Has
there ever been a time in history when we’ve had access to so much
knowledge? Whether you want to fix your car, get dating advice, or make
sense of a political issue, someone somewhere is willing to give advice.
Books, TV shows, websites, podcasts, and social media all claim to have
the answers we need. So why aren’t we more fulfilled?
We often
come up empty because those sources lack ultimate, eternal knowledge.
And so, the guidance and peace we desperately seek remain elusive. We
need something better—we need truth. The Bible meets this need
because, from beginning to end, it reveals God to us, assures us of His
love, leads us to salvation, and shows us how to live. The Bible is much
more than a history text or story book. It’s more than a collection of
poetry and wisdom. It is the inspired and living Word of God—timeless,
infallible, trustworthy.
The Lord can and does use people and
resources to help us grapple with life’s complexities, yet the wisdom we
receive from them should always line up with the Bible’s teachings.
Where have you turned recently for the answers to difficult questions?
How much has Scripture factored in?
Cat
Osterman, a former three-time National Player of the Year, four-time
All-American, and two-time Olympic medalist. She coached also served as
assistant coach for the Texas State Bobcats in San Marcos, Texas, from
2015-20, after three seasons in a similar role for the St. Edwards
Hilltoppers in Austin, Texas.
A
native of Houston, Texas, Osterman helped to lead the University of
Texas to three Women’s College World Series appearances in 2003, 2005
and 2006. She also became the only softball individual to win USA
Softball’s National Player of the Year honors three times after earning
the honor each of those seasons.
During
her redshirt season of 2004, Osterman trained with the USA National
Team as the only collegian and youngest member of the Olympic team that
earned a gold medal in Athens. A three-time selection as Big 12
Conference Female Athlete of the Year (2003, 2005 and 2006), she still
holds UT career records in victories (136), ERA (0.51), shutouts (85)
and no-hitters (20), and she holds the NCAA record for career strikeout
ratio per seven innings (14.35). She finished her UT career with a
136-25 overall record and is second all-time in NCAA Division I career
strikeouts with 2,265. Osterman was a recipient of the NCAA Today’s Top
VIII Award in 2006, an honor presented to the top eight senior
student-athletes in the country.
Osterman
pitched for the USA National Team from 2001 to 2021, appearing in the
2004, 2008, and 2020 Olympics. Team USA took home the gold in 2004 and
finished with the silver medal in 2008 and 2021 (2020 Olympics). In her
20-year career with Team USA, Osterman held a 74-5 record with 0.44 ERA.
She struck out 1030 batters in just 519.0 innings of work.
Osterman
completed her eighth and final season in the National Pro Fastpitch
(NPF) League in 2015. She played for the Rockford Thunder in 2007 and
2009 and the USSSA Pride for six seasons. Osterman led the Thunder to
the league championship in 2009, earning MVP of the championship series.
The very next season, she led the Pride to the 2010 championship. The
team split the championship in 2012 but captured the title once again in
2013 and 2014.
Osterman
was named to the All-NPF team six times and was named Diamond NPF
Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2011 and NPF Pitcher of the Year in 2013 and
2014. In the final season of her professional career, Osterman went 15-4
for the Pride, the NPF’s regular season champions, with a 1.21 ERA and
183 strikeouts in 121.2 innings of work. In eight seasons in the NPF,
Osterman captured four league titles.
On
February 18, 2013, Osterman was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of
Fame alongside New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, former Dallas Cowboys
RB Walt Garrison, former NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal, and former
Heisman Trophy winner from UT Ricky Williams.
Osterman
added a second hall of fame to her resume in 2016 as she was enshrined
in the World of Little League® Hall of Excellence, the highest honor
Little League can bestow. She is the fourth female to be enshrined in
the Little League Hall of Excellence, and the first to be recognized for
a career in the sport of softball.
Osterman
graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in
Psychology in 2007 and the University of Missouri with a master’s degree
in educational and counseling psychology with a concentration in
positive coaching in 2015. Osterman and her husband, Joey Ashley, along
with his daughter, Bracken, reside in San Antonio. Book this course......
