Excerpts from Tennis Devotional Book

Healing Therapy

"Do you think God was the one who guided you into Allison's life?" I said.

"I don't know," Vearl said. "Did He already know I would find relief from business stress in teaching tennis? Was my sister's broken ankle so many years ago part of God's plan? I enjoy watching people who have never touched a racquet before have fun playing tennis. I see them find relief from stress, thanks to the physical exercise of running and hitting the ball."

"You certainly have the gift for physical things, and for teaching those who struggle. We were so lucky to find you. I know you can teach tennis to anyone and give them confidence to go out and play. Allison has been healed emotionally and some physically because you took time with her."

"It was I who was rewarded," said Vearl.

Second Career - 1

"Tennis-hmm?" said John.

"It's like fun dropped in on me. I probably neglected to tell you what I do in the summertime. I enjoyed coaching and I took the game seriously enough to be certified in the USPTA and the USPTR."

"What are those letters again?"

"They are the two organizations certifying teachers of tennis in the United States, and all over the world."

"So-," said John.

"I looked into Sun City and since I am over 55 I can be a teaching pro at their tennis facility."

"You've got to be kidding?"

What is a Win - 1

"Take a look at your team this year. Your team under your former coach came in second in the conference last year. How many seniors graduated?"

"I think there were four, including the conference singles champion. She played here four years and brought the team to a very high level."

"There, you said it yourself. A player who was a leader made the difference. You need to develop another leader. There are always ups and downs on teams as players graduate and move on. You can be a winner this year by developing your team. Set some goals for each match and congratulate the team when they meet some or all of those goals," said Sandy. "You have a good number of young players with talent. Use them all. You don't know at this point which ones will develop into strong team players. Pay no attention to their status on former teams, teach them all. Compliment even the players who lose at practice. Explain how each person helps the team. It feels like a win when you see the players fulfilled by improving and reaching their goals."

What is a Win - 2

Turning to You- Can you answer these questions when you make decisions as a coach? If you can, you will always be a winner!

Will it bring glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:31
Can I do this in the name of the Lord? Colossians 3:17
When I appear before Christ will He judge this as good? II Corinthians 5:10
Would this cause other Christians to stumble? Romans 14:13
Is this the way the Lord wants me to live? Colossians 1:10
Would it appear evil to others? I Thessalonians 5:22

Beyond The Win

You are alive," my friend, Nanette Quinn, whispered in my ear, "We were so worried."

"What happened?" I said.

Nanette who had been in my life for a long time and always been there for me told me, "They found you on the ground outside of the school. We knew you were drinking too much but we didn't know how serious the problem had become. The doctors tell us sometimes teens don't survive in this situation. It could have gone either way. God must love you as he spared your life. There must be some reason."

"I remember being cold but I don't remember much else. I didn't care what happened to me. I couldn't seem to get anything right. When I drank, the pain went away."

Second Career - 2

"Listen to what Elizabeth Sagaser says in the March 2007 issue of Tennis. Being a Renaissance Poetry Professor, she described the feelings of coming to tennis better than I can."

I noticed the energizing, reassuring aspect of the court itself, with its geometric simplicity and neon-yellow balls. I had a clear, simple sense of purpose, and that was followed by joy. I had forgotten what it felt like to hit a tennis ball. But right from the start, each time I made contact with the ball, it seemed to be an affirmation of life.

As I unleashed my passion for athletics, I found my passion for knowledge liberated as well.

Wheelchair Camaraderie

"Why would you take up umpiring after retiring? It can be a thankless job with few rewards."

I'm motivated to be around people. I love this international wheelchair circuit. The players come out of some terrible situations and, without complaining, compete at very high levels. It is so much fun I started doing Special Olympics for free. I call my fellow umpires to help and they always say 'yes.' It is really special to get a hug from a Special Olympian," said Virginia.

English PTR Instructor

Lot of Stick

 

           

It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. (Titus 3:3-4a, THE MESSAGE) But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. (Matthew 12:36-37)

 

            "Hey, man, that was quite a game you played. This year wouldn't have been the same without you. I am glad you joined our rugby team," said Glenn.

            "Yes, it was a good decision," said Foster.

            "Are you going to the Awards Dinner tomorrow night?" asked Glenn.

            "I'm not sure. My leg needs some physical therapy after that last hit. I can hardly walk. My paper for Economics is due next week and this weekend my folks are coming," said Foster.

            "You might get an award. Your play was spectacular, especially at the end of the games. Without you, we could have lost three or four of those close ones. I think you better come. We have some special stuff planned and it will be a blast."

            "Okay, you make me feel welcome, I'll be there," said Foster.

