God’s Plan. We hear this a lot and some of us even say it often. But do we understand what it means?

His perfect plan is for all of us to get closer to Him: “Draw near” (James 4:8), “call upon”(Psalm 17:6), “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28). These are His desires for us, to get close and to have an intimate relationship with Him so that we will have life everlasting. It’s only when we study the Word for ourselves that we will begin to understand that He wants us to draw near to Him, to call out to Him, and to go to him because in this life we will labor, get weary, and go through difficulties.

Can you see it? God’s plan involves trials, big and small, in the hope that those who are going through and those around them will turn to Him in faith, trust in Him, and shout out to Him, “Amen”, when He gives the victory.

Why? So that others may hear and ask us, how is it that you can rejoice in such a time as this? This may lead to an opportunity to share your testimony and maybe help someone else to draw near to Him.

That is God’s perfect plan.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

For Reflection...
Do you find yourself turning to the Father with your dreams and disappointments, or seeking comfort elsewhere?
Are you in the habit of drawing near to God daily through His Word?
Is there someone God has laid on your heart to share with? That your testimony might help someone else draw near to the Lord?




-Heidi Paul

Heidi was recently asked to study and articulate who she is for God's kingdom. This was her response: "Vessel of capability and resourcefulness with a genuine concern for others familiar and unfamiliar. Here to provide help and restoration in Jesus name." This is a great description of Heidi, and we are blessed to have her as a long-time CWM member and ministry leader. She is also the founder of the Markus Paul Foundation that is committed to granting youth scholarships, in honor of her late husband Coach Markus Paul. She is mom to Dwayne and Mathias, Gramma to Miles and Camden and resides in Dallas, TX. www.markuspaulfoundation.com

May I "turn" to You Father in every situation, every circumstance.
Whether a glad "turning" of thankfulness and joy or a "turning" to look up,
to reach up for help in a moment of weakness or discouragement.
May I have the strength to turn from my flesh, my “self”,
from the mind of the world around me, to choose
Your wisdom, Your discernment, Your Truth,
Your leading and guidance in the daily battle that is life on earth.
How wonderful it is
that I don't need words to explain and express my gratefulness,
or my longings and needs, or my hurt and grief if I can't find them,
for You already know them.
You are familiar with all my ways. You perceive my thoughts.
You discern my desires. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely!
You molded and created me!
You designed me with gifts!
You planted passion and purpose within me.
You love me!
You understand me
and the desires of heart
for You placed them there.
How relieved I am
that I don't need to bring gifts or successful service
to Your feet for Your attention or approval.
I am worthy in Your sight because of Jesus.
All You ask
is my time and heart invested for an intimate sweet relationship with You.
All I need do is turn,
is draw near,
is lift my heart and eyes to You.
And there You are.
There You are with a nearness that guides me with Your love;
that encourages me with Your grace;
that comforts me with Your mercy;
that strengthens me in Your power;
that lifts me with hope for tomorrow.
There You are with compassion and understanding
and a sweetness that stays with me
as You strengthen my inmost being with the power
for Jesus to dwell in my heart.
So that I may sacrifice,
so that I may love,
as He sacrificed for me,
as He loves me.
I can rest.
There I will hope.
There I will pray that I might be the fragrance of Christ
to those I love and to the hurting world around me.
The deepest desire of my heart.


-Dee Kijanko
A coach’s wife for 47 years, Dee Kijanko is also a women’s bible study leader and mentor, artist, writer and speaker. Dee and her husband Tony are on staff at Nations of Coaches, a national ministry to collegiate level basketball coaches and wives. They live in the North Georgia mountains, grateful to be parents to four children and six grandchildren - their greatest adventure and most honored privilege! Her blog, “The Affections of My Soul”, can be found at deekijanko.com

I had been floundering in my walk with the Lord. I was not consistent in my Bible reading, and I excused my devotional time away. “I have three small children, a stepson with a demanding timeshare schedule, I work full time, and I need to support my coach.” I had no real reading plan and could not understand why I was feeling anxious, angry, defeated, and overloaded all the time. I went to church every Sunday, but something was missing.

When my husband became a head coach in 2021, I knew that if I did not get support I would crack and would not be able to handle his blessing and new responsibilities. Thankfully, my deep need was answered. I searched and found the Coaches Wives Ministry, signed up right way, and started the Zoom Bible Study. I listened most of the time, processing that there were other women going through the same coaching struggles, wanting to know the Lord and supporting their husband’s mission. Well, I got my first magazine and read about the Cover Girl Project- reading the Bible cover to cover. I was barely reading my Bible daily, yet here was the plan to read every day. How?

I sat on it, I listened to the ladies on zoom talk about it, and my head knew that I should really start trying to read. New Year’s Day 2022 came along, and I decided to make it my resolution to read the Bible intentionally. I got a Bible in One Year plan and started reading it every day, thinking that I might not finish all of it, but at least I was reading. That decision has transformed my life.

I just finished the Bible in May of 2023, in a little more than one year. I can honestly say that I would not have made it through the challenges of the last year without the presence of God and His Word. The Word of God has convicted me of my own sins, and has shown me the continued restoration that Jesus provides.

I can relate to the Israelites, understand the longing of the Minor Prophets, and I can see how everything points towards Jesus. I can give thanks for the life of David and find so much peace in the Psalms. I am so looking forward to reading His Word again and again. Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. His Word exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."

I am so grateful for the push that Coaches' Wives Ministry has given me to seek the Lord, know His word and serve Him.


-Aprille Waldrop

*Aprille lives in Merritt Island, FL with her husband and 4 children, ages 3, 5, 8, and 15. Her husband, Ben is currently the head football coach at Cocoa Beach High School. Aprille is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and serves as the Manager for Social Services for Hospice of Health First.

I’ve been recently reconciling the cost of discipleship. Both to disciple and be discipled, and I’m realizing the metric is somewhat simple and somewhat boring. A lot of the times, the cost of discipleship is just a coffee. It is the cost of setting aside a few dollars and a few hours consistently in your schedule to meet with mentors, seekers, friends, and the Lord. You would think it would be more exciting. More intense. Maybe even more complicated. But I’m noticing that maybe the cost of discipleship is that it’s ordinary and a lifetime long. The cost is faithfulness. The cost is patience.

It doesn’t tend to have grand instant gratification and it doesn’t always feel like the type of “suffering” that at least you can feel proud of or feel important because of. No, a lot of times discipleship happens in the very mundane moments of life and the cost comes when your routine says “you have things to do” and discipleship asks to interrupt you. And it most likely interrupts you not for the exciting “come to Jesus” conversion on the side of the road. It just interrupts you to learn someone’s name or hear someone’s story or pick someone up from the airport or invite someone into your house and yes, even to grab coffee.

