Since it is November and we are well on our way to Thanksgiving, I was going to try and do a daily post on Facebook of what I am thankful for. But I have already missed three days. So I thought I would just sum it all up into one blog. I have so many things to be thankful for that I am sure I won't be able to cover it all. But as I write them all down, it does remind me that my life is truly blessed.
Let me start off by saying that I am thankful for the little things. I love the things that make me smile like chocolate when I have a sweet tooth thing going on. I love when my favorite songs come on the radio and cause me to sing at the top of my lungs and put my hands in the air and wave them like I just don't care. I love when the sunshine is out, because it reminds me that there is warm ray of light that shines down in a dark and sometimes scary world. A baby's giggle and toddlers beginning to talk make me smile. I am thankful for lipstick because I don't leave home without it. I am thankful for basketball gyms, and baseball and football fields because they give me a place to cheer my favorite people on at. I am thankful for the people who hold the jobs that I would not want to do but are so vital to our way of living. I am thankful for teachers who deal with my kids all day long and then have to go home and be parents to their own. I am thankful when Summer first hits so there is no more homework and then I am thankful when August rolls around because I get my routine back. I could name so many more things but you get the drift. I tend to always remember the big stuff and forget that there are so many little things that I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for my Dad who has taught me to work hard and to get your hands dirty. He taught me how to mow a yard and how to catch a softball. I am thankful for a mom who put her teenage life on hold to raise me and love me. She always made me believe that I could do anything and is always in my corner. I am thankful for the rest of my family who have filled my life with so many memories that will forever be in my thoughts. I am thankful for friends who have been like a family to me. They have brought me caramel apples and homemade food. They have shuttled my kids around. They have coached my kids. They have fed them and cheered them on. They have prayed for them. I am thankful for the ones who cheer me up and the ones who shoot straight with me. I am thankful for the ones who make me laugh so hard that I shed tears. I am thankful for the ones who I can say something off the cuff with and yet they still love me. I am thankful for the ones who defend me when I am not around. Words can never be enough to describe how much my family and friends mean to me.
I thank God everyday for the two precious gifts He gave me in Christian and Bo. I am thankful that I have a brown-skinned one like me and a light-skinned one like Bryan. My point in saying that is not because the color matters. I love it because it is a true representation of Bryan and I. We are different but we fit and what comes out of it is beautiful in every way. I am thankful for my oldest who has made me question my every move as a mother. Being his mom has made me work on being the best mom that I can be. He has caused me to pray more prayers than I have ever prayed in my life. I am thankful for his uniqueness. I am thankful that when it counts, he has listened to what we have taught him. I am thankful he shows his character through his actions. I am thankful he believes in prayer and knows the Lord. I am also grateful that Bo came into our lives four years later. We almost didn't have him. And now, I couldn't imagine life without him. I am thankful for his dimples and his smile. I am thankful for his huge heart. I am thankful we decided to name him Bo because who knew two letters put together would create such a great kid. I am thankful I have two boys. I do wish at times I had a girl so she could wear cute clothes but I am thankful for jerseys and tennis shoes too. Thank you God for entrusting me with the lives of these two amazing boys.
The Lord blessed me beyond measure when He brought Bryan into my life. I am thankful for his humor and playful attitude. He makes me smile. He keeps me sane! He can give me just a look and it lets me know that everything is going to be alright. I am thankful that he has an opinion. That may bite me in the behind though. He is not scared to stand up for what is right no matter if he becomes the outcast. I am thankful that he lets me be me. He is complimentary and unselfish. I am thankful for the father he is. He spends a countless amount of time with the boys. He plays video games and throws footballs and runs races and coaches and works hard. I am thankful that he is a man of God. He is believer and he is a doer. I am thankful that he hugs me and tells me he loves me every day. I am thankful that God gave me a man who is everything a man should be. His genuine spirit makes me want to be a better person.
And most of all, I couldn't have all of these things if I didn't have God in my life. I am thankful that He gave His only son up to die for me so that I could have an abundant life and a promise of a future. I am thankful that He loved me before I was even born. He knew where I would be and what I would do and yet He still loved me. I am thankful for every perfect gift that He has given me. I am thankful that I can wake up each morning and know that He holds my every moment. Thank you God for my health because without it I could not be a good mom to two very active boys. Thank you for your promises of healing sweet Savior. For in those promises, I know that my friends and family that are struggling with sickness have hope. Thank you for loving me despite the ugliness that can fill my mind and my heart. Thank you for hearing me when I pray even when it seems like it has been a long time. I am glad you listen because I am praying for so many that need you right now. I am so thankful that you saved me and that you are still walking through this life with me. I am thankful that I get to be with you forever!
I hope that after reading this, you will see that there was no way I could fit all of this into a daily post. I am thankful for each of you who read this. I pray that each one of you would have so much more to be thankful for. Thank you for being part of my extended family and for letting my words speak to you. I hope this November is filled with an overwhelming amount of gratitude. Life is good! I am thankful!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The not so good side of me!
My goal in these blogs is to be inspiring. I had to write this to get through some thoughts in my head. I pray that in reading it you will see my heart through my transparency.
Have you ever had these thoughts? Where are all the good people? Where are all the loyal people? Where all the people who stand up for injustice? Where are all the people who look for me and wonder where I am at? Where are all the people who are praying for me? Maybe it is just me but these things have been wandering through my head lately. I often wonder who are the people who genuinely care. Sometimes I feel like there are some who hug me in the front but when I walk away they secretly hope I trip and fall. They compliment my kids or my family and then secretly wish we would fail. They smile silently when I go through struggles in life. Very raw emotions, wouldn't you agree? Sometimes I think it is just me being distrusting because I have been burned. Or maybe I am being a little on the paranoid side. I have found myself to be more guarded over the years because I want to protect my inner circle.
So, lately I have been doing some soul searching. I have asked the Lord more and more each day to empty me of me and fill me with more of Him. The "me" that is inside can tend to be protective, defensive, and downright ugly. But everything in my spirit longs to be more positive and encouraging, more giving, more compassionate. I desire to be to be more like Christ. You see it is easy for me to encourage those who are easy to love. I can always be happy for someone that I know is genuinely happy for me. I can always entrust what is special to me, my children, to those I know truly love them. But it is hard for me to be nice to the one I know talked about me last week. It is hard for me to shout for joy when someone I think is selfish and uses people rises to the top. It is absolutely gut wrenching to entrust my kids to people who I believe don't have honest agendas. I know some of you may feel astonished by these words but I want to be real. If we are honest with ourselves, we all have felt this way before. But when I think about the Lord, I am reminded of His goodness to all. His love has no boundaries. He doesn't have favorites. The Lord set such a great example for us. He told us to pray for our enemies and love one another as ourselves. He was gentle to even those he knew wanted to crucify Him. He let a man walk, sleep and eat with Him whom he knew was going to betray Him. I can't even imagine. I would want to call that man out and justice to be served.
