Moreso....it is Sydney's first Pepstepper performance. I think she should still be wearing her Viking cheer uniform, too. I know anyone who reads this thinks I'm a crazy lady STILL writing about a silly football game. But right now...it Is our world. It's so much more. So many emotions.
It's only because I am just a mom who is mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted from all the preparation, anxiety and excitement that this game brings with it.
I've just retrieved cell phones and hydrated my kids to the point they won't be able to sleep due to having to potty all night. They are iced and ibuprofen'd up and ready to go. Tucked into bed and no doubt wondering how tomorrow night will go.
I've shared feelings of nervousness, fear, worry, laughter, excitement, joy, and even a little disgust at all the things this rivalry has brought with it. In many ways, this game brings our county together but moreso, it's almost an uncomfortable division. I'm almost ready for Saturday, when everyone can be friends again. Almost! :)
I've clung to my fellow panther moms this week as the days unfolded. We have shared scenarios, what ifs, laughter and tears. This little game has brought me sisters I've never had. Tomorrow we will enter the locker room, and join hands in prayer for our sons. We will pray for God's provision and protection on each of them. We will call them all by name and lift them up. What a blessing it is to stand with sisters in Christ and pray for our children. What an incredible blessing.
Just tonight....I received this message from a friend whose son graduated last year:
"Your boys get on the field for their last salt bowl tomorrow. Win or lose its still a bittersweet time for a Panther Mom. My heart goes out to you but pray the sweetness comes from a safe game topped off with a fabulous win! I won't be at the salt bowl but I will have my arms around you and prayers in my heart. Love you guys more than you will ever know... God bless you always and I pray senior year is absolutely amazing both on and off the field."
Tell me God doesn't bless football?? That is the good stuff.
My children....and all the others...have worked for weeks and weeks for this night. It's finally here. Coaches are asking themselves if they have done enough? Have they prepared them well? Have they done all they can?
As a Parent, I couldn't be prouder to be a Benton Panther. I know that my Sydney is loved by her coach. I know that she wants the best for her and the rest of her team. I know that she worries at night because she loves her team and knows how special they are and what talent they possess.
I know that Sam's team of coaches has prepared him for whatever happens tomorrow. They, too, have lost sleep and have fielded countless scenarios in preparation for guiding them.
I know that God placed my children in THIS village under THIS leadership. And tonight I will pray for their peace of mind as they lay down with all the questions running through their mind. That they be able to KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that they have instilled within these kids the tools they need tomorrow to do their very best. For that is all that is important. I pray that God bring them rest. So they can reap the benefit of joy in all that tomorrow will bring.
These are children. Children that have worked harder than anyone can imagine to do well in front of an enormous crowd that few can even fathom. And to them? Half that crowd wants them to fail. (Not really, but that is how it must feel!). What pressure for a child??
I pray that God wrap each player, coach, dancer, cheerleader, band member, color guard member, and fan in His loving arms. That they feel His peace and comfort and glory for giving it their very best. That they can truly focus on the joys and memories of such a grand event. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.
To my kiddos...remember Ephesians 6. I posted this a while back, but is a reminder I want in front of them.
In life, just like in a football game, we have been given pieces of armor/equipment that help to protect us.
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Belt of Truth - Eph. 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,"
Just like the football belt holds the pants up and gives security, so does this piece of the armor of God. Truth will always give you the freedom and security to face anything that comes your way. The belt goes around the waist, our midsection. It secures the pads around that section. Truth brings assurance into our lives thereby also bringing security into those whom we belong. I also think of it protecting us from always being led by our emotions. How many times do we refer to our midsection when we speak of our emotions - "I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach;" "I had butterflies in my stomach." We can't base decisions on our emotions, they can mislead. We must base them on the Truth of God's Word.
To my children....ALWAYS stand FIRM on God's Word. Always.
Breastplate of Righteousness - Think of your shoulder pads. How they protect your chest....wherein lies your heart, son. Eph. 6:14 "with the breastplate of righteousness in place,"
Shoes of Peace -Eph. 6:15 "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
When you look down at your shiny new cleats...remember they mean so much more. Football cleats dig into the ground and give you traction - help you stand in position. The gospel of peace - a peace with God, keeps us grounded. This peace keeps us calm and standing strong when storms come into our life. We are grounded because of the good news that we can have peace with God through Jesus Christ!
Shield of Faith Eph. 6:16 "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
This piece of the armor of God goes out before - in front. It is the first point of contact with the opposing force. Faith is the first step in standing strong for God. Your gloves protect your hands. Your hands that are needed for every task you are to complete. They help you to hold on to the ball on the field....and to hold on to what is important in life. Wear them with pride, son.
Hebrews 11:6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Ephesians 6:11-13 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Just like the football belt holds the pants up and gives security, so does this piece of the armor of God. Truth will always give you the freedom and security to face anything that comes your way. The belt goes around the waist, our midsection. It secures the pads around that section. Truth brings assurance into our lives thereby also bringing security into those whom we belong. I also think of it protecting us from always being led by our emotions. How many times do we refer to our midsection when we speak of our emotions - "I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach;" "I had butterflies in my stomach." We can't base decisions on our emotions, they can mislead. We must base them on the Truth of God's Word.
To my children....ALWAYS stand FIRM on God's Word. Always.
This piece of God's armor protects our heart. Christ's righteousness, right relationship with God, is credited to us! Because of it our heart is protected from being led astray. Remember, when we DO take a wrong turn, when we leave our shoulder pads off for a day or 2....we can always put them on again. That protection is forever there for us. God promises us that. Each time you put them on....remember that God is protecting your heart. He is protecting YOU.
