Monday “I Needed That” Moment

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ClassAct

Sunday, October 4th, 2015

Every once in a while you run across something which stirs feelings within you that you may have thought were dormant.

You begin to think the world is a cold place.

You begin to think all people care about is getting ahead.

You begin to think all coaches and athletes think about is their next victory and how they can win at all costs.

Then…then you read or hear something and it restores your faith…if only for a moment. If for only a moment you get a glimpse of a coach and a team who “get it.”

Please take a few moments (about all it will take) and read this news article. Then come back here and let me know what you think.

Posted in Family, Friendship, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Pick me Up | 16 Responses »

Medicine

Monday, May 4th, 2015

Meals on WheelsTITLE: MEALS ON WHEELS

So I have strange friends who decide to give me a chuckle. Obviously photo-shopped but who cares? It is still hilarious. First, you would never catch me riding with snow on the ground in my bib shorts and short sleeve jersey with no knee or arm warmers or jacket. Second, it is going up hill. I. WOULD. BE. HIS. MEAL.  At my age (62) and my weight (204) I don’t climb as fast as those young bucks who only weigh 130 pounds. So I am bear food. Third, some people have a weird sense of humor…and I LOVE IT!

My buddy, Jim, sent this to me. We used to ride together until health issues have taken him out of the cycling picture for several years. However, I love Jim’s comedic relief. I also tell him I don’t have to beat the bear. I only have to climb faster than him. 🙂

Hope your day shapes up to be a good one. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about this post unless I made you laugh. Then it can be said, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Pr.17:22

Posted in Exercise, Health, Little Bit of Fun, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Pick me Up | 12 Responses »

FREE

Sunday, June 29th, 2014

There are ways a person can be blind or deaf and not really be either.

There are ways a person can see and hear and not really be either.

Helen Keller was blind, yet she could see a world of beauty that most people miss.  She was deaf, yet she could hear truth in the simplest of things. For a long time she could not speak, yet her life formed words which still ring loud and clear even today.

Most of us know the story of Helen Keller. She suffered an illness as a child that banished her to a dark world where she could feel but not express. Her teacher and lifelong friend, Anne Sullivan, embraced and rescued her with love and gave her a way to express herself. Helen’s own words speak for themselves:

I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a man-made world.

Let me restate: there are ways a person be blind or deaf and not really be either. The opposite is also true.

Which one are you? Do you take delight in each new day…each new task…each new sunrise and sunset? Do you hear what is being “said” or are you deaf? Maybe today is a good day to start seeing and hearing and breaking free from the chains of darkness.

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Monday "I Needed That" Moment | 38 Responses »

Failure

Sunday, October 13th, 2013

My first idea for this post was to call it Inspiration and write about some people who have inspired me.  I may still do that before this week is all said and done, but I changed the idea from inspiration to failure.

Well…not quite failure but the idea of failure. Feeling like one.  Acting like one.  Talking like one.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind how we feel about ourselves will come out in our speech, attitudes and actions.  I have seen ball teams defeated even before they even take the field. You can read it in their body language.  You can read it in their demeanor.  You can read it in their eyes.  You can see it in their actions as they warm up.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION.

Sure we may lose a contest, but we are not going down without a fight.  I’m sure you have heard people say, “Failure is not losing.  Failure is the unwillingness to get back up.”  There is nobody on this planet-past, present or future- who has not fallen.   Babe Ruth is quoted as saying, “Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.”  He also said, “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.”  Michael Jordan once said, “I missed over 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games.  26 times I was trusted with the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

The late Tim Hansel was fond of telling a story about Winston Churchill visiting his alma mater, Harrow School.  The super gave him a rousing introduction and told the students to be sure and take notes.  He stood up and said, “Never give in.  Never give in.  Never, never, never, never, never, give in.”  Then he sat  back down.   (There are various versions of that speech and its content)

Failure in Churchill’s mind was not an option.   The Bible is flooded with people who refused to give in or give up.  Daniel.  Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego.  Jesus.  History is flooded with people who refused to give up or in.  Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone (Alamo).  George Washington.  Abe Lincoln.  Failure was not an option.

We have all been down before…and probably will again.  The key is to not stay down.   Temporary setbacks are called that for a reason.  One of my favorite scenes in Seabiscuit is when Jeff Bridges’ character, Charles Howard, moves west to open a bicycle shop only to find no one interested.  His world changes when he is asked to fix an engine of a car that is blowing steam.  He appeared stumped after he had taken it apart.  Inspiration comes and he puts it back together, which eventually leads him to selling cars.