But again, I am humbled when I think about the Lord and all of His ways. For His ways are not our ways. I just look at my ways sometimes and hang my head down and ask for forgiveness. There are those times when I just want to call everyone out and make them admit their wrong ways. But then I am convicted and have to turn the mirror on myself. I can change me. I haven't been the best person. I have let many people down in my life. There are friends I keep trying to meet up with and just can't seem to find the time to do it. There are needs I have forgotten to pray for because I got too busy. I have forgotten birthdays. I have gotten caught up in drama and have opened my mouth when I shouldn't have. I have lost people in my life who I miss and think about often. Saying I am sorry hasn't always been easy for me. My thoughts are not always pure. What I am trying to say is that I am a work in progress. God is constantly having to work in me so that I can put out the good stuff. I have prayed so many prayers for God to make me more like Him. I have even asked that He just erase what is inside of me and just start all over. But I am reminded that He created me in His image. He doesn't create ugly. He refines me. He purifies me. He gives me enough love to fill my soul till it overflows and pours out onto others.
I still believe in people. My passion is people. I desire relationship. I love to see people smile and encouraged! I have a hard time letting someone go once they have come into my life. I love going through the different stages of life with people. Nothing is better than experiencing babies being born, vows being said, degrees being earned, championships being won with the ones you hold close to you. I feel people's burdens. I do pray for them. If you could be a fly on the wall during my prayer time you would probably laugh. I put it all out there. I throw tantrums and act like a 2 year old sometimes during that prayer time. But when I am done, I am comforted to know there is still a Father who loves me like a daughter. He disciplines me when I act like a baby. He talks to me like a friend.
This is not the best side of me and a side that I share with caution. I am an average, everyday woman who seeks to be made whole by the only One who truly understands me from the inside out. When I want to give up on people I remember that God didn't give up on me. He blesses me with the relationships I have that are built on honesty, graciousness and love. Thank you God for mercy because I sure need it. Have mercy on the part of me that isn't so good. Thank you sweet Lord that in You all things are made new.
Have you ever had these thoughts? Where are all the good people? Where are all the loyal people? Where all the people who stand up for injustice? Where are all the people who look for me and wonder where I am at? Where are all the people who are praying for me? Maybe it is just me but these things have been wandering through my head lately. I often wonder who are the people who genuinely care. Sometimes I feel like there are some who hug me in the front but when I walk away they secretly hope I trip and fall. They compliment my kids or my family and then secretly wish we would fail. They smile silently when I go through struggles in life. Very raw emotions, wouldn't you agree? Sometimes I think it is just me being distrusting because I have been burned. Or maybe I am being a little on the paranoid side. I have found myself to be more guarded over the years because I want to protect my inner circle.
So, lately I have been doing some soul searching. I have asked the Lord more and more each day to empty me of me and fill me with more of Him. The "me" that is inside can tend to be protective, defensive, and downright ugly. But everything in my spirit longs to be more positive and encouraging, more giving, more compassionate. I desire to be to be more like Christ. You see it is easy for me to encourage those who are easy to love. I can always be happy for someone that I know is genuinely happy for me. I can always entrust what is special to me, my children, to those I know truly love them. But it is hard for me to be nice to the one I know talked about me last week. It is hard for me to shout for joy when someone I think is selfish and uses people rises to the top. It is absolutely gut wrenching to entrust my kids to people who I believe don't have honest agendas. I know some of you may feel astonished by these words but I want to be real. If we are honest with ourselves, we all have felt this way before. But when I think about the Lord, I am reminded of His goodness to all. His love has no boundaries. He doesn't have favorites. The Lord set such a great example for us. He told us to pray for our enemies and love one another as ourselves. He was gentle to even those he knew wanted to crucify Him. He let a man walk, sleep and eat with Him whom he knew was going to betray Him. I can't even imagine. I would want to call that man out and justice to be served.
But again, I am humbled when I think about the Lord and all of His ways. For His ways are not our ways. I just look at my ways sometimes and hang my head down and ask for forgiveness. There are those times when I just want to call everyone out and make them admit their wrong ways. But then I am convicted and have to turn the mirror on myself. I can change me. I haven't been the best person. I have let many people down in my life. There are friends I keep trying to meet up with and just can't seem to find the time to do it. There are needs I have forgotten to pray for because I got too busy. I have forgotten birthdays. I have gotten caught up in drama and have opened my mouth when I shouldn't have. I have lost people in my life who I miss and think about often. Saying I am sorry hasn't always been easy for me. My thoughts are not always pure. What I am trying to say is that I am a work in progress. God is constantly having to work in me so that I can put out the good stuff. I have prayed so many prayers for God to make me more like Him. I have even asked that He just erase what is inside of me and just start all over. But I am reminded that He created me in His image. He doesn't create ugly. He refines me. He purifies me. He gives me enough love to fill my soul till it overflows and pours out onto others.
I still believe in people. My passion is people. I desire relationship. I love to see people smile and encouraged! I have a hard time letting someone go once they have come into my life. I love going through the different stages of life with people. Nothing is better than experiencing babies being born, vows being said, degrees being earned, championships being won with the ones you hold close to you. I feel people's burdens. I do pray for them. If you could be a fly on the wall during my prayer time you would probably laugh. I put it all out there. I throw tantrums and act like a 2 year old sometimes during that prayer time. But when I am done, I am comforted to know there is still a Father who loves me like a daughter. He disciplines me when I act like a baby. He talks to me like a friend.
This is not the best side of me and a side that I share with caution. I am an average, everyday woman who seeks to be made whole by the only One who truly understands me from the inside out. When I want to give up on people I remember that God didn't give up on me. He blesses me with the relationships I have that are built on honesty, graciousness and love. Thank you God for mercy because I sure need it. Have mercy on the part of me that isn't so good. Thank you sweet Lord that in You all things are made new.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
They Are Watching
For those of you who know me, you know that I always question myself as a mom. I always wonder if I am making the right decisions. I am constantly seeking wisdom on decisions regarding my kids. Sometimes when I choose to show tough love, I realize I should have reacted with gentleness. Other times, I have been soft and figure out that I should have used the belt. For these reasons, I usually try to not be so judging of other parents. We all make mistakes and we all share guilt at times. Some of us get "mother of the year" awards at times. Others get "I barely made it through another day" awards. None of us are perfect but in the end God chose each one of us to be the parent of our kids.
Sometimes my kids will do things that make me fear that they will pick up some of my worst qualities. And other times like today I think maybe Bryan and I aren't doing so bad.
I am sure you have all experienced those awkward times with your kids when they have imitated you at just the right second. I remember Christian being impatient and vocal at a restaurant because our food didn't come fast enough. I just had to look at Bryan because he has acted that way before. As a parent all you can do is correct them all while giving your own self a punch in the gut. I always have the habit of telling my kids to hold on in a very loud and frustrated tone. And it embarrassed me to hear my oldest tell his brother those same words in a very loud voice. I just kept thinking "Oh my! Is that how I sound?" The truth is that they watch our every move and they hear our every spoken word. They watch our actions and how we treat others. So I have to ask myself just what am I instilling in my kids?
