Good Stuff By Nic...

Nicole Owens, my "blog-mother", amazing photographer, and author of one of the first blogs I ever followed now called "60piggies", wrote an amazing little post on Facebook today. Since all of you may not be "friends" with her, I'm reposting it here because it's so honest and such a great picture of the relationship God really wants from us...

today i went into the sunroom to eat my corn chowder and talk to God about our finances, but i ended up talking to him about him. it's the first time in memory that i've wished i could see him, touch him, not out of academic curiosity but simple longing. in just a little while.

a cricket wandered into our sunroom and cannot seem to find his way out, and all day long he sings. i listened to his singing for a while and thought about how much better he is at worship than i am. i was made to love and be loved by God, and i am not so good at either. at the loving. at the being loved.

it occurs to me that thus far i have known him anecdotally, that i love him as one loves something obscure, theoretical. it's no longer enough for me.

i want to chat with him and ask his opinion and sing crazy songs and dance around the furniture with him because he is my friend; i want to fall on my face in reverence for him because he is my God.

i want to do, with joy, what he commands because he loves me so completely and i just want to love him back.

What powerful words for such a simple commitment: to love Him back because He loves us.

Thanks for sharing it, Nic, and letting me share it with others.

God Can Use All Of Us...

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God‑fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd...

(Acts 2:1-6, 12-14a, NIV)

The story of the Holy Spirit arriving at Pentecost to fill the disciples and grant them the ability to speak in the languages of the region is a pretty familiar story. What I wanted to focus on was the very last verse of this passage....

After the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak in any language, many couldn't figure it out...and some even claimed that the disciples were drunk and didn't know what they were saying. The disciples knew someone had to speak up and tell everyone what had happened.

Was it James? No.
Was it John? No.
Stephen? No.
Matthew? No.

The spokesman for the group, and the first to give public testimony since the death and resurrection of Jesus was Peter. Yep, the same Peter that denied ever knowing Jesus just a few days before, and the same broken-hearted guy He restored to His side and His ministry on the shores of the sea. Someone needed to step up and defend Jesus and his ministry...and that defender was the very one who turned on Him, but God's grace, love, acceptance, and forgiveness made all the difference, and allowed Peter to become the man and leader Jesus always knew he could be.

Why do I love verses like that, especially the stories of Peter? It reminds me that no matter what I've done, no matter how badly I've messed up, that God has a place and a plan for me, and that He can restore me so I can do great things for His glory.

No matter how near or far you feel from God right now, He can still use you if you're willing to let Him. Here's hoping we can let him use us despite our flaws and failures today.

He can make all things good...including you and I.

Bragging On My KFCers...

First of all, let me preface this by saying I truly love teaching the 4th and 5th grade group on Wednesday nights. I kind of fell into this position, but it's a great age to teach. Sometimes they wear you out....but quite often, when you truly see them "get" it, it's an amazing thing to behold...

We are currently doing a series called "Flipt". It's about the life of Jesus and how he "flipped" people around by changing hearts and lives to live His way, the best way possible. Each week we have a challenge, and last week's was a tough one. We talked what was important to us, and how sometimes those things can get in the way of our time and relationship with God. The challenge was to give something up that they loved for a whole week, and replace it with time with family, prayer, or reading the Bible. They had to discuss and settle on something with their parents, go without it all week, and bring me back a note from Mom or Dad telling me they truly did it.

All but one of the KFCers who accepted the challenge completed it. I was, and am, so proud of these guys and girls. They gave up TV, video games, computers, phones, and other things that they really enjoyed for a whole week. Speaking from a parent's standpoint, my son Cade chose to give up anything with a screen: TV, computer, and video games. We told him one would be fine, but he wanted to do them all. It was tough at times, but he used the audio Bible mp3 that our church gave out in his player and listened to it while he did other things. That made me proud right there...but last Friday his class was watching a movie for fun in the afternoon. We told him activities at school would be fine, but he chose to tell his teacher about the challenge and asked her if he could go in the hall so not to break it. She agreed, and he sat out there and read a book. If you can't tell....I'm very, very proud of him, as I am of each and every other KFCer that did it. Here's one of the notes that really struck me:

"Tyler gave up TV and video games for the week. It was especially hard on Thursday (the first full day of the challenge) when he brought home a video game prize he had won from a fundraiser and he couldn't even try it out. We have also been studying the same theme with the Jr. High group, and Sunday's sermon was about the battle between us and God. It's awesome when God puts stuff together like this so we can all learn."

