On My Mind

What I read in 2011

2012-01-02T15:51:00.031-06:00

I am a reader. Unapologetically. I read on airplanes, on trains, in bed and in the bathroom. Occasionally I even read in the car…but only when someone else is driving! A few years ago I set a goal of reading 25 books in a year. Of course, if I didn't keep track of what I read, then I'd never know if I hit my goal. So I started keeping track. In 2011 I read exactly 25 books, and I thought I'd

New Mexico wild flowers

2011-09-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

Storm clouds

2011-05-25T17:09:00.001-05:00

Last night we gathered the family in the family room…which is the lowest level of our house. The storm clouds were overhead, the wind was whipping around and in the distance we could hear tornado sirens going off. But it was the first time we’d ever hunkered down and sought shelter like that. Not the first storm we’ve been through. Not the first time the sirens have sounded. But somehow last

A thankful lottery winner

2011-03-03T14:12:00.003-06:00

On my way to the National Religious Broadcasters conference this year my wife and I encountered two people that made me grateful. I didn't get either of their names, but I hope I will remember them both. The first was a short, solidly built man in army fatigues that stood beside us as we waited for our luggage. We began to talk and discovered that he'll soon head to Georgia to learn how to

Pray for the persecuted church

2010-11-19T15:00:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday, November 14, was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The pastor at my church asked me to share for five minutes in our morning services about a recent trip I took to meet with persecuted Christians in India. Here's what I shared: Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a day when we celebrate the unity of the Body of Christ by

Book review: “Heaven Is For Real”

2010-11-09T20:06:00.002-06:00

"Heaven is For Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back"by Todd Burpo with Lynn VincentFull disclosure: I went to college with Todd Burpo. In fact, he was the editor of the college paper when I started on the staff. If that affects how you read this review, so be it. But now you know. If you don't believe in the supernatural, then this isn't the book for you. Because

It’s so hard to say goodbye

2010-08-16T17:14:00.001-05:00

Full disclosure: I don't know whether Brett Favre is going to play NFL football this season or not.There; got that out of the way. If you're reading to find out Favre's future, you've come to the wrong place. As a Vikings non-fan, I hope he stays home in Mississippi. But he'll do what he'll do, and as we've seen the last couple of years, even those who know Favre and "know" what he's going to do

Structure vs. Creativity

2010-08-04T15:53:00.002-05:00

I've been in meetings this week for my job; meetings that involve planning and looking ahead, but also involve coming up with ideas to creatively communicate our organization's mission and passion to our audience. One of the great challenges in these meetings is to find the balance point between structure and creativity. Structure is important…it sets boundary lines and makes sure that projects

Guest blogger: NFC Preview

2010-07-30T15:50:00.001-05:00

My first guest blogger (and oldest son) is back with another NFL Preview, this time with a look at the season ahead for the NFC:Same rules as before, with an added: Jay Cutler shall be referred to as 'Crybaby who shall not be named.' Alright, buckle up.NFC North Winner: Green Bay Packers (even if Brett Favre plays in Minnesota)Yes, that's right. I like the Packers to win this division, Brett

Guest blogger: AFC Preview

2010-07-29T16:57:00.001-05:00

I am pleased to welcome my first-ever guest blogger this week: my oldest son, Kameron. As NFL training camps are opening around the league, he takes a look ahead at the coming season in the American Football Conference. These thoughts are his, not mine (especially about Rex Ryan, whom I think adds fun back into the No Fun League and is gonna have a long and very successful coaching career).As

It’s a small world…

2010-07-15T19:45:00.001-05:00

So last night I got a message from the CEO of a major publishing company.I've always wanted to begin a conversation with those words. Today I can.No…it wasn't about my novel, Justice For All (available in print and on Kindle, by the way). I'm still waiting for that call.But the message I did get made me think about the world we live in, and how fast it's changing. The message was from Michael

The story you think you know

2010-06-13T17:34:00.003-05:00

My wife and I have just finished reading Dave Cullen's masterful book, simply titled "Colombine." The book, in creation since Cullen himself was on scene the afternoon of the shooting, is an in-depth look at "the worst school shooting in U.S. history," which as he points out is absolutely NOT the result the shooters were aiming at. The amazing thing about Cullen's book is that everyone

