Hey Girls!
I have listened to people tell me their stories over the past 6 months and although they have different characters in their stories, the context of the stories are the same. People love them one day and dislike them the next. Some people have no idea where these changed feeling are coming from and some know exactly where these feeling harvest. Nobody knows these type of relationships more than coaches and their families. It is because of these relationships that Coaches build walls all around them and only the horns of Joshua could break them down. It can be anything from playing time to not having as good as season as last year. Whatever it is-it causes loneliness for the coach, the wife, and the kids. So, what do we do?
I was doing my quiet time and guess what I read? Jesus went through the exact same love hate relationship with his followers. In Matthew 21 you can read of his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As He was riding his donkey, people were shouting words of praise, "Hosanna, to the son David. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest." What amazing words of praise and acclimation and only days later would be beaten and crucified by these same people. You hear Peter says things to Jesus like, "Even if I have to die with you. I will never disown you." And as we all know, Peter not only denied him, but did it 3 times. Ouch!
If we want to know what to do when people love us and then hate us, we have to look at the example of Jesus. Jesus said, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." He says we must pray for those who persecute us. He says if someone strikes one cheek, turn them the other.
Are you kidding? Maybe its just me, but it is so much easier to be bitter, bicker, and gripe. After all, they are the ones with the problem-not you. Yes, and these are very human things to think and feel. So how do we follow Jesus' example? We have to remember that although we are human, as Christ-followers we also have the same spirit within us that Jesus had in Him. We can do it because of Christ and Christ alone. Ask Him! He wants to help us become all that He is:) It is our time to be coached by the Head coach!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
A world without God
Hello Friends!
I started my day on a somewhat difficult note today. On my way to work, I stopped by the Hospital to see and pray with my husband's cousin and her husband. He was preparing for surgery to amputate his leg because of cancer. At the age of 30! When I got there the families were waiting in the waiting room-2 going in to see them at a time. I wasn't there 2 minutes when a family member came out and said, "Is there a Sarah here yet? They would like to see her next." Feeling bad that I kinda jumped in line, I walked back there. As I pulled aside the curtain, I saw 2 very frightened indivduals and realized they didn't want to see me, they wanted to feel God right now through my prayer.
I know we all know someone going through such times as these and it may be you! You are asking God questions or just seeking his answers. That was me today! I simply wanted to be reminded of what I had just reminded this young couple: God is real and he is here! I was doing my devotion today and this is what I read:
Think for a moment about this question: What if God weren't here on earth? You think people
can be cruel now, imagine us without the presence of God. You think we are brutal to each
other now, imagine a world without the Holy Spirit. You think there is loneliness and despair
and guilt now, imagine a life without the touch of Jesus. No forgiveness. No hope. No acts of kindness.
No words of love. No more food given in his name. No more songs sung to his praise. No more
deeds done in his honor. If God took away his angels, his grace, his promise of eternity, and his
servants, what would the world be like?
In one word, Hell.
I read this devotion and my questions were answered with one simple word:YES! This couple ,because of Jesus, can have hope! This couple, because of Jesus, can have peace! This couple, because of Jesus, can feel compassion!
And because of Jesus, so can you and I! Woo Hoo!
PS. Baby Update- I am now almost 6 months and feel like I am 9 months. Baby boy is doing awesome and extremely active! Praise the Lord!
I started my day on a somewhat difficult note today. On my way to work, I stopped by the Hospital to see and pray with my husband's cousin and her husband. He was preparing for surgery to amputate his leg because of cancer. At the age of 30! When I got there the families were waiting in the waiting room-2 going in to see them at a time. I wasn't there 2 minutes when a family member came out and said, "Is there a Sarah here yet? They would like to see her next." Feeling bad that I kinda jumped in line, I walked back there. As I pulled aside the curtain, I saw 2 very frightened indivduals and realized they didn't want to see me, they wanted to feel God right now through my prayer.
I know we all know someone going through such times as these and it may be you! You are asking God questions or just seeking his answers. That was me today! I simply wanted to be reminded of what I had just reminded this young couple: God is real and he is here! I was doing my devotion today and this is what I read:
Think for a moment about this question: What if God weren't here on earth? You think people
can be cruel now, imagine us without the presence of God. You think we are brutal to each
other now, imagine a world without the Holy Spirit. You think there is loneliness and despair
and guilt now, imagine a life without the touch of Jesus. No forgiveness. No hope. No acts of kindness.
No words of love. No more food given in his name. No more songs sung to his praise. No more
deeds done in his honor. If God took away his angels, his grace, his promise of eternity, and his
servants, what would the world be like?
In one word, Hell.
