The Profile of the Lukewarm

So we've been reading this book for our SMT discussions, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. While everything that Chan writes about is straight from the Bible, there is something about how he puts things that make his words so convicting.

The God of the universe, does not need us, yet He still loves us so much He continues to pursue us. The reverse is what we most commonly see. We need God, but often times we act like we don't want Him or that we don't really love Him, we just love his stuff.

"Even though we could die at any moment and generally think our puny lives are pretty sweet compared to loving Him, He persists in loving us with unending, outrageous love."
-Francis Chan, Crazy Love

In Chan's fourth chapter he gives various examples that would categorize different profiles of the "Lukewarm", or people who have become useless to God's cause through their actions and lack of conviction. The problem (or the answer) with the profiles that Chan presents, is I fall into just about everyone of them at some point or another. I struggle with some more than others, but I still know that I am guilty of just about everyone of them. Now I hope it is not just me, and I am pretty confident that I am not alone in this, but so many of us struggle to understand Christ's love before we are able to show it.

Is this because we are unable to fully understand unconditional love, or that our God would give us a gift of grace that we often times knowingly reject? Francis Chan starts our one of his chapters by saying just that... "Most of us, to some degree, have a difficult time understanding, believing, or accepting God's absolute unlimited love for us."

How could something so great, be so easily forgotten?

My best guess, and personal understanding, is that we relate our experiences with "love" (from friends, family, and even the love of ourselves), to God's love. We have trouble separating conditional, from unconditional.

Still, we know it... but we don't always act on it. Do we change our thoughts and actions, or do we keep on doing what we are doing without God. While I wish I could say that I love God so much that I am always aware of His love for me and that I live my life in accordance with His will and not my own, I cannot. Like so many others I have fallen into all of these categories of Lukewarmness. Here's Chan's short list of what many Christians do, believe, or think on a regular basis. Just a warning, it may hurt.

LUKEWARM people may still...
attend Church fairly regularly (it is what they believe a "good Christian" does)
give to charity and to church (as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living)

LUKEWARM people...
Tend to chose what is popular over what is right (they care more about what people think of their actions more than what God thinks)
Don't really want to be saved from their sin (they just want to be saved from the penalty of sin, is this new life really better than my old sinful one?)
Gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing their lives to others' (being better person does not make you a Christian)
Only allow Jesus in a section of their time, money, and thoughts... He isn't allowed to control their lives.
Love God, but not with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind.
tend to focus their love on others who will "love" them in return.
Do whatever is necessary to keep them from feeling to guilty.
Probably drink and swear less (but other than that they aren't much different from most other unbelievers)

Basically, we are all guilty of a lot of these things... but a life characterized by a pursuits of God and not a flee from punishment is the kind of love God wants from us. I had a hard time reading this chapter without trying to justify why I fell into some of these categories, And i kept thinking, "No way am I LUKEWARM."

The reality is, as Francis Chan puts it, none of us are immune to these actions and thoughts. The difference is a life that is characterized by these actions versus someone who consciously struggles to correct these issues of lukewarmness. I hope that I am struggling.

This leads me to my verse of the week.
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Draw near to God, pursue Him wholeheartedly and you will realize how He is in constant pursuits of you.

Good 'ol Californ-i-a

As history will show I am not the best at updating my blog. With what feels like 3 months of my life has been lived in the last week and a half, I'll give myself a break on this one. For those who have supported me in my work this summer and want to keep tabs, forgive my lack of responses... I hope it won't happen again.

Starting a week ago from Thursday (8 days ago) I was still in the great state of Tennessee, since then I have driven through 10 different states, made a two day visit to Colorado, Listened to Tony Dungy's book Quiet Strength on CD... twice... moved into my summer California residence, got situated in the Seahorse office, made it to 3 days of training and played in our match this evening... No wonder it felt like 3 months

While I could go into details on a lot of these events, time is just now starting to catch up with me and hopefully I won't find myself nearly as busy to where I can't make a weekly post, if not more regular than that.

The most recent event, our road game against Ventura County Fusion, was a lesson in itself. I found myself back in the action, exactly where I left off from last season. Unfortunately, my season ended last summer with a Concussion on the same field with a run in with the keeper... I had almost wished I had been knocked out this game. We lost 3-0, and I can't say I was pleased with my performance. We'll just say I had a lot more kinks to work out than I thought, and I took home quite a few lessons from this game.

Coach had enough confidence to start me at left back, which I thought may happen because I had a decent week of practice... but I still wouldn't bet my house on it, or my lunch money. The team seems to be a lot different from last year, we appear stronger in some areas and may need to focus more on different areas from last year. Either way, today was not only a bad day for myself... it didn't seem to be anyone's day in general. The performance overall was tough to watch I am sure, but hopefully we can put this one behind us and look forward to our Sunday game against the O.C. Blue Stars.

