Archive for March, 2006
Savor the Flavor
March 21, 2006 9:34 pm
Thomas Boswell reports today in the Post about a strange drama unfolding in Florida. "Plays well with others" doesn't apply here. Alphonso Soriano, a four-time All-Star, was acquired over the winter from the Rangers. He is the highest paid of the Nationals players, and arguably has the most promise to deliver offensively for the team. But he won't play. Here's the problem: Soriano is a second baseman. But because Jose Vidro is firmly established at second base, manager Frank Robinson wants Soriano to move to the outfield. Soriano considers this beneath him, and he refused to take the field yesterday in a spring training game against the Dodgers. If he continues to refuse, Soriano will be moved to the disqualified list, which means no pay and no play. What does this have to do us? Sadly, some Christians in the church adopt a similar mindset toward serving. They think: I'm gifted to lead, I'm gifted to play in the band, I'm above serving in secret, and they aren't willing to sacrifice their self-assessment and serve in lesser positions. It makes me think of these words from 1 Peter 4:10-11:
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
You know what else I thought of? I think Soriano's attitude is conspicuously absent in five15. I have so much encouragement for the teens and parents in five15 who are so quick, so eager, and so joyful while serving in less than glamorous positions, like Children's Minsitry, like cleaning up after a BIG MEETING, like bringing meals for Alpha. Thanks for serving in the strength God supplies, and bringing glory to God through Jesus Christ.
Do Not Be Anxious, Part 1
6:54 am
I was helped recently by reading D.A. Carson’s comments in Basics For Believers on this familiar verse:
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
Dr. Carson explains:
“Do not be anxious about anything” is not a naked prohibition; the alternative is immediately provided: “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (4:6). “When was the last time you prayed explicitly and at length over the things that worry you, trouble you, plague you? Time, time alone and quiet before God, that is what we need. Our lives are so rushed that we begrudge a three-minute “quiet time,” and then we wonder where God is. “In fact, we are to go on the offensive. Not only are we to present our prayers and petitions to God, we are to do so “with thanksgiving.” “God’s peace stabilizes us, guards us, suffusing us with the joy of the Lord. “Resolve not to be anxious about anything, but learn instead to pray. Nothing will prove so effective in strengthening your spiritual stamina, in giving you grace never to give up the Christian walk.” (pp. 112-115)
There are many worries, cares, and anxieties that face us. Relief will not be found in distractions, such as video games, movies, or sports, nor will it be found in merely hoping for a better outcome. Relief will come through thankful prayer and trust in the faithful God. Ask your parents how you can grow in this kind of thankful prayer.
El Profe Es Loco
March 20, 2006 7:44 pmDave, I was wondering if you could explain this picture that you included in your Lunes Con El Profe #3? 
Is that you in the Hello Kitty mask? Are you trying to scare the kids?
Lunes Con El Profe, #6
7:40 pmMIND YOUR MANNERS (IN SPANISH)
Ever been in a situation where you are trying to express you’re sorry and the words just don’t come? What if you don’t even know the words you’re supposed to use? The following words are for those situations where you might bump into one of the kids, want to ask them to pass the hot sauce, or to thank them for the tip they gave you about keeping your mouth closed while ridin
g in the back of the pick up on a dirt road.
Con permiso- Excuse me
Perdón- I’m sorry
Salud- bless you (after a sneeze)
Por favor- Please
Gracias- Thank you
Here are a few more that you may not use but might hear (it’s old school;
I remember these from being a kid).
Buen provecho- when sitting down for a meal (even if you are not eating) you say: “Enjoy” (loosely translated)
Mande- It is used to respond when being called by an adult: You have my attention (loosely translated)
A la orden- At your service
More Common Grace
March 19, 2006 6:44 pm
North Carolina 60
Amazing: George Mason’s first two NCAA basketball victories come within three days. Now it’s back to Washington for the Sweet Sixteen.
Common Grace
March 17, 2006 9:18 pm
The Best Of Taco Bell
March 16, 2006 7:35 am
The Big Dance
7:33 amDr. Albert Mohler began his commentary yesterday with these words from James Naismith, the inventor of basketball:
"Let us be able to lose gracefully and to win courteously; to accept criticism as well as praise; and to appreciate the attitude of the other fellow at all times."
These are words that young people, and young men in particular, need to hear. Dr. Mohler's commentary yesterday was entitled "March Madness, The Big Dance, and the Meaning of Sport." In this commentary, he helps us think about how we as Christians should think about sports in general and basketball in particular. He concludes:
"Christians should look to the Big Dance, March Madness, and the entire world of athletics with a mixture of admiration and concern. As many faithful Christians have argued, athletic endeavor and the contest of sport can bring out the very best and most masculine qualities in young men. There is something noble about the millions of boys shooting hoops in back yards, dreaming of standing on the court when the Final Four meet in Indianapolis this year. The sacrifice, discipline, teamwork, and excellence demonstrated by so many teams, coaches, and players can be an inspiration. "On the other hand, there is something tragic about a society that has so glamorized sport–and has grown so obsessed with victory, that the system is often perverted, lives are often warped, and virtues are too often sacrificed in vain hope of victory. "Christians must know that athletic contest can bring out both the best and the worst in human character. In that sense, we are about to observe a massive morality tale played out in the form of March Madness. So, celebrate the good, root for your team, and learn to discern what is noble, good, and admirable in everything associated with the Big Dance. Just don't allow yourself to be fooled into thinking that this is what life is all about, or that life is over when the tournament ends. We are called to a much greater contest than this."
Read the entire article here.
Lunes (miércoles) Con El Profe, #5
March 15, 2006 9:51 amIf you have the chance to eat with the kids on our trip take advantage of the time by trying to make conversation with them, you can ask them the following:
Te gusta tu (Do you like your):
almuerzo lunch
cena dinner
Cual es tu favorita comida? (What is your favorite food?)
Cual es tu menos preferida comida? (What is your least favorite food?)
If you’ve had the chance to get to know my wife and me, you know we love food! We tried this recipe and enjoyed it. Dip into the Mexican food culture with the following receipe!
GUACAMOLE
1/4 red onion, minced
garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
2 to 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 ripe plum tomato, cored and diced
1/4 to 1/2 jalapeno (with seeds), minced
Soak the onion, after cutting it, in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Lightly sprinkle the garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the bowl with the onion.
Using a knife cut the avocados in half, rotating around the seeds. Remove the seeds and discard. Using the knife, carefully make several slashes in the avocado flesh. Using a spoon, scoop the avocado flesh into the bowl with the onion and garlic. Repeat with the remaining avocado.
Add the lime juice, cilantro, tomato, and jalapeno, to taste, to the avocados. Using a rubber spatula or large fork, mix until just combined, keeping the guacamole chunky. Season with salt, to taste. Serve immediately.
Hasta la próxima estudiantes.
