God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. Acts 15:8
When Jamie and I met in college we had an immediate connection although our personalities were, and still are, very different. Jamie wears her feelings and emotions on her shoulders for all to see while mine are inside eating a hole in my stomach. Jamie is never afraid to be loud when encouraging her favorite team or when she notices something that is wrong. If a huge stadium was filled with me on a Saturday in the Fall you would only hear a little bit of clapping and maybe the occasional, “Good job”. Jamie and I met in the spring of 1989 and knew very little about each other and certainly did not know each others friends. Soon after we had begun dating I was approached by another student, who I did not know, that wanted to talk to me about Jamie. I remember I was walking past a dorm and a girl yelled to me from the window of a first floor dorm room. She seemed friendly but I wondered why she was yelling to me from inside a male dorm. Samford University certainly did not allow girls in the boy’s dorm rooms. I walked over and she began to tell me why she believed Jamie and I were wrong for each other. She went on to explain to me that our personalities were opposite and our relationship would never work. I guess we could say she was wrong because on this past April 1st I have known Jamie as my girlfriend or wife for the past 28 years. I never knew why this girl felt the need to correct my life or choose my girlfriend but I am glad I did not listen. Probably helped that she was hanging out of a window in a boy’s dorm but I don’t think I would have listened anyway!
I believe we often let another person’s opinion of someone influence our opinion. We may have met a new person, enjoyed their company, but listened to someone else’s negative opinion and decided to stay away. As a teacher and coach I have to be careful to not make up my mind about a student or player’s character based only on another teacher’s opinion. That is not fair to the student, the player, or to myself. We should all, whether meeting a new friend, a student, a player, or a co-worker begin our opinions at the moment we meet and not from other’s opinions of past events. We should start at zero! We let other people cloud our judgement about a new friend instead of remembering that we all have a past and we all need a friend.
I am thankful that God starts with us at zero. He knows everything about us and yet He still loves us and accepts us, scars and all. What if we told Him we believe in Him, loved Him, and trusted our life to Him but He listened to other’s opinions before He decided. He knows all there is to know about us but still welcomes us. He does not treat the early part of our relationship with Him as a probationary period but rather He gives us full membership. I prayed today to accept people as they are at the moment we meet regardless of the talk I have heard from another person. I may occasionally be let down by a new friend but I believe, in most cases, I will find a friend for life who loves me because I accepted them just as they are at that moment, the way God accepted me.
Chad
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Rejoice always
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1st Thessalonians 5:18
One of the aspects of my job that I actually enjoy, but is the most exhausting, is how quickly the circumstances can change. A quiet day with few things to worry about can be suddenly changed with an emergency with a student. All can be calm with my team and then a sudden piece of unfortunate information can totally change the feeling of the day, and my attitude. I am sure you are faced with circumstances that can so easily change your attitude, your temper, your trust in a friend, or your feelings toward the world in which we live. Circumstances are constantly changing, but how we respond to them is what makes all the difference in our attitude and happiness. There is an old saying that makes my point. “The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg”. Think about that for a minute!
How a person deals with the ever changing circumstances of life says a lot about their personal toughness and, most importantly, their faith in God. Throughout this week, my personal circumstances have changed from happy, to frustrated, to happy again, to really frustrated. Maybe that is why we are told in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks. He knows our circumstances are constantly changing and only through prayer, faith, and rejoicing in our blessings can we remain content. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says, “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”. Paul learned to have faith that every circumstance, whether good or bad, was designed by God and fits perfectly within the will He had planned for his life. God has also shown us the secret to being content. Having faith in His promise to never leave us or forsake us and to be with us until the end of time, regardless of the circumstances we face.
Pray continually when faced with good or bad circumstances and ask God to show you how to be content with both. And don’t forget to rejoice always because we have so much to be thankful for.
Chad
One of the aspects of my job that I actually enjoy, but is the most exhausting, is how quickly the circumstances can change. A quiet day with few things to worry about can be suddenly changed with an emergency with a student. All can be calm with my team and then a sudden piece of unfortunate information can totally change the feeling of the day, and my attitude. I am sure you are faced with circumstances that can so easily change your attitude, your temper, your trust in a friend, or your feelings toward the world in which we live. Circumstances are constantly changing, but how we respond to them is what makes all the difference in our attitude and happiness. There is an old saying that makes my point. “The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg”. Think about that for a minute!
