Pay the Price

All those whom we call "great" had to start at the bottom. They had to pay the price required to achieve their goals and dreams. Simply put - you can't skip the required steps and still achieve greatness.

The Great's didn't Start that Way

Even in the Christian walk, the same price is required to live a joyous Christian life and receive all that God has planned for you. You must die to self, abide in Him, and not let anything take the rightful place of God being first in your life.

So next time you think about quitting, just remember, even the great athletes, businessman, and Christians had to start at the bottom and pay the price.

Don't quit. With God's help, the right attitude, and continuous excellent effort - you will overcome!


Striving for Excellence

CJ Pomeroy
President - CHSM

www.chsmhouston.com
www.linkedin.com/in/cjpomeroy

Do you have courage?

2017 is upon us. New goals are being set as we go into the new year. Most of us know that the hard part is in obtaining the goal, and that is where courage comes in. We have to have courage to step outside of our comfort zone if we desire to achieve the goals placed in front of us this year, and grow to new heights.

Do you have the courage to do what it takes to reach your goals this year?

Finding the Courage to Grow

Attitude

Our attitude is in constant need of adjustment. When it pertains to having a good attitude, there will never be a time when we will have "made it", or a time when we will never have to worry about our attitude again. Our attitude needs to be reviewed, renewed, and adjusted every single day – sometimes multiple times during the day!

This is the essence of what it means when you hear "You are the driver of your bus." (Rule 1 from The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon) Whether you go forward or backward is a choice you and you alone make.

The person who allows the actions of others to affect their attitude has not given up the driver's seat of their bus. Instead, they have chosen to drive their bus in a direction that others are going.

You cannot control whether the sun shines, the clouds produce rain, or the snow falls. You can only control the manner in which you drive your bus. To drive the bus safely you will check that the essentials are working properly.

The same applies for your attitude. To successfully arrive at your destination, check the essentials each and every day, and keep both hands on the wheel. Always move forward knowing that, if you are in Christ, then God’s got a great plan for you!

Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 3:5-6


In Christ,
Coach CJ

President - CHSM

Website: www.chsmhouston.com
Twitter: @CJPOMEROY1 or @CHSMHOUSTON
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chsmhouston

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​

The End of the Line

Growing up in homeschool basketball I had the opportunity to watch a few really homeschool players.  Players like the Sanders boys, Fosters, Wells, Kevin Johnson, Flatt’s and a few others were always fun to watch (although you never wanted to play against them!)  So, when I returned to the homeschool coaching scene 4 years ago, I didn’t know what to expect or the landscape had changed.  Then I started hearing names like “Chicken”, Jefferson, Spani, and one Justin Jackson.  I remember the first thing I thought when I saw Justin play for the first time – “That kid is supposed to be a major college recruit?”  That thought didn’t last very long!  After watching him play, and seeing how the culture of our youth has changed in the last 10 years, I began to wonder – “Is this kid a good example of homeschool basketball?  Is he a good example of HCYA basketball?”  Those wonders were also quickly answered.

I have spent a lot of the last 3 years getting to know Justin Jackson.  Not on a very personal level, but I follow his activities as much as possible.  What I have come to know about Justin is this – He is humble young man, and his only desire is to truly honor the Lord and put his absolute best on the floor for his teammates and coaches.  Sadly, this is not something that you see in many of the best players today.  Justin has truly shown himself to be the model athlete for not only HCYA, but homeschool basketball as a whole.  As he begins his last state tournament, I would like to take a moment and highlight some of what Justin has done for homeschool basketball.

                Brought exposure to the game.  Homeschool basketball has been blessed with some awesome players in the past, but no one has come close to a talent like Justin possesses.  Many players, on both HCYA and their opponents, have received exposure to schools that they never would have without Justin.  This is excellent for the homeschool athlete!  There are great homeschool players out there, but sadly they don’t get much exposure.  Recruiters are now learning that homeschool players have potential and they are starting to pay more attention.  Good for players now, and in the future.

                Demonstrated winning character traits.  Justin has been committed to excellence for a long time now.  He understands that it takes discipline in his school, at home, and on the court to exceed.  He spends his time wisely, listens to his parents, respects his coaches, and loves his teammates.  Not only is he the ultimate player, but he is the ultimate teammate.

                Exhibited Christ-likeness through the game.  It’s guaranteed that if you give praise to Justin, then he will give it right back to the Lord.  He understands that The Lord has truly blessed him, and that his continued success is because of God’s grace and blessing.  He never praises himself, but gives God the glory for all the success he has enjoyed.  Justin has shown that you can play at an elite level and still keep the Lord #1 in your life.

The 2014 Texas State Homeschool Tournament represents the beginning of the end for the best homeschool boy’s player the game has ever seen.  As a coach, I’m excited that we won’t have to go up against him again.  As a fan though, I have bitter-sweet emotions.  Justin has been terrific for the game, and helped take it to another level.  I am going to miss seeing him play at these tournaments, but I will enjoy seeing him on ESPN in the coming years!  As I go through this weekend, I will enjoy every game he plays.  But, I will also take the time to shake his hand and tell him “Thank you”.

I hope you will do the same as well.

In Christ,

Coach CJ

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
www.facebook.com/chsmhouston

Follow Coach CJ on Twitter - @CJPomeroy1
Follow CHSM on Twitter - @chsmhouston

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

Follow CHSM on Twitter (@chsmhouston)

Follow Coach CJ on Twitter (@CJPomeroy1)

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