Wedding Day…

A couple of years ago, I never thought this day would come. Shoot…a year ago, I never thought it would come.

The last couple of nights I really haven’t slept all that well. Restless sleep…2-3-4 hours of sleep. Last night was a pretty long night, but I had some things to take my mind off the magnitude of what I am about to do off my mind a bit. Hosting friends, packing, and watching a movie were some of those things. I had planned on waking up a little early this morning to finish my vows, but I didn’t expect to be wide awake at 6:15 this morning. I have done a good job of keeping myself calm, but there’s a level of emotion surging through me that I just can’t quite explain.

There’s a mixture of nerves, excitement, happiness, wonder, awe, amazement, and pretty much any adjective you want to throw in there. I’m shaking so bad, I am beginning to believe that I have Parkinson’s. My breathing is a little weird…

But as I sit here in this @Starbucks four hours before the wedding, I can’t help but think back on the last year with Ashleigh and all of the things that have confirmed our decision to be married. Through the mix of emotions that are running around me right now, me thinking of the things that have brought confirmation is what’s keeping me calm.

And the fact that she makes me happy…

God has been good to us…and will continue to be.

#ibelieveit #teamoconnor

9/11

Its hard for me to believe that it has been ten years since the day that we Americans were changed…forever. Its also hard for me to believe that the heart of our economic landscape is no longer standing.

I remember that day like…well…it was yesterday.

I was a Sophomore in high school. Early morning workouts had just ended on that Tuesday morning. My first period of the day was World History. My teacher just happened to be my baseball coach. He had the news on, just like he did every morning. There were other students that were already in the classroom. Usually there would be talking and some goofing off…but this wasn’t a usual day. I sat down in my seat while the television was showing replays of the first plane hitting the North Tower. I was in shock. I couldn’t really comprehend what was going on.

I was scared…we all were. No one knew what was going to happen next. My mom worked near Baylor Hospital in Downtown Dallas. I got a hold of her and my family as quickly, and as discreetly (without letting my teachers see me using my phone) as I could. Even though I reached them, I was still nervous and scared for those that worked in that area. We were all on high alert.

There were no lessons in school that day. Just silently watching the televisions in every class. Lunch was somber. No one really said anything. I think we all felt a little helpless and confused. At the time, I really couldn’t understand the reasoning behind such an atrocious attack. But, I knew in my heart that I wanted revenge. That day, those images were forever burned into my brain. I will never escape the images of planes being launched into towers, the fires, people running, people jumping from the buildings. Three building collapsing, and the image of the sun setting with smoke and dust hovering above where the towers once stood.

Everything was cancelled that day. Practices, games, tv shows, movies, events, clubs, and even lives were cancelled that day.

On every September 11th from now on, we’ll pause, and remember those who lost their lives on that day…a day that tested our American resolve.

Maybe my next post will be about what I thought about 9/11 then, compared to now…

 

song of the day-’an end weight’ by harvard

Sport Is My Passion…

*Before I get into this blog…I just wanted to say that I will be posting a ‘Song of the Day’ at the end of each blog. I love music, and I just want to share what I’m listening to with you guys…

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Sport is my passion…

I am realizing this more and more…

I have recently began working at a place that is represented by a Swoosh. I love it. I get to be around sports. I get to be around people that are passionate about sports.

My Element…

Today…I got to be in my element…and I think that I was in God’s too.

I had to go to Allen, TX this morning for a store ‘rookie camp.’ This two day training is all about the ins and outs of the Swoosh and the company as a whole. Very informative. We learned about the history of, not only (“its gotta be”) the shoes, but the company itself. There were videos, interactive exercises, Q & A, and giveaways. This, however, is not why I felt like…maybe…just maybe I was in God’s element.

I got to give one of my managers a ride back to the store in Terrell (what’s up @jamiefoxx?). In that one hour and fifteen minute drive, we talked about everything, it seemed. Then…the topic shifted to Christ…God’s Element. We talked about grace. I told him that God’s grace isn’t a free pass to do whatever we want, but grace is God’s willingness to work with us to pursue change…to pursue forgiveness…to pursue repentance.

I am already beginning to see that God is opening some doors to build relationships through sport. I want to be involved with sports in some level at all times…whether that’s coaching, working at the Swoosh, or being the chaplain of a school, or team. Sport is my passion, and my job in life is to serve the athlete.

 

*song of the day: harvard-’the creative’

Book…

I’m a big fan of writing…

Sometimes I’m really unmotivated, though. Sometimes I really want my voice to be heard. Maybe that’s the by-product of being the baby of my family. Maybe I’m just starved for attention.

