Yielding to His Will

From my devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

"Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me. When you became a Christian, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me.

Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you - the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence."

- Rev. 19:1; Psalm 91:1

For whatever reason, the last few months in ministry have been HARD. Perhaps it's because I've had little "face time" with the kids and families I'm serving...maybe because I've felt alone in my planning and working efforts...maybe spiritual warfare and the enemy using the latter two circumstances to run me down and wear me out...maybe restlessness for what the Lord has next -- I honestly have NO IDEA. The trouble is now in moving forward into the season with enthusiasm and excitement - at my core I have never been more excited to start the season as I am right now...It's been building up in me and the desire to "get my hands dirty" in hard and busy work is overwhelming.

But on the flip side, I've learned a lot about myself in these last few months - recognized sins that have been hiding in the crevices of my life; realized my desire to have things to be "perfect" and exactly how I want them, which will never be the case on this side of heaven. I honestly have realized how much I've been trusting in my own will and judgement rather than yielding to the Lord's on a daily basis.

So now it's one day at time - finally in a season where I've known and experienced depth of relationships, fruit in ministry and hard work day in and day out. But as far as the big picture goes...yielding to the Lord and resting in the shadow of His Presence, as the devotional above reads, on a daily and weekly basis. Following His will and focusing on His guidance for my life.

Long Time...Now Returned!!

Well the past few months have been absolutely crazy. Spring is always a choppy season, and I tend to feel like Im all over the place anyways, but adding wedding planning (really, the biggest life transition I've experienced) on top of the Spring season led blog updating to be put on hold for the season.

Unfortunately, that kept me from writing about one of the most fruitful (if not THE MOST fruitful) seasons of ministry I've ever experienced! I wish I could tell of every detail (even remember every detail), but what I do know and remember is that the Word was taught. Seeds were spread and the Lord made much of the soil fertile. Personal relationships built between me and so many of the U10 girls players were more energizing than any "event," gift, drug, whatever one might turn to for an uplifting experience. Between soccer 3-4 days a week and Tuesday Group, I spent more time with this team than I ever have. Walls were torn down between me and certain individuals, the Lord opened the door for life lessons to be taught, and lasting Kingdom impact was had on me and the team as a whole.

Then the tornado hit, forcing a quicker end to the soccer season and ministry activity than what was planned. There were only a few NorthStar families directly/indirectly impacted, but the community as a whole gathered around those who lost everything and we were able to pray, provide and encourage in such a difficult situation.

Summer 2011...what a time. The wedding was more than perfect - honestly like a dream to me - and then I hit the ground running in June with Camp NorthStar, quickly followed by Samford Soccer Camp for two weeks, then a strong finish through the end of Camp NorthStar. It's been a challenging couple of weeks for me. I've wanted so badly to be fully invested in Camp, pouring myself out to the kids and staff, helping to solve issues and proactively taking steps to make sure everything was being taken care of, yet that was not my job this summer. My job has been to FOCUS on planning the Fall soccer season and overall soccer program, as well as Bible Camp time in the afternoon. On a personal note, my main investment in ministry is to my HUSBAND, whom I've been married to for almost 2 months! Building a strong foundation to our marriage has been a top priority!!

In the context of ministry and marriage, I'll close this post with a "spiritual thought" -> I have found myself to be "useless," a "failure," and "ineffective" according to my standards this summer. However, the Lord has opened my eyes to the fact that whether in a fruitful ministry time (like last spring!) or a lull, my work before him is like filthy rags. I have NOTHING to offer Him - EXCEPT...my heart. In the same way, my cooking efforts have been a FAIL, our apartment is lacking decorations and comfort, and I've straight up been lacking in Joy at times in my marriage, and yet Carson married me for ME, not for all those things! Marriage is teaching me that my bigger issue is attempting to find success and acceptance in what I do, rather than who I am before the Lord (and the state of my heart). I cannot control my life - the Lord can. Oh I can resist His control and try harder and harder to manage my own situations, but in the end, it is the Lord who holds my life in the palm of His hands, and my submission to Him is what He desires.

So I'm eager to enter into another season of ministry at NorthStar Soccer Club this Fall - with a heart open to serving the Lord wherever and however He calls me, yet acknowledging through it all that it is not my deeds that justify me but rather my open heart to serve Him. And I'm excited to continue in this "newlywed" season of life, with a husband to serve and love and realize that I am loved by him for who I am, not what I can do for him!

Encouragement

The past few weeks have brought "breaths of fresh air"...not only has the weather been AWESOME (with the exception of the day of our 3v3 tournament when it SNOWED!!!), but getting back out on the soccer field with the kids and into "youth group" ministries has reminded me of why I am where I am. It is a genuine joy and privilege to get to do sports, groups, and hang out times with a lot of the kids and families who I've grown close to in my time here at NorthStar, and depth of relationships is now leading way to sharing the Word in a more intentional and planned out way.

The "organic development" of Tuesday Group and Friday Group structure this semester has been a really cool thing to watch unfold. After three semesters of purely "hang out time" at Tuesday Group, we are now still doing "fun" things, but at the end of every activity we are sitting down and learning about God being the Great "I AM" and Jesus being the "explanation" of God through His "I am..." statements in his time on earth. While it's hard to say whether or not the girls are "getting it" right now, there is no doubt in my mind that we are planting seeds and opening minds to truth as we go along. I've had a mindset of "big picture teaching," which is what I think kids definitely need in the context of learning "bible stories" and the Character of God.

Friday Group has formed this semester with the 5th graders who used to be involved with Tuesday Group. God is "one step ahead" (actually knows the whole story but has proved it in this situation) by providing a place for the 5th graders to transition into in preparation for Middle School next year. God laid it on the hearts of some volunteers from Samford to start a Middle School Youth Group. Instead of recruiting all new kids, we've transitioned the 5th graders out of Tuesday Group and into their own group, with intentions to carry it on next year with them to Middle School and become and "official" middle school youth group! We are memorizing the Beatitudes and learning/walking through each verse as we go along -- definitely a GREAT way to share the Word with the kids on a weekly basis.

While all this fruitful activity has been going on/happening, the enemy Satan has definitely tried to foil plans and productivity. Whether it be with one individual kid who has been/is being pulled away from the group or group challenges as a whole, there are definitely obstacles to overcome. But Jesus has overcome the world and all evil, therefore, we have nothing to worry about or be afraid of.

Im eager to see what the Lord does in individual lives, as well as big picture ministry this Spring...to God be ALL GLORY!

Regaining Focus

Some seasons of life call for serious re-evaluation. Others you can just walk through with confidence and evidence of fruit. The last 3 months have definitely been a time of restructuring and re-evaluation. NorthStar Soccer is becoming more and more of my sole focus here at the ministry. Not that I don't care or I'm not concerned with other areas of the ministry, but I have recently felt a strong conviction to "simplify" my life in MANY areas, especially in the context of work and ministry. Going a mile deep rather than a mile wide with my time and efforts is leading me to a clear vision of what could be effective ministry.

