Like many of you, I've watched with interest...

Like many of you, I've watched with interest the unfolding saga from this past weekend related to Tiger Woods. I believe the whole thing has been grossly overplayed by the media and the events of the weekend are very unfortunate for Tiger and his family.

Yesterday, I was sitting in a restaurant when the news broke of Tiger's apology regarding charges of infidelity. The one statement that caught my attention from his release more than any other was this: "I don't believe that personal sins should require public press conferences..." (not the exact words, I'm sure).

True, Mr. Woods. Very true.

When any man or woman makes a mistake on the level of what he has done, forgiveness and healing become imperative. But, at the same time, I think Tiger is learning a very hard lesson--one that Charles Barkley once resisted and Steve McNair unfortunately never grasped. When one chooses to live their life in front of the lights and cameras, every small detail of who you are comes under close examination--from what you wear to what you eat, from what you watch to who you watch it with. It's an unfortunate fact in our star-crazed culture. And no one is exempt, regardless of how much they may plead for privacy for their families.

Mr. Woods transgressions are awful. Infidelity for anyone is a tragic choice that hurts everyone touched by the poor choices. But I couldn't help but catch myself praying for Tiger yesterday as I began my lunch. Praying that he would, indeed, get the space he and his family need for their healing. I also prayed that he might come to understand the significance of that word--sin--and perhaps come to know the forgiveness and grace of Jesus. Here's to your healing, Tiger Woods...emotional and spiritual.

Does God really care?

Does God really care? It's a question that has been asked for ages. It's also one dealt with head on by the Scriptures. From the psalmists who questioned God's presence to Job who doubted God's concern to the prophets who questioned God's tenderness for His people, the question of God's compassion for His creation has always been around. The answer to that question is best answered, not with words, but with the arrival of Jesus.

I remember a valuable lesson I learned many years ago, while I was serving as a summer missionary in California. One lady who was leading us told me, if you want to show a kid you care, get down in the dirt with him when he cries. (not the exact words but the essence of the lesson she was teaching). Isn't that exactly what God did with the arrival of Jesus? For thousands of years He had watched tenderly and listened to the cries of creation--sometimes even choosing to intercede with miracles. He understood the depths of their pain and, beyond the expectations of everyone, God "sat down in the dirt" with us so that He could feel what we felt. But He took that one step further. He showed us how to live life in this world as we anticipate the Rescue that will come.

If you don't believe that God cares, you don't understand what the arrival, the Emmanuel, is for mankind. If you doubt the depths of God's love, you haven't noticed the tears that frequently filled Jesus' eyes while He was here.

Here is something really cool that Philip Yancey (amazing author) points out in one of his latest books. When you read straight through the Bible, you notice an important difference between the Old Testament and the New. The Old Testament gives record of many expressions of doubt, anguish and fear. But there is little indication of this in the NT. Things hadn't changed. There were still troubles, pain, fear and persecution. The difference? The witnesses of the NT had seen the purest expression of love possible. While they write of troubles that existed and those still to come, their understanding was tempered because they had been with Jesus. And Jesus proves, once and for all, that God loves you and me deeply. Yes, He absolutely cares. Don't let this season pass without understanding the full impact of the statement made by those angels: "Christ is born! God is here!"

It's good to be home.

It's good to be home. You'll be glad to know that the Enchanted Kingdom of Mickey Mouse is alive and well. In fact, you'd never know there was a recession going on by looking at the thousands of people pouring in and out of central Florida. They were gobbling up $8 hot dogs and $4 drinks by the handful. And, of course, it was all a ton of fun with my family. I think I discovered this year that the fantasy and imagination behind all of Disney is more appreciated the older you get. I caught myself thinking several times, "Is there any way that Walt Disney could have imagined all of this when he first flew over that marshy area of Florida 30 plus years ago?" That was usually right after my thought of "who in the heck has to change all of these stinking light bulbs?" Nevertheless, the dream has evolved and it has become so much more than just a theme park.

I was floored at the people from Germany, Russia, China, places in Africa and, of course, all over North America who had made the sacrifices necessary to make their way to Orlando. The park was loaded with people from all races, all backgrounds. They were so many different shapes and sizes and languages. It truly is a Magic Kingdom.

I, of course, couldn't help but wonder about another Kingdom...one far more worthy of sacrifice...one that truly will become the ultimate destination...one that far exceeds any dream or fantasy you or I could have. Some day...

We will begin our Thanksgiving travels in less than 24 hours.