I have a lot to say…about a lot of things. I’m pretty passionate about my views and beliefs. I do a lot of research. I really want to know that I know what the heck I’m talking about. I want to write things that inspire people to be fearless. I want to be fearless. I have a responsibility to be fearless. I want to be a mouthpiece. I want to be an activist. I want to be a mentor…

There has to be questions asked…

A lot of the books I’ve read (especially the Christian books) have a ton of solutions. A lot of them are “How-to’s.” Do people just by books to have all their questions answered? Is it possible to read a question in a book, and the answer be, “I don’t know…?”Is it possible that books can show people how to answer their questions, instead of just force feeding them one, or posting the answer in the back of the book? Would that defeat the purpose of buying the book? Maybe the reason why we read books is that we’re afraid of what God has to say in His book. If that’s the case…maybe my book will be only one page with a hip graphic on the front that says “Read God’s Book.”

I want everything that I say in a book to be backed up by Scripture as best as possible. His Word has to dictate my views. The Bible provokes us to learn about and question everything. Whether I’m writing about God’s role in sports, the Government, Biblical history, or whatever…it has to be accurate and parallel with Scripture.

But there’s one thing that I can promise…it will be a wild ride with plenty of satire.

I’ll keep you posted on the progress…

#fearless

God and Sports…

I love God…

I love sports…

This blog is about the separation of Church and Sports.

Let’s start with David Tyree (former NY Giants wide-receiver). He, recently, went on TV and said if the United States allows, and accepts, gay marriage in our culture as a whole…it will lead to anarchy. Since he made that statement, everywhere I turn, I’ve heard nothing but Tyree bashing. One sports radio show, here in the DFW area, said that they don’t want to hear what athletes have to say. They said that they want athletes to ‘just shut up and play.’ I have a feeling that if Tyree went on TV and supported gay marriage (a la the Phoenix Suns), he probably would’ve been praised for it. If he would’ve came out supporting the environment, or made one of those Sarah McLaughlin animal abuse videos, he would be seen as a trailblazer for animal injustice, or the environment. But, as of now, he’s seen as a close-minded, bible-thumpin’ jerk. Tyree is not the only one developing that reputation.

Last week, Texas Rangers’ outfielder, Josh Hamilton was on the David Letterman Show. Letterman asked Hamilton to give some ‘highlights and lowlights’ of his career. Josh began to explain how God’s grace gave him the strength to beat his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Hamilton, also, went on to say that he had a relapse with alcohol in 2009, and said that when he tries to do things in his own power, he always fails. Letterman responded by saying, ‘I don’t know about that…’ Hamilton was obviously uncomfortable, and so was the audience, with their low chatter and groans.  The next day I was listening to the same radio station, and they said that Hamilton’s story is amazing. He’s overcome drugs and alcohol, and has resurrected his career. In the interview Josh was talking about his spiritual journey and talking about accepting Christ as his Savior, reading the Word, and having fellowship with other believers. They radio hosts said that they are for separation of Church and Sports. They went on to say that ‘when anyone plays the God Card too much, it makes them feel uncomfortable.’

Is their discomfort a byproduct of conviction…?

Jason Terry, Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Deion Sanders, David Robinson, Bobby Bowden, Tim Tebow, Kurt Warner, and other Christian athletes have been on TV, and have been guilty of ‘playing the God Card too much.’

Even though its been 2000+ years since the death of Jesus, his name still freaks people out to this day. When people, not just athletes, give God glory (credit) for their successes, or even putting faith in God in their failures, there are huge chain reactions.

We are all entitled to our opinions. There will be people that will agree with my opinions in this blog…and there will be people who won’t. There’s a difference between disagreeing with someone’s opinion and bashing them for it. We are all, also, responsible for our opinions. We have to expect backlash for anything that we say. That just doesn’t go for athletes…that goes for the media, government, pastors, teachers, the old guy down at the corner store, etc.

How do I feel about the separation of Church and Sports?

If we just want our athletes to shut up and play…we might as well build robots and have them play specific sports, and have Will Smith, Bruce Willis, Shia LeBouef, and Tyrese Gibson protect us from them. We have to be very careful when talking about removing God from anything. The idea of Separation of Church and State is that churches should not run governments, not that God shouldn’t be present in government. The same has to go for sports, life, leisure, work, professions, etc. God has given these athletes a platform to share the gospel. I commend David Tyree and Josh Hamilton for not watering down God’s law.

I hope that someone from a specific DFW sports radio station reads this, so we can have a discussion.

In the meantime…I’ll get started on building Josh Hamilton’s version of Optimus Prime.

Breathe Slow…

Breathe freely…and effortlessly.