As I plan for the Spring season, I have taken drastic steps at NorthStar, such as:

• Step down from my role as the MARS League Administrator
• Pull out of a prominent role at Camp NorthStar
• Prayerfully plan and think through a curriculum and "theme" for NorhtStar Soccer
• Plan different ways to consistently reach current soccer kids
• Recruit both financial and volunteer support for NorthStar Soccer as a whole

It is unlike me to "back down" from something because it is more than I can handle and/or pushes me too hard. Im thankful for the strength I've been given the past few months to discern what is too much and what is not enough to find a healthy balance in work and life overall. Often, less is more, and over the past few months, I have seen the truth to this statement. This spring will hold a LOT as I move into my third season as NorthStar Soccer Club Director, co-direct the second annual 3v3 tournament, and on a personal note, plan a wedding!! It is a personal challenge to me to "Regain FOCUS" in 2011 by simplifying what is going on and move forward in a prayerful and intentional way to make the most of every opportunity while providing QUALITY soccer training and programing to the kids at NorthStar.

Pray that the Lord encourages my heart and strengthens my steps as I walk forward into the 2011 Spring Soccer season!!

Val at NorthStar - Year 1 Slideshow

Dire

Deep and Wide

Well, the end of the Fall soccer season has come. I cannot believe that it has been over a FULL YEAR since I started at NorthStar. Im learning to tackle "one thing at a time" and this season proved to be even better and more smoothly run than the past two (though there are DEFINITELY things that need to be worked on!).

My favorite aspect of this season was my time head coaching the U10 girls team. What a BLESSING and ORDAINED experience it was for me to coach these girls. In this team and NorthStar Soccer overall, Ive seen and faced challenges...A lot due to my mistakes and a lot due to other outside factors/issues/etc. in the picture. But we are more than conquerors (Greek: hupernikaos) through our Savior who has overcome the world. Gosh - I am more than confident that I am exactly where the Lord wants me to be even amidst challenges from within and around those who the Lord has called me to love and serve.

Through coaching this team, Ive had the opportunity to pour into the players on a regular basis. We have practice two nights a week, “Tuesday Hang Out Group,” lunch at Princeton Elementary (all but 3 of them go to school there), and games on the weekends. All of this has organically developed as I have seen my team at least 5-6 days a week on a consistent basis for the past two and a half months, which has led to TRUE life-on-life relationship building and investment. SO GREAT. Praying for continued opportunity to pour into them and show them love as I learn about myself and “ministry” through my experiences with them.

Overall, this season has been one step up from the last – both organizationally and experience-wise (and on a personal AND program standpoint). We’ve received GREAT financial support from AWSF for the 2010-2011 year…like HUGE J and the “word” about NorthStar Soccer Club is spreading around Bham. I got to represent the ministry in the Briarwood Missions Conference last weekend, sharing my personal story with how I got to NorthStar Youth Ministries, as well as my experience since starting the “job.” People have seemed encouraged…it’s God’s story, not mine, but it is MY blessing to get to live it and share it – both verbally and through life-engaging opportunities where Ive gotten to bring people “alongside me” to see and experience for themselves.

On a personal note, the Lord has truly blessed me in his refinement in my life these past few months. My community has been scattered in a way that I have not yet experienced and things that I once considered “stable” and set are seemingly unstable. Ive been forced to discern the difference between knowing truth and believing truth in order to keep an eternal mindset amidst challenges and struggles that seem to present themselves on a regular basis. The Lord is good and His Fellowship is sweet. I find that we are ALWAYS going to be in a state of wanting something else or longing to be back to the place we once were…however, the thing we/I fail to recognize is the new face of His presence in the season that I am in. “Learning the secret of being content in any and every situation” that Paul speaks of in Philippians 4:12 resounds in a new and challenging way for me. Contentment amidst challenge and instability is much easier said than done, but I sure feel the heat of refinement by fire within me as I long for contentment in being with my Lord.

So what am I going to do with my time now that the season is over?? Oh wow. Planning, restructuring, preparing and offering opportunities for off-season training and also relationship-building times. And not to mention fund-seeking on both a program and personal level. Im learning that going a mile deep rather than a mile wide is most effective (hint, look at the life of Christ – he went DEEP with his 12 and wide in his day-to-day living, while focusing on the 12).

So…what is my deep? I believe (today, at least) that it is in NorthStar SOCCER and the investment that it is leading me to do into the lives of the kids and various volunteers/people he’s put in my life through this ministry. The width comes naturally through the opportunities to share and to show the depth where the Lord is taking me in NorthStar Soccer.

Here is a slideshow video that I put together for the Briarwood Missions Conference. It's just a "glimpse" of my personal experience, but definitely shows some of the love and joy Ive experienced and shared with my "soccer friends" at NorthStar :)

Val and NorthStar Youth Ministries

Standing in the Gap

Mid-September looks much like late February/early March...SOCCER packed to the MAX. The past few weeks have seen some late nights and early mornings of scheduling logistics, season planning, email sending and spreadsheet creating. MARS League scheduling is kicking my tail, though Ive only had one and a half "breakdowns," which look nothing like last spring in the first season of that league. I still can't believe Im in that position -- 23 year old female amidst all middle-aged men on the MARS League Board with the majority of them looking to me for direction/instructions on what "I" need to make this league happen. Hilarious. If only they could see the "Samford Soccer Girl" in me -- I think they would second guess putting me in a position of leadership for MARS ;P

It feels AWESOME entering into my SECOND YEAR as Soccer Program Director at NorthStar. While there are still frustrations, glitches and days when I feel like a crazy person trying to get everything together, I feel I am better able to foresee what needs to be done and cast a vision for the direction that I need to be going. The registrations have been right around the same as last spring, and the familiar faces in both the kids and the parents are so refreshing -- the NorthStar Soccer families are truly becoming my community.

After returning from Brazil, I noticed how the Lord has me in the exact place Ive been praying to be in "overseas." Inner city Birmingham is so different and unfamiliar to me culturally, and my efforts, investment and intentions here are coming from my heart to eventually do that "over there." For the time-being, I am here and there is no where else I would rather be. Living in Park Place has been a good experience outwardly, though I don't feel like I have "neighbored" and/or invested into the community as I first intentioned to do so. One of my soccer moms who almost moved there asked me how I like living there and when I suggested that I wish we were neighbors, she herself said, "Coach Val -- youre NEVER HOME!" -- so true...living in and among a culturally different community requires actually being there in order to be effective. Needing some direction with how to adjust to that specific realm of life...

