memorial- a pool depicting a landing craft unloading soldiers as they begin their assault on the beaches of Normandy. Charges are randomly discharged in the pool, simulating gunfire from above. An experience we will long remember.
Here are some photos from our recent visit to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. As I posted on Monday, our visit proved to be a moving experience. While our pictures tell part of the story and the Memorial's website is informative, this brief video that Tonya recorded
shows the centerpiece of the Memorial- a pool depicting a landing craft unloading soldiers as they begin their assault on the beaches of Normandy. Charges are randomly discharged in the pool, simulating gunfire from above. An experience we will long remember.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
One Man's D-Day Story
Because of my interest in history, I find the stories and the facts about D-Day to be quite compelling. However, I know nothing of the sacrifice involved, nothing of what is was like to actually experience the moment and live through it. I am fortunate to know a man (whom I've blogged about previously) who was part of the Normandy invasion.
A little background: As part of my son's elementary school's accelerated reading program, this spring he began to bring home biography/history books of well-known Americans (Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy among others). In these books, each of these men are referred to as a "war hero". I mentioned to Parker that we knew a war hero at our church, James Self, who had participated in the D-Day invasion of the beaches of Normandy. The following Sunday, I introduced Parker to Mr. Self and we were invited over to his house ("I have some pictures he might want to see") to look at some of his photos from his World War II days. We were honored to be invited and began to look forward to our visit.
Arriving at Mr. Self's house, we headed to the dining room table to look through a photo album of his time in the U. S. Army. This is his story. Mr. Self entered the Army shortly after his high school graduation. He spent 6 weeks in the Midwest in basic training, then had another 2 weeks of training in the swamps of Louisiana. After being allowed to return home for a few brief days, he was told to report to New York City in preparation for being sent overseas. After a brief period of training in Great Britain, he soon found himself on a ship headed toward the Normandy coast of France.
During our visit, there was one question I had to ask, somewhat reluctantly: Were you scared? With a bit of a chuckle, Mr. Self replied, "Scared? No, I wasn't scared. We just had a job to do and we did it. And if we died, we died". I did not know how to respond to that.
The highlight of our visit is the photo below. My 6 year old son and the 86 year old Mr. Self spending time together looking through the photo album from World War II. Intergenerational. The sharing of history. The showing of respect, admiration and appreciation. Parker and I are grateful for the time spent with Mr. Self but more importantly for his courage showed on D-Day and in the service of our country.
A little background: As part of my son's elementary school's accelerated reading program, this spring he began to bring home biography/history books of well-known Americans (Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy among others). In these books, each of these men are referred to as a "war hero". I mentioned to Parker that we knew a war hero at our church, James Self, who had participated in the D-Day invasion of the beaches of Normandy. The following Sunday, I introduced Parker to Mr. Self and we were invited over to his house ("I have some pictures he might want to see") to look at some of his photos from his World War II days. We were honored to be invited and began to look forward to our visit.
Arriving at Mr. Self's house, we headed to the dining room table to look through a photo album of his time in the U. S. Army. This is his story. Mr. Self entered the Army shortly after his high school graduation. He spent 6 weeks in the Midwest in basic training, then had another 2 weeks of training in the swamps of Louisiana. After being allowed to return home for a few brief days, he was told to report to New York City in preparation for being sent overseas. After a brief period of training in Great Britain, he soon found himself on a ship headed toward the Normandy coast of France.
On the morning of June 6, 1944, Mr. Self was aboard a ship and loaded into a landing craft. The smaller boat was lowered off the ship by crane into the chilly coastal waters. As the landing craft reached the shore, Mr. Self drove an Army Jeep into three feet of water and onto Utah Beach. Over the course of the next several hours, as gunfire flew and as men fell, Mr. Self's unit was part of the successful effort to gain control of the beachhead. In the days that followed, Mr. Self's unit arrived in Paris (he has cool black and white photos of the Eiffel Tower from 1944) after it had been liberated.
During our visit, there was one question I had to ask, somewhat reluctantly: Were you scared? With a bit of a chuckle, Mr. Self replied, "Scared? No, I wasn't scared. We just had a job to do and we did it. And if we died, we died". I did not know how to respond to that.
The highlight of our visit is the photo below. My 6 year old son and the 86 year old Mr. Self spending time together looking through the photo album from World War II. Intergenerational. The sharing of history. The showing of respect, admiration and appreciation. Parker and I are grateful for the time spent with Mr. Self but more importantly for his courage showed on D-Day and in the service of our country.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The National D-Day Museum
Recently, my family had the opportunity to travel to central Virginia and while there we visited the National D-Day Memorial (www.dday.org) in Bedford, Virginia. Bedford is the home of the Memorial as a result of its citizens having the highest per capita involvement of the soldiers involved in the Normandy Invasion. In other words, more young men from Bedford, by average, participated in D-Day than any other community in the United States.
