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Lion Chaser Monday-Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy is a rare man. It’s not because he was the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl. It’s not because he’s one of only 3 men to win a Super Bowl as a player and a coach. It’s not even because he walked away from coach at the top of his game. No, Tony Dungy is rare in that he has accomplished all of this with a level of integrity and depth of faith and character that is “Uncommon.” He may well be the most respected man in and around the NFL. He left coaching to pursue a higher calling: helping young people. His highest profile case so far is Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Michael Vick whom Dungy took under his wing while Vick was serving prison time for running an illegal dog fighting ring. My respect for him only grew as he endured the toughest thing a parent can face, the tragic loss of his son, with bravery, dignity, and hope. Here are some comments on that event and a great testimony from a Super Bowl breakfast a few years ago.

He is Lion Chaser because of his pursuit to serve Christ to the best of his abilities and use the platform he has been given to make a difference. To find out more about him you can visit his bio here or his home page here. On top of all of this, he is a best selling author of two great books, Quiet Strength and Uncommon. There are also small group materials available. Tony Dungy: a class act, a great coach, and a true Lion Chaser.

Healthy Eating

My eyes have recently been opened to the fact that many of the foods I was eating were literally poisoning my body. I have been scared straight as far as examining what I eat and moderating my portions. It’s time for healthy eating. Now, I’m not starving myself or anything drastic like that, but we all could make smarter, healthier food choices. Over at the Food Network site they have an entire section of healthy recipes and meal ideas. Think about what your life would be like if you:

1. Took the time with your spouse to prepare a healthy meal.

2. Took the time to enjoy that meal with your family while your phones and TV were turned off.

3. Took the time to talk to your family about purpose, passion, and possibilities.

Chances are you’re thinking, “Dude, who has time for healthy eating? We’ve got this practice and that game and blah blah blah. We hardly ever eat together.” Is it any wonder that the divorce rate is so high? We have removed “quality time” from our lives and let activities plan our days for us. It’s time to slow down, get in the kitchen, and dust off the dinner table. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some healthy eating to plan.

World Hope International

Discovering your purpose and passion has only one logical conclusion: taking action. When our purpose and passion collide God opens a world of possibilities to us. I heard a pastor say once,”If you’re not serving then you’re not satisfied.” Hopefully, this website will do two things.

1. Answer the “What can I do?” question.

2. Motivate you to take action and begin serving others.

“World Hope International is a faith based relief and development organization alleviating suffering and injustice through education, enterprise and community health.”-from their website.

They offer many opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and talents to make a difference in the lives of people around the world. They have a child sponsorship program, and a program, Hope Corps, that provides short-term and long-term relief work opportunities. We worked with them when our church did relief work for Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. They were great to work with and one of my friends lead close to a dozen trips out of their base down there. They are leading the fight against human trafficking, educating those in poverty around the world, working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, providing Microfinance loans to small business owners and many other worthy causes. So, whether it’s giving of your time, money, prayers, or energy, this is a great place to put your faith into action. To catch just a glimpse of what they’re all about check out this video on their Abstinence education program, Reach4Life.

You Were Born For This

One of the goals of Chase Your Lion dot com is to help people realize the daily possibilities that God has for us. How often have we let opportunities to change someone’s life pass us by because we weren’t focused or were too busy? In his latest book, You Were Born for This, Bruce Wilkinson tackles the issue of people finding those daily works God has planned for them. Wilkinson is the author of the best-selling The Prayer of Jabez which changed the way many people pray. He helped move us from small prayers to big prayers. Now his goal seems to be to move us from meaningless actions to eternity altering acts of love and kindness. His books are easy to read but challenging and many of them have helped millions of people in their journey of faith. May these resources spur you on as you Chase Your Lion!

Debt Can Kill Your Passion

As you’re moving along in life there are moments when an opportunity arises and you are so ready to take the next step. The only problem is there is something holding you back. Something keeping you in your dead end job. Something that prevents you from taking a step of faith and really Chasing Your Lion. Too many times, that something is debt. Too many times, we don’t live within our means and as a result we are unable to make a move when the opportunity arises. Debt is a killer. It makes you think your purpose in life is to work and make money. It makes you think that passion has no place in your life because all you’re concerned with is working and making money no matter what the cost is to your health, your family, or your relationship with God. How many marriages have crumbled under the weight of debt? How many people have ruined their health with the stress that debt brings? Dave Ramsey has become the foremost Christian voice in the past 5 years when it comes to debt and financial wisdom. His nationally syndicated radio show is listened to by millions while his nightly show on the Fox Business Network is widely watched as well. His book, The Total Money Makeover is a best seller that I recommend to all couples that I marry. Dave has produced many resources that have helped people get of debt, stay out of debt, never get into debt and Chase Their Lion. His website is www.daveramsey.com where he has many tools available to help in your journey to financial freedom.

It’s Pastor Appreciation Month!

1. Sad that the Red Sox went out without a whimper. Here’s hoping the Angels put the Yankees in a world of hurt and that the Phillies win it all. It’s amazing that Charlie Manual was on the hot seat for so long in Philly, and now his job is as safe as anyone’s whether they win or lose. He’s a perfect fit for that team and they are coming together at just the right time. I haven’t bought my train ticket for the victory parade yet, but I told Karen this morning that I’m going when they win it all again. So, to all you Chi United folks, anyone got room on the couch for me?

2. If President Obama really wants to put the rest all the hubbub over his winning the Nobel Peace Prize then he’ll do an intervention with Jon and Kate and help them patch up their marriage so all of America can get on with our lives and see new faces on magazine covers.

3. Finally, it’s Pastor Appreciation month. It is NOT the thought that counts when no thought is put into a gift. To help you in your search for the perfect gift I’ve compiled some suggestions and options over at Chase Your Lion dot com.