California Dreamin'

It's a midwest soccer girl's dream to be playing the game she loves one minute and in the ocean the next. Not only do we lack the beach and ocean in Nebraska but the 20 degree temps make playing in the water fairly difficult this time of year. Our soccer player, her dad and grandparents had the privilege of spending some quality time in the sun this weekend. Missing games makes me a little sad but a great time was had here at home. And after all, Chris said I have to take turns.

the team

goofing around

bay, jay, reags

a little pool time

Team sports are so much more than just playing soccer, basketball, etc. 

They learn hard work

They learn teamwork

They learn discipline

They learn sacrifice

They learn disappointment

They learn about opportunities

They learn the importance of taking care of their bodies

They learn about goals

They learn about adversity

They learn about honesty

They learn respect

They learn commitment

I am not suggesting they all get it (neither do all the parents) but it's there for the taking. Chris and I are proud of what Reagan does on the field but we are more proud of her as she grows in all of these areas. She is becoming a wonderful young lady and soccer is just one tool, of many to help her get there. I feel like I could write to much more, I will leave it at that for now.

UP NEXT...

Reagan and I will be carpooling with the goalie and her mom to Phoenix, AZ for the President's Day Tournament. We can expect tough competition and with six players staying home for a variety of reasons I hope the girls dig deep. I will be there for the sun, soccer and some special people. 

What a Fighter

I love this family! My friend Danielle has been fighting breast cancer since 2012. When it reappeared after the birth of her youngest child in 2014, it came back with a vengeance. Danielle and Ryan love the Lord and continue to share the light of Jesus with everyone they know. I struggle watching Danielle go through the highs and lows of cancer and I wonder why, why does this young mom have to deal with this. In some ways this cancer thing has given them a greater platform to tell people about Jesus. I know God does not cause bad things to happen to his servants but he will certainly use them for their good and the glory of His kingdom.

Please pray for Ryan, Danielle and their four children. God hears your prayers. If you are able and feel called to help them financially I have attached a Go Fund Me link below. I am reminded time after time that we don't have to break the bank or spend every waking moment serving others but we do have to do something. Each of us doing something small equals a huge impact.

To financially help Danielle offset some of her treatment costs Click HERE

War Room

Have you seen this film? I loved it.

I believe in the power of prayer so then why do I ever think I should take a battle on by myself instead of dropping to my knees and asking God to take over? This movie reminds us of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:6. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Miss Clara in her War Room

Reagan and I were invited to a friends house to watch War Room. We were both trying to find a reason to stay home. You know, it was the day before school started back up, we were exhausted from a weekend of travel, we wanted to lounge around, I wanted to scrapbook. Honestly, there are so many excuses but we went anyway. The blessings were poured out on us in spite of our determination to stay home. Once the movie ended people left one by one but we stayed, I guess doing nothing at home became less important.

Today I am excited to share that I started my war room, in my closet. No, I didn't remove all my clothes (I mean from the shelves not my body) but I have a spot to post prayers and spend quiet time with the Lord. I am not one to keep (or even make) New Year Resolutions so I won't even try. I will use this time to think about what I want to improve on. I want to be skinny but I guess not bad enough because I just ate some M&M's. My greatest desire however is to reflect God's love. When someone sees me, I want them to see a little bit of Jesus. If I overflow with the love of Christ, that is surely what will pour out of me. His love for each of us is beyond my comprehension which is why it's time for me to recommit to studying daily and releasing my control issues to God. Oh if I can be transformed by the renewing of my mind rather than conforming to this world I will be on the right path. This movie is predictable but it is also a strong reminder that we can fight the enemy when we do it the right way.

There is none righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10