As I write this it is 1am CST on Thursday, March 1 (happy birthday Gegot!), and I cannot sleep. I attribute that to the Coke I drank about 2hrs ago. Caffeine withdrawal headaches are mean. I went all day Tuesday without a Coke, and paid the price on Wednesday. Wednesday was probably my 2nd worst day in this job.
My first major task for the GAC was to book hotel rooms for the conference MBB and WBB teams who would be participating in our conference tournament here in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where I am writing from. Coming into Bartlesville, I was confident that all rooms were secure and accounted for. Around 4pm CST Wednesday I found out just how wrong I was. There was one AD that I just completely forgot to book, so that was my fault. There were about four other instances where the hotels dropped the ball as well. My representative with the Bartlesville Sports Commission is a saint, an angel, etc. God used her in miraculous ways today, and we were able to place everyone in a room Wednesday night with issues to be sorted out for the remaining nights, hopefully. Even I changed rooms tonight! I went from having 2 Queen beds to 1 King to help our GAC Sports Network guys out, so that was a blessing. I am writing this as a testament to how awesome God is even when I drop the ball.
I was also reminded of something powerful, and I must chronicle it. I do not care if 'chronicle' is not a verb, I just made it one. It struck me as powerful that Jesus Himself was humble enough to be born in a manger in a city where there was no room for Him in an inn. He could have been born in a palace, surrounded by servants, etc. Instead He chose a manger surrounded by animals and smelly shepherds. I remember the ordeal today where an AD did not have a room, and it still mortifies me. Granted, it is my job to supply the rooms, and for the most part they were all ready, but still...it is expected, nothing less than the best. I am not saying the AD should be prepared to sleep outside, not at all. Surely, I would relinquish my own room and sleep in my truck (Scarlet made the trip to OK!) than have my failure cause a detriment to someone else. I hate failure, yet I fail so much. My greatest fear is to fail the GAC, which means I fail UGA, which means I fail my family, etc. By the grace of God, through the BSC and Conoco-Philips, all of the GAC affiliates have a place to lay their heads tonight...and I cannot sleep. The irony is palpable, but blessed. I am desperately dependent on the Hand of God to keep me alive and functioning. He has brought to my heart things to pray about that I can guarantee nobody else in this city is praying for, and it keeps me awake. Someone as insignificant as me can still irreparably harm an event like this, and it terrifies me. I'm all well and good with getting no recognition for any small good thing I do, hey, it's my job. However, when one small failure could instantly bring all wrath down on me, I stay up at night praying. I am excited about this trip. I have been looking forward to this trip. I pray God's blessing on this tournament this weekend. I pray for safety for everyone involved, and for a fun time for all. I pray for healthy competition for His glory. No matter what He sees fit to do with me, I will honor Him. I am fully aware of how wretched I am, and that allows me to be more aware of His grace and mercy in my life. I am unworthy of it, but I pray for it in abundance because I need it. I am like a toddler knocking everything over, and not yet potty-trained, and I feel that He is a loving Father who puts up with me because He loves me. I pray for that love to shine through so that everyone around me can see it despite myself.
There was no room in the inn in Bethlehem for the Savior, but because of Him Bartlesville, Oklahoma, rests peacefully tonight on the eve of the GAC Basketball Tournament. I pray I shall soon be asleep peacefully as well. If you read this, please pray for us out here. And as Paul said, "Pray also for me..." because I sure need all the help I can get. Amen.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
James, the brother of Jesus
We had our 8th grade guys read James last week. I don't ask the students I lead to do thing I wouldn't do myself, so I read James as well. Here are my thoughts:
James 1:5 tells me that if I lack wisdom, which I do, I should ask God for it because He gives generously. James 1:6 tells me that I should ask in faith though. James 1:7 tells me I should not just assume that God will give me anything. God is Father, not Santa. We have all declared war on God, so it's a miracle that He even deigns to save one person! He owes me nothing, yet He gives me everything. That blows my mind. James 1:12 tells me that if I persevere to the end, I will get the crown of life. James 1:13-15 tells me to avoid temptation. It is not God who tempts me because He wants me to grow closer to Him. He does allow me to be tempted, however, and I cheat on Him daily :( I am Gomer, yet I do not want to marry a Gomer (read Hosea). I am a wretch who expects comfort! I am detestable, and made potable only through the blood of Christ. James 1:19 tells me I should be:
James 2 starts off dealing with partiality. I've been a very partial person. I prefer rich and overlook poor. I've judged books by their covers. I am guilty of not loving others as I love myself. James 2:10 says that if I break one of the Commandments, I am guilty of breaking all of them. I admit my guilt. James 2:13 assures me that mercy triumphs over judgment. God is Just, so the fact that He has mercy on just one person is a miracle. We need to recognize just where we stand before God before we can claim to have any little understanding of God. No one knows the mind of God. We are like dogs following our master. We understand signals, and we obey or disobey. When we realize where we all stand, that we have all declared war on God, we realize that rich/poor, White/Black, American/not, etc. all are equally in need of a Savior. We are convinced that the harder we work, the better we are, yet in terms of salvation that is not the case. James then goes on to say that faith without works is dead. Faith is not salvation. Faith is belief in the unseen that leads to action. I have faith that a chair will hold me, but if I don't sit down then what good is that chair to me? If I have faith that Jesus saves, yet I don't dedicate my life to that belief, then what good is Jesus' salvation for me? I still have to reach out and accept a free gift. True belief leads to action. If I believe I'm going to be hit by a bus, I jump out of the way. I believe that Jesus saved me despite anything I've done, so I dedicate my life and livelihood to my Savior. Jesus saves those who enter the relationship with Him. That relationship lasts for eternity. He is not a "get out of Hell free" card even though we escape His absence (Hell) by gaining His presence (Heaven). Our goal tends to be to escape Hell without truly realizing what Hell is. Same with Heaven. We perceive Heaven as "good", but we overlook the fact that it is good because it is God's intimate, eternal presence. If we don't want a relationship with Him on Earth, we will be disappointed in Heaven. The point is to fall more in love with Jesus to the point where we obey Him more than we love ourselves. He gives to us so that we can give to others. We live in pursuit of Him to one day be with Him. If we love someone, we act on that love. We pursue, engage, marry, etc. As a man, I will either live for my family, or stay single, but either choice will be for the glory of God. Because I believe in Jesus, I work hard to advance His kingdom in the hearts of people regardless of who my employer is. If I just sat at home and did nothing, it would be apparent that I had no true beliefs.
James 3 tells me about how wicked my tongue is. No arguments there :/ James 3:9 says that I use it to both bless and curse. Amen. James 3:1 tells me that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. I have been called to teach, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It gives me accountability.
James 4 warns against worldliness. James 4:4 says friendship with the world is enmity with God, and vice versa. I realized last summer that this world has absolutely nothing to offer me. This world is Satan's dominion, and I'm on the opposing team. He hates me and wants to destroy me, yet the worst he can do is kill me. Either way, God gets the glory and I get to spend eternity with Him. James 4 also points out that conflicts occur over resources and possessions, but that shouldn't be because God gives generously. We don't have because we do not humbly ask Him for it. We're taught to fight and take, not love and ask. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. I am so thankful that God humbles me without humiliating me. I can humiliate myself enough on my own! James 4:7-8 tells me to resist Satan and draw near to God. Satan tempts me away from God, yet God wants me to draw closer to Him. Of course, God is preferable, but my flesh longs for it's old idols a lot. I lose more than I win :( I honestly don't know why God still puts up with me. James 4:10 says "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." I love that song too. I serve God because He saved me, not because I hope to gain anything from Him. Still, He promised to take care of me. It's crazy. That's where humility is vital.
James 5:16 tells me that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful. Since there is none righteous, no not one, I pray in Jesus' name.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
- James is only 5 chapters.
- James and Paul seem to contradict on faith vs. works-based salvation. If you plant an apple seed, an apple tree grows. If the seed of the Spirit is planted in your heart, you should bear fruit. The works don't save you, but they should make your faith evident. Remember, you can fool others, but you can't fool God. Check your roots.
