The Holidays arrive each year with many of the same challenges, blessings and stressors. Shopping, cooking, decorating and sharing gifts fill the days. Families participate in traditions. The music, decorations, food and dare I suggest, attitudes stand out during this time of year. For the Confer family being together is what we most look forward to. Our traditions include eating cheese fondue Christmas Eve with chocolate fondue for dessert. We eat breakfast made up of leftovers from the night before. Then we open our gifts! Pictures are taken. We laugh and celebrate the season with a great deal of fun. For Christmas lunch/dinner we eat spaghetti, meatballs, fried bread, fried cheese sticks and salad. Also, Debi creates delicious cookies for us to devour. You can see we eat well during Christmas Time.
We watch the old Christmas classics including Its a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street and several of the cartoon, animation specials the kids grew up with. One of animation specials that we love laughing at is the Raisins Christmas. We still enjoy Rudolph and Elf along with a host of others. We listen to the radio, WEWE 97.3 that blares Christmas music for at least a month! The Confers also put up a decorations. I would say ours are rather modest, tasteful and warm. I really like the tree this year! Debi does such a great job with these things. Most years the girls help put up the tree but in 2010 we spent Thanksgiving in Cincy.
Every year is special! I love having the kids and grandsons home! This year Hudson and Dean are joining us for the first time. Needless to say we are fairly excited about them being in Indiana!!! The anticipation for both Mimi and Pap is almost too much to handle! Mimi made the boys stockings. We had fun last weekend hunting (shopping!) for a toy(s). They should have plenty of fun while at our house. I plan on spoiling them big time!
To those who read my blog I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas! May God bless you with health, good times and spiritual renewal.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
# 400
My favorite coach lost today at OSU. Nice try JoePa! I have been meaning to write about last week's victory over Northwestern when Coach Paterno won his 400th game! Incredible! Amazing! I don't always agree with JoePa about his play calling or his choice of starters but to accomplish what he did is almost beyond words!! He has won with class. He was run a successful program since 1966. Coach Paterno not only teaches football but he also instructs his players and fans about how to live. He turns young students into better men. JoePa possesses integrity and character. I admire his courage to keep on coaching even when the critics and boo birds echo their sentiments, "Joe must go!"
Coach Paterno will most likely coach until his health declines or he feels he can no longer do the job. I hope he continues coaching! It his decision and no one else's. He has earned the right to make that call. I know folks who want to see Coach Paterno hang em up! But when he does my guess they will be the ones who complain about the new coach and harken for JoePa to walk the sidelines. I met Coach Paterno while living in Westerville, Ohio. He had recruited Mark Keilmeyer to be a defensive end. He was personable and down-to-earth. It was like talking to one of my neighbors. He even autographed a book of mine and a hat that my daughter Chantelle brought with her to our meeting. What a thrill!
So this is a salute to you, Coach Paterno! You are an example to us. Keep on doing what you love. And thank you for all of the years of coaching and teaching that helped to make our world a better place.
WE ARE PENN STATE!
Coach Paterno will most likely coach until his health declines or he feels he can no longer do the job. I hope he continues coaching! It his decision and no one else's. He has earned the right to make that call. I know folks who want to see Coach Paterno hang em up! But when he does my guess they will be the ones who complain about the new coach and harken for JoePa to walk the sidelines. I met Coach Paterno while living in Westerville, Ohio. He had recruited Mark Keilmeyer to be a defensive end. He was personable and down-to-earth. It was like talking to one of my neighbors. He even autographed a book of mine and a hat that my daughter Chantelle brought with her to our meeting. What a thrill!
So this is a salute to you, Coach Paterno! You are an example to us. Keep on doing what you love. And thank you for all of the years of coaching and teaching that helped to make our world a better place.
WE ARE PENN STATE!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Learning from Our Founders
At our Bible study on Tuesday evenings we will begin studying a book entitled America's Godly Heritage by author David Barton. If you are interested in learning more about our founders and the nation's founding check out the website wallbuilders.com. They have lots of resources and materials. One of the narratives that has gotten lost in the contemporary world is the faith of our founders. Typically we hear about how the founders were mostly deitists and agnostics. But in truth many of the founders were true believers and clearly demonstrate faith in Jesus Christ. The revisionist history nearly cuts out the Christian principles underlying the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.
