Merry Christmas

                                        Merry Christmas from the Cooks!

These next few days are often the only "rest" days coaches get.  Take the time to thank them for their hard work and cherish every moment!  Hug and kiss your coach - no matter what circumstances you are in, Christ loves us no matter what and we are called to do the same.  For those with heavy hearts this season, for whatever reason, be comforted in the arms of Christ.  He is coming to make all things new one day (Rev. 21:5) and we will be without tears - forever!!  Hold on to this truth and embrace this holiday for what it is - remembering and celebrating our salvation, peace and freedom in Christ.

I want to thank all of you for "following" this blog.  Obedience is not always easy and it makes us uncomfortably sometimes, but so much blessing has come from this.  I hope and pray that you grow in the Lord more as you read. 

Merry Christmas!

Anxiety & Good Words

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.  Proverbs 12:25

This scripture jumped out at me today.  I have read it a hundred times. But today the Lord revealed to me a truth that I know my husband needs.  I am his helper (Gen. 2).  I am placed here to lift him up and give him "good words", not words of discouragement but encouragement. 

I am sure we are not the only ones whose job often brings about anxieties and stresses that if left unattended could really drive you crazy - literally! The great thing about a coaches' wives association is knowing and sharing things to help each other. So, if nothing else comes from this, know that - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

One thing we do have to remember is that our own words will fade away but God's words have the power to change lives!  So, when we go looking for that 'right thing to say when it's really bad', look to the scriptures.  That is where life is.  That is where we find hope, peace, encouragements, and words that are on a foundation that will never move (Luke 6).

A New Normal

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.

This all familiar passage is from Luke 1:46-49.  Mary is singing a song of praise to her God, her Rock, her Savior.  And if someone who never has heard the name of Jesus or read the Bible was reading this, you would think she was just given some material blessing or easy promise of her future.  She is passionately praising His name, gratefully magnifying Him with everything in her. 

Those familiar with this passage know that this song was the response she gave after the angel visited her and after Elizabeth confirmed what the Lord had spoken.  She was pregnant - out of wedlock (socially and morally devastating) and without having known a man (physically impossible).  Even so, her response was praise!  Her response was obedience, completely giving over of herself to questions, fears, ridicule, gossip, frustration, and in those days, possibly death.

Imagine it.  Really, put yourself in her place. 

I find it very hard to.  Mainly because so many times when I am given a promise or asked to go and do things that seem impossible my response is doubt, fear, questioning the validity, and a bumbed out spirit - just to be honest.

As coaches wives, we are asked to give of ourselves in so many ways.  There are many things we go through that, other than probably a preacher's wife, no one else on this planet has to endure!  And how often do we get down in that "bumbed spirit" and question our role or if this is "where we are supposed to be"?

I am reminding you as I remind myself.  We were first created to be in fellowship with our Heavenly Father (Gen. 1), next we were created as a "helper fit for him (our husband)" (Gen. 2).  Because of this, we know all God's promises are true!  We are at this place because the God who created us knows better than us - yes He does :).    For me, even in this "season" of rebuilding - literally - I am here to support and help my husband and to shine the light of Jesus no matter how dark it gets....even as dark as 0-19 (and I am serious by the way :) ). 

Football is just a tool.  It is just the avenue Jesus is walking with us to reach people to spend eternity with Him.  He has given us all an avenue.  A road to walk down to ultimately bring glory to Him and many many souls to heaven.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!

Worse before Better

There are times in life that are evident things will be worse before the ever get better.  Like moving into a new house in a new town with 3 children under the age of 6.  Or like taking over a football program that has had less than 10 winning seasons the whole time its been open.  Or like when Christ came and lived, died and was resurrected and from now until He returns. 

