Today I heard the news. The Yankees and New York are building a new Yankee stadium to be ready for the 2009 season. Even though it has been remodled several times, the stadium is still the space roamed by the greatest players to ever wear a uniform.
Some of my earliest baseball memories are of Yankee world series games. They were the first team of any kind I had any feelings for. Before the Denver Broncos, L.A. Lakers, UNM Lobos or even the Aztec Tigers, I was rooting for the Bronx Bombers playing at Yankee stadium.
The Mick was my first hero outside my family. This is where he roamed center field and smashed the tater into the upper decks.
I know it is probably time. And it will be a good thing for the team and the city. I am only glad I was able to finally attend a couple of games at the stadium in my 53rd year.
Maybe I will have opportunity to attend another, I have the rest of this year, and then three more seasons.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Blame The Pope
I don't understand the way our crazy society thinks. Oliphant's political cartoon today casts blame at the Pope for the sourge of AIDS. Somehow because the new pope keeps the same moral beliefs that Popes have carried for 2000 years (or at least for 1600 years if you aren't catholic) AIDS becomes his fault. Nobody gets AIDS because of the Catholic Church's teachings.
If a person isn't wearing a condom when having unsafe sex it is not because they are strictly following the church's teaching. If they were strictly following the Pope's beliefs they wouldn't be having unsafe sex.
It is not that the teaching of the church has changed. It is that the church refuses to relax its morals because of the immorality in the world.
Since the election of Pope Benedict all we have heard is how his beliefs are so dangerous. He is unwilling to change church doctrine to meet the changing currents of modern society. Paul, the New Testament apostle, says that it is children that are tossed around by every shift in doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14) So Pope Benedict is a dangerous man because he is just that, a man of conviction, not a spiritual child.
PS. for any of you who might wonder. I am not Catholic.
If a person isn't wearing a condom when having unsafe sex it is not because they are strictly following the church's teaching. If they were strictly following the Pope's beliefs they wouldn't be having unsafe sex.
It is not that the teaching of the church has changed. It is that the church refuses to relax its morals because of the immorality in the world.
Since the election of Pope Benedict all we have heard is how his beliefs are so dangerous. He is unwilling to change church doctrine to meet the changing currents of modern society. Paul, the New Testament apostle, says that it is children that are tossed around by every shift in doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14) So Pope Benedict is a dangerous man because he is just that, a man of conviction, not a spiritual child.
PS. for any of you who might wonder. I am not Catholic.
Monday, April 04, 2005
The Monster Under The Bed
I saw a most interesting statistic last night. According to "Unexplained Mysteries," 98.5% of all alien abductions happen at night. I knew it! I knew it! Ever since I was a little boy I knew that the monsters came out at night.
The ones that lived under my bed were only there at night. In the daytime I never had any problem with them, but at night, at night they crawled around under my bed just waiting for me, or if I could talk him into going first, my brother to step to the floor. Then some monster would reach out from under the bed and grab a leg and that would be the end.
I am sure mom must have wondered what the noise was when we leaped from the bed toward the door so our leg wouldn’t come down in reach of those ugly villains under the bed.
Even today, the aliens are only out at night. The room next to my office in the church is the youth room. They have a big cutout of Darth Vader over by the window. Sometime back someone put a large curly wig on Darth. I was going down the hall at night with all the lights off. Just enough light was coming through the window to let me know a very big person with a large curly hairdo was in the youth room.
After I got my breath back I thought how it would have looked the next morning to find a middle aged Pastor dead from a heart attack laying on the floor outside the youth room. But it wouldn’t have been so unusual. Killed by an alien, at night, of course.
May all your alien contacts happen in daylight. You are safer that way.
The ones that lived under my bed were only there at night. In the daytime I never had any problem with them, but at night, at night they crawled around under my bed just waiting for me, or if I could talk him into going first, my brother to step to the floor. Then some monster would reach out from under the bed and grab a leg and that would be the end.
I am sure mom must have wondered what the noise was when we leaped from the bed toward the door so our leg wouldn’t come down in reach of those ugly villains under the bed.