The Declaration of Independence is one such document that lately has been misquoted. When President Obama refers to our unalianable rights he fails to include the phrase "endowed by our Creator." Why is that? Does he not know the document? Or is a matter of systematic removal from God concerning the founding of nation that occurred? I believe our president has been influenced by what he has learned and now believes regarding our founding. The faith of our founders is no longer emphasized in our institutions of public learning. But that reality does not represent reality. The truth is the founders were extremely religious and spiritually minded men. Several of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were ministers. Prayer was very much apart of their meetings before, during and after the Revolution.
I am reading a book entitled Sacred Fire. The authors dispell the myth that George Washington was deist. Their case is based upon 15 years of scholarly research. It reads like an encyclopedia with a narrative twist. Their quotes originate from Washington's writings, what his contemporaries wrote about him along with numerous footnotes relevant to the point that detail that our first president was "a Christian in the traditon of the 18th century Anglican Church." But many Americans have been taught to believe otherwise. Their seminal work is a must read for anyone serious about learning the facts and therefore the truth of George Washington's faith.
Why is this important? One reason is that this secluar whitewash of our founding has led to the many of the problems, societal ills and moral decay we witness in our great nation. We simply must restore the principles, values and moral framework that enabled our founders to form a nation that has reached greatness due to divine Providence. The general principles of the Christian Faith were etched into the foundation of this great nation. The more we restore the intentions of our founders and practice those general principles the sooner our nation will heal. "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)
The Declaration of Independence is one such document that lately has been misquoted. When President Obama refers to our unalianable rights he fails to include the phrase "endowed by our Creator." Why is that? Does he not know the document? Or is a matter of systematic removal from God concerning the founding of nation that occurred? I believe our president has been influenced by what he has learned and now believes regarding our founding. The faith of our founders is no longer emphasized in our institutions of public learning. But that reality does not represent reality. The truth is the founders were extremely religious and spiritually minded men. Several of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were ministers. Prayer was very much apart of their meetings before, during and after the Revolution.
I am reading a book entitled Sacred Fire. The authors dispell the myth that George Washington was deist. Their case is based upon 15 years of scholarly research. It reads like an encyclopedia with a narrative twist. Their quotes originate from Washington's writings, what his contemporaries wrote about him along with numerous footnotes relevant to the point that detail that our first president was "a Christian in the traditon of the 18th century Anglican Church." But many Americans have been taught to believe otherwise. Their seminal work is a must read for anyone serious about learning the facts and therefore the truth of George Washington's faith.
Why is this important? One reason is that this secluar whitewash of our founding has led to the many of the problems, societal ills and moral decay we witness in our great nation. We simply must restore the principles, values and moral framework that enabled our founders to form a nation that has reached greatness due to divine Providence. The general principles of the Christian Faith were etched into the foundation of this great nation. The more we restore the intentions of our founders and practice those general principles the sooner our nation will heal. "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Fantasy Football
It started! Fantasy Football has descended upon the fruited plain. My team is 1 - 1. The fun of F.F. is that you never really know for sure what a player is going to do. I didn't start one running back and the guy in front of him got hurt. So my player (the backup) ended up with 35 points! Since I had him on the bench those pts. didn't matter. But that was ok because I won anyway! Go figure! One of my starters broke his leg. Reggie Bush is out for at least six weeks. Now what to do? The wheels begin to turn. Strategy is a big part of F.F. And that is also part of the fun. Do I put Bush on the PUP list for a minimum of 6 weeks? Or do I keep him on the short-term IR? I will likely go with the former alternative. That way if another player gets hurt I can place him on the IR and still go pick another player.
