I was saved when I was in the 7th grade. My salvation has never been in question to me. But as I matured in years and made some really un-Christ like decisions, I often wondered why the church seemed to care more about "saving" folks than teaching us how to live like Jesus.

The life that Christ promised us, was an abundant life. Jim's curriculum helped me learn how to live in His Kingdom day by day, and these principles and habits changed my life. This is done by practicing spiritual disciplines.

• I am pretty sure, as a coach, you have been with a team somewhere and built a fire (my teams certainly love smores). Jim starts his chapter and compares caring for our devotional life with tending a fire. Can you identify? To do this, we must act on what is important, not what we want to do. Just like building a championship team. Worship, devotionals, fellowship, solitude, etc. are disciplines we must practice if we don't want our soul to atrophy. Yes, even as a busy coach!
• The two false narratives Jim addresses in this chapter were easy for me to recognize in my faith journey. They are: 1) what matter is having faith in  Jesus, not having an ongoing relationship with him and 2) the only way to be a good Christian is to keep all the rules. When these are our beliefs we never develop a relationship with Jesus. Have you had experiences with a team when you had no relationship with your a player and it was hard for you to coach her? Or a situation when the player feels she should get to play because she knows you better than any of the other players, even though she is not skilled enough? Can you relate all of this?
• John 15 uses the image of a vine and branches to describe how we should live, connected to Jesus. Read it. Do you agree with me that this is the only way to experience the abundant life that our savior promises - joy, peace, wisdom, gentleness, love, etc.? Are you willing to commit to time with Jesus to experience these things?
• Jesus taught using stories and images. What are the four images Jim writes about to make his main point, Jesus and his teachings is the only way to a good and beautiful life? Which is your favorite? Which is the most challenging for you?
• Madame Jeanne Guyon lived from 1648-1717. Did you connect with her wisdom? Personally, I am a devotionalholic, so I loved her wisdom! What are your favorite devotions?

Jim had our class memorize Colossians 3;1-17 when we took his class. I still recite/read it before every game I coach. It speaks to my task: setting my mind and heart on things above. I am convinced that these verses and his teachings have equipped me more for coaching a game than my experiences with any x and o part of basketball.

In the weeks to come, please join me as I begin my 28th years as a Division I head coach . I will be writing regularly about my insights about kingdom coaching, so I hope you begin your year with excitement, joy, and trust as you anticipate what He has planned for you!                                                            

Keep the Faith

Jane

P.S.  The photo at the top of the page was taken in Coach Wooden's Home