Go Raiders....

OK, so I had totally planned to do our posts at night and I promise I will give someone else a chance ...but I keep thinking of things I need to say....told you I would be consumed...
Anyways, I would like for you all to be in prayer for a friend of ours today...I know it's wrong to pray for a win of any sort so, that's not what I'm asking. Our friends have been getting verbally attacked from every angle and it's a burden that's hard to bear for them, but also for us,their best friends..their family! Because you are the head coach of a football team does not mean that you control the outcome of the game.. as someone has said..the head coach puts his job, his lively hood, his family and basically his life for half of the year in the hand of a team of hormonal boys! That's scary! For people to assume that they themselves could do the job better or even for them to assume that the coaches could do the job better, when they are not volunteering to help or even support the team except for maybe to go to the games to fuss about what all is wrong..is strange to me and if you were to step back and think about it you would think it was odd, as well. IF you have never even played the game, if you have never taken the time to know these coaches and know the sacrifices they make for their families.. to know that the leader is a man of God with strong convictions, a man with a strong sense of right and wrong, a man who insists that rules be followed, a man that applies and sticks with consequences for misbehavior of any kind in his players, stundents and in his own children, a man who is pouring his heart and soul into what he loves, nevertheless a man who is not perfect, who has never claimed to be, but still a man who strives for greatness not only for himself but for his players, a man who hurts, a man who is discouraged...because apparently winning is the only option in this town....even though winning has never been something that we've had to deal with alot..How parents can't be proud that this man is the "leader" of the team and be insiting that their children fall under his guidance, I have no idea..I want my boys to learn from his example ( and they are, I am even learning a thing or two) I want my boys to have his heart..a heart that perserveres despite defeat ( of any kind), a man who stands strong on his convictions, a friend who is loyal and trustworthy, a friend that sticks by you through the thick and thin...(and frankly, a friend who grills a MEAN steak!), a person that is not afraid to go against the crowd to do what is right. If people haven't taken the time to know him or his family, how can they judge his actions..how can you judge at all...it's not our place! Now, I know what you're thinking, Lord Lara, you are the 1st person to say something about something.. I know..but there is a difference in conversation among friends and family and verbally attacking someone in public or even to their face.. that takes guts..especially if you don't know what you're talking about..because in the end you just end up looking like an idiot.(A thing I am proud to say I have done too many times!) I know, Let he who is without sin cast the 1st stone.. and I'm not saying I'm perfect and never loose my temper and try to act like I know more than the coaches or officials at my boys ball games..but I have been convicted of this and have committed to working on it..which is a major task , I have to hold my tongue and calm my competitive spirit!!! I ask for prayer for my friends and their families today, as they face another Game Day...pray for safe travels..they will be traveling far.. pray for spiritual conviction to these people who can't say anything good..Lord, Keep them away...we shouldn't tear down..we should build up!! These people who are being so hurtful are also examples to our children.and thechildren playing the game (don't think they don't hear it, too).Lord, Just keep them away.. bind their mouths!!
Thank you all so much for taking your time to read my ramblings...for it's Just Another Day in Paradise!!