Also, when I listen to the "experts" most of the time they are wrong! I even watch the guys on ESPN before the game on Sunday. The reality is F.F. is like the stock market. Past performance is no guarantee for future results. Just because a player has one good week does not mean he will the next week. Now there players who are consistent. But even the stars have bad days. Ever heard of Bret Favre? The experts said Marion Manningham should not start but I started him anyway. He had another good game. But Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks are supposed to be the go-to players. But football is unpredictable! Again, that is what is fun and frustrating at the same time. Who know how things will turn out? But one thing is certain. The unpredictability of F.F. is a given. So for any of the owners from the league who read my blog stay the course. It will be fun. There will be good days and bad ones. You will guess right and wrong. Good luck and enjoy the season!
Also, when I listen to the "experts" most of the time they are wrong! I even watch the guys on ESPN before the game on Sunday. The reality is F.F. is like the stock market. Past performance is no guarantee for future results. Just because a player has one good week does not mean he will the next week. Now there players who are consistent. But even the stars have bad days. Ever heard of Bret Favre? The experts said Marion Manningham should not start but I started him anyway. He had another good game. But Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks are supposed to be the go-to players. But football is unpredictable! Again, that is what is fun and frustrating at the same time. Who know how things will turn out? But one thing is certain. The unpredictability of F.F. is a given. So for any of the owners from the league who read my blog stay the course. It will be fun. There will be good days and bad ones. You will guess right and wrong. Good luck and enjoy the season!
Monday, August 30, 2010
GRANDSONS
Well its been a week since we have seen our grandsons. And they are grand! It is hard to describe what it feels like to be a gradnparent and watch these little guys grow up! They are so wonderful and funny too! The last time I saw them was back in June. If my math is correct it was about two and half months. My oh my how they changed! I could not believe how much they had grown in that period of time. I must admit I wish we had spent a little more time with them. But they are so friendly. They were not strange to us whatsoever. Hudson loves to do this jumping thing. Dean smiles a lot and laughs. They both sit up really well. They both will soon be crawling. Dean enjoys hugging too. Hudson has four teeth now. It is such a blessing to be apart of their lives. We stare at their pictures on the blog every day. It is a daily routine. It is hard to imagine life before they were born. I was talking with my sister Syd about how great it is to have grandchildren. I hope I never lose that feeling and perspective. Someone at services said to me yesterday that if we could we would have the grandchildren first! I laughed. Our children are a blessing. And so are the grandchildren. May their tribe increase!
I found the perfect Christmas presents for the guys! All I am going to say is that it has to do with the world of sports! But it was one of those items that caught my attention. Their dad has seen a picture of the idea. Who knows maybe I will change my mind between now and then. To Hudson and Dean, have a great week little men!
Love,
Pap Confer
I found the perfect Christmas presents for the guys! All I am going to say is that it has to do with the world of sports! But it was one of those items that caught my attention. Their dad has seen a picture of the idea. Who knows maybe I will change my mind between now and then. To Hudson and Dean, have a great week little men!
Love,
Pap Confer
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Value Your Friends
Once again life has reminded of an important lesson. Value your friends because of what they bring to our lives. Proverbs 17:17 affirms, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Friendship is one of those heavenly gifts that God grants us to make our lives brighter and better. Most of us can bear about any kind of challenge or difficulty if we know there is someone who loves and cares for us. Friends that are really friends remains with us through the roller coaster of life. Whether we are up or down they continue to be there for us. Friends are able to weep with us while we experience grief. Friends also possess the capacity to rejoice with us when we celebrate those highs that visit us. They are our friends regardless of what is happening in our lives. Proverbs truly captures the essence of friendship.
A friend of mine is here in Indiana this week to teach during our Family Week/VBS. I have known Gary Dodd since our days at then OVC, now OVU. (It will always be OVC to me!) I always have fun with Gary. There are those conversations that turn serious from time to time. But one thing for sure is that I am free to be me. Gary is funny and always makes a person feel valued and appreciated. On occasion he will do something in public I don't quite expect but it usually brings laughter to my day. Like one day we were entering the library at Freed Hardeman University. I was following him. He turns to a girl behind the desk and blurts out, "See that guy he is in love with you!" My face turned red but I trudged along after Gary anyway. So you now know what I mean about the unexpected.