A hero misused

2010-05-25T20:22:00.004-05:00

One of my goals for this year was to read more nonfiction; books that tell true stories or books that impart information that will help me to be more effective in my work, my home or in using my talents well. Where Men Win Glory, by Jon Krakauer, tells the true story of Pat Tillman, the football-player-turned-soldier killed in Afghanistan by so-called "friendly fire." It is an amazing book

Every man needs a NO man

2010-03-01T14:56:00.000-06:00

We probably all know about "yes men." They are facilitators, enablers, people who will do anything the boss asks, without regard to whether it's good for the boss or the company or themselves. Yes men are the guys who will approach the smokin'-hot babe at the bar and say, "Hey, Tiger Woods wants to meet you," even though they know Tiger Woods has a wife and kids at home and is looking for

Music Monday: Feb. 22

2010-02-22T21:22:00.000-06:00

I hit “shuffle” on iTunes or my iPod, and list out the first 10 songs that play, along with a thought or comment and the number of plays for that song. 1. Song: The Inner Light; Artist: The Beatles; Album: Past Masters (Remastered); Play Count: 1 Weird song…must have been in the Beatles druggy phase. However, the new digital remastering of the Beatles’ entire catalogue is AMAZING. 2. One;

So Catchy, SO objectionable!

2010-02-06T15:01:00.005-06:00

Have you ever heard a song on the radio with a tune that was so catchy, so hummable that it almost instantly was lodged permanently in your brain? It's happened to all of us, right? But what about when you start to listen to the words and realize that you wish they weren't in your brain? Or in your kids'? Ouch! Why is it that some of the catchiest, prettiest songs have such objectionable

Music Monday: February 1

2010-02-01T19:37:00.001-06:00

First Music Monday was fun last week, so here we go again. One of the cool things about this project is I'm discovering music that I didn't know I had…or haven't listened to for a LONG time!Song: Yoda; Artist: "Weird Al" Yankovic; Album: Weird Al Yankovic: Greatest Hits; Play Count: 1My boys like Weird Al more than I do…especially the Star Wars songs. This one is based on "Lola," which was

MUSIC MONDAY: Jan. 25

2010-01-25T20:05:00.001-06:00

In the never-ending quest for blog material, I present MUSIC MONDAY. I'll hit shuffle on my iPod or iTunes and present to you the first 10 songs that come up, along with a comment or two about the song, artist or album. If I'm in iTunes I'll also give you the play count on the song, though that can be misleading a bit because I had to switch computers last year and lost all my previous play count

Saying “so long” to my 30s

2010-01-21T07:17:00.001-06:00

This is the last day of my 30s. It's sort of weird even to type that. But yeah…tomorrow I'm the big four-oh. Naturally at such a milestone, I've spent some time this week thinking about the past 40 years, and about the next 40, if the Lord allows me that many more.I've sort of thought of them in decades…0-10: The word I think of for this decade is FAMILY. I was born into a family, which later

My reading list: 2009

2010-01-20T19:01:00.001-06:00

In 2008 I set a goal of reading 25 books; and in order to know whether or not I met my goal I started keeping track. In 2009 I set the same goal, and hit it on the nose. Here's what I read last year, along with some random thoughts about, or quotes from, each book. I've linked each one for easy ordering on Amazon if you decide you want a copy of your own.January: The Appeal by John Grisham

God’s call to craziness

2009-12-31T15:15:00.002-06:00

Having written a book about the church in North Korea, I was quite intrigued by the story last week of a Christian worker, Robert Park, who decided to walk across the frozen Tumen River from China into North Korea to "deliver" a letter to Kim Jong Il, North Korea's dictator. The letter reportedly asked for the release of all political prisoners (including Christians), the opening of the borders

Tiger sold his privacy…for $900,000,000

2009-12-11T15:51:00.004-06:00

In this week's Newsweek, writer Julia Baird makes a case that Tiger Woods' call for his privacy to be respected by the media is a call that should be heeded. "He is not a politician, priest or morals crusader," Baird writes. "He is an athlete." Yes, Tiger is an athlete. He earns something like 10 million dollars a year from playing competitive golf. But…and it's a big but…Tiger is way more

Random thoughts on Tiger, books and life

2009-12-03T18:47:00.001-06:00

My blog is called "On My Mind," and from the frequency of new posts you might think that I never think about anything. Not true. The problem is not that I never think, but that I never think long enough about one thing while sitting down to write 4-5 coherent paragraphs about it before moving on to the next thing On My Mind. So we'll see how this works instead: a post of random thoughts about a

U2: “the Grand Canyon of bands”

