Quick Thoughts On Tiger Woods Scandal

It's back...scandal! I was hoping ClimateGate would get more attention, but Tiger Wood's recently discovered affair(s) is out in all news venues. Rather than add pointless observations, here are my personal thoughts.

1- Tiger is human. Sometimes we build up celebrities to be bigger than life. We can sometimes believe that they are decent moral people. This is not the first time that a scandal has broken out with a major celebrity and it seems when a scandal breaks out, many people believe it is their responsibility to get in the mess. They feel they have just as much right to know the dirt as the family that is being torn apart by this. We saw it with John and Kate.

2- Tiger messed up. Though he is human, he also has to own up to his responsibility in this. He has two children and a beautiful wife that will be damaged as a result of his decisions.

3- We love gossip. Everyone believes they need to know the grisly details. The ones that are the worst at this should also in return have their private lives exposed. We take some sick joy in people's filth.

4- Tiger isn't his dad...yet. I have always loved the story of his relationship with his dad. What a model of fatherhood he had. Now he has blown it. It is my hope and prayer he will be able to redeem his mistake and be the father his dad was to him.

5- Pray for Tiger and his family...period.

And all five points of these come from a non-Tiger fan. He grates on me though he is an amazing golfer. I'm still a Mickleson fan.

Great Quote by Kenneth Ulmer

I forgot about this but was going through some old sermon notes today. Kenneth Ulmer gave this illustration at the Willow Creek Conference several years back. Fantastic!

You see a clump of marble in my hand is just a piece of glass, but marble in Michelangelo’s hand will get you a magnificent statue of David -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
A cello in my hand will get you some squeaky noise, but a violin in Yo Yo Ma will get you the music of the masters -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
A basketball in my hand is worth about $29.95, but in Shaquille O’Neal’s hand with hang time and a slam-dunk is worth about 30 million dollars -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
A tennis racket in my hand is a dangerous weapon, but a tennis racket in Venus Williams’s hand is a Wimbledon champion -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
A golf club in my hand means ‘look out!’ but a golf club in Tiger Woods’s hand is a golfing champion -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
You see if you look at a rod or stick, a rod in my hand will fight off the dogs, but a rod in Moses’ hand will part the Red Seas of your life -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
A slingshot in my hand is just a kid’s toy, but a slingshot in David’s hand will stop the Goliaths in your life -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
Spit and clay in my hand might get you some little mud cakes, but spit and clay in Jesus’ hand will open up the blinded eyes -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
Two fish and five loaves of bread is a couple of fish sandwiches in my hand, but two fish in Jesus’ hand will feed the multitudes -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
Nails in my hand might get you a birdhouse, but nails in Jesus’ hand hanging on a cross between thieves is salvation for the whole world -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.
This (life) of yours in your hand is a dismal failure, but when you put it in the hands of God you will glorify the kingdom, God’s name will be exalted, His kingdom will be edified, His people will be glorified and the devil will be horrified in the name of Jesus -
Because it all depends on whose hand it’s in.”

Inspirational Moments with Dan Alban

Just was reminded of this one this past week. Thought I'd put video up of good inspirational moments on film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASVzkrEKgs



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEGSiX0JA-s




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wRkzCW5qI




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svTDylT8nJA




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0SgBOREvb8

Happy July 4th...Boston Style

Viva Americana


Boston - Star Spangled Banner



http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2177592

Why Dan Struggles Cheering For USA Soccer

I realize that I'm about to put a gigantic target on me, be called a traitor and be told to move to Brazil. And I don't care. I am proud to be a fan of Brazilian football and have followed them as long as I can remember. And off we go.

Reason #1- I'm a Brazil fan. My family served there as missionaries and my brother was born there. My family cheered for them because in the 70's and 80's, USA soccer was laughable. No matter how hard they tried to popularize it (including bringing Brazilian Pele to the USA), they failed. No one watched. Brazilian's have passion about their team that has been around for generations. My family cheers for them. I am a proud American and hope for the best for the USA, but I cheer for Brazil. I cheer for USA in every other sport.

