The Theory of the Spark

Be prepared to read some ideas that you may not agree with. Nevertheless, you are probably familiar with some of the incidents that I mention. Have you ever thought of something that someone else thought of at the same time? After a long silence; did you ever start to speak at the same time as someone else? Did you ever look at someone at the same time he or she looked at you? Did you just decide to walk out of your house and then realize that someone else walked out of his/her house at the same time? Why did so many people decide to do the same thing on a particular night? Something that they don't usually do. I will tell you why. I won't call it coincidence. It is because of the spark. What is the spark? The spark that I speak about has nothing to do with electricity, batteries, voltage or fire. It pertains to an invisible mental energy that is emitted by people that triggers action. In other words; the thoughts, words and actions of people that others do not know, hear, see or experience can have an effect on them. Why? Because of the spark. Is the spark influenced by other factors? Yes. But that is another story.

I'm Going to Gettysburg

Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War are some of my favorite themes. In fact, you can almost call the study of them a hobby. I will be making my third trip to Gettysburg College to study. This year it will be about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Each year a different theme is offered. There will be lectures, field trips, seminars, videos and open discussions. It will be a chance to renew old acquaintances and just have a good time. During the afternoons and some evenings I will be looking for Spanish-speaking people to tell them about the power of Jesus. During my last visit to Gettysburg I noticed a large segment of immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America. They do not need religion. They need Jesus. He is the key to finding a purpose in life. Abraham Lincoln learned that truth very early in life. His grandmother taught him to read using the Bible as an instruction book. Is there a better tool for learning? Abraham Lincoln learned many great things. His life, words and deeds attest to it. He was not perfect, but he knew Someone who was/is.

I Want No Sports Dynasty

I want no team to become a dynasty in a particular sport. Sure; I want the best team to win. Nevertheless, I don't want it to be the same team year after year. If the same team wins a championship year after year, something is wrong. Don't get me wrong. Every team that steps on that court or field needs to play its' best. How many times have the Steelers won the Super Bowl? Too many times. How many times have the Celtics or the Lakers won the NBA championship? Too many times. How many times have the Yankees won the World Series? The answer is the same. Here is my point. First of all: I do not hate a winner. It is out there. Go for it. I refuse to be a sore loser. In the 1998 World Series the great San Diego Padres played against the New York Yankees. The Padres got swept. Back in "84" the Tigers beat the Padres in the October Classic but at least it took 5 games. It is obvious that the San Diego Padres are nowhere near a "dynasty," but I am predicting that one year the Padres will play in a World Series and win the MLB Championship. I don't know what year it will be, but it will happen. Eventually it will happen. Am I a Padre fan? You better believe it. (since 1948)

"Endowed By Their Creator"

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence begins with that sentence. I opine that the words: "Endowed By Their Creator" could possibly be the four most important words to precede the formation of this great nation known as the United States of America. When God is acknowledged and respected in the formation of something as important as creating a new nation; that new nation will be a great one. Is it not great? What a courageous endeavor; the formation of The United States of America. What feeds it's greatness? Freedom feeds the greatness of this nation. Where does freedom come from? It comes from the Word of God. It does not, and cannot come from any human government. In the United States; many, many great things have happened. Great leaders have developed. Great institutions of higher learning have developed. Great inventions have been made here. Great strides in music, the arts, sports, technology, industry, commerce and standard of living. None of this would or could have happened had it not been for the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Men and women all over the world seek for that which will inspire and motivate them. They seek for that which will comfort and instruct them. America has it. The United States has within it an explosive force that cannot be measured by human demarcations. It is much too powerful. This force is in two connected parts: The power of the Word of God; and the power of the faith that it produces. Some may say that the United States is "on the ropes." Not so. As long as the Word of God is preached and taught in this nation; this nation will be blessed. George Washington clearly stated: "No nation can adequately be governed without the Bible." I agree with him.

Raymond Berry

His legs were crooked. One was shorter than the other. He had a bad back. He was skinny and not very fast. He was near-sighted. One of his hands had fingers out of joint. He did not have natural physical ability. Nevertheless, he was one of the greatest receivers to ever step on a football field. He played in the NFL for the old Baltimore Colts from 1955 to 1967. He was Johnny Unitas' favorite target. Some of his records have still not been broken. He led the NFL in receiving and receptions 3 times. He played in 6 Pro Bowls, and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1973. As already mentioned; his eyesight was bad. He was the first professional athlete to ever wear contact lenses. He also wore special dark glasses because the sun bothered his eyes so much. He made up for his physical shortcomings by practicing hard and by being highly disciplined. He had tremendous drive, and he took care of the details. He loved the game. He is an inspiration to many. His name is Raymond Berry.

Sasha, Janet and Shivaya

Last month,in Hawaii, 2 lesbians named Sasha and Janet Lessin gathered together with friends and held what was called a "commitment ceremony." The "commitment" being celebrated was not a renewal of their "marriage vows"; it was the incorporation of a third person, "Shivaya,"into their so-called "triad." In this case, Shivaya is both Sasha and Janet's husband, wife, spouse, mate, partner and vice-versa. Might this create confusion? This type of relationship between 3 people is called "polyamory." It is not necessarily something new. However, a relationship of this type, seeking legitimacy as a marriage, is something we are not accustomed to. Redefine marriage? Marriage is something in particular; not a construct of society that can be changed or redefined at will. What comes next?

Dwight Howard

Maybe he does not get much publicity; but he is a great basketball player. He was an NBA player at the age of 18. He was drafted right out of high school by the Orlando Magic. He is not a one-man team. Nevertheless he was a major factor in preventing Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers from participating in the NBA finals. He graduated from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. Maybe the media would have a field day if he got arrested in a night club or if he got a DUI. The media attention will come. It may take 7 games; but the Magic will win the NBA championship. Dwight Howard led the NBA in rebounds before he was old enough to take a legal drink. He performs on the court and he is a gentleman off the court. We shall see.