Level Up

Guest Post written by Jason Pomeroy - Assistant Coach of CHSM Boys 14U.

While this post was written for CHSM athletes, it would be terrible to not share this great insight with everyone. I hope you enjoy this incredible challenge to "Level Up".

CJ Pomeroy

Level Up

If someone asked you what it means to “level up”, what would you say? Some, if not most, would probably talk in video game terms and say that to level up means that you have earned enough points or credits to take on new missions or possess new and better attributes. It means that you have “paid your dues” - you have fought well - and now you are ready to take on tougher challenges. Think about that for a minute.

Now let’s switch gears for a second. All year the leadership at CHSM has been talking about how we should “strive for excellence”. To strive, quite literally means, to fight…and not just fight, but to fight hard. The Greek word for strive is “agonizomai” – “to engage in intense warfare or battle”. Wow…look at that word again, “agonizomai”. It sounds a lot like “agonize”, doesn’t it? And look at its meaning again, “to engage in intense warfare or battle”. So what if we change the phrase up from “strive for excellence” to “agonize for excellence”? Or how about we say it this way, “To engage in intense battle for excellence”? YIKES! That is far more meaningful, don’t you think?

Let’s go back to video games now and start putting these thoughts together. There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours upon hours in order to “level up”, only to find out that you’ve been fighting the wrong battles all along. Have you been there this year? Maybe it’s worse than that, maybe you KNEW what battles you should have been fighting, but were avoiding it because you were trying to find a short cut. Now, you are frustrated and have to make the decision - do you quit or do you engage in the right fight? Do you throw the game away and say, “It’s a stupid game anyways”? Or do you dust yourself off, gear up, and head straight into the battle that you were intended to fight all along?

Some of us think that we have “strove for excellence” very well this year, but consider this – if the fight wasn’t intense, was it really striving at all? Maybe you think that because you are one of the top players on your team that you “strove for excellence” this year because you worked hard at home all season long. Well, maybe your “battle for excellence” had nothing to do with your skill development at home but it did have to do with your team development at games and practice. Leadership and character - not basketball - was the battle that God intended for you to fight this year but did you fight it? For some of you it was basketball related. Maybe you were told to get tougher, practice your free throws, play lower, box out, etc. Did you fight that battle? Or were you comfortable in the skills you already had and didn’t think it was necessary to “agonize for excellence” in a way that your coaches said would help you to “level up”?

Now you might think that it’s silly to invoke God into video games or basketball games, but let me tell you this – life is a game, and it's a very serious game. You get to live it once - and only once. Don’t you think that God takes the game of life seriously? He does, and that is why he says in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” You should go back and read the rest of this sobering verse, but I can tell you that God takes life seriously. He shows it is serious when He gives you a challenge in order for you to grow spiritually. And He doesn't take a straw poll to see if we think it is necessary or not. He just gives it, without your input or recommendations, and He expects you to take it seriously. By the way, He won't give you a "new mission" or "new and better attributes" until you do.

We are less than 6 weeks from State, and 8 weeks from Nationals and I know that we have a lot of players who are disappointed with how their year has gone so far. Teams have under-performed - maybe some of your teammates have. Maybe you think the coaches keep making the wrong decisions (we are human, too, you know). You keep losing games that you should have won. Or maybe you are playing against teams that you have no chance against in the first place. But let’s put that behind us now, and instead let’s ask ourselves this – “Have I been missing, or avoiding the battle that God intended for me to fight this season, all along?”

We all have a choice to make now. For some of us, it’s mental, for some, it’s physical, but in the end it’s all a spiritual. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press (strive) towards the mark (goal) for the prize OF THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD in Christ Jesus”. God’s calling is always a call to battle, both spiritual and physical – and that is the choice that lies before us now. Will you continue avoiding the battle God has called you too this season? Or are you willing, for the next 6 to 8 weeks, to “agonize for excellence” in order for you to “level up”? It doesn't matter if you lose every game from here till the end of Nationals but it does matter if you fight the battles that God has called you to, starting today. If we do this, I think we will all be able to say at the end of the year that we had a winning season!