February 11, 2011 my husband took his first head coaching job.  From that point on we put the house on the market and began the process of moving closer to the school.  A year and a few months later (actually closed the last week of school) we moved to our new home in Richland - we were officially Rangers!  We had a couple football players help us bring everything out of the moving truck in to the house.  This took them less than an hour.....I know my husband was thinking, "we'll have this house in order in no time!".  So, I just sweetly reminded him by saying, "you know honey, it's going to get much worse in here before it gets better....".  I am happy to say that it is one week before official football practice starts and all the boxes are unpacked - not everything is put away - but nothing is left in a box.  :)

That same February we left a school where they went 13-1 the past season and made it all the way to the North State finals.  We were there 6 years and in those 6 years there was much much success and excitement on the gridiron including the installation of artificial turf - which meant daddy had more time at home because there was no more grass cutting!!!  So, before Jason took this new job he said, "Carrie, we are about to experience a change in everything."  And he was right....lots of ups and lots of downs - but I can assure you, we have not stayed down!!  We are in the middle of 'worse before better' but we know that we are working as unto the Lord and not man - so our reward will come (Col 3:23)!  It may not come in the form of wins - at least not at first :) - but I have seen, already, so many ways the lives of these boys are changing.  We have met so many families and seen God moving in their lives - right now!! 

All through scripture we see ups and downs.  We read of 'worse before better' situations over and over.  Christ came and we know that there were miracles and peoples lives changing and so much of the 'better' was all around.  But we also know of that dark hour when He gave Himself - in the most horrific and painful way ever known to man - for us - so one day we can all experience the 'better' for eternity. 

In the coaching world it's a constant 'worse before better'.   In order to stand strong in the 'worse' moments we must cling to God's Word and His promises AND encourage and lift up one another.  Then in the 'better' moments we give God all the glory - because He is worthy!

2012 MCWA T-Shirt is here!

A must have for ALL wives and kids :)

This design is especially in honor and memory of Amanda Price.  We are selling these Tshirts now and will deliver them at the brunch on Wednesday, July 11.  If you are unable to attend the brunch I will be happy to get yours to you - just email me when after you purchase it on the link to the right.

The shirt will be white with the MCWA logo on the front pocket and the design shown on the back.

                                                                      FRONT POCKET

                                                                        

                                                                        BACK CENTER

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at missiongridiron@hotmail.com

                                                                          

Fighting Players

As my coach and I were discussing their "last day of spring practice scrimmage" he made a statement that caused my eyebrows to raise.  Referring to when 2 of his players got into a heated tuff yesterday he said,  "I don't want players that fight but I do want fighting players".  I sat there for a minute - hmmm, that is a very interesting point....

I have recently read a book by Jennie Allen called Anything.  She wrote a short passage sharing with us what the Lord was telling her about fighting brave in complete abandonment to Him:
    
You protect yourself with me.
     You bind truth to the front of you so when darkness comes you remember me.  You remember I am bigger.  You remember I win.  You remember I am with you today and forever; even if you can't see me.  I am there.  You put my Word, my truth, in front of you.  Protect yourself with and my righteousness. 
     And then, you run.  Let your feet carry you into battle building my name, sharing my love, telling my story, showing my glory.  Go.  Run.  Fight.  Do not just sit there feeling sorry for yourself.  Run and fight.
     Let your shield be faith.  See, if I am real to you-if you believe you stand behind the God of the universes-you won't need to be afraid.  You may get tired but you won't forget why this war matters if you don't forget me.  You'll fight bravely, like someone who knows she fights for a cause worth dying for.  You'll keep fighting if you see me.
     You have me with you - I am in you.
     Fight bravely because I am for you and I am with you.

God has been speaking this over his people since the beginning of time.  He has prepared us in his Word for this war.  It is a war.  If you believe ANYTHING at all about God's Word - then YOU MUST believe we are in a battle.  It is definintley not the pretty side of following - but it is the side that promises victory in Jesus.         

There are so many ways we fight WITH things in this world that cause us to lose our will to fight FOR those things we should - the eternal victories.  So, as we pray daily for our meals, children, job, families, sickness, etc. let's not forget to pray for the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10) to surround us!  He wants "fighting players" on HIS team! 

Spring Fever

For those of us in Mississippi it is definitely as hot as fever right now!  I just don't know how those boys and coaches practice in this day after day.

