In case you hadn't heard, today would have been the 96th birthday of President Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911 - 2004) - one of America's greatest presidents and one of the 20th century's greatest world leaders. His optimism, principled vision, and ability to communicate clearly are sorely missed. … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas
John 1:14 (NASB) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Wrote Charles Wesley: Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail th'Incarnate Deity - Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Hark the herald, angels sing Glory to the newborn King! Merry Christmas to all! … [Read more...]
Happy Chanukah / Beethoven’s Birthday
How often do the first day of Judaism's Festival of Lights and the anniversary of the 19th century's most influential composer's birth coincide? Not very often I suspect. Some medley ideas for the occasion: Hava Nagila and Missa Solemnis? The Eroica and The Temple? How about a kletzmer rendition of the "Moonlight Sonata"? Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
As always, whenever this important holiday time arrives, there are many things to be thankful for: the grace of God, a loving and faithful wife, a healthy and beautiful baby daughter, the freedoms we hold dear in the United States, creature comforts & blessings beyond number, Jim is back home from the hospital ... I could go on and on. But just two important passages to quote for reflection on the eve of Thanksgiving Day 2006. First, a psalm of David from the Scriptures: Psalm 103:1-5 (NASB) Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the … [Read more...]
Bless You Boys
Enough with Fox and ESPN's contrived controversy about dirt on Kenny Rogers' hand. He pitched a good game. Get over it, St. Louis. Bring on Game 3. In the spirit of a Detroit Tigers team returning to the World Series for the first time since it was "Morning Again in America" and Stevie Wonder topped the charts, I just had to link back to this bit of childhood nostalgia. It's 1984 all over again and time to "Bless You Boys." Restore the Roar once more. Wow! … [Read more...]
My Tigers Beat Down the Yankees
The Detroit Tigers have dispatched the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series with a convincing 8-3 victory at Comerica Park today. Great pitching beats "the greatest lineup ever." The $195 million Yankee nation payroll humbled by Motown's finest. My friends, I am all smiles on this fine day. Hats off to great Tiger pitching - Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander, Joel Zumaya, Jamie Walker, Todd Jones, and "The Gambler" Kenny Rogers. In the last 3 contests the pathetic pinstripes mounted only 6 runs compared to Detroit's 18. Everyone in the lineup contributed to the series victory, but it seems fitting and proper to mention each one by name - Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco, Sean Casey, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, … [Read more...]
9/11
Today marks the five-year anniversary of a horrific day forever etched in our individual and collective memories. May God continue to give peace and comfort and strength to the families of victims, wisdom and moral clarity and fortitude to our nation's leaders, and faith and patience and resolve to each and every citizen of the United States of America. Five years later, America has not forgotten. May we never be overcome by grief or fear or apathy or moral confusion. But for the sake of liberty and humanity and all we hold dear, may we go on to wage the fight against the fanatical evildoers of Islamofascism. The road well may be long and arduous, but the outcome is certain: On to Victory! … [Read more...]
Whither the Fourth?
Independence Day is almost upon us, but it appears about half of Americans couldn't care less about the real reason for the celebration. The results of a new survey from Zogby are disappointing - albeit not terribly surprising - and a bit enlightening as well. The pollster asked 1,884 American adults what the #1 reason for celebrating the coming holiday is (a holiday that just happens to be named Independence Day): Just 48% of those surveyed say that they specifically mark the Fourth of July as a time to celebrate America’s independence. Another 33% say they see the holiday as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, while much smaller percentages look at the Fourth as just a day off from work (6%), or as a break from … [Read more...]
Memorial Day Tribute
Thank a veteran or active-duty serviceman for their great sacrifices as we remember those who "gave the last full measure of devotion," from Lexington & Concord to Baghdad and a thousand places in between. O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life. America, America, May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And ev'ry gain divine. … [Read more...]
Lincoln’s Day, Lincoln’s Year
Editor's note: I have included my most highly recommended Lincoln book selections at the end of this post, if you care to read that far. Since the celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday was subsumed under the generic President's Day label, the significance of tomorrow often is forgotten. But I would have a difficult time omitting a commemorative mention of the significance of February 12 - especially this year. In both the Gregorian and Western Christian church calendars, 2006 runs the same pattern as 1865, the closing months of Lincoln's life - since recounted in legendary memory. The assassination of the 16th President took place on the night of Good Friday, April 14, the same date in which American Christians and others will … [Read more...]
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