New Year Outlook

Following a Recreation Conference last year, I have been receiving some weekly emails from Don Nova. Don is fitness instructor in LA who has done some work with a friend of mine at his church in Indianapolis. While I am not a big fan of receiving a bunch of email plans, etc. I have enjoyed the simplicity of Don's weekly encouragement from a fitness and spiritual view. So, as you start the 2012, here's his thought starting email for the week.

2012 Goal and Task Sheet * What two goals in each of the following areas do you want to accomplish in 2012? * Identify what tasks you need to do to achieve these goals. * Write these tasks into your weekly calendar and then just follow the calendar. * Formula for accomplishing goals: Goal > Task > Calendar = VICTORY Spiritual Goals: example: develop intimacy with Jesus. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Spiritual Task: example: daily devotions at 6:00am for 45 minutes. Marriage Goals: example: improve relationship with spouse. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Marriage Task: example: weekly date night. Family Goals: example: better communication with children. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Family Task: example: set a bi-monthly date with each child, to do what they want to do. Physical Goals: example: lose 2 pant/dress sizes. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Physical Task: example: power for 40 minutes everyday at 7:00am. Ministry Goals: example: volunteer to help at church. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Ministry Task example: work as an usher twice a month. Professional Goals: example: build a stronger relationship with co-workers. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Professional Task: example: take a co-worker to lunch once a week. Nutritional Goals: example: drink only water. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Nutritional Task: Example: drink 2 liters of water a day. Emotional Goals: example: eliminate past hurts. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Emotional Task: example: forgive someone that has wounded you in the past. Financial Goals: example: get out of debt. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Financial Task: example: create a budget and stick to it. Mental Goals: example: think healthy thoughts. 1) ________________ 2) ________________ Mental Task: example: replace every negative thought with a bible verse. Habakkuk 2:2 Write the vision and make it plain on tablets. You Are A Champion Coach Don Nava You can follow me on Twitter: @CoachNava

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Transformational Coaching

This post is longer than normal, but since I have been building this in my mind and missing a few weeks, I hope you will read the post below and meditate on some thoughts.

Another sport season is upon on us...basketball. And that means more opportunities for kids to participate in sport and learn Christ like values. It also means we need a network of coaches to invest in their lives.

Over the last few months we have seen the word "coach" described in unfavorable ways. From the pressures of money and obtaining high profile athletes to the darker issues of abuse. No matter what the issue is, I think it's true to say we need coaches, people who are investors, that understand their role and the trust placed upon them.

This message is not new. In fact, if you have been around our recreation ministry, you know Rolando Lamb has been involved with our basketball development with the purpose of teaching character and character coaches. And recently I have been reading Joe Ehrmann's book regarding "inside out coaching." Both of these men are calling for men and women, boys and girls, to participate with the intentions of doing so from a transformed way of life. Which leads me to this thought; we have been called by God for a greater purpose.

The sad stories we continue to be exposed to regarding coaches is not new. It 's been around since the fall of man in the garden. It's the struggle of letting go of self and trusting God for our direction and life's purpose. Much like parenting, I have learned that in order to be a good coach, I have to be willing to address the issues / sin struggles in my own life in order to invest in others. And this is not always easy.

We, Cool Spring recreation, have been looking at the concept of Character / Transformational Coaching in comparison to Transactional Coaching. Defined by Erhmann, transactional coaches are those who seek self first (winning, records, contracts), team second, and player third. A transformational coach always seeks the player's interest first, team second, and then his own identity last.

Sports is in need of redemption and sports can provide redemption in peoples lives. The answer begins with each of us recognizing our selfish nature and dying to it. We do that by accepting God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). We then begin to live from God's perspective and purpose for our own lives. The Bible says we are new creations, the old has gone and new has come to us. Therefore, we are able to void the selfish ambitions and live to serve others and Christ. It really is reflective of the Christmas story! (I bet some of you never thought about sports and Christmas and the impact this season can have on our sports culture).

In a culture that serves sports as much as it does a local church, look for ways in your life to be transformational. Invest not for your benefit, but for the benefit of others and the growth of men and women to understand their true character that can be found in and through the love of Christ.

