One of the Best!

Greg Maddux. I have not always been a fan. After all, he spent most of his career pitching for the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, two franchises at the absolute bottom of my list (I'm loyal to my Cardinals!).

In the past few seasons, however, I've come to have great respect for Greg Maddux, and I now see him as the incredible pitcher he has always been. He is certainly bound for the Hall of Fame. He may very well be the best pitcher the Major Leagues have seen since Walter Johnson, even though sentimentality still puts Nolan Ryan at the top of that list. Roger Clemens has been knocked down a few rungs. And, Satchel Paige was not allowed to shine in his prime, or he would have owned the list!

Greg Maddux won his 349th game lst night. He needs 6 more wins to eclipse Clemens, and he will do that by mid-season. He defeated the Dodgers, and afterward Dodger manager Joe Torre said this: "I've always had a lot of respect for guys who just say, 'Here it is, and if you beat me, you beat me.' That's the way he's always gone about his business," Torre said. "You don't have to throw the ball 95 miles an hour to be a successful pitcher. I mean, I grew up in the big leagues with Warren Spahn and Lew Burdette, and those guys who relied more on command than on blowing people away."

"A lot of times Maddux will beat you with his reputation," Torre added. "Sometimes, hitters go up there trying to look for too many things. But he's always going to give you a pitch to hit. The thing is, he has the knack of reading hitters' body language. It seems every time you take a pitch it's a strike, and every time you swing, it's not. He just doesn't throw the ball straight -- and he's got the guts of a burglar."

Here is my list of the best starting pitchers in Major League Baseball since Walter Johnson.

1. Walter Johnson (the next pticher who amasses 400 wins can challenge him)

2. Satchel Paige (if only he had been allowed to play in the ML's in his prime!)

3. Greg Maddux (the stats do not lie, even if most come in a Cubs or Braves uniform)

4. Nolan Ryan (if he'd only had some run support)

5. Sandy Koufax (the best run of 5 seasons of any pitcher, ever)

6. Warren Spahn (too often, the forgotten man)

7. Bob Feller (perhaps the first big-time fastball pitcher)

8. Bob Gibson (his 1968 season may be the best ever)

9. Steve Carlton / Tom Seaver (great pitchers from the same era)

11. Rogers Clemens (he hasn't fallen off the list . . . yet! His pre-1998-steroids stats alone dwarf that of many pitchers)

What pitchers are on your list?

God's Answer to Prayer . . . May Be Me!

Are you familiar with Rob Bell? He is a fantastic preacher. He has put together a series of videos where he is shown presenting a Biblical message in rather unconventional settings and ways. The NOOMA series is powerful. I look forward to each new video (I have all 19 on DVD).

In the latest NOOMA video, entitled "Open," Rob Bell speaks about prayer, specifically the subject of "unanswered prayer." He offers one line that struck me as particularly powerful. He said, "Don't pray for God to feed the hungry if you have plenty to eat." His point was that in many cases you and I might very well be the answer to the prayers we offer to God.

Don't pray for God to feed the hungry if you have plenty to eat. I'll be thinking a lot about these words and the message behind them during this upcoming week. I am often quick to overlook the ways in which I can be a blessing to the lives of others. I, like many, get too caught up in my own life to see the needs of others. My life is not to be lived to self, it is to be given as an offering to God and used in service to others. That is why I am here. That is why you are here.

Advancement of Technology

There are constant advancements in technology that just baffle the mind, or my rather limited mental capacities, at least. I heard some statistics the other day that underscore this. The statistics concerned communication technologies and the time that lapsed between their invention and the point at which half of the households in America had possession of said technology.

• It took 71 years after the invention of the telephone before half of American households had a phone.
• It took 52 years after the harnassing of electricity before half of American households had electrical service.
• It took 38 years before radios were in half of American households.
• It took 18 years before color televisions were in half of American households.
• It took 18 years before personal computers were in half of American households.
• It took 15 years before cellphones were in half of American homes.
• It took 14 years before VCR's were in half of American homes.
• It took 10 1/2 years before CD players were in half of American homes.
• It took 10 years before broadband Internet was in half of American households.
• It took 4 years before I-Pod's were in half of American households (and this stat may include all MP3 and similar devices).

Just analyze those statistics for a moment. My mind is trying to grasp what the next big communication technology will be and how rapidly it is likely to affect our lives. What do you think it will be?

(Note: If you listened to Rush on Monday you've already heard these statistics.)

The Forgotten 4,000

Much has been made during the past couple of weeks of the 4,000th death among U.S. Servicemen and women serving in Iraq. That's 4,000 deaths in 5 years of war. BUT, did you realize that there are approximately 4,000 abortions performed in this country every day!

The media is quick to point out the losses from the Iraq War, but are often silent when it comes to great violence that takes place in our own country every day.

Just something to think about.

Home!

It is good to be home!

I have returned to Gallup after spending the past 20 days on the road, traveling from place to place sharing the news about Manuelito Navajo Children's Home . . . and squeezing some good time in with family and friends along the way.

Let me recap. In the past 20 days, I have:

• Visited 6 states (New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado)
• "Lived" in 3 time zones (MST, CST & Arizona, which does not recognize DST)
• Driven 4,744 miles
• Spent $937.69 on fuel and service
• Experienced the ecstasy of 20.56 mpg on March 25 (and when you're driving a V8 Ford Explorer . . . that's fantastic!). Of course, I also endured 14.66 mpg on April 4-5 . . . ugh!
• Found that the cheapest gasoline from Phoenix to Tulsa was actually in Phoenix and Tulsa; the most expensive was in Red Mesa, Colorado ($3.57 for 85 octane unleaded).
• Dined at Braum's 9 times, at Cracker Barrel 8 times, and Rosa's 5 times. I also visited dozens of other eating establishments.
• Climbed to 8,900 feet elevation (at Cloudcroft, N. Mex.) and descended to 744 feet above sea level (at Tulsa).
• Spoke to 4 congregations and worshiped with a few more.
• Saw many good friends I had not seen in a long time.

Did I tell you it was snowing in Gallup, at the moment? April 8 and snow . . . thunder snow! You gotta love western New Mexico!

Hang On!

Lubbock Landmark

Okay, so there's not much excitement. But, now my girls can say they've been to Prairie Dog Town. Who wouldn't want that on their list of life's accomplishments?

Iced Tea

On Monday, it was Braum's. Today, it is Rosa's. My road trip has taken me away from the land of Braum's (Oklahoma and Kansas) to Lubbock and the home of Rosa's. (Of course, Rosa's originated in Odessa, Tex., and you can now find them throughout Texas, but I will always think of Rosa's and Lubbock in the same context!).

I love Rosa's. Any trip to Lubbock is incomplete without a stop at Rosa's Cafe & Tortilla factory. Why do I love Rosa's so much? Iced Tea. Salsa. Fajitas. And, bean burritos. In that order.

I don't know what it is about Rosa's iced tea, but it is simply the best. I'm an iced connoisseur (if there's such a thing!) . . . I drink 3-4 gallons of the stuff . . . every day! And, Rosa's iced tea is second to none.

The medio caliente salsa at Rosa's is terrific. A large chips and salsa is a meal to itself, especially if you add a side of guacamole.

Fajitas! Beef fajitas! Not as good as On the Border or Abuelos, but for the price, they can't be beat at Rosa's. If only, Rosa's would have a Fajita night to pair with Taco Tuesdays!

And, lest I forget the bean burritos. They're not my personal favorite, but my three daughters love them. There are very few places where all of my girls love to eat without question. The bean burritos at Rosa's get three cheers every time.

Okay, enough of the Rosa's commercial. Perhaps the management will stumble across my blog and offer me free fajitas as compensation for the plug!

The Blessing of Reunions

I was blessed today with two reunions.

Earlier today, I had lunch with some special friends, Khris and Lara Rogers. I had not seen them in many, many years. Khris and I were in Kindergarten together . . . 33 years ago! and spent most of our schooling together, all the way through college. We're among the select few that can say we started Kindergarten at the same school from which we graduated college! We're alumni of Lubbock Christian Schools and Lubbock Christian University.

