Friday, December 24, 2004

Christmas Thought

Ran across this quote in another blog (Bless you my friend...sorry I "lost" the site reference!).

I love the idea expressed here and wanted to paste it to my electronic journal...

( from St. Maximus the Confessor--whoever he was!)

The Word of God, born once in the flesh (such is his kindness and his goodness), is always willing to be born spiritually in those who desire him.

My prayer is that the celebration of His incarnation this year might result in many new mini- incarnations as He is newly "fleshed out" in those who desire him. I am praying that believers will be bold and gracious is sharing their faith with loved ones during family times together...

...and that members of one's family will become members of the One's family!

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Another Cardiac Arrest by the Kings

What an exciting game against Hunter last Thursday night (16 December 2004).

We were down by 20 (or was it 22?) points at our ebb, but slowly fought back to a see-saw in the fourth quarter. Almost gave up hope when the Pirates got a foul call and free throw to place them four ahead with 13 seconds left but the Kings don't seem to want to give up.

Hunter was already celebrating with a timeout while Goorj stratigised the next 5 or 6 plays for the remaining seconds. Somehow we made up two points got possession as the time ran out...

Jason Smith came through with the goods once again...this time after the buzzer so that the actual clock time was 0.0. He was fouled while shooting a three-pointer and the buzzer sounded (just after the whistle) so he went to the line with a bit of prayer under unbelievable pressure and hit all three free throws to win the game by one point.

A very young fan came up to him after the game and told him he was praying hard while Jason was shooting, to which he replied..."Thanks for joining me...I was praying too!" (As was the chaplain...and (I suspect) even a few "unbelievers"!)

Rugby Induction Camp

Just a quick note to document some of the exciting things going on at the RUPA 2005 Rugby Induction Camp.

I was joined by the chaplain for the ACT Brumbies (David McDonald) and we were invited for the entire two day (plus) camp. Although we were able to take about 10 minutes with the 26 new professional players under contract (to explain the chaplain's role in the scheme of things)…the huge benefit to us was the time spent in individual interaction with the guys…and having them see us as an important part of the support team. Our role was mentioned a number of times during the orientation camp as an important resource…especially by the career advisors!

I met several Christian players (South Pacific Islanders) and connected extremely well with one of the new players for the Waratahs…seated next to him at the formal dinner on the last night.

During the weekend we gave every player a personal copy of the Rugby-Jesus video that we had produced for the Rugby World Cup last year…gave out about 16 (out of 26 players) rugby New Testament Portions (Mark) to those who asked…and 5 rugby New Testaments to those we thought would be most receptive to them.

Dave and I had some prayer together late Friday evening for the new players and those the Lord had really laid on our hearts.

The “investment value” of the weekend was seen day before yesterday when I visited the Waratahs at training and saw the lights (of recognition) go on the eyes of the rookies that had been at the camp.

Monday, December 06, 2004

Big Win Against Current # 1

As anticipated...the Kings had a great night against Wollongong with a 10 point win and a great game for Jason. Just felt good about this one from the beginning even though we had lost three of the previous four games and Wollongong is currently number one in the standings. Go figure!

Understandably a great aftergame buzz in the dressing room and willingness to commit to hard work in the next 10 (long) days before our next game against an improving Hunter.

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Wollongong Tonight!!! Bring 'em on!

Actually looking forward to the game against the # 1 team tonight as Wollongong visits the Kings in Sydney...and I'm not sure why! Probably because I like being with the team whether we win or lose. Great guys!!!

Injuries to two starters in one game a while back has brought our recent record to three losses in the last four games. But this is where you learn much about a team's character...and about the men who play the game. (Not to mention the chaplain who is learning much about prayers for healing!)

I love Goorj's attitude..."As a coach, I have never been so vulnerable with a team before. This is a big challenge to me...and I love it. Challenge is always an opportunity."

I will be meeting with several players before the game who want to pray as a group...thinking about sharing II Corin. 4:17-18 as an encouragement to persevere and keep perspective. This is an unusual position for the team to be in...and the verse seems appropriate.