#‘social’ grace a lesson in today’s NBA

[musicgoonmail]

Black is King

In This Edition

In this week’s edition, I share a private recording of my Sunday School lesson, what's new with my book reviews, and what I've been recently enjoying in entertainment.

As summer comes to an end, I've been thinking about what I want to focus on for the rest of the year. This newsletter remains a top priority. Thanks for spending your weekend with me here!

Book Reviews

Free eBooks

Extended Play

Lightning Links

Playlists

Coming Soon

Weekly Review

Book Reviews

I completed my book reviews for Cruciform Press this week: Do More Better (Student Edition) by Tim Challies and A Holy Ambition by John Piper. They were the perfect pair of books to prepare my mind for the fall season.

In case you missed it, check out my Book Review Starter Kit and 3 Ways to Read More on my blog. They're quick articles but hopefully informative to those who are interested.

Book Review: Do More Better (Student Edition) by Tim Challies

Book Review: A Holy Ambition by John Piper

Free eBooks

A Holy Ambition by John Piper is free to download at the DesiringGod website - here is the direct link. And while you're there, check out all of their other free books in their library.

Throughout the month of July, the Good Book Company is offering Albert Mohler's Acts 1-12 For You as a free eBook. You can read my review here. 9Marks released a huge edition of their 9Marks Journal, and this one is on Shepherding: The Work & Character of a Pastor. Read it for free and forward it along to your pastors!

Extended Play

The article that impacted me the most this week was Where Will Your Twenties Take You? Six Lessons for Beginning Well by Marshall Segal. My 20s were crucial into making me who I am today. By the grace of God, and through many ups and downs, I solidified my relationships with my best friends, met and married my wife, established my career, and discovered my gifts and talents. All of these contributed to my spiritual growth and health, and I can see God's guidance through it all. Here is a takeaway quote: “Who we are in our twenties, for better or worse, inevitably shapes who we become, for better or worse.”

At my church, we're starting a new youth Sunday School semester this weekend - and we're going to host it online. While our classroom situation has changed, my role as a teacher remains the same. For my featured throwback article, here are Three Roles of a Youth Sunday School Teacher.

Throwback: Three Roles of a Youth Sunday School Teacher

Article: Where Will Your Twenties Take You? Six Lessons for Beginning Well by Marshall Segal

Movie: Avengers: Age of Ultron

TV: The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

Book: Compassion & Conviction by Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler

Music: The Lion King: The Gift by Beyonce

Lightning Links

These quick hits are exclusive to my newsletter readers. Some struck immediately before writing this newsletter. I don’t necessarily endorse the positions or lives of these authors. Some may contain adult language.

Hamilton Act 1 but it's Muppets

Coronavirus Diaries: I’m Working Rides at the Reopened Disney World

When Is It Time To Let Go? by Piper Curda

The Gig Economy Is Failing. Say Hello to the Hustle Economy.

Disney+ Content Chief Agnes Chu Exits To Head Condé Nast Entertainment

This Delivery App Is Keeping Your Favorite Chinese Restaurants Alive

How a New Wave of Podcasts Is Shaking Up Chinese-Language Media

Taylor Swift – Folklore

On Taylor Swift and the Myth of “Limited Space”

‘Muppets Now’ Delivers Bite-Sized Comedy for the YouTube Generation With Mixed Results

The NBA’s Carefully Constructed Alternate Universe

Black is King is Beyoncé’s stunning ode to African glory

Playlists

MUSICGOON: 7 songs I enjoyed this week.

SVRGNLA: Jess and I love these songs.

ETJ: Music that inspires my band.

DIDD: A crowd-sourced worship playlist.

TGIF: SOLA Network friends and faves.

This is FCBC Walnut: The songs we sing at church.

Coming Soon

Upcoming book reviews include Companions in Suffering by Wendy Alsup, Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero, A Week in the Life of Ephesus by David A. DeSilva, and Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0 by Brenda Salter McNeil. All are from the good people at InterVarsity Press.

I'm saving some of the audio recordings from our youth Sunday School summer classes. I'm thinking about sharing some of them on social media, but here is an early private link for my newsletter readers from the class I taught on Sunday. It was our final class for the year, and I tried to answer this question: How is God calling, challenging, and changing you during the Coronavirus crisis?