There actually is no line between living as a disciple who makes disciples and just living. It really is one and the same.

As I attempt to live life here “on mission” as if I were a missionary overseas, I find myself somewhat struck by how normal and boring discipleship and kingdom building can be. You go to work, go to church, have some people over to your house, go to coffee with someone new, go to sleep, and do it all again. And as someone who really struggles with getting bored, this is kind of a scary realization. But I’m finding that the mundane is where the beauty truly is. In the quiet moments and the hours of coffee. This is the cost, and it is also the reward.

Although I may be just living the routine of a normal life, I do not play by the rules of this world nor am I bound by its limited joys. For although the devil would like to convince me that coffee is just coffee, I know that it’s another seed planted. And that faithful day at work is another field watered. Every moment at church is another opportunity to raise up workers for the harvest. And every prayer walk on my street is changing lives in ways I will never know. Life may seem normal from this side of heaven but I know that my citizenship is not here. I know that my life is storing up treasures in an eternal storehouse. And I know that there is a battle waging war in our midst and I am fighting alongside angels more vibrant than I could ever imagine.

And while it still may look like just having coffee, it turns out, that’s not very boring at all.



-Melea Irby

*Melea is a basketball coach’s daughter who grew up in a missional family, was coached by her father, and is now taking these lessons learned into her life as a young adult.

I am a creature of habit. I wake up at the same time each day, follow the same morning routine (cup of coffee plus time with Jesus), eat the same thing for breakfast, etc.

I love routine. I thrive on it. It brings me comfort, and boy do I love to be comfortable!

However, routines are created and habits are learned, and there was a time when my health was suffering because of the habits in my life that related to food.

As a teenager, if I had a rough day or had gotten upset, I’d go straight to the kitchen and make a pan of brownies to feel better. I would even sit on the couch with an entire bag of chips and drown my sorrows watching mindless TV until the bag was empty. I had created the habit of turning to food for comfort, and as I got older, this became a common “routine.”

After a breakup or a stressful day at work, I felt that I “deserved” a treat. I sought out comfort food to ease the pain. But after the food was gone, the brief moment of comfort was too. It was replaced with new guilt and shame over my gluttony in addition to the sadness I had already been experiencing. The band aid of brownies had been ripped off, and all that was left was a gaping wound that never healed. I finally hit a wall in my early twenties, while struggling with exhaustion and found out I had extremely high blood pressure and things had to change. But again, instead of asking God to come in and help me, I tried to do things on my own...because that was what made me comfortable. I did everything the wrong way - fad diets, counting calories, cutting carbs. One day after walking into a Christian book store and picking up a copy of “The Daniel Plan” book, God spoke to me. I could almost hear His voice as He told me that I hadn’t been taking care of my body with my gluttony, and I wasn’t taking care of in my restrictive state either. It was then that I decided to get my nutrition coaching certification and learn how to do this the RIGHT way, with God in the center of it all, and then teach other women to do the same.

God is such an important part of the journey when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, yet I would rarely think to ask Him for help in this area. I would continually turn to food for comfort instead of the one true Comforter. Long term satisfaction and TRUE joy are only found in Jesus.

Instead of drowning my sorrows in a bowl of ice cream, I started learning to call out His name and let it all go, trusting that He will be faithful because that’s who He is. He is a faithful, loving God and He will work all things for our good and His glory.

Maybe you are like me and struggle or have struggled with your relationship with food. The fact of the matter is, we shouldn’t have a relationship with food at all. Our relationships are built around the food, not with it. God gave us food to enjoy, to use for fellowship with other believers, and to nourish our bodies so that we may go out and fulfill our greater purpose. But somewhere along the way, Satan has used food to lure us into his trap and twist what God meant for good.

I encourage you to spend some time with the Lord reflecting on YOUR source of comfort and joy. Are you spending your time seeking false comfort or are you investing in things that bring about true joy? Ask God to reveal to you any areas where Satan may have twisted your view of things that God meant for good. God cares about the deep dark places in your life and wants you to live in the light. He has His arm outstretched, just waiting for you to take it and begin feasting on the Bread of Life - your true source of comfort and joy.

“Your adornment must not be merely external-braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses, but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. “ 1 Peter 3:3-4

I love going to my husband's football games, I love the energy and excitement of the games. I also enjoy getting dressed up for the games. Lately, the schools have had themed games i.e. tourist night, 80’s night, black out, pink out, or just school spirit. My husband's current school goes all out for themed nights and the student section is full of crazy teenagers dressed up, painted and energetic for their team. You would think based on the energy and the outfits that the school had this amazing football team, when in fact we were 1-9. But because of the social media posts, energy, and hype around the team, the outside community does not know the actual record. I run into people all the time that comment on how great the team is based on its social media presence.

This same thing can relate to our outward appearance and our spiritual lives. We can look the part, go to the right church, and say the right things, when really our spiritual lives are losing. I have gone through seasons when my focus was not on my hidden person but my outward. My thought life has not been focused on Jesus, rather on work, worry over my kids or on my husband. I will become fixated on losing 5 lbs, building muscle, or getting a new outfit. These things in themselves are not bad, but when my focus is on them more than Jesus and His grace, I get myself in trouble. This verse always seems to ground me back to what God finds worthy. I have it on my bathroom mirror and have recently started to meditate and pray to have a quiet and gentle spirit. Gentle means kind, mild, calm, something we can only achieve through Christ in us. It is always a temptation for me at the football games to talk back to the dad that is yelling at the coach or to gossip with the parents, or at home to get frustrated at my kids or husband and overreact. It is sobering to think how this displeases God. I love how He has given us the tools to become gentle and quiet through the Holy Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

I hope this season that as we focus on our hidden person, we will be like David saying “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation on my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. “ Psalms 19:14.

-Aprille Waldrop
*Aprille lives in Merritt Island, FL with her husband and 4 kids. She has a 14 year old step son, a 7 year old son, and a 4 year old and 2 year old daughters. Her husband is currently the head football coach at Cocoa Beach High School. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently working as a grief counselor and hospice social worker.

As we trade the sultry days of summer for the crisp cool days of fall, I am reminded of the sites and smells of the season. Pumpkin spice begins to take over everything from our coffee, to candles, to food products. The greasy smells of concession stands and fair food reminds me of football and fall. Before long we will gather together and the smells of a Thanksgiving feast will fill our kitchens.

Fall also brings with it a business like no other season. With the start of school and practices, dinners are often in the car, picked up in a drive thru, or what we commonly referred to as “fend for yourself” or eat a bowl of cereal. Dinner around the table becomes harder to do and we have to make more of an effort to gather together as a family. Having been through twenty eight seasons with my coach, I can’t imagine how many meals I ate alone with the kids with his food tucked away in the microwave. Then when he came home, I resumed my place around the table while he ate, so that I was intentionally making time for him in the business.

