Friday, August 31, 2012

Two Can Accomplish More

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed someone else's help? Maybe you needed their strength, their wisdom, or simply their company. Regardless of what you needed them for, it was necessary. I love reading stories from the Bible where two people were able to accomplish great things. Stories like David and Jonathan, Paul and Timothy, or Peter and John. I think all of us have stories where you teamed with someone and accomplished something you probably couldn't have done by yourself. When two people work in unity towards a common goal the results can be amazing! Teamwork is such a powerful force in whatever realm it operates. Today you may have to get something done. If you're able, ask someone to help you. It will probably take less time and you'll have fun with someone else with you :)

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Others First?

This cute picture says it all. A bigger dog giving preference to a smaller dog. The small dog lays on the big dogs bed while the big dog tries to get whatever it can onto the small dogs bed. The big dog isn't complaining, whining or being a victim. It's OK to him and has a "no worries" mentality, or at least that's how I read it :) How are you when it comes to putting others first? Or giving others the preference? I've blogged about this kind of choice before because it's so important. In a me first culture it's easy to live that way when the Bible tells us we're to give the preference to others. This is clearly spoken to us in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another..." But realistically what would this look like in your day or life? It really comes down to giving precedence and honoring one another. What would our culture look like if people gave preference and honored others? No more me first or pushing others down so you can get ahead. I think things would be very much different to what they are. Today you will get many opportunities to put yourself first. And at the same time you'll get just as many opportunities to prefer others. What will your choice be :)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Love Life Regardless of What's Going On

Have you ever noticed how kids can have the simplest and purest perspectives on something? They can be happy, excited and unconcerned about everything that's going on around them. They could be in the middle of a storm and yet you wouldn't even know it. How easy it is for adults to do the opposite. If they're having a bad day everyone around them knows it. If they're stressed out you may be the one to bear the brunt of it. If things are going well it's obvious. Whatever happened to being a person of faith who doesn't walk by their feelings or emotions? Regardless of your day, be a person of faith. A person who's filled with God's joy, His peace and His comfort :) Today is great day because you have the Lord on your side. His mercies are new every morning. His joy comes in the morning. His peace is for us. Don't be overwhelmed because of what comes your way, but love life because of what Jesus Christ did for you :)

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

It's Too Much to Handle...

All of us at times can become overwhelmed with everything we have on our plate. Whether it's the mom with a newborn, parents with teenagers, a young family with mounting bills, or a businessman with deadlines. Pressures can build to the point of a person bursting. What's a person to do when in this scenario? Maybe it's to panic, freak out or even ignore it? Yes these are all options, although not very good ones. When I find myself in a situation or season that's heading down the road to becoming overwhelming, there's one thing I always do. And that's go to the Lord. Psalm 61:2-4 brings such peace and strength to me when it says, "I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge,  a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,  safe beneath the shelter of your wings!" God is my rock of safety! He's my safe refuge! My fortress that protects me from my enemies! It's in this place I'm safe in the shelter of His wings. Next time you're overwhelmed with life, make God the first one you run to and not the last. He's more than you need and is waiting for you :)

Monday, August 27, 2012

Nothing in Life is Maintenance Free

Well I just completed a couple of hours of working in the yard and around the house. I dug up some roots, pulled some weeds, bagged some leaves, sprayed a bug shield around our house and a few other general things. When you really think about it, nothing is maintenance free in life. Your house is going to need some work, so is your yard and your car. But it doesn't stop there when it comes to maintenance and making sure things continue operating as they were designed. How about your body, your marriage, relationships, and even your walk with the Lord? These are all things that we must continually take care of to make sure they're working well. I sometimes think it's easy to forget about upkeep and maintenance. Maybe because we don't enjoy doing it or perhaps we do genuinely forget. But one thing is very certain, if you don't take care of things, they will deteriorate very quickly. Don't let anything in your life deteriorate because of your lack of care :) Take note of what Proverbs 24:30-34 warns us about, "I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds,  and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
31 32 a little folding of the hands to rest-then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit, scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."

Saturday, August 25, 2012

I Want! I Want! I Want!

