The Olympics Have Begun!

My wife and I always enjoy watching the Olympics and listening the stories of how athletes through discipline, adversity, commitment, hard work, and inspiration made it to the Olympics.  Of course, it is always good to see so many countries of the world competing in a peaceful setting.


We were not able to watch all of the Opening Ceremonies, but were disappointed to hear that NBC omitted a significant piece of the Ceremony.  The Brits put in a beautiful and riveting piece remembering those who died because of terrorism.  Was it because the scene had a Christian message to it that it was omitted?  Or was it because it had to do with terrorism?


The British, as always, presented this with good taste. NBC, on the other hand, exhibited bad taste in omitting it.  To see the omitted piece, click http://deadspin.com/5929778/heres-the-opening-ceremony-tribute-to-terrorism-victims-nbc-doesnt-want-you-to-see.

The Fourth In Atlanta

One of the big events in the Atlanta area on the Fourth of July is the Peachtree Road Race, a 10K run which amples down Peachtree Road from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park.  My wife and ran it with 60,000 other people.  It was her 32nd in a row!

Allison just before running her 32nd year in a row

Another Atlanta tradition are the fireworks in the evening at various sites around the city.  We viewed them at Lenox Square.  It was wonderful to see so many American Flags all over the city, and the participation by so many in local events.

Noah's Ark Outfitters

The Three Apostles Mountain Range

During my recent trip to the Colorado Wilderness with nine other Anglican bishops, the outfitters who led this Anglican Leadership Initiative was a group in Buena Vista called Noah's Ark.  Led by Chuck Chichowich and his team, all of us were quite impressed with the quality of Christian leadership we encountered.  Noah's Ark hires young people to serve as leaders and guides for rock climbing, white-water river rafting, and wilderness expeditions.  Through their training and equipping, literally thousands of leaders around the United States are serving the Lord in various ministries.  For more information on Noah's Ark, see www.noahsark.com.  If you are planning a trip to Colorado, be sure the check them out and what they might offer you.

David, Chuck Chichowich, and Ben Carrol, our Guides

Bishop Silas Ng and my tent at 12,000 ft.

Wake Up America

This past Sunday at our Annual Independence Day Service, I preached a sermon entitled, "Wake Up America."  It is a sermon calling us to turn back to God and turn away from our wickedness.  Although I did not think it was that great a sermon, the response from the congregation was standing ovation -- the first I have ever had after a sermon!  I asked folks if that was truly their sentiment, to kneel and call out to God on behalf of nation.


To hear this sermon, click here.... http://www.holycrosspodcasts.org/C1-media;show,172.


Lord God Almighty, who hast made all peoples of the earth for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and peace:  Grant to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.


Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name.  Amen.