All good things must come to an end. It was fun, but it was short. While we are not sure we got a fair shake last night, we are sure that we got waxed. Get ‘em next year.
The team of Charles Lenon (Lemons) and Thomas (Andy) Lutz defeated Slaughter and Slaughter 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the elite eight of the Community Hospital Anderson Tennis Classic. Okay so we got a bye in the first round and made it out of the second round, but we did post a win. Tonight we will try to advance one more time.
I don’t write about sports here at Blasted Gourds too often, but this weekend holds one of my favorite sporting events, the British Open. This stems from my love of golf and the fact that my Dad used to go speak at the Carey Conference in England every 3-4 years when I was in my teens. While most golf eyes are on Michelle Wie and Tiger Woods, the story of the year may be this man, David Duval. If you do a search for David Duval you will find multiple articles saying, what has happened to David Duval. When I was just out of college he was number one in the world and the man to beat. Then there was a snowboarding accident, a few off the course life changes for Duval and he could no longer break 80. Funny thing is I never really liked Duval much until he fell off the golfing world map, but then I started reading about him and what was going on. How he had issues in his childhood and how his Georgia Tech golf coach, an outspoken christian, had such an impact in his life. I guess I fell into the trap of never rooting for the one that always wins, but now find number one is the underdog. Well it is now good to see he is back. Shot 70-70 to make the cut and have a shot this weekend. Will he win? My money would still be on Tiger Woods, but I love a good feel good comeback story anyway!
What kind of computer bible software do you use? Logos has come out with a new version and we are trying out. Time will tell if it is worth it. Logos is all we have ever used here at EBC. Are there any other really good progams out there? Is Logos the way to go?
“And you, Solomon, my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”
These words of David to his son follow the words of God that say that Solomon will build the house for the LORD. The teach us a great deal about what our attitude should be concerning God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. God has said it, it must happen. Yet, Solomon is to assume nothing unless he fears God. The Lord has chosen you, so what should you do, be careful, be strong, do his will. It is the same for us today.
President Bush cast the first veto of his 5 1/2-year presidency
Wednesday, rejecting legislation to ease limits on federal funding for
research on stem cells obtained from embryos. “This bill would support the taking of innocent human
life of the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a
moral boundary that our society needs to respect, so I vetoed it,”
I know this is a sensitive subject for many. Michael J. Fox, Superman, and others have fought for our leaders to ease up the laws because stem cell research would save lives. It is hard to argue with this. I firmly believe that with stem cell research more lives would be extended or saved, but maybe there is something greater to life than extending it. Death is what we are to prepare for. There is a life where there is no death nor disease. Cure a disease in this life and the person is sure to get another one. Save a life here and the person will inevitably die. Being against stem cell research may appear and feel heartless in some situations, but ultimately isn’t it saying that there is something greater to life than this life? That there is a greater code of ethics than what will be for the greatest good, produce the most happiness, or be the least painful. This code of ethics is that one day we must all stand and give an account for our souls before an almighty God, who has revealed himself and his law to us.
LONDON (AFP) - The tiny South Pacific Ocean archipelago of Vanuatu is
the happiest country on Earth, according to a study published measuring
people’s wellbeing and their impact on the environment….
“People are generally happy here because they are very satisfied with very little,” he told The Guardian.“This is not a consumer-driven society. Life here is about community
and family and goodwill to other people. It’s a place where you don’t
worry too much.”
I am not sure how one measures happiness, but this writer has made an attempt. It is interesting that out of 188 countries included the United States ranks 150. To put that in perspective, China was 32 and South Africa was 159. One has to place limited stock in such a report, because how can we truly measure happiness, but it may be another reminder that our western way of thought is so consumed with many faulty assumptions about what brings true happiness. It also proves many biblical truths including not worrying about the cares of the world, or what we shall eat or drink or wear, honor and obey your father and mother and it will go well with you, etc.
Proverbs 18:14
A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
Since I went so far forward last week, I am going to go back this week to July 5th’s reading. There really is something to a positive attitude. It can help us in times of sickness. Hope and will power do help us medically. There was even a study done on people who live long and it showed that Christians live 3 years longer on average than non-christians because of their hope and faith. There is truth that if we trust and obey God things will go well with us. Regardless, whether a believer or non-believer one cannot deny that a posititve attitude is a helpful thing. But a depressed and discouraged or beaten down spirit who can endure? Proverbs has a lot of good reminders and simple truths. You will find multiple proverbs about treating others with kindness and speaking kindly to others. What a sad thing if a saint where to blame for another man’s crushed spirit. We are to be one’s that bring the good news, the hope, and life. Let us listen to this simple proverb.
Sinclair Ferguson’s comments in “Let’s Study Mark” set a great benchmark for preachers.
“Wherever Jesus preached people recognised the note of authority and authenticity in his message. He preached biblically, simply, graciously, and powerfully. They must have felt what we too feel when we hear God’s Word properly expounded: “So that’s what this passage means. It is so clear. Why didn’t I see it before?”
Update: Good news! The 3 remaining ducks, Hewie, Deuy, and Louie, are alive and doing well. They are starting to get used to us, but are still a little uncertain. Hopefully we will raise 3 healthy ducks this summer. Just when I was hoping to get the van back in the garage, it has turned into Duckville in Perkinsville, but it has been fun for our whole family.
