Starting New....

I am starting a new year devotional on YouVersion and wanted to share it with you.  I think it's perfect because we always look at starting over with a "It's best to do it on Monday or New Year's or the first of the month..."  This devotional is talking about the beginning of the year, but also says that we can start over any time we want.  Life is never too far gone to come back to the One who hears our hearts.  I hope you enjoy it!

From Faith to Faith

Day 1 of 366

A Happy New Year by Kenneth Copeland "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13 Today people everywhere are gathering together to celebrate the first bright moments of the new year. Yet, for thousands of others, this day will be the toughest 24 hours of their lives. For those people, New Year's Day will serve only as a dim reminder of loneliness and loss. It will simply mark the beginning of another year of failure. What about you? What's this year really going to be like for you? You may appear to be happy enough. You may be passing out seasonal smiles and holiday greetings just like everyone else. But inside, you may hurt. You may be disappointed. You may even feel like you can't go on. If so, I want you to know something. All of that can change in an instant. You can start your life over today and make this New Year's Day the most joyful day of your life! How many times have you said to yourself, "If I could just start over, I'd do it all differently"? That doesn't have to be simply an idle wish. Jesus Christ has actually made it possible. That's His Christmas present to you. He paid the price for all your sins. He paid the penalty for all your mistakes. That's the reason He came to earth. That's the reason He was born―so you could start over! You may look at your life and say, "But I've made some terrible mistakes. I've done some despicable things." That doesn't matter. Jesus paid the price for them all! How can you make a new start? Romans 10:9 says that "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." It's as easy as saying, "Jesus, I'm turning my life over to You. From this day forward I'm Yours." What better time to turn your life around than on this first day of the new year. Right now, wherever you are, just give your life to Jesus. Then jump up and down and holler, "Praise God, I'm starting all over!" And find out what it really means to have a happy new year! Romans 10:1-13 NIV 1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. 5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The People of...Our "Little" Crawfish Boil...

I wanted to write a separate post on "The People of... Our Crawfish Boil".  We are so blessed with wonderful family and friends, and I think they deserve their own recognition.  :)  So here we go...in no particular order...

Trace and Missy (Baehr's sister)

This is Missy, Baehr's sister, and her sweet baby Trace.  Missy made sausage and cream cheese croissants that EVERYONE loved!  She even had to give out her recipe to several people.  :) 

Mr. H and his Dad

Mr. H is CAL's principal at school and our friendly neighbor.  We love the H family!  Mr. H's dad was in town and we were happy to have him here!  He stopped smiling right when I said 3...he must be related to the Lemm's!  haha

Courtney, Mrs. H, and Megan H.



You know my sister, Courtney, but did you know that she is a baker extraordinaire?  She made almost all of the desserts we had, and this party would have been nothing without her!  Love you sister!

Mrs. H was CAL's Kindergarten teacher and Megan is her oldest child.  Such a sweet family!  You will not meet nicer people!  Mrs. H and Megan brought the delicious Cake Pops.  Next time, I will hide them in the pantry for just myself!  hahaha SO GOOD!

The Freese Family

Ruby (not pictured here) is one of CAL's favorite people at school.  Mr. Freese works at the school and the Freese's are also some of our AWESOME neighbors!  :)  They brought yummy veggies, and poor Mrs. Freese couldn't even get the foil off before I dove right in!  hahaha

Baehr's niece, Camryn

Camryn LOVES taking pictures and posing for you!  haha  This is the complete opposite of her little sister Chloe.  She is the oldest grandchild on the Baehr side and is such a sweetie!

CAL and Ruby

You know sassy CAL.  :)  And this is his friend Ruby Freese.  This is what they did when I said "Act like you like each other!" hahaha

Omon, Baehr, and Kearn

These are some of Baehr's work friends, Omon and Kearn.  They were talking about the "work out room" and boy stuff!  :) 

Mrs. Baehr and Stacey

Mrs. Baehr brought the watermelon that was so good it was gone in like 15 minutes!  I think I only got one piece!  haha  Stacey (Baehr's sister) brought a delicious dessert.  My mom likes to tell people that Stacey went to culinary school.  :) Everything she makes is SOOOO GOOD!!