I sometimes wonder if they will end up with my stubbornness or my lack of patience. Will they end up with my insecurities? Will they see my faults as a mother and grow up thinking I failed them? Will they ever know how much I love them and how much I will fight for them? Will they ever know how many tears I have cried in prayer as I pressed in for them and for their futures? Am I teaching them how to be strong men with gentle spirits? I have so many questions. But I am reminded in little God moments that I am never alone. I keep serving my boys while keeping my convictions. I still do many things for them. My reasoning for this is that I want them to see how a woman should take care of the special men in her life. But they also get to see how their Dad loves me and always puts me and them first. I hope that they see our home as a place filled with love where each person matters and selflessly gives of themselves. It is daily work in progress.
We aren't the perfect family. Our home is never spotless. Balls are always bouncing in the house. The corners of our walls have fingerprints on them. Boy noises are made all day and all night long. Toilet seat lids still get left up every once in a while. We hardly ever eat at the kitchen table but we always eat together. We play music and I mean all kinds of music. We dance and we sing. We pray every night together and everyone is comfortable in bringing the needs of others into our family prayer time. We have many friends going through many things and I am confident in saying that the Rhodes family is praying for you. We don't just say it lightly. We are truly praying. Today at church Bo had his hand on my back for almost the whole service. As I would lift my hands in worship I would look down and see him staring at me. He is watching me, watching every move I make. We got up to take communion and I leaned over to my boys to tell them to not forget a few friends of ours in their prayers. They both said they had already turned in prayer cards for them. My heart was smiling. As we took communion and prayed, I was brought to tears. Actually, I think I cry every time I take communion. I am such a baby! In the midst of my tears, I heard someone sniffling beside me this time. It was Bo. He was crying too. His eyes were filled with tears and he was rubbing my back. I don't know what moved my precious boy but it was such a wonderful sight. If you have read my previous blogs, you know that I love "moments." At that moment my heart was filled with such peace. I just know that my boys are going to be alright.
They will have trials and they are going to walk through some valleys. But I know that they know the One who has the answers and who holds the world in the palm of His hands. I know they believe in the power of prayer and I know they have compassion for others. Aren't those the two greatest commandments? "Love the Lord with all you heart, soul and mind and love others as yourself." There will be times when the world comes against them and people will say unkind things about them. There will be times when the enemy comes to steal their joy. There will be times that they question their faith and question who they are and what their purpose is. But I hope they will always remember watching their momma with a hand raised high and another hand on their back praising the Lord for who He called them to be.
Sometimes my kids will do things that make me fear that they will pick up some of my worst qualities. And other times like today I think maybe Bryan and I aren't doing so bad.
I am sure you have all experienced those awkward times with your kids when they have imitated you at just the right second. I remember Christian being impatient and vocal at a restaurant because our food didn't come fast enough. I just had to look at Bryan because he has acted that way before. As a parent all you can do is correct them all while giving your own self a punch in the gut. I always have the habit of telling my kids to hold on in a very loud and frustrated tone. And it embarrassed me to hear my oldest tell his brother those same words in a very loud voice. I just kept thinking "Oh my! Is that how I sound?" The truth is that they watch our every move and they hear our every spoken word. They watch our actions and how we treat others. So I have to ask myself just what am I instilling in my kids?
I sometimes wonder if they will end up with my stubbornness or my lack of patience. Will they end up with my insecurities? Will they see my faults as a mother and grow up thinking I failed them? Will they ever know how much I love them and how much I will fight for them? Will they ever know how many tears I have cried in prayer as I pressed in for them and for their futures? Am I teaching them how to be strong men with gentle spirits? I have so many questions. But I am reminded in little God moments that I am never alone. I keep serving my boys while keeping my convictions. I still do many things for them. My reasoning for this is that I want them to see how a woman should take care of the special men in her life. But they also get to see how their Dad loves me and always puts me and them first. I hope that they see our home as a place filled with love where each person matters and selflessly gives of themselves. It is daily work in progress.
We aren't the perfect family. Our home is never spotless. Balls are always bouncing in the house. The corners of our walls have fingerprints on them. Boy noises are made all day and all night long. Toilet seat lids still get left up every once in a while. We hardly ever eat at the kitchen table but we always eat together. We play music and I mean all kinds of music. We dance and we sing. We pray every night together and everyone is comfortable in bringing the needs of others into our family prayer time. We have many friends going through many things and I am confident in saying that the Rhodes family is praying for you. We don't just say it lightly. We are truly praying. Today at church Bo had his hand on my back for almost the whole service. As I would lift my hands in worship I would look down and see him staring at me. He is watching me, watching every move I make. We got up to take communion and I leaned over to my boys to tell them to not forget a few friends of ours in their prayers. They both said they had already turned in prayer cards for them. My heart was smiling. As we took communion and prayed, I was brought to tears. Actually, I think I cry every time I take communion. I am such a baby! In the midst of my tears, I heard someone sniffling beside me this time. It was Bo. He was crying too. His eyes were filled with tears and he was rubbing my back. I don't know what moved my precious boy but it was such a wonderful sight. If you have read my previous blogs, you know that I love "moments." At that moment my heart was filled with such peace. I just know that my boys are going to be alright.
They will have trials and they are going to walk through some valleys. But I know that they know the One who has the answers and who holds the world in the palm of His hands. I know they believe in the power of prayer and I know they have compassion for others. Aren't those the two greatest commandments? "Love the Lord with all you heart, soul and mind and love others as yourself." There will be times when the world comes against them and people will say unkind things about them. There will be times when the enemy comes to steal their joy. There will be times that they question their faith and question who they are and what their purpose is. But I hope they will always remember watching their momma with a hand raised high and another hand on their back praising the Lord for who He called them to be.
Jeremiah 1:5
New International Version (NIV)
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Friday, September 20, 2013
Three Little Words
So all of you who read my blogs know that I have a 7th grader now. He has gone through a lot of changes over the last several months. He actually is quite easy to deal with right now. He talks more maturely and of course his physical appearance has changed. I have even seen him come out of his shell in the last year and have really enjoyed his playful personality. Affection is a hit or miss thing with him. He is not one to give me a hug out of the blue. I have to initiate it and it is usually a side hug. But he has always told me he loves me. Most of the times he is just responding because I said it first, but nonetheless, he still says it. I love you. These are three simple words that hold such a huge meaning. So naturally, hearing these words every day make me happy and content, but I didn't realize how much I take those words for granted until Christian stopped saying them.