My kitchen table is an important place in my home. It is not only where we gather to eat, talk, or play games, it is also my meeting place with the Lord each morning as I read His Word. The table is where I “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV) While my table is worn with age and really needs a good refinishing, it is where I meet and talk with God, pour out my thoughts, questions, concerns, and more. Many times I have looked up to share something that I am learning about our Father. To explain a truth that has been revealed or to simply sigh, bow my head and pray.

Yes, this season is busy and time is always going to be an issue. However, I’ve learned that just as I was intentional about sitting with my husband so he didn’t eat alone, I must also be intentional about spending time in God’s Word. Feasting on God’s Word provides us with a “spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2 NIV). It teaches us that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 NIV). While breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, starting your day in the Word will fuel your soul.

It took me many years and a lot of excuses to get to the point of reading my Bible daily. However, just as I am thoughtful about sitting down with my husband after a late practice, I am just as intentional about sitting and opening the Bible around my table in the mornings. So while the fall season offers many opportunities to gather around the table with family and friends, I invite you to pull up to your table and feast on the Word of God. “The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” Isaiah 40:8 NIV).

-Janie Shiflett
*Janie lives in Rome, GA and has enjoyed twenty-nine seasons with her husband Jeff. He is currently the Athletic Director for his school and has coached football, baseball, and wrestling during his career. The mother to three sons and a daughter in love, she also works as an Instructional Technologist for her school system

These past several weeks, I’ve been reading about the Israelites- some of the most frustrating people I have ever “met” in the Bible. In Exodus, they are freed from slavery in Egypt, cross the Red Sea, and watch their enemies be destroyed. Then after only THREE DAYS in the wilderness, they start complaining against Moses because they wanted water- which the Lord then provided. (Exodus 15:25)

Then in Exodus 16:3- just 6 WEEKS after the Red Sea miracle, this is what they had to say: “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” (Really?)

Within these disrespectful comments, we can observe their mindset:

•Critical view of the circumstances
•Negative view of the future
•Distorted view of the past

This unhealthy thinking continued throughout the 40 year journey to the Promised Land. (Which, by the way, should have only taken 11 DAYS!) But over and over again, they FORGET to REMEMBER God! Who He is and what He had done! They didn’t look to the Lord for help, instead they blamed Moses and wanted him to fix everything. Even though the Israelites are annoying, I see myself in them, and in reading their stories I am convicted of my own sin.

I am certain that being critical and negative could easily become the attitudes of my heart, especially as we are walking in the wilderness right now. We are lost because there is no map for our situations, and no Moses to fix our problems, but in that, we have an opportunity to pursue what the Lord desired from the Israelites.

•TO KNOW THAT HE IS THE LORD OUR GOD
•TO REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE

“For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows you’re going through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.” -Deuteronomy 2:7

“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” -Proverbs 24:17

How relatable and convicting is this verse for the coach’s wife?! We often find ourselves instinctively rooting for the team that we don’t like to lose. Or maybe we are secretly hoping a certain coach that bothers us gets fired. It is so easy to let our mind drift to these thoughts. It’s part of our sinful nature. But the Lord warns against this. This chapter in Proverbs goes on to say that “the Lord will see and disapprove.” We must learn to shift our view away from this worldly mindset of being in competition with everyone around us.

But wait a minute- is He telling this coaching family to not be competitive?! I’m pretty sure if my husband is reading this, he is squirming in his seat right now. It is not that God doesn’t want us to enjoy friendly competition. The word ‘game’ is literally defined as a form of PLAY- it’s supposed to be fun! But when our hearts turn from enjoyment, kindness, and holiness to envy, anger, and retaliation, that is when it becomes a problem.

Anxiety and jealousy can take root in our hearts if we do not approach our opponents with love and respect, even when it seems hard or unfair. Although our goal in our sports seasons may be to win every competition or outwit the enemy, our goal in every season of life should be to lead others to life-change through Jesus. And as difficult as it may seem sometimes, that goal takes humility, gentleness, and grace.

-Shannon Purvis

Mother’s Day is always portrayed as this joyous day full of sunshine, flowers, and the color pink. You go to church, take a family picture, eat dinner together, and hug your mama a few extra times. However, truthfully, it can be really hard for some of the women in your life. Ladies whose hearts are aching so deeply to be a mother. Ladies who would give anything to have a baby in their arms; they are walking through infertility or waiting on an adoption placement. Ladies who are mourning their motherhood; they have had a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or lost a child. Ladies who know they will never be a mother; they have either chosen that path or been dealt that truth.

I remember before my daughter was born, a couple of Mother’s Days came and went while we were trying so desperately to get pregnant. It was hard. And, through our secondary infertility battle, we lost the only baby we have been able to conceive in two years. Even now that I have a beautiful child to call me “Mama” on Mother’s Day, it still serves as a reminder of the one that I never got to hold in my arms. I should be a mom to two little loves right now. And, that’s a heartbreaking feeling. If you are walking through infertility or loss, Mother’s Day is often a brutal reminder of what you don’t have in front of you. And I am so so sorry for your pain, friend.

So what do we do when we don’t know what to do? When you are walking through this journey, how do you hold onto hope? Or, if you know someone near to you fighting this battle, what can you do or say to help? PRAY. Prayer is how I fight my battles. Prayer is powerful. It is an intimate, honest conversation between you and the God of the Universe! The One who is able to do ANYTHING! I have been in many seasons where I so desperately needed to not only be in prayer myself, but to know that I had prayer warriors calling out to our Heavenly Father on my behalf. And, because I know what it’s like to need that support, I know how important it is to reciprocate it, as well.

When I say I am praying for you, I mean it. Often people say flippantly , “Praying for you,” but then they just as quickly forget to actually do it. I have been very guilty of this in the past, and because of that conviction, I began the purposeful practice of writing down names on my bathroom mirror. If I am not intentional in reminding myself of these people, I will forget. And I never want to forget the most important thing that I could do for those who are hurting.

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” -1 Thessalonians 1:2

So we pray, because that’s the only thing that we truly have the power to do in these humanly powerless situations. Through faith, we can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). Letting someone know that you are specifically praying for them is a simple reminder that they are seen, loved, and being lifted up to the all-powerful King of Kings. There is nothing that could mean more.
Here are some specific Psalms that you can use to pray over these hurting hearts as Mother’s Day approaches...

