Tag: reward

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Ninjas!

Last week I posted a few times about being strong and conquering fear.  Last night I witnessed something that help epitomize those concepts in the physical world. Have you ever watched American Ninja Warrior?  The participants in this show are ridiculous!  Not ridiculous like the reality show that came on after ANW, but what I mean is they are so strong and so fearless as they tackle a pretty insane obstacle course.  However, what impresses me the most is that most of them are able to conquer the course, even if they fail.  They are so disciplined and have so much mastery and control over their physical bodies.  It’s so obvious they didn’t just sign up for American Ninja Warrior on a whim.  They train and they place their physical bodies under their control  in the effort to claim the title of “America’s First Ninja Warrior”!

It’s impressive and it’s motivating.  It’s a great example of people who buffet their bodies daily.  They make me want to train, and they offer great inspiration to conquer those physical goals I have for myself.  But they also make me want to train my spiritual side, as they are real life examples of this verse

24 You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! 25 All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. 26 So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air. 27 I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.1 Corinthians 9:24-27 New Century Version (NCV)

Keep training, keep pushing and stay strong.  Lets live a life that pleases Christ, claim they title he offers.

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Bowl Season!

Yeah, it’s Bowl week, and it’s gotten off to a great start with to game saving touchdowns late in the game.  I have to say that fourth down call by The Herd was a great play.  But here’s something pretty cool that happened off the field.

As you probably know, the players are rewarded quite well at this games.  The bowl gifts range from TV’s to watches, from iPods to rings. Tons o’ swag – well – of course swag that is under the $300 NCAA limit.  Yesterday however, a few Louisiana Tech players gave their packages to children from the Make-A-Wish foundation.  That’s probably even more incredible than the touchdowns and tackles.  Jump over and read about it here.

And be inspired by the heart of those players, and the magic of the Christmas season.

Keep Giving!

 

38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 New International Version (NIV)

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Stick to Itiveness Award

Earlier this week while we were messing around Innoventions at Epcot, we ended up in a ‘game show’ that was to teach us about the merits of Velcro! Turns out this involved audience participation, and yes both Alex and Andrew were a team in one game and Amy and I in the other.  We both lost.  But we did receive a reward anyway the Stick-to-it-iveness Award. YEAH!

And today I extend that reward out to you.  Its Friday, its the end of a long work week for some of you.  For others it’s just another day in the long days of life.  Well here is your reward.  Keep going, keep sticking to it!

7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.  2 Chronicles 15:7 (New International Version)

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Pushing Through the Falls

Last night, once I finally got home from late night basketball, I sat down and watched a little bit of the Fall-a-lympics.  Did you notice?  In the women’s snowboard, fall after fall.  Men’s skating – fall, fall, fall.  So many falls, that I eventually “fell” asleep, kicked back in my favorite chair and missed the great victory last night in men’s skating (disappointing ).

Anyway, while I was still awake, I was asking my lovely and multi-talented wife why she thought there were so many falls.    We both through out several theories, including that they tired ( like us), they didn’t get enough practice, or that is was Bush’s fault. (ok just kidding on the last one).   But ultimately we settled, and I think this is true, on that fact that they are having to push so hard because there is such a small separation between Gold and last.  They push so hard, and when you push yourself, sometimes  you make mistakes.   All of these athletes are capable of pretty incredible athletic accomplishments, but on the world’s stage we see them falter. They could pull back just a little and finish their event without a fall, but would fall would be any chance at a medal.  So, they go for it, they push themselves a little past what they can comfortable do, and when it works – its awesome!

So it is with our lives – physical and spiritual.  We can live in our comfort zone and never make a mistake, and never reap the reward.  Live it out on the edge.  Push yourself in your life.  Accept that you will not be perfect, but at times, things will work out in a way that you just can’t even imagine how awesome the reward will be.

This is why I love the Olympics.  It so inspiring, its so motivating, its such a microcosm of life.

So, lets take some risks, lets live a little bit crazy, step out of the place of comfort and lets impact others by pushing on the edges.

And then find your safety in God.

New International Version (NIV)Psalm 4:7-8

7 You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.