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Much to discuss in this week’s edition of DHD, and my first topic has been a popular one for the past week. Let’s get to it.
Dugger dilemma delivers differing deductions
“You write bitter accusations against me and bring up all the sins of my youth” Job 13:26 (NLT). This verse was included in my Bible reading this morning. I found it to be too relevant for what has been happening in the aftermath since the national revelation involving Josh Dugger of “19 Kids and Counting” fame.
Multiple articles have been written since Josh Dugger’s resignation and the cancellation of the TV show on TLC. Writers with legal backgrounds and counseling expertise have used this sad pronouncement from the Dugger family to express lengthy allegations against their lifestyle and life choices. Perhaps these conclusions have credence. Perhaps also that sharks do attack when they smell blood.
I have neither the authority nor the complete knowledge in order to speak proficiently of this popular family who willingly chose to put their lives on display for the world to watch on reality TV. But there is something of which I am familiar because it has affected my own life: God’s grace is truly amazing, and not only is His grace greater than all my sins, it is greater than the conclusions of all experts of all time.
With that, I let you draw your own Dugger deductions.
Homeschool haggle
One association with the Duggar family that has been a constant criticism and caught further fire is the homeschooling system, since the Duggars are known for this choice of education.
I don’t have children and personally feel foolish to speak on this from a parental perspective. But I do respect Trevin Wax who wrote an excellent diagnosis last year of all the schooling options. I yield to his blog piece “Educating Our Kids: Exploring the Options.”
I appreciate his conclusion that it is best for parents to decide how they want their children to be educated, but they should be aware that all options have strengths and weaknesses and should “seek to minimize whatever weaknesses (their) approach entails.”
Word Slingers rewind
You may not know that Word Slingers is about two-and-a-half years old. This blog site has featured numerous excellent pieces in this time.
Recently, I looked at a progress report on Word Slingers which featured the most read articles on the site. Ranked first among well-read Word Slingers articles is a piece written in 2013 by Brittney Brown titled “The Best Way to Hurt a Woman.”
With an excellent headline, Brittney shares a great challenge, not only for young women but for all to understand genuine beauty.
Declaring to disciple
I recently was involved in a three-week training course to help prepare myself to be a counselor, and for other ministry opportunities, during the upcoming Franklin Graham “Good News Festival” in August, here in Oklahoma City. This was an excellent experience that encouraged me in my own spiritual walk, and I got to go through the training for three straight Thursday nights with a good friend of mine.
The course ended last week, so when this Thursday came, I realized my night was free. I jokingly sent a text to my friend saying that I am “going through training withdrawals tonight.” He responded lightheartedly, but he included something that convicted me. He said, “Haha!! Get a man to meet with one on one!!! That helps!”
Though he shared with humor, he made me realize I need to be actively searching for someone to disciple. I offer this as a prayer request, that God will help me recognize that specific man or men I should invest myself in helping them grow spiritually, just as Paul helped Timothy.
“…commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2b).
Pratt professes patriotism
Chris Pratt is becoming one of my favorite actors. I do find him incredibly funny, though he has demonstrated uncouthness in his past performances. But the “Guardians of the Galaxy” star won some points with me personally, when he was featured in a video teaching his young son the Pledge of Allegiance. Watch for yourself:
6. NBA Finals
After a regular viewing of the NBA playoffs, which has produced a lot of exciting games, an extended break has occurred. I don’t recall ever having such a lengthy layoff after the conference championships. However, I will be rooting for the Golden State Warriors, as the champion of the Western Conference. Also, I do like watching Stephen Curry, how he has become an amazing scorer.
Speaking of Curry, be on the lookout next week in the Baptist Messenger as it will feature an article on this year’s NBA MVP and how outspoken Curry is about his Christian faith.
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).
The middle of May has materialized. Which means school is out or almost out for the summer for many in the academic world. School doesn’t apply to me as much anymore, but this time just naturally makes me happy.
And I’m happy to offer a new list of DHD for the week. Happy reading!
Christianity on the decline?
The Pew Research Report has been a hot topic this week, as a 200-page study was released on “America’s Changing Religious Landscape.” The number of professing Christians has dropped by 8 percent since 2007, and the number of “Nones” or unaffiliated with religion has risen by seven percent.
Many good Christian leaders have commented on this report, but I personally believe Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission gave the best response in his post “Is Christianity Dying?”
I hope more people, especially Christians, become more and more familiar with Moore. I’m now convinced he is one of the best current leaders among Evangelical Christians and may be the best communicator of speaking the Gospel in relevant terms regarding current issues. And this piece “Is Christianity Dying?” may be his finest hour. Please read it, and be encouraged.
Deflate-gate
The ruling finally happened. New England Patriots’ Super Bowl honeymoon is over early. Quarterback Tom Brady will be suspended for four game next season (at least that’s the ruling for now); the Patriots are fined $1 million and lose two draft picks.