I read this devotion and my questions were answered with one simple word:YES! This couple ,because of Jesus, can have hope! This couple, because of Jesus, can have peace! This couple, because of Jesus, can feel compassion!
And because of Jesus, so can you and I! Woo Hoo!
PS. Baby Update- I am now almost 6 months and feel like I am 9 months. Baby boy is doing awesome and extremely active! Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Our Children
Hello Friends,
My husband and I have started journals for our kids. We wanted to write down memories, thoughts, and feelings for our children as they grow up. We also include things God has taught us in our lives. We hope and pray that God will use these journals to strengthen our children's relationship with Christ. As I was writing in my son's journal, I was reminded of a moment I had with him in November. I had just lost a friend of mine in an accident and I was so upset. Cale asked me if I was OK and I told him I had lost a friend that day. He said, "Mommy, do you want me to pray?" "Oh yes, please! And could you pray for his mommy and daddy because they miss their son." Here was his prayer:
God, could you please get me a horse
So I can take his mommy and daddy up
to heaven to see their son. Amen
I told him that was an awesome prayer and thanked him with a big hug and kiss. He then replied, "Mom, do you think I will get a horse?" I couldn't help to laugh so hard that I now was crying tears of joy. Joy that my children bring into my life.
As I was doing my quiet time this morning, I read Matthew 18:1-4. The heading says, "Who is the Greatest?"
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly I say to you
unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4
Children are the greatest! Yours-mine-all! I have been a Christian since I was 13 years old and even though I am wiser, more knowledgeable of the bible, I still long to have the faith of a child-my child!
My husband and I have started journals for our kids. We wanted to write down memories, thoughts, and feelings for our children as they grow up. We also include things God has taught us in our lives. We hope and pray that God will use these journals to strengthen our children's relationship with Christ. As I was writing in my son's journal, I was reminded of a moment I had with him in November. I had just lost a friend of mine in an accident and I was so upset. Cale asked me if I was OK and I told him I had lost a friend that day. He said, "Mommy, do you want me to pray?" "Oh yes, please! And could you pray for his mommy and daddy because they miss their son." Here was his prayer:
God, could you please get me a horse
So I can take his mommy and daddy up
to heaven to see their son. Amen
I told him that was an awesome prayer and thanked him with a big hug and kiss. He then replied, "Mom, do you think I will get a horse?" I couldn't help to laugh so hard that I now was crying tears of joy. Joy that my children bring into my life.
As I was doing my quiet time this morning, I read Matthew 18:1-4. The heading says, "Who is the Greatest?"
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly I say to you
unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-4
Children are the greatest! Yours-mine-all! I have been a Christian since I was 13 years old and even though I am wiser, more knowledgeable of the bible, I still long to have the faith of a child-my child!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The NBA experience
So. . .I got a phone call from the Oklahoma City Thunder office, the new NBA team, asking if I would be willing to give the innvocation at the game this week. First of all, I didn't even know they prayed at NBA games and second of all, they are asking me? Heck yeah! That sounds like fun. He began to go over when to be there, where to go, what to wear, and "Oh, by the way you can't say the name of Jesus." As we got off the phone, I just sat there. Did he really ask me to pray and then say, but you can't say the name of Jesus. What the heck! I am 0nly able to pray to my heavenly father because of the sacrifice of Jesus. How can I pray without acknowledging HIM! I began to pray and ask God for direction. Would I say it anyway, would I just refer to God, would I refer to Jesus with another name? I honestly didn't know what I was going to do.
Why is it that we can talk about God all day long on TV, on the radio, in magazines, but the moment the name Jesus is brought up, Woah! That is going too far! As Christians, when do we get to exercise the right to free speech? Alright, Alright! I will get off my soap box for a minute and continue.
We had to show up 2 hours before game time to go through the walk through. I was kinda thinking, dude, its a prayer I do it all the time. But I went along with their show. After the walk through they gave us passes to go hang out on the court during warm-ups until I was up. The doors opened to the public an hour and half before game time and we heard the announcement, "The doors are now open, staff, please take your places." Who would show up this early? Well, there were about 12 men ranging from 30-60 who raced in to get there prime spot to get autographs. You might ask, "Did they have kids with them." And I would have to say, "No!" Just their magazines, basketball cards, balls etc. And anytime a player would walk by they would just yell at him like the player had the only cure to cancer by the touch of their pen,and if they would only sign their card, they would be cured. It was quite amusing to watch. It just made me realize the influence the athletic world has on the everyday world. It doesn't matter if you are talking the high school level, college level, or the pro-level, the athlete has more influence than any other person in the school or professional world. That is why I do what I do so that I can help use the platform of athletics for Jesus Christ.