- This particular James is Jesus' brother, as in Mary and Joseph's son. Remember, Joseph wasn't Jesus' father. God is the Father. The Bible clearly states (Mark 3:31, etc.) that Jesus had brothers and sisters through Mary and Joseph. I don't know, if I had to grow up hearing "Why can't you be more like Jesus?!" every day, I'd probably resent Him too. In Luke 4:24 Jesus says that a prophet is not acceptable in his hometown, meaning it's hard for the people who have known you your whole life to accept any authority from you. Jesus was rejected in His hometown. He told them that their rejection would cost them salvation, and they tried to kill Him in His hometown.
James 1:5 tells me that if I lack wisdom, which I do, I should ask God for it because He gives generously. James 1:6 tells me that I should ask in faith though. James 1:7 tells me I should not just assume that God will give me anything. God is Father, not Santa. We have all declared war on God, so it's a miracle that He even deigns to save one person! He owes me nothing, yet He gives me everything. That blows my mind. James 1:12 tells me that if I persevere to the end, I will get the crown of life. James 1:13-15 tells me to avoid temptation. It is not God who tempts me because He wants me to grow closer to Him. He does allow me to be tempted, however, and I cheat on Him daily :( I am Gomer, yet I do not want to marry a Gomer (read Hosea). I am a wretch who expects comfort! I am detestable, and made potable only through the blood of Christ. James 1:19 tells me I should be:
- Quick to hear: Sometimes I listen. Sometimes I just wait for my turn to speak. I need to be a better listener, and pray for discernment and wisdom to serve those I listen to.
- Slow to speak: This was never me! Nobody would say I'm slow to speak. I really need the Spirit's help with this!
- Slow to anger: I turn all of my anger inward on myself. I don't ever explode. I do, however, get frustrated extremely easily. I panic, tell everyone, and then I have to update everyone when things change. I am annoying! I am sorry if I've annoyed you
James 2 starts off dealing with partiality. I've been a very partial person. I prefer rich and overlook poor. I've judged books by their covers. I am guilty of not loving others as I love myself. James 2:10 says that if I break one of the Commandments, I am guilty of breaking all of them. I admit my guilt. James 2:13 assures me that mercy triumphs over judgment. God is Just, so the fact that He has mercy on just one person is a miracle. We need to recognize just where we stand before God before we can claim to have any little understanding of God. No one knows the mind of God. We are like dogs following our master. We understand signals, and we obey or disobey. When we realize where we all stand, that we have all declared war on God, we realize that rich/poor, White/Black, American/not, etc. all are equally in need of a Savior. We are convinced that the harder we work, the better we are, yet in terms of salvation that is not the case. James then goes on to say that faith without works is dead. Faith is not salvation. Faith is belief in the unseen that leads to action. I have faith that a chair will hold me, but if I don't sit down then what good is that chair to me? If I have faith that Jesus saves, yet I don't dedicate my life to that belief, then what good is Jesus' salvation for me? I still have to reach out and accept a free gift. True belief leads to action. If I believe I'm going to be hit by a bus, I jump out of the way. I believe that Jesus saved me despite anything I've done, so I dedicate my life and livelihood to my Savior. Jesus saves those who enter the relationship with Him. That relationship lasts for eternity. He is not a "get out of Hell free" card even though we escape His absence (Hell) by gaining His presence (Heaven). Our goal tends to be to escape Hell without truly realizing what Hell is. Same with Heaven. We perceive Heaven as "good", but we overlook the fact that it is good because it is God's intimate, eternal presence. If we don't want a relationship with Him on Earth, we will be disappointed in Heaven. The point is to fall more in love with Jesus to the point where we obey Him more than we love ourselves. He gives to us so that we can give to others. We live in pursuit of Him to one day be with Him. If we love someone, we act on that love. We pursue, engage, marry, etc. As a man, I will either live for my family, or stay single, but either choice will be for the glory of God. Because I believe in Jesus, I work hard to advance His kingdom in the hearts of people regardless of who my employer is. If I just sat at home and did nothing, it would be apparent that I had no true beliefs.
James 3 tells me about how wicked my tongue is. No arguments there :/ James 3:9 says that I use it to both bless and curse. Amen. James 3:1 tells me that teachers will be judged with greater strictness. I have been called to teach, and I take that responsibility very seriously. It gives me accountability.
James 4 warns against worldliness. James 4:4 says friendship with the world is enmity with God, and vice versa. I realized last summer that this world has absolutely nothing to offer me. This world is Satan's dominion, and I'm on the opposing team. He hates me and wants to destroy me, yet the worst he can do is kill me. Either way, God gets the glory and I get to spend eternity with Him. James 4 also points out that conflicts occur over resources and possessions, but that shouldn't be because God gives generously. We don't have because we do not humbly ask Him for it. We're taught to fight and take, not love and ask. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. I am so thankful that God humbles me without humiliating me. I can humiliate myself enough on my own! James 4:7-8 tells me to resist Satan and draw near to God. Satan tempts me away from God, yet God wants me to draw closer to Him. Of course, God is preferable, but my flesh longs for it's old idols a lot. I lose more than I win :( I honestly don't know why God still puts up with me. James 4:10 says "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." I love that song too. I serve God because He saved me, not because I hope to gain anything from Him. Still, He promised to take care of me. It's crazy. That's where humility is vital.
James 5:16 tells me that the prayers of a righteous man are powerful. Since there is none righteous, no not one, I pray in Jesus' name.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Arkansas 2
I am sorry my blogging has been slacking. I've been rather lazy, to be honest. When I'm not working, I'm usually watching TV or playing video games in my nice apartment. I've been trying to get plugged into a local church, and so far I've only found a youth group to get involved with. I miss the Spirit-filled community of WFBC, but I'm doing what I can at RFBC. I spent 2 weeks with the 6th grade boys, and they were cool, but they desperately needed another leader with 8th grade guys. I jumped in with the 20+ 8th grade guys, and I've been working with them these past 2 weeks. It's been good, but since it's only once a week I am still hurting spiritually. I still have Scripture, and I still have the Spirit, so I'm nowhere near dead, but I'm not as vibrant as I was last year. I know God has a purpose in bringing me out here, so I'm just taking it one day at a time.
I spent last weekend in Weatherford and Oklahoma City, OK. I'd never been to OK before, and the parts I saw were nice. OKC is very nice. So far I have seen 8 of our 9 schools play basketball against each other. I also saw one of our provisional members play last weekend. So, technically, 9 out of 10 schools. I'll get to see the final one tomorrow most likely. Since I live right down the road from Arkansas Tech, I have seen most teams when they come to play Tech. I saw SWOSU, HSU, SAU and OBU on the road. All the rest I've seen at Tech. I've met a lot of nice people, and I'm enjoying myself.
I got all of our teams placed in their hotels for the basketball tournament, so I get to spend the next two weeks making sure everything stays straight with that. I'm really looking forward to our week in Bartlesville, OK. The Bartlesville Sports Commission has been fantastic in coming alongside us to put this event on. After this I'll still have to work the Golf, Tennis, Softball and Baseball tournaments, so I will be kept busy.
I'm Athens-sick, but I'm surviving out here. I spent a good chunk of my spiritual life as a spiritual loner, then God showed me what Christian community should be, now I'm back to being a loner. I guess if you could sum up my emotions in a word it would be "longing". Longing for what I've lost, longing for a purpose, etc. I have a job to do, and I will do the best I can (Colossians 3:23). I know God will not forsake me :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
I spent last weekend in Weatherford and Oklahoma City, OK. I'd never been to OK before, and the parts I saw were nice. OKC is very nice. So far I have seen 8 of our 9 schools play basketball against each other. I also saw one of our provisional members play last weekend. So, technically, 9 out of 10 schools. I'll get to see the final one tomorrow most likely. Since I live right down the road from Arkansas Tech, I have seen most teams when they come to play Tech. I saw SWOSU, HSU, SAU and OBU on the road. All the rest I've seen at Tech. I've met a lot of nice people, and I'm enjoying myself.
