I can still hear the crowd cheer as my name was called for the starting line-up of our senior year volleyball game. Game on. I played hard, watching my opponent’s every move, completely focused, and when she went for the kill, as the ball hit her hand, with a passion in my eye, my heart beating and adrenaline pumping, I jumped to block, and yes, victory! What a feeling of accomplishment! Throughout my life the Lord has shown me many times that in all my passions, and sometimes when least expected, He had been preparing me for Glory.
Being an athlete in high school, to win a game meant the world to me. I loved to win! I mean who doesn’t? Like everything you do in life, if you want to be successful, you have to practice. From an early age I enjoyed playing for fun, but didn’t put my heart and soul into it. When I entered junior high, I played for the same school as my older sister. She was on varsity and I was on the junior high team. We had been preparing for a game that was out of town and only a few from my team were chosen to go. My coach later pulled me aside and said, “You know the only reason why you are going on this trip is because your sister is on varsity.” “What!” I thought to myself. I have to say I was pretty hurt by those words, but, being the competitor that I am ☺, I took it as a motivational kick and started to work very hard at being the best volleyball player I could be. I didn’t miss a practice and would study my sister and other players better than me to improve my game.
After a few years of practicing and through all the blood, sweat, tears, and a few broken bones, I went on to become one of the youngest players to be a starter on my high school varsity team. I played in our division’s Texas all-star team and was offered a scholarship to play at a university. Although God had better plans for my life I did go back and coach the junior varsity team for my school.
Now that my volleyball days are over (other than the occasional outdoor sand-pit games) I have four lil’ priorities in my life that keep me active. While being a mommy and wife make for a great work-out program, after having my fourth child, I knew I needed something more if I wanted to stay physically fit (physically, physically, physically fit … sorry “Madagascar” on the brain). I was invited to try a “boot camp” that is not only a whole body workout, but also has me endure very early mornings 3 days a week. For this momma who loves her beauty sleep☺, you would know that 5:30am is Early! During the most intense part of our workout our trainer encourages us to push harder. So I press on, and with sweat running down my face my eyes look to a sign on the wall that reads, “Prepare for Glory.” I quietly say, “Yes Lord, I am!”
Committing to getting up 3 times a week, I often ask myself (and still do,) “Why are you doing this again?” The Lord began revealing to me in these early morning hours, that He is preparing me by taking me through His spiritual boot camp. In that preparation I knew that if I wanted to see results, His results, I would have to push myself to step out of my comfort zone and take the step to be willing to lay down my own wants and desires to see His glory lifted up. My desire is to see His glory be manifested here on earth as it is in heaven.
I Tim 4:8: “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Just as athletes have to train for their “moment,” He trains and shapes our character through prayer and His word. God has created us with such an ambitious passion for life so that He can ignite in us a desire to want more of Him!
In the same way the Lord placed a passion in my heart to be a good athlete and give it my all, I love to see other people who live out their passions in life. From the beautiful dancers who take your breath away by their technique, to the amazing composers who make music that can bring you to tears. Most of all I absolutely love seeing people passionate for Jesus. It makes my soul dance and my heart sing to see God’s children wanting more of Him.
1 Tim 4:10, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.”
I believe life is about learning lessons and facing each day with a new perspective of training. On my journey I am in a continuous state of humbling myself, having a teachable attitude (those three lovely words: dying-to-self,) and allowing myself to be motivated by those around me. I am also learning through my strength building exercises to let the Lord take me through His spiritual training. There may be some bumps and bruises along the way, but the Lord is right there to carry me through. Whatever you are preparing for or passionate about, I want to encourage you and stand beside you, that you wouldn’t give up, that you would keep going strong even when it gets hard and you feel like quitting. May we all continue to run this race together to see Him glorified and His name lifted up.
Maree, this is amazing. Love you and love your heartfelt articles that spur me along.
This is so inspirational, Maree! A very refreshing reminder to be prepared for Glory as well as for His return!
My Maree, I know that I walked with you while you were writing this blog and read it many times before you submitted it, but what I never expected was how the Lord would use it to minister to me today. I so love your heart and passion for the deeper things of Christ and you faith and courage to follow Him.