Chloe

This is the best picture I could get of Chloe.  She hates pictures and will smile and laugh until you say...take a picture Chloe...then she runs away!  haha  In this picture she was telling me how she needed a Princess Band aid and that the one I gave her "hurts".  haha  :)

My mom and Baehr

If I had to list my top 10 people in the world...I don't know that I have 10 (hahaha), but if I had to these two would be tied for first.  My mom made some and bought some potato salad.  Basically Baehr told her she could buy some potato salad but she HAD to make him some of hers!  hahaha  She also brought coleslaw.  Even if my mom didn't bring anything, just her being there is enough for me.  My favorite part of the day was standing outside talking to my mom and sister until 9 pm. 

And well, you know Baehr!  He was the Host with the Most!  He made this whole thing come together, and made some delicious crawfish.  I love this boy with my whole heart, and there is no question that God put him in my life.  I could go on and on, but I am afraid you might get sick...hahaha!  Just know....He's pretty much the best EVER!

Kenton and Amy

This is Kenton and my cousin Amy.  They are going to Prom together in a few weeks and I think they have decided they like each other a little bit!  hahaha  This is Kenton's attempt at a smile...or so he says!  :)

Angie, Amy, and Aunt Teri

Angie is a friend of my family from work.  She is always smiling and laughing and making us laugh! 

Aunt Teri and Amy bought me the most awesome "Just Because" present!  First of all, "just because" presents are the best presents and secondly, this kind of "just because present" is the BEST!  I will have to post a picture later, but if you know me you know this present was perfect.....SHOES!  :)  I love them and cannot wait to find something to wear with them!   All three of these lovely people provided drinks for us.  Thank you Ang, Amy, and Aunt Teri!

Kayla and Aisha

This is one of my very best friends Kayla (she would be in my top 10 fav people) and her daughter Aisha.  Aisha isn't sure of Aunt Carrie just yet, but I am planning to come armed with chocolate and sweet tea next time I see her so we can be best friends like her older brother, Hamza, and I are.  :)  Kayla brought cupcakes from TREAT.  They were delicious, and I still have two I get to munch on this week.  :)

Krist and Kearn

Kearn works with Baehr, and this is his girlfriend Kristi.  These two are so nice, and invited us to cruise with them earlier this month.  We are definitely going to take them up on this offer someday soon!  :)

Mr. and Mrs. Stivers

Mr. and Mrs. Stivers!  I love these two.  Mrs. Stivers taught PE with my mom for YEARS, and she was my elementary PE teacher along with my mom.  The Stivers are just those "good people" in your life.  I was so happy they got to come!  :)  They brought sauteed veggies that were a HIT!

Here is a "Small World" story:  My mom and Mrs. Stivers taught Jake (Baehr's sister's husband) in elementary school!  :)

Omar and Baehr

Omar!  We love Omar.  He is married to Kayla and we just love their family!  We wish we got to hang out with them way more than we do, but we are hoping to make it to the beach with them this summer! 

The Joachim's

Isabel

The Joachim's are friends from school.  Mrs. Joachim actually taught my Health class my Sr. year in high school, and Mr. Joachim coached the golf team.  Isabel is their granddaughter.  Baehr just thought Mr. Joachim was one of the coolest guys!  He just fit right in with Baehr and his group of friends. 

Andy and Amanda

Andy has been one of Baehr's long time friends.  They went to college together and then both moved back to Houston together.  Amanda is Andy's wife.  I love getting to chat with her when we all get together.  She stays busy with school, and is working on her Master's Degree. 

Brian and Anabell

Brian is another long time friend of Baehr.  This is his girlfriend Anabell.  I don't see these two very often.  They both work a lot, and usually the boys do stuff together. 

The H boys

The H's have 3 kids.  These are their boys, and apparently they sabotage pictures all the time!  haha  Mrs. H has promised me a photo shoot for our May party!  :)

Gerardo and Family

Gerardo is a friend of Baehr's from work.  He let us borrow their tent and we are so thankful for that!  This is the first time for me to meet his wife and kids.  His little girl was the cutest thing and NEVER took her sunglasses off.  Their little boy was busy trying to keep up with the big kids.  haha  :)

Peter and wife

Peter is a friend of Mr. Baehr's.  They were so sweet! 