-Pray that the Lord will hear their cries as they seek Him. (Psalm 27:7-8)
-Pray for closeness with the Lord in their sorrow and pain. (Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 126:5)
-Pray that they would truly know God as their helper and deliverer. (Psalm 30:2, Psalm 34:4)
-Pray that they would find hope in the waiting. (Psalm 33:20-22, Psalm 27:13)
-Pray that God would strengthen them as they trust Him. (Psalm 31:24, Psalm 143:8)
-Praise God that He is already there with them and in control of it all. (Psalm 28:6-7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 116:1-9)

May the Lord bless you with His peace this season,
Shannon Purvis

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” -Ephesians 3:16-21

Can I be real with you? The week after Christmas is always a little depressing for me. All the hype of beautiful decorations, gift-giving, parties with friends, gatherings with family - it’s gone in a blink. My heart aches at the thought of the twinkling lights coming down, taking the ornaments off the tree, and the stockings being put away for another year. Christmastime is my absolute favorite. The advent season is full of HOPE with so much to look forward to. We are waiting in expectation of the good to come, both in our personal lives and in celebration of the birth of our Savior! There is JOY in the world everywhere you look. It always seems a little sad when it’s over.

But friends, there is still good news. The celebration of Jesus doesn’t end with Christmas. I am reminded of that truth daily. Advent isn’t the only time we get to look forward to what’s to come. Joy doesn’t only exist during the holidays. Hope is not over because the season is over. That baby in a manger grew up. He walked the earth. He made disciples. He gave His life for ours on the cross. He rose from the grave. And He LIVES within us! The Good News was here long before December, and it will continue to be here for every single day to come. I am so grateful that there’s more to the story and that I can cling to the HOPE He gives for tomorrow. May our joy continue to overflow into praise and our hope carry us through every season throughout the year.

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” -Psalm 71:14

———
“Decorations come down,
And the calendar changes.
But the celebration goes on
'Cause the good news remains.
And the truth of Your promise
Will never be gone.
It's not something we'll lose,
It carries us through
All year long.
The baby in the stable
Is the only one who's able
To bring comfort and peace.
That's never gonna leave.
There is hope for every season,
And Jesus is the reason.
Love came down on Christmas Day.
Now my hope is here to stay!
Here to stay, here to stay.”
-Hannah Kerr
———

Every week when I bring groceries home I face the reality of the fruit that was wasted the week before. I always have good intentions with what I buy, but between bottles, diaper changes, and managing a toddler, I find myself eating leftovers from said toddler or just trying to get down my coffee. So the food gets old, and I cringe as it gets thrown away because I feel so wasteful.

So, this week, the process of tossing the old fruit inevitably began as I put the new groceries away. As my husband cleaned out the fruit bowl he commented, “I hate these bananas went bad so fast”. I realized in that moment I didn’t have to waste those; old bananas mean banana bread with chocolate chips for good measure.

“Don’t throw those away! I can make banana bread”, I said. He asked if I was sure because one banana was already really smushed on the inside, to which I replied, “That’s perfect!” He looked at me puzzled, “Really? That’s perfect? Okay then”. Later in the day, while mixing the ingredients I recalled the conversation with my husband about the bananas. It reminded me that what the world rejects as less than ideal, the Lord looks at and says “that’s exactly what I need—perfect!”

My husband doesn’t know a thing about baking, so to him the bananas were just rotten fruit. But, for my purposes, I saw the imperfections as exactly what I needed for warm banana nut bread. The Lord sees our imperfections in ways we can’t because He has a knowledge of how He can use you beyond our understanding.

As I smashed the bananas in a bowl, I thought about how easy it was to mash them because they were worn and weak. That’s how we feel sometimes—worn and weak, but not beyond hope in Christ. God’s word says it this way in 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you”.

I had the treasure of rotten bananas that even though they would be hard pressed, would not be destroyed, but rather transformed. The pressing is often not desired and the fire over refinement can feel overwhelming. But, when I took that banana bread out of the oven I was able to see an example of how God can be glorified in us, through our faults, when we give ourselves up for His purposes.

- Morgan Easley

There are always those seasons of life that leave you feeling exhausted. You feel as though there is no way you can pray that prayer or carry that load or sing that worship song one more time. When the enemy’s taunts seem to drown out the voice of truth, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome” (Nehemiah 4:14).

These words of Nehemiah were spoken after he had led a group of exiles to rebuild the city walls in Jerusalem. Spiritual warfare often feels quite as difficult as I imagine building a wall to be. In Nehemiah 4, as the men built, their enemies hurled taunts and insults at them repeatedly. That sounds so familiar. Sometimes we are trying to push forward through the storm, while the enemy keeps hurling dart after dart our way. We feel like we can lay one brick of truth before he crushes three bricks with lies.

However, we don’t have to try to build alone. Nehemiah and the exiles didn’t try to supersede one another in their wall building, they worked together, using the unique gifts God gave each of them to work as one to advance the wall.

We see in Nehemiah 4:21 that as the men labored, “half of them held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out”. The purpose of half of the men was not to work, but to simply stand in the gap to face the enemy so that the others could make progress. Philippians 2:3 tells us, “count other more significant than yourselves”.

This is a picture of unity in the power of Christ through community. We are called to community to be gap standards. When the enemy taunts us with lies or the load feels too heavy or you can’t seem to muster up one more prayer for what you are believing God for. Look up, reach out, and let your community stand in the gap for you.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” -Galatians 6:2

- Morgan Easley

These words were journaled, days after reaching a breaking point in our first year of coaching. They were the words I felt like I needed to hear from a friend sitting right beside me, over a cold cup of coffee on a toy filled couch. As I wrote, I had tear-soaked eyes and my heart felt as though it was prepared to jump out of my chest at any given moment. After a full year of pandemic living (experienced both in the United States and another country, thousands of miles away from “home”), 3 months of a hard lockdown in a foreign country (with just grocery stores open), and transitioning into a coaching life as a family with two small children, I was met with panic attacks at all hours of the night. They tended to come on suddenly and strong and as I prepared myself to face another long road trip alone with my 3 and 5 year old, I surrendered what little amount of control I felt I had to God.

I was honest with God, myself, and my husband. I talked about my insecurities and fears. I brought my hardships into the light. I wrestled long and hard, asking if I was made for this. I was counseled. I journaled. I found community in the most unlikely of places.

