GOLF

Every once in a while, it's good to attempt something that you're not necessarily experienced at. Well, providing what you're attempting isn't detrimental. Once a year my in laws fly in from the UK and I spend the better part of two weeks attempting to play golf. I dig playing golf.

The goal, in golf, is to swing the golf club (each club for a specific distance) and move the ball further down the fairway until, eventually, the golf ball finds it's home in a hole that is approximately 4 " in diameter. For someone like me, who is not very good, it can be pretty amusing. It can also bring out the worst in you. On a  dime, emotions can swing from one extreme to the other. Still, the goal is to approach the green and win the prize.

While playing today, I found myself quickly leaving the comfort of the lush green grass of the fairway and entering the treacherous lands that surrounded. Sand, water, sticks, rocks, etc.. Then it dawned on me how similar life is to the game of golf.

Let's say, for instance, you begin in the tee box which is where the game begins. You're in the right frame of mind, you've chosen your instrument and the whole world is laid out before you. And so it begins... From the view of the tee box, the path is so beautiful. So serene. You tee off with the hopes of moving forward but suddenly you find yourself in trouble. Maybe blocked by some unforeseen obstacle. Maybe you find yourself buried. Sometimes you play through. Sometimes you have to reset, but not without a penalty. Those blasted penalties! When you figure out how quickly they mess up your score, you often figure out how to avoid those penalties. Don't beat yourself up too bad. Even the most experienced players find themselves in the rough. We're all going to kick up a little dust. Don't dwell there. Focus on the prize and get back on track.

As followers of Jesus, we know full well what the prize is and we know that if we apply scripture to ourselves then we'll see hazards come into play. We would find it in our best interest to remain composed, focused and trained so we know how to respond in the face of certain trials. Make sure that you progress and, on your final approach, find yourself entering the promised land.

1 Cor 9:24-27 

24 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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

CROSSFIT (continued)

Well, it happened again today. I started the day with a couple of cups of coffee and went to the gym. The gym, as mentioned in one of my earlier blogs ("Crossfit"), has been a place of a lot of inspiration for what's been happening in my life. Why Crossfit? Because life changes. A lot of those changes are often uncomfortable and unwanted but definitely needed.

So, I exited the gym with plenty of things on the daily agenda. Most, of which, involved a lot of manual labor and moving things from place to place. While loading my truck, I found myself in conversation with two ladies that had experienced some of those "changes" in the form of job loss and, even, their homes. Suddenly, life changed.

I found myself sitting when there was so much to be done. I was so happy to find that they, both, had recognized this season of loss as a time of opportunity rather than defeat. I believe desperation can sometimes cause us to see more clearly than when things are going well. Maybe a relation to "fight or flight". With things suddenly brought sharply into focus, it either paralyzes us with fear or it empowers us to press on.

Each application produces it's own results. Paralyzed by fear does exactly that. It brings everything to a screeching halt and sucks the life right out of you. Nothing happens. Only existing.

Life, however, happens when we get fed up with just existing and begin to crave life abundant. And, so, the game begins. Senses are sharpened and the body responds. Sometimes explosive. Sometimes delayed. All depending on the signals that are sent from the head to the body. The brain and body always in constant conversation.

Often times, the results aren't instantaneous. In fact, you may never see them. One thing is for certain. Someone else will. People are always watching to see how the story unfolds and, long after we may have passed away, someone will draw from our reactions as a guide to how to approach life.

The reality is, we're all desperate whether we know it or not. Jesus Christ left his throne to walk this earth for 33 years and gave us the perfect demonstration of life. Right now, someone is saying "But, he died...". Yup. And He encourages us to do the same. When we understand our purpose of worship and, in that, realize that it's not about being self serving but, rather, serving others we intentionally listen for God's voice, take the words of instruction and activate. We die to self only to be raised to new life.

What about you? Is this season of loss or desperation or have you found yourself in the harsh estate of complacency? Personally, I don't want to go out without a fight but, in order to do what is required, I'm going to need more power than I can personally muster up. His name is Jesus and He's waiting to breath life into bones.

GAME ON.

GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION?...

Well, I did it again... Under the guise of “practicing my right to free speech” via social media, I found myself in a conversation with someone of far intellectual superiority. So, once again, I ask the question “Why me?” Is this an opportunity for me to actually study what I believe to be true and express it lovingly or was I just spewing my opinions with nothing to stand on? Is this a case of David and Goliath or Peter walking through the gates called “Beautiful” extending the hand of grace?

