Bump, Set, Spike!

Some would not know it by simply knowing me, but my family is actually quite athletic (...if I do say so myself).  My brothers Jonathan and Tyler are both quite exceptional tennis players, my grandpa played football in his youth, my cousin kicked tail (literally) as a taekwondo champion and my mom dominated, yes, dominated  (...I wasn't there, but it sure sounds about right) the volleyball court in college.

Ah, yes, volleyball (sigh)... you see, this sport has a special place in my heart. Volleyball is pretty much "in the family." I've longingly watched my kin compete in the (what some may describe as) bloodthirsty volleyball tournament at Hume Lake every August.  It is an annual family vacation - and an all-out WAR which has been going on for almost 40 years now. Last year, I had the opportunity to "play" (i.e. stand on the court and try to stay in position) on my family's team.  It was awesome ... and somewhat frightening.

Just recently, I have been blessed to compete in the Virginia Beach coed D league with a bunch of all-around great people who happen to be my friends.  :-)  So many were interested in playing that we formed two teams and ended up winning 1st and 2nd place for whole city.  Wohoo!  Now, winning sure is fun, but the fellowship is what makes it lasting ... just like at Hume Lake.  Here's a little snapshot of the season:

GOOOOO team!

It's a Beautiful Life

Many people proudly state that they are "pro-choice."  I would like to state, for the record, that I am, too - but not in the way that you may think.

...You see, I believe that every person has the right to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19) without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, status OR age.

Scientifically, it has been proven that life begins at conception - at the very initial stage "when a sperm fertilizes an oocyte and together they form a zygote."  Any discrepancy is simply semantics.  An article is listed on Princeton's website lists various quotes from credible sources that describe that very fact.  Dr. Jerome LeJeune, genetics professor at the University of Descartes in Paris and discoverer of the Down Syndrome chromosome, states "After fertilization has taken place a new human being has come into being...This is no longer a matter of taste or opinion.  Each individual has a very neat beginning, at conception."  At the time of conception, all human chromosomes are present - a distinct DNA in a tiny being exists: a truly beautiful life.

Many people argue that the government should not regulate their "right" to an abortion, even if it is wrong.  ...Let me ask this - should the government lift it's laws on first, second or third degree murder?  I believe, scientifically and biblically, that abortion is the choice to end an innocent life.  Mother Teresa said it well, "It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

It's amazing what can happen in just under four decades.  Thirty-eight years ago, the historic Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in the United States.  Since then, plaintiff Norma McCorvey (Roe) has joined the pro-life movement.  Since then, an estimated 46 million children have been victims of murder by dismemberment, crushing, stabbing, toxin, and/or starvation.  46 million is approximately the number of the current total population of Spain, Columbia or the Ukraine.

Planned Parenthood estimates that 1 out of every 3 women in the U.S. have an abortion during their childbearing years.  This post of mine is not a condemnation towards anyone that is pro-abortion, has had an abortion or has supported one.  This is a plea - and a heartfelt one - to research for yourself, seek the Lord's guidance and wisdom, and perhaps receive His forgiveness and grace.  It is also a reminder to me - to pray more for unborn children AND for their mothers and fathers.  To reach out to those who have chosen life and to those that have ended it.

Many days I worry or complain about the life that I have...about work, stress, the list goes on...when, in fact, I have been BLESSED with abundant life that Christ has given me (John 10:10).

I commit to choose to live an abundant life.  And I choose to support to lives of others.
That is why I am pro-choice...and, ultimately, pro-life.

There is No 'Try'

In that galaxy far, far away, a very wise, old, short, green creature (we’ll call him ‘Yoda’) said, “Do or do not.  There is no ‘try’.” 

A few days ago, I was reminded of this by a good friend.  You see, much of my life has been spent “trying” to do things.  I’ve “tried” to… work less, spend more time with God, eat right, exercise…

…And when I don’t succeed?  Well, at least “I triiiieeed.”

There is a problem, however, in my sad justification for not bucking up and doing it.  You see, our legacy lies not in what we try, but in what we do...

Oral Roberts did not try to start a university.  He did it.  He acted in obedience to God’s voice despite overwhelming odds.

Mother Teresa did not try to serve the poor.  She did it.  Even when she did not feel God’s presence, she acted on His promise.

Jesus did not try to die for our sins.  He did it.  Even when facing public humiliation, pain, rejection and the burden of sin, He submitted Himself to the will of the Father and became our Savior.

God does not try to love us.  He does.  He just can’t help it – it’s Who He is.  Even when we spit in His face, claim that we define our own truth and succumb to the culture around us, He unconditionally pours His love out to us if we would only choose to accept it.

What do I want my legacy to be?  It’s time for me to live it. 

...Hence, this blog…I’m not really expecting anything grand – or for people to even really read it all that much.  :-)  It is more of an opportunity for me to grow in my faith, cultivate the abiliity to explain it, and reflect on life, love and God’s goodness.

It’s time.  Time to put on those running shoes, and “Just do it.”