The journey is still ongoing and I am still thick into the healing process, but when I slow down long enough to truly take a look - in that moment of surrender, I was met with so much help & grace. In that moment of surrender, I was finally ready to receive…

………

Dear First-Year Coach’s Wife,

I’m right here, coming along side you & holding your hand. This year may break you, but it doesn’t mean you’re not made for this job. Fully trusting in Him and serving for Him are learned slowly over time and often, it’s never a linear experience. I don’t know if you are anything like me, but with my go-getter attitude of all the work we (or should I really say I) was to be doing this year, I exhausted myself beyond belief. I had to break to see what was truly mine to carry. It has to be in His power, not ours. It has to be in His ways, not mine. If you're feeling overwhelmed this season or feel like you've been falling short of this great calling He has lead you to, please know my friend that this year may be hard, but it doesn’t mean you’re not made for this job. He’s perfecting you each and every day. And we are always met with His promises as the sun rises each morning.

Cheering You On,

A First-Year Coach’s Wife

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” -Proverbs 3:6

- Elisabeth Haskins

*Elisabeth spent the first eight years of her married life as a player's wife before they transitioned into the coaching world.  Her husband now coaches professional hockey in Germany, and they have two beautiful children.

A few days ago I came across a quote, “I will drink every drop of my cup of suffering so I don’t miss one thing God wants to teach me”. So often I don’t feel like even taking a sip from that cup or I’ll take one sip thinking that will be enough for God to remove the cup. We all find ourselves in seasons or situations we’d rather not go through, but instead bypass.

Suffering can be a strong word. Sometimes it’s more like unmet expectations, because, “Hello, God, have you not heard me down here praying?!” Other times it can be a season of disappointment as I stare at my unmet desires. In my stubbornness to take a drink from the cup set before me, I choke on envy or pride. I am stuck focused only upon how the cup before me is not what I want, not focused on the One who has allowed the cup to be placed before me.

We do not have to feel guilty with our desire to remove the cup. Jesus was not to fond of the cup placed before Him either. In Matthew 26, Jesus asked God three times to take the cup: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me”. Jesus was bold enough to ask for the cup to be taken away. But He was also reverent enough to acknowledge its value:

“Nevertheless, not as I will; but as you will.” (v.39)

“My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” (v. 42)

There didn’t seem to be a lot of good in the cross in the moment. There was no joy for Abraham as he walked Issac up the mountain. Esther didn’t rejoice that she was risking her life to save her people. David didn’t skip up to Goliath humming a catchy tune. Yet, they all drank from the cup anyway. Why? Because there was a greater hope in what was unseen than what was seen. What God would establish through the cup of suffering was far greater than the bitter taste the cup had to offer.

Our cup of suffering can be what allows God to mold us into exactly who He needs us to be. It can lay a foundation for greater communion with Him and open doors to trust Him more deeply. The cup, whatever that looks like for you, is not meant to be easy to accept or to drink; but it is a necessary reckoning to get us where God is leading us.

-Morgan Easley

Danny and I met at Biola University in California, when I was a freshman and he was a junior. He was a baseball player there, and I played volleyball, and he says that from the moment he saw me on campus, I was off-limits to his friends! We started dating, then married during his last semester on February 3, 1979. People ask if I knew what I was getting into when I married a coach! Since he was doing his student teaching and coaching that final year, I would have to say yes! I had a basic idea of life with a coach, but was not prepared for that coach to have a lifetime of health issues.

After five years of marriage, when Danny was 27, we found out that he had diabetes. He was coaching baseball, basketball and football, but aside from being exhausted, diabetes was the only health problem we really dealt with for years.

In the fall of 2014, Danny developed a chronic cough, and one day he blacked out at school. At that point, we rushed him to the ER and found that his heart had 20,000 extra beats per 24 hours. We were shocked, and I was overwhelmed. I knew I could take care of his diabetes, but not his heart.

We moved into a season of intense health treatments and medicines. As strange as it might sound, I can see how God used coaching to prepare Danny to help keep track of the medical schedule. Because Danny was a baseball coach for so many years, he had experience keeping the stats and charts, and this really prepared him to keep up with his medicine doses. However, 2015 marked the beginning of an uphill battle when he discovered that he had a rare lung disease. We saw his heart weakening and found that it was only functioning at 14%.

In the fall of 2015, we ended up in the ER again. I remember being in the hospital after the doctor had given us the news that Danny would not recover. Danny and I started talking about the day-to-day things like where I should live, and what kind of car I should drive after he was gone, and I’ll never forget his response when I shared my concerns with him. He said, “Cindy, we have the right God.” Later that night, all of our kids and Danny’s mom and sisters came to say goodbye. Our son Jordan was playing professional basketball in Europe, so we FaceTimed him in to be a part of the moment. Then the hours passed, and there was no explanation. He just got better! Danny was released a few days later.

We returned home and continued with our medical charts, doctor visits, treatments and monitoring diabetes. Then came the big shock – Danny said he wanted to coach again. I absolutely could not get on board with this. I was perfectly content to be a retired coach’s wife. When he said he wanted to coach, I told him that I didn’t support him, then I basically tattled on him to the doctor. However, the doctor was supportive, saying that Danny had so much to give – so much knowledge and wisdom – and if he died, he would die doing what he loved. That all made sense, but still I struggled and I continue to struggle, but I’m learning to trust the Lord through it all. The first year, I said, “God, he is your man.” The second year I was shaken, because it felt like the Lord was asking too much of me.

Danny started coaching again in 2018. We do the doctor visits during the day, and I go to practices and games to make sure he is not feeling weak, and to be there if he needs me. It’s not an easy thing, but we appreciate each day together. And when I see him on the mound, praying with the players after every practice and every game, I am reminded that coaching is an eternal investment. When we go to the 50th birthday parties of former players and their families, I’m reminded that coaching leaves a legacy. Physically, his heart still only functions at 14%, but he gives his heart 110% to his players, and I am so thankful for that.

When people ask me how we do life this way, I tell them it’s ONLY the Lord. And I need the Lord to strengthen my “heartbeat” so I can care for Danny! We are so dependent on God for everything. When he leaves for the day, we typically say, “See you later, either after practice or in heaven.”

This may sound morbid, but the reality is that none of us know what a day will hold. The truth is that God is my heartbeat - the only One who keeps us all alive and breathing! It’s only by His Word that I have direction and strength for each day, and for this season, God wants my husband to keep coaching.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life.” -Psalm 119:50

*Written by Cindy Wild for CWM Seasons Magazine, Spring 2020

Wes had a double header tonight and called sometime after 10 to let me know he was finishing up. And to also remind me he was headed to Walmart to get some Oxi Clean. I’d be lying if I said this errand didn’t annoy my flesh a little. After putting two of our boys to bed and still wrestling the one who hates sleep, I was frustrated that this trip was going to postpone his already late arrival.

Fast forward- it’s now almost 2am and I can hear him in the laundry room tirelessly scrubbing every slide and dive out of those white uniforms, reliving every close call, contemplating the “what would have been” go ahead run, and wondering what he could have done differently to secure the win.