I had posted my belief that “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Cor 15:33) As a father of three, I prefer that my children not hang out with other kids who may not have the same moral convictions. As Granny used to say, “If you lay down with dogs, you catch fleas.” (I think Granny was pretty sharp...) My friend quickly and clearly stated that he disagreed. He believed disassociation from anyone, for fear of picking up bad habits, is the epitome of weakness of character.

Before getting defensive, I found myself agreeing with him to an extent. After all, Jesus didn’t turn his back on someone when they were in need whether that person recognized the need or not. He didn’t just happen upon the woman at the well smack dab in the middle of Samaria only to leave her there because she had been wed five times. He didn’t disassociate himself from lepers for fear of being infected. As a matter of fact, everybody that he encountered or hung out with was boogered up! More importantly, Jesus was very intentional about where he went, when he went, and who he was near. Again, as I have stated in other posts, Jesus issues the command “Follow me.”.

Though, as Christians, the ultimate goal is to look like Jesus, talk like Jesus, listen like Jesus and love like Jesus, we are NOT Jesus. We are given the opportunity to mature in Christ Jesus but it’s a process. It doesn’t happen immediately. When a baby is born, that baby enters the world helpless and totally dependent on someone else to feed. As the baby grows, he/she develops the ability to feed him/herself but is still not completely independent until much later in life. Through those years, that child has matured considerably, all the while, taking on certain characteristics of the person that raised them. Never, in my life, have I met anyone that was beyond the reach of influence. EVER!

Rarely, if ever, does someone struggling with substance abuse immediately go back into the same environment that they escaped with any success. They have to go through a season of detox, a season of counseling and a season of healing. Only then can they have any hope of ministering to the needs of friends with the same habits without being affected. Even if the maturity level is there, do you really think it’s wise to go back into those areas of persuasion for an extended amount of time? The misled individual may see your actions and think they can do the same thing but result in catastrophe.

Association is defined as “A group of people organized for a joint purpose” which begs the question “What is the joint purpose?”. I, as well, meet with and love people from all walks of life on a daily basis. Some of those people still habitually practice things that are detrimentaI to their and my well being. I’m still growing but I’m wise enough to know that I’m not invincible. Choose your battles wisely and proceed with caution.

CROSSFIT

I enjoy going to the gym. That kind of stuff has always intrigued me. The discipline, the commitment that goes into training and the way the body responds to that training is astonishing. At a young age, I started weight training and, though I was never a big man, I was ripped! Wrestling and biking were soon added to the equation and produced expected results.

Somewhere along the way, things changed. My body stopped responding the way it was. Workouts got boring. I even found myself not going on occasion but would soon resume the same workout with the same intensity with the same results. Nothing... However, I kept on doing the same routine, going through the same motions, because I thought it was enough. It was comfortable. No results, no improvement, no change. “Insanity” has been defined as doing the same thing over and over again with little or no results...

The game changer was when my friend, Ben, walked in. It seemed as if everyone in the room stopped and was simultaneously thinking the same thing. “I want some of what he’s having!” There’s a difference between someone who’s big and someone who’s big and defined. Bodybuilders go through a regiment of bulking up and then, before a competition, drop crazy amounts of weight in order to give a better appearance. This guy was different. This is the way he looks all the time. He’s not massive but there’s no question about his strength. There’s no question about his discipline. There’s no question about how he conducts his life.

I asked him about training me and he introduced me to the world of crossfit training. Crossfit incorporates movements from several approaches to fitness. Powerlifting, gymnastics and aerobics are all part of the process. Always changing because life is always changing. Routine is the enemy. Of utmost importance is communication between mind and body. When an exercise is unfamiliar, you would do well to pause, if only for a moment, to listen to the head and, as the signals are sent, move forward. Always progressing, always communicating, always adapting and always growing. Crossfit isn’t only a physical application. Crossfit is a community, a family, and their purpose is to love and encourage each other and to grow together. Oh, by the way, rest is a BIG part of the program. However, even in rest, the body grows.

Before we got started, I told Ben (my personal trainer) “I’m your lump of clay. A clean slate. Tell me what to do and I’m gonna do it!” His eyes lit up... He told me that nothing irritates him more than when someone comes to him for instruction but then proceeds to tell him how they do it. Common sense tells me, if you’re going to ask someone else’s advice, that your way of doing things isn’t producing the desired results. CHECK YOUR EGO!