Then there's NorthStar Soccer growing in strength and presence in and among the teams in the MARS League. As MARS League Administrator and also the "go to person" for any complaints within to against NorthStar Soccer, Im seeing more and more the challenge that comes with cross-cultural integration. Teams/players/parents who sign up for recreational soccer in Birmingham aren't necessarily signing up for a cross-cultural experience...though when they play NorthStar, that is what they're getting. Even my players have asked why they don't play teams "like them." God, help us to see each other the way you see us!!! It hurts so badly to "stand in the gap" (thanks for the terminology, Paul) of families who I continually grow so close to and the issues that are surrounding games/circumstances with the differences in culture and background. I want so badly to see life and people through the lens of God, and of course want that for everyone else as well.

NorthStar Soccer will continue to grow strong -- you would think that I could anticipate when amazing things of the Lord are about to happen because recently they've been prefaced with situations of "attack" and challenging circumstances that I know the enemy delights in throwing on my life. God is good and if He is for us, then who can be against?

Got to share NorthStar and all that the Lord is doing with the program at the AWSF Board meeting last weekend. It wasn't with eloquent speech or words but was sheer truth of the hand of God at work in inner city Birmingham and NorthStar Soccer Club. What a blessing and privilege it is to get to share the Lord's story -- this is NOT mine, but I will carry it and proclaim it for the sake of His Holy Name. AWSF couldn't help but be on board with the program because HE is in it!

Here's to a great season of NorthStar Soccer....

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." - Ephesians 6:12-13

Year Close Out

I am just 9 days short of reaching my first complete year at NorthStar, though activity-wise I've already made it! I cannot believe its been ONE YEAR!!! On one hand, time has flown by so fast; but on the other, I feel like I've had 5 years of experience in just 365 days.

After a crazy-hard 6 weeks of Camp NorthStar, I hopped on a plane with 8 high school soccer players from Briarwood Soccer Club and flew down to Brazil for 10 days of a life-changing and ministry-perspective adjusting experience. While unsure of exactly what role I was to play with those girls and on the trip overall, I knew the Lord had aligned everything "just right" for me to go. Earlier this summer, I was asking, "What is effective ministry?" While that question can never be answered in its entirety because it cannot be measured according to human standards, I do believe that I have been given a glimpse of where to begin with the answer.

It took me flying down to Brazil to be able to step back and reflect on NorthStar and ministry life in Birmingham. First of all, the missionaries, Comunidade Horizonte church leadership and CO workers down there are doing the same things I am doing - we are giving our lives to our cities in the context of what will "meet them there" in order to share our lives and essentially the Gospel with the people we interact with. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

We are One in our labor for the Lord, and making friends in the Brazilians and seeing their intentional ministry was so encouraging for me as I reflected on my friends, community and ministry calling in Birmingham.

The other thing about their "ministry" was how prayerfully thought out every action, relationship and activity was. The team had arranged on itinerary for us months ago thinking it would be the most effective, but after logistics fell through and more time was spent in prayer, our group was led to playing soccer games against the American School, who CH did not have any contact with prior to our coming/playing of games against them.

Overall, we did less actual "ministry work" than I was expecting, but the time spent at the orphanage, with the American School girls, and "partying" with students in the community was all gearing attention and direction toward the Church, which will be longer-lasting than the impact we can have in one week.

Prayerful, well-planned and intentional ministry is effective. We did not bite off more than we could chew this week, but took each day one at a time and tackled it in prayer first, relationship second, and more prayer third.

This summer was hard. I do believe I was somewhat "spiritually burnt out" going into my week in Brazil. Not to say that everything is all of a sudden better, but I do know and believe that the Lord pulled me outside of my immediate work to show me where my focus has been somewhat off. I've had good intentions of investing into the counselors from camp, pouring myself out to the campers and their families, and planning for all "big things" we'll do at NorthStar. However, the reality is that my focus has been on the ministry work, rather than the One who I am working for. I've seemed to let my eyes slip from the prize, that is, Christ Himself, and I have let them wander off to things, plans and actions that I can control, measure and develop.

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." - Philippians 3:7-8

Knowing Christ and following Him will lead to intentional and effective ministry. I fall into the lie that if I let myself rest/have any downtime, Im not being effective/am wasting time. While that concept needs to be balanced with truth in efficiency, I pray that the Lord would lead me into this next year of ministry through prayer and intentional planning. I want to be relational and go after the "one," knowing that the life impact had on one or two individuals with care can be "more effective" than broad and impersonal reaching of the many.

There is so much more to be said and added from both Camp and Brazil, but knowing that Birmingham is exactly where the Lord has me and feeling excitement and anticipation for what comes next leads me to believe that ministry in year 2 will be effective as longs as its deeply rooted in the Lord.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." - Phil. 2:13

Positive Focus

At this point in the summer, being just over the half-way mark of Camp, all I have is my hope in Christ...everything I have is my hope in Christ. Ive heard, seen and experienced a variety of situations and conversations that further confirm the Fall of Man (as if I didn't know/see it already) and the brokenness that we experience in so much of this world. One of the groups at camp is having a hard time getting along, and Jewels and Adam are working with them to help them focus on the positives of each day. As humans, it often takes 10 positives to make up for every 1 negative. However, that is for the mind without/not focused on Christ. We must focus on looking at the positives of what is before us at camp (and in life in general, of course). Mom always thanks Jesus for our many blessings before meals at home in ATL ...yes, we have many blessings. But our ultimate blessing is Christ Himself; so when campers disregard authority, counselors get burned out, and discipline issue after discipline issue occurs, I want to be able to see all the above as blessings and then move forward to see what is good around me as well:

- our awesome elementary and middle school coordinators (and the fact that one of them is a roommate and close sister in Christ with whom I can share this experience)

- the fact that all of camp is on one campus

- our amazing swim instructor AND photographer (both in one person - check out our facebook page for her great pics :)

- counselors whose hearts are fully in it and are working their tail ends off for the kids and ultimately the Kingdom

- every individual high-five and hug from a camper

- 5 and 6-year olds dancing to Justin "Beaver"

- running into camp kids and their families at Walmart during after-hours

- and even the hard disciplinary conversations with campers and their parents....

I believe I've blogged on this next concept once before, but over half-way through Camp, I can't help but reflect on discipline and how it leads to stronger, deeper and more real relationships with each camper who has to be corrected. Hebrews 12:4-11 tells us that the Father who loves disciplines His children. Though it's not pleasant at the time (neither for the one being disciplined or the discipliner) it produces a "harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." God disciplines us "so that we may share in His holiness." Therefore I do believe in Psalm 139 when it reads that God knows each day we live and each word we speak before one of them comes to be - mistake or not...Good or Bad... He knows. We learn, grow and become holy as He is holy all through the process of correction and discipline.