Jason Pomeroy​

Staying Healthy

One of the greatest blindsides to a team is sickness. It sneaks up and, before you know it, you are calling your coach to let them know you won’t be at the practice or game because you came down with something. Here are some ways you should combat looming sickness during the season.

                Sleep: This is one area where most high school kids fail. Most athletes require 8-9 hours of sleep, and the best sleep is regimented - going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. It’s not always easy to do, and it won’t work all the time. BUT, all athletes should attempt to get 8-9 hours of uninhibited/scheduled sleep.

Champions - Do not stay up late before practices/games.

                FYI - Practicing while battling a sickness that is keeping you from performing at a high level is not necessarily a sign of toughness. If anything, it can be more detrimental to your team (and long-term health) if you try to push through practice while sick. Just stay home and get better (then do all the things mentioned here).

                Water: The average person should be drinking roughly 64oz of water per day. Athletes should probably consume more since they sweat more. Water helps remove bacteria from the body, and provides athletes the ability to recover more quickly after physical exertion. It also helps with cramps, spasms, and joint issues.

                                

Champions - Stay away from unhealthy drinks - like soda.

                Wash their hands: The basketball gym, gym bags, and locker rooms are rampant with germs. I know, I might have just scared a few people, but as long as athletes wash hands on a regular basis, then they should be fine. One of the best ways to combat the flu is to wash hands on a regular basis. Players should be washing hands before games/practices, after games/practices, and any time they are handling basketballs, etc....

Champions - Understand the importance of cleanliness. 

                Use Vitamins: The bodies of athletes are constantly fighting. Whether it is germs or physical exertion - the body is constantly draining and refilling. Use of proper vitamins in a proper manner will help the body in the fight to stay healthy.

Champions - Understand the importance of living healthy.

It really is a miracle that our athletes don’t get sick on a more regular basis, and we should really thank The Lord for this. The season is half-way thru, and I want everyone to have a great finish. Let’s encourage our athletes to take care of themselves so that they can perform at a high level in the big games!

Striving for Excellence,

Coach CJ

Executive Director – C.H.S.M.

www.chsmhouston.com

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Face Your Giant. Meet Your Giant. Defeat Your Giant.

When trying to reach the next level, in anything, one will encounter tougher experiences on the way. In a video game, you must defeat multiple levels of difficulty in order to beat the game. Life works the same way, and everybody is on a different level of the “game”. In order to level up, one must defeat their current level with enough “life” to help them beat the next level.

This is no different in sports. There are various levels, and while players are on a single team, the level of difficulty varies from player to player. In order to win the game, each player must conquer the level they are on and still come out of each game with life. This is what makes coaching so hard. It’s not just making sure to understand X’s & O’s, but to know how to help your team get through the difficult levels of the game with life. For this to work, each member of the team must be willing to face their giant. In 1 Samuel 17 we find the story of David & Goliath – a story every athlete has heard. However, most athletes understand the story to mean that the underdog can defeat the favorite. This is true, but most do not understand why David could defeat Goliath. Let’s look at some very important points to understand.

 1 – David had to submit to authority.

              1 Samuel 17:17-20 we find that David was commanded by his father to deliver food to his brothers. David would have never had the opportunity to defeat his giant if he did not submit to his father’s authority.

2 – David had to be passionate about the God he served, and why he served Him.

                Verses 23-26 tell us how David heard Goliath boastfully defy his God, and it stoked the passionate fire inside David’s heart to not let the enemy speak so defiantly against his God.

3 – David had to recognize the problem, and come up with a solution.

                It was one thing for David to tell his brothers how someone should stand up and fight Goliath, but it was completely different to have to tell the king that, essentially, everyone in the army was a wimp – including the king! David recognized that fear had paralyzed the Israelite army, and that for 40 days Goliath was winning the battle of the mind. This battle of the mind was the pre-cursor to the physical battle. The Philistines were trying to scare the Israelites into submission, and if they would not submit, then they would paralyze them with fear, thus making the physical battle an easier victory for them. David not only saw that, but he had to come up with the solution for overcoming the problem. (17:26-32) Overcoming the problem would only happen because….