Weekly Review

SOLA: Gospel Implications For Racial Reconciliation / Where Will Your Twenties Take You? Six Lessons for Beginning Well / As Adoption Ages: How Parents Are Handling Teen Challenges

Thank God it’s Friday: Tim Challies: The Visual Discovery of God / John Piper: Am I Wasting My Life in a Secular Job?

Book Review: Do More Better (Student Edition) by Tim Challies

Book Review: A Holy Ambition by John Piper

Recommended Reading: Millions of Kids Won’t Be at School This Fall. Christians Can Step Up to Serve / Why Graphic Design Is An Asset To The Church / Parenting Essentials / Sister, Friend, or Threat? How Men and Women Relate in the Church

[justball4ever]

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This article was written by Wofford Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Jay McAuley.

  Coaching college basketball for a living is a dream for many and a reality for few. Fortunately, I have been able to live that dream as a Division I assistant coach under some of the best coaches in the business. Ultimately, all assistant coaches strive to one day sit in the “Head Chair,” but in the meantime, our job as assistants is to ensure our boss’ success (while seeing how it is done along the way). No two head coaches are the same. I have worked for both established head coaches and leaders at the very beginning of their head coaching journey. Though each man differs in philosophy and personality, the coaches I have had the pleasure of working for all had a common drive and competitiveness about them that permeated the staff and locker room. Below are the top 10 lessons I have learned during my journey as an Assistant:

No Job is Too Small

If you are in this business, you very likely started at the bottom and have had a few job descriptions that you did not think were part of the gig when you were dreaming of your days as a Division 1 coach. The saying “someone’s gotta do it” rings especially true in this business. Be the guy that will tackle anything.

Willingness to do the less than glamorous jobs and to take things off of the head coaches plate will gain you trust and loyalty in the eyes of your boss. Some leaders struggle to delegate and others excel in this area. No matter who you work for, if you have a “no job is too small” mentality you will not only gain in favor with your boss, but your other staff members will appreciate your extra effort as well.

  Shut Up and Listen

Chances are we have all been humbled a time or two in this profession, and those that learn to listen tend to grow more. With each new job I have taken I have tried to spend the first several months getting a pulse of the program and the needs of the head coach.

From there, you can formulate a plan to deliver on the most important areas: recruiting, scheduling, fundraising, academics, etc. Your boss will ask you for your opinion or input when he or she needs it; just be prepared and organized with facts when they do ask.

  Don’t be a Know it All

Keep it simple. Doing your job well is usually the best avenue to take. The times I have gotten into trouble or regretted an action or comment have been when I did not stay in my lane. There are enticing moments we all face that help feed the ego, however, your boss deserves all the credit NOT YOU! Trying to impress your boss, staff members or another school can not only get you into hot water, but can also reflect poorly on the entire program.

Lastly, you want to be confident and offer new ideas but only those that are backed by facts; do not rock the boat by offering ideas or opinions just for the sake of offering them.

  RECRUIT, RECRUIT, RECRUIT!

Some would argue that this is the most important quality an AC can bring to a head coach. We all have preferences in recruiting but that is secondary to your boss’ likes/dislikes. You must find out early what your boss likes in a prospect (skill, character, academics, etc.), while also getting a feel for the areas that he really likes to recruit in. Know what to sell about your spot and know how to sell it well. As AC’s, we should always be finding new ways to promote our boss and his program through social media, etc.

  No Stone Left Unturned

Some of my best moments as an assistant coach has been when I decided to stop at one more school, make one more call, or reply to a random recruiting email. We have all had recruiting success by finding that “diamond in the rough” player that no one knew about or others passed over. Assistants must dig deeper than just recruiting services and rankings.

This problem solver mentality will carry over into other areas of your job as well. Plus, going the extra mile only helps build your network, increase recruiting territories, and promote your program to an area that might not know much about your school.

Cardinal Rule: Reply to every voice mail, text, email, etc.

  Inject Confidence

This is a must, especially when working for first-time HC’s. We all have fears and insecurities and they can be magnified by the pressures we face in this profession. That is why your boss needs you to help him stay the course and remain optimistic when needed. He does not need AC’s pointing out the problems of the program.