I agree. I've always heard that "he who teaches, is twice taught", and I agree. Seeing these kids willingly give it up to get closer to God really motivates me to keep striving in my own walk to get closer to Him. I'm so, so very proud on my KFCers, and I wanted to share that with all of you.

Here's hoping we can have the heart, faith, and commitment of a 4th grader today.

What I'm Reading/Watching/Listening To...

Haven't done one for a while....so off we go:

Reading: "Lead For God's Sake!" & "Green"



I just got done reading a first draft of a book my friend, Todd Gongwer, is writing. It's called "Lead For God's Sake", and he calls it a leadership fable. I call it some of the best principles for life I've ever read, and he does such a good job of fleshing out the characters it made me cry three times at the end. (Yes, I know, not much of a stretch for me....zip it!) It's Todd's first book, and first foray into fiction, and he's done a great job. He's currently editing it and looking to publish. When it's finally out, I will being given plenty of them away, and will encourage each of you to pick one up. Now, I've started "Green" by Ted Dekker, the sequel/prequel to the "Red/Black/White" series that is one of my favorite reads of all time. I'm only about 50 pages in, and it kills me to put it down. If you're a fan of the LOTR genre, this is right in your wheelhouse. I love fiction, and Dekker is the best thriller-type Christian author out there....shoot, take out the "Christian"...his books are good no matter who you are. Check them out!

Watching: The Backlog on my DVR...



With all that's been going on lately, my DVR is packed full of stuff I need to watch. From "Greek" to "Grey's" to "Leverage" to "Mad Men" to new shows like "Three Rivers" and "Glee", I just can't keep up. Upside is, I won't have to watch commericials live for weeks! Also, this Friday, the new season of "Friday Night Lights" begins. If you have DirectTV and arent watching this on 101....start. I don't care if you like football, it's one of the best dramas on TV, and Kyle Chandler & Connie Britton play the most realistic married couple on TV, and both should have Emmys by now. If you aren't tuning in or recording....shame on you, or wait until spring when it's on NBC.

Listening To: My own mixes on my IPod....



The only new music I've added lately is the new album by "Fee", which rocks....and performance clips from the TV show, "Glee", my new guilty pleasure. I'm sure you've heard their take on "Don't Stop Believin'", but there are so many more worthy like "No Air", "Somebody To Love", and the mash-ups. Check them out...but more than anything I'm listening to mixes, or playlists I've made of the stuff I already have. I've got them to fit different moods or tasks, but lately I've made two of all kinds of songs that just make me smile...from Faith Hill to INXS to Jason Mraz. If anyone's interested I can post it, but it's just a list that makes me happy and smile. That's what I'm listening to.

So....done with the boring update....back to your day!

Real Love...

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

(John 15:12-14, NIV)

Love.

There is so much written about it. We have chart topping songs about it. We plan holiday after holiday on it. We say it to each other all the time...but do we really do it?

See, this is Jesus talking, and when He says "love each other as I have loved you", that doesn't just mean loving them like we do our kids or family...it means to love everyone, regardless of if they love you or not. Jesus had many, many detractors and people that hated Him, but he never gossiped, retaliated, fought, or hated back. He turned his cheek in love when all the human in Him wanted to scream. Of course, we know that he went all the way with His love by giving Himself for our sins on the cross....but do you know Jesus also loved enough to kick some tail?

Remember the clearing of the temple? The pictures always focus on flying tables and cages, but I think you miss the reason behind it. Those thieving merchants were keeping people from Him. That got Jesus angry that people couldn't reach His love because they were blocked by others. He loved those people enough to clear the way.

Jesus also spent time not only teaching the disciples, but rebuking them. Remember the argument between them about who would be "first chair" next to Jesus in Heaven? He knew their thoughts, and shot them down with the "little child" story. I'm sure it happened all the time, given the personalities of the young men, especially Peter. Jesus could have just let it go, not wanted confrontation, and let them all go their own way...but Jesus loved them enough to confront, correct, and disciple them.

My point? I think, as Christians today, we talk alot about love....but we stink at living out love.

We will pray for someone who's sick....but we won't stop to comfort the one who's broken because we are busy.

We will nod sadly and possible give a little at the pictures of those who need Jesus, food, and life all around our community and the world...yet we won't take the time to serve Him anywhere, even in our local church or community.

We will hug, comfort, and surround someone new to our church family in need......but we are too afraid to confront or speak honestly to brothers and sisters we've known for years.

