A Shift

...a change in emphasis, direction, or focus

...a move or cause to move from one place to another

Sometimes in life we all go through a transition, a move or a shift of something. It may be small as a relationship shift, a job change or quite possible life altering such as losing a family member or moving states. No matter the degree, the shift can be difficult for anyone. Maybe it's more emotionally draining than the actual, tangible change itself. Maybe it's going from what you know, to an unknown territory or path in life. Maybe it's a change in focus or passion. Maybe it's changing the focus from being self focused to being other's focused. Maybe it's a culture shift in how you choose to live because of someone or something else. 

That is exactly what happened to Jordan and I. Recently we have been challenged with a shift of our own. Through recent conversations over the past week with friends, along with Sunday teachings through our church, God has been using various avenues to stir up in us a desire to do something. 

With what God has given us, we want to be good stewards. We want to give what God has given us. 

We don't know what they may be exactly, but our prayer is that we would be aware of those around us and the needs. We want to be generous givers without hesitation; which is hard for us since we tend to be more frugal these days and just trying to save what we can. However, we desire to live biblically and give to those in need. We want to live with our hands open for God to use.

Praying the shift that God has us do will be Glorifying Him at all times. He knows our hearts. 

To Be more like Him,
joy

Student Impact

My hiatus from blogging is only due to the crazy-mad schedule Jordan and I are on these days. once school starts, we barely have time to breath; much less spend time with people we love. we play catch up on the weekends, whether that's laundry, cleaning or resting. Saturday and Sundays are sacred to us and we try seek to find refreshment and rejuvenation somehow.  though the days are busy and pack full, we both know that God is using us some how, some way. It's not until little moments that we recognize that our measly selfs are being used.

There are moments in our jobs that sometimes we don't see purpose or the fruit that is growing in our students. We can easily get discouraged or question our position and role. However, this past friday I believe God reminded us of WHY we are doing what we are doing. And that our job is not a job at all, but a ministry.

Last Friday, was a normal day with classes, work and scheduling. However, during our lunch hour we were humbled to have some of our former students come visit is. They were on break from college and wanted to make an effort to come catch up over lunch. It blessed Jordan and I so much that they took the time without anyone asking them. We visited for about 2 hours and got to hear how their first few months of college has been.

Our Lunch Date!

I can still hardly believe that they wanted to see us. It was in that moment that I knew God had been using Jordan and I to build relationships with these young adults that begin a year ago. We hope our friendship with them will remain for years to come.

My hope is that God will continue using us to influence others and somehow make an impact. It is only through Him that lives are changed.

more than winning..

i love inspiring movies. i love the emotion they evoke in me. i love the celebration of victory when not only the good people win, but when hearts are impacted and lives are changed.

jordan and i rarely get to go out to the movies, so with our final weekend of summer we headed to the theater saturday night and saw "when the game stands tall". two big thumbs up from the suggs. this movie is not just a a feel good movie. it's not just celebrating the victory. in fact, it's so much more than that. it's about brotherhood. relationships. sacrifice. rising up when life struggles hit you. seeking to fight for one another. looking beyond the game, or even winning, but finding who you are and how you will live because of the struggle. to be committed and give perfect effort.

being a coach and teacher, jordan and i both have had our fair share of battling what is more important. is it the title? the success? winning? getting appreciation? meeting expectations? seeing change or transformation? is our to-do list taking more priority than where we are or who we are around? are we making it about us? or are we striving to make much of God? are we loving God and loving people?

from this one movie, my mind races to ask those questions. in our culture today, we are measured by our success or achievements. somehow we've been placed under a standard or expectation by others. on the other side, one cannot necessary measure a heart that has been impacted or a life that has been changed. i didn't realize how certain people played a part in my life until later when life is tested and the hardships hit. that is when you know who you really are and who truly will stand tall next to you. all the little things in life then fade away. all the titles, wins, loses go away. 

[i am beyond grateful for my best friends (you know who you are) who have never wavered in their support throughout my life and all what has been thrown at me. you have bravely stood tall, held me up and fought for me. you have become precious irons in my life. for that i am forever thankful to my God in heaven for the gift of you.] 

what a reminder to me and jordan as we head into a new school year. tomorrow is the day we start year 3 at nbca. we have been given such a platform to be in the lives of teenagers each day. whether that's teaching in front of them or coaching them on a court or a field. we've been given a responsibility, to not just add to these students academic education. not just prepare them for the next year or even their job. we've been given a chance to invest in the very lives of the next generation. in hopes they too will make much of Christ and live fully for Him. i want our days with these students to be filled with life giving conversation. with laughter, encouragement, prayer, character building, and most importantly helping them understand who they are in Christ. 

so yes, there is so much more than coaching, than winning, or even success. 

as one of the coaches from the movie said, 

"don't let the game define who you are, 
but let the way you live your life define you."

a sugg summer ends...

Sugg Vacation in Port A

Well the Summer is gone and it's hard to believe that Jordan and I will be starting our 3rd year at New Braunfels Christian Academy. Just 2 years ago we met for the first time. It's amazing to me how time flies and all that God can do in a short amount of time. We have LOVED all the ups and downs of married life and how we've grown together in our 16 1/2  months of marriage. It's true what others have said that marriage only shows more of your selfishness and pride. The Lord continues to point out in me my insecurities and struggles, yet brings a freedom through His grace and redemption. I am one blessed woman to have married Jordan.

Recently I have had the privilege of witnessing this man be such a strong warrior for me and my heart. He has been man of protection, love, wisdom and justice. He has ministered to my heart more than I could put in words. Throughout this season we are in, God surely has anointed our conversations with such richness. It's been one of the blessings in disguise that I wouldn't trade for anything. I guess I didn't recognize how God can use tough moments, to ignite a freshness. I have to believe hard moments and tough situations can be turned around to be used to bring much glory to God! That is my hope anyway.

As a new school year begins, I can only hope for all that God will do. Jordan and I have much to be grateful for over the past few months. We have been in our new home for 3 months now and we are looking forward to hosting many events throughout the year. It's still a work in progress as far as updates, but that won't keep us from opening our doors to whomever will come despite the flaws. We are blessed to be in a wonderful neighborhood and the surrounding community. We are grateful for a church body in which we can connect, be challenged and grow spiritually. We are thankful for our jobs and the Lord's provision financially. We are thankful for the future plans God continues to write for us and place in our hearts. We are overwhelmed by the Lord grace and mercy. We don't deserve any of this. Our prayer is that we choose to honor the Lord in these things as well as bear His image through our words and actions.

~THE SUGGS

Here are a few pics from the Summer...

Golfing in Port A

Family Crab & Shrimp Boil in Galveston

 

Sugg Family Selfie...weekend in Granite Shoals on the Lake!!