Yet an additional thought/aspect to add to this: the kids who I have had to discipline the most/strongest, are the ones who are the most friendly with me after-the-fact. They are the ones saying hi in the halls, giving me hugs and high-fives and going out of their way to call out "Coach Val!" every time they see me. Why on earth!?! I was just "coming down hard on them" the day before, and now I am those kids' "best friend"

...makes no sense... to the world.

...makes all sense... by the standards of the Kingdom.

God disciplines us so that we can share in His holiness - us sharing in His holiness allows for us to be close to Him. He is love and therefore we experience true love and life when we are near Him (disciplined and purified of our sin/"bad" actions through our relationship with Christ). So when we discipline children the way God disciplines us, we are cleansing them of what is not right and allowing for the relationship from leader to child to be restored, and therefore made stronger.

We were born to be directed in the right way. We need direction. Praise God that the slogan of NorthStar Youth Ministries is "Helping Youth Find Their Direction." We are a relational ministry and seek to give kids the best life-direction possible.

Discipline and correction --> Relationship --> Gospel opportunity. Yes. Good plan.

What is...??

Mid-summer report of my inaugural experience at Camp NorthStar (among many changes in life) seems to be a daunting task as I attempt to compact it all into one blog. While I should be blogging on a weekly basis regarding camp, somehow the time just slips by/I am WAY too tired to stay up at night/stay late after camp to get it out. So I will categorize:

CAMP:

"The Son of man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."

- Matthew 20:28

Truth...Jesus came to serve, but His service in this act of humility on earth was more than what the definition of "service" can cover. It contains perfect reactions (or lack thereof) to any and every frustration he experienced. No amount of planning or lack of planning for what he walked into on a daily basis ever surprised or moved him. I have been humbled (so to speak) in reflecting/considering my reactions and over-reactions to frustrations that I have experienced in the chaos that is Camp NorthStar. Tough to consider/digest during week 1, but God is good and redeems us in our sin.

Amidst the fatal crash of my iphone, spilling of 4 gallons of water in my car, the breaking of my "replacement" phone, getting stitches in my lip and bruising cartilage in my rib, the things that consume my mind and plunge me to tears in moments of weakness are the thoughts of the pain, struggles and hardships that many of these kids reveal to me in their daily interactions with me and each other. Many of them are not taught to "channel" their emotions in a healthy way, and in fact are TAUGHT to hit back if someone hits them. They are born into "survival mode" and no amount of teaching/instructing at camp is going to "fix" any of them over a period of six weeks. Yes, it will invest truth and plant sound judgement and wisdom in them, but not being reinforced at home leads me to consider that many of the efforts seem too much to for walking forward with heads up, encouraged. Yet again, we are back to the need for COMMUNITY change - this is not something NorthStar can do on its own - we need the CHURCH.

"Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

- 1 Peter 4:12-13

LIFE:

While Camp very much is my life right now, I can't help but contrast what I was experiencing a year ago, and even one month ago. Im now living downtown in Park Place apartment homes, literally neighbors with some kids at camp and very much "doing life/neighboring" with the demographic who Im working with. The investment that I receive from my roommates when coming home to the apartment is much of the "community fuel" that keeps me alive - praise God for community. My role at Camp All-American last summer was Director of D2 - I served/worked as Director under the latter job description. Here at Camp NorthStar, I am assistant director, counselor, disciplinarian, CORE Leader, janitor, nurse, van driver, water retriever, public relations rep and staff coordinator. Any given day can and does include all of the above. Investment and a refuge on the home front is necessary, and the irony of living "down town" is the fact that it is a refuge with which I can identify with the families I am serving and working with. I am no longer separated from the lifestyle and demographic from my life investment, yet this is even more "connecting" and equipping for me, all the while giving me REST in a home.

So I ask myself this...what is effective ministry? How do we "accomplish" what we are and were set out/created to do (esp now in the context of NorthStar/Camp NorthStar overall)?? Yes, the Spirit works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose, but so often we compartmentalize "ministry" and do just for the sake of doing, without stepping back and praying for a vision and big-picture purpose to what we are trying to accomplish. I am challenged by this thought and desire to take to time step back and consider this both throughout the remainder of the summer at Camp NorthStar, as well as in hindsight of the summer when all is said and done. Our standards that we live (Park Place!!!), work (NorthStar!!!!) and move (EVERY WAKING MOMENT) by are not according to the standards of this world (and what is or is not effective nonprofit/ministry/life) but rather are the standards of Jesus...we will suffer, we will face hardships - and thereby IDENTIFY with Him and what He experienced, but we must continually consider where the Spirit is leading and be willing to adjust and readjust to follow His perfect will and plan.

Soccer Year Review...Year of Firsts

So I mustered up the time and energy last week to post my "closing remarks" relating to soccer, and while I was doing so I logged out of my gmail account, which correlates to this blog...NOTE TO BLOGGERS: don't log out of gmail while blogging!!! You lost your latest post!!

I can't believe my first "full year" of soccer is through - still going through my "Year of Firsts" as I prepare for Camp NorthStar (which starts in less than a month!!). This first season of soccer was quite an adventure...in short (that's a relative term), I will recap a few key words that help to sum up my experience.

Soccer: Good word to start with in a "recap soccer blog post." While it is a simple word for a recap and obviously the essence of what I do at NorthStar, this word has a completely new meaning to me. Once a passion of mine back in the days of rec and club playing experience, I now recognize it as a passion of the Lord. My experience of not getting playing time at Samford turned out to be God's way of breaking soccer from me and releasing it back to Him. Instead of stripping me of the passion altogether, He has strengthened it in me and has shown me that my dreams of one day playing "professional" pale in comparison to how He is using it in my life down the path of community transformation - both in Birmingham and around the world. I am blessed to be an ambassador of the King through the sport in the inner city Bham, and over the past couple months I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all over the country and world using the sport to impact lives in spiritual, physical and emotional ways. Amazing to think that this is a time of harvest, as well as preparation, in regards to my past and future soccer experience, passion and exposure. Im excited to see where God leads me in this drive...soccer is no longer a "convenient tool" to use in the context of ministry; it is now a piece of "gold" carrying potential for worth far greater than what can be measured on this earth.

Perspective: When I first started at NorthStar, I was enthralled with the "culture change" and "inner city" aspect of where I am. While the difference between Mountainbrook and Legion Field area is like night and day, it seems to phase me less and less with the more time I spend in the area with my kids. I see the looks on "over the mountain" parents' faces when their kids came to play against our kids on our home turf at Legion Field, and it takes many of them a good bit of time to ease tension and realize that we are just another club in the area looking to have a quality recreational soccer program. There has been much emphasis on "neighboring" and doing life with the community, and even through those emphasized discussions and concepts, perspective is not changed until you spend time and build relationships with those around you. Im sure my perspective will continually change with time that I am here, but its less of a "big deal" and more of a reality to me that I am here in the "inner city" getting to work for this ministry. This is life. And my perspective is coming from within.

