Wow, What a year I have had. I had no ideal when I started 2010 it would end like this. I thought I was gonna do really good and had planned for successes in my life as an age-grouper triathlete. It was a great year. With 6 races I had (2) top 10's (1) top 15 (2) top 20 all overall, (2) 1st place age-group, (1) 2nd place a/g, (1) 3rd place a/g and (2)5th place a/g finishes and qualifying for the USAT Age-Group Nationals. But that was not the only thing that had happened to me. In January I attended Elevate Church for the 1st time. I never thought that going there would change my life. It was here that made me desire to want to seek God and want to serve Him. Most of all I never thought I would be writing a blog of my journey as a Christian Triathlete.
So as I look back on my year as a Triathlete there are things I enjoyed and things I want to change. I have found a new enjoyment in running even if I am injured and not running right now. I have a huge hunger to get back out and start running. I really want to work on my 1/2 marathon running. I would love to do that elusive 1/2 Ironman. I also really want to achieve an overall win. the closest I have come this year was 7th overall. I have set a standard high and to improve on this year's accomplishments will be really hard, but I am ready to try. I have also set my sights on competing the North Carolina triple T, with my brother Scott.(we are not really brothers, just brothers in Christ).
In my Christian life. I want to grow more in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour. I want to be used so great by God. It is my prayer that Staring at Lines will grow. I pray that this blog will start to reach people and create a desire to follow Jesus by following the perfect line of the Bible. I desire that my journey through life and my own staring at the perfect line of the Bible will drastically change my life as well. I pray that I am an impact and a motivator to the people of my Church that I attend. I hope and desire to inspire many of people at Elevate Church, as they have inspired me in my life.
So as I journey through 2011 I hope and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ is glorified in all that I do physically and Spiritually. I desire that no matter what Triathlon/marathon I compete in that God's glory shine through me. No matter how I serve Jesus at Elevate Church or in my own walk that Jesus be Glorified. Through it all as I Stare at Lines in my training of my body, mind and Soul that they all are based on the perfect line of the Bible. Finally if 2011 is anything like 2010 you will not want to miss following me as I Stare at Lines.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Jesus, Christmas and Me.
This is the time we celebrate Christmas. Many view Christmas in many different ways. Some think it is a time for family, friends, food, and presents. Some look at it as a time to give and receive. To some it is a time for us to celebrate the Birth of a Saviour. For God who came to us in human form to die for the sins of the world. Don't get me wrong all the above are good reasons to celebrate, but Jesus is the reason for the season. The best gift you could ever get is Eternal Life in Christ. (Rom. 6:23)
Lk 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also the birth date of this writer as well. Yep, I said it: the 25th of December is my birth date. Now with Christmas being my birthday I often get asked, "how is having a Christmas birthday?" Well it is not all it should be. It is like being robbed. A Christmas birthday is like having a birthday party and everyone is the center of attention not just you. Everyone gathers together for a family function of Christmas (not your Birthday), everyone gets presents (you just get an extra one), and everyone gets deserts not just the birthday cake prepared for you. Have you ever had to try and decide if want cookies, pies, and the cake prepared for your birthday? Not an easy task for a 10yr old child to do. I am not whining or crying just trying to explain what it is like to have a Christmas birthday.
Lk. 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
When I was dating my 3 Boys mother (Vivian). On Christmas her father wanted to see her (at the time her mother and father were divorced and remarried) so I took her to see her father. While we were at her fathers house, he decided that he would take Vivian and go get her Grandmother for their Christmas time. So I was not asked to go with them. while they were gone Vivian's step mother sent one of her kids to tell me that I was to leave. Because Christmas was for family and I was not family. So I was not welcome in that home. Again I am not whining and I have a point to what I am writing. So please just follow me.
