As much as we hate to admit it, perception is everything. No matter that there may really be nothing there, or someone is not the way that they are shown by the media, first impressions and the thoughts of those who see are there. Especially for those who are in the limelight, or live their lives for all to see. Everyone says that it doesn't matter what others think, but is that true? Really?
An incident happened at the Olympics and one of the USA Ski Team Members was asked to leave Vancouver by the USSA (United States Ski and Snowboard Association). Perceptually, it was a uh-oh that obviously was not thought out by a kid. It physically didn't hurt anyone, but because of past mistakes of other Olympians, there is now a zero tolerance to childish antics. The person apologized, and quietly left Canada, going back to their home. I only bring this up because I was thinking, it wasn't this person's fault that others thought the act was in bad taste, and why should they care what the USSA, Olympic committee or the fans think?
But then I come to the verses in God's word that shows us why we should think about our actions before we actually do them.
Luke 17:1-2 Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
That second verse in Luke says it would be better to die than to cause little ones to sin. Can we take the little ones as far as saying young Christians? Is some of your actions hurting others? Do you realize it? Have you thought through what your actions are and how they affect those around you? Believe me, someone is always watching. Someone is always wanting to find fault, someone is always there. Pray about it.
Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label olympics. Show all posts
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Not a Team Sport
I want to state that I am by no means a judge of skating. I am offering my opinion and that is all.
Last night, as I watched the Free Skate Program of the Men's Figure Skating, I was struck by several things. First, the three men who where less than one point away from each other, going for the medals we so very different. There was the Russian, Yevgeny Plushenko. This man is full of confidence, seems to thrive on the media and attention, and is very vocal about his opponents. He is quick to criticize and play mind games. Then there was the American, Evan Lysacek, who appeared as a quiet, seemingly humble man, who goes about his business of figure skating without all the flair and hype. Though these two men are very different in personality and talent, their goal was the same. Win the gold medal.
Evan came out, beautifully skated his long program. He jumped, spun, virtually floated across the ice. He was not totally flawless though. He almost lost it on a simple spin. He did what was asked of him and more. He left his heart out on the ice.
Yevgeny, was the last skater of the evening. His program started out with a huge quadruple jump. That is four rotations in the air! It is simply a huge feat for a human. He landed it without problem. But as I watched his long program, he seemed to be more flailing his arms, not having the flow of the turns and just jumping around. It just didn't feel sincere to me. He seems more of show-boat, which I suppose is a terrific quality for the Olympics (look at Shaun White).
These two men looked at the same program and the same tricks the had to do, with different styles. I enjoyed both programs and both men. It is just another way to prove that God makes humans so unique, so totally different. Most of us has two arms, two legs, one body and so on, but we all have different features that make us individuals. Figure skating , men's and women's , is not a team sport. All the participants are on a country team of some sort, but each person participating in that event has the same goal; to win.
I am mesmerized by these games and the abilities. The crazy people like, Simon Aamann, the ski jumper from Sweden. I love to watch the men fly down the hill on skis, and at the end of the huge ramp, jump off and fly through the air like Superman. I love the air that Shaun White and Louie Vito gets on the half-pipe.
Being different has it's rewards. We as Christians need to remember that. We can't be like the world. We need to emulate God. We need to do what he wants us to do. Usually that alone sets up apart. Look at Billy Graham, Martin Luther, and Jim Elliott. They did what God wanted them to do and they are known for their lives. Can we do the same? Can we be willing to do a quad jump for Christ?
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Last night, as I watched the Free Skate Program of the Men's Figure Skating, I was struck by several things. First, the three men who where less than one point away from each other, going for the medals we so very different. There was the Russian, Yevgeny Plushenko. This man is full of confidence, seems to thrive on the media and attention, and is very vocal about his opponents. He is quick to criticize and play mind games. Then there was the American, Evan Lysacek, who appeared as a quiet, seemingly humble man, who goes about his business of figure skating without all the flair and hype. Though these two men are very different in personality and talent, their goal was the same. Win the gold medal.
Evan came out, beautifully skated his long program. He jumped, spun, virtually floated across the ice. He was not totally flawless though. He almost lost it on a simple spin. He did what was asked of him and more. He left his heart out on the ice.
