A city set on a hill...

December 1, 1862 Abraham Linclon reminded the nation: America is  "the last best hope of the earth."   Though often reviled around the world, I believe that President Lincoln's premise has been demonstrated time after time over the past 149 years...May God contine to bless America; may He empower us to be people of character and good will; with generous hearts, brilliant minds and dynamic vision...for making tHis world a better place.  

A city set on a hill, cannot be hidden.

"...times that try men's souls..."

"These are the times that try men's souls" wrote Thomas Paine in his pamphlet "The American Crisis" published Dec 23, 1776; the Colonies faced the almost certain prospect of defeat in their war for indpendence. Paine implored Americans "don't give up the fight."

As the curtain begins to drop on 2011: our economy is misfiring on 7 cylinders, the world is a more dangerous place than ever before, we face the prospect of a nuclear Iran, an ascendant China...but the fact is that virtually every generation of Americans were forced to face down a crisis...and they survived, thrived and grew strong on the idea of the American Dream.

We must remember to "keep the main thing," the main thing. The "idea of America" has been the fuel driving our resolve to be "one nation, under God, indivisable, with liberty and justice for all;" an idea those who traveled this way before us thought to be worth sacrificing, fighting and dying for. Indifference to this "big idea" is the real, the urgent threat to our liberty.

Resolve to do your part; work hard, make informed decisions, be a person of strong character, celebrate interdependence and respect people who disagree with you--but press them to think outside their "box" and you, think outside yours. Don't give in to fear or indifference--be strong and of good courage. Let's leave a legacy that will inspire a new generation.

We had a "grand" time..

Enjoyed hosting our two grandsons for supper and a "sleep over" Friday. Love those boys! Such joy.

From 1 to 10...it's a 10!

Thankful today for our two kids and their life-mates: Erin & Matthew; Joseph & Miranda... immensely talented people with great character; gripped by passion for life and their life's work, committed to making a difference. Guys...blessed by your friendship, humbled by your love. You have enriched us, thanks so much.

Coach K, best ever...

Just prior to the start of the 2010 NCAA tournament, a radio sports analyst was hating on Duke because, he said, "the dukies are an elitist program; they just have too many white faces."  The analyst just didn't get it; you see, skin color isn't the issue, education and development are.  Duke basketball is an example of what college athletics should be about.  Talented young men (in this case), black and white, who leverage their skills to earn a world class education and prepare for life as an adult.

The real genius of Coach K is that he's managed to "keep the main thing, the main thing."  The results of his unrivaled ability as a coach, mentor, teacher and motivator have enriched the lives of hundreds of players, thousands of students and tens of thousands of fans.  Just what is the main thing?  Helping his players become college graduates and good citizens...and in some cases, professional athletes.  He has built a dynastic program on this foundation.

These days we hear more and more voices decrying the exploitation of student athletes.  These commentators reason that it's time we begin to pay college athletes.  We do that now; we call them FULL scholarships.  Short term, they are worth thousands of dollars.  Long term, hundreds of thousands of dollars and more.  

That said, exploitation is an issue in college sports today. But it's not about financial justice for athletes.  It's about institutions, programs and coaches who build their endowments, reputations and careers on the skills of young athletes and fail to deliver on their commitment to educate and equip their athletes for the long road of life.  There is an exchange that must take place over the careers of student athletes; athletic skills are exchanged for life skills.

It's here that Coach K's genius shines through.  He understands that his mission is much bigger than building winning a program; it's about shaping young men to become husbands, fathers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers, business professionals, social workers, pastors; LEADERS and contributors.  Men who will advance Coach K's legacy by leaving their world's a better place for them having been here.

Coach K has set the bar for his success very high.  The by-product of that standard, the most successful basketball program of this or perhaps any generation.  The measure of that success is not the wins v. loses.  It's lives changed; that, friends, is real genius. 

Free and brave...

Big thanks to Veterans.

People around the world live in safety and freedom because of your service to country and an "idea." Your tour of duty has preserved innocent life and kept hope alive--it's a legacy of sacrifice and courage.

God bless each of you on this day set aside to honor you all.  We are free, because you are brave.

Roots...

A month of "thanks-giving"...November 6.

Like many people who invest themselves in ministry, tenure in one place is the exception, not the norm.  Prior to our arrival in Elkhart, 6 years was the "high water" mark for our service in one place.  Hard to put down roots and feel like you are part of a place when--your not.

Thankful that as of July 4, 2011 we have called Elkhart home for 17 years and last April 13 we marked 10 years with State Farm.  Normal feels pretty good.

Color me thankful.

Eternity...can wait.

A month of "thanks-giving"...November 5.

Dad died, July 1970, age 55. Mom died, December 1984, age 53. Never really expected to outlive them; THANKFUL to be well on my way to the 9th year of my 5th decade.

God created us with eternity in our hearts; His preface and introduction for my "life" has exceeded my expectations.

God willing, eternity...can wait.

Drop by drop...

Please enjoy this little "gem" from a good friend, Ruthann Blosser Longcor...a good thinker and writer.

"Love the saying 'Drop by drop a river forms.'  I read it in a book last week...and it's been going over and over in my mind.  After googling it, there is another version... 'Drop by drop, a mighty river forms.'  Rivers are powerful, yet each begins by simple drops of water joining together.

Makes me think of families, the climate in a home/workplace, and the power of little actions that add up to traditions, that eventually add up to legacies. Creating a loving, positive, inspiring atmosphere in our homes/classes/businesses...often starts with the most basic, intentional action...a smile, a hug, offering a favor. Consistent thoughts and actions, lead to trends...which can become a force. Wow.

So much potential just in an ordinary day..."

Words change lives.  Perhaps you can use these, to change yours.  Thanks for sharing your powerful insight with us Ruthann.

The rustling leaves...

Heard from my friend this morning...

"C. S. Lewis wrote, 'At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of the morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some 'day, God willing, we shall get in.'  Last night at 8:30 p.m. my father got in."

Lloyd slipped into eternity and the everlasting arms of God.


(See the prelude to this conclusion, date: October 22, 2011 "Check-Mate!)