Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey Everybody,


Just wanted to stop by and share how thankful I am for what God has done for me.  I want to thank God that I have a relationship with Him and that His love for me is never ending.  I am thankful for my wonderful parents and brother, for their guidance and love.  I am thankful for my friends from those I have grown up with to those I have just made.  Each one of them are dear to my heart and I am thankful that many keep me accountable in my walk with Christ.  I am thankful that God gave me an opportunity to play soccer this year for Nyack.  I experienced great things and grew so much as a player.  I am thankful that God has kept me focused in my studies and has given me aspirations for the future in teaching.  From the little things to the most immeasurable things, I have seen God's blessings throughout.  I love my Abba Father and give Him all the honor and glory.  Happy Thanksgiving!!


"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.  Let the whole world know what he has done." ~Psalm 105:1


Blessings! 


EH

The Lady Warriors Are Rolling!

I have not given an update in about over a week on the happenings of the Nyack College Women's Soccer Team and let's just say this past week has been jammed back with emotions and happiness.  It all started last Saturday, September 10th when we had an away game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We were opening conference play against the number one ranked team going into the preseason in Chestnut Hill and with starting off our season with three tough losses, we all were in search for our first W.  Coach told us in our practices leading up to the game that we would face a tough challenge in Chestnut Hill because they were very talented technically and played aggressive.  My teammates and I were not afraid to take on the challenge and prove Chestnut Hill and every other team in our conference that Nyack was not a force to be reckon with.  From opening kickoff, my teammates played some great soccer and fought back every time another player was pushing or pressing them.  We got on the board first in the 1st half and that greatly upped our morale.  I could see my teammates start to relax and having fun out on the field.  We added onto our 1-0 lead in the second half but gave up a quick goal shortly afterwards.  Chestnut Hill would not let up and we did not either.  As the time ticked down we focused more on our defense and made sure we had numbers behind the ball while covering space in the box.  Once that final whistle blew the whole team rushed the field to celebrate with our teammates.  We were able to take down the number one seed in the conference fair and square with great soccer.  The things that were not being shown in our previous games appeared in the nix of time.  We were able to settle down and play more of a possession type of soccer and like my coach would say, "magical things happen in the box," and that for sure happened! On the bus ride home everyone celebrated, but as for me I slept :)  


Our next game was this past Wednesday against Molloy College.  They were not a conference team but we still wanted to compete and continue playing like we did on Saturday.  We did not come out firing and it cost us.  They beat us 1-0 and when we were finally getting into our groove it was too late.  One lesson we learned after that game was that we had to be prepared and sharp mentally from the kickoff.  The team that performed on Wednesday was not the true Nyack team and I know many us were disappointed with the results.  


Today's game was against Wilmington College and they were the team last year that went through the whole season undefeated.  They were very similar to Chestnut Hill in how they played technically well and would be aggressive.  Our mindsets going into the game today was coming out and performing.  We needed to play with more intensity and heart.  This was our 2nd conference game and we knew that if we could beat this team, which was one of the top three teams in our conference, that there would be a "shot heard around the world" that Nyack College was coming and would not leave without a fight.  We were able to take the players from Wilmington out of their groove today and every time they passed from one person to the next we were able to cut off the pass or add a double team in pressure.  We got our 1st and only goal in the first half and what was great about how we played today was that our goalie did not touch the ball until the 23rd or so minute into the game.  Our defense played solid and held their lines while our midfielders and forwards were in sync the entire game feeding passes to each other and finding the slots in between the defense.  Coach reminded us at half time to continue to play with passion and not let up.  When the whistle blew the final score was 1-0 and the Nyack College Lady Warriors were 2-0 in conference play.  I am so proud of my teammates and the progressions we have made in each game.  Today was a great day and we all felt much better after the lost on Wednesday.  We will celebrate the W for another day or so and then it is back to the fields to prepare for our next opponents.  Look our conference, the Nyack College Lady Warriors are coming!!

And the Lady Warriors Soccer Season Begins.....!!

