Quick Trip to Perth

I made a trip to Perth last weekend on AIA business. Watched four basketball games (Lakeside/AIA teams won all four!) and met with two potential chaplains for the new rugby union Western Force team to be based in Perth. Hooked up with one of our Life Saving Chaplaincy chaplains there in WA and also had lunch with a Motor Racing Chaplain from the States on his way to a big race in China. Also had a chance to speak briefly to the men's State Basketball League team after one of the games--sharing my conversion story--which took place so long ago now that I sometimes have trouble remembering it! Got into a wild card game on Sunday night with about 13 others hanging around the Toby's place. Busy weekend, but very enjoyable.

Congratulations to the Waratahs

What a tremendous season for the NSW Waratahs...and an exciting Grand Final in Christchurch.

I think if we would have had another 10 minutes we might have won. The true champions were out there playing on the field when it seemed certain they would lose. I would not have been any prouder of them if they had won!

I am proud to know each of these guys personally and they are a fine group of men as well as a championship team. I will sincerely miss the men who are moving on but wish them God's richest blessing and pray for them (as I tell them frequently) that God would use their rugby career and the lessons they learn on and off the field to move them closer and closer into a relationship with the One who loves them--whether they win or lose.

Some Light from the Old Book

Enjoyed this reminder from Proverbs this AM...

"My son, pay attention to what I say;listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight,keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart,for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth;keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead,fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil.

My son, pay attention to my wisdom,listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge." Prov 4:20-5:2 (NIV)

A lesser known translation that I appreciate says...

"Keep my words deep within your heart...for they are the secret to life for those who know them. They bring health to the whole body...Keep your eyes focused on what is right. Be careful what you do...Be careful to use good sense." The Everyday Bible

Or even just what my heart says in response...

"I need to guard my heart and my eyes...and do what is right."

Compassion Challenge

Two Sundays ago, one of our pastors asked those in the congregation to accept a Compassion Challenge and make small step efforts influencing those around us in the everyday world by being open and up front about our faith...even something as simple as praying before a meal at a restaurant. I accepted the challenge and gave him my email address as accountability.

A couple of days later I received this email from him as a reminder of my commitment...

"I really appreciate your willingness to step forward out of Sundays message. I believe that individuals need to step forward in faith and for our church to see that God will honour our faithfulness to just be obedient to His call. We must live out our faith and relationship with Him in the everyday aspects of life.Please let me know how you go with this challenge. Wether you simply say grace at a restaurant, read your Bible at work or in coffee shop or park, listen to worship music in a car with others in it whatever. I really want to hear your experiences.

Can I encourage you: with a quote from Oswald Sanders: A great deal more failure is the result of an excess of caution than of bold experimentation with new ideas. The frontiers of the kingdom of God were never advanced by men and women of caution! "

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So...a couple of days later I sent him these stories that he had requested. (He thought they were encouraging, so I thought I would add them to the blog!)

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Subject: Re: Compassion Challenge

1) Read my Bible (instead of my novel) while waiting in a public place for an appointment.

2) Chose a table at a food court with someone already sitting there for a follow-up appointment with a new Christian (rugby player). The older gentleman at the table either heard the entire appointment (on "assurance of salvation")...or he was deaf!

3) Thinking perhaps it would generate more awareness if I were to actually sing a praise song out loud on the train into work (instead of just reading my Bible) but have to admit I decided against it (using the rational that I seek to make the gospel as "winsome" as possible and my off key screeching would probably be counterproductive.)

4) Got in to very brief discussion with a taxi driver about the Lord (and his criticism of "the church") ...which ended quite abruptly when we arrived in record time...but gave him a gospel booklet with a $2 tip. I told him the next time somebody said something negative about Christians I wanted him to remember that there was one time when a Christian gave him a $2 for a $6 fare so it wasn't really true that all Christians want is your money.

High Flying Thoughts

Couple of thoughts here (from the minds of others) that must have some application for me as a life coach...

