Do you know this guy? This is the recently graduated quarterback of the University of Florida football team. His name is Tim Tebow. However, this is NOT a post about football, but rather about eye black, religious beliefs, and constitutional freedoms.

You see, he chose to play football each week with a Scripture written in his eye black. And a lot of folks got angry. Apparently, he's a very conservative Christian guy and rather than wear his faith on his sleeve, he wears it under his eyes. And it earns him a lot of flack.

Why is that? We accept far more from others. Have you seen the permanent tattoos of guys like Tommy Lee or Allen Iverson or David Beckham? Terrelle Pryor used his eye black to show support for his friend, "Vick." Why can't Tim give glory to God? What's up with that?

Again, this is NOT about football. If you are led to comment on his on field performance, his record, his team, his rivals, etc., it means that you don't comprehend well, since you missed the entire point.

Your comments--priceless!!

A week ago today, Pastor Bob Coy of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, delivered an awesome message to me. I've thought about it every day since then. It was about holiday gifts. He spoke about how stressed we allow ourselves to become during this season. He mentioned how odd it was that we would spend Thanksgiving giving thanks, then get up early for shopping on Friday--buying gifts for those who really didn't need them.

I agree. We are in a different time. Our economy is in dire straits. Many are underemployed, many unemployed. Entire cities and states are hurting. Yet, even with all of this going on, we are STILL in better shape than most of the world. Have you thought about that? There are folks around the world living in such dispair that they would give their life for the mere chance of making it to America.

Should we really be stressed about gifts? Seriously? Let's give of ourselves. Let's help others. Let's look at our lives and be TRULY thankful for those spiritual gifts that we all have been granted. Then let's look at how we can help others. It doesn't have to be a huge effort. It doesn't even have to cost you a dime. Even those without money have spiritual gifts that can be shared. If you don't have money or time, can you spare a kind word to someone in turmoil?

I'm convinced that each life has a purpose. What's yours? What can you give of yourself? What gift has God given you that you can share with others?

Your comments--priceless!!

Today is the 58th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. It's held on the first Thursday of May. It's set aside as a day for people of all faiths to pray for our country and it's leadership.

I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. It is the bridge between Heaven and Earth. Most major religions incorporate prayer into their rituals. Prayer can be done privately or with a group. It can be spontaneous or planned. It doesn't even need to be said aloud. It is a time that you share with God, whatever the reason.

Many cities will have Prayer programs today. Florida will have a reading at the state capitol building. Many churches will also have programs. We have a new President and we are also going through a trying time as a Nation. What better time to pray?

Your comments--priceless!

Today is Easter Sunday. For some of us, that means the we break out the Easter baskets, colored eggs and chocolate bunnies. But for many of us, this is the most Holy of times. Today is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion. In many families, it is marked by Church attendance, followed by a family feast. As a child, Easter weekend was always wrapped up with a visit to the National Zoo in Washington, DC on Easter Monday.

I have much to be thankful for this Easter. Though I'm certainly not where I want to be, I have faith that I am exactly where God wants me to be. There are certainly lessons that I need to be learning, and I hope that I get them soon, so that I can move on from this place. I'm feeling very stagnant.

What about you? What are your Easter traditions, if any? Does your religion observe Easter? Does your family have specific Easter customs?

Your comments--priceless!!

Just because you have a cell phone does not mean that should not observe common courtesy when it comes to others in public places.

There are some times and places where is is not cool for me to hear your cell phone ring. I do NOT want to hear your cell in a place or worship or in a movie theater. Phones should be silenced. And if you forget to silence it, as we all have done, and it rings, DO NOT answer it and hold a conversation. Excuse yourself and go to a more private area. Anything less than that, is a reflection of your home training, or lack thereof.

If you are sitting in a restaurant, I guess it's up to you whether you want to take the call or not. But still, remember the rule of polite society. Recently, while trying to enjoy my meal, I had the pleasure of hearing someone describe, in detail, a horrible rash in a very private area to a medical provider--YUCK!

I realize that we live in the age of technology and I love my Blackberry as much as the next person, but exercise civility!

Your comments--priceless!