We began our soccer season this past Friday and everybody was full of energy.  We had a tough match and ended up losing 5-0 to Stonehill College.  It was a great learning experience for the whole team to play against a well structured team that was both physical and technically sound with the ball.  Coach reminded us to not hang our heads because we had more games to look forward to and did not have time to dwell on the past when we had a bigger goal to accomplish.  Twenty-four hours later we had our next game against Assumption College and we played so much better.  We lost 1-0 but we created many opportunities for our team to score.  It was tough that we just could not capitalize on our chances.  Our third game was an away again in Queens, New York and we gave them a challenge.  The conditions were pretty bad due to the heavy rain, wind, and chilly day we had to play in.  Even though we lost that game as well, I was so proud of my team for playing hard and continuing to work together.  We start conference play this Saturday and so this week we will be practicing hard at practice to improve from our mistakes/weaknesses that appeared during the previous games.  We have quite amount of room to improve on and as we continue to be patient and work together, I know that there will be great outcomes in our future games.  Tomorrow begins our daily 6am morning practices, so continue to keep the Lady Warriors in your prayers.  2 Timothy 1:7

Preseason Soccer: Week 2

Second week of preseason went well.  The team continued to work hard and build chemistry with each other.  In several of our practices, we focused quite amount of time on technical drills to improve our footwork.  We were finally able to scrimmage other teams and put what we worked in practice onto the field against another team.  The first scrimmage we played was against CUNY College.  Our play wasn't our best, but we were able to learn from our weaknesses and grow from our strengths.  The final result was 6-0, Nyack.  We had our second scrimmage the following day against STAC and won 4-0.  The level of play increased and was much more physical, but my teammates continued to play well.  We took what we did not do too well in the previous game and worked on improving them in the second game.  Our final scrimmage was yesterday and even though we lost, there were many things that we took away from the game.  We are all continuing to work hard each day and build the chemistry with each other both on and off the field.  Our first real game is this Friday and I am so excited for my teammates.  All the fitness training, shooting drills, scrimmages, and so forth are all in preparation for when we step out on the field Friday afternoon and play.  Lady Warriors, "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Preseason Soccer: Week 1

Hey Everybody!

Summer is over and I'm back in Nyack, New York for soccer preseason training.  This past week was a tough week, but I was able to push through my soreness of my body and tiredness to work hard.  This is my first time playing soccer competitively at any level so it has been a challenge.  I'm on the team training in the goalkeeper position and I've learned so much in just one week.  I've always played soccer for fun with pickup games or intramurals but when I was given the opportunity to play for Nyack, I couldn't pass experiencing something really special.  In our team training, I have gained newfound knowledge about the game of soccer and what's my role as a goalkeeper in a game.  I have been pushed, challenged, and encouraged by my coaches and teammates to reach my highest potential.  I have a long journey ahead of me in becoming a top performing goalkeeper and I've been taking it day by day and step by step.  Our team is filled with such great talent all over and in just a week, I've seen us come together as not just a team but a family.  I'm so excited for the journey this Lady Warriors team will take this season and watch all the blood, sweat, and tears we put on the practice fields transcend into quality performance in our games.  One week down with multiple two/three a days and we're pressing on.  Please continue to keep both my team and myself in your prayers as we begin this amazing journey together. 2 Timothy 1:7

When we are weak, He is strong.
~Esther
SOAR HIGH! Isaiah 40:28-31

                                 Me & my Lady Warriors teammates

The 2010-2011 NBA Champs: The Dallas Mavericks!!!

Hey Everybody,


As many of you guys know I am a HUGE sports fanatic.  One of my favorite sports to play and watch is basketball and my favorite team is the Dallas Mavericks.  Yesterday they made history by winning their first NBA championship.  I am so proud of Dirk and everybody else on the team and when everybody else thought that they couldn't make it or win, they proved them all wrong and played as champions.  I have stuck with my team from the beginning and have seen both their ups and downs.  All I can say now is that I'm a very happy fan.  GO MAVS!!!!

Let's Have Some S'mores!!