I hope you'll take some time to check out the Memorial's website and view the photo gallery. Visiting the National D-Day Memorial proved to be a moving experience and I will post some of our photos later this week.
I hope you'll take some time to check out the Memorial's website and view the photo gallery. Visiting the National D-Day Memorial proved to be a moving experience and I will post some of our photos later this week.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
66th Anniversary of D-Day
Today marks the 66th anniversary of the Allied forces invasion of Normandy. The landings along the beaches of the coast of France, at the time referred to as Operation Neptune and Operation Overlord, are now more commonly known as D-Day. The sheer force of those invasions is immense in nature (24,000 airborne troops; 160,000 amphibious troops; over 5000 ships) and make it the largest amphibious invasion of all-time. Allied casualty totals are estimated at approximately 10,000 men with nearly a third of those being fatal casualties. Among U.S. forces, there were over 6600 casualties with 2499 being fatal.
But there were many men who lived through that battle and lived to tell about it. I will share the story of one of those men this week. Also, recently, my family visited the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia and I will post some information and photos from that very moving experience.
Take some time this week via internet or otherwise to learn about the enormity of the D-Day invasion, the effect it had on the outcome of the war and ultimately the free world. And if you know one of the men who served in that battle, please express your appreciation to him. I do and I will.
But there were many men who lived through that battle and lived to tell about it. I will share the story of one of those men this week. Also, recently, my family visited the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia and I will post some information and photos from that very moving experience.
Take some time this week via internet or otherwise to learn about the enormity of the D-Day invasion, the effect it had on the outcome of the war and ultimately the free world. And if you know one of the men who served in that battle, please express your appreciation to him. I do and I will.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Blogging Book Reviews
Recently, I've begun to post blog reviews of books. Some of these books are those that are provided to me from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze program. The "sneeze" idea comes from supermarketer Seth Godin (http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com/) who says ideas spread like a virus when people "sneeze" about things they care about. If you are interested in writing blog reviews of books for Thomas Nelson, simply go to http://www.booksneeze.com/ to register. It's free.
I'd encourage you to check out Godin's blog as well.
I'd encourage you to check out Godin's blog as well.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Fun on Friday
If you go to a restaurant and there is a sign that says that the restaurant offers "ice cold Coke" or "ice cold Pepsi", wouldn't that, by definition, mean that the Coke or Pepsi is frozen?
I'm amazed at the effectiveness of Chick-fil-A's marketing campaign where the company is giving away millions of its new Spicy Chicken Sandwich in advance of the sandwich's menu debut. Some companies just get it.
Isn't it frustrating when you mow your grass one evening and then the next evening it looks like you need to mow it again?
I'm amazed at the effectiveness of Chick-fil-A's marketing campaign where the company is giving away millions of its new Spicy Chicken Sandwich in advance of the sandwich's menu debut. Some companies just get it.
Isn't it frustrating when you mow your grass one evening and then the next evening it looks like you need to mow it again?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Great Quote Thursday
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. - Henry Ford
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Elijah- Out of Nowhere
On Sunday, we began a study of the life of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.
As I Kings chapter 16 ends, we're introduced to King Ahab in verse 33 as a wicked king who "did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him". It is this culture and environment that Elijah walks into when he arrives on the scene at the beginning of I Kings 17. At the risk of his own life, Elijah has been chosen by God to confront King Ahab. And the first thing we learn about Elijah is that he is a Tishbite or from the land of Tish. In effect, Elijah came out of nowhere because Tish is a small town, not a well-known destination in Scripture. And therein lies a lesson for all of us.
Here's The Point: It doesn't matter where you're from, God can use you. Your hometown, your history and your family heritage don't matter when you commit your heart and life to God. Just as with King David in I Samuel chapter 16, we're reminded again that "the Lord looks at the heart".
As I Kings chapter 16 ends, we're introduced to King Ahab in verse 33 as a wicked king who "did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him". It is this culture and environment that Elijah walks into when he arrives on the scene at the beginning of I Kings 17. At the risk of his own life, Elijah has been chosen by God to confront King Ahab. And the first thing we learn about Elijah is that he is a Tishbite or from the land of Tish. In effect, Elijah came out of nowhere because Tish is a small town, not a well-known destination in Scripture. And therein lies a lesson for all of us.
Here's The Point: It doesn't matter where you're from, God can use you. Your hometown, your history and your family heritage don't matter when you commit your heart and life to God. Just as with King David in I Samuel chapter 16, we're reminded again that "the Lord looks at the heart".
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