My finger is still healing bit typing is a bit better.
In Florida and Arizona some young men ( and a few old ones) gathered this past week to begin the right of passage known as "Spring Training" for Major League Baseball. My family, being the baseball fanatics that we are will be headed down there late in March (Nicolas plays a tournament down there and we get to work out with the Rockies).
I am very intrigued, as is most of the world, with the unfolding story of Alex Rodriquez and steriod use. The one person pretty pleased with the timing is Barry Bonds who a week before the A-Rod exposure, was confirmed to have taken steriods. In A-Rod's case I find it interesting that the concept of the truth is so fluid. A couple year's ago, he was interviewed by Katie Couric and was asked point blank whether he had ever taken any type of steriod or human growth hormone. His answer, "No." She even followed up and asked if he had ever been tempted by it... Again the answer was, "No." In the last couple weeks the court of public opinion has been hard on this guy for coming forward a few years later and admitting he was indeed taking them in the two seasons before he was offered the largest contract in MLB history. He sits on camera and ESPN baseball guru Peter Gammons asks several lead in questions then gets to the big one recalling what he had said to Couric. DId he lie? His answer is elusive and the great PR guy that has worked with him helps craft an answer that is a non-denial apology (i.e. I did it but am sorry and let's move on) and cycles the conversation back to "looking to the future." As a result of the new alegations other players are seen to be in trouble for lying to Congress. One might get off because he doesn't speak English and might not have truly understood the question (except for the fact that the same Congressman asked it five different times - and this guy had a UN translator).
In the end A-Rod lied and he cheated. As sorry as he is, should it be that easy to move on and basically ignore his actions? I love baseball and there is a tradition to the game that must transcend these very highly paid athletes. It was challenging to sit and watch ESPN and the news reports and try to explain to my boys, who are deeply engrained in the game... that the truth still matters; that integrity still matters; and even with personal grace comes a public judgment that must protect the game and the Truth.
Unfortunately, as with most celebrity truth issues, A-Rod will play; the Yankees will pay his huge salary and fans will eventually forget. As I go stand in front of our Little League opening day ceremonies I pray I can speak to them of the honor and integrity of the game and not feel too much guilt as a grown up... Play ball!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Lame
That title could refer to my ability to keep up with blogging...however it refers to my inability to type based on a recent accident that put 14 stitches in my right index finger. I had no idea how much I use that hand in every day to day things. Typing this post for example is taking the better part of the morning. I was going to plan to use only words created with the left hand but that looked really stupid! :)
I wish I had some great bear or chainsaw story but the accident happened as a result of helping my sweet wife prepare to host some of our FFI students. She dashed out to take one of our son's to a guitar lesson and as I was lighting candles I realized that one of the larger one's had burned down to the bottom of its glass container. It is one of those but hurricane type glass holders. As I tried to get the candle out, the glass shattered and shaved off a good portion of my right index finger at the middle knuckle. (TMI I know...) After an adventurous couple hours I was home among our great students doing praise and worship. A gift indeed... Could have been a lot worse.
I think you learn a great deal about family when emergancies like this happen. The boys sprang into action; Stephen drove me to the emergancy room then returned home to host the students; Nicolas came to the hospital after his lesson and as a "doctor to be" watched intently as I was stitched up, asked endless questions and took pics on his phone (no they will not appear here); Christopher offered assistance in the form of his favorite stuffed animal; and Matthew told us he could put himself to bed - he insisted he was a big boy!
In a week I should be back to full hand use... until then go see Seven Pounds as the ultimate worldview commentary of the month.
Doc
I wish I had some great bear or chainsaw story but the accident happened as a result of helping my sweet wife prepare to host some of our FFI students. She dashed out to take one of our son's to a guitar lesson and as I was lighting candles I realized that one of the larger one's had burned down to the bottom of its glass container. It is one of those but hurricane type glass holders. As I tried to get the candle out, the glass shattered and shaved off a good portion of my right index finger at the middle knuckle. (TMI I know...) After an adventurous couple hours I was home among our great students doing praise and worship. A gift indeed... Could have been a lot worse.
I think you learn a great deal about family when emergancies like this happen. The boys sprang into action; Stephen drove me to the emergancy room then returned home to host the students; Nicolas came to the hospital after his lesson and as a "doctor to be" watched intently as I was stitched up, asked endless questions and took pics on his phone (no they will not appear here); Christopher offered assistance in the form of his favorite stuffed animal; and Matthew told us he could put himself to bed - he insisted he was a big boy!
In a week I should be back to full hand use... until then go see Seven Pounds as the ultimate worldview commentary of the month.