I got all of our teams placed in their hotels for the basketball tournament, so I get to spend the next two weeks making sure everything stays straight with that. I'm really looking forward to our week in Bartlesville, OK. The Bartlesville Sports Commission has been fantastic in coming alongside us to put this event on. After this I'll still have to work the Golf, Tennis, Softball and Baseball tournaments, so I will be kept busy.
I'm Athens-sick, but I'm surviving out here. I spent a good chunk of my spiritual life as a spiritual loner, then God showed me what Christian community should be, now I'm back to being a loner. I guess if you could sum up my emotions in a word it would be "longing". Longing for what I've lost, longing for a purpose, etc. I have a job to do, and I will do the best I can (Colossians 3:23). I know God will not forsake me :)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart L. Kingsley
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Arkansas
"Arkansas, Arkansas, I just love my Arkansas..." That song has been in my head every time I've thought of Arkansas since Middle School thanks to a friend of mine. Well, now I am here in Arkansas. It's been a month since I've updated this blog, despite my time in the Word. It's all just been a whirlwind of packing, moving, unpacking and getting situated. I tell myself I'm half Arkansas since my mom is from Arkansas. Sure, I like the Hawgs as my team in the West as well. I'll always be a Dawg though. All of my previous experiences in Arkansas have been in the Ozark Mountains, so being here in Russellville is new to me. Let me begin at the beginning:
The original plan was to have the moving company pick up my stuff in Athens the Friday before the New Year. They would keep my stuff on the truck and go do other jobs until that next Wednesday when they would meet me in Arkansas to offload. My mother was in Montana with my sister and amazing nephew (PEYTON!) for that whole month, so it was just us men. I enjoyed my time at home, and had a lot of plans for the New Year weekend. Well the Wednesday night before New Years I get a call from the moving truck saying they would be in Athens to pick up my stuff that Thursday. Due to that, they would be able to be in Arkansas that Friday. I knew there was a slim chance I would be able to make it to Arkansas, sign the lease, get the key, offload, etc. that Friday since it would take me a full day to drive to Arkansas. So, I frantically packed my truck that night much to the dismay of my father and brother. I was not ready to leave. I had no idea when the moving truck would get to Athens, so I woke up at 6:30am and drove straight to Athens. I proceeded to wait, and nap, until about 4:30pm when the moving truck finally showed up. Before they started loading, I had a talk with the driver about scheduling. After about half an hour of debate, we decided that he would put my stuff in a storage unit near Russellville, and give me the information. So, I had to pay for extra storage that I didn't plan for. This arrangement allowed me to go back home for the weekend though, and carry out my original plans. I had prayed about it, but I realized that God's timing is not my own. I was able to leave early, and I was willing to leave early. God had told me months before that when my exodus came, it would come fast, and so it had. I call it my "unleavened bread" scenario. For some reason, God allowed me to step back from alert readiness and spend a few extra days with my family. I am very thankful for that.
However, Wednesday did come, and I had to get into my truck and drive to Arkansas. The drive was long, but scenic and uneventful. I wish I didn't have to do it alone, but I had good God time. Jeremy Camp's "Desire" from his "Restored" album was on repeat in my truck. I stopped for the night in Conway, Arkansas, which was apparently the wrong side of town, but I had no issues. The girl at the front desk and I have a mutual friend. Random, I know. Small world. I saw 5 states in one day. I enjoyed a steak for dinner, and slept well. I had a very nice room, but no time to play in it. Early that next morning I drove the remaining 50 miles or so to Russellville, and Spring Lake Apartments. The apartment complex is massive, and right next to I-40. My apartment is at the very back corner of the complex. I signed the lease, got my keys, and unpacked my truck. The apartment that I rent is furnished with a washer/dryer. It's also 2-bedroom/1-bathroom. It is massive. I always said that my little apartment in Athens was more than I needed, but this apartment is much more than I need LoL. I am thoroughly enjoying living in it so far. After 2 weeks, all is well. My neighbors are nice, and the landlord is very nice. That's the thing about Arkansas, everyone here is nice! A lot of times in Georgia it was hard to be nice to people, or people were mean for no apparent reason. If someone was nice, they had an ulterior motive. I'm still wary here in Arkansas, but it's a lot lighter.
Russellville is a bit more industrial than I imagined, but it's still a nice town. They got a Chick-fil-A last October, and it's nowhere near the same as the ones in GA (different chicken), but it's nice to know God has a presence here (j/k). The reason I came here is the Great American Conference. It's Division 2 and just started last year. It includes 9 schools so far: Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. There are 3 full-time staffers and myself representing the GAC. I know it will be different here than at UGA, but so far so good. I have a lot to look forward to. Last week I took my first ever road trip for basketball. The SID and I went to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to watch Southern Arkansas play at Ouachita Baptist. It was a great trip, and I met some good people. Arkansas Tech is right here in Russellville, so I'll be more able to attend their home games and see conference play. I'm here until at least May 11, when I graduate from UGA with my Masters Degree. Between now and then, I have the Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Tennis, Softball, and Baseball conference tournaments. I finally get to see sports through event management eyes. I had a good relationship with the EM crew at UGA, but my only exposure was Ticket Sales, which was a different branch altogether.
As far as spiritual growth goes, I'm seeking a place to get plugged in. I think I've found a church that I can really sink my teeth into, so that's good. I truly miss WFBC, and my friends there. I know the harvest is abundant, with few workers, and I desperately want to be one of those workers. It's the only thing that matters eternally. I hope I can do my best here in the GAC, for the glory of God, but I know God brought me out here to do things for Him in my spare time. Two weeks in I am a weird combination of apprehensive and optimistic. We'll see how it goes. All prayers appreciated :)
For the Kingdom-
Stuart L. Kingsley
The original plan was to have the moving company pick up my stuff in Athens the Friday before the New Year. They would keep my stuff on the truck and go do other jobs until that next Wednesday when they would meet me in Arkansas to offload. My mother was in Montana with my sister and amazing nephew (PEYTON!) for that whole month, so it was just us men. I enjoyed my time at home, and had a lot of plans for the New Year weekend. Well the Wednesday night before New Years I get a call from the moving truck saying they would be in Athens to pick up my stuff that Thursday. Due to that, they would be able to be in Arkansas that Friday. I knew there was a slim chance I would be able to make it to Arkansas, sign the lease, get the key, offload, etc. that Friday since it would take me a full day to drive to Arkansas. So, I frantically packed my truck that night much to the dismay of my father and brother. I was not ready to leave. I had no idea when the moving truck would get to Athens, so I woke up at 6:30am and drove straight to Athens. I proceeded to wait, and nap, until about 4:30pm when the moving truck finally showed up. Before they started loading, I had a talk with the driver about scheduling. After about half an hour of debate, we decided that he would put my stuff in a storage unit near Russellville, and give me the information. So, I had to pay for extra storage that I didn't plan for. This arrangement allowed me to go back home for the weekend though, and carry out my original plans. I had prayed about it, but I realized that God's timing is not my own. I was able to leave early, and I was willing to leave early. God had told me months before that when my exodus came, it would come fast, and so it had. I call it my "unleavened bread" scenario. For some reason, God allowed me to step back from alert readiness and spend a few extra days with my family. I am very thankful for that.