Friends are a blessing. Gary has truly been one to me. And I thank the Lord for friends. They keep us going when we confront struggle and help us to appreciate God's work in the world. So remember to value your friends.
A friend of mine is here in Indiana this week to teach during our Family Week/VBS. I have known Gary Dodd since our days at then OVC, now OVU. (It will always be OVC to me!) I always have fun with Gary. There are those conversations that turn serious from time to time. But one thing for sure is that I am free to be me. Gary is funny and always makes a person feel valued and appreciated. On occasion he will do something in public I don't quite expect but it usually brings laughter to my day. Like one day we were entering the library at Freed Hardeman University. I was following him. He turns to a girl behind the desk and blurts out, "See that guy he is in love with you!" My face turned red but I trudged along after Gary anyway. So you now know what I mean about the unexpected.
Friends are a blessing. Gary has truly been one to me. And I thank the Lord for friends. They keep us going when we confront struggle and help us to appreciate God's work in the world. So remember to value your friends.
Monday, June 14, 2010
My Dad A Funny Man
Over the weekend I was visiting with my family. My sister Cheryl and I were recalling how funny our late father was. He didn't even realize how funny he was! One time that stuck in our memories stems from dad getting a new set of dentures. He had never worn them before so it was a challenge to keep them in his mouth. We asked him what he had been able to eat. He said with a muffled reply, "I ate won bweakfest!" We just laughed and laughed about him. Dad was funny without trying to be. It is interesting what stays in your memory. We also talked about how he accidentally pulled down the pants of Henry Hinton simply by tugging on the bottoms of them. My sister Syd was appalled. "DAD!" she was heard to exclaim at the moment of the tumbling trousers. From then on Henry wore suspenders! It always brings a smile to my face when I imagine poor old Henry standing on the steps of the Howard Bank with the jeans piled at his ankles. Dad had a way with people!
Dad could also laugh at himself. He never took himself too seriously. I really appreciate the way he could see the humorous side of life. My brother Andy related how one time while driving his dentures popped out of his mouth. He just laughed! People would play tricks on him and he took it well. One of the things I remember about my dad was that he enjoyed life and people. His sense of humor was passed on to us. While dad could work very, very hard he also knew that to laugh and enjoy making others laugh was important. Many of my relatives, aunts, uncles, cousins, have shared stories about my dad that indeed hit the funny bone. I so appreciate that they have told me these goofy periods in his life. Those kinds of things make the difficult days much more bearable. They have the knack of making one feel better. I still miss my dad! But those funny stories and silly experiences always put a song in my heart. For this I am grateful. For any father reading this I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!
Dad could also laugh at himself. He never took himself too seriously. I really appreciate the way he could see the humorous side of life. My brother Andy related how one time while driving his dentures popped out of his mouth. He just laughed! People would play tricks on him and he took it well. One of the things I remember about my dad was that he enjoyed life and people. His sense of humor was passed on to us. While dad could work very, very hard he also knew that to laugh and enjoy making others laugh was important. Many of my relatives, aunts, uncles, cousins, have shared stories about my dad that indeed hit the funny bone. I so appreciate that they have told me these goofy periods in his life. Those kinds of things make the difficult days much more bearable. They have the knack of making one feel better. I still miss my dad! But those funny stories and silly experiences always put a song in my heart. For this I am grateful. For any father reading this I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Wonders of Technology
Last week our grandson, Dean had open heart surgery. He is a twin. He and Hudson have stolen our hearts. One of the lessons that I re-learned is that we live in a time where the wonders of technology continue to impress. Dean had a hole in his heart. The surgeon, Dr. Christian repaired the hole by placing a mesh-like substance over it. The effects were immediate. His breathing was better. Our son said he noticed his chest felt different. While the first 24 hours were extremely difficult for the little guy and his parents, especially for his mom, Audrey he made daily progress. By Monday the next week he was ready to go home! Simply amazing!
How does this happen? The medical profession through research and development has reached new heights in providing positive results for all ages. Not only was I impressed with the surgeon and her team but also the care Dean received post-surgery. The nurses, residents and doctors did their best to offer quality care for him. And for this I am very, very grateful! Dean certainly experienced an unprecedented amount of pain. But the good news is he will have no memory of the event!
