Art Monk was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame this past weekend. Heather and I caught the last few minutes of his acceptance speech and were very impressed. Being known as a quiet man, he had one of the most outspoken testimonies I have heard from a professional athlete. His son’s introduction solidified all that he proclaimed.
Dad’s greatness never came from his ability to play football, but it came because he wanted to be used by God for his glory, above all.
He realized and held onto the gifts and talents that God blessed him with. And the bible says to build your foundation on a rock. Solid rock. For when the storm comes, you will not shake or you will not be moved for your foundation is well built.
Dad built his foundation on the strongest rock of all and that was Jesus Christ.
Go and read the transcript linked above. I think you will find it a real encouragement.
I told a friend Sunday to look it up on Youtube or the NFL network. I mentioned that he so intertwined Scripture and references to God that I did not think it was possible to edit God out of his speech. I was wrong.
There is a right and wrong way to use words. The New Testament spends many verses discussing this principle. Sinclair Ferguson is preaching at Desiring God’s National Conference this year on this subject. This brief video, giving a taste of what is to come, is very challenging in itself. If you have never heard of Sinclair Ferguson, get to know him, listen to him, read him. There are many men that impact my life and ministry. Outside of my father there are three men alive today that stand out clearly, Eric Alexander, Peter Jeffery, and Sinclair Ferguson. I could list others that shape my pastoral ministry, but these men shape my theological and teaching ministry. There is a depth, soberness, and sincerity about their preaching that I long for in my own.
I promise not to turn this blog into a sports blog, I will stick to theology and Christian living and a few family tidbits. However, the Rick Greenspan news story caused too much disturbance to simply let it go. Several months back we, IU Fans, watched a coach leave a program he did considerable damage to in his few years there. He resigned and was given $750,000 to buy out his contract. In what other line of work can one nearly run a business into the ground (they are awaiting sanctions, have self imposed sanctions, and do not have a single player left on the roster that Sampson recruited less than 5 months after his leaving) and walk away with as much money as many people will expect to make in a lifetime! Well, we now have to watch $441,000 more be given to the Athletic Director who took “a risk that should not have been taken” and hired Sampson. Again, a very nice severance package for a guy who has has “failed” in his job. Oh yeah, he got the rights to any book he may want to write too. Now there is a book not even Purdue fans will want to read. Did I mention we dished out $66,000 to buyout the assistant coach who helped Sampson break the rules while Greenspan was not watching? Doesn’t it seem like it is better to be really bad at a job and be employed by IU than to be really good at a job in the real world?
For the first time in a long time, since 2000, I am excited about the NBA Finals. This does not mean I will make a point to watch every game, but I hope to catch a bit of a few games. Why am I excited? It is the Celtics versus the Lakers! That pretty much sums up all the games that took place in the driveways of my neighborhood and parking lot next to my house when I was growing up. I was Larry Bird and my friends took the role of Magic Johnson. Today I was reminded that life is going quicker than I realize. Andrew Bynum, one of the Laker’s players, was not yet born the last time these two NBA powers met in the NBA finals. Wow! Go Celtics!
Boy do I love playing softball with everyone! I had forgotten how much I missed it. I love seeing everyone one extra time a week, I love cheering for others as they do well, I love watching the children play with each other during the game, I love how all the kids lineup after the games to run and hit like their dads and moms! With that in mind, I just want to remind everyone that we are setting examples for the younger ones and for anyone watching. Many times what we do speaks more loudly than what we say. Our kids and teenagers see things and are making mental notes based on our priorities. If dad can have the family re-arrange their schedule, including homework, meals, what time he gets out of work, etc. for a softball game, they begin to see that this is something dad really enjoys and thinks is important. If dad is exhausted from work, but is able to play softball that night it says something. What are they seeing by how we treat other, more central, church activities like worship, prayer meeting, and Sunday School?