When
branches are full and spilling over with big, bright fruit, we assume
the tree is healthy. We may not be able to see the quality of the soil,
and we probably didn’t witness the tree being fertilized or pruned. But
looking at its boughs, we can see the evidence of steady growth and
regular maintenance.
Likewise, fruit in our spiritual life
indicates health and maturity in a believer. And today’s passage lists
nine traits that show up in our life when God’s Holy Spirit dwells in
us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. But how should we watch for these? What
are the signs we’re moving in the right direction? When we’re growing in
Christlikeness, these qualities are evident as we:
• Bear with the shortcomings of others.
• Use our words more carefully.
• Give and serve more cheerfully.
• Resist temptation and, when we sin, repent quickly.
• Keep our promises to God and others.
• Respond to challenges with peace and patience.
Most
of the people we interact with on a daily basis won’t see our efforts,
but they will notice the Lord’s character forming in us. Using the list
above, take inventory. Which traits need more emphasis in your life?
Golf is a
game that requires a combination of a few different skills. The first is
the ability to put the ball in play with a tee shot. The next is the
approach shot to the green. The last step, and most important, is the
short game. The short game is a combination of pitching, chipping,
bunker shots, and putting.
Why is short game so important?
A
golfer’s short game is a part of golf that is often overlooked. Many
golfers neglect their short game because they want to be able to hit
long drives. Golfers think they will play well because they hit the ball
further than others. This is a common misconception. The majority of
shots are played on or around the green. This is why it is instrumental
to have a sharp short game.
Types of short game shots
Pitching:
Mastering the pitching technique is essential for achieving accurate
and controlled shots around the green. Focus on maintaining a consistent
tempo, using the proper club selection, and executing a smooth,
controlled swing. Develop a reliable short backswing and follow through
with a downward strike to generate optimal height and spin.
Chipping: Chipping
requires precision and touch. Use a variety of clubs, such as a
pitching wedge, sand wedge, or even a hybrid, to execute a range of chip
shots depending on the lie and desired trajectory. Practice distance
control by varying the length of your backswing and focusing on the
rhythm of your swing. Experiment with different landing spots to develop
versatility in approaching the green.
Bunker Shots: Bunker
shots can be intimidating but with proper technique, they can be
mastered. Start by opening the clubface and aiming slightly left of your
target. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance and focus on
making a shallow, controlled swing. Use the sand to your advantage by
entering the sand a couple of inches before striking the ball, allowing
the club to slide underneath it.
Putting: Arguably
the most crucial aspect of the short game, putting demands precision
and consistency. Develop a consistent putting routine, focusing on
alignment, grip, and a smooth pendulum-like stroke. Practice lag putting
to improve distance control, and dedicate time to mastering short putts
to ensure confidence under pressure.
Ways to Improve
Focus on Distance Control: One
of the keys to success in the short game is distance control. Practice
hitting shots to specific targets at various distances to develop a feel
for different clubs and swing lengths. This will enhance your ability
to gauge the necessary force and touch required for different shots
around the green.
Mental Game: The short game
heavily relies on mental fortitude and decision-making. Stay focused and
visualize your shots before execution. Develop a pre-shot routine that
helps you get into the right mindset and approach each shot with
confidence.
Practice Variety: Vary your practice
sessions to simulate real-life playing conditions. Include uphill,
downhill, and sidehill lies in your training routine. Experiment with
different slopes and bunker conditions to become comfortable with a wide
range of scenarios you might encounter on the course.
Short Game Challenges: Set
up specific challenges or games during practice sessions to enhance
competitiveness and simulate on-course pressure. For example, create a
putting course with different distances and obstacles or challenge
yourself to get out of a bunker in the fewest strokes possible.
Conclusion
The
short game is arguably the most difficult part of golf. There is no
doubt that it is the most important. It is something that every player
must master if they want to be great.
Qatar Airways is an award-winning airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world with unprecedented expansion, flying to over 160 destinations worldwide.