How a person deals with the ever changing circumstances of life says a lot about their personal toughness and, most importantly, their faith in God. Throughout this week, my personal circumstances have changed from happy, to frustrated, to happy again, to really frustrated. Maybe that is why we are told in 1st Thessalonians 5:18 to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks. He knows our circumstances are constantly changing and only through prayer, faith, and rejoicing in our blessings can we remain content. In Philippians 4:12, Paul says, “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”. Paul learned to have faith that every circumstance, whether good or bad, was designed by God and fits perfectly within the will He had planned for his life. God has also shown us the secret to being content. Having faith in His promise to never leave us or forsake us and to be with us until the end of time, regardless of the circumstances we face.
Pray continually when faced with good or bad circumstances and ask God to show you how to be content with both. And don’t forget to rejoice always because we have so much to be thankful for.
Chad
Monday, May 22, 2017
Shhhhhh....
He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. Matthew 12:19
This will probably sound like I am being an old man or old fashioned but, have you noticed in today’s world a person does not have to be right anymore? Instead, they just have to be the loudest. We all probably noticed this during the latest political campaigns and it is on display every night on the national news. People no longer discuss a disagreement, listen, or even argue over a topic with respect. If one person is absolutely correct about an issue, the other person can just be louder and drown out the correct voice. I see this in school sometimes also. When two students have had a disagreement and are called together to discuss the problem there is always one student who will speak the loudest and be the most dramatic. Young people have not figured this out yet, but the loudest is usually the guilty person. Be loud, dramatic, and boisterous and you will convince your audience that you are correct. That does not mean we should not be passionate about our beliefs, feelings, or our stance on an issue. I have also learned, as a coach, I do not have to be the loudest. I can talk in an intense or stern way and players will sense that a topic or situation is important to me. They would hear me if I was loud but they will listen if they know I am right and I care about their success.
If two people are discussing a topic, and one is correct and the other is wrong, the wrong person can simply talk much louder, drown out the other, and the crowd may even begin to believe the loudmouth. Throughout scripture Jesus is loud on occasion but it is always to point people to His Father and others are loud when they are calling out to Him for mercy. But we also read in Mark 15:14 as Pilate asks the crowd, “What crime has He committed?” but the crowd shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”. The crowd was wrong but they shouted louder until everyone began to follow.
Don’t always listen to the loudest and remember that God still speaks to us in a still and quiet voice. In Matthew 12:19 the prophet Isaiah is being quoted when he says, “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets”. We will not hear His voice over the loudspeaker but we can hear His voice in our hearts and minds if we listen. It is His voice that reminds you that you are not alone, even when you are by yourself. It is His quiet voice that gives you the words to say to a friend who is experiencing a difficult time, and it His voice that can still be heard over all the other loud voices of this world.
Chad
This will probably sound like I am being an old man or old fashioned but, have you noticed in today’s world a person does not have to be right anymore? Instead, they just have to be the loudest. We all probably noticed this during the latest political campaigns and it is on display every night on the national news. People no longer discuss a disagreement, listen, or even argue over a topic with respect. If one person is absolutely correct about an issue, the other person can just be louder and drown out the correct voice. I see this in school sometimes also. When two students have had a disagreement and are called together to discuss the problem there is always one student who will speak the loudest and be the most dramatic. Young people have not figured this out yet, but the loudest is usually the guilty person. Be loud, dramatic, and boisterous and you will convince your audience that you are correct. That does not mean we should not be passionate about our beliefs, feelings, or our stance on an issue. I have also learned, as a coach, I do not have to be the loudest. I can talk in an intense or stern way and players will sense that a topic or situation is important to me. They would hear me if I was loud but they will listen if they know I am right and I care about their success.
If two people are discussing a topic, and one is correct and the other is wrong, the wrong person can simply talk much louder, drown out the other, and the crowd may even begin to believe the loudmouth. Throughout scripture Jesus is loud on occasion but it is always to point people to His Father and others are loud when they are calling out to Him for mercy. But we also read in Mark 15:14 as Pilate asks the crowd, “What crime has He committed?” but the crowd shouted all the louder, “Crucify Him!”. The crowd was wrong but they shouted louder until everyone began to follow.
