I don't know what Im doing..

Seriously. I dont!

I feel like I need someone to pinch me - the soccer season is over and I am moving into "post-season work" while Im reflecting on what this season was. I cannot believe I have been so blessed as to have been a part of the amazing work that the Lord showed off this Fall.

Now that the season is over, people are asking me "What are you going to do?? Anything??" Oh - if only you knew!! There is so much going on, and I am THRILLED to get to have my hands in and on the projects and tasks before me.

1) 3v3 tournament partnership with Homewood Soccer Club. I initiated the idea to the Homewood Soccer Club Director and found that it was an idea he has wanted to do for his club for a while now. The two of us have decided to partner together to put on an early spring 3v3 tournament held at Homewood Soccer Club, splitting proceeds 50/50. I get to do all the marketing/PR for the event and I have already created a draft of a sponsorship letter that we could use in recruiting sponsors (individual efforts by each club - we just need a consistent presentation from both sides). Stay tuned on this one...I'm young. These people are experienced (aka they have years behind their knowledge and have no reason to give me grounds to provide input...I just graduated college for crying out loud!?!)

But Scripture says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Tim. 4:12

My confidence/adequacy is not (and should never be) based on my age or experience, but rather in the "confidence of Christ" who is in me and equips me for all work in Him.

2)Website updates. Im getting to rewrite/develop all of the content for the revamping of our webiste...much needed.

3) Personal/Soccer Program Sponsorship Packet. Oohhhh my. There is a LOT of money that needs to be raised, and there are SO many ways to go about doing this. I have a "skeletal base" for this sponsorship packet, but the context of where I present/send it and the needs for which I am asking will vary...its one of those things that I need to "just do." Lord, give me favor with those to whom I present the opportunity to partner with me and NorthStar! This is your work that I am seeking funds for...not mine.

4) Initial Gala Planning/Marketing Development. Yep, working on Gala marketing as well. We need to jump on the initial plans to make sure we have necessary information and material to present the event, as well as sponsorship opportunities for this too...

Seems like the key word(s) all across the board is recruiting sponsors/presenting sponsorship opportunities. Yikes. Seriously - I don't know what Im doing. But its FUN. and Im learning. This is humbling and definitely a challenge, but I know that any success that comes from any of this work cannot even be "mistaken" for great work done by a human being. Nope - this post-fall and pre-spring soccer season is perfect grounds for the Lord to show off His "sweet skills" :P

My prayer: May I not loose focus of the reason why I do what I do. The same reason I have one breath after the next and also the same reason why I can proclaim with confidence that this world is not my home and my purpose here is beyond myself. Yes, in all of these things, the cross of Christ is what compels me - to work, live, love, and play.

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all..." - 2 Corin. 5:14

Discipline

"The Lord disciplines those whom He loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? In you are not disciplined - and everyone undergoes discipline - then you are not legitimate children at all. Moreover, we have all had parents who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! Our parents disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

- Hebrews 12:6-11

Such sweet and real words to me today. Last night was a crazy "Tuesday Hang Out" group logistically and with the kids. For some reason, they were more rowdy than normal - getting into fights, disrespecting each other, neglecting to listen...I was more frustrated last night with them than I have ever been.

We took the kids rock climbing at Samford's Alpine Tower. Everyone got to climb and they all had a blast. I had to take 2/3 of the group to Cici's for the soccer team end of season party directly after, and the other 1/3 had to go back to NorthStar to meet their parents. Amidst the chaos, I finally was able to "round up the troops" to have a heart-to-heart before we left. I had my serious face on and was "letting them have it," for lack of a better way to put it. I was beyond frustrated, and they could see it in my eyes. Despite this frustration, the looks on their faces made me realize that they were concerned because I was concerned.

While I'd like to say that everything was great immediately after, I can't. The kids in my van were still beyond disrespectful to one another. But in reflecting on all of this, I notice that my frustration and pure anger was a different kind than I have felt before. I love these kids (despite their neglect to listen and respond) - more than any group of kids I have ever built relationships with. When they are out of line, they must be disciplined and dealt with in order to grow. But the kind of disciplining that will last is that which is done out of love for them, just as the Lord disciplines us out of love for us.

I want to keep in mind that while they may not like me while I discipline, the greatest act of love I can show them at that time is to continue to be firm in my discipline, in hopes of planting seeds that will lead to "righteousness and peace" in them as they go on in life.