The season is a challenging one for our family, and if I’m being transparent, for our marriage. Long days, and even longer nights. And let’s be real, I don’t always handle the chaos of our life gracefully. He misses dinner. A lot. Sometimes the only conversation we have is the one we grab before and between games. And his absence is felt deeply during the before bed snuggles with our three boys (not to mention he’s gone again before the sun ever rises).

Being a coach is essentially living your life in the hot seat. The hard reality is that sometimes every decision and call you make is placed up for judgment and debate.

But after being with a coach for 17 years, I’ve had the opportunity to be a spectator. I’ve been able to enjoy seeing the lives influenced positively by what he so proudly does. I’ve watched players be successful on and off the field, simply by being empowered by someone cheering them on. I’ve read the letters from past players, thankful for not giving up on them when they were kind of a brat. And we even prayerfully had the chance to invite a player to live several years with us, becoming our “son.”

So every year, I come to this place where I realize the things that sometimes drive me nuts are the qualities I love most about him. He’s stubborn and over-the-top. He’s passionate and loyal. If you know Wes, you know he’s “extra” (in a good way). But find me a player that played for him previously, and I guarantee you he never doubted that Wes pushed him to be successful on and off the field.

I write all this to say, when you see those crisp, clean, white uniforms, I hope you smell the Spray N’ Wash for miles. Because I know (and love) the man who stayed up all hours so that his boys looked good when they took the field for the next game. And my momma heart hopes that my boys play for a coach who loves them enough to not only mentor and guide them in the game, but to proudly pray over their life relentlessly.

So if you’re a baseball wife, I’m praying for you. Maybe you’re having a great week and feel like you’re hitting some homeruns in all things life. Or maybe you’re up to bat, bottom of the 7th, two outs, full count and you’d rather the pitcher just hit you with that pitch.

You, as a wife, are part of the story God is so beautifully crafting for your husband and his players. So keep on keepin’ on during this season.

- Hillary Ginn

My husband and I met when we were in college. We were in the same education program and went through all the stages- classmate small talk, cracking jokes, purposely picking seats near one another, until one day he finally asked me out! We had this great first date planned out, and I was full of all the excited butterflies. But that afternoon I got a phone call from him. He very kindly asked if we could reschedule to the next night because his intramural flag football team had made it to the finals. Y’all, if that wasn’t foreshadowing of life as a coach’s wife, I don’t know what is! As you can gather from the fact that I’m writing to you here, we survived that first sports-related hurdle. And here we are today to laugh about that story forever.

But man, when you live and breathe sports, it’s a whole different world. And as a coaching family, we often feel like people on the outside really don’t get it. They see it as a side gig, a hobby, or even worse- “just a game”. But to us, it is so much more than that. If I could write a letter to all of the non-coaching people in our lives, here is what it would say...

Dear Friends,

We love this sport. It’s not just a game. Let me tell you why.

It pays our bills and supports our family. This is where our paycheck comes from, and good performance is necessary for keeping your job. It’s our livelihood.

It determines where we live. It’s home. One of my dearest friends always used to say, “Home is where your feet are.” And in our world, I would change that to “Home is wherever football takes us.”

It’s what creates some of our greatest friendships. My fellow coaches wives in the places that we have been are some of my dearest friends and most treasured relationships. They are friends that truly understand what you are going through and can walk alongside of you in that lifestyle.

It’s the life our children grow up in. The ball field, the concession stand food, practice drop-ins, being a little sibling to a giant group of teenagers, and running onto the field to their “Coach Daddy” after games. These are the sweet memories that a coach’s kid will hold on to forever.

It impacts eternity. The Lord has called our family here. This game is our mission field. It’s our opportunity to tell people about Jesus. We get the unique chance to form meaningful relationships with these athletes. They care what we think, what we say, and what we do. And we get to get to use this platform and our very own lives to create life-change through the Gospel.

We want you to know that we love you, and we know you mean well when you use this phrase. This is just one of those things that it’s hard to understand if you’re not in it personally. No hard feelings, we promise. But next time, before you ask why we get so worked up before games, why we take losses so hard, or why we are so stressed during the season, please try to remember these words you’ve read today. It’s important. This sport means more to us. It’s our life. And it’s so much more than just a game.

Love,

A Coach’s Wife

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20

- Shannon Purvis

Last year, there was one prayer that I wrote continuously in the pages of my journal “Keep us humble, Lord”. Nothing big was happening in our lives. My husbands team wasn’t achieving great success, things were just mediocre. So, it seemed odd for the Lord to reiterate those words in my spirit. I have watched many people get caught up in the culture of striving and success. Sort of like a spider web to a bug, it seems like a possible good place to land, but the more you wallow in it, the more trapped you become until you can’t break free. I have watched people change because of success and lost friends. I have watched people lose sight of the Lord in their success- and it scares me to think there would ever be a day I would rather be successful than hidden away in Christ.

Therefore, I kept praying, “Keep us humble, Lord”, not because I expected success to come into our lives, but because if it came, I did not want it to change us and be stripped of humility. You always hear, “Don’t pray for patience or God will give you circumstances to be patient in”. Well, to say God gave us a season that ushered in utmost humility is an understatement. My husband will be a coach in some capacity until someone tells him not to show up anymore, just because he loves it so much. But neither of us will feel the same way about winning ever again.

Back in April, during the height of COVID quarantine, God laid three words on my spirit one day during my quiet time with him- wait, wilderness, things above. I wrote the words down and moved right along with life, forgetting about the words altogether. We waited, for what seemed like forever, to see if there would be a football season, and then the green light to play came from our state. We were so thankful. There was much anticipation prior to the season of how my husband’s team would perform. Most news outlets speculated the team would most certainly make the playoffs, while possibly making a run at a region championship.

No such things even came close to happening. If something could go wrong for our team, it did. The days and weeks were dark in our home. My husband began to question his calling and his purpose so much so that I questioned him and myself to. More than that, I began to question God. So we wrestled, God and I. I asked hard questions, some of which I never imagined I would voice to the ear of the Father. I got angry and I yelled. I pounded my fists and I cried. I could not see how we would get through, and I could not see a hope or a future.

On one particular dark day, a friend reached out to me unexpectedly. She told me she was reading her Bible that morning and heard the Lord clearly to read the Scriptures to me that she had read. It was about Moses and the Israelites, more specifically their time in the wilderness. I’ll never forget her words, “I don’t know why I feel led to tell you this one word, but wilderness kept coming up. Morgan, God did not tell the Israelites to worship after they were out of the wilderness, but He told them to go into the wilderness and worship. I think that’s what God is needing to tell you”.