2009-10-29T16:28:00.002-05:00

Perhaps you've stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the world's most beautiful hole in the ground. And you've thought, "EVERYONE should see this, at least once in their life."I had the same feeling in 2005, when my wife and I flew to Chicago to attend a U2 concert. It was such an amazing experience; the power of the music, the purity of Bono's voice, and the glow of the

Others May, You Cannot

2009-10-23T12:36:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share today a devotional thought that I came across several months ago, and came across again last week. I find it incredibly challenging to read and try to live out, and I hope it will bless and challenge you as well.Others May, You Cannotby G.D. Watson"If God has called you to be truly like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. He will

Dare to reach

2009-09-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

I’m a blogging slacker lately, I know. In our office this is one of the busiest times of the year, but that’s not really an excuse.I did just read an EXCELLENT blog entry from my friend, Brian, and it was powerful and thought provoking and worth passing on. So I’m going to pass it on: CLICK HERE to go read Brian’s post about the instinct to reach out which gets beaten down in each of us into the

The generalist curse

2009-08-28T16:54:00.001-05:00

I'm a generalist. I have to admit that up front. Dictionary.com says that means "a person whose knowledge, aptitudes, and skills are applied to a field as a whole or to a variety of different fields (opposed to specialist ).Here is the good side of that: I'm pretty good at quite a few different things. I'm creative. I have ideas. I have a lot of interests. Here's the bad side: I'm easily

Nirvana Christians

2009-07-23T15:55:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday the whole morning service at the church my family attends was devoted to presenting opportunities to serve the church in different ways. There was a call for nursery workers, and Sunday School teachers, and choir members and small group hosts, among other things. And it seemed like most of the speakers made a point to say how LITTLE they were actually asking for, as if asking people

17 years…countless blessings

2009-07-14T15:59:00.002-05:00

On July 4 my lovely wife and I marked 17 years of marriage. It got me thinking about some of the other numbers that have defined the years since she graciously agreed to join her life with mine:One God, Who has blessed and watched over us through those 17 years. We've attended one church our whole marriage, which has had one senior pastor during our entire married life. We've gone to one U2

News or entertainment?

2009-06-19T19:02:00.001-05:00

There has been some controversy lately about the "neutrality" of various news outlets. Has ABC News become nothing more than a megaphone for the Obama administration? Is Fox News nothing more than a club with which Republicans can beat up on liberal Democrats?A couple of thoughts:First, no one is "neutral." All of us have opinions. All of us have ideas. Frankly, if you don't know enough about a

Obama and Islam: one response

2009-06-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

I couldn't let the President's speech in Cairo go by without comment. His pretty words are based in something other than the reality that I've seen in visiting Muslim countries all over the world and working with persecuted Christians for the past 11 years.First, a fact that you should keep in mind: six of the top seven countries on Open Doors' World Watch list of worst persecutors of Christians

Ouch, my toes hurt

2009-05-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

I get a weekly email devotional from John Piper, and this week's devotional included this quote:It is possible (but not right) for baptized believers to act in their lives as though the gospel were not true. How many conservative husbands are outraged if some liberal preacher says that Jesus did not rise from the dead, when their daily treatment of their wives makes the same statement? At least

Don’t be afraid. Stand firm.

2009-05-08T10:42:00.001-05:00

Jesus Freaks Radio started out as a daily radio spot to encourage believers and also to sell more copies of Jesus Freaks, the book by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs. Initially, it was thought that the band members would record new spots every few months. But then the band broke up (ok…went on "hiatus"), and went off in different directions, and suddenly getting them in the studio to record

Looking back with a smile

2009-04-08T17:15:00.001-05:00

My friend Glenn is fighting cancer. And as he's fighting, he's marking his path through moving entries on his blog. In a recent entry he looked back at his life and told his readers of some of the things he regrets. The times he wasn't the husband or father he now wishes he'd been. The times when his sickness forced him to give up pursuits that he loved.I encouraged him to write another entry as

Quote for the day

2009-03-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

"Don't bother much about your feelings. When they are humble, loving, brave, give thanks for them; when they are conceited, selfish, cowardly, ask to have them altered. In neither case are they you, but only a thing that happens to you. What matters is your intentions and your behavior."—C. S. Lewis

Quote for today

2009-03-04T13:03:00.001-06:00

Jesus promised his disciples three things - that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy and in constant trouble.—G. K. Chesterton

