Sports as a tool!

Often times it’s the staff that gets credit when something goes off without a hitch in the sports ministry… However, its rarely the case, and today I want to share about the one of our wonderful leaders that breathe life into the ministry every day. She’s one of those people that believe in what we’re doing as a ministry and committed to serving and using the ministry how it was designed.

I have yet to find a sport that actually saved someone of their sin and it is this thought that often keeps people from thinking sports belong in the church. I’m here to tell you it can be the biggest tool the church has.

• Sports gives people an opportunity to get involved and serve in a capacity that people can relate to.
• Sports can engage people who would otherwise would never step foot inside a church building.
• Sports can give you a chance to connect with people you may not otherwise meet.
• Sports give you the avenue to reach those around you who don’t know Christ.

I am blessed with hundreds of people within our ministry that dedicate some time out of their daily lives to serve, and I want to introduce you to one. Her name is Mariann McDonell, and she has been around Shepherd Sports so long I can’t remember a time without her. She has been faithful to serve and has committed to using her God-given passion, for health and fitness and leading others, for his kingdom through this ministry.

Mariann heads up our Run/Walk Club, and she has engages this group with an enthusiasm and love for them that we desire in all our leaders. She encourages new leaders in the ministry, and seeks out encouragement in areas of training where she needs additional support. It is always a joy to see this group huddled up on Saturday morning praying under the parking structure and driving home on a Wednesday night as 20 or more people are leaving our church campus for a run together.

Our Run/Walk Club just finished another event last week, and they had 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon participants. We had one first place finisher, two-second place finishers and one-third place finisher within their age groups.

The spirit of this group is love and sacrifice, two things that we always want people to see when they enter a Shepherd Sports program. Our ministry is blessed to have Mariann and so many other people like her. Below is an email Mariann sent out to her crew before their last event. It shows her dedication and commitment to these people.

Hello Team Shepherd!! 

Well......it's almost here!  This Saturday, we will meet at Church (t-shirts are in!!!!), Wednesday again at Church and then.......Saturday the 23rd, we will not be training....but......if you want to carpool to the expo, we will meet at the parking structure at 1:30.  We can pick up our packets and check out the course! 

Please plan on Saturday evening church service as Sunday will be a great day to stay and cheer on our 1/2 marathoners as well!  Bring your friends and family for a fantastic day! 

Race day, we will meet at the parking structure at 5:30am and carpool to the event.  Anyone who wants to drive themselves are free to do so.  We will try to meet close to the registration booth.  Shouldn't be hard to miss all the red shirts!!! 

Love the dedication and all the great fellowship in this group!

See ya tomorrow! 

We are thankful for Mariann and ALL of our leaders at Shepherd Sports. You make our mission come alive and fulfill God’s word through your service. 

Digging beyond STEWARDSHIP

Hitting some BIG drives to support our Scholarship Fund

Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on the idea and word "Stewardship". I prepared a devotional last week for our monthly staff meeting, and thought I would share it with you. I am grateful for all I have, and strive to do what God's called me to do with everything He’s given me. Am I perfect in this? NO WAY, but don't miss the point – we need to strive for a higher level of integrity and responsibility, not only in the choices we make for ourselves but how we use the resources and gifts that God has given us. Hope you enjoy :)

When you think of stewardship, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Many of us will think first of money or tithing, and many references in God’s word to being a good steward or exercising faithful stewardship is related to financial giving. However, finances are not the only area where God expects us to be good stewards. Stewardship is directly connected to what we know about who God is, what he’s given us, and how that knowledge shapes our lives.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

We belong to God, and everything in this world also belongs to him. Only He can claim ownership over all, but that does not surrender our responsibility for taking care of those gifts while we have use of them.

Our treasures, talents, and the opportunities we have in this life are all God-given gifts, and how we use those gifts determine not only if we make good decisions in this life, but whether or not we honor God with our faithfulness in those decisions.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Think about the blessings in your life for a moment. Maybe you have your ‘dream’ job or you have a family and are raising children. Maybe you are in a financial position to never worry about paying your bills and providing for your family. What do you do with these blessings? Are you grateful or do you complain? Do you recognize that the Lord has given you these gifts, or do you praise yourself for all your ‘hard work’? Do you keep these fruits to yourself or do you make it a priority to bless others with what you have?

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

There is an excellence that is expected of us as followers of Christ – in everything we do, down to the very being of who we are. This isn’t something we can pretend to accomplish or claim to be – there is a genuineness in our hearts that comes with living in His grace. With that grace comes great responsibility and high expectations, but ultimately, it becomes a joyfulness that is reflected through our stewardship.

Reflection of time

So often throughout the day, something cool will happen in a particular situation, or an amazing conversation takes place, or maybe God just shows up to just get my attention. These experiences get me thinking that I should share with others, what God is doing in my life, and how He can be present in theirs. In today’s world of social media, it’s possible to do just that but I find myself still – being inconsistent in posting on my blog, without sharing with you how God is moving in my life.

