Tim Tebow as a football player is difficult to describe.  We all saw the incredible pass in the Steelers game and had some other great showings as well, but he has also been extremely inconsistent and his mechanics are terrible.

However, the more important thing here is his character.  Many people have accused him of being overbearing with his “Jesus talk”.  Many people criticize him for singing praise and worship songs when he was mic’d up for a game.  Many people just criticize.

I’m learning more and more (and I’m just as guilty), when we look at someone who has integrity, who has great character and who has a solid lifestyle, we look for any little thing to judge them on.

So why do so many people love Tim Tebow?

Personally, I think he is kind of like a “Cinderella story” and people like that.  Everyone said he wasn’t going to be chosen until late in the draft.  He got picked pretty high.  Everyone said he’ll never start.  He started.  Everyone counted him out.  He proved them wrong in some cases.  We like these type of stories.

So then why do we hate Tim Tebow?

Again, personally, I think for some (mainly Christian believers), we’re afraid.  We are afraid he’s gonna make us look bad.  We’re afraid we can’t live up to those same expectations.  We’re afraid he’s turning people off.

Honestly, Tim Tebow may be turning people off, I have no idea.  What I do know is he is one of the best role models a kid can have today.

Kids look up to so many sports players that have no business being role models.  You have guys who have killed people while under the influence of alcohol.  You have guys who have gotten away with murder.  You have guys who have beaten or mistreated women and kids still look up to these players.  I’m all about second chances for these gentlemen, but these guys because they are athletes are who your children are looking up to.  So it’s actually nice to have a decent role model that kids can look up to!

And all this talk recently about how Tim Tebow should be “toning it down” from Christian leaders…to you I say evaluate yourself.  Since when are we to tone down our love for Jesus Christ, the man who died for us?

I am in no way near where I should be in my Christian walk, but I hope that some day I can be just as unashamed as Tim Tebow and follow Scripture for what it says.

It’s more than just football folks.  It’s life.

“Don’t let your public passion exceed your private devotion.”

I stare, actually, it stares at me every day as I hope online.  Sometimes I’m so incredibly busy that I just look and go, but other times it hits me deep.  Lately, it has been glaring at me.

There are a lot of things I am passionate about:

• My faith
• My family
• My friends
• Serving Others
• Sports

However, as I look at my life, sometimes my priorities get rearranged.  Sometimes my public passion by far exceeds my private devotion.   When I look at this list above it’s not a terrible list.  However, when I don’t take time to enjoy God for who He is, it’s a problem.

You can have a successful life, business, ministry, whatever, but when it consumes you and your private devotion is not being administered too, does it really matter?

In Revelation 2, the author starts the chapter by telling the church of Ephesus how great of a ministry they have:

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (2:2,3)

This is pretty intense, right?  I mean these are great words.  You want to hear these words.  It’s encouraging.  However, the very next verse brings up a valid point:

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” (2:4)

That first love is God.  Duh, right?  I thought so too.  Then I examined my life.  How many times have I wanted to have successful dreams, ministries, etc., but never really had that love for my Savior?  He has to be center.

Please don’t misunderstand me, success and public passion is not a bad thing.  It only becomes  something we should struggle with when it overshadows our time with our Heavenly Father.

I am guilty.  I am a culprit just like anyone else.  I don’t pretend to be perfect or have all the answers.  However, Scripture clearly states that we cannot forsake our first love.

Chan, in a recent article, asks an important question and I leave you with it: 

“When is the last time you came alone before your Father just to enjoy Him?”

Webster’s Dictionary defines growth as “the act or process, or a manner of development; gradual increase.”

2011 brought many hardships, but it is always awesome to see how God can use those things in order for us to grow.   Please don’t get me wrong either, I have a long way to go in the growth area, but we all do.

2011 has brought me closer than I have ever been with my God.  It has brought me closer than I have ever been to my friends.  It has brought me closer than I have ever been with my family.

While the beginning of 2011 was when I felt furthest away from these things, the year brought on many blessings and happiness as it went on and I am so incredibly blessed to be where I am today!

Here are some of my personal highlights from 2011:

• Miami for my birthday with Adam Dienner.
• Starting a new position at Sight & Sound (Stage Technician).
• Civil Wars Concert in DC.
• League Champions in the Red Rose Indoor Soccer League.
• Mat Kearney Concert in Lancaster.
• Volunteering for PRiMA Theatre Company.
• Giving up my Christmas presents to donate $$$ to my favorite charity.
• Starting on something BIG for the future (Details to come later).