However, Wednesday did come, and I had to get into my truck and drive to Arkansas. The drive was long, but scenic and uneventful. I wish I didn't have to do it alone, but I had good God time. Jeremy Camp's "Desire" from his "Restored" album was on repeat in my truck. I stopped for the night in Conway, Arkansas, which was apparently the wrong side of town, but I had no issues. The girl at the front desk and I have a mutual friend. Random, I know. Small world. I saw 5 states in one day. I enjoyed a steak for dinner, and slept well. I had a very nice room, but no time to play in it. Early that next morning I drove the remaining 50 miles or so to Russellville, and Spring Lake Apartments. The apartment complex is massive, and right next to I-40. My apartment is at the very back corner of the complex. I signed the lease, got my keys, and unpacked my truck. The apartment that I rent is furnished with a washer/dryer. It's also 2-bedroom/1-bathroom. It is massive. I always said that my little apartment in Athens was more than I needed, but this apartment is much more than I need LoL. I am thoroughly enjoying living in it so far. After 2 weeks, all is well. My neighbors are nice, and the landlord is very nice. That's the thing about Arkansas, everyone here is nice! A lot of times in Georgia it was hard to be nice to people, or people were mean for no apparent reason. If someone was nice, they had an ulterior motive. I'm still wary here in Arkansas, but it's a lot lighter.
Russellville is a bit more industrial than I imagined, but it's still a nice town. They got a Chick-fil-A last October, and it's nowhere near the same as the ones in GA (different chicken), but it's nice to know God has a presence here (j/k). The reason I came here is the Great American Conference. It's Division 2 and just started last year. It includes 9 schools so far: Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southern Arkansas, and Southwestern Oklahoma State. There are 3 full-time staffers and myself representing the GAC. I know it will be different here than at UGA, but so far so good. I have a lot to look forward to. Last week I took my first ever road trip for basketball. The SID and I went to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to watch Southern Arkansas play at Ouachita Baptist. It was a great trip, and I met some good people. Arkansas Tech is right here in Russellville, so I'll be more able to attend their home games and see conference play. I'm here until at least May 11, when I graduate from UGA with my Masters Degree. Between now and then, I have the Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Tennis, Softball, and Baseball conference tournaments. I finally get to see sports through event management eyes. I had a good relationship with the EM crew at UGA, but my only exposure was Ticket Sales, which was a different branch altogether.
As far as spiritual growth goes, I'm seeking a place to get plugged in. I think I've found a church that I can really sink my teeth into, so that's good. I truly miss WFBC, and my friends there. I know the harvest is abundant, with few workers, and I desperately want to be one of those workers. It's the only thing that matters eternally. I hope I can do my best here in the GAC, for the glory of God, but I know God brought me out here to do things for Him in my spare time. Two weeks in I am a weird combination of apprehensive and optimistic. We'll see how it goes. All prayers appreciated :)
For the Kingdom-
Stuart L. Kingsley
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Watkinsville First Baptist Church
This blog entry is for my WFBC people. I really feel like Paul writing to the Philippians because you can tell he truly loved them.
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13)
I love WFBC largely because I know the Holy Spirit is present and driving that church. I hope to find a Spirit-driven church in Arkansas. I know that wherever I go, I carry the flame of the Holy Spirit inside me, and it only takes a spark. God is Faithful. I'm very thankful.
I am thankful for Lead Pastor Carlos Sibley. He sets a great example as a father and a husband. He spoke at Fight Club near its inception, and he spoke softly and about Kindness. It was a different approach to our militaristic mindset, but it was a message we all needed to hear. From Pastor Carlos I take the example of quiet strength. I also see his example of a manager. He assembled a team of five different associate pastors, and by their powers combined they have WFBC. He does not micro-manage, and that is awesome. If God places me in a leadership position in the future, I hope to have his personal bearing that leads to respect. I'll be praying for him and his family as they lead WFBC.
I am thankful for Pastor General Vic Doss. He is also a great example of a father and a husband. He started it all for me really. I had visited WFBC before, but opted to attend Athens Church for 1.5yrs. In August 2009 General Vic started Fight Club, and after that it was lights out. Through Fight Club I learned what it means to be biblically masculine. I was introduced to other great men in the church as well as college-aged guys who had a passion for growth. The community and bond of brotherhood forged in that basement for 2.5yrs will carry me and strengthen me in my travels. I won't physically be in the same room as these men, but we are united through the Spirit. From General Vic I learned the passionate, intense, no-filter side of Christianity. Sometimes the Spirit hits you in the soft spots, and that's what I needed. I'll be praying for him and his family as he continues to lead Fight Club and the college group. I will pray that God helps him manage his time between his blood family and his church family. I pray for all of my Fight Club brothers wherever they end up. I pray for the future of Fight Club, and the future generations that will take part in it. God truly has an army in Watkinsville, and I'll wear my service patch proudly. I really can't write enough about General Vic. I am so thankful.
I am thankful for Worship Pastor Jason Dominey, and the worship "Domineytion" every Sunday morning. Worship is more than just singing, sure, but they have the singing down to a science. I love Crowder, Tomlin, et al. but when I get to Heaven I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage. Every Sunday, no matter how I was feeling that morning, the worship led me into the throne room of God and I was able to cast all of my cares, confess my sins, etc. and sing with a clear Spirit by the end.
I am thankful for Discipleship Pastor David Holt. When I open the dictionary of words I've learned to "pastor" I see my grandfather's picture. Pastor Holt's picture is now right next to my grandfather's. Just in terms of pure research, topics, etc. My grandfather was not as energetic, but their voices sound the same to me. In Pastor Holt I see a humility that is underneath the surface in that he was the lead pastor of his own church for about 17 years, yet he places himself under the authority of Pastor Carlos now. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I'd like to have Pastor Holt's preparedness. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend in fellowship with him at his home and with his family. I hope to be as personable in my life.
I am thankful for Youth Pastor Joel Shinpoch. Joel's close to my age, but he's a solid example of a young father and husband. It was very easy to work for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the WFBC Middle School youth group since August 2010. As a youth leader, I had my small group of 6th and 7th grade guys, but we all led all the kids at one point or another. I am my own worst critic, and I'm glad that Joel put up with me even when I did not feel like being there on a Wednesday night. Also, because of Joel, I only had to buy lunch maybe two Sundays a month :) Joel is a great example of a manager. He assembled a ragtag group of people and made them youth leaders. He is a master organizer and planner. My personality is more shoot-from-the-hip, so that made me even more difficult to deal with at times :) If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have even just a little bit of Joel's organization and managing skills. I hope I can have even just a little bit of Joel's graciousness too when I encounter people with personalities that differ from mine. I'm so thankful for Joel and the opportunities he gave me.
I am thankful for Children's Pastor Scott Carson. I did not get much time to get to know him, but I know that it takes a special person to deal with children. At Camp Icthus I work with 8-12 yr-old kids, and that has shown me that 12 is about as low as I can go in ministry and remain sane :) As a child, I remember bits and pieces of AWANA and Sunday School. Right now I just get frustrated when I can't talk to an 8 yr-old about Predestination, etc. Pastor Scott has a level of grace that I probably never will possess, and that is amazing. It just shows God's organizational skills, and how He puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I know Watkidsville will be a success because of Pastor Scott's faithfulness. If God puts me in a leadership position one day, I hope to have his patience and graciousness.
So WFBC has 6 pastors. They are husbands and fathers, and good examples of each. They are very different men with different personalities, but together they make up the body of Christ. I hope that I can emulate their positive examples in my life from here on out. Lord knows I have my own negatives! I am deeply thankful that they each tolerated me in their own way. I'm sad I have to leave this fellowship. I'm sad I won't get to go on college retreats, or work with the youth, or watch football with Pastor Holt, etc. anymore. I pray that I can be of some use to the Kingdom out in Arkansas, and that these pastors would be proud of me. I can leave knowing that WFBC is secure. My Fight Club brothers are strong, the youth are strong, the leadership is strong. I am truly thankful for the time I was given at WFBC. If God sees fit to bring me back in the future, I'll hit the ground running. If this is the last time I see them this side of Heaven, then as I said before, I'm finding the Watkinsville Worship stage.
Obviously, there are so many more people that I've been involved with at WFBC, but it would take forever to list and thank them all. By naming the leaders, you can put yourself in that category and know that I am thankful for you as well :) If I ever did anything to frustrate you, or wrong you, consider this my written apology. I love you all.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
Friday, December 9, 2011
Dawg For Life
Wow, it has been too long since my last blog post. I admit that the month of November was really dark for me, and then I found out that I'm moving to Arkansas so I've been focused on that. Through it all my time in the Scriptures and with church friends has suffered, and I don't like it. Since the Spirit led me to write this blog, and I haven't been focusing on spiritual things, this blog has suffered. This blog is ancillary though, and I can definitely feel the lack of Spirit in my life. God has shown me that He isn't done with me yet, however, so the fire's coming back. "Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't." - me.
