Friday, July 27, 2007

Adventures of a Bone Head

For anyone who really knows me you understand that I am not kidding when I say that I am a bone head. Here is an example...

I was in a wedding in Atlanta last weekend. I have an old fraternity brother who lives outside of Atlanta so I was staying at his house. When I got finished with all of the wedding stuff on Friday night it was a little after midnight. I called my friend and he said he was up watching TV - so when I got there I should just come on in. My friend lives in Cumming, Georgia - The Gateway to Leisure Living, which is a little over an hour from downtown Atlanta. So my estimated arrival is after 1 am. I have never been to his house before, but fortunately I have Bianca in my car. Bianca (penned by Leif & Margaret) is the name of the Hertz Never Lost Navigation System that came with my rental car. I love Bianca. She is really good at what she does. So Bianca is giving me turn by turn directions as I make my drive to The Gateway to Leisure Living. I have to tell you that I am really glad that Bianca is with me, because it is really dark in Cumming. I don't think the town has any street lights. This is beginning to concern me because when I told some of the groomsmen at the wedding that I was staying in Cumming, I got some odd facial expressions back at me. One of them even said, “I hope you brought a shot gun.” I have no idea what that meant, and I didn’t explore the comment any further. Now I wish I had.

But Bianca is on her game as she weaves me through about 8 turns in less than a mile and finally declares, “you have arrived at your final destination.” As I approach the door I am glad to see the TV on and an undistinguishable figure watching it. I definitely don't want to find my room in a house I have never been to all by myself at 1 am. So I pull the door handle, as instructed, but the door is locked. Almost simultaneous to my attempt to open the door, I see the undistinguishable figure distinguish herself. And she doesn't look happy. And she doesn't look like my friend. Or his wife. Or his four year old daughter. I don't know who this women is? She scurries frantically at the door with a sense of purpose. Why is she coming to the door? She doesn’t know me - shouldn't she be scared of me? I am quite an imposing figure to those who don’t know what a friendly person I am. But she is coming quick. She opens the door and says, “You are at the wrong house aren’t you?” I stammered through some words and eventually asked her if she knew my friend. She did – he lived two doors down. I guess it would have been a good idea for me to look at the address, clearly labeled on the mailbox, before entering an unknown home at 1 am – even in the Gateway to Leisure Living.

I am a bone head.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Who Am I?


Can you guess who that studly looking guy in the top left corner is? Yeah - the one sporting the mullet? I'll give you a clue - He has been at every Fusion event we have ever held...

I Remember it Well

I was at Chiloso yesterday and encountered a sight that warmed my heart. In front of me in line was a group of five who had never been to Chiloso before. Listening to their conversation brought back a rush of memories. My first time was just as exhilarating. They talked about the number of choices, the jalapeño ranch, the fresh made tortillas. I heard one of them say, "how can one place have so much stuff that I love?" Their faces were giddy as they declared their individual orders. Mine was as well.

I think I will go get some breakfast tacos now...

Friday, July 20, 2007

Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19
It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests."
They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you."


How did only one of the ten come back to thank Jesus? What were the others thinking? Because the one was called an outsider, most theologians believe that the other nine would have been Jews – on the inside. Maybe they had a sense of entitlement where they kind of expected healing. As if it were owed to them.

I wonder how many followers of Christ today have a sense of entitlement. We serve God, as long as it benefits us. We cry out to God, when we see things that are not right in our lives…

All ten in this story received the blessing of a physical healing. But what Almighty God wants us to see is that the physical healing is only a small portion of the blessing He has for us. There is so much more that he wants to lavish on us. The one got more. He received the physical blessing, but he kept going after God. His gratitude gave him entry to the greater blessing. He wasn’t only healed, but he was saved.

What kind of gratitude do you have for Christ? How have you showed it? I can speak for myself here – I need to get over me. Get over my issues. Get over my entitlement. I need a grateful heart. Are you one of the nine? Or the one?

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

What God has joined, people must not divide!

I was in a wedding from one of my high school buddies this weekend. He is Catholic and the wedding service included a mass. I was so impressed with how Christ centered and Christ honoring the service was. The Pastor (he called himself a Pastor and the church members called him Father) was very intriguing. He was a tall and skinny man with a deep and booming voice. He had a way of saying things with eloquence and beauty that really captured my attention. Walking into the service, I thought it would feel route and rehearsed, but instead it felt authentic and alive. My favorite part was when he was talking to the church about our role in supporting our friends who were getting married. He took some steps forward, out of the pulpit, and got really close to us. Then he charged us with the words, “What God has joined, people must not divide!” He said it with such conviction and power. I felt a responsibility in that moment, as a brother in Christ; to do whatever I can to make sure my friend’s marriage stands the test of time.