In Between Two Boys

This week was rather funny for me. As many of you know, I have a son (Tyler) who is a second year student at George Mason University and a son (Brendan) who is a student at Oak Knoll Middle School.

Tyler was home last weekend for a visit and was preparing to go back to school for a week that involved teaching observations in the local schools of Fairfax. As he was packing, he was also hitting my closet for dress shirts and pants. He has a few inches (OK, more than a few) on me in height, but the shoulders and neck size hold about the same. By the time he left, three of my shirts were gone and were ready for him to wear the next two weeks.

On the other side of the coin is Brendan's shoes (a 12 year kid who wears a 9.5). As I headed to the office and was planning to exercise, I realized that I forgot my shoes. However, Brendan had me bring his to the gym so he could play basketball after school. Just as Tyler used my shirts, I found myself slipping on Brendan's shoes to do my exercises (Of course, he would have died if he saw me in them).

All this to say that it's a strange, but thankful, feeling to be in the middle of both my boys.

Best thoughts happen........where?

.............in the locker room / restroom of the recreation center! Go ahead and admit it, you know you do your best thinking in the shower etc. Well, the same was true this morning at the Rec Center.

This morning I was talking with one of our consistent guests of the Rec Center. We passed by one another in the locker room area and greeted each other. My friend had been out for the past month and was now back working out. After little talk, he asked me a question....."What is the meaning and significance of baptism?" (how ironic that we were only a few feet away from the showers if a quick dunking was needed). But back to the conversation. In an effort for him to help guide one of his friends, he was wanting to understand baptism and it's meaning. So, for the next twenty minutes we engaged in a great discussion of the picture that baptism represents for the follower of Christ in obedience to symbolize the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It's a testimony to our faith.

The other side of this story is that Monday is my day to refresh after a week and weekend of recreation sports leagues and ministry. With the fall and winter leagues on us, I decided a day in the office was in order for this Monday....and that's where and when it happened. Just like the scriptures show us, interruptions or times where our expectations are low, prove valuable for sharing and investing in others.

Who would have thought a routine trip to the locker room would have provided so much reflection and investment.

A Trip with Ministry Reminders

Today was a great day of travel. Kelly and I left the Richmond area by car and headed to Canton Ohio for a meeting with other members involved with Church Sports and Recreation Ministers Association. It was an eight hour drive that provided great views and insights. While we could have taken a plane (and it still would have been eight hours), we chose the car ride together. Here are a few positives of the trip that you could not get from the air:

* Fall Foliage everywhere and in every state we went through (VA, MD, WV, PA, and Ohio). It was great to put on my thinking music (Bach style) and weave in and out of the mountains with the bright colors all around. It was a time of silent reflection and detailed conversation.

* The opportunity to see the heart of our country - the small mountain towns, large family farms being worked by fathers and sons, iron built cities, and working rivers. It's amazing to see the creativity of God and how a variety of different people living in one nation use it (or abuse it).

* Tim Horton's !! - great coffee and a variety of donuts and "timbits."

* Seeing the Pro Football Hall Of Fame and the stadium in which the Hall of Fame Game is played in.

We arrived at our final destination tonight on the grounds of a 1923 Ohio classic golf course (Brookside) for dinner and the kick off of our meetings over the next few days. As we gathered around, through conversations and stories being told, I was reminded of these truths about ministry (particularly my life in sports and recreation ministry):

1. We are called to ministry. At one point in my life, I sensed God calling me for a specific purpose and we need not forget that moment in our spiritual timeline.

2. We are challenged in ministry. Yes, serving Christ and others will always provided challenging circumstances and people. But it's those times that we can look back on and see growth.

3. We have been and will be influenced by others in ministry. There are several people in my life that have left lasting impressions throughout various stages. Allowing people to invest in you will stay with you for a lifetime.

4. We need to be encouragers in ministry. Be someone who desires to offer others with the opportunities you have been provided. It's part of discipling and equipping others for the work of the ministry.

What a trip! And I am thankful for the eyes (physically and spiritually) to have seen it.

Agent of Change

Recently Sports Illustrated had an article by Alexander Wolff entitled, Sports Saves The World. This was a year long study of his travels through various countries who are suffering from HIV epidemics, gun/gang wars, and societal/governmental issues. His findings revealed the obvious to me: when you provide a specific program that introduces life principles and accountability, you then see change. Sports is a tool that can be used as a change agent across the globe and I applaud those within the article who are using soccer, basketball, and rugby to foster healthy lifestyles and alternatives to the hard ships and temptations they face each day.

