I have learned to not only appreciate the small things in life but long for them. The moments during the day that make you smile. The moments that make you pause and give a quick thanks to God. We probably don't even realize it, but it's the small things that keep us moving. And most of the time, the small things aren't so small. They change us from the inside out and help us not take anything for granted in this life. Here are a few of my "small things" from this past week...
1. We had 16 guys show up yesterday for practice. I didn't even know we had 16 guys on the team! And most of them were wearing their soccer gear that we've given them this year. We actually looked like a legit team!
2. I laid it out there for the guys on Tuesday. I told them why I was there - that God has sent me here because he wants to do something in this team and in each of them. I told them about my faith and I told them that we are here for them, whatever they need, we are here. I've been praying for boldness and I finally just said it. Why not right? I would be doing them an injustice if I didn't. But the best part about it was that they sat there in silence and watched me talk - they listened. I can't make my words do something inside of them but God can. And then what made me smile was that they clapped at the end. I didn't want an applause but I thought that was so funny that they clapped. At least I didn't scare them off - I mean heck, we had the entire team out there for the next practice! All the glory to God.
3. It was sunny and warm the entire week.
4. I had coffee with a new friend that is the director of an amazing soccer ministry in East Birmingham.
5. I got to worship my Lord in freedom with hundreds of other believers at our church's mid-week service.
There are probably so many more that by the end of the week I've now forgotten. But I'm going to try to take in those moments more when they happen. I'm going to pause more this next week and smile and thank the Lord for the small things in my life.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Encouragement
When your thoughts and your flesh start to get the best of you, just a little encouragement means the world. And the Lord gives you doses of it at just the right times.
We recently lost our soccer game against Moody 10-0. I am going to step on my soapbox for just a second and say that I very much dislike it when coaches beat teams 10-0 and don't even allow you to finish the game...and I'm off. So you can imagine we were pretty down after a loss like that for our first game of the season. And then the flood gates open in my mind - thoughts like...It is going to be impossible to build a program here in Woodlawn. What am I doing here? We just don't have the resources and interest like other teams...and then the Lord steps in and gives me encouragement through his word and through others.
And it builds you back up. And it reminds you that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. And that it's not in vain. And that it's not about the wins anyways. It's about Him and his kingdom. I read a devotional a couple of months ago and it reminded me to make sure we are buiding temples and not towers and all the glory goes to God.
Galatians 5:7-8 says, "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy our passion, our dreams, and our plans. Don't let him cut in on your race. Remember who's child you are. Remember you are a vessel of our mighty Lord and if He is for us, who can be against us?
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14.
Press on friends. And make sure you are encouraging others. A simple word of encouragement could be what gets someone back on track for His kingdom :)
We recently lost our soccer game against Moody 10-0. I am going to step on my soapbox for just a second and say that I very much dislike it when coaches beat teams 10-0 and don't even allow you to finish the game...and I'm off. So you can imagine we were pretty down after a loss like that for our first game of the season. And then the flood gates open in my mind - thoughts like...It is going to be impossible to build a program here in Woodlawn. What am I doing here? We just don't have the resources and interest like other teams...and then the Lord steps in and gives me encouragement through his word and through others.
And it builds you back up. And it reminds you that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. And that it's not in vain. And that it's not about the wins anyways. It's about Him and his kingdom. I read a devotional a couple of months ago and it reminded me to make sure we are buiding temples and not towers and all the glory goes to God.
Galatians 5:7-8 says, "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy our passion, our dreams, and our plans. Don't let him cut in on your race. Remember who's child you are. Remember you are a vessel of our mighty Lord and if He is for us, who can be against us?
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14.
Press on friends. And make sure you are encouraging others. A simple word of encouragement could be what gets someone back on track for His kingdom :)
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