Maybe it's my health condition....maybe my heart is changing....I don't know. I do know that I need to be a much better picture of His love then I have been. I need to be that to my family, my friends, my church, and my community.

That's why I love teaching the 4th and 5th graders....we have some fun with games, I teach for a bit....but mostly we just love on 'em....and know what? They love you back...and keep coming back. That kind of love from teachers, sponsors, pastors, and other adults kept me coming back to church in my formative years, helping me to grow into the adult I am. I don't know what we stop doing that for each other as we grow up....but we need to get back to it. I think that love is why the first church in Acts exploded....they really got the idea of that true love and shared it.

Here's hoping we can love, REALLY love today.

Man, You Guys Are Good!!

Well, about 4 hours after that post from yesterday, one of my doctors came in with some great news. He told me that my blood cultures had been negative. What that means is that the bacterial infection that caused all this had been defeated my my body and the antibiotics. My fever finally broke, and he sent me home yesterday morning. I got a great night of sleep, and feel almost back to normal.

Yes, I know I have great doctors...but I also had a ton of folks praying for me. Thanks so much....you all must be warriors to get those results that fast! Thanks to all of you...you are much appreciated.

So, comments are open...now that we are on a roll, what else should we pray for?

MIss A Day....Miss A Lot!

I was looking at my blog and realized that so much has happened since I last posted on Thursday. I also know that many of you reading aren't Facebook friends or Twitter followers, so I decided I needed to update my health situation for those of you that are concerned and/or praying for me....

All day Thursday I was really cold. I just thought it was due to the weather change, but when I arrived at dialysis, my temperature was 101. During my treatment, it climbed to 103. This got everyone concerned, and they gave me two very strong antibiotics to combat any sort of bacterial infection, and started me on Tamiflu if it was viral. They took blood cultures, and they came back positive the next morning for a bacterial infection, and I stayed home hoping the fever would break. It didn't, so they called me in to the access center to have my permanent catheter in my neck removed, as any bacteria that settled in the plastic tubing would be impervious to the antibiotics since it's not living flesh.

While at the access center, my fever spiked to 103.5. My doctor made the call to admit me to the hospital immediately. So, Friday at 4, I was admitted. They took more blood cultures and hope to know soon what exactly is in me. They told me four different possibilities, but the only two I recognized are staph and MSRA. As of yesterday morning, they still didn't have a definite answer, as the culture needed to grow more to be specifically identified. My fever was down in the morning, but came back hard in the afternoon. More antibiotics and other stuff....but by last night, I was back to normal again, and stayed that way through the night. As I type this early Sunday morning, I'm cold again, but I just don't think the heat is on strong at night, because I was cold last night with no fever.

I share this with you all not for your pity, but so you can pray specifically for me if you wish. Is this scary? You bet it is. In my current state, I will always be somewhat anemic, and more susceptible to catching anything, and I'll have a tougher time beating it than someone healthy. And yes, I've heard the stories of staph and MSRA taking people's lives, but I refuse to believe that's going to be me.

See, as I've shared before, I've found the only thing I can control is my attitude and reaction. I can't control my kidney function, and I can't beat this infection on my own. Everyone here at the hospital has been incredible, so caring and helpful, and my team of docs have a whole set of tests set up to find out just where this infection is hiding in my body. I am getting the best possible care. If the worst happens, like Rich Mullins sang, I'm ready "and it won't break my heart to say goodbye". Sure, I would deeply miss all my family and friends, but I have a relationship with God, He's saved and forgiven me, and that's enough for Him to welcome me home in His arms when it's my time.

While I'm here, though, I cling to the words of one of my favorite worship songs, "Blessed Be Your Name":

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

I cry as I type those words not just because of how they impact me personally, but it brings back a memory from January. I went to Indy with a great group of guys to hear Tony Dungy speak. As the program started, they had us all sing this song together. I love the tune, so I was belting it, but something prompted to look around. I looked to my left and saw two of my friends that had recently lost long term jobs to the downturn in the economy and they still sang those words with conviction. Looking back to the right, I watched a very dear friend who lost his wife three months earlier. He sang with all his heart, through the tears pouring down his face. It kicked me hard, and the lyrics took on a whole new meaning from that point on, and served as one of the many lynch pins of my attitude through this whole deal.

I choose to be positive, because being negative gains me nothing but heartache. I choose to be optimistic, because being pessimistic will just lead to loads of worry. Did I want this? No, but it's my reality...and I must choose to be Jesus with skin on, and possibly draw others to Him, or allow myself to give in to it all and push people away from Him. I've made my choice, and I hope it's apparent to all that see and talk to me, and read what I write.