God is good! I do believe the Lord protected and blessed little Dean through the process. We were certainly anxious on the day of his surgery. But also felt protected due to all of the prayers and concern that so many expressed to the Confer family. It is such a comforting thought to know others are lifting up your family in prayer. The Word of God speaks to the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7) I for one certainly recognized His peace through this trying process. We are grateful God uses people to help and bless the lives of others. The wonders of technology is not an accident. For this I am thankful!
How does this happen? The medical profession through research and development has reached new heights in providing positive results for all ages. Not only was I impressed with the surgeon and her team but also the care Dean received post-surgery. The nurses, residents and doctors did their best to offer quality care for him. And for this I am very, very grateful! Dean certainly experienced an unprecedented amount of pain. But the good news is he will have no memory of the event!
God is good! I do believe the Lord protected and blessed little Dean through the process. We were certainly anxious on the day of his surgery. But also felt protected due to all of the prayers and concern that so many expressed to the Confer family. It is such a comforting thought to know others are lifting up your family in prayer. The Word of God speaks to the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:6-7) I for one certainly recognized His peace through this trying process. We are grateful God uses people to help and bless the lives of others. The wonders of technology is not an accident. For this I am thankful!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
God's Presence
Psalm 46 remains one of my favorites. In 46:10 the text reads, "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The psalmist reminds us that God is ever-present. The first verse launches the idea. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." God is immediately present. He is not asleep or inattentative to our needs. God is always with us. Our responsibility is to trust Him and call upon His Presence to protect and strengthen. God often jogs our memories through the simple things that He is present. A full moon, a rainbow, a star-lit night, the transformation of the earth during spring, the beauty of a child's smile, the gift of laughter along with numerous "little things" together touch our souls that indeed God is with us.
Even though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea we are not alone. (46:2) God is present when the economy languishes. The Lord is with us when we see changes in our republic that many view as troubling. No matter the circumstances of our personal lives the Lord is constant. His power strengthens and empowers. (Ephesians 3:20-21) As the psalmist speaks of the city of God he writes, "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." Regardless of the swirling winds and threatening storms we face God's Presence and power are at work in our lives. At times we may not even be aware of how God moves in mysterious ways in order to accomplish His purposes. The Lord God is also described in the psalm as "our fortress." Think about a fortress for a moment and you will note a place of protection and security. If we trust in God's presence and power will fend off the enemies attempts to distract and discourage. God does leave us defenseless. What a wonderful sentiment that God embraces us and keeps evil from overwhelming our lives. For this will we are grateful!
Even though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea we are not alone. (46:2) God is present when the economy languishes. The Lord is with us when we see changes in our republic that many view as troubling. No matter the circumstances of our personal lives the Lord is constant. His power strengthens and empowers. (Ephesians 3:20-21) As the psalmist speaks of the city of God he writes, "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." Regardless of the swirling winds and threatening storms we face God's Presence and power are at work in our lives. At times we may not even be aware of how God moves in mysterious ways in order to accomplish His purposes. The Lord God is also described in the psalm as "our fortress." Think about a fortress for a moment and you will note a place of protection and security. If we trust in God's presence and power will fend off the enemies attempts to distract and discourage. God does leave us defenseless. What a wonderful sentiment that God embraces us and keeps evil from overwhelming our lives. For this will we are grateful!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My New Hobby
I have a new hobby. Actually Debi and I both do this quite frequently. We love viewing new pictures and updates of our grandsons, Hudson & Dean. They are growing so fast it is amazing! I can't wait to see and hold them again!! I find myself viewing my cell phone pictures several times a day. When I get a minute to sit still I open up the phone and visit the pictures. It is almost comical how often I do this! It is like I cannot help myself! Then we check their family blog every day to see if there are any new updates. We love those updates! It is like we cannot get enough of looking at these guys online. Although my guess is Debi does this even more than I do! But that is our secret! Since we don't live close observing pictures is the next best thing. Thank the good Lord for the wonder of technology! And while staring at pictures is not the same as being there I really relish those moments when a new positing hits the web or Denver sends a new picture to my cell phone. Over the past month I have told everyone I can about my grandsons! People think I am funny how I talk about them and show off my pictures. Being proud grandparents is something we have completely immersed ourselves in! What a trip!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Hoping for the Best
One of the cetainties about life is that things change. Sounds strange but it is true. I keep hearing that we are going to experience some really tough times in the USA. Depression is a distinct possibility. As the government borrows to spend in record ways it also grows by leaps and bounds. I am not going to talk politics. But I do believe we should for hope the best and prepare for the worst.