            "Great game today, Foster, give me ‘five'[1]," said a teammate.

            "Foster, you get better every game. We better see you out here next year," said one of the other juniors.

            "Glenn, is Foster coming tomorrow night? We're all set for a great time," said one of the senior players.

            "Yup, he's coming."

 

            The meal was great and Foster did receive the Most Improved Player award.

            "Thanks Glenn for encouraging me to come," said Foster, "This is a special night. I am glad I heard the coach talk about you. I didn't realize you are such a great leader. I am lucky to have you as my friend."

            "Look over there, Foster. See what is coming in," said Glenn.

            "What is she doing here?"

            "It's just a little entertainment for us. What do you think of that?"

            "Why didn't you tell me about this stripper? I'm leaving, I'll be back when this is over." said Foster.

            "Did you see his face?" said one of the guys, "It was red as a beet. Half the fun was seeing his look."

            "Hey, Foster, don't leave now, the fun has just begun," called out another teammate.

            "What fun does he have? He can't even enjoy a little skin showing from the little lady," commented one rugby player.

            "I knew he was a Christian," said Glenn, "But we aren't hurting anyone. She is getting a lot of pounds for coming tonight."

 

            Things quieted down and Foster slowly and deliberately walked back into the banquet hall.

            "Here comes the dude now," said Glenn. "You missed the best part. You should have seen the titties on her. Sparky here was almost coming. She had the moves."

            "This is a university, Foster, not a high school. We're men now," said one of the freshmen on the team.

            "Haven't you seen a naked woman before, Foster? Hey guys, I bet he is a virgin too!" said the player at the end of the table.

            "Talk to us buddy," one of the guys said to Foster, "What's wrong with you anyway. Are you a fag?"

            "No," said Glenn, "But maybe he should switch to the tag rugby[2] team."

 

            Finally, the teasing ended and Foster was able to go to his room.

            "Hey, man," said Glenn as he peeked around Foster's door, "Can I come in and talk a minute?"

            "Maybe-- what do you want to talk about?" said Foster.

            "That was a pretty strong statement you made tonight. I've seen guys not like the stripper scene before, but I never saw one actually refuse to watch."

            "That girl," said Foster, "She is someone's sister and someone's daughter. I couldn't stand to watch her take her clothes off in front of that crowd of guys. There were quite a few girls from the women's teams there too. I could tell some of them were uncomfortable. It didn't make any sense to me to ruin such a great night."

            "You care about that scummy girl?"

            "Sure, she has a heart too, just like you and me. Why do you suppose she needs to work in this manner? Maybe she is supporting a kid or two or trying to make enough to attend classes. I don't know. I don't even like to think about it. Somebody should be loving her and caring for her so she doesn't have to do this," explained Foster. "Someday I want to find a girl to marry and I don't want her to have that background. The more we pay for those scenes, the more girls will have to do it."

            "Wow, I never looked at it that way," said Glenn, "I'm going to think about this. See you in the morning. I am sorry we gave you a ‘lot of stick'."

 

            Glenn did think about the incident. He thought about it so much he started reading his Bible. He read "When she carried on her prostitution openly and exposed her nakedness, I turned away from her in disgust….," in Ezekiel 23:18a and "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." in Job 31:1. Because Foster held to his principles, Glenn became a Christian and today is working in the Council of International Schools in Hong Kong as an evangelist.

 

Story Inspired by--Charles Harcourt knew well the young man who handled the drop shot of a ‘lot of stick' by upholding his values. Charles finds sport a great way of expressing his faith and values. This faith gives him patience with children and guides the way he teaches tennis at Hills Road Sports & Tennis Center in Cambridge, England. Jesus gives him a reason to smile.

 

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Turning to You--Do you realize the value of sex in marriage? God blesses the sex act within marriage providing a very special unity for the man and woman. This blessed unity is not available in any other relationship on earth. Every sex act you observe affects the attitude you have toward sex and your sexual partner. If you wish to come to your marriage partner and enjoy each other as God planned; you need to come with a clean mind. Being an athlete, you can see sex isn't meant to be a spectator sport. It is totally different in scope. The Bible says in II Peter 2:13-14a "Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They (those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature) are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; …. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done." Matthew Henry says in his Commentary about the II Peter verses:

 

And none have more cause to tremble, than those who are bold to gratify their sinful lusts, by presuming on the Divine grace and mercy. Many such there have been, and are, who speak lightly of the restraints of God's law, and deem themselves freed from obligations to obey it. Let Christians stand at a distance from such.

 

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Prayer--Dear Father in Heaven, give me the strength to stand up for the principles you teach me in the Bible. Help me to see all people through Christ's eyes. Amen.