Last week when I read the news that Josh Hamilton had a “relapse”,  I wasn’t mad at him. I wasn’t disappointed in him. I felt bad for him. While many web sites took the opportunity to pile on Josh and throw stones, I felt a deep sadness in the pit of my stomach. After the 24 hour rule of allowing it to process, I think I got mad. I wasn’t mad at Josh Hamilton, I was mad at all of the people and media outlets lined up to point out his failure. The last time I checked, Josh is human. Did his relapse make him any less Christian? This might not be received correctly but let me say this….

I believe it made him even more Christian.

In 1 Corinthians 15:31, the Apostle Paul said “I die every day – I mean that, brothers- just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, the Apostle Paul said “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a throne in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me“.

Josh Hamilton is an addict. Every morning when he rises he has choices that he must make. His record against those choices is pretty strong. He has a thorn in his flesh. He must die daily to these addictions and surrender them to Christ. Last week they won. As I said on twitter and Facebook, the only difference between Josh Hamilton and I is that his failure was in the public eye.

We’re all fighting an addiction and thorns. They come in all shapes and sizes. They are the result of an evil which exists in our world. We will win and we will lose, but we must keep fighting. We will slip. We will fall. We are not perfect. We are forgiven by grace and called to aspire to live like Christ. Until all things are made right, we will all suffer a “relapse”. Be very careful if you think you won’t. I bet Josh Hamilton would say the same.

Keep fighting Josh. Keep fighting to all those that read this. I’m fighting. I’ll win. I’ll fail. But I will keep fighting and I firmly believe Josh Hamilton will too.

“We are here to be there for our kid when they score the game winning goal…and especially when they don’t”

As a matter of fact, I covered a time when he “didn’t” about a year ago. Heartbreaking. This year has been different. It’s been an interesting year of watching my 11 year old son trying to find his place within the game of basketball. From the first time he put on a uniform of any kind, in any sport, he has been the tallest kid on the team. In basketball, that translates to playing “down low” or in the post. Yet, I know his hearts desire is to be a point guard that makes great passes and shoots the “3″. He’s worked hard to do both and do them well. We’ve seen glimpses all season, but this weekend he really put it all together.

Saturday featured two games against one of the other rival local schools (Hilliard Bradley). Game one was a game to remember for sure. Feeding off a new full-court press we have installed, “the boy” would hit 3 out of 4 three pointers and score half of his teams points. Each three was within the flow of the offense and at a critical moment. Davidson would go on to take both games from Bradley.

Sunday would be another game against a local rival school. This time it was Hilliard Darby which are always close games. After jumping out to a 16-4 lead, Davidson would struggle against a zone defense and ultimately lose the lead. With the game tied and 11 seconds left, Davidson had the ball and a chance to win the game. That’s when this happened….

Though the video quality is poor, the shot was not. After the game someone said they are going to start calling him “CCC – Calm, Cool and Collected”. As his Dad it was great to see the game winning shot, but far greater to see him finding his place in the game. Because he’s a “shooter” I constantly remind him that his mentality has to be that “the next one is going in”. During the timeout prior to that shot, I whispered in his ear that “this one’s going in”. I just had the feeling that it would.

Let’s say that the shot didn’t fall. Let’s say we leave the gym with a loss. Again, am I “being there” for him then too? Am I cheering him just as loud if he scores no points? This is the balance I have to find as a Dad. While he finds his place on the court, I have to find my place too. Proud of you number 50!

For a few years now I have watched this series of videos gain momentum and become a full blown movement of change. I haven’t just stood on the sidelines to applaud this movement, I’ve become committed to it. It’s more than wearing a bracelet or a shirt. It’s reviewing the materials with my son. It’s introducing the study to our Men’s Life Group at Rock City Church. It’s being prepared to share with anyone and everyone that asks what it means. The web site is the perfect place to point those that want to know more. Now there is a resource to go even further and I’m thrilled to have a copy of it.

I Am Second is a book that is filled with the testimonies of people we see every day in the media, on ESPN, in music, politics and on the news. They are stories of success, failure, searching, loss, hope and restoration. They are edgy. They are raw. They are real. The stories are yours and mine. I would submit that at some point in this incredible book you will find a common place to something you have or are struggling with. It will remind you that you are not alone. We all fall short. We all struggle.

But there is hope.