After breaking another bone yesterday and the spiritual warfare we engaged in last night, your final exhortation drove me to tears, and through the midst of them i was able to say, "Thank you, Lord, for I know that you are watching over us."
Maree!
Thanks for sharing your heart and personal stories, and inspiring us girls to press in and press on with conviction and passion. Definitely what I needed this Monday morning!
Great article Maree! Thanks for the encouragement. Gotta love the old SG days.
Inspiring, revealing and beautiful all rolled into one blog. My lovely Maree, you inspire me from a very deep place. You have made my heart sing today and I have a bigger smile on my face than I've had in days. To the top Baby!!!!!!!!! I lubba you!!!!
Yes! I'm waving my white hankie and shouting AMEN! Good job, girl!
A beautiful woman with beautiful words. Robert, thanks so much for posting this on FB, Maree, I am honored that you are a part of this loony family <3
wow, i loved seeing this peek into your "early" days
this is really really good! thanks for this encouraging word today….i needed it and i miss you sweet friend! b
such an incredibly encouraging post!!!
Love it girl. So true. Thank you for sharing.
Such an amazing analogy. Making our bodies strong while God is working on our hearts-making them stronger! What a way to prepare ourselves for battle and blessings. Love it!! And you!
I love it when we can look back on our lives, connect the dots, thinking we know what picture they will form…and then when we look back the picture is something totally different. God will use anything in life as a great teacher, if we are willing to learn. Because of your willingness to be and continue being an excellent student, He is providing opportunities for you to have great influence. Thanks for obeying, sharing…inspiring! Loved it!
Maree- Now you are speaking my language! I love the comparison to our physical workouts and our spiritual. When the going gets tough, do we give up, or do we press in and really see how strong God has made us to be? I haven't had much physical workouts lately because we're moving (and I so miss it!!) But I know God is preparing me for glory! Good stuff girl!!
Rebecca,
You don't know how much your comment blessed me!! My prayer when I write is that if my words touch only one person than I did my job successfully, so from the bottom of my heart thank you for sharing your heart with me!
Your friendship means so much to me, I feel like we should have a secret hand shake or something!!:) I love you and your heart to be a servant to others.
Oh ya, and I really miss you in the morning too!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Renee Pellet,
My sweet loyal friend!! Thank you for connecting me and getting me started in "boot camp"!! I love having you in my life!!
Love you,
Maree
Jan,
Thank you for taking the time to read!! You are always filled with His joy every time I see you!!
Love,
Maree
Great word, girl!
See ya at boot camp in the am!
Sweet Husband of Mine,
WOW!!! I mean, what else can I say??!! Your comment was my favorite comment in the history of all comments!! I believe with all my heart that I wrote this blog for us and what we are walking through right now!! He is preparing us for something BIG!!! I can't wait to see His plan unfold as He is preparing us for glory!! I love you Mr. Socha and I am deeply honored to be called your wife!!:)
All my Love,
Your Maree
Yes, I'm totally with you, Sister! We lift You up, Lord! Love, Nicole
Leah,
I am so glad you got to read it! You are truly a precious friend of mine!! In the times that we've had together I feel as though I have known you forever!! His radiance shines all over you!
Thank you for your friendship!!
Love,
Maee
Krista,
I am so glad you were encouraged!! Good ol' Shady Grove memories!!:) I love that we can look back and see God's faithfulness in all of our losses and wins!!:)
Love ya,
Maree
Apiee (only a select few are aloud to call you that;)),
You are one of my biggest inspirations, sissy!!:) I have always admired you as a wife and as a mother to your kids, your faithfulness to God and your ability to relate towards others!! Thank you for being YOU!!!!
Love you,
Rita
Babs,
Thank you for your kind words!! I love your heart to serve the Lord in all that you do!! I can't wait to hear more!! You are my kinda gal!!;)
Love ya,
Maree
Crista,
Thank you!! I love that every time I am around you, you have a huge smile on your face!! I pray God's biggest blessings on you and your precious family!!
