I hope everyone is having a great week so far. It has been a little bit of a tough one for me after spraining my ankle and then to add to that losing 2 close games. No one ever likes to lose whether it is in athletics or in the game of 'life". I am so thankful that I am a "winner" in God's eyes despite circumstances that happen or occur around me.
Today we have practice later on, and then chill time which is nice. I have been busy getting treatment on my ankle for about 3 to 4 hours every day. I just got back from a 2 hour session this morning. I can physically tell my body is getting weary from all of the travel that we have had to do, plus the amount of games we have played. BUT I am so thankful I serve a God who gives me enough strength and endurance to persevere through each day...thank you Lord!
I woke up to a text this morning from my sister telling me that my Grandma Frazee isn't doing well. She has been dealing with Dementia/Alzheimer's for the last couple of years, but within the last year it has really progressed and is now not only affecting her mentally but also physically. I won't go in to detail all of the things that she is dealing with right now, but I am so thankful for 87 wonderful years that the Lord has blessed my Grandma with. I hope and pray that He allows her more time on this earth, and yet I also know when the Lord calls her home she will be in a better place free from disease, pain, suffering, and confusion. I know my family would appreciate your prayers for her at this time, as well as for my Dad and Grandmpa that they would know to do what is best for her.
As you all know, I have been reading through the Bible in 1 year and it has been great! I am currently in the book of 1 Samuel and going through that has been good. Today as I was doing my daily reading I came across these verses:
"Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel. So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him." 1 Samuel 7:8-9
These verses really struck me, because the Israelites were begging Samuel, "don't stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us". What is it that you have been asking God to do in your life or someone else's life? Have you given up? The reality is, God is always at work, even when His answer may not be the answer that we want. At the end of verse 9 we see that "the Lord answered him" and decides to help Israel. We serve an omnipotent, omnipresent, and all-powerful God who IS WORKING for you and for me...don't quit!
These verses were just what I needed to read today. Playing basketball overseas has its ups and downs, but I am so thankful I serve a God who is consistent. There have been some trying times so far this season over here in Turkey. Turkey is a tough place to live in and to play basketball in and yet despite the many challenges that I face daily over here, I must remember to keep seeking the Lord. The Lord promises to always answer us. He is there for you and for me to watch over us, encourage us, and to even pick us up when we physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually find it hard to "walk" or keep going.
A challenge to me and to you is "don't stop pleading with the Lord our God" or another words "DON'T QUIT"!! When we "give up" on God, we find ourselves in a dangerous place. The Lord has never once given up on you or on me. All we have to remember and think about is the cross...Jesus bled and died for you and for me on that cross...what an amazing thing!
I will sign off for now. We have been in a hotel here in Ordu since Monday night and will be here until Sunday after the game. Prayers would be appreciated for the team and me as we continue to push through these next 5 games until break!
19 days until I fly HOME!! :) I can't wait to see my family, fiancé, and friends for a few days.
Reading for the day:
1 Samuel 7/ Revelation 8
1 Samuel 7 - "Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel. So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him." 1 Samuel 7:8-9
Revelation 8 - I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have silence in heaven for about half an hour. As the seven angels blow the trumpets, each blast causes different things to occur on earth, what a sight that will be!! The Lord is to be reverently feared, and I stand in awe at His power and beauty.