First, hope is a good thing! The Scriptures are full of references to hope. My hope is found in Jesus Christ. "While I don't know what the future holds children of God know Who holds the future." I don't know who said this originally but it rings with truth. Maybe our nation is in for really hard times. It is pretty tough right now. But God is in control and what we need to do is be still and remember He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Americans have been through tough times in the past. One of my favorite periods to read about is the Civil War. Somehow the republic survivied. There have been depressions and The Great Depression that Americans weathered. W.W. II is another hard time but the USA and our allies celebrated victory over the axis powers. As a nation our track record should remind us that tough times do not mean the republic has to crumble! Being hopeful will enable us to move forward and look with confidence toward the future.
Preparing for the worst is not a bad idea. In fact, it is sound advice. Buying extra food. Storing seeds to grow a garden. Getting out of debt. Saving more and spending less are all suggestions I hear about nearly every day. It does not mean we have given up on hope. Yet, we better be ready just in case things go terribly in the wrong direction. Preparation is not only for the Boy Scouts. Americans need to be reminded of the value and wisdom of being prepared. So folks, get ready! Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst!
First, hope is a good thing! The Scriptures are full of references to hope. My hope is found in Jesus Christ. "While I don't know what the future holds children of God know Who holds the future." I don't know who said this originally but it rings with truth. Maybe our nation is in for really hard times. It is pretty tough right now. But God is in control and what we need to do is be still and remember He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Americans have been through tough times in the past. One of my favorite periods to read about is the Civil War. Somehow the republic survivied. There have been depressions and The Great Depression that Americans weathered. W.W. II is another hard time but the USA and our allies celebrated victory over the axis powers. As a nation our track record should remind us that tough times do not mean the republic has to crumble! Being hopeful will enable us to move forward and look with confidence toward the future.
Preparing for the worst is not a bad idea. In fact, it is sound advice. Buying extra food. Storing seeds to grow a garden. Getting out of debt. Saving more and spending less are all suggestions I hear about nearly every day. It does not mean we have given up on hope. Yet, we better be ready just in case things go terribly in the wrong direction. Preparation is not only for the Boy Scouts. Americans need to be reminded of the value and wisdom of being prepared. So folks, get ready! Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sports Reflections
Well the Super Bowl is now history. Living in Indiana has been kind of depressing because I feel so bad for my friends and church family who love their Colts. I even predicted the Colts would win 28 to 19. Boy did I get that one wrong! Conventional wisdom was that the Colts had too much offensive power for the Saints D. On paper that made sense. The only rub is the Saints did not follow the script. As I reflect about the Saints win I must admit to being happy for them. That does not mean I relish the pain felt by Colts fans! Guess I am trying to have it both ways. The good thing was that the 2 best teams in the NFL of 2009/10 season played in the Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Saints. To the Colts there is always next year. As a Steelers fan I am looking forward to next year!