We are second. Christ is first. In this book you will read story after story of those that have discovered this truth and are living it. It’s not a prosperity gospel. It’s stories of the struggle. It’s a collection of unbelievable “behind the scenes” truth in the lives of people you and I think have it all. The truth is that they do “have it all”, but it’s not in fame, fortune or success. It’s in realizing that they are second and Christ is first. He is the hope. He is the answer. I applaud Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender for following a passion, starting a movement and sharing these stories. I HIGHLY recommend it.

I give “I Am Second” a 5 out of 5. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another thing I have felt is a need to press pause from the social media scene for a bit. I need a break. It’s no ones fault as you are as involved or uninvolved as you choose to be in the social media world. I’ve chosen to be active and I think, maybe, I’ve had enough. I need to step away for awhile. I need to appreciate the beauty of social media and stop being annoyed by others use of it. It has gotten to the point where reading the twitter feed and Facebook stream have actually gotten under my skin. Rather than be judgmental, or leave comments that will set off brush fires, I can choose to just logout. It really is that simple.

This site is still going to be here as I have reviews that need to be done and I am beyond thankful for the many opportunities this blog provides to do so. In other places, other sites, you will probably see less and less of me for awhile. The significant changes that are coming will most likely impact my “online time” as well. The web is a fascinating place that makes the world very small. Our connectivity is incredible. I cherish that and will continue to keep those lines of communication open. Thanks for reading, supporting and following the journey. Check back every now and again for reviews and such. Have a blessed and Happy 2012.

Tonight my 8 year old will compete in the first of many gymnastics meets this winter. She’s a level 5 gymnast now so it continues to get tougher. I am already amazed by what she is able to achieve in this delicate sport. Amazed. However, she is nervous. REALLY NERVOUS. My wife and I have been doing our best to calm the fears and allow her to soak in the moment while “trusting her training”. What else can you tell an 8 year old that has all of the ability but fear could be her biggest opponent?

This morning I opened my Uncommon Life Daily Challenge devotional book by Tony Dungy and wouldn’t you know the answer was right there on the page. It’s so good I thought I would post for you all as well. Fear or nerves getting the best of you? Check this out…

Have you thought about all the events that led up to this moment in your life – why you’re here, how you’ve been shaped, what caused you to read this book or seek God’s plans for your life? Have you wondered how much of it is accidental or random and how much is designed?

I believe God knew exactly where you would be right now and exactly what you would be like. He knew about your passions and gifts and the platform you would have. In fact, I believe He was very purposeful in designing your life. He made you to be uniquely significant and to have an eternal impact on the world around you.

Let that sink in. How would you live differently if you really believed that God had intentionally designed you to impact others? What steps of faith would you take if you knew He had already planned them? What would you attempt if you were fully convinced He was backing you? Would you set out to accomplish big things in your community? Would you go to local schools with a sense of mission? What impossible problems would suddenly seem possible to deal with? The fact is that when you believe  you were designed for a purpose, you will live with a purpose.

I realize we all have some areas we can improve, and just because we believe God designed us doesn’t mean we know what for. But God is gracious. He knows we’ll fall short, and He knows that finding His will for our lives will be a process. We’ll make mistakes along the way. Grace isn’t an excuse to give less than our best, but it is reassuring to know that God doesn’t pressure us to be perfect. When we fall, we can get up, dust ourselves off, and keep moving toward the goal. Whatever our past, God has future plans for us. And those plans are good.

Don’t be afraid to try big things that fit with God’s purposes. No problem is too big for Him to solve, whether it’s in the lives of people around us, on a national or global scale, or anything in between. That means no problem is too big for us to attempt to solve in His strength. We were designed for such purposes. 

Uncommon Key – God was very intentional about your design, your opportunities and your purpose. Thank Him and look for ways to use what He has given you in the best way possible.

-Tony Dungy (Uncommon Life Daily Challenge)

So…. what do you think? It would seem the answer to what you tell an 8 year old before her gymnastics meet is right there in black and white (the bold words were placed that way by me for key emphasis). You can bet when she gets home I’ll sit down with her and read this to her too. Then she’ll go do specifically what God created her to do tonight.

You can too…..

I’m a big fan of Tony Dungy. His books have inspired me and his willingness to share his faith challenges me to do the same. I recently had the opportunity to review his latest devotional book called “Uncommon Life Daily Challenge”. I can’t think of a better way to start the new year. The good news is that I’m going to give a copy away to one lucky person who can do the same!