Now I am not gonna sit here and tell you my life sucks, because it does not. I have had a wonderful life so far. I have see and experience many things. I have seen success and tasted defeat. I have walked on mountain tops and crawled in valleys. I have achieved many things and failed just as much. I have had my share of happiness and have felt more pain than I care to admit. I have laughed with friends and cried with my friends as well. I have walked in the blessings of God and to my shame I have dwelled the the land of Sin and rebellion running away from God, and I have learned and now understand what King Solomon said:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them:..... v13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
This Christmas season I want to leave you with a Challenge: First, Know Jesus!!!!, Second, make room for Jesus. When I say know Jesus. I mean make Him your Saviour. If you have not confessed that you are a sinner and asked Jesus to save you from your sins. Claim your gift of Eternal life in Jesus. I pray you do this today. That is the best gift you could receive this Holiday season. Also if you have asked Jesus to save you, then get to know him. Read His word (The Bible) pray and talk to him. Think about him and what He as done in your life. Make room for Jesus. During this time of season just take a few minutes and just thank Him for all he has done for you and blessed you with. Make room for him in your heart. You see sharing your birthday is not fun but yet my family did take some time out of the day and Celebrate my birthday. Sang me a little song gave me a cake (well my Grandma made me a personal pumpkin pie all for myself) gave me a present. For that moment I felt like a king. On that day, that moment I WAS THE KING. But sadly I have also felt the rejection. As I drove away from Vivian's Fathers house that day I was crushed!! I was rejected on Christmas and on my Birthday. If you have ever experienced rejection you know it hurts. Don't reject the Saviour. Make time and let Him in your life. It is my sincere desire in writing this blog that as you read this blog that you see Jesus in my life. That life in Christ is not boring and that a walk in Christ is relevant in all that I do. Not just when I go to Church. I know I am not perfect but God is working on me. Please know I fail God just as much as I fail you my friends. But I have found out one thing, it is that walking in the light of Jesus is really the best place to be. I love the good times and thank God for them but I am learning that some of the best times in my Christian walk has been when the storms surround me for I know He is with me. The lessons I have learned have made me a better person and a Stronger Christian. I am finding now that the people God has surrounded me with are hurting right now and what I have learned and experienced can allow me to help them in their own life.
I am looking forward to a wonderful New year. I have many hopes and dreams for Christ and in my Triathlon journey. You can now contact me and send me a message via e-mail: staringatlines@gmail.com . I wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Blessed New year. I hope you follow along as I continue to Stare at Lines. IT IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!
Ric "The Wyldchyld" Simmons
Lk 2:11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (KJV)
December 25th is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also the birth date of this writer as well. Yep, I said it: the 25th of December is my birth date. Now with Christmas being my birthday I often get asked, "how is having a Christmas birthday?" Well it is not all it should be. It is like being robbed. A Christmas birthday is like having a birthday party and everyone is the center of attention not just you. Everyone gathers together for a family function of Christmas (not your Birthday), everyone gets presents (you just get an extra one), and everyone gets deserts not just the birthday cake prepared for you. Have you ever had to try and decide if want cookies, pies, and the cake prepared for your birthday? Not an easy task for a 10yr old child to do. I am not whining or crying just trying to explain what it is like to have a Christmas birthday.
Lk. 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
When I was dating my 3 Boys mother (Vivian). On Christmas her father wanted to see her (at the time her mother and father were divorced and remarried) so I took her to see her father. While we were at her fathers house, he decided that he would take Vivian and go get her Grandmother for their Christmas time. So I was not asked to go with them. while they were gone Vivian's step mother sent one of her kids to tell me that I was to leave. Because Christmas was for family and I was not family. So I was not welcome in that home. Again I am not whining and I have a point to what I am writing. So please just follow me.