Baehr, Andy, and Mr. Baehr

I know I have a good picture of Mr. Baehr somewhere, but I can't find it right now.  Mr. Baehr was another essential key to our party.  He brought ice, and got there early to help set up and help Baehr with food.  He cooked all the hot dogs and hamburgers, and was just overall Mr. Baehr!  He is always so helpful and kind and goes above and beyond for his family...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree right?  Thank you Mr. Baehr! 

Me and Mrs. Cynde

And last, but not least, Mrs. Cynde.  We love Mrs. Cynde and she has been a part of our lives for many, many years.  She just fits right in, and could literally be part of our family!  :)  She always helps to clean up and I am forever grateful for her dish washing skills!  (I HATE DISHES! haha)

These are the people that bless our lives.  I was reminded once again how blessed we are by our family and friends, and by their love and kindness.  I cannot say how thankful we are to everyone who came yesterday, and helped us make our first crawfish boil WONDERFUL! 

We love you all!

Love,
Baehr and Carrie

Our "little" Crawfish Boil...The Details...

Some of you might have noticed that we didn't have a March Party.  We didn't skip it all together, we just didn't have a big shindig at our house.  We had Bluebonnet Pictures and several dinners with our families, so we figured we would count those for March since we were planning our Crawfish Boil for April. 


Yesterday was the BIG day.  The closer we got to the party the bigger our RSVP list got.  We had our biggest party yet with 47 people.  We had so much fun: great people, great weather, and great food!  We couldn't have asked for more. 

Chef Baehr and his assistant, Andy

Our first batch of crawfish boil at our first Crawfish Boil!

Baehr did such a great job with the crawfish and really...EVERYTHING. He was the Host with the Most!  He kept saying "Babe, you did such a good job!" and I would say "I didn't do anything! You did it all"  haha  He really did DO IT ALL! 

Bounce House!

We had to upgrade from our normal bounce house because we had 8 kids come.  This bounce house had a rock wall, slide, and bounce area, and let me say that it definitely worth the upgrade!  The little kids stayed in there pretty much the whole day, only taking breaks for cake pops, and the older kids stayed between the Wii and the bounce house all day! 

"Rock Wall"

Slide side...you can't see it but there is a slide part on either side of the "ladder".

Baehr was so worried that someone would climb to the top of the slide part and then jump off.  I told him "You know CAL is going to do that!"  We talked last night and he said the first thing CAL did when he got in there was climb to the top and jump off!  hahaha 

My favorite part of the party was the FOOD!  :)  I probably gained 10 lbs yesterday!  We had crawfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, sausage and cream cheese croissants, sauteed veggies, watermelon, and desserts GALORE! 

"Side" Island :)

Drinks and Desserts

We knew we were going to have between 50 and 60 people, and we knew it was going to be a beautiful 80 degree weather day, so we wanted to make sure there was plenty of seating outside and that we weren't all sweating to death.  :)  Baehr and I bought this Texans tent, and then he borrow one from his friend Gerardo.  They were perfect! 

GO TEXANS!

We also had dancing girls...haha!

I was really worried about not having enough trash cans and paper towels for all the crawfish eaters.  I didn't want to put huge trash cans at each table so I went to the dollar store and picked up some plastic buckets and rocks (to hold the buckets there for a windy day) for the trash buckets on the tables, and then got some paper towel holders at Walmart so that each table could have paper towels. 


Overall, it turned out so great!  We are blessed beyond measure.  I don't know how we will top this party, but we will have to try.  May is going to be Cinco De Mayo month!  We can't turn down an opportunity for some Mexican food!  :)


Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!


Love,
Carrie

New Day, New You...Day 10...

Oh, Well

Whenever I find myself in a situation I can't do anything about, I have found that a good way to cast my care upon the Lord is simply to say, "Oh, well."

Take, for example, the morning that Dave spilled his orange juice in the car and got a little of it on my sweater. Immediately he said, "Devil, I'm not impressed." And I said, "Oh, well." So that problem was solved, and we pressed forward with the rest of our day.

