Our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading ministry began its new season last Saturday, with teams playing their first games and cheerleaders leading the fans in their first cheers. It was a blessing - you’ve never seen basketball in its purest form until you’ve seen it played by elementary school students.
The reality, though, is that this was not the beginning of the Upward season. Teams have been practicing for several weeks, learning skills and teamwork to get ready for that first big game. Most organized sports are that way, teams practice for hours and hours to prepare themselves for that one moment when they get the ball and shoot the basket.
The Bible often uses sports analogies to describe the life of the believer. Paul must have been a sports fan - he has a clear understanding of the athlete’s preparation.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Be encouraged. Live your life in Christ to the fullest this week. Run a great race!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
After Christmas Blues...
I'm always kind of bummed out after Christmas. You see, for months I have been looking forward to this one special day. Actually for us it is a string of special days. I look forward to opening gifts, eating great food but most of all, spending time with family.
After Christmas everything I have been looking forward to is over. It seems a little silly to look a year ahead to the next Christmas. My birthday is in March and that will be a good time. We have vacation plans with family this summer. I've been excited about that for quite a while.
It seems like life is more fun if you have something to look forward to.
Paul wrote something about this in Romans 8:
17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
We have something to look forward to! We are heirs to the Kingdom of God! Let us live with this in mind.
After Christmas everything I have been looking forward to is over. It seems a little silly to look a year ahead to the next Christmas. My birthday is in March and that will be a good time. We have vacation plans with family this summer. I've been excited about that for quite a while.
It seems like life is more fun if you have something to look forward to.
Paul wrote something about this in Romans 8:
17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
We have something to look forward to! We are heirs to the Kingdom of God! Let us live with this in mind.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Christmas Rush
Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means the line just got really long at Walmart. Actually, I only know this from TV. When crowds go shopping, I stay home. Apparently, not everyone shares my aversion to standing in the parking lot at 4 a.m. The crowds were, for yet another year, incredible as people searched for that special bargain.
Many ran into the same issue as last year - the great price on that new flat screen only lasts until 5 a.m., or whenever the two TVs in stock are sold. Two TVs; 5,000 people in the parking lot. Somebody is going home disappointed.
That’s what is great about Christmas - the real reason we celebrate. The grace that was born that first Christmas is never out of stock. No one who has placed their faith in the Savior born that day will ever be disappointed in his love. His mercy will never wear thin or go out of style. This season, celebrate the greatest Gift of all.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Many ran into the same issue as last year - the great price on that new flat screen only lasts until 5 a.m., or whenever the two TVs in stock are sold. Two TVs; 5,000 people in the parking lot. Somebody is going home disappointed.
That’s what is great about Christmas - the real reason we celebrate. The grace that was born that first Christmas is never out of stock. No one who has placed their faith in the Savior born that day will ever be disappointed in his love. His mercy will never wear thin or go out of style. This season, celebrate the greatest Gift of all.
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Staying Connected
One of the things that gets put on the back burner so often for me is the need to stay connected with other parents/families. Fortunately, we had a family outing activity planned the first of November that allowed members and guests the opportunity to fellowship and connect with each other. We had a super time and spent around 4 hours enjoying the outdoors, children, and visiting with other parents. There was lots of fun and laughter and I even had some sore muscles the next day. One of the most enjoyable (but strenuous) activities was the boys versus the girls in tug of war (and if my memory serves me, the girls won the best 4 out of 7 tries- with a little help). Sometimes staying connected takes some extra effort but it sure is worth it!
Please join us anytime and keep yourself connected!
Please join us anytime and keep yourself connected!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thanksgiving Diet
My doctor put me on a diet. Something about my cholesterol level reaching stratospheric levels. So I have become a devout reader of ingredient labels. I am supposed to avoid high levels of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and taste. So far, I’ve been successful in my quest. My levels are down to a physician pleasing number, at least until they readjust the recommendations again.
