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!

God, Basketball Camp, Social Media and More...

Jrue signing autographs for the kids

This past week, we wrapped up our second annual Jrue Holiday Basketball Camp. By far, the highlight of our camp was the All Star Game we had for the kids. Having Jrue at camp each year is such a great blessing for the campers and my staff. He truly cares for the kids, and you can see the joy he gets from giving of himself to each and every child. Jrue took pictures with every camper – all 150 of them – then signed each picture, ensuring every child had quality time with him and a keepsake they will cherish forever.

If you have ever been in my office, you have seen the picture with me and Jordan... yes, Michael Jordan. I worked his basketball camp when I was in college, and that keepsake has kept my memory of that special moment alive to this day. This is the same gift that Jrue has given to all of our campers this week. I pray they will cherish it.

There is no way this blog can recreate the joy of our experience at camp or the excitement of the All Star Game, but I’ll tell you that we are considering selling tickets for admission to next year’s game... it was that good! Below are two videos from one of the most thrilling moments of that day – the same play actually, from two different angles – an “Eastbay off the backboard” dunk courtesy of Nick Young of the Washington Wizards and USC. Besides the degree of difficulty that makes this an amazing dunk, the number of hits for the first video on YouTube is almost as amazing – over 100,000 hits in only 5 days!

The number of hits on YouTube is incredible, and the blessing of this time with Jrue Holiday will be a wonderful memory – especially for the kids. However, the greatest part of camp was the spirit and attitude all the campers, coaches and players represented while they were on the court. We had NBA, International players, and Division I college athletes serving during the camp, and each one gave of themselves to the benefit of the children and the outreach that Shepherd Sports is trying to accomplish.

What God is doing within our midst and through this ministry is amazing. The relationships that were made through these servants hearts, the fellowship the children had with each other, the worship experience we all shared on the court, and the memories that all the participants will take with them – this is God. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit and He forms our human spirit so that we may give.

At Shepherd Sports, we continue to put all we do at His feet and watch the spectacular workings of God’s glory in all He does. Enjoy the videos.

…the land was radiant with his glory… Ezekiel 43:2

This video had over 100 thousand hits in 5 days

An HD video of the same dunk

How Life Often Imitates Sports

Anyone who plays sports will tell you that we crave the thrill of competition and the desire to push ourselves to be the best that we can be. Then our bones start to ache, and our desire to workout becomes more of a necessity rather than something we enjoy. Human nature pushes us to be the best, but as we get older, we realize that we are not the athletes we used to be - our dreams of becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist or a World Champion fade away.

Our adult sports program gives every athlete the chance to become a Champion again. Whether you watched your high school or college team from the sidelines, or you play a different sport everyday, a good sports league gives us all a chance to compete for the crown once again.

I know that my best days are behind me. However, the opportunity to compete and play with people who desire to push and test themselves is a challenge we want to continue to experience. Going through a season with your teammates is like going through the rollercoaster of life – we share the good times and we share the difficult times. These are the same turns we face in life.

Life often imitates sports, which is why I believe sports, in our country and throughout the world, are so popular. Sports bring people together. We get a chance to test ourselves, our talents, and our skills, against another team. As an athlete, you know that all the individuals on a team have to work together to be successful. We rely on each other to make defensive plays in the field, and we encourage each other to make the clutch hit or nail the winning free throw.

Just as in life and sports, we will have trying times as we grow in our faith. We will have exciting mountain top experiences, and we will encounter times when it seems like the whole world is against us, but God has called us to lean on one another as the church.

Through Shepherd Sports, we hope to encourage and nurture relationships - not just the ones that connect individuals together on a championship team - but one that brings every individual to the cross. To go through life knowing you have God in your corner is an exciting and amazing thing, and one where the ultimate crown is still attainable.

I’ll take my crown in Heaven over a gold medal or championship ring any day.

Jesus said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22

R U A CHAMP...

Since the Spring of 2006 we have taken a picture of every Adult Championship Team. Everyone has always enjoyed checking out the past Champions and seeing who took the crown the season before. A few years back we out grew the space on the window in my office and have since been looking for a new location to proudly display all our past champions. It is now finished; permanently laminated and stuck to the wall in the Sports Wing. Next time your by the gym, come check it out..hopefully you can spot yourself.

P.S. More to come on the idea of being a CHAMPION

Our new CHAMPS mural in the Sports Wing

The old pics outside my office...we only got to the year 2009, before we ran out of room.