Sorry to ramble on, but it is the name of my blog, right? I just wanted to keep you all updated, and share what was on my heart in the hope it touches just one that reads it. Thank you all....even though I haven't met a number of you, your notes and encouragement help me greatly.

Have a great day, and I'll be back with some much better news soon.....I promise.

The Latest On Me....

I realized it's been quite a while since I updated the status of my kidney disease, so here goes:

After posting the number to call to be pre-screened for donation, IU Med Center was overwhelmed with calls from all of you. They can't tell me numbers, but they said is was #4 overall in total calls for donation, and the three in front of me on the list were kids. This is humbling to me, that so many of you called in to see if you could donate...I can't express how thankful I am for each of you that did.

Once these calls were taken, they put prospective donors in groups of 5, and sent the first group kits for blood testing. After passing those tests, the first 5 were put in order based on a number of factors, and the first one from the group moves on to the next stage of testing. At this point, the prospective donor gets what IU calls "the best physical they will ever receive". They check out everything, and have caught and cured many possible life-threatening problems during this phase. Once the donor gets through all this and passes, they are required to meet with the surgeons and a psychiatrist to be sure than they really want to donate. If the answer is yes, then the donor will be revealed to me, and the surgery will be scheduled at that time. If the donor decides to pull out or fails a part of the physical, they will move on to the next person on the list and start over again.

As far as the time frame goes, IU said if all goes well, it could possibly be by Christmas, but I'm not holding my breath for that, though it would be the greatest present ever. Much has to do with aligning the schedule of the hospital, the donor, and me, so we'll see. Until that time, I continue to go to dialysis 3 times a week for four hours at a time. It's going fine, and I've had plenty of things to fill my time with. Thanks to all that have given and loaned me books to read while I'm there...I'm set for a while!

Thanks to all of you for your prayer and support through all of this. I'm deeply appreciative of both my families, especially my folks and in-laws. They have both helped us so much with childcare and yard work without ever being asked. I appreciate that more than I can tell them, but thanks. My wife and kids have been great, and my daughter gave me a get-well card she made herself the other week that brought tears to my eyes. So many more of you have sent cards, visited, emailed, called, and encouraged me in more ways than I can count.

Like I've said, I've always been the guy people came to when they were in need. I was the helping hand, the shoulder to cry on, and listening ear...but when the tables turned on me, it was hard at first to accept that help and support, but it has so blessed and humbled me to see all those willing to come alongside and stand in the gap with me. I am so, so blessed. Thank you all, and I'll keep you posted.

The Right Time...

Therefore Jesus told them, “The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.”

(John 7:6-8, NIV)


Timing.

I'm not a big fan of timing, because I'm not patient. I absolute HATE to wait. I'm the type of guy that wants it done now, wants results now. Sometimes, that's not so good...

See, looking back on my life, I see God's timing all over it, quite often contrary to my own. Those times when I was so frustrated waiting for something to happen, I see His timing and His plan was much, much better than mine.

My kidney disease is teaching me alot about timing. As much as I'd like to hurry the transplant operation up, the testing and time that the doctors and the donor need are critical to the success of the operation. As much as I'd like it to happen tomorrow, I know that what's best for me is to wait until the right time.

Jesus knew this, too. As much as He was ready to share God's love, acceptance, and forgiveness with the world, He knew it wasn't time yet to make a big splash. He knew that His overall ministry would be more effective by waiting until the right time, so He was willing to wait for the right time.

If things don't happen when you want them to, remember that His timing is so much better than ours.

These Guys Know How To Waste Time...

While rolling through my blog reader this morning, I came upon this clip called "A Day At The Office". Basically, it's 5 co-workers who decided to lip-synch to the Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" and make their own video in one take using the feeds from each of their laptop's camera. Not only are they cheesy and over the top, I totally love how the one girl just isn't into it at all. With my prowess in singalongs witnessed here and here, I think I would fit right in at this office....enjoy.

Talk To The Author....

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me,yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

(John 5:39-44, NIV)

This passage comes straight from the mouth of Jesus. The Pharisees are ticked at Him because He has been working on Sundays. This went against all the laws they worked so hard to put in place and enforce. Actually, Jesus was throwing their entire system of beliefs on it's ear, and they hated him for it. They despised Him for calling himself God in the flesh, and sought daily to discredit Him, to no avail. I love the way He puts things in this passage. To me, He's basically saying this:

"You study the Bible and all that is in it. You believe that if you follow all the laws to the letter, that you will go to heaven. Problem is, the way to heaven is right in front of you and you don't even see it. You study and wait for signs of the Messiah, completely missing the fact that I'm right here. You will praise each other for how well you're keeping the laws, but discredit me, even though I've fulfilled each and every prophecy? Seriously?!"

