Just over 60 miles north of my office in Colorado Springs sits Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos and the official headquarters of Tim Tebow mania. Excitement is not only growing in these parts, but fans around the country and even the world are rooting for the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. A colleague recently returned from China and informed me that Tim’s #15 is the number one selling jersey in the Middle Kingdom.Never mind that the team is 2-4 this season, hasn’t been to a playoff game in five years and isn’t expected to qualify for the postseason this year either.
Why Baseball Is More Than Just a Sport
I realize that not everyone loves baseball. In fact, I’m sure some of you don’t even care for it, preferring other sports – or no sport at all. But stick with me here, because with the start of the World Series tonight in St. Louis, I’m reminded that baseball is more than just a sport.
It’s even more than just a game.
My childhood is full of some tough memories. Memories of a broken home, broken promises and dreams that just didn’t come true.
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes of Courageous
If you’re looking for a convicting, uplifting, encouraging and redeeming film, Courageous, which opens today nationwide, is it.
You’re likely familiar with the makers of this terrific movie, Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Previous projects include the award-winning Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. Focus on the Family is delighted to offer all of these films on DVD. To request your copies, please click here.
I Dare You!
I recently came across a small book from another era. It was written by the late William Danforth, the founder of the Nestle Purina Company. In addition to his business pursuits, Mr. Danforth dedicated his life to helping youth, and traveled the country with a simple message for youngsters:
In order to really enjoy the life God has blessed you with, you need to be square – as in living a “four square” life that includes play, work, love and worship.
Are Cartoons Bad For Children?
There’s a new study out that suggests when compared to gentle and slower animated fare, “fast-paced” cartoons negatively (and immediately) impact a child’s ability to think creatively and regulate their behavior.
Are you surprised?
This would seem to fall into the “common sense” category, especially given the numerous studies through the years about the detrimental impact of television on children. For example, a highly respected study sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics several years ago recommended no television for children under the age of three.
Is Hollywood Listening?
A few weeks ago I shared with you my enthusiasm for a new movie based on a terrific book by author David L. Cook, Seven Days in Utopia. The film stars Academy Award winner Robert Duvall and highlights the critical contribution mentors can make in a person’s life.
As a follow-up to the production’s nationwide release, a colleague just received the following note from one of the movie’s senior executives. It is good news:
I just wanted to send this quick message out to all my friends and partners that helped us with the launch of Seven Days In Utopia.
Texting Lingo Every Parent Needs to Know
Assuming your son or daughter has a cell phone, do they text?
The Pew Research group recently concluded that most teens prefer texting to talking – with a third of them sending over 100 messages a day.
Tolerance for this type of behavior varies by family, of course, but almost no parent would knowingly permit their son or daughter to text crude, lewd or obscene messages.
But what about more vague or coded communications?
It takes a deft and alert parent to stay up to date on texting lingo, especially since the lexicon is constantly expanding and often doesn’t make any logical sense.
Who Has Changed Your Life?
Is there one person you can point to who helped “turn the tide” in your life?
When I think about that question, my mind immediately settles on a man named Mo – my high school football coach. At the time, my life was a mess. Without a parent to guide me, Coach Mo became my mentor. He encouraged and believed in me. He didn’t just teach me about football. He was a steady, dependable, wise and bold influence.
Your First Lunch Box
Do you remember your first lunch box?
Mine was a G.I. Joe model, used and dented, but I loved it.
Lunch boxes go way back, over a hundred years, in fact. Then they were called “lunch pails” and were usually recycled cans that originally held biscuits or even tobacco. It wasn’t until the 1950s when the Aladdin Corporation struck upon an idea, leading to the explosion of the themed boxes so many of us remember. Realizing that a metal box was durable and thus likely handed down in a family, executives decided to put celebrities and pop culture icons on the side.
VIDEO VIGNETTE III – John Piper
DO SOMETHING RISKY WITH YOUR LIFE!
Let me ask you: Is there something you aren’t doing in your life that you really want to do? Are you playing it too safe? I would encourage you to consider the fact that we’re all given one life and a finite period of time on earth, Are you making a difference or just marking time? Perhaps it’s time to be bold.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- …
- 23
- Next Page »
