“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian HOPE, always be ready to explain it.”
1 Peter 3:15
I’ve not written in a bit. I could name a few reasons that seem “ok” reasons, but, honestly I’ve been busy with so much stuff. Which is good but, also CRAZY! I am thankful for the many ways the Lord has reminded me of His Hope and sent me others to LIVE His Hope and encourage me with it!
We are slowing down our club soccer stuff and transitioning slowly into high school soccer. It’s so amazing to believe that after Christmas we go full out with high school expecting season to begin the end of February. We will have games to play in the winter weekends for league and college showcases. It’s amazing to think we are at the time where girls are deciding whether they really want to commit to soccer in college or whether playing now is all they really care about. It’s a huge deal and takes time for players and parents…. and I guess coaches! My high school girls joined me for a Thanksgiving party and we were able to do some shopping for kids in need and do a scavenger hunt at Walmart. Thanks Walmart! They were nice and gave us some coupons to help us out.
One of the exciting things that happened around here lately, was that our football team won state! This was huge. First time ever and obviously Garrett and the girls have friends that play so that makes the games even more thrilling. Fun for me to look out there and know that I coached some of the boys in soccer and then they chose football. It’s been great getting to know these guys again and also to get to know new players that I didn’t know last year. The guys had some good leaders and I enjoyed player game day chats and doing what I can to pour into their lives with their classmates.
One of the many blessings I thank God for is that students tell me prayer requests they have and really get deep when they have things they need to talk about. They want to hear what I have to say and I am a counselor that has been given a classroom….at least that’s how it feels most days! But I am thankful that the Lord has given me an opportunity to minister to so many students. There are so many that are hurting and dealing with so much that it’s heartbreaking. This picture below is from our pep rally before one of the last football games. Garrett is in the back somewhere with the band.
Scott has been busy last weekend and will be this weekend doing the TV broadcast of the football finals. He’s enjoyed it and was a treat to have our own school in the finals. It’s been a while since he has done TV football play by play but, he was born to do it easily so it sounded great.
One of the things we have enjoyed the past couple weeks is our fire pit. I loved being able to sit outside with Scott and the kids that were around and just enjoy the outside. The weather is definitely cooling down around here and making it feel like winter is close. Living without much hair has made the cold, feel colder! I’m always in a hat keeping this head warm.
We are still being blessed by people who come by here to drop off a meal or text me to just remind me that I am being prayed for. I am so thankful for that. People have asked how I am doing and I feel good…different but good. I do what I can to take some oils, take naps in my car and eat healthy. I can tell there’s something going on in my body, but it changes so hard to pinpoint exact things. And before all of this, my body was pretty strong and didn’t change too much! It could be age now too…right?????!!!!!!! I will be heading to the doctors office in a week to check my blood counts…which have been good so far. The following week I get another MRI and have a dr appt.
When we go to Minnesota, we will see my 14 nieces and nephews. Hard to believe there are so many! We will see my newest ones – the baby twin girls. All my nieces and nephews are under the age of 7. So amazing!
Prayer Requests:
Good blood counts the next couple of weeks
Great looks on the MRI that continues to show tumors dead and I’m praying they are gone
Prayers for feeling good during Christmas break as we had to Minnesota to see all of my family. I’ll be taking chemo pills and I am just really praying for good rest while we are gone.
Prayers to know when I should go see someone and ask questions and not just ignore things
BLESSINGS and Take time to really praise and glorify the Lord as we get ready to celebrate His birth and coming to save us! As I mentioned before with my students, we are given opportunities to share the message of Christ…but there’s no easier and better time then at Christmas. God promised to send His son to bring salvation and to save His people from eternal separation from Him. He simply asks us to TRUST Him and put our Faith in Him and all that He has said. May Christmas be about Christ for us!
“Remember your promise to me; it is why only HOPE. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.” Psalm 119:49-52
Nicole, you always uplift and inspire me with your words. Please know that even if I don’t always comment, you are loved SO much and always prayed for. Much love to you and your precious family during this wonderful season. Enjoy your trip and your family! Necole