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."
- Michael Althsuler


My friend asked his father-in-law, a crop-duster, how his day had gone. "It was the worst day of my life," replied the man. "This morning I was up in my plane dusting a field when I nicked a power line and damaged the wing of the plane. When I got back to the office, my boss chewed me out. Then the guy from the FAA chewed me out. On my way home, I stopped off at a bar and was handed a warm beer. So I yelled at the bartender, 'Don't you have any cold beers?' The bartender said, 'Sorry, but we've been out of electricity all day ever since some idiot crop-duster hit a power line down the road.'"
-Essie Conley

Thinking Long Term

An interesting thought for the day...

"I have discovered I must think long term. I can accomplish more than I ever dreamed in 10 years, even if my short-term goals go unmet. Learning this lesson allows me to go at a sane pace, rather than frantically trying to do everything now. It also allows me to set realistic goals and deadlines while building something that lasts. A mushroom grows in six days; an oak tree grows in 60 years. Which do you want your ministry to produce?" - Brad Johnson

In my life coaching I have found a very simple suggestion in regard to "balance" has been liberating in regard to my obsessive self-criticism...

Work toward a balance (in the seven primary roles of life) over a week...instead of attempting to maintain balance over a 24 hour period. Balance isn't necessary a balance in real time invested in each of the roles...there doesn't have to be an hour for hour equation for you to achieve at least a modicum of balance. Ten minutes of prayer can accomplish more than ten hours of work!

Lest we forget!

It's Anzac Day here in Oz! The march down George Street in downtown Sydney has already been going on for over two hours and I think they are about half way though the units. There is a record turnout of spectators I might add. I am always touched to see the children of "missing" soldiers proudly wearing their grandparents service medals and marching in their proper units alongside his or her former mates.

As an American-born quasi-Aussie it would be remiss of me not to "Remember" (and even say a word on behalf of...) the men and women who gave (and risked) their lives to maintain our national identity and freedom.

Before we moved here to Australia, in December of 1974, I had never even heard of the battle of Gallipolli, the Kakoda Track, and the POW camp at Changi (or the Japanese breakout from the Cowra POW camp for that matter)...what a rich history of sacrifice and service. I honour them all.

Especially today, I am remembering with gratitude, the faithful service of "Fighting Mac McKenzie", a Salvation Army chaplain who served with high honour in both Gallipolli and France. His story, now available in print brought tears to eyes of this "hardened" history buff.

Chaplain Major William McKenzie, MC, (1869-1947) was attached to 4th Battalion, AIF, during the 1914-18 war. He was a man of renowned principle and courage...well known and loved by thousands of frontline soldiers because of his fearless service to them. The troops were the first to refer to him as "Fighting Mac" because of his undefeated prowess in the boxing ring, but his "fight" extended to the salvation of thousands under heavy fire. He was awarded the Military Cross for his personal bravery and spirit of sacrificial service. It was said of Fighting Mac by a contemporary that "Chaplain McKenzie made Christ real to thousands of men. Up and down the fire-swept ridges he followed them, carrying food and water, tramping miles for their mail; by night cutting steps over treacherous patches which the boys must travel in the morning, praying with them, helping them to live, supporting them as they died. Burying literally hundreds of brave lads fallen in battle, he spent far into the night in his dim dugout, writing to their relatives." My favorite story was his baptism of hundreds one day at Anzac Cove during an artillery barrage.

So...Fighting Mac...I thank God for you and your faithful testimony of God's love in the very midst of hell on earth. You are a model to me...I remember you!

Shift in Scenery

With the Kings finishing up their season (on near impossible high note!) I have found myself with a little more time to pursue my role with the NSW Waratahs...who are also having a great year. A couple of their players however have been in a bit of strife so I am assuming that it doesn't hurt to be "around" and offering support as requested. Did get out to see one young contract player in hospital and had a good visit with him. Also visiting a couple of serious injury players from lower grades so the car almost knows the way to the hospital on its' own.



