When we got back early Monday morning, there was no internet until today, so I was not able to blog. Yesterday we had off as a team, but I had rehab and then I went and worked out. After working out, I went and got lunch with some teammates and then went and got some groceries and then relaxed the rest of the evening.
I want to give a quick shout out to my DAD!! I definitely have the world's best Dad on this earth - so thankful! It was his birthday yesterday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! Love you :)
Today I had rehab again in the morning, and then headed to workout again. After working out, I met up with the team at the gym and watched the practice. After practice I was planning on going home, but then ended up going with a teammate and hanging with her in the city. I had dinner at her house and chilled there some, and then came back to my apartment. Awesome to have some great teammates this year! God is good :)
So I was doing some thinking last night as I had some down time and this is what I wrote last night:
"I don’t currently have internet in my apartment and the café I usually go to, to get internet does not have it either. So, I have some time to be “unplugged” from things so to speak. You know I love to be able to stay in touch with people and communicate, but also sometimes it is good to just relax and have some down time.
This first month and a half here in Turkey I feel like has flown by. For sure it is for a combination of reasons, but wow I have never felt like I have been busier while overseas. Usually it is pretty chill and laid back, but this year I feel like I have been going non-stop. The first week I was over here was spent meeting my team and practicing for my first pre-season tournament. The first pre-season tournament went great. Our team was getting to know one another, and we ended up doing well in the first tournament. The second tournament rolled around in Bolu, and the second game of the tournament is when I fractured my foot by coming down on another girl’s foot and landing wrong. You know, it always amazes me how quickly an injury happens. I have had my fair share of injuries from playing the game of basketball. With each injury I have seen the Lord work on my heart and in my life. I am so thankful for my relationship with Him. He alone has brought me through each and every trial in my life whether it be an injury or something else that comes up.
As I reflect back on my career as a professional basketball player, one word comes to my mind “blessed”. The Lord has gifted each and every one of us with different talents. Honestly, I could have never predicted that basketball would take me to different countries, meet different people, eat a variety of foods, and the list goes on and on.
Through the highs and the lows of my career and my life the Lord has been faithful. Being able to play a sport that I love and make a living from it has been a blessing. Is it always easy? No, for sure not. The countless hours of practice, dedication, and discipline are a lot, but what matters more than any of the hours I have put into the game of basketball or any hours that you have put into your profession and career, is do I and do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
All of the things on this earth are temporary. The ONLY thing that will last eternally will be our spirit. Do you want to spend eternity in Heaven or in Hell? It is important that we remember where we came from. Who are you serving? It is my desire to serve my Lord and Savior daily!!"
I was reading some last night and came across this quote:
"Trusting in God requires taking risks and trusting in Christ-centered help. Mature faith will never develop in shallow water."
Do you find yourself walking through a tough time or trial right now? Turn to the One who conquers all and rescues all - the LORD!!
Tomorrow morning I head to Istanbul with my coach to have my doctor look at my foot again, and then I will be fitted for orthotics. I will fly back tomorrow night! It will be a busy day, but I am thankful to the club for getting me to a great doctor.
I will let you know how my appointment goes tomorrow. Hope you all have a great day!!
GNIGHT!
Here are the devotions from the past few days:
October 15th
TRY TO STAY CONSCIOUS OF ME as you go step by step through this day. My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection. My final statement just before I ascended into heaven was: Surely I am with you always. That promise was for all of My followers, without exception.
The promise of My Presence is a powerful protection. As you journey through your life, there are numerous pitfalls along the way. Many voices clamor for your attention, enticing you to go their way. A few steps away from your true path are pits of self-pity and despair, plateaus of pride and self-will. If you take your eyes off Me and follow another’s way, your are in grave danger. Even well-meaning friends can lead you astray if you let them usurp My place in your life. The way to stay on the path of Life is to keep your focus on Me. Awareness of My Presence is your best protection.”
October 16th
LOOK TO ME CONTINUALLY for help, comfort, and companionship. Because I am always by your side, the briefest glance can connect you with Me. When you look to Me for help, it flows freely from My Presence. This recognition of your need for Me, in small matters as well as in large ones, keeps you spiritually alive.
When you need comfort, I love to enfold you in My arms. I enable you not only to feel comforted but also to be a channel through whom I comfort others. Thus you are doubly blessed, because a living channel absorbs some of whatever flows through it.
My constant Companionship is the piece de resistance: the summit of salvation blessings. No matter what losses you experience in your life, no one can take away this glorious gift.”
Psalm 34:4-6
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.