What the Bible says vs. what the President says

2009-02-24T20:48:00.001-06:00

I can't help but think, as I watch our new President's speech about saving the economy, about what the Bible says about borrowing and lending:The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower {becomes} the lender's slave. (Proverbs 22:7) Yet the first section of the President's speech was about opening the doors for more people to borrow more money for more reasons. His call was to throw open the

Wired world

2009-02-08T16:22:00.001-06:00

My oldest son is a texting machine. Generally speaking, if he's awake and not in school, at church or playing basketball, his phone is close by. He checks his Facebook page multiple times per day, and now gets and sends updates to that page (and ultimately to his network of friends) from his phone. Sometimes his mother and I learn things on his Facebook page that he hasn't thought to tell us in

Quote for the Day: Feb. 4, 2009

2009-02-04T09:00:00.001-06:00

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" —C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

A Call for Caution

2009-01-22T08:28:00.005-06:00

This morning I sent the following email to our new President, Barack Obama:Dear President Obama:Congratulations on your arrival in the White House! I join so many other Americans in wishing you well, and praying for wisdom for you as you lead our nation, especially in these difficult times.I want to urge caution from you on one subject: the controversial one of abortion. At the civil forum with

My 2008 library

2009-01-03T12:39:00.002-06:00

When I listed out my goals for 2008, one of them was to read 20 books this year. I'm pleased to say that I completed my goal. Someone asked me what books I'd read, and I thought a list, with my comments, would make a good blog entry. My reading is eclectic, and I try to read both "serious" books (often spiritual or work related) and "fun" books, usually novels, often murder mysteries.Here's my

I am thankful

2008-11-25T17:20:00.001-06:00

Every day should be Thanksgiving, really. Because every day that we wake up and live and breathe is a gift from God. It shouldn't take a congressional decree or a stuffed turkey to get us to acknowledge God's hand at work in our lives.I recently read this quote from G.K. Chesterton, the great English writer: "You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera,

The problem is…

2008-11-13T11:02:00.002-06:00

I have been interested—and a little disappointed—by the "sky is falling" attitude of some evangelicals in light of last week's election results. It is in response to those that I write this post.I recently read "Blue Like Jazz," Donald Miller's excellent book about walking with Christ. This quote from the book seems especially meaningful coming out of our election season:"The problem is not a

The man who is the boy who was

2008-10-22T18:51:00.003-05:00

This weekend I am taking my wife to attend the Maranatha High School class of 1988 20-year reunion. It's an odd thing to go back to a place you haven't been for so long, and to see people you haven't seen in more than two decades. It's brought me a fit of introspection, thinking about the tall, shy, skinny kid that graduated from MHS all those years ago; and the tall, not skinny, married father

Don’t just vote it. Live it

2008-10-03T17:04:00.003-05:00

I'm a member of the Republican Party, but I'm not hugely sold on John McCain. And the longer I live and the more I fellowship with persecuted Christians the less I expect our government to "fix" my problems or reflect my beliefs. There are Christians who seem to believe that if the "wrong" candidate wins the election God will be kept from working in our nation for the next four years. My brothers

Dr. Green lives

2008-10-03T12:40:00.001-05:00

How funny to open Sunday's paper after my last post and see that, just as I said, Dr. Green lives on! And not just in re-runs. He'll return this year, in ER's wrap-up season, in a flashback. So I guess I can mourn him less.

I mourn fake people

2008-09-26T17:04:00.002-05:00

I have a confession: I grieve for fictitious people.That's right: it makes me sad when people who never really lived…well, when they die.Andrew Sipowicz, Jr., killed during a valiant attempt to stop a robbery in New York. Bobby Simone, gone after a short battle with a mysterious illness. Dr. Greg Pratt, dead from injuries sustained in an ambulance bombing that was actually a mob hit in Chicago.

When the system doesn’t work

2008-08-30T17:59:00.001-05:00

I defended the man who beat his wife.In the jury room. I stood up for him. I presumed him innocent. But he wasn't innocent. Not even close.But I didn't know that. Worse, I wasn't ALLOWED to know that. The people who were supposedly there to usher in justice weren't even given all of the facts. In fact we weren't even given most of the facts.This might be a long post; I'm still working through the

Beijing Olympic preview

2008-08-09T10:50:00.003-05:00

My pastor asked me to share in our church last Sunday about China, to challenge people to pray for that nation--and especially for the persecuted church there--as the Olympic Games begin in Beijing.I decided to present my thoughts as an "Olympic Preview," talking about some of the things that viewers WILL see as they watch the Olympic Games, and some of the things they WON'T SEE...like persecuted

How many innocent men?