4 – …David was prepared to overcome the problem.

                Saul asked David why he thought he could defeat the giant. I’m sure he wasn’t ready for the answer! 1 Samuel 17:33-37 tells us how the Lord had prepared David. God brought multiple difficulties into David’s life before Goliath. David, on his own as a shepherd, faced those difficulties and conquered them. Conquering those difficulties allowed David to “level up” in his faith towards God, and his courage.

5 – David took what he had, and he RAN towards his giant with confidence and God’s power.

                David declined the best armor in the army because he didn’t believe it was going to help him. Instead, he took his trusted slingshot and foot speed to battle. 1 Samuel 17:43-49 tells us how David went into battle knowing that God would not only give him strength to fight, but victory over the enemy. However, for David to be victorious, he had to RUN TOWARDS his giant (vs.48).

Parents, Players, and Coaches must do the same to face and defeat their giants. In order to defeat our giants, we must:

Submit to the authority of the coach/program,

Be passionate about the program,

Recognize problems and develop solutions,

Prepare ourselves mentally to overcome obstacles in our way,

Take what we have and RUN TOWARDS the giant – knowing that if we are in the Will of God, then nothing can stop us!

This week, let’s encourage our athletes to face their giants, develop a solution to overcome the giant, and then run with confidence to meet & defeat their giant. That’s how David slays Goliath!

Healthy Communication (it's more than words!)

The longer I watch and coach, the more I realize how important communication is. Communication is food. For a team to be healthy, then it must fed healthy food on a regular basis. This is done through healthy communication. However, communication is more than words, its also body language. Each player on the team is responsible for feeding each other healthy food – through words and body language

How many times have you seen a player make a mistake and then hang their head, or walk back on defense, or simply just get lazy? Unfortunately, these players don’t realize (or are too proud to admit) that they are feeding their teammates unhealthy food. I compare it to good milk and sour milk. If we continually feed our teammates good milk, then we will grow. If we continually feed our teammates sour milk then, eventually, players will get sick. The longer a team stays sick, the harder it will become to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

On a side note - when it pertains to body language, perception really does matter. You can be the nicest person in the world, and desire to never hurt anyone. That does not mean you are not feeding your teammates/athletes unhealthy food. You cannot add chocolate to sour milk and expect it to go down easy, or keep someone from getting sick. Perception is the palate with which people eat the food you have prepared for them. Is it clean or dirty? Perception is also how you’re coach views you. As the saying goes “Your actions speak so loud, I can’t hear the words you’re saying.” The thought of “what’s in your heart is all that matters” is true. However, it includes your actions. The Bible says “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In this case, your body language is non-verbal speaking to those around you. So take note, perception really does matter – regardless of what you think is in your heart.

However, it’s not teammates alone that feed each other, but its parents and coaches. Every time we react to something with a sour attitude, then we are feeding the players sour milk. Many times we don’t think that our words and actions have a great effect on the players, but it does.

Here’s my question to coaches, parents & athletes: What are you feeding your teammates/team? Is it healthy food, or is it something that will make your team sick?

Here’s my challenge: Consider, not only your words, but your body language. If you have been feeding sour milk, then change it. If you see someone feeding sour milk, then encourage them to make it good milk. When we start drinking good milk, then we will start growing. When we start growing, then we get closer to achieving the goals we have set out for ourselves!

Striving For Excellence

Coach CJ

1 Peter 2:1-2

Executive Director – C.H.S.M.
www.chsmhouston.com

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Objection - Rejection - Dejection

I can clearly remember the first year I started playing organized basketball.  I was ecstatic that I could play “for real” what I did so much in my back yard.  I wasn't familiar with the program, or the process, I just showed up ready to play.  I worked my tail off during those try-outs and listened intently to the coaches.  However, my name was never called when the teams were announced.  There were 5 teams that year, and I didn't make 1 of them.  The feeling of rejection was enormous – I wasn't good enough to play on 1 of the 5 teams who would play games that year.  To make it worse, I got to play on the intramural team – basically a year-long development camp.  We practiced the same time as everyone else, but we had to practice outside on unmarked cement, rusted out backboards, and no rims.  The feeling of rejection was one that lasted the entire season. 

