Monthly Archives: March 2012

GET IN THE GAME

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I have a confession to make, I am a sports enthusiast. I watch a game, then I watch the highlights (sometimes twice). My wife does not pass on any vital information during an event because history has shown that I can only do one thing at a time. My enjoyment of sports stems from a childhood filled with activity.

I vividly remember, as a child, staying awake late in the night, thinking and eventually dreaming about the game in the morning. I played soccer (football for the traditionalists) and just loved running up and down the field often in a small mob chasing a black and white checkered sphere. As I grew older skills developed and the love for the game took on more       meaning. My passion for the game drove me to practice, train, exercise, get up early, go for runs; basically doing anything I could to play more and ensure that I got into the game.

I wanted to get into the game, standing on the sidelines was not what my idea of fun; it was not what I devoted hours of my time to. I wanted to contribute. I wanted to help my team win. I wanted to run. I wanted to shoot. I wanted to be involved. I wanted to score…I wanted to play.

Although life is not a game; many of us stand on the sideline watching life wondering “Why does this happen to me?”

You can change that, don’t let life happen; make life happen – there is a difference. The difference is found within. God has given each of us passions, gifts, personality that is uniquely you – it is who you are! Use your passion to fuel you to change your surroundings; change a ‘ho-hum’ day to a day filled with purpose – do something on purpose that scares you!

Use the gifts (those talents that you have) to change the scenery around your life. Just like a garden changes and grows from the talent and eye of the gardener so can the scenery of your life change from the talent you have. Volunteer for a community event that needs your talents, coach a sports team, commit time in your local church that needs your specific talents.

Allow your personality to come out; display who you are, take pride in what you do, let those intricacies that you think are a deficit find meaning in the lives of those around you. Do not let the pace of the game (or life) paralyze you, step out and step up. Be a part of the team. You do have something to offer.

When we take the routine of life and submit to its schedule and demands we become spectators, but when we take the routine of life and influence it, we become participators.

In Ephesians 4:16 Paul writes ‘From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint  supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love’.  And then in 1 Corithians 12:18 he also writes ‘But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him’. We all play a part in the game of life.

Get in the game.

Become a participator, not a spectator – because the Coach has a special assignment just for you.

Enjoying the game,

david

TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE

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On the road to accomplishing big goals and lofty dreams life can become tedious, obstacles overwhelming, excitement can vanish and desire disappear. These are feelings and emotions that we must combat. So how can we combat these common enemies.

When the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground the Lord instructed Joshua to have twelve men (one from each tribe) take twelve stones out of the river and place them where the people lodged (Joshua 4:1-8). The purpose of the stones was to act as a remembrance of what the Lord had done. It was a distinguishing mark of the beginning of the possession of the Promised Land, a physical display of the promise to come, the beginning of the realization of a goal.

I can only imagine some of the stories and exchanges that happened around the pile of stones. What a time of encouragement, celebration and refreshing. How many times do you think families gathered around those stones and rehearsed the treasures of miraculous provision.

On your course to a goal that may seem to grow deeper and deeper take time to celebrate the little achievements, the miracles, the miniscule steps. The small accomplishments serve as fuel to keep going, the kindling that keeps the dreams burning, the oxygen that breathes life into tired weary bodies. Take time to remember your victories, celebrate a miracle, rehearse the fruit of discipline. Tell others that are on the same journey what the signposts mean.

You will find renewed energy and resolve to maintain the discipline that is required to reach a goal every time you rehearse an accomplishment. Don’t stay at the victory celebration keep moving, but enjoy the satisfaction of a goal reached.

As you practice this principle of celebrating the small victories you will find encouragement, and the big intimidating goal will be brought down in size.

 

Dream BIG, step small

David