2008-07-29T18:43:00.002-05:00

Last week I finished reading John Grisham's foray into nonfiction: The Innocent Man. If you haven't, you should read this book. It is a sobering, infuriating look at what happens when the legal system is more worried about getting someone, anyone, than it is about locking up the person who actually committed the crime.We already knew that Grisham could tell a great story, but here he brings his

The rising dragon

2008-07-22T08:55:00.001-05:00

In May I had the opportunity to visit China, and though my visit was short it has given me much to think about as we count down to the opening of the Olympic Games on 8-8-08…now just a few weeks away. Some things to think about as you gear up for the opening ceremonies:Unlimited Budgets:Everywhere in Beijing building is going on; the construction crane business is booming! Buildings stretch up

Answered Prayer

2008-06-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

I sat this morning listening to Gracia Burnham speak at the VOM national mission conference, and I was moved to tears by the thought that I was sitting there seeing an answer to my prayers. You see, when Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held hostage in the Philippines, my wife and I and our sons prayed for them. I remember in particular one night as a national news show featured video clips

VOM National Conference

2008-06-20T18:59:00.001-05:00

I'm live blogging tonight from the VOM National Mission Conference in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Check out my posts on www.persecutionblog.com.

Politicians and truth

2008-06-16T15:12:00.001-05:00

I'm not really a Barack Obama fan, but I do appreciate it when politicians tell the truth--even painful truth--that Americans need to hear. In that sense, I admire Obama for going into a mostly-black church on Father's Day and saying, in effect, "We need black men to step up and be fathers. We need men who will take responsibility." This is a message that all of America needs to hear, not just

The Inquisition

2008-05-27T21:00:00.001-05:00

I got tagged again with a writing assignment, this time by Chandy. Because I like Chandy, and because I don't have much else to do while I'm sitting here at an airport, I'm going for it. Here it is:Inquisition The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names,

Random thoughts at O’Hare

2008-05-27T19:48:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting at O'Hare airport in Chicago, on the way home from doing a TV interview up here. I was hoping to catch an earlier plane than my scheduled 8:35 p.m. departure, and avoid what was looking like a three hour wait at the airport. Not only was there no earlier flight, but mine has now been delayed by almost two hours. The good news is that I can sign up to get text messages to my phone each

Six random things about me

2008-04-24T16:17:00.003-05:00

I was tagged yesterday by Jana, and since J@na is an English teacher she gave me a writing assignment. Actually, she passed along a writing assignment that she’d been given by someone else. Here’s the assignment:The rules:a. Link to the person who tagged you.b. Post the rules on your blog.c. Write six random things about yourself.d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to

Humor nugget for 80's music fans

2008-04-24T08:39:00.002-05:00

I found this on Maully Coddle's blog yesterday, and laughed out loud. Couldn't wait to pass it along.

The Malatya Martyrs: one year later

2008-04-16T11:23:00.001-05:00

This Friday heaven will celebrate one year since the arrival of three men who lived for Christ on earth and died for Him last April 18th in the offices of a Christian publishing company in Malatya, Turkey. My heart has gone many times this week to the families of my three brothers—Tilmann Geske, Necati Aydin and Ugur Yuksel—because this day will remind them of their loss and loneliness since

Ten Years Later

2008-04-11T16:28:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday marked ten years since my first day on the job at The Voice of the Martyrs. Ten years is a long time….more than 25% of my life. Anniversaries commonly have us looking backwards, and I've spent some time this week looking backwards at the time I've served at VOM, and at some of the people whose paths have crossed mine during that time.I've looked back on some of my travels, from my

The best ministry ever

2008-03-31T17:16:00.001-05:00

Last week I received an Easter letter from Dr. Jim Garlow, a best-selling author and the pastor of Skyline Church, one of the largest churches in the Wesleyan denomination. I'm not sure how I got on Dr. Garlow's Easter letter list; I've met him and heard him speak, but I'd say I know who he is more than I know him. Yet his letter contained a nugget of truth that has come to my mind many times

Race in America

2008-03-25T21:16:00.001-05:00

Senator Barack Obama's speech last week has gotten a great deal of media attention, and as a person interested in politics and who also travels and interacts with people from many different cultures, I found his speech and the coverage of it fascinating. If you haven't seen the speech or read it—the whole thing, not just the sound bites that the media saw fit to pass along—you should. It is a

Quoted

2008-03-24T15:28:00.002-05:00

My friend Brian quoted from my blog in a post on his own blog...then took my thought and expanded it and brought out a beautiful spiritual application, one that is especially meaningful during this Easter season. Brian is a deep thinker with a great heart for God, and his words are worth reading.