Tonight, I received an e-mail from a dear friend, Eddie Stegall. We had not communicated in several years. Eddie and his family are some of my favorite people that I have been blessed to meet along my life's journey. They have a spirit that thirsts for God that I have found so encouraging over the years. Eddie's parents are two of the most Godly, and fun-loving people you could ever know. When I think of what an elder of the church is to be, my mind immediately goes to Ed Stegall, a true shepherd, even though he's been "retired" from the position for many years :-).

These two reunions have brought a lot of encouragement to me today and reminded me how blessed I have been in life. I am a wealthy man; not materially, but in terms of all the wonderful relationships God has brought my way. People are the true riches in this life.

I have not always been the best at relationships. I too often get caught up in my own little world, my concerns, my work, my interests, and I don't invest the time and attention in other people as I should. I'll be quite candid, though, having lost the most special of relationships, as I have in this past year, has reemphasized to me the great value of those people that God has brought into my life and has made me want to do all I can to strengthen and nurture and treasure those friendships I have.

The Gift of Grace

I'm so glad that eternity doesn't depend upon my ability to pass a test! By the grace of God in Christ I am saved, and by his mercy eternal life is a reality. So, why is it that we get so caught up in crossing all the "t's" and dotting all the "i's"?

I come from a religious tradition that emphasizes exactness in an approach to the interpretation of Scripture and religious practice. It is admirable to want to understand God's Word as fully and completely as possible. After all, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5.6). BUT, my mental capabilities are imperfect; all men (and women!) have some deficiency in mental acumen. There will always be some shortcoming (and probably many) when it comes to my comprehension of the Bible. I will never score a 100 on a comprehensive exam of Scripture. And, so there will always be some shortcoming in my practice of God's will. But, isn't that the whole reason for the cross?

My point? There was a wonderful Christian man in Childress that used to ask me these questions, "Does God accept a 95? How about an 85? What does he do with a 70? Does he grade on a curve? Do only the students at the top of the class pass?" His questions were rhetorical, he had his answer in mind, but he was simply asking me these questions to challenge my thinking and to make the point that the arrogance that so many have regarding their understanding of Scripture and their perception that the knowledge and understanding of others doesn't measure up is foolish . . . if not sinful.

Let me state the point this way: Did Jesus hang on the cross only to have us be required to pass a Bible-competency exam before salvation could be secured? NO, Jesus died on the cross because of the weaknesses of man . . . weaknesses that very well might (and likely do) include shortcomings when it comes to understanding Scripture.

I don't know of a perfect church (and I use the term broadly). Every church has its shortcomings . . . we are all humans in need of God's grace, after all. So, how audacious it is of me to point my finger at a church (or indicvidual) that does some things different from my understanding of Scripture, and condemn them. Am I the judge? Am I God? Do I have the power to dispense God's grace or to withhold it? Do I know the sincerity of the heart of the one(s) whom I presume to judge? How dare I try to stand where God alone can stand.

I am deeply troubled by attitudes within my faith tradition, the Churches of Christ. There are many presuming to stand where God alone can stand. Too many who are looking at the behaviors of others and arrogantly declaring, "Your understanding of Scripture is wrong! Your actions are displeasing to God!" We even have certain individuals and congregations publishing full-page ads in major newspapers to publicly condemn other churches. It's very much like a student pridefully shouting, "My 95 beats your 85! I'm so much smarter than you!"

Praise be to God that he, and he alone, makes me worthy of his love. I can't earn it. I can't purchase it. I can't smart my way into achieving it. I certainly can respond to his great gift with a deep, un-trumped love for him. I can respond with my obedience. I can offer my worship and my service as best as I know how. BUT, I can also honor him by showing deference to others, by being humble, by giving fellow believers (and I use that term broadly) a benefit of the doubt, acknowledging that all of us are imperfect and in need of God's grace.

I've come to believe that heaven will be much more crowded that I once believed. And I praise God for that!!!

That Inner Struggle Thing

I shouldn't have done it, but how do you say no to Braum's?

I live in Gallup, New Mexico . . . 12 miles from the Arizona border and 500 miles away from the nearest Braum's. For the uninitiated, Braum's is a hamburger and ice cream joint based in and near the state of Oklahoma. Anyone who has ever called Oklahoma home is a Braum's addict, and that definitely includes me. There were a few years there where Braum's burgers and ice cream were staples of my diet . . . and the proof is there for anyone to see!!!

I have been away from Oklahoma for nearly 5 years, so I've been going through Braum's withdrawal. I've spent the past 9 days in and around Oklahoma (south-central Kansas where I am now at is also Braum's country) . . . and so, I've been making up for lost time! There seems to be a Braum's on every corner in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita . . . I haven't made it to all of them in the past week, but I've done my best!

I told myself tonight that today would be Braum's free . . . my body needed a break. But . . . I relented . . . I gave in . . . and quickly gobbled up a double dip chocolate chip-peanut butter cup waffle cone! It was wonderful! All that I had expected! For about 30 minutes!!! Then, reality set in, and now I have a killer headache from too much sugar, and I'm sure those calories are up to no good :-).

Isn't that the way with sin? Often the temptation to indulge in improper behavior . . . to do what we know is wrong and will likely result in harmful circumstances . . . becomes too much (at least in our way of thinking) and we give in and do what we should have avoided. Initially, it seems that the lies of temptation are indeed true . . . what fun! . . . we feel great! . . . best time of our life! . . . top of the world! . . . then reality sets in and everything comes crashing down. Sin is fun for a moment . . . perhaps many years of moments, but there is an end to the fun. Reality cannot be held at bay forever. There will be an accounting. Eating a Braum's double-dip ice cream cone will result in a few hours of discomfort and a few extra pounds, but giving into more serious temptations will result in much more serious and life-affecting consequences.

We learn from our mistakes . . . from those moments when we let down our guard and allow those temptations to take over . . . moments when sanity departs us and self-destructive reasoning and behavior creep in. Or, at least we should. The consequences of bad actions should teach us to avoid the same trap the next time. If we are paying attention. If we do not become so deadened to cause and effect that we do not grow.

Tomorrow will be Braum's free!!! I hope :-).

A Test of Forgivness

I worshiped with two congregations in south-central Kansas today. I was privileged to speak to both about Manuelito Navajo Children's Home. This morning, I was with the McPherson, Kansas church. Tonight, I was with the Haven, Kansas church.

My good friend, Lance Morrisett, is the preacher at Haven. It was good to be with Lance, Jennifer and Cullen. I had not seen Lance and Jennifer in nearly 5 years. We met 10 years ago in Childress, when I was preaching for the Fairview Church of Christ (my first preaching stop) and Lance was the youth minister for th eChildress Church of Christ. Those were good times.

This morning, while at McPherson, I enjoyed sitting in a Bible class with Glen Elliott, the preacher at McPherson. Glen's subject was forgiveness. He offered a test of forgiveness that I found worth sharing. To paraphrase, this is the gist of Glen's challenge: You say you've forgiven the person that has hurt you, but has your behavior toward that person changed? Do you still respond to him or her like you have a grudge toward them, or have you allowed the relationship to enter a new day. Are you happy when the other person meets some adversity or hardship, considering such things as just payback? Or, do you wish good things for the person?

We have all been hurt at various times in life. It is a very human thing to want to strike out and wound the person who has wounded us. But, we are called to forgive; to do as Jesus did . . . to love those who hurt us, and seek not to harm in return, but to forgive . . . to not be bitter, but to find a place of peace in the relationship once more.

It is not enough to say, "I forgive you," but continue to alienate the other person is wrong; to wish that they would meet with some unfortunate circumstance is hateful; to desire the worst for that person is sinful. When we forgive, a new day dawns . . . a new chapter in the relationship begins.

Beautiful World

I began the week (Sunday) in Chandler, Arizona. As this day ends (Tuesday), I am in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I've driven over 1,300 miles in the past three days . . . across four states . . . Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. I have seen so many beautiful sights in those long miles . . . the Sonoran Desert and Dragoon/Dos Cabezas mountain ranges in SE Arizona, the mountains and desert of SW New Mexico, the Rio Grande valley around Las Cruces and the White Sands, the Sacramento Mountains and Cloudcroft, New Mexico, the vast plains of eastern New Mexico, the cotton fields of the Texas Panhandle, the Caprock and hill country of the eastern Panhandle, the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma, and the rolling hills of central Oklahoma. I've crossed the Rio Grande, the Red River, the Canadian River, and the Arkansas River. What a beautiful world God has made . . . and he has given it to us to enjoy, to call home, to care for and be a part of. How aweome is our God!