Doc
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
44
The inaugural speech and ceremony just finished. Regardless of your perspective on this incoming President, the peaceful passing of power in this land is indeed unique and special in the world. It was intriguing to see the looks of "knowing" and "understanding" that all the former presidents and first ladies had with the incoming President and new first lady. Obama's face looked as if he was beginning to feel the reality of the pressure of being the leader of the free world. There is a weight that none of us can truly understand. Each of those former presidents also looked so much older than when we saw them stand where he did today. One of the political/editorial cartoonists this morning showed the Chief Justice administering the oath of office and President Obama with a huge globe on his back. Welcome to the Oval Office and all that goes with it.
This was indeed historic and my honest prayer is that God sees fit to look down and surround this president with wise people and discerning guidance. The challenges ahead are even more daunting than in previous years and he is going to need that wisdom.
From a worldview perspective I find it interesting that in a post-modern era - defined by the need for individuals to express themselves and do what they like - that we have just re-entered an era of more involved government. So many of those that live by those same post-modern standards elected a government that believes whole-heartedly that government can and should help solve the problems of this country. Time will indeed tell if this group of the electorate someday will think less about today in glowing terms, but like a new Kenny Chesney song - "I went home at 2 with a 10 and woke up at 10 with a 2"...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sad News
I saw the email come a little while ago from our Alumni Coordinator here at the Institute and I was fearing what it said when I opened it. A young lady who had attended FFI last Spring was in a motorcycle accident over last weekend and has been in a coma every since. The last word I had was that she was taken off of life support last night. I knew in my gut it would be a number of hours before I got this email. Lindy reported what she said she didn't want to, but that Angie had died.
There are so many things that go through your head and heart whenever things like this happen. Part of me says, "in my head I understand death - especially for a believer - but in my heart I grieve." Another part of me tends to begin to question all that know to be true, because it runs counter to how I feel at the moment.
Angie was a young lady full of life and even though life had not given her the best circumstances in the past, she faced every day with joy, or at least she tried to. I remember conversations in my office where she would start by talking about someone else and we would move a little closer to her own journey and she would try to direct the conversation away from her. I occasionally would get her to open up and got to know a woman who was scarred but seeking; was thoughtful and compassionate; and most of all she would break out with a loud laugh whenever the mood hit her. Once in class she found herself in one of those moments we all hate, but when you laugh out loud and no one else really does... But where you and I would be bothered, she just kept on laughing - and eventually the infection hit the whole class. What I said - not that funny - her reaction - priceless.
I know that death is part of life - but usually the only things that come to mind in moments like these sound so trite and empty. I also know that Angie is having quite a party right now... She walked out of our lives and into the Father's arms. Not a bad place to find yourself at all... We'll miss her though!
There are so many things that go through your head and heart whenever things like this happen. Part of me says, "in my head I understand death - especially for a believer - but in my heart I grieve." Another part of me tends to begin to question all that know to be true, because it runs counter to how I feel at the moment.
Angie was a young lady full of life and even though life had not given her the best circumstances in the past, she faced every day with joy, or at least she tried to. I remember conversations in my office where she would start by talking about someone else and we would move a little closer to her own journey and she would try to direct the conversation away from her. I occasionally would get her to open up and got to know a woman who was scarred but seeking; was thoughtful and compassionate; and most of all she would break out with a loud laugh whenever the mood hit her. Once in class she found herself in one of those moments we all hate, but when you laugh out loud and no one else really does... But where you and I would be bothered, she just kept on laughing - and eventually the infection hit the whole class. What I said - not that funny - her reaction - priceless.
I know that death is part of life - but usually the only things that come to mind in moments like these sound so trite and empty. I also know that Angie is having quite a party right now... She walked out of our lives and into the Father's arms. Not a bad place to find yourself at all... We'll miss her though!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Taking Advice
Every time I open my web browser at home, the "news" of the day pops up. In the last couple of days, there has been an inordinate amount of advice given about everything from investing to weight loss (that one is huge this time of year) to how to most effectively return gifts you didn't like or want for Christmas. The articles, at first glance, all seem to be well written, somewhat thought out, and reasonable. Then I began to wonder who wrote the darn thing...? From what wise individual am I about to take life changing advice?
The answer was most noted in an article about a woman who was having trouble following everything that Oprah said to do. You read that correctly; she was having trouble following everything that Oprah said she should do. Her basic problem was that she didn't feel like she measured up and that she was somehow guilty of falling short of the ideal; namely Oprah. When I began to dig into the other articles about advice and who was giving it and who should be following it, there was a trend that began to be revealed. People who had gained some sort of "celebrity" status were given the right to advise us about absolutely everything. Look for it... it is right there. Oprah tells us what books to read and we read them. She tells us how to lose weight and we try. She indicates what our beliefs should be and we shift ours to align with hers.