Sovereignty: I love how this word and concept of the Lord is the over-arching cover and thread over and through our lives. Yet it seems more personal to me in light of my first year with NorthStar Soccer. From relationships/conversations Ive had with the kids and parents in the program to networking connections that have been made through "random" people/scenarios, God's sovereignty has been over it all. I get almost anxious thinking about how amazing everything worked out and how I had nothing to do with the initiation and outcome of His outpouring of goodness over the past 10 months. Yet anxiety should be the opposite reaction as I consider these things - TRUST and FAITH knowing that He has taken care of the big and small things and will continue to do so is where my heart and mind should lie in relation to this experience. Praise God for His sovereignty.

That was very broad, but overall it seems to be the bird's eye view of what I am walking forward with in my next experience at NorthStar. Camp this summer will definitely be a journey and one that will provide me with new challenges and adventures...no Camp All-American!!! First summer in four years that I have not returned to Duluth for a CAA adventure...this is a year of "Firsts" so this summer is fitting and will be one to remember.

Praying that "CAMP, PERSPECTIVE, and SOVEREIGNTY" will take on new meanings at the end of it all - something familiar yet different in Camp, perspective toward/with/through a whole new pool of kids and a witness of God's hand in and through every life involved in the six week Camp will be yet another picture and opportunity to platform the sovereignty of God.

Beyond Our Measure of Faith

Some of life's toughest moments are when we are faced with realities that we cannot change. To each of us, God has given a measure of faith. I strongly believe that He gives us challenges and allows us to climb obstacles that are one step outside of our measure of faith to grow and refine us.

Last night, the parent who I referenced in the last blog post showed up drunk at the end of practice. All of the kids had been picked up (including hers) and she just pulled up into the parking lot and sat there until I walked up to her car. When I went to the window, I had no idea what I was about to face: a pungent smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. She appeared to not know why she was there...couldn't even speak a clear and understood sentence. Well...by the grace of God:

- I had seen her kids picked up earlier by their grandmother to know who they went home with

- She did not crash on the way over to our practice fields

- I was able to talk her into turning the car off and handing me her cell phone so I could call someone to pick her up

- Sharon and some coaches were still there to help oversee the situation

- Paul was close by to come down and help support as well

While I was affected/bothered by her statement to me last week regarding me not being as "happy" as I was last season, I now understand where she is coming from regarding her current state of life. However, it leads me to consider that I don't know what anyone is going through or where anyone is coming from. I must seek to be Christ to any and everyone who I interact with, praying that His light and love would seep through me into and around those Im encountering.

Thinking about the situation last night also gave me a heart check - I want to be more burdened/broken for the situations and lives of those around me before my own. Jesus cared so much for others (us) - even leading him to the point of death so that we might live...

So in this situation and those like this that I will face in the future, I do pray that God will increase my measure of faith in Him to stretch beyond it's current state - faith that He will show up in a way that displays His glory and for our good, and faith that we will grow outside of ourselves and learn to love others the way Jesus loves us.

Refinement

Some things are hard to hear...

Like last night - one of the soccer moms who is ALWAYS demanding my attention when SHE'S ready, regardless of what's going on around me or who I'm already talking to, told me that Im not as "happy" as I was in the fall. I don't care how demanding, irritating, or selfish a parent can be, I must ALWAYS present the face of Christ to her - the authentic and genuine, selfless and giving face and heart of Christ...

That was hard to hear, but it compels me to seek more of Christ in me to display more of Christ to them.

Since I started at NorthStar, Ive seen Paul get hit with a lot of challenges and trials that are unavoidable and, many of which, are not due to anything he did or didnt do. Upon the closing of "Gala season," we went through $$$ figures for camp this summer - behind by $40,000...yes, that's four zero's and five figures. Talk about stress. But then some words give him an even bigger blow when he was confronted with a "truth moment" - parts of which may be truth, but other parts definitely not. He has become like family to me, so seeing Paul affected affects me.

We are team and this team is facing challenges from the outside. I am CONVINCED, though, that we will only grow and seek more of Christ through these things. Looking ahead/forward to being on the other side of the mountain that we have to climb will encourage us to keep going. And ultimately knowing that there is so much more to all of this than just climbing mountains (raising $40,000 in two months) and also knowing that we live and move from the perspective of VICTORY in Christ, then I say bring it on - we'll take it :)

Other side updates:

Hill School - more and more conversations being had with the janitor and PE coach...praise God for relationships built there. And today a kid asked me if we could start a "talking club"...haha...sure

Soccer - a referee asked me one Friday night if he "would get shot down here." I scoffed at him and said no way...well i still hold to that, but the very next morning while we were moving goals off the field, a group of guys dressed the same shot a gun off behind a house across the street from our field...praise God that wasn't an hour earlier when I had kids and parents down on the field.

Discipline - wow these kids need it. Praise God that he disciplines us when we're in the wrong...so many of the kids Im working with now are lacking it in a variety of different aspects/ways in their lives and Im reminded that patience is not my virtue...needing and growing in that!

So...does anyone have $40,000 extra they're willing to donate to camp :)

haha...but seriously. Go to our website to sponsor a camper NOW!!!

$600 for the whole summer

$300 for half the summer

$100 for one week

In One Month

Its been a month since I last blogged and as much as I say that I plan to change that pattern (or lack thereof), I must be real and say that you can believe regular updates when you see them.

The urgent often phases out the important, and then once I actually get to the important, the less urgent but longstanding investment "to-do's" are always pushed to the side...if I even get to considering these tasks, the urgent usually refreshes itself to consume me even more.

And I find this overflowing into my spiritual life, too, which is NOT ok. Jesus teach me to make you, your commands, Words, voice, guidance ALWAYS the urgent - even amidst the other seemingly urgent things.

So what has this month looked like? In a few words...

- multiple sharings of the Gospel at Hill School

- variety of connections made through random introductions (Spero, Discovery Clubs, Community Living thoughts...)

- 125 + regular kids out at Monday night skills; and continued attendance to team practices and games

- two games and 15 + Vestavia Hills (Liberty Park) parents watching their kids play soccer at Legion Field (their initial faces were priceless, though I think they adjusted once they realized soccer downtown is the same as soccer in Liberty Park)

- 300 + MARS League games scheduled (God, give me patience with coaches, DOC's and referees in this area - scheduling and maintaining games for an entire recreational league has definitely been more than I can handle. Not everything is spiritual from the outside, but everything does have purpose. Hold onto that, Val...)

- one week to catch up on my kids' spring break including a 24 hour flu bug...so much for catching up...

- Two trips to ATL...13.1 miles of running and a future UGA student (congrats MADDY!!!)

- a solid relationship built and friend made in the Hill School PE teacher

- 4,600 miles flown to California and back for a 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

- 6 practices and games rained out in just two weeks :(

While I could probably go on and on with things that have been done, seen, learned and experienced, I want to direct just a few moments (sentences?!?) to my experience in and around Hill School.

