Stick and Move!

Understand, before you begin reading this blog . . . it is written by a father (ME). This means that, while objectivity is a goal in most writing, it does not apply to any blogs written about the children of said father (ME). In fact, as objectivity is thrown out the window, clarity is the next target of parental omission. So, this blog may be one-sided and incoherent, but it’s written by a father (ME), so be forewarned! Check out Legends Boxing at: http://legendsboxing.phastcat.com/

http://media.heraldleader.com/static/pagepdfs/a1.pdf

http://kentucky.com/141/story/132614.html

Check out the above links to the Lexington Herald-Leader that contains an article with pictures featuring Thomas Alexander Kinchen, III (MY SON; aka “Rocky”).  Thomas and Jevon are shown boxing in their first match. Thomas just turned 7 while Jevon (aka “TNT”) just turned 9; thus the obvious height differential–although, being a Kinchen, Thomas may be plagued by this affliction for life!

(Editor’s note: If you read the full article, know that Thomas, Rocky, is not a “troubled” youth. He has however, created trouble, at times, for his mother and me, various law enforcement agencies, the Ice Cream Man in our neighborhood . . . and, now, for his opponents in the ring. One-sided, biased . . . told-ya’-so.) 

Both kids did awesome for their first fight. The picture itself is pretty cool, simply for the “Rocky” (as in Balboa) officianados in the group. Thomas is called “Rocky” after Rocky Marciano (for Thomas’ deadly left hook–every preacher’s kid should have one!), yet the pic of Rocky & TNT is classic Balboa & Creed. Remember the end of Rocky III, where Balboa and Creed shared this same pose at the end of the movie (a “favor” owed to Creed by Balboa as payment for Creed training Balboa to fight Clubber Lang; which he did . . . and won!)? The pose was captured on canvas and was seen in the recently released ”Rocky Balboa”–a picture on the “wall of fame” in the back of Rocky’s Italian restaurant, “Adrian’s.”

The first round all Thomas threw left hooks (literally; but it’s his “signature punch”, he just signed one-too-many autographs in the first three minutes). Yet, by the second and third rounds he was actually boxing! (Combinations; stick and move; slip and jab) Which was impressive considering the fact that it was his first time out–heavy bags and boxing mits don’t hit back nearly as effectively as live opponents. He took a couple of stiff jabs but he has no “reverse” gear in his stocky little fear-inspiring frame (bias, I warned you).  In fact, at one point during the fight, he actually climbed out of the ring and went after a heckler in the front row! Not really, but wouldn’t that be cool; I’ll put that on my “things to teach” list for next time. 

Anyway, the Mayor’s Cup, Thomas’ (and probably Jevon’s) next bout, is this Saturday at 4pm at Legends Boxing in Lexington. Rocky trained for 10 rounds today, another 10 tomorrow, and perhaps another 5 Friday (we’ll be travelling back from Florida). He loves it and has, what his coach says, is a natural ability in the ring! PAY PER VIEW!! PAY PER VIEW!! (again, forewarned . . . bias; incredible bias)

The cool thing about the gym where Thomas trains is that the coach is also a pastor: William “Sarge” Farris. Sarge does an awesome job with the kids. He teaches them boxing (a boxer himself while in the military) but also teaches them about the love of Jesus. (See first link listed for the gym where Sarge trains: Legends Boxing) Sarge pastors Maranatha Baptist Church, here in Lexington, Ky.

I suppose that’s enough for now; only because I’m going to watch a movie with the family. I think it’s Masters of Pugilism or Kings of the Ring, or something like that . . . or maybe Dunston Checks In.

Down on the Farm

Vacation time is here! Being with my folks has been a blast; the kids have loved it and Gretchen and I welcome the time away. Not that there’s anything wrong with Lexington, but every now and again ya’ just gotta get away!

It’s been cool to put up sheet rock with my dad, swim with the family, watch the kids drive through the fields in Mom & Dad’s mule–Kawasaki mule, that is! While we plan on going to the beach today, this part of Florida (NW/panhandle) is as much farm country as it is beachfront property.  Having a place to get away like this is a blessing and, to a degree, a luxury. Reasonably-priced land is nearly impossible to find anywhwere, much less the Bluegrass (just ask our church trustees and finance team; they have done great work but it has been tough). Mom & Dad bought their land years ago and have been developing it ever since. Now they live here and can enjoy the ponds, trees, barn, and the solitude of living a few acres off the main road.

Drinking a morning cup of coffee without seeing everyone speeding by on their morning commute is nice. The hustle seems to have less bustle in this environment. To be sure, people in the panhandle still work hard and are hip-deep in the “daily grind” of life; yet, being here seems like a true get-away.

The cool thing about “getting away” spiritually is that I (or you) can do that whether we have a farm in the country or an apartment in dowtown Chicago. Scripture teaches that we can, and should, spend time with God, set apart from everything else that tries to catch our attention. Jesus spent time over and over again alone with His heavenly Father. Christ was constantly followed by incredible crowds (today, His disciples would probably file for a restraining order to keep the paparazi away); but He knew He needed to find a place (a hillside, a boat on the sea, a garden outside of town) to be alone; to get away; to clear His mind and focus on the Father in Heaven.

FInd that place in your world–it might be your breakfast table early in the morning or your bedroom late at night; or even your office during a mid-day break. Spend time getting away from the hustle & bustle, busyiness and barrage of expectations, demands, and obligations that may seem to flood your life. Spend time letting God have your undivided attention; let Him grant you renewed focus and strength. And throw in a banana smoothie just for good measure–health and relaxation all in one glass-full!

“Firmly Planted” up and running

My blog, much to the suprise of my colleagues at Master’s Church, is up and running. Thanks, Andrew, Marc, Tom, and (maybe) Jordan. “Why the banana smoothie theme?”,  you may ask. Quite simply, it’s an awesome way to start the day. Small meals several times a day, right Lori Dawn? Take one banana, six packets of Splenda (come on, you gotta have some sweet factor), one cap full of vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup of 1%milk. Once you’ve got that blended, add one cup of ice (ice that has been sitting out a few minutes actually can make a “smoother” smoothie), blend, pour, and enjoy!

Well, that answers the “pressing” smoothie question; now, what about this “firmly planted’ business? Simply, the title comes from Psalm 1, where a wise Christian is compared to a tree “planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in its season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:3, NASB) The Bible speaks of the wisdom that can be found in following God, specifically through a relationship with Jesus Christ. This kind of wisdom comes from being “firmly planted” in the knowledge and application of Scripture in everyday life. While my faults and humanity often come through more than I care to mention in my attempts at living according to God’s Word, my desire is to uphold His truth in all I do.

Enough blogging for today–Marc, I know you’re suprised I’ve kept it this short. It’s time for low fat, microwave popcorn. Not as complicated as smoothies, but just as good. If you need a recipe for microwave popcorn, follow this link and eat happy: imadorkandshouldnotbeallowedinakitchen.com.