In all, the process hasn’t been all that bad. There are only a few foods that I really miss. Actually, only one. French fries. So far, I’ve found nothing that comes close to the taste of a french fry that doesn’t have a month’s worth of fat in each bite. That hasn’t made me stop wanting them. I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs every time I pass by a McDonald’s. Come to think of it, I’m salivating right now.
I have learned something, though. If I can become this enamored by a fried underground vegetable, how much more should I desire to glorify Christ? If my doctor stops hounding me, don’t stand between me and the nearest deep fryer. Why can’t I have that same longing for serving the Lord? I should. That’s my Thanksgiving prayer. As we give thanks this year for God’s blessing, with every pecan pie I pass, I’m going to remind myself of what the Savior gave up for me. Suddenly that piece of pie seems really insignificant.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
In all, the process hasn’t been all that bad. There are only a few foods that I really miss. Actually, only one. French fries. So far, I’ve found nothing that comes close to the taste of a french fry that doesn’t have a month’s worth of fat in each bite. That hasn’t made me stop wanting them. I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs every time I pass by a McDonald’s. Come to think of it, I’m salivating right now.
I have learned something, though. If I can become this enamored by a fried underground vegetable, how much more should I desire to glorify Christ? If my doctor stops hounding me, don’t stand between me and the nearest deep fryer. Why can’t I have that same longing for serving the Lord? I should. That’s my Thanksgiving prayer. As we give thanks this year for God’s blessing, with every pecan pie I pass, I’m going to remind myself of what the Savior gave up for me. Suddenly that piece of pie seems really insignificant.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fall Festival
I want to send out an invitation to one and all to attend our annual Fall Festival.
On Sunday, October 25 from 5-7pm, we open the doors for a fun-filled, family friendly event. Come join us for laser tag (grades 1-6 only), balloon art, football toss, ring-a-pop, cake walk and many, many more games for all ages. Did I mention the candy? Lots and lots of candy too. Don't forget to visit the Prize Table when you get your game card filled out and take a minute to check out the display tables in the gym that are highlighting our Children's Activities.
We can't wait to see you!!
On Sunday, October 25 from 5-7pm, we open the doors for a fun-filled, family friendly event. Come join us for laser tag (grades 1-6 only), balloon art, football toss, ring-a-pop, cake walk and many, many more games for all ages. Did I mention the candy? Lots and lots of candy too. Don't forget to visit the Prize Table when you get your game card filled out and take a minute to check out the display tables in the gym that are highlighting our Children's Activities.
We can't wait to see you!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Beautiful
Fall is such an extraordinary season. I think National Avenue is one of the most extraordinary drives in Springfield, with beautiful old growth trees displayed in all their seasonal splendor. According to my vast horticultural knowledge (in other words, I looked it up), the fall leaves are actually showing their true color, which is normally hidden by the green pigmentation of chlorophyll during the spring and summer. In the fall, we get to enjoy the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, the actual color of the leaves.
I think maybe that is a glimpse of what heaven will be like. In this world, who we are is so often hidden by the sin and shame brought on by our own rebellion against God. When we stand in the presence of God, perfected by His glorious mercy and grace, we will be able to see each other as we were created to be - beautiful handwork of the Master Craftsman.
Even more exciting, we will see God in all His glory. As the Apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
In the words of the gospel hymn, “what a day that will be.” Let the beauty of this season be a reminder of the glorious hope we have in Jesus.
I think maybe that is a glimpse of what heaven will be like. In this world, who we are is so often hidden by the sin and shame brought on by our own rebellion against God. When we stand in the presence of God, perfected by His glorious mercy and grace, we will be able to see each other as we were created to be - beautiful handwork of the Master Craftsman.
Even more exciting, we will see God in all His glory. As the Apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
In the words of the gospel hymn, “what a day that will be.” Let the beauty of this season be a reminder of the glorious hope we have in Jesus.
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