As a Washington Capitals fan (National Hockey League), I'm hurting. This past season the Capitals finished as the highest scoring team an number 1 going into the playoffs. In fact the first round of the playoffs they would play the Montreal Canadians, the number 8 team.
But the ice was slippery and the fall was hard. The Cap's would be up 3 games to 1, only needing to win one more game. Unfortunately, the Canadians came back as a number 8 team and defeated the number 1 team 4 games to 3. Oh the hurt and shock that was on all Capitals fans last night, as well as the coaches and players. It may go down as the worst upset in the teams history. For at the beginning of the season and through the midpoint of the season the Capitals were poised and ready to win the coveted Stanley Cup. And it didn't happen. Why? I'm still so stunned that I really don't know (not enough goals scored when it counted).
However, I have learned that in life the expected doesn't always go our way. The hopes and dreams we have set out for us sometimes are altered by circumstances, actions, illnesses, and life issues. And in those times we can become stunned or shocked to the point of being paralyzed. I can remember in my own life when the unexpected hit our family and we had to make a career move as a result of health issues and God's new direction for our lives. And in that shock, Romans 8:28 became real for me, " For we know that those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to the will of God." It was this verse that released me from my shock of change. For this verse reassured me that even change may be inevitable and circumstances happen, but God is still in control. You see God is never surprised or shocked as we are. In his love and insight before us, He has a plan and purpose for each of us.
So, in your defeats, surprises, and shocking experiences, look to God for direction and guidance as he equips you and prepares you for what is ahead.
As far as the Capitals go, it was a great season with a different ending. And for now my jersey will hang back in the closet waiting for next year.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
God Moments
If you have ever been involved as a coach at any level of play, you understand that throughout the course of a season there our "teaching moments." By that I mean there are times when in the course of an at bat, a goal kick, a long distance run, or game ending play; that you will have the opportunity to take a difficult lesson and develop the character of a player or a team. That's what is so great about working in recreation. It combines the skill of the game and the development of character.
I also like to refer to those as "God Moments." Moments in life when to our surprise, only because we are not anticipating God's hand working daily, that God places us in a place or position that He wants to teach us or use our lives for His glory. While running a sports company in a third world culture oversees, all to often "God Moments" would occur as I was setting up new leagues, inviting coaches and players from the neighborhood streets to participate, and meeting with government officials.
Well, last night I experienced a "God Moment." During an adult basketball game I decided to walk on our track. It's a great place to walk and see the games being played from above. As I was about to finish a friend of mine called my name and wanted to walk a few laps. My first response was to think that I needed to get back to the adult game at hand, but the other side of me really wanted to just walk and visit with him. So, we started another lap and before I knew it the game was over and the next game was starting. It was great! The conversations we had about how God was showing us new things in our lives and what steps we could be taking in order to continue our faith journey and seeking Christ's will for our lives was thrilling. It was a "God Moment."
While "God Moments" are thrilling because they come to us as a surprise, I cannot help but wonder what life would be like if I anticipated every opportunity to be a thrilling experience of seeing where God wants to be involved. The challenge is to enjoy the thrill of God blessing us with moments of surprise, but to learn to live in expectation of His presence in all things.
The great missionary William Carey phrased it this way, "Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God."
I also like to refer to those as "God Moments." Moments in life when to our surprise, only because we are not anticipating God's hand working daily, that God places us in a place or position that He wants to teach us or use our lives for His glory. While running a sports company in a third world culture oversees, all to often "God Moments" would occur as I was setting up new leagues, inviting coaches and players from the neighborhood streets to participate, and meeting with government officials.
Well, last night I experienced a "God Moment." During an adult basketball game I decided to walk on our track. It's a great place to walk and see the games being played from above. As I was about to finish a friend of mine called my name and wanted to walk a few laps. My first response was to think that I needed to get back to the adult game at hand, but the other side of me really wanted to just walk and visit with him. So, we started another lap and before I knew it the game was over and the next game was starting. It was great! The conversations we had about how God was showing us new things in our lives and what steps we could be taking in order to continue our faith journey and seeking Christ's will for our lives was thrilling. It was a "God Moment."
While "God Moments" are thrilling because they come to us as a surprise, I cannot help but wonder what life would be like if I anticipated every opportunity to be a thrilling experience of seeing where God wants to be involved. The challenge is to enjoy the thrill of God blessing us with moments of surprise, but to learn to live in expectation of His presence in all things.