First, Hill School was on the front page of the Birmingham News a couple weeks ago listed in a big "F" as a failing school in the Bham City Schools system. Not OK - that they're listed like that by name and also that they even meet that criteria to be listed there. But I believe it. The kids have NO discipline, NO respect for authority, NO respect for each other...Ive never seen anything like it. The PE coach (a woman I greatly respect and admire for her patience and perseverance there) stood before them in fury at their behavior when two classmates got in a fight. They just laughed in her face...WOW. Even kids who would "test the limits" in my classes growing up and groups at Camp wouldn't even do or (not) respond the way those kids did Coach. I couldnt believe what I was seeing. One of the kids (whose home situation is abusive foster parents after he was taken from his mom due to her addiction to illegal drugs...) curses to his classmates saying some of the most awful things Ive ever heard - he's SEVEN.

Ive talked to the coach about what these kids need, and the bottom line is that they need JESUS. Their parents need spiritual and life transformation that can come only from an encounter with Christ, Himself, then we'll get to the other issues. Father, rise up your Church to intercede and be your hands and feet in this community! This is not something that I, an organization, or even a few individuals can do and accomplish on our own!! No - we need the power and presence of the Spirit, first, and this power to fill the body to move and act in West Birmingham - the public housing areas around Legion Field. I often feel like I am driving through what looks like Jamaica when driving to and from Hill School - this is not a good area and these kids need life investment and direction.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Last week I got to share the Gospel with one of my 5th grade friends, and her friend who was around told me about Thursday afternoon Discovery Clubs (a group who does Bible study with the kids one day per week). I was pumped and immediately Googled the organization. They do Bible studies one day a week with kids in almost all of our target schools around Legion Field. Paul and I met with the people today...they need volunteers, we need contact with their kids...and we and DC were mutually encouraged by the connection. No more approaching schools cold turkey like we did Hill (where we've obviously received immense favor)...we now can at least make initial contact with kids through Discovery Clubs and move from there. God's soldiers are truly in every nook and cranny of life...we just have to pray to find them.

Finally, consider the concept of "Intentional Living" - is it moving into a community and doing life with them under individual roofs (example: Brook Hills' Radical Local Initiative in East Lake) or something like the Simple Way and living an Acts 2 "Communal Living" style...or both?? What I do know is that what this community needs is more people like Paul and Jocelyn Neville. Years ago they moved their family to College Hills and sought no glory or credit to themselves for the reason and purpose behind their place of living. Heart and a passion to live out the Gospel is and was their motive, and I think we all ought to consider our calling to love our neighbor and how we ought to take that literally and in a Gospel-minded context.

"Love God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...love your neighbor as yourself." - Matt. 22:37-39

This is why I do what I do....

A Few Spare Minutes

So things are still moving faster than ever, but I have a few spare moments to write an update while I wait for the people from AYSA (Alabama Youth Soccer Association) or Affinity (rec league scheduling system) to call me back.

While we're ALL ALWAYS busy, I can honestly say I have not experienced what I have in this past month since Ive started at NorthStar. Last Saturday (2/20) was the 3v3 tournament and it was a HUGE success. The partnership with Homewood was a good choice and the weather was PERFECT. We met to talk $$$ this morning and with the sponsors who contributed on behalf of NorthStar, the program is walking away with over $5,000!!! SO awesome - especially for our first go-round. We had amazing help from volunteers all over, and getting to work with Homewood was so big for us. NorthStar soccer made its print in the greater Birmingham area soccer world - hoping and praying that it carries on even bigger than what I can see or imagine.

Im notorious for biting off more than I can chew, and then somehow managing to get it done. While Im not 100% complete with the MARS League scheduling, Ive managed to figure out what is needed to be done (and get the work done) as the MARS League Administrator. Have had pretty good contact with DOCs from clubs around Bham so far, and hopefully there will be more to come. For the most part, people have been really encouraging of my efforts - scheduling rec games for over 85 teams is a beast. A big thing Im learning and realizing is that we are in a constant mode of preparation. Where God has put us now is building and preparing us for tomorrow, next week, next year, five years from now. This has given me encouragement and hope in the work Ive been doing on this scheduling stuff. Have had near breakdowns in trying to figure out the process of what even needs to be done, but I know the experience Im getting now and the eternal hope by which I live will not only keep me going and persevering, but will also go beyond what I think the immediate or intentional impact can be - both in my personal experience and to those around me.

So in this time of craziness, I dont want to carry myself in a "woe is me - I have so much to do" mindset because frankly, whether Im busier than those around me or not, no one really cares. I am realizing how much I think of myself, and that's not okay. What is okay is throwing myself before the Lord in response and proclaiming, yet again, that His power is made perfect in my weakness. Its bittersweet being in a place where I feel like I cant possibly do something apart from the hand and power of the Lord...it always reminds me that this place is the constant state of our being, whether we recognize it or not.

Now regarding the start of our season last Monday - wow. We had the majority of our kids show up to every practice. Unbelievable and un-heard of for NorthStar Soccer. Obviously thats not my doing either because my efforts toward communication with families/players has been minimal due to the size of the MARS/scheduling stuff on my plate. We have over 110 kids registered (compared to 75-80 in the fall) and more are calling in each day...will need to cut off registrations soon ;)

Face-time with kids has not suffered amidst the chaos. Praise God. I want more of that - more life on life impact and opportunities to love...whether I feel like it or not, because God is God and loves whether we feel that or not as well.

Lessons Learned

So I don't have time to blog right now at ALL, but this is too good not to document/pass up.

I just got back from a meeting with our Birmingham Southern partners who coordinate with the volunteers. My passion for Christ and sharing the Gospel exploded all over the coaches packet that I typed up and, without really revising/thinking about it, handed to the BSC volunteer coordinators. There is the "requirement" of the declaration of faith all over it, and the language is very much Christianese...well that will scare people away who don't quite buy into it/even believe it. The LAST thing I want to do is make this seclusive "Christian bubble" for my kids and the ministry. There is so much value in "world perspectives" coming in to NorthStar Soccer, and while I want the Gospel to be preached (if necessary use words), teachable moments to be seized, and disciples to be made, opening up the ministry and leadership to those who may not be on the same page could prove valuable for all parties involved.

There is such a balance needed for communicating and sharing the faith. I make an attempt to indulge myself in the Word, remain continually in prayer, and dwell my heart and mind on my faith throughout each moment of the day, but I must consider 1 Peter and how the apostle made it a point to live among the people and culture where the believers were. Not only to live among them but to be a part of them. God, help me to discern how to channel my passion and eternal mindset in a way that translates well to the world around me.

