SOUND OF SILENCE

"Our religious activities should be ordered in such a way as to
have plenty of time for the cultivation of the fruits of
solitude and silence." A. W. Tozer

THEY SHOOT VEEPS DON'T THEY?

Some time ago there was a movie called They Shoot Horses Don't They? I believe this 1969 gem featured a young Jane Fonda. I don't recall a great deal about this movie, but the title got me thinking about what Vice President Cheney is currently dealing with. It seems that he just can't get from underneath this news frenzy about the tragic accident he was part of. Mr. Cheney's errant blast from his shotgun, peppered his hunting buddy and friend, with some birdshot. His friend survived, but if the media has its way, Mr. Cheney will not. In the end, it could be Mr. Cheney is hit the most, but not by accident. Such is the nature of politics in the 21st century.

Vice President Cheney, along with any other politician - Democrat or Republican - is often the "victim" of the 24/7 news cycle, as they take their shots. The length of time they remain a "top story" or rather, a top target, is dependent upon whether or not there are other newsworthy events capable of a greater media appeal. Vice President Cheney, in this case, is the victim of, not only a ravenous media, but also a very uneventful week in world and national news.

One thing we all know, and can agree on - accidents happen. I'm just glad that my accidents are under the radar and none of them are covered by the media.

DOM

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PISTONS SEE THE LIGHT!

Seeya Darko. We'll not miss your apathy or your 50% effort on the basketball floor. We'll not miss your entitlement attitude. Guess what Darkster, just because a mistake was made and Joe thought you were worthy to be a 2nd round pick, doesn't mean that you are entitled to play. What its meant for you, however, was that you could pocket alot of coin for sitting on padded folding chair in crowded arenas. Your apathy, of course, didn't do much for team spirit. At the very least, you could have made some kind of effort. I mean how difficult is it to give 100% - leave it all on the floor - for a 2 minute stretch of game time? Do you think that it's not cool to hustle when you're on the floor with the best players in the world? Didn't you learn anything about hustle from Ben and Sheed? I'm afraid you've squandered a golden opportunity. Orlando may be the best home for you. Maybe the DeVos family, or some of your teammates (Howard and Grant Hill) can teach you about work ethic. For your sake, I hope so. Maybe we'll see you in the playoffs in a few years, but I won't be surprised it you'll be Orlando's human cigar.

DOM

THE WORLD IS NOT A STAGE

Five days in Gulfport, Mississippi taught me alot about how easy it is to fall into the "world is my stage" trap. For instance, when people ask me what I did this past week, this could be what follows:

"I loaded up some personal belongings, a sleeping bag, an air mattress, pillow, and change of clothes, and then drove straight down to Gulfport with 3 other guys in a minivan. When we got there 18 hours later, we went to work, repairing and then re-roofing homes. This was hard work, because some of these roofs were in pretty bad shape. We also had an opportunity to look around and see the devastation left by Katrina. We slept in a large room at the church (full of snoring men), which became our base of operation. We ate each day with 50 other people in a dining hall environment, where we also watched the SuperBowl (Yep, that's right, I missed the annual superbowl party!). At the end of our work commitment we loaded our stuff back into the van and drove 19 straight hours until we arrived at home.

The above, short Gulfport report talks more about "I" and "We", without saying much about "Who" and "Why". Interesting......

The Rabbi said: "Be especially caareful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself..." Mt. 6:1-2a

God's at work in Gulfport. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of His work there. I was once again reminded, it's not about me....it's about Him and Them.

OFFERING HOPE

I recently spent 5 days in Gulfport, Mississippi getting a first-hand look at the devastation of life and property left in the wake of Katrina. I listened to people who lost everything they had with the exception of the clothes they were wearing. I listened to people talk of experiencing God in the relief efforts as neighbor reached out to neighbor and people from around the country poured love and assistance into the area. I saw small tents pitched near the expressway in Pass Christian - tents that continue to house families that have been displaced for more than 5 months. I spoke to one elderly lady who slept in a hallway in her home because it was the only dry spot, and free of mold. I watched her wide smile when she received $150 in cash pressed in her hand, to assist her with living expenses and home repairs. Then within minutes I was told that this same 77 year old lady began to name people she would be giving the money to because their needs, in her eyes, seemed far greater than hers.

Too many people rant and blog about sacrifice. These same people talk about the importance of making a difference in this cruel and mixed up world. I happen to be one of them. However, this past week I had the opportunity and joy of watching a 77 year old emergent granny act on it as she has done countless times before...and all the while with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. I'm grateful for the life lesson!

Another thing I learned, is that any relief effort that does not include the hope that can only be found in Christ, is nothing more than a temporary band-aid...a band-aid that makes the provider/giver feel temporarily good (even proud) about giving the aid, but leaves the recipient in the same hopeless position they were before.

DOM

"I have learned that what we have done for ourselves alone dies
with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and
is immortal." Author Unknown

LOVE

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."
Nikka, age 6

Sounds like Nikka has come up with a pretty good summary of the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:33). Nikka's wisdom exceeds his years. Often the best place to start to learn about love or learn to love better, start loving the one you love the least.

Show me the love....
DOM

COURSE ADJUSTMENTS

At any given moment, when you're sailing on Lake Michigan, a course adjustment of just one degree is almost indiscernable, but over a length of time, it will ultimately determine your final destination.

We all need course adjustments. Depending on conditions and circumstances, those adjustments may be more or less frequent. The continued adjustments ensure we will arrive at the harbor we have set our course for.

It's the same deal in our lives. We cannot simply set a course and then stick with it without any further adjustment for events and conditions. I've been finding out daily that a good "course check" gives me a better opportunity to end up where I want to go. The destination never changes. How I get there requires focused attention and an ability to adapt and adjust to different circumstances.

DOM