A NEW STAGE...To those concerned...PLEASE READ!

Hey all,

I know many of you have been expressed concern about me. I will admit that something did take control, a stage in my life where I became a little bit to hyper focused on training. It worked, but I do admit that it took over. You know I love you guys and I want you know how how much I appreciate the concern.

The title of this blog is called the roller coaster and yes, that is what it has definitely been. Challenges are meant to be overcome. Don't think this marks the beginnning of me being lazy or anything, because, uh hem, that would be unhealthy (even though what I was doing was seen as unhealthy, you need to know that my health is fine and that I get to eat and enjoy the holidays probably more than most). See, that's the great thing about taking it slow and then reincorporating running and working next month after I heal from the injury. Yes, I overworked, I injured my achiles and didn't listen. Now, everything is great. Please, please know that that I hear everything you guys say and do is so great! My health is very important to me and yes, many of you have noticed the weight. I want you to be assured that I am healthy and focusing more on work now than I am on running a half marathon (WHICH BY THE WAY IS CHECKED OFF MY BUCKET LIST).

Many of you have expressed concern with my parents and I just wanted to address this. Please, let me know if you all want to talk, I am totally open to sitting down and explaining things. I am at a healthy weight and am keeping in shape at the same time.

LOVE YALL SO MUCH!

Best,

Chris Stanley

How God is Shaping my Life!

As many of you know, I have been doing a lot of traveling. On these overly long car rides, I have a lot of time to think and reflect on where I am at this stage of my life. I am reading a book right titled, "THE GRAND WEAVER". It was a gift from a very good friend Lori Elliott. The chapter that I just finished up talked about how God places different people in our lives to help shape into the person we will become. I sat and thought about that for a second and there were a few people who came to mind.

• Doug Allen. He has shown me the power of worship. Truly one of the most skilled and gifted worship leaders I have ever encountered.
• Michelle Kovitch. She has shown me the power of prayer and the affects it can have on family and community. I am truly thankful for this.
• Jim Reiter. He has shown me that change is okay. Walking with God and accepting chnage is all part of life.

There are so many others, but these three individuals have truly given me strength in my daily life to keep on going. I m gaining so much insight with this book and am so thankful that they have been placed in my life.

I have been around a lot of youth as well. And it truly is incredible what kids can teach us. I always am learning everyday and am always trying take the skills I have and expand them so that I can understand why God has put me here.

Think about the people who have impacted your life. That's how God works, everyday!

Much Love,

Chris Stanley

Always Listening, Always Hearing, and Always Improving

Well, Its been quite a while since I last posted and well a lot of stuff is taking place. Trying to figure out what I am going to do after graduating is not easy. Many of you know that I am strongly considering doing another internship with a youth baseball company. Its hard to decide if this is the right time. I have learned through recent experiences that putting all your trust in God is the only way you can truly get somewhere. I mean seriously, trying to figure it out on your own is just way to difficult.

God is always there and though he may not give you a clear definite answer when you need it, He always has it planned out and puts you in situations because He wants you to learn and grow. Definitely taken part in that. I take time every night to talk with God. One on one time with Him is precious, especially since I am unable to attend church on Sundays.

When was the last time ypu just talked with God? I encorage you to let Him hear you and guide you. Life to to difficult to meander on your own. Hope you all are doing well and remember, He will always listen.
Talk soon,
Chris

YOU CAN ALWAYS LEARN MORE!

Its been a while since my last post. Thats a good thing and a bad thing. The job has kept me very busy and traveling every weekend is fun, but exhausting. We were in Oldsmar, FL this weekend for a tournament and I learned a lot.

Some of you are aware that I am training for a marathon. Its heard when you are always on the road. Finding time is difficult. After we were finished at the course on Friday, everyone pretty much took a good 3 hour nap. Well, instead of the nap, I ran. Our hotel was positioned in the perfect location. I go running in pkaces not expecting much, so when I do find something or run across one of those "WOW" places, it just makes me want to go further.

I ran out of the hotel amd through Oldsmar. Its a quaint little town with a library, a post office and some really nice beach houses that I dream of having the pkeasure to own someday. Anyway, I started running and soon came to realize that I was closer to bay than I thought. This right here ladies and gentlemen was the WOW moment. I was so astonished to just fall upon such majestic veiws as the bay opened up to the ocean. It was God's way of saying this is what I can do.