Reason #2- USA soccer style. The MLS is ugly soccer...period. I am bored trying to watch it. I find myself captivated at Italian, English and German football, but MLS can come across as middle school soccer compared to them. I thought this may change a few years back when the US had the chance to hire Klinsmann to manage and bring European style to America. Instead they hired an American. And the US team continues to be average. We blow every nation away in every other sport except soccer. US style is boring. Honestly, it bores me to tears and I can't last over 20 minutes.

Reason #3- US Soccer fans. I'll be careful here. I have a number of good friends who actually follow the US team year round (Billy Hearn!). These are true fans. Then, there are those who follow when the US is doing well. The majority of America has little to no appreciation for soccer and it is alarming. They complain that its to boring, slow and has no scoring. They say they don't mind low scores because "I watch baseball." However, if baseball scores were normally only 1-0, 2-1 or 0-0, would they still watch without complaining. The American sports fan (of which I am one) expects a lot of action and a lot of scoring. I am hoping that the US' recent success translates into more of a devoted fan base, but I still see soccer as always being less popular than the big four, golf, MMA, and World Series of Poker. Sad.

Reason #4- US World Cup. If the USA were to win the World Cup, there would be celebration for about a week or two by 95% of the USA. They would see a surge in MLS sales and interest in the team. After 3 months, they would be right back where they are now- not watching and bored with it. Winning the World Cup would be like winning a free Big Mac: exciting, but not life altering.

Reason #5- Brazil. The place breeds soccer players. There style is beautiful. Their fans are fanatical even in the most remote of villages. The history is long. They never disappoint even when they don't win (I'm still trying to live down 2 World Cup losses to France). They do it better than anyone in the planet. They are the Tiger Woods of soccer. You have to appreciate them and they normally are not arrogant (minus Romario a few years back). They love the game.

Compromise. It the USA plays Brazil, I cheer for Brazil. If the USA plays Ireland, I cheer for Ireland (my roots). If the USA plays England or France, I cheer for the USA. I cheer for the USA for almost every match up other than the team I have cheered for longer than most of the new US fans have been cheering for their team. If I chose a team, I stick with them...kinda like the Calvinist view on predestination, election and perseverance of the saints : )

So if you are offended that I don't cheer for the USA in ONE sport that is underappreciated by 95% of the country (except when they are winning), I apologize. I have my loyalties. And I will wave an American flag on July 4th, be a proud Philadelphian, eat hot dogs and ice cream, listen to Bruce Springstein and Johnny Cash, defend our messed up government, and offer my service to the point of death to protect this country. But when it comes to soccer..."Terra adorada, Entre outras mil, És tu, Brasil, Ó Pátria amada!"

Fire away...

Reflections of Jacko

Michael Jackson dead at 50. Thank goodness for Drudge. I saw after the headline broke at around 4PM. I was shocked needless to say. Now, I've never been a huge Michael Jackson fan. I do have a lot of his music mainly because of the memories they bring. I will admit a mixture of feelings for him.

I was in third grade. My parents raised us very conservatively and secular rock music was a huge no-no. One of my closest friends named John Victoria invited me over to his house in the neighborhood. He broke out the brand new Thriller album by Michael Jackson. I would for the next few months, go over to his house and listen to it there...I know...I was EVIL. : ) Human Nature stuck out and I remember the Rosemont High School band playing it for the Elementary school that I was attending. My friends had parachute pants, red leather jackets and white gloves. I was not allowed to wear this stuff, but I remember wanting to have my own pair.

Then there was college. My roomies at LBC had his History album and popped it in from time to time. I never understood that, but the song Do You Remember stuck with me as did Man in the Mirror.

I remember going to the National Youth Worker Convention and Chris Tomlin's band warming up the crowd by playing the music for Billie Jean. I also remember my cousin Doug playing Will You Be There full volume on his stereo at my aunt and uncles house.

His potential pedophilia is obvious. We can't overlook it. It just seemed to convenient to not be true. I know God will know. I think there was some serious mental issues.

I remember hearing about his upbringing which I'll admit played a part in me starting to sympathize a little bit for him. His family makes the Simpsons and Bundys look like Ozzie and Harriet. His dad stole their childhood by forcing them into the music business. The after effects obviously impacted him by him living out his childhood well into his adult years.

