Upward Game

Today was my second Upward basketball game. (Anna's third) It was the hardest game so far. I was guarding a girl that was a little taller than me. It was the same girl Anna mentioned on her blog. Thankfully, it didn't feel like a wrestling match to me. She was really nice, and we talked a lot. Even though we lost, we still put up a good fight. On the last quarter, we down almost 20 points, but at the end of the game we were only down 4! Anna has a dream that she scored 4 times, and in the game, not only did she score for the first time, but she scored 3 times! I was SO proud of her.

The funny thing was at the end of every quarter, I would think: There is no way I am going to go back in. But I ended up playing the whole game! Even though my stomach hurt really bad and I pulled a muscle a once I kept going. My little sister, Ellie, (She's on our team), had a really had a good game too, even though she feel and got four rug burns. Ouch. I think it was a great game for all of us and I thank God for this opportunity. He is showing me how to endure, how to have good sportsmanship, and how to be me a team player. BTW, I get to see my best friend twice a week!
In Christ,
Sarah

Managing Anger

Hey, guys! It's been a LONG while since I've posted so I thought I'd post before I left for my grandpa's funeral. Anna and I had basketball practice tonight and we had our first game Saturday. It was fun. I must say, Anna was very good for her first time! It was seriously tiring, but super fun! In case you don't know, Anna and I do Upward together, a Christian organized basketball program. Our verse today was very good. I can't remember all of it, but this is what I can remember: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." This is something you have to apply daily in your friendship or any relationship. We also brought up the old saying: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. This is not true. In fact, broken bones heal better than a troubling memory. When you break your leg, for instance, it'll heal in maybe a month at the most, but words are damaging and hurtful. Once they're there, you can't take them back. They're in and you can't get them out. It's a lasting, terrible memory that can permanently damage your relationship with your friend or family member.

So, remember, whenever you're about to drill your friend about something (even if they totally deserve it), stop, and think: What would Jesus do? It's better to keep your mouth shut than say something you'll regret.
In Christ,
Sarah

Some Fun Ideas To Try With A Friend!!

You could make a time capsule.

You could write a newsletter with your friend for your families and friends.

Write, direct, and produce your own show.

Make a scrapbook.

Invent your own board game.

Help each other clean and organize your rooms. Take before and after pictures.

Hope you like the ideas!! Once again I got these out of a book!!

Anna:)

Sweet Jesus

This song talks about how your friendship with Jesus is the best, most important friendship you could ever have. I hope it will help you realize that Jesus is the best friend you could ever have.

In Christ,
Sarah

My #1 Fan

I went skating with Anna last Saturday. I had the best time! Anna and I love skating so much! It was great that we could do it together. Though Anna and I agree on mostly everything, we have a few differences. One of them is how I love 'We are Never Ever Getting Back Together' and Anna doesn't like it that much. I love it when she talks [in the song] and Anna doesn't. Another difference we have is that she likes the song, 'Thriller' by Micheal Jackson. I seriously wonder what anyone saw in that guy, but through our differences, we still make the best of friends. Even though we don't agree on everything, we still make the perfect match.

I will never sing like Anna, (BTW, she's is an amazing singer) and she doesn't like writing as much as I do, but we still encourage each other. I'm Anna's #1 fan when it comes to singing and she is my #1 fan when it comes to writing. Your friend might be better at you something, way better. What should you do then? You should support your friend through it all. When they win something, cheer for them. Be their biggest fan. To show you're a true friend and prove that you're a true friend, you need to support your friend. When they fail, never, ever criticize them. Instead, bring up a Bible verse or complement them. Tell them they did their best and you're proud of them. Your friend will feel better knowing that you care. Support them no matter what happens, no matter what the cost.

If it's obvious that you're better than your friend at something, never rub it in their face. Never be proud. If you make brag and make a mistake, it is most likely that your friend could be very hurt.  Talk to them and apologize. Ask them how you hurt them. Give a sincere apologize, admit that you were wrong, and ask for forgiveness. Your friend should respect you more if you give a sincere apology. When it seems that you're friend is jealous for no reason, don't criticize them. Instead, loving and kind to them no matter how hostile they seem. In that situation, ask yourself: What would Jesus do?

I hope this advice helps you with your friend. Remember: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things," 1st Corinthians 13:4-7.

The Top Ten Trouble Starters

1. Talking about your friend behind his or her back.

2. Asking a friend to take sides and choose between you and another friend.

3.Breaking a promise or telling a secret.

4. Being bossy.

5. Bragging or showing off.

6. Leaving someone out-and letting him or her know it in a mean way.

7. Being jealous of or competing with your friend. 

8. Saying something unkind about your friend or his or her loved ones. 

9. Embarrassing your friend in front of others.

10. Being too busy to listen.

Anna:)

The Truest Friend

The very first and most important thing you need to know about friendship is that there is a perfect friend out there. In Proverbs 18:24, it says: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Who is that friend, you ask? Jesus. Jesus is the truest friend you could ever have.

I'm sure you've failed your friends and your friends have failed you before. Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. I know I have...

But no matter how hurt or wrong you are, you could always find a friend in Jesus Christ. He is the most amazing friend you could ever have. I mean it. Before I had a personal relationship with Him, I was always relied on other people to satisfy me. That not only hurt them, but hurt me. Now that I have a personal relationship with Jesus, I know I can always go to him for anything at all and He'll be there. I can always count on Him. I can always talk to Him. Anytime, anywhere. It's that simple.

One of the most awesome parts about it is that even when you fail Jesus, He will never fail you. He will always give you a second chance. So, maybe you're reading this, and you know you've sinned against God. Well, He will forgive you! He already has actually. He forgive you when He died on the cross. All you have to do is accept it!

Jesus will never, repeat never leave you or forsake you! No matter what kind of situation you're in, He will be your best friend.

In Christ,
Sarah