My entire basketball career was filled with objections and rejections.  During my junior season my coach informed me that I was “on the bubble” and that I would probably end up on our varsity B team.  My younger brother made the A team and I was allowed to suit up & warm up with the team, but I would rarely see the floor.  It wasn't a rejection because I still got to participate, but it was a very strong objection because I could not participate to the same extent as everyone else on the team.  Needless to say, I wasn't a very happy player.  Although I never said anything, I made sure that my attitude said everything.  To be honest, my coach was gracious enough to let me stay on the team because my attitude alone warranted me being kicked off.  The feeling of dejection from being objected to lasted the entire season.

These are just a couple of examples from my own playing career.  Chances are that you have experienced them as well.  I’m grateful though that I had a dad who would never let me quit, and a coach who made it a point to continually try to help me.  It’s because of these experiences, and the lessons God taught me, that I was able to overcome many different work issues, death, and life changes throughout my very short career and marriage.

As a person or a player, objection, rejection, and dejection are 3 things that you will experience in life.  As a player you have more than likely experienced the feeling of getting cut or losing a starting spot.  As an adult, you have no doubt experienced a lay-off, cut in pay, divorce, or loss of a loved one.  It’s in these moments of objections and rejections that dejection begins to take root in our hearts.  These moments are like high winds and rolling waves on an open sea – you don’t think you are going to make it, and begin to sink into hopelessness.

The Apostle Peter was this way.  In Matthew 14 we find the story of Jesus walking on the water.   As Jesus is walking near the disciple’s boat they start to cry out in fear not knowing that it was their Master.  Finally, Jesus speaks in an effort to calm them.  Peter has doubts though.  He asks Jesus if he can come join Him by walking on the water from the boat.  The winds were raging and the waves were rolling, but Peter gets out of boat anyways.  As Peter begins to walk towards the Lord on the water he takes his eyes off Jesus and starts to look at his circumstances.  As the fear of the wind and waves mount up against Peter, he begins to sink. 

This is the typical life experience of every human being.  The wind and waves of objection and rejection, and the subsequent feeling of dejection cause us to lose hope – we take our eyes off the Lord.  We begin to sink in the storm of our circumstances.  We forget that the power of Jesus is so great that even the wind and sea obey him (Matt. 8:27).  We forget that during these circumstances Jesus tells us to “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matt. 14:27).

We can’t get away from the storms of objection, rejection, and dejection in our lives. However, let me encourage you with this – instead of being fearful of the wind and waves of our circumstances – keep your eyes on Jesus. In John 16:33, Jesus says "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Don't let the storms of life overcome you. Instead, overcome the storms. Have faith. Walk on the water.

Coach CJ

Executive Director – C.H.S.M.

www.chsmhouston.com

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Finish the Race

Almost 10,000 people will descend on Springfield, MO this week for what marks the end of the Homeschool Basketball Season - the 2013 NCHBC National Tournament. This tournament is the crown jewel of homeschool athletics and what every homeschool program wants to be in. For teams and players, this is also the finish line. This tournament marks the end of 6 long months of grueling competition & hard practices. The final exam - the measure of how far they've come during the season. As we approach this tournament It's easy for us to get the feeling of "burn-out" after a long season. Yet, this is when your character is tested - this is when you need to focus harder and finish the race strong.

Too many times in life do people get close to the end, and then quit. Most times they don't realize that if they had just kept going, for a little while longer, they would have been able to cross the finish line. Instead, we live in a culture where we want immediate gratification, a fast-food mentality so to speak. We want the race to be over as soon as we start, growth to occur without pain, and awards without hard work. What we don't realize is that God does not typically work that way - He is more of a "crock-pot" cooker - slow, steady, and true. Seldom early, but NEVER late - always on time. What we don't realize is that when we quit the race before it's over, we also stop God from producing in us the character He wishes us to have, and from achieving His greatness in us.

