Friday, February 25, 2011

Fun on Friday

Recently learned that The Electric Company is back on the air. It's much different now from the version I remember as a kid. Still pretty cool though.

As the people of Egypt recently protested, and eventually, gained freedom from a repressive regime, many peoples around the globe were encouraged to seek to live in a society free from tyrannical rule. However, it should come as no surprise that we've heard nothing of Cubans protesting the long-term Communist regime of Fidel Castro since most Cubans have no access to the Internet or, for that matter, electricity.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Great Quote Thursday

I never expect to see a perfect work from an imperfect man- Alexander Hamilton

Friday, February 18, 2011

Fun on Friday

The copier repairman made a visit to our office yesterday. As I passed him in the hallway, I said, "Good morning". He grunted back something that sounded like "muhhrh". I sensed that he may not be happy in his job. But what he should know is that when he comes and fixes the office copier, he's the most popular guy around.

This morning, my wife, our younger son and I visited the UT Athletic Department shop inside the Stokley Athletic Center on the University of Tennessee campus. In one of the few minivans on campus.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Great Quote Thursday

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes- Washington Irving

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Stupid People- Ol' Red

On Sundays in the Young Marrieds Bible Fellowship class that my wife and I lead, I'm currently teaching through a series called, "Stupid People in the Bible". The concept is that it's very easy to look back at the past and see where people made "stupid" mistakes but so easy to overlook the fact that we often still make the same poor decisions today.

In Genesis chapter 25, we read the story of Esau (who is described in verse 25 as being both red and hairy), the name Esau meaning Edom or "red". A skilled and rugged hunter, Esau is the firstborn son of Isaac and thus holds claim to the family birthright (providing at least a double share of the inheritance distribution following a leader's death). The holder of the birthright became the family's defacto leader following a patriarch's death. This would be a prized role in any culture, but not so with Esau.

One day, upon returning from the fields (v. 29-34), Esau grossly exaggerates his weariness and hunger following a day of hunting (v. 32- "Look, I am about to die, so what is this birthright to me?), and in a legendary moment of shortsightedness, sells his birthright to his brother Jacob (later called Israel) for a bowl of stew!

In a moment of weakness and profound poor judgment, Esau receives a bowl of stew but forfeits the right to be a part of the lineage of the coming Christ (Matthew 1:1-3). By thinking only in the moment, he gave away a linkage of historic proportions. How stupid!

Don't Be Stupid:
Think long-term.
You don't know what the future holds.
Be patient.
Invest, don't run.
Build your legacy now.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Book Review- The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible

Let's be honest...no, I didn't read the whole Bible to write a review. Actually, the publisher, Thomas Nelson and its BookSneeze program, only suggest that a blogger read one book of the Bible prior to writing a review.

The Lucado Life Lesson Study Bible is more of an inspirational thought Bible than what is often thought of as a "study Bible". There is lots of information provided to assist the reader but not extensive study notes for the purpose of cross-referencing. This Bible might be good for new believers (and seems to be targeted toward new believers) as it contains "Life Lessons" notes that coincide with numerous Scripture references. Each "Life Lesson" is made up of the following sections: situation; observation; inspiration; application and exploration which could be used for personal Bible study.

This study Bible uses the New King James Version for its text. The text is a traditional black font but additional notes, boxes and highlighted areas are shaded with mauve coloring. Some might like that; me, not so much.

I reviewed this Bible in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Fun on Friday

Another reason to love Chick-Fil-A: insulated cups. Not too cold. No sweat. Chick-Fil-A gets customer service.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Great Quote Thursday

The hard way is to have the courage to be patient- Dwight Eisenhower

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Book Review- Ulysses S. Grant by Michael Korda

Part of Harper Collins' Eminent Lives series, Michael Korda's short biography on the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, is an enjoyable read. In a brief 158 pages, Korda covers various topics including: Grant's profound lack of business acumen (an issue that engulfed him throughout his life); Grant's struggles with alcohol (primarily when separated from his wife due to military service); and Grant's dislike for Washington DC.