I’m excited to see what 2012 brings.  I pray that each one of you who reads this has an incredible 2012!  Happy New Year!

Here’s me being transparent:  I have trouble giving grace, however, I’m really good at receiving it.

This is probably a statement true of most of us, but the idea of grace has stretched my mind in so many different directions.  Now for more transparency…

When I was going through my now somewhat recent issues, I spent a lot of time combating the issue with the wrong avenues, namely alcohol.  I have no problem with the idea of drinking, but in excess is where my issue comes in.  I can’t count the many nights I came home not knowing how I got home and having that horrible headache the next morning.

But you know what?  After one too many times not even making it to my bed I realized I needed a change.  Asking God for forgiveness was the hardest thing for me.  Why?  Because I was sheltered and realized that God wasn’t pleased with what I was doing.  Then grace hit.

My friends were still my friends and I didn’t understand why.  I realized that God really did love me even through all of this “crap” (Isaiah 43:2 was a huge reminder of this for me).

It was an amazing feeling to “feel” grace.  I am so blessed to this day to have recognized just a little more of grace than I have ever noticed or recognized before.

Now…

On that same token, I know how good grace can feel.  Then why is it so hard to give it?

Not to steal from my last blog post, but I realize the answer to this question is “because I’m human”.  Again, I say to that it’s not a good enough answer for me.

It took a long time for me to forgive someone who had wronged me in this messy situation.  About a year and half to be exact.  Why is it so hard?

I want to be a part of what Mike Foster called the “Gracenomic Scandal”.  I want to be that guy that shows grace to those who need it.  I want to be that guy who gives people a second chance.  I want to be that guy who loves and not condemns or judges.  I want to be that guy.

As most of you know, I like to be transparent on this blog.   One thing I’m struggling with as a believer is the whole knowing and doing aspect.  You see, I grew up in a Christian home and I don’t take that for granted and I am super thankful for wonderful, godly parents.

Where I struggle is, growing up in a Christian home, then ending up going through Bible college, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about God and His word.  I don’t say that to be arrogant, but it’s been my life.  When trials, temptations and other curve balls in life are thrown my way I know how I should respond, however I don’t always respond that way.

For instance:

-I know when someone wrongs me, I should forgive them and show them grace, but sometimes I don’t.

-I know when I cross the line when I’m hanging out with the guys, but I continue in on the topic.

-I know when I listen to gossip, I should turn away and not listen, but I end up “all ears”.

The easy answer is, “I’m human” and continue on with life.  But that’s not good enough for me any more.  I’m not trying to become fundamental or all about the rules, but these things tear me away from the One who has given me grace, the One who has forgiven me, the One who knows when to stop (or not even start for that matter).

I don’t have an answer.  I don’t really have a clue on how to start.  I just hope this resonates with some people and we can all grow closer to HIM together.

Throughout my life, I have taken many paths.  As far as jobs are concerned, I spent a lot of time in retail, followed by being a youth pastor, now a stage technician at Sight & Sound Theatres.  I’m also in the midst of trying something new which I hope to share with you at some point!

Regardless, in each step of my journey whether it be life or work, people have stepped in and invested time into me.  Words cannot explain my gratitude for them.  To give you a glimpse, let me share some of these people with you.  You may or may not know them, but they deserve more recognition than this.

Scott Distler – While my 3 years of being an Associate Pastor at Grace Family Church in New Holland, Scott would meet with me on a monthly basis to just talk life and mentor me in the ways to be a better pastor.  Our conversations were always real and open and honest.

Mike Denlinger – Mike is a good friend of mine who has been meeting with me on a weekly basis for about 2 years now.  We get together for dinner and again talk life and he keeps me accountable to be a great Christian man.  I can’t ask for a better friend.

Jim Ayers – Doc, as he is “formally” called has been a sounding board ever since I had started attending Lancaster Bible College in 2005.  He is one of the godliest men I know, one of the busiest too, but always did his best to clear his schedule to meet or just to give a friendly phone call to see how I was doing!

Jon & Meredith Dahl – Some of the best friends a guy could have.   This couple has probably invested more time in me and others than anyone else I know.  They gave me a home through a rough time in my journey and have always been there for me!

