Greetings!
I was going to say that it’s the end of May, but actually there’s a whole week and two days left. I guess I thought since it’s Memorial Day Weekend it would be the end of the month. Not often does the gateway to summer come so soon. Be thankful, those of you in the education field!
Here is this week’s list of timely topics known as DHD.
- Duffy delivers dandy dialogue defending the unborn
I am a fan of Wisconsin congressman Sean Duffy. I confess that I knew him when he was a reality TV star on MTV’s “The Real World.” Never would I know back then, when he was living a true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped, would he become a champion for the unborn and speak out for the sanctity of life. Watch this video, and I dare you not to have the desire to stand up and cheer when Congressman Duffy is done.
- Bravo, Ryan Smith!
Have you read “A pitiful man in the coffee shop”? This is excellent poetry, written by one of my favorite bloggers. Ryan Smith has been blessed with a gift of writing that can stir emotions and challenge mindsets. Word Slingers is blessed to have him as one of the many talented contributing bloggers. Thank you, Ryan, for allowing this site to feature your blogs and helping fulfill Word Slingers mission of “Blogging with Jesus in Mind.”
- Scotty knows best
It was reported this week that former OKC Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks is not planning to coach next season. Instead, he will pursue broadcasting opportunities and will “reconnect with his family living in California.”
In previous “DHDs” I have demonstrated my support and confidence in Coach Brooks. I know he has shown flaws in past coaching decisions, but I also know he has shown tremendous leadership and has helped the Thunder improve from fledgling squad with a horrible start in 2008 to a top team in the NBA in a relatively short period of time.
I don’t know much about his family. I know he was raised by a single mother who had a no-nonsense reputation and passed away in the last couple of years. I know he has a young son because Brooks mentioned him in the past when he talked about how together they would make New Year’s Resolutions. One year, it was be more consistent in teeth brushing.
Critics could say Brooks’ decision to skip a year of coaching may hinder his future opportunities. The Thunder has been his only head coaching gig, and not staying involved would make him “forgettable.”
But anybody who will make such a sacrifice for the sake of family should be commended. May your family relations be strengthened, Scotty, and may those benefitting from your support become better citizens.
- Tis the season for Falls Creek
Summer time is a happy time. Kids are out for school; many observe vacation time, and it’s a season of outdoor recreation. It’s also a time for students to go to summer camps. In Oklahoma, the most popular location for a weeklong camp is near Davis.
For almost 100 years, young people from all over the state spent time at Falls Creek, the world’s largest youth encampment. An average of more than 5,000 people a week will be on these hollowed grounds in the Arbuckle Mountains. I’m guessing it would be in the top 20 populated areas in the state during the summer.
Falls Creek also is a place of spiritual nourishment for thousands of teenagers every year. It has been said that no other place has seen more commitments to ministry and mission work than the summer youth weeks at Falls Creek. Even more is the number of professions of faith and rededications to the Christian walk.
If you have never been to Falls Creek, I hope you can go sometime. Visit www.Fallscreek.org if you are not familiar with this place. Please pray for those who will be going there this summer.
- Presidential candidates aplenty
The Southern Republican Leadership Conference kicked off in Oklahoma City yesterday. Most of the GOP presidential hopefuls are in town to speak at the event.
From the early reports I have heard, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was a rock star after delivering his speech. Walker has not officially declared to make a run for the White House, but it’s looking like a sure thing he will throw his hat in the ring.
This causes me to offer some caution to my fellow conservative Christian friends. Be careful how you promote your favorite candidate. First of all, it’s incredibly early, and the possible field is looking crowded. Secondly, there’s probably less than a handful of issues of which these candidates share stark differences of viewpoints.
Use discretion how you discuss politics around family and friends. Be somebody people are happy to see coming, and if politics does come up in a large social setting, be fair-minded and objective, knowing that not everybody views the world like you do. Sometimes it is best to just listen and learn.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent” (Prov. 17:27-28 NLT).
- Happy Memorial Day!
I hope you do enjoy the holiday on Monday. If you have the opportunity, I hope you can visit the gravesites of your passed loved ones, especially those who served in the military.
ERLC’s Joe Carter shares a great list of five facts about Memorial Day you may not know.
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7 NASB).