That being said, wow, it's my last day with UGA Athletics. After 7.5 years, it's all come down to this. I could write a book on my years at UGA, but I'll just hit the highlights of my time in Athletics:
I started as an equipment manager for the Football team in June 2004. I was just a volunteer. I did not get paid a salary. I did not get complementary tickets to the games. I did not get to stand on the sidelines for home games, or travel with the team to away games. There were about 9 paid managers and 3 of us volunteers. As with the natural order of things, we volunteers did most of the grunt work. It was to be expected, and I understood the system. I'd like to say I came in humble, but I kind of threw it in the face of 2 older managers. Needless to say, I suffered their ire. I called them out on a few things, but not with humility, so I blame myself for their responses. I feel that I damaged my relationship with the only other visibly Christian manager, and his ire led to my resentment. We were supposedly on the same team, but I chose pride over advancing the Kingdom with him. Another manager just jacked me up against the wall and almost punched me. I honestly would have deserved it. Aside from the equipment room, in other facets of my job as a manager I was a servant through and through. I volunteered to help the manager that had the most equipment to set up before practice, and take down after practice. Through a misunderstanding with my coach I ended up having to run the steps at Sanford Stadium at 5:45am the Monday after we lost to Auburn in 2004. It was the coldest I'd ever been in my life. I ran 4 stadiums, and was about to begin my 5th, when the trainer told me to go home. If I had gotten hurt, my family could have apparently sued. Managers aren't required to undergo the same punishments that the players are. Still, I went, I ran, and I was cool with the coach immediately after. It kind of cemented my relationship with the players too. What didn't kill me made me stronger. On home game days I would sit up in Section 315 and cheer on the team that I worked for Mondays-Thursdays. It was fun to be a manager and a fan, but I obviously wanted to be a full manager. I wasn't paid, but I was allowed to have clothes for practices, and I did get an Outback Bowl ring for all of my hard work. After football season, I was able to be a regular student fan at other sporting events. I went to Men's and Women's Basketball games as much as I could. I went to Gymnastics and Women's Tennis as well. When Baseball season rolled around, I was at Foley Field. It was great to just be a fan and cheer. I remember MBB only won 2 Basketball games. UGA MBB had undergone some scandals, firings, etc. and we were starting walk-ons in 2004. UGA WBB was good as usual, and we had some quality wins. There were some games where I was the only visible student fan though. The informal atmosphere allowed me to meet different people in athletics, cheerleaders, Dance Dawgs, support staff, et al. I like meeting people. There was one Women's Tennis match against South Carolina where I heckled the USC player so much that she stopped the match to get the umpire to tell me to shut up. Then I proceeded to get cussed out by the girl's mother. The USC girl ended up losing spectacularly, so it was a great day.
In 2005 I began as a full manager. I assumed my role as timekeeper for each practice. I basically used my watch's stopwatch and timed out 5-min periods. I co-ordinated with the head coach as well. Because of my position as timekeeper I was at every practice for 4 seasons. I won't go into detail about practices for compliance reasons. Life as timekeeper was simple. The established routine allowed me to flow subconsciously through it. The thing I enjoyed most was the time it allowed me to spend with coaches' families and guests at practices. I met a lot of famous people. The thing I miss most about my time with UGA Football is not the games, or road trips (though the road trips were awesome) but rather the interactions I had with people. I was pretty much an ambassador. The other managers thought they were giving me the short end of the stick by making me timekeeper, but I loved it thoroughly. They drew their status from the coach they worked with, and the players they served. As timekeeper, I worked with every coach and served every player. In addition to time, I also had the "crash cart" with spare equipment parts, so I handled equipment emergencies. Off the field, I had equal equipment room responsibilities with the other managers. For games, I was in charge of #61-70 (#62 is retired). I was responsible for making sure the players who dressed out of that section had all of the gear they needed. I polished helmets and shined shoes. I put the bones on the back of the helmets as well. Those bones were a pain because they were small and thin, and almost impossible to keep in a straight line. I did the best I could, but I definitely was the worst manager at putting the bones on. My relationships with the other managers improved. I learned my place, and gained more humility. I did my job to the best of my ability, and I like to think I did it well. Those other 11 managers knew me better than anyone else. They saw me at my best and at my worst. They were there in the elation of the 2005 SEC Championship win, and they were there in my agony during the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Managers graduated, managers came in, and altogether I worked with maybe 26 different guys over 5 years, including 3 bosses. Standing here on the last day and looking back, despite my faults I consider all of them friends. I am my own worst critic. I'd have liked for this to have been a detailed memory compilation, but I'll save that for my book. Ultimately, you remember the people more so than the wins and losses. I'm so thankful for every coach I was able to serve. Altogether, I served about 17 coaches in my 5 seasons. Chaplains, trainers, strength assistants, video crew, every one of us worked together for the good of UGA Football. I won't name them, but I remember. My strongest friendships with trainers were in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. I had friends in the video crew that I would hang out with on road trips. The managers tended to keep to themselves on the road, but I branched out as much as possible. With me it's all about the relationships, and I treasure the relationships I built through UGA Football. The managers are my brothers, and we'll always share that bond. If any of them are reading this, and they can't see past that one instance where I was a jerk to them, I truly apologize for it and I wish you well. My term as timekeeper ended with me receiving a standing ovation from the coaches and players. It was the most humbling experience of my life, especially since it came in one of my darkest hours personally. Through it all, it ended well. There were many instances where I didn't honor God as I should have, but He still blessed me, and all glory goes to Him.
After Football ended, I started in the UGA Ticket Office. What can I say that I haven't already said? I love these guys. I will miss them terribly. Wherever I end up, I hope and pray that my co-workers, supervisors, and bosses are as amazing as this team here. They put up with me on my good days and my bad days, and I hope that the good outweighed the bad. I hope that I can make them proud, and use the experience I've gained to help more people. This ticket job has allowed me to gain intimate knowledge of how things operate behind the scenes in an athletics association. It also allowed me to stay involved with athletics for 2 more years. Thankfully my final home football game in Sanford Stadium was not the loss to Georgia Tech in 2008, but rather the win against Kentucky in 2011 to clinch the title of SEC East Champion. Through this ticket job I have built lasting relationships with people in all different departments. I have gained exposure to the operations of different departments as well. I have seen how a Division 1 SEC athletics program is operated, and as I move on to Division 2 I look forward to learning even more. I'm not afraid to work for free, I did it in Football and Tickets both. I'm not afraid to get dirty or sweaty. I shed blood, sweat and tears with Football, and I've gotten sweaty in nicer work clothes through Tickets. I've had experience dealing with all types of people from administrators, to coaches, to players and colleagues to custodial staff, et al. All work together for the same goal, and that is the advancement of UGA Athletics. We are all on the same team. I am the least of these, my brethren. Words cannot express my thanks, my gratitude, and my love for all things Red and Black.