Thoughts on growing up

2008-03-18T21:29:00.001-05:00

Recently, a parent whom I greatly admire asked a favor from me and my wife. Her daughter was turning 13, and this mom was preparing to have some serious conversations about growing up, becoming an adult and handling the changes that were coming in her daughter's life. She asked various friends and relatives to write a letter to her daughter, offering advice and perspectives on purity, sexuality

Fall from grace

2008-03-14T22:06:00.001-05:00

In recent days I have read the stories of two men who broke their marriage vows and self-immolated in sexual scandal. One—Eliot Spitzer—was the governor of a state, a supposed straight-talker who as a prosecutor put prostitution rings out of business but is now out of business himself after allegedly purchasing sex from a call girl enterprise. He resigned as governor on Monday and said he will

Helping you find true love

2008-03-12T13:02:00.001-05:00

I travelled this week to and from Nashville, Tennessee for the National Religious Broadcasters conference. I made the mistake of leaving on the trip without taking a book to read along the way (note: this is a VERY BAD idea), and so last night found myself reading American Airlines' in-flight magazine, American Way, while listening at high-decibel levels to Chevelle, Hyper Static Union and others

Film debut

2008-03-10T14:53:00.001-05:00

My youngest son wrote, directed and stars in this fabulous first-effort film. I make a brief appearance also.He is a creative force...

Quote of the day

2008-03-06T10:51:00.001-06:00

"I'm not a member of any organized party. I'm a Democrat." - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Immortal words

2008-03-03T15:09:00.001-06:00

My youngest son was involved last week in a speech meet at his school. He was in the "patriotic" category, and memorized the words of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I am a bit ashamed to admit that it is the first time I remember hearing or reading the entire speech, in spite of being an American for almost 40 years and having actually visited the Gettysburg battlefield three years ago.

Election: reality vs. Hollywood

2008-02-25T12:17:00.002-06:00

I've never seen the movie Election, although I did read the book that the movie was based on. But you don't have to have seen the movie to appreciate this video, taking clips from the movie and clips from our current national campaign. Enjoy:

Books will never die

2008-02-23T17:06:00.003-06:00

In a previous post I quoted my friend who said, "We all live in story." Now the New York Times has picked up the theme in an editorial by Timothy Egan taking Steve Jobs to task for saying that nobody reads anymore. Here's a portion:Next year, business may be down, and several publishers may merge, and certainly more of the poor, beloved independent bookstores will cling to life support. Steve

Close Guantanamo Bay

2008-02-15T13:50:00.001-06:00

Nicholas D. Kristof's article in the New York Times yesterday is worth reading, though sobering.If Americans don't believe that a principle extends to our enemies, then do we believe it at all? If something is true and right, then it is true and right for all people, not simply for US citizens or our friends or family members. Truth is truth.I believe the time has come to close down the detention

The Comparison Game: The only way to win is not to play

2008-02-15T08:11:00.001-06:00

In the 80's there was a movie called "War Games" with Matthew Broderick, in which a war simulation program on the defense department's computer system took over and began arming weapons systems in a march toward global thermonuclear war. Broderick's character, a high school student and computer nerd who hacked into the system and started the program running, eventually gets back into the system

The dream dies

2008-02-13T17:01:00.001-06:00

Since I reflected last week on whether or not I was living vicariously through my son as his team participated in the Oklahoma Christian School Athletic Association class 2 junior high basketball tournament, I thought I better also report on their success.The dream season ended Friday in Shawnee at the hands of Tulsa's Wright Christian Academy, which downed our beloved Mustangs by three, 34-31.

Living vicariously or celebrating success?