I’m three weeks into this and I’m still jaw dropped at the similarities! You see, most Christians have been going through the same motions (at best...) for years. Most of us attend the same churches at the usual time, sit in the same pews and talk to the same people. We sing the same songs, listen to the same pastor and exit the doors of our designated place of worship absolutely unchanged.... Insanity! And we wonder why the church isn’t growing.... To make matters worse, we may even be at that point of realization that our usual routine isn’t working but, because what we hear or read in God’s word involves the pain of being molded, we resort to what we’re comfortable with; religion. (Isaiah 29:13-16, Prov 12:15, Prov 14:12)

When was the last time that you actually stepped out of your comfort zone to do something that you knew was not in your power or encouraged someone else to do the same. To fully trust in the Potter and put yourself in His hand? When was the last time you did something so completely uncomfortable because you knew it was so completely right? When was the last time you grieved over someone else or prayed over a personal sacrifice so much that it literally made you sick? There comes a time that we, the church, have to “move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” (Hebrews 6:1) We have to move forward so steadfastly to the point that we will certainly be crucified only to be raised to new life. Isaiah 40:31 says “...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” We have the ultimate personal trainer and his name is Jesus. After all, he not only broke the mold, he created it.

EXTRAORDINARY

Once in a blue moon, someone comes along that you can truly call extraordinary. Someone comes along that brightens your day and brings joy to those they encounter. No drama, no junk,....

Many reading this already know my wife Alison. You know that she's the kind of person that will do anything for anybody at any moment. With that in mind, I was still a little surprised when she came to me and asked if someone could move in with us. Here we are with three kids of our own. What about their safety? What about their security? Our financial well being? So many questions.... I told Alison I needed to know more before giving an answer.

To my surprise, a day later I received a phone call from the person in question. He was a very polite young man. He was quiet but well spoken and exuded confidence. I was seriously impressed that this High School student "manned up" to have a conversation with me and to ask me if he could move in. It wasn't an easy step. I believe he and I would quickly learn that he had many more difficult steps ahead. He moved in.

I need to take a little time to brag on my children. My oldest son, 14, gave up his room and moved in with his younger brother so our new guest could have his own space. I asked him, "Son, are you ok with this?  I don't want you to feel pushed out." His response? "Dad, this was my idea." That's the mark of a true servant when you think more of others than you do yourself. My daughter, 9, immediately took to our new guest. THIS SCARED ME! As a dad, I'm very protective of my children. However, dad's have a tendency to be more protective over their daughters. Especially, when it involves a stranger moving into your home that's taller than me..... My youngest son, 8, ....... Well, he loved it. After all, the new guy had an X Box.... They all loved him.

Out of respect for him and his family, I'll not get into the circumstances that allowed him to move in. There were struggles both physically and spiritually. He was introduced to me as the kid who walked to school..... from quite a distance... in the rain. Nevertheless, he made it happen and graduated with excellent grades. When applying for college, again, he came across hurdles and, again, he overcame and received a scholarship. He then visited the recruiter's office.... The question that he faced?...... "What do you want to do?".... He scored so high that the sky is the limit. 

Over the next few months there came preparation. My friend got a job as a camp counselor at the YMCA and, again, quickly moved through the ranks and received a full time position. With his infectious smile and gentle spirit, he made friends every day. People are coming to me on a daily basis and telling me how much they love this guy! 

He leaves tomorrow. Before he does, I want him to know how much he has meant to me and that this former guest in my home, this stranger, is now my friend and, though there is no biological  ties or papers to say so, I consider him my son. A striking resemblance I might add.... (smile). He probably doesn't realize it, but there is so much about him that reminds me of Jesus. Meekness personified. Constantly pouring himself into someone else.

Tony Mays, it has been a privilege and an honor to have you in my life and to be a part of my family. I pray that God  guides you and keeps you safe on your adventures in the years to come as you go into the military. You'll never go alone. When you return, you'll find the door open..... and dishes in the sink!

WHO ARE YOU?

One of my favorite things in life is animation. I particularly love the scene where Simba is faced with so many questions and is obviously in a point of soul searching. Not only did he lose his dad at a very young age but, he's left with a legacy of royalty to uphold.

