Tiger Woods has been through quite a bit the past few months, so I wasn’t surprised at all to see the cameras following his every move. After he messed a tee shot up, his voice raised with “God! Tigurrrrrr…….Jesus Christ!”. Obviously he could have replaced “Tiger” with “Holy Spirit” and the discussion across the web would have been entirely different. Maybe?

I’m fairly certain Tiger’s not a Christ-follower, but at some point Christians need to ask – what’s the point in using our Father’s name like this? Really…..I don’t get it? I’m glad I don’t play golf, primarily for this reason. I’m not above getting competitive and letting my stress show during athletic events. I’ve struggled with that. From my understanding and little experience out on the golf course, many golfers are known for this. The sport requires focus, perseverance and perfection. And it’s not the only sport where we hear this, I’m sure of that.

You find it offensive? Does freedom of speech protect this? Should athletes not be confronted for their words while in the spotlights? Thoughts?

I’m ready to start my new job on Monday at 104.9 The River, but I think this weekend will help quite a bit! Bright and early tomorrow morning, I’m heading to Tennessee with my Dad for three days to hang out with rednecks and racecars. Not sure if you’re aware of it, but I’m a big NASCAR fan (rooting for #29 – Kevin Harvick). He just happens to be leading in the standings this year, so we’ll see if he can hold onto that.

I’m most pumped to just get away from work a bit and hang out with my Dad. Something I don’t get to do too often. He and I will be hanging out in the first row up in the section above the “BRISTOL” area in the photo. Great seats for sure!

What things do you enjoy in life that would recharge you? Have you had an opportunity to escape and relax recently?

Living here in Columbus, OH it becomes pretty obvious how dominating sports can be in people’s lives. But I get it……competition has always been interesting for centuries. But something I REALLY don’t get now is fantasy sports. After years of being sucked into being a part of online fantasy sports leagues, I can finally say that I don’t see the need to be in one ever again.

What don’t I get about it? I already feel like I don’t have a life watching countless hours of a race or football game. I’m guessing you’d have to take that time and double it when you add in the “studying” and “preparing” people put in with managing their fantasy sports teams. And at the end of the week, they have a 50-50 chance of being the lucky one and out-guessing their competitor. Here’s the challenge! Is there something better you could be doing with the time God has given you? When you have to look back on life, are you going to regret things like fantasy football? Is it just me, or have we become numb in more areas like this with our time as our culture shifts?

PRAYING that you and I find a balance of leisure and responsibility. PRAISING God for giving us things to enjoy, while also commanding us to never prioritize anything above Him.

How far do you take it? Do you get rid of everything that pleases you? I don’t think that’s what God would want. He intends for us to enjoy this life. One thing I am struggling with right now is television. Watching Virginia Tech football or NASCAR (I know – tech guy and redneck do not usually go together) are the only two things that I care to watch. I don’t watch anything else. Sometimes I get more thrilled about the days those sports are on than I do about spending time with the Lord that day. Or taking time to encourage someone in their walk. There’s nothing questionable about my ethics while watching sports. It’s good, clean fun! But then scripture like this one always come to mind.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as his own life, he can’t be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

God didn’t just make a mistake and let that slip into the Bible, did He? Not a chance. Hate your own family, if that’s what it takes? Are you serious? And I’m struggling with football and racing on the tube. That’s when I start to re-think things. I’m just beginning the journey with this one. The racing season starts in two weeks. Are there things like this that you’ve seen be stepping stones in your walk with the Lord? Do you regret something you’ve given up in an effort to have your focus on what He wants with your life?

Feel free to click on the photo or link below to view some of the other shots I took today. Before the game we had a pretty busy morning. Livi and Ava had soccer photos between 9 and 10 this morning, and games at 10 and 11! It all worked out great. I’ll post some of their photos tomorrow. I don’t think I realize how tired I am yet. Thanks for stopping by!

View photos here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/godsmac

What caught my attention was the fact that before the entire event kicked off they didn’t just start with the national, but with a genuine call to the Lord for safety during the event and thanking Him for offering His Son on the cross for us. If you’ve ever been to a Nascar race, they do the same thing there as well – each race. What’s the deal? Why are basketball, baseball, football and hockey any different. Is God not allowed in the building?

Something that I do recognize with these two events that include prayer might seem a bit awkward or step on a few toes. What most people consider rednecks are the majority of the fan base in these sports. You don’t see money getting in the way out on the farm, or people worrying about their clothes, cars they drive, or what kind of toys their children play with. They’re much more about letting it all hang out, actually being friendly and enjoying community, and the athletes they follow usually don’t raise the roof or do a dance in the end zone. I thank God for these sports, and am excited to head back to the track or down to the pig pen the next time I get the chance. The sports are definitely exciting, but God’s welcomed to show up before the “show” even begins.

P.S. The favorite bull name of the evening has to go to “Whoopy Dinger”!

Lawyers vs. God = no jury required

http://www.beyondtheultimate.org

Seems like the Christians are expected to be shocked I guess? Maybe what this world really wants is for the Christians not to take part in what they are enjoying? There’s definitely other things that I could be doing instead of watching the Super Bowl. WHOOPS…..forgot I could be put in jail for using their copyrighted game title. I might just have to think about those other things that I could be doing. It would be nice to see Peyton win his first title, but that might not be worth it at the risk of pleasing God-hating organizations like the NFL. Maybe the ACLU should buy the NFL? Immaturity and insanity running wild it seems?