Bible Verse for the Day

FCA Discussion Questions (Meeting March 26)

1. Last Time: Responsibility - makin the right choice

2. What was the best TEAM you were ever on? Worst TEAM?
- The best team I have ever been on was my football team this year by going 12-1 and making it to the WPIAL Championship. The worst team I have ever been on is my twerp football team. We only won one game a year.

3. What characteristics contribute to a good TEAM? A bad TEAM?
- A good team has the characteristics of unselfishness, hard work, friendship, loving, and caring of each other. A bad team has characteristics of selfishness, uncaring, and lazy.

4. What does it mean to have TEAM spirit?
- Team spirit is the overall ability for a team to get excited for practice and games. It is also the friendship of the players. Lastly, for example, when some one scores a touchdown or a basketball, the team's reaction shows their team spirit.

5. Compare these 2 definitions:
a) A willingness to lose oneself in the group for the good of the group
- This talks of being unselfish. This says that the team performance is more important than one's individual performance. Instead of taking shot in basketball, if you can pass it off to a teammate for a better shot that is what you should do.
b) An eagerness to lose oneself in the group for the good of the group
- This is similar to the other definition. The difference is the first one said to be willing to lose onself for the benefit of the team. This one talks of being eager, which means that you care more about the team and you will do anything to help the team, even if that means affecting your own individual performance.

6. Can you think of any sport examples of this kind of unselfishness and love?
- Yes, Sidney Crosby. I have never seen more of an unselfish player. He will pass it to a teammate rather than shoot it every time. He sometimes actually makes me angry because he is TOO unselfish.

7. Movie Clip: Friday Night Lights


8. Application: Leassons in Teamwork from Wild Geese

Bible Verse of the Day

Band from Beulah Beach - Leeland

Christian Events This Summer - Beulah Beach

Christian Events This Summer - Beulah Beach

Every summer for the past four years, I have been going to Beulah Beach. Beulah Beach is a Christian Camp that holds different types of camps every year. I always went to the High School Camp, but there are others for kids of all ages. There is also sports camp and water camp. Here are some pictures of myself, friends, and my brother's friends from previous years of going to the camp.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

USE WORDS THAT EDIFY

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4).

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up (Proverbs 12:25).

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19).

...authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down (2 Corinthians 10:8).

We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening (2 Corinthians 12:19).

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

FCA Discussion Questions (Meeting Feb. 26)

1. Last Time: Our Attitude is a choice. The foundation of a good attitude is gratitude and enthusiasm.

2. Video Clip: Tony Dungy


3. John Wooden: "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"

4. What are some more serious ways in which athletes and coaches choose the wrong way over the right way?
- Some athletes choose the wrong way like Michael vick by getting into trouble. If you know what your doing is wrong, don't do it, it's not worth it. Some coaches choose the wrong why when they do things such as: overwork the players, swear, etc.

5. If you knew no one would ever find out would you:

Skip a workout?- Yeah
Lie to your coach?- Depending on the situation
Root against a teammate?- No
Take steroids?- No
Cheat to win?- No
Throw the game?- No

6. How do these choices cheapen the athletic experience? As athletes do you think we are more defined by our achievements or choices?
- They cheapen the game becasue the game becomes unfair. Its not fair to go up against someone on steroids, if your not on steroids. As athletes, people care more about our achievements than choices, but choices are more important in my mind.

7. Application: Joshua 24:15

Hopewell vs. Belle Vernon

Tonight, our basketball season ended dramatically with a tough loss to Belle Vernon 40-25. Obviously, looking at the score, it was a very sloppy game. Neither team looked good, but Belle Vernon looked much better than we did. They ran a 2-3 zone that we could not overcome. No one on our team could get to the hoop or make and outside jump shot. It was by far the worst game we played all season, and it came at the worst time. Myself, Kevin Welsh, and Dayne Smith, our top three scorers, shot 7 for 30 from the field. During the season, we averaged together 40 points a game. Tonight, we only had 16 points together. Looking past this loss, we had a good season, and we won the Section Championship.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

SAY WHAT PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR, NOT JUST WHAT THEY WANT

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth (Proverbs 16:13).

Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet (Proverbs 29:5).

He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue (Proverbs 28:23).

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses (Proverbs 27:5,6).

A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful (Proverbs 14:25).

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you (Proverbs 9:7,8).

Bible Verse of the Day

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

DON'T TAKE TOO SERIOUSLY THE HARSH WORDS OF OTHERS

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you--for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others (Ecclesiastes 7:21,22).

SPEAK THE TRUTH

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies (Psalm 34:13).

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free (Proverbs 19:5,9).

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful (Proverbs 12:22).