Well, here was a platform. . .What did I do you ask? I walked out to center court, closed my eyes, and let God to the rest. I prayed to my heavenly father and asked those things in "the name above all names, Amen!" Right or Wrong, God heard my prayer through the relationship that I have with the name above all names, Jesus Christ!
Have a super day!
Why is it that we can talk about God all day long on TV, on the radio, in magazines, but the moment the name Jesus is brought up, Woah! That is going too far! As Christians, when do we get to exercise the right to free speech? Alright, Alright! I will get off my soap box for a minute and continue.
We had to show up 2 hours before game time to go through the walk through. I was kinda thinking, dude, its a prayer I do it all the time. But I went along with their show. After the walk through they gave us passes to go hang out on the court during warm-ups until I was up. The doors opened to the public an hour and half before game time and we heard the announcement, "The doors are now open, staff, please take your places." Who would show up this early? Well, there were about 12 men ranging from 30-60 who raced in to get there prime spot to get autographs. You might ask, "Did they have kids with them." And I would have to say, "No!" Just their magazines, basketball cards, balls etc. And anytime a player would walk by they would just yell at him like the player had the only cure to cancer by the touch of their pen,and if they would only sign their card, they would be cured. It was quite amusing to watch. It just made me realize the influence the athletic world has on the everyday world. It doesn't matter if you are talking the high school level, college level, or the pro-level, the athlete has more influence than any other person in the school or professional world. That is why I do what I do so that I can help use the platform of athletics for Jesus Christ.
Well, here was a platform. . .What did I do you ask? I walked out to center court, closed my eyes, and let God to the rest. I prayed to my heavenly father and asked those things in "the name above all names, Amen!" Right or Wrong, God heard my prayer through the relationship that I have with the name above all names, Jesus Christ!
Have a super day!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Girl or Boy?
Happy New Year!
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! I know we did! One thing I love about Christmas is the traditions you create as a family. When we first found out we were pregnant with our first child we sat down and discussed how we wanted to do Christmas. Santa or no Santa, a lot of presents or a few, etc. We got an idea from a friend of ours and made it our own. On Christmas eve, we read the Christmas story from Luke and discuss that tomorrow is Jesus' birthday. Santa brings 3 gifts because that is how many gifts Jesus received from the wisemen when He was born. We then wake up on Christmas morning, eat birthday cake for breakfast, and open gifts.
Oh! It was so awesome! I would love to hear of your family traditions!
Over the Christmas break, we also had our ultrasound to found out if we were going to have a boy or a girl. Yes, I am one of those who needs to know. I have a lot of friends who don't ever find out and I always thought that was so awesome, but could not do it. We tried with our daughter, Chloe. We had them write it down and put it in an envelope. My sister had convinced us to let her know and then she would decorate the nursery. The problem was we didn't see her for a few days and the envelope was just sitting there saying, "Open me!" Chloe got her way then and has been getting her way ever since:)
All through break our families would take polls on what they thought it was. Well, do you have a guess?! The verdict is. . .Boy! Yes, we are having a boy! We are so excited and can't wait to meet our little miracle baby. We know God has something special in store for this little one.
While you are sharing your family traditions with me, please share any advice about having 3 or more kids. I could manage 2 kids going to football games by myself, but 3 seems a little overwhelming.
Love you all!
Sarah
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! I know we did! One thing I love about Christmas is the traditions you create as a family. When we first found out we were pregnant with our first child we sat down and discussed how we wanted to do Christmas. Santa or no Santa, a lot of presents or a few, etc. We got an idea from a friend of ours and made it our own. On Christmas eve, we read the Christmas story from Luke and discuss that tomorrow is Jesus' birthday. Santa brings 3 gifts because that is how many gifts Jesus received from the wisemen when He was born. We then wake up on Christmas morning, eat birthday cake for breakfast, and open gifts.
Oh! It was so awesome! I would love to hear of your family traditions!
Over the Christmas break, we also had our ultrasound to found out if we were going to have a boy or a girl. Yes, I am one of those who needs to know. I have a lot of friends who don't ever find out and I always thought that was so awesome, but could not do it. We tried with our daughter, Chloe. We had them write it down and put it in an envelope. My sister had convinced us to let her know and then she would decorate the nursery. The problem was we didn't see her for a few days and the envelope was just sitting there saying, "Open me!" Chloe got her way then and has been getting her way ever since:)
All through break our families would take polls on what they thought it was. Well, do you have a guess?! The verdict is. . .Boy! Yes, we are having a boy! We are so excited and can't wait to meet our little miracle baby. We know God has something special in store for this little one.