One of the reasons I applaud this effort is that I believe in this investment. I had the opportunity to use sports as a tool for change in a third world country for several years. While I spent time teaching and developing the game of basketball for boys and girls, table tennis for females suppressed by government, and athletic administration for local schools, I saw the hunger they had for an outside activity that allowed for with-drawls from their daily struggles. Through these recreation activities we were able to not only teach sport, but to teach sport from a biblical world view. From sportsmanship to character, from selfish gain to teamwork. Yes it is essential that we play the games being offered and provide release from circumstantial issues, but we also have to provide the greater element of change - the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Sports is a "tool" that has been given to us to use for a greater purpose. It is through sports that we can teach the virtues of Christ and attributes of His love that will enable a life change. Physical needs and circumstances will always allow for spiritual needs to be discovered and approached. That's the heart of recreational and sports ministry. It allows involvement in a global challenge while offering God's provision from a global perspective.

Be a part of change. Find ways that you can interact through your passions (let me know if it's recreation and sports) and assist in the development of physical needs while showing the love Christ when faced with spiritual needs.

Now Playing.....Fall Soccer

I am excited about the events of this past weekend - Upward Fall Soccer started in Hanover. This fall season we will be hosting soccer at Broadus Memorial Church off Pole Green Road. With any new opportunity, you never know what it will be like. But this Saturday, it was awesome. Eighty three players participated, new families have joined the league, new fields have been set, and the soccer was fun to watch.

As our Upward Sports ministry continues to grow and develop, it's in our long term plans to give away that which God has provided for us. Over the past ten years we have had the opportunity to see basketball, flag football, soccer, cheer-leading, and challenger basketball develop and work among local church partners for space, volunteers, and building relationships with the people of Hanover County. And this fall is no exception. Broadus has a great team of volunteers who are committed to see recreation, soccer, be used as a resource for investing in the lives of people in our community. As you head out on Pole Green Road towards Rte 360, stop by and see what "new and exciting things" God is doing through recreation.

Coaching with the Intent to Develop Character

Had the opportunity to host a conference call yesterday with CSRM (Church Sports and Recreation Ministers Association, www.csrm.org). Part of our desire as an organization is to connect with others, both nationally and internationally, who are using sports as an avenue for sharing Christ's love with others. This year we are focusing on providing connecting moments through monthly meetings in area locations, to phone / web conferencing, and summits.

The topic for yesterday was Coaching with the Intent of Developing Character. Lately, I have felt overwhelmed with the negative press regarding universities, coaches, and players decisions and character issues. While issues are at the top level, be aware that on the local level they are happening as well. The "professional experience" is now making its way into our middle schools and recreation leagues. From contacts with college coaches to sneaker and uniform endorsements; are students are being hit with making character decisions everyday. The question we have to ask ourselves is this: What are we doing to help develop Godly Character?

Rolando Lamb, America's Character Coach, joined us on the conference and shared with us some insights regarding character. Romans 5:3 is a great passage of scripture that references the building of character and we also see a great example in 1 Kings 15:5 with reference to David doing right in the Lord's eyes. Character comes down to the choices you make and the actions you take. Character is values in action.

While working with recreation leagues and families who participate with you, here are some points to consider :

• Be above reproach / Be an example -Coaches, next to parents, have the opportunity to have the greatest impact on the young people they are working with. Model for them character that counts.
• Be intentional about developing character - You have to have a plan in place. Know what your end goal is and stay focused. You will need to provide a combination of explanation, demonstration, motivation, application, and repetition as you seek to teach character.
• Believe and invest in the kids you are working with - Kids have to much potential for us to let them fail in society. Get across to them that you genuinely care.
  
• Group players together with others on the team to help challenge them and create an atmosphere that draws the best out of them. Proverbs 20:5 makes reference to drawing out the potential of people.

As you work with your leagues, train coaches, and invest in local recreation programs; be intentional about providing Godly instruction and character.

