“When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song,” tenor Luciano Pavarotti relates. “He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college. On graduating, I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’ Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Hey baseball fans, ready for a trivia question? Who was Clint Courtney?
Don’t bother checking Cooperstown. He never made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He never became a baseball legend. He wasn’t a great player. He didn’t break any records–only bones. He wasn’t a power hitter. He only hit 38 home runs in his entire career. He had little speed on the base paths. And to quote one sports writer, “ As for grace and style, he made the easiest play look rather difficult!” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
George Whitfield conducted outdoor evangelistic campaigns in the 1700’s throughout the American colonies, a period of revival called the “Great Awakening.”
Thousands responded to his Gospel message. Once he was asked how many were converted after one of his sermons. He replied, “We’ll know in five years.” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Yesterday Norma Jean and I spent the day driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. The leaves appear to be at their peak and it is gorgeous. But to break up the drive we stopped at Mount Mitchell and walked to the top. It’s the highest peak East of the Mississippi.
We also stopped at Linville Falls and hiked from the Ranger station to the Falls. The trail was rocky. Uneven. And overgrown with roots. There were places where the trail was slippery. Rugged. And steep. In fact, it was uphill…both ways! Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Discipleship
Billie Burke was a famous actress of the early 20th century. She played “Gilda the good witch” in the Wizard of Oz musical. The story is told that Ms Burke was once traveling on a cruise ship when she noticed a man at the next table suffering from a bad cold.
She asked, “Are you uncomfortable?” The man nodded in the affirmative. “Well,” she instructed, “I’ll tell you what to do. Continue reading
Filed under Authority, Discipleship, Jesus
(During the Holiday season we are reblogging the top 9 post of 2013. Based on the number of “hits” this one came in at #8)
From Pakistan to Egypt. From Kenya to Syria. And all across the Muslim world it has been an “open season on Christians.” Seventy-eight people professing Christianity were slaughtered Sunday by twin suicide bombers at a church in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
In a Kenyan shopping mall, a gang of Islamic extremists from Somalia murdered at least 68 workers and shoppers. Reportedly they shouted for “Muslims to get out-of-the-way so they could specifically kill Christians.” Continue reading
Filed under 2013 Top Posts, Christian Living, Discipleship, Faith
About three weeks ago I experienced some lower back problems. Again! Since moving I had neglected regular visits to the Chiropractor. Now I was paying the price. Fortunately, through the recommendation of a friend I’ve found a good Doctor and am receiving excellent treatments.
But I learned something that surprised me. I was asked to sit on an exercise ball. Hold my foot off the ground for 30 seconds. I could only do it for 5 seconds! The Doc said the muscles that control my balance were weak. He pointed out that often when we work-out we think of aerobic exercise or weight training, but neglect the core. The weakness of those muscles will affect my back! And have an impact on his adjustments holding. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Discipline
In March, Sports Illustrated’s cover story featured ”The 10 Greatest Players” in the 75 years of the NCAA basketball tournament. In sports we love greatness. Great plays. Great players. Great teams.
In America we admire greatness in all fields. Business. Politics. And militarily .
But what is true greatness? And is greatness compatible with Christianity? Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Uncategorized
It must be Spring-time, since baseball has begun. Although it still seems like winter-time here in Kansas City! But tell that to the Royals. They beat the Braves last night in Atlanta 1-0 and are off to a respectable 8-6 start. Good enough for second place in the American League Central Division.
One of my all time favorite baseball stories involves famed St. Louis Cardinal pitcher, Dizzy Dean, a member of the so-called “gas-house gang.” In 1934 Dizzy had a 30-7 record. He led the league in strike-outs. Led the league in shutouts. And won two games in the World Series, including the deciding seventh game to beat the Detroit Tigers. He was named MVP in 1934. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
We’ve been watching the History Channel’s presentation of The Bible from Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. The reaction has been interesting.
Movie critics called it “fractious and overwrought,” “a further piece of evidence that drama and reverence don’t mix well,” and “a mini-series full of emoting that does not register emotionally.”
Predictability the Christian Post and similar news outlets have hailed The Bible as “awesome,” inspiring, and “spot on.” Continue reading
Filed under Bible, Discipleship
