Quotable

"Do what is right and trust God to do what is best." -- Max Lucado

Justifiable Falsehood?

Church theologian Thomas Aquinas argued that there are three classes of lies:

1)lies for a greater good (such as saving a life)
2)lies told in jest ("i'm just kidding")
3)malicious lies -- these are lies told to harm someone's reputation and to save your own face (making someone else look bad makes you look better)

Of the three classes, Aquinas argued that only the third one is a sin.

In a Bible study this past Wednesday night we discussed this question: "Is there such a thing as justifiable falsehood?"

Most people in attendance answered in the affirmative. In fact, the Bible even contains examples of such behavior. However, in the postmodern era in which we live, justifiable falsehood is a tricky issue.

Consider in 1998 when the President denied having sexual relations with one of his interns. Later, it was revealed that sexual activity did indeed take place. How could the President make such a denial? Simple -- he redefined the term "sexual relations." By redefining terms we are able to reach the conclusion that there is no such thing as truth, and if there is no such thing as truth, then there is no such thing as a lie. We can explain it all away.

So how do people aspiring to integrity walk the tightrope between justifiable falsehood and situational ethics (wrong is not always wrong, it depends on the situation)?

Hmm ... that is a good question to ponder.

I think I need a drink.

The Best of You

Courtesy of the Foo Fighters:

I've got another confession to make!
I'm your fool...
Everyone's got their chains to break!
Holding you...

Were you born to resist, or be abused
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.
Are you gone and on to someone new

I needed somewhere to hang my head
Without your noose..
You gave me something that I didn't have
But had no use...
I was too weak to give in, too strong to lose
My heart is under arrest again
But I break loose
My head is giving me life or death
But I can't choose
I swear I'll never give in
and I refuse.

Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.

Has someone taken your faith - it's real
The pain you feel
Your trust - you must confess
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.

Has someone taken you faith - it's real!
The pain you feel!
The Life! The Love! You die to heal
The hope, that stops, the broken hearts!
Your trust, you must confess!

Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.
Is someone getting
the best, the best, the best, the best of you.

Work

From the heart of Dan Haseltine, lead singer of Jars of Clay:

Just in case, I will leave my things packed
So I can run away

I cannot trust these voices
I don't have a line of prospects that can give some kind of peace
There is nothing left to cling to that can bring me sweet release
I have no fear of drowning
It's the breathing that's taking all this work

Do you know what I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone"?
What I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone"

Empty spaces with shadows hit by streetlights
Warning signs and weight of tired conversations
In the absence of a shoulder, in the abscess of a thief
On the brink of this destruction, on the eve of bittersweet
Now all the demons look like prophets and I'm living out
Every word they speak, every word they speak

Do you know what I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone"?
What I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone"
What I mean when I say, "I don't want to be alone"

I have no fear of drowning
It's the breathing that's taking all this work

Just a Theory

Just a theory, but when your defense sacks the opposing team's quarterback 6 times and intercepts him 2 times, then you should win the football game.

Maybe I am confused or maybe the Steelers' offense (excluding Willie Parker who had a great game) needs some Viagra.

Roethlisberger -- our receivers are the ones wearing black and gold uniforms.

Shut Out Saturday

The Bulldogs entered Saturday facing the challenge of playing two games within a matter of hours. As is often the case with this team, the girls rose to the occasion by posting convincing wins in both contests.

Game #1 -- Bulldogs win 5-0
The first game of the day was also the first YMCA contest for the Bulldogs. Despite the fact that the majority of the roster is comprised of 9-year olds, the Bulldogs are playing in the 10-12 age division.

However, playing against a team that was both physically bigger and older than the Bulldogs did not faze this gritty group of competitors. Bailey Freeman once again led the team offensively by recording 3 goals. Brandie Browne also provided stellar offensive play by registering 2 goals. Also providing solid offensive play were: Ashley Faith, Ashton Ammerman, Madi Walter, Katie McKay and Rebecca Shumate.