Some things just aren't worth getting upset about, yet many people do. Unfortunately a large majority of Christians are upset, fretful, and full of anxiety most of the time. It is not the big things that get to them; it is the little things that don't fit into their plans. Instead of casting their care and just saying, "Oh well," they are always trying to do something about something they can't do anything about. On more than one occasion that simple phrase "Oh, well" has really helped me to make it through.

Psalm 37:8 

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

New Day, New You...Day 11...

Shake It Off

One of my favorite stories is about a farmer's donkey that fell into a dry well. The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do for his poor donkey. Finally, he concluded that the well was too deep, and it really needed to be covered up anyway. Besides, the donkey was old, and it would be a lot of trouble to get him out of the pit. The farmer decided that it was not worth trying to retrieve the animal, so he asked his neighbors to help him fill in the well and bury the donkey.

They all grabbed shovels and began to toss dirt into the well. The donkey immediately realized what was happening, and he began to bray horribly. Crying would be our normal response if somebody was mistreating us this badly, so this donkey was responding the same way we would at first, but then he got real quiet. A few shovel loads of dirt later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit the donkey's back, the donkey would shake it off and step on top of it.

As the neighbors and the farmer continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he continued to shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon the donkey shook off the last shovel full of dirt, took a step up, and walked right out of the well. We can learn so much from this story. When trouble comes, if we will get still and listen, God will tell us what to do.

By the grace and mercy of God, I was able to shake off a lot of things in my life, a lot of hurt feelings, a lot of mistreatment, a lot of abuse, a lot of unfair, unjust, unkind things. Just like the donkey, in order to keep pressing on and have victory in our lives, we are going to have to learn to shake off the troubles that come our way.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

New Day, New You...Day 9...

Let It Drop

According to the dictionary, forgive means "to renounce anger or resentment against, to absolve from payment of (e.g. a debt)." I like the phrase used by The Amplified Bible in Mark 11:25, "Let it drop." How many times have you had a problem with someone and think you have settled it between you, but the other person keeps bringing it back up?


My husband and I have had those kinds of experiences with each other many times in our shared life. I believe most men are more willing and able to let things go than women. The popular stereotype of the nagging wife is not entirely inaccurate. I know, because I used to be one of them.


Dave and I would have a disagreement or problem between us and he would say, "Oh, let's just forget about it." But I would keep dragging it up again and again. I can remember him saying to me in desperation, "Joyce, can't we just drop it?" That's what Jesus is telling us to do here in this verse. Drop it, leave it, let it go, stop talking about it.

Mark 11:25  (I love this verse!)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Hope you are having a great Friday night! 

Love,
Carrie

Day 7 & 8...

You can read Day 7 here....

And here is Day 8...  I love it!  It has definitely changed my prayers.  I am still working on praying two or three times a day rather than just at night, but it has me thinking more about the content... one step at a time.  :)

Take a Praise Pause

I don't think anything blesses God more than when we stop right in the middle of what we're doing sometimes and lift our hands to worship Him or take a moment to bow down before Him and say, "I love You, Lord." In the scripture for today, the psalmist says he took time seven times a day and all day long to praise God.

Think about a businessman, for example, maybe the president of a large company. Wouldn't it be wonderful if two or three times a day, he would close the door to his office, turn the lock, kneel, and say, "God, I just want to take some time to worship You. Father, all these things You are giving me - the business, the money, the success - are great, but I just want to worship You. I magnify You. You are so wonderful. I love You. You are all I need. Father, I worship You. Jesus, I worship You. Holy Spirit, I worship You." I believe that if the businessman did that, he would never need to be concerned about his business, his finances, or success. All of those things would be taken care of.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Psalm 119: 164 

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.

The Next Chapter...