I want a new car. I want an iPhone. I want a motorcycle. I want a new pistol and rifle. I want some new clothes. I want more sleep. I want to go to Italy. I want to go BSU football games. I want a Starbucks coffee. I want to eat out more. I want some new sunglasses. I want some new tennis rackets. I want...I want...I want...Well I really only want these things if it's what God wants me to have. I want to do His will and not my own. Have you ever thought about everything you really want? Then have you thought about what God wants for you? It's easy to say you want God's will and all He has for you, but when it comes down to it there are lots of things you want where He's not involved. I can't help but think of Galatians 2:20 which reminds me, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Is that true about you today? Sure there are lots of things that would be nice to have, but I don't want them if it's not God's will for me. I'd rather be in the middle of God's will and have nothing, than be out of His will and have everything :) Let me desires be that of Jesus and may I never forget His words in Luke 22:42, "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Friday, August 24, 2012

Don't Think You'll Never Get Caught...

I love it when people succeed! Whether it's in the classroom, in life, in athletics, or in any other area. I love seeing people work hard and achieve success. There are so many examples of people who have put lots of heart, effort, sweat and tears in their efforts to succeed (like Tim Tebow and Gabby Douglas). I've been saddened in the past 24 hours with all the stories coming out about cycling great Lance Armstrong. Having tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, he's now being stripped of what I consider one of the greatest sporting accomplishments of all time, winning seven Tour de France titles. He also received a lifetime ban from competitive cycling. Armstrong said he will no longer fight the allegations and will accept the consequences. For a man who battled cancer and won, and who's done so much for cancer research, this is such sad news. Unfortunately we're seeing more and more stories like this one. People achieving great things only to find out they may have cheated. Unfortunately the use of performance enhancing drugs continues to grow. The science of using them so that people won't get caught also grows. It's such a trap for people to think that they'll get away with breaking rules. Unfortunately for them, the hidden and secret things of shame will be revealed. Whether it's on earth or before the Lord, they will be exposed. Don't feel like you have to cheat to win or get ahead. The Lord's the one who's in control of that :) I don't know if Lance Armstrong really did use performance enhancing drugs. But the truth will come out. Read more here at http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/story/2012-08-23/lance-armstrong-usada/57258738/1

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Role Model

In our culture we're always hearing about role models, good examples and those we should follow. Of course most people don't want to follow someone who doesn't have good fruit in their life. But have you ever taken a moment to think about this? I've heard people say that someone is their role model simply because that person doesn't smoke, or because they're a good athlete. Is that a good reason to make someone your role model? For me to follow somebody or call them my role model, I want to be around them and see how they live when everyone's watching them, and when nobody's watching them. Take Paul's example and his words. In Philippians 4:9 he says, "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." He obviously spent a lot of time around people because he's asking them to do all they've seen, learned and received from him. I'm so thankful for the people God has placed in my life who I can follow. Their fruit is good and I want to implement in my life the things I see in theirs. If you're going to follow someone, be mentored or have a role model, get close so you can see, learn and receive from them. It will be well worth it :)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Back to Your Prison?


Ask me what I'm thankful for and many things come to mind. But one of the things that would be at the top of my list would be the freedom and liberty I've been given by Jesus Christ. I was tangled up and bound in a life of sin, and Jesus Christ freed me. Being bound up by sin is the complete opposite to being free. Galatians 5:1 tells us,"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Why would I want to go back to the lifestyle I was once lived? Why be bound up in sin when I've been freed? I've seen documentaries on TV where an inmate was released from prison after serving his sentence, but immediately commits a crime because he can't wait to get back to prison and behind bars. It's very hard for me to understand this kind of thinking. I've never been in prison before, but I have been chained and bound by my sin. I hated it so much I never wanted to go back there again. And why would I? Christ paid an expensive price for me to be freed. Live in such a way that you're thankful for the price He paid  :)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Simplicity