We are taught in Scripture not to forsake the assembling of ourselves. This is a biblical command, something that is required of us, something that we ought to delight in as believers, and something that is good for our souls. Softball is for fun and extended fellowship. It can have a wonderful place in the life of a church. However, it is to add to or be extra to the faithful attendance and participation in the main corporate gatherings of the body. So, as much as I want to see many out at the softball diamond, I would much rather worship with you all, pray with you all, and learn from God’s word together. The best scenario is if we can Worship, Pray, Learn, and Play together. We need all of it, but we also need to make sure our priorities stay lined up.
I am officially back from vacation just in time to head south again to Together 4 the Gospel in Louisville. I need to clean up some business before I leave though. This years Reformed Roundball (March Madness Picks) had record participation (37) and featured one of the greatest come from behind wins ever. The prize for such a feat? Getting your picture on Blasted Gourd, and I may have to pull out my Mullet Trophy!
This years winner, the only one to pick Kansas to win it all, Shane Walden:
Rounding out the top 10
Beth Lutz, Joel Merck, Charles Lemons, Joey George, Tom Lutz, Eric Price, Angela Perry, Steve Jones, and Drew Nuce. Heather and I tied for 26th with Kara only one point behind! Thanks to all who participated.
I am officially announcing my humble nomination for the IU coaching vacancy; Coach Scott Drew! As I am sure you are a regular reader of BlastedGourds I thought this was the best place to post such a nomination. I have been a strong proponent of Bruce Pearl, but feel that Scott Drew has more to offer the IU program.
He is a young up and coming coach offering longevity to a program that is in deep need of stability
He is a proven recruiter of both talent and character
He has deep Indiana ties (Coaching both at Butler and Valpo) and could recruit the local talent
He can recruit international players as well!
His family is basketball rich. The history and deep rescources to depend upon would benefit IU.
He has proven his ability to resurrect a program that had nearly hit rock bottom at Baylor
He has a Judeo-Christian world view, and should bring ethics and strong character to the program
I love the competition of picking the Brackets. This year Reformed Round Ball has a great turn out so far! Those involved need some connection to Edgewood and an ability to figure out how to sign up at Yahoo. If you think you should be in this bracket competition and did not receive an invite, let me know quickly! The winner will get their picture posted here on Blasted Gourds!
Our competition is for fun only, no money involved.
Andy has been serving at Edgewood Baptist in full time ministry since 2000. He is a graduate of Cedarville College and Southern Seminary. He and his wife, Heather, have been married since 1997 and they have 3 children.
Art Monk was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame this past weekend. Heather and I caught the last few minutes of his acceptance speech and were very impressed. Being known as a quiet man, he had one of the most outspoken testimonies I have heard from a professional athlete. His son’s introduction solidified all that he proclaimed.
family tidbits. However, the Rick Greenspan news story caused too much disturbance to simply let it go. Several months back we, IU Fans, watched a coach leave a program he did considerable damage to in his few years there. He resigned and was given $750,000 to buy out his contract. In what other line of work can one nearly run a business into the ground (they are awaiting sanctions, have self imposed sanctions, and do not have a single player left on the roster that Sampson recruited less than 5 months after his leaving) and walk away with as much money as many people will expect to make in a lifetime! Well, we now have to watch 
For the first time in a long time, since 
week, I love cheering for others as they do well, I love watching the children play with each other during the game, I love how all the kids lineup after the games to run and hit like their dads and moms! With that in mind, I just want to remind everyone that we are setting examples for the younger ones and for anyone watching. Many times what we do speaks more loudly than what we say. Our kids and teenagers see things and are making mental notes based on our priorities. If dad can have the family re-arrange their schedule, including homework, meals, what time he gets out of work, etc. for a softball game, they begin to see that this is something dad really enjoys and thinks is important. If dad is exhausted from work, but is able to play softball that night it says something. What are they seeing by how we treat other, more central, church activities like worship, prayer meeting, and Sunday School?
I am officially announcing my humble nomination for the IU coaching vacancy; 