I was just scanning channels last Sunday and came across Oprah interviewing Joel Osteen on her new show "Next Chapter".  For those of you who haven't seen or heard about Next Chapter, it is basically a show where Oprah interviews different people.  When I was watching the Joel Osteen episode, I decided I needed to record the next episode with T.D. Jakes, and in the process of recording that episode, I decided I should just record them all.  (haha) 

T.D. Jakes is a pastor at The Potter's House in Dallas, and during this episode of Next Chapter, Oprah sits in on one of his Sunday Sermons called "Save the Scraps".  They only played bits and pieces, but let me tell you they were absolutely moving.  So I searched the web for transcripts, but was only able to come up with a video of the whole service.  So far I have only watched the first 45 minutes (it's an hour and 30 minutes long), but I think putting everything in one posting would be too long and I think, at this point, you need to watch it for yourself because then you can take away what you need....not what I think I need.  :)  So here it is....You won't regret watching it...I promise! 

TD Jakes Sermon "Save the Scraps"

Oprah opens the show with "Sometimes in life, you get exactly what you need at the moment you most need it."  It's so true, and I feel like my last few devotionals and this show are really God telling me some stuff that I need right now.  So, in sharing this video, I hope that you find something that you need in this moment and time.

Day 6...

But God...

There is a little phrase in the Bible that I get excited about every time I come across it. It is just two little words, but it is found throughout the Bible and is probably one of the most powerful two-word phrases in it. It is simply this: But God . . .

As we go through the Bible, we constantly read disastrous reports of the terrible things the devil had planned for God's people. Then we come to this little phrase, But God . . ., and the next thing we read about is a victory. In the above scripture, the fact is mentioned that we are all sinners, a condition that deserves punishment and death. The phrase But God . . .
interrupts the process. God's love is brought into the situation and changes everything.

While we were sinners, Christ died for us, and by doing so, proved His love for us. He proved that His love interrupts the devastation of sin. When God called me into the ministry, people told me, "Joyce, a group of us have been talking, and we feel that there is no way you are ever going to be able to do what you say God has told you that you are going to do. We don't feel your personality is suitable for such a job." I still remember how awful I felt when they said those things to me.

I was hurt and discouraged . . . but God had called me, and He qualified me. What others thought was not even usable, God saw value in. He helped me, and He will do the same thing for you.

Romans 5:8 
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

New Day, New You...Day 4 & 5

Day 4:  Love: Your First Priority

Where does love fit into your list of priorities? Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you" (JOHN 13:34 NKJV). It seems to me that Jesus was saying love is the main thing on which we should concentrate. The apostle Paul states that "faith, hope, love abide . . . but the greatest of these is love" (1 CORINTHIANS 13:13).

Love should be number one on our spiritual priority list. We should study love, pray about love, and develop the fruit of love by practicing loving others. God is love, so when we walk in His love we abide in Him.

Because we walk in God's love by receiving and expressing it, we should not deceive ourselves into thinking we can love God while we hate other people (SEE 1 JOHN 4:20). It took me about forty-five years to realize that my priorities were mixed up and that I was not making love the main thing in my life. The commitment to learn how to walk in love has been the single best decision I have ever made as a Christian.

1 Corinthians 12:31
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

And check out Day 5 here...Another Magical Monday....

Questions...

I have an app for a daily devotional with scriptures of the day and an app that gives thoughts or mini devotionals for every day of the year.  I just got done reading my mini devotional for the day and it's titled Marriage and Family.  The subject is Ephesians 5:22, "Wives, submit yourselves  unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord".  It goes on to say how we are supposed to submit cheerfully to our bosses, the government, and parents, but it doesn't exactly spell out what "submit to your husbands" means in this verse.  So, I come to you friends and family on facebook to ask what your interpretation of this verse means... 

Ready, set, ANSWER!  :)  

Just another Magical Monday...

And it's not even over yet!  :) 
So far I have had a great Monday!  It actually started on Sunday night with my devotional, and I thought while reading it "I have to share this on my blog!"  So I am...  :) 

"Choose Life!

We will never enjoy life unless we make a quality decision to do so. Satan is an expert at stealing and our joy is one of his favorite targets. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In John 10:10 we are told that "the thief" comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life. Satan is the thief, and one of the things he seeks to steal is our joy. If he can steal our joy from us, we will be weak; and when we are weak, the enemy takes advantage of us.

