Soccer Lessons Conclusion

   This concludes my soccer lessons series. I'm sure that there are many more lessons that I've learned and that I teach; but, one thing is for certain: I'm not done learning or teaching. And, as long as you draw breath, neither are you.

   You may not feel like you are called to teach or coach. That's okay, you don't have to teach or coach in the way I do. However, you are still teaching others in your day to day life. If you are a parent this is what God's word says to you: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph.6.4). You are called to discipline your child. Discipline isn't just "you did something bad, here is your consequence." Discipline should be more like discipleship. It should be "you made this choice. Here is what God says about that choice. I care about you and I want you to grow in God. Because of that, this is what I will do because you need to learn a lesson." That's probably not entirely what you want to say to a child but it should be along the lines of what we are thinking as we disciple children. That's what's going to help them grow in the long run.

   If you don't have children, that doesn't mean you get out of being a teacher. Titus 2:7 says: "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, (and) dignity." You are a role model. You may be saying that you are not near children at all. That may be true in your job and such. However, when you go for groceries, to go shopping, or out in general do you see others? My guess is yes you do. People are watching how you act. If you are a Christian are you projecting Christ? Are you showing others what Christ looks like? People are watching and you are a role model. I encourage you to think about what you are teaching others with your actions.

   So, back to the soccer series. You may not be a soccer player, athletic, or an athlete. But, I hope through this series that you realize how important sports are. I hope you remember that you are a teacher. I hope you grow in God and teach others about him.

   Image from here.

Soccer Lessons Series

   In life you learn a lot of lessons. Those lessons come in different ways but they all help you grow if you let them. One way I learned many of my lessons in life was through sports. I particularly learned many lessons through the sport of soccer. Now, I am blessed to coach soccer and teach the lessons I learned to players as well.

   When I first started coaching I knew I learned lessons from soccer but I was still figuring out my coaching style. I was focused on teaching soccer skills. Some of you may be saying "isn't that what a soccer coach is to do? Aren't you supposed to teach your players how to play soccer? "The answer is yes, I am to teach my players how to play soccer. But, I would like you to think about how many players who play when they are young actually go on to play soccer in college or higher. There are not that many. What is the point of high school sports then? Some would say to have fun. Others would say for social skills. Both of those are true. As a coach I take it one step further. I believe sports teach valuable lessons.

   I knew that's what I believed but it wasn't until the head coach that I worked with said this that I truly put it together in my head: "high school soccer isn't necessarily about soccer. It's about the life lessons." The lessons players learn in high school sports go with them in life. I feel that those lessons are worth remembering. If you are still in High school, in college, or you've been out of school for a long time I feel that it is time for a reminder. That's why I am beginning a series on the lessons I've learned and that I teach to my players. Each lesson I teach in soccer applies to life. I ask you to come on this journey with me and maybe you'll learn, or relearn, some lessons along the way.

   2 Peter 3:18 and Hebrews 6:1

   Image from here. 

During Tests of Life...

   How can you worship something/someone you can't see? That's a question that Christians get sometimes. The argument being that we don't actually know what God looks like and we never actually hear anything from him. Why should we believe in someone we cannot see, hear, or touch?
   I don't know about you but even though I cannot physically see, hear, or touch God I know he is there. I know because I see God in the little things. When I need something like water and suddenly someone brings water to me, by coincidence, I know that is God touching me. When I'm struggling with something and someone comes to talk to me and see how I'm doing I know that's God speaking to me.
   But, sometimes I cannot see, hear, or touch God. I just cannot seem to find him. And, normally, when I cannot see him I feel that I really need him. I feel like I cannot go any longer without him and his help because I've just been beaten down by everything in life. I try to find the positive but it's hard to see the light when you are drowning in the sea of problems.
   In those times, I remember that God never gives us more than we can handle through him. Also I remember this quote from God's Not Dead 2: "the teacher's always quiet during the test." In life we will have times of trial and times of testing. Trials come from Satan. He wants to bring us down and separate us from God. Tests come from God. God wants to see if we will follow him no matter what, which is why he gives us tests (think of Abraham having to sacrifice Isaac).
   God is our teacher. He gives us everything we need to know in the Bible. He also walks with us in life. However, there are times he wants to see how much we have grown, just like any other teacher wants to. Teachers do not talk during tests. They want to see how much the student has learned; and what the student can do on his own.
   After the test is over, the teacher lets the student know how well he did. I don't know about you, but I always worked my hardest to pass tests. I wanted to become better, learn more, and grow. Therefore, I needed to know certain topics before I could learn other, harder, topics. Tests during life seem to be the hardest ones because sometimes you don't know you are in a test. But, whenever something happens in my life I try to look at it through different lenses. I look at it from my perspective, other people's perspective, and God's perspective. I do my best to pass these tests and trials in a godly way.
   So, do you ever have problems finding God? Do you see God in the little things? Do you work your hardest to pass tests given to you?