For most of the football world it is back to the gridiron once again.  I must be honest and say I am so glad - I have kinda missed it :)  Having said that, this is the time of year that it gets a little tough for moms and wives.  Your responsibilities at home increase while time with your coach decreases.  This is NORMAL!  You are NOT ALONE!  But let's remember that we are his helper (Gen 2:18) and that we can do ALL things through Christ (Phil 4:13). 

You have been placed here for a purpose.  Don't let the enemy mislead you in thinking otherwise.  Put on that armor (Eph 6) and stay ever so close to the firm Foundation (Luke 6).

Please check out the Mississippi Coaches Wives' Association on Facebook!

The Sterling Rose

In early December I was in my "special place" one morning before the family was up.  This is where I read, pray and spend some quiet time – alone   (without the little ones that is).  I usually read through the overnight news on my phone before I get started.  What I read this particular morning has changed my life. 

There was a news story about a football coach’s wife (that got my attention because I am one) in New Albany Mississippi whose life had been tragically taken.  I can honestly say that I don't remember much else about the article.  I began to weep.  I was so filled with emotion I could not get myself together.  Once I did calm down, I thought to myself, Carrie, you are crazy, you don't even know these people!  But I could not help the overwhelming grief I was feeling.  So, I began to pray and ask the Lord why He was allowing me to feel this way about a family I had never even heard of.  The next few weeks were very strange to me because I was grieving over someone I did not know and did not know why. 

I would read the newspaper in North Mississippi every day and learn more about Amanda.  The article that stood out to me the most was the one showing a picture of the outside of the church where her memorial service was held.  There was the football team, in their jerseys, standing so reverently together and obviously grieving.  This is when I knew that she was much more than a fan in the stands, she was an amazing coach's wife.  This is crazy I know, but I wanted to know more about her.  What she was like and how she encouraged her husband, what was her relationship with the other wives and players and students. 

The following Sunday after the accident I was in Sunday School and the teacher asked for prayer requests.  The girl behind me asked for prayer for her best friend - who is also a friend of mine. This friend was a college roommate of Amanda Price.  I could not believe what I was hearing, I about passed out, then began to cry.  I sat numb for a brief moment knowing that someone I knew was that close to this family.  So, the next week the Lord started showing me what He wanted me to do.

I contacted my friend, who was the college roommate of Amanda.  I shared with her what I was going through and asked her if she thought Amanda's family would mind if I went forward with some things that the Lord had shown me the previous week.  She obviously said they would be grateful - and they were. 

So, from that conversation until now, we have started the Mississippi Coaches' Wives Association with a purple rose as the logo.  We will also have an annual wives brunch, named after Amanda - The Sterling Rose Brunch - to be held at the MAC clinic during the summer. 

Before this January I had never heard of a Sterling Rose.  This is Amanda's favorite flower and it is very significant to all of our lives.  As coaches’ wives, so often we have to be strong as sterling yet delicate as a rose.  Amanda's friends and family tell me that she was this way all the time.  It is my prayer that the Lord use me to share how her personal faith in Christ will help us build a legacy much bigger than football and how her life is an example of the “ultimate coach’s wife”.  Be encouraged. 

What's an Off-Season?

If your husband coaches dual sports, you are probably asking the same question.  You may hear the word off-season, but your coach works 12 months every year! 

At the last school where he coached, we had the awesome opportunity to be a part of 2 outstanding seasons.  The football team went 13-1 and the baseball won the state championship title.  The year before that, the football team went 12-1 and the baseball made it to the state championship series.  So, those 2 years were pretty busy for us, not to mention we had our 3rd child at Christmas of the last year!  But you know what, we made it!  And we actually enjoyed it!

As wives and moms, just like our husbands, we don't ever really have an "off-season".  No time outs, no dead weeks, no rules about when we can or can't practice :).  What we do have is a Saviour, friend, and helper that desires for us to glorify Him in all we do.  And that means by "helping" our husbands and taking one for the team every now and then so he can get his work done.  I promise there is perfect peace in doing so. 

