Good Day / Bad Day Performance

Athletes are often judged by their performances. In fact, in many professional contracts, players have incentives or bonus options based on their performances. Think back over the years of all the great players in a variety of sports who have been to the top and fell due to injury or lack of focus. Think of the others who have played well for years, but simply hung on to long. In either scenario, praise and criticism have wrapped themselves around their lives.

I have been reading and thinking through a study of grace. And in that study, I have to admit that I (we), Christians, wrap ourselves with a performance based contract as well. We live in a good day / bad day mentality. If we do all the right things (rise early for study and prayer, give to the needy, etc) then God will bless our day and our lives as a result. But, if we don't do all the right things (sleep in, have frustrations, speak poorly of others, etc) then we believe God will not bless us. What a trap and contradiction of the scripture. Yes the scripture speaks of our fruits and calls us to become disciples, but it all begins with excepting God's grace. Therefore, the two - grace and performance - go together. The problem is, we separate the two and then confuse the results of what God is really doing.

In order for us to live without the good day / bad day performance, we have to remind ourselves of the scripture. First, we must preach the gospel to ourselves daily. For the person who thinks that the bad day has ruined their blessings, reflect on Romans 8:1, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." And for the one who thinks the day has been good with bountiful blessings as a result, reflect on Matthew 5:48, "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." There is never a day we can stand on our own performances and be worthy of His blessings in our lives. Author Jerry Bridges says it this way, " Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.

The answer to performance based lifestyles is the gospel. Daily reflecting on the gospel message of God's love for you and I in such a way that we are drawn to obedience as a result of that love, rather than our performances. God does not examine our performances to see how or if we are worthy. He looks to see if we are trusting in His Son as our hope for securing His blessing.

Staying the Course

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a volunteer through the details of facility management during an Upward basketball event. The day is typically a nine hour day that involves lots of people, coaches, ref’s, concession workers, scoreboards, sound, and videos. All of which are happening at the same time.

As the day began, we prompted a certain video to work during the halftime presentation of the scripture message. While it worked previously, it decided not to work during the trial run. As someone who desires good first impressions, I asked the volunteer (who is more comfortable with technology than I am) to come back to my office. It was there I gave him a five minute tutorial on verbally sharing a devotion “in case” the video fails again. While I could sense the “fret” inside of him of what I was asking him to do, he never said “I can’t” or “I won’t.” He simply listened and rehearsed the written devotion. His last words before the games began were, “I can do this.” We prayed and the day moved forward.

Nine hours later, I (the one who put new actions in motion to ensure first impressions as a result of my lack of technological faith) found myself rejoicing in the game room with a loud applause to God for seeing to it that the video series worked ALL six games! Two lessons I pondered after this day: 1.) Why am I always creating second plans in the midst of my unknowns or worries and 2.) This volunteer expressed a servant’s heart that didn’t want to let down a leader despite internal fears of having to verbally speak before the crowd.

God is always at work in our lives. For me, God was demonstrating the need to trust Him and the course for day. For the volunteer, he was willing to do what was asked of him and as a result, God provided in a way that he didn’t have to live up to what would be an unplanned challenge for him. Here’s the take away of this Upward basketball day - God always calls us to trust him and when we respond to what He calls / ask us to do, He will provide in such ways that glorify Him (as well as ease our internal tensions ).

Murals Speak

Over the last two months, local artist Becky Ward-Morgan has been painting a mural for the Rec Center that will be on display in the game room area. What's great about this mural is that it reflects and tells the story of Cool Spring Recreation. From children's sports leagues, track, outdoors, special needs, and game room activities; the mural is designed to allow your eyes to flow in a circular motion as you observe the obvious to the less obvious.