We are in the 3rd week of school now, and since schedules have changed, I have been able to take Christian in to school each morning. It is a short ride but we usually listen to music and talk about school or football. Sometimes it's a silent ride if one of us is tired. I began to notice that I would say "I love you" before he got out of the car and he would not respond. He grabbed his lunch and his backpack and just walked into that Middle School building without looking back. His body language did not seem disrespectful but he just left. The first day it happened, I thought maybe he just didn't hear me or it was first day jitters. But it happened the next day and the next and the next. I talked to Bryan about it and first thing he asked is if anyone was around. Bryan thought maybe he doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of his friends. But this was in the car before he even got out. I chose to not confront him about it and to just keep my hurt feelings to myself. Christian has always been buds with Bryan. Bryan can sit and talk to him at bed time and Christian will just tell him stuff about his day. And I get one word answers. All those emotions began to flood in my spirit. So I started pouting about it to myself. I thought to myself, "Does that boy know how much I believe in him, how much I pray for him?" Does that boy know I still wash his clothes and make his lunch? Oh poor pitiful me! I have to admit the pity party is self satisfying but only for a short time.
But even after all of that, I still hid my hurt. Then it happened. Today, September 20 at approximately 7:05 he told me he loved me. And it was before I said it. I was trying to keep it together as I simply responded "I love you too." I did my best to play it so cool. So needless to say I was on cloud nine. I couldn't stop smiling on the way to work. I put my praise music on and began to pray. This is how my prayer sounded, "Lord thank you for Christian telling me he loves me. Lord I hope he realizes how much I love him and how much he means to me..." I suddenly stopped and was silent for a moment. It hit me. Tears came to my eyes and I asked for forgiveness.
How many times have I forgotten to tell the Lord I love Him? How many times have I been ungrateful? Here I was expecting a 12 year old to wrap his brain around all that I do for him and how much I love him. And yet I am 35 and forget how much the Lord does for me. He has blessed me with so much even though I fail Him daily. He tells me He loves me everyday but sometimes I am so busy that I forget to hear His still small voice. He is proud of me but not based on my performance. He loves me just because I am His. He gives me clothes on my back, a roof over my head and a feast to fill my belly with. And yet I forget to pause and say thank you and I love you. God must have a pity party every second, right? But He doesn't because He understands our burdens and His grace follow us, and He forgives our sins as far as the East is from the West.
So even though I want to hear those three little words all the time from my 7th grade boy, I know to cherish the moments he says it even more. I will hold those moments close to my heart. Maybe something clicked in Christian's mind today. Maybe he had a moment of compassion for me. Whatever the reason, God's timing is perfect. He knows just how to get to my heart. Even if it was a brief moment of one rainy morning, my heart is full. If I am ecstatic about those three words then I can only imagine the Lord smiling when I take the time to tell Him...
"I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you. Oh my, soul, rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear."
http://youtu.be/SYV0ce3ybEA
We are in the 3rd week of school now, and since schedules have changed, I have been able to take Christian in to school each morning. It is a short ride but we usually listen to music and talk about school or football. Sometimes it's a silent ride if one of us is tired. I began to notice that I would say "I love you" before he got out of the car and he would not respond. He grabbed his lunch and his backpack and just walked into that Middle School building without looking back. His body language did not seem disrespectful but he just left. The first day it happened, I thought maybe he just didn't hear me or it was first day jitters. But it happened the next day and the next and the next. I talked to Bryan about it and first thing he asked is if anyone was around. Bryan thought maybe he doesn't want to be embarrassed in front of his friends. But this was in the car before he even got out. I chose to not confront him about it and to just keep my hurt feelings to myself. Christian has always been buds with Bryan. Bryan can sit and talk to him at bed time and Christian will just tell him stuff about his day. And I get one word answers. All those emotions began to flood in my spirit. So I started pouting about it to myself. I thought to myself, "Does that boy know how much I believe in him, how much I pray for him?" Does that boy know I still wash his clothes and make his lunch? Oh poor pitiful me! I have to admit the pity party is self satisfying but only for a short time.
But even after all of that, I still hid my hurt. Then it happened. Today, September 20 at approximately 7:05 he told me he loved me. And it was before I said it. I was trying to keep it together as I simply responded "I love you too." I did my best to play it so cool. So needless to say I was on cloud nine. I couldn't stop smiling on the way to work. I put my praise music on and began to pray. This is how my prayer sounded, "Lord thank you for Christian telling me he loves me. Lord I hope he realizes how much I love him and how much he means to me..." I suddenly stopped and was silent for a moment. It hit me. Tears came to my eyes and I asked for forgiveness.
How many times have I forgotten to tell the Lord I love Him? How many times have I been ungrateful? Here I was expecting a 12 year old to wrap his brain around all that I do for him and how much I love him. And yet I am 35 and forget how much the Lord does for me. He has blessed me with so much even though I fail Him daily. He tells me He loves me everyday but sometimes I am so busy that I forget to hear His still small voice. He is proud of me but not based on my performance. He loves me just because I am His. He gives me clothes on my back, a roof over my head and a feast to fill my belly with. And yet I forget to pause and say thank you and I love you. God must have a pity party every second, right? But He doesn't because He understands our burdens and His grace follow us, and He forgives our sins as far as the East is from the West.
So even though I want to hear those three little words all the time from my 7th grade boy, I know to cherish the moments he says it even more. I will hold those moments close to my heart. Maybe something clicked in Christian's mind today. Maybe he had a moment of compassion for me. Whatever the reason, God's timing is perfect. He knows just how to get to my heart. Even if it was a brief moment of one rainy morning, my heart is full. If I am ecstatic about those three words then I can only imagine the Lord smiling when I take the time to tell Him...
"I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you. Oh my, soul, rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear."
http://youtu.be/SYV0ce3ybEA
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
A little bit of Johnny. A whole lot of Humility.
I know I am a little late on this topic but I have been thinking a lot lately about this Johnny Manziel issue. First let me say that I don't know all of the facts, so die hard Aggies please don't bite my head off.
I can tell you that this topic has made me think a lot lately about humility. I feel this world could use a little more of it right now. Humility is defined as the "quality of being modest or respectful." Humility is hard enough for adults to get much less a college kid who is at the top of his game. Let's be real, we have all gotten caught up in our own abilities. In the same respect, we have all been knocked off of our high horse at some point or another. Getting knocked down doesn't mean we are out of the race. It just gives us a moment to dust ourselves off, take a deep breath, get back on the saddle and hopefully readjust our attitude and strategy. Sure Manziel obviously has some things going on in his life. In my eyes, I see a young man who is in the spotlight and may be caught up in the moment. But he is also a young man with loads of talent who is still in the game and hopefully will come out a changed person through all of this. In all honesty, who doesn't like a little spotlight from time to time? Who doesn't enjoy being complimented? What college kid hasn't acted irresponsibly at times?