He needs problem solvers and positive sounding boards in order for him to be at his best. Dog days arise throughout the season and only get worse when you are not winning. During those times, speak the truth in staff meetings but also be realistic about your situation (current roster, injuries, etc.). It takes time to build the right culture and win. If you show trust in your boss’ abilities at the worst of times, then he can feel more confident in holding the team to his standards.

  Promote Vision & Leadership of Your Boss

Especially when you are starting from scratch at a new school. Try and find creative ways to get out and speak at coach’s clinics or fundraising events to spread your belief in your head coach and his vision. This will not only get you great experience in front of crowds, but it also shows your boss that you have his back and believe in his abilities to get the job done. Always find ways to promote what your boss is doing in terms of recruiting, coaching, and scheduling.

  Smart Scheduling

I can hear the moans while reading this one. Scheduling is time consuming and far from easy, however, it is a great way for you to network and put your stamp of approval on who you think your boss should play. If you can help create a winnable schedule with numerous home games, you will be in good graces with the head coach.

The last thing you want to do is to chase the money for guarantee games, make your team travel all over the place while missing classes, or have your coach justify your poor schedule to supporters of the program. Scheduling smart will win you games, thus making the head man very happy.

  Be a Connector

Get to know everyone on campus so that you can provide the HC with names when needed. He will lean on you to put out fires when emergencies arise so it is important that you are prepared.

Also, connecting your boss with other college coaches or people in your coaching circle that can offer guidance or a new idea is definitely advised. In the past, I have had guest speakers talk to our team or connected NBA guys with my boss over a meal. The more you share your circle the more he will open up his to you down the road.

  Mediator Between Parents/Players and Your Boss

Assistants need to keep tabs on the parents and players. I realize there is a fine line here, and coaches prefer to limit this type of communication, but I think it is necessary in today’s world. As long as you are echoing the head coach’s vision and being truthful to the parent/player about their progress then I think it can be an extremely beneficial routine.

Parents/players assumptions can be dangerous if they are not well informed and they can lead to big problems for the staff. Head coaches will appreciate you keeping some of these “issues” at bay until it is necessary for him to step in.

  Wofford College Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Jay McAuley has been a part of the Wofford College program as an assistant coach since 2017. He spent some time previously there as the Director of Operations as well. Coach McAuley has also been a part of the Furman, Gardner Webb, and Wake Forest programs.

  The post 10 Ways to be an Asset as an Assistant Coach appeared first on Basketball HQ.

 Source: Ball4ever.com

#IFTTT #WordPress

[justball4ever]

This article was written by Wofford Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Jay McAuley.

  Coaching college basketball for a living is a dream for many and a reality for few. Fortunately, I have been able to live that dream as a Division I assistant coach under some of the best coaches in the business. Ultimately, all assistant coaches strive to one day sit in the “Head Chair,” but in the meantime, our job as assistants is to ensure our boss’ success (while seeing how it is done along the way). No two head coaches are the same. I have worked for both established head coaches and leaders at the very beginning of their head coaching journey. Though each man differs in philosophy and personality, the coaches I have had the pleasure of working for all had a common drive and competitiveness about them that permeated the staff and locker room. Below are the top 10 lessons I have learned during my journey as an Assistant:

No Job is Too Small

If you are in this business, you very likely started at the bottom and have had a few job descriptions that you did not think were part of the gig when you were dreaming of your days as a Division 1 coach. The saying “someone’s gotta do it” rings especially true in this business. Be the guy that will tackle anything.

Willingness to do the less than glamorous jobs and to take things off of the head coaches plate will gain you trust and loyalty in the eyes of your boss. Some leaders struggle to delegate and others excel in this area. No matter who you work for, if you have a “no job is too small” mentality you will not only gain in favor with your boss, but your other staff members will appreciate your extra effort as well.

  Shut Up and Listen

Chances are we have all been humbled a time or two in this profession, and those that learn to listen tend to grow more. With each new job I have taken I have tried to spend the first several months getting a pulse of the program and the needs of the head coach.

From there, you can formulate a plan to deliver on the most important areas: recruiting, scheduling, fundraising, academics, etc. Your boss will ask you for your opinion or input when he or she needs it; just be prepared and organized with facts when they do ask.

