Thursday, August 27, 2009

*flurries*






???Flurries??? What am I, CRAZY? Summer is coming to an end and fall is approaching. Niether of which (normally) include FLURRIES. Well, I'm thinking about flurries today (amidst the drizzle and drear) because I'm thinking about the Winter Olympics. Although it feels so far away, really, it's just around the corner and...hold your breaths, people...we're going!

You heard me...we're going to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. Jim is on the hockey team, I'm doing a little figure skating and Josefine just took up curling. She rocks at it. Okay, okay...you got me. We're not competing (that would just be hilarious...me, in a figure skating get-up? HA!), but we are participating.

Baptist Mid-Missions cooridinates a ministry (Medals for Glory) during events such as these. And, believe it or not, the past ministries of such nature are a part of Jim's and my love story. *sigh*

Back in 2002, we both participated in Medals for Glory during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He, with his church and I, with my college. I didn't know him and he didn't know me. We were both in our own worlds, seeking God's guidance and following Him step by step. It's probably a good thing we didn't know eachother. I was an immature (was???) college student and, face it people, he is nine years older than me. I would have been totally eeked out by the prospect. See, God's timing is perfect.

Moving on. When we met, that was the one thing we had in common, therefore the one thing we talked about...there's no better thing to have in common with your spouse-to-be than ministry, no? And, surprise-surprise, God used just that to turn our eyes toward Germany with the 2006 World Cup Outreach - a brother ministry to Medals for Glory, you could say. Both of us were very interested and, well...the rest is history.

Now, we're thinking this is a thing we just do...go to world sporting events and share the gospel. Eh, why not? It's kind of like brushing your teeth. You don't have to, but it's a good thing if you do. What comes out of your mouth is more of a blessing than if you hadn't brushed your teeth, right? :) Anyway, if God wills, we'll be at the 2010 Winter Olympics with bells on (Jingle Bells, that is).

Well, it's time to train. I figured if the athletes train like mad, than I'd better get my witnessing weights out and pump some figurative iron (because we all know I'm not pumping any literal iron!). It's pretty convicting when I think about it. Here I am, serving God...running the race...for an eternal reward and I don't think I could say I'm as committed to my "event" as, say, Michael Phelps, whose rewards will someday disintegrate with all other things physical on this earth.

I Corinthians 9:25-26a


"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.


Therefore I run..."

4 comments:

Teena Reyes said...

Wow, that's awesome! And what an experience for Josefine (even if she doesn't remember;). She can still say she was there! Have fun & may the Lord bless you with open ears, minds and hearts to recieve His good word!

Alicia Lenoir said...

I am so excited for you that you get to go to the Olympics. I have always wanted to go to the olympics because I feel the sports are not the same as watching them on TV. It is hard to describe how different it really is. When I was sixteen for my birthday I got to go and see a figure skating exhibition and I was awed struck and couldn't believe I was really there. It is one of my favorite memories. I have been an avid figure skating and gymnasts fanatic for a long time. I wish I had the opportunity to share God with the athletes, my heart has always been for them. I can't wait to hear and see what God will do with you when you go and come back. I will be thinking of you and maybe one day I will get to go.

Alicia Lenoir

Crystal said...

Wonderful job with your post, Sar-bear! I am very excited that you get to go again. Wish I could do it again with you this time around... but Jim will do just fine as my replacement! :) Do you get to use "Share Jesus Without Fear" as your preparation material again? That book was so helpful in preparing for Salt Lake (and other witnessing opportunities God brings our way, of course!) We use it as curriculum with our youth... as a matter of fact, we'll be starting the study up again this fall.
I'm sure I'll be seeing you before you go... Love ya!

Katie@The Baby Factory said...

Wow....how exciting!
I would call those "once in a lifetime" experiences....but in your case like....5 in a lifetime experiences ;)
Amazing!

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