Have you ever noticed how complex and complicated things can be? Or how complex things are made? Even in areas or places where it shouldn't be, complexity has become the norm. One of my favorite words is "simplicity". I love things being simple and not complex :) Webster simply defines simplicity as "the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded." Uuummm :) Things being uncomplicated is beautiful music to my ears. Why do we make things so complicated? How do things that are so simple become so complex? I can't help but think of the Gospel when it comes to simplicity. Jesus Christ came and died on the cross so our sins would be forgiven and so that we could spend eternity with Him. Romans 10:10 tells us, For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." Salvation and following Christ are very simple and yet some people seem to make it so complex. Don't allow your Christianity to become so complex that no-one else can follow it. Today, as you follow Christ, let others see how simple it is :)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Rich and Wealthy

From time to time I come across people who are interested in following Jesus, but come to a place where they think they've done so many wrong things that even Jesus couldn't forgive them. But those who know Jesus are aware this isn't the case. Regardless of what someone has done or how much, Jesus forgives. How can we forget verses like Ephesians 2:4-7 which says, "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." Now take a moment to read through this again and allow its words to sink in. God is wealthy when it comes to mercy and regardless of what we've done, because of His love towards us He sent His only Son to give us forgiveness and freedom. It's beautiful! It's amazing! It's real! And it's yours if you want...

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Dreaming...

Every now and then I come across a picture that stops me dead in my tracks. Yesterday I came across the picture above. As I glanced at it I began to be whisked away to this gorgeous location. Suddenly I was there. I'm in a comfortable chair on a beautiful beach, with only my wife (and no Blackberry). The warm ocean water washes up around the chair and is as refreshing as it seems. The ice cold Coke Classic in my hand is so satisfying to my thirst. This is incredible! This is amazing! And all of a sudden I'm brought right back to reality by my buzzing Blackberry. I'm back in my office, a pile of stuff on my desk, and a phone that chains (connects) me to the world. It was nice for a moment and one day will hopefully become a reality for a few days :) It makes me smile how quickly a simple picture can take you to some far away place. My few moments there were well enjoyed and appreciated. Is there some place that you'd love to get away to? Maybe a place you one day dream of going? Let me know if you do...

Friday, August 17, 2012

Can You Forget What's Behind You?

Have you ever wanted to move on or forward but just can't because of the past? Is there a desire to take ground yet there are things in our past which we just can't seem to move past? I think everyone battles this from time to time. I'm fully aware of what Jesus did, taking my sin and shame and then nailing them to the cross. His shed blood cleanses me of my sin and provides my forgiveness. Yet sometimes it takes more than simply knowing this. It actually takes faith to believe what He did for us. It takes faith to receive His forgiveness and that He no longer sees those sins that have been forgiven. The past is one of the greatest inhibitors preventing us from achieving what's ahead. Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14 clearly spell it out for us, "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." We need to do just what Paul's telling us. Forget the past and focus on what's ahead. Let go of all those things from the past. If you don't they'll pull you down until you can't move. The past is the past and we can't let the past define who we're called to be. Today I'm going to put into practice this very principle and see all the great things God has for me in the days ahead :)

Thursday, August 16, 2012

No Other Option But to Laugh...

As is the case most mornings, I got ready to ride my bike to work. I had my riding gear on as well as my bags. I went out to my "bad looking" Phat cruiser and prepared myself to ride. I suddenly noticed my rear tire was flat. After filling it with green slime I attempted to pump it up, but to no avail. It was toast. After a quick change I jumped into my truck and headed down Cherry Lane to the offices. But once I turned onto Pine I immediately got stuck behind a school bus. But this was no ordinary school bus. It was a school bus that stopped every 30 seconds to pick up kids. For the mile down Pine it stopped many times. I must admit I could sense my joy wanting to high tail it out of my little truck, but I won! I've had too many opportunities to win this battle before and I wasn't going to let this one get the better of me. I value my peace and joy too much to let it go flying out the window because of a flat bike tire and a school bus that stops every 30 seconds. Psalm 29:11 promises, The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace." The Lord is the one who blesses me with peace and although many things will try and snatch it away, I'm going to bask in His peace :)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

I Love Engagements and Weddings...