Don’t give up. Don’t give in.  Failure is not an option.  Carry that with you this week.

What say you?

After writing this post, I read this.

 

Posted in Christian living, Just a Quote, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Pick me Up | 25 Responses »

Heartwarming

Sunday, September 29th, 2013

Every once in awhile it is good to hear or read a story that warms the heart. This past weekend my oldest daughter, Tami, sent me a link to a story out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Since I am a sucker for these types of stories, I thought I might start your week off with a little bit of warmth and a good feeling.  Who knows what our week will be like and having a story like this to remember can’t hurt.

Here is the link to the story.

I hope you took the time to read his letter to the news station.  If you did you will notice he gives the name of his pastor (and I know he would shoot me beat me up if he knew I mentioned his name).   Craig Groeschel.  I consider Craig a friend and someone I could go to if I needed advice or just to talk.  But to take the spotlight away from him, this is something every one of us ought to be doing, especially pastors.  Challenging others to reach out in love to those we come in contact with.

For another story similar to this, you can check out this one.   I also found this background story here if you are interested in watching more.

Many will talk about the resiliency of the human spirit.  They can talk…and it is true.  But there is also a back story to both of these…not only the desire to make a difference in another person’s life, but also the inspiration found in the Bible:  “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”   For those of us who are Christ-followers we have an added dimension to the strength we need.  That is not at all a criticism of those who persevere through all kinds of garbage despite not making a profession of faith (except in themselves).  But when the Christ-follower faces uncertainty, we don’t have to give into despair or hopelessness or discouragement.

Who knows what any of us will face this week- follower of Christ or not.  Maybe these stories will serve as an inspiration to you this week-good or bad.  There is a line in Timecop where an Irish cop says (about a jumper), “Too bad. Tomorrow might have been a brighter day.”  We can have hope in spite of whatever comes.

Any thoughts you might like to share?  I’d love to hear them.

Posted in Christian living, Miscellaneous, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Pick me Up | 17 Responses »

Quitting

Sunday, March 31st, 2013

“I’m taking my ball and going home!”

“If you can’t play by my rules then fine.  I’m done!”

We have all heard them.  We probably played with a few of them.  Shoot, those very words may have come out of our mouths.   But those are minor compared to these:

“I can’t trust God.  I quit.”

“I can’t believe in all the chaos and junk that there is really a God who cares.  I am done with Him.”

“I am tired of the whole church thing.  Time for me to check out.”

Unfortunately, we have all probably heard those somewhere along the line as well.  After just celebrating the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, it seems unfathomable to me that we can use those excuses for turning our  backs, i.e. quitting.  But it happens.  I am ashamed of the times I have wanted to throw my hands up in despair because God’s answer was not immediately forthcoming.  G-r-r-r-r.

I. FEEL. LIKE. QUITTING.

Then I remember the goodness of God and how He has never let me down.  On time.  Slow time.  Hesitation time. But never late time.

You may have heard the story of Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna during the time Marcus Aurelius was ruling Rome.  He found out they were coming for him he fixed the soldiers breakfast.  He then asked for an hour to pray, and the story says they were so moved by his prayer they apologized for arresting him. 

Brought before the proconsul, he was found guilty and sentenced to be executed by being burned at the stake.  At his inquisition, the proconsul offered freedom if he would denounce Christ. 

Polycarp is said to have answered, “Eighty and six years have I served Him and He has never wronged me.  How can I blaspheme by king?”  When they staked him to the “tree” to be burned, they tied his hands instead of nailing him because he assured them he would not try escape.  The fire formed a ring around him, but would not burn HIM, so the executioner put a spear into him.  The blood was so much it put out the fire.  Eventually the Jews made sure his body was burned.  Source: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

Quitting was not an option for Polycarp.  Quitting was not an option for many of the early Christ-followers.  Quitting should not be an option for me.  For you. For anyone.   The Easter story reminds us quitting should not be part of our vocabulary.  The cross couldn’t stop Jesus.   The grave couldn’t hold Him.

AND IN KEEPING WITH MONDAY’S “HISTORY”…THAT IS NO FOOL’S STORY

Hope you had a blessed Easter and found renewed hope for your journey.  What lesson did you take away from your weekend?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Easter, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Sunday Meanderings | 19 Responses »

Mulligans

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

Have you ever played golf?  If so, you know what a mulligan is.

DON’T YOU WISH THERE WERE MULLIGANS IN LIFE?