But wait theres more. I got to the bay and found a pier that went about a half mile out. Wheb I got to the end of the bay, there was a famliy struggling to free a fish they had just caught. Mow as much as I want to say I saved that little fish, I didn't. But I witnessed something that really amazed me. A gentleman I had passed earlier helped to free this fish and throw him back into the bay. So cool.

So, what did I learn this weekend. 1) There is always more time for someone to prove themselves, you'll have to ask me about that one.
2) God put us on this earth to help each other. Just as the man waz there for the fish, we need to be there for each other. Don't be afraid to lean on someone's shoulder, we all have moments where we need to show emotion and it helps so much to have someone there.
3) Well, God is amazing. He constantly finds ways to impress us. He ran me accross that bay and he will run you accross a many bays in your life. NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON GOD! Because HE will never give up on you.

Love tou guys,

Chris

What to do when you can't do!

Well, I found out today that I have one week to turn things around. When I received this internship I expected a lot of work, but I did not expect to be doing the work of two internships. I have had the attitude in much of what I do to make the most of the situation and to try my best at everything. It was hard for me to take in what my two bosses said, but they are right in since. I have got to keep up. However, I was frank with them and told them that I need more time to get things done. If they both have me doing something, it is very hard, since it is totally different work, for me to get everything done. I of course want a great recommendation from both of them at the end of this and I certainly would not get one if it ended here. I have been hit hard with what it is like to deal with the real world and the real sports industry. I am ready to make the best of this. They are giving a second chance and I have got to prove with that chance that I can produce results. Stress is part of life and I have to learn to deal with it.

When I was driving home the other night, I really thought about things, like the fact that if I do not perform better, this internship will be a bust. I asked God to help me out and I think he is by giving me this chance. Taking full advantage of the opportunities is what needs to be done. Extra work is necessary and proving that I can accomplish a lot of work will be beneficial to me. So, if anyone knows anything about SEO, Twitter, or Facebook and would like to give me some good tips, I am all ears.

One last thing, the amount of time that I have spent with God is not adequate. This can’t happen. If I let things slip away, bad things will happen. I have to keep Him close at all times and I have to show Him that when He gives me a chance a repay Him with time and prayer. That's the other challenge right now. So many people let life get in the way put God in the background. If you have any right since, you will put God in the front seat and let Him be your navigator. Valuable lessons are being learned and valuable results need to be produced!

Say a prayer, spend some time, produce results!

Its Always the Little Things!

This weekend on my totally last minute trip to Atlanta, I was reassured by three things.

1. There are so many little things in life that mean more than we can ever imagine.
2. No matter how far you think you are from God and home, there will always be a place for you to come back to...always
3. Working in the real world is A LOT of work.

Lets start with number one. Many of you know that I have been involved in the lives of youth for many years now and I have learned so many great life lessons through many kids and many families. There is always something little that makes a kid smile and though that small thing may seem like just another, well, thing, it can have the biggest impact. Everyone should take time to focus on the small things, especially if you have kids. Time is precious and it is our job to make the most of it. Focus on the little things.

Okay, so number two. I went to church this weekend for the first time in a while. We are usually at a golf course during the time of church. I heard a testimony for the second time from someone who I respect very much. His musical ability has led me closer to God and I was honored to share worship with him this past Sunday. It proved to me that no matter how low you think you are, or how much you think you have messed up, God will always find a way to help you and save you if you give Him the chance. And its not just God either, a good parent does the same thing. There is always a place for you at home.

And three. Well I guess I should have seen this coming. Doing this internship has opened me up to what it is really like to work and constantly have stuff to do. I have been given the chance to really show that I can make it and I plan to prove that. Its fun, challenging, and rewarding all at the same time. Hard work will pay off.

So thats my three lessons for the day.

1. Focus on the little things
2. There is always a place for you at home.
3. Hard work will pay off.

Have a great day my friends,

Chris

Its Not what You Say...Its what You DO!

I have tried and tried to do things. I constantly am trying to find ways to improve and I always keep my head alert. However, it never seems like enough. It is frustrating sometimes to know you tried your hardest and somebody still thinks that you didn't. Thats a story I will just have to tell you in person. I know things are happening because they need to, but gosh it gets very tiresome.

I got to really know some of the kids in the tournament which was really nice. God put me here for a reason. Whatever that reason may be, I have to accept it. It has not even been one month and I have a lot of proving to do. I have to keep my head up and keep moving. Remember, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."

