A Few Passes and Some Prayers

Overlooking the time we spend reading the Gospel and praying, I believe we all have our own unique ways of spending one-on-one time with God. Take myself for example - I have been blessed with a quenching love for basketball, and as I have matured in my faith, I have taken my love for basketball to a whole new level. Growing up in the same neighborhood as the city park, I have spent hours on end shootin' hoops on White Oak's finest. In fact, besides a much needed paint job and an even more needed Oatmeal Cream Pie removal, those mustard yellow poles and faded burgundy backboards haven't seen much change.

Lately, my time spent with God has been dwindling, and I was graciously reminded today (one) of the reasons why exactly that was! I hadn't set aside time to play one-on-one with God! You see, basketball has always been my go-to when times get tough. For as long as I can remember, when things weren't exactly going as planned and I needed to clear my head, I would immediately squeeze into the first pair of sneakers I saw, grab my brother's "I Believe" basketball that I secretly wished were my own and head out the door. I would shoot for as long as possible, barely sneaking past the first sign of darkness, giving myself just the right amount of time to make it home before Mom began to frantically pace as she peered out the kitchen windows, waiting my arrival. As I played, I would talk to God about my struggles as if He was the goal and the ball that swiveled between my drenched fingers (literally...I have sweaty palms) was my problems. I would shoot shot after shot, problem after problem, at God, and it was the best cure I could find to mend a broken heart. It was just me, God, a few passes and some prayers. That's what basketball has always been to me, and that's what it will always be...time well spent with God! As always, He was patient with me and waited until I came to Him and last night, for the first time in several months, I did. I played basketball with God, and it was the best workout I've gotten in a while!

Obviously, it is vital that we be in His word every day! However, it is also important that we set aside time to hang out with Him, talking to Him and getting to KNOW Him! Find what it is that you love to do and share that love with God! He's waiting patiently for you!

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Jump Then Fall

"God gives us dreams for a reason. He believes in us. He knows what we can accomplish!"

If there's anything I have learned growing up, it's that the dreams and desires that have surfaced throughout our lives have done so for a reason. God knows us better than anyone else. I mean, after all, He created us! Therefore, He knows what we are capable of when we allow Him to reign as "Captain of our ship!" The thoughts that bounce around in the back of our minds throughout each day, the dreams that keep us awake at night - they are all there for a reason, and they all play a role in preparing us for the future God has planned for our lives! As my high school psychology teacher often quoted as second period neared an end and we embarked on the rest of our day, we are to "go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." She loved quoting Henry David Thoreau, and it wasn't long after that I began to realize I would love quoting him, too. As mentioned earlier, the desires we have on our hearts are there for a reason, and we are to follow those dreams with a deep breath of confidence, which isn't hard to do once we realize that they were placed there by God Himself! Take a leap of faith and "reach up for the stars! Climb every mountain high! Reach up for the stars, and when that rainbow's shining over you, that's when your dreams will all come true!" Don't accept anything less than God's best for you, and understand that it's okay to want more in life, for your want is there to fulfill the need to make disciples of Jesus Christ! Follow your dreams and God's plan for your life and know that He will have your back as you continue to move forward! GET OUT IN THE WORLD AND ALLOW GOD TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

"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." Jeremiah 29:11

Cracks in the Concrete

As I was taking my normal route to west campus, dreading the math class that was awaiting my arrival, I ran across something not so normal! This verse - "We love because He first loved us!" 1 John 4:19 - typed up on a small, white piece of paper, just so happened to be in my path! Normally I wouldn't have noticed something so small, but for some reason, today I did! As I reached down to pick it up, a smile stretched across my face as I noticed it was a bible verse! Joy filled my heart, for just as this tiny piece of paper, no bigger than my tallest finger, stood out and grasped my attention on the ground, so should we stand out among others! People should simply LOOK at us or have a conversation with us and KNOW we are followers of Jesus Christ, just as light would pierce the dark! There should be no doubt who we stand for and who we represent! We should be glorifying God in ALL of our ways! We are constantly being watched, and at times, our actions can mean everything to someone! God can use the most simple situations to remind us of His love and how, BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE, WE love and should want to SHOW that love to others! GOD IS SO GOOD!
 

 

"We love because He first loved us!" 1 John 4:19