I am sure we all have heard about the passing of Reggie White, the former NFL defensive great known as the "Minister of Defense." Reggie passed away on December 26, 2004, from a condition known as sarcoidosis, which affected his respiratory system during his sleep. White was one of the most respected players on and off the field. He also was known for how he preached his faith throughout his playing career.

I don’t usually watch the show “The Biggest Loser,” but when I get a chance to see it, I always love it. There’s always something to learn about our human nature through that show, and I usually come away from it inspired in some way.

Last night, I caught part of the show and was struck by a particular comment from trainer Jillian Michaels. One of the participants had been giving her particular trouble through his poor attitude, and she commented on how it was affecting not only him, but also his entire team. I might botch the quote, but Michaels said something like, “The problem with teams is that the actions of individuals don’t just affect individuals, they affect the other people on their teams.”

Of all the silly games that I learned as a child, the one I remember best was a game some of the older kids in the neighborhood played—one that we didn’t exactly brag about to our parents. “Knick Knocking” was the practice of approaching a neighbor’s front door, knocking loudly several times, and then running away. Serious Knick Knockers would retreat to a nearby hideaway so that they could watch the unsuspecting neighbor open the door and search for a visitor. This was actually entertaining to the mischievous kids on our block!

I know all of us have heard about "the story," right? The story of how we are forgiven for all our sins because Jesus came and died for us.

Last weekend I was in Medford playing soccer. In our last game, I was a little too fired up and used some words I don't want to mention again. And before the game I had specifically said, "Lord, I’m playing for You." After the game was over I realized that I had completely gone back on my word. I’d gotten caught up in the competition.

There are great responsibilities that go along with the great privileges of being a champion. NASCAR driver Kurt Busch had a less-than-stellar image prior to winning the series championship in 2004--something he had worked hard to repair in the early part of the 2005 season. However, heading into the Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge, after a couple of relapses by Busch, NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said, "Kurt has a responsibility to the sport and must conduct himself like a champion."

I love to visit and speak at our area Huddles. Recently, after speaking at a school in Geneva, Ill., I lingered to visit with the Huddle Coaches before I left. That day, I’d spoken about making a difference by doing a radical act of kindness for a person in their building. As with all of us who share messages in front of crowds, I never know what impact my words will have on the lives of those who are listening, but being faithful to deliver the truth of God’s promises is what matters most.

When it comes to endurance, the power of the resurrection is necessary. As a triathlete who constantly goes through training cycles that push my limits, I often get skeptical about how far I can go or how much I can push myself. After a long race, I feel completely spent, like I’m older than the hills and will never fully recover. But given time and the fact that the body is a work of God—a miracle by all accounts—and in spite of personal human doubt, I spring back, stronger and better than before.