I read a devotional book by Charles Spurgeon every day called Morning and Evening.  This is a piece of the writing for today, February 15:

"Lord, help me to glorify You; I am poor, help me to glorify You by contentment; I am sick, help me to give You honor by patience; I have talents, help me to extol You by spending them for You; I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve You; I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but Yours and glow with no flame but affection for You; I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of You and for You; You have put me in this world for something, Lord, show me what that is, and help me to work out my life purpose: I cannot do much, but as the widow put in her two small coins, which were all her living, so, Lord, I cast my time and eternity, too, into Your treasury; I am all Yours; take me, and enable me to glorify You now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have."

Be encouraged!  Most importantly, pray for your coach and his players.  Put Jesus first - in everything.  What is a season in comparison to eternity?!

'SUPER' Holy?

Holiness is not an option.  God's Word says:

1 Peter 1
¹³ Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵ But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Is there any area of your life that Jesus is not welcome?  Is there any part of your day (the whole 24 hours) that does not line up with God's Word? 

Think about it........TV show, radio station, book, hobby, work (can be house work and family planning), conversations, actions toward our spouse, children and discipline, meal time, etc.

John 15

I Am the True Vine

    ¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

After watching the Superbowl last night - and trying our best to omit the commercials and half-time show - I was reminded of how easy it is to be led astray from the holiness of Christ.  Now, those of you that are Superbowl commercial watchers and that LOVE entertainment, don't let my words anger you or even convict you.  Because these are not my words, I have not said any of this.  In fact, I struggle so much with this in so many ways - which is why I know the Lord is speaking to me.

Until Christ returns, we are in a war.  This is just another battle.  Who would go into battle not covered and protected?  So, then why are we?  We cannot fix our eyes upon things of this world, then turn around and defeat the enemy.  The truth of the matter is that the enemy - Satan - wants you to think that little things like commercials, sit-coms, movies and you know - things of this world (and there many) - are really no big deal.  We rationalize these things by saying, "You know, there were no cuss words", or "You never saw them having sex", or  "I know so and so who is in my Sunday School class watches that"........we could go on and on.   Or even better, we say "Well, bless her heart, she is just- and fill in the blank with whatever gossip and thoughts you have about her"..... 

God's word says, "DO NOT CONFORM" - that means, DO NOT CONFORM. 

The only way you will know what not to conform to is by reading and KNOWING God's word.  No pastor, SS teacher, friend, mentor, disciple, evangelist, etc. can tell you.  Maybe that's why we are so far from where we are supposed to be here in America - we let everyone else tell us what they "think" we are supposed to be doing with God's Word........just a thought.

We are ALL cruisin'

By now we have all heard of the terrible tragedy that happened a few weeks ago where the cruise ship captain went too close to an island and hit a reef that sunk the ship and has killed almost 20 people, with several still missing.  The reason that captain took that ship so close to the island was pride.  He wanted to show off and honk at his friends.  He thought he knew the waters well, it was a horrific mistake. 

We shake our heads and pray for those still missing and for the families of those who lost their lives.  We say to ourselves, and maybe to others, "How could that man do that?" or "I can't believe he was so irresponsible and selfish" or maybe "He should be in prison for the rest of his life!".  If I am honest I have at least thought some of those things.

But the truth of the matter is we all have the same thing he had - pride.

Obediah 1:3-4
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
   you who live in the clefts of the rock,^[b]
   in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
   “Who will bring me down to the ground?”
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
   though your nest is set among the stars,
   from there I will bring you down,
            declares the LORD.

These people thought they were safe from the enemy because of their location.  They had a false sense of pride.  The Lord quickly responds and tells them they are not above Him.

Isaiah 53:6 tells us we, like sheep, have all gone astray - each to his own way.

Our pride may not ever result in a terrible accident like this one.  But if we think that our pride does not affect others, we are very mistaken.  We all have passengers on our ship.  They may be a spouse, children, students, Sunday School class, disciples, neighbors, family members, etc. etc. 

