O's and Pasta

Two things I love to do in Baltimore: eat pasta in "Little Italy" and go to the O's game with family and friends. There is nothing like it! I spent Wednesday night with my wife and two boys, along with some friends, enjoying a night at the harbor, eating in little Italy (Ammici's), and watching the birds win. One of the greatest pieces of advance I have been given came from a friend of mine from Bell Shoals Church in Florida: "it's about making memories with your kids!"

America's Character Coach

Just finished two weeks of basketball camp with Rolando Lamb, America's Character Coach (www.coachlamb.webs.com), at Cool Spring Church Rec Center. This camp focuses on the "Making of Champions." Designed to teach basketball skill development and character, it was amazing to watch kids grow from the first day to the last. From first graders to ninth graders, (boys and girls) they learned endurance, perseverance, and finishing the race. For many, they were challenged with new physical exercises and basketball skills. And some struggled. For me, being a part of this camp as a worker and parent, reminded me of the difficulties this world brings and how the weaknesses of my life wants to give in to not enduring or persevering. But in the end, when we have endured, the prize is great. The joy of celebration for those kids as they were presented with character awards, certificates, and camp shirts, made it all worth it. They walked away with a better understanding of who they are and who they can become - a champion. "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14.

The Common Man

"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs." Coach John Wooden

Think about that statement. Here is a man that coached with integrity, honesty, and Christian character. And though he considers himself a common man, the basketball world views him as the greatest coach of all time - winning 10 national titles in 12 years while at UCLA. It is a reminder to me that God can take, and wants to use, the common man to do great things. Wow!

Kickin Off

Today begins a new era in the world of recreation. This blog will not only reflect life's great moments in the English family (as I brag on my wife and kids), but will also reflect the passions I have for using recreation and sports for the purpose of glorifying Christ (1 Cor. 10:31). Through this blog, I hope to share with you my daily learning's of recreation and ministry, while connecting with others serving in similar passions.

Recreation and Sports provide us with the opportunity to engage people on all levels. The culture in which we live today is a leisure oriented culture. From the outdoors, to the gyms, athletic fields, craft events, water facilities, and other arenas, people are competing. Not only are they competing in athletics, but in life. What better way to engage people than meeting them where they are and helping them get where they need to be.