identity

well, it's been a week since i returned from dallas, tx. it's crazy to think about time and how quickly life is passing by. it seems like summer just began and i was in the midst of training for the nationals. i flew in thursday afternoon, checked into the hotel, weighed-in, and then got ready for the team workout. (side note: i love everything about a team. Teams are FOR each other. Teams build each other. Teams push each other. Of course i have to add this: Together Everyone Achieves More...TRUE. i am passionate about motivating others, encouraging others in all things.) My father came to the team practice, which was the first time in several months. i always look forward to hugging my dad. His "Bear-Hugging" arms that make me feel safe and loved. Fatherly love is priceless!

Well, in losing my first match the next morning, I can tell you that disappointment hit me straight in the face (or was it her actual fist that bruised my jaw? both.), heart, and well, everywhere. the miles traveled, the money spent, and all the sweat & sore muscles...YET, i know that any good reward takes sacrifice and hard work...RISK is necessary to gain. if rewards were easy, there would be no purpose of the pursuit. as the whistle was blown, a heaviness was upon me as i realized a whole other year of training starts this instant. crosspoints appear when instances like this occur. i can choose to walk with my head down, sulk, throw a pity party or wake up, grow in my ability to become more teachable, and figure out my weaknesses and begin to strengthen them.

there are so many life lessons in sports, arts, relationships, etc...I believe that God uses these instruments in our life to point us toward himself. when we finally come to the realization that everything in this life besides God lets us down and the ONLY ROCK of foundation in this world is Jesus, then we can really begin to live. Living in freedom, not being chained to what we place our identity in. It's so easy to get distracted...Too often i start to lose sight of what God wants for me vs. what I want for me. It all comes down to living for self vs. living for God. There is a humility before God that begins the change. A submission to God, in trusting in his good and perfect plan for our lives. I know that karate is not my identity. Karate has definitely played a big part in my life, however, I trust that God is teaching me in my loss and He is shaping me to become stronger in my weakness(es). Trusting him MORE. Giving him MORE. It's all about HIM. He deserves all the GLORY.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

What are you living for that truly LASTS?

Is 40:31

"But those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."