Even today, the aliens are only out at night. The room next to my office in the church is the youth room. They have a big cutout of Darth Vader over by the window. Sometime back someone put a large curly wig on Darth. I was going down the hall at night with all the lights off. Just enough light was coming through the window to let me know a very big person with a large curly hairdo was in the youth room.
After I got my breath back I thought how it would have looked the next morning to find a middle aged Pastor dead from a heart attack laying on the floor outside the youth room. But it wouldn’t have been so unusual. Killed by an alien, at night, of course.
May all your alien contacts happen in daylight. You are safer that way.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Think About It
"And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and promise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 (HCSB)
Friday, March 04, 2005
Just an old ski bum.
I didn’t move to Salt Lake City until I was a half century old. I think that is a good thing. If I would have been younger the temptation to be a ski bum might have been more than I could have withstood. The snow, 456 inches this winter, has settled to 137 inches of base. No wind, warm sunshine, short lift lines. Wow, what a day. Jen and I skied this morning. 27-37 degrees. Right now in my front yard it is 47. (8:21 pm) I could have played golf when we got down this afternoon. If I had younger knees that is.
Utah snow is not a secret though. On the lift we rode with people from Delaware, Boston, England, Pittsburg, Florida, Wisconsin, and one guy from Salt Lake City. And we only skied half of the day. The guy from Delaware was here for the 4th time this season and has 3 more trips planned before the end of April. (a computer business software writer)
Utah snow is not a secret though. On the lift we rode with people from Delaware, Boston, England, Pittsburg, Florida, Wisconsin, and one guy from Salt Lake City. And we only skied half of the day. The guy from Delaware was here for the 4th time this season and has 3 more trips planned before the end of April. (a computer business software writer)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Cost Of Discipleship
Being a disciple means loving Jesus more than any other person.
Being a disciple means wanting Jesus more than any other thing.
Being a disciple means following Jesus instead of any other way.
Jesus said, "Do you really want to be a disciple? Then count the cost."
Luke 14:26-35
Being a disciple means wanting Jesus more than any other thing.
Being a disciple means following Jesus instead of any other way.
Jesus said, "Do you really want to be a disciple? Then count the cost."
Luke 14:26-35
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Hey, You're On My Turf
I have been really interested in this discussion about bloggers and journalists. Somehow the journalists believe that when they give their opinions we ought to pay special attention but the opinions we read on a blog will be biased.
Duh! As if the opinions of the newspaper journalists are always unbiased and based on truth. They can distort truth as well or better than any blogger. It seems for the main part, the editors don’t care.
Anyway, I am excited to think of myself as a journalist. I have always believed that one of the best jobs in the world is a sportswriter. You are paid to go to the sporting events and all you have to do in return is write a story about what you saw with a few quotes from coaches and players. Then in a day or two you write an opinion column where you give your opinion of the team, the coach, the players, etc. That is something all sports fans do regularly, without compensation.
Truthfully, their opinions are not anymore valid than mine. Their predictions are no better. They play loose with the facts so as to distort the truth. And that is the sports reporters. The political reporters are no different. And if the sports reporters can’t get it right any more often than a novice blogger, what makes the political reporters think that they can?
I think the journalists are crying loudly to keep respect for their jobs. I understand. I object when they delve into faith issues of which I think, as a rule, they know very little. What say, let’s all protect our turf.
Duh! As if the opinions of the newspaper journalists are always unbiased and based on truth. They can distort truth as well or better than any blogger. It seems for the main part, the editors don’t care.
Anyway, I am excited to think of myself as a journalist. I have always believed that one of the best jobs in the world is a sportswriter. You are paid to go to the sporting events and all you have to do in return is write a story about what you saw with a few quotes from coaches and players. Then in a day or two you write an opinion column where you give your opinion of the team, the coach, the players, etc. That is something all sports fans do regularly, without compensation.