While you are sharing your family traditions with me, please share any advice about having 3 or more kids. I could manage 2 kids going to football games by myself, but 3 seems a little overwhelming.
Love you all!
Sarah
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Bed and Breakfast
Merry Christmas, Friends! It's almost here! Yeah!
I hope this entry finds you doing great and not overwhelmed by all that the Christmas season has to offer. I have found a radio station in our area that plays Christmas music all day long! You would think I would get sick of it, but I don't! I love it!
I wanted to share with you our experience this past weekend. Every year my husband takes me to a bed and breakfast the first weekend after football season is over. It's our "hey, how have you been for the past 6 months" weekend. I look forward to it every year and this year was no different. But this year was different in the experience-so here goes. . .
I get a phone call from my husband on Thursday afternoon. He says he came home from school, sick and he couldn't come to the FCA staff Christmas party. Oh no, it can't be happening this weekend. I came home from the party (yes, I went without him. Free steak for a pregnant girl-I'm in!) and he did not look very good. I went to bed and woke up about 6:30am on Friday morning throwing up. Boo!! I was so sick. We tried to wait it out to see if we felt better and Chris did, but I didn't. I had him call the place and tell them we couldn't come and they informed him that since it was less than 24 hour notice they would have to charge us the full price of the room. He relayed the information to me and I replied, "Give me the phone." I, politely, told the lady that we were so sick and asked if there was anything they could do for us (pay half and we get a discount when we come back) anything at all! We couldn't just be out $200 and say "Oh we will do this again some other time." She, politely, replied to me "I am sorry that is our policy, but maybe if you came, a nice soak in our tub will make you feel better." I, not so politely, replied, "I guess I can throw up in your bathroom as much as I can throw up in mine. So I will suck it up and we will be there."
Yes, I am that stubborn and frugal! I told my husband- "let's go!" Yes, we did go and spent the night at our bed and breakfast with a take out dinner of "Lunchables" and laid in the big nice bed, watching Mission Impossible III between trips to the bathroom. Not our romantic evening I thought we would have, but none the less a memory that some day we will laugh at:)
Hopefully you can get a good laugh! Have a Happy Day!
I hope this entry finds you doing great and not overwhelmed by all that the Christmas season has to offer. I have found a radio station in our area that plays Christmas music all day long! You would think I would get sick of it, but I don't! I love it!
I wanted to share with you our experience this past weekend. Every year my husband takes me to a bed and breakfast the first weekend after football season is over. It's our "hey, how have you been for the past 6 months" weekend. I look forward to it every year and this year was no different. But this year was different in the experience-so here goes. . .
I get a phone call from my husband on Thursday afternoon. He says he came home from school, sick and he couldn't come to the FCA staff Christmas party. Oh no, it can't be happening this weekend. I came home from the party (yes, I went without him. Free steak for a pregnant girl-I'm in!) and he did not look very good. I went to bed and woke up about 6:30am on Friday morning throwing up. Boo!! I was so sick. We tried to wait it out to see if we felt better and Chris did, but I didn't. I had him call the place and tell them we couldn't come and they informed him that since it was less than 24 hour notice they would have to charge us the full price of the room. He relayed the information to me and I replied, "Give me the phone." I, politely, told the lady that we were so sick and asked if there was anything they could do for us (pay half and we get a discount when we come back) anything at all! We couldn't just be out $200 and say "Oh we will do this again some other time." She, politely, replied to me "I am sorry that is our policy, but maybe if you came, a nice soak in our tub will make you feel better." I, not so politely, replied, "I guess I can throw up in your bathroom as much as I can throw up in mine. So I will suck it up and we will be there."
Yes, I am that stubborn and frugal! I told my husband- "let's go!" Yes, we did go and spent the night at our bed and breakfast with a take out dinner of "Lunchables" and laid in the big nice bed, watching Mission Impossible III between trips to the bathroom. Not our romantic evening I thought we would have, but none the less a memory that some day we will laugh at:)
Hopefully you can get a good laugh! Have a Happy Day!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Samaritan Woman
Hello Friends,
I can't believe I haven't written since Thanksgiving! During the Christmas season, time just seems to go by faster than any other time. Well, we finished up our season on Friday night in the state semi-finals. It was a great season and even though I am looking forward to having my husband back again, I could have went one more week:) I am excited, however, for this weekend. Each year, the first weekend after our season ends my husband takes me to a bed and breakfast to basically say, "How have you been for the last 6 months?" It has been a great tradition that I look forward to every year. This was a result of a lesson we learned being a coaching family-we had to do something to keep the communication lines open and the intimacy alive that can be lost during a hard fought season. We are all learning lessons everyday as wives, moms, professionals, and women.