As we approach this week, I want to take a moment and encourage all of you - Finish Your Race.

To Mom's & Dad's: Yes, you have spent a lot of money, given up a lot of vacation time, stayed up late, shuttled kids, and had your kids shuttled. You have sacrificed SOOOO much for your child's basketball enjoyment. Stay strong for one more week. Encourage your athletes to narrow their focus on the finish line while you stay focused on the finish line as well. Don't let the frustration of all the money spent and time taken off of work detract from you enjoying your child crossing that finish line. This is the time your child needs you the most. Don't let this moment pass you by. Finish Your Race.

To Players: Your coaches have pushed you hard all year long. You have worked hard all year long too. You've suffered through embarrassing defeats, been yelled at, gone through injuries, been benched, played too much, and played too little. It has all been for this week. Your season was your preparation for this "Final Exam". This is your opportunity to show how much you have grown in your game, and grown in The Lord. This is your opportunity to be a shining light to others in your program of what excellence is, and what it takes to be great. It has been a long year, and everyone is ready for a little break - BUT, don't lose focus. Don't quit now. Your finish line is almost here. Finish Your Race.

To Coaches: You have invested so much time into your players, parents, and program during the course of this year. Sometimes at the expense of your own family, work, & checking account. Each player & parent has needed you to help them learn something. As a coach, it's easy to start thinking about your first week of no basketball in 6 months or your next season. BUT, your season isn't over yet. This is when your parents and players need you the most. Focus on them now more than you ever have. Encourage them more than you ever have. Work harder now than you have all season. The race is almost over. Finish Your Race.

To Seniors: I've saved this last paragraph especially for you. There are so many things that are going through your mind right now: am I going to college, did I get the scholarship I wanted, do I have all my graduation stuff taken care of, what do I want to major in, etc...You are also thinking about finishing out your basketball careers. Playing with your friends for the last time, and for some of you, trying to capture that elusive National Championship (I know that was the case for me!) So many things are vying for your attention, but if you really want to enjoy this week, then you need to narrow your focus and give your all one more time. This is it! The last week of your high school basketball career - make sure you step off the floor on Saturday with no regrets. Finish Your Race.

What an awesome week you are about to have! May we finish this week as Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:".

Finish The Race.

In Christ
Coach CJ
Executive Director
Christian Homeschool Sports Ministries

www.chsmhouston.com
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Enjoying the 2013 NCHBC!

It’s finally here – the National Homeschool Basketball Championships of 2013!  There are 35 states that have homeschool sports – the NCHC will have 25 of those states represented at this years tournament in Springfield, MO!  For 21 years the NCHC has given homeschool athletes a chance to compete against each other in one city, for 1 week, to claim the crown of “Undisputed Homeschool Champion”!  

This tournament has also provided athletes with a chance to prove their talent on the biggest stage in front college coaches and scouts – a chance they rarely get during their season.  The list of athletes who have played in front of college coaches and scouts is quite long, and with the advancement of social media and addition media coverage during the NCHBC 2013, the list will only get longer.

As a 10 year veteran of the NCHC, I have come up with a few “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to help athletes, parents, and coaches enjoy their week and continue to help make this the biggest homeschool sporting event in the country!  This is by no means a requirement - just some helpful advice :-)

o   PLAYERS

§  Do

·         Drink LOT’S of Water/fluids

·         Eat Healthy

·         Support other teams in your programs

·         Meet players from other programs in other states

·         Hang out with your teammates and family as much as possible

·         Watch the great teams play

·         Be crazy awesome when watching teams in your programs play

·         Reflect Christ in all you say & do

§  Don't

·         Stay up late/get up late

·         Be a recluse (get out with your teammates/family)

·         Eat junk food

·         Play dumb practical jokes or pranks

·         Try to dunk if you really can’t dunk

·         Get mad at referees, other players, teams, or fans

·         Anything that could disqualify you from participating

·         Say things on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or other Social Media sites that scouts can use to cross you off their list

o   PARENTS

§  Do

·         Encourage your athletes to watch/support other teams in your program as much as possible