We will begin our Thanksgiving travels in less than 24 hours. That means several things. First, it's time for me to start packing. I've waited just long enough for Lisa to start worrying that I won't get it done. Seriously, how long does it take to pack underwear and socks? Second, there probably won't be any new posts for the next week. Sorry, I know how much you look forward to the words of wit and wisdom that spill from this page. Thirdly, there are just a few, very short hours to lose more weight so I can eat more turkey--a feat I am sure will not be accomplished. But neither will it keep me from eating the "sacred bird." So, in honor of the last blog before the holiday, I thought I'd share a few random thoughts that have very little meaning but might make you smile really big before you face ALL of the family later this week:

• According to a recent study, five out of four people have trouble with fractions.
• If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
• If it's true that we are put here to help others, then what are all the others here for?
• How come no one ever says "it's only a game" when there team is winning?
• If ladies can have PMS then why can't men have ESPN?
• When blondes have more fun...do they know it?
• What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
• Why is it called a soap opera when nobody on the show sings?
• Does a lightning rod on top of a church show a lack of faith or a sign of how bad things are on the inside?
• How can a coffin have a lifetime guarantee? Isn't the "lifetime"already over?
• Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these little dangly things at the bottom and drink what comes out?"
• Isn't it true that the word "politics" comes from the Latin word "poli" which means "many" and "tics" which means "blood-sucking pests?"
• Isn't Disney World just a people trap that's been set by a giant mouse? (that one is for my kids as we head to Disney later this week).

On a more serious note and in keeping with our upcoming holiday, here's a great thought for the day we set aside to "give thanks."

Thanksgiving Day comes by statute, once a year but to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. Edward Sanford Martin

I pray that you and your family enjoy your time of Thanksgiving together. I also pray that we develop hearts of gratitude that allow us to live lives of thanks in every day. Happy Thanksgiving!

Just got done with one of my regular monthly meetings.

I just got done with one of my regular monthly meetings. It's one of the ones I enjoy the most. It's with a group of pastors here in the county where we live. I love sharing and laughing with these guys. I'm reminded what it means to serve for God's glory and not our own. I get to see a glimpse of their hearts and understand better what drives them. In those moments, I am very thankful for each one of them and for the passion with which they lead their churches. It's not easy being called to do what we do.

That got me thinking about this thought. After spending a couple of hours together sharing and encouraging one another, I asked myself, "I wonder what their people are doing to encourage each of them? Do they even understand the pressure under which their pastors operate?"

So, here's my thought for you today. If you are a church attender, here's a list of ways you can encourage your pastor wherever you are (hopefully some of you go to their church):

• Ask. Rather than assuming you know what he needs, ask him. Then, be prepared to listen.
• Come to church regularly. You see, a pastor is called to serve because God sees a man who will care for his people. We do care. Regardless of what you may think. And when you aren't there, it's like a part of our family is missing. Be there, in your place, on a regular basis.
• Treat him normal. Don't place unreal expectations on him or his family. He's called to be your pastor, not Superman. Joke with him, laugh with him and give him a break if he isn't constantly in the best of moods. He is a human being.
• Respect him. This is biblical. Your pastor deserves an extra measure of respect because he will some day have to answer to God for how he lead God's church. But you will some day have to answer to God for how difficult you made that job for him. (Ouch!)
• Love him. Faults and all. And, yes, he does have plenty of faults. So does his family.
• Balance. If you are going to feel free to criticize him (you know you do it every Sunday after church on the way to the restaurant) then feel equally free to encourage and compliment him. In fact, it takes one hundred positive comments to outweigh one negative one. You better get busy. Why don't you start right now? NO... seriously, right now.
• Know that you don't know everything. You don't know every issue he is handling right now. You don't know the secrets he has been told that he is carrying around. You don't know what the phone call was about at midnight last night. And you have to remember, he deals with this on top of his own family's concerns.
• Help in the little ways. How about buying his family lunch one Sunday or offering to cut his grass one week? How about taking his kids so he can have a date night with his wife? Wash his car one Saturday without him knowing or buy his family tickets to some cool event that you know they would enjoy. Just the little things help remove a ton of weight. Looking at the faces of my some of my brothers today, they could use it.
• Above all else and in addition to everything I've mentioned, never fail to pray for him. I guarantee he will love you for that.

Before I end, I've got to say thank you to my Ridgeview family. I came into the office after the meeting and told Pastor Eddie, "I love my church. I am so thankful God has me with these people." You love your pastors well...but you can always do a little better GRIN