Sunday Best

I love the potential influence I have with the kids participating in our sports leagues. There are a lot of great kids just waiting for the outside influence on their lives and I try to impart just a few of my passions on them. So, here's my last piece of influence....

The photo you see is a picture of me and the Hoppe (HOP-E) boys this past Sunday morning prior to worship. Each one was wearing their new 2011-12 NFL favorite team jersey. Gotta love it! Obviously they are passionate about their teams (they had the jersey on) and passionate about being at Cool Spring (they showed up for church).

While there is, has always been, and will continue to be a debate of "proper attire" to church on Sundays, I couldn't help but smile when they walked in. For I had seen the wrestle of a parent who loved the jerseys and loved the passions of their kids to wear them to church; but also had a heart of being respectful for others around them during worship. And I understand both aspects. However, as a Rec Minister (the guy on staff who plays everyday) I gently spoke with the voice of freedom regarding the celebration of church and the first day of the NFL season. Well, I guess it rubbed off. The boys beamed with smiles from their experience in Sunday School that morning and the freedom to express their excitement for the family's afternoon activity (in reality, the percentage was pretty high that day of adults who wish they could wear the same outfits).

While I really have no scripture to tag to this story and make it spiritual, I can sit back and see that and exciting day of worship at church combined with the passion of recreation activity brings out the kid in all of us. So go ahead, put your throw backs on from days past and join us at Cool Spring Church while we look forward to an exciting life with Christ together.

Darkness Was Upon Us

Ok, so I think I have about exhausted the weather sayings and this one will conclude them. But I needed to mention something about the darkness that we have experienced.

Many of us, and still others, are experiencing darkness without power due to Hurricane Irene. The kind of darkness that you cannot see your hand in front of your face. Without the local neighborhood lights, the sky glitters with all the stars and it's just dark in some places of Hanover county. Same is true for darkness that occurs in the South Pole for several months of the year. While it's ok early on, it then gets discouraging and depressing for those living in it daily. Darkness can bring about disorientation and isolation.

Recently I have been going through the book of Mark with the assistance of Timothy Keller's book King's Cross. Mark gives us a picture of darkness that occurs at the point of Christ's death (Mark 15:33-34). The Bible speaks volumes about light and darkness (Isaiah 13, Amos 8). Often darkness will occur in our lives when we place our trust and dependency on ourselves and the world around us. When we begin to orbit around everything else - career, relationships, family, money - as the source of our hope, the result will be spiritual darkness. In the Bible we see the picture of the sun as compared to God. The sun is the source of visual truth because we see by it and it is also our source of biological life because without it nothing could live. God is the source of all truth and life.

As you seek direction and guidance in this world, orbit your life around the love that Christ has for you. Avoid the traps of disorientation and isolationism. The darkness of our lives was dealt with on the cross and the curtain was torn. It was a profound event in the history of our world. So profound that the Roman Centurion was the first to recognize and publicly proclaim that this "man" was the Messiah and the divine one. May we come to trust and proclaim the same.

And the Wind Blew....

This has been an interesting week for those of us on the east coast and particularly in the Richmond, VA area. We have had an earthquake and now Irene, the hurricane that knocked out power for 2 million people in Va.

Having grown up near the beach, I can remember several hurricanes that rolled into the coast and we would ride them out proudly. No way was my father leaving his domain and therefore the rest of us were staying put also. And that mentality has been instilled in me. But this week I learned something: either I am getting older and realizing the potential disaster I never saw my dad worry about or Irene was more than we could handle. I think it's a combination of both.

Through it all this week, I am thankful for:

• safety and protection
• power being back on, but also thankful for power being off and putting away the "electronic-al" burdens of our culture.
• the beautiful weather that follows the storm (same for us in our spiritual lives)

This week was a reminder of God's mighty power and creation that no man can control. And even in the midst of the storms and quakes, He loves us deeply and has a plan for each of us. Check out Romans 8:35-39 and reflect on that truth. Brad Hoffmann, our new Pastor at Cool Spring did a great job expounding on this Sunday as we gathered with no electricity.

The Ground Shook

Just experienced my first earthquake - 5.8 on the scale right here in central Virginia. It was an awkward forty seconds of concern. Growing up on the coast I was used to hurricanes and decisions that come with them. Being trained in emergency preparedness, I think I am ready for a tornado. But an earthquake...really?

