My Basketball Days

Last week I did something I didn't think I would be doing at my age. I bought a brand new pair of Nike basketball shoes. The reason I bought them is because I have been playing in a church basketball league this winter. We will be wrapping up our season soon, but I have been having a blast with the guys who allowed the 'old guy' to play with them.

All my life I have loved basketball. I didn't play in high school because it was an 'evil, worldly, amusement'. I found it interesting that although my religion didn't allow us to play in school, it was fine to play on the playground, at youth camp, in the park, etc etc. So I took full advantage and played every chance I had. My dad bought a goal for me and put it at the end of a small patio in our backyard. He and my mother will never know how much fun I had and I owe them a lot of thanks. That little patio became 'barnhill arena' and I was the 'razorback team'. I mean in my mind I could be Sidney Moncrief, Marvin Delph, and Ron Brewer all at the same time. It was fun.

When I went to college, I played all the time. I was in top shape and often we ran eight to ten straight games of full court ball. I could jump and shoot back then. At 5' 11" I could dunk a volleyball and could dunk a basketball if someone 'ooped' it to me. Throughout my life I have enjoyed getting to play in various venues, with all types of people.

I cannot tell you how many pair of tennis shoes I have gone through. Let's just say many! I have always wondered when I would buy that last pair and when my playing days would be over. Having gone through a knee surgery and an ankle reconstruction, I figured it would have been before now. But guess what? I am blessed to still be playing.

My team-mates are great guys too. I owe them alot of thanks for letting me get out there with them and act like a teenager again. Let me introduce you to them....they are...Marvelous Matt Markle, Bradley Hangtime Hampton, Mitch MJ Hubbard, Mean Michael Garr, Alan Git-er-done Anderson, Billy Bad-boy Anderson, Allen 'Big Al', Josh Napster Napier, Jonathan Johnnnnny Branson,Tyrell Tatoo Shelly and yours truly. We have had a great time this season playing for NLT. Our record is about 500...meaning we have won as many as we lost. Considering this being our first go around, I think we did fine. There are some really good teams out there. I think on a good night we are capable of beating any of them.

This past week, with two of our guys out, we took on a good team. I felt good and even made about 13 points in the game. I think it must have been the shoes, or the fact that Trish was there to root for me. Anyway, when I took those new shoes off that night, I was grateful to still be having fun, and getting some exercise on the court. I don't know when I will unlace them for the last time, but for now, there is no end in sight. With a little luck, I'll buy a new pair next year when these are worn out.

I hope all my teammates know I appreciate being with them and I think they are all wonderful men. Good luck in the tourney guys.

Tim

Russ Taff is Coming to NLT...and I am stoked about it!!

In case you haven't heard, Russ Taff is coming to hold a concert at New Life Tabernacle on March 7th, 2009. (Tickets can be purchased through the church office) I couldn't be more excited! This is an opportunity that I never dreamt would come my way in my lifetime.

Russ Taff's music has been an inspiration to me personally for most of my life. I had no idea that Russ walked a pathway in his early years that I would walk in my own life years later. That being, to transition from strict 'holiness' denomination to a position of biblical Grace. Although I was loyal, at the time, to my upbringing, I found myself drawn to his music and especially lyrics that spoke of a bigger picture of the Body of Christ. I recall a line from "You're my Brother, You're my Sister" that says, "Sometimes its hard for me to understand, why we pull away from each other so easily even tho we are walking the same road....if you believe in Jesus you belong with me and the bond we share is all I care to see..." Man, that is some powerful stuff that finally came to fruition in my own life years later.

In the days of the Imperials, I saw Russ sing in Barnhill arena. He was easy to spot with his long hair, a characteristic that made him taboo to some in my circle of friends. However, the anointing on his singing was and is still undeniable. Perhaps this is why Billboard Magazine touts him as, "The most electrifying voice in gospel music." I recognize it as the anointing of God upon him.

Russ sings with passion rarely seen in vocalists today. He enjoys the concert and puts his whole heart into it. While I am writing this a whole list of his songs pour through my mind like crystal water. He can take an old hymn too, and do it up like you have never heard in your life! Chills will run the length of your body when he sings one of his most popular tunes, "Praise the Lord." He can rock the house for the youth, or he can slow it down and do some Southern stuff for the older folks. His wide-range appeal is second to none!

I could go on and on, but let me just thank my wife, Trish, and all the folks who have pulled this together to help celebrate our twenty years of ministry here at New Life. On the evening of March 7th, my dad's birthday, I am going to enjoy to the hilt what will be one of the greatest evenings of my life! I hope as many of you as can will enjoy it along with me.

Whether you are a long time fan or whether you will be hearing Russ for the first time, you will not go away disappointed. Google his name and check out his homepage. You will be amazed at the list of awards he has received during his life. God has truly given me a gift when He allowed this talented man, and one who has influenced me heavily, to come to our church for a concert. I hope you can tell...I am stoked about it!

Can't wait to jam!!

Tim