All Things Are Possible

Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:13
Jeremiah 29:11
Joshua 1:9

These are just a few of the scriptures that we have leaned upon and clung to since we began this journey.  And let me add, this is just the beginning.  We still have a ways to go - as should be expected.  But as we celebrate a win (2 actually:)) like a coaching family does on Saturdays, I am filled with such gratitude and overwhelmed with emotion.  This morning I delight in these Psalms of praise: 

Psalm 145:13 The Lord is faithful in all His word and kind in all His works.
Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.
Psalm 148:13 Let them praise the name of the Lord! for His name alone is exalted...

Oh I could just go on and on... 

I do need to share that while I am VERY grateful for the victories, the heart of my praise, however, is for how Jesus has never left us - and He never will.  His presence has been ever so real since day 1 (February 11, 2011).  The heart of my praise is out of gratitude that I have been discipled by many who have shown me how to dig deep into God's Word.  It's with humility that He would love me enough to still comfort me when I question.  It's thankfulness that we can go on and His mercies are new EVERY morning.  Sorrow may last or a night, but Joy comes in the morning!  Praise the Lord! 

Monday is a new day, and there is MUCH work to still be done.  But today we celebrate - victory on the field and victory in Jesus!!

Matthew 19:26

Jesus looked at them and said,

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

 

 First win ~ Rangers 42 Riverside 6

September 6, 2013

Second win ~ Rangers 31 McLaurin 28 (in overtime)

September 13, 2013

 

 

And if our God is for us...

Our God is  greater!  He is greater when we win, He is greater when we lose.

I actually started this post on Thursday and well, life happened, and I had to "save" it and come back to it later...

Now it is Saturday morning, Coach is driving to the Delta to exchange film, I am not real sure what time he got home.  The kids are still asleep and honestly if it weren't for the dog asking to go outside I would be too :).  So, I decided to open my blog and finish.  It's not much, but it is speaking VOLUMES to me today.  My humble prayer is that through the life God walks us through we can bless and minister to others as well.

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It's Thursday night - tomorrow is game day, worship music is on, kids are playing and dancing, I'm 'taking every thought captive' as I try to settle my nerves in preparation for Coach coming home....this is such an unsettled familiar place to me...and I often wonder if it is to anyone else...who else can even begin to understand what is going on here...

Then that sweet still small voice speaks to me, "Daughter, I understand.  I work all things for good to those who love Me.  Do you love Me?  Do you trust Me?  If I am for you, then who can be against you?"

God is for me.  God is for my husband.  God is for my family.  He has everything designed to work for His Glory.  Despite our circumstances, may I be found faithful in doing everything as unto Him. 

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'Fall'ing Forward

Oh My! I had not realized the last time I posted on here was last Christmas!!!  Forgive me, followers!  Amazing how time goes by so quickly ~ just another reminder to cherish every moment.

It's almost fall my friends.  And if you are the wife of a coach then you know what is expected and how to "tackle" the season ahead.  This time of year is so packed with expectation in the air you can almost cut it with a butter knife!! 

I am learning that no matter the history of your team - whether successful or not quite there yet - the community, parents, students and players seem to almost explode with anticipation of what are Friday nights this year going to bring.  And I am learning that no matter what Friday night does bring, God is faithful and He never leaves us!  EVER!  But He does have a plan, and it sometimes makes NO SENSE, but it's His even so.  And I am learning that as I grow closer to Christ, I am not so hesitant to fall forward and let Him catch me in the place that He has prepared just for us (me and my Coach).  And I am learning that walking by faith truly means to believe in what you cannot see. 

While victory on the field has yet to come, things are changing - lives are changing - my prayers are changing.  Maybe I have been a little selfish in the past and spent a little too much time praying for success on the gridiron, when in all reality real success is how we impact lives for Christ.  Is my life leading anyone to Christ?  Do I pray for salvation to come to the players, students, parents, etc.?  Do I love and serve the people in this community like Christ does?  My desire is to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my understanding and acknowledge Him in everything I do.  Then I know God's Word says He will make our paths straight!

I look forward to hearing from you this fall!  Feel free to comment or email me at missiongridiron@hotmail.com 

Thank you for reading,

Carrie Cook
www.mscwa.com
Mississippi Coaches' Wives Association

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!