The Rec Center held its ground and all using the facility remained safe!

The only thing that I didn't hear during this event were the trumpets blowing..............

Excited

Back from a week that was half "stay-cation" and half "va-cation." But none the less, it was time where I didn't have to make daily decisions, process leagues, and oversee facility issues. There were times within the week that I did day-dream about what potential opportunities are ahead for us at Cool Spring, particularly through recreation, and the arrival of Brad Hoffman as my new partner in ministry and Pastor of Cool Spring Church.

I am excited to be part of a team. The great thing about sports is there is always a new beginning for each season. And I am excited about the new season of Cool Spring. I am excited about the passions that my colleagues have for learning and moving forward with ministry dreams. I am excited about the families who are attending and becoming part of our Cool Spring family. I am excited about the leadership skills and passion for people that Brad Hoffman brings to Cool Spring. I am excited about developing a new missions partner for recreation and expanding our sports leagues to other areas. I am excited about the recreation team meeting to seek God's vision and working that out together over the next six to eight months. I am excited about the new classes through Jazzercise for senior adults. I am excited about the new fall Upward Soccer league with the purpose of targeting a new community with another church. I am excited.

Like any start of the season; players, coaches, and fans typically are excited about the potential. And while I have named just a few things I am excited about in recreation and Cool Spring, I have no idea how all will turn out. But I do know this, God has a direction and heart for his people. He often brings about possibilities for us that we can either sit on or give it a go. As a follower of Christ, I have decided to give it a go. Go out there and test the waters of the new exciting possibilities. Asking God to show me where and how He is working so that we can continue to be a part of something exciting - following Him and being a part of His working in our community and world.

The unknown can be exciting from God's perspective. What are you excited about?

4 Pillars of Accomplishment

Both Spiritual Fitness and Lifestyle Fitness take discipline. Getting off the couch, taking walks, lifting weights, spending time in prayer, and exercising our spiritual minds by reading the scriptures just doesn't happen. We have to put theme into practice in order to see growth.

Don Nova, Spiritual Fitness Coach and Instructor, has trained many athletes and high level fitness guru's. Not only does he spend time with them to develop their bodies for competition, but he also spends time with them to develop their minds for spiritual battles. He list these four pillars to accomplishments:

• Desire - there's a burning passion
  
• Information - understanding proper instruction and teaching
  
• Repetition - consistency creates habit and produces results
  
• Accountability - support

Jesus knew the importance of each of these pillars. Prior to any ministry to others, he cared for himself in all areas. He had a desire to please the Father, he understood his purpose and communicated his message, he got up early daily, and followed the will of the Father.

Mark 1:35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, Jesus went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Typically the way in which we start our day, is the way in which we end it. Adjusting our priorities and charting the course for the day early will determine some of the decisions we make throughout the day. For example; when I make a good decision for a healthy breakfast, I am more likely to make a good decision for the next meal. When I spend time praying or reading, I am more likely to be reminded of the passages throughout the day and be more sensitive to God's leading in my life.

As you reflect on your spiritual fitness and your lifestyle fitness, start with God's desire and ask Him to create in your life desire, information, repetition, and accountability.

Essence of Coaching

Recently I spoke with our Flag Football and Cheer coaches about this year's theme of valuing relationships. Below is an outline of our conversations and points I shared and reviewed using the tool Think Orange (whatis orange.org)

This season we want to challenge you and encourage you to Value Relationships:

• League Directors
• Other Coaches / Ref’s
• Assistant Coaches
• Players
• Players Family

Valuing Relationships in a biblical model we find in the life of Christ.

Scripture says, “Love the Lord your God………,”

Love your neighbor as yourself

“Loving People Trumps Everything” - Caz McCaslin, 2011, founder of Upward Sports

As you Value these relationships, and particularly your players, I want to put out some keys:

1. Imagine the End

Love the Lord our God, the Lord is One.

Moses establishes a framework for everything in this statement - GOD

It is it the centrality of Israel’s faith as a nation

As you coach, do it from the perspective that everything is connected to God.