Im am SO thankful for that experience - the past hour of seven people gathered around a table discussing how to effectively unite passion and sensitivity in a way that will communicate well to all across the board. The Gospel does not come into this world without a bit of friction, but God has orchestrated this friction to work out for our good and His glory. Praise be to the God of the Gospel, who has divine purpose in every situation, working out our sanctification in the process. Jesus met us where we were - in the flesh - and lived among us. Let us be like Christ in that we meet the world where they are...becoming like the world to communicate to the world the message of hope that we bear in a way that all may understand.

I love this.

Only a Glimpse...Sheer Facts

A record of God's Faithfulness:

So much has happened in these past few weeks, I honestly don't know where to begin.

In all of it, my mind has gone straight to 1 Corin. 2:4-5...

"...my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Here goes...

Ive taken on a new role as Mid-Alabama Recreational Soccer (MARS) League Administrator. Sitting in a room full of grown middle-aged men, I in my youth and lack of experience was nominated MARS League Administrator to oversee and correlate the schedule for the 14 clubs with recreational teams. This is huge for NorthStar in that I will have the opportunity to directly communicate with DOC's from 14 clubs in the greater Birmingham area, as well as with the head coaches of all the teams. Also, NorthStar will have a significant presence in the functioning of this league...not to mention the additional salary stipend that I/NorthStar will receive for the labor...Yes. Much needed.

Hill School has been named the target school for this spring's soccer recruiting efforts. The school is home to kids in Smithfield community, many of which live in the Smithfield public housing on the north side of Legion Field. Last week Paul and I stopped by to present to the principal the idea of a free soccer clinic held at the school one day a week. I had tried to initiate the clinic at the Smithfield Community Center but was turned down, resorting in the efforts toward Hill. The principal showed me favor and even threw out the idea of my visiting the PE classes (when I started talking about lunch like what I do at Princeton).

So, my first day of PE was last Thursday. I met Coach Bright and we clicked instantly. I found out she is a believer and we left the day encouraged by each other's acquaintance. Tuesday brought Day 2 of Hill School PE, and I walked in the gym to find a woman NOT dressed for PE, on her cell phone, asking me if I would take over class for the day since she had to leave at noon. Ecstatic at the opportunity (though I was TOTALLY being taken advantage of), I accepted and four hours later added "Hill School PE Substitute Teacher" to my many job titles that I have acquired in the last 7 months ;) How awesome is the provision of God in that He allowed me to be in an "authoritative" role to formally introduce myself, NorthStar Soccer, the upcoming Monday clinic and personally hand out the permission slips to every kid in the school, all in the matter of ONE day!?!?! And as for the class...I have no idea where I came up with PE activities for pre-K thru 5th graders...h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s!!! Clinic starts Monday...PRAY!!!!

100% of the coaches I have lined up for the spring season all, literally, came to me. I definitely have made my effort in recruiting, but thank you Lord for the reminder that you do things on your way and your timing. Cosby is a current UAB education student who has college soccer experience, is tutoring at the YWCA one day a week and plays soccer with the kids when the homework is completed. He heard of me through his church and found and sent me a facebook message initiating contact and interest in coaching. After meeting with him and confirming that his heart and focus is in line with the mission behind NorthStar Soccer Club, he told his class about his new commitment and miraculously collected over $200 from his classmates wanting to support the effort. Cool.

And Dawjer is an MK who grew up as a minority overseas...he's craving time in a context outside of the Samford bubble and white suburban coaching, realizing that the generally thought of "uncomfortable inner-city environment" is truly where he desires to be. He proclaimed to me, without any probing on my part, that he wants to invest time and build relationships in a ministry. Um, yes please.

And Lauren has one of the biggest hearts/passions for NorthStar kids that Ive ever seen. As a family studies major needing an internship and Samford Soccer player already investing into the program, its fitting for her to coach this season. Coincidence?? Nope.

Finally, yesterday I received a call from Troy who has wanted to spend time in an inner-city context for years now (has done soccer ministries overseas) and is looking to give his 9 year old son exposure to a context outside of Homewood. He is offering to coach a NorthStar team with his son, 2-3 other Briarwood boys, and 2-3 NorthStar boys. I have been praying for this!?! Didn't even go searching. Came to me. As seems to be the trend, obviously.

And lastly, the update on the Alabama Women's Soccer Foundation story...

I went to their board meeting on Sunday night and walked away with a significant contribution to the spring program with future contributions to be evaluated based on the allocation/use of the given amount this spring. While I am SO excited about this contribution, the thing that made me even more excited and encouraged was their heart and Spirit-led support behind me and NorthStar Soccer. I got to share my story and the program (which has seemed to be the trend in multiple situations this week...) and they were so moved by what God is doing and how NorthStar Soccer is the exact type of ministry that they have been looking to support. Im blown away by their hearts and action behind the support of soccer for the under-privileged in Birmingham. And to think that their foundation started after having to pay off fields down 280, leading to their initiating a thrift store, which has generated enough income to not only pay off these fields but now support multiple soccer-related ministry efforts in Birmingham!?! PURPOSE in all things is His way of working. Sign me up.

There have been other "divine appointments" in these past couple of weeks, but Ill stop with the above. God is at work. And Im loving getting to witness His provision and web of connections. And to think its only a glimpse...

His Power Perfected in my Weakness

His power is perfect in my weakness.

This week I have been sick - bad head cold and feeling just not quite with it. But I have had one of the most amazing weeks in experiencing the hand and provision of the Lord in multiple ways.

First, I was given contact information for people at the Alabama Women's Soccer Foundation back in September or October from a coach at Vestavia Hills Soccer Club (who also coached me in ATL when I was playing club soccer). He said they were interested in supporting NorthStar and for me to give them a call...well I didnt quite know what I was doing at the time, nor did I know the needs I had for the ministry so I put the name/number on a sticky note and stuck it to my wall above my desk...

Last week, Morgan (one of my best friends) got a job at the Clotheshorse, a consignment shop in Vestavia Hills, through meeting the owner "randomly" at a Pilates class at Gold's Gym. She called me Monday afternoon with excitement relating to her new "bosses'" desire to support NorthStar after she shared the ministry with them.

So Tuesday afternoon I had two people on my list to call:

1) the Alabama Women's Soccer Foundation people from the VHSC coach

2) Morgan's boss at the Clotheshorse

It didn't take long to figure out that the two people I had to call were really the same person! The Clotheshorse generates revenue from its two locations (the other being Isabelle's, which is purely donated clothes rather than consignment). The money goes to the Alabama Women's Soccer Foundation, which was started years ago by people involved in the club Alabama Attack (merged with Birmingham United Soccer Association- BUSA). Attack owed BUSA money on soccer fields down Hwy 280 that they purchased, which led to the start of the Clotheshorse and Isabelle's to help pay off the fields. Now that the fields are paid off and the Alabama Women's Soccer Foundation is established with funds to donate, they have been looking for a soccer ministry in Birmingham that is reaching those most in need through the game....NORTHSTAR!!!