This morning I've been digging into some scripture on advice. Christians are to seek wise counsel. We are to ask questions and become discerning. We are to act. In this day and age of worldly wisdom being splattered all over the screen in front of me, I want to take a big step back and look at what advice I'm being given and from whom. Do I trust a celebrity more than a godly mentor? Do I trust someone that is only a name/face to me more than the people who have invested the most in me over time?
Yeah, I want to get in shape this year (don't I say that every year?) but before I jump into the newest craze (and by the way, that Wii Fit thing is deceivingly hard on the body), I want to seek wisdom. In the days that come, I want to surround myself with people much smarter and wiser than me to help me along the path. Quite, simple I need to more closely follow the advice of the One I say I trust the most; Jesus. Now, that's a resolution... Happy New Year!
The answer was most noted in an article about a woman who was having trouble following everything that Oprah said to do. You read that correctly; she was having trouble following everything that Oprah said she should do. Her basic problem was that she didn't feel like she measured up and that she was somehow guilty of falling short of the ideal; namely Oprah. When I began to dig into the other articles about advice and who was giving it and who should be following it, there was a trend that began to be revealed. People who had gained some sort of "celebrity" status were given the right to advise us about absolutely everything. Look for it... it is right there. Oprah tells us what books to read and we read them. She tells us how to lose weight and we try. She indicates what our beliefs should be and we shift ours to align with hers.
This morning I've been digging into some scripture on advice. Christians are to seek wise counsel. We are to ask questions and become discerning. We are to act. In this day and age of worldly wisdom being splattered all over the screen in front of me, I want to take a big step back and look at what advice I'm being given and from whom. Do I trust a celebrity more than a godly mentor? Do I trust someone that is only a name/face to me more than the people who have invested the most in me over time?
Yeah, I want to get in shape this year (don't I say that every year?) but before I jump into the newest craze (and by the way, that Wii Fit thing is deceivingly hard on the body), I want to seek wisdom. In the days that come, I want to surround myself with people much smarter and wiser than me to help me along the path. Quite, simple I need to more closely follow the advice of the One I say I trust the most; Jesus. Now, that's a resolution... Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Shame on me... not a very good blogger... 19 days without a post... busy schedule, graduation, finals, etc..
The presents are wrapped, the stockings are hung, and the family is together for Christmas eve. Pretty soon we will settle into new PJ's and then watch a Christmas episode of Little House on the Prairie. I know having four boys, that may not seem obvious, but they like it.
A few hours ago, I sat in our church's Christmas eve service. I kept thinking about the reality of the incarnation. God broke through into the silence and chaos of humanity to live among us in the flesh - all with the plan of having the darling little baby sacrifice his life for all of us who have sinned. That plan boggles my mind anyway.
In this moment I am blown away at all the questions that come with this night. Think about it... why would God do this to begin with? How does the infinite become finite? Why come to the little hamlet of Bethlehem? And it is totally profound that God came into this world not by any natural process - He came through a virgin birth. If women in the church feel like they are undervalued - think about the honor that God feels for women by choosing this particular aspect of the plan.
In the service I looked at the faces of my sons lit up by the light of the candles they were holding and reminded of the feeling of love in my own heart for them. At the same time I know I felt just a bit of what the Father feels for each of us - especially in the fact that He came to the world for each of us.
Tomorrow morning we will open the packages, ooo and goo over the kindness of others, and begin to master the newest version of Rock Band (sidenote - I am a big fan of this movement in the video game industry - since MY music making a big comeback!), and we will eat a little too much. In the midst of all of that, may I suggest, humbly, that you close your eyes for just a moment and picture that baby and in the glint of those innocent eyes there lies a Savior.
Merry Christmas from Team Leland!
The presents are wrapped, the stockings are hung, and the family is together for Christmas eve. Pretty soon we will settle into new PJ's and then watch a Christmas episode of Little House on the Prairie. I know having four boys, that may not seem obvious, but they like it.
A few hours ago, I sat in our church's Christmas eve service. I kept thinking about the reality of the incarnation. God broke through into the silence and chaos of humanity to live among us in the flesh - all with the plan of having the darling little baby sacrifice his life for all of us who have sinned. That plan boggles my mind anyway.
In this moment I am blown away at all the questions that come with this night. Think about it... why would God do this to begin with? How does the infinite become finite? Why come to the little hamlet of Bethlehem? And it is totally profound that God came into this world not by any natural process - He came through a virgin birth. If women in the church feel like they are undervalued - think about the honor that God feels for women by choosing this particular aspect of the plan.