• it’s a core piece of Upward Sports
• from the way you speak to the kids, greet the families, interact with others on the field, teach life virtues, teach football skills and football disciplines…It’s All About God -
• Moses draws this point out to us after using this passage over and over….Moses is saying, “it really doesn’t matter what our kids know if they really don’t know what really matters.” You can make them the best athlete or team on the field this season, but if we fail short to teach them the “connectivity of God” and how He has created them, then we have failed to teach them what really matters.
• As a coach, remind yourself frequently that God is God, it doesn’t cause you stress more (over kids tempers, playing abilities, etc) ; it cause you to trust more (trust that God has given you the opportunity to invest and value relationships)
• Ask yourself this question - if you can imagine the end, then “Who do I really Want them to Become.”

2. Fight for the Heart

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength

Moses is fighting for something that is more important than lifestyle, life practices, (athletic gains). He is fighting for the heart.

• Caz MaCaslin, founder of Upward Sports, has said it this way, “we are competing for souls of every child.” There are l lot of other leagues in our community, but one of the ways we are unique is a desire to see changed lives through recreation.

As a coach, and as a parent, one of the most powerful things you can do is to learn to communicate in a style that values relationships!

It’s not about a set of rules for your team. It’s about knowing each team member and understanding the best way to communicate your reasons for why it is you’re asking them to grow in his or her faith and his or her skill that you have demonstrated.

Coaching is not creating robots for response. Yes, I wish all my players just did as I told. But, it doesn’t work that way. Coaching is about you learning how to communicate effectively to get the best response out of each player.

You fight for the heart of your player best when you are building a relationship that is trustworthy!

God will always fight for the hearts of people He loves. That’s why Moses says give him your heart and soul, because you can trust Him forever.

3. Make it Personal

These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts

Love is connected to the principle of legacy.

Think back to the coach you most remember….Why? (did he/she express love, care, etc) That coach has a legacy.

As a coach - Moses is saying to the Israelites, before you can ask “who my children are becoming, I have to examine who am I becoming?”

Problem we face sometimes as coaches and parents is that we don’t know exactly what it is we want our kids to “catch.”

Think to yourself now, what is it that you want to transfer to your team from a spiritual perspective?

• Often it’s vague - we know it has to do with the Bible and God, but beyond that it gets fuzzy

Coaches have influence on the players and the families they are working with. You will either have negative or positive influence.

What you do will impact the people you are investing in:

• How you pursue God in your own life
• How you love
• How you treat players, other coaches, ref’s, parents
• How you respond to authority and guidelines
• How you communicate values and perspectives of life

4. Create a Rhythm

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates

You may be thinking that Moses was a great coach - because this is what you want your kids to do with your big fat playbooks I’m sure…..

You hear it all the time, particularly in basketball or pitching in baseball, “we got to get in the rhythm.”

We can be distracted from a lot of things in our lives - (Parable of the Sower talks about the thorns and rough grounds)

Media, materials, hyper kids, nagging parents, etc

Rhythm requires 2 components - intentionality and constancy

The time you will be spending with your team and families needs to be intentional and constant.

Make an effort to make an impression or communicate what is core and important. Second, this effort needs to happen repeatedly and establish a pattern of communication with them. (greet them, ask questions of interest, emails each week, etc.

5. Widen the Circle

Hear O Israel…..

Moses is going back to remind us that he was speaking to all of Israel.

Yes, it’s written for guidelines to parents, but it for all the family.

Think this way when you arrive each night for practice and game-day -

Some form of a family unit is present

80% of families in the US are struggling with being single parents, not interested in God, and need an influential man or women in the life of their child. The family unit is not as neatly defined as we sometimes think.

The culture that you will encounter this season will not only be parents listening, but it will be “crowds of relatives” - siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc.

You, the coach, are a LEADER - recognize the importance of supporting the family.

Coaches need to be intentional about being spiritual leaders and mentors of those playing on their teams.

Country Style Donuts

Today Kelly and I found one of Richmond's establishments near the airport. After being here for three years, we traveled over to Williamsburg Road to check out Country Style Donuts. It was a blast from our childhood with the old baby blue swivel counter chairs and the fragrance of warm fresh donuts (38 varieties). Simple descriptions labeled each donut shelf and thick porcelain coffee mugs laid across the counter. As if the morning donut is not good enough, they are open twenty- four hours. Finally, after all the local stories, I too have a story to share about Country Style Donuts. Check them out for yourself.