Had a great opportunity to share my faith with young (20 something) player the other day after a hospital visit. A friend in rugby suggested he ring me and when he did I just happened to be only two train stations from him with about a half-hour before lunch hour...so within an hour of his call we were sitting down having a chat. The words he used to explain his difficult situation were..."morals", "guilt", and "forgiveness". I suggested those sounded like "spiritual issues" to me and would he be willing to explore some spiritual answers instead of social or psychological (which he had found inadequate so far).



When he readily agreed, we had a great conversation about how to enter into a personal relationship with God. After checking to make sure that he really understood the "theory" and then the "mechanics" (of HOW to become a Christian)...I suggested the next question he needed to answer was "when" do you want to do this. After suggesting two options (give it some time and thought in order to answer any more questions...or jump in right now), he said "I want to do that right now".

So he did!

3-peat Now History

Well...God bless 'em...the Kings did it...and in style! First ever NBL 3-peat (three national championships in as many years) and by winning the first two games of the best two out of three against Brisbane in semi-finals...and the first three games in the best three out of five game series in the Grand Final...frst game won by 23 points...second game (in Wollongong) by 25 points...third (and final game) by 27 points.

So proud of these young men. It wasn't as easy as it might sound. The team did not have the same star players that they won the second championship with last year. There were several major injuries during the season and the team didn't really gel as a force until the semi-final round. They lost the penulitmate game of the regular season to Wollonong by over 20 points.
(21 February posting).

In all of the excitement I am probably more thankful however for the opportunity the win will bring for others to hear about the abundant and positive life that Jesus offers the world--even professional basketball players!

For several months now Jason and I have been praying about media opportunities where he could "share his faith" in Christ with others without seeming to be opportunistic or pushy. We had some preliminary discussions on how to answer media questions then prayed for reporteres to ask some appropriate questions. Little did we realize the chance would come one day before the Grand Final when Jason was interviewed by the Sydney Morning Herald. The entire story was "reprinted" on the Sydney Kings website at www.sydneykings.com.au (Title: "Spiritual Leader Led by King of Kings")

Standing on the court in the midst of celebrations after the winning game (and we had to shout in each other's ears to hear) we both agreed that Jason's "supernatural" game of 38 points and 12 rebounds was a matter of God's honouring his earlier public testimony of faith. So proud of him.

Preparing for Game Three

I've been to the Kings training sessions twice this week and I can assure you that they have not let up in the least. In fact, I can't remember being to sessions before that have had such sustained intensity. Things are looking good right now with a recovery day today (Thursday) and (possibly) the final training of the year on Friday AM...with the game on Saturday--looks to be a sell-out (first one of the year).

I had a short talk with Jason yesterday about his uni classes...and prayed with one of the guys (at the side of the court) regarding his injury. We're simply asking that the Lord will give him what it takes to get through the championships so he can recover in off season. Also talked with Wheels about what the Lord was saying to me in regard to my ministry role (he brought it up!). I had a great time over lunch with one of the other players talking about how he could know God personally. It was a very relaxed question and answer time while sharing stories from our lives with each other. He said he was beginning to understand a lot better how Christianity was more about a personal relationship with God than it was a commitment to doing things like reading the Bible and going to church.

What a privilege for me to have this time to input with these young men.

Go the Kings!

Grand Final--Second Win to Kings

Well, only one to go!

The Kings ventured boldly into the heart of the Hawks territory--at the SandPit--Sunday avo.

Despite the overwhelming crowd support for the hometown team, the Kings just seemed to pick up where they left off last Friday. After taking their initial jump into the lead they were able to maintain momentum by the final buzzer to win by 25 points.

Hard to single out individual effort, as each one (including the bench) made a significant contribution...and the entire bench played some minutes.

Behind the scenes, Jason did some more good work on recurring development project. CJ did well inspite of his injury (evidently Goorj told him he was going to have to play through the pain until this was over). Had a photographer from World Wide Challenge (US-based Christian publication) who arranged a press pass and came in after the game to get some shots of the team. He is working on a story about how Jesus changes lives.

