We Praise Him

We are 0-7 now.  Never thought I would say that, just being honest.  Even though when I was in high school we did not win a game for 2 years.  This is a game.  It is competitive.  It takes work, time and perseverance (there it is again). 

What is a wife to do?  Cause, at this point you can't fake a smile - know what I mean :)  For me, it is to just keep things as normal as possible around home.  Keep cooking supper, washing clothes, playing with the kids.  When he comes home in the evenings, it is a pleasant safe place.  If he seems a little more preoccupied than usual, I give him some time alone.  If he needs to watch some film, me and the kids play in their room to keep it quiet.  We go to the JH/JV games during the week.  I don't really ask a lot of questions at this point.  If he offers some information I listen.  If not, we talk about other things. 

I may be wrong, but I really think the extra sacrifices me and the kids make help him to lead those boys.  I really do believe that.  He has a clear mind.  He is not stressed -well not about home at least :)  Those young men see someone in a very tough and hard situation remaining "normal".  He loves those boys and their families.  The community already means so much to him.  You see, the Christ in us gives us the power to overcome anything.  Because of Jesus, all things are possible.  I cannot in my own power do these things for my husband.  Whatever profession your husband is in, you cannot support and love him yourself.  We were not created to.  Our foundation is solid.  The world around us is what is tossed by the storm - not us! 

From Matthew 7:

Build Your House on the Rock

 ²⁴ "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."

I have to give my coach some props.  This week after practice on Wednesday he took us to the reservoir for a picnic.  Then on Thursday he took Katie on a date to the movies.  This time has meant so much to us!  It was a sacrifice.  He was soooo tired.  But it brought so much joy to our home.

In the movie Facing the Giants, the coach tells the boys, "If we win, we'll praise Him, if we lose we'll praise Him."  As for the Cook's we will serve the Lord!  He deserves all our praise all the time.  

Psalm 103

A David Psalm

 ^1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
   O my soul, bless God,
      don't forget a single blessing!

 ^3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.
      He heals your diseases—every one.
      He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
      He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
      He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
      He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

 ^6-18 God makes everything come out right;
      he puts victims back on their feet.
   He showed Moses how he went about his work,
      opened up his plans to all Israel.
   God is sheer mercy and grace;
      not easily angered, he's rich in love.
   He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
      nor hold grudges forever.
   He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
      nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
   As high as heaven is over the earth,
      so strong is his love to those who fear him.
   And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
      he has separated us from our sins.
   As parents feel for their children,
      God feels for those who fear him.
   He knows us inside and out,
      keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
   Men and women don't live very long;
      like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
   But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
      leaving nothing to show they were here.
   God's love, though, is ever and always,
      eternally present to all who fear him,
   Making everything right for them and their children
      as they follow his Covenant ways
      and remember to do whatever he said.

 ^19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;
      he rules over us all. He's the King!
   So bless God, you angels,
      ready and able to fly at his bidding,
      quick to hear and do what he says.
   Bless God, all you armies of angels,
      alert to respond to whatever he wills.
   Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
      everything and everyone made by God.    And you, O my soul, bless God!