The great missionary William Carey phrased it this way, "Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God."
Friday, April 23, 2010
Upward Training 2010
Headed out today with twelve others to Baltimore for the 2010 Upward Leadership Training. Our Upward Sports ministry is unique in that involves several other churches in the area. Through our partnership we are able to impact our community in a variety of ways. It is exciting for me to be able to go with these new leaders from various churches in order to continue to see and shape the future of our Upward Sports ministry.
In continuing our efforts in providing the best sports ministry experience possible, our folks will be diving into everything from evaluations, computer drafting process, coach training, substitution system, and ministry opportunities. It is a focus of ours to provide each player/participant with an opportunity to learn the sport of their choosing through quality coaching and game day experiences. It is also our focus to meet each player and participant where they are in life and introduce them to a relationship with Christ through our actions and words.
If you are interested in being a part of our Upward Sports Ministry as a player, coach, or leader, check our website out at www.upwardhanover.org. For more information about Upward Sports, go to www.upward.org.
You can also SIGN UP NOW for our Flag Football Camp June 22-24 and the 2010 Flag Football Season at www.upwardhanover.org.
In continuing our efforts in providing the best sports ministry experience possible, our folks will be diving into everything from evaluations, computer drafting process, coach training, substitution system, and ministry opportunities. It is a focus of ours to provide each player/participant with an opportunity to learn the sport of their choosing through quality coaching and game day experiences. It is also our focus to meet each player and participant where they are in life and introduce them to a relationship with Christ through our actions and words.
If you are interested in being a part of our Upward Sports Ministry as a player, coach, or leader, check our website out at www.upwardhanover.org. For more information about Upward Sports, go to www.upward.org.
You can also SIGN UP NOW for our Flag Football Camp June 22-24 and the 2010 Flag Football Season at www.upwardhanover.org.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Define It
The difficult thing about the English language is knowing which particular definition goes to the particular word. The word that I am going to mention today certainly falls in that category and even carries the weight of personal opinion and expectation. The word is competition.
Like the word leadership, competition has several thousand definitions, understandings, and expectations. Throughout any given day I encounter people who engage in competition or talk about competition. Within those participating, whether playing or talking, there are differences that arise. From the thought of winning at all cost to making sure every one receives a reward for their involvement.
In this brief blog let me give you a definition of competition that I believe fits well. In fact it even points to a biblical view of competition that is positive for us all. Roger Oswald, leading developer of sports and recreation resources, has penned the definition of competition to be, "the pursuit of a goal in the face of resistance." I agree with his statement both athletically and spiritually. In many recreation activities or games, we are against a resistance in the pursuit of our goals. Whether that be in a baseball game, a fitness class, or a golf match. I would also agree with Caz McCaslin, founder of Upward Sports, that competition is also measured and defined as "an equal opportunity to win... And there is a difference between competition and healthy competition." Unfortunately most people have in their minds a view or definition of competition that is defined by having the best ten players on a team and putting a beating on another team or individual.
From a spiritual viewpoint as Christians, we too are in a competition. We are striving for the goal or prize that Christ Jesus has set before us in the face of resistance - the ways of this world. It's in this competition that we learn life lessons and teaching moments when the resistance is before us. You may have noticed that in this life when things are well we are not really in growing mode. But when we are battling the things of the flesh, the world, and the devil, we find ourselves growing deeper in our spiritual walk.
Therefore, in light of the definition provided for competition, I would say competition is good and even biblical. Like sports and life, it's the times that we have to respond to resistance that we find ourselves developing for the better and learning lessons to enhance our recreation activity/sport and Christian walk.
This is simply a brief overview and a place to start in terms of your thinking about competition. Ask yourself what's your view of competition and why? Competition stems from what you are passionate about. It's that passion that creates competition. The passions you posses stimulate motivation, inspiration, and are transferable to others (good or bad). So what's your passion? Is it winning, is it developing children with proper sports instruction, is it glorifying Christ in your sports experience?
Like the word leadership, competition has several thousand definitions, understandings, and expectations. Throughout any given day I encounter people who engage in competition or talk about competition. Within those participating, whether playing or talking, there are differences that arise. From the thought of winning at all cost to making sure every one receives a reward for their involvement.