Two Recommendations

Two recommendations.

1) Phoenix Zoo. I took my girls there today. I love bringing my girls to zoos, and we have visited several during the past few years: San Diego, Cheyenne Mt. in Colorado Spgs, Oklahoma City (twice), and Columbus Ohio. Phoenix is one of the best. It has some great attractions for small kids. Some hilly terrain, but not much. But, we missed the mountain lions . . . "Exhibit temporarily closed." What a great morning and early afternoon.

2) Serano's. I've mentioned this one before, and I have it listed as one of my favorite restaurants on the right hand column of my blog. I discovered Serano's three years ago, and must make a stop there each time I come to Chandler, AZ. If you visit, order the #33: cheese enchiladas topped with green chili beef. Very good! They were a little off tonight, but still better than most Mexican food I've had . . . and I'm quite particular.

Payson, Arizona

I visited a place new to me today . . . Payson, Arizona. Beautiful.

The comment is not reserved for the town, per se, although in my quick drive through the town limits, I was impressed. My evaluation is primarily focused on the drive into and out of town. For the first time in my life, I travelled the route south from Holbrook, Arizona to Chandler(Phoenix), Arizona, through Payson. What a beautiful drive . . . especially the vicinity around Payson. In the space of about 50 miles you descend from snow-covered Ponderosa forests to the lowlands of the Sonoran desert.

I will definately be making this trip again. Hopefully, I will not be in as much a hurry as I was this morning. I would like to spend some meaningful time in and around Payson.

(I owe credit for the photo to some anonymous source on the Internet. I had my camera this morning, but did not have time to stop and take photos . . . next time!).

Leadership Training for Christ

It's that time of year again. Another Leadership Training for Christ convention has arrived. It's always a highlight of the year for me.

The kids from Gallup Church of Christ and Manuelito Navajo Children's Home attend the LTC-Southwest convention in Chandler (Phoenix), Arizona. It will be my third year to attend the convention in Chandler, but my first with Gallup. I brought the youth group from Cortez, Colorado the past two years. In years past, I have attended LTC conventions at Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dallas-Ft. Worth. Each convention has its own charm, and aspects genuine to the place, but the overall program is basically the same, and the aim of bringing Christian youth together in an atmosphere where their talents and abilities are affirmed and encouraged is the same in each place.

I have spent most of my life close to youth ministry in Churches of Christ, beginning as a youth, myself, and continuing as an adult employed as both youth minister and preacher for a succession of congregations. Over the years, I have gone back and forth in my feelings regarding L. T. C. I have certain criticisms: namely, the monetary expense (and how that often capitalizes a lot of small church youth budgets), and the use of Easter weekend as a convention time (I understand the logic of using this time, but a lot of family activities are compromised in the process, and many families do not participate in L.T.C. as a result). But, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I cannot think of another program in churches that involves the nuimber of children, youth, and adults as does L.T.C.; with all ages working together toward a common goal and purpose. I cannot think of another program that taps into the wide breadth of talents and abilities and interests as does L.T.C. L.T.C. excels at communicating to youth that all sorts of skills can be used to glorify God and edify the church. It used to be, that young people (and old, too) were told that serving God amounted to saying a public prayer or leading a song (activities that usually left out half our kids!), but L.T.C. enables kids to use all sorts of talents in Christian service. L.T.C. also brings hundreds and thousands of Christian youth together, creating a "strength in numbers" effect, telling kids, "Hey, I'm not alone in this church thing . . . there are lots of others just like me!" This benefit is especially truth with youth coming from small congregations.

I am looking forward to my time in Chandler, and I know the kids from Gallup are excited. An added bonus: my three girls are with me this week, and I will get to share the fun of L.T.C. with them.

The photo is from L.T.C. 2006 in Chandler. It is of the Cortez youth group (and my kids, too).

Great Winners

Another Tiger win. Another emphatic declaration that he is the greatest champion in sports history. Has there ever been an athlete with a greater competitive drive?

Here's my list of great champions in sports history.

1. Tiger Woods (he will only continue to make the point)

t2. Bill Russell (Mr. Championship)

t2. John Wooden (brilliant coach . . . a giant of a man in a rather diminuitive frame)

4. Otto Graham (7 NFL championships in 10 seasons . . . why isn't he mentioned in the same breath as Montana?)

5. Joe DiMaggio (the greatest Yankees' captain)

t6. Pete Sampras (if could have only added the French!)

t6. Roger Federer (he will eclipse Sampras . . . unless he runs out of gas!)

8. Jeff Gordon (okay, okay . . . "sports" champion may be a stretch :-))

9. Jack Nicklaus (Tiger still trails the Golden Bear in the numbers race)

10. Pat Summit (a nod to Title IX)

Showdown: KJV vs. NIV

You gotta check out this YouTube video (visit the link below). I've heard some crazy assaults on the NIV over the years . . . this is the craziest. You'll laugh watching it, but it's definately not the most-genuine, intelligent exegesis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDxcyqeRc-4

Note: I owe Ben Witherington credit for pointing me to the video. He had it posted on his blog, today.

Forgotten Flicks

Do you Netflix? What a great concept. I've become a Netflix addict.

Lately, I've been requesting some golden oldies . . . movies I had not seen in a long, long time. I enjoyed watching these movies for the 2nd time (or 40th time) as much as the 1st time. Here's my recommendations:

The Apple Dumpling Gang (Don Knotts & Tim Conway . . . need I say more?)

Victory (Sylvester Stallone playing soccer alongide Pele in a WWII POW camp . . . what a concept!)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (the best of the Star Trek movies)

JAWS (even though Ive seen the shark at Universal Studios, this movie is still one of the best ever made)

Die Hard (the original . . . far outshines the sequels)

Superman II: Richard Donner Cut (an altogether new movie . . . takes a mediocre movie to classic status)

Grab some popcorn and head to Netflix.

Our God Is an Awesome God

Have you heard Charlie Daniels's version of Awesome God? If not, give it a listen. It is on the Songs 4 Worship Country CD produced by TimeLife records, or you can download the single from Amazon.com. The whole album is great, but I especially like the Daniels's track.

Favorite Baseball Teams/Seasons

Spring Training has started and another Major League Baseball season is around the corner. I can't wait. I love baseball. I especially love the lore and history of the Major Leagues. Football, specifically the NFL, is my favorite spectator sport, but the NFL does not have the heritage of MLB. Mention a baseball player, any position, any era, and on the basis of statistics he can be compared to players from the past 120 years. You can't do that with a football player. Certainly each era has its quirks that make comparissons a little problematic (i.e., steroids, the "dead ball", segregation, etc.), but all in all it is still fascinating to place Babe Ruth side by side with Albert Pujols and compare their accomplishments, and with statistics there is a certain amount of objectiviy on which to base a comparison.

At the outset of new baseball season, I want to present my listing of favorite baseball teams/seasons. You can tell from the list who my favorite franchise is . . . only the most successful franchise in the history of the National League (and I've been a fan since the early days of the Wizard of Oz!) . . . through good seasons and bad (and there have been plenty of both). Can you guess my second favorite team?

My favorite MLB Teams/Seasons:

#1- 1934 St. Louis Cardinals, the "Gashouse Gang" (Dizzy, Daffy, Ducky/Muscles, Pepper, Ripper, the Fordham Flash, Leo the Lip, Spud, Tex, Pops, Dazzy, Chick, Buster, Kiddo, Wild Bill . . . has any team ever had a more colorful collection of nicknames?)