I imagine this is normal for most people who do not make a living by writing or spending their days on the various media outlets we have access to. We all have something special to share, but all too often we share our thoughts and prayers only as a passing comment on Facebook or we squeeze our reflections into less than 140 characters on Twitter. While social media keeps us in touch with the world around us, I am afraid it also degrades the depth and true meaning of what’s happening within each of our lives and what it might mean to others. We share, but then just move on.

We might be the ones posting or maybe the ones reading these posts, but I don’t think any of us really contemplates the experience or the wisdom God wants us to take from the time He gives us each day. For every comment or any Tweet that gets posted, are we truly reflecting on our lives in the Lord, or do we just want to be heard? As we share, are we learning from the experiences that God offers to us each day? Are we ever really quiet enough to hear God’s words and guidance for our lives?

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

I am no social expert or social media enthusiast… I am just someone who is scared for the youth, my children, and this next generation. We have become more impulsive and hasty in our words and communication. Think for a moment, when was the last time you picked up the phone and had an actual conversation with someone instead of just texting? More importantly, when was the last time you sat still for a moment and had an actual conversation with God? He commands us:

Be still, and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10

We are putting God aside and rushing through every aspect of our lives. We put our responsibilities on hold to post a comment. We take time away from our prayer life to tweet. How far have we gone from what God desires for our lives? Put down the iPad. Turn off the cell phone, and log off Facebook for a minute so you can listen to what God has to say.

Journaling Life

Early in my Christian walk, I was encouraged to begin journaling… something I had never even attempted before. The picture above is what I believe to be, one of my first ever attempts at a journal/prayer request. I came across my journal the other day and found this entry from March 2006. I have to confess, this is the only page in the entire journal I wrote on.. Ok, so I wasn’t super successful at my first attempt in journaling...

For the last four years, I have become diligent with my journaling and I have to say this was not an easy task - to sit down and put my feelings and prayer requests on paper. I was anxious about the time I would have to put towards my writing, and what would I really get from it anyway? And what if someone got ahold of what I was writing? I just didn’t see any value in putting my thoughts on paper… probably a guy thing. I know now, that this journaling effort was really an opportunity for me to let God work in my life - and an opportunity for me to seek Him in faith.

Looking back over the last four years of journaling – about 2 to 3 times a week – I have learned that this is a process that takes effort, but I have also found that there is a real and spiritual side of journaling that is very rewarding. That part comes from being able to see how God has answered prayers in my life. I am not the type to look back or dwell in the past, however I am able to take time now and again, and see what God is doing or has done in my life because of my journaling. I found so many instances of Him working in my life that I would have never realized, had it not been for my journal. Looking at this journal entry from 2006, I count 9 answered prayers - several of which I had forgotten about.

GOD IS GOOD.

I share this for many reasons. The first is, being that it’s a new year, we are often excited to start something new… like a new journal. Starting something new can seem challenging and it might not happen the first time or you might start, and not be consistent about it, but I want to encourage you - when it comes to your walk with God, don’t give up. If He’s calling you to do something, keep plugging away. I believe I needed to write my prayer requests and thoughts down on paper… it might not be the same thing for you. However, whatever your “new thing” is, I know God is calling all of us to draw closer to Him. What step are you going to take in that direction?

The second reason I write, is to share how amazing God is at answering our prayer requests. Start writing them down – live by faith – and watch God work wonders. Finally, my encouragement to you is also a reminder to me. I have not been consistent in blogging recently and with this new year, my desire is to be more open and proactive in posting on my blog this year. I am looking forward to growing alongside each of you, and praising God for another year in doing His work.

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered… “I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22, 24

My 100th post...

Better late, then never… so I’ve heard. :) It’s been a while since I last posted, but instead of giving you my list of excuses, I will “fill you in” on what’s been happening in and around my life and at Shepherd Sports.

First off, my wife and I recently had our second child, a beautiful baby girl named Kyra. Along with an abundance of joy, I have been blessed with a long to-do list and my nights involve minimal sleep, but she is worth every waking minute and our family is adjusting well. In all things, I praise God, and thank you all for your well wishes!

My staff and I are excited to share that we have had a wonderful summer filled with new relationships, new champions and most importantly, new believers who have accepted Christ into their lives. We have been blessed to see a record number of youth participating in our leagues and camps, and our Second Annual Family Fun Day was another big success, with over 500 people in attendance! Also beginning in October, we are offering 2 new health and fitness classes in an effort to find more opportunities to reach out to our community. These are just a few highlights of this season so far!

This is also the time of year I begin planning next year’s calendar, and I am excited for the new adventures that we will experience together in 2012! As I prepare for next season, I humbly ask for your prayers – for me, as I seek God and His direction for our ministry, and that we might continue to grow in faith and bless our community. Please also pray for our staff, their families, and for all our leaders who serve faithfully for God’s Kingdom through our Shepherd Sports Ministry.

Here’s to hoping my next post won’t take another summer to update!