I read an article the other day in Christianity Today that challenged my thinking about sports. The author argues that Christians have been swallowed up by the sports culture that often demonstrates the sinful side of humanity. While his argument hits the extremes and problems with sports I don't think he emphasized that there are some wonderful benefits from sports. The most bizarre example he used of how far people have gone with their love of sports came from a couple who missed their daughters wedding in order to attend the Alabama/Tennessee football game. All the father could say was he and his wife really loved Alabama football. My concern is that sports are like anything else. They can sprout into idolatry. As Christians we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds. Sports often replace that love. So yes the author has a point. But let's not dismiss the positive side of sports like team work, discipline, the reward for consistent effort and the joy of victory along with the character building that occurs from losing. Sports are like anything else in our culture. It depends on what we believe is most important. (Matthew 6:33)
I read an article the other day in Christianity Today that challenged my thinking about sports. The author argues that Christians have been swallowed up by the sports culture that often demonstrates the sinful side of humanity. While his argument hits the extremes and problems with sports I don't think he emphasized that there are some wonderful benefits from sports. The most bizarre example he used of how far people have gone with their love of sports came from a couple who missed their daughters wedding in order to attend the Alabama/Tennessee football game. All the father could say was he and his wife really loved Alabama football. My concern is that sports are like anything else. They can sprout into idolatry. As Christians we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls and minds. Sports often replace that love. So yes the author has a point. But let's not dismiss the positive side of sports like team work, discipline, the reward for consistent effort and the joy of victory along with the character building that occurs from losing. Sports are like anything else in our culture. It depends on what we believe is most important. (Matthew 6:33)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I've Been Smitten
It happened. I have been smitten! All kidding aside. My wife and I were smitten last week. We both fell in love with our grandsons! All the waiting and anticipation was well worth it. Hudson David Confer and Dean Ross Confer were born on Thursday January 21st. They share their father's birthday! How cool is that?! These two have stolen our hearts. We simply do not know how to act. We are giddy with joy and celebration. Our lives will be forever changed. People kept telling us that there was nothing like being grandparents. And they were right! In my last blog I wrote about the concept we call anticipation. What a blessing from God to be a grandparent! I have a whole new appreciation for Psalm 128:6 where David said, "May you see you children's children. Peace be upon Israel." Those two pslams (127 & 128) speak to the seasons of family life. This season is very special indeed. God is so good!
I just feel very blessed to have held and kissed our grandsons. They are wonderful beyond words! The feeling you carry around is a combination of joy, euphoria, gratitude and pride. Those of you who are grandparents know exactly what I mean. I have to admit we did not truly understand what others meant until we saw those boys in the nursery at the hospital. Once you get to see them the emotions almost overwhelm you. It is a genuine blessing to experience this happy event. Our grandsons have been blessed with loving, caring Christian parents. That also makes a grandparent feel really positive. I remember how proud we felt when our own were born. You are flying high to be sure. Being a grandparent has the same kind of sense but even more so. I am not sure I can explain it. As one brother told me you just have to experience it. As a grandfather I can only say, "Amen."
I just feel very blessed to have held and kissed our grandsons. They are wonderful beyond words! The feeling you carry around is a combination of joy, euphoria, gratitude and pride. Those of you who are grandparents know exactly what I mean. I have to admit we did not truly understand what others meant until we saw those boys in the nursery at the hospital. Once you get to see them the emotions almost overwhelm you. It is a genuine blessing to experience this happy event. Our grandsons have been blessed with loving, caring Christian parents. That also makes a grandparent feel really positive. I remember how proud we felt when our own were born. You are flying high to be sure. Being a grandparent has the same kind of sense but even more so. I am not sure I can explain it. As one brother told me you just have to experience it. As a grandfather I can only say, "Amen."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Anticipation
My wife and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandchildren. Our son and daughter-in-law are expecting twin boys any day. We are brimming with anticipation. It is hard to imagine that we are going to be grandparents! What an exciting time in our lives! We can hardly wait to see and hold these little gentlemen. A verse from Psalm 128 keeps running around my head. "May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!" (verse 6) I vividly remember the births of our three children. I didn't know quite what to expect in terms of how I would feel. Everyone keeps telling us that there is nothing quite like having grandchildren. Of course all this does is add fuel to the fire of anticipation. Our hope is that they will come soon. Otherwise I am likely to explode due to the building up of anticipation. Just kidding!
