The Offseason

This past Monday was my 1st offseason training session.  I had some butterflies in my stomach because this was my first official offseason training session at a collegiate level.  I also had a fire of excitement flowing through my body because I was looking forward to being pushed to the max.  Coach said to us that the offseason training would be conducted with a level mentality.  Day 1 was Level 1 and as each day went by, the intensity of the workout would increase.  I am happy to say that I got through my 1st training session.  It was tough, but I am thankful for my teammates that cheered me on as well as push me to complete each task to the best of my ability.  This evening we had team devotions.  I personally was excited for team devos because this would be a special time for just me and my teammates to talk, pray, and encourage one another.  So often we spend time with each other in practice, in games, or other team related activities, that we sometimes forget to value the off the field moments with each other.  I definitely learned more about my teammates this evening on a personal level and it sure humbled me more to continue to uplift my teammates in my prayers.  We all have our own stories that are ready to be shared and listened to.  God revealed to me again tonight what was one of my purposes to being on this team and how I can use my relationship with Christ to continue to spread His light.  As I continue to train with my teammates on the field and spend time with them off the field, I pray that Christ will continue to strengthen my relationships with each one of my teammates as well as bring this team together in be a strong unit.  I know my team has great potential to go far this next season, but all the work begins now in the offseason.  God, continue to give me and my teammates perseverance so we may finish the race strong and glorify you!

Spring Semester Commences....

Today I started my spring semester of my sophomore year.  I can't believe that by the beginning of May, I will officially be half way done with my college career.  It wasn't too long ago that I graduated from high school...time sure flies by fast.  So today was a great first day.  I went to the first chapel of the semester and let just say it was a great start of my day.  Worship was so wonderful and the songs really touched my heart in how I truly have to give my semester and life into the hands of Christ.  We sang songs from The Stand to Worthy is the Lamb to Sing to the Lord.  It was a special time to lift up hands, close my eyes, and sing praises to my Heavenly Father.  Worship helped set the mood right for the rest of the day.  I only had one class today, which is pretty sweet.  I was able to chill after my one class before I embarked out into the cold northeast weather to run around campus.  I am so thankful for my warm training gear to keep me semi warm, while I faced the rushing winds.  The rest of the day was filled with busy activities and what not.  I am so blessed for my wonderful friends.  The other day when I got picked up at the airport, I was welcomed with two smiling and beautiful friends with posters!! I felt so loved & we had a great car ride back to campus too.  That day was filled with tons of laughter, smiles, and stories.  I can't wait for the rest of the semester with all the fun activities we plan to do.  Yesterday was the icing on the cake in making the spring semester start off with a bang too.  We had a girl's night out where we watched Beauty and the Beast in 3D.  Lets just say that Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite classic Disney movie. It has such a beautiful storyline and the songs are wonderful too.  Beauty is truly found from within and I am so thankful to have such a loving God that loves me just the way I am.  I'm calling it a night, but I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers.  Many blessings to you all :)

                                        My lovely friends :)

Reflection

Yes it's been awhile since I last posted, but I feel this is a great time to share the blessings and experiences I have gone through the past few weeks.  I had such a crazy fall semester (when I mean crazy I mean good, but very busy) that I didn't get to reflect on it until my recent winter break.  I really feel that this winter break has been one of my best because God taught me so much.  I was able to rest a lot, go at my own pace, and be kind of unpredictable in my agenda for that particular day.  I was able to spend a lot of time with my parents and brother eating some delicious foods as well as have some long and deep conversations.  I am truly blessed to have a family that enjoys sitting around the dinner table and talk for hours.  I was able to see some of my high school friends as well and catch up on life.  I got to watch a lot of college football, basketball, soccer, and so on as well as read quite a few books.  Besides spending a significant amount of time with my family and friends, I spent a great amount of time with my Abba.  I read a book over the break by Francis Chan called Forgotten God, and the Holy Spirit came alive to me.  I really felt his presence and recognized all the moments he was either with me or guided me throughout this past semester.  I always had a general understanding of the Holy Spirit and the importance he has in my life, but as I read through the book, I gained more knowledge of how vital the Holy Spirit is in all aspects of my life and how He calls me to walk in step with Him day by day, not just for the future.  I have felt a peace within my heart that encourages me to continue to be faithful to Christ and know that He has the best outcomes for my life.  I do have many questions and concerns on the direction God is leading me for the future, but He continues to remind me that He wants me to be obedient to Him by focusing on the now (this moment), while He takes care of the rest.  Each day as I read His word and soak it in, I know that His promises are true.  I am so thankful to have a Heavenly Father that is for me and desires me to seek Him more.  One commitment I made for this year was to keep my personal time with Christ consistent.  I understand that when I head back to school, I will be on a busy schedule with classes, training, and work, but I can't allow that be an excuse to spend less time with Christ.  In essence, I need to spend more time with Him.  The word that I had for the beginning of the school year was perseverance and it continues to be so.  Perseverance not only when I'm physically tired, but also when I am emotionally tired as well.  I have taken up my studies in the Word by following the journey of Apostle Paul and his ministry.  I just started in Acts, but I am so excited to read further on into the books he wrote.  I leave this break well rested and fueled with the Holy Spirit.  I ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers as I continue to walk deeper with Christ and to remain consistent in my time with Him.  Please also pray as I begin my spring semester, that God will give me a clear mind to study hard and learn more as well as guide me in being a light for my community.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and if you ever have any prayer requests I am more then welcome to listen.  


Blessings, Esther