What if we lived as if we believed that statement: What God has joined, people must not divide. How different would our lives be? How different would our friendships be? How different would our parenting be?

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Bears Win :: Bears Win :: Bears Win!!!

The Baylor Bears Football Team just picked up a hard earned forfeit victory over Oklahoma for the 2005 season! That means the 2005 Bears finished 6-6. The first non-losing record since the internet was invented! Go Bears!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

I Can't Believe it Either...

Anyone who really knows me understands that I go on about 8 diets per year. Once every four or five years - one of them works for me. Well... after the 4th of July is a natural time for me to be dieting. I am trying the magical eat healthy and eat less tactic. Just so you know - I am absolutely money on the first 7-10 days of a diet. I have no problems sticking with it. And I always lose 5-10 pounds in that time. It really is truly remarkable. But then I decide, I really could care less if I weigh 5-10 pounds more or less, but I do like Pumpkin Pie. So I usually end up eating like a true McCartney again within two weeks of beginning a new diet. But today something happened that I think is telling me that I am on the verge of some serious weight loss. I had a breakfast meeting with Bobcat Bill at Chiloso this morning. I would normally get three breakfast tacos with three extra tortillas, have them load up the eggs, bacon, sausage, potato, beans and jalapeño ranch and then create six tacos out of the three. A mighty fine and hearty breakfast. But today, as I stood in line I found myself not hungering for three. I actually ordered one. One breakfast taco! Do you realize how ridiculous that is - my five year old daughter eats at least two. An 88 pound girl at my office always orders three. "One" - I said. David - the owner of Chiloso (the finest eating establishment know to humankind) looked up at me in complete bewilderment. All I could say was, "I can't believe it either."

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Another Cool Memory

I was reading my hometown newspaper today and was reminded of a bit of history that I experienced first hand. Unless you are from Boulder, or are really into running - you may have never heard of Melody Fairchild. I went to junior high and high school with Melody and she absolutely dominated the sport for a three year span. When we were in high school, Melody won something like 12 state championships and two national championships. She still holds state records and a few national records. If you google her name and read some articles you will quickly find words like, "Melody Fairchild is arguably the greatest high school runner of all time." You could not possibly overestimate how good this girl was.
Melody winning a national championship in 1990

Boulder has a race every Memorial Day called the Bolder Boulder. It's a 10 k that attracts some of the greatest runners in the world. The race ends with a lap around the football field at CU and thousands of fans in the stadium. While we were in high school, Melody won the citizens race every single year and our senior year, her time would have placed her second overall in the world class division. The girl was amazing!

I remember in junior high, our PE teacher issued a challenge to us. He said that if anyone could beat Melody in the "Jolly Jog" then no one would have to run the rest of the year. The "Jolly Jog" was a trip around two football fields, three soccer fields, four baseball fields, and 24 tennis courts. We had to do it every Monday and every one hated it. Everyone except for Melody. This was the ninth grade, where the boys are supposed to be faster than the girls. We had one kid, Eddie Panton, who ran like a 4.5 in the ninth grade. We would get Eddie ready all day long to beat Melody. The night before we cooked him spaghetti. In the morning we would feed him pancakes. there was gatorade in between classes. And packets of honey for the run. We were determined to beat Melody. There were about 10 guys, myself included, who would sprint off at the beginning of the run and try to block Melody in. Eddie would always get off to a big lead raising our hopes up, but inevitably Melody would get out of our maneuvering and break free. I'll never forget seeing her pass us. She was so tiny and her long pony tail would swing back and forth like windshield wipers. She was absolutely rock solid steady when she ran. You couldn't break her. And every single time, without fail, she would end up passing Eddie. She would actually keep on running at the end of the "Jolly Jog" all the way into the girl's locker room. She was amazing.

We all knew we were a part of greatness then. Nobody could stop Melody Fairchild. And sure enough, when we got to high school she kept on dominating. Championships rolled in left and right. We used to have all school assemblies anytime our school won a state championship. The way it would work is that all of the current teams would get paraded in before the whole school and they would talk about how they we hoping for a great season, yada, yada, yada. Then they would introduce the state champions at the end and everyone would go nuts. Our girls basketball team and softball team won the state championship every year we were in high school. So it always seemed like it was one of those teams and Melody getting cheered on. We had one about three times a year for Melody alone! I have to admit that the guys on the baseball team were getting pretty aggravated about it. We vowed to get our own assembly one day!

