Motivational Cards
MOTIVATIONAL CARDS
View the sample of motivational cards we hand out to our athletes. If you want to use them, click on our download link for a ready-made template with several copies of each card to use to hand out. The stories and devotional adaptations were compiled by John Saucier.
Perseverance
THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF “SHAKING IT OFF”
One day a farmer’s donkey fell into an abandoned well. Terrified, the animal cried for hours as the farmer tried to Figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and impossible to retrieve. He realized the well needed to be filled to prevent future losses. So he invited all his neighbors to help him. They all grabbed shovels and began to throw dirt into the well.
At first, when the d o n k e y realized he was b e i n g buried alive, he cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s shock, the donkey quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit the donkey’s back, the donkey would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer and his neighbors continued to throw dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take another step up. Soon everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life will throw dirt your way and attempt to bury you. however, no one ever g e t s out of life’s wells without a little “dirt” on them or by giving up! The difference is, our “owner” Jesus Christ (he bought us with the price of His life), isn’t trying to harm us!!. He’s providing the means to escape our struggles!! Shake the dirt off and OVERCOME!! For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
http://www.teamjam.org/uploads/3/8/4/3/38438735/shaking_it_off.doc
shaking_it_off.doc
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Download File
----------------------------------------------
A FATHER'S SACRIFICIAL LOVE
Written from excerpts of a story by Jonathan Mummolo, Washington Post, Sept. 10, 2008
Whether Thomas Vander Woude was volunteering at church, coaching basketball or working on his farm, son Joseph was often right there. So when Joseph, 20, who has Down syndrome, fell into a septic tank in his back yard, it was no surprise that Vander Woude jumped in after him and saved him. Tragically, he died where he spent so much time living: at his son's side.
"That's how he lived," Vander Woude's daughter-in-law and neighbor, Maryan Vander Woude, said yesterday. "He lived sacrificing his life, everything, for his family." Vander Woude, 66, had gone to Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville on Monday, just as he did every day, and then worked in the yard with Joseph, the youngest of his seven sons, But somehow during that time, Joseph apparently fell through a piece of metal that covered a 2-by-2 foot opening in the septic tank, Vander Woude rushed to the tank; while a workman at the house saw what was happening and told Vander Woude's wife, Mary Ellen, police said. They called 911 about 12 p.m. and tried to help the father and son in the meantime. At some point, Vander Woude jumped in the tank, submerging himself in sewage so he could push his son up from below and keep his head above the muck, while Joseph's mom and the workman pulled from above. When rescue workers arrived, they pulled the two out, police said. Vander Woude, who had been in the tank for 15 to 20 minutes, was unconscious. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Joseph remains in Prince William Hospital with double pneumonia, in critical condition and on a ventilator. He doesn’t know yet that his dad has died.
"He's the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back," said neighbor Lee DeBrish. "And if he didn't have one, he'd buy one for you."
Vander Woude was a pilot in Vietnam, a daughter-in-law said. After the war, he worked as a commercial airline pilot.
Thomas’ story helps us picture the sacrifice Christ made – who also dove into the muck and waste of our lives – to save us. It’s the ultimate form of love. Lets NOT waste the second chance at life and ETERNAL life Christ is offering us through it !!
fathers_sacrifice.doc
File Size:160 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
------------------------------------------------------------------
Handling tough times
DURING A STORM, BE A BUFFALO
Wilma Mankiller, the first ever female chief of the Cherokee nation (and owner of one of the best surnames in history) once said that Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it – and gets through it quicker.
The lesson? …do not prolong the torment, become the buffalo. A rainstorm is chasing you? – head toward it. A blizzard is surrounding you? – Attack it. Put your head down and find a way through! The Buffalo simply steers toward the trouble and then ……..TAKES THE 1st STEP!