TJ Mousetis – TJ is one of the freshest investors of my life.  This new journey that I am trekking on is exciting, but one with many questions.  TJ sat down with me and helped me navigate the many questions I had about the industry he’s involved in.

These are just a few of the people who have invested in me.  I hope to, in a sense, pay it forward and be able to invest in others lives at some point in there journey.

So whether you are a business professional, athlete, pastor, just a regular Joe Schmoe, invest in others.  Make time.  It’s worth it.  For you.  And for that person.

Fear is something that can paralyze us.  Fear is something that can deter us away from a dream/desire.  Fear is something that can turn something great into something awful.

Fear can.

If it can, why do we let it?  I don’t have an answer for you, but I feel God is teaching me in this area.  Let me explain.

I fear uncertainty.  Well, if you’ve known me long enough, you know I have been in a time of uncertainty for a while.  I used to let it get to me, however, now I’m finding it more of an adventure.

As silly as it sounds, I fear heights.  I work at Sight & Sound.  I was chosen to be on what is called the rigging crew for our changeover from Joseph to Miracle of Christmas.  I spent a lot of my time hanging from pipes and wires on a roof that could be anywhere from 30-40 feet high in the air or in a swinging lift around those heights.

Lastly, I feel God moving me in a direction to start something big, but there is the possibility of failure, my biggest fear of all.  I like being safe.  I like being certain of what’s to come.  But that is not how God works.

So, if you fear something whether it be an illness, uncertainty, heights, whatever it may be, stare fear in the face today and show it who’s boss!

If we face fears head on, you may find success on the other side.  I leave you with a quote from a guys blog that I really admire and respect:

If they ever fail, if they ever quit, it’s only because their mind has surrendered to the doubts, the fears, the  voices in their heads. And so their success comes not by their own capabilities, but their perseverence. If you can persevere, you win. -Ben Arment

To give you a little background, Katie decided that when she was a teenager that she wanted to do something big.  So, at age 18, she went to Uganda on a short-term trip and absolutely fell in love with the country and its people.  After persuading her parents, Katie went and permanently stayed in Uganda and adopted 14 Ugandan children.  She still lives there today.  I would love to tell you more, but you have to read it for yourself!  It’s an incredible book!  Here are just a couple quotes from “Kisses From Katie”.

“individuals are extremely important; every life matters.”

“…I am more more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy.”

“When harsh words are easier to find than kind ones, let me choose You.”

Hopefully that gives you a little taste of what the book is all about!  If you want a snippet of what Katie is doing in Uganda, you can check out her blog at www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com.

Below is also a video promoting her ministry Amazima Ministries:

Today is a bittersweet day.  One year ago today the world, yes the world, lost and incredible man of God.  I was lucky enough to spend two weeks “living” with this man.

Lynn Myers, was a Brethren in Christ missionary with his family in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.  He was a man on a mission from God and was one of the greatest role models in my life.

Why was he a great role model?  What legacy did he leave?  Let me tell you.

• Lynn loved his God.  In a conversation with Amy, she shared with me that his biggest fear in life was “to die without touching the lives of others or making a difference for Christ”.

• Lynn loved his family.  The two weeks I was in Thailand and the couple other interactions I’ve had with Lynn, his family meant the world to him.  He loved his wife with every thing he had as well as his children!

• Lynn loved the Isaan people.  When Lynn interacted with the Thai people, his eyes lit up at the opportunity to share the gospel or even pray with these people.

On this day, one year later, I want to say I miss you, Lynn.  You have been an inspiration not only to me, but to so many others as well!

My friend felt discouraged because they didn’t feel they measured up to these people’s “life standards”.

I had asked them to describe these “standards” that the group members were describing and realized that the life these people were living were good for them, but didn’t “fit” in the framework of my friend I was talking to.

To make a longer story short(er), I told my friend do you feel as though those “standards” that these group members had fit your personal framework?  To no surprise, the answer was no.  I then explained to them as hard as it is that they should not be discouraged.  Why?

In life we all come in to contact with people and/or certain situations that we don’t necessarily know how to navigate.  The cool thing about life and God for that matter is sometimes you have more than one option.  You may solve it your way and succeed.  Someone else may take a different approach and solve the issue as well.

All this to say we all have different perspectives, different personality traits, different ways of going about things.  Don’t be discouraged if someone feels as though they have their life together by doing things a certain way.  Simply:

Know You.  Be You.