The Bulldog defense also proved to be up to the challenge. Goalie Hannah Brewster was more than adequate as the gatekeeper and Ashley Keel also provided solid play as goalie. Anna Walter was a monster on defense, shutting down the opposition anytime they came near the goal. Mandy Sparkman, Sabrina Smith, Breanna Black, Connor Moore, and Rachel Shumate all contributed to the defensive effort.

Game #2 -- Bulldogs win 10-0
In a rematch from last Saturday's Cabosa game, the Bulldogs faced an opponent with whom they were already familiar. The offense quickly took control of the game, and then the defense stepped up to ensure the second shut-out of the day.

Bailey Freeman led all scorers with 5 goals (her first coming about 20 seconds into the game). Also scoring were Brandie Browne (2 goals), Mandy Sparkman (2 goals) and Sabrina Smith with her first goal of the season.

The passing of the Bulldogs kept the opposing defense on their heels the entire contest. Ashley Faith, Katie McKay, and Rebecca Shumate all put in gritty performances in the second game of the day.

Bulldog defense, not wanting to be outdone by the offense, also proved a point today by only allowing one shot on goal. Hannah Brewster, Ashley Keel, Sabrina Smith, and Bailey Freeman (yes, you read that right) all maintained a strong presence in goal.

Due to the incredible overall play of the Bulldogs, many girls had the opportunity to play positions they rarely play. Offense and defense switched and did not skip a beat in this lopsided victory.

Kurt's View of the Cross

When the religious community turns a deaf ear to those with dissenting opinions, it often misses some underlying currents that epitomize the struggle for meaning that we all wage.

Of all the songs sung by Kurt Cobain and performed by his group Nirvana, here is one you may not have heard about. It may surprise you, after all, the lyrics resemble songs you might sing at church camp. The song is entitled, They Hung Him on a Cross.


They hung him on a cross
They hung him on a cross for me
One day when I lost
They hung him on a cross
They hung him on a cross for me

They whooped him up the hill
They whooped him up the hill for me

One day when I lost
They hung him on a cross
They whooped him up the hill for me

They never said among them would
They never said among them would for me

One day when I lost
They hung him on a cross
They hung him on a cross for me

They bit him in the side
They bit him in the side for me

One day when I lost
They hung him on a cross
They hung him on a cross for me

They hung his head and died
He hung his head and died for me

One day when I lost
They hung him on a cross
They hung him on a cross for me

Fish and Kids

Yes, there are defining moments in our lives.

Hopefully, this was not one of those moments for my children.

What was I thinking?

Crack is God?

The phone call came from his wife a week ago.

The email came from his sister this morning.

The message was simply, "help."

He was one of the interns who served under me while I worked with a church in Ohio.

That experience propelled him into pursuing a ministry degree (both undergrad and grad). He looked forward to preaching fulltime and even worked for a church in Oklahoma for a brief period of time.

Then everything changed.

Having limited contact and living in different places prevented me from knowing exactly what was going on, but when his wife called last week and told me, I had to catch my breath.

He had found crack cocaine.

His sister, who was one of the girls in my youth group, emailed me to ask for help.

I feel helpless. I feel sick.

There is nothing I can do to fix him. Unless he decides he wants to get clean, then all my pleading and arguing will not do any good.

I've been through this once already.

So I posted a picture where someone had painted "crack is God." I know it is not, but it's power over people is terrifying.

There is hope in the battle against crack.

At least that is what I try to tell myself.

Missing

I'd like to file a "missing offense" report.

If you happen to find the Steelers' offense, please call me.

Bulldog Soccer Completes Weekend Sweep

Bulldog soccer entered Cabosa play by posting back-to-back victories on Saturday and Sunday.


Game #1 -- 7-2
Led by a balanced offensive attack and stellar defensive play, the Bulldogs posted a convincing 7-2 victory on Saturday. Bailey Freeman and Mandy Sparkman led the Bulldogs with three goals each and were followed by Katie McKay with one goal.

The defense looked as equally impressive despite giving up two goals. Hannah Brewster and Ashley Keel provided solid play in goal while Breanna Black and Sabrina Smith maintained a strong presence at mid-field. Also providing strong play were Ashley Faith, Brandie Browne and Rebecca Shumate.