I do.  I have plenty of regrets I would like to avoid.  Perhaps that is one of the reasons I have been captivated by the whole Back to the Future trilogy.  The idea of traveling back through time to change things intrigues me.  I know I would tell my 5th or 6th grade self not to touch that magazine.  I would tell my high school self…nah never mind.  🙂  Anyway, the idea of taking a mulligan, of having a second chance sort of “rings our bell.”  Least it does mine.

In preparation for my sermon this past Sunday, I read a story of a man whose name was inadvertently printed in the obituary column of his local newspaper.  It may have been the result of a prank or just an accident.  But, one day, this woke up and read his own obituary.  You can imagine how that would ruin your day.  There he was, minding his own business, drinking his coffee and munching on his Captain Crunch cereal (or if he is older his Fiber 80).  He opened the newspaper and, lo and behold, he was listed as now deceased.

Not amused, the man got into his care, drove down to the newspaper office, and demanded to see the editor.

The editor came out and said, “Yes sir, Can I help you?”

“I am outraged.  You printed my name in the obituary column.  As you can see, I am very much alive and well.  This is going to be a cause of great embarrassment for me.  I will probably even lose business.”

“Sir, I’m sorry. It was an error, but there is nothing I can do.”

Naturally, that explanation did not appease the victim.  He continued to rant and rave and even threatened to sue the paper.

Finally the editor said, “Cheer up, buddy. Tomorrow, I’ll put your name in the birth column and give you a fresh start.” 

That about says it all don’t you think?  Who of us wouldn’t like to have a fresh start?  We will take that second chance.  We will scream out “Mulligan!”

While the whole idea of going back in time is mere fantasy (bummer!), the idea of a fresh start is not.  Jesus offers us that fresh start.  He takes our need for mulligans and says, “Here.  I’ll take care of that for you.”

Of course, the best way to not need a mulligan is to not live a life of regret.  We can’t change our past-we all know that.  But we can have a say in our future. How do you plan to live your future? 

Posted in Christian living, Monday "I Needed That" Moment, Sermon Series/Topic, Story | 23 Responses »

Impression

Sunday, February 17th, 2013

AS IN SILENT IMPRESSION…

This will begin with a confession: I am going back on my word.  That doesn’t  bode well, I know, but in this case I think it is good.  🙂  Last week in this post I raved about a book by my friend, Artie Davis.  I also stated that I was going to begin working my way through it on a daily basis beginning March 1.  Aaaaah, I lied fibbed changed my mind.  After reading the responses I had begun to think about changing my start date.  Then I read a devotion Saturday morning from Tony Dungy’s book The One Year Uncommon Life.  Here is the gist of it:

Tim Tebow has received about every award a football player can get in college (and he names them).  His father, Bob, tells the story that at the end of one season, he was helping Tim pack up his belongings in the locker room when Tim asked him to carry a box to the car. When he peeked inside the box it was full of trophies, plaques, and certificates, most of which his dad never knew he had won.  His parents are amazed at how many people will come up to them expressing their thanks for a phone call, note, or visit they or someone they knew received from Tim. All without fanfare.  Visits to the hospitals that would often take hours…all without fanfare or publicity.  (How about that for so-called faith healers hucksters?)  When working on a book, Tim excused himself to make a phone call that lasted 10 minutes.  The author found out the next day back in Florida Tim’s phone call was to someone battling cancer.  But it didn’t come from Tim’s mouth; it was from the person himself.  A friend of a friend has asked him to call.

Say what you will about Tim’s football ability in the pros (frankly I think he needs a chance), but you cannot say a word about the impression he makes on people…all without fanfare and publicity.

Artie’s book, Craveable, is subtitled The Irresistible Jesus In Me.  I want that.  I don’t want a flashy, showy faith that draws headlines. I don’t want the bright lights of the media or accolades to rain down.   Artie used a bumper sticker in the introduction: “Lord, please save me from Your followers.”   Yep, gotta go along with that.  And I be one of them.  As I see it, God is not interested, nor is He impressed by our flash.  He is not impressed by our “dance moves.”  He wants our hearts.  He wants our consistency.  He wants us to be craveable.  So my journey begins Monday, February 18th.  I’ll keep you posted along the way.  Join me if you want.