2008-02-08T09:26:00.001-06:00

Today my oldest son turns 14. And tonight he and the rest of the Wesleyan Christian Mustangs will travel to play in the Oklahoma Christian School Athletic Association junior high state basketball tournament. If they win tonight, they'll play tomorrow for the Oklahoma Christian School State Championship. It's not the Super Bowl, but it is a big deal at our house. This is an amazing time in his

The power of story

2008-01-28T14:43:00.000-06:00

“Stories may well be lies, but they are good lies that say true things, and which can sometimes pay the rent.” - Neil GaimanI came across this quote on a blot about writing that I discovered today: Write to Done. If you know me at all you know that I am a writer. Sometimes aspiring, sometimes perspiring, sometimes achieving. I’m proud to have written a novel. I’m proud to have been a part of

Another thought on Leo

2008-01-28T14:34:00.001-06:00

In my Bible reading last week I came across these verses:"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.'" (Proverbs 3:27-28)As I read I was reminded again of Leo Wingett, a man who helped all he could, whether they deserved it, as the verse says, or not. He lived this

Remembering Leo

2008-01-21T14:16:00.001-06:00

I had an interesting weekend as I went to California to celebrate the life of Leo Wingett. Leo became my "other dad" after my parents left the US to serve in Liberia, West Africa, after I left California for Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and my college education. Through my last two years of high school, my brother, Trent, and Leo's son, Bob, and I became something of The Three Musketeers. We hung out,

Being consistent

2008-01-17T11:28:00.001-06:00

I just read a blog about blogging, which seems sort of like putting two mirrors opposite each other so that looking into one shows you the other, which shows the one…and on and on. But this blog post was tips for bloggers. One of them was that you have to be consistent. This writer said that you should post AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. Now if you look back at my blog, you'll notice that I haven't posted

Huckabee chooses running mate?

2008-01-10T15:50:00.001-06:00

In my own mind, I felt like John McCain would make a very strong addition to the Huckabee presidential ticket. But it seems our fearless candidate has other ideas:

Turning point?

2008-01-09T16:02:00.000-06:00

Interesting to see that even some of the liberal media folks are turning against Hillary. Did she plan to cry? Did she script it? Practice it? You sort of expect to hear that speculation on Rush's show, but not from the New York Times.

A fresh wind blowing

2008-01-07T14:15:00.000-06:00

I commend to you Frank Rich's editorial in yesterday's New York Times about the fresh wind that is blowing across our nation's political landscape, and the two brightest ships that are sailing forth on that wind: SS Huckabee and USS Obama.Among the high points of Rich's essay:The two men are the youngest candidates in the entire field, the least angry and the least inclined to seek votes by

Why does Iowa get to choose the president?

2008-01-04T09:06:00.000-06:00

I get headlines from the New York Times in my email box each morning, and usually read at least one or two of the stories. This morning's editorial is right on track: it's time to let people from states other than Iowa and New Hampshire have a say in who the next president will be.As an Oklahoma resident, I'm lucky. When I vote on February 5, there should be at least two candidates in my party

Still room on the bandwagon

2007-12-10T19:13:00.000-06:00

My fellow Americans:There is still room for you on the Mike Huckabee bandwagon. You may have noticed that it has ridden to the front of the pack in Iowa on the way to the White House in January, 2009. Why, even the New York Times has seen the light:The real reason for Mr. Huckabee’s ascendance may be that his message issimply more uplifting — and, in the ethical rather than theological sense,

Appreciation

2007-12-10T15:48:00.001-06:00

Nothing like taking something away to remind you how much you appreciate it. The last two days our electricity has been off and on due to ice storms that have blanketed Oklahoma and Kansas and much of the midsection of the U.S. And boy do we miss it when it isn't here!No heat. No cooking on our electric stove...or the microwave! No TV. No X-Box 360. No internet, although at least the laptop gives

Playoff time

2007-12-06T20:10:00.001-06:00

If you don't play fantasy football, then you can ignore this posting. But if you do, you know this is the most exciting time of the year...PLAYOFFS!(I know, you're thinking of Jim Mora..."Playoffs?!?! Playoffs?!?!")But in both my leagues I'm in the playoffs. That means I'm watching more games. That means I'm watching the medical reports on Brett Farve's shoulder. It means I'm still alive for the

I AM THANKFUL

2007-11-28T15:04:00.001-06:00

I have a LOT to be thankful for, and as this season has come upon us I’ve tried to update my mental list. Here’s some of the things on my thankful list: 1. A wife who loves me and has stood by me for more than 15 years. 2. Two sons who are rapidly becoming young men. 3. All four of

Where’s your focus?

