My Daughter's Determination
There are so many words and thoughts that come to my mind as I look at this picture.
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, acknowledge him in all of your ways and He will direct your path.” “God is the source of my strength, the strength of my life.” I can achieve greatness. I am Focused. I am Determined. No matter what anyone says, I can do this. No matter my stature, I am confident that I can do this. I have Faith. I will not be hindered by the thoughts and opinions of others but I will go after the things of God with all of my heart, mind, and soul. God has placed something in my hand, and I am going to do with it, what He wants me to do. I will not be distracted. I can and will accept God’s reality for my life. No matter what obstacles arise, I will trust the Lord of my life and press forward. “With God all things are possible.” I am positioned for my purpose. I will not fear because God did not give me the spirit of fear, He gave me the spirit of love, of power and a sound mind. I believe in me because God’s greatness lives on the inside of me, and because of this, I am well able. I am David; I have hidden the Word of God in my heart. I believe in the power of God. I will wait patiently on the Lord. I will not be weary in well doing, for in due season, I shall reap, if I faint not. God will mount me up on eagle’s wings. I believe, no matter what.
I watched my daughter as she approached the goal with the big ball in her little hands. She knew that the ball was supposed to go in the goal. Her determination was taller and wider than her toddler frame. It moved her into action. Her confidence sparkled all around her like beautiful bright stars on a cloudless night. Neither her size, strength, nor the height of the goal could distract her from her purpose in this moment. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,"(1 Corinthians 16:13).
The angels blocked the noise around her, to ensure her focus. She looked to the hills from where her help comes from, bent her sweet knees into form, and shot the ball upwards as high as her arms would allow, with everything in her. Twelve inches did the ball go up, it then bounce, bounce, bounce, and then it rolled away.
Even though the ball didn’t go in or reach the goal, this time, my daughter’s face shown with a beautiful angelic smile, she praised her efforts by clapping her hands wildly and I celebrated with her from the sidelines. “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” (Psalm 34:1). I celebrated because she was willing to take a chance on her dreams. All you have to do is believe and have faith. “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness,” (James 1:3). Putting forth an effort counts just as much as making the shot.
Never give up on God or yourself. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.,” (Galatians 6:9).
Things will not always be easy. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain,” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
You may not always make the first shot but celebrate your efforts anyway. It helps you build the momentum for the moment that you do.
Be encouraged. Do your best!
Believe, Love, & Obey God
~Tanika
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, acknowledge him in all of your ways and He will direct your path.” “God is the source of my strength, the strength of my life.” I can achieve greatness. I am Focused. I am Determined. No matter what anyone says, I can do this. No matter my stature, I am confident that I can do this. I have Faith. I will not be hindered by the thoughts and opinions of others but I will go after the things of God with all of my heart, mind, and soul. God has placed something in my hand, and I am going to do with it, what He wants me to do. I will not be distracted. I can and will accept God’s reality for my life. No matter what obstacles arise, I will trust the Lord of my life and press forward. “With God all things are possible.” I am positioned for my purpose. I will not fear because God did not give me the spirit of fear, He gave me the spirit of love, of power and a sound mind. I believe in me because God’s greatness lives on the inside of me, and because of this, I am well able. I am David; I have hidden the Word of God in my heart. I believe in the power of God. I will wait patiently on the Lord. I will not be weary in well doing, for in due season, I shall reap, if I faint not. God will mount me up on eagle’s wings. I believe, no matter what.
I watched my daughter as she approached the goal with the big ball in her little hands. She knew that the ball was supposed to go in the goal. Her determination was taller and wider than her toddler frame. It moved her into action. Her confidence sparkled all around her like beautiful bright stars on a cloudless night. Neither her size, strength, nor the height of the goal could distract her from her purpose in this moment. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,"(1 Corinthians 16:13).
The angels blocked the noise around her, to ensure her focus. She looked to the hills from where her help comes from, bent her sweet knees into form, and shot the ball upwards as high as her arms would allow, with everything in her. Twelve inches did the ball go up, it then bounce, bounce, bounce, and then it rolled away.
Even though the ball didn’t go in or reach the goal, this time, my daughter’s face shown with a beautiful angelic smile, she praised her efforts by clapping her hands wildly and I celebrated with her from the sidelines. “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” (Psalm 34:1). I celebrated because she was willing to take a chance on her dreams. All you have to do is believe and have faith. “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness,” (James 1:3). Putting forth an effort counts just as much as making the shot.
Never give up on God or yourself. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.,” (Galatians 6:9).
Things will not always be easy. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain,” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
You may not always make the first shot but celebrate your efforts anyway. It helps you build the momentum for the moment that you do.
Be encouraged. Do your best!
Believe, Love, & Obey God
~Tanika
That picture speaks volumes! And the words you chose to type about it are perfect, so inspiring! Thanks, Tanika (as always!), for the encouragement and inspiration. It's great to see your words on here again! Have a terrific weekend, friend!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing photo followed by God's amazing Word! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged by the picture alone! It need to be a christmas card or something..... including your words.
ReplyDeleteLove It!