Character Camp

This past week we welcomed 70 campers back to Rolando Lamb's Character Camp. This camp focuses on the A Game - Attitude, Academics, and Athletics. Coach Lamb uses his basketball skills and passion for God to instill in every child the heart of a champion. Each day Coach Lamb teaches character through specific scriptures as reflected through the life of Christ and players are required to learn passages of their choice each day.Throughout the week campers are reminded, "While there is much talent in the world of sport and talent can get you to the top, it's character that keeps you there." Campers also spend the four days doing conditioning drills and basketball skill drills.

"A Game" Daily Disciplines provided for each player are:
* I will read my Bible everyday
* I will have a positive attitude
* I will obey my parents
* I will make good grades
* I will practice to be the best

"Champions do daily, what losers do occasionally"

Reflections of Investment

Tonight I had the privilege of heading downtown to Ben Wallace's Gym for the Richmond Pro Am league to watch some basketball. From local college players to NBA players. Good basketball and a lot of fun.

What was best about the night was the number of people that we (Steve Rowe, Alvin Allen, Brendan English) knew from using the Cool Spring Rec Center. From relationships with those in our adult basketball leagues, people who play during open gym hours, and players who we partner with for personal training time. My intentions were to go and enjoy watching some local talent of one or two players we knew. But what we saw was a reflection of individuals that the openness of the Rec Center has invested in. We saw the people who come to play basketball and who have gained our trust and allowed us to invest in them spiritually and physically. Tonight was a time in which we met them in their neighborhood and comfort zone.

Investing in people goes both ways. It's not just serving folks in your comfort zone or personal space. It involves going to the places where they hang out, attend events, and meet their friends.

I am thankful for the work of the Rec Ministry and open basketball for the community. And I am thankful for the smiles on the faces of those who are glad to see us in their communities and gatherings.

Portion Distortion

Summer time food is great! Pole Green Market is a local Hanover market located minutes from my house and I love to go there and see the colors of the food, smell the summer fruits, and enjoy the fact that the produce and food is grown locally.

Food is an essential part of our daily lives. It provides nurishment , energy, and even prevents and fights off disease. But the amount of food we have become accustomed to is creating high stats of obesity nationwide. Sizing of plates, expectations of "amount" per cost, and the quick and easy food process is hindering us from being the healthy people God created us to be.

Marty Rowe of Body Mechanix and member of Cool Spring recently spoke about food portion and nutrition on local TV WTVR. Check out her interview at:

http://www.wtvr.com/videobeta/f83217ad-95eb-4ab9-873d-bf33e7c400a3/Community/Losing-Weight

Rest

Memorial Day weekend was great for me. I had Saturday off from any games / leagues and was able to enjoy the company of my wife and family for Brendan's 12th birthday. Sunday was spent at Nationals Park with some great Rec Volunteers. Monday was more time with Kelly, home projects, and Orioles baseball. And finally, Tuesday was date time with Kelly during lunch at the water park at Kings Dominion. It ended up being a four day weekend for me that allowed for rest and recovery.

Recently Kelly and I have been reading Tim Keller's book Kings Cross. It is a great compliment to studying the book Mark. Keller does a great job of picking out certain passages and providing scriptural insight that leads to deeper meditation and contemplation throughout the day. The most recent chapter was reference to Mark 2: 23-28. Keller speaks on the topic of rest and the Sabbath. Jesus uses the term "I AM" throughout the scripture and demonstrates that it is through him that we truly find rest. Jesus gives us two thoughts:

1. Jesus calls for me and you to take time off - physical and mental time away - on a regular basis. Stepping out and away from daily activity will provide for fun and vitality in your life.

2. Rest is also a time that you and I can be satisfied with our work, so satisfied, that we can leave it alone. Looking back at Genesis and the creation story we see this example lived out. It was after He created that He stepped away and was satisfied. Unfortunately with the technology world, we seem to always be connected mentally to our work through email, phones, twitter etc.

Learning the discipline of rest and the use of the Sabbath - restoring the diminished, replenishing the drained, and repairing the broken- is something we all need to learn to enjoy. And underlying both of these points is the fact that it "is" Jesus who provides the rest for our bodies and mind, as well as the satisfaction of our work. Through Him, we no longer need to look toward the work of self-justification. The cross is the point at which true rest and satisfaction can begin in our lives.