2007-11-12T10:10:00.001-06:00

"...Evangelicals, particularly younger evangelicals, are undergoing a shift in attitudes. Many have little interest in the self-destructive purity of the prophet or the raw pragmatism of the kingmaker. They remain culturally conservative, but uncomfortable with a harshly judgmental tone in their politics...they want to be a witness to these values instead of a tool in the power games of others.A

At least the fundraising can continue

2007-11-02T09:11:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how I got on the mailing list for a fundraising software company called Kintera, but somehow I'm on it. I suspect that I stuck my business card in a fishbowl at a trade show booth, trying to win an iPod or a flat-screen TV. I didn't win the prize, but I do get the emails. So yesterday, I got this one, an "open" letter from the Kintera CEO:An Open Letter from Kintera's CEO, Rich

Buy My Book

2007-11-01T16:48:00.000-05:00

Please.

First time ever

2007-10-31T21:29:00.001-05:00

I just did something I've never done before. I contributed financially to a political campaign! I gave a buck for Huck...Mike Huckabee for President! I'm not a wealthy guy (if you haven't yet purchased a copy of Justice For All on Amazon, then you are partly to blame), but a Buck for Huck isn't a lot to give, but it's more than I've ever given a political candidate before. I like Mike, as

I like Brett too, but seriously...

2007-10-30T08:19:00.000-05:00

Sorry Denver Bronco fans, but it’s time to start thinking about next season. The good news is we found a QB, a guy who can get it done when the chips are down. The bad news is that right now our defense can’t stop anyone. The Green Bay Packers came into last night’s game with the league’s weakest rushing offense…and we made them look like they’d just signed Jim Brown in his prime. We need a

Pittsburgh is beautiful!

2007-10-24T15:05:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting here at the Pittsburgh International Airport as my 20-hour visit to the Steel City comes to a close. One thing surprised me...this city is BEAUTIFUL! I'm not sure what I had in mind, but I think it was belching smoke stacks and skies filled with smoke. Instead, it is a beautiful city! The leaves are changing (late this year, I'm told, after a warm September), and the rolling hills

Huckabee rising

2007-10-22T14:41:00.000-05:00

The more I see, hear and read about Mike Huckabee, the more I like the guy and the more I want him to be the Republican nominee for president. I like the fact that he's a true conservative, but that he can have a meaningful conversation with people who disagree with him...without all the screaming and shouting and demonization that seems to have become the norm in our political process. I like

Broncos back?

2007-10-22T06:36:00.000-05:00

It's too early to be sure, but I think the Denver Broncos might have saved their season last night. Big, BIG win! Interesting that all the pre-game conversation was about whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers belonged in the conversation about the very best teams in the AFC. NOT! Jay Cutler looked very sharp, and very much in control. The defense looked better than it has so far this season.

End of the Spear: what the filmmakers forgot

2007-09-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

My wife and I spent a recent evening watching the DVD “End of the Spear,” the story of five missionaries killed in South America by a violent tribe of natives; a tribe that later welcomed members of the martyrs' families into their villages and lives.I wanted to love the film. I know the story; I've read the book. I have a much-more-than-passing interest in martyr stories. I wanted to love the

Lovin' Springsteen's new one

2007-09-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

EARLY IN 1985 my family took a vacation from our home in Papua New Guinea to visit Australia and New Zealand. During our time in Australia we were able to watch the Super Bowl XIX...on Monday mid-morning, Australian time (the Niners beat Dan Marino's Dolphins). They repeatedly played Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." during the broadcast, and before we left Australia and headed back to PNG

New little ones

2007-08-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

Our two poodles had babies! Introducing Nike and Diogi Reebok Jr. Poodle puppies! Mama and babies are doing fine.

Southern Hills memories: PGA Championship round two

2007-08-12T17:01:00.000-05:00

I was there. At Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. At the PGA Championship. You know, the day Tiger shot 63. Yes, I saw him. At one point as close as 6 feet away. No, he didn’t see me. He doesn’t seem to see anyone other than his caddie and, off in the distance, Jack Nicklaus, the man with all the records that Tiger wants. There were 20,000-plus people at Southern Hills on Friday, and I’

BACK HOME

2007-08-03T10:37:00.000-05:00

I think vacation is really over now. We arrived back in Tulsa late Tuesday afternoon...but our suitcases finally arrived yesterday. So I guess, now that we and our material possessions are both back in Bartlesville, the vacation really is over.I didn't do as good a job keeping up with the blog during the second week. Maybe that's a sign that the vacation was going well, and I was less "plugged in