Don’t always listen to the loudest and remember that God still speaks to us in a still and quiet voice. In Matthew 12:19 the prophet Isaiah is being quoted when he says, “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets”. We will not hear His voice over the loudspeaker but we can hear His voice in our hearts and minds if we listen. It is His voice that reminds you that you are not alone, even when you are by yourself. It is His quiet voice that gives you the words to say to a friend who is experiencing a difficult time, and it His voice that can still be heard over all the other loud voices of this world.
Chad
Friday, May 19, 2017
What are you all about?
Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:31
There are many aspects to my job but, when you narrow it down, it is all about a ball. A $75 piece of leather, filled with air, that men work endless hours for, young boys become famous for running with, and cry over when they can no longer hold it. For the offensive line, their main job is protecting their teammates who are holding the ball. Really a simple idea when you think about it. The quarterback, running back, and wide receivers are responsible for protecting it like it is made of gold. John Heisman, the most famous football coach of all time, once said to his team, “Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this ball”. A little extreme, but just a little! And of course, it would be much easier if those defensive guys did not want it so bad. Our job as coaches and players is all about the ball. Hold it high and tight, hand if off, run it, throw it, intercept it, get it across a line, and snap it. It’s all about the ball!
What are you all about? What am I all about? Are we all about selfishly getting what we “deserve” or making it to the top regardless of who we hurt? Are we all about making a huge amount of money, but never having any self worth? Are we all about tearing down others with gossip and prying into other’s business? Are we all about being recognized for doing good and being told how awesome we are by the world? Are we all about pretending to know Him, while living as the world lives? Or are we all about helping a friend, family member, teammate, or co-worker get what they need? Do we have faith that God will provide what we need and are thankful for the blessings He pours on us daily? Are we all about building others up with our words and the way we treat them with respect? Are we all about doing good and not allowing the world to know so we can receive our reward in heaven? And are we all about praising our Savior daily, living a life that honors Him, and proclaiming His kingdom with boldness?
Be all about our earthly passions but be ALL about Him. I am working on it and I pray that you are also.
Chad
There are many aspects to my job but, when you narrow it down, it is all about a ball. A $75 piece of leather, filled with air, that men work endless hours for, young boys become famous for running with, and cry over when they can no longer hold it. For the offensive line, their main job is protecting their teammates who are holding the ball. Really a simple idea when you think about it. The quarterback, running back, and wide receivers are responsible for protecting it like it is made of gold. John Heisman, the most famous football coach of all time, once said to his team, “Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this ball”. A little extreme, but just a little! And of course, it would be much easier if those defensive guys did not want it so bad. Our job as coaches and players is all about the ball. Hold it high and tight, hand if off, run it, throw it, intercept it, get it across a line, and snap it. It’s all about the ball!
What are you all about? What am I all about? Are we all about selfishly getting what we “deserve” or making it to the top regardless of who we hurt? Are we all about making a huge amount of money, but never having any self worth? Are we all about tearing down others with gossip and prying into other’s business? Are we all about being recognized for doing good and being told how awesome we are by the world? Are we all about pretending to know Him, while living as the world lives? Or are we all about helping a friend, family member, teammate, or co-worker get what they need? Do we have faith that God will provide what we need and are thankful for the blessings He pours on us daily? Are we all about building others up with our words and the way we treat them with respect? Are we all about doing good and not allowing the world to know so we can receive our reward in heaven? And are we all about praising our Savior daily, living a life that honors Him, and proclaiming His kingdom with boldness?
Be all about our earthly passions but be ALL about Him. I am working on it and I pray that you are also.
Chad
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Beware of earthly praise
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2
I was listening to a radio talk show a few days ago and the speaker made a statement that I initially agreed with, but the more I thought about his words, I believe he is wrong. He said, “When we stop honoring heroes, our country will no longer have any heroes to honor”. I have not had the opportunity to perform many heroic acts in my life but I think I know the type of person it takes to be a hero, and you probably do also. I don’t believe any of the people who have sacrificed their life to save another, performed an act of heroism to protect a stranger, or who gave totally of themselves for their country ever did so with the intention of becoming, “heroic”. I think we will always have those people in our world. The ones who, without thought to personal safety, immediately run into harm’s way to save another person. I was in a large meeting a while back and had the pleasure of hearing a young man speak to the crowd. This young man was in an automobile accident last year and was severely burned over most of his body. He has endured many operations and rehabilitation to even be able to speak to the crowd of teachers. He described the actions of the man who suddenly appeared beside the burning car to help pull him to safety. What stood out to me was that he never said the man’s name and the man does not want to be known for what he did. I cannot speak for the brave man that jumped into action on the night of the accident but, I bet he did not see the burning car, consider whether or not he would be considered a hero and weigh his options. He saw a desperate need and he acted immediately. He saved the young man's life because he did not consider the possible dangers to himself. Had he hesitated, trying to decide if he was brave enough, waiting on the news cameras or considering a possible book deal, this amazing young man would not be with us today to share his testimony.
I think the people who are true heroes, who run into dangerous situations without considering the threat to their personal safety will always be with us. They will continue to be the nameless people who daily help a person in need, give of themselves for a friend or stranger, and go about their quiet lives without telling anyone. The people who are looking for honor are not true heroes to begin with. They are opportunists looking for a way to become famous.
Matthew 6:2 is talking about giving money to the needy and warns us to not perform acts such as this for earthly recognition. I believe this verse can be applied to other areas of our lives as well. It is frustrating at times when we are not recognized for the good in our lives. Maybe it is a kind gesture that is taken the wrong way by another or it is a great idea that others, who had very little involvement, receive all the credit. God tells us to do these things without the world knowing. To care for a friend, a stranger, a classmate or teammate, or co-worker while keeping the good deed just between ourselves and the person we helped. Although the earthly praise can sometimes make us look good to the world, we are missing the reward that God will have for us one day when we enter into His Kingdom. A reward that is much better than a pat on the back, an article in the paper, or a plaque on a wall. Our good deeds on earth are forgotten just moments after they are done, but our good deeds for one of God’s children are remembered for eternity.
Chad
I was listening to a radio talk show a few days ago and the speaker made a statement that I initially agreed with, but the more I thought about his words, I believe he is wrong. He said, “When we stop honoring heroes, our country will no longer have any heroes to honor”. I have not had the opportunity to perform many heroic acts in my life but I think I know the type of person it takes to be a hero, and you probably do also. I don’t believe any of the people who have sacrificed their life to save another, performed an act of heroism to protect a stranger, or who gave totally of themselves for their country ever did so with the intention of becoming, “heroic”. I think we will always have those people in our world. The ones who, without thought to personal safety, immediately run into harm’s way to save another person. I was in a large meeting a while back and had the pleasure of hearing a young man speak to the crowd. This young man was in an automobile accident last year and was severely burned over most of his body. He has endured many operations and rehabilitation to even be able to speak to the crowd of teachers. He described the actions of the man who suddenly appeared beside the burning car to help pull him to safety. What stood out to me was that he never said the man’s name and the man does not want to be known for what he did. I cannot speak for the brave man that jumped into action on the night of the accident but, I bet he did not see the burning car, consider whether or not he would be considered a hero and weigh his options. He saw a desperate need and he acted immediately. He saved the young man's life because he did not consider the possible dangers to himself. Had he hesitated, trying to decide if he was brave enough, waiting on the news cameras or considering a possible book deal, this amazing young man would not be with us today to share his testimony.
I think the people who are true heroes, who run into dangerous situations without considering the threat to their personal safety will always be with us. They will continue to be the nameless people who daily help a person in need, give of themselves for a friend or stranger, and go about their quiet lives without telling anyone. The people who are looking for honor are not true heroes to begin with. They are opportunists looking for a way to become famous.
Matthew 6:2 is talking about giving money to the needy and warns us to not perform acts such as this for earthly recognition. I believe this verse can be applied to other areas of our lives as well. It is frustrating at times when we are not recognized for the good in our lives. Maybe it is a kind gesture that is taken the wrong way by another or it is a great idea that others, who had very little involvement, receive all the credit. God tells us to do these things without the world knowing. To care for a friend, a stranger, a classmate or teammate, or co-worker while keeping the good deed just between ourselves and the person we helped. Although the earthly praise can sometimes make us look good to the world, we are missing the reward that God will have for us one day when we enter into His Kingdom. A reward that is much better than a pat on the back, an article in the paper, or a plaque on a wall. Our good deeds on earth are forgotten just moments after they are done, but our good deeds for one of God’s children are remembered for eternity.
Chad
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