I think success is great! We all want to achieve certain goals whether it be a promotion on a job or holding a high position in a certain club or sport. We all have our own definition of success. I believe striving for those things is great. It can be personally rewarding when your drive and passion get you to the next level. The problem comes in when you step on people to get where you want to be, or you get caught up in your own glory. You find yourself developing the "I" attitude. You start becoming bigger than your own shoes. I always ask the Lord for promotion but I also ask him to give it to me when the time is right and when I am ready to handle it. I have had those moments when I have gotten caught up in positions and titles and started to look at all "I" had done. Instead I should have been relying on God to place me where He wants me to be. That is tough to admit and maybe that is a pride issue, but it is the absolute truth. I have found that when I think I know it all, I leave no room for the plans God has for me. But in the times I have been patient and asked the Lord to bless the gifts and talents he equipped me with, I have been way more successful.
I have said before that one of my regular prayers has always been that my kids would be successful by the Lord's standards and not by the world's standards. Sometimes that it hard to understand. You sometimes might find yourself in a place that everyone else may think is second best when indeed you are right where you need to be for God to do some amazing things in your life. The world doesn't see the big picture but God does. Hold on to His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 reads " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Prosperity may look different for all of us but the good thing is that God doesn't have favorites. He plans to prosper all of His children.
I do believe that success is easier to handle if you exemplify humility. You realize that your success came from more people than just you. God equipped you. And just maybe someone opened a door for you, someone took a chance on you, someone fought for you, or someone believed in you. Manziel didn't get where he is at today without dedicated parents, committed teachers, devoted coaches and self-discipline. Is he caught up in the moment? That is a matter of opinion. Some will say yes that he is a over-indulged, cocky kid whose head has swollen up twice the size of his body. Others will say he is a normal college athlete playing his game to the best of his ability and a little trash talking on the field is nothing to be crucified over. However you look at it, a little dose of humility can go a long way.
If he were my son I would probably knock him upside the head and bring him back down to reality. I would tell him to practice a little modesty while his life is being lived out in front of millions. I would tell him to humble himself before the Lord and let the Lord bring justice to the situation. But I would defend my son to the world. I would protect him from anyone who would cause him harm. I would tell him that I am on his side. If he was wrong I would tell him and ask him to make it right. But I would be in his corner because that is what a mom and father is suppose to do. I would tell Him that God isn't finished with him yet and that He has a purpose. I would tell my son to get back on that field with a whole lot of humility and a heck of a lot of God's grace.
We will see more of Johnny's life unfold, I am sure. I hope there is more good than bad to come out of this. I am so thankful that when we mess up that God doesn't let it end there. I am thankful for the valleys I have seen because they make the mountains all that more breathtaking. I give God all the credit for my promotions and thank Him for helping me understand the times I was "overlooked." I am thankful that I can rejoice when I get the trophy. But I can also smile when I get second place because I know I left it all out on the field. My paths haven't always been straight but it is refreshing to know that I can get back on the path with fresh eyes and an open heart to learn from my mistakes. And never do I walk my path alone. God sends people along the way to walk with me and He sends those who will be in my corner no matter what I face. God is also on my path leading and guiding my footsteps. I hope that myself and my boys will go through life with humble spirits so that we can take on the challenges life can bring and have faith that God has a perfect time for every advancement.
1 Peter 5:5-6
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
I think success is great! We all want to achieve certain goals whether it be a promotion on a job or holding a high position in a certain club or sport. We all have our own definition of success. I believe striving for those things is great. It can be personally rewarding when your drive and passion get you to the next level. The problem comes in when you step on people to get where you want to be, or you get caught up in your own glory. You find yourself developing the "I" attitude. You start becoming bigger than your own shoes. I always ask the Lord for promotion but I also ask him to give it to me when the time is right and when I am ready to handle it. I have had those moments when I have gotten caught up in positions and titles and started to look at all "I" had done. Instead I should have been relying on God to place me where He wants me to be. That is tough to admit and maybe that is a pride issue, but it is the absolute truth. I have found that when I think I know it all, I leave no room for the plans God has for me. But in the times I have been patient and asked the Lord to bless the gifts and talents he equipped me with, I have been way more successful.
I have said before that one of my regular prayers has always been that my kids would be successful by the Lord's standards and not by the world's standards. Sometimes that it hard to understand. You sometimes might find yourself in a place that everyone else may think is second best when indeed you are right where you need to be for God to do some amazing things in your life. The world doesn't see the big picture but God does. Hold on to His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 reads " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Prosperity may look different for all of us but the good thing is that God doesn't have favorites. He plans to prosper all of His children.
I do believe that success is easier to handle if you exemplify humility. You realize that your success came from more people than just you. God equipped you. And just maybe someone opened a door for you, someone took a chance on you, someone fought for you, or someone believed in you. Manziel didn't get where he is at today without dedicated parents, committed teachers, devoted coaches and self-discipline. Is he caught up in the moment? That is a matter of opinion. Some will say yes that he is a over-indulged, cocky kid whose head has swollen up twice the size of his body. Others will say he is a normal college athlete playing his game to the best of his ability and a little trash talking on the field is nothing to be crucified over. However you look at it, a little dose of humility can go a long way.
If he were my son I would probably knock him upside the head and bring him back down to reality. I would tell him to practice a little modesty while his life is being lived out in front of millions. I would tell him to humble himself before the Lord and let the Lord bring justice to the situation. But I would defend my son to the world. I would protect him from anyone who would cause him harm. I would tell him that I am on his side. If he was wrong I would tell him and ask him to make it right. But I would be in his corner because that is what a mom and father is suppose to do. I would tell Him that God isn't finished with him yet and that He has a purpose. I would tell my son to get back on that field with a whole lot of humility and a heck of a lot of God's grace.
We will see more of Johnny's life unfold, I am sure. I hope there is more good than bad to come out of this. I am so thankful that when we mess up that God doesn't let it end there. I am thankful for the valleys I have seen because they make the mountains all that more breathtaking. I give God all the credit for my promotions and thank Him for helping me understand the times I was "overlooked." I am thankful that I can rejoice when I get the trophy. But I can also smile when I get second place because I know I left it all out on the field. My paths haven't always been straight but it is refreshing to know that I can get back on the path with fresh eyes and an open heart to learn from my mistakes. And never do I walk my path alone. God sends people along the way to walk with me and He sends those who will be in my corner no matter what I face. God is also on my path leading and guiding my footsteps. I hope that myself and my boys will go through life with humble spirits so that we can take on the challenges life can bring and have faith that God has a perfect time for every advancement.
1 Peter 5:5-6
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Bring on 7th Grade!
Well tomorrow starts another school year. Although I am not looking forward to endless homework, I am looking forward to getting my schedule back. My family works better on a schedule. People often tease us because we are so routine. But I am excited about new teachers, new adventures and all the other great things that come with the school year. I've got the backpacks loaded, food for lunches bought and all the new clothes washed and dried. I think I am prepared, except for one thing. Even though I have one entering 3rd grade, I am not prepared for my oldest to enter Middle School.