In the service I looked at the faces of my sons lit up by the light of the candles they were holding and reminded of the feeling of love in my own heart for them. At the same time I know I felt just a bit of what the Father feels for each of us - especially in the fact that He came to the world for each of us.
Tomorrow morning we will open the packages, ooo and goo over the kindness of others, and begin to master the newest version of Rock Band (sidenote - I am a big fan of this movement in the video game industry - since MY music making a big comeback!), and we will eat a little too much. In the midst of all of that, may I suggest, humbly, that you close your eyes for just a moment and picture that baby and in the glint of those innocent eyes there lies a Savior.
Merry Christmas from Team Leland!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Stuff that hacks me off...
I have got to stop reading the newspaper in the morning... there are so many depressing stories about pain and suffering. I have found myself specifically heading to the comics or even those trite announcements about anniversaries, weddings, and engagements. At least pictures appear to show happy people. Granted they not be, but they "look" like it!
Right after the stories today about international bombings, local troops being deployed, and the big 3 automakers getting grilled by Congress, was a story about a 16 or 17 year old boy in California who escaped from his home and with a chain still attached to his leg, and dressed only in boxer shorts, he stumbled into a local gym to seek a place to hide. What was he running from? Well, we don't know the entire story yet, but the details that we seem to know include: (1) being chained to various places in the house; (2) being abused with a wooden baseball bat (hit in the legs and knee caps) and burned with a heated metal bat; and (3) being denied food even while watching other family members eat at a table across the room from him. Those are just a few of the low-lights, I'm sure others will surface. I was compelled to read the entire story, because I just could not imagine doing that to another human being - especially for one of the defendants - to your own son.
Since it is never just a newspaper article, I thought a length at various times today about the nature of evil and how this can happen. What strikes me as odd is that if I were to mention this situation to someone who didn't believe in absolutes, they would probably find it as repugnant as I do but they wouldn't be able to acknowledge that there is a standard by which to judge the event. I ran this by such a friend earlier today and he did indeed respond with disgust and shock at the depravity of the human condition - Ah Ha! If there are no standards with which to judge right and wrong how can you know that you are disgusted. And what depravity? Where did that come from? In one response to me, he said that it was insane. How do we judge something as "insane" if there is not a standard of "sane"? It is the major pitfall of the postmodern condition; namely that we can theorize about standards all day long, but when it is measured against reality... it cannot stand. Treating a kid this way is wrong, plain and simple. We ALL agree and something inside us draws us to that conclusion.
Everyone I talk to about this article responds the same way - they can't believe that someone could be so evil. Yeah, it got me thinking about ideas a bit more deeply, but right now there is a kid who is going to take many years to regain his sanity and normalcy of life. I pray that happens...
Right after the stories today about international bombings, local troops being deployed, and the big 3 automakers getting grilled by Congress, was a story about a 16 or 17 year old boy in California who escaped from his home and with a chain still attached to his leg, and dressed only in boxer shorts, he stumbled into a local gym to seek a place to hide. What was he running from? Well, we don't know the entire story yet, but the details that we seem to know include: (1) being chained to various places in the house; (2) being abused with a wooden baseball bat (hit in the legs and knee caps) and burned with a heated metal bat; and (3) being denied food even while watching other family members eat at a table across the room from him. Those are just a few of the low-lights, I'm sure others will surface. I was compelled to read the entire story, because I just could not imagine doing that to another human being - especially for one of the defendants - to your own son.
Since it is never just a newspaper article, I thought a length at various times today about the nature of evil and how this can happen. What strikes me as odd is that if I were to mention this situation to someone who didn't believe in absolutes, they would probably find it as repugnant as I do but they wouldn't be able to acknowledge that there is a standard by which to judge the event. I ran this by such a friend earlier today and he did indeed respond with disgust and shock at the depravity of the human condition - Ah Ha! If there are no standards with which to judge right and wrong how can you know that you are disgusted. And what depravity? Where did that come from? In one response to me, he said that it was insane. How do we judge something as "insane" if there is not a standard of "sane"? It is the major pitfall of the postmodern condition; namely that we can theorize about standards all day long, but when it is measured against reality... it cannot stand. Treating a kid this way is wrong, plain and simple. We ALL agree and something inside us draws us to that conclusion.
Everyone I talk to about this article responds the same way - they can't believe that someone could be so evil. Yeah, it got me thinking about ideas a bit more deeply, but right now there is a kid who is going to take many years to regain his sanity and normalcy of life. I pray that happens...
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