I think all too often we fall into the same trap. We'll go to church, read the Bible, and pat ourselves on the back for even coming on Wednesdays, too...all without any sort of personal relationship with God. We'll rely on our perfect attendance to replace that TAWG (Time Alone With God) and believe that's the way to get to heaven.

Just like with any relationship, it takes time, effort, and lots of conversation to build it. If you truly love someone, you'll share your hopes, fears, doubts, anger, and happiness with them. It's no different in our spiritual relationships. Just like us, God longs for us to take the time to talk to Him about about our day, sing praises to Him, cry on His shoulder...those moments are what draw us closer to Him and build that strong foundation.

Here's hoping that in our study of the Bible, we don't forget to talk to the author often....

Contentment...

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Phillipians 4:11-13, NIV)

Contentment.

The dictionary defines it as: "happiness with one's situation in life", "satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are", and "A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be".

I've learned alot about this over the last 4 months. Before that, I was struggling to be content. I wanted more stuff. I wanted my business to explode. I wanted to make things happen to benefit myself. I was really getting wrapped up in trying to be on top in everything I'm doing that it was hard to keep all those plates spinning....

Then my kidney disease came. At first, it was just some annoying symptoms, then progressing to extreme fatigue, headaches, and nausea. When I finally went to the doctor and found out that I was in end stage renal failure, my whole world got turned upside down. I spent a few days in the hospital for the first time in my life. I have to rely on a machine to clean my blood every couple of days so I can live. For the first time in my life, I couldn't do everything myself, and I had to allow others to help me. I've got to admit it...it was very hard for me.

But something amazing happened in those days...once I felt like everything was taken from me, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Lying in the operating room to have my permanent catheter put in my neck, it could have been overwhelming and scary...but instead, it was peaceful. I knew things were out of my hands. I knew I couldn't control what was going on in my body. I knew I had to put it in the hands of someone bigger than I was....and so I did. And God was good...He met me there, and carried me through, and surrounded me with many family and friends that helped me out so much during those days, and kept me encouraged.

I've had alot of doctors and nurses comment on my attitude. One nurse called me "the happiest dialysis patient" she had ever met. Though I appreciate it, it's not me at all. In taking away my health, what I perceived to be my strength, God showed me that only when I lean on Him am I really strong. Only when I let go of the things down here I hold so tightly to, and reach out to Him will I really be content.

Going through this also has made me find contentment in the little things in life we so often overlook: walking hand-in-hand with my daughter...playing games with my son...spending time with my family and friends...the beauty of a sunrise...the amazing stars at night...a smile that lights up a room...and a touch that warms my heart. These relationships, with God and the ones we love, are what's important, and in that I find my contentment. That is what is really important.

I hope each of you reading this is content with where you are now. If not, I hope you can find it without going through what I have...but, in my opinion, if that's what it takes to get you there...it's worth it.

Here's hoping you're content today.

Finding God In The Midst Of Sorrow...

My friend Becky has had a really tough stretch the last week. A week ago today, Becky got the call that one of her very best friends had died unexpectedly. The news rocked her to the core, and she did a great job remembering what made Tracy so special to so many in this post. That in and of itself was great...but God wasn't done with her yet.

What God did the next night through her willingness to be transparent in her grief and confusion was nothing short of amazing. She's a senior high sponsor, and that group of young men and women surrounded her and covered her with prayer. Let me give you a snippet of that post:

And as every last student and sponsor got out of their chairs and stood around me, laying hands on me, praying out loud for me and the others that cared about Tracy, I realized something. I came very close to stealing this opportunity for these students to minister. To be Jesus.

People often tell our teenagers they are too young to make a difference or have an impact. I'm here, along with Becky, to tell you that the genuine hearts of those young people can blow you away if you only give them the opportunity.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Becky.

(Read Part 1 and Part 2 here.)

Her First Game...

This is my beautiful girl. She's my baby, and probably always will be. Though she tests me with her strong will, that smile melts me in an instant. I love to share experiences with her, and yesterday, I got to take her to her first pro football game in Indy to see the Colts face the Seahawks.

She hadn't been to Indy since she was little, and driving into town, she was enthralled by the big buildings. She loved waving to the people in cars next to us in traffic...and she loved playing silly games with her brother in the car.

