The time-out. What a great tool! When you realize that your athletes are becoming unnerved, out of breath and in need of a break, a time-out is a great way to stop, reenergize, refocus, reward and reassure them. Something as simple as a water break time-out to reenergize your team is all it takes to get them going again. In the same way, our “thirst” for God requires that we take time-outs in our lives in order to be reenergized by our Coach, Jesus Christ.

Hockey Chat:  The game of hockey is captivating.  It’s easy to get in the zone and get caught up with the game.  Sometimes we get so enthralled we forget we have other players to pass to or we are running so high that when someone gives us a bump we take it as a personal attack.  To win the game you have to play the game.  When the focus moves from the game to you, both will lose.  Professional players that try to be the lone-ranger hot-dogs are not needed on any team.  Pro players that take dumb penalties are sent somewhere else where they can’t hurt the team by sending the rest of the guys out there short handed so often.

Hockey Chat:  You can feel effects being out on the ice for the first time in a while.  You can also feel the effects from working out or keeping active in preparation for game time.  Devoting the extra effort helps you be a better skater.  That helps the whole team win.  Individual dedication leads to team victory.

Sometimes I believe English is the first spoken language in America, and “dishonesty” a close second. I often hear people say, “To be honest with you . . .” Does that mean that in previous conversations, they were not telling the truth? To have a successful team, to be a champion on and off the court, honesty must exist!