Truthfully, their opinions are not anymore valid than mine. Their predictions are no better. They play loose with the facts so as to distort the truth. And that is the sports reporters. The political reporters are no different. And if the sports reporters can’t get it right any more often than a novice blogger, what makes the political reporters think that they can?
I think the journalists are crying loudly to keep respect for their jobs. I understand. I object when they delve into faith issues of which I think, as a rule, they know very little. What say, let’s all protect our turf.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Life Lesson #4
People aren’t against you, they are for themselves.
Gene Wood
This life saying is a new one. However, the thinking behind it is one I came to grips with long ago. In life, in leadership, there are always those who seem to oppose you. If you have an idea, they are opposed to it. Often they can be critical and even outspoken in their criticism.
The leader has to learn that usually people aren’t against you, they are simply for themselves. When you keep that in mind, it helps to keep from taking opposition personally.
I have never been a politician, but I believe most politicians probably have this idea down pat. And when you listen to a politician being critical of another, almost always it is because they are trying to increase their own poll rating.
Some people simply have to tear another down in order to build themselves up. If you let those people immobilize you, you will be unable to accomplish your own goals.
This is the last of my sayings. Next blog I am going to try and loosen up a little.
Gene Wood
This life saying is a new one. However, the thinking behind it is one I came to grips with long ago. In life, in leadership, there are always those who seem to oppose you. If you have an idea, they are opposed to it. Often they can be critical and even outspoken in their criticism.
The leader has to learn that usually people aren’t against you, they are simply for themselves. When you keep that in mind, it helps to keep from taking opposition personally.
I have never been a politician, but I believe most politicians probably have this idea down pat. And when you listen to a politician being critical of another, almost always it is because they are trying to increase their own poll rating.
Some people simply have to tear another down in order to build themselves up. If you let those people immobilize you, you will be unable to accomplish your own goals.
This is the last of my sayings. Next blog I am going to try and loosen up a little.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Life Lesson #03
A rolling train don't stop for no barking dogs.
Dr. B. Carlisle Driggers
When a person is responsible for making decisions that affect other people he can be sure of one thing, there will be those who complain. We see that carried out regularly in opposition to the President. (And it doesn't make a difference which party the president is from.) Those in the other party throw rocks.
It is true for the Pastor too. It doesn't make any difference what you do, there will be those who will think you should have done something different and thus they complain. I suspect it is true of leaders in most any profession.
When Davy Crockett was fighting in the war of 1812 he made a similar statement. "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." That is the attitude successful leaders need to have. And when you start rolling, don't stop everytime there is criticism. Otherwise you will never get anything done.
Of course, it could be dangerous. I don't know if that was still Mr. Crockett's motto when he headed for Texas, but he paid for it with his life. Even so, I believe if anything positive is ever to be accomplished, when you are sure you are right you must go ahead, and once moving, you don't stop when the criticisim begins.
Dr. B. Carlisle Driggers
When a person is responsible for making decisions that affect other people he can be sure of one thing, there will be those who complain. We see that carried out regularly in opposition to the President. (And it doesn't make a difference which party the president is from.) Those in the other party throw rocks.
It is true for the Pastor too. It doesn't make any difference what you do, there will be those who will think you should have done something different and thus they complain. I suspect it is true of leaders in most any profession.
When Davy Crockett was fighting in the war of 1812 he made a similar statement. "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." That is the attitude successful leaders need to have. And when you start rolling, don't stop everytime there is criticism. Otherwise you will never get anything done.
Of course, it could be dangerous. I don't know if that was still Mr. Crockett's motto when he headed for Texas, but he paid for it with his life. Even so, I believe if anything positive is ever to be accomplished, when you are sure you are right you must go ahead, and once moving, you don't stop when the criticisim begins.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Life Lesson #2
No believer’s spiritual life will ever rise to stay above the level of their praying.
Jack Taylor
Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s I heard this little tidbit for the first time. It was just one of Jack Taylor’s “Seven Prayer Principles.” It pretty much stands alone without the need for elaboration.
We all seek a spiritual life, what we neglect is to spend time with God who is the author of life.