I also LOVE Rafiki, the wise old baboon that, if you're in Simba's shoes, you don't want to hear... but you do. His mannerisms may not be to your liking but his words are unmistakably true and prompts you to react or to respond.

Rafiki, the wacked out prophet, tells Simba that his father is alive and then issues the challenge "Come, I'll show you." Lesson number one: When discipling, don't just stop with mere words. I'm sure many of you have heard of the EDIP teaching method. Explain, Demonstrate and Imitate. Problem is, most of us are guilty of falling short of the first method of explaining... Rafiki could have taken the easy way and issued the challenge of "Go". Instead he told Simba, his student, "Come, follow me. I'll show you." My mind immediately goes to Paul as he says "Therefore I urge you to imitate me." (1 Cor 4:16) In other words, "Follow me because I follow Christ."

In that instance, Simba is so excited to see the face of his father that he sets off running. He's so determined, in fact, that he barely slows down in spite of the vines and branches and numerous other obstacles along the way. His focus is primarily on one thing; seeing the face of his father. Hebrews 12 says "... let us throw off everything and the sin that so easily entangles." Who would've thought we had so much to learn from Simba? 

When Simba reaches the place where he expects to see the face of his father, he's placed in a position of taking a long, hard look at himself. Initially, he sees only himself. Isn't that normally the case? Typically, we're so self centered and buried in our circumstances that we don't see any further than that. It would behoove us to take into consideration the command of "Honor thy father and mother" with the hopes that we recognize the opportunity to reflect the face of God through how we respond to our circumstances. We are given the opportunity to live up to that legacy of royalty in the name of Christ Jesus the King.

Jesus, himself, was buried under a mountain of circumstances but chose to be obedient even unto death. Through that, God the Father raised him to new life where He is now exalted and sat down at the right hand of God. 

James and John, self centered as they were, said "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory." (Mark 10:37) Jesus responded by saying "You don't know what you're asking." Had they fully known the cost of following, I dare say they wouldn't have been so quick to say "Yes." Nevertheless, they did follow and the cost was ultimate. Spiritually, they died to themselves existing only to worship the King. Their physical death was purely part of the process. Even in that, they worshipped and they got more than they knew they were asking.

Are you up for the challenge? Are you willing to forsake all for the sake of the call? Who are you? What is your birthright? Coward or King?....

DIG DEEP

Shortly after moving back to Newnan, my wife and I bought our first house. You could still see where the previous owners had a garden, though, it had long since grown over. Given the setting and circumstances of settling in, it seemed only fitting to complete the domestication process by planting a garden.

I started by marking off the area in which to plant and started digging. With a general idea of what to expect and wanted results, I dug in. It got dirty. It got tiresome. It was a slow process. Alison, my wife, came out at one point that I was on my knees and planting tomatoes. “Do you know what you’re doing?”, she asked. “Nope. Just doing what I was taught as a kid.” Little did I know the lessons I would learn by applying what I had heard as a child.

What started out as side project quickly turned into a goal. That goal? Harvest. Honestly, there were alot of times that I got more joy out of watching Mrs. Smith from down the street harvesting crops until she needed help walking back to her car. She loved it. I loved it. We shared in the process. I would grow, she would pick and she would preserve what she was given. Often times she brought it back. Often times she would give it away.

Then came a hard lesson. There were the obvious obstacles; weeds, rocks, bugs, etc.. Nothing prepared me for the rainy season. Not the occasional rain, but one of those never ending, ground saturating, “waiting for Noah to paddle by any moment” seasons. It was unsettling to see my plants, my babies dying. They weren’t prepared. What did I do wrong? Did I not pull enough weeds? Was there not enough nutrients?

Just below the topsoil lies a hard layer of dirt. If the rainy season brings more than the topsoil can process or distribute, it puddles. If that puddle doesn’t subside soon, the crop drowns. It stagnates and rots. However, if you put in the necessary work, if you take the time to really prepare the soil and bust through that hard ground, your crop is better prepared to withstand the rainy season yield a longer, more bountiful harvest.

How many “fair weather Christians” have started out strong only to wither at the first hint of a storm? Are we, as the body of Christ, taking the time to prepare our own little spiritual garden to withstand the onslaught of spiritual warfare about to happen? Are they dug in? Are they fortified with Truth? Are they loved so much that, even when surrounded by weeds of sin, they stand tall in honor of the Son?

It’s time to dig deep, Christians.