#2- 1941 Booklyn Dodgers (they lost the WS to the Yankees, but this team was special

#3- 2006 St. Louis Cardinals (they should have won two seasons earlier, but they finally sealed the deal in this magical season)

#4- 1927 New York Yankees (what list of baseball seasons/teams would be complete without this team . . . but I still favor the 1921 Yankees)

#5- 1948 Cleveland Indians (two words: Satchel Paige)

#6- 2004 Boston Red Sox (no, I'm not a citizen of the Red Sox Nation, and they swept my beloved Cardinals, but I took great satisfaction in the way this team dispensed the Yankees)

#7- 1982 St. Louis Cardinals (this was the team that began my love affair with the Cardinals)

#8- 1946 St. Louis Cardinals ("The Man" . . . Stan Musial's greatest team, and the World Series that brought a nation out of the years of war and into a time of great prosperity)

#9- 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers (Jackie Robinson, need I say more . . . on second thought this team probably belongs at the top of my list)

#10 - 1985 St. Louis Cardinals (the team that could . . . but fell just short . . . my hats off to George Brett and crew, but the best team lost on that day!)

#11- 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers (they beat the A's, that's reason enough to be on my list . . . plus Kirk Gibson's "Natural" moment)

#12- 2005 Houston Astros (I had to add a Texas team, and this is the closest a Texas team has ever come to Baseball imortality . . . and, yes, they did beat my Cardinals in the NLCS . . . amazing series, though)

What teams make your list?

Top 11 Quarterbacks

In recognition of Brett Favre's retirement, I'll join with the countless others and offer my list of the greatest QB's in NFL history. I refuse to list those QB's who are still in the midst of their careers, but I am certain that in time Manning, Brady, and Romo (yes, that's right) will cause me to reorder my list.

1. Johnny Unitas (he defined the modern QB)

2. Joe Montana (2 minutes left, down by 6, who else would you want behind center?)

3. Otto Graham (no one has approached his champonship run; no one ever will)

4. John Elway (best combination of skills ever)

5. Terry Bradshaw (he does have 4 rings)

6. Roger Staubach (I know, I can't believe I put him behind Bradshaw, but 4 rings outshine 2)

7. Troy Aikman (and, no, Cowboy bias is not in play; this is an objective list)

8. Dan Fouts (often overlooked; perhaps best pure passer ever)

9. Brett Favre (has all the records, but only 1 ring)

10. Dan Marino (his hands are absent the jewelry)

11. Sid Luckman (a Cowboy recognizing a Redskin? is the world coming to an end?)


Most over-rated QB: Broadway Joe Namath.

Most under-rated: Danny White (and, no, its not because I'm a Cowboy fan) & Joe Theisman (and that is certainly not because I'm a Cowboy fan)

Most un-realized potential: Randall Cunningham (meteoric start; forgettable finish)

Who's on your list?

Cowboy Tribute

This lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan takes his hat off (if I wore one) to Brett Favre. Great athlete. Great competitor. Great man. I do take great satisfation, however, in the fact that he never won in Texas Stadium!

Have a wondeful retirement.

Happy Birthday, Doc Watson!

Happy Birthday to Doc Watson, who turns 85 years young, today. For the non-initiated, Doc Watson is a giant in the realms of Bluegrass and folk music, and is a guitar player extraordinaire (especially when you consider the fact that he's blind!). If you haven't heard of him, run to Amazon.com and purchase Three Pickers, a live concert CD/DVD he did a few years ago with Earl Scruggs (of Beverly Hillbillies fame) and Ricky Skaggs. The incomparable Alison Krauss even makes a cameo.

I grew up on Bluegrass music (a cousin even played with Ricky Skaggs), but did not fully appreciate it until the past few years. Now, I'm hooked! And, if you give it a try, I imagine you will be, too.

On "Shifting Borders of Faith"

U.S.A. Today had a very interesting article in today's Life section, entitled "Shifting Borders of Faith." It was an article by Cathy Lynn Grossman on The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey conducted recently by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Much of what was revealed in this survey is not much of a surprise. The 1950s was a long time ago and the cultural and religious character of our nation has been in a flux of change for many decades. However, there were a few observations made by Grossman that caught my attention.

• "51.3% of Americans call themselves Protestant, but roughly one-third of this group were 'uanble or unwilling' to describe their denomination." Can we say that there is a yearning for genuineness in faith rather than structure and tradition.

• "Nearly three in four U.S. Buddhists are converts." Consider that statistic for a moment. How many in churches are 'converts'? I would be shocked if genuine converts (not 3rd, 4th, 5th generation believers) number more than 1 out of 10 in most churches.

• "25% of adults under age 30" are unaffiliated with a church. What does this say about the church in 10 years . . . in 30 years?

• Those who are "self-proclaimed" pagans (0.3% of the U.S. population) is roughly equivalent to the number of those who belong to mainline Churches of Christ. Read that statistic again. Does that catch your attntion?!!!

I will comment further on these findings in a future posting. I would like to hear your insights on the matter, so leave a comment or two.

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me."

Our earliest ancestors tried it . . . to no avail. They had sinned, and when they heard God approaching, they fled and sought to hide. They tried to hide from the one who knows and sees all. In hindsight, rather foolish, but quite human, nonetheless.

We've all tried it . . . I know I have. We run from our sins, rather, we run from an accounting of those sins. In shame, we seek to hide . . . to hide from God and from those closest to us. We hand our heads. We cover our eyes. We deny. We blame. We may even bury ourselves deeper in our sins, because we are unprepared to deal with our folly and the harm our choices have brought.

But, just as certainly as God came into the Garden, knowing full well what Adam and Eve had done and knowing where they hid, God knows us . . . we cannot hide from him.

I love Psalm 139, but it must be one of the most challenging passages in Scripture.

The psalmist prays, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord" (vv. 1-4).

The psalmist continues to relate who God is the all-knowing Creator, the one who "created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" (v.13). And concludes, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there" (vv. 7-8).

Psalm 139 is not merely a psalm of praise, glorigying God as Creator, but it is a prayer of confession and supplication. The psalmist invites God into his life, for the Father to expunge all that is dark and void and sin, and to renew what has become corrupted. But, the psalmist is also declaring his own faithfulness and righteousness, sayining, in essence, God you know me intimately, I can hide nothing from you, my life is laid bare before you, and I have no shame. The Psalmist is not arrogant in making this confession; the implication, I believe, is that he has lived his life diligently and conciously opening himself up to God, quick to deal with his sin, not trying to hide from God, but eagerly inviting him to enter his life and to rule over it.

The psalmist cries out, "If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (vv. 19-24).

To live transparently before God . . . how freeing . . . how empowering. Much of the worry in life stems from our insecurities, constantly rining our hands over what others and God thinks of us. And, in our efforts to cover up our weaknesses, inadequacies, and failures, we dig deeper holes rather than bury them. To open onesself up to God, to cry out for his assistance and mercy and strength in our times of need (and moral and spiritual failure) is key. When we open ourselves up to God, we invite his tender touch, his mercy, his loving care. It's very difficult for a doctor to heal a stubborn patient and a patient in denial.

Let us us share the praise of the psalmist: "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you" (vv. 17-18).

Great Presidents

I had intended to post this yesterday, in recognition of President's Day, but time got away from me.

I love U.S. History and enjoy reading about and discussing the Presidents we have had in our history and considering their place in history and significance to the country. I have a few lists I want to share reflecting my opinions about our Presidents. I have tried to be objective and invite others to share their thoughts and lists.

List #1: The Presidents with the Greatest Signicance to the Country in terms of impact and legacy in the context of contemporary American society (regardless of whether or not I'm a "fan")

1. George Washington (he is after all the "Father of our Country" . . . plus, can you imagine if John Adams was the first president?)

2. Abraham Lincoln (can you imagine the Civil War and its aftermath with any other President at the helm?)

3. Franklin Roosevelt (no, I am not a fan, but who else has had a greater impact on modern society . . . after all who else can we credit more for our "Welfare State"?)

