Things I have learned...

My life has been pretty crazy in the past six weeks, but I have been reminded of some pretty valuable lessons. So... I thought I would share a few.

We have a BIG God! Although, I have always had a relationship with God - it is a great place to be when you can look at all the craziness and tragedies that happen, and see God's hand protecting you and your loved ones every step of the way.

​Always appreciate your friends and family! Yes.. we always love our friends and family -but, how often do we stop to tell them that we appreciate them? I can tell you - not near enough. In the past six weeks, I can honestly say my friends and family have been my rock. They are the ones who shower you with prayer when you don't have the strength to pray, the ones who show up with food unannounced - because they know you won't eat otherwise. The ones who call you just to say they love you. APPRECIATE them and tell them you love them every day!

If you love someone - tell them! How many times in life do we neglect telling our loved ones just how much we love them? All too often! We tend to forget that sometimes, we just need to hear it. We need someone to reassure us that we are loved and valued. Don't let another day pass without telling your loved ones you love them - you never know if that will be the last opportunity you may have.

No matter how old your kids get - you will always worry! Regardless, if your kids are grown or not, whether they live at home or not, whether they are 44 or 22 - as a parent, you will always worry! This is not going to change, so we all need to remember being a parent does not stop when your children turn 18. It is something that remains with you forever. And... they will ALWAYS be your babies.
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When you pray and ask God for something, be prepared to run through the door He opens for you! All too often, we pray for things and we wait for an answer. But, when we get the answer - we do not act, because it may not have been the answer we wanted. It is not our job to question God, it is our job to follow His direction.

​Be thankful! Be thankful for everything you have been given in life. A loving family, children... even the little things like a roof over your head and food on the table. Be thankful for those who love you as family, even when there is no blood relation. Be thankful for siblings, who love you unconditionally - they are the only ones who know everything you have been through in life. Be thankful for those people who can give you a big bear hug, and you know everything is going to be all right. Be thankful for nieces and nephews who bring joy to your life! Honestly... be thankful for all things!

​Take a look around and be truly thankful for everything God has blessed you with. Be sure to hug your parents, your kids, your loved ones - tell them you love them and don't take them for granted.

Life lessons through sports...

Sportsmanship... such a simple word, with a simple meaning, but - so hard to achieve at times.  Since my oldest son (who is now 22) was 4 years old, sports have been a vital part of our family.  I have watched all three of my kids grow up in a ball park where so many amazing memories were made, and some awesome friends were met. Over the last 8 years, I have spent countless hours watching high school sports  (football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and golf) with a child (or a niece/nephew) on the field.  I have volunteered on the Quarterback Club, in concession stands, auctions, and various other functions investing time and money into programs for our local high school.  As parents, we teach and encourage our kids to be good sports from an early age - but, how many times do we really examine the way we act in the stands. 

Let's face it, the majority of our kids are not going to be professional athletes, but.. we can all take away some valuable life lessons from the field. 

1. Always have integrity.  One of the first thing a child learns playing sports is you must play by the rules. Even when there is an opportunity to break the rules and get ahead - you must follow them and play with integrity. 
2. Always have respect.  Not only does an athlete have to respect the officials/referees, they must respect their coaches, parents, teammates and yes... even the players and coaches on the opposing team. 
3. Always show good sportsmanship.  Being a good sport is more than just being nice to your teammates on the field.  It is about lifting your teammates up, encouraging them, praising them. It means being a good sport on and off the field.  It means treating the opposing team the same way you treat your own. 
4. Always exhibit self-control.   Be positive, level-headed,  and show self control at all times.  Don't be that one guys who throws their helmet or bat across the field.  Don't be that crazy parent in the stands screaming hurtful things at other kids. 
5. Always be supportive.  Be supportive of your coaches - let them coach.  As a parent, it is hard not to coach from the sidelines - but they are the coach for a reason.  If parents are supportive of the coaches, the kids will be also. 

As I have sat in the stands over the past two months at various high school sporting events, I am reminded that we can all learn from the above lessons.  We can all come together and be support each other, regardless of the school you attend.  Parents can show support for their team, without yelling, screaming, and being hurtful and mean towards the opposing team.  Maybe as parents... we should take a step back and look at our athletes that do set the example. 

Two weeks ago on a Friday night at a local high school football game this happened:  two teams, one town, one injured player being taken off the field by ambulance, BOTH teams come together on the 20 yard line and pray! That my friends is what sportsmanship is all about!