Archive for grace
On Tiger Woods and Grace :: To Forgive or Not to Forgive
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As I watched Tiger Woods stand behind the podium on Saturday morning, delivering his “statement” to the general public, a few thoughts ran through my head.
- I know this is well-rehearsed and scripted, but is it sincere?
- Is there any way to know for sure?
- Even if I feel it is sincere, what are others thinking?
The only question I found a solid answer for was the first. I felt as I watched Tiger say the words “I’m so sorry…” that he actually meant them. I’m a Tiger Woods fan. I love watching him play golf and I was devastated on some deep level when I found out what he had been up to. Not that I felt he was perfect or above reproach, but I simply thought he had things together. No dirt was ever brought up on him. No bad press. No tabloid talk.
Nothing serious, anyway. Read More→
God, Adam and Eve :: Why Love and Control Are Not the Same
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I was reading in Genesis the other day, taking in the Bible in a bit of a different way. There is a new publication by Zondervan that takes the TNIV version of the Bible and lays it out in one readable story: chronologically, in story form, omitting the places where events are repeated, delivering the story of God’s love in a seamless, readable way. You can look at it in depth over there under the Amazon Books section. ===> (Plug finished!)
I’ve read the story of Adam and Eve many times and heard a variety of sermons on the subject. The delightful thing about the Bible, though, is its ability to speak to you in new ways each time it is opened. It’s really incredible!
In the account of the fall of man, we all know and understand that the forbidden fruit was eaten against the request of God, and mankind fell into sin. I knew all about that. What struck me during this reading, however, was completely different. I’m sure I’ve read and heard about the Tree of Life that was placed next to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil plenty of times, but I don’t think I ever considered it. You see, God placed the Tree of Life in the same category as all the other trees. They were free to eat of it. They were free to receive life. And God could have left it that way. No Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, no problem…right? Just offer life with now choice of rebellion or death. Why not? (Genesis 2:8-9)
Unfortunately, there can’t be love when that kind of control is present. Read More→
We All, Like Cats, Have Gone Astray
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I remember my first meeting with Sapphire like it was yesterday. I had just spent the last three hours wooing and impressing her owner, Tricia, over an extended, first-date meal at Rafferty’s. Truth be told, I was probably a big dork, but I suppose I was suave enough to deserve an invite back to her place for a viewing of Wild Hogs and my first introduction to Tricia’s fat cat duo: Toby and Sapphire.
Upon walking into the apartment, I saw both felines give us the “oh, its just you” look, quietly instructing us with their stares to keep the noise down and to stay out of their way. It was quite clear that they were not excited or shaken by our presence. This was their home, I quickly realized; the arrogance in their eyes plainly conveying that fact, glaring as if to say, “I see you there and just need to make it very plain that we run this place and you are the guest.”
I figured I would make nice with Toby first. Aside from his gargantuan size, he looked rather harmless. So I headed over to where he was laying and extended my hand in a gesture of peace and welcome. He gave me a cursory sniff, but made no bones about the fact that he wasn’t excited at all about my approach or my condescending pat on the top of his head. He was done with me before we started. Classic. This one’s a jerk, I quickly surmised.
And the next thing I knew, Sapphire was on me like a fat kid on a cupcake… Read More→
One Coffee Fits All :: How To Find Unity In Diversity
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Seems like a simple request to me. After a good lunch, a well-brewed, full-bodied cup of coffee to finish off the meal seems like an easy wish to grant. Everyone has coffee, right? No big deal. Just place the order and it’s mine.
The problem with that is, of the hundreds of places to purchase coffee, only a fraction of them actually offer a “good” cup of coffee. Or, more precisely, a cup of coffee that lives up to my standards.
So I am left scouring the town to find the truly great cups of coffee, enjoying them only at strange times of the day when I can get free and visit those who serve “the good stuff.”
I suppose my real frustration is, if we all know what constitutes a “good” cup of coffee, why is it so hard to find places that brew one? Why are there so many varieties, degrees, roasts, blends, strengths, sizes, flavors and brands? Why don’t we just find The Coffee and brew it everywhere? Why can’t we just decide which one is the best and get everyone on board? On board with The Coffee. Then, everywhere I go, I can just order a cup of coffee and know exactly what I’ll get. The right bean, the right roast, the right grind, the right water, the right brewer, the right creamer, the right sugar, the right cup…The Coffee. I think I’m on to something here!
But, then again, there are those I run into who would say, “I’d just rather have a cup of McDonald’s coffee.”
WHAT?!!?
Now, don’t get me wrong. McDonald’s has made some strides in bringing a decent coffee to the market, but it’s still way short of being The Coffee. It’s still sub-par. It’s still just ok. Why would you prefer that? Why wouldn’t you want the best? Why wouldn’t you want… Read More→
