Cowgirl Pride

I went up to the gym today to watch my basketball girls practice. I wasn't exactly sure what I would find. When I was in high school playing basketball one of the worst things was for the coach to walk out of the gym, because that is when the arguing and drama began. I guess you could say we did not always play nice with the other kids. So when the girls asked if they could practice after school, this was my first thought.

We talked a little about these pitfalls, and said they could. I walked into the gym after they had been practicing for a while, and heard things like, "Great job!" "You're doing better." "That looks good." Then I watched the younger girls with less experience as they gained confidence and performed even better. They were encouraging each other, but may have encouraged me even more.

I love these girls. You can tell them something once and they are going to do their best to get it done.  They show initiative at just about every turn. They are a blessing to me in so many ways.

I was telling Dad about them today, and his response was, "It kind of gives you hope for America doesn't it?" The truth is that it actually does. I think these girls have within them the God-given ability to do something extraordinary in their lives, to become women of integrity and make the world they live in a better place. That may seem like a lot to say for coming in and watching the last ten minutes of a practice, but as I watched them pray, and then break out with "Cowgirl Pride!", I do see hope for our country.

There are young people out there willing to work hard on the court, in the classroom, and on their character. I see it daily with this group of girls, and I saw it with last year's group of girls. It excites me to see what they will be able to accomplish in their lives.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3 [NIV]

One Thing

I think if you could only ask God for one thing in your prayers the one that would be most effective would be that you and others would fall in love with Him and His Word. I believe that is one of the most life-changing prayers, both for you and for others.

I've always been drawn to the idea of changing the world. Not so much because I believe that I can, but I love the idea of doing something bigger with my life than just the everyday routine. The incredible part of prayer is that it allows us the opportunity to approach the Creator, the One Who is able to affect change. What a great gift!

I have often thought how hard it would be to have the ear of a high official. To not only have them listen to your requests and ideas, but also to be willing and able to act upon them. We have something much greater than a high official's ear. We are able to go to the One who created us, Who calls the stars by name, and Who notices when even a sparrow falls. He is in the big picture, and at the same time in all of the details, and He allows us to come to Him in prayer, seek His wisdom, and give Him glory.

The thing about praying that we and others will fall in love with Him is that it encompasses so much. It is the first and greatest command, and if we learn to live it out the others will surely follow. Love is a multitude of things. It is obedience. (John 14:15) It is patient, and kind, It doesn't envy, or boast. It is not proud or self-seeking. It does not take offense. It is not easily angered. It doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love never fails. (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

It is easy to look around and see all the evil in this world and get discouraged, but I believe if we would make this a daily prayer we could see that the world at least to an extent can be changed, because we serve a mighty God who is able to do great works. Often He is simply waiting for us to ask.