Response

It has been said that, " it's not how we act, but rather how we react." So true.

Throughout the New Testament and the writings that reflect the life of Christ, we can see that the idea of response was critical to his representation of his father's will and purpose. His response to those who accused him verbally, his response to those who beat him physically, his response to those who laughed or mocked him, and his response to those who even followed him. Whether he was responding to the accusers or teaching his followers, each of these situations required a spirit filled response. A type of response that calls for obedience to yield to the glorification of God, in all circumstances.

Responses are inevitable and impactful. In our lives we will be faced with great times and our responses will be generous and overflowing with ease. But we will also face times when our responses will take more yielding and reflection. In our sports leagues we teach our players and coaches how to respond to the calls that go in their favor and how to respond to the calls they do not go in their favor. Depending on the call and the response, it can and will dictate the response of the others in the playing area for the better or the worse. The same is true in our lives and particularly those who are following and trusting Christ.

Our responses are the lamp stands for which others will see or not see Christ's spirit dwelling and living in us. When faced with difficult times, we need to allow our response emotion to yield to the Holy Spirit. It doesn't mean that we will not have emotions that may create anger, worry, or hurt, nor does it mean we lay down softly or do not hold others or ourselves accountable for actions. However, it does mean that as followers of Christ, in the depths of our soul and no matter the situation, we desire to live out 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "Whether I eat or drink, I do all for the glory of God."

In our responses we must reflect on the life of Christ. Reflect on the teachings he gave others when facing specific actions and reactions. Remember, our purpose, like that of Christ's, is to glorify the Father in heaven and provide a lamp stand for others to see. Don't let our emotions control our response. Let's allow our responses to be controlled by Christ so that others may see the difference within us. Remember, we are considered, according to the scripture, peculiar people.

Sportsmanship Interview

Check out www.sport.org (sports spectrum radio website) for an interview I did on Sportsmanship. The show consists of a variety of topics with other guests. The interview will air on Saturday August 7th nationwide and is located on the website as well.

Hitt'n the Road

Vaaa--k--see---oon - this is the french phonetic for VACATION! And that's where I am headed. After a great summer of four sports camps, VBS, and the addition of TRIBL3 Games / Girls basketball league / Sports Training Series, it's off for some fun with the family!

We are headed out and headed south for one final family vaa--k--see--oon (Go ahead say it with laughter and enthusiasm). Yep, this may be the changing of the guards in terms of family vaa-k--see--oons. When we come back Tyler heads to George Mason and well...although he will want to come home for the first few weeks or months, I know by the end of the year he will have gained some independence and momma will begging him to come home (me too because I have some house work for him). This will be a good time for us to enjoy each other and for Brendan to enjoy his big brother for one last party!

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard and participated to make this recreation summer one of impact.

I may blog while I am gone, not sure how the mood will be. If not, I will be back in the office after next week and ready for some insights and growth as we kick off the fall season of recreation and sports in the Cool Spring Rec Ministry.

Things Every Kid Needs

About 40% of our recreation ministry involves working with kids; from our Upward Sports leagues to sport camps and after school activities. In working with kids we not only have to be knowledgeable about the sport or recreation skill we are teaching, but also the nature and spiritual needs that are present.

In Reggie Joiner's book, Think Orange, he gives five things every kid needs:

1. A REALLY BIG GOD they can trust no matter what. Kids should grow up knowing that God is big enough to handle whatever they may face.
2. SOMEONE ELSE who believes what they believe. Kids need friends who will encourage them to grow in their faith.
3. ANOTHER VOICE saying the same things parents say. As children grow older it becomes more important to have other adults in their lives as spiritual mentors and leaders.
4. UNCOMMON SENSE to help them make wise decisions. God's point of view and His truth should become the filter for how kids view life and make decisions.
5. NOSY PARENTS who know where their kids are spiritually. Kids need parents who will be intentional about spending time together as a family and staying actively involved in their children's spiritual life.

Whether we are coaching a team, hosting a day camp, or working one on one with a kid, we (our recreation and Upward ministries), want to be mindful of these areas. Knowing that these needs are critical in the development of a child's faith and life, it is our goal to have an intentional process for addressing each of them.

Still Camping... Multi-Sports Week

Another week of sports camp has started! This week we are partnering with Overtime Athletics and hosting a Multi-Sports camp for grades 1-5. Campers this week are learning Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, Physical Fitness, Volleyball, and field day events / water games.

Throughout the day campers are focused on learning new skills of the game, rules of the games, nutrition for healthy bodies, and character. Each day has a new concept that is taught by our staff as well as a biblical truth. Campers are learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, respect, and accomplishment.

This is a great camp to help introduce children to a variety of sports. It gives kids and parents the opportunity to explore together different and new interests. Often we have our own agendas for what our kids should participate in and we do not allow for them to explore and develop for themselves. As summer comes to a close and you review all your activities / camps / travel leagues, talk about them with your kid(s). Learn to help them explore, they may like it or they may not like it, and discover who they are as well as the areas God has gifted them.

Oh by the way, as a parent of two very different children seven years apart, this is something I have to remind myself everyday!

22 years ago...

This morning marks the 22 year celebration of being cancer free. It was August 1, 1988 that I found myself diagnosed with a rare cancer (4th in the world) and headed into surgery at the Medical College of Va. That day comes with many memories and emotions:

• Uncertain as to why me
• President of the orthopedic cancer society was my surgeon, Dr. Walter Lawrence
• Family and others support
• A lot of sick people around me
• My Dad and I laughing as they wheeled me into operating room
• Peace of God present during the early prep for surgery
• And many others ....

And with each of these, came God's plan for my life. Though I was uncertain, God was sure (Jeremiah 29:11). God had provided the best surgeon for the task and many family and friends were supportive through the process. Yes, I was surrounded by many other children who too were fighting, and God taught me that there are always others with needs. The presence of my father was that of laughter and jokes in the midst of a crisis, it was a true picture of who God is in our lives - a loving and caring father who provides peace in the midst of a storm. And as I grow older each year, I recognize more the blessing that God has given me - life.

The celebration of today will not necessarily be that of a party or big announcement, but simply a presence and awareness of thanking God for his blessings over the past 22 years.