4. Ronald Reagan (he brought an end to the Cold War and ushered in the greatest era of material prosperity our country has ever known . . . and, yes, I am a FAN)

5. Theodore Roosevelt (he ushered us into the "modern world" and began to build our legacy as the world's superpower)


List #2: Our Most Under-Rated Presidents

1. George W. Bush (just wait 20-30 years and see how he is viewed)

2. George H. W. Bush (had he been elected to a second term, I think the world would have been a much different place, and many of the problems in the Middle East would not be as difficult as they are now)

3. Harry Truman (although, during the past decade he has begun to get his due . . . and, yes, this Republican is a fan)

4. James Garfield (okay, I can't really think of any significant accomplishments, but I like him because of our shared heritage)

5. Richard Nixon (yes, his behavior at times was shameful, but the earlier part of his presidency was filled with some noteworthy achievements; plus, he gave a few good men their starts in government)


List #3: Those Who Would Have Made Great Presidents, But Never Were

1. Alexander Hamilton (if he'd only had a "softer side')

2. Newt Gingrich (there's still time with this one)

3. Margaret Thatcher (oh, of course, Britian had her first)

4. Admiral "Bull" Halsey (I've got to think that anyone nicknamed "Bull" would make a great president . . . plus my dad sailed on the ship that bore his name)

5. Sam Houston (he did great for Texas, surely he could run the United States!)


List #4: Those Who I Hope Will Be President One Day

1. Newt Gingrich (is there a more intelligent man in America? . . . imagine the debates!!!)

1a. John McCain (I am not his biggest fan, and in a Republican primary, my vote would have gone to another . . . but do we really have another choice at this point?)

2. George P. Bush (I haven't lost hope in the Bush dynasty)

3. J. D. Watts (Vice-President in 2008?!!!)

4. Carly Fiorna (she ran Hewlett Packard . . . I've bought 20 or so of their printers)

5. Harrison Ford (okay, I wouldn't like his politics . . . but he just has that look)

Two Churches, Two Very Different Styles

I am still on the road sharing the news about Manuelito Navajo Children's Home. I left Gallup on January 22, and my travels have taken me through Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and back to Texas. I am currently in Temple, Texas. I will finally return home to Gallup on Friday. As enjoyable as this tour has been, I'm eager to get home.

One of the great blessings of this job are the opportunities I have to visit so many different congregations of the Lord's people. I've lost track of the number of churches I've visited during the past three weeks.

Yesterday, I worshiped with two different congregations here in Temple, worshiping in the morning at Western Hills and having the opportunity to speak last evening to the Northside church. These are very different congregations with a common faith.

Western Hills seems to be more progressive of the two. Their worship included a number of contemporary songs, even a few songs I had not heard before, and the service included some elements that were somewhat new to me. I especially liked the "Shepherd's Blessing," a word of encouragement and prayer given by one of the elders near the beginning of the worship. I was also moved by the placement of the prayer for the offering, given aften the collection was taken. It reminded me of Jesus taking the loaves and fish and lifting them up to God, asking for his blessing. A subtle act, to be certain, but powerful. I enjoyed the message, brought by Scott Meyer, and delivered in a very "relaxed/casual" manner.

The Northside church is a more traditional congregation, more long the lines of what I have been accustomed. The friendliness of the congregation was impressive. And the singing . . . even with a small group, it sounded great. I must say, even though I have always prefered "Youth Songs" over the old standbys, I found myself appreciating singing some well known songs (in contrast to not knowing many of the songs at Western Hills). It reinforced to me the importance of striking a balance between the traditional and contemporary. The all and none approach leaves people out, a blending includes everyone.

The primary point I want to make with this posting is that despite the differences between these congregations (and I imagine the differences go deeper than just the distinctions in worship), both congregations share a fellowship grounded in faith in Jesus as Christ. I found a passion for Jesus in both places and a genuiness of faith that was encouraging.

Despite the protestations of some, the New Testament does NOT provide us with a precise model or blueprint of what the church is to be and do. Certainly, we are given principles to follow and we have some examples of the life and practice of the early church, but totally lacking from the New Testament is a book like Leviticus. The minutia of the "old law" was nailed to the cross.

Consider how varied the early churches of the New Testament must have been. Different cultures, languages, and backgrounds must have resulted in a varitety of practices, much of the variety being subtle differences, but differences none the less. For instance, I can imagine that the singing in a predominantly Latin North African church would have varied greatly from a church in Jewish Palestine. Yet, both were praise directed at a common Father and shared Savior.

I am reminded of the song, a "Youth Song" at that: 'We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."

What a Night!

I survived a tornado last night!

I grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and have spent much of my life in Texas and Oklahoma, in the vast, beginning stretches of the infamous "Tornado Alley," but I had to come to Tennessee to experience my first genuine tornado up-close . . . and an F-4 tornado at that!!!

I am in Jackson, Tennessee, where I have been attending the lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University. As you have probably heard, Jackson, and many other areas in Tenessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi, were hit hard by tornados last night and into this morning. The tornado that struck Jackson came right over the motel where I am staying. Fortunately, it had lifted back into the clouds at the precise moment it came over us. It had been on the ground as close as 2 miles to the west of my motel, destroying a small community and killing 2 people. It then touched down again just a mile NE of the motel, on the campus of Union University, destroying several buildings (including dormitories) and entrapping dozens of students. Fortunately, there were only the two deaths in Jackson; unfortunately, at least 54 deaths are attributed to all of the storms across the south.

The randomness of these storms is what has struck me the most today. How the Days Inn where I am staying was not damaged, while destruction can be found to the west and east of us, amazes me. I feel very lucky (no, blessed), and my heart goes out to those who suffered a much different experience.

The power of nature puts a lot into perspective. What takes men many months and years of labor and expense to build, the forces of nature can rip apart in a matter of seconds! Treasure what really matters in life . . . the people God gives us to love and be loved . . . and, yes, that relationship that far surpasses all others . . . with God Himself.

The Blessing of Mentors

One of the great blessings I have had in life are the many men who have served as role models and mentors for me. I was blessed today to be reunited with one such person. I was able to share lunch with one of my favorite people. It had been at least 12 years since I had seen him.

Danny Holmes came to the Green Lawn Church of Christ when I was entering my junior year in high school. He came to be our youth minister. That began a good friendship that has lasted for over 20 years! I have always appreciated Danny's humility and his laidback spirit. When he was my youth minister, I especialy appreciated how he went out of his way to give attention to those who were not popular and not in the in-crowd. Some of my fondest memories in life are of small group Bible studies in Danny & Amye's apartment in Lubbock when I was a teenager and of "indoor golf" matches in the Green Lawn youth center. And, I have always been appreciative of the opporutnity Danny gave me to be his intern . . . one of my first hands-on opportunities in ministry.

The people in our lives really are the greatest of the many blessings God gives to us. The wise man of Proverbs once said, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

In the News

A couple of news stories caught my attention today. Both ran in the U.S.A. Today.

First, it was reported that as Phil Mickelson came to the third tee on Sunday during the fnal round of the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz., he walked up to Drew Fockler, a young boy watching the tournament with his father, John, and gave the boy his two tickets to the Super Bowl. Mickelson said afterward, "I thought that it would be fun to give them to a father-son. I cherish the time I have with each one of my kids, and I just thought it would be a cool experience for them."

How cool is that. This from the man who a few years ago vowed that he would walk off the course during the final round of the U.S. Open (in which he was in contention), if he received the call that his wife had gone into labor (with what would be his eldest child).

Phil Mickelson has always been one of my favorite athletes. Tiger is certainly the greatest golfer of this generation, and perhaps of all time (Niklaus will remain at the top of that list until Tiger surpasses "18"!), but Mickleson has to be the classiest golfer, no, classiest athlete in the ports world.

Oh, by the way, the cheapest tickets to the Super Bowl had a $700 face value. And, I am certain that the tickets Mickelson passed along were not the cheap seats!


And, to turn a few pages, here is a rather troubling story.

A survey posed high school students with the query, "Starting from Columbus to the present day, jot down the names of the most famous Americans in history."

Here is a list of the most common responses:
10. Albert Einstein
9. Thomas Edison
8. Marilyn Monroe
7. Oprah Winfrey
6. Amelia Earhart
5. Benjamin Franklin
4. Susan B. Anthony
3. Harriet Tubman
2. Rosa Parks
1. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Now, there was a catch: no presidents or first ladies were allowed. But, even taking this into consideration, I find much of this list troubling. Marilyn Monroe? Oprah Winfrey? Amelia Earhart? Susan B. Anthony? Benjamin Franklin is relegated to fifth?