Suddenly the three words from month before came flooding back and I could not get home to my journal fast enough. I searched frantically for the words the Lord gave me- wait, wilderness, things above. We had waited for this season, and now we found ourselves in the thick of the wilderness. But I still did not understand things above. I mean, I felt that we had “set our minds on things above”. Sure, now we definitely needed to look up, but it did not feel that simple.

I wrestled with the concept of things above for a couple weeks until one day I finally understood. It was one of the first days I decided to sit with God in stillness and one of the first times I had come to Him not angry. As I prayed, I heard Him say, “Morgan, you can think you set your mind on me all you want, many people do. But until my glory, my purposes, and me alone are enough for you, nothing ever will be. Being in my will sometimes looks like being uncomfortable and not successful in the worlds standards. But, if you are faithfully obedient to where I call you, you have found all the success that matters.”

The world’s measure of success is not God’s definition of success. That means we can walk in our calling and never win a game. We can walk in our calling and never climb the ladder. We can walk in our calling and never be rewarded. But, if we have been obedient to the call of Christ, if we trust Him with everything (even losing seasons), we have succeeded.

Over the last several weeks, my husband and I have taken inventory of our motives, our dreams, and our purposes. We’ve learned it’s a daily surrender to “things above” and not a one-time understanding. Living for things above requires a daily action step of faith, obedience, and surrender. Telling God that our hands are open to His anything is the most terrifying and most freeing thing all at once.

Success for us now is accepting that winning in our purpose as a football family might never have anything to do with winning on a field. Success might only ever mean that we were faithfully where our feet were and that we followed God’s call, no matter the sacrifice, for the glory of His name alone and not our own.

- Morgan Easley

Life doesn’t always make sense. We won’t understand many things this side of heaven, so we have to ask: Is it ok to question God? Is it ok to doubt, and to wrestle with Him over circumstances and situations that we don’t understand? Let’s look to God’s word…

Through Psalms, we can learn from the example of David- questioning God in his prayers, and confessing doubts, anger and confusion. We also see how God welcomes David’s raw honesty, and we know that David was a “man after God’s own heart.” So yes, it is ok to share all of ourselves with the Lord, with honor and respect. God knows us better than we know ourselves, yet He loves a transparent heart.

In Genesis 32, we read about Jacob’s wrestling match with God, and not only does God engage with him throughout the night, several blessings resulted from this encounter. In fact, Jacob specifically says, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” (V.26) -and God does.

So let’s take a look at these blessings. These are the “wins.” These are the things the Lord wants to give us in and through our struggles.

“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts... But I trust in your unfailing love.” -Psalm 13:2a, 5a

Intimacy

"For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered." -Genesis 32:30

We can easily settle for surface relationships- with God and others. The challenge is that taking initiative and working through difficulties is not easy, although the blessings of deep connection far outweigh the effort required.

"These things I remember as I pour out my soul..." (Read Psalm 42)

Injury

"...He touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him." -Genesis 32:25

No one intentionally seeks brokenness, and yet it truly is a gift. One of the biggest barriers to intimacy with God is ourselves! Our pride. Our desire to do things on own for our own purposes. Yet when we are broken by the depth of our sin, salvation becomes more precious, and we begin to live an abundant life of dependency on the Lord.

"Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice...”(Read Psalm 51)

Identity

"Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel..." Genesis 32:28

As we wrestle with God, we not only come to know Him in a deeper way, we begin to understand ourselves as well. Our desires and sinful habits. Our ways of processing the world, and the calling He has specifically placed on our lives. The closer we get to Him, the more clarity we have. In Jacob's case, God gave him a new name. A vision for the legacy he would have. He would be the Father of the 12 tribes of Israel, and through that wrestling match, Jacob had been strengthened and he had experienced the power of God that would bring those promises to pass.

"May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!" (Read Psalm 20)

Are you willing to wrestle? Take some time to identity what you are struggling with. Circumstances of our world? Difficult relationships at home and beyond? Spiritual questions and doubts? We are going for the win, and God invites you to engage with Him in raw honesty and total transparency. Pray as Jacob did, and ask the Lord to bless you.

-Candace Lane

One thing is for sure, most of us typically know what our year consists of. Some of the specifics are predictable. New Years resolutions, a start back to school, resuming athletic practices/workouts. While some of us look forward to the fresh, routine of things, many jump back into the crazy schedule kicking and screaming. But what happens when everything we’ve known, suddenly becomes the unfamiliar? I can tell you what my flesh wants to do...it wants to ugly cry. It wants to shake fists and throw things. Breakable things.

I’m a planner. A lover of all things consistent and unchanging. I currently have two agendas, of course color-coded. AND a wall calendar. Also color-coded. And these uncharted waters have me feeling like someone took a hand grenade, pulled that clip with their teeth and tossed it into everything I’ve ever known to be true. I see all our responsibilities scheduled, but have no idea if they’ll come to fruition. Virtual or traditional school, the kick-off to our much anticipated season, and that hair appointment I’ve been anxiously waiting for.

So while my flesh is throwing a tantrum, my spirit seems to be persistently trying to remind me of His promises. Because in the midst of all the chaos, there lies a simple truth.

God is our foundation. He is our constant. He never-ever-never changes. And when all things familiar force a mental and physical adjustment, we can rest in knowing that He is forever at work. When the world pushes its agenda at the framing, our infrastructure won’t be compromised. When school looks different, and the athletic season is postponed, we can remember that He still governs the things we give Him control of. His blessings on our lives are always the working parts of His perfect plan. But HE IS STILL THE FOUNDATION.

This season of uncertainty doesn’t have to hinder our ability to be present. In the life of our family, our church, our students and players. It may look different, but I am confident that He can still do a mighty work on the off-beaten path. So today I hope to set aside the frustrations of not knowing what is to come, and simply profit from the things we can control. And I’m also going to trade my pen in for a much easier erase-able pencil. Just in case.

- Hillary Ginn

This past season we did “The Power to Change” video study series in our coaches’ wives small groups. In this study, Matt Chandler presented a concept that stood out to me- that the whole Bible can be condensed into 3 words: “God with Us.”

As we arrive at the end of 2020 and the start of a new year, it is so powerful to realize that God has been, still is and will always be present.

Whatever we have walked through this year, and whatever the future holds, we need Him with us. We need Him to guide us. We need Him to comfort us. But it’s not just about this year, or the seasons to come, it’s about the whole story. His Story.

We are not the writer nor the editor, but we do know the heart of the Author. Although, this year may have felt like a final chapter, it’s His timeline, and we sometimes get lost in the words on a page. However, we need to remember how the story ends.