·         Check the brackets ALL THE TIME

·         Know where the gyms are and get there as early as possible for games your athletes play in

·         Be crazy awesome when watching teams in your programs play

·         Hang out with other families in your program as much as possible

·         Use creative chants to support your team

·         Reflect Christ in all you say & do

§  Don't

·         Let your athletes stay up late/get up late

·         Be late to games

·         Assume anything

·         Badger referees, other players, other teams, other coaches, or other fans

·         Use chants that are discouraging or degrade other teams

o   COACHES

§  Do

·         Check your bracket often

·         Know what games you need to be at and what time you need to be there

·         Carry extra uniforms with you

·         Have all of your parent/players phone numbers

·         Go through your entire NCHC coaches packet

·         Communicate the essentials to your parents/players early and often

·         Meet the NCHC Staff

·         Reflect Christ in all you say & do

§  Don't

·         Assume Anything

·         Expect Tournament Staff to answer your question as soon as you ask it

·         Allow your players/fans to taunt other teams – especially if you are winning big

·         Forget your scorebook

·         Allow frustration to take away from your players experience

All of these items are crucial to making sure your week is the best that it can possibly be, both for your team and your programs.  Greater excitement leads to greater atmospheres, which lead to great games, which lead people to your programs, and scouts to your players!

Do these things and you will have the best sporting event of your life!

See you in Springfield!

Coach CJ

Executive Director – C.H.S.M.

www.chsmhouston.com

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The Uncertain Sound

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:8, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?"  What a great question - and one that deserves our study of God's word.

The verse indicates the importance of understanding what a trumpet call sounds like and what it means when we hear it - just like our military did for so many years.  Did you know that a game does not stop because a horn goes off in the middle of play?  That's an uncertain sound.  Only a whistle stops the game - that's a rule.  Satan is always looking to distract us with uncertain sounds and the only way we can know that a sound is uncertain is to know what the correct sound actually sounds like!

Coach’s – Here is something that you can do with your team.  When you have them run a set of sprints, tell them they are to go only upon the right sound.  For instance, try a command like "whistle-whistle-go".  You then can check their responses by doing a couple of things.  Blow the whistle 3 times in a row.  Did they go?  They shouldn't have gone because that was not the right sound.  Blow the whistle once and then say go-go.  Did they move?  I hope not because that wasn't the command.  The command was a whistle-whistle-go!  You get the idea.

It’s important for our young men and young ladies to learn to listen for the right things.  They should play ball until a whistle sounds - not the horn.  They should only move when you tell them to move.  They should do as mom and dad tell them to do.  And they should do exactly what God has commanded them to do - no more and no less - knowing precisely what His voice sounds like!

Coach P

CHSM Basketball

Charlie Pomeroy is an assistant basketball coach and CHSM leadership team member.  He has over 20 years of coaching experience and is an active member at his church in Spring, TX.

www.chsmhouston.com

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What is on your Boarding Pass?

On my last business trip I flew on a different airline to my destination.  My co-worker and I purchased standard tickets, but upon arrival to the airport we were upgraded to first class – without paying for it!  I have only flown first-class 1 or 2 times and am somewhat unfamiliar with all the added benefits that come with first-class flying.  I was also unaware with the terminology this particular airline used to identify people with priority boarding.  I assumed that my ticket was standard and stood in the standard security line where I waited for 20 minutes to go through security.  I ended up going to the wrong security point and went through the wrong security line.  I completely bypassed the priority boarding line where no one was standing all because I wouldn’t pay attention!

This is how most people view salvation.  They believe that they haven’t done enough good, or that they have done too much bad to deserve Heaven.  However, that is simply not the case.  2 Peter 3:9 tells us “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  In John 3:16 we are told “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  Some people assume that Heaven is there destination, but they haven’t checked their boarding pass to ensure they are headed in the right direction.  And some people assume that they it simply cannot be that easy.  They end up going to the wrong side of the terminal and stand in the wrong line. 

