Upward '08

Upward is almost over and it always comes with a bittersweet feeling. What have I learned this year so far at Upward:

1. I am very passionate about the program and its original cause...to see children and their parents come to know Jesus.
   
2. The referee's were a big complaint after last years season...and it wasn't much better this year. I can say this because I am over the ref's. I have officiated more games this year than anyone and I know first hand; it has not improved that much. But I ask you with a ministry such as Upward that simply uses basketball to draw the kids in does the quality of the officiating really matter? Did we as coaches and referee's show the kids (in the heat of competition) Jesus? This should be the biggest concern, not the quality of the call. And just like the officiating suffered so did a few of us in this area, myself included. If you volunteered and helped me ref this year please do not take this personal, this vent was all on me. Thank you so much for giving of your time to help in this area...You Rock!
   
3. I am becoming less sports competitive and more God competitive as the years roll on.
   
4. The more of "I" that we put into whatever and the less of "Jesus" the more complicated it all becomes.
   
5. We simply can't do anything an have an impact on the Kingdom without Jesus in it.
   
6. With the other church involvement we had this year I think we have made strides toward growing the program in the years to come.
   
7. Without countless volunteers this program would be nonexistent. Everyone who helped Thank You very much. Thanks especially to all the commissioners and to Matt Lusk for his countless hours he and Tonya poured unselfishly into this year.
   
8. The cheerleaders are the best. All the girls are awesome and this new program
   was a big hit and I look for it to grow next year as well.
   
9. Pray hard for this Saturday (our last game day) and especially for Monday March 10th as we have our Awards night celebration. This is one of the most important times of the season, we will share through a guest speaker the plan of salvation to not only the kids, but the parents as well. Thanks in advance for your prayers.
   
10. In all things give God the Praise, Honor, and Glory!
    

All in all it was and still is a great season and I am already thinking BIG for next season. Once again if you are reading this and were a part of Upward '08 in any capacity, Thank You!

Have a Blessed Day!!!