You Are Here > Alphabetical / Alphabetical / Alphabetical
Hockey Chat: When the NHL moved from a 3-man officiating system to a 4-man system it was to tighten the fairness of the game. With instant replay of goals, fair scoring has been pretty accurate as well. This keeps the players to the rules and holds them to their penalties.
Why is asking so hard for some of us? Whether it’s for a ride to the airport, a few dollars for lunch, or (better yet) financial support to take some athletes to FCA camp, many of us avoid asking like the plague.
Of course, there are times when even the most self-sufficient among us is willing to swallow all pride and plead before the “throne of grace.” I have personally witnessed the amazing transformation of coaches, players and fans whose circumstances turned them into fervent prayer warriors. This phenomenon typically occurs during a game when their team is down by a point with a few ticks left on the clock and the least-talented shooter is on the free-throw line. Who among us hasn’t uttered a prayer in times such as these?
Most students often have to answer questions about their future plans. Whether we are asked about our plans for school, the weekend, or even just the afternoon, it generally isn't that hard to answer. "Oh, I'm going to [this university] and participating in [this sport]." Or, "I'm going to chill with some friends." Etc. One day though, I found myself answering a question that was a little more serious: “What are your plans for your life?”
As students, we are often asked questions about our future plans. Whether we are asked about our plans for school, the weekend, or even just the afternoon, they generally aren't that hard to answer. "Oh, I'm going to [this university] and participating in [this sport]." Or, "I'm going to chill with some friends tonight." Recently, though, I found myself answering a question that was a little more serious: “What are your plans for your life?”
Man, this question hit me hard! And the reason it struck me so much was because I thought I had my life all figured out. Now, you may be thinking, "Hey, that's great that she has such plans." I thought so too at first, but then I realized that having my life all planned out wasn't that great.
I’ll admit it . . . I love to watch NASCAR. I am fascinated by the speed of the cars and the drivers who work all week to prepare for a race every Sunday. What would happen if they just came to the track on Sunday without doing anything to their cars all week? Or what if they let some other carmaker try to use outside parts on their car? They would do poorly and probably wouldn’t finish the race. These cars are high-maintenance, bought and conditioned as finely-tuned machines to perform at peak abilities when it is time to go.
Have you ever had a day when the internet just isn't working well? When the internet is slow, it really gets on my nerves. And do you ever want to go to a site, and the site says "Page can not be displayed"? The internet isn't always reliable.
Ever have a day when your shot isn't falling? When your muscles are sore and won't work properly? Have you ever sprained an ankle or torn an ACL? Our bodies aren't always reliable.
Ever had a teammate turn their back on you? Have you ever been disappointed by a friend? Have you ever let someone down yourself? People aren't always reliable.
So what's my point?
In the height of his playing days, Charles Barkley claimed that he was not a role model. The University of Colorado claimed that the troubles with its football program were not as bad as they seemed. Coach Nueheisel claimed that his gambling was no big deal. The people involved in these situations did not want to be held to a higher standard. Why? Because they felt that athletics and off-the-field issues should be kept separate.
On a recent run I was confronted by the two things I hate most in my training – wind and hills. The run started with a strong wind in my face, but the course was flat. Although I don’t like wind, I learned to accept it because it makes me stronger. My second challenge was just ahead – a 7/10 of a mile incline with a gradual elevation of about 110 feet. Not too bad in itself, but with the headwind and going for time, I needed all of my energy.
During my ascent, I thought about life and how we all have “hills” and “headwinds.” I thought about how I deal with them, how I can make improvements, and how I can be a better example to others when faced with difficulties. I also thought about whether or not I invite God into my life when I encounter these situations.
How bad does it hurt to be rejected? We’ve all been there. We’ve all been rejected by teammates, family members, boyfriends/girlfriends, co-workers and bosses. And when it happens, it hurts!
I was reading in John 10 this morning, coming fresh off a rejection myself, and it struck me just how important it is for us to understand Jesus’ role as our shepherd during these times. In John 10:12, Jesus talks about a hired hand who doesn’t stick by the sheep through tough times. He abandons them because they aren’t his own, and he’s not committed to them. Why would he stick around to get eaten by a wolf himself when he’s not the true owner of the sheep? So, he flees the scene, leaving the sheep abandoned and vulnerable.
Ministry
Sport
Book of the Bible
FCA Bible Topic