Game #2 -- 15-2
In the second weekend game, the Bulldogs displayed complete control in a 15-2 rout. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Bailey Freeman with six goals, followed by Brandie Browne, Ashley Faith and Mandy Sparkman with three goals apiece. The offense was unstoppable and it produced an almost relentless attack on the opposition's goal.

Once again the defense proved up the task giving up just two goals. Hannah Brewster pitched a shut-out in goal and provided solid play upfront and at midfield. Ashley Keel, Sabrina Smith, and Breanna Black all proved to be fearsome defenders in protecting their side of the field. Each of these players also had the opportunity to contribute to the offense as well. Rebecca Shumate and Katie McKay displayed heart and grit with their scrappy and fearless play on both sides of the field.

The Bulldogs resume Cabosa play this Saturday at 3:15 p.m.

Mobilize for Pizza

There is an emptiness in my soul since a dark day last year when I arrived at my favorite eatery in Bossier City only to discover that the restaurant was moving across the river to Shreveport.

Since that day, I have mourned the loss of such a fine establishment located only a few minutes from my office. From time to time (like tonight), I visited the new location, but the pain of past memories is almost unbearable.

It did not take long for Pie Works (Pizza By Design) to find its place in my heart. Since moving to the South, I have discovered that not much effort is put into making pizza. People seem to think that all you do is slop on some canned tomato sauce, sprinkle some cheese and add assorted toppings. Having lived in Pittsburgh, PA, I know that there is such a thing as good pizza and it is remarkably different than bad pizza.

So you can understand my frustration at finding such a place only to have it taken away. Granted, I can reach the new location in about 15 minutes, but that is not the point. Bossier City needs and deserves a Pie Works. Of all the worthy and noble causes in this world, surely this is one that must be placed at the top of the list: bring Pie Works back to Bossier City! How dare you tease the good people of Bossier City with good pizza, only to take it away! We have been oppressed enough, struggling to get by without the presence of our own Pie Works!

I realize that my last blog on numbers did not seem to resonate with anyone, but maybe you will consider this heartfelt petition. Join me in refusing to give up on the right to have good pizza! This is about everything that is good, right and decent. This is about passion. This is about refusing to let love go. This is about the Sausage and Peppers Nooner, and fresh breadsticks, and the best pizza in Northwest Louisiana.

Who's ready to join me?!

Talking with Numbers

My least favorite subject in school was math. I did not like arithmetic, algebra, geometry or any other math related subjects. Going to those classes was a challenge and my dislike for math did not exactly provide good motivation to work extra hard.

This strong dislike for math is what caused me so much dismay upon learning that math is the "universal language." We can use numbers to speak. At first I could not believe such a notion, but I have since witnessed how numbers convey messages.

It is pretty amazing that a series of numbers can spell out a code or a secret message. It is incredible to think that I can communicate to another person by using numbers rather than words (of course there are other ways to communicate as well).

How do you use numbers to communicate?

What messages do you send?

Mr. Atlas

That is me (but I'm not really holding up that rock).

It was an attempt to build up the ol' self esteem.

I know it looks realistic, but it is really a "staged" photo.

Language of the Soul

From the words of a lesser-known, yet incredible band (PFR):

Language of the Soul

You don't have to say it out loud
One look can cut to the bone
A quick glare when the angry hurt's there
Tells me just what I've done wrong

(chorus)
Your eyes can speak to me
Deeper than words can go
Your eyes can reach for me
Tears are the language of the soul

When a smile lights up your eyes
Laughter can't say what you could
With your sweet stare, it's like heaven is there
An overflow of everything good

(bridge)
Dancing waters, dark harbors
Tears have every reason to fall
Like pounding rain or gentle whispers
Oh, I listen when they talk

9-11

9-11

May we never forget.

The Spirit of Radio

Here are some words (lyrics from the immortal band called, Rush) to start your week:

Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays that song thats so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood

Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude

Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price ---
Almost free...

