At the risk of being overdramatic, I have to say that this may be the most powerful life story I’ve ever heard. Louis Zamperini has lived a life that tops anything you’ve ever seen in the movies. Laura Hillenbrand, also author of Seabiscuit, does a masterful job of putting you right alongside Louis in his Olympic and War adventures. I found this Youtube video featuring a CBS documentary on Louis followed by an interview with Louis and a Q&A session with a USC journalism class. The 2 hour video is priceless.
My recommendation is that you read the book BEFORE you watch this video. You’ll enjoy the book and the video more if you read the book first. So for those of you who’ve already read the book, or for those who can’t wait, enjoy:
Got some new shoes yesterday for my birthday. They are called Vibram FiveFingers. I got the black TrekSport model. Size 45 (European sizing). For years Vibram has been a leader in producing soles for shoes. But these minimalist shoes are designed to help you walk or run the way God designed you to do: not heel first. Some think they are ugly. I think they are cool:
I wore them most of the day yesterday. This morning I woke up to soreness in some leg muscles, which is very normal, since these shoes cause me to work muscles I typically don’t use. You can learn all about them at the FIVEFINGERS WEBSITE.
If you get a pair or already have a pair, let me know what you think.
God provided a new friend for me today. In God’s kind providence I was privileged to meet, via internet and telephone, a pastor from North Carolina named Jonathan. I am excited about this friendship for what we have in common. We both have a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus.
Barrett’s is found mostly among sufferers of GERD (acid reflux disease), like Jonathan and myself. More importantly, and frighteningly, Barrett’s is a high risk condition for Esophageal Cancer, which is not exactly the best cancer to have.
I had an upper endoscopy at Mayo Clinic on Wednesday. As far as I know, it went well. I should hear the results of the biopsy in about a week. I am scheduled to meet with my doctor there on May 13th to discuss my case. As I shared with a friend of mine, the fact that the physician who did the procedure did not call for an urgent meeting gives me some confidence that he did not see any cancerous growths.
Yesterday I had an upper endoscopy done at Mayo Clinic here in Jacksonville. First of all, I want to thank all of you who prayed for me. It means a lot when facing anything like this to know that there are many who are lifting you before the throne of grace. Yes, it means a WHOLE lot.
I have been suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for over 10 years now. In the past month or so, my symptoms have increased significantly. This despite a fairly regimented management plan I had been living under for some time: nothing to eat 4 hours before bed, prescription medication ($145 a month), and elevated bed.
In Texas there is a football coach knows how to integrate his faith into his sport. Rick Reilly’s recent ESPN the Magazine article features a recent decision Hogan made before a game. Go ahead, click on the link and read the article; it’s worth your time.
Wanting to know more about this coach and this school I found the school’s website. Faith Christian School of Grapevine is the school and here is the stated purpose of their athletic program:
The purpose of the athletic program at Faith Christian School is to develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders. In addition to developing personal character, sportsmanship, and athletic ability, student athletes are encouraged to give their best effort and learn the vital life skills so readily acquired in athletics. In victory or defeat, students are taught to demonstrate grace, humility, and dignity.
Should a Christian drink alcoholic beverages? Christians are divided on the subject. Some Christians, known as prohibitionists, believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is morally wrong. Another group, known as abstentionists, believe that abstaining from use of alcoholic beverages is the wise and loving position. A final group, called the moderationists, believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is acceptable provided they are not abused to the point of drunkenness. All Christians agree that drunkenness is a sin.
soundoftruth.org 