Weak believers are no threat to him and his work of destruction. In order to live as God intends for us to live, the first thing we must do is truly believe that it is God's will for us to experience continual joy. Then we must decide to enter into that joy. Experiencing enjoyment in our souls is vitally important to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." It is God's will for us to enjoy life! Now it is time to decide to enter into the full and abundant life that God wills for us.

Joy and enjoyment are available just as misery is available. Righteousness and peace are available and so are condemnation and turmoil. There are blessings and curses available, and that is why Deuteronomy 30:19 tells us to choose life and blessings."

Deuteronomy 30:19 

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"

Oh, how the Lord knows what I need, when I need it.  I had to share this with my mom and sister at lunch.  It just really give you a whole new perspective on how Satan tries to effect your life.  This is just something else to add to my growing relationship with God.  Knowing that I am to be joyful in all things, and that the things around me that bring me down continuously are not just circumstances but situations that Satan is using to take my joy and make me weak. 

I will choose life, and life will be so much different.  So much more joyful!  So I hope that you take this "Case of the Mondays" and make them MAGICAL!  And remember, above all else, this is not where we belong... :)

Happy Easter Weekend...

Happy Easter Weekend!  I hope everyone had a blessed few days! 

I spent Easter with my mom, dad, and nephew in West Texas.  We left on Friday and got there in enough time catch some sun.  My parents LOVE fishing and always have.  I, on the other hand, like to lay out and read books.  :) 

We have been going to West Texas for almost 20 years.  It's so relaxing... well...when you aren't trying to entertain an 8 year old!  haha  This time CAL wanted people to help him build rapids, throw rocks, scare away snakes, and fish.  So we stayed busy trying to keep him entertained. 

Mom, Dad, and CAL caught some decent sized fish on our last day of fishing.   Here are their biggest catches...

On Sunday, we got up and laid out by the pool, then headed home.  On the way back we found this awesome flower place on the side of the road...

Turns out Courtney has always wanted to go to this place so we will have to make a trip sometime soon.  :)  We had a great weekend, and I got home in just enough time to watch Celebrity Apprentice with Baehr.  It was GOOD to be home! 

Tuesday = Track Day...

Coaching middle school track this year has been difficult for me because our team consisted of some very athletic but emotional children.  We spent a day every week trying to get them on track, get them motivated, or get the to focus.  Don't get me wrong...we had some really good kids, but the majority either didn't care or weren't focused.  

I have always had a talented group of kids that understood that track was about what you put into it.  The harder you worked the better your meets were, and they almost always competed with each other.  They pushed each other to be better, and they compared their times every week to the best in the nation.  This year though, we didn't have that group.  

Coming up on the District Track meet this year, we gave them one last speech.  "This is it!  This is what you have worked for all season long!"  We had another mediocre practice, and I was beginning to worry that our district champion streak was about to end.  (We have been champions or runner ups for the past .... well, since I was in high school!)  

Tuesday came, we had practice that morning, and well....let's just say if that had been a sign of what was to come we were in BIG trouble!!!!  haha  We got all our kids out to the track that afternoon and started getting them where they needed to be.  Field events at 4:30 and Running at 6:30 pm.  Here we go...

Once the track meet started going there was no turning back now, and I tell you what...these kids have been listening all year.  I know I say this a lot, but this was "a God thing".  Things just clicked and we were off to a awesome start!!!  By the time running started we knew we were in the game.  It was so exciting to our girls come from 3rd to 1st in the final leg of the 4X1.  Our boys 4X2 came back to beat a team that was over 40 meters ahead to take first place, and our 4X4 girls DESTROY the competition!  At the end of the night, God reminded me why I do what I do.  That every year isn't going to be an easy year, but in the end it pays off.  Oh did I mention we got 1st in JV Boys and 1st in Varsity Girls?  :) 

I will say even if we didn't win, Tuesday made everything worth it.  To see the kids take what we had been saying all year, give it their all, break personal records, and cheer for each other was just enough for me.  It was AWESOME!!!  


Here are some of our track stars with their trophies!

2 Timothy 4:7  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

And while I can say, my lesson learned is ... keep the faith....in all things.  There is a reason for everything.  Life isn't always going to be easy, but the end result is worth the trophies.