All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
Its really just a question
Of your honesty

One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity

Fast Willie Parker

This is Willie Parker.

Undrafted out of college.

Starting running back for the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ran for 1,200 yards last year.

Further proof that once again the "experts" sometimes make mistakes.

Parker is good.

Write that down.

And Mike -- free Willie

Return

Tonight the reigning Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers begin the 2006 NFL Season.

Welcome back, boys.

Ben, we will miss you on the field (looks like we will be watching the game with you).

Polamalu -- do what you do best. Defense still wins championships!

Coach Cowher -- we believe in you.

Go Steelers!

Tobacco Memories

This is a picture of the tobacco barn that is located on my grandfather's farm. This is where the tobacco was cut, hung and stripped.

There are two main reasons why I do not smoke:

1) As an athlete, smoking is one of those habits that can seriously hinder your athletic abilities (most sports require healthy lungs).

2) I have been inside this barn and handled the tobacco. Seeing the weed up close created within me a conviction to refrain from inhaling the stuff (I think that was part of my grandpa's plan).

Anyway, my grandfather used the money he got from the sale of the tobacco to send his three kids to college. One of those kids is my Mom. If he had not sent her to college, then she would not have met my Dad. And then ... perish the thought ... you would not be reading this blog right now.

Good Day

Spent the day at the lake.

Shared the hours with family and friends.

It was a good day.

Steelers turn back hands of time

By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst

LATROBE, Pa. (Aug. 3, 2006) -- I have seen high school football teams board beautiful coach buses to head out for a game. I have been part of college teams that take big air-conditioned buses 20 miles to play the closest rivals, and a pro team wouldn't think of going five miles with out the most comfortable buses available -- unless you are the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

With 14,000 fans filling a high school stadium last night, the Steelers showed up in four yellow school buses for a live intrasquad practice and goal-line scrimmage.

Steelers fans received a special treat as they got to watch their team play in an intimate setting. As I stood in the bleachers and watched the buses pull up next to an old steel mill and the players get off with their shoulder pads in hand, I got goose bumps. I was living a dream. For one night, Mr. Rooney and Bill Cowher turned back the hands of time for me and the Steelers fans. I was allowed to take a peek at how it used to be -- and it was awesome.

It looked like the origins of pro football, a steel town playing another steel town at the local stadium. As the players mingled with their fans, signed autographs and took pictures, Mr. Rooney presented one of the game balls from the Super Bowl to the mayor of the town. In that moment, I finally understood why the Steelers are just different from most teams. There's no way the Steelers players could let these people down, and there's no way the fans could ever turn on the team when times get tough.

Latrobe mayor Tom Marflak and Dan Rooney presented each other gifts as part of the festivities. With Jerome Bettis retired, Hines Ward is the emotional leader of the world champions. As he took the field, my Sirius Radio partner, Tim Ryan, noticed he had something taped to his helmet. None of the other players had anything taped to their helmets, not even the rookies. It looked like a name tag like most high school football players would wear when they go to summer camp.

Tim went down to the field to find out what it said, and when he came back, I got those goose bumps once again. It said "Hines Ward," and when Tim asked him why the name tag, he said, "It's a new year, and I'm not taking it off until I make the team." Can you imagine what those young high school football players at the scrimmage learned from watching the best team in the world? I can: Humility. Take nothing for granted and go to work.

I really never understood why every single person in Pittsburgh wears Steelers clothes everywhere they go. But after my night watching Mr. Rooney turn back the hands of time for three hours, I finally get it.

Memo

Wake me up when September ends.

Hurt

Not long before his death, Johnny Cash managed to strike a chord with the MTV culture with a hit video that was put in heavy rotation on MTV and MTV2. The video was for the song, "Hurt," by Nine Inch Nails.

Why Cash chose this song is an intriguing question. Regardless, the lyrics (from the mind of Trent Reznor) contain much to ponder. Here they are:

I hurt myself today to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole, the old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away, but I remember everything

What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end
You could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of shit upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time, the feelings disappear
You are someone else, I am still right here

What have I become?
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know
Goes away in the end

You could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt
If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way