Lessons on Winning and Losing

Well, our 14 year old CVL All Star team went to the Babe Ruth State tournament this past weekend, only to lose two consecutive games and be eliminated. Of course, they were very disappointed, and quite discouraged. That is, until they cooled down a little, got their swimming trunks on, jumped in the swimming pool with their buddies and enjoyed the benefits of being 14 year old kids again. When they were losing, life didn't get much worse than at that moment. However, when they realized that life goes on, they quickly forgot about the defeats and continued doing what they do best, enjoying life.

We as adults sometimes wallow around in our past failures and sins. God, however, wants us to take those failures and give them to Him so we can be released from the burden and enjoy life once again. Psalm 103:12 says "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

Yes, we were all disappointed that our boys weren't more successful than they were, but they tried. When they were done, they moved on. Let's see if we can give God our failures and mistakes so we can move on to the goal of eternal life. That is the ultimate victory!!

De Colores

District Champs!!

Congratulations to the Cottonwood Valley 14 year old All Star team for winning their District Tournament!! Brian's team from Marion, along with kids from Cottonwood Falls, Hillsboro and Peabody make up the All Star team.

Now they are off to Fort Scott, Kansas to participate in their 5th straight State tournament. They have won State once and finished second once in the past 4 years. Not too bad!!

Lori and I will be loading up the car for another road trip to support and cheer them on beginning this Friday the 28th.

GO CVL!!

De Colores

Cool Change!

At a little before 6:00 this morning, I reluctantly drug myself out of bed to go for a run. I walked out the door and was greeted by dead calm air, 82 degree temperature, and dreadful humidity. I just about turned around and went back inside!

After about a mile or so, I felt a North wind starting to blow in my face. It was a welcome breeze, and lifted my spirits a little. The farther I went, the steadier the wind blew. By the time I got back in the house, the air temperature had actually fallen a couple of degrees, and the wind was blowing at a steady 10 to 20 mph. When I left for work, my thermometer showed 72 degrees!!

How quickly things can change in Kansas! It's supposed to be nice for a couple of days, and then get back to being hot again next week. I'll sure enjoy the "cool change" while it lasts!

Brian's 14 year old baseball team goes to Buhler tonight to play in the District 4 tournament. They have the potential to take it all the way through State, or they could go out in two games in this tournament. We'll see which team shows up!! Good luck to them tonight!!

De Colores

Area Of Influence

During my prayer time this morning, God seemed to ask me to stop and focus a little on all the people who have shaped and influenced my life. I know that I am certainly not a saint, and have a long way to go to reach spiritual maturity (I know, you are all going DUH!!). But in significant ways, small ways and subtle ways, many people have helped shape my life.

My parents, family members, school teachers, Sunday School teachers, people who gave children's stories in church, choir directors, pastors, past and present church members, friends, bosses, co-workers, youth group leaders, just to name a few have all left their mark in one way or another.

I guess it made me realize how important it is to recognize the opportunities I have to be a positive influence in other's lives. As I go about my daily living, I am casting a wide "area of influence". As I help with and participate in worship services, serve on administrative council and trustees committees, play in the praise band, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, or just lend a sympathetic ear, I hope to maybe encourage someone so they can say years later that I was an influence on them. Hopefully, most of it will be positive!!

Stop and thank God for all the people who helped shape your life, then think about the ways and opportunities you may have to help influence other's lives. Whether in church, or out in the world, be willing and ready to cast your "area of influence" net!!

De Colores

Vacation

You may have noticed that it has been a couple of weeks since my last blog posting. That is because Lori, Brian and I loaded up the car and spent some time at Tan-tar-a resort at the Lake of the Ozarks. Although it was way too hot and sticky, we still managed to have a good time. Brian and I got a few rounds of golf in, and Lori managed to work a spa day into her busy schedule. There was a junior high cheerleading camp with several hundred middle school girls running around while we were there, so needless to say, Brian was a little distracted with the scenery!!

From there, we went to Kansas City to meet up with Amanda and Erin and attended a Royals baseball game. It was great to have the family all together in one place, even if just for the day. Unfortunately, the Royals lost (again), but there was a spectacular fireworks show after the game, so it was fun to be there.

The best part about vacations is getting to spend time with the family. How much fun would it be to go do things alone? You wouldn't have anyone to share the experience with. Spending time with your family strengthens the bonds between husband and wife, parents and kids.

Same thing thing with your spiritual walk. It is much more rewarding to share your experiences of life with fellow believers. There is joy in sharing in the good times, and there is strength in leaning on others in the bad. Matthew 18: 19-20 says "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Share your experiences of life with others. Meet regularly with fellow Christian brothers and sisters. It is in gathering together in fellowship that we grow and mature in Christ.

De Colores