I absolutely love weddings! Well, let me be a little more specific. I not only love attending weddings but even more than that, I love it when people get married. There's just something about a man and a woman taking the plunge. I love it! I love it! I love it! Proverbs 18:22 even tells us, 'The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord." We have several couples presently engaged in our church and I'm so thrilled about the possibility of others. I love the excitement and the passion I see in couples when they're engaged and preparing to take the next step into marriage. It's as if they're floating on cloud nine. It takes me back to when my wife and I were engaged and the memories we still cherish from that season. For those couples who are engaged and those who might in the future, love the season. Don't let things overwhelm you. Cherish one another and make memories that you'll never forget :) And by the way, Brian and Kaci, Peter and Kari, I'm so proud of you and thrilled for you :) Enjoy your engagement and get ready for many wonderful years ahead :)

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Oh No!

I got a great object lesson yesterday, even if it meant a lot of unexpected hard work. My neighbor behind us has a huge globe willow. It's a great looking tree which gives us a lot of shade in the evenings. Unfortunately last night one of its major limbs broke off and ended up in our back yard. I couldn't believe how big it was and how much tree was in my yard. Thankfully I have a wonderful neighbor who came over with his chainsaw. For the next few hours we cut, chopped up and loaded the tree into trucks. It was amazing to me how such a huge limb could break off, but with the immense weight of all the branches, I doesn't surprise me. But as this limb lay in my yard one thing was obvious. A limb that's not connected to the tree is done with. This limb's life was over. John 15:4 tells us, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." The same goes for Christians who desire to bear fruit. If they don't have a good relationship with Jesus (the vine), how will they bear fruit? The desire of every Christian should be to bear fruit, so remaining in Jesus is a must. So if you're a Christian, don't be like the tree last night that became separated from the tree :)

Monday, August 13, 2012

Your Senses Versus Your Faith

If you're anywhere in the Treasure Valley you're very aware of one thing-it's very smoky outside. The smoke is the result of several large forest fires in the mountains surrounding us. Fort several days now I haven't been able to see the Boise foothills or even Bogus Basin due to the smoke. Just because I can't see the Boise foothills do that mean that they're not there? I know they were there a few weeks ago, but I can't see them now. Of course not! We all know they are there, but the smoke is simply preventing us from seeing them. Have you ever noticed how often we are led by our senses? Touch, smell, sight, taste and hearing are usually what lead people. However, when it comes to faith, the Bible clearly warns us of what we're not to do. 2 Corinthians 5:7 clearly tells us, "For we live by believing and not by seeing." Just because we can't see something doesn't mean it's not there. Culture's reliance upon their senses often makes it difficult for them to have faith. And why is faith so important? Because according to Hebrews 11:6, "...it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Without faith it's impossible to please God. As you go about your day, don't just rely on those things your senses are telling you, but give faith a try :)

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Batons and the Church

One of the most exciting things to watch at the Olympics has been the sprint relays, especially the 4x100m. Talk about excitement and being on the edge of your seat. But having four incredibly fast sprinters is not everything. There's so much strategy that goes into a relay and probably more important than that is the baton exchanges between runners. I've seen some of the fastest relay teams in the world, both gold medal favorites or world record holders, drop the baton and subsequently lose races. But last night I watched some great running and flawless baton passing in the relays. They were beautifully timed and well executed. In a relay there is no one team member more important than another. Each has the responsibility to play their part well. They must run the best race they can and are each responsible for a good baton exchange to the next runner. It reminds me of the church, the Body of Christ. It's full of members, but each person has a part and responsibility to play. Romans 12:4-5 says, Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function,  so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." In a body no one part is more vital than another and it's same way in the church. Just as a relay team needs each person to succeed, so it is with the church. Today you have a vital part to play in the local church. Play your part well :)

Friday, August 10, 2012

Pain

I was talking with someone recently who said that they wanted no more pain in their life. They had endured much of it throughout their life and felt they'd had their fill of it. When it comes to life, things  are going to happen which produce pain. I think it's unavoidable. However, the silver lining to enduring pain is having someone who's there for you as you go through it. As I think about some of the more painful times and seasons in my life, I don't know how I would have made it without the Lord Himself and other friends around me. I think of Psalm 23:4 which says, Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,  for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." I also am reminded of Psalm 94:19, "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul." God truly is my comforter, my hope and my strength. Whether my day's going well or is a challenge, in my times of difficulty and pain, I will trust in the Lord. He alone is the One I must turn to. God often doesn't take away my pain, but helps me through it :) 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Friends...

