BJ and I liked to play chess together. It was interesting to watch his mind work as we played. When he was younger, he didn't win much (unless he had "unrecognized help"). When he won, he would show such joy and elation. He'd share it with anyone who would listen. As he grew a little older, he began to recognize the "help" he was getting, and insist it be withdrawn. He also started to win on occasion.

In the last year or so, he used planned strategies. He won more often. He didn't get any less excited about it, either. The thing was, he got to be better than I was, but didn't realize it. Because I was his dad, he just thought I was invincible. As I watched his strategies unfold, I was often sucked in, and he would have me on the run. That's why it was so interesting to me that he would seem to lose focus as the game wore on, and I would regain the upper hand.

The more I thought about this, the more I realized that our lives are often lived just like that, in regards to our relationship with Christ. We are thrilled when He uses us to achieve victory. We grow from the experience, and are better equipped to deal with a similar issue the next time. We know our Father is invincible, and that He is all powerful, yet we get distracted, start focusing perhaps on glory we might receive, and we get blindsided, even defeated!

We have to remember that "the enemy is prowling like a lion, looking for who he can devour." BJ came back from his first Peru trip all fired up about Ephesians 6, and putting on the full armor of God. He began teaching it to Sunday School Classes, youth groups, again, anyone who would listen! He understood how important it is to have the armor on for defensive purposes, and yet to be armed with your sword for offensive purposes (thanks for the reminder aj).

BJ got excited about ideas and/or strategies that made sense. He was passionate and intense over these kinds of issues. His good friend Jack stated it well at Beej's Memorial Celebration, when he said "when BJ spoke to you, you knew he was talking to the masses." That he would carry that much passion into a one on one conversation could have been intimidating. Instead, I think most people he had those conversations with were moved, and in some cases went out and did likewise.

Oh that we would proclaim our passion for Christ to the world with the joy and elation of a child.


Deanna is back to teaching for her first day, today. Whitney had a tough afternoon emotionally, yesterday...it was wonderful to see her home for dinner! Kim, Abbey, Megan, and Crazy Megan are taking care of Lauren...thanks daughters!!

Serving the King beside you,

dad