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I am currently reading The Upside of Down by  BGEA board member Joseph Stowell, Sr. This book was written to help people understand and deal with tribulations that we will all face at some time.

The point of this article is not a review of this book; that will come later. This article was prompted by carrying the book around with me at work. I imagined some people seeing the book and assuming that I must be going through some turmoil. Well I’m not at the moment, but I know that I will at some time, and I like to be prepared. I started thinking about how a lot of people wait until they need help before they start looking for it. That’s like waiting until the middle of an exam to start studying for it.

The Sports Approach

Preparing mentally and physically is key for all athletes, teams, and coaches. They spend days leading up to a game viewing tapes of that weeks opponent. These guys don’t wake up on Saturday morning and say, “Who is it that we’re playing today? I think I may need to check them out.” No, when game time rolls around they have already made the preparations necessary to be successful.

Start Practicing Now

This same approach can be used in everyday life. There are numerous resources available for the people who take the time to look for them. Books like the Bible, The Upside of Down; writers like Chris Melton and Brad Baggett; CDs; DVDs; live seminars; or even one-on-one counseling are all excellent resources that we can use to prepare for the downsides and enjoy the upsides of life. Start studying now for the test that you are sure to have in the future.

Tags: Education, Inspiration, Life Lessons, Motivational, Religion, Sports by Eric Sanders
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I have found that soccer and basketball are the best sports for young kids to play. We signed my 4 year old son up for T-ball a couple of years ago. I could hardly wait to see him fielding balls, hitting homers, rounding the bases, and sliding across home plate. After several weeks of watching him sitting in the field pulling up grass while he waited for his turn to hit, we decided to try something different.

Soccer is great!

Soccer was a huge hit with my son and daughter. The nature of the game holds their attention non-stop. They are constantly running up and down the field in a pack kicking at anything in reach. Everyone feels like they are contributing during the entire game. After soccer season we signed my son up for basketball and my daughter for cheerleading.

Basketball keeps them focused

Basketball was similar to soccer in terms of holding their interest. It didn’t matter which team had the ball or which goal they were shooting at, everyone was happy. When the defense took possession they would stop play, have the kids run to the other end of the court and get both teams set up in their offense and defense positions. I guess this stopped any wrestling over the ball while trying to move up and down court.

Cheerleading teaching biblical principles

My daughter loved cheerleading. She was in the Upward program held at a local Baptist church. This is an awesome program. The registration fee included the uniform and a CD with scripture in contemporary song form. They had several cheers during the games and also did a big dance/cheer at intermission.

Keep it exciting

 I suggest that you really look at the amount of activity involved in any kid’s program before you register. There may not be enough to hold their attention.

Tags: Kids, Sports by Eric Sanders
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My kids go to a private school with a  limited number of sports available, but they have an excellent academic progam. I occasionally hear parents say that when their kids reach a certain age they are going to move them to a public school so they can play more sports.

Sports should be enjoyable but not top priority

Now, I am a huge college football fan. I start counting down the days until the next season kickoff before the headlines can report who won the national title. But I have a real problem with people putting sports ahead of academics. I know there are some good schools that also offer several sports, but when that is the only concern of the parent it sends a really bad message to the kid.

Don’t cause your kids more stress

Let’s say you remove a kid from a great academic atmosphere so that he can play football. Now you have basically said that football is more important. Next let’s say that he makes the team but doesn’t get much playing time. Now he sees himself as failing at what you have indicated is the most important aspect of school. I think this can be confusing and damging for kids and only adds to the problems that jr high students face already.

Education always wins

 As far as I’m concerned, a great education is better that a mediocre sports career any day.

Tags: Education, Kids, Sports by Eric Sanders
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