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!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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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