In this brief blog let me give you a definition of competition that I believe fits well. In fact it even points to a biblical view of competition that is positive for us all. Roger Oswald, leading developer of sports and recreation resources, has penned the definition of competition to be, "the pursuit of a goal in the face of resistance." I agree with his statement both athletically and spiritually. In many recreation activities or games, we are against a resistance in the pursuit of our goals. Whether that be in a baseball game, a fitness class, or a golf match. I would also agree with Caz McCaslin, founder of Upward Sports, that competition is also measured and defined as "an equal opportunity to win... And there is a difference between competition and healthy competition." Unfortunately most people have in their minds a view or definition of competition that is defined by having the best ten players on a team and putting a beating on another team or individual.
From a spiritual viewpoint as Christians, we too are in a competition. We are striving for the goal or prize that Christ Jesus has set before us in the face of resistance - the ways of this world. It's in this competition that we learn life lessons and teaching moments when the resistance is before us. You may have noticed that in this life when things are well we are not really in growing mode. But when we are battling the things of the flesh, the world, and the devil, we find ourselves growing deeper in our spiritual walk.
Therefore, in light of the definition provided for competition, I would say competition is good and even biblical. Like sports and life, it's the times that we have to respond to resistance that we find ourselves developing for the better and learning lessons to enhance our recreation activity/sport and Christian walk.
This is simply a brief overview and a place to start in terms of your thinking about competition. Ask yourself what's your view of competition and why? Competition stems from what you are passionate about. It's that passion that creates competition. The passions you posses stimulate motivation, inspiration, and are transferable to others (good or bad). So what's your passion? Is it winning, is it developing children with proper sports instruction, is it glorifying Christ in your sports experience?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
SERVE
Over the last few days I had the opportunity to participate in the CSRM, Church Sports and Recreation Ministers Conference. I really enjoy this conference because it involves people working globally through church sports, dives into practical experiences of everyday recreation and ministry, and offers some academic discussion regarding recreation.
Over the course of several days, Vice Presidents from Chick-Fil-A participated in the conference. Many of you may be aware of the great leadership model that they have developed in order to ensure that each Chick-Fil-A location offers the same service and quality experience. From top to bottom, they build their leadership structure to work within the acronym SERVE.
Here is what SERVE stands for:
S - See and Shape the Future
E - Engage and Develop Others
R - Reinvent Continuously
V - Value Results AND Relationships
E - Embody the Values
Whether we are overseeing a ministry, a business, or raising children; each of these are options for us to reflect on.
Matthew 20:26 "It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,.."
Over the course of several days, Vice Presidents from Chick-Fil-A participated in the conference. Many of you may be aware of the great leadership model that they have developed in order to ensure that each Chick-Fil-A location offers the same service and quality experience. From top to bottom, they build their leadership structure to work within the acronym SERVE.
Here is what SERVE stands for:
S - See and Shape the Future
E - Engage and Develop Others
R - Reinvent Continuously
V - Value Results AND Relationships
E - Embody the Values
Whether we are overseeing a ministry, a business, or raising children; each of these are options for us to reflect on.
Matthew 20:26 "It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,.."
Monday, April 12, 2010
Pentagon to the ATL
Along with the Cool Spring Travelers, I have a day planned to tour the Pentagon. With a group of 40 headed out early Tuesday morning, we are going to take in the sites and sounds of the Pentagon and the new memorial built for those who lost their lives in 911. Being a Washingtonian fan, I am looking forward to being in the city and learning more about the Pentagon on this detailed tour. The Cool Spring Travelers is a great way to catch a variety of traveling experiences both around Richmond and other areas.
From the Pentagon I will be making my way to Atlanta to participate in the Church Sports and Recreation Ministers conference. This conference includes those involved in recreation and church growth both nationally and internationally. It's a great place to gain a global perspective of the Christian work taking place through recreation and sports. Having lived in Northern Africa for several years, I miss the global perspective of what God is doing in His world. And this conference is a way for me to stay in touch with those serving Christ through sports in the international world. From facilities and lack of facility use, coaches training, league development, sports and spiritual discipleship, relationships and evangelism, fitness and health, and the list goes on. All of these topics will be discussed in detail to further stretch us in how we view and use recreation and sports to impact our culture with Christian principles influenced through the life of Christ.
Each of these trips will provide me the opportunity to engage others. Others who will impact and influence me through their life experiences and journey with Christ.
