“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."– Psalm 139:16 (NLT)Life is precious!  We have been reminded of that with news of the tragic death of Miami Marlins pitcher, Jose Fernandez.  So young, so full of life and a future filled with promise.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.”– John 14:6Who’s the greatest?  Sports fans across the world have spent countless hours debating this question.  Was Mickey Mantle better than Willie Mays?

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."– Ecclesiastes 4:9-10It’s not easy to build a team!  As coaches, we are asked to take a group of individuals and mold them into a single unit seeking a common goal.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”– Proverbs 27:17How can you run, it’s so boring!  As a long-time runner, I’ve heard that question asked many times. Now I can understand why running is not everyone’s idea of a good time.  Why run somewhere when a short ride would take you to the same place a lot quicker?

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.– Ephesians 5:1-2aWhat players did you imitate as a kid?  Growing up a huge baseball fan and watching the New York Yankees on the Game of the Week each Saturday, two of my favorite players were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford.  Living on a farm in rural South Carolina made it difficult to find enough players for a pick-up game, so it w...

“So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity.  This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.  If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”– 1 Corinthians 12:24-26What more liberating experience is there than to feel whole, purposeful and in sync?

“Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you.  This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”– Matthew 7:12This is my team!  It is composed of people like me—we make it what it is.

“Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creativebest you can with your own life.– Galatians 6:5 (The Message)As coaches, we are always talking to our players about responsibility.  We demand that they be responsible for getting to practice on time.  We expect them to be responsible for keeping up with their own equipment. We warn them to be responsible for their actions off the playing field or court.

“….let your good deeds shine out for all to see,so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.– Matthew 5:16 (New Living Translation)Each one of us can recite the names of coaches who have had an impact on our lives.  The men and women on my list believed in me and instilled a confidence in me to attempt things I didn’t think I was capable of.  How about you?  Who would be on your Mt.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives."Psalm 37:23 (New Living Translation)Coaches spend hours working with their athletes developing correct footwork.  We realize than any skill, regardless of how simple or obvious it seems, has to be taught and practiced on a consistent basis.  Wise coaches know that teaching correct footwork can be the difference between winning and losing.

“Love the Lord your God, walk in his ways, obeyhis commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”– Joshua 22:5 (New Living Translation)How many times do we see athletes who have all the physical tools fail to live up to their potential?  Why do some athletes with everything going for them so often miss the mark while those with limited ability bring home the prize?  What’s the missing ingredient—Heart!Time and time agai...

“Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.”– Proverbs 14:23 (New Living Translation)What does it take to be great?  Is there one secret that allowed Ted Williams to become baseball’s greatest hitter?  What was it that allowed Hank Aaron to be the most consistent home run hitter of his era?  Did Nolan Ryan, the record holder for career strikeouts, know something that other pitchers didn’t?