Through it all, my allegiance is cemented in Christ. He sought me when I ran from Him in 2006, and He set my feet back on His foundation. He destroyed me in 2008, and built me back stronger than I was. He has humbled me, and will continue to humble me (but not humiliate me) for His Kingdom and His ultimate glory. If He leads me back to the University of Georgia Athletics Association in the future, I will hit the ground running, and hopefully be welcomed back with open arms. If this is my last day with UGA Athletics for the rest of my life, then all glory to God. I know He is here. I know He is working. I am so thankful He allowed me to be a part of it for 7.5 years. This chapter of my life is closing, and it is sad. Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't ;)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
That being said, wow, it's my last day with UGA Athletics. After 7.5 years, it's all come down to this. I could write a book on my years at UGA, but I'll just hit the highlights of my time in Athletics:
I started as an equipment manager for the Football team in June 2004. I was just a volunteer. I did not get paid a salary. I did not get complementary tickets to the games. I did not get to stand on the sidelines for home games, or travel with the team to away games. There were about 9 paid managers and 3 of us volunteers. As with the natural order of things, we volunteers did most of the grunt work. It was to be expected, and I understood the system. I'd like to say I came in humble, but I kind of threw it in the face of 2 older managers. Needless to say, I suffered their ire. I called them out on a few things, but not with humility, so I blame myself for their responses. I feel that I damaged my relationship with the only other visibly Christian manager, and his ire led to my resentment. We were supposedly on the same team, but I chose pride over advancing the Kingdom with him. Another manager just jacked me up against the wall and almost punched me. I honestly would have deserved it. Aside from the equipment room, in other facets of my job as a manager I was a servant through and through. I volunteered to help the manager that had the most equipment to set up before practice, and take down after practice. Through a misunderstanding with my coach I ended up having to run the steps at Sanford Stadium at 5:45am the Monday after we lost to Auburn in 2004. It was the coldest I'd ever been in my life. I ran 4 stadiums, and was about to begin my 5th, when the trainer told me to go home. If I had gotten hurt, my family could have apparently sued. Managers aren't required to undergo the same punishments that the players are. Still, I went, I ran, and I was cool with the coach immediately after. It kind of cemented my relationship with the players too. What didn't kill me made me stronger. On home game days I would sit up in Section 315 and cheer on the team that I worked for Mondays-Thursdays. It was fun to be a manager and a fan, but I obviously wanted to be a full manager. I wasn't paid, but I was allowed to have clothes for practices, and I did get an Outback Bowl ring for all of my hard work. After football season, I was able to be a regular student fan at other sporting events. I went to Men's and Women's Basketball games as much as I could. I went to Gymnastics and Women's Tennis as well. When Baseball season rolled around, I was at Foley Field. It was great to just be a fan and cheer. I remember MBB only won 2 Basketball games. UGA MBB had undergone some scandals, firings, etc. and we were starting walk-ons in 2004. UGA WBB was good as usual, and we had some quality wins. There were some games where I was the only visible student fan though. The informal atmosphere allowed me to meet different people in athletics, cheerleaders, Dance Dawgs, support staff, et al. I like meeting people. There was one Women's Tennis match against South Carolina where I heckled the USC player so much that she stopped the match to get the umpire to tell me to shut up. Then I proceeded to get cussed out by the girl's mother. The USC girl ended up losing spectacularly, so it was a great day.
In 2005 I began as a full manager. I assumed my role as timekeeper for each practice. I basically used my watch's stopwatch and timed out 5-min periods. I co-ordinated with the head coach as well. Because of my position as timekeeper I was at every practice for 4 seasons. I won't go into detail about practices for compliance reasons. Life as timekeeper was simple. The established routine allowed me to flow subconsciously through it. The thing I enjoyed most was the time it allowed me to spend with coaches' families and guests at practices. I met a lot of famous people. The thing I miss most about my time with UGA Football is not the games, or road trips (though the road trips were awesome) but rather the interactions I had with people. I was pretty much an ambassador. The other managers thought they were giving me the short end of the stick by making me timekeeper, but I loved it thoroughly. They drew their status from the coach they worked with, and the players they served. As timekeeper, I worked with every coach and served every player. In addition to time, I also had the "crash cart" with spare equipment parts, so I handled equipment emergencies. Off the field, I had equal equipment room responsibilities with the other managers. For games, I was in charge of #61-70 (#62 is retired). I was responsible for making sure the players who dressed out of that section had all of the gear they needed. I polished helmets and shined shoes. I put the bones on the back of the helmets as well. Those bones were a pain because they were small and thin, and almost impossible to keep in a straight line. I did the best I could, but I definitely was the worst manager at putting the bones on. My relationships with the other managers improved. I learned my place, and gained more humility. I did my job to the best of my ability, and I like to think I did it well. Those other 11 managers knew me better than anyone else. They saw me at my best and at my worst. They were there in the elation of the 2005 SEC Championship win, and they were there in my agony during the 2009 Capital One Bowl. Managers graduated, managers came in, and altogether I worked with maybe 26 different guys over 5 years, including 3 bosses. Standing here on the last day and looking back, despite my faults I consider all of them friends. I am my own worst critic. I'd have liked for this to have been a detailed memory compilation, but I'll save that for my book. Ultimately, you remember the people more so than the wins and losses. I'm so thankful for every coach I was able to serve. Altogether, I served about 17 coaches in my 5 seasons. Chaplains, trainers, strength assistants, video crew, every one of us worked together for the good of UGA Football. I won't name them, but I remember. My strongest friendships with trainers were in the 2005 and 2007 seasons. I had friends in the video crew that I would hang out with on road trips. The managers tended to keep to themselves on the road, but I branched out as much as possible. With me it's all about the relationships, and I treasure the relationships I built through UGA Football. The managers are my brothers, and we'll always share that bond. If any of them are reading this, and they can't see past that one instance where I was a jerk to them, I truly apologize for it and I wish you well. My term as timekeeper ended with me receiving a standing ovation from the coaches and players. It was the most humbling experience of my life, especially since it came in one of my darkest hours personally. Through it all, it ended well. There were many instances where I didn't honor God as I should have, but He still blessed me, and all glory goes to Him.
After Football ended, I started in the UGA Ticket Office. What can I say that I haven't already said? I love these guys. I will miss them terribly. Wherever I end up, I hope and pray that my co-workers, supervisors, and bosses are as amazing as this team here. They put up with me on my good days and my bad days, and I hope that the good outweighed the bad. I hope that I can make them proud, and use the experience I've gained to help more people. This ticket job has allowed me to gain intimate knowledge of how things operate behind the scenes in an athletics association. It also allowed me to stay involved with athletics for 2 more years. Thankfully my final home football game in Sanford Stadium was not the loss to Georgia Tech in 2008, but rather the win against Kentucky in 2011 to clinch the title of SEC East Champion. Through this ticket job I have built lasting relationships with people in all different departments. I have gained exposure to the operations of different departments as well. I have seen how a Division 1 SEC athletics program is operated, and as I move on to Division 2 I look forward to learning even more. I'm not afraid to work for free, I did it in Football and Tickets both. I'm not afraid to get dirty or sweaty. I shed blood, sweat and tears with Football, and I've gotten sweaty in nicer work clothes through Tickets. I've had experience dealing with all types of people from administrators, to coaches, to players and colleagues to custodial staff, et al. All work together for the same goal, and that is the advancement of UGA Athletics. We are all on the same team. I am the least of these, my brethren. Words cannot express my thanks, my gratitude, and my love for all things Red and Black.