Due to my ill-timed travel arrangements, I arrived late to the pre-game coaches talk and our usual time for prayer with those who want to pray. Jason grabbed one of the guys before the pep talk and they had a short prayer together. Encouraging for me to see this taking place even when I'm not there!

The "boys" were on a high as the left the Sand Pit (and rightly so!). It will take a huge effort for Wollongong to win all three of the next three games (two of them in Sydney)...and the Kings would prefer to win the final game at home (for the celebration of course)...so the season could wind up by Saturday night at the Entertainment Centre.

Grand Finals--First Win to Kings

What a huge game!

After losing two of our three encounters with the Hawks in regular season...and the most recent one was a substantial loss...it was really important for the Kings to win the first game of the Grand Final Series last night. It would help even more if they could win big time...

...and they did!

Following Jason's "sterling leadership" (quoting one of the King's support staff) the Kings showed a team to the Hawks that was up a gear (or two) from the last game. We have peaked at the perfect time with a 23 point win in the first game.

More importantly to me is the personal growth and development of the players as men...

...For the three players and two support staff that join in our pre-game prayer it is encouraging to hear them petition the Lord for His helping them to do their best.

...For the guys on the team that are still involved in a "pre-Jesus" aspect of their spiritual journey, it is encouraging to see them showing more and more interest (some even reading Bibles), and expressing appreciation for intercessory prayer in regard to their injuries.

...For Jason in particular (who has expressed his willingness for me to use his name "publically") I have been truly blessed to see God working a deep work in his life in regard to practical outworkings of his faith on court. He is having significant victory in regard to issues that frequently sideline Christian competitors. On the way home last night, he shared three specific instances in the game where he intentionally turned his thoughts (and intended actions) over the Lord and chose to approach the problem differently. Lest this be perceived by some as stiffling his game...he scored twice as many points as any of the Hawks players.

In my opinion, even if they would have lost the game these guys are winners...big time champions!

So on to the Second Game in Wollongong on Sunday avo. It will be tough there!

I'm praying for CJ Bruton (especially) as he is dealing with ongoing injury that could influence his game.

Reminders from a great coach

I recently ran acoss this quote from one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. Thinking about sharing it with those players who come along to our pre-game prayer meeting before the first game of the Grand Final Series against Wollongong on Friday night.

One of the building blocks in Coach John Wooden's pyramid of success is competitive greatness. Coach Wooden states, "We don't have to be superstars or win championships to reach competitive greatness. All we have to do is learn to rise to every occasion, give our best effort and make those around us better as we do it. It's not about winning. It's about learning to give all we have to give."

Go the Kings!!!

Down to Kings and Hawks

Well, it's "moneytime" in the NBL.

Down to the Kings vs the Hawks for the best three of five in the 2005 Grand Final Series.

With family commitments I didn't see the Kings/Brisbane Game 2. I was concerned that some of the Bullets might see themselves as self-appointed spoilers of the Kings success by laying on the odd intentional career-ending cheap shot. (What a cynic I am becoming?)

Although CJ evidently had a tough night physically, Jason assures me that it was nothing really unusual in the injury and he will be playing in the finals starting on Friday.

Hope to get down to see the boys tomorrow at training but also need to do some development with the ARU in North Sydney so might find it kinda hurried. One of the Kings is showing increased interest in the Bible now that he has started to read a modern translation. Hoping we have some time to chat before it's "all over" (for this year at least...on or before 23rd March).

Kings into Grand Final

For the third time in as many years the Sydney Kings are into the Grand Final NBL Championship. A "3-peat" would make basketball history in Australia.

I haven't talked to any of the players yet but couldn't go to bed last night until I checked the internet for the results of the second game against Brisbane in the playoffs...after finding that they had won (in spite of Brisbane's home court advantage) I couldn't go to sleep!

The news report said several referee calls were questioned by the home crowd but it was still a Kings "W" and now we just have to wait to see if we play Townville or Wollongong in the Grand Final (I would tip Wollongong).