Interns....they're back !

You know summer is here when the camp schedules get full and your interns arrive! This summer we welcome to the Rec Center Logan Spiers (Liberty University) and Luke Raikes (Old Dominion University). Please be sure to welcome them as you see them in the Rec Center and out on the fields.

Summer interns are key. Gone are the days that interns just do the dirty work that others don't want to do (OK, they will do some of that). But today's intern is looking for validity and someone to help them explore their gifts and skills over a short period of time. They are looking for the opportunity to be trusted, the opportunity to be creative, and the opportunity to learn through both failure and success.

I guess with that in mind, aren't we all interns? We are people living on this earth for a short period of time searching for opportunities to explore our gifts and talents with someone who we can trust and feel comfortable with whether we fail or succeed. Back in the day we referred to interns as disciples. They were people like you and me studying under the feet of a Savior and learning how to share the good news which He delivered in word and deed.

As an intern myself at one time, I remember the excitement of an opportunity. And I also remember the freedom of knowing I wasn't in it for long. I would suggest today that we live in that same mindset. The mindset that we are going to live in excitement of sharing the good news of the Christ life (in word and deed) knowing that we only have a short period in which to serve.

Nothing like a good Quote

There is nothing a quick one or two line quote that throws your mind into deep meditation and realization of the deep struggles you face in your daily life. Here is one that I recently came across:

"The one secret of life and development, is not to devise a plan...but to do every moment's duty aright...and let come - not what will, for there is no such thing - but what the eternal Thought wills for each of us, has intended in each of us from the first"

George MacDonald, author

The Princess and the Goblin

Relish the Game

Today we officially kicked off PICKLEBALL in the Rec Center and we "relish" the game!

Pickleball is sweeping the nation. Just check out http://usapa.org and see how explosive this game is. Pickleball is a simple game played using paddles, a special perforated, slow-moving ball over a tennis-type net on a badmitton-sized court. The ball is put into play and the volley game begins.

Pickleball is offered on Monday nights from 6-9 PM and Thursday mornings from 9-noon for those fifty and over. The game offers great fellowship and exercise movements. Come join us and bring a friend.

Group Time

This morning I had the opportunity to meet with student-athletes involved in the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It was a great encouragement to see this group gather on a Friday morning thirty minutes before school in order to fellowship, pray, set times for ministry to other students, and read the scriptures for encouragement and growth.

It's obvious we all need connection, encouragement, and truth in our lives.

For more on Fellowship of Christian Athletes visit www.fca.org.

Lessons From Joe Girardi

This past weekend, Kelly, Brendan, and myself traveled to Baltimore for a weekend of sports. It included a ballpark tour of Camden Yards, autographs with Adam Jones, watching the Capitals on Pratt Street, dinner at Sabatino's in Little Italy, and seeing the Orioles and Yankees (this night it was more of the Yankees).

While going through the ball park tour we saw Coach Joe Girardi hitting and throwing with his son. The tour itself took 1.5 hours and Coach Joe was out there the entire time frame. But one thing really stood out to me as we finished the tour in the bullpens. Joe and his son, Dante, were in the bullpen and one of the Yankees fans quickly asked Joe for his autograph (nothing unusual I am sure for a Yankee fan). And to my surprise Joe said, "Sorry I can't, I am playing catch with my son right now." Wow. What a statement a father just made to his son. With all the pressures and expectations of coaching the story franchise, Joe Girardi just spoke volumes of setting boundaries between his family and his job. During this 2 hour period Joe was focused on Dante and nothing was going to interrupt that time together. The other side of this picture that jumped out to me was that Dante allowed the instruction of his father. It wasn't just Joe pouring into his son, but it was his son giving back to him. It was a picture of a cultivated relationship that was making each other better - Joe a better father and Dante a better baseball player (he has a sweet batting stance).

As dads and people who have the opportunity to invest in the lives of young people, let us learn from the lesson observed: people matter, relationships are cultivated, and time is important.

Dear God, please allow us to develop the discipline of time with people who matter and whom you have entrusted us with.