reality.teslaa

More to life than football

2009-10-09T10:31:55-07:00

We are a football family. It's been in my blood since I was 16 and slipped Mark's jersey on to show my allegiance to the football star at our high school. Ever since that time, I've always had tremendous pride for my husband when seeing him on the football field - whether it was suited up breaking a tackle or now leading high school players as an assistant varsity coach. I tend to see him in a new light while coaching. My favorite visual of him on the sidelines is when all hell is breaking loose and he is sitting there very calm and collected. He knows that freaking out will only hinder his responsibility and effectiveness as a coach. The football players look to him for direction. There is a confidence they gain by looking to him and the other coaches during a trying time. My dear uncle described that attribute in Mark as "meekness". He said that meekness can be defined as "being in complete control while under pressure." I see this in Mark, not only on the playing field, but also in our lives. As struggles arise, I look to him for the confidence that everything is going to be alright. He's my rock.

What I love about our football program is that they view football as more than football. They take this opportunity to touch the lives of teenagers seriously. If you've ever seen the movie Facing the Giants, you understand what I mean. The coaches open every practice and every game with a devotional and prayer time. Each coach leads a week of devotions and Mark does not take that responsibility lightly. He reflects and prays about what to show these kids. The last week he had devos (as they lovingly call them), he spoke on adversity. Here are some of the notable quotes he shared with the players:

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. (Author Unknown)
We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them. (Charles C. West)
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. (Mary Engelbreit)
There is no education like adversity. (Disraeli)
Adversity introduces a man to himself. (Author Unknown)
Watch a man in times of... adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart, and the mask is torn off. (Author Unknown)
Like a plant that starts up in showers and sunshine and does not know which has best helped it to grow, it is difficult to say whether the hard things or the pleasant things did me the most good. (Lucy Larcom)

Those are some powerful words to hear when you are facing adversity. We need to remember that Christ said, "My strength is made perfect in weakness."

These are the life lessons that these football players are hearing from their coaches. Definitely learning much more than X's and O's on this football team. Mark feels privileged to be part of it and I'm thankful to be witnessing it.

So off to another Friday night game, rain or shine. Last week it rained and I was soaked and cold. For those of you who know me well, you know that I love the rain. I even love it in the stands of a football game. I don't know why I love the rain so much. It's relaxing. It's cleansing. It's even out of the ordinary. It makes you readjust. It just makes me happy.

2009-09-23T09:18:42-07:00

Over the last 11 weeks, Mark and I have started running together. (For those of you who know me...I'll give you a moment to pick your chin up off the floor.) I said that we started running NOT that I love it, or even like it. I actually hate it unless it's that feeling you get when you are DONE. That's when I love it. God has brought me many insights while running (maybe jogging would be a better term) and I thought I would share a few with you over the next few days.

Lesson 1
I am utterly amazed at how much Mark can talk. During our jogs, I am not able to talk. I have to concentrate on my breathing since I struggle with side aches. I've learned to listen to my husband. I've learned that he's a very wise man. I've learned that I don't need to talk. I've learned that I get frustrated when I can't talk. I've learned there's wisdom in silence.

Lesson 2
We typically run at night after the kids are tucked in bed. I love running at night because no one can see me and it's a lot cooler. However, running in the dark, there can be lurking danger. We need to be well aware of cars. Most drivers assume people aren't out running at 9:30 p.m. When cars approach, Mark always makes a point to move me to the curb. It's subtle and he may not even know that he does it. A true act of a gentleman. It's his way of protecting me. Guarding me. He's telling me, "I would rather get hit than you." How often does God do the same for us while we are walking through life? We may not be aware of the danger. We may choose to play with danger. And sometimes our gentleman, God, steps in and moves us to the curb.

2009-09-22T08:45:00-07:00

How long is a girl a child? She is a child, and then one morning you wake up she's a woman, and a dozen different people of whom you recognize none. (Louis L'Amour)

I came across that quote today and was brought to tears. My Madilyn has grown up before my eyes. She now stands right below my chin (perfect height as my chin rest) and many times a day I'm shocked at who I see and who I don't see anymore. I'm so very blessed to have her as my oldest. She takes a lot from me...a lot of expectations, a lot of frustrations, and a lot of responsibility. It's rough being the oldest and she does it with poise and beauty. Starting 5th grade has been a huge maturing event in her life. I cannot believe how much she's grown up in the last few weeks. Kids are expected to do so much nowadays. A typical post-school day consists of 30 minutes of piano practice, 20 minutes of French Horn practice, at least 20 minutes of reading, homework, and "play time" if we can squeeze it in. And on top of that, there's church groups, family times, and her mom's taunting voice to clean up after herself. That's a LOT of pressure for a 10 year old. I pray that God can keep that on the fore-front of my mind when I start adding to her work load. And I pray that God continues to remind me of the wonderful blessing of Madilyn. I need reminders...today it was a quote that brought me to reality.

Never say never again.

2009-09-10T07:28:26-07:00

This time it's my husband's "Never Say Never." The evidence is 2 lbs 10 oz and born on July 13, 2009. Introducing our newest addition...Eddie.

NEW WEB SITE

2009-08-26T10:24:55-07:00

My new web site is up and running officially! Please visit the NEW Miracles Photography!

No diapers. No naps. No training wheels!

2009-07-20T14:58:45-07:00

Josie was off and running after about 30 seconds of having a parent run behind her. She was even standing up while pedaling within 10 minutes. I think she was ready for no training wheels. The only tricky part was starting off and she was deliberate in doing it over and over again until she got it right. She's a persistant little thing.

In a Snap Sessions for 2009 Announced

2009-05-30T10:43:00-07:00

steslaa

Not just another jewelry party...

2009-05-28T09:29:43-07:00

Women at Risk is a worldwide organization that rescues women and children from human trafficking. WAR rescues these women, gives them a place of refuge and a message of hope. The women support themselves by making jewelry and other handmade gifts that will be for sale at the party. The party is scheduled for June 2 at 7:30 pm at Bauer CRC in Hudsonville (4958 Bauer Rd). Please join us in support of this amazing cause.

Heading back

2009-05-21T09:15:00-07:00

Today is my last day in Colorado. I'm going to miss this sight...

Fun Fun Fun

2009-05-20T09:54:36-07:00

I'm just having such a riot in Colorado. Last night was an awesome cookout and then we went to a local bar to play some fuseball and air hockey. Kevin and I had a couple very close air hockey games with some major bets happening. I was on the losing end of two of them. Here's a picture of Kevin and I last night doing our hang loose Hawaii.

And this is a picture of my new Nebraska pal, Jess, along with the two Colorado school directors, Rick and Jeff.

And here's the funny spectacle of 24 photographers going on a shoot in the little town of Breckenridge. People would walk by and pause to see if there was someone famous visiting. The sound of 24 cameras going off at one time is quite a funny thing.