Now I am not gonna sit here and tell you my life sucks, because it does not. I have had a wonderful life so far. I have see and experience many things. I have seen success and tasted defeat. I have walked on mountain tops and crawled in valleys. I have achieved many things and failed just as much. I have had my share of happiness and have felt more pain than I care to admit. I have laughed with friends and cried with my friends as well. I have walked in the blessings of God and to my shame I have dwelled the the land of Sin and rebellion running away from God, and I have learned and now understand what King Solomon said:
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them:..... v13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
This Christmas season I want to leave you with a Challenge: First, Know Jesus!!!!, Second, make room for Jesus. When I say know Jesus. I mean make Him your Saviour. If you have not confessed that you are a sinner and asked Jesus to save you from your sins. Claim your gift of Eternal life in Jesus. I pray you do this today. That is the best gift you could receive this Holiday season. Also if you have asked Jesus to save you, then get to know him. Read His word (The Bible) pray and talk to him. Think about him and what He as done in your life. Make room for Jesus. During this time of season just take a few minutes and just thank Him for all he has done for you and blessed you with. Make room for him in your heart. You see sharing your birthday is not fun but yet my family did take some time out of the day and Celebrate my birthday. Sang me a little song gave me a cake (well my Grandma made me a personal pumpkin pie all for myself) gave me a present. For that moment I felt like a king. On that day, that moment I WAS THE KING. But sadly I have also felt the rejection. As I drove away from Vivian's Fathers house that day I was crushed!! I was rejected on Christmas and on my Birthday. If you have ever experienced rejection you know it hurts. Don't reject the Saviour. Make time and let Him in your life. It is my sincere desire in writing this blog that as you read this blog that you see Jesus in my life. That life in Christ is not boring and that a walk in Christ is relevant in all that I do. Not just when I go to Church. I know I am not perfect but God is working on me. Please know I fail God just as much as I fail you my friends. But I have found out one thing, it is that walking in the light of Jesus is really the best place to be. I love the good times and thank God for them but I am learning that some of the best times in my Christian walk has been when the storms surround me for I know He is with me. The lessons I have learned have made me a better person and a Stronger Christian. I am finding now that the people God has surrounded me with are hurting right now and what I have learned and experienced can allow me to help them in their own life.
I am looking forward to a wonderful New year. I have many hopes and dreams for Christ and in my Triathlon journey. You can now contact me and send me a message via e-mail: staringatlines@gmail.com . I wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Blessed New year. I hope you follow along as I continue to Stare at Lines. IT IS GONNA BE FUN!!!!
Ric "The Wyldchyld" Simmons
Monday, December 13, 2010
Are you in the Mix?
The Church I attend had a Christmas program meeting after Church one Sunday. We discussed who was playing in the band, who would be running media, who would be running lights and yes, who would be running sound. It was determined that I would not be running sound. Although I was not running sound I quickly volunteered to do anything. Whatever needed to be done I was willing to help. I just wanted to be, "in the mix". The mix you may ask? Well,"in the mix" is a term used by sound people to describe each part of the production. For example; Drums, guitar, bass, keys, and vocals they all have a purpose and they all must work together to make one beautiful sound.
The mix has very important purposes. First and most important it that it unites all the instruments and vocals for one purpose. The next thing about the mix is that it provides balance. Next the mix it enhances an individual without singling out the others. As you can see the mix is about being involved. It is about being a part of something weather your part is great or small, because in the end you are there for one purpose. So as God's servants lead in song the praises to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings it is done with one voice with those who came to worship Jesus who is worthy of our praise.
What is your gift? What is your Talent? What is your part in God's plan? God has given us all gifts and talents to be used for His glory. So what is your part in the mix of Christian life? What is your part of the mix in the Church you attend? So many Christians do not use their gift/talent. They come they feed at the Lord's table but never come and worship God as a servant. Jesus came to earth and lived His live as an servant. (Jn.13:15) If we are going to claim the name of Christian we need to follow the example of Jesus. Maybe as you read this you are thinking I do not play an instrument or would anyone want to hear me sing. Can you talk? Can you say Hi? maybe you can be a greeter, parking Lot attendant, or maybe a Sunday school teacher. There are plenty of thing you can do in the church you attend. I know in our church we want some to just serve once a month. Once a month and you can be in the mix.
Remember no one person is greater than another and no gift is better than another. They and we must all work together for God's glory. (1Cor. 12:12-31) Most coaches will tell you a team is as strong as it's weakest member. Are you the weakest member? You just might be. Ever thought that your gift or talent is that special something that the Lord needs to make that extra difference, but if your not in the mix you will never know til you get to heaven and we give account of our lives. You ever hear a local band and thought wow there is something missing. Ever look at a painting and thought something is missing. Well that is what God is saying when His children are not serving. Look at this church, it is really good and making a difference for My kingdom, but there is something missing. I am not sure what your talent is but when I got off my duff and jumped into the mix. My life changed. I started to see thing that mattered to God and less of what mattered to me.