I wrote about this mess in January – “Morally deflated: New England Patriots, Public Opinion & Principles.” And I find it interesting that this penalty was handed down during a usually dead time for the NFL, about four months after the accusations arose. No more NFL Combine; the NFL Draft is over; nothing relevant to discuss until August.
I don’t have much of an opinion. I also don’t think Brady will sit for four games, probably will end up being a two-game suspension. But I will be curious to see how well the Patriots perform from here on out. After being caught cheating twice, there’s going to be a lot of eyeballs on that fishbowl in Foxboro this season.
House passes bill to prevent abortion after 20 weeks
A victory for the sanctity of life happened on the national level this week, as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to prevent any abortions after 20 weeks to occur. Although this bill may eventually be vetoed (Lord, please intervene), this is a good sign that the practice of abortion may be declining, as more people in the U.S. are favoring birth.
May we see more victories in the near future, not just in the political landscape, but in the convictional mindset. God is the Author and Giver of life, and what the U.S. congress men and women did this week honors what only God can provide.
DeYoung on importance of church membership
Last week I gave my advice to graduates and emphasized how important it is to plug into a local church. Kevin DeYoung is one of my favorite Christian bloggers, and he elaborates further on this issue in his piece “6 Reasons Why Membership Matters.”
Check out reason #2, as he explains “Making a commitment makes a powerful statement in a low-commitment culture”: “Even if you will only be in town for a few years, it’s still not a bad idea to join a church. It lets your home church (if you are a student) know that you are being cared for, and it lets your present church know that you want to be cared for here.”
Great remarks by Former New Orleans Hornets coach Monty Williams
A friend on Facebook shared a raw footage video of a Monty Williams. The former coach of the New Orleans Pelicans gives some classy remarks about the unfortunate situation, but he goes further in expressing his faith, even sharing Rom. 8:28. Watch here:
Thunder stuff
Next week the Oklahoma City Thunder will participate in the NBA Draft Lottery to see if the team can move up from their current 14th pick position.
Also, basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla gave some encouraging thoughts about the Thunder, especially in his perspective on new coach Billy Donovan:
“Billy is going to have an easier adjustment than most college coaches for a number or reasons. No. 1, he was a player in the league. The second thing is he is inheriting a very good team with high-character guys, and the third thing is Billy is a guy who has always thought outside of the college box. He’s coached a number of times in USA Basketball events where he’s had the exposure to the international game, that’s very similar to the NBA game with the 24-second clock, a lot of pick-and-roll offenses and defenses. Billy is a very intelligent guy, who is headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame when his career ends. I think he’ll have an easy adjustment because he has a high emotional IQ, and by that I mean he understands people really well. And he’ll know that this is a players’ game in the NBA, where the players do want direction, they do want instruction, and they do want coaching, but by in the large, teams are successful because of the players and not the coach. And Billy will get that intuitively.”
Graduation season is upon us. Many across the country will don solid colored gowns and place square pieces of thick cardboard on their heads to sit in a large room and listen to somebody successful offer great advice that will benefit these excelled academicians in their future endeavors.
In this week’s DHD I provide six items of practical guidance – three for high school graduates who will venture on to college and three for college graduates who will venture on to the beginnings of adulthood.
High School Graduates
Take writing courses
High school graduate, if you want to excel in your aspired profession then master good writing skills. Good writing skills will benefit you no matter your declared major or what you want to be when you grow up.
Two things you will do a lot while in college are reading and writing. Reading you learn by doing it and making time to do it, but writing is not as simple. You can set yourself apart from other college students by refining your writing skills, and believe me, your professors will know when they read your assigned papers. If it’s not already required in your chosen major, pick a writing class as an elective. If you are undecided on your major, take a writing class.
Practically every career choice involves writing, so take a course that will help you improve and understand the proper mechanics of writing.
Work in a professional office while in college
I believe what benefitted me the most in my college experience was working in the sports information office at Liberty University. As a freshman, one of my first assignments was cutting out newspaper articles relating to LU athletics. It was menial, but it got me started on my path that led to working in the field of athletic media relations, which I enjoyed for 13 years of my professional life.
Please don’t misunderstand, my college courses were of great value, but equally beneficial were the “hands-on” experience and the networking opportunities I received while being a student assistant.
Find a job in an office on campus, whether it’s the business office, as a professor’s aide or in the library. Or look into an internship or an entry-level position with a professional business off campus. You may not make a lot of money or none at all, but the opportunity will become much greater value after college.
Plug into a local church
If you are going to college away from home, find a church close to school. And personally, I think you’re better off if you pick one that doesn’t have all the glitz. Many megachurches try to do too much to draw college students. Find one that isn’t the “IT” church. Invest yourself into a body of believers that has solid Biblical teaching. Maybe they don’t have a college class. Then choose one with older adults and learn from their godly influence.
I know this isn’t the popular choice, but I believe, more than ever, young adults need to find Christian mentors who will help them discern what is right and good in the eyes of God. There’s no better place to find such disciplers than in a church that is holding firm to the teachings of the Bible.
