lessons from basketball

I’m coaching basketball again this year, but I’m at a new school where basketball is much more serious and held in a higher regard. That said, I’ve spent a lot of time observing other coaches, watching games, studying plays, and soliciting feedback. It helps that basketball is a sport that I love and one that I played, or else all that time invested could very much seem like a chore and not very enjoyable. That said, as I’ve devoted this time to basketball recently, I’ve realized there are also some pretty good lessons for life within the sport. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Its important to understand the rules and then master the fundamentals.

2. The bigger team isn’t always the better team.

3. Its important to hustle in every play.

4. Sometimes the referees aren’t fair. The game still goes on, and they still have their say. They’re doing their job; we have to do ours.

5. A strong defense can be the best offense.

6. Perfect practice makes perfect.

So, I’m sure there are more life lessons that one could derive from basketball, but that’s what I’ve come up with.

Until next time…

truly thankful

Every time I post, my intention is to always make my next post happen fairly soon after. You know, get into the habit of writing regularly. But then, life happens. I get into my more common habits of grading, lesson planning, and coaching…and blogging becomes somewhat of an after thought- if ever a thought at all.

As Thanksgiving approaches, and I have time off to gather my thoughts and get ahead on grading and lesson plans, I also am reminded of how blessed I am. There have been many challenges this year from moving to a new place, starting a new job, and getting acquainted to my environment. However, I’ve been abundantly blessed in spite of my challenges and despite my own ability to get in my own way. That said, here’s a short list of what I’m thankful for:

1. I’m thankful for God: His grace, mercy, salvation, promises, peace, and unfailing love.

2. I’m thankful for family: their love, support, emails, calls, and cards of encouragement and for always believing in my dream despite my unbelief.

3. I’m thankful for friends: their laughter and encouragement, prayers, texts, Twitter and BBM updates keep me sustained as I go through the day to day grind.

4. I’m thankful for my students: who ALWAYS keep it real, make me laugh, push me to be a better person and teacher, and who understand that sometimes a hug is the best medicine.

5. I’m thankful for provision: in a recession, my needs are met and a lot of my wants are satisfied. Truly a testament to God’s faithfulness.

6. I’m thankful for the journey: the lessons learned and the growth that has taken place has helped to make me stronger. I’m also grateful for dreams that have come true, those in the process of coming true, and those that have yet to be dreamt. Again, a testament to God’s ability to do just what He is.

So, I’m truly thankful for everything and everyone in my life. I can honestly say I’m blessed.

Until next time…

Thursday Thoughts

“There are two things over which you have complete dominion, authority, and control: your mind and your mouth.” ~African Proverb

Book Review: Max Lucado’s Fearless

Before reading this book, I’d never picked up a single Max Lucado book. While I’d seen them in various bookstores, the titles never seemed to jump out at me.

I’m glad to say that my foray into the world of Max Lucado was a delightfully enjoyable and inspiring adventure! In Lucado’s latest book, Fearless, he encourages the reader in how to live free from fear and confident in the faith that we profess.

There are many things that I like about this book, but perhaps what immediately grabbed me was the realistic nature by which Lucado communicates with the reader. In my experience, I’ve found that many faith-based writers tend to talk AT the readers and not TO them, often in such a way that they seem preachy or either exempt from the circumstances that they write about. Lucado’s realism is refreshing and I felt as if I were having an engaging conversation with someone who had faced the same challenges that I had.

I also enjoyed the way that scripture was used in this book to affirm the reader as well as to emphasize the point that the author was trying to make. At no point could it be said that the book was based off of Lucado’s own spiritual assumptions—the use of scripture is too compelling. As I read through the chapters, I was encouraged by his use of scriptures; many of which I had read before, but I hadn’t thought to put in my scripture lineup in regards to fear. Thanks to this book, I have many more to choose from besides relying on 2 Timothy 1:7.

I would definitely recommend this book to others- new Christians, old Christians, or just those who need a refreshing take on how to handle fear as they go through life as a Christian. Additionally, the discussion guide that accompanies the book makes it pretty awesome for those who want to read it in a group. But whether you read it in a group or alone, it’s a wonderful choice!

Thursday Thoughts

“The thousands of little compromises we make every day eventually add up to the loss of ourselves.” ~Anonymous

Thursday Thoughts

“There are two ways of meeting difficulties. You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself to meet them.”
~Phyllis Bottome

Thursday Thoughts

“A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart.”
~Maya Angelou

Thursday Thoughts

“To love what you do and feel that it matters–how could anything be more fun?” ~Katherine Graham

Back to School!

I made it through the first day!

Isn’t that what we all think about our first day anywhere?  Be it a new job or a new school, I think we all breathe a sigh of relief at the end of the first day.  I think we all go into these situations with anxiety, as we’re curious about what to expect.  How will we fit into the environment?  How will the other people in this new environment be?  What will my role be?  Will it meet my expectations?

After my first day at new teacher orientation for my new school, I feel great.  However, I feel great in an apprehensive kind of way.  I’m in an environment where the stakes are high, accountability and responsibility are not just buzz words, and there’s a thread of commonality amongst team members about why we each are there.

Although we didn’t put in a full day of work, we did work hard…and I’m tired!  I think part of what makes returning to work exhausting is the mental aspect, where you really are directing your thoughts and focusing on activities after not having to do so (or not having to do so as much) for a while.  Nevertheless, I feel a good exhaustion; one that results from time well spent being a part of something that matters beyond yourself and your personal interests.

That said, I’ve got some things to do to prepare for tomorrow…and one of those things includes being well rested!  I’m really hoping that I stay awake for the finale of the Bachelorette  (I’m embarassed that I even mentioned that show on my blog, for the record).

Until next time…

Thursday Thoughts

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
~Frederick Douglass