Bible Verse of the Day

Section Champs (Hopewell vs. Center)

Here is a video of the Game of the Week against Center. I played with these guys on my team since 5th grade, and this is by far the best game we have every played. After the first quarter, the score was 19-2. At halftime, we were up 33-6. The final score, Hopewell over Center 60-24. This win gave us a share of the section championship with Blackhawk. It is our second section championship in the past three years. Next week playoff seedings are decided.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

MAKE YOUR WORDS TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE

A mand finds joy in giving an apt reply--and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23)

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in setting of silver (Proverbs 25:11).

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Hopewell vs. Blackhawk

Tonight, my basketball team traveled to play Blackhawk at their home court. In the past three years I have played there, we have never won. Actually, I can't recall the last time a Hopewell team has won there. Let's just say the referees aren't always on our side, but still the fact that we played terrible didn't help either. It was a long bus ride with the slick roads, and it just seemed like our heads weren't in the game. Time after team we got called for traveling. None of our shots were falling, and we were all in foul trouble. Also, they were hitting 3-pointers, which forced us out of our 3-2 zone and we had to play man to man. We made a last reluctant effort to come back, but it was too little too late. Blackhawk defeated us to 64-48.

Christian-Athlete Profile on Drew Brees

Drew Brees played his college football at Purdue. I remember watching him when I was younger because I'm a big Penn State fan and I always got nervous when the two teams faced. After a successful college career, Drew Brees was drafted to the San Diego Chargers. Here, he did well, but struggled with injuries throughout his career. After a supposedly career ending injury, the Chargers no longer wanted Drew Brees. In FCA, I learned that he was a Christian. Drew Brees' video clip tells us how he prayed every day for God to show him the way. One day the New Orleans called trying to get Drew Brees. Brees felt that this was a calling from Christ and that this was where he was supposed to be. So, Drew Brees went to New Orleans where they at first struggled after Hurricane Katrina and everything. Now, he is going to play in the upcoming Super Bowl after an amazing season.

Hopewell vs. Beaver

Tonight, we played a home game against the Beaver Bobcats in another section game. Coming into the game we knew we needed to continue to play well in order to win the section. We couldn't afford any losses against teams we believe we should beat. We played well again tonight and Beaver struggled against our 3-2 zone. I scored 21 points and Dayne Smith and Kevin Welsh had big games again also. We continue our race for the section championship with our 53-20 romp over Beaver.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

WEIGH YOUR WORDS: THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

The heart of righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil (Proverbs 15:28).

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin (Proverbs 13:3).

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (Proverbs 21:23).

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (James 1:26).

Hopewell vs. Ambridge

Tonight, we played Ambridge again in another section matchup. In my past experiences, we have always had trouble when playing at Ambridge gym. Whenever we play their we never have a good offensive output. Last year we only scored 25 points there. A similar thing happened this year, but we were still able to pull out the victory. Once again, Kevin Welsh had another huge game against Ambridge and lead our team to victory. The final score was 41-32 in our favor.

Drew Brees

On Wednesday, February 6, I will be profiling Drew Brees as a Christian-Athlete.

Hopewell vs. North Allegheny

Tonight, my basketball team had an exhibition game against North Allegheny, a Quad A school, who has excelled all year in their section. They are one of the better teams in Quad A and we knew we would have to play really well in order to beat them. During the entire game, North Allegheny ran the press. Derek Petronzi and I brought the ball up and did very well, but breaking their man to man press was very tiring. Somehow, with the help of my teammates I was able to score 30 points. We all played well together and Kevin Welsh had some key passes to me on the fast break. We were excited to beat another Quad A school with the final score of 57-45.

Hopewell vs. Ambridge

Tonight, our section play on our basketball schedule continued with a home game against Ambridge. After many snow days, our basketball schedule with Ambridge has gotten messsed up. So, we finally got to play them. Coming into the game, we knew that Ambridge had enough talent to beat anyone in the section. Their record does not reflect how good they really are. We knew they would probably attempt to press us because we have always struggled against their press, but come game time we were prepared adn did a great job of breaking it. Kevin Welsh had a huge game tonight. Scoring 34 points, no one on Ambridge could stop him. He helped lead us to a 61-36 victory.

Bible Verse of the Day

Hopewell vs. Ellwood City

Tonight, my Hopewell basketball team faced another section opponent Ellwood City. Knowing that we are better than them, we had to come in focused and make sure they didn't pull off an upset. Our entire team was ready to play. Point guard Derek Petronzi did a great job of distributing the ball to Kevin Welsh and I. In the first half, I had 21 points. Out of those 21, 18 of them came off jump shots from teh top of the key. Most of the jump shots came from passes by Derek. We played well and pulled off the victory 62-40.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

REMEMBER WE MUST ACCOUNT TO GOD FOR OUR WORDS

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken (Matthew 12:36).

