Fun on Friday

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson recently said that, after leading the NFL in rushing with over 2000 yards last season, he "can't play for $550,000" this season. Apparently it doesn't matter that he's under contract for 3 more seasons. Most of the guys I know could make ends meet at 550K per year.

Recently flew to Florida on Allegiant Air. Oddly enough, it cost more for my bag to return to Knoxville than it did for me to get home.

One benefit of the dry, hot weather we've been having is that a guy doesn't need to mow his yard as often.

Great Quote Thursday

It is not the honor that you take with you, but the heritage you leave behind- Branch Rickey

Book Review- Louie Giglio's The Air I Breathe

This short book by Louie Giglio, the leader of the Passion movement, is designed to remind the reader that worship isn't a thing we do. Worship isn't just music. Worship must be who we are. Worship is to be constant. Like breathing. So much a part of who we are that we don't even notice it but yet essential to our very life.

It won't take you long to read this book and it's good to be reminded that worship is central in the life of a Christ follower. The book is worth your time to read.

Fun on Friday

Now that LeBron James is headed to Miami, ESPN can now focus all its attention on if (when) Brett Favre will return to the NFL.

United States Postal Service postage stamps are going up in price again. This time to 46 cents. If you think about it, 46 cents to get a piece of mail sent from your house to mine is actually not a bad deal. But with online banking and private competition, the USPS continues to spiral downward (billions in financial losses even after cutting 40,000 jobs). Some things eventually run their course.

More and more I find myself using my cell phone as a flashlight. It's odd but I've found it to be a very helpful feature.

Great Quote Thursday

More often it's not how handsomely or eloquently you say something, but the fact that your words mean something- Ronald Reagan

Elijah- Dealing With Discouragement

On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.

In I Kings 19, Elijah's life is threatened by King Ahab's wife Jezebel. As a result, he deals with discouragement bordering on depression. As I study through chapter 19, I realize there are some great lessons for us to learn when we are dealing with discouragement:

1. Remember how good God has been to you- v. 3, 4
When Elijah's life is threatened, he flees in fear. He clearly forgets how good God has been to him (forgetting how God previously saved his life when Ahab sought to kill him; forgetting how God showed his glory and power on Mount Carmel)
2. Remember God always provides- v. 5-8
God provided water and food for Elijah during the period of the drought; God provided for Elijah by using a poor widow
3. Remember you are not alone- v. 18
When Elijah moans that he alone is left to honor and worship God, God tells him that He has 7000 followers who still love Him

Here's The Point: When discouragement comes, and it will, it's good to remember how good God has always been to us; to remember that God always provides (though maybe not in the way or in the time frame we'd prefer); and to remember that no matter what our struggles are that we are not alone, that others have experienced what we're going through.

Fun on Friday

I've not seen Toy Story 3 yet. But after my son's recent birthday party at which he received several Toy Story character items, I can see why Andy's mom boxed up Woody, Buzz and the gang. All children's toys that make sound, speak or play music should have an on/off button. It really should be mandatory. I'm all for "To Infinity and Beyond" as much as the next guy, but sometimes Buzz needs to take a break at our house.

I'm living the life.