Back to Basketball

I recently suffered through a 10 day withdrawal (from "hoops rush").

Since the Kings won their third minor premiership in a row, they didn't have to compete in the first round of sudden death playoffs in the NBL. The thinking in the dressing room was that the rest could be both positive and negative. Rest can help you prepare physically for a game, but the "do or die" playoff games can hone a hungry team and help them gain momentum.

So the game plan in the first of our possible three games against Brisbane was to get ahead and hang on...slowing momentum by good defense. Which is essentially what happened last Tuesday night. The boys came out firing and got the first points on the board and never looked back. At one point it looked like we could possibly win by 40 points. As it turned out, it was only 34.

Now the concern is that Brisbane, playing tonight to keep their chances alive for at least one more game in the season (and to gain back a little "pride") will be hard to beat on their home court. Should be a good one!

As always, I'm praying that every player will play his best, be protected from injury, and will (regardless of the outcome) find the experience of the game bringing him closer and closer to the Lord.

Good Friends and Good Memories

Jan and I traveled across town on Saturday for a bbq with several friends that we have known for thirty years. Actually it was a mini-reunion of three old friends and their spouses (spice?).

Great time catching up and seeing how the Lord is working in our lives. He is good! One couple are returned missionaries, one a Bible teacher at Moore College, and the other is a prayer warrior deep in the heart of the commercial world--reaching her business world with the Good News. (And we were there too.) All of us have been through some hard times over the years but (as one of my favorite gospel blue grass song goes) "we're still here"...because of His great grace and faithfulness.

Everyone gets old (and dare I say it...eventually dies). Mortality rate in Australia in 2004 was still at 100%. But I can't begin to imagine how those who don't know Christ personally deal with the relentless march towards "that day". I can only keep on because of the promise of joy set before me. Being with him (there) becomes more and more desirable...so that it eventually outweighs wanting to stay here.

A Big Perspective

On the following Monday, my "deep" thoughts on winning and losing at basketball games received a severe reality bite when I attended the funeral of the 19 month old son of one of our missionaries. Owen didn't wake up from a nap a couple of weeks ago. The family returned to Australia from the field to support their extended family and to bury little Owen in the family plot in country New South Wales.

The pastor (a friend of the parents) shared how this was serious business. If Owen's death didn't cause those present to do a check on their own mortality and need to get things right with God...what would it take? Both father (eulogy) and mother (testimony) shared how much Owen meant to them and thanked God for loaning him to them for even such a short time. His mother shared how grateful they were for his presence even if it meant great hurt and sorrow...and that the former far outweighed the latter.

Now talk about "perspective" when it comes to "losing". Kinda puts basketball a little lower on the ladder of priorities.

A Little Perspective

On Friday night I travelled down to Wollongong to be with the Kings for their last regular season game with the Hawks (and penultimate game of the season). I was feeling pretty good about the game when I sat down and pretty bad when I went into the dressing room after the game. Thought: Losing a game is hard.

On Saturday I chose to spend the evening with my wife. I was feeling pretty apprehensive about the Kings final game of the season when I laid down (without checking the internet for the boxscore)...and pretty good when I read early the next morning that we had won the game against West Sydney...and secured the third straight minor premiership in three years.
Thought: Winning is a lot easier to deal with.

Third Thought: Probably not a good idea for me to bet on how I feel!

UK Billy's Visit

I invested a very enjoyable afternoon on Monday with a sports chaplain from the UK who is traveling on a grant from a secular trust to research the value of chaplaincy to sporting clubs.

I think it's great that there is such a developing interest in the spiritual side of a player's life.

Anyhow, thanks for the time together Billy! We shared a long talk at Starbucks...and a longer walk around the Opera House and Rocks area, visited a couple of Rugby Bars--just to pay "homage" of course--stopped by Krispy Kreme (doughnuts) for a sugar fix and strolled through Darling Harbour. Ended a most encouraging avo with some prayer and promises of keeping the network working.