Yevgeny, was the last skater of the evening. His program started out with a huge quadruple jump. That is four rotations in the air! It is simply a huge feat for a human. He landed it without problem. But as I watched his long program, he seemed to be more flailing his arms, not having the flow of the turns and just jumping around. It just didn't feel sincere to me. He seems more of show-boat, which I suppose is a terrific quality for the Olympics (look at Shaun White).
These two men looked at the same program and the same tricks the had to do, with different styles. I enjoyed both programs and both men. It is just another way to prove that God makes humans so unique, so totally different. Most of us has two arms, two legs, one body and so on, but we all have different features that make us individuals. Figure skating , men's and women's , is not a team sport. All the participants are on a country team of some sort, but each person participating in that event has the same goal; to win.
I am mesmerized by these games and the abilities. The crazy people like, Simon Aamann, the ski jumper from Sweden. I love to watch the men fly down the hill on skis, and at the end of the huge ramp, jump off and fly through the air like Superman. I love the air that Shaun White and Louie Vito gets on the half-pipe.
Being different has it's rewards. We as Christians need to remember that. We can't be like the world. We need to emulate God. We need to do what he wants us to do. Usually that alone sets up apart. Look at Billy Graham, Martin Luther, and Jim Elliott. They did what God wanted them to do and they are known for their lives. Can we do the same? Can we be willing to do a quad jump for Christ?
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Are You An Olympian?
I will have a love fest for the next few 16 days with my television. I know that sounds very odd, and some of you already think I have this going on, but this is special. It only happens every 4 years in February. The 2010 Vancouver Olympics start tomorrow evening! I am so excited about it. I want to watch everything! Everything. I will set the DVR and the 4 different channels it is set on so that when it is time for an event, I can see it.
For me, the Olympics are the epitome of everything sports (except for American football). My husband thinks the Winter Olympics has nothing good to offer. Of course, he is being sexist about it because it is cold and everyone wears clothes. But he fails to realize that the clothes are thermal and half-naked women are not as exciting to watch as the hockey teams slamming each other against the fiberglass, or the suspense and intensity that goes with curling or the triathlon. I love how the countries who never see snow or cold weather want to compete. Like the man from Ghana who is in the Alpine Skiing event. His nickname is Snow Leopard and he has only been in snow for a short while. His name is Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong. Snow Leopard will be coming to a tv near you very soon.
The Olympics brings the world together, if just for a brief blip. The memories will last longer. It seems only last month that we watch the opening ceremonies of the Chinese Summer Olympics, but it was actually August of 2008. I vividly remember the drums and that amazing feat by the runner Bolt. So every night (except at 9 PM on Mondays) I will be watching some form of Olympic games for the next 16 days. The competition will be fierce and I will be rooting for who I always root for. First, the USA and second, the underdogs that have their 15 minutes of fame.
God brings the world together too. Not for just days, but for eternity if you let him. We talk about him with our neighbors, we send missionaries around the world. His athletes need no special training, no special knowledge other than the Bible. That is our tool. All you have to do is believe and obey.
Matthew 28:19-20 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
For me, the Olympics are the epitome of everything sports (except for American football). My husband thinks the Winter Olympics has nothing good to offer. Of course, he is being sexist about it because it is cold and everyone wears clothes. But he fails to realize that the clothes are thermal and half-naked women are not as exciting to watch as the hockey teams slamming each other against the fiberglass, or the suspense and intensity that goes with curling or the triathlon. I love how the countries who never see snow or cold weather want to compete. Like the man from Ghana who is in the Alpine Skiing event. His nickname is Snow Leopard and he has only been in snow for a short while. His name is Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong. Snow Leopard will be coming to a tv near you very soon.
The Olympics brings the world together, if just for a brief blip. The memories will last longer. It seems only last month that we watch the opening ceremonies of the Chinese Summer Olympics, but it was actually August of 2008. I vividly remember the drums and that amazing feat by the runner Bolt. So every night (except at 9 PM on Mondays) I will be watching some form of Olympic games for the next 16 days. The competition will be fierce and I will be rooting for who I always root for. First, the USA and second, the underdogs that have their 15 minutes of fame.
God brings the world together too. Not for just days, but for eternity if you let him. We talk about him with our neighbors, we send missionaries around the world. His athletes need no special training, no special knowledge other than the Bible. That is our tool. All you have to do is believe and obey.
Matthew 28:19-20 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
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