It's always hard accepting not playing (or performing) to your potential... and not only in soccer, but in other aspects of life. I don't believe anything in life is guaranteed, and that often times the best things in life require a lot of work. I was definitely reminded how much more work other players have been putting into their soccer than myself. I was also reminded of a few things Coach Dungy said in his book, which I listened to twice on my way to Colorado and California. First, I have to take this loss just like any other loss, learn from it and move past it. Second, I can't blame anyone team member, the officials, or even myself for our loss (no excuses, no explanations). And lastly, if I want to get back to where I want to be as a soccer player, I need to start doing the easy things (simple things) better than anyone else... and that my friends, is where I am going to start- the basics.

Hopefully the overall attitude of the team recognizes the areas in which we need to change, but also understands that we have to cut our loss and move on to Sunday's game and try it again, but this time doing the simple things more consistently and with more energy.

That's it for now. Hope to update you all soon about my job duties and other cool things happening in the Seahorse office.

Blessings,

Cyrus

Reflection Time...

Sorry there hasn't been an update on how things have been going for awhile...  But since the last couple weeks of the season, finishing camps, driving home, and now back to Tennessee, I have had very little time to sit down and write out my thoughts regarding just the last month, let a lone my whole summer.  The bad part about blogging is when you get behind, there is so much you want to talk about, but continually find less time to talk about more happenings.  However I think I have figured out a way to adequately reflect on my summer of playing soccer, loving people, and being encouraged to do as much of those as possible...  I'll put up some pictures, and you know what they say about pictures... they paint a thousand words... or something.

The trip to Pinotepa and Ometepec in the south west pacific coast of Mexico was great... My eyes were opened to so much in terms of ministry and culture.  A culture so consumed by soccer provided us with an amazing platform for ministry...  even if they weren't interested in hearing our story at half time or after the game, they still wouldn't miss the opportunity to see there hometown players play against a group of Americans.  This trip challenged me in so many ways in dealing with so many people... my teammates, the missionaries we partnered with, the players we played against, the fans who watched us play, and the churches who helped us a long the way.  The amount of contact we made was incredible and hopefully it's a project that the Seahorse organization can continue to follow up with in the years to come.

Seahorse Soccer Camps- "All My Might"- Colossians 1:29 "And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power which mightily works within me."  That was the theme verse for our week of camp... on top of our soccer curriculum of dribbling, passing, shooting, heading and defending, we also had a bible curriculum which focused on what it means to love God with all our might.  Topics included what is so mighty about might, loving god with all our might, when our might isn't enough, and the gospel which represents God's might power.  Every thursday was decision day...  we would use the evangecube and tell the kids the story of Jesus on the cross and what that means for us.  It was great to see kids make personal decisions to follow Christ through our camps, and to be able to sit down and talk to them personally about these decisions...  I don't think I will be able to view soccer camps in the same way ever again. The pictures below include pictures from decision day, coaches campers game, jersey day, and crazy hair day. 

coaches campers game

Jersey Day

Jersey day with the Chik-fil-a Cow

Crazy hair day (with my mustache)

Decision day/coaches time

On top of our missions trip, and camps, we still had our PDL season...  we finished the season 4-4-8 right in the middle of the pack...  It was a tough season, the demographics of the team always seems to be changing.  I found myself playing all positions again, which is something that I have been used to doing in the past.  Except now the competition was even higher.  I can honestly say that growth came in all areas this summer...  Faith, soccer, and relationships... Being on a team of quality soccer players who could also encourage me spiritually is not a situation you will often find yourself in.  Yet the bar has been set, and I have a good idea of what it means to bring Christ central to competition... which is something that I have struggled with my whole life, balancing Christ and soccer.  The pictures below are just various pictures throughout the season...

Game vs. LA Legends

Getting announced

Home game vs Ventura

Me being a dork... walking out to the field.

Away game at Ventura, I ended up getting knocked out this game with a run in with the keeper.  Uncle Chip and my parents were there for that one.

Me and fellas for our last home game together.  Solid bunch of dudes.  

For one of my last home games, my parents were able to come watch me play as well as a few of my uncles (dad's brothers) who were currently living in California.  It was great for me to catch up with my parents and play in front of my Uncle Chip since he had never been able to attend any of my high school or college matches, yet he was always able to remain one of my biggest fans and closest supporters.  Being able to spend time with Chip, Doug, my parents and even some new friends John and Ryan was a good way for me to wind down the season.  I don't know how much soccer I have left in my future, but it wouldn't have felt right without being able to play in front of Uncle Chip.  (Pictures compliments of Chip, thanks!)

My cousin Coryn was there too!

Coryn lives in Newport, unfortunately I didn't get to see her until the 4th of July and she was able to make it to a few of my games shortly there after. 