In a culture where sports is all too often about huge contracts, millions of dollars and massive egos, the Olympic Games can be so refreshing. One fantastic thing I've seen at these games is the amount of sportsmanship that's going on. One such example was when the 110m hurdles former world champion and gold medal winner, Liu Xiang of China, stumbled on his first hurdle and fell to the ground hard. Although hurt and in obvious pain, he got up and started hopping towards the finish line. Two other competitors saw his efforts and cam to his aid, helping him across the finish line. It was truly a great sight with sportsmanship and the Olympic spirit on display for all to see. The image of others helping this man in his time of need is a beautiful picture of friendship. Isn't this what friends do? They help, strengthen, build up, encourage and whatever else needs to be done to help their friend. In Jesus we have just such a friend. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, "But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." He's our constant companion. When I think about Jesus and how much He cares about us and loves us, I can't but help think of the poem "Footprints in the Sand." It describes His commitment to us, regardless of what we're going through. Never forget the friendship He offers us. And sometimes He walks besides us and at other times He carries us :)


FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints. Other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, "You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life There have only been one set of prints in the sand. Why, when I have needed you most, you have not been there for me?" The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints is when I carried you."

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

But Everyone Else is Doing It...

Am I starting to hear this statement more and more? "Everyone else is doing it". Does it really matter whether it's right or wrong? Or does the fact is that everyone's doing it make it fine? Yesterday an Olympic gold medalist admitted to cheating in his race and his justification was that everyone else was doing it. Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Cameron van der Burgh said yesterday, "If you're not doing it, you're falling behind. It's not obviously — shall we say — the moral thing to do, but I'm not willing to sacrifice my personal performance and four years of hard work for someone that is willing to do it and get away with it." What are your thoughts on this? Unfortunately I sometimes hear this same attitude when it comes to Christianity. When the actions of others around you pull on you, at times it's easy to give in and justify it. The Bible is full of direction when it comes to living your life, and when you decide to serve the Lord, many things will attempt to get you off track and sin. It's easy to think we can do something we shouldn't and get away with it, however the Lord sees everything and even knows our motives. Don't take the easy way and justify your actions because everyone else around you might be doing it. Living as a Christian will often mean walking the less travelled road. Don't be surprised that if at times you're walking a lonely path, because many great men and women of faith have walked that road before you :) Read more at www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/story/2012-08-07/Gold-medal-swimmer-admits-to-cheating-at-Games/56854568/1

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Life Will Never Be the Same

Before the Olympics began just over a week ago, we knew some of the athlete's names, but not much more. How things can change after a few days of Olympic competition. The lives of some of these athletes will never be the same because of their Olympic success. People like Gabby Douglas and Missy Franklin have already become household names and the post-Olympic journey to stardom hasn't even really begun for them. Their lives will now be lived out in a fishbowl for the world to see. A major change and shift took place and their lives will never be the same. It reminds me so much of a person who is living their own life, doing what they want to do, and then they meet Jesus Christ as their Savior. They become a Christian and their life will never be the same (in a good way). I can't help but think of Ephesians 2:1 which tells us, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins..." I was once dead and yet Christ made me alive. Talk about a dramatic turnaround and change in a person's life. This is exactly what happened to me and happens to everyone who chooses to be a Christian. I not only wonder whose life will be next to change because of the Olympics, but whose life will change today because they choose Jesus? Will it be you?