I have nothing against these women. Each was (or is) accomplished and has reached a certain amount of fame. But, just consider all of the great Americans left off the list. How about Paul Revere? Alexander Hamilton? Daniel Boone? Betsy Ross? Eli Whitney? Mark Twain? Henry Ford? Lewis and Clark? Neil Armstrong? Thurgood Marshall? Sandra Day O'Connor? Or, John Wayne? Elvis Presley? Babe Ruth, anybody?

My problem with the list is it reveals something about the ephasis on the civil rights movements of the past few decades (important, though, they have been), and the fascination over celebrity and pop culture to the detriment of teaching on the beginnings of our country.

So, what is your list of the most famous Americans in history?

Great Game!

What a game! And, hey, I got the point spread right!

Of course, Romo and company will have to knock Manning and crew down a few notches next season.

Go Giants!

Go Giants! That's hard to say for a diehard Cowboys fan, but it is much more a sentiment against the Patriots.

And, as a Cowboys fan, let me offer some praise for Darrell Green and Art Monk. Both were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday. There were few Redskins I worried about more than these two; they always gave the Cowboys fits. And, from what I have heard about them away from football, these are two good men.

Giants 30, Patriots 27. That's more of a "want" than a "prediction."

Some Things Never Change

I am on the road. I am in Jackson, Tennessee and will be spending the next week attending the Freed-Hardeman University Lectureship. I will be manning a display booth adveritizing Manuelito Navajo Children's Home.

I drove through Memphis earlier today and ate lunch at one of my favorie restaurants, Corky's BBQ. I had not been there in 12 years! It was well worth the wait.

I lived in Memphis in 1996, while I was attending Harding University Graduate School of Religion. Corky's was a prmary staple of my diet in those months I spent in Memphis. I have the waistline to show for it!!!

Driving through Memphis brought back some good memories. I was only here for the Spring and Summer semesters, but I came to love Memphis. It is a unique place with a lot of charm. Driving by the HUGSR campus and the surrounding neighborhoods, today, I was impressed by how things have remained fairly constant over the past twelve years. There have been some changes on campus (my dormitory is no longer there!), but much of what I saw was as I had seen it last. And, of course, Corky's remains a great place to eat!!!

I am impressed with Jackson. I had not been here before. I am looking forward to my first visit to FHU tomorrow morning.

Pray for my efforts to advertise the Manuelito Home. We need new supporters.

I have been away from Gallup now for 11 days, trvaelling through Texas and Arkansas. I have another 15 days to go before I return home. Fortunately, I enjoy travelling and especially meeting new people and seeing new places.

A Wilderness Survival Guide

The opening chapters of the book of Numbers, particularly chapters 1-10, can be aptly thought of as a "Wilderness Survival Guide." In these chapters God, through Moses, seeks to prepare the Israelites for their journey from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land. They will be traveling through a great wilderness. Indeed, today, the Sinai desert remains one of the most desolate places on earth. The people will be confronted by a variety of challenges: a lack of food and water, the unbearable heat, enemies and opposing armies, and, most certainly, their own doubts and fears. To traverse this wilderness, the people will need to remain strong, they will need to trust that God will see them through and make their way prosper.

The opening chapters of Numbers offers a series of strategies the people will need to employ if their way is to be successful. These strategies are learned from the various commands and actions given by God to the people. Consider the lessons that can be learned from the first two chapters.

In these chapters, God commands Moses to conduct a census of the people. Not all of the people are to be counted, only the men of Israel who are 20 years old or more and "who are able to serve in the army" (1.3). Moses' task, then, is to count soldiers! The implication: to successfully navigate the wilderness, the Israelites will need to be prepared to fight. War was a distinct possibility, rather inevitability, along the journey ahead, and the Israelites must be prepared to fight.

As the trides are being counted, Reuben is listen first, because he was the firstborn son of Jacob (Israel). Yet, in chapter 2, God orders that the tribe of Judah is to lead the nation on its march and is to have the favored position in the camp. Judah was the fourth son of Israel, yet he is given this position of prominence. Why? Reuben had sinned against his father in a very shameful way (Genesis 49.3-4), and Simeon and Levi (the second and third sons, respectively) had sinned, too, and were curced by their father for their great anger (Gen. 49.5-7). But, Judah had been blessed by Jacob (Gen. 49.8-12).

The implication for Israel: to successfully navigate the wilderness, the people would need competent and faithful leadership. The importance of leadership cannot be downplayed. Leaders keep a people focused and motivated. They are to serve as examples worthy to be followed.

In Numbers 2, the order for the encampment and marching is given. Three tribes were put to the east, three to the west, three to the north, and three to the south. Where was the tribe of Levi and the Tabernacle to be positioned? They were to be placed in the center of the camp (Num. 2.17). Why? Consider your home. Where do you place your valuable property? Usually, you have them locked away, secured in some manner. So, we find another strategy for navigating the wilderness: there is a great need to protect what is sacred. Those things that produce spiritual growth need to be kept close to heart and mind. Great care needs to be taken in regards to the environments one places themselves, of the activities in which are engaged, and of whose company is kept. These can be so quick to corrupt, so care needs to be taken in protecting what is sacred.

Where would God be when the people camped and when they set out to march? God's presence was at the center of the nation as they camped and before them as they marched. In Exodus 13.21-22, it is said, "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." The implication for the journey through the wilderness: to successuly complete the journey, God's strengthening presence was a necessity. Despite their large numbers (an army of 600,000!), the people needed God to overcome the dangers that would threaten them and to fight the battles that certainly awaited them. Without God going before them, they would quickly become lost and overwhelmed (and chapters 11-25 of Numbers are a testament to this).

As we live in the wilderness (and our sokourne on earth is like a wilderness journey), we must employ these strategies learned from the first two chapters of Numbers: (1) we need to be prepared to fight, for we will face enemies in this life; (2) we need competent and faithful leadership to teach us and motivate us and lead us by their example; (3) we need to protect what is sacred, taking care of that which produces spiritual growth and strength, and avoiding those influences that corrupt; and (4) we need God's abiding and stengthening presence, for we cannot complete the journey without him.

Snow Pictures

Fun In the Snow

A picture from last January.

More Robinson Crusoe Than Stuffy Analytics

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Numbers. Numbers? Yes!

It is often forgotten. It is often avoided. Just the title of the books scares people away. It also happens to be located in that area of the Bible most people tend to skip over when they are doing their daily Bible reading. But, Numbers is full of great stories and important lessons . . . lessons that still teach us today!

Indeed, the preacher of Hebrews had the stories of Numbers in mind when he warned, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience" (Heb. 4.9-11). The "example of disobedience" the preacher is citing is that of the first generation of Israelites freed from Egyptian slavery, the very people whose story is told in the opening chapters of the bbok of Numbers.

It is a rather sad and tragic story. God, in his great mercy, had freed this people from oppression in Egypt. He had brought them into a wilderness on a journey to a land "flowing with milk and honey," to a land of great promise and blessing. Yet, the people rebelled against God, they doubted him and amazingly looked past all of the great things he had done and was doing to deliver them and keep them safe. They turned their backs on God and desired other gods. They rejected his way of things and the order he demanded in life and gave themselves to carnal pleasures and pursuits. And, so, God condemned them to die in the wilderness. And die they did, every single member of that generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, men who remained faithful to God.

The first 25 chapters of the book of Numbers tells the tragic story of this first generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt. The following 11 chapters tell the story of the second generation, the children of the former slaves. A distinctive feature of Numbers is the two censuses that preface the two sections of the book. In chapters 1 and 2, God commands Moses to count the people, specifically the men of each tribe. In chapter 26, Moses is commanded to count again, but this time he is counting a new generation; the older generation had died as a result of their rebellion and faithlessness. The book of Numbers needs to be read with an understanding of this structure.

The book of Numbers is really a manual on how to survive the wilderness journey (and, on the flip side, on how to fail on the wilderness journey). The wilderness journey is a motif to describe the life of faith in a faithless world. God was leading the Israelites through a difficult and threatening place to prepare them for the life of blessing ahead. In the opening chapters of Number, God tries to prepare his people for the arduous journey, but the course of the narrative shows that they did not take serious the preparation and the resources given to them by God, and they failed. The second generation, on the other hand, is shown as taking God seriously and, ultimately, they succeed where their parents had failed.