The story blows my mind....

- they've had all this money and "tried" to give it away to other soccer-related causes but the process seemed to fall through every time

- this money is rooted from the rough situation of paying off those fields down 280 (God causes ALL things to work for good - He had NorthStar in mind when Attack was struggling financially to pay off fields to BUSA!)

- I had the contact information for at least 2-3 months before I called...how cool is it that the connection through Morgan led to the actual call!

- Ive been working relentlessly on tournament/program sponsorships over the past 2 months, and this one literally just fell into my lap...humbling :)

- It seems the store owners/foundation people are more excited about GIVING NorthStar money on a regular basis than I am about receiving it (and I a REALLY excited about this!!!)

So all that being said, our lives - every relationship, situation, work, play, etc. - is under the sovereign control of our God, "who causes all things to work TOGETHER for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to HIS PURPOSE." (Romans 8:28) I believe that He has purpose and plans for each of us...

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope...you will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'" - Jeremiah 29:11 & 13

Both these verses seem to be thrown out frequently in the "Christian community," but they have taken a personal place in my life after this week.

On top of all this, I got to "preach the Gospel" to Eastern China Buffet in Trussville Tuesday night...one of the girls from Juvenile last spring randomly called me to hang out because she is "trying to find her faith." She was so open to hearing the Truth and wanting to see change in her life. While we were talking, people from booths on either side of us came up to our table relaying the encouragement they were receiving from overhearing our conversation. I had no idea anyone else was listening while we were sitting there...again, the Lord's detailed ways are beyond what we could plan or make happen. He just "does" with us as He sees fit...our role is not for us to determine.

"My grace is sufficient for you; my power is made PERFECT in your weakness." - 2 Corin. 12:9

Collide and Merge

I had a.. "Im really not in college anymore" experience this week as I traveled back to Birmingham two days after Christmas. Paul has been giving me a hard time for calling my Christmas break "short" when, in all reality, it was longer than what the average working person gets any given year. However, Im used to the Samford Jan-term schedule of getting out of school the second week in December and not returning until late January...spoiled. Those days are over!

This week turned out to be a huge blessing though. I got some time to myself in the evenings and was able to do things that I otherwise would have put off if there were people in town to hang out with. All in all it was a good week to just "be."

Monday - Wednesday mornings I took about two vans full of NorthStar soccer kids to the Briarwood Holiday Camp where we merged with white suburban soccer playing kids. This was one of my first experiences of "colliding" our players with "Over-the-Mountain" kids in a non-competitive setting (ie normally we're playing against them...this week we were all on the same "team). At this camp, we were all playing together with one purpose: to glorify God through the game of soccer. The memory verse was Ephesians 5:15, "Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise." Camp consisted of both soccer and devotional times, sharing with the kids what it means to be "wise," how to "get wise" (Proverbs/the Word), and how to have a relationship with God to sustain this wisdom. What an amazing opportunity this week was to use soccer as a vessel of sharing the Gospel with kids from two completely different cultural backgrounds.

I coached the 8 and 9 - year olds with the NorthStar and Briarwood population pretty much split among the players. It was amazing to see how easily the kids merged culturally through the game of soccer. I think it was good for both groups of kids to get to play with each other and realize that "kids are kids." However, the week was not without a moment (or two...) of conflict. The reality of the difference between the two groups came out when one of the NorthStar boys slipped up in a heated moment and made a comment about a Briarwood girl's race. He immediately put his hand over his mouth, knowing that he had said something inappropriate. My heart sank seeing this unfold, but the teachable moment quickly came to mind and I jumped on it without hesitation. I explained to the boy how she is his sister and we are to treat all of our brothers and sisters in Christ with utmost respect and love...the word "sister" was startling to him, but I know it somewhat sank in because later in the day he commented on how if he and the other players are brothers and sisters, then I must be his "aunt" :) he asked if he could call me "Aunt Val"...Absolutely.

Being at home in Atlanta was sweet, comfortable, encouraging; however, it masked the reality of where I am called to be. Investing into the "colliding" and "merging" of NorthStar kids with Over-the-Mountain kids is an opportunity that I wouldn't pass up for anything. Seeing one of my NorthStar girls bond with a Briarwood girl and them begging me to be on the same team was a beautiful picture of unity in Christ.

"Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all."

- Colossians 3:11

The Reason.

So it has been a LONG while since I have last blogged (sorry Paul...). MUCH has happened over the past month, and I honestly don't even know where to begin!

I'll start with the 3v3 tournament - what a blast/challenge it has been planning this. It has driven me to really take action on making connections and bringing in program sponsorships. While no "official checks" have been received, there have been promised partnerships, and overall "buzz" about NorthStar has begun to circulate in the worlds of soccer, corporate, and personal connections. I have had a "meeting" scheduled everyday for the past 3 weeks with people who know people and people who are giving advice, support or a pat of encouragement on the back. The thing I love about all of this is that I have names, faces and stories behind this "program" that I am raising support for. All of the hours put in on and off the soccer field have ignited in me a spark of passion that only continues to grow for these kids and their families.

I have to admit, though, that the "task-driven side" of me has gotten extremely overwhelmed and anxious with everything that is going on. It has been a daily battle...task...necessity to focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Yes, the kids, their families, the opportunity for life-on-life discipleship and investment is HUGE. But the reason behind all of this goodness is Jesus Himself.

I want to make much of Christ...for people to see Him in me and for me to be able to proclaim His initiatives and drive in me. My friend, Mr. Paul (not Paul Neville, though he is my friend too) who works in the Princeton Elementary Cafeteria told me last week that he sees something different in me. "It's like a light, or something. Those kids are attracted to you..." Jesus, may he see you as the light. May the children be attracted to you in me.

"I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." - 1 John 1:8

My task has been and will be over the coming weeks and months to generate print-based material to recruit program sponsors. This money will be used to sponsor the soccer program. The soccer program will be open to returning and new kids. These kids will get exposure to the Gospel through the words and life-example of the coaches. The Gospel will take root in the kids, who will become young disciples of our King. These disciples will go into their homes and share the Good News with their families. These families will be changed by the light in their children. The community of and around NorthStar will be cross-centered and cross-driven to live and give and serve to MAKE MUCH OF CHRIST...poor or rich according to standards in this world, they all will become eternally rich because of their new-found hope in Christ. This is my vision, and I believe God's heart, for the impact of the NorthStar Soccer Club.

Lord, lead me, Paul and those working behind the scenes and at the front lines of NorthStar to MAKE MUCH OF YOU. Make us less and weak so that you may be great and our strength. May we look back on this time, Fall 2009 and the coming days, and say "Only the Lord could have made these things happen." Im excited to be a part of this awesome plan.