Gotta Go,

Chris

Another Day...Another Tournament...I am Always Learning

This weekend was our first "real" tournament. Traveling to Hilton I learned a lot about many things. Including those who I work for. It is very hard to make everyone happy. I learned that a while back. When you can except that, it makes life easier. Its still hard to to live with the fact that everyday, people are going to tell you you didi something wrong or you didn't do it the way they wanted. The tournament itself went great. Pace of play was on the ball, all rules were decided correctly, and every parent and player left the tournament very happy! When you become part of an organization, you learn the inside operations and you learn about the secrets of what goes on. I'm not going to go into that.

So, what did I learn this weekend? I learned that I am still learning. I am still technically a student and I know that there will always be new things that I can do to make me a better person and a better employee. The final thing that I learned this weekend is that when life gets busy it is really easy to put God in the background. I found myself doing that a bit and had to remind myself that without God I wouldn't be where I am. I had to give him time. He is the way and He is what makes this world go around.

Remember, give Him time and never stop learning,

Love,

Chris

Well, the first days a wrap...

Today was my first day of work and all I did was talk with restaurants. It was definitely an exhausting one. Its amazing the situations you run into when you are trying to find a place to eat for six people. Some people are nice and will try to work with you and others really don't care. If you think about it, we bring attempt to bring them our players in exchange for six meals. Its actually a pretty good deal. Anyway, thats what I did all day. I became in charge of Facebook as well. Woopie...

After work I attended my usual class at SNAP called Deranged. It was probably the hardest one I have done at the gym. I so needed it though after a day cooped up in the office, yeah that will take some getting used to.

I'm going to jump around to yeasterday. I had a day off and it felt so good. I went on a run on the beach and it really made me think. Why am I where I am? I reflected. More on that soon.

Okay back to now. I finished the day by checking a college ministry called SUB30 at Celebration Church. One sentence stood out to me the entire time I was there..."Divine in disguise." It was part of a song and I as I sang I though about that statement. There have been and there will be so many situations where God may not seem present, but totally is. The sermon focused on living a purposeful life and having a conquering attitude. I received one of the nicest emails today that totally made my day. A mom at St. Martins commented me on my blog and asked me to help coach her son who has ADD. A while back I used to look at my ADD as an excuse. It used to be something I was mad about, because I never thought that I could accomplish anything. Well, that changed, I became aware that my ADD was something I had to live with and that I should make the best off it. The weakness that I once had, has turned into a strength. When someone asks me to share my story and help kids who are struggling, it really gets me. Thats a purpose right there. If that mom is reading this. THANK YOU. It meant so much to me.

I am taking life one day at a time. Everyday will be a new experience. God brought me for a reason, and I guess only time will...wait that sounds familiar.

Talk soon,

Chris

God Designed the world like a golf course...

We finished up our first tournament this past weekend. The first day was definitely a little rough...as expected. But we recovered pretty well. There are a lot of kids on the tour and a lot of parents with a lot of money. I spent the day talking with many of the kids and there parents finding out things that we can do to make things better and stuff that they saw was going well.

One thing that I found amazing was the concentration that all of these kids have. Golf, if you are not aware of it, is a very frustrating game. It requires a lot of patience and a player can have an off day at any tournament. I was able to see the ups and downs of many of the kids and how they coped with the challenges they faced during the day. These kids are some of the best junior golfers in the nation. They practice almost everyday and many of them attend special academies to make them better golfers.

A golf course is a work of art. Amelia National was designed by Gary Player and he designed it to make it appealing and look beautiful. He made sure that there were enough obstacles to challenge the players and he made sure that the fairways were well fair. God did the same thing with this. He designed it with plenty of "bunkers" to challenge us, but he also made sure their was plenty of fairways so that we could make it to the green. Our goal is to put the ball in the cup. We all have goals and we all have obstacles that stand in our way. If we can avoid those obstacles it makes life a lot easier, but when we find ourselves in the sand, we just have to make the best shot possible to get it out and in the cup! Now go play some golf ladies and gentlemen.

With Love,

CHRIS

Long Days Ahead...

Today was a long day. I guess when you work for golf you gotta get used to 12 hour days. You don't get paid much in this line of work, but what I have learned is that you gotta put in the work to get the reward. This experience is so new to me, but it is good. It is teaching me new things such as grocery shopping, creating a workout routine, time managing, and figuring out where everything is.