The Apostle Peter describes Christians as "strangers in the world," as "sojourners in a foreign place." God's people, men and women of faith, Christians, find ourselves in a world that is different from ourselves. We are in the world, but not of it. This world is not our home, we are journeying another place . . . to a land of eternal rest (to use the metaphor of the Hebrew writer). We, like the Israelites before us, need to prepare for the arduous journey before us. The principles found in the preparation given by God to the Israelites in Numbers can help us. The lessons learned from the failure of the first generation of Numbers can help us to avoid the pitfalls that will surely stand in our way.

In the coming days and weeks, I will devote this blog to a study of the book of Numbers (with an occasional break for other ramblings). I hope that you will follow me in this study. If you are not that familiar with Numbers, and even a bit intimidated or put-off by it, I imagine that by the end of this study you will have changed your mind and come to love this great book.

Headlines

Now that's balance!

Two of today's headlines caught my eye:

"J. Russell Coffey, age 109, one of last 3 known U.S. World War I vets, has passed away." What a great American!

And, another headline, just as it appeared, without any revision: "With her charming wink-'n-nod jokes, many Hillary Clinton fans say her sincerity doesn't matter." Run as fast as you can to support whoever the Republican nominee ends up being.

Hanging In There

I'm Afraid to Ask!

Praise God Who Helps the Weak

The prayer of Psalm 146:

My whole being, praise the Lord.

I will praise the Lord all my life;

I will sing praisies to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes

or other people, who cannot save you.

When people die, they are buried.

Then all of their plans come to an end.

Happy are those who are helped by the God of Jacob.

Their hope is in the Lord their God.

He made heaven and earth,

the sea and everything in it.

He remains loyal forever.

He does what is fair for those who have been wronged.

He gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free.

The Lord gives sight to the blind.

The Lord lifts up people who are in trouble.

The Lord loves those who do right.

The Lord protects the foreigners.

He defends the orphans and widows,

but he blocks the way of the wicked.

The Lord will be King forever.

Jerusalem, your God is everlasting.

Praise the Lord!

Is It the Girlfriend?

I'm not the first to make the observation, but . . . ?

Yesterday. The Cowboys get beat by the Eagles. The worst game of the year (and career) for Tony Romo. Girlfriend Jessica Simpson cheers from Romo's box.

One year ago. The Cowboys get beat by the Eagles. The worst game of the season (and to that point, career) for Tony Romo. Girlfriend Carrie Underwood cheers from Romo's box.

Coincedence?

Perhaps Romo should go to games stag from now through the second Sunday of February!

The Shiprock

A great picture of the Shiprock. I'm not sure who took it, but it is spectacular. And its in my back yard (so to speak . . . 85 miles to the north).

Where's Nolan When We Need Him?

I wasn't surprised. Disappointed, yes. Angry, a little. Surprised, unfortunately not.

I'm speaking of the Mitchell Report on steroids in Major League Baseball released yesterday. The long list of names did not surprise me . . . even Roger Clemens.

I've been a Clemens fan since he came up with the Red Sox in 1985. The '86 Red Sox club remains one of my all-tim favorites . . . even Bill Buckner! Like Barry Bonds, Clemens was a potential Hall of Famer before he began taking steroids. According to the Mitchell Report (and its voracity seems ironclad to me), Clemens began to "juice" during the 1998 season, while he was pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays. Bonds, according to the allegations made against him, started his steroids regimen following the 1998 season, that "majical" year when Mark McGwire and Sammy Soso were pursuing and ultimately passed Roger Maris for the single-season homerun record. Before 1998, both Clemens and Bonds had already posted numbers that guaranteed their induction into Cooperstown. Clemens had already been awarded 4 Cy Young Awards, as many as any pitcher in hisory (to that point), and Bonds was alread a 4-time Major Leagues M.V.P. Before, both Clemens and Bonds had been in the Major Leagues for over 12 seasons. But, when most players ould be stisfied with their careers and looking forward to retirement, Clemens and Bonds were searching for an edge, for something that would keep them competitive for years to come.

Was it for the money? It is a fact that Clemens and Bonds have earned millions more in the years since 1998 than they earned in the 12+ years before. Their motivation to juice could simply be a case of greed . . . wanting an ever increasing series of contracts.

Was it the need for acclaim? It is true that those we place on pedastals often get addicted to the praise and adolation we give them. We've all heard stories of the washed up atheete everyne has forgotten. Does anyone remember Danny White? At one time, he was the highest rated passer in the NFL. He led the Cowboys to three straight NFC Championship Games. Yet, today, when people hink of the Dallas Cowboys and the great quarterbacks that the franchise has had, the list usually includes Meridith, Staubach, Aikman, and, now, Romo. White is conspiciously absent. My point? Simply that our athletes, once they leave the playing stage, are often forgotten. Perhaps Clemens an Bonds could not bear the fact of being pushed off the stage, so they sought to prolong their caeers as long as possible.

Was it jealousy? In the book written a few years ago outlining Bonds' perported steriod use, the authors claim that Bonds began his usage following the 1998 season because he was angry and jealous over the acclaim given to McGwire and Sosa, both of whom he was convinced had used performance enhancing drugs. The book claims that Bond was angry that his hand work was being overshadowed by those who, in his mind, cheated. The authors claim that Bonds decided to sell himself out and show that he could outdo anyone. He had done so clean (before 1998), and now he would do so on a level playing field with McGwire and the others.

By speculating as I have, I am not trying to rationalize the behavior of Clemens and Bonds and others like them. They cheated. Major League Baseball should respond accordingly. If I were a Hall of Fame voter, I would refuse to induct anyone who is shown to have purposefully and systematically used performance-enhancing drugs. That hurts to say, because I was as much a fan of Mark McGwire as I have been Roger Clemens. I was never a fan of Barry Bonds, but I acknowledged him as the greatest ballplayer of my generation (and that was before 1998). But, cheating should carry with it consequences.

My larger point, however, is that society at larg has helped produced the circumsances that fueled these men in their excesses. Perhaps the publication of the Mitchell Report should cause all of us to pause and reflect on how we put too much emphasis on athletes and athletics. Instead of making the sports stars stand at the pinacle of our pedastals, why don't we place much of the acclaim we give it to our school teachers, public servants, those who keep the peace and security of the community, and the blue collar workers who have built this country and keep it running?

My Favorite Athletes

I have several lists of "Favorites" on the righthand column of my blog. One of the categories is "Favorite Athletes." I am a sports nut. I was never a great athlete (in fact, I was rather subpar), but I love sports . . . as a spectator!

My favorite sports are football and baseball. I also like golf, tennis, and basketball. If playing is involved, add volleyball to the list.

From my list of favorite athletes, it should be obvious who my favorite teams are: the Dallas Cowboys (pro football) and the St. Louis Cardinals (pro baseball). Add the Oklahoma Sooners to the list if we are talking college football. And, don't forget the San Antonio Spurs (pro basketball). Of course, to throw a bone to my Colorado friends, I must add the Denver Broncos as a distant second NFL favorite, and, after this past season, the Colorado Rockies have supplanted the L. A. Dodgers as my second favorite baseball team.

Now back to my favorite athletes . . . .

I love athletes who are first and foremost gentlemen away from the game . . . good sportsmen, great husbands and fathers and members of the community. I root for those who have overcome great difficulties to become what they are today. Of course, it helps if they wear a star or a redbird on their uniform/jersey!

My favorites . . . .

#1- Roger Staubach . . . would any self-respecting Cowboy fan have any other at the top of his (or her) list? Simply the greatest . . . a legend! My only regret? I was only 10 years old when he retired from the NFL (I still remember his announcement . . . broadcast on the radio as I was in the car with my family reurning from a trip to Oklahoma). The only game I remember vividly with him playing at quarterback is the 1978 Super Bowl . . . vs. Denver . . . Dallas creamed them, 27-10!!! And, against an old Cowboy at that . . . Craig Morton.

