The devotional booklet Our Daily Bread relates a story about a man who loved old books.
One day he met an acquaintance who had just thrown away a Bible that had been stored in the attic of his ancestral home for generations. “I couldn’t read it,” the friend explained. “Somebody named Guten-something had printed it.” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Even if you’re not a football fan you’ve probably heard about Jon Gruden’s recent resignation as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Monday The New York Times released vulgar emails from a decade ago by Gruden that contained language described by the media as “homophobic, “misogynistic” and “racist.”
The NFL quickly released a statement denouncing Gruden’s emails as “appalling,” “denigrating,” “abhorrent,” and “wholly contrary to the NFL’s values.” Continue reading
Filed under Values
This week begins the 2019-2020 college basketball season. Pre-season experts have dubbed Michigan State the #1 ranked team. Followed by Kansas, Kentucky, Duke and Louisville.
Last year’s NCAA Champion, the Virginia Cavaliers, are ranked #11 But their coach, Tony Bennett, ought to be ranked #1 in terms of character, priorities, and values.
Bennett did something in the offseason that few of us would ever do. He declined a “substantial” raise, so the money could be used to increase salaries for his staff and make other improvements to UVA sports programs. Continue reading
Filed under Money
Our blog post last Friday was about the same-sex marriage scene in the PBS children’s cartoon show Arthur.
One of our regular readers very kindly responded that he didn’t see the show “advocating a lifestyle of homosexuality. Instead, he offered “a completely different picture.” Continue reading
Filed under Relationships, Values
“What two things do you value the most in life?” was a question asked to Warren Buffett by a shareholder at the annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders meeting.
What do you think Buffett said?
Was it his multinational holding company Berkshire Hathaway? His two favorite stocks? A specific company? A rare possession? Continue reading
Filed under Values
“Some of the best public speaking we hear is at funerals,” posted my preaching and facebook friend , Warren Berkley, “It is storytelling from the eloquence of the heart. Nobody outlines the structure or critiques the delivery. We just listen.”
After watching most of the funeral service for President George H.W. Bush and hearing the eulogies, I have to say Warren was right.
The stories told by family, friends and colleagues were heartfelt, poignant, and often humorous. They spoke to the character of Mr. Bush. His gentleness. Kindness. Courage. Dignity. Decency. Loyalty. Honor. And grace under pressure. Continue reading
It was on this day 11 years ago that Steve Jobs stood before the Macworld convention in San Francisco dressed in his customary jeans and black mock turtleneck and introduced the iPhone.
Jobs said the iPhone was “revolutionary” and a “magical product” that was “literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone.” The iPhone and Steve Jobs’ visionary leadership turned Apple into one of the most valuable corporations in the world. Continue reading
Several years ago Newsweek magazine had two words sprawled across the cover that asked, WHOSE VALUES? That’s a good question for any generation.
One young lady, Shelia, who was interviewed for Dr. Robert Bellah’s book, Habits of the Heart, said, “I believe in God. I just can’t remember the last time I went to church. But my faith has carried me a long way. It’s ‘sheilaism. ’ Just my own little voice.’” Continue reading
Filed under Values
I’ve been watching some of the Republican National Convention this week. I noticed, not too surprisingly, most of the speakers in one way or another advocate the importance of values.
We’ve heard about values of honor. Honesty. Hard Work. Integrity. Truthfulness. Law and Order. Respect. And, of course, Republican values. Continue reading
Filed under Values
Sixteen year old Hannah was nervous as she took the wheel for her first driving lesson. As she was pulling out of the parking lot, the instructor said, “Turn left here.” Then quickly added, “Oh, and don’t forget to let the people behind you know what you are doing.”
Immediately Hannah turned to the students sitting in the backseat and announced, “I’m turning left.”
Although Hannah misunderstood the teacher’s instructions, his advice is good not just for driving, but for life. “Let the people behind you know what you are doing.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
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