I am also reminded of the song by Carly Simon "Anticipation." I remember the song being used in a ketchup commercial. That certainly has been the theme in our home. Anticipation adds energy to life. And while we don't know exactly what this experience will be like as grandparents we certainly know the Lord will be with us. Grandparenting sounds similar to opening presents on Christmas morning. It requires some work ripping open the gifts but boy it is fun! A number of grandparents have shared with me how much energy it takes to keep up with those bundles of energy bouncing around your home. But the joys of playing with them and spoiling them are unmatched! Hearing these things and the stories from friends who are grandparents also stokes the feeling of anticipation. Perhaps this is God's plan that grandparents enjoy their later years through the blessing of their grandchildren. God is good!
I am also reminded of the song by Carly Simon "Anticipation." I remember the song being used in a ketchup commercial. That certainly has been the theme in our home. Anticipation adds energy to life. And while we don't know exactly what this experience will be like as grandparents we certainly know the Lord will be with us. Grandparenting sounds similar to opening presents on Christmas morning. It requires some work ripping open the gifts but boy it is fun! A number of grandparents have shared with me how much energy it takes to keep up with those bundles of energy bouncing around your home. But the joys of playing with them and spoiling them are unmatched! Hearing these things and the stories from friends who are grandparents also stokes the feeling of anticipation. Perhaps this is God's plan that grandparents enjoy their later years through the blessing of their grandchildren. God is good!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
When Heroes Fall
I recently read an article in Sports Illustrated about the fall of Tiger Woods. The author bemoaned how sad it is when a sports incon crashes and burns. I don't disagree with his analysis. What a tragic set of sordid details we have been subjected to. Many sports fans were shocked as I was to learn of Tiger's two lives. He certainly presented a squeaky clean image. His one weakness for some of us was an overconfidence he carried with him. Perhaps that is where the boil began that led him down the path to self-destruction. My hope and prayer is that Tiger take the advice of Brit Hume and surrender to the message of Christianity. I feel badly for his wife and children. Whether or not Tiger changes his life and begins afresh remains to be witnessed.
It is also fascinating to listen to the sports pundits wring their hands about how this saga will impact the PGA Tour. Then you throw in the conversation the loss of sponsorships and Tiger loses even more money. But all of that pales in comparison what this has done to his family and to him personally. Forget all of the other, peripherial stuff. Something Jesus said rings in my ears, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? or what shall a man give in return for his life?" Now that is something worth commiting to memory and holding onto.
It is also fascinating to listen to the sports pundits wring their hands about how this saga will impact the PGA Tour. Then you throw in the conversation the loss of sponsorships and Tiger loses even more money. But all of that pales in comparison what this has done to his family and to him personally. Forget all of the other, peripherial stuff. Something Jesus said rings in my ears, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? or what shall a man give in return for his life?" Now that is something worth commiting to memory and holding onto.
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 Is Here
It is difficult to get my head around it but 2010 has arrived! Where has the time gone?! It is about time to get started on those new year's resolutions, don't you think? I have determined to keep my list short. Over the years I have discovered that these new goals get bogged down in a matter of weeks if not days. It is hard to keep motivated.
One thing for sure, I plan on keeping focused on what is most important and enjoying the moment. Perhaps it is aging that does it. For whatever the reason as time sprints on I am more aware of living in the present. There is not much I can do to alter the course of past events. The future is also difficult to do get a handle on. Personally, I like what the apostle wrote. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) If I make the best use of the time I have life will be more in line with what the good Lord intended.
One thing is certain: there is no promise for tomorrow. So I intend to be present at all times and do my best to appreciate what God has extended my direction. Be sure keep close to God and to enjoy today.
Oh...and be a blessing to someone.
One thing for sure, I plan on keeping focused on what is most important and enjoying the moment. Perhaps it is aging that does it. For whatever the reason as time sprints on I am more aware of living in the present. There is not much I can do to alter the course of past events. The future is also difficult to do get a handle on. Personally, I like what the apostle wrote. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) If I make the best use of the time I have life will be more in line with what the good Lord intended.
One thing is certain: there is no promise for tomorrow. So I intend to be present at all times and do my best to appreciate what God has extended my direction. Be sure keep close to God and to enjoy today.
Oh...and be a blessing to someone.
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