So last night I enjoyed hanging out with my Nyack family around a bonfire, talking, laughing, and making s'mores.  The night was kind of chilly, but the fire sure warmed all of us up.  The event was hosted by the Student Activities and it was fun seeing the Nyack family come together and enjoy some s'mores.  Whenever I'm around a bonfire and roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores, I feel that times are a changing.  The bonfire last night made me realize how I have only two more weeks left of school and that summer is around the corner.  I am exciting for the summer, but will greatly miss my family here at Nyack.  At other times I'll be around a bonfire towards the end of summer and that reminds me that summer is coming to an end and school is about to begin.  Bonfires are so much fun for me.  I love the smell of burning wood and smoke and feeling the warmth that comes from the flames.  And of course the s'mores are always the best with the marshmallows, melting chocolate, and graham crackers.  I'm so thankful that was able to enjoy last night with my Nyack family around a wonderful bonfire.

  

Gazebo Fun!!

The spring time means new life, the beautiful weather, flowers blooming, and on and on and on.  One thing I love about Nyack College is the natural beauty.  We get a sick view of the Hudson river and the mountains and the lush trees and grass.  I am reminded daily of the wonderful Creator my God is when I wake up in the morning to the sunrise or when I walk around campus.  Today is no exception.  The weather today is so beautiful and I am finally able to go outside wearing shorts and a t-shirt with no jacket. As I walked around campus, I could hear the birds singing and the sun beating down on my face.  Nyack has a gazebo and it is a great place to come and hang out with friends or sit in the blue and read "porch" chairs and look out to the river.  Today a bunch of my friends all came out and hanged out in the gazebo.  We were all just chillin and talking and one of the guys brought his guitar out and was playing and singing.  This is Nyack right here.  Friends coming out and spending time with each other.  Some guys were throwing the frisbee and some others were climbing trees while others were just sitting and talking.  I love Nyack, the community, the natural beauty, and the peacefulness. Enjoy the pictures below!

                                                           Michelle & I

                            Anthony, Lauren, & Steph climbed the tree!

Intramurals, Intramurals!!!

I love sports and whenever I get the opportunity to play I will.
For the spring semester, Nyack created intramuals for the student body to participate in.  They had the option to either form a team for basketball or a team for soccer and they were also co-ed. 


I didn't pass up this great opportunity and got a team together for both basketball and soccer.  Games have begun and the competition has been high.  In basketball I am the only girl on my team and pretty much the whole league, but that doesn't stop me from playing hard and giving the other guys some competition.  I have faced guys that are much taller and bigger than me, but I continue to challenge myself by working on my ball-handling skills and shooting.  Being the point guard for my team isn't easy and I do make mistakes, but in the end we're all having fun and playing hard.  For soccer, I'm the only girl on my team as well.  There are more girls playing soccer, so I get excited when I see other girls show their skills amongst the guys.  My position in soccer is the goalie and it's both fun and challenging.  Since we're playing with the official size soccer goals, I got to cover more ground.  Some goals have gone in while others have not.  I already got a few turf burns from diving for balls.  Win or lose, I play the game to have fun with my teammates and to create friendly competition with the other players.  I'm so glad that we got intramurals here, so people like me can enjoy playing the sport they love with others.  


On a side note, I'm also glad the weather has been getting warmer so I can spend more time outside and also go running.


Take advantage of the spring weather and go for a walk.  Not only will it be good for you, but you'll never know how God can speak to you through his beautiful creation!

Videos!!

I hope you'll enjoy these videos and that a smile will appear on your face :)

I made these during my spring break and let me tell you that this was my first time recording myself singing, so give me a bit of some slack.

Spring Break News!

Reporting from the good ol' Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Spring break has been great and very relaxing. I have had plenty of sleep and my body is refueled to get back to the college life.

I had a wonderful time with all of my relatives and friends and I even made two videos that I hope you'll enjoy! Because it is March that means it is.....MARCH MADNESS!! For those that don't know what that means, it means the national basketball tournament for college basketball. The madness comes from all the close and exhilarating games. I filled out my tournament bracket and I'm not doing that bad. Much of my break has consisted of me camped out with my computer, snacks, water, and different gadgets in front of the TV and taking as much college basketball as I can get.