Through it all, my allegiance is cemented in Christ. He sought me when I ran from Him in 2006, and He set my feet back on His foundation. He destroyed me in 2008, and built me back stronger than I was. He has humbled me, and will continue to humble me (but not humiliate me) for His Kingdom and His ultimate glory. If He leads me back to the University of Georgia Athletics Association in the future, I will hit the ground running, and hopefully be welcomed back with open arms. If this is my last day with UGA Athletics for the rest of my life, then all glory to God. I know He is here. I know He is working. I am so thankful He allowed me to be a part of it for 7.5 years. This chapter of my life is closing, and it is sad. Satan wants me to fear that God is done with me. God wants me to fear that He isn't ;)
For the Kingdom,
Stuart Lloyd Kingsley
Friday, October 28, 2011
GA/FL
The history, the tradition, the pageantry(?)...the brutality and sincerity of this particular rivalry has led to the necessity of a "neutral" site. EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, will be half Blue and Orange and half Red and Black tomorrow. The spectacle is indeed interesting to behold. When I was growing up, I had never fully experienced the UGA vs UF game. I don't even remember watching it on TV when I was little. I'm sure I did in high school. When I became a freshman, volunteer equipment manager at UGA in June of 2004 I was excited to be a part of the team I had watched since my childhood. Putting on the red and black (mainly gray in practice) gave me a swell of pride. That oval "G" always caught my eye in a special way. I knew that Florida was our most hated rival. Those jean short-wearing, Gator-chomping, mullet-wearing individuals of the swamp were subhuman to us. The only problem is...we had won maybe 1 game in 20 years. I honestly haven't taken the time to calculate how many times we've beaten Florida in my lifetime. I'm sure it's less than 10, and maybe even less than 5? I'll look it up later. All I knew is, Georgia good, Florida bad. My freshman year, I did not travel, so I remember watching Georgia beat Florida on TV in my living room at home w/ a nice spread of barbecue. It was a win, and I was not present, but since I was still counted a member of the team, I count that in my record against Florida :)
In 2005, it all changed for me. I was a full manager, and I could travel with the team. My role on game days was not as vital as it was in practices, but the games were the perks for me. The games were vacations. They were business trips, but still vacations. All I had to do was show up. I was one of the 4 managers who stayed back to travel with the team while the other 8 left Thursday night to ride the bus to the game site. The "Thursday Crew" considered themselves the elite, but I let them have it. Truly, nothing beat the "Friday Crew". Here's my average Florida trip: On Friday I would be excused from class so that I could go to the equipment room and hand out the players' travel suits. The Thursday Crew would be simultaneously setting up at the away stadium, and if they had forgotten anything they would call us to bring with us on the plane. We would close the equipment room at noon, and any suits that had not been picked up would be taken to the buses. I would park my truck at the IM Fields, and leave it there until I returned. We had 4 buses total. The Offense would lead the way on the first bus, followed by the Defense on the second bus. The 3rd bus would be the Specialists, extra players who were able to dress for that particular game, and us managers and support staff. The 4th bus would be the AA staff and friends. We would have a police escort from Athens to Atlanta. Now, there would be food (usually sub sandwiches) waiting for us at the buses, so that we could eat on the way to Atlanta. The buses would drive straight onto the tarmac, and we would have to go through our own private security station (like we would blow up our own plane!). Yeah, we had our own Delta jet, no big deal. Now, once we got on the plane, in each seat would be a bag of food. Usually a nice sandwich, an apple or banana, some really good cheese, crackers, etc. Remember, we had just eaten sub sandwiches on the bus, but here is another feast. We would fly from Atlanta to wherever we were going (for this story, St. Augustine). We would land at St. Augustine's small airport, and bus from the airport to the World Golf Resort and Village. The main campus is pretty isolated, and surrounded by golf courses. The hotel was massive, and very tall. They had a series of shops circling a small lake, and a few restaurants. The biggest restaurant was Caddyshack, where I ate every year for dinner Friday night. Since we were really isolated, cab rides were expensive. Only once did I leave the resort, and that was 2007 where I went with a female trainer friend of mine into Jacksonville. We had dinner at Caddyshack before leaving, then we went to a theatre in JAX to see 30 Days of Night. It was an interesting movie. In 2005, 2006 and 2008 I just stayed on the resort grounds. Next to the hotel was the Golf Hall of Fame, which was also a massive building. The Hall of Fame also had an IMAX theatre, but I never saw any movies there. I would always walk a lap or two around the lake because the weather was always nice. In 2005 (I think) I was able to take UGA VI for a walk around the parking lot. I loved that dog. He's my favorite UGA. So, after playing in the resort it would be time to sleep. I had a different roommate on the road every year, and the rooms were very nice. On Saturday morning we'd wake up early. All of us managers, trainers, video crew, support staff, etc. would board one bus to make the drive to JAX. We'd get to the stadium about 5hrs before the game to set up. The Thursday Crew had already set up the basic layout of the locker room, so we just went around and taped the jerseys to the linemen's shoulder pads (it helped prevent Holding), shined the shoes and helmets (yes, we shined them), and made sure all of the helmet decals were looking proper. The hardest part of the helmet was the bones on the back since they were so small and hard to align. My job on game day was to man the equipment trunks and hand out wristbands, gloves, eye black, etc. Anything that the players forgot, or needed more of, we had. Most of our away game truck was filled with extra, backup equipment. Where we placed limitations on issued equipment during the week, on game day it was a free-for-all. The team would arrive about 2hrs before kickoff, so for those 2hrs I was very busy. During the game itself, I would stand by our on-field equipment trunk in case of any equipment emergency. I admit, during the game I was pretty useless LoL. Since I was standing behind a wall of players and coaches, I could not see the field. I had to watch every game on the stadium's JumboTron LoL. In 2005 we went into the game undefeated, but DJ Shockley had been injured the game before against Arkansas, so we were hurting. We lost a heartbreaker, but went on to win the SEC Championship. In 2006, well I don't really remember 2006. In 2007, we danced :) I can detail that story in person if you want to know. That was a great day. In 2008, we were confident going in, but Florida was riled up from the year before, and we lost pretty badly. Say what you will, but now that he's graduated I am a Tim Tebow fan. I really appreciate his ministry, and I pray he stays true to the Word. After the game, we would pack up the locker room and equipment truck as quickly as we could. Usually, we Friday Crew would have to shower, change, and board the buses with the team quickly, so our post-game work would be minimal. We would bus to the JAX airport, go through another security checkpoint, and board our plane. On the plane we were met by another food bag, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets! (Y'all seriously wonder why I'm a big guy!). Win or lose, it was always delicious. We would land in Atlanta, and still have a long bus ride back to Athens. We would get into Athens late at night, and I would get in my truck, go back to ECV where I lived, and go to sleep. I would keep my phone on though because the equipment truck would get back about 3am, and they would call the Friday Crew in to help unload. So, I would be able to really sleep by 4am that Sunday morning. I didn't go to church all through college, and that was one of the reasons why. I remember in 2005, my friend and I opted to sleep in the locker room, and around midnight some UGA police officers woke us up. I guess they thought we were vagrants, but I explained our situation, and they let us go back to sleep.