The Webb family- (Left to Right) Bethany, Robb, Myself, Faith, and Melanie.  This was my host family for the summer and some of my biggest fans.  Unfortunately they had to leave before my last week there to go on vacation so this was our last day together before our game that evening.  I was truly blessed to live with such a generous family and felt more like a member of the family than a guest in their house.  

On my way back to TN I was able to spend some time in Colorado with a lot of cool people...  The Suttons were a family that my parents had met only once before but were able to get to meet the whole family, (Left to right- Heather, Vickie, Stormin Norman, Ryan, Myself, Mom, Cristina, and Dad) and instantly hit it off with everyone... The best part was all of us kids were the same age and just had a blast going hiking, cliff jumping, sight seeing, and playing board games till the wee hours of the morning.  

I want to say that for the most part sums up my summer in California... there's just no way.  I know there is stuff missing here or there.  The experience was invaluable, and you can't even try to quantify the amount of learning that took place this summer.  I was constantly reminded that God is everywhere, working in everyone, even when they are unaware of it... and often times I am unaware to God working around me.  I don't know where this experience fits into God's big plan for me, I met a lot of people who I feel have been very influential in my life this summer and can see working with them again in the future loving people together...  I can say that I am very excited about the new stage of my life which begins soon here in Nashville.  In a week I will start training for my new job working campus recreation and have been accepted as a graduate student into Belmont's grad program.  

I originally started this blog to keep you all posted on how my summer has been going.  I do not know if I will continue to blog or not... but as this new job unfolds I may consider putting my thoughts down and just to discuss how God's been challenging me.  Thanks again to all those who helped me in making this summer possible, it was a true blessing.

-Cyrus

UPDATED- Fotos de Mexico

Here are the updated photos from out Mexico trip, including games and clinics!  Enjoy!

At Aculpoco getting ready to fly back

Me and Kramer in Ometepec for our last game.

Me and Nate working with some kids during one of the morning clinics, we'd do clinics and invite them to come to our games.

Line-up

Shaking hands before the game

Pablo Shedd at the field in Pinotepa

Action photo, good shot of the stands.

Nate was our ringer, he was the Missionary kid we picked up who could play some ball.

Beginning stages of Sr. Bigote

Clinics with the kids during the PE classes.

Party truck we drove around Ometepec blasting music and promoting our game.

Kramer, Pablo, and German with some of the players we played against in Pinotepa- This was after our dinner with them.

Pinotepa game and fans... the fans actually lined up around most of the field but those were the only stands to sit in.

My coach sharing his testimony at half time- Pablo translating

The Crew at our hotel in Pinotepa.

Paul Gizzie- The Don/Grandpa/Abuelo/The Silver Fox... Ready to go.

In Ometepec outside our hotel on the calle (street).

Headless Joe

O.J.

Welcome to Ometepec

Catholic Church in the Center of Ometepc, huge!  John Brooks and Josiah talking with Dr. Norman...

View from the Party Truck- Driving through the Streets.

After our dinner with the opposing teams in Pinotepa.

John checking out the trash on the side of the road-

Same Catholic Church in the center of Ometepec.

Eder gave Josiah, Matt and Myself all signed shirts to remember him by...  Naturally I got the pink one.

The Woods, the Missionary family who made our trip possible!

Me showing off my bigote at the airport before returning home... the 'stache is enhanced when accompanied by a sombrero and musical instruments...  no doubt. 

Team Yaaaa mooonnnn! Go Jamaica!

Thanks to "Intern Ashley" (that's what I call her) working for the Seahorses we have some great photos from camps that I can put up...  So far camps have been going good, this is our first week and we are just getting into the camp routine, but things are starting to smooth themselves out.  

My group of kids meets by the Jamaican flag, so we have decided to call ourselves "Team Ya Mon", naturally...  I'll be sure to add more photos and update more information as the weeks go on camps but they have been great.  We get participate in crazy sock day, crazy hair day, favorite jersey day, and all sorts of fun stuff that a big kid like me loves to do.  As you can see they keep me smiling and hopefully these young ones will walk away from camp with Jesus on their hearts and in their minds.  

Everyday has a theme verse that includes a skit during "half-time" followed by a bible story-  the theme and verse for the week of camp is "All My Might- Colossians 1:29 and for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."  

It really has been an awesome experience being able to work in an environment like the Seahorse organization...  can't tell you all how much I've learned already in my first month of being here.  We have a game tomorrow night so I'll be sure to update you all as soon as this camp schedule allows.  Blessings,

-Cyrus 

Me being the Commissioner for World Cup- I make the trades.

Brian sniffing his ball during warm up.

Crazy sock day.

Scott- He's my little Ukranian Baller.

Rockin Raquel

Mateo!

"Ball on your head shows me your listening!"- what i tell the kids when they are running all over the place.

Golden Holden

Team Ya Mon!

Sunz out gunz out!