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us stop pasing judgment on one another... (Romans 14:12).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue (Proverbs 17:28).

A man of understanding holds his tongue (Proverbs 11:12).

FCA Discussion Questions (Meeting Jan. 22)

1. Last Time: Effort- don't compare yourself to anyone else and do your best to realize your full potential

2. Name some athletes who you consider to have a "bad attitude".
- Terrel Owens, Chad Ochocinco, Ron Artest

3. How does a "bad attitude" affect a player? Team?
- As a player, having a bad attitude usually affects performance in a negative way because the player is probably unhappy with the team, causing him to not work as hard. It affects the team dramatically, which is why so many teams have traded away guys like Terrel Owens. They cause bad team chemistry and the team suffers.

4. Your attitude is a choice. Agree or disagree? How do you practice having a "good attitude"?
- I agree your attitude is a choice. Of course some days are better than others, but your overall every day attitude is a choice. I practice having a good attitude by thinking to myself that I'm lucky to be out here, so why have a bad attitude. Guys like Tyler Potts would do anything to be out on the field to practice.

5. How might Gratitude change your attitude in the classroom? Practice field? Game field?
- Gratitude means to be thankful. In all three aspects it helps me because I'm thankful to be healthy and capable of doing all three of them.

6. How might Enthusiasm change your attitude in the classroom? Practice field? Game field?
- If your energetic about what you do and love what you do you will be successful in all three of these aspects.

7. Video Clip: Drew Brees


8. Application: Pastor Jim Eaton

Hopewell vs. New Castle (Jan. 22)

Yesterday, my basketball team played the New Castle Red Hurricanes in another section rivalry. It was probably the best game we played all year. We ran a 3-2 zone that we just put in on defense and it worked to perfection. New Castle couldn't do anything against us offensively. Defensively, we completely shut them down. Dayne Smith and I had very good games. Dayne had almost 20 points, and I contributed with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 steals. This win keeps us in the running for first place in the section with Blackhawk and Center.

Song of the Day - Blessed Be The Name

Hopewell vs. Center

Tonight, my basketball team played in a huge game against Center who is a huge section rival. As the season goes on, section play gets tougher and tougher. We knew playing at Center was going to make it tough to beat them. From the tip, we weren't ready to play. It was one of the worst performances we put on all season. Even though they have no height compared to us, we were unable to score down low. The game got uglier and uglier, so Coach Rowan pulled the starters out. We ended up losing 63-46 to get our first loss in the section.

Bible Verse of the Day

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

The Problem:
WHAT IS THE HEART OF MAN LIKE?

Every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood (Genesis 8:21).

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

The Solution:
A HEART TRANSPLANT

Create in me a new heart, O God (Psalm 51:10).

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone...I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:26,27).

The Surgical Tool:
GOD'S WORD

For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12,13).

Once the heart is changed, the words will change:

A wise man's heart guides his mouth (Proverbs 16:23).

Hopewell vs. North Catholic

Tonight, my Hopewell basketball team played North Catholic, a Double A school, in an exhibition game held at Geneva College. North Catholic went to the state championship last year, and they were ranked very high in the state again this year. So, we need it was going to be a tough opponent. The game was sloppy for both teams. Neither of teams could make a foul shot or make any shots in general. Going into halftime we stayed close with them only down by 5. In the second half, we kept edging closer and closer and eventually tied it up. Then, we went down by 2 with 8 seconds left, but missed two foul shots at the end of regulation to tie it up. The final score was 45-41 in favor of North Catholic.

Hopewell vs. Blackhawk

Tonight, my basketball team played in one of the biggest section games of the year against long time rival Blackhawk. We scouted the game and knew they had big time players in Cory Ostach, Tim Denman, and Dustin Pringle. We prepared all week for the game and new we had to come ready to play because we knew Blackhawk had a good chance of winning the section this year. We were ready to play, and we controlled the ball throughout the entire game. We controlled the pace of the game, and it truly felt like they never really had a chance of coming back. Myself, Kevin Welsh, and Dayne Smith contributed over 30 of the points to lead us to a 57-47 victory.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

THE SOURCE OF MY WORDS

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man "unclean" (Matthew 15:18).

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart (Luke 6:45).

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

DON'T TALK TOO MUCH

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (Proverbs 10:19).

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that I may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Hopewell vs. Beaver

Tonight, my Hopewell basketball team faced off against the Beaver Bobcats at Beaver in an important section game. As the season goes on, we know that every game becomes more and more important, especially each section game. Although in the past, we have never seemed to struggle with Beaver, we knew that this year they had a better team than usual. They have two big man that are pretty good scorers down low so we knew we needed to stop them. The game was a very slow and there wasn't very much scoring. In the end, we scored a little more than they did with a 48-37 victory to stay undefeated in the section.

