Crossfit

(This is called a prowler. A sled we push around at Crossfit. Check out the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8jEGVDjFBM)

About 7 weeks ago, Jessica and I dropped our membership at the YMCA and stepped into the world of Crossfit. Now I had heard of Crossfit before, but I had no idea just how much it would change my outlook on health and fitness.

Crossift is an organization that designed workouts for Navy Seals. The goal was to create the a fitness program to develop speed, agility, strength, endurance, and mental toughness. But the catch is that it had to take the least amount of time possible. This program had to take less than 30 minutes!

Years later, Crossfit has grown to become a successful organization that is increasing people's level of fitness around the world. Crossfit has planted instructors inside gyms all across the country to coach and teach their philosophy of fitness. And in my opinion, I have yet to find a better method!

Not only does Crossfit develop individual fitness, but it is taking strides in developing community, giving, and service. Last Saturday, I participated in my first gym-wide workout (which the entire organization of Crossfit participated in) called "The Fight Gone Bad." This was not only an extreme workout. It was an event in which all participants raised money for 3 charities....The Livestrong Foundation, The Wounded Warriors Foundation, and the Crossfit Foundation. Each of these foundations are actively changing lives for hurting people around the world. And in my opinion, this is the kind of gym that is worth being a part of. Not a gym filled with mirrors to promote self-consumption. But a gym filled with people working together for greater goals of fitness, community, and service!

Check it out!

Jarred

Mile High Football

Do you remember answering this question... "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

For most kids, we get answers like...Astronaut, Artist, Professional Football Player, Dancer, or Jedi Knight.

For me, I always dreamed of being a basketball coach. This year, I get my first opportunity to do the next best thing. I am a Middle School football coach! And I can think of few things beside Christ, family, camp, and friends that get me more excited and passionate. There's something about working with awkward, crazy, and un-fazed junior high boys that gets me excited. It reminds me of past days of the newness of athletics and the joy of team.

While I don't think Mile High Football is going change any lives this year, I do pray that these boys learn something more than just how to make a hit or run the football. I pray that they each find someone in their life who cares about them. That they learn that a one man team never got anything done. That it took an entire teams effort, encouragement, and enthusiasm to get through each game. That football points to one of God's greatest desires for all people. That we would be one team!

Jarred

In the Name of the Father and the Son....

Weird how Christianity, at least for me, has always revolved around 2 Identities of God. God the father and Jesus. The 3rd part, however, has been put aside. The Holy Spirit isn't a popular topic to talk about in the American Church. I don't know if it just doesn't preach well with people or what, but it is rarely spoken of. Perhaps because of the label that is given with Christians who emphasize the Spirit like hyper-spiritualists of ultra charismatics. It seems as though most people are just afraid of the Holy Spirit because of the unknown. While churches across American preach every Sunday about God the Father and His son, Jesus, few are willing to venture into the less explained and experienced knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

If this is you right now, then I highly reccommend Francis Chan's latest book, Forgotten God. I have found it to be super challenging and a great reminder that Christ is alive in me. That it is to my advantage that Jesus died on the cross so that the Spirit could live in me. That the Spirit prays for me, convicts me, and leads me to repentance.

So the question is....What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life? Does it even have a role?