“...Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21: 3-4)


Our moment on earth is not the final page of the book, and my desire is that we will see the bigger picture- the story from beginning to end, and welcome Him into our lives in a deeper way.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite lyrics from a song by Chris Rice- “Welcome to Our World.” Jesus coming to us is the reason we celebrate Christmas, and even more importantly- it’s the heart of the gospel.

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Hope that You don't mind our manger
How I wish we could have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sins and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world


“...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20

-Candace Lane

Somewhere along the sands of time we were made to believe that trying to have a baby is something you keep on the down-low. It’s like, if you are trying to conceive, you tell no one! Maybe it’s because we want to keep the element of surprise for family and friends? Maybe it’s because we were raised to not talk about the deed that makes the baby? But the truth is, sometimes it is just. not. that. dang. easy!

1 out of every 8 couples in the US struggle with infertility. Fighting this battle is hard. At any time. Year round. And life stops for no one. Especially during football season. But for the coach’s wife, when season approaches and you are still in the thick of the battle, sometimes it can make the heartache feel twice as painful.

It makes me cringe when I see the conversation threads about having a baby during football season. People are saying things like, “It wasn’t planned,” “This was an oops,” “We planned all our babies around his sports schedules,” and “I wasn’t allowed to have a baby during football season!” Well honey, I would give anything to have a baby in ANY season! There would be no oops or accident about it.

Not only do you not want to unload your feelings on a husband who is stressed to the max himself, but he’s also not able to talk about it much anyway. When he gets home at 10PM every night, there’s only enough time left to take a shower, scarf down dinner, repack his practice bag, and go to bed so he can have a few hours of rest before he does it all over again tomorrow. He is tired. You are tired. And everyone just needs a big hug (and maybe a vacation).

They’re not home when you take that test just to see another negative. They’re not home to hug you when the grief suddenly hits again like a ton of bricks. They’re not home when you’re googling signs, symptoms, problems, treatments. And if he’s not home to talk, well then it obviously makes it a little hard to conceive also. Your small window of time each month becomes even smaller when coach hubby has a very small window of time he’s even available. It’s just a never-ending cycle.

So what do we do? How do we cope? What helps us hang on through the hardest season? For me- it’s Jesus. Only Jesus.

“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her, and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” -Luke 7:13

When I long to lay all my extra emotions on my husband, I reach my arms out to my Heavenly Father, who sees me in my heartache. He is always there, always listening, and always good. I spend time in the Word. I spend time in prayer. I spend time worshiping. And yes, many of those things are accompanied by tears, but He wipes them all away- one by one as they fall down. He hears every cry of my heart. He sees every word I pray. And He finds the greatest joy in the time that I spend being STILL with Him. So in the midst of my suffering, I will continue to call out to Him.

“...he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’“ -Matthew 26:39

“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” -Matthew 26:42

If you remember, Jesus suffered BIG. I mean, you’ve heard about the cross, right?! In fact, He knew His suffering was coming, and even though He knew He would have to endure it all, He still asked God to take it away! We are allowed to ask for this cup of suffering to pass. We are allowed to scream from the rooftops, “God, I want a baby!!” But we also have to be willing to reflect the character of Jesus in surrendering to our Father’s plan.

“This story will go how God says it will go. And that can scare you, or that can be the most comforting thing you’ve ever heard.” -Jennie Allen

This season, the hardest parts of life, are what bring us closer than ever to God- our good, sovereign, faithful Heavenly Father. And for that, I will always be thankful. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds my tomorrow. It is well with my soul.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

-Shannon Purvis

If you’ve ever seen the series “Friday Night Lights”, you recognize this mantra. Before every football game, Coach Taylor’s locker room speech finishes with these three phrases: Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can’t lose. These principles are actually found in 2 Corinthians 4. Verses 7-10 describe our current circumstances, and throughout the chapter, we learn how to walk through it. Our husbands are gearing up each day to face daily challenges and unknown risks, so you can use these 3 phrases to start brainstorming how God would have you to cheer on your coach. God is the ultimate motivator, but He wants to use us in our husband’s life. If you are a coach as well, please know that we are praying these things over you as you serve God on your mission field of sports.

Clear Eyes.
“We look not to the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen or transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:18
-Remind him about how God has already used him in the life of a former player.
-Ask the Lord for patience, because we probably will never be able to fully understand what our husbands are going through.

Full Hearts.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.“ -2 Corinthians 4:16
-Ask the Lord to fill our own hearts, so that we can pour into our husbands’ lives.
-Ask your husband how you can pray for him.
-Ask for the roster so you can pray for the players too.

Can’t Lose.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us and eternal wait of glory beyond all comparison.“ -2 Corinthians 4:17
-Encourage your husband to persevere and run the race. He can still impact players’ lives without a season.
-Ask him what the “win” would be for him over the next several months, and let him know that you will be praying.


-Candace Lane

I have been reading through the book of Matthew lately, and I can’t help but take notice of the tremendous faith and total obedience seen in the disciples of Jesus. When Jesus called them, they did not hesitate...

 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said... AT ONCE, they left their nets and followed him. -Matthew 4:19-20

Jesus called them, and IMMEDIATELY they left the boat and their father and followed him. -Matthew 4:21-22

They were in the middle of their normal lives. Spending time with their families, doing the jobs that provided for their well-being, living in a comfortable spot. But they had such faith in the name of Jesus Christ that they gave up everything in front of them to follow Him.

So often we see players not doing what the coach tells them. Whether they accidentally messed up the play, forgot what to do, or they just thought that they knew better than the coach, they didn’t follow the instructions given. I have definitely been guilty of letting this be me in my walk with Jesus. It’s easy to think I know better or just assume I know what the Lord wants me to do without ever asking for His guidance. We live in a broken world where people are scared of stepping on other people’s toes, looking like a crazy person, or being politically correct.

Later on, in Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to go into the city and retrieve two donkeys for Him. Now we know that Jesus had a plan, and He knew everything that was going to happen beforehand. BUT, to any normal onlooker, it would seem as if He was telling them to just pop into this city and steal someone else’s farm animals. Call me crazy, but that command would make me real nervous! AND STILL it says that “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” (21:6) In sports terms- He gave them the next play, and even though they did not necessarily agree with the call, they obeyed. They simply WENT and DID as they were told! Even when it was nuts! How many times have I just chosen to “not” because I thought it was crazy?!

Y’all, Jesus calls His disciples (which includes us) to a CRAZY faith. They left EVERYTHING and followed Him. They followed Him into situations that probably didn’t “make sense” at the time- like stealing donkeys and walking on water. But they walked with Jesus. They saw, they believed, and they trusted. I want to be THAT faithful, THAT trusting, and THAT obedient. I too want to drop everything in my hands to follow Him wherever He calls. And I hope their example here encourages you to do the same this week.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20

-Shannon Purvis