Shoes of Peace -Eph. 6:15 "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
When you look down at your shiny new cleats...remember they mean so much more. Football cleats dig into the ground and give you traction - help you stand in position. The gospel of peace - a peace with God, keeps us grounded. This peace keeps us calm and standing strong when storms come into our life. We are grounded because of the good news that we can have peace with God through Jesus Christ!
Shield of Faith Eph. 6:16 "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
This piece of the armor of God goes out before - in front. It is the first point of contact with the opposing force. Faith is the first step in standing strong for God. Your gloves protect your hands. Your hands that are needed for every task you are to complete. They help you to hold on to the ball on the field....and to hold on to what is important in life. Wear them with pride, son.
Trusting God is what moves us forward. Knowing and believing that He is real and active in our lives pushes the opposing team backwards....on AND off of the field!
Helmet of Salvation - Eph. 6:17 "Take the helmet of salvation"
A very important piece of the armor of God, the helmet of salvation protects our mind. It is there that as an act of the will we first choose Jesus. And it is there that we continue to consciously choose Him each and everyday. Our minds are attacked with ideas from the world, ideas that do not draw us closer to God. The helmet helps to guard our minds; it is His saving grace that purifies our thoughts.
Sword of the Spirit - Eph. 6:17 "and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
All other pieces of the armor of God are defensive. The sword of the Spirit or Word of God is offensive. Just like a football playbook, it give us direction. It gives us instruction about how to play this game of life so that we can win! Always dig deep in the Word. Follow it. Believe in it. Trust it. And most importantly, live it. The Bible IS your playbook.
Prayer - Eph. 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
Just like the football jersey covers the football pads so that they will function properly, prayer covers all the other armor and brings them together as one unit that functions together.
A football jersey also identifies which team one is playing for. Are you on God's team? Yes! Remember your salvation, my precious Sam. Always look to God. Pray. Listen.
Just like a football is to be thrown or carried down the field, so we are to carry the Gospel to share with others!
Sydney Clare....you're not lost in the shadow of a Senior. I know how precious this day is to you as well. Know that I will never forget your FIRST Salt Bowl. I love you with my whole heart and soul.
I am so proud of every child out there. Maroon and Blue. And those God chose to lead them.
In Him,
Terri
Salt Bowl Prayer
A Saline County tradition, Lord…
Where each one picks a side…
Will it be Maroon or will it be Blue,
That you will choose with pride?
The players using their talents and gifts….
Each handpicked for them by You.
Protect their bodies AND their hearts, Lord…
As they do what they are taught to do!
The Coaches guiding and molding them
Turning young boys into men…
Teaching them that no matter what the scoreboard shows…
In the end, lies a WIN.
The referees and their whistles….
Hold them tight as they guide a fair game.
Give them honor, wisdom, and pride….
Because within it, really has no fame.
The Band gives us music….
And leads everyone of Your children in spirit.
They, too, showcase Your glorious gifts…
Where would this game be without it??
The Cheerleaders are leading us….
In cheers, chants and smiles!
Each loving their team and school,
Across each and every mile.
Two dance teams will take the halftime show…
Kicking, leaping, and most likely a prance…
For they, TOO, my precious Lord…
Are Praising YOUR name in the Dance.
Moms are praying….Dads are pacing…
And fans are cheering loud.
For no matter what color they are wearing,
NOone is more proud.
Some are there Lord…just for fun…
And haven’t thought of the outcome in sight.
Bless them too Lord, For those, we all know….
Do not have a “dog in the fight.” :)
Some are born with Panther love
While others bleed Hornet blue….
One thing we all have in common, Lord…
Is we all strive to honor YOU.
No matter what the scoreboard shows….
At the end of this Crazy game.
Two Teams…One Dream…
We know within YOU, lies our flame.
# FAMILY
-T. Baker
A Saline County tradition, Lord…
Where each one picks a side…
Will it be Maroon or will it be Blue,
That you will choose with pride?
The players using their talents and gifts….
Each handpicked for them by You.
Protect their bodies AND their hearts, Lord…
As they do what they are taught to do!
The Coaches guiding and molding them
Turning young boys into men…
Teaching them that no matter what the scoreboard shows…
In the end, lies a WIN.
The referees and their whistles….
Hold them tight as they guide a fair game.
Give them honor, wisdom, and pride….
Because within it, really has no fame.
The Band gives us music….
And leads everyone of Your children in spirit.
They, too, showcase Your glorious gifts…
Where would this game be without it??
The Cheerleaders are leading us….
In cheers, chants and smiles!
Each loving their team and school,
Across each and every mile.
Two dance teams will take the halftime show…
Kicking, leaping, and most likely a prance…
For they, TOO, my precious Lord…
Are Praising YOUR name in the Dance.
Moms are praying….Dads are pacing…
And fans are cheering loud.
For no matter what color they are wearing,
NOone is more proud.
Some are there Lord…just for fun…
And haven’t thought of the outcome in sight.
Bless them too Lord, For those, we all know….
Do not have a “dog in the fight.” :)
Some are born with Panther love
While others bleed Hornet blue….
One thing we all have in common, Lord…
Is we all strive to honor YOU.
No matter what the scoreboard shows….
At the end of this Crazy game.
Two Teams…One Dream…
We know within YOU, lies our flame.
# FAMILY
-T. Baker
I'm Him,
Terri
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