Kendrick Vinar

Kendrick on the power of initiation from Kendrick Vinar on Vimeo.

Tiger Woods made his first public statement in three months today. Here’s the transcript: http://bit.ly/bXtjgo

Tiger should be given a lot of space and grace. He did an amazing job humbling himself and taking full responsibility for his actions. He wasn’t blame shifting or making excuses. He is deeply sorry.

My heart goes out to Tiger. I’ve been a huge fan. I just wish he got the concept of forgiveness. Tiger said, “I have a lot to atone for.” Although he took full responsibility for his mistakes he never brought up the issue of forgiveness. His goal is to rehabilitate himself so that through being a better person he can atone for what he did wrong and have us believe in him again.

Wow… so very different than the gospel. The gospel says that we do better because we have been forgiven. Our sins are atoned for because of the good actions of someone else – Jesus. Our faith is in God who forgives not in ourselves to do better. Forgiveness is granted because a person humbly asks. Trust is restored because a forgiven person’s actions prove trustworthy.

Bubba Watson tweeted this morning: “Morning All! Tiger speaks today, but we all need to ask forgiveness because we all SIN and make mistakes!! GOD FORGIVES! #loveeveryone ” I love it! God forgives, but forgiveness does need to be asked for. I teach my kids the difference between “I am sorry” and “Will you forgive me?” – big difference!

I am praying for Tiger and his family. So grateful for God’s grace and forgiveness. How I want everyone to experience it. Except for the grace of God, there go I. It’s level ground at the foot of the cross.

Here’s one sign of a good friend: someone who can really be happy for you when you’re happy. And… someone who can be bummed with you when you’re bummed. Unfortunately, we can often be self-centered or just busy and not slow down to empathize with others.

Have you ever called a friend and just wanted to share some good news? It’s so great when someone listens wells and is just excited with you. It’s a drag when the person hardly hears you or one ups you with what’s been even more amazing in his/her life.

Have you ever called a friend to dump your rotten day and vent? One person simply listens empathetically and you’re deeply helped by sharing your heart and processing. Another tries to fix the situation, and you hang up frustrated.

There’s a time for problem solving or even having a tough conversation. Just don’t start there.

The Bible gives us this practical insight on being a good friend: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15 [show]<div class="esv"><h2>Romans 12:15 <object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.esvapi.org/assets/play.swf?myUrl=hw%2F45012015" width="40" height="12" class="audio"><param name="movie" value="http://www.esvapi.org/assets/play.swf?myUrl=hw%2F45012015" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /></object></h2> <div class="esv-text"><p id="p45012015.01-1"><span class="verse-num" id="v45012015-1">15&nbsp;</span>Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (<a href="http://www.esv.org" class="copyright">ESV</a>)</p> </div> </div>
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Take the great advice and practice it on others. Slow down. Tune in. You’ll be a true friend by simply rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Our family picked up an evening tradition from the Jim & Phyllis Reklis. It’s a dinner game called “high low.”

At dinner we go around the table and everyone tells two things from their day. What was one high? What was one low? It’s a fun way to hear about everyone’s day. I actually learn some fun things about my kids.

Here’s an interesting thing. Amelia (3) hasn’t figured out the difference between a high and a low. Her high and her low are always both fun highs. Hmmm… something about child-like faith and such a happy view of the world.