As the mural was being designed and use of the circular motion concept was introduced, it reminded me of the circular motion involved in using sports and rec as a means to connect with people and people to Christ. The bigger picture of what we do involves people entering sports / rec opportunities (leagues, crafts, outdoors, exercise classes, etc) for a specific purpose and the need to belong to a group. People will then flow in a circular motion (like a pinwheel) and experience various groups and leagues while encountering relationships with others who genuinely invest in them over a period of time. As they do, the movement allows them to discover faith stories of others and even discover for themselves real faith. It's then they link to a worship experience or a bible study for further growth.

As you come by and view the mural (we have a few adjustments left in the process) take your time to follow the motion and discover all the artistic elements involved. And as you do, be reminded of the process and time investment involved when relating with people in the recreation ministry. It's a process that begins with experiencing others within a movement and walking alongside of them by the means of leisure and faith.

Thanks to Becky, and her assistant Caroline Egan (one of our students at CS) for their artistic gifts and work on the mural. It's all about sharing a story. Feel free to drop by and view the mural located in the Rec Center game room.

Round Table Thoughts

This past weekend we had the opportunity to discuss Faith, Sports, and Real Life as part of the pre- superbowl experience with Cool Spring Church. While we a have a variety of ministries through Cool Spring, recreation is one of them in which the community connects with. And through that connection (leagues, fitness, facilities) it is our desire that people experience worship through their recreational activities.

Frank Rocco, head coach at Liberty Christian Academy (86-6 record) and his son, Michael Rocco, quarterback for UVA, were part of our discussions. Hosting a round table discussion with Michael was a great way to present a relaxed environment and dialogue about some details of life that each of us face. As I asked questions regarding faith, sports, and real life and listened to Michael's responses, I came away with several thoughts:

• Influencing others is impacting - Parents play a key role in establishing foundations for children while friends can challenge and encourage us to become the person God has created us to be
  
• Competition is good - God has created us to work with excellence - 1 Cor 10:31
• Success is measured in improvements - moving from one point to the next
• Self Identity has to be established from God's perspective - people will praise you and criticize you, choosing to put both aside and focusing on God's view of you creates a healthy self identity

Following the discussion, Frank shared about living in the passion of who God created us to be. We have been given talents - those gifts to us from God that in turn we use to bless others for His purpose - and when we live on those we can become contagious for greater purposes than ourselves.

What an impact weekend of worship and recreation. We have many opportunities to share faith, sports, and real life with those around us!

Local Artwork

Periodically I will arrive to my office to find local artwork from kids who have been using the Rec Center. Normally it's a nice stack of cards made out of construction paper with a variety of hand drawn work and phrases to match. From smiley faces to stick figures and sports themes, these cards are really an expression of their appreciation for the time they are provided to play in the gym area. While most children don't realize that securing them a time slot is a simple process, it's a good feeling to be appreciated none the less. So enjoy one of the many pieces of artwork I received this past week.

Faith, Sports, and Real Life

The teams are set and the commercials await! It's time for the Super Bowl! Over the next two weeks there will be media frenzy and special stories spotlighting athletes, teams, and coaches. Fans will be overloaded with sports talk shows breaking down the science of the game and match ups to be assumed. Each person will have their opinion as if they were coaching either the Giants or the Patriots. And some will even be walking around with Brady or Manning jerseys as if they were actually them hoping someone would call out their name or ask for an autograph. It's kind of crazy how our culture embraces the passion of a football game and the hours we spend analyzing both the game and the people involved.

On February 5th, Cool Spring will kick its Super Bowl Frenzy off with special guests Michael Rocco, quarterback of The University of Virginia, and his dad Frank Rocco, head football coach of Liberty Christian Academy. Together, both will be sharing in the discussion of how faith, sports, and real life intersect. With all the hype athletes get and the demands placed on them, from elementary school expectations to the professional level, athletes and their families are faced with daily decisions. And how they respond amongst the expectations is often how they are defined or judged. So, how do we live our faith in the passions of a sports culture and real life.

Join us Sunday, February 5th at 8:30, 10, or 11:15 as we kick off the Super Bowl and move to a better understanding of intersecting faith, sports, and real life.

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.