I wanted to share with you one of the biggest lessons I learned that changed my life in each of these areas. The lesson came from John 4:1-44. I would encourage you to read this before reading on in this entry. Here, we meet a woman that isn't given a name, but is so significant to women today. We will call her the Samaritan woman because she was from a town called Samaria. The Samaritans, in general, were basically outcasts from society for their pagan worship and were considered "unclean" by the Jews. The Jews did not socialize with the Samaritans to say the least so the fact that Jesus would stop and converse with one reveals that Jesus saw this woman like nobody else did-His child. (Just like He sees you and me). In verse 7-Jesus asks the woman for a drink and she questions why He, a Jew, is asking for water from a Samaritan. Jesus replies, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that say to you, 'Give me a drink' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." She is confused and asks Him questions about "this water." She finally figures out that Jesus is the living water that will "never make her thirsty again."
He then tells her to go get her husband and she replies, "I have no husband." Jesus then says, "You are right- you do not have a husband for you have had 5 husbands and the one you live with now is not your husband." She believed He was the Christ and was filled with the living water Jesus talked about. I was much like this woman in the fact that I was trying to make my husband fit the role that only Christ can. And still sometimes do. As a woman, we have emotional needs and spiritual needs and we spend our whole life trying to find a man to meet those needs, just like the Samaritan woman, so when our spouse doesn't live up to our expectations we get frustrated and lonely, but the reality is there is only one man that can meet each and EVERY emotional and spiritual need and that is Christ and Christ alone! Jesus, as the living water, makes you never thirst for anything more. Even sometimes today I find that when Chris and I are having problems-most of the time it is because I am trying to put him in a position that he will fail every time because he is incapable of doing only that which Christ can. When I learned this lesson, I promise you-my marriage was better and my relationship with God was better.
I hope sharing my stories will encourage you in yours! God bless you!!
P.S. Baby update- We are now 15 weeks and feeling great!! Yeah!!!
I can't believe I haven't written since Thanksgiving! During the Christmas season, time just seems to go by faster than any other time. Well, we finished up our season on Friday night in the state semi-finals. It was a great season and even though I am looking forward to having my husband back again, I could have went one more week:) I am excited, however, for this weekend. Each year, the first weekend after our season ends my husband takes me to a bed and breakfast to basically say, "How have you been for the last 6 months?" It has been a great tradition that I look forward to every year. This was a result of a lesson we learned being a coaching family-we had to do something to keep the communication lines open and the intimacy alive that can be lost during a hard fought season. We are all learning lessons everyday as wives, moms, professionals, and women.
I wanted to share with you one of the biggest lessons I learned that changed my life in each of these areas. The lesson came from John 4:1-44. I would encourage you to read this before reading on in this entry. Here, we meet a woman that isn't given a name, but is so significant to women today. We will call her the Samaritan woman because she was from a town called Samaria. The Samaritans, in general, were basically outcasts from society for their pagan worship and were considered "unclean" by the Jews. The Jews did not socialize with the Samaritans to say the least so the fact that Jesus would stop and converse with one reveals that Jesus saw this woman like nobody else did-His child. (Just like He sees you and me). In verse 7-Jesus asks the woman for a drink and she questions why He, a Jew, is asking for water from a Samaritan. Jesus replies, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that say to you, 'Give me a drink' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." She is confused and asks Him questions about "this water." She finally figures out that Jesus is the living water that will "never make her thirsty again."
He then tells her to go get her husband and she replies, "I have no husband." Jesus then says, "You are right- you do not have a husband for you have had 5 husbands and the one you live with now is not your husband." She believed He was the Christ and was filled with the living water Jesus talked about. I was much like this woman in the fact that I was trying to make my husband fit the role that only Christ can. And still sometimes do. As a woman, we have emotional needs and spiritual needs and we spend our whole life trying to find a man to meet those needs, just like the Samaritan woman, so when our spouse doesn't live up to our expectations we get frustrated and lonely, but the reality is there is only one man that can meet each and EVERY emotional and spiritual need and that is Christ and Christ alone! Jesus, as the living water, makes you never thirst for anything more. Even sometimes today I find that when Chris and I are having problems-most of the time it is because I am trying to put him in a position that he will fail every time because he is incapable of doing only that which Christ can. When I learned this lesson, I promise you-my marriage was better and my relationship with God was better.
I hope sharing my stories will encourage you in yours! God bless you!!
P.S. Baby update- We are now 15 weeks and feeling great!! Yeah!!!
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