Pastor A

Yesterday I wrote how sad it was for it to be Jonathan’s last high school soccer game. Today I would like to say how proud I am of the manner in which Jonathan handled himself last night. Jonathan cheered for his team, volunteered to be ball boy, and encouraged his teammates throughout the game.

At the end of the game, Jonathan asked the other team to join him for prayer at midfield. So my last image of Jonathan and his soccer season is this picture. Jonathan, who did not get to play in his last game, leading the prayer with the team that just beat his school. His maturity in this situation was refreshing and uplifting to his dad. Then I witnessed his teammates hugging and slapping Jonathan. It really ended well!

What you believe determines so much about your life! Your belief system determines the quality of your relationships and the quality of your life. So… what do you believe? I would imagine that you have a mental list of things right now you are absolutely sure to be true and that you believe in with all of your heart, soul, and mind. We all do. Maybe you have never taken the time to sit down and really think about your list but I would like to encourage you to do just that.

But first, let me tell you what you believe. Say what? “Wait a minute! You don’t even know me. How do you know what I believe?”

I think it is rather easy. I can usually tell what someone believes in a just a few minutes. I can tell by looking at your bank account / register exactly what you believe about money. I can tell what you believe by looking at your car, your house, your shoes, your clothes, your Bible, your church, where you work, who are your friends, etc.

I can also tell what you believe by taking a look at your relationships and how you get along with others: your spouse, your children, your friends, your co-workers. I can tell what you believe by how much you focus on yourself and talk about yourself. I can tell what you believe by how you spend your time when you are alone, what you do when you relax, and what you do when you go on vacation. I can tell what you believe by the books that your read. I can tell what you believe if you do not read. I can tell what you believe by the television programs you watch and the movies you see.

In other words, everything about you – what you do, how you talk, what you have, where you go – all tell me (and other observant people) exactly what you believe. Your beliefs show up in your life. Without exception, you always manifest your belief system.

Woe or wow! Did you realize you show everyone else so much. Your belief system is revealed in the manner in which you live your life.

Don’t try today; DO today!

Today is a very sad day for me! I have watched Jonathan play soccer since he was three years old. He joined his first team at the mature age of four. I have missed very few of his games throughout his eighteen years. There have been so many memories – critical goals, injuries, yellow cards, celebrations, championships, losses, travel, unique uniforms, evolution of equipment, etc.

Today is Jonathan’s last game and he will not get to play in this game. Jonathan received two yellow cards in his last game for aggressive play and that has resulted in a one-game penalty, which just happens to be his last game. By the way, there are no sour grapes and complaints about Jonathan’s yellow cards. The first was definitely legit and the second was marginal but not worthy of any serious argument or disagreement. As a father this pains me; however, as a soccer fan I know that it is absolutely the right decision for Coach Coates and Athletic Director, Mr. Tvrdy for Jonathan to sit the bench and cheer for his teammates.

I have been able for twenty years to live vicariously through Benjamin and Jonathan on the soccer field. I think soccer is the greatest game to play (not necessarily watch) in this entire world. Both of my sons have provided terrific memories.

I am proud of Jonathan, in particular, for his effort this year. His team is young and have been trounced repeatedly with embarrassing scores; yet, the team has held their head high. Our 2-A school has played 4-A and 5-A schools all season. They have been bigger, stronger, and more experienced. In the games that we have competed it has been fun and exciting to watch. The maturation of this team throughout the year has taken place. They will be very good in two years and will provide acceptable competition against schools that we have no business even playing.

However, this year I’ve watched Jonathan also grow as a leader on the field and even down 7-8-9 nothing in a game, never quit. He has played hard all season. There is much DNA that has been left on the different fields with his bloody knees. Even after a couple discouraging thrashings by an opponent, Jonathan was ready to play the next game. I appreciate his character and willingness to fight for his team as the captain. So, as a father, there is sadness today, but I’m so proud of him as a son.

Jonathan, you have provided me so many memories. Thank You!

Have you ever heard of this next myth?

Myth #8: Just Give 110 Percent

Sure, that will do it. Just get out there and give 110 percent! No? Well that is what all of the motivational gurus say is the key. I have heard  them myself. Some of them will even sell you a little lapel pin that has “110%’ on it so you can prove to others how gullible you are. OK, maybe that was mean… you just didn’t know what you were doing.

You cannot give 110 percent. It is impossible. One hundred percent is all there is. It’s the maximum. There is no 110 percent; it does not exist and you cannot give it.

Allow me to illustrate: it is like getting on the airplane and having the flight attendant announce the flight is going to be extremely full. No, it is not. The flight is only full. Full is 100 percent. It cannot be more than full. If the flight gets more than 100 percent full, then someone is not going.

This motivational technique is honestly NOT a problem for most folks. Very few ever face the challenge of giving more than 100 percent because most people seem to be quite comfortable operating at about 60 percent. Most people work just hard enough so they will not get fired. If you even approach 100 percent, I applaud you! You are truly in the minority in this country.

However, while you cannot give 11o percent, I will grant you this: You CAN give more than you think you can. You always have more to give. But you cannot give more than there is. And 100 percent is all there is.

So, I’ve spent this week examining what I refer to as motivational myths. Our motivation must be found in our belief system. That belief system is now going to be discussed over the next few days. Now that we have debunked all of these motivational techniques used by these speakers that are all too happy to take your hard-earned money, we want to show you that you CAN DO some pretty amazing things with your life.

See ya tomorrow – Don’t try today; DO today!

Delaney plays soccer and is her team’s keeper! We were invited on a beautiful January day to watch Delaney play. The field at Golf Links Park is amazing. I think it would be great to play on this field.

Delaney played very well and her team won 6-3! Way to go Delaney! I learned in this soccer game that girls are far nicer than boys! Girls don’t like to get dirty and will stop to clean their knees if they have dirt on them.

Delaney and her family are very active at TBT. It was a joy to spend some time with the family and see their life outside of TBT.

Thank you for inviting us to watch you play!