  Don’t be a Know it All

Keep it simple. Doing your job well is usually the best avenue to take. The times I have gotten into trouble or regretted an action or comment have been when I did not stay in my lane. There are enticing moments we all face that help feed the ego, however, your boss deserves all the credit NOT YOU! Trying to impress your boss, staff members or another school can not only get you into hot water, but can also reflect poorly on the entire program.

Lastly, you want to be confident and offer new ideas but only those that are backed by facts; do not rock the boat by offering ideas or opinions just for the sake of offering them.

  RECRUIT, RECRUIT, RECRUIT!

Some would argue that this is the most important quality an AC can bring to a head coach. We all have preferences in recruiting but that is secondary to your boss’ likes/dislikes. You must find out early what your boss likes in a prospect (skill, character, academics, etc.), while also getting a feel for the areas that he really likes to recruit in. Know what to sell about your spot and know how to sell it well. As AC’s, we should always be finding new ways to promote our boss and his program through social media, etc.

  No Stone Left Unturned

Some of my best moments as an assistant coach has been when I decided to stop at one more school, make one more call, or reply to a random recruiting email. We have all had recruiting success by finding that “diamond in the rough” player that no one knew about or others passed over. Assistants must dig deeper than just recruiting services and rankings.

This problem solver mentality will carry over into other areas of your job as well. Plus, going the extra mile only helps build your network, increase recruiting territories, and promote your program to an area that might not know much about your school.

Cardinal Rule: Reply to every voice mail, text, email, etc.

  Inject Confidence

This is a must, especially when working for first-time HC’s. We all have fears and insecurities and they can be magnified by the pressures we face in this profession. That is why your boss needs you to help him stay the course and remain optimistic when needed. He does not need AC’s pointing out the problems of the program.

He needs problem solvers and positive sounding boards in order for him to be at his best. Dog days arise throughout the season and only get worse when you are not winning. During those times, speak the truth in staff meetings but also be realistic about your situation (current roster, injuries, etc.). It takes time to build the right culture and win. If you show trust in your boss’ abilities at the worst of times, then he can feel more confident in holding the team to his standards.

  Promote Vision & Leadership of Your Boss

Especially when you are starting from scratch at a new school. Try and find creative ways to get out and speak at coach’s clinics or fundraising events to spread your belief in your head coach and his vision. This will not only get you great experience in front of crowds, but it also shows your boss that you have his back and believe in his abilities to get the job done. Always find ways to promote what your boss is doing in terms of recruiting, coaching, and scheduling.

  Smart Scheduling

I can hear the moans while reading this one. Scheduling is time consuming and far from easy, however, it is a great way for you to network and put your stamp of approval on who you think your boss should play. If you can help create a winnable schedule with numerous home games, you will be in good graces with the head coach.

The last thing you want to do is to chase the money for guarantee games, make your team travel all over the place while missing classes, or have your coach justify your poor schedule to supporters of the program. Scheduling smart will win you games, thus making the head man very happy.

  Be a Connector

Get to know everyone on campus so that you can provide the HC with names when needed. He will lean on you to put out fires when emergencies arise so it is important that you are prepared.

Also, connecting your boss with other college coaches or people in your coaching circle that can offer guidance or a new idea is definitely advised. In the past, I have had guest speakers talk to our team or connected NBA guys with my boss over a meal. The more you share your circle the more he will open up his to you down the road.

  Mediator Between Parents/Players and Your Boss

Assistants need to keep tabs on the parents and players. I realize there is a fine line here, and coaches prefer to limit this type of communication, but I think it is necessary in today’s world. As long as you are echoing the head coach’s vision and being truthful to the parent/player about their progress then I think it can be an extremely beneficial routine.

Parents/players assumptions can be dangerous if they are not well informed and they can lead to big problems for the staff. Head coaches will appreciate you keeping some of these “issues” at bay until it is necessary for him to step in.

  Jay McAuley Wofford College Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Jay McAuley has been a part of the Wofford College program as an assistant coach since 2017. He spent some time previously there as the Director of Operations as well. Coach McAuley has also been a part of the Furman, Gardner Webb, and Wake Forest programs.

  The post 10 Ways to be an Asset as an Assistant Coach appeared first on Basketball HQ.

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 Source: Ball4ever.com

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