College Graduates
Consider going to graduate school
This first piece of advice does not have to be for all college graduates, but let me speak to those who have let grad school cross their minds. In many cases, when you are applying for a job, having a graduate degree separates you from the other applicants. Also, in some cases, it will qualify you for a higher pay grade and a greater possibility for advancement.
To be clear, I’m not saying you need to pursue a doctorate. That’s for those who have fully committed themselves in a certain field, usually in the academic world, and are established in their chosen profession. If you’re at that level, you’d be wasting your time taking advice from me.
Going to grad school to pursue a master’s degree does not take as long as an undergrad degree. Usually it takes two years to accomplish. Also, your professors will consider you more favorable because you are pursuing a field that is their specialty. It won’t be a bed of roses, but you will find the experience more tolerable than your undergrad experience.
Make wise financial decisions
This is the kind of advice that you learn from other people’s mistakes, including mine. I confess, I made poor money decisions right out of college, and in some ways, I’m still reaping my foolishness in my 40s.
If you are having to pay off student loans, pay them off as quickly as possible. Don’t fall for credit card traps, and you’ll get ALL kinds of offers. Throw them away when they come in your mail.
Learn to live below your means. Don’t get a crazy car loan. Buy a junker and save up.
Learn Dave Ramsey’s money principles. You may not agree with everything he teaches or how he may come across on radio, but he will not steer you wrong if you adhere to his advice. In fact, here’s something I learned that he said recently, “You’re never going to win with money in the long term if you can’t learn to delay pleasure.”
Plug into a local church
Whether you are in college or out, at every stage of life, being involved in the local church is critical. And as I said, find one that is biblically-based. Maybe you’re single and you find it difficult to “fit in” at a church. I understand how hard this process can be for you. Pray for God’s guidance, and He will lead you to the right church family.
Don’t just go sit in a worship service for an hour and then leave. There are a multitude of ministry opportunities at church where you can serve. God has equipped you to do just that, and when you find that ministry where you can serve, you’ll be amazed how much of a blessing it can be.
Congratulations graduates! Enjoy that first day of the rest of your life!
The goal this week is to be “short and sweet” with my DHD. Let’s see if I succeed. And I welcome your feedback whether you approve or disapprove.
Billy Donovan new Thunder Coach
Two weeks ago, I said don’t believe the Thunder will get rid of Coach Scott Brooks. Last week, I said I was concerned about the Thunder pursuing a coach with no NBA experience. This week, I’m starting to like the Thunder announcing Billy Donovan as the new head coach. Let’s see how contradictory I can be next week.
Supreme Court Marriage Trial
Big stuff happened this week with the Marriage Trial beginning in the Supreme Court. Please continue to pray, and let’s see God move in a way that only He can through this historic hearing. Also, check out Russell Moore’s post “10 questions about marriage from the Supreme Court arguments.” It’s the best, Jerry, the best!
Baltimore Riots
It’s been a heavy week in Baltimore. I know there’s a lot of confusion, frustration and politicization happening. But there are small elements of encouragement coming from the chaos. The single mom publicly chastising her 16-year-old son; the little boy offering a bottle of water to a police officer; the older men showing support by standing in front of the police blockade. Trillia Newbell has a great article in the Washington Post, sharing other “good news” from Baltimore.
Walker Moore on Bruce Jenner
Walker Moore is a regular columnist for the Baptist Messenger. If you are not familiar with his column, you need to be. He has offered light-hearted yet Gospel-centered articles for many years. A sneak preview for the May 7 Baptist Messenger, Walker’s column may be one of his funniest yet inspiring pieces I have ever read, as he shares his recent experience of “Nursery Duty.”
But that’s not what I wanted to share right now about Walker. He did a “Messenger Insight” with Brian Hobbs this week on the topic of “Bruce Jenner, the Bible and our sexual identity.” Find out what Walker means when he said, “Every man is waiting for another man to speak ‘into’ him.”
Ben Carson not speaking at SBC’s Pastors Conference
Last week it was announced that possible presidential candidate and well-known neurosurgeon Ben Carson cancelled his appearance at the Southern Baptist Convention’s Pastors Conference in Columbus, Ohio in June. As Trevin Wax explains, this is to be a setting of communicating the Gospel of Jesus instead of unity around a political platform.
To be clear, this decision was not to discredit Dr. Carson or give a sign the SBC is not concerned about political issues. Those in charge thought it was causing a distraction against uniting the Convention, and since there is a great emphasis to draw younger Southern Baptist leaders, both Carson and the Pastors Conference leadership agreed to not have the conservative political figure speak this year. I hope all involved will be understanding and supportive. The SBC needs to maintain influence both now and even more so in the future.
Pacquiao proclaims his Christian faith
Tomorrow night will be the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, which is being promoted as the Fight of the Century. Boxing has lost its luster of the past few decades, so I understand the billing and the significance of this fight, even though I don’t know much about these two fighters. But I was pleased to find a video that is being distributed of Manny Pacquiao sharing his faith and proclaiming “There is no other way of salvation except through Jesus Christ.”
