dream come true

I am humbled and blessed to have had a dream come true.  With the Lord's blessing and strength, I was able to self-publish my first book in December.  This was an amazing journey for me for so many reasons.  Although it was something I've always wanted to do, writing a book was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I learned a ton about proverbs 31, but in addition, I learned a lot about myself.  I learned that I am an infant when it comes to perseverance.  I learned that I am impatient, and not good at finishing things I start.  I learned a little more about dependence on God and about abiding in the Lord.  There were so many days I would sit down to write and just think, "Nothin', I got nothin'. "  And then I would pray.  "God, this book is yours.  It was your idea and it is to your glory, so if you want me to finish it, you're gonna have to give it to me."  And everyday, he would be faithful to show me something new.  He gave me the words and the wisdom piece by piece, in HIS time. 

And I learned that's that how I'm supposed to live my life.  Everyday coming before him, confessing, "Lord, I got nothin'.  I can't do this on my own.  I was your idea and I am to your glory, so if you want me to do this thing, you're gonna have to do it in me and through me."  And what's always so amazing is that HE DOES.  He is faithful.  He gives us this LIFE abundantly, piece by piece, day by day, moment by moment.  When we abide in Him, He lives in and through us!  What a beautiful miracle.  Thank you Jesus!


PS - for anyone interested: book is available at this link or on amazon:
http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-001054091/The-Proverbs-31-Hero.aspx

sports "rant"

Warning: Sports rant of sorts.....There are a lot of things about youth recreational sports that are unfair and unfun. Like some kids sitting the bench a significantly larger amount of time than others, like parents having to pay to get in to their kids games, and like obnoxious parents yelling really mean things at their kids from the stands. HOWEVER, we will continue to let our kids play if they so choose for these reasons:
1) that's life. Life is most often unfair and unfun and we must learn to adapt and make the most of it. And we have to learn how to deal with difficult people. And we have to learn how to appreciate the grace others extend when we're the ones being difficult.
2) sports are mostly fun. We play to have fun. We play to learn how to enjoy things new and different, things we're good at and things we're not. Things like winning and friends and good plays and silly plays and and post game oatmeal cream pies.
3) Sports allow our kids to be a part of a team. They learn to work together with others and for others. They learn to share glory and share defeat, to share hard work and to share goofiness. They learn to be committed even when they don't want to go. They learn that others are counting on them.
4) Sports help our kids learn self-evaluation. They're not going to be the best at everything, or sometimes at anything. But they're probably not going to be the worst either. And even if they are, they have more than just skill to offer.
5) They learn the importance of hustle, and hard work, and being supportive even from the bench. And hopefully, we pray that they learn that their joy and their fun should not be determined by the scoreboard, but by the attitude and heart with which they play.

BUT.... In order for our kids to learn these lessons, we must first demonstrate them. Parents, seriously, we have got to stop whining about the bad and start celebrating the good. Sports are a gift from a good father. Let's treat them that way!