From the Pentagon I will be making my way to Atlanta to participate in the Church Sports and Recreation Ministers conference. This conference includes those involved in recreation and church growth both nationally and internationally. It's a great place to gain a global perspective of the Christian work taking place through recreation and sports. Having lived in Northern Africa for several years, I miss the global perspective of what God is doing in His world. And this conference is a way for me to stay in touch with those serving Christ through sports in the international world. From facilities and lack of facility use, coaches training, league development, sports and spiritual discipleship, relationships and evangelism, fitness and health, and the list goes on. All of these topics will be discussed in detail to further stretch us in how we view and use recreation and sports to impact our culture with Christian principles influenced through the life of Christ.
Each of these trips will provide me the opportunity to engage others. Others who will impact and influence me through their life experiences and journey with Christ.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Augusta
There is no place like Augusta, GA - home to the The Masters Golf Invitational. There are a lot of sporting events throughout the year, but this one ranks top of my list to watch and follow. For a majority of them I can participate in other events or activities, but the Masters is one that grabs my attention for the weekend.
2010 brought about another championship for my favorite Phil Mickleson. I have been cheering for Phil since my days in high school as a golfer and his days at Arizona State. As I was watching him today I thought to myself, "why do I put myself through this." Watching Phil play sometimes brings out the emotional roller coaster in me. Phil is a great player, but tends to be up and down at moments luring you into a sudden cheer and then into a sudden anxious panic (I am aware I should not be this impacted by a TV golf event but I am). Through it all this weekend, Phil put it together and won his third Masters Tournament.
This brought my attention to a song we sang today in worship regarding "laying them down." Laying down our struggles and sins and anxieties of our lives. And I asked myself the same question this morning, "why do I allow myself to experience an emotional roller coaster event in my spiritual life?" Why is it that some days I am as confident in the days events and others I just can't grasp it and lose my focus. The answer is that I do not trust Christ and I do not "lay them (worries and life issues) down." No where in the scriptures will you find our relationship with Christ to be an emotional experience. For if it was, we would all be in trouble. Our relationship with Christ is based on His work on the cross and the Holy Spirit guiding and directing our lives. It's based on truth not feeling or emotion.
Like me, "lay them (whatever your emotional worries or life issues are) down." Enjoy the guidance and direction of Christ and the Holy Spirit in your lives. It's then that we can begin live to in freedom and joy of what is ahead of us.
On a side note - it's great to see Phil win the Masters after a year of his wife Amy battling cancer. That's a story in the world of golf worth hearing. Although I am afraid the scandalous gossip of another golfer will still grab the attention.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Faith and Fitness
I want to introduce you to a great online resource for Faith and Fitness. It's called Faith and Fitness Magazine. Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Brad Bloom, publisher, and talk about Faith and Fitness.
Faith & Fitness Magazine is a lifestyle resource to build physical and spiritual strength. It helps readers make connections between the Christian faith and their fitness lifestyle. It is your tool for powerful, healthy, and passionate living.
Lifestyle Media Group is an energetic network of thinkers, communicators, and media developers all with a passion to inspire and motivate people to live life fully. Faith & Fitness Magazine is published six times per year. It is currently only available on the Internet.
If you enjoy reading and research on basic topics such as Nutrition, Training,Seniors, Family, Culture, Professional Development, and other areas, check out www.faithandfitness.net.
Faith & Fitness Magazine is a lifestyle resource to build physical and spiritual strength. It helps readers make connections between the Christian faith and their fitness lifestyle. It is your tool for powerful, healthy, and passionate living.
Lifestyle Media Group is an energetic network of thinkers, communicators, and media developers all with a passion to inspire and motivate people to live life fully. Faith & Fitness Magazine is published six times per year. It is currently only available on the Internet.
If you enjoy reading and research on basic topics such as Nutrition, Training,Seniors, Family, Culture, Professional Development, and other areas, check out www.faithandfitness.net.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Spring Break Fitness Camp
Today and Friday from 8 - Noon we are offering a Spring Break Fitness Camp for kids. We are working with Overtime Athletics in providing fun filled fitness activities and games to promote fitness and exercise.
It was great to watch the first day of camp and see the kids run, jump rope, learn the food pyramid chart, and play relay games incorporating a variety of sports. The sounds of laughter and enthusiasm was a blessing.
Creating a culture of exercise is difficult with adults. But with kids and all that our electronic crazed world offers, is even more difficult. This camp was a first step for us in making intentional strides to help our kids get out and play games, exercise, and learn the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
It was great to watch the first day of camp and see the kids run, jump rope, learn the food pyramid chart, and play relay games incorporating a variety of sports. The sounds of laughter and enthusiasm was a blessing.
