A Smokin' Hot Prayer Part 2--What He Actually Said

Charllie texted me a few minutes ago. He's like a cow kneedeep in clover at the Hall of Fame Enshrinees dinner. He has met Jim Nance, Deoin Sanders, Chris Berman, Willy Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Marshall Faulk, Richard Dent. So, you know he's feelin' no pain.

He previewed his 2 minute prayer, including a moment of silence at the beginning, for me. In my humble opinion, he said alot worth saying in a very short time. Here's the text of his contribution this evening.

Three days ago a member of the NFL family, Bubba Smith,passed away. Please join me in a moment of silent prayer for his family and friends.

Dear God,

We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the accomplishments of these enshrinees. We thank you for the physical health and strength with which You have blessed them, enabling them to achieve this high level of recognition. Those accomplishments have brought satisfaction to each athlete, and a lot of enjoyment to the crowds and fans.

You have helped develop courage, boldness and passion within them that has led them to overcome difficulties and challenges in life and on the field of play. Those traits have brought success to each of these men, and tomorrow they will stand before fans, colleagues, coaches, friends and families as they are welcomed into the place of highest honor for any NFL player or contributor….. the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I pray that they will humbly accept that recognition, remembering that You have endowed them with the abilities to achieve that honor. And, that You will now help them focus on this new chapter of their lives and use those same character traits to build a legacy of integrity and honor during the remainder of their lives, that they might one day enter Your Hall of Fame.

They have played like champions on the athletic field...may You help them now play like champions on the field of life, with marriage, family, and friends.

I ask this all in the strong name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

A Smokin' Hot Prayer

So, most of you have seen the video that went viral of the southern Baptist preacher “praying”, or something like that, at a Sunday afternoon NASCAR race a few weeks ago. (http://boingboing.net/2011/07/25/nascar-prayer-video.html) He was thanking God for high-powered fuel and a smokin’ hot wife, among other things. My husband Charlie has been asked to offer the prayer at the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee’s Dinner this Friday night, so you can imagine he has gotten quite a few great suggestions and truly funny lines he could deliver for his own memorable moment. I’ve given some thought to what he should say, too. Just for the sheer sake of truth in advertising, I have advised him to not make any comments about his “smokin’ hot wife.”

While I thought the prayer from the deep south brother was amusing and it didn’t offend me, my suggestions are a little different. Call me a stick in the mud, but I can’t get past the fact that our prayers are for God’s ears primarily, not for entertainment for the crowds OR a preaching opportunity for the pray-er. Realizing that Charlie is not permitted to say anything “sectarian”, and having great faith in God’s ability to hear the heart intents of a sincere prayer, maybe a great prayer would:
• Thank God for physical health and skill that brings satisfaction to the athlete and enjoyment to the crowds;
• Thank God for the hours of enjoyment and conversation all the fans have shared through the careers of these men;
• Ask God to help every honoree and guest focus on the most significant legacy and reason for fame, a life of integrity and honor.

And I am pretty sure a really great prayer would be short, not long enough for minds to wander, short enough to shock everyone that a long-winded preacher didn’t grab the bully pulpit to push an agenda of some kind. Jesus’ powerful prayer in front of a crowd essentially said, “Father, I thank you that You hear me. Now bring glory to yourself through me.” If Charlie’s prayer lacks humor and tweetable quotes , but has that kind of simplicity, humility, and faith, I have a feeling His Father will hear and get glory for Himself.

Boogity Boogity Boogity. I’m done.

Woo hoo for Clear Blue!

So, I told you that I am at a camp for senior adults...they know how to make everything fun. They took on Clear Blue Global Water Project as their missions project for the week.(http://clearblueproject.com/)

In an absolutely hilarious evening, they auctioned jelly, pies, stuffed animals, and an amazing handmade quilt, all proceeds going to Clear Blue. A jar of jelly went for $100.00, and a homemade red raspberry pie went for $1600.00!?!?! That cook must be flat-out amazing! When the evening was over, they had raised over $4500.00, enough for three wells in India. The needy in India are waiting on us to send them money for 10 more wells--here we go! I can't send it fast enough!

Isn't it incredible? People using their resources and hearts of love for Jesus to bless other people they will never see in places they will never go. I'm guessing when they all meet each other in heaven, it will be quite a party.

A Senior Moment

Charlie and I have the privilege of being speakers for a camp exclusively for senior adults this week. It's in Barker, New York, right on the shores of Lake Ontario. My goodness, it is beautiful here. My first thought a good while back when we were invited to do this was, "WHAT???? When did I get old enough to do that???" I didn't think there would be enough life in a gathering of senior adults for me.

Boy, was I wrong. This is a laugh-happy, full of the joy of the Lord gang. They are continuously active. The roof on the building where we eat and do a lot of things was put on largely by octogenarians. The window screens were installed by a man in his 90's. This group can rock.

Yesterday, Wayne McCown, a gentleman in every sense of the word, took Charlie and I out on his beautiful boat on the somewhat calm (teehee) Lake Ontario waters. It was a blast! We were thrilled! (OK---sheer truth forces me to own that Charlie was more green than thrilled, but it WAS beautiful and great fun..)

It the midst of all these "senior moments", I am reminded, "Age is a matter of mind. If you don't mind, it don't matter."

I MADE IT!

I was thrilled to be a participant in the Clear Blue Water Splash Dash 5k race. Hundreds of runners from all over the state and some from other states descended on Cornerstone for a scenic run/walk through Coventry township. Congrats to Sean Fremon and Bruce Oberlin, the genius brains behind the scenes. I heard many comments from experienced runners that this was the most organized race in some of the prettiest territory they had ever run in, but "Oh, the hills!"

I can identify. I had never participated in anything like this before, and yowzers! My calf muscles were screaming! But I am proud to say I received a medal, first in my class. I was the fastest pastor there. Of course, I was the ONLY pastor there, but...

It was really good for me in so m any ways. It was great to see the interest and support of our township people and public servants. It buoyed my confidence that I can do things I haven't done before (look out, guys!), it bolstered my desire to get into better shape. And it was great for my spirit,too. Just one little lesson from the race---hills and obstacles look far worse from a distance. If you stare at them long enough, you'll be defeated, positive you can never do it. But if you just start walking, you'll be surprised how you can make it. The hill shrinks as you grow.