I know so many of my friends are going through different emotions right now. I have some with kids starting Kindergarten and some who are starting High school. I know others who have sent their babies off to college. So, I don't know why the approaching of this middle school year is hitting me so hard. I have so many mixed emotions about seeing my first born starting to enter a new phase of life. I am a pretty tough mom. I don't freak out when they get hurt. I talk pretty firmly to my boys. I am not real gentle like other moms. I have to be tough or they will run me all over. With that being said, these emotions are coming at an unusual time.
Maybe it is because I am beginning to see my little boy starting to change into a young man. I remember the first day Bryan and I brought him home. We sat him down in his carrier on the coffee table. We both made eye contact and asked "What do we do now?" Nothing had prepared us for the moment when our precious, quiet newborn, turned into a screaming nightmare at 9 p.m. I remember us both crying our eyes out because we were so exhausted and frustrated. To be honest, Christian was a difficult baby. He had colic and cried all the time for the first few months of his life. I would beg Bryan to not go to work and leave me all day alone. I would hear other moms talk about how wonderful having a baby was and how they never wanted to put their babies down. I thought I was all alone in my feelings. But once he was on a routine and eating cereal and lactose free formula, and after loads of prayer, he settled down. Once he became a toddler, he became a daddy's boy and hasn't changed since.
Christian was a pretty easy toddler and young child. He was my blanket baby, thumb sucker and nightlight kid. People told me he would never give up the thumb but he said when he was 4 he would. That promise was kept. He was also my sleepwalker who had night terrors. After many powerful prayers from myself and other prayer partners, he stopped having them. He has also given me the opportunity to go to the ER on more than one occasion. That child has had a couple of sets of stitches and always on his face. There have been other instances when he may have needed stitches and we just didn't go and settled for super glue. He and I have very similar personality traits so we tend to knock heads. We have had stand offs and I was determined to win. Those were the times when I pulled out the "because I said so" line. I always disliked that line but sometimes it just fits.
He was always the kid at daycare who did not follow the crowd. I remember asking his teacher if he had friends and she said yes. He just preferred playing with one or two at a time. He is still like that. He was content playing by himself and lining up all of his hot wheel cars or Noah's ark animals.
When he hit the age old enough to play sports, Bryan always had him outside throwing a ball to him. He knew how to squash a bug, and which way the laces where suppose to be on a ball at a very young age. When he started school, I was excited! I thought school would be great for him. He has always been a great student and done well in school.
So I ask again, why do I have some anxiety? Maybe because I hear my son's voice changing. To be honest, I thought he was having allergy issues for several months. Maybe it is because he is shaving now. Maybe it is because daddy is no longer coach and I am no longer team mom. He is now entrusted to his school coaches and teachers. Maybe it is because he works out with me and is starting to care about bettering himself physically. Maybe it is because I am seeing the little things we have taught him starting to stick. Like the other day when we went to work out I had my keys and phone laying by my mat. Christian saw a man coming our way and he put my keys under my mat and never took his eyes off the man. It was one of those moments when I thought maybe he is listening to the things we have taught him. And maybe it is because I remember what middle school was like.
Middle School was a super fun time for me. It was the time when I turned from a shy kid into a social one. I wasn't scared anymore to talk in front of a crowd. I also remember it being a time when guys popped our bra straps, although I was told they don't do that anymore. I also was introduced to certain words for the first time and realized that boys always find it humorous to make loud gas noises. It was also a time of boys and girls starting to notice each other and zits appearing in the most prominent places just in time for picture day. It is a time when you know you are old enough to be left alone, but in reality, you still need your parents for more than you want to admit.
Yes he will survive! And I know all of you dads are probably rolling your eyes at me but you had a mom too. Maybe I don't vocalize it, but in my prayer time, I am crying out to God for my 7th grader. I am praying for his future. I am praying for protection and safety. I am praying for wisdom of when to hold on and when to let go. I am praying for finances, because let's face it, these boys are expensive too. I am praying that he is tough on the football field but he is compassionate enough to help his friends out when needed. I am praying he approaches school and sports with confidence but stays humble through success. I am praying he waits as long as possible to have a girlfriend but is still a gentlemen to his girl classmates. To be honest, I am just praying! It is the only thing I know how to do. I am so excited to see Christian's life unfold. I have held him when he was a screaming infant and I have spanked him when he was a defiant toddler. I am now satisfied with the side-hug that Christian so graciously offers me. So I thank God that He made me the mother of a brown-eyed boy who is no longer at my eye level. Christian has taught me so much about being a parent. I know that no matter what job I have outside the home, that being a mom to that boy is the most honored position I could ever have.
So I send him off tomorrow to a new school where he will start a new path. I know God goes before him. I know that He knows the very number of hairs on his head. I don't even know that and I gave birth to that boy. I know that God has a plan for his life. I feel super blessed to know that I will be a part of Christian Bryce Rhodes' future. So bring on 7th grade! I can say with boldness "God's got this!"
I know so many of my friends are going through different emotions right now. I have some with kids starting Kindergarten and some who are starting High school. I know others who have sent their babies off to college. So, I don't know why the approaching of this middle school year is hitting me so hard. I have so many mixed emotions about seeing my first born starting to enter a new phase of life. I am a pretty tough mom. I don't freak out when they get hurt. I talk pretty firmly to my boys. I am not real gentle like other moms. I have to be tough or they will run me all over. With that being said, these emotions are coming at an unusual time.
Maybe it is because I am beginning to see my little boy starting to change into a young man. I remember the first day Bryan and I brought him home. We sat him down in his carrier on the coffee table. We both made eye contact and asked "What do we do now?" Nothing had prepared us for the moment when our precious, quiet newborn, turned into a screaming nightmare at 9 p.m. I remember us both crying our eyes out because we were so exhausted and frustrated. To be honest, Christian was a difficult baby. He had colic and cried all the time for the first few months of his life. I would beg Bryan to not go to work and leave me all day alone. I would hear other moms talk about how wonderful having a baby was and how they never wanted to put their babies down. I thought I was all alone in my feelings. But once he was on a routine and eating cereal and lactose free formula, and after loads of prayer, he settled down. Once he became a toddler, he became a daddy's boy and hasn't changed since.
Christian was a pretty easy toddler and young child. He was my blanket baby, thumb sucker and nightlight kid. People told me he would never give up the thumb but he said when he was 4 he would. That promise was kept. He was also my sleepwalker who had night terrors. After many powerful prayers from myself and other prayer partners, he stopped having them. He has also given me the opportunity to go to the ER on more than one occasion. That child has had a couple of sets of stitches and always on his face. There have been other instances when he may have needed stitches and we just didn't go and settled for super glue. He and I have very similar personality traits so we tend to knock heads. We have had stand offs and I was determined to win. Those were the times when I pulled out the "because I said so" line. I always disliked that line but sometimes it just fits.