Friend, life guarantees us one thing only – that we will all die.  However, our death does not need to be permanent.  God is offering “priority boarding passes” to those who have faith in His redemptive work on the cross and His saving grace.  He has a security line that few take, and guarantees you an eternal comfort in His presence.

What does your boarding pass say?

Coach CJ

Director – CHSM

www.chsmhouston.com

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Why?

During the first few weeks of 2013, a very close friend of mine lost his 3 month old daughter.  It is normal for us to hear of someone passing away each and every day, almost to the point that we become desensitized to the news.  However, it is never the same when it is someone you are close to.  My friend & I go back many years and both of us have young children.  My heart has ached for him all week.  There are no words for me to tell my friend, save for “I’m sorry.  I love you, and I am praying for you.”  I can’t imagine his pain, and in times like this I begin to wonder “Why Lord?”  This is a question that I do not know the answer too, but a question that we all ask at some point in our life.  And, it is in times like this that I turn to the Bible for comfort and guidance.

One of my life verses, and one that I retreat to often in times of uncertainty and confusion, is Jeremiah 29:11 – “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV) I then turn to Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (KJV) Finally, Paul reminds us in his first letter to the Corinthians chapter 2 and verse 9 – “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (KJV)

Although I don’t know the “Why”, I know that God has a plan through all of this, that He loves me, and that He only has my best, for His glory, in mind. I just have to take Him at His word and walk by faith. 

The same is true for players, coaches, and parents.  Sometimes, even though we might be working hard, we don’t get what we think should get, or lose what we don’t think we should lose.  It could be a player believing he deserves an award, a parent believing their child should play more, or maybe a coach not getting the authority he believes he should have.  It is in these times that most people begin to ask the question “Why” rather than simply trusting God to take care of the details.  God knows human-nature, and He knows that we are going to ask these questions, which is why I believe He gave us these wonderful verses.  The Bible is our reminder that God knows what is going on and He does have a plan.  God simply wants us to take Him at His word, and trust Him implicitly.

In life, we will only go backwards if we let the “Why” dominate our thoughts and actions.  However, if we take God at His word, trust in His love, and walk by faith, then we will find that the mountain-top view is more than we could ever imagine.

Have faith, move forward, and experience the love and goodness that God wants to bring into your life.

Coach CJ

Director – CHSM

www.chsmhouston.com

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DO YOUR JOB!

I can’t remember where I heard it, but when I did, I knew I wasn't going to let it go.  It was the phrase – Do Your Job.  It has become a staple in my basketball lingo and in reality it’s a truth that touches all aspects of life – Do Your Job.  This is probably because we live in a society that says “If someone else isn't doing the job, then you do it”.  However, in most cases, we fail to realize that when we do someone else’s job, then our job doesn't get done (or done as well as it should be).  So now we have someone doing a job they aren't as good at, while the job they are good at doesn't get done as well as it should.  You have essentially robbed Peter to pay Paul – but you are no further along than where you started – and more than likely took a step back!

Players are a perfect example of this.  It is inevitable that a player tries to do the job of his teammates, either because it’s not getting done, or the player thinks he can do it better than his teammates.  All the while that player is telling the coach “I had to do it”.  If you are a player then hear this – STOP!  It’s not your job to do your teammates job.  Most sports are team sports and each member of the team has to do their job in order for the team to be successful.  Yes, I know, most times, when a player doesn't do his job it leads to points for the other team.  But, players need to remember that not doing their job in order to do a teammates job is only making the team worse – not better.  This hurts the team in 2 ways – First, the team gave up points (can’t win if the other team scores more than you); and Second, but more importantly, a player took away a teaching opportunity for the coach to help a player get better when they are failing at their job.  If a coach can’t teach a player when he makes a mistake, then that player may not get better at doing his job, and if players aren't getting better at their jobs, then you are probably going to start losing more as the year goes on.