Any thoughts you want to express?  Have any thoughts about “publicity hounds”, especially those who call themselves Christians?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Just Wondering, Leadership, Monday "I Needed That" Moment | 18 Responses »

Chance

Sunday, February 10th, 2013

If you like westerns and read Al Lacy’s books, Chance is the name of a horse in this book. 🙂

If you like to test your “luck” and play the lottery or gamble, chance is a “friend.”  🙁

If you are a daredevil, you will take chances.  I had a friend in college who could never pass up a dare.  Recently I took a “double dog dare you” from two brothers to the stage with me.  Their mother had made one a hat that looked like dreadlocks and the other brother had one that looked like a Mohawk (although Maximus came more to mind).  You can probably already see the picture in your mind.  🙂 I wore them both and got a big hoot out of the peoples’ laughing.

But the chance I want to focus on for this post was inspired by a story I used in my sermon Sunday.  You may have heard it before.

The story is told that in 1983 John Sculley quit his post at PepsiCo to become president of Apple, a role he served for ten years.  He took a big risk (chance) leaving a very secure job with a fantastic income for one that offered no guarantees, except fulfilling the vision of the founder.  Sculley says he made his move after Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, goaded him with a question: “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water or do you want a chance to change the world?” 

The rest, as they say, is history.  😀

I have recently renewed my interest in John Eldredge’s book and “movement” Wild at Heart.  We are starting a men’s ministry at the church (led and dreamed about by someone other than me…yeah!) and it piqued my interest again in “men things.”  So, while working on a puzzle and then riding my bike inside (Ugh!), I have been watching Eldredge’s Boot Camp Live on DVD.  No matter what people have said about his book or theology, John’s basic theme has been that men have been passive too long and need to get their heart back for adventure, and ultimately for God.  Frankly, we aren’t going to change our world if we don’t have a passion for life.  We aren’t going to make a difference if we don’t take chances (more than gambling or games of chance).

I have said it before: I am 60 years old and I know I have a lot less years left to live than I have lived (unless God decides to fool me).  No matter how many of those  years I have left, I don’t want to go out whimpering.  I want to go out with a bang, a shout, or some form of noise.  🙂   I still believe I have something to offer and want to be a world-changer, not a sameness-hugger or a poser (as John is want to say).

Where are you at these days?

Posted in Christian living, Just Wondering, Leadership, Monday "I Needed That" Moment | 34 Responses »

Bluster

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Webster’s online dictionary defines bluster this way:

  • “to talk with noisy swaggering threats.”
  • “to blow in stormy noisy gusts, to be windy and boisterous.”
  • “to utter with noisy self-assertiveness.”

I am writing this before the Super Bowl happens, so take what I am going to say with that in mind.  One of the things that is common in all sporting events, political arenas before a big vote, and other such events, is the amount of bluster that takes place.  While not all that thrilled with the outcome of the previous election, I am s-o-o-o-o-o glad it is over!  The amount of unnecessary verbiage was totally annoying and mind-boggling.   Since I am writing this before the Super Bowl, the past two weeks seem to have been quiet compared to what will take place the closer the game gets and afterwards.  I realize some of this is pure hype.  Some of it is the excitement of the moment.  But I can’t wait to hear how many times I will hear “The greatest game ever” or “one of the greatest to ever play in the SB.”  I gottta admit I can handle a bit better than when someone is tooting their own horn.

I have been reading Tony Dungy’s Uncommon Life Daily Challenge as part of my morning devotional time.  Appropriately, his February 2nd devotion was about patting ourselves on the back.  He gave an excellent quote his high school coach often quoted:

Talent is God-given- be thankful.  Praise is man-given- be humble.  Conceit is self-given- be careful.

BAM!  He also tells the story of Tim Tebow’s parents, who would not allow their sons (Tim included) to tell about their own feats unless they were asked about them.  Apparently there was a lot of bragging going on among Tim and his brothers and subsequently to others, and their parents wanted it to stop.   So Tim and his brothers were forbidden to talk about their exploits, unless asked.  Perhaps that is why Tim is reluctant to toot his own horn in press conferences.

Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”   Those are good words.  They are words of warning. They are words of exhortation.  They are words of conviction.   Sometimes it is hard to bite our tongues and let others do the talking.  It is hard not to seek recognition, but allow someone else to recognize and bring it to the front.  But the words of the coach; the words of Tim Tebow’s parents; and most definitely the words of Proverbs are wise ones.

Do you find blustery people hard to stomach?  What do you when people start bragging about themselves?  Have you ever had someone stop you in mid “blustery” sentence and put a check on you? 

Posted in Christian living, Just a Quote, Just Wondering, Monday "I Needed That" Moment | 22 Responses »

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