One thing I learned not to long ago is that the harder you work at the things that don't seem that important are actually the things that will get you the farthest in life. Most times they are the tasks that nobody else wants to do, but if you can do those tasks and do them well, you will always be ahead of the game.

The other real lesson that I have taken away from these past years is that you just have to trust God's plan. It was very hard for me at times to do that. I would wonder constantly why God placed me in certain situations. Looking back, however, I see why. Though we never want to admit it, everything happens for a reason. I have put my trust in Him and I trust Him completely.

I challenge you to put that trust to the test. If you are going through challenges just trust and know that what happens...happens. Life will go on and people will stay in touch. Thats what is important. To always hold close those you care about.

Much Love,

Chris

The day off...

So. Today we had one of our only days off for a while. We attempted to go to the beach, but unfortunately it was a tad cold. I got into the water and yeah it was cold, but not unbearable. Working out at the gym is becoming a habit. It is literally right across the street and it is most certainly convenient.

I made spaghetti for everyone tonight and it was quite good. None left, which means I guess they liked it. I am beginning to get settled in, but I had a flash today that this would be the day I normally head back to Tennessee and start classes tomorrow.

Its scary that I'm growing up, trying to make decisions and working and living is different. I am so used to studying and getting books. I'm doing that, but its all related to golf. I'm going to be such a rules guy when I am done here.

God is continuing to show himself and I am continuing to listen. Just hope I can get in touch with the Burdettes soon. Miss you guys.

Chris

Time To Travel...

Well, Monday starts our travel days. I got picked as one of the drivers. Guess thats because of a good driving record. Not really looking forward to driving all the time, but guess I don't have much of a choice. On Monday we head to Daytona Beach for the day. The we get Tuesday off. I honestly have no idea what to do. Its kind of funny, we as intern only know each other. I guess that network will grow.

One thing I hope will happen is that I find a home church here in Jacksonville. When I left Dunwoody, I made a promise to my self that I would not lose my faith or deter the path that God has set for me. Thats why I should take advantage of the time that God has given me. We have this Sunday off and I am highly excited to attend a new church and find out what God has in store. In many of our lives, God has hit us with surprises, challenges, and obstacles at every turn. Sometimes we think that we have everything figured out and that we are almost certain that the path set forth is the one we will always follow. I think most of us have seen that that path always changes.

I challenge you to sit back and find that path. My New Years resolution is to keep my faith strong and keep my relationships even stronger. The people in our lives are so important. Look at who you surround yourselves with and then you will know how truly loved you really are. And AKWAYS ALWAYS remember that God is always around, even in the most difficult of times.

With Love,

CS

Why I know everything will be okay...

Well. I'm in Jacksonville. On the way here as I usually do on long trips, I set my iPod to random. Sometimes a song comes on that I just start jammin out to and other times I wonder why the song is even on my iPod. But, in some cases a song comes on that really makes you think. "Draw Me Close" came on and I really got the feeling that everything is going to be okay. I had six hours to meditate on the year that just passed. During those six hours, many reflections came to my mind.

The year 2011 was filled with many challenges and many moments where God showed himself. I was struggling in school in the beginning of the semester and it took me by surprise that I was able to pull of the grades that I did. That was only a minor challenge however. We lost somebody very close and his presence will always be felt. The loss brought a community together and I was able to see the love that was shown by so many. The whole year brought me closer to God and closer to trusting him fully. 2012 starts me with a whole new town, a whole new venture, and a whole new experience. I know God is working in me and after such a difficult yet productive year of 2011, I can't help but wonder what God has in store.

My New Years Resolution is to keep up the relationships that I have established. It is hard being far away from the people I love, but I know that everything is playing out because it is meant to be. Have you decided on a resolution? Find one, make it your top priority and challenge yourself to fullfill that. The next five months will be filled with many new experiences and I know that I will learn so much.

Show love and be kind, you never know what can happen.

Love,

Chris

A new year and many new challenges...

Its a New Year and there is so much to do. Last year brought many joys, many laughs, and many tears. I learned so much last year and cannot wait to see what this year has in store. I leave for a new job in two days and it is scary to me that I leave a comfortable place. However, I have been reminded that God is in control and only He knows where I will end up. It has gone by quick and just when you think everything is coming together, it changes. Thats how God works sometimes, and you know what, I am okay with that.

Love,

Chris