Stealing The Hearts Of The People

"After Absalom, the son of King David, received a blessing from his father, he set out to construct a plan to capture the hearts of the people of Israel. 

Receiving a small group of men from David, Absalom purchased a chariot and horses and had his men run ahead of him wherever he went. Then he started rising early and positioning himself by the road beside the main gate leading into Jerusalem. He would then call out to everyone who passed by, asking them if they had business with the king. When the answer was in the affirmative, he would proclaim, 'See, your claims are good and right; but there is no one deputed by the king to hear you. If only there were a king in the land to hear you and bring you justice.' He would then shake their hands, pull them close for a hug, and kissed them. Thus after four years of this strategy Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel." (2 Samuel 15:1 - 6)

This is one of most interesting stories in the Old Testament in regard to family, leadership, politics and betrayal. After being restored in his relationship with his father, the king, Absalom reveals his true motives in regard to his renewed standing as a prince. But he does this in a very public way, with what appears to be little fear of being caught or even confronted. And this public betrayal is not a one-time thing, Absalom executes his plan right in plain sight of the King and his advisors for over four years!

Happy Mother's Day!

To Mom,

Here is my gift to you. Recognizing that there is no amount of time, resources, or effort that could possibly demonstrate my gratitude and love to you and all that you have done for me. Your prayers have kept me safe and anchored, and your grace has been an real-life example of the love that my heavenly Father also has for me. Truly words fail in my ability to express my thankfulness that God gave me you as my Mom.

(Password is: "Mom")

https://vimeo.com/416772142

Baseball And My Youth

Reading has always been one of my favorite joys and one of my favorite subjects is sports, particularly baseball. Without boring you with why I love the game of baseball, (because frankly, George Will has already achieved that piece of perfection . . . ) baseball and the men who have played this game have always been an integral part of my childhood, continuing into adulthood.

For instance: My Uncle Pat stood in line at Eastgate Mall in Chattanooga, TN, on a rainy weekday in June, 1969, all for the goal of obtaining Mantle's autographs for his two nephews. Mickey Mantle was opening up a Men's clothing store in the mall and of course he was the main attraction on this opening day. 

Uncle Pat said the line was very long and full of children and teenagers who should have been at school, unlike the obedient and/or forced-to-attend classes children like my brother and me. I mean, come on!!! Mickey "The Mick" Mantle was signing autographs in our city!! The Yankee great who was one of the two greatest sport stars in baseball in the 1950's and 60's! 

The Power Of One

From the wonderful and evangelistic mind of Charles Schultz came spiritual wisdom wrapped in entertainment. This is the man who fought to ensure that millions of people would hear the true story of Christmas in his release, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in 1965. But I'll bet you've never heard the full story of how this timeless classic came to fruition . . .

First of all, the Charlie Brown Christmas show might never have happened if not for the shared love of baseball between Charles Schultz and television producer Lee Mendelson. Schultz was a devout follower of baseball and when Mendelson called to talk about creating a TV show using the Peanuts comic strip, the two men quickly found common ground. Lee had recently produced a documentary on Willie Mays, "A Man Named Mays" and this fueled the early good will between these two men.