Once we arrived, she was speechless at the size of the stadium. As we walked in, she hopped and skipped happily, trying not to step on any cracks. Once inside, it was great to see her wonder as she saw the enormousness of the place and all that was in it. She loved the starting lineup with the fireworks. She sang along with the National Anthem, and was in awe looking through the open roof to see the 4 jets fly over. She cheered for the cheerleaders, and laughed hard at Blue, the silly mascot. She got into the game for a while, and had a ball walking around and eating.

People asked me today how the game was. Though the Colts played pretty well, and scored a few times right in front of our seats, my memories of the game will be of my baby girl and how much fun she had. I was glad to be able to make a memory like that with her, and I'll treasure it forever.

Growing up, going to games was one of the best ways for my dad and I to spend time together and bond. I always loved doing that with him, but I didn't fully appreciate it until I started doing it with my own kids. That time together is pretty special. Life moves pretty fast, and I don't intend on letting it get away with my kids.

Go make some memories with your kids....because tomorrow may be too late.

Saved By Grace...

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

Grace: the acceptance of a gift we have not or cannot earn.

I'll be honest....this is a area that I've struggled with for years. I love to help people when I can, but I stink at receiving any kind of help. If you do something nice for me, I feel I need to return it to you in some fashion. If you give me a gift, I want to return the favor...not just because I want to, but most often I feel like I need to. If I can make things "even", then I won't feel guilty about accepting it from you.

Salvation for me, for many years, was just like this. I couldn't accept that God loved me just the way I am: faults, sins, and all. I tried hard to feel like I've earned the gift He gave us on the cross, but I would always stumble and fall way short of where I thought I needed to be. It was overwhelming, trying to put a tag on a priceless gift, and it really wore me out and weighed me down.

Shortly after graduating college, I read a book by Brennan Manning called "The Ragamuffin Gospel". It was a favorite book of Rich Mullins, my favorite singer, so I decided to give it a shot. It completely blew me away and messed me up. I finally understood that God's grace covered not only everything I had done, but everything I will do, and that He loves me unconditionally no matter what. All I had to do was finally just accept His gift of grace, love, acceptance, and forgiveness. It was so freeing to have this knowledge and security, and that freedom really strengthen my walk with Him.

Here's hoping we can accept His grace, and that we can give grace to others.

A Great Example...

Let me preface this by saying I grew up hating the Chicago Bears. Back in the day, they were pretty good, and everyone loved them, so I rooted for other teams just to be a contrarian. There were two guys I loved on those teams, though. Jim McMahon was a favorite for being such an individual and not caring what anyone thought. I loved that...but who I really admired was Mike Singletary, the middle linebacker with the most intense stare I'd ever seen. He was one of the hardest hitters to ever play the game, but also known to be one of the most gentlemanly to ever play also.

In reading my ESPN magazine yesterday, I came upon this article on Singletary. As a fan, he still seems to be the same great guy....as a former coach, I love how he lives and teaches what he stands for. Here's a few quotes:

Nearly every day o training camp, held under a blue California sky, Singletary has worn the same outfit: white cap, white windbreaker, red shorts, white socks, black shoes- all of it looking fresh out of the box. The wooden cross, hanging from a simple black cord, is put on last, so it's the first thing you see when you look at him. He wears his clothes like a uniform, and his cross like a medal.

He believes in his heart, has always believed, that every one of us has a gift given to us by God.....Singletary's bedridden childhood, combined with the loss of two of his brothers gave him a powerful combination of motivation and gratitude that made him want to be perfect: No matter the nature of our gift, he decided, our sole purpose is to nurture it. "If you're blessed, and you fail to achieve what you could have achieved, that's not okay," Singletary says. "That doesn't work for me."

For answers, he turns to the cross around his neck. It's wooden like a box, into which he can put all his doubts and fears.

He doesn't shout it. He says it. ("He doesn't want his message to get lost in the tone", Atogwe says.) "It's simple math," Singletary says. "I don't want to be a nag. Even in my parenting, I wish I could learn to let things go. But if I say this is the way we are going to do it, then we need to make sure we're doing it every day. It we do this and this, then we'll get that. That's how I see life, the game, and everything else. Do these few things the right way each day, and the rest becomes inevitable."

Hall of fame player, great coach, and classy guy. Coach Singletary and the 49ers have a new fan as of today. That's someone who walks his talk. Check out the article or you can pick it up at the store...it's the issue with the Chicago Blackhawks on the cover....