Yes, my life doesn't completely evolve around basketball. I still had plenty of time to work out at the gym, shop a bit, eat some very delicious food, and enjoy some concerts. I was able to go to the Winter Jam and what a great experience it was. I enjoyed great performances from artists and bands like David Crowder Band, Kutless, Red, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, and a few others. The weather in Lancaster was very beautiful and I was able to enjoy the weather with my cousins playing some badminton.

I enjoyed the spring break, but I got to say that I missed the Nyack life. Nyack has become a home that I have become very comfortable with. The people and growth there have been a huge blessing for me. One thing that I have noticed this spring semester is the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and the lives of others. I have been reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan and it speaks about the Holy Spirit and the importance it is in our lives. I have learned so much more about the Holy Spirit as I read the book and the things I have learned have reappeared elsewhere as well, whether it be in chapel or in a class discussions. I know it wasn't a coincidence, but the Holy Spirit reminding me how crucial He is in all aspects of my life. I still have a lot to learn about the Holy Spirit, but what I have experienced and gained so far has been a blessing.

I hope you all are doing well and I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers. He gives us strength so we can soar on wings like eagles.

P.S. The videos will be in the next blog.

Hello!

Hey Blog World!

Sorry for the lack of blog posts in...forever. The college life and schoolwork has been keeping me extremely busy. I do want to let you know about what has been going on in Nyack, so I promise to give you a post in about a week when my spring break starts. Here are some pics to keep you in anticipation between now and then!

Soar High my friends!

Reflections

Thank you so much for keeping up with my blogs. I really enjoy sharing with you the things I have learned, life at Nyack, and everything else in between.

Reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan has been a great book and I got so many applications from it as well. I hope that through some of my blog entries you got something from it as well. The growth with Christ is a process and I know I will slip up and make mistakes, but I am grateful to have a wonderful Father that loves me no matter what. God has truly taught me a lot through just the first semester of college and I look forward to things to come. I want to share God's love not just through my words, but my actions as well. Walking in Love!

I had a wonderful winter break and spent a lot of time with my family and friends. It was great to not have to worry about getting up early or studying but just relaxing. On top of that I had soo much of wonderful home-cooked meals!! I can now say that I am ready to head back to Nyack and begin my spring semester. I am so excited to begin my classes, challenge my mind, continue my growth in Christ, play in the snow, and create more memories.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers. Pray that my spring semester will go smoothly, that I will continue be challenged by Christ, and that I will be able to use my talents for Him. I pray that you may be encouraged and continue to be faithful to God with your life. I leave with these words, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)."

Crazy Love Chapter 10: The Crux Of The Matter

In other words...what shall we do? A quote by Annie Dillard says, "How we live our day is...how we live our lives." We each need to discover for ourselves how to live this day in faithful surrender to God as we "continue to work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Live each day as though each person you come into contact with is Christ. In Chapter 9, Francis Chan shared stories about people who lived their lives faithfully to Christ and we need to be reminded that "God works in a vast number of ways, that He has more in store for you than you can really imagine right now.

A quote from Oswald Chambers says, "Never make a principle out of your experience; let God be as original with other people as He is with you." Francis Chan goes further and says, "Be careful not to turn others' lies into the mold for your own. Allow God to be as creative with you as He is with each of us." Do you really believe that God created you for a specific purpose? Or do you look at your life and try to compare it with the lives of others? God is a Creator not a duplicator, so let that encourage you to know that you were made in a unique way. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

"We try to set our lives up so everything will be fine even if God doesn't come through. But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His promises." A great analogy that Francis Chan uses is the idea of manure. If you "spread them out then they help everything grow better, but if you keep it one big pile and they stink horribly." So in turn are you "the kind that reeks, around which people walk a wide swath? Or the kind that trusts God enough to let Him spread you out-whether that means going outside your normal group of Christian friends, increasing your material giving, or using your time to serve others?"

Going back to the quote by Annie Dillard in which she said, "how we live our day is...how we live our lives." That is very similar with the body of Christ: "how we believers live out our lives is a microcosm of the life of the church." Our responsibility as apart of the body of Christ "is to help set the pace for the church by listening and obeying and living Christ." We don't necessarily have to preach to our church or congregation, but live out our daily lives through the love and obedience that God has asked of us.