He was always the kid at daycare who did not follow the crowd. I remember asking his teacher if he had friends and she said yes. He just preferred playing with one or two at a time. He is still like that. He was content playing by himself and lining up all of his hot wheel cars or Noah's ark animals.
When he hit the age old enough to play sports, Bryan always had him outside throwing a ball to him. He knew how to squash a bug, and which way the laces where suppose to be on a ball at a very young age. When he started school, I was excited! I thought school would be great for him. He has always been a great student and done well in school.
So I ask again, why do I have some anxiety? Maybe because I hear my son's voice changing. To be honest, I thought he was having allergy issues for several months. Maybe it is because he is shaving now. Maybe it is because daddy is no longer coach and I am no longer team mom. He is now entrusted to his school coaches and teachers. Maybe it is because he works out with me and is starting to care about bettering himself physically. Maybe it is because I am seeing the little things we have taught him starting to stick. Like the other day when we went to work out I had my keys and phone laying by my mat. Christian saw a man coming our way and he put my keys under my mat and never took his eyes off the man. It was one of those moments when I thought maybe he is listening to the things we have taught him. And maybe it is because I remember what middle school was like.
Middle School was a super fun time for me. It was the time when I turned from a shy kid into a social one. I wasn't scared anymore to talk in front of a crowd. I also remember it being a time when guys popped our bra straps, although I was told they don't do that anymore. I also was introduced to certain words for the first time and realized that boys always find it humorous to make loud gas noises. It was also a time of boys and girls starting to notice each other and zits appearing in the most prominent places just in time for picture day. It is a time when you know you are old enough to be left alone, but in reality, you still need your parents for more than you want to admit.
Yes he will survive! And I know all of you dads are probably rolling your eyes at me but you had a mom too. Maybe I don't vocalize it, but in my prayer time, I am crying out to God for my 7th grader. I am praying for his future. I am praying for protection and safety. I am praying for wisdom of when to hold on and when to let go. I am praying for finances, because let's face it, these boys are expensive too. I am praying that he is tough on the football field but he is compassionate enough to help his friends out when needed. I am praying he approaches school and sports with confidence but stays humble through success. I am praying he waits as long as possible to have a girlfriend but is still a gentlemen to his girl classmates. To be honest, I am just praying! It is the only thing I know how to do. I am so excited to see Christian's life unfold. I have held him when he was a screaming infant and I have spanked him when he was a defiant toddler. I am now satisfied with the side-hug that Christian so graciously offers me. So I thank God that He made me the mother of a brown-eyed boy who is no longer at my eye level. Christian has taught me so much about being a parent. I know that no matter what job I have outside the home, that being a mom to that boy is the most honored position I could ever have.
So I send him off tomorrow to a new school where he will start a new path. I know God goes before him. I know that He knows the very number of hairs on his head. I don't even know that and I gave birth to that boy. I know that God has a plan for his life. I feel super blessed to know that I will be a part of Christian Bryce Rhodes' future. So bring on 7th grade! I can say with boldness "God's got this!"
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Football-A Team Sport
Recently I was asked why I had a blog. And if I actually thought people were interested in my life. Well I don't really know if people are all that interested but I really write to get my thoughts out on paper. It helps me reminisce at times and other times it helps me to heal. If someone can relate to my experiences then it makes it all worth it. I do want to say thank you again to those of you who choose to read my thoughts and who keep coming back to read some more.
Most of you have endured my posts about basketball over the last several months. If you're not a fan of the basketball court then you will be happy to know that I am moving on to football. I love football and always have! I use to film football practices and games in high school and it was such a fun experience. I was engrossed in the Friday night light scene. I never was a cheerleader even though I always wanted to be. Believe me I can't even get a couple of inches off of the ground and couldn't have even competed with those girls if I tried. I loved the sound of the band marching down the hallway on game days. Till this day I will watch football even if I am all by myself with none of my boys around. I love the drive and passion of football fans and players.
Both my boys play and I have enjoyed every second watching them. My oldest will enter Middle School this year and it will be his first time to tryout for a school sport. I have a lot of anxiety about this. I want him to excel and to do his best. I hope that all the fundamentals that his daddy has taught him since he was little will pay off. I pray he stays protected on that field and has a season free of injuries. I have tried to talk to him about following his dreams and having a passion for what he does whether it is football or something else. We have talked about mental toughness and being a leader. We watched a documentary called "Undefeated" the other night and I loved a line in that movie. The coach said "Football doesn't build character, football reveals character." This is so true! You have to have good character and the things you do and the experiences of life will reveal that character. Just like you can have faith and love the Lord when everything is going good but when you are in the valley and at your lowest, do you still praise His name? Do you still have faith? I pray that my son will always have good character. I want him to be tough physically and emotionally. I want him to be passionate about everything he does and to let that passion lead him into the things God has willed for his life. His character is more important to me than an actual win or loss.
Now it is Bo's first time to play tackle football. He is built totally different than my oldest and has a different work ethic so not sure how this will all end up. He doesn't have the fundamentals down as well as my oldest did at his age. Part of this is the result of being the second child and us not spending as much one on one time with him as we did Christian. He is happy being out on the field with his friends. I watched him for the first time during his scrimmage. My frustration came out because he is so passive and when you are on the line, you can't be. But anytime a team member was down he was patting them on the back and offering a word of encouragement. He has such a sweet demeanor so it is a little tough trying to teach him to be "mean" in the football sense. One thing is for sure, he smiles every time he comes off the field. So needless to say, he is a work in progress. Neither one of my boys has ever been overly aggressive so years ago I would have told you they would have never lasted in such vigorous sport. But they both have surprised me over the years and I look forward to many more seasons of watching them play.
Now why do I love this sport so much? I can't help but relate it to life. I really do love any team sport because it is all about unity. When you are on offense your goal is to get that ball into the end zone to score a touchdown. You have a line that is there to protect the quarterback and ensure that their man with the ball gets down the field. They have to give all of themselves physically and mentally to make sure the opposing side doesn't get their man down. Are you following me? In life you have to have an offensive line. You need people in your life that will always be there to protect you no matter what giants stand in your way. They are the people who say "you can't get to her unless you get through me first." In the same respect, a QB is a leader. They have to be tough. They have to be able to read the field. They have to have confidence in their line and also know that they don't get the ball off without the protection of that line. Don't take those who are close to you for granted. They are the ones willing to stand up for you. You have to be a good example. It is imperative that you build them up. Quarterbacks also have to have confidence in their receivers and running backs. They have to know that whatever I throw at you, you are going to catch it and we are going to make it down to the end zone. And when they do, the whole team scores. Sometimes you throw your thoughts, your passions, your dreams to people who you know will hold them close and help you to accomplish those things. Because when they rejoice in your successes they know it benefits them as well. Hold on closely to those who cheer with you during your successes and achievements.