Love,
Maree
Dee,
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!! You have always made me feel so welcome and I consider myself blessed to be a part of your "loony" family!!;)
Love ya,
Maree
My sweet Beth,
Thank you for your sweet words!! I feel so honored to have you in my life!! I can't wait to serve with you this coming year at T2!!
I miss you too!! Come home already!! Sheesh!!;)
Love ya,
Maree
Amy,
Always so faithful to read!! Thank you!! You always know how to light up a room!! Keep shinin'!!
Love ya,
Maree
My sweet Star Girl,
You have a heart BIGGER than Texas and California put together!!;) Thank you for your willingness and faithfulness to see in me through the eyes of Jesus! You have pushed me in more ways than one to go deeper and to want more of Him!!
I feel blessed beyond measure to be a part of a team of such Godly women! I will never forget you saying to me"This is what Kingdom Living is all about!" I would have to say, "Yes and Amen!"
Your friendship is one of the biggest blessings of my life!!
Love you,
Maree(with 2 e's;))
Thank you Lisa!! I love that I get to see you more!!:) Can't wait for this new season!!:)
Love ya,
Maree
Thank you Rena!! I am so thankful that boot camp brought us together only to find out we went to the same school!! Talk about a small world!!
You are what I like to call "chosen one!!" God has chosen you for such a time as this and I can't wait to see all the neat gifts that He is drawing out of you!!:)
Love you sweet friend,
Maree
Thank you Bethani!! Your words truly touched my heart!! I just love being around you! I would love to actually put you in my pocket and take you every where with me!!;)
I am super excited to be serving with you in T2 this year!!
Love ya,
Maree
Apiee,
Thank you for your beautiful words!! They always mean a lot!! I have always looked up to you as a wife, mother, friend, sister, and most of all your faithfulness as a daughter of the Most High!!! You are a light in the darkness and I love how you stand up for righteousness in all that you do!!:)
Love you sissy!!
~Rita
Babs,
Thank you for sharing your heart! I am so honored to be writing along side you! You are always so full of life!!
Love ya,
Maree
Precious Southern Belle:
I am deeply gratifide to see your maturity blossom. May your understanding of the necessity and wonder of our lessons deepen and deepen; knowing God disciplines most those who seek Him. I am truly blessed to have you in my life – mother of 4 beautiful grand children and wife to my son.
Love, Mammy
My sweet Maree,
I was really touched so much by your article because I was actually there watching you play and I felt I sort of went with you through most of those games, the games won and the games lost and also the hurt body parts and also the trophies, the defeats and the victories. On one occasion I still have such a vivid picture in my mind, you spiked the ball and the look on your face was like, "I showed them." I am so very proud of you and all your accomplishments and especially the place that you are now with the Lord and such a growth and depth in Him. I Love you so much! Mom
Thank you Celeste for sharing the love of being pushed to go to new levels both spiritually and physically!! It is amazing the things God uses to bring us closer to Him!!
Love ya,
Maree
Carola,
That is very cool about the Torah portion! My heart's desire is to live a life of humility!! Thank you for all of your love and support! Always love to hear your thoughts!!:)
Love you,
Maree
Thanks Kisha!! I should be back on Monday!! I always love boot campin' with you!;)
Love ya,
Maree
Nicole,
Thank you for taking the time to read! I really appreciate your sweet support!!
Love ya,
Maree
Mammy,
Your words always astound me!! I pray our relationship deepens as we grow and seek Him together!!:)
I will always be your southern belle!!;)
Love you,
Maree
My precious Momma,
Seriously!! This brought me to tears!! Thank you for being there in all my defeats and victories!! I love you more than words can say!!
Love you,
Rita
Marita! I have to say, I didn't want this story to end. Of course I remember what an amazing volleyball player you were (and still are:)) but it was so great to hear how you use that same crazy-dive-for-the-ball, never-give-up, passion when writing about your walk with the Lord. I love it and can't wait to hear more and more! Love you, Jessie
Thanks Jess!! It has been quite the journey!! You have seen all the good,bad,and not so pretty times of my life!:) Thanks for being there for me and supporting me no matter what!! You will always be my crazy lil' sis who can make me laugh harder than anyone!! Love you Sessa!!:)
~Maree