#2- Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean . . . Hall of Fame pitcher for the "Gashouse Gang" St. Louis Cardinals of the 1930's. I was born in 1970, so how did "Dizzy" make the list? Strat-o-matic Baseball gets the credit (my junior high through high school years were spent playing Strat-0-matic!). My team? The 1934 Cardinals. Dizzy was 30-7 that year and won two games in the World Series against the Detroit Tigers (his brother "Daffy" won two more to hand the Cardinals the Championship).

#3- Bill Bates . . . simply the toughest Dallas Cowboy to ever wear the uniform. And, that says a lot for a franchise that boasts the likes of Randy White, Bob Lilly, "Too Tall" Jones, Darren Woodson, Roy Williams, and Charles Haley. I am wondering when Jerry Jones is going to get around to retiring #40 and installing Bates in the Ring of Honor.

#4- Nolan Ryan . . . I was already a big fan the night I saw Ryan interviewed following his record 7th no-hitter (his closest competitor has only 4!). Instead of celebrating with champaign or a night out on the town, Ryanwas interviewed while he was riding an exercise bicycle . . . his work was not done for the night. Hard work. Perseverance. Nolan Ryan knew the secret to success. (Another Ryan highlight: beating Robin Ventura senseless when the White Sox 1B charged the mound on him.)

#5- Jack Nicklaus . . . even with a Tiger on the prowl, the "Golden Bear" is still the definitive golfer of all time . . . and a class act off of the course.

#6- Pete Sampras . . . quiet, unassuming, "lights out" on the tennis court. Never the showman, always the professional.

#7- Joe "Ducky" "Muscles" Medwick . . . another "Gashouse Gang" alum. One the of the most forgotten greats of the game. He was the best all-around hitter in the National League during the 1930's. He is the last NL batter to win the Triple Crown (1937). His picture graces the top of this post.

#8- Michael Irvin . . . the reason I have written this post. Michael Irvin has not always been one of my favorites. There was a time I was embarrassed he was a Dallas Cowboy. But, Irvin is a changed men, and I am quite impressed with his transformation. He puts himself forward now as a man of God, committed to his faith and family, and from what I can tell, he is extremely sincere. Did you hear his induction speech given at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August? It was the most profound speech I had ever heard from an athlete. His words preach!!! (Another selling point? I met Michael Irvin, and shook his hand, when he was a rookie with the Cowboys . . . that man has big hands!)

#9- Satchel Paige . . . if it had not been for the blatant racism in baseball during the 1920's, 30's, and 40's, Satchel would have gone down as the single greatest pitcher in the history of the Major Leagues. His stuff was unbelievable. He comes as close to a pitcher being able to "call his pitches" and get anyone out at anytime.

#10- Albert Pujols . . . another Cardinal . . . perhaps, by the end of his career, the greatest hitter the Cardinals have ever had. And, that says a lot for a team that has boasted Stan Musial, Ducky Medwick, Johnny Mize, and the incomparable Rogers Hornsby.

Beyond my Top 10 . . . Tim Duncan, Tony Romo, Randy White, Tony Gwynn, Francis Oimet (thanks to the Shia LaBouf movie I recently saw), Chris Evert (had to have a female on the list), George Foreman, David Robinson . . . .

Of course, no list of athletes would be complete without mention of a coach. My favorite coaches list begins and ends with one name . . . no either need apply. His name? Tom Landry. Who else's name belongs there?

Those are my favorites. How about yours?

Resourceful

There Goes Another One!

I live and work approximately 200 feet from one of the busiest railines in the country. About every fifteen minutes throughout the day and night, a frieght train comes rumbling down that line (and often there are two trains crossing past each other). Living in a mobile home, a passing train will get your attention . . . especially at 3:00 a.m.!

I have always been fascinated with trains. My most special Christmas gift was an electric train set Santa (a.k.a., dad & mom) brought me when I was five years old. I don't remember it lasting long, however. I was too good at staging train crashes! And, I also had a tendency of leaving the current on and burning up the motor.

A thought struck me this morning . . . how many tons of stuff are these trains carrying past my house each day? One hundred trains (a conservative estimate) . . . most over a mile in length . . . how many box cars? . . . flatbed's holding cargo containers? . . . automobile transports? . . . tanker cars? . . . coal cars?

I once paused long enough to count the cars on a train hauling automobiles. The train carried 87 transport units (I don't know the official term). Each one of these units had eight brand new vehicles . . . high-end vehicles (Lexus, Mercedes, Land Rover, etc.). That's a total of 696 luxury automobiles! A conservative estimate on their cumulative value? $52 million! That's just one train! There were at least 99 others that passed by on that day. Wow!

A lesson? Not really. More of an observation on the consumer-driven, consumable society we live in. It amazes me how much stuff we, Americans, go through. We are certainly blessed. But, can we not say that we are also spoiled . . . spoiled by our own indulgence?

Don't get me wrong. I am all for the free market. I am glad that people are able to purchase a Lexus. Hard work brings great rewards. But, I'm still looking for the train that is carrying 87 boxcars full of Bibles :-).

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

There are so many twists and turns on this journey we call life. Many we can see from afar, and we can prepare ourselves for that bend in the road, for the hill that looms ahead. Many, however, are hidden from our view and come upon us most unexpectedly--the sudden drop-off that takes away our breath, the hidden curve in the road that turns all so quickly, the pothole that is underneath our feet before we can adjust.

The obstacles are a part of the journey. We can make every effort to become more diligent, and many of these hazards before us can be spotted before they bring us a great challenge, but there will always be some difficulties for which we are unprepared.

Life is not always a bed of roses, there will always be thorns in the mix. You've heard the proverb, or a variation of it. I've had my share of thorns, and I know you have, too.

The pothole in the road ahead does not stop us from journeying on, does it? The thorn in the midst of the roses does not keep us from enjoying the sweet smell, does it?

My point? We keep on despite the difficulties that lie ahead and the hidden hazards that threaten. We keep on because we know that there is a way ahead, a passage past the hard times, a broad and level road beyond the twisting and turning and stead path we tread on today.

I am reminded of the Israelites. The Lord freed them from a life of captivity in Egypt, promising them a land "flowing with milk and honey." But, the land of Canaan was not adjacent to Egypt. A vast and threatening desert separated the two lands. Into this wilderness, God led his people. At every turn, there was an obstacle to overcome--lack of food and water, enemies, heat, self-doubt, pagan influences. Many succumed to the threats. Indeed most died in the desert without ever seeing the land to which God was bringing them.

We must keep going, going over and around and even through the hazards that stand before us. We can come to the end of our journey, no matter how twisting and turning our way, because we are not alone.

Jesus told his disciples, "In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world" (John 16.33, NCV).

I Am Still Very Hungry, Lonely and Cold

One of my favorite pictures. Someone e-mailed it to me years ago.

The following is a great wake-up call. I am not certain of the author.

I was hungry and you formed a humanity club and discussed my hunger.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of God's love.

I was lonely and you left me alone to go pray for me.

You seemed so Holy, so close to God, but I am still very hungry, lonely, and cold.

Movie Picks

I'm no Siskel or Ebert (although Ebert and I do resemble each other in the mid-section!), but I like movies . . . good movies. Here is a listing of some GREAT movies I have watched during the past few weeks. If you haven't seen them, head to Blockbuster . . . or do the NetFlix thing.

Amazing Grace. The story of William Wilberforce's crusade to end the slave trade in Britain in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Wilberforce was inspired, in part, by John Newton's hymn, "Aamazing Grace." Newton had been a slave trader who can to see the great evil of slavery and who spent the waning years of his life in penance. I was familiar with the basic story of Wilberforce and his crusade, but the movie brought the details to life.

The Bourne Ultimatum. The third (and final?) episode of the Bourne series. The greatest spy series ever filmed, and this third film is the best of the lot. It will be released on DVD on Tuesday, December 11.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Produced originally for HBO, from the book of the same tittle. It is the story of the Sioux from their victory at Little Big Horn to the establishment of the Sioux Reservations in South Dakota. (I just purchased the book at Waldenbooks!)

I am wanting to see American Gangster and the National Treasure sequel.

Of course, I must get my annual Christmas Story fix, and I always watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy during the holidays.

Whiter Than Snow

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1.18).