So as for me I want to be in the mix. I am not gonna lie and say it didn't bother me when I didn't get picked for the Christmas program, but I am not gonna cry and sit on the bench. I am gonna find something to do. I am gonna throw myself into the mix somewhere else and besides it isn't about me. This is about God's message for His glory not mine. So I hope you will continue to follow me as we keep Staring at Lines.
The mix has very important purposes. First and most important it that it unites all the instruments and vocals for one purpose. The next thing about the mix is that it provides balance. Next the mix it enhances an individual without singling out the others. As you can see the mix is about being involved. It is about being a part of something weather your part is great or small, because in the end you are there for one purpose. So as God's servants lead in song the praises to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings it is done with one voice with those who came to worship Jesus who is worthy of our praise.
What is your gift? What is your Talent? What is your part in God's plan? God has given us all gifts and talents to be used for His glory. So what is your part in the mix of Christian life? What is your part of the mix in the Church you attend? So many Christians do not use their gift/talent. They come they feed at the Lord's table but never come and worship God as a servant. Jesus came to earth and lived His live as an servant. (Jn.13:15) If we are going to claim the name of Christian we need to follow the example of Jesus. Maybe as you read this you are thinking I do not play an instrument or would anyone want to hear me sing. Can you talk? Can you say Hi? maybe you can be a greeter, parking Lot attendant, or maybe a Sunday school teacher. There are plenty of thing you can do in the church you attend. I know in our church we want some to just serve once a month. Once a month and you can be in the mix.
Remember no one person is greater than another and no gift is better than another. They and we must all work together for God's glory. (1Cor. 12:12-31) Most coaches will tell you a team is as strong as it's weakest member. Are you the weakest member? You just might be. Ever thought that your gift or talent is that special something that the Lord needs to make that extra difference, but if your not in the mix you will never know til you get to heaven and we give account of our lives. You ever hear a local band and thought wow there is something missing. Ever look at a painting and thought something is missing. Well that is what God is saying when His children are not serving. Look at this church, it is really good and making a difference for My kingdom, but there is something missing. I am not sure what your talent is but when I got off my duff and jumped into the mix. My life changed. I started to see thing that mattered to God and less of what mattered to me.
So as for me I want to be in the mix. I am not gonna lie and say it didn't bother me when I didn't get picked for the Christmas program, but I am not gonna cry and sit on the bench. I am gonna find something to do. I am gonna throw myself into the mix somewhere else and besides it isn't about me. This is about God's message for His glory not mine. So I hope you will continue to follow me as we keep Staring at Lines.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Praise or Blame? Steve Johnson and Me.
Okay, I know this is a blog about my triathlon life and my Christian life, but I have been questioning myself about an issue. Since I am injured and am not training I have been focusing on my spiritual life a little more right now. So with that in mind here is my little rant. Normally I do not really care what over paid professional athletes think or say. I really think that most of them do it for the attention so they can sell their jerseys or the latest shoes they are being paid to wear. But Steven Johnson's actions really hit a nerve with me. His actions have really made me think about myself and how I conduct myself in my walk with Jesus.
What am I talking about? Well, Steve Johnson it the Buffalo Bills receiver who dropped a game winning touchdown. In the post game interview he said, "it was my fault, I dropped about 75 balls today (really only 5)." Then a few hours later on Twitter via an Ipad he writes, "I praise You 24/7!!!!And this is how you do me!!!!You expect me to learn from this???How???!!!!Ill never forget this!!Ever!!Thx Tho..." I will not focus my attention or my comments on whether he really said or tweeted this. I will not rant on a gifted athlete who makes millions of dollars with a God given talent. What I do want to focus on is how typical it is of us Christians to give God all the praise when things are good but when the storms come how do we respond.(Here is a yahoo link so you can read the story yourself if you desire - http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steve-Johnson-blames-God-for-his-overtime-drop?urn=nfl-289770)
I find it amazing that we as God's children want to praise God for all our blessings but we have forgotten what the Scriptures say in James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations: (KJV) I also did some reading on the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts and this was what I found. While Paul did many great things for God he also was thrown in prison several times. One account says's that Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises unto God. (Acts 16:25) This set back led to the conversion of the Phillipian Jailer. What is really amazing is that Paul and Silas before they were put in prison they were beaten in public. Yet no, lets feel sorry for ourselves, no woe is me I am all bloody and even more, "I have done so much for you God and this is how you treat me?" THEY PRAISED THE LIVING GOD!