"What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God's work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, 'What did you do with what I gave you?'" Daniel Webster once said, "The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a holy God and give an account of my life." That is so true. Go to Christ and pray these things and then go live the life with your friends, family, parents, neighbors, etc. and empowered you through the Hold Spirit to live.

May we be able to say at the end of our lives, along with Paul,

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

-2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV

Crazy Love Chapter 9: Who Really Lives That Way?

Sorry for the lack of postings on my blog in awhile. I finished Crazy Love at the end of the fall semester, but didn't get a chance to respond. Now I want to finish my response to the last two chapters of this book.

The title of Chapter 9 is "Who Really Lives That Way?" When you read this, what comes to your mind? Throughout the entire chapter, Francis Chan shared stories of different people that lived a radical life for Christ, fully surrendering everything to Him. Each story was unique in a certain way, but "each bears the mark of a person distinctly transformed by the beauty and reality of God's love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit." I want to share two stories that spoke to me.

The first story is about Simpson Rebbavarapu.

"Simpson was given his English name when he arrived at a missionary-run orphanage around the age of four. His parents had not yet named him, which happens often among the younger children of poverty-stricken, lower-caste families in India. Simpson's mother was married as a child bride around the age of thirteen, a practice still common in Indian villages. Simpson was her sixth child, and the women in the village gave her herbs to end her pregnancy so that she wouldn't have to stop working and have another mouth to feed. But the herbs didn't work. Other villages suggested that she try the 'English medicine.' But when she went to the doctor to have him abort her baby, he did not come to work that day. So Simpson was born, and eventually his parents took him to the orphanage because they knew he would have a better life there, including an opportunity to be educated. Simpson believes that God has always had His hand on his life, because if it had been up to his mother, he would never have been born. Currently, Simpson splits his time between an orphanage that he started an an evangelism ministry that brings God's Word to illiterate villagers through audio Bibles. When asked how he lives and where he gets a salary, he answered in the most simple and humble manner, 'I live by faith...I don't have a family or a wife, so what do I need a salary for?' He would rather have that money go to supporting another program to help people or to expose more people to the Word of God. Simpson says that by living this way, he has to trust that God has His hand on his life and will keep taking care of him. He also says his dependence keeps him in prayer and close to God."

After reading the story of Simpson, I was amazed how God was working in his life even before he was born. The work Simpson is doing now and the lifestyle he lives makes me look at my life and the simplicity my life should be. I want to have the attitude of Simpson where he says he lives my faith and is fully dependent on God. I strive to live that way each day, and for me this story is a good reminder of how my life needs to be fully dependent on God and simple.

The second story is about The Robynson Family.

"This family of five, with three kids under the age of ten, chooses to celebrate the birth of Christ in a unique way. On Christmas mornings, instead of focusing on the presents under the tree, they make pancakes, brew an urn of coffee, and head downtown. Once there, they load the coffee and food into the back of a red wagon. Then, with the eager help of their three-year-old, they pull the wagon around the mostly empty streets in search of homeless folks to offer a warm and filling breakfast on Christmas morning. All three of the Robynson kids look forward to this time of giving a little bit of tangible love to people who otherwise would have been cold and probably without breakfast. Can you think of a better way to start the holiday that celebrates the God who is Love?

Since I have been involved with Hands of Compassion at Nyack, my eyes and heart have been opened to the homeless. This story of the Robynson family is just another example of being called to look after the orphans, the widows and the homeless. I love how the three children who are all under the age of ten are excited to give to others on their Christmas day, instead of staying home and enjoying their presents. They are truly walking in love. With this story in mind, I want to continue showing the love of Christ to all the homeless people I meet as well.

I hope these two stories will give a glimpse of how people put their love of Christ into action. They are truly faithful in all they do. I pray that in your own lives, you be reminded that the Kings of Kings and the Lords of Lords is in control of your life. My small group leader gave us a phrase to remember and I want to share it with you. The phrase is Semper Fidelis which means Always Faithful. Let us all strive to be Semper Fidelis to Jesus Christ.