   Joshua 1:9, James 2:1-4

Teaching Children the Ways of God: Isaac Hall of Faith

   “The family should be a closely knit group. The home should be a self-contained shelter of security; a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught; and a kind of church where God is honored; a place where wholesome recreation and simple pleasures are enjoyed.”~ Billy Graham

   The Bible does not mention Isaac much. We see him when Abraham is required by God to sacrifice him. I am sure that was a major experience for him. But, then the story somewhat goes on to talk about Isaac’s wife, Rebekah. Then it moves on to discussing Isaac’s sons, Jacob and Esau.

   Does that mean we cannot learn lessons from Isaac? No! Isaac is mentioned in the Hall of Faith for a reason. Isaac followed God and his commandments. Did he make some mistakes along the way? Yes, he favored one son over another. But, in Hebrews 11 we find out Isaac blessed his sons. Isaac taught his sons to love God. He brought his children up in a home where they were taught right from wrong.

   Children are our future. Isaac knew this and made sure to teach his children the ways of God. Isaac knew his job was to teach his children the ways of God. But, Isaac could not make his children believe. His children did fail in certain ways, but eventually they learned right from wrong. Thus, why Isaac is in the Hall of Faith: Isaac teaches us to bring up children and teach them the way of the Lord.

   So, will you teach children the ways of God? How can you bring your children up in the ways of God?

   Genesis 25:19-Genesis 27, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 29:15

   Image from here. 

Mother's Day: Becoming a Substitute Teacher

   I've recently began my career as a substitute teacher. As stated before, in past blogs, being a teacher isn't easy. It is long hours of going over lesson plans, being present in meetings, and being responsible for the future of our nation. 
   If being a teacher isn't difficult enough, being a substitute is just as difficult but in different ways. For example: substitutes come into a classroom they do not know, to teach content they may not know, with kids they do not know, and they are in a school they do not know. That's a lot of "I don't knows" and yet substitutes are still responsible for teaching these students.
   Many people think that substitutes are just baby sitters. But subs are required to teach the content the teacher would usually teach. On top of the fact that substitutes need to teach that content with a lot of unknowns, that's a major step out of a normal person's comfort zone.
   At this point you may be wondering what this has to do with mother’s day. Well substitutes are in a classroom for just a day and they are required to still get to know the students and care for them. Even if the substitute fails to teach any of the content that substitute still leaves an impact on the students. Children are like sponges. They soak up information and watch people to learn.
   When I walk in a classroom to be a substitute I'm not just teaching. I am also a role model, nurse, counselor, and mother to these students. Any person who has contact with children, even if it's indirect contact (ex. At the mall children are watching you), is teaching those children. Many children learn by watching others. It is important that we are good role models for those children. 
   We need to care about the children just as Jesus did. He knew that children have a faith and a wonder that adults sometimes lose. Adults may not be as influenced as children are. That is why it is important, even if you don't have children, to be a mother or father to the children around you. 
   I'm not saying you are to go against the will of the child's actual parents. What I am saying is that we need to be role models. We need to teach children to respect authority. We need to care enough about children to make sure they are okay if they scrape their knee, are being bullied, or are not making good decisions. Even the smallest gesture can make a big impact on the life of a child. Just think about how much it meant to the children in Matthew 19:13-15 that Jesus was willing to see them.
   So, are you willing to step outside your comfort zone and be a role model to children? Are you willing to go out of your way to do one small thing for a child? Will you follow Christ's example?

   Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 22:6, Colossians 3:16, Matthew 28:19-20