Vision

Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky once described to a reporter his philosophy on playing the game. Gretzky said, "I don't go to where the hockey puck is, I go to where I think it is going."
That is the kind of vision and leadership the Church needs as well. Anyone can copy trends and analyze past data. It takes faith and vision to step out and shape the future!

Leadership

By now everyone has heard about the tragedy with the cruise ship. One issue has recieved media attention above all others, and that was the conduct of the "captain." The old maritime creed is that the captain should go down with the ship, or at least be the last one off of it. In the most famous shipwreck of all time, Titanic, Captain Smith perished in the Atlantic while White Star Line owner Mr. Ismay slipped into a lifeboat and was ostracized for life because of it.

The captain of this cruise ship was off the ship long before all of his passengers. He also refused to go back when ordered to do so. Later he came up with a crazy story, saying that he had fallen into a lifeboat accidentally.
True leaders don't abandon ship when things get tough. In fact, the know and accept the risks that come with leading others. Prayers sent for all of the families involved in this tragedy, and prayers to all those who would presume to take on the responsibility to lead. may God be with us!

My Goodness this Tim Tebow!

The only thing that has a chance to overshadow the Green Bay Packers quest to repeat as Champs and finish the season undefeated is the remarkable story of Tim Tebow. The much maligned QB has come in for the 1-4 Denver Broncos and led them to a 7-1 record. The national media as well as most people either love him or hate him.

My question is: what's not to like? Tim didn't create the hype surrounding him nor does he do anything to encourage it. In fact, he deflects the credit to the Lord. I think the main reason that he is loved and hated is the fact that he is a Christian who does not apologize for it. Unfortunately that is a rare thing these days. Far too many believers are too worried about not offending anyone and being politically correct to praise God in all aspects of their life. Sadly we have compartmentalized our faith, and thus God, to the point that some believe expressions of faith have no place in the NFL.

The reality is that Tebow is able to play in the league and we are able to do all the things that we do only because of the goodness and grace of the Lord. I am sure all the haters will be in full force when the Broncos lose or Tim has a bad game, but then they will only show their shallowness. When we see someone doing the right things and trying hard to live for the Lord it can be like a mirror to us for our own lives. Often that is when and why people lash out at the person they perceive to be the source of their guilt. Instead, may we all be encouraged by Tim. Let's realize that no one is perfect but God alone and instead of lashing out at those who openly express their love for the Lord, let them be an example for us. I pray for Tim and his testimony and I think you should too!

Win at all costs?

Recent events at Penn State University have brought many issues into our national consciousness. Certainly protecting children and sexual predators have been discussed. There also has been a debate about morals and ethics. How much did people know and what did they do; or what should they have done? I think the jury is still out and it will take months for the sorted details to surface. If anyone did have an inkling of what was going on, I hope they are prosecuted. If that is the case, at best they were cowards who cared more about their positions in life than about innocents. May we all take heed from this as we all inevitably face moral dilemmas in our own lives and careers.

Another interesting yet less important side note to the discussion has been the moral outrage by liberals who usually profess that truth is not absolute and that morals are relative. Perhaps in Sandusky's twisted mind it was OK to do what he did. However, we know that the laws of America do not agree. There is also a greater law, the Moral Law, that is written on our hearts. This law tells us that abusing children is wrong in all cultures at all times. The giver of this law that is written on our hearts will one day ask us to give an account.

The Next Logical Step in Perversion

http://www.greeleygazette.com/press/?p=11517

Pedophiles want the same rights as homosexuals. Liberal psychologists are now trying to classify them in the same light as homosexuals. They are claiming to be born that way.
We should not be surprised. Once a society begins legitimizing sexual perversions there is no stopping it. Whats next: polygamy? beastiality? incest? .... probably

The Way God Designed It!

Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands - Des Moines News Story - KCCI Des Moines

Wonderfully touching story about this couple! Enjoy :)

Celebrating with Ginger Ale!

The Texas Rangers baseball team advanced to their second ever world series last night. I admit I am pulling for them. Mainly because of Raleigh's own Josh Hamilton who is a very outspoken Christian. Josh's testimony deals with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. That is why celebration on the field last night included ginger ale and not champagne. I think it is a beautiful portrait of a team watching out for one of their own. The sacrificed the tradition celebration to keep Josh from being tempted with the alcohol. Reminds me to what what I do and who i do it in front of. Just beautiful.