Terrible Idea
So… I don’t know how or why I missed this one because it’s right up my alley, but apparently at the start of the 2013 academic year, a conservative Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, had a terrible idea. Oral Roberts University, home of the Golden Eagle mascot, gathered its 4,000 – some students together into their beautiful glass arch – topped chapel and released a live bald eagle into the sanctuary. It soared around the balcony to thunderous applause and chants of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” It was very “Christian” (???). However, it was also short lived. As you can probably imagine, it didn’t quite go as planned. Rest assured, Lewis (that’s the eagle’s name) is fine but the whole thing was caught on tape.
Message from God?
Being an American, I will admit that the fine state of Florida has a particular reputation stateside. It is extremely segmented, so what you get is a huge mix of social – political – religious views clashing together. It also has some of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever find. But it also produces some very unique individuals. Patti Burke is one of them. A nice, sweet lady of faith, Patti found a message one day while eating her favourite snack, those cheesy and wonderful little goldfish crackers. Patti is convinced that God put a message in her salty treat because she saw both a cross and a crown of thorns imprinted in its tiny “flesh.” When asked about the “miracle,” Patti’s own pastor reportedly responded (I believe) quite well saying, “I would hesitate to call it a miracle, but I think it points to the miracle, which is Jesus Christ.” Not bad. Not bad at all.
“God in goldfish cracker.”
Video
Bluefish TV has great clips and video sermon illustrations. This week I accidentally stumbled upon a little gem titled, “What if Darth Vader Joined Your Small Group?” It’s genius. At least my inner nerd thought so.
Charity
It’s been just short of two years now. I’ve been growing my hair out from a buzz cut and it’s currently about 12 inches long. Once I have a ponytail that reaches that length it will be gone and I’ll be bald. I have mixed feelings about it now, but when my head gets shaved someone else gets to feel good again. Wigs for Kids has been providing hair replacement systems and a lot of other support for children all around the world who have lost their hair due to fire or chemotherapy or radiation. And they do it for free with the help of partners like Pantene Pro – V and people like my daughter Madeline. If you’ve got it, or you can grow it, do it. There’s a million reasons why and few not to. And as a side note: I’ve saved about $700 on haircuts.
wigsforkids.org.