Our pride keeps us from praying with our spouse and children.  It keeps us from giving to the poor, taking care of orphans (any race, gender or disability), praying at the abortion clinic, sharing Jesus with our neighbors, taking a stand for righteousness, being in this world but not of it.

The more time I spend with the Lord, the more I realize my self (pride) is a lot bigger than I think.  He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30).  That's the bottom line.  If we all live in that, our ship will sail safely (even when the waters are high).

Proverbs 1
 ³² For the simple are killed by their turning away,
   and the complacency of fools destroys them;
³³ but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
   and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

He must increase, I must decrease....

Tebow's Gift

Think about the last time you were given a gift worth something.  A gift that meant everything to you.  Something you knew took thought, time and effort.  Think about it.....it may have been when you were a kid or something more recent.  What did you do with that gift?  Did you just put it away in your room and never show it to anyone or tell anyone about it?  Did you forget about it or forget to thank the person from whom it was given?  Absolutely NOT!  You told everyone you knew!  You showed it off.  You thanked the person over and over.  It was on public display.  You were proud of it.  You may have even told people the way you came about getting this gift.  You were definitely not ashamed of it.

Like Tim Tebow, if you are in Christ, you have been given a gift.  "We like all sheep have gone astray - we have turned - everyone - to his own way..." (Isaiah 53:6)  "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.  By His wounds you have been healed."  (1 Peter 2:24)  "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

What if all believers (at least the ones that really are) lived as Tim Tebow - unto the Lord - in EVERYTHING they do?

Why is it so amazing and the media (even the Church) so blown away at the life of Tim Tebow?  He is just living as Jesus says to.......we should all magnify the Lord - and be humble - and work hard - and forgive - and encourage - and smile - and live righteously - ALL THE TIME!

Tim Tebow has been given the same Gift we have.  We don't need a football field and ESPN to give us a reason to proclaim Jesus!  :)  I have a feeling Tebow would AMEN this too!!

Anything for a season...

For most of us, the Christmas holidays are wrapping up, the kids are getting restless, and routine is much needed.  And as our husbands are preparing for the next "season" we continue our encouragement and support.  See, in our house our calendar year is broken down in to "seasons".  But they are not spring, summer, fall, winter - they are spring football, summer workouts, official practice, regular season, playoffs, off season, spring sport (whatever that happens to be - it will be track this year), and then we start over :)  In an earlier post I quoted a friend of mine telling me that I can do anything for a season.  Funny thing is I was not even married to a football coach at that time, but amazing how that simple word of encouragement has carried me through 9 football seasons!

As we start this new year I wanted to write a message of encouragement.  Whatever season you are about to enter I pray that you will remember and cling to a few things:

1- God is always faithful -
2 Thess 3:3-5  "But the Lord is faithful.  He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.  And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.  May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."

2- Jesus wants all of you -
Luke 14:25-26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple."
Now, of course Jesus is not telling you to actually hate these people.  In the book Not A Fan by Kyle Idleman he explains it like this:
"The NLT says 'hate'.  The Contemporary English Version says 'love me more.'  The most accurate understanding of what Jesus is requiring of his followers is a combination of these two translations.  Jesus is most likely conveying the idea of 'love me more,' but 'hate' is also accurate because it captures the degree to which we love Jesus more."
No matter what we do in life, or what our husbands do, we cannot do anything separate from Jesus being the one and only.  There is no way we can love our husbands and children in the way we were created apart from loving Christ first.

3- You are not alone-
The reason I started this blog was to be an encouragement, and to be encouraged.  The coaching profession is a funny thing and I know that we are most of the time in the background working hard at helping our coach be as successful as he can (for most of us that is the preferred place).  I have a terrible fear of speaking in public or being in front of anyone performing anything!  But not our men!  They are competitors!  So, we often feel like no one else in the world knows what we go through.......First of all, Christ knows.  And He even knows what next year will be like too :)  And second, I know.  And most of you who read this blog know.  So lets be an encouragement together. 

Please share your thoughts and comments here or email me at missiongridiron@hotmail.com.  I would love to post your stories and thoughts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!