I don’t know how long your storm will last. All that I do know is that the buffalo gets through it quicker and in better shape than the cow….and the cow-ard that runs away
buffalo.doc
File Size:189 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
---------------------------------------------------
Forgiveness
KILLER'S WIFE SALUTES AMISH MERCY
The widow of a man who shot dead five Amish girls at a school in the US state of Pennsylvania has thanked the Amish community for their love and support. On October 3, 2006, 32-year-old Carl Charles Roberts IV entered the one-room West Nickel Mines Amish School in Nickel Mines, Pa., and shot 10 schoolgirls, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years old, and then himself. Five of the girls and Roberts died. In spite, of this horrific crime against the most innocent of a very quiet, private and religious people, the world was even MORE shocked by what happened immediately afterward. FORGIVENESS.
Immediately afterward, though incredibly grief stricken, this entire community forgave the dead murderer Carl Roberts. Then they went a step further. Knowing that Roberts’ widow and three children were innocent victims as well....forever burdened with the task of being associated with this horrific crime through no fault of their own .... they reached out to MINISTER TO ...Roberts’ family.
amish_forgiveness.doc
File Size:55 kb
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Download File
-------------------------------------------------
Submission to Authority
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
Americans: This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: This is the Aircraft Carrier US LINCOLN, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that's one-five degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Humanity repeatedly says that it is does not need God or is SMARTER and more POWERFUL, only to find in the end that God has the last word. We think God will move in his instructions to us . . . and He too lets it be OUR CALL
the_lighthouse.doc
File Size:35 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
View the sample of motivational cards we hand out to our athletes. If you want to use them, click on our download link for a ready-made template with several copies of each card to use to hand out. The stories and devotional adaptations were compiled by John Saucier.
Perseverance
THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF “SHAKING IT OFF”
One day a farmer’s donkey fell into an abandoned well. Terrified, the animal cried for hours as the farmer tried to Figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and impossible to retrieve. He realized the well needed to be filled to prevent future losses. So he invited all his neighbors to help him. They all grabbed shovels and began to throw dirt into the well.
At first, when the d o n k e y realized he was b e i n g buried alive, he cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s shock, the donkey quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit the donkey’s back, the donkey would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer and his neighbors continued to throw dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take another step up. Soon everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life will throw dirt your way and attempt to bury you. however, no one ever g e t s out of life’s wells without a little “dirt” on them or by giving up! The difference is, our “owner” Jesus Christ (he bought us with the price of His life), isn’t trying to harm us!!. He’s providing the means to escape our struggles!! Shake the dirt off and OVERCOME!! For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
http://www.teamjam.org/uploads/3/8/4/3/38438735/shaking_it_off.doc
shaking_it_off.doc
File Size:38 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
----------------------------------------------
A FATHER'S SACRIFICIAL LOVE
Written from excerpts of a story by Jonathan Mummolo, Washington Post, Sept. 10, 2008
Whether Thomas Vander Woude was volunteering at church, coaching basketball or working on his farm, son Joseph was often right there. So when Joseph, 20, who has Down syndrome, fell into a septic tank in his back yard, it was no surprise that Vander Woude jumped in after him and saved him. Tragically, he died where he spent so much time living: at his son's side.
"That's how he lived," Vander Woude's daughter-in-law and neighbor, Maryan Vander Woude, said yesterday. "He lived sacrificing his life, everything, for his family." Vander Woude, 66, had gone to Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville on Monday, just as he did every day, and then worked in the yard with Joseph, the youngest of his seven sons, But somehow during that time, Joseph apparently fell through a piece of metal that covered a 2-by-2 foot opening in the septic tank, Vander Woude rushed to the tank; while a workman at the house saw what was happening and told Vander Woude's wife, Mary Ellen, police said. They called 911 about 12 p.m. and tried to help the father and son in the meantime. At some point, Vander Woude jumped in the tank, submerging himself in sewage so he could push his son up from below and keep his head above the muck, while Joseph's mom and the workman pulled from above. When rescue workers arrived, they pulled the two out, police said. Vander Woude, who had been in the tank for 15 to 20 minutes, was unconscious. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Joseph remains in Prince William Hospital with double pneumonia, in critical condition and on a ventilator. He doesn’t know yet that his dad has died.