Monday, August 6, 2012

True Champions Don't Need to Win Gold

Does an athlete have to win the gold medal at the Olympics to be a champion? With certainty I can say no. One person who fits into this category is 400m sprinter Oscar Pistrorius from South Africa. His story is simply amazing and you can see some of it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3yZxCMoIf4. What captivates me so much about this man is his tenacity and determination. The fact he was born with no bones in the lower parts of his legs couldn't stop him from running in the Olympic Games. I think of some of the men and women in the Bible who had this same tenacity and determination. They ran the race of faith. When adversity came their way they endured. When disappointment was knocking on their door they chose not to open it. Oscar Pistorious may have finished last in his 400m semi-final, but to the world he won his race. He's inspired millions around the world. He's broken down the walls of excuses. He chose to finish his race. If we as Christians chose to have the same determination to run our race, can you imagine how incredible that would look like? There's so much we can learn from Oscar Pistorious. His courage, strength and passion are so encouraging. In my eyes he's a gold medal winner. Thank you Oscar for not letting anything stop you from finishing your race :)

Saturday, August 4, 2012

My Mum

I know what you're thinking. No I didn't spell mum wrong. I know in the USA it's spelled mom, but just about everywhere else in the world it's mum. I guess things like that are hard for me to change :) Early this morning I saw my mum off at the airport after being with us for over 3 weeks. It's been great having her with us and she's enjoyed every minute of it too. I guess a true grandparent just can't get enough of their grandkids. We've been blessed seeing her almost every year over the past five years. What's so amazing about family is that even though you may not have seen them for a long time, you can easily pick up as if it were yesterday. When you don't see a family member very often, as is our case, you really need to make the most of it, cherishing every moment. Whether your family member lives in the same city or half way around the world, don't take anything for granted and stay connected. It's sad to me seeing grandparents who live in the same city as their children and grandkids, and yet never spend time together. Especially in electronic age with things like Skype, Facetime, email, texting and phones, don't let anything stop you from cherishing each other. I appreciate my mum's efforts to come and visit us, and her frequent phone calls. Thanks mum, we love you so much :)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Million Dollar Smile :)

If you've watched any of the Olympics up to this point you probably seen a huge spectrum when it comes to personalities. There are some athletes who are stone faced, not knowing whether they've won the gold medal or finished last. There are others who have such spunk, excitement and are so much fun to watch. Some of my favorites to watch are Missy Franklin, John Daley and John Orozko. But my favorite up to this point is gymnastics all around gold medal winner Gabby Douglas. Not only is she an amazing gymnast, but she has a million dollar personality and smile. I'm sure she'll have endorsements and deals waiting for her upon her return to the US, including her picture on boxes of Wheaties. And she is no doubt well deserving of these. She bubbles with joy and exuberance and is so fun to watch, whether she's competing or not. People are intrigued and captivated by her and are trying to figure out what it is about her. The answer is very simple. It's her faith. She loves the Lord and it's obvious. Here's a great link to a clip of her sharing before her church just before heading to London to compete http://www.ktis.org/2012/08/gabby-douglas-talks-about-her-faith/. Watching her love for Jesus should be an encouragement to every Christian. We should be just as excited about what He's doing in our lives as Gabby is about what He's doing in hers. Gabby is pretty stoked about winning the Gold, but she's even more stoked about following Jesus. You just have to love it :)

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Disqualified!


One of the low-lights of these Olympic games so far was the disqualification of eight badminton players for intentionally trying to lose, in order to set themselves up for a better draw in the elimination rounds. One of the teams was the number one ranked team in the world expected to win gold. Their efforts were so bad that the thousands watching were consistently booing them. To many people what these athletes did may come as a shock, but trust me, it happens more than you think. In tennis it was known as "tanking" a match. A player who wanted a better draw or who just didn't want to play, simply tanked. Sometimes tanking can be very hard to detect, yet at other times, such as with these badminton players, it's pretty obvious. Now think about this for a moment. Can tanking actually take place in the life of a believer? I think it can and does. There are many Christians who simply go through the motions with their walk with the Lord. Colossians 3:23 encourages us by saying, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." Doing something heartily means doing it "without constraint, exuberantly or vigorously." Obviously these Olympians didn't compete heartily compared with most of the other Olympic athletes. But as a Christian do everything heartily! Do everything as unto the Lord! Don't let it be said that you were disqualified as a Christian because of your lack of effort and tanking. Live as we're called to live, full of live, exuberance, excitement and passion :)

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Redemption!