I think we fail to realize as Christians we are gonna have trials, temptations and yes persecution for claiming the name of Christ. We as Christians must realize that God does his best work in us when we are going through the hardest of times. People don't pay attention to us (Christians) when we praise God when things are good. Anyone can praise God when things are good. Even the lost praise God when things are good. Do you really think that the Phillipian jailer thought oh those poor guys let me see how I can make there day better? They must have been wrongly beaten. No, he said throw them in that cell there and make sure you lock the door. Then he heard something, what he heard was not crying, nor did he hear see what happens when you follow or praise God. No what he heard was 2 beaten thrown in jail guys praying to God. Then he heard them singing a song praising God. Now that is how God does his best work. Seeing Gods people praise God when things are at their worst.
So as I thought about this situation (Steve Johnson's tweet) I asked myself do I praise God only when it is all good? Even more do I praise God when things are not so good? I must remind myself when I go through hard times. I have to walk in the praises of God because I never know who is watching me. There is a Phillipian jailer just waiting to find Jesus and it just might be me who brings him (Phillipian jailer) to meet Jesus. God is always good whether I have a good day or a bad day. As I have said over and over again. I am not perfect, but the things I share are not directed so much at you as they are more for my benefit. I do fail God more than I can admit, but I ask for God's forgiveness and move on. I just ask that you walk with me on my Journey. As I Stare at Lines
What am I talking about? Well, Steve Johnson it the Buffalo Bills receiver who dropped a game winning touchdown. In the post game interview he said, "it was my fault, I dropped about 75 balls today (really only 5)." Then a few hours later on Twitter via an Ipad he writes, "I praise You 24/7!!!!And this is how you do me!!!!You expect me to learn from this???How???!!!!Ill never forget this!!Ever!!Thx Tho..." I will not focus my attention or my comments on whether he really said or tweeted this. I will not rant on a gifted athlete who makes millions of dollars with a God given talent. What I do want to focus on is how typical it is of us Christians to give God all the praise when things are good but when the storms come how do we respond.(Here is a yahoo link so you can read the story yourself if you desire - http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steve-Johnson-blames-God-for-his-overtime-drop?urn=nfl-289770)
I find it amazing that we as God's children want to praise God for all our blessings but we have forgotten what the Scriptures say in James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations: (KJV) I also did some reading on the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts and this was what I found. While Paul did many great things for God he also was thrown in prison several times. One account says's that Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises unto God. (Acts 16:25) This set back led to the conversion of the Phillipian Jailer. What is really amazing is that Paul and Silas before they were put in prison they were beaten in public. Yet no, lets feel sorry for ourselves, no woe is me I am all bloody and even more, "I have done so much for you God and this is how you treat me?" THEY PRAISED THE LIVING GOD!
I think we fail to realize as Christians we are gonna have trials, temptations and yes persecution for claiming the name of Christ. We as Christians must realize that God does his best work in us when we are going through the hardest of times. People don't pay attention to us (Christians) when we praise God when things are good. Anyone can praise God when things are good. Even the lost praise God when things are good. Do you really think that the Phillipian jailer thought oh those poor guys let me see how I can make there day better? They must have been wrongly beaten. No, he said throw them in that cell there and make sure you lock the door. Then he heard something, what he heard was not crying, nor did he hear see what happens when you follow or praise God. No what he heard was 2 beaten thrown in jail guys praying to God. Then he heard them singing a song praising God. Now that is how God does his best work. Seeing Gods people praise God when things are at their worst.
So as I thought about this situation (Steve Johnson's tweet) I asked myself do I praise God only when it is all good? Even more do I praise God when things are not so good? I must remind myself when I go through hard times. I have to walk in the praises of God because I never know who is watching me. There is a Phillipian jailer just waiting to find Jesus and it just might be me who brings him (Phillipian jailer) to meet Jesus. God is always good whether I have a good day or a bad day. As I have said over and over again. I am not perfect, but the things I share are not directed so much at you as they are more for my benefit. I do fail God more than I can admit, but I ask for God's forgiveness and move on. I just ask that you walk with me on my Journey. As I Stare at Lines
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