My heart hurts for his children who had a very confused father. I hope for the best for them. I hope he knew Christ. Such a gifted musician and a confused individual. Even his debt is shocking. He had no guidance or he lived in another world. He spent money he didn't have. Such a sad story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4s16pzRYqU

My Summer Reading List

This is a "hopefully will get to read list" for the summer due to the craziness of work and classes. I have my pile beckoning me in my room. The following are ones I hope to read or reread by the end of the summer.

1. Christless Christianity by Michael Horton: I'm really excited about this one. The summary says, "Christless Christianity guides the reader to a greater understanding of a big problem within the American religious setting, namely the creeping fog of countless sermons in churches across the country that focus on moralistic concerns and personal transformation rather than the theology of the cross."

2. The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer: My bro bought this one for me awhile back. I've never read Tozer but have heard great things about this.

3. The Cost of Discipleship by Deitrich Bonhoeffer: I've read the majority of it before minus a few end chapters, but this is a must read for any believer. Amazing wisdom from the '40's that translates into today.

4. The Five Points of Calvinism by Steele and Thomas: an old friend bought this for me a long time ago. Since there is a massive surge in reform theology, I want to make sure I understand the distinctives of the beliefs.

5. From Good to Great by Jim Collins: I had to skim read this one before, but was very interested in the depth that came out of it for team building.

6. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell: A classic that every leader MUST have. Another reread, but so much wisdom in it!

7. The Collected Works of C.S. Lewis: I know...that is A LOT to read, but I have been getting some amazing truth from the guy recently. I LOVE it.

8. The Reason For God by Tim Keller: I heard him in a podcast from Berkeley doing apologetical defense and he was fantastic.

9. The Case for Civility by Os Guiness: I heard him on White Horse Inn discussing this book and it hit a homerun with me. I really look forward to diving in!

Individualism and Seclusion

We are in a culture that now more than ever seems to emphasize individualism above all things. A look back at our history reveals how much we have changed and this has crept into the church.

Flipping on Leave it to Beaver or even It’s a Wonderful Life, it is very visible the differences between then and now. In past generations, Americans were proud to be a part of America. There were no individual interest groups or emphasis on differences (minus racial issues). If we were at war, people rallied to help the country win the war through sacrifice. Families were a part of neighborhoods and most everyone on the block knew each other and would socialize together. They were a community. Church came in a “one size fits all” model instead of the customized models today. People genuinely cared about their neighbor and would go out to the movies together and do things as a community. Andy Griffith is a great example of the level of small town USA dynamics that once were just a part of being American.

Today is a different story. Americans aren’t Americans. They are African-Americans, Irish-Americans or Native-Americans. You aren’t a sexual being. You are heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. You are conservative Republican, moderate Republican, moderate Democrat, progressive Democrat, Socialist or Libertarian. Our habits are no longer about community. Instead of going to the movies, we have to have a home theater. We don’t have to shop at the store because we can log onto Ebay or Amazon and have it delivered. We don’t even have to go to college anymore because we can do it online! The Ipod and Itunes are based on the idea of individuality. One can now select their own personal mix or music without having to listen to pop stations or buy entire albums. We’re defined by where we shop, the teams we align with and the religion we follow. Everything is centering on personal convenience and individuality.

The church has taken on this role some. The church has emphasized the customized service. There are contemporary services, traditional services, Gen-X services, youth services, recovery ministry services, seeker-services, etc. A believer doesn’t have to set foot in a church anymore because we have online video streaming of services. We encourage family unity while we split them up for services. In the more liberal denominations, an individual can customize their beliefs in God to fit their preference. They can borrow from all different faiths even if they don’t line up and make sense.

Now this isn’t a critique of what the church is doing wrong. This is simply a view of what is happening and a commentary that if we are going to encourage family unity and community outreach, we need to make sure we our allowing opportunities to do so. If we are centralized on the individual experience of the believer, we can easily forget about the corporate and community of believers. Though there is a level of individuality that isn’t bad, we cannot throw out the baby with the bath water. Our culture is starved for companionship as we see with the boom of Facebook. Twitter shows our genuine care that people know what is going on in our every day life. The church must learn how to balance individuality and fellowship.