"He's the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back," said neighbor Lee DeBrish. "And if he didn't have one, he'd buy one for you."
Vander Woude was a pilot in Vietnam, a daughter-in-law said. After the war, he worked as a commercial airline pilot.
Thomas’ story helps us picture the sacrifice Christ made – who also dove into the muck and waste of our lives – to save us. It’s the ultimate form of love. Lets NOT waste the second chance at life and ETERNAL life Christ is offering us through it !!
fathers_sacrifice.doc
File Size:160 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
------------------------------------------------------------------
Handling tough times
DURING A STORM, BE A BUFFALO
Wilma Mankiller, the first ever female chief of the Cherokee nation (and owner of one of the best surnames in history) once said that Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it – and gets through it quicker.
The lesson? …do not prolong the torment, become the buffalo. A rainstorm is chasing you? – head toward it. A blizzard is surrounding you? – Attack it. Put your head down and find a way through! The Buffalo simply steers toward the trouble and then ……..TAKES THE 1st STEP!
I don’t know how long your storm will last. All that I do know is that the buffalo gets through it quicker and in better shape than the cow….and the cow-ard that runs away
buffalo.doc
File Size:189 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
---------------------------------------------------
Forgiveness
KILLER'S WIFE SALUTES AMISH MERCY
The widow of a man who shot dead five Amish girls at a school in the US state of Pennsylvania has thanked the Amish community for their love and support. On October 3, 2006, 32-year-old Carl Charles Roberts IV entered the one-room West Nickel Mines Amish School in Nickel Mines, Pa., and shot 10 schoolgirls, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years old, and then himself. Five of the girls and Roberts died. In spite, of this horrific crime against the most innocent of a very quiet, private and religious people, the world was even MORE shocked by what happened immediately afterward. FORGIVENESS.
Immediately afterward, though incredibly grief stricken, this entire community forgave the dead murderer Carl Roberts. Then they went a step further. Knowing that Roberts’ widow and three children were innocent victims as well....forever burdened with the task of being associated with this horrific crime through no fault of their own .... they reached out to MINISTER TO ...Roberts’ family.
amish_forgiveness.doc
File Size:55 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
-------------------------------------------------
Submission to Authority
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
Americans: This is the captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No, I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: This is the Aircraft Carrier US LINCOLN, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic Fleet. We are accompanied with three Destroyers, three Cruisers and numerous support vessels. I DEMAND that you change your course 15 degrees north. I say again, that's one-five degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Humanity repeatedly says that it is does not need God or is SMARTER and more POWERFUL, only to find in the end that God has the last word. We think God will move in his instructions to us . . . and He too lets it be OUR CALL
the_lighthouse.doc
File Size:35 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
Motivational Quotes
DISCIPLINE
Prov. 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down – is a man who lacks self-control.
Prov. 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path. He who hates correction will die.
Prov. 5:22-3 The evil deeds of a wicked man trap him: . . . He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Prov. 5:22-3 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him: . . . He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Prov. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Prov. 19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Prov. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Prov. 25:16 If you find honey, eat just enough – too much of it, and you will vomit.
I Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial . I will not be mastered by anything.
Prov. 6:32-33 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
Prov. 7:27 Her (the adulteress’)house is a highway to the grave, leading down to. . . death.
Prov. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Prov. 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
Prov. 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astry by them is not wise.
Prov. 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. ( you might have it for awhile but you’ll lose it)
Prov. 23:29-33 (Drunkenness and it’s woes)
PERSEVERANCE
Prov. 24:16 For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
HUMILITY
Prov. 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
MESSAGE - Please don’t get suckered into the temptation of bragging, predicting accomplishment or exhibiting a big head. Be humble, be quieter, be wise. Be wary of being “set up for the fall”. The real honor that we are looking for – HONOR THAT ONLY COMES FROM HