“This crowd gave me wings…”

“This crowd gave me wings.  It was one of the best races of my life…” ~ Canada’s speedskating Olympian, who scored the bronze medal in the 5000-meter race, the last race of her career.

That’s what we’re supposed to do for each other in this counter-cultural Olympic race we run as Christians.  It’s not easy, and the cheering on we receive can make all the difference between winning or giving up on the sidelines.

Who have you encouraged today, be it with a written note of thanks, a pat on the back, a prayer of support, a hug?  Go on! Give someone wings!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“…. encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessa lonians 5:14

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

The Olympian’s Prayer:

“Oh, Father in heaven, You love me so much and want me to be a winner.  And You are “able to make all grace abound to [me], so that in all things at all times, having all that [I] need, [I] will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)  Please show me how to encourage my friends and family to be winners.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Do you have a life coach?  Mine is Jesus Christ. Click the pic below to join His team:

Speedskaters photo from: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/10/26/sports/olympics/27celski_ringsblog/blogSpan.jpg

Start at the top. It’s all downhill from there

Downhill from where? From the safety of his wings, of course…

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4

From what hill are you hurtling yourself on a daily basis?  The speeds are astronomical, the turns death-defying.  Are you prepared?

“I knew what I had to do, I knew what type of run I needed to take. I had to attack and I did that,” she added. “I made it down. It’s awesome, it’s all I ever wanted.” ~~ Lindsey Vonn, Olympic gold, Women’s Downhill, 2010 Olympics.

Do you have a plan of attack?  Do you know what you have to do, what type of run you need to take?  Start on His hill:

“ To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.” ~~ Psalm 3:4

To win,  you need a good coach.  Mine is Jesus.  He’d love to coach you through your day to day route.  Click the pic below to hear how you can join his team.

Lindsey Vonn

The Victor’s prayer:  Oh Lord, You are and You are a Rewarder of them that seek You. (Hebrews 11:6)  I am seeking you now because I want to start each day on the heights with You, knowing” it’s all downhill from there” .  Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen!”

Start on His hill…Your soul He will fill…with truth, peace, and love…and help from above…to choose the best way…as you go through your day….

So grab the Bible and read…tell Him all of your need…He’ll listen, He will…when you start on His hill. (G. Young)

Lessons from the Luge

click pic for source

Ever feel like an Olympic luger, racing through life so fast any little bump or hole could hurl you over the edge?  Maybe you need to slowwwww dowwwwwwn.  The 2010 Lenten Season is upon us and Christians of all faiths are more and more taking advantage of this time of reflection and repentance to slow down, take a deep breath in and out, and strengthen their faith for the race ahead.

My friend, Amy, recently wrote a great post on the subject.  Grab a cup of tea and enjoy: Looking to Lent

p.s. please pray for the family of Olympic luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili as they cope with their loss.

photo borrowed from the Telegraph.co.uk. Click on image for full story.