HEART of a Champion - "Teamwork"

TEAMWORK is the "T" in the HEART of a Champion. Teamwork can be defined as cooperative work done together by one or more individuals. In sports, teamwork is probably the most important aspect in order for a team to be successful. If a team is able to work together, they can do almost anything. Playing as a team is what makes the members of the team be able to play at their highest levels. In religion, it is important to use teamwork to spread the word. For example, in FCA, Mr. Commesso and I work together to help make sure people know about every FCA meeting. Also, we and other members of FCA work together to help make the meetings are a success and teach the Word of God.

HEART of a Champion - "Responsibility"

RESPONSIBILITY is the "R" in the HEART of a Champion. It can be defined as a duty or the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force. To be responsible is a very important aspect in sports and in religion. For example, in sports, a player is responsible to show up to practice every day, to work hard, and listen to their coaches. It is a player's responsibility to stay out of trouble for the sake of the team and for themselves. Another example, in most religions, a person is not forced to prayer every day or go to church every week, but I feel that it is our responsibility to take the time out of our lives and worship God.

HEART of a Champion - "Attitude"

ATTITUDE is the "A" in HEART of a Champion. Attitude can be defined as a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways. I like to define it as the way you act when put into a situation. Having a bad attitude is never a good thing. It is important to always have a good attitude. If you have a good attitude you can get through almost anything. In sports, even if your maybe not getting play time, stay positive, and keep working hard and eventually you will get your chance. Maybe you had a bad day, but when you come to FCA to worship, don't come with a bad attitude, or you won't get anything out of it.

HEART of a Champion - "Effort"

EFFORT is the "E" in the HEART of a Champion. Effort can be defined as to put forth your best attempt or an earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something. It is important to put in your best effort in all aspects of life to be successful. Whether it is putting in effort at school or work, you should always give it your all so you don't let other people down. Also, in sports it is important to put in your best effort for the benefit of the team. Most importantly, putting effort into your faith will make you lead a better life. By praying to God and worshipping him more and more, you will lead a happier life and will be saved.

HEART of a Champion - "Hope"

HOPE is the "H" in the HEART of a Champion. Hope can be defined as the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled, believing that something is good, or a reason to be positive in every situation. Many people hope for many different things. Religiously, I hope for everyday that I am doing the right things to receive salvation from Jesus Christ. Athletically, I always hope that I am doing everything in my power to be the best I can be and hope that my team wins.

Hopewell FCA - HEART of a Champion

As part of Hopewell's FCA, we have developed the 5 pieces of the Heart of a Champion. During the summer basketball camp run by FCA we preached about the Heart of a Champion to the kids. Instead, we taught the kids a different form of it that we developed which is Hope, Endurance, Actions, Respect, and Trust. Now, monthly we preach the other form of the HEART of a Champion for each FCA meeting. In the next 5days, I will be going over each piece individually that we use for our FCA meetings. Here are the 5 pieces of the Heart of a Champion that we use:

HEART OF A CHAMPION

H - Hope

E - Effort

A - Attitude

R - Responsibility

T - Teamwork

Hopewell vs. Monaca

Tonight, my basketball team played the Monaca Indians, Single A, in an exhibition game at home. Both teams knew coming into the game that we were a much better team. Monaca more or less scheduled us just to play a tough Triple A team for experience. In the first quarter, we were up 23 to 2. Then, going to halftime we increased are lead even more. In the second half, the starters only played for the first 4 minutes, and we sat on the bench the rest of the game. Juior forward, Christian Farris, had a big game with 20 points, a career high. The final score of the game was 58-36.

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

LISTEN BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Listen Before You Respond:

He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame (Proverbs 18:13).

Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him (Proverbs 29:20).

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

Biblical Principles for Godly Verbal Communication

LISTEN BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Listen to the counsel of others:

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).

He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding (Proverbs 15:32).

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise (Proverbs 19:20).

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge (Proverbs 19:27).

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips (Proverbs 22:17,18).

Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear (Proverbs 25:12).

For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers (Proverbs 24:6).

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke (Proverbs 13:1).

Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin (Proverbs 10:14).

Hopewell vs. Peters Township

Tonight, my basketball team played Peters Township, a Quad A school, at Ambridge Area High School. Having already faced a Quad A school, Shaler, we knew this would be another tough game. Also, without Dayne playing again we knew it would be even tougher. Once again we struggled to score tonight. Defensively we couldn't stop them. They hit almost every three they took. In the first half, 30 out of their 33 points came from three pointers. We had no answer to their very good shooting offense. But, once again, it was an exhibition game, and has no affect on our section record. Our next game is another non-section game against Monaca.

Happy New Year