Month: September 2011

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Transformers Friday

I saw on TV last night that it’s Transformer’s Friday.  I like that.  They said it is because that ridiculous movie is being release on DVD, I say, it is because I have another great example from a cross country runner to share, and I think it will create some transformation in you!

I was actually shown this clip on Wednesday night.  The group of men that I met with on Wednesdays are planning to spend the month of October talking about fatherhood, and more importantly being courageous as a father.  This study actually coincides with today’s release of the new movie “Courageous“, which I urge all of you to find some time to go see.  ( if you are in the Chattanooga area – there is a large group of men going to view this movie Monday night – please join us!)

So, back to the point. during our time on Wednesday, we reviewed this video about Ben Comen, a high school cross country runner with Cerebral Palsy.

Really, you need to check out this video.  It’s an ESPN piece from a few years ago.  This dude has a lot of courage and a lot of strength to push himself despite his physical disadvantage.  If you don’t have time today, please take the 8 minutes this weekend to watch this little clip, I think you will be glad you did.

And then you can take encouragement from Ben, as you fight against whatever uphill, unbalanced, and rocky challenge  you are dealing with as you run through your life.  Hopefully, you will be able to look at whatever is knocking you down with a little more courage and strength – after all, we have Him on our side.

9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 New International Version (NIV)

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It’s Coffee Day!

Well here is it!  It’s National Coffee Day! And I am glad for all of you coffee drinkers out there!  I have a certain disdain for coffee, as you know I prefer the Gentleman’s Drink.  It could be that it all started when my older brother took a sip of my father’s coffee and then sprinting off puking. I have not really had much of a desire for coffee since that day!  Or, it could be that I like to keep saying my classic one liner when asked if I want a cup of java – “No, thanks, I’m a Christian!”  ( what that had to do with it , I am not really sure!)

But here is it upon us, National Coffee Day – so enjoy a coffee break and a cup of joe!  Several coffee serving establishments are giving it away today. Over at Punchbowl.com, you can even send a Coffee Day e-card for free, to share the love!

Actually I love the idea of coffee, because it is so associated with sitting down and having deep conversation.  So, maybe you should consider taking a cup of the world’s favorite beverage over to a friend, or an enemy, and share some time with them.  I am sure it will make their day!  Even I would probably suffer through a cup ( laced with lots of cream and sugar) to spend time together!

 

 22-25So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25 The Message (MSG)

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Conquer yourself

A few days back I stumbled across this quote from the great author Max Lucado 

Conquer yourself rather than the world.

That’s a pretty simple yet powerful thought.  I know there are lots of times when I personally get so concerned about how others act and I think I do set out to conquer them.   But this simple thought about conquering yourself will more than likely have more of a profound impact of those around you then your brutal up front onslaughts!

I also read a few days ago about some “Christian” comments that people had made to other folks. I found this one incredible entertaining and heartbreaking at the same time

“I have removed the moat from my eye and I can know clearly see you are going to hell!” or something like that

That is just so wrong.  We are not to attempt to ‘fix’ others in that sort of way.  Look at how that little spiel from Matthew reads in the Message: 

  1-5“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.  Matthew 7:3-5 The Message (MSG)

So today, work on conquering yourself.  I think it will amaze us how that action in the end actually does conquer the world!

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In A Fog

I drove in this morning in quite a soup of fog, and no I am not talking about the inside of my mind.  Although that may also be the case, I was talking about a literal fog.  It was so thick I could not really see more than 2 cars in front of my for a little stretch.

That got me thinking about Hebrews 12.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
 
Yes, that large fog cloud reminded me of all the people who have lived these lives before us.  Those who have dealt with the same issues with deal with, who lived through similar joys and heartaches.  Those who found strength in the same Creator who we get our strength from!
 
So, wherever you are today, and whatever you are dealing with remember that great cloud from the past that surrounds you, take encouragement from them, and run with perseverance the path you are on!  Oh, and lighten that pack, by throwing out those thing with don’t help you move down the path!
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Uniforms Do Matter

Football season is in full swing and the trend for flashy and sometimes crazy uniforms continues to grow each week. Some feel that the tradition of simple uniforms should not be messed with, but to the players it really seems to make a difference. For instance most people have reacted negatively to Maryland’s new 32 combination of uniforms, but the players both from Maryland and other schools love them.

And them there’s this. Two weeks ago Ohio University rolled out some black unis for their game with Marshall. Take a look at the reaction in this video associated with this article:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-09-23/ohio-university-football-players-flip-out-over-new-uniforms

They are pumped! Do you think they are ready to play? When the hit the field they had just a little more confidence because they felt they looked good. Yes the clothing doesn’t make them better players, but it provides confidence and excitement that helps them bring out their best! And as Amy always says ‘looking good is half the battle!”

So now think about yourself, suiting up for the game of life and take a peek at what you get to put on?

14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14 New International Version (NIV)

Yep, we get to put on the creator of the world as we deal with life. That’s a pretty cool uniform that should give you confidence and strength as you play the game of life .

Let’s go!!!!!