That’s kinda been my motto lately. Been listenin’ to a lot of Mars Ill. Puts me in a pretty chill mode. I need that sometimes…especially lately.

There’s a lot going on in my life. And I’m going through some pretty cool/wild transitions. I’m planning for a lot. A wedding ain’t no joke, and in the next five months, I’m sure I’ll find that out even more!

I’m not afraid of these changes/transitions. I’m not afraid of the challenges, changes, transitions, issues, problems, counseling, talkin’-to’s, etc. I’m not afraid of those things.

That’s something that I have really been thinking about lately. Why am i not afraid. I mean…I have every right to be! The odds are stacked against me…and Ashleigh!

Many years ago, my brother broke a lot of generational curses off of his life. He’s walked me through some of those, and I’ve had other spiritual fathers walk me through some others, as well. He’s carried the banner for a long time. Now…its my turn. He’s led his family into a new era. Blessing…

I believe that you can set your future families up for curses or blessings. Sometimes, I forget about the future, and how my decisions effect not just my future, but the future of the people around me. I let the struggles, or coastings, of the here and now effect my mindsets. Sometimes, I’m like the Dallas Mavericks…up by 23 in the fourth quarter…and lose the game by two. Sometimes, I’m like the Portland Trail Blazers…down by 23 in the fourth quarter…and win the game by two.

All-in-all…I’m the ultimate underdog story. Cursed with curses from my conception. Now blessed with blessing through my re-conception. Sometimes, I forget that. Its in the times that i stop and breathe slow, I remember that the breath I breathe is God’s breath anyway…

PS…what do you think God’s breath smells like…?

Get Organized…Or Die Trying

Unmotivated…

Yeah…I said it. I’ve been real unmotivated lately. The only thing that’s really gotten me motivated to be organized is my pending engagement and wedding/marriage. But, I think those are really the only two areas that I’ve been organized in…or even WANTED to be organized in. I’m excited to be planning and thinking and dreaming with, and for, this woman!

Too bad that hasn’t trickled down into every other area.

Until today…(?)

We’ll see…

By nature, I’m not a big fan of the details. But, doing a job where no one’s really helping you with finding out what the details are is pretty taxing.

Today, I’m at a conference. I sat in on a session about creative ideas. The speaker spoke a little about organization and brainstorming. I know how easy it is to brainstorm and be organized. I sat there in my seat pretty disappointed in myself. I feel that I’m a very creative person. I feel that I can troubleshoot. I feel that I can problem solve. I just don’t do any of those things often enough to be effective.

After the session was over, I skipped out on the main, corporate, session and went to office depot. I bought a white board, markers, and an eraser. I’m pretty fed up about losing ideas, concepts, and my sanity. I wonder why people don’t want to partner with me. I’ve asked for partnership, and gotten some, but they don’t know the vision of my ministry, and don’t know where I’m going. Who wants to partner with that? Why would you want to be a part of something that’s not motivating?

FYI…I’ve watched a lot of motivating speeches in the past couple days.

So…in conclusion…

I’m on the road to organization.

First step…bought a white board, eraser, and dry-erase markers…CHECK!

Second step…organize my office to find a spot to put it…

(Where did I put those markers…?)

Hiatus

I’ve been sitting in this Starbucks for about an hour…

Since I’ve been here, I have gone through my daily routine:

Facebook/Twitter/Emails/Facebook/Text Messages/Twitter/Facebook/Watching NWO Clips/Alex Jones Videos/Music In The Background/Facebook/Take A Sip Of Coffee/Read A Few Pages In A Book…

Busy man.

I have been wanting to get back to this blogging thing for a while, but then again, I didn’t. I have weighed the pros and cons. Analyzed why I even started in the first place. I have even questioned why authors/writers write in the first place.

Therapy…?

I know for me it is. I haven’t written ANYTHING down since December. I really don’t know why I haven’t, actually. Its not like I haven’t had any time to. I have really missed it.

Its funny how easily we can convince ourselves of things. I probably have written about that before. Its so easy to manipulate ourselves, but its so much harder to realize that we’ve actually manipulated ourselves. I think I have done that with writing. In doing that it has shown me something about my own life.

I live a life of rhythms…

It changes…evolves…digresses…speeds up…slows down…hides in the shadows…lives in the spotlights.

The rhythms of my life never stop…but they’re never the same for long. I guess that has to do with the ‘seasons of life’ that I’m in, the people I’m surrounding myself (or not surrounding myself) with, what I’m watching, what I’m listening to, what I’m reading, what I’m not reading…

It…just…depends.