(for the other 6 principles of prayer give me a response)
Jack Taylor
Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s I heard this little tidbit for the first time. It was just one of Jack Taylor’s “Seven Prayer Principles.” It pretty much stands alone without the need for elaboration.
We all seek a spiritual life, what we neglect is to spend time with God who is the author of life.
(for the other 6 principles of prayer give me a response)
Monday, January 31, 2005
Life Lesson #01
I am beginning my blog by taking a few days and sharing some of the lessons I have learned and documented. This will take a few days, one lesson at a time.
Don’t take shortcuts in the quest to know God, they take too long.
Leaving a family reunion when I was about 15 I wasn’t looking forward to the 6 hour drive across New Mexico to home. The reason it was six hours is that there was no road across Northern New Mexico at the time. But shoot, that didn’t stop my dad from attempting to cross the road less country. After all it was a shortcut. Actually, the problem wasn’t so much a lack of roads, but the lack of a bridge across the Rio Grande which in that part of New Mexico flows at the bottom of a mini grand canyon.
One road we took ended in a mud puddle. We had to back track. The one bridge Dad had heard about, at Ojo Calliente, turned out to be out. We had to back track.
I don’t remember the conversation between Mom and Dad at the time, it must have been mostly under their breath, but I do remember the griping and complaining coming from the back seat where four boys were getting mighty tired of this shortcut. We had to back track.
Finally, after 8 hours in the car, for this 6 hour trip, we arrived. No, not at our destination, but back at the origination. Yes 8 hours totally back tracked. I believe that may hold a record for family vacation shortcuts.
I have discovered that trying to take shortcuts in my spiritual life are just as unfulfilling as that family vacation shortcut. Time with God is the only way to the spiritual life. That means I spend time reading and studying God’s word, the Bible. I need to spend time in prayer and meditation. I have to spend time in worship. Singing, writing, just generally praising God.
When I neglect to spend time with God and try to take shortcuts, I discover that I lose the Spiritual vitality that I desire and my spiritual road ends in a mudhole.
Don’t take shortcuts in the quest to know God, they take too long.
Leaving a family reunion when I was about 15 I wasn’t looking forward to the 6 hour drive across New Mexico to home. The reason it was six hours is that there was no road across Northern New Mexico at the time. But shoot, that didn’t stop my dad from attempting to cross the road less country. After all it was a shortcut. Actually, the problem wasn’t so much a lack of roads, but the lack of a bridge across the Rio Grande which in that part of New Mexico flows at the bottom of a mini grand canyon.
One road we took ended in a mud puddle. We had to back track. The one bridge Dad had heard about, at Ojo Calliente, turned out to be out. We had to back track.
I don’t remember the conversation between Mom and Dad at the time, it must have been mostly under their breath, but I do remember the griping and complaining coming from the back seat where four boys were getting mighty tired of this shortcut. We had to back track.
Finally, after 8 hours in the car, for this 6 hour trip, we arrived. No, not at our destination, but back at the origination. Yes 8 hours totally back tracked. I believe that may hold a record for family vacation shortcuts.
I have discovered that trying to take shortcuts in my spiritual life are just as unfulfilling as that family vacation shortcut. Time with God is the only way to the spiritual life. That means I spend time reading and studying God’s word, the Bible. I need to spend time in prayer and meditation. I have to spend time in worship. Singing, writing, just generally praising God.
When I neglect to spend time with God and try to take shortcuts, I discover that I lose the Spiritual vitality that I desire and my spiritual road ends in a mudhole.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
First Blog
I have been inspired to blog. What was my inspiration? 1. A pastor's blog I found in a magazine inspired me with his use of the blog to share Biblical insights. 2. My son's blog made me laugh until I had tears in my eyes.
While I claim to have neither the insight of above Pastor or the quick wit of my Son, I do feel that I have some interesting things to say and some insights mined from the mountains of material I read and the interesting people I meet.
While I claim to have neither the insight of above Pastor or the quick wit of my Son, I do feel that I have some interesting things to say and some insights mined from the mountains of material I read and the interesting people I meet.
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