Korda points out that, at the time of his death, Grant was highly popular and could have been buried and memorialized among the country's most well-respected Presidents in Washington DC. However, by his own choice, he ended up being buried in what is now a run-down section of New York City. Korda also chronicles the world travels of Grant and his family late in the former President's life and also Grant's sad attempt to complete his memoirs prior to his death in an effort to make money for his family following several poor investments.

History confirms that Grant's major strength in life was as a skilled military leader. He was not good with finances and his presidency was not overly impressive, with his second term being plagued by allegations of corruption. However, his efforts to lead Union forces to reach the conclusion of the Civil War ranks as his crowning achievement.

For more information on Grant, I'd encourage you to read Grant's memoirs: http://www.bartleby.com/1011/.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Super Bowl 45 Prediction

Sunday's game looks to be a great one featuring two traditionally strong organizations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have beaten two strong teams (Ravens, Jets) in close games at home to advance to the championship game while the Green Bay Packers have won three roads games (at Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago) to reach the Super Bowl.

The Packers offense is humming right now (reminiscent of last year's Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints) in a manner that usually means victory. The Steelers defense is outstanding but, in the end, I think the Packers' quick passing game and improving run game will prove to be enough to defeat the Steelers.

Whatever the outcome, I hope it's a good game to watch.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Fun on Friday

Many universities and professional sports towns think they must have a brand new, first-rate arena or stadium if they want to have a winning sports team. Interesting that Duke University doesn't need a new arena to have a winning basketball program (ever toured cramped and hot Cameron Indoor Stadium?) while Auburn University's new arena proves that a new venue doesn't necessarily mean an energy filled crowd will support your team.

I wonder how many UT fans stayed up to watch the end of last night's UT/Auburn basketball game like I did. That was one of the blandest games I've ever sat through. Sometimes you watch a game until the end and are rewarded with a fantastic, "did you see the end of that game" kind of finish. Sometimes you watch until the end and simply waste a couple of hours.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Great Quote Thursday

Power consists in one's capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of cooperation- Woodrow Wilson

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Staying Connected

As a dad, I have the responsibility to show the love of God the Father to my children. When my sons think of what a dad's love looks like, what it feels like, I am their point of reference. If from me, they experience love and care and understanding, they can more easily have a sense of what the love of God is like. As I read Galatians 6:4 recently, I was reminded of a time when I had to help our older son understand the love of God the Father.

When Parker was around three years old, our family was going through a period of transition. His little brother was on the way, we were moving into a new house and he was adjusting to new classrooms and teachers at church and at his preschool. It was alot for an adult to process through, much less a three year old. As a result, Parker began to have trouble every time we would leave him in a class. It became a matter of prayer as we had to do something because the drop-off process (he always got better moments after we left the room) was becoming quite painful for both us and him.

One morning, I had an idea to try to help Parker feel like he was always connected to us. At the time he carried a miniature Adidas backpack on which I placed two caribiners (the D-shaped spring clips often used on ropes courses). When we dropped him off in his preschool class, I unhooked one of the caribiners and kept it with me, promising Parker that I would be back later to pick him up and reconnect our caribiners (he called them hooks). If he thought of us during the day, he could look at his "hook" and know we would return for him. When I picked him up at the end of the day, he helped me reconnect the hooks. Before long, he realized that even though we might not be with him in his room, we were always with him.

Here's The Point: While simple in concept, the use of the caribiners allowed me to teach my son about the love of God. He knew that I loved him; he had a constant reminder of my love; and he knew that I would be back to get him. All things that God the Father has promised us.

Book Review- The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons

After hearing Gabe Lyons speak at Catalyst last fall, I was intrigued by his new book, The Next Christians. As a result, I was glad to be able to review the book for Water Brook Multnomah as part of its Blogging for Books program. I agree with much that Lyons expresses in the book, however, there is much that I question.

My complete review is posted here: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/index/blogr:502