More Thoughts on The Crook in the Lot

Thomas Boston continues his discussion of affliction (the crook in one’s lot) by defending the idea that it is a function of God’s providence.  He works all things according to the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11).  The biblical evidence for this idea of God’s sovereignty revealed in providence is overwhelming and I won’t dump [...]

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Negotiation 101: Boston vs. Colorado

The big rumored trade discussions involving the Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies are interesting for a number of reasons.  Some of them involve negotiation tactics as well as roster philosophy.
Much is being made of Todd Helton’s drop off in production.  Some of that surely has to do with his back injury and intestinal infection [...]

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The Gospel-Centered Mess

I’ve been listening to a message from the Acts 29 Bootcamp by Daniel Montgomery.  This is the 3rd time I’ve listened to the Gospel-Centered Mess.  There is some really good stuff in here to think about regarding the need for the leadership to live the gospel at home and church.  I wish we were able [...]

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Quick Review: The Pursuit of Happyness

The movie is “inspired” by a true story.  How close it comes to the true story is something we aren’t sure about.
The story was well-done, and entertaining, though no time is left for the resolution.  The story takes place in 1981.  There was a great clip of Reagan in the film with him shooting straight [...]

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Shocking, a Missed Call

In the 3rd quarter Ellis Hobbs was flagged for a pass interference call.  Yet, he did not touch the Colt’s receiver, Wayne, on the play.  So, instead of it being 3rd & 7 on the 19 yard line, it was 1st and goal on the 1.  The Colts got a TD and 2-point conversion.   Analyst [...]

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Boston, We Have a Right Fielder

Today at 2 pm the Red Sox FINALLY had the press conference announcing the signing of the contract with J.D. Drew.  It took over 6 weeks from the initial announcement of the deal by uber-agent Scott Boras to get the contractual language worked out.  The Red Sox wanted some protection just in case his surgically [...]

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Photo Friday- A Family Moment

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Good Monsters Makes Good Listening

I finally got my copy of Jars of Clay’s Good Monsters earlier this month.  I have been enjoying it since then just about every day.  If you take Redemption Songs out of the picture (as more of a worship album), this is their best since If I Left the Zoo…
They seem to have regained some focus.  [...]

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The Problem(s) with NCD

We started working with the Natural Church Development program.  In many ways, it makes sense on the surface.  But we began to see things that eroded our confidence in NCD, particularly things that Christian Schwarz has written.
1. NCD claims to essentially be theologically-neutral.  It seeks to help you be a healthy church within your theological [...]

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Download Paydirt

Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis has the sermons from their Christian Life Conferences available.  The 2007 conference featured Tim Keller and Dan Doriani speaking on how the Cross transforms us.  The 2006 conference featured D.A. Carson and Walter Kaiser.  I’m sure I’ll be challenged and encouraged by these messages for quite some time.  If you [...]

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Some of the Scariest Words

I’m in Jeremiah these days.  A tough book to read at times because it seems so applicable (making epochal adjustments) to today’s church.
Judah was filled with false prophets proclaiming peace and blessing though the people had been chasing other gods and not listening to God.  The American Church is largely occupied with thoughts of political [...]

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DA Carson Lecture on the Emerging Church

While pumping that iron yesterday I was listening to Carson’s lecture on the emerging church.  I think I downloaded that from  Southern Seminary’s website, but I can’t remember.  But it was very good anyway.
Sounds like his book had already been released, and was being blasted by some folks.  My opinion is that they accuse him [...]

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Character, not Color, is the Difference

Columnist Michael Smith, who sadly jumped from Boston to ESPN, has a great article on why Dungy and Lovie stand apart, and it isn’t their color. 
“It distracts us from what’s really important: what’s inside these men. And, trust me, it would do people good to see more of that.
“Dungy and Smith are role models, not [...]

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One is Not Enough

Barack Obama is the subject to not one, but 2 biographies.  This is amazing for a guy who is a Junior Senator who has essentially done nothing.  The guy is a charismatic, engaging speaker.  Oh, I forgot about the cookbook. 
And what’s with all the “rock star” hype?  It seems as if every news outlet is [...]

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A Theory Shot

I was thinking that perhaps the reason the Red Sox were delaying the press conference introducing J.D. Drew was to steal the thunder from the Patriots should they win the SuperBowl (that would now have to wait until next year).  I was wrong.
24 days until pitchers and catcher report!

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Leading w/a Limp: All About Character

I finished the book some time back, and never quite got around to one of the most important chapters in my rush to get out of here for vacation.  That chapter is The Purpose of Limping Leadership: Forming Character, Not Running an Organization.
Here is where most books on leadership go decidedly astray.  They are about [...]

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Disappointment in Indy

Despite a migraine, I watched the big game at my neighbor’s.  He’s got a HD TV, and there is no toddler to a) distract me during the first half, and b) wake up during the second half.  Nor was there a dog to sit at my feet with “that look” that something’s wrong with me [...]

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The Politics of Global Warming

It’s been awhile since I talked about this one.  Can across an interesting bit by conservative Canadian columnist Klaus Rohrich on the politics of global warming.
“What do you get when you combine leftist politics with science? Man-made global warming. … While there is no doubt that the earth is currently in a warming trend, the [...]

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Thoughts from The Crook in the Lot

After a hiatus of distraction, I have returned to reading Thomas Boston’s book, The Crook in the Lot.  Thomas Boston, a Scottish pastor/theologian/Puritan, is one of my favorite dead guys.  He had a way with words and illustrations that I find helpful.  I have a VERY old, hardcover copy from a retired pastor.  I decided [...]

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Nixon: It is Official

Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons reports that Dirt Dog Trot Nixon has signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians.  I guess I may get the chance to say ‘hi’ at Spring Training.  Sad to see Trot go, but there was no way the Sox would offer arbitration since 1. they’d overpay and 2. [...]

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