It was a side of UGA Football that most people never see or care about. Needless to say, I am one spoiled individual LoL. After being paid to go on trips for 4 years, I really have no desire to travel anymore. I went to a few road games in 2009, and after that I really decided not to travel LoL. People ask me now, "Hey! Are you going to Florida?". When I say "No." I get a variety of odd looks and responses. The Georgia/Florida game truly is a religious event. When I tell people that Florida is no longer my #1 rival, I am mocked. I'm amazed at how personally a lot of Georgia fans take this game. After a final record of 2-3 against Florida, I have a true respect for them. I see a true difference in my fandom, and that of a regular fan. I have shed blood, sweat and tears for the Georgia Bulldogs. I will always bleed Red and Black. I have rings and Varsity Letters to serve as a reminder of my service. I have connections, friendships, scrapbooks, etc. that will last me a lifetime. It was not just a spectacle for me. The games were a small percentage of my involvement, actually. I knew the people. I formed relationships. Fans will talk about recruiting, or individual players, or numbers, stats, etc. They struggle and cling to their identity. The average fan is the reason why UGA Football exists. The average fan is the reason I had a job for 5 years. Fans make college football what it is. But, at the end of the day, fan opinion rises with a win and falls with a loss. An individual will be praised one day, and persecuted the next. A coach is a hero with a win, and a demon with a loss. It is a very cutthroat profession, and I have sympathy for them. Nobody cares about a manager. A manager's name is never in the paper for a loss, or a win. Nobody credits a flawlessly-timed Tuesday practice with a victory over Florida. Where it was my identity for 5 years, UGA Football is now just something I watch on Saturday, if I watch it at all. This Saturday I'm faced with the prospect that I will not watch or listen to the Georgia/Florida game. When I mention that, people say I'm crazy, but I'm actually okay with it. I'll be spending that time with good friends at a place I love rather than sitting alone in my apartment in front of my TV. I do not share in the religious fervor of the thousands of people who will descend, and already have descended, on JAX and its South Georgia neighbors this weekend. It truly is a holiday that is planned for and pursued as much as Christmas or Thanksgiving. When it boils down to it, I have no soapbox to stand on. Truthfully, I just don't want to bother driving down there, finding a hotel, sitting in the stands, winning/losing, driving home, etc. when for 4 years I had the behind-the-scenes, all-expense-paid experience. Yes, I am spoiled and lazy. That being said, Go Dawgs! Beat Florida! I'll catch the highlights Saturday night.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
In 2005, it all changed for me. I was a full manager, and I could travel with the team. My role on game days was not as vital as it was in practices, but the games were the perks for me. The games were vacations. They were business trips, but still vacations. All I had to do was show up. I was one of the 4 managers who stayed back to travel with the team while the other 8 left Thursday night to ride the bus to the game site. The "Thursday Crew" considered themselves the elite, but I let them have it. Truly, nothing beat the "Friday Crew". Here's my average Florida trip: On Friday I would be excused from class so that I could go to the equipment room and hand out the players' travel suits. The Thursday Crew would be simultaneously setting up at the away stadium, and if they had forgotten anything they would call us to bring with us on the plane. We would close the equipment room at noon, and any suits that had not been picked up would be taken to the buses. I would park my truck at the IM Fields, and leave it there until I returned. We had 4 buses total. The Offense would lead the way on the first bus, followed by the Defense on the second bus. The 3rd bus would be the Specialists, extra players who were able to dress for that particular game, and us managers and support staff. The 4th bus would be the AA staff and friends. We would have a police escort from Athens to Atlanta. Now, there would be food (usually sub sandwiches) waiting for us at the buses, so that we could eat on the way to Atlanta. The buses would drive straight onto the tarmac, and we would have to go through our own private security station (like we would blow up our own plane!). Yeah, we had our own Delta jet, no big deal. Now, once we got on the plane, in each seat would be a bag of food. Usually a nice sandwich, an apple or banana, some really good cheese, crackers, etc. Remember, we had just eaten sub sandwiches on the bus, but here is another feast. We would fly from Atlanta to wherever we were going (for this story, St. Augustine). We would land at St. Augustine's small airport, and bus from the airport to the World Golf Resort and Village. The main campus is pretty isolated, and surrounded by golf courses. The hotel was massive, and very tall. They had a series of shops circling a small lake, and a few restaurants. The biggest restaurant was Caddyshack, where I ate every year for dinner Friday night. Since we were really isolated, cab rides were expensive. Only once did I leave the resort, and that was 2007 where I went with a female trainer friend of mine into Jacksonville. We had dinner at Caddyshack before leaving, then we went to a theatre in JAX to see 30 Days of Night. It was an interesting movie. In 2005, 2006 and 2008 I just stayed on the resort grounds. Next to the hotel was the Golf Hall of Fame, which was also a massive building. The Hall of Fame also had an IMAX theatre, but I never saw any movies there. I would always walk a lap or two around the lake because the weather was always nice. In 2005 (I think) I was able to take UGA VI for a walk around the parking lot. I loved that dog. He's my favorite UGA. So, after playing in the resort it would be time to sleep. I had a different roommate on the road every year, and the rooms were very nice. On Saturday morning we'd wake up early. All of us managers, trainers, video crew, support staff, etc. would board one bus to make the drive to JAX. We'd get to the stadium about 5hrs before the game to set up. The Thursday Crew had already set up the basic layout of the locker room, so we just went around and taped the jerseys to the linemen's shoulder pads (it helped prevent Holding), shined the shoes and helmets (yes, we shined them), and made sure all of the helmet decals were looking proper. The hardest part of the helmet was the bones on the back since they were so small and hard to align. My job on game day was to man the equipment trunks and hand out wristbands, gloves, eye black, etc. Anything that the players forgot, or needed more of, we had. Most of our away game truck was filled with extra, backup equipment. Where we placed limitations on issued equipment during the week, on game day it was a free-for-all. The team would arrive about 2hrs before kickoff, so for those 2hrs I was very busy. During the game itself, I would stand by our on-field equipment trunk in case of any equipment emergency. I admit, during the game I was pretty useless LoL. Since I was standing behind a wall of players and coaches, I could not see the field. I had to watch every game on the stadium's JumboTron LoL. In 2005 we went into the game undefeated, but DJ Shockley had been injured the game before against Arkansas, so we were hurting. We lost a heartbreaker, but went on to win the SEC Championship. In 2006, well I don't really remember 2006. In 2007, we danced :) I can detail that story in person if you want to know. That was a great day. In 2008, we were confident going in, but Florida was riled up from the year before, and we lost pretty badly. Say what you will, but now that he's graduated I am a Tim Tebow fan. I really appreciate his ministry, and I pray he stays true to the Word. After the game, we would pack up the locker room and equipment truck as quickly as we could. Usually, we Friday Crew would have to shower, change, and board the buses with the team quickly, so our post-game work would be minimal. We would bus to the JAX airport, go through another security checkpoint, and board our plane. On the plane we were met by another food bag, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets! (Y'all seriously wonder why I'm a big guy!). Win or lose, it was always delicious. We would land in Atlanta, and still have a long bus ride back to Athens. We would get into Athens late at night, and I would get in my truck, go back to ECV where I lived, and go to sleep. I would keep my phone on though because the equipment truck would get back about 3am, and they would call the Friday Crew in to help unload. So, I would be able to really sleep by 4am that Sunday morning. I didn't go to church all through college, and that was one of the reasons why. I remember in 2005, my friend and I opted to sleep in the locker room, and around midnight some UGA police officers woke us up. I guess they thought we were vagrants, but I explained our situation, and they let us go back to sleep.
It was a side of UGA Football that most people never see or care about. Needless to say, I am one spoiled individual LoL. After being paid to go on trips for 4 years, I really have no desire to travel anymore. I went to a few road games in 2009, and after that I really decided not to travel LoL. People ask me now, "Hey! Are you going to Florida?". When I say "No." I get a variety of odd looks and responses. The Georgia/Florida game truly is a religious event. When I tell people that Florida is no longer my #1 rival, I am mocked. I'm amazed at how personally a lot of Georgia fans take this game. After a final record of 2-3 against Florida, I have a true respect for them. I see a true difference in my fandom, and that of a regular fan. I have shed blood, sweat and tears for the Georgia Bulldogs. I will always bleed Red and Black. I have rings and Varsity Letters to serve as a reminder of my service. I have connections, friendships, scrapbooks, etc. that will last me a lifetime. It was not just a spectacle for me. The games were a small percentage of my involvement, actually. I knew the people. I formed relationships. Fans will talk about recruiting, or individual players, or numbers, stats, etc. They struggle and cling to their identity. The average fan is the reason why UGA Football exists. The average fan is the reason I had a job for 5 years. Fans make college football what it is. But, at the end of the day, fan opinion rises with a win and falls with a loss. An individual will be praised one day, and persecuted the next. A coach is a hero with a win, and a demon with a loss. It is a very cutthroat profession, and I have sympathy for them. Nobody cares about a manager. A manager's name is never in the paper for a loss, or a win. Nobody credits a flawlessly-timed Tuesday practice with a victory over Florida. Where it was my identity for 5 years, UGA Football is now just something I watch on Saturday, if I watch it at all. This Saturday I'm faced with the prospect that I will not watch or listen to the Georgia/Florida game. When I mention that, people say I'm crazy, but I'm actually okay with it. I'll be spending that time with good friends at a place I love rather than sitting alone in my apartment in front of my TV. I do not share in the religious fervor of the thousands of people who will descend, and already have descended, on JAX and its South Georgia neighbors this weekend. It truly is a holiday that is planned for and pursued as much as Christmas or Thanksgiving. When it boils down to it, I have no soapbox to stand on. Truthfully, I just don't want to bother driving down there, finding a hotel, sitting in the stands, winning/losing, driving home, etc. when for 4 years I had the behind-the-scenes, all-expense-paid experience. Yes, I am spoiled and lazy. That being said, Go Dawgs! Beat Florida! I'll catch the highlights Saturday night.
For the Kingdom,
Stuart
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)