As stated in previous writing I come from the world of track and field. The 2 hardest races in track they say is 400 hurdles and the 800m. I ran both races in college. I began to understand my mind was more important than my body. My mind must rule my body. if my body rules then when it gets tough, succumbing to the pain soon follows.

We all have the ability to conquer and successfully navigate this race. We need to be prepared well physically and mentally. A good coach is imperative. Anyone can tell another to run 1 lap as fast as you can and by the way jump over 10 hurdles in the process. An athlete needs a great coach to lead and guide them, if they are to achieve greatness.

I had the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches of all time in track and field (Tom Tellez). This man coached Carl Lewis and many other Olympians, NCAA champions, All-Americans. One of the things he instructed me to do as i ran, 'when your technique beaks down stop running.' This of course was during practice. In practice building strength to maintain proper technique for the entirety of the race was an important objective . It is amazing what happens to the mind once the body gives. My mind would need to dictate to my body how to run. This revelation dramatically changed me as a runner. As long as i abide by this principle remaining strong throughout the sprint became attainable. This gives me my best chance for success in the race.

A coach plays a large role in guiding the athlete to success or failure. If i were to take any one of you to a track what would you want to hear if i was going to have you sprint one lap and clear 10 hurdles? Would you want to hear 'Alrightyou are out of shape, you can't run, your insides are going to feel like they are on your outsides, your legs are going to feel like you have bricks tied to your feet, oh and if you happen to make it past the 8th hurdle your going to feel like a gorrilla jumped on your back, and if you make it to the 10th and final hurdle it's as tall as the Empire State Building, just leap over in a single bound just like superman... go get 'em tiger!

OR

Would you rather a coach tell you everything you need to know and to think which gives you the best possible chance to get to the finish? How about something like this 'Are you ready? When the gun goes get out quick and fast to the first hurdle, maintain speed into the next hurdle, keep your chest tall, stay relaxed with the arms, fast through the 3rd hurdle, now elongate your stride for the next 3 hurdles and mentally gear up for the last 150m when you are in the top of the turn pick up your arm speed, add a stride after hurdle 7 and lets use a quicker turnover pattern. As you get into #8 really accelerate through come off the hurdle pumping your arms and think of staying tall and lift the knees. Stay relaxed as you drive down the home straight away, aggressively take #10 look to the line with determination to win.'

Which coach are you going to hire?

I have been listening to Joel Olsteen over the last month. I have heard pastors publicly criticize Joel and others like him. Why does he have so many people wanting to listen to what he has to say? (I do not know him personally but not many of us have the opportunity to really know our pastor's outside of the pulpit. If given the opportunity I like to know someone well if i am going to let them have a voice of influence.) After listening to Joel I feel lifted up on the inside. I walk away feeling as if the day is a little brighter as if there is heaven on this Earth. God does care about me and he does want blessing in my life.

Joel, using Scripture, opens my eyes allowing me to navigate through the 10 hurdles of life and get to the finish line. To many times I have walked into a church and walked out feeling like the dirt on the bottom of my shoe. I feel no hope. I know Christ came here to earth to die for my sins, it is a must. I do not want to be shamed into my relationship with Christ. I know he is stronger than any one on this Earth. I know I try to dethrone him on a daily basis.

I want to enjoy my relationship with Jesus. I want to know he is uplifitng me at all times. I want to know I have a chance to win this race. I do believe Joel lets us in on the 'other side'. The other side being a life without Christ as the center. He pastor's to his audience by leading them to what and how to recieve God's belssings. He is opening my eyes to break down walls that limit me to a life that Satan would love for me to have due to my lack of belief. I want my eyes and mind to be opened so I can successfully navigate this race. I want to do more than get to the 10th hurdle. I want to get to the 10th hurdle with a chance to win the race!

There is no perfect organization when it comes to human beings. I really think there is something wrong in the Church today. There are many of us the make up the church and it is hard for many to line up on the same page. What is the solution? 'Iron sharpen iron as does one man to another.' When two iron heads collide sparks fly. Over time they melt together becoming one due to the friciton/heat. Whatever the exact solution is I am sure it will take a few collisions with a few sparks.