Raceful Endurance

It's been quite the winter here in Tampa lately. It's a chilling 45 degrees here tonight and it's supposed to get colder (that's cold for Tampa, you Northerns)! It kind of sets you in the mood for the Olympics doesn't it? We've been watching a lot of the Winter Olympics at the McCall home (at least what we can catch without cable). Artie and I have really enjoyed them so far. We laugh a lot while watching them, because as the speed skaters lean diagonally to make the perfectly cut turn, I'm leaning on the couch clearly into Artie's view of the television and Artie calls out, "You skatin' too?" And I affirm him that I'm just really into it and he replies with, "I can tell!" with a bright smile on his face.

It just astounds me that these people devote their lives to the perfection of sport (and half these sports are not anything you typically watch on TV, they're actually strange ... like the luge, who invented that sport?). Their commitment to hard work: blood, sweat, tears and time is just inspiring. Charlotte and I were watching the men's cross country skiing and saw such an incredible race. When they start the race there are 70-80 skiers all jammed together at the starting line. There was one competitor in front who was already a gold metal holder from the previous winter Olympics. The whistle blows, the clock starts quickly running and the first strides are in strong thrust ... then our gold winner, #4, takes a humiliating fall and one by one, skier after skier begins to tumble down - some seeming to be very painful falls. They scramble to their skies and attempt to fight their way to the front. We're watching in shock as Olympic winner, #4, is the last to be standing. They ski for 100 meters, then a stunning view shows #4 once again stopped completely on the snow having to change out a broken ski. Charlotte and I say our typical girl "awwww" and are saddened for him because his race is over. To our complete and utter shock, he then begins to give everything he's got to make his way to the ever so crowded bunch racing far beyond his reach. After a commercial break they show our friend #4 right there in the huddle of competitors passing one, two, three, five, twelve skiers! After a grueling hour and some they are almost to the finish line. He seemed to be out of sight again, somewhere in maybe 10th or 11th place. Then, out of no where ... he peaks in his ambition and determination and skies into the winning silver, 2nd Place! Charlotte and I cheer him on and congratulate him from Tampa to Torino, Italy! It was like watching Sea Biscuit or Cinderella Man, right here in the making, free of cost and the catchy "True Story" ring. A story of an athlete competing at the price of not giving up, not quitting.

It was so inspiring and encouraging to watch the perseverance of this Olympic competitor who swallowed his pride after a fall and rode to his victory! He had every right and reason to slide off to the side of the track. All the commentators would all grieve his loss and move on to those in the race (including myself). We would have all understood that he had little if any game left to give. But, in view of all the reality of his loss ... he skied on and pressed on toward the goal.

In the Olympics, all over the side lines of every race they have a slogan reading, "Passion Lives Here." I couldn't agree more! There is a truly deep abiding respect for those that devote their lives to discipline, hard work, commitment, coaching, pain, concentration and most of all PASSION. Sounds like characteristics of a life of a believer doesn't it? It does to me. The only (and major) difference I'd say is purpose. They purpose to win an earthly prize and to our greatest unworthiness, we (as followers of the Ultimate Prize, Jesus) purpose to win an eternal prize ... to the glory of God.

That is why Artie and I do all that we do. That is why Artie and I's life and family has the tone that it does. We want the Winter Olympic's 06 slogan to be the slogan of our home ... "Passion LIVES here."

Blessed

Phew... is it just me or is the year flying bye already? I can't believe its mid-February! Feels like we just had Christmas. Artie and I will be celebrating our First Anniversary soon (March 12th to be exact) ... hard to imagine!

You know, have I mentioned how absolutely blessed I am? Well - consider it mentioned, because some days I just sit back and think, "How did I wind-up with this life that I live?" I am humbled every day by the love of God that surrounds me in so many ways. Through the incredible man that I married and the wonderful relationship between he and I ... through the awesome church family that Artie and I not only are a part of but have the amazing priviledge to serve on staff ... through the dearest friends ... through our precious little apartment (where I wonder sometimes, how we fit any more than four at a time; but we do) ... through Artie and my families ... and through so many little things, I would be here all week writing them. Have you just sat down lately and listed out all that you have to be thankful for? It will completely change your day!

Just the other day, my neighbor Alicia and I sat on the couch and just bragged of the goodness and absolute perfection of the Person of Christ. Alicia just came to know Him as Savior and Lord over Christmas and she was describing to me how 'awe' struck she is right now of how God is working in her life. We discussed how it boggles our limited-human minds to think of the vassness of God and His plans for us on earth. So amazing!

Pastor Jeff has been talking about Grace in our services lately, which in short, is just the perfect message to remind you of the goodness of God. I challenge and encourage all of us to take the time to sit down and give praise for the good in our lives. Maybe, if you're like me, one of the top items on your list will be for the TIME in order to do it. Make the time, take the time and let it change you.

Coming Soon...

Hello Friends! Update is coming soon! Check back this week. Love to all!
Artie & Lela