Now, let me be clear, this doesn't apply to the help principles that coaches teach in specific offensive/defensive sets.  However, if your coach tells you to play offense on a wing, then don’t go to the post because that spot isn't filled.  And, if your coach tells you to lock down a specific player on defense, then don’t go guard someone else.  If coach tells you to be the leader, then don’t give that responsibility to someone else.  Step up, take that leadership role.  Help your teammates understand how to get better at their job by watching you do well at your job.  When each player does their job, then the team begins to build forward momentum.  With forward momentum comes greater learning and skill building, which typically results in wins.

It’s important in life to remember this principle as well.  You can’t be all things to all people.  No matter how hard you try, you will not be the answer to all problems.  Focus on what you do best, continue to get better at it, teach others how to do as good a job as you (if not better!), and you will find yourself on the road to success!

Coach CJ

Director – CHSM

www.chsmhouston.com

Follow CHSM on Twitter (@chsmhouston)

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Proper Preparation for the Game

One of the greatest detriments to talented teams is proper game preparation.  Too many times players show up to games unprepared and go through warm-ups like it’s another day at the park.  Improper focus leads to talented teams being down early in games and if it’s not corrected in-game, then it leads to a BIG win for underdogs.  So how does a player prepare for a game and when should the preparation start?

Unlike what a lot of players think, game preparation does not start the day of the game.  Game preparation starts at practice and the night before the game. 

(1)      Practice – It’s important for players to have a good practice before their game as it helps them go into their game with confidence.  Players need to understand that a good hard practice will go a long way towards helping them play at another level come game time.  They must also remember that you cannot play better consistently than how you consistently practice.

(2)      The night before – Game preparation also starts with the night before the game.  Players should strive to get into bed early and get 7-8 hours of good sleep.  Too many times players stay up late the night before the game.  Not only does this take away from the rest you need, but it also leaves you open to getting into more trouble.  Just ask the college players who get sent home from bowl games or tournaments for violating curfew.  As my dad always says, “If you don’t want to fall into the Grand Canyon, then don’t get close to the edge!”  Players, get to bed early.  You’ll be healthier, you won’t get into trouble, and you’ll be prepared.

(3)      The day of – In order to be properly prepared for your game, you need to have a good day of the game.  Your body, whether you think it or now, screams for a routine.  So create one.

·         Eat well.  It's important that you try to eat good protein and stay hydrated.  Stay away from foods that can sap you of your energy or are unhealthy.  Your body needs optimum foods at optimum times in order to perform at an optimal level during the game.
·         Schedule your day of the game and stick to it.  Your mind loves it when you have a schedule and stick to it.  It gives you a sense of accomplishment and releases stress and pressure. 

·         Set an alarm for the morning of your game and get up when it goes off.  Eat a healthy breakfast. 

·         Get your school done on time. 

·         Do a light, but focused shoot –around (either individually or as a team). 

·         Pack your game bag in the morning and check it at lunch time (don’t be one of those players who shows up with 1 shoe, or forgot your jersey). 

·         Take time thru the day to think about your role on the team and how you can best do your job

·         Leave for the game on-time and get to the game early. 

·         Dress up for the game.  My first high school coach once said “You play like you dress”.  If you show up like a slob, you’ll play like a slob.  Show up decent, and you’ll play decent.

·         Take time to visualize game situations and how you will react to those situations

·         Review new plays your coach has taught you recently – again, know your job

·         Stretch in the morning, at lunch, and before the game.

·         Warm-up before the game with a purpose.  Don’t walk onto the floor and start jacking up shots.  Have a purpose when you warm-up and take your warm-up seriously.

It should also be noted that music does not help you play better.  I know, I probably just alienated half the players reading this.  But listen, no matter what you think, or how it makes you feel, music will not make you a better player.  It’s like a drug, it may help you get “high”, but at the end of the day it only impairs you and you will crash during the game when you have no music.  Don’t rely on music to prepare you for a game.  Do the right things every day in order to prepare for your game and you will be amazed at how fresh and ready you will feel at game time. 

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail” – unknown

Coach CJ

Christian Homeschool Sports Ministries (CHSM)

Follow Coach CJ on Twitter (@CJPomeroy1)

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