When
a baby is born, it’s a cause for celebration but also anticipation.
Before discharging the family, the doctor checks that everything is as
it should be. And then, once at home, Mom and Dad watch carefully to
make sure the baby eats enough, sleeps well, and meets milestones. In
the days and months (and years!) to come, parents pay attention to the
child’s development—not just physical but also cognitive and emotional.
If there aren’t signs of growth, something is probably wrong.
The
same is true of our life in Christ. When we first receive Jesus as
Lord, we’re spiritual infants, beginning a wonderful new life in Him.
But from then on, it’s important to “grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior” (2 Pet. 3:18). Otherwise, we can easily be misled
by wrong teaching, doubt, and temptation.
Growing in our
relationship with Jesus requires that we fill our life with practices
that promote good spiritual health. These include regular worship,
prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and serving with
our gifts and talents. Such disciplines nourish us—they’re like vitamins
and exercise for the soul.
How has your spiritual growth been recently? What changes would help strengthen your faith?
We've all been there – excited to start a new exercise
routine, only to lose motivation and skip workouts just a few weeks in.
The key to long-term fitness success is consistency, and in this blog
post, we'll explore proven strategies to help you stick with your
exercise routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Set realistic goals
Establishing attainable, realistic goals is the first step towards
creating an exercise routine you can stick with. Avoid setting overly
ambitious goals that may lead to disappointment and burnout. Instead,
focus on achievable milestones, such as gradually increasing your
workout frequency or improving your running pace. Remember, slow and
steady progress is more sustainable in the long run.
Create a schedule and prioritize
A consistent workout schedule is vital for maintaining an exercise
routine. Determine the best time to exercise, whether early morning,
during lunch, or in the evening. Block that time off your calendar, and
treat it as an essential, non-negotiable appointment. You'll likely
stick to your routine by prioritizing your workouts.
Make it enjoyable
If you dread your workouts, it's unlikely that you'll stick to your
exercise routine. Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy and look
forward to doing. Experiment with different types of exercise, such as
yoga, dance, swimming, or weightlifting, until you find the ones that
resonate with you. Mixing up your workouts can also help prevent boredom
and keep you engaged.
Establish a support network
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can significantly
increase your chances of sticking to an exercise routine. Friends,
family members, or coworkers can serve as workout buddies, providing
accountability, encouragement, and friendly competition. Joining a gym,
fitness class, or local sports club can also help you connect with
others who share your fitness goals.
Track your progress
Monitoring your progress can be highly motivating and help you stay
committed to your exercise routine. Use a fitness app, journal, or
spreadsheet to track your workouts, set personal records, and celebrate
milestones. Seeing tangible improvements in your performance or physique
can provide a sense of accomplishment and inspire you to continue
pushing forward.
Embrace setbacks and adapt
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of
becoming discouraged when you miss a workout or fail to meet a goal, use
these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Develop a
resilient mindset by reminding yourself of your achievements and
adapting your routine. This may mean adjusting your goals, trying new
activities, or seeking additional support.
Reward yourself
Recognizing your hard work and dedication can make sticking with your
exercise routine easier. Treat yourself to a small reward, such as a
relaxing bath, a new workout outfit, or a fun activity, when you reach
milestones or complete challenging workouts. Positive reinforcement can
reinforce your commitment and help you stay on track.
Conclusion
Sticking with an exercise routine requires a combination of realistic
goal setting, planning, enjoyment, support, progress tracking,
resilience, and rewards. By incorporating these strategies into your
fitness journey, you'll be more likely to maintain your routine and reap
the lifelong benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. Remember,
consistency is critical, and every workout brings you one step closer to
your goals.
Dr Piti is a highly skilled and dedicated cardiologist
currently practicing in Thailand. Dr Piti has contributed significantly
to the field with a keen focus on pulmonary hypertension through their
expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients with this
condition. In addition to their specialization, Dr Piti has a broad
range of experience in general cardiology and managing patients with
various comorbidities.
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