The Boulder Daily Camera recently did a huge story on the best athletes in the history of Boulder County. This would include college and pro athletes as well as local high school legends. You would think with top notch college athletes such as this one:that a high school kid wouldn't stand a chance. But Melody won the award in a landslide as the top female athlete in the history of Boulder!

Melody's story took a wrong turn after high school. Her Mom died the summer after we graduated and then she suffered what many thought would be a career ending hip injury her freshman year at Oregon. The girl who was destined to win Olympic Gold, was not even able to run. I can't imagine the inner turmoil she must have battled. She was a bonified celebrity in Boulder. Now she was unable to do what she was celebrated for and she didn't even have her Mom to turn to.

After two years off of running, Melody went back to the University of Oregon to run again. One thing about Melody was she had this quite amazing combination of a really sweet spirit mixed with a fiery competitive edge. I guess that competitive edge kicked in because Melody ended up winning a national championship her senior year and beating the records she had set in high school.

The story I read today that brought about all of these memories said that Melody is opening her own running camp in Colorado for young girls. She is going to teach them how to run, but she also wants to teach them life skills and talk about how to have a healthy body image. Way to go Melody!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

A Cool Memory

One of my best friends growing up was a guy named Jon Bolles. We met in junior high school and became fast friends. We went to rival high schools, but stayed close and actually roomed together for two years @ Baylor. Jon is a great guy. We still talk to each other every once in a while, but not as much as I’d like. I was reminded this morning of something he did on his birthday our sophomore year at BU. He took all of his buddies out for a milk shake at Health Camp. And he bought! This was a tradition for Jon – to give to others on his birthday.

Normally people receive gifts on their b-day, but Jon would give. Now you have to understand the budget of a college student… Buying 8 milkshakes at the Health Camp was a sacrifice. We thought Jon was the man!

I’ll never forget it – because I remember the smile and satisfaction on his face as he would buy the shakes. It was his day. He was the man. Everyone loved it. But no one loved it more than Jon.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Favorite Verses

In our group that meets on Sunday mornings we were talking about the power and role of scripture in our lives. I asked everyone to share one of their favorite scriptures with the group and why it meant so much to them. The stories behind each verse were a testimony to how real and active our God is! Here are the verses each person chose. I found it interesting that they basically fell into a few categories: prayer, the person/character of God, our purpose, trials/perseverance, and anxiety/worry.


Erin :: Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Jim :: James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Mandy & Crystal :: James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Angie :: Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Tracy, Carrie & Allisa :: Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Lane :: Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Jason :: John 17:1
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

Kyle :: Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Tammy & Shanna :: Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Kevin :: Luke 12:22
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.

Joel :: Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Todd :: Exodus 9:16
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

Robin :: Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Greg :: James 4:13-14
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Chris :: James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Marc :: Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

A lesson for all the kids out there...

I learned something this afternoon that I thought may be helpful information.

It is NOT a good idea to eat 6 breakfast tacos from Chiloso at lunch, along with some chips and extra tortillas. And then go home and shoot baskets with the kids for 2 hours in 90 degree weather. And then eat three brownies (even in they are organic) washing them down with an inordinate amount of skim milk. And then play in an old mans basketball league game where you are not the fattest person and the referees don't get paid. Old, fat people cannot control their bodies you see - and thus inflict great amounts of pain onto other participants.

I think you should just trust me on this one.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Father's Day

What images come to mind when you think of a Father? Are they good or bad? Or maybe a mixture of both? When you think of a Father - do you think about your own Dad or do you think of God? If you are a Dad, do you ever think about the kind of Father you want to be?

For me, when I think of a Father the images are both of my Dad and my God. I think of the power that a Father has on his children. In so many ways, like it or not, we are like our Father's. In so many ways, like it or not, we want to be like our Father's.

I recently read an article about the 25th anniversary of my Dad's hiring as the Coach at CU. (Click here and page down 3 or 4 times to read the article - it's called "Q&A with a Buff") This brought back many great memories of my Dad as a football coach. There is even a link to a video someone made about his first few years as at CU. I loved my Dad's job and our involvement with college football. And I did grow up wanting to be like my Dad, but not just because he was a coach. My Dad gave our family a vision for something much larger than football.

A Father sets a vision for his family. A Father is the leader of his family. Almighty God is our ultimate Father and He has given us our ultimate vision. I am blessed beyond measure, because my Dad made it his life's goal to love our Father God with all of his heart. My Dad is far from perfect, but he passed onto our family a vision to live our lives wholehearted for Jesus Christ. My Dad is my hero and on my very best days, I am a little bit like him. I could say so much more about my Dad, but I'll leave you with this - I don't know anyone else in the world who loves Jesus more than my Dad. That's the kind of man he is and the kind of man I want to be.