I wish I could sit here and say that my life has only one rhythm…God’s rhythm. I wish I could say that I pick up my spiritual iPhone and respond to every call. I wish I could say that I don’t screen any of the Holy Spirit’s calls. If I said that I did do all of those things all of the time…that would be the equivalent of bragging about how humble I am.

So…in conclusion…

I convinced myself that I didn’t need to write for a bit because it really didn’t benefit me. Which is the exact opposite of what it does for me. When I’m writing, I’m releasing the things that are in my heart. I’m not bound by that thing, or those things, anymore. I do a great job of convincing myself that I don’t need the things that benefit me. That’s probably why I have spiritual PMS sometimes.

I don’t need Midol…I probably just need to write a little bit.

Here’s to a GREAT 2011!

#writeon

The Great Deception

Adam…Eve…The Garden…The Snake…Death

Genesis 3 is a pretty intense chapter of the Bible. From Genesis 4, to Revelation 22 is the story of life after death.

So…Who died?

More like ‘what died?’

When Adam was created, God programmed him with a godly nature. The crazy thing is that He didn’t make him ‘incorruptable.’ The same went for Eve. Satan knew that. He took the form of a snake (the craftiest of all animals), and whispered sweet nothings into her ears. ‘God didn’t really say that if you ate of this tree you would die. In fact, he said that you would know the difference between good and evil! You will be just like him (paraphrase)!’

What a liberating thought…to be even more like God.

Who would turn down that offer? That’s an offer no one could ever refuse! I know, in that situation, I wouldn’t want to refuse that! But at the same time, who would want to be ‘just like God?’ Would you want his responsibilities? Would you want to hold the world at its proper axis for all of mankind to survive? How about being the only one responsible for the entire universe? And get cussed out when things do go someone’s way? Talk about pressure…

I can barely multi-task as it is…

I don’t want his responsibilities. I know that I couldn’t handle all of them. Just look at Bruce Almighty…

I want his characteristics. The only responsibilities he’s given me is to love Him and love people.

The devil lies to all of us daily. Some of us believe it. Some of us don’t. Some do one day. Some don’t the next. But, everyday, he is whispering sweet nothing into everyone’s ears. We believe the lies, and then turn around spread them to everyone they come in contact with. I picture Satan sitting at a desk with his feet propped up and his hands behind his head with a satisfied grin. Smiling at the chaos he’s created, and at the fact that he doesn’t really have to do much with a lot of us. He hits us where it hurts, and is so effective.

So…where’s the truth?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

If that was confusing…check out the Bible.

Old Lies and New Creations…

The devil is a liar…

#understatement

Its crazy to me how much I/we believe almost everything we’re told. Lately, I’ve been on a search for the truth for some things. I’m doing some of my own investigations. If you want to know what I am investigating please send me a message on Facebook, Twitter, email, text, snail mail, etc.

Anyway…I’m having a hard time believing that I’m worthless. Yet, that’s what I’m being told as soon as I open my eyes in the morning. I’m being told to be apathetic…that my opinions don’t matter…that my efforts are in vain…that I am not a new creation.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 says to be aware of what the devil is doing, and to be taken advantage of by him.

2 Corinthians 5:16-20 explains how we are new creations when we come to Christ.

Sooo….why don’t we live like new creations?

The bible says that people that follow Christ should be apparently different from those that are in the world…which rings true with the whole ‘new creation’ thing. It seems like nowadays Christianity has two sides to it. Frontrunners and Black Ops. Where’s the balance? What is the most effective way to be a new creation. Wear Christian t-shirts? WWJD bracelet comeback? Jesus on my neck-a-lace (thanks Kesha!)?

I just don’t ask ‘What is the most effective way?’ But, also, IS there a most effective way. Some people say grassroots evangelism…others say take the time to build a relationship, then drop the bomb….some say, ‘When in Rome (which, in my opinion, is a little dangerous, and a possible cop out to do what you want to do and justify it).

I’ve sat in staff meetings coming up with creative strategies to effectively minister, evangelize, lead people to God, etc. There’s a lot of ways to show Jesus to someone, but only one way to God. The devil lies and says that there are many routes to God, Heaven, Nirvana, etc. We’re conviced to spend more time, money, and resources for a good time outreach. And in the hustle and bustle of the planning, and whatnot, we forget the reason we’re doing this in the first place. We’re frustrated. We hold on to the old lies of performance, and take that old man out and wear that crappy thing around.

Do we ever really get rid of the old creation? Is it in the attic…? The closet…? Under the bed…?

Old habits die harder than Bruce Willis. We have to be aware that when we get rid of the old man (lifestyles, habits, desires), the devil might take it and use it against us one day…when we’re at our most vulnerable point. He never takes a day off from lying, killing, stealing, and destroying…

Keep your head on a swivel kids…