It is extremely important in life to not become over confident. You can't use people. You can't do for people always expecting something in return. You are where you are because someone along the way, aside from God, has helped you. Parents raised you, friends helped you move, someone made a call on your behalf to put in a good word for a job. Strangers bought you dinner. I believe so much in divine appointments. I believe God places people in your life. We are a part of the same team, God's team. It hurts my heart when some people say "well I don't need anyone." I believe we all need someone. We all need a line of people who are willing to block for us, willing to pray for us, willing to lay down their life for us. We need the QB's in life who tell us where to stand, tell us to get our head in the game when we keep messing up, and who tell us they believe in us enough for them to share their life plan with us. God knows are strengths and our weaknesses and I believe he gives us an army (a team) to help us along the way. We have to stay unified. A team divided against itself cannot stand. You can't have self-seekers or self-righteous people on a team. Each member is vital to move forward and succeed. So be mindful of each other loving in the way God loves us.
I apologize to those of you reading this who don't love sports but I have learned so much about life through sports. And God is in every part of my life so He speaks to me through those experiences. I love the thrill of a game and the drive and determination that comes with it. I want my boys to have drive. I want them to be determined. I want them to be passionate about their dreams and know that with faith all things are possible. I want them to press on and never give up. I want them to dream dreams that only God can help them accomplish. I want them to stand up for good and fight for their team. I want them to have people in their life who pray for them and lift them up. I want God to place people in their life who will hold on with them, run along side them so they make it to the end zone. And when they make it there, I want to see all of them celebrating and rejoicing together. That is what football is all about. That is what life is all about.
Thanks again for reading this! I am glad you are all a part of my life team even if we don't cheer for the same "football" team.
Go Eagles! Go Texans!
Most of you have endured my posts about basketball over the last several months. If you're not a fan of the basketball court then you will be happy to know that I am moving on to football. I love football and always have! I use to film football practices and games in high school and it was such a fun experience. I was engrossed in the Friday night light scene. I never was a cheerleader even though I always wanted to be. Believe me I can't even get a couple of inches off of the ground and couldn't have even competed with those girls if I tried. I loved the sound of the band marching down the hallway on game days. Till this day I will watch football even if I am all by myself with none of my boys around. I love the drive and passion of football fans and players.
Both my boys play and I have enjoyed every second watching them. My oldest will enter Middle School this year and it will be his first time to tryout for a school sport. I have a lot of anxiety about this. I want him to excel and to do his best. I hope that all the fundamentals that his daddy has taught him since he was little will pay off. I pray he stays protected on that field and has a season free of injuries. I have tried to talk to him about following his dreams and having a passion for what he does whether it is football or something else. We have talked about mental toughness and being a leader. We watched a documentary called "Undefeated" the other night and I loved a line in that movie. The coach said "Football doesn't build character, football reveals character." This is so true! You have to have good character and the things you do and the experiences of life will reveal that character. Just like you can have faith and love the Lord when everything is going good but when you are in the valley and at your lowest, do you still praise His name? Do you still have faith? I pray that my son will always have good character. I want him to be tough physically and emotionally. I want him to be passionate about everything he does and to let that passion lead him into the things God has willed for his life. His character is more important to me than an actual win or loss.
Now it is Bo's first time to play tackle football. He is built totally different than my oldest and has a different work ethic so not sure how this will all end up. He doesn't have the fundamentals down as well as my oldest did at his age. Part of this is the result of being the second child and us not spending as much one on one time with him as we did Christian. He is happy being out on the field with his friends. I watched him for the first time during his scrimmage. My frustration came out because he is so passive and when you are on the line, you can't be. But anytime a team member was down he was patting them on the back and offering a word of encouragement. He has such a sweet demeanor so it is a little tough trying to teach him to be "mean" in the football sense. One thing is for sure, he smiles every time he comes off the field. So needless to say, he is a work in progress. Neither one of my boys has ever been overly aggressive so years ago I would have told you they would have never lasted in such vigorous sport. But they both have surprised me over the years and I look forward to many more seasons of watching them play.
Now why do I love this sport so much? I can't help but relate it to life. I really do love any team sport because it is all about unity. When you are on offense your goal is to get that ball into the end zone to score a touchdown. You have a line that is there to protect the quarterback and ensure that their man with the ball gets down the field. They have to give all of themselves physically and mentally to make sure the opposing side doesn't get their man down. Are you following me? In life you have to have an offensive line. You need people in your life that will always be there to protect you no matter what giants stand in your way. They are the people who say "you can't get to her unless you get through me first." In the same respect, a QB is a leader. They have to be tough. They have to be able to read the field. They have to have confidence in their line and also know that they don't get the ball off without the protection of that line. Don't take those who are close to you for granted. They are the ones willing to stand up for you. You have to be a good example. It is imperative that you build them up. Quarterbacks also have to have confidence in their receivers and running backs. They have to know that whatever I throw at you, you are going to catch it and we are going to make it down to the end zone. And when they do, the whole team scores. Sometimes you throw your thoughts, your passions, your dreams to people who you know will hold them close and help you to accomplish those things. Because when they rejoice in your successes they know it benefits them as well. Hold on closely to those who cheer with you during your successes and achievements.
It is extremely important in life to not become over confident. You can't use people. You can't do for people always expecting something in return. You are where you are because someone along the way, aside from God, has helped you. Parents raised you, friends helped you move, someone made a call on your behalf to put in a good word for a job. Strangers bought you dinner. I believe so much in divine appointments. I believe God places people in your life. We are a part of the same team, God's team. It hurts my heart when some people say "well I don't need anyone." I believe we all need someone. We all need a line of people who are willing to block for us, willing to pray for us, willing to lay down their life for us. We need the QB's in life who tell us where to stand, tell us to get our head in the game when we keep messing up, and who tell us they believe in us enough for them to share their life plan with us. God knows are strengths and our weaknesses and I believe he gives us an army (a team) to help us along the way. We have to stay unified. A team divided against itself cannot stand. You can't have self-seekers or self-righteous people on a team. Each member is vital to move forward and succeed. So be mindful of each other loving in the way God loves us.
I apologize to those of you reading this who don't love sports but I have learned so much about life through sports. And God is in every part of my life so He speaks to me through those experiences. I love the thrill of a game and the drive and determination that comes with it. I want my boys to have drive. I want them to be determined. I want them to be passionate about their dreams and know that with faith all things are possible. I want them to press on and never give up. I want them to dream dreams that only God can help them accomplish. I want them to stand up for good and fight for their team. I want them to have people in their life who pray for them and lift them up. I want God to place people in their life who will hold on with them, run along side them so they make it to the end zone. And when they make it there, I want to see all of them celebrating and rejoicing together. That is what football is all about. That is what life is all about.
Thanks again for reading this! I am glad you are all a part of my life team even if we don't cheer for the same "football" team.
Go Eagles! Go Texans!
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