Creating a culture of exercise is difficult with adults. But with kids and all that our electronic crazed world offers, is even more difficult. This camp was a first step for us in making intentional strides to help our kids get out and play games, exercise, and learn the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Tangled Up
As you know from the previous post, I was enjoying the use of my new rod and reel until a mysterious occurrence happened.
The other afternoon I was headed out for some errands - Post Office and Dick's Sporting Goods. I was able to take my youngest son with me since we were going to Dick's for his baseball pants. Having the fishing rod in the truck, I was expecting a great conversation and bonding time about fishing and the outdoors. We were off and things were going great. I stopped by the bank then headed to the Post for what would become a 25 minute wait for a certified letter I didn't know I was receiving and they didn't know where it was located. While inside, Brendan was out in the truck. Finally, I received the letter and headed out to the truck myself. And what to my wandering eyes should appear...but fishing line coming out of the reel from top to bottom. The true test of any father not to lose his cool spirit. Calmly I asked my son what happened. His response was simple, "I don't know." While chuckling I asked again and again he said, "I don't know." The mystery has begun now on how the fishing line went crazy while I was in the Post and he was in the truck.
We then headed to Dick's and I didn't press the topic any further. After arriving home I started to work on the reel and pull some of the line. An hour later I was still pulling the line and finally I called him in the room and simply asked him to be honest about what he did to the reel in order to help me understand better how to fix it. His answer this time was "I can't remember." The mystery still surrounded us on how the line escaped the reel. After much thought and line pulling, I just took it all off and decided to just run new line and start over the next day.
I couldn't help but think how true this story is for all of us. Sometimes we find ourselves in a tangled mess. Whether we can recognize how we arrived in that tangle or not, what is true is that those tangles happen before we realize it. And some of those tangles occur from innocent interests or from deliberate interests. For Brendan, I am sure it was curiosity that got him tangled and he was embarassed to express that to me. Fortunatley this time God led me to remain calm and responsive to him. That leads us to another truth, often we may be embarrased to express our tangles to God for his forgivesness and love. But, the truth is that He already knows and is ready to respond to our messes.
In this life we will find ourselves in some messes and tangled up issues. I am thankful that in those times we can have the confidence to give them to God who cares for us and loves us in a way that welcomes our burdens and issues. So whatever mess you have found yourself tangled in, give it over to Him and let Him make you anew again.
The other afternoon I was headed out for some errands - Post Office and Dick's Sporting Goods. I was able to take my youngest son with me since we were going to Dick's for his baseball pants. Having the fishing rod in the truck, I was expecting a great conversation and bonding time about fishing and the outdoors. We were off and things were going great. I stopped by the bank then headed to the Post for what would become a 25 minute wait for a certified letter I didn't know I was receiving and they didn't know where it was located. While inside, Brendan was out in the truck. Finally, I received the letter and headed out to the truck myself. And what to my wandering eyes should appear...but fishing line coming out of the reel from top to bottom. The true test of any father not to lose his cool spirit. Calmly I asked my son what happened. His response was simple, "I don't know." While chuckling I asked again and again he said, "I don't know." The mystery has begun now on how the fishing line went crazy while I was in the Post and he was in the truck.
We then headed to Dick's and I didn't press the topic any further. After arriving home I started to work on the reel and pull some of the line. An hour later I was still pulling the line and finally I called him in the room and simply asked him to be honest about what he did to the reel in order to help me understand better how to fix it. His answer this time was "I can't remember." The mystery still surrounded us on how the line escaped the reel. After much thought and line pulling, I just took it all off and decided to just run new line and start over the next day.
I couldn't help but think how true this story is for all of us. Sometimes we find ourselves in a tangled mess. Whether we can recognize how we arrived in that tangle or not, what is true is that those tangles happen before we realize it. And some of those tangles occur from innocent interests or from deliberate interests. For Brendan, I am sure it was curiosity that got him tangled and he was embarassed to express that to me. Fortunatley this time God led me to remain calm and responsive to him. That leads us to another truth, often we may be embarrased to express our tangles to God for his forgivesness and love. But, the truth is that He already knows and is ready to respond to our messes.
In this life we will find ourselves in some messes and tangled up issues. I am thankful that in those times we can have the confidence to give them to God who cares for us and loves us in a way that welcomes our burdens and issues. So whatever mess you have found yourself tangled in, give it over to Him and let Him make you anew again.
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