Listening to God

I wanted to rewrite this section on beach ball as the testimony to hearing God's voice and obeying Him.  This team while made up of mostly Valley students was not associated with Valley or a part of its sports department.  This team started by a simple love of volleyball and wanting to play as much as possible. When I asked my girls if they wanted to play beach volleyball this summer they were excited and started to tell friends about it. I was coaching Jr High boys at the time and mentioned it. Before I knew it there were 24 kids wanting to play! I was overwhelmed with the excitement everyone had to play and wondered how in the world this was going to happen. I knew God had plans in this and prayed about what this team could really be.  I asked all my church friends for a name of the team that although the team was not from Valley Christian it would in fact be a Christ centered team.  I took a lot of jabs from people wondering where exactly the beach is around here. At one point when asked about it in a group meeting people got up and walked out not interested to hear about such a silly thing as a beach volleyball team.  In short not giving up on what God was telling me to do; I made no compromises on the team name, SonSetters, yes with an "O" as is the son of God and "setters" a volleyball term all of which meant to me setting the Son on high.  We prayed at most practices and before every tournament.  Several kids took it upon themselves to pray with their team mate before taking the court or during a game.  We wore team uniforms that were visible from all over the beach. Every time we went to a tournament kids were asked where we came from and what our name meant opening doors to share Christ. I was asked about the kids all the time even from passers by who noticed them.  I personally had the opportunity and honor of praying with some of the kids and adults who live on the streets near Main beach.  All of the kids made friends with the other players throughout the season and several still keep in touch via texting (of course!) and face book. Even some parents exchanged numbers. This is all a testimony to the light of Jesus shining through.   This WAS a season full of many accomplishments, several teams did very well, some kids improved and some kids just had fun! So, when God gives you a nudge to do something, do it!! Even when people come against you or give you a hard time. Through Him we are strong, listen to His voice.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me...
Jaymie House
SonSetters
Youth Beach Volleyball