Uncommon Life Daily Challenge is a daily devotional book filled with challenges on growing and living out your faith. Using real life analogies and lessons learned, Tony brings a daily scripture and a daily challenge to each page. I started reading it when I received it late in 2011 and finished the year with his daily challenges. Each day is a quick read, yet filled with things to consider and apply throughout the days and weeks ahead.

Tony Dungy is a man of God. His life has been filled with ups and downs, success and tragedy. It is good to read his perspective and apply the daily scriptures to what you and I will face too.

Leave a comment below if you would like to have your name added to the drawing. I will select one random winner from the comments received. I encourage you all to pick up Uncommon Life Daily Challenge and start 2012 with a new and fresh perspective each morning.

Tony Dungy

Tyndale House Publishers

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How we rang in the New Year. Our dog clearly needs a girlfriend.

Then the Championship game came…

From the jump ball, the Wildcats looked completely gassed. The first two games had taken their toll and they looked totally flat. They would eventually get it to within 2, but Dublin would pull away. With less than a minute left to play, some pressure in the back court created a turnover. The pass went to Austin at the 3 point arch and he drained it.

Time out Dublin. 3 point lead.

Again pressure created a turnover, there was a scramble, Austin got the ball, passed it to a teammate who was covered, he threw it back to Austin who was now at the three point arch. He let a three fly…BOTTOMS. Tie game. 4.4 seconds left.

Time out…. Wait, what? The ref called what?

During the time out, the referee came over and said “guys, it was a two. His toe was on the line. It was only a two”. Everyone else in the gym seemed to think it was a three. A lady in the stands got it on video and the parents that watched the replay said it was a three. After the game, Dublin’s coach said “it was a three”. However the scoreboard showed only a two and the Wildcats would go on to lose by 1. Incredible game. I’m so proud of the whole team for their effort.

I’m most proud of number 50. He battled all day. Whenever the team needed a clutch play, the ball ended up in his hands. He never backed down. He never disappointed. It was a tough loss, but one that this team will learn a lot from.

Don’t worry, I gave that lady that has the video my email address and will post the final minute if I ever get my hands on it. Not because of the three in question, but because it was flat out exciting to watch. Stay tuned…

Heather was standing in my office as I hung up the phone. We knew in that moment that we would not be relocating. An hour later I received a mailer that caught my eye. It was for a Church called “Rock City” and for some reason, it captured me. It had a look of what we would have been moving to in Nashville. We had to investigate further. After a week of research and an official visit, it became very clear to me that this was in Gods plan. It wouldn’t have been more clear if He would have sent a letter himself. Rock City happened.

This would also lead to one of the most difficult and painful discussions I have ever had. It meant we would need to leave a fellowship we had grown very close to and people that were mentors and friends. It was not a decision we took lightly or one that was easy to make. Time will heal those wounds. I sit here today with the firm conviction that we made the right choice. We love our Church. Rock City has become a part of our daily lives. It daily reminds me that “Greater things are still to be done in THIS city”. While I wish it never meant leaving one place, sometimes the toughest decisions lead to our greatest opportunities.

2012 will be a year of changes. We look ahead to what God is going to do in this city through Rock City Church.

Continuing my review of 2011, you know I had to include our two trips to Nashville. The first trip was the annual running of the Nashville Half Marathon. 2011 was a tough year for me when it came to running. Due to injury after injury after setback after setback, my training really suffered. More than once, it appeared as if Nashville wasn’t going to be in the cards for me. I officially signed up about 6 weeks before the race and did my best to get ready. This is not a race that you “kinda” train for. It’s brutal. I finished it but was really more interested in getting to the festivities later that night.

Saturday evening after the race we met with 5 other couples at the historic Pucketts in Franklin for dinner. One of my favorite memories of 2011. 12 people sharing stories, life, laugh and good times. There is something special about this city and the people there. Which made our second visit to Nashville a no-brainer…

Heather and I returned to Nashville again several months later to pursue a very real possibility of relocating our family there. It was an incredible weekend with some amazing people. I continue to keep the details private, but someday I’ll share more about the who and what of why we went. I can tell you it was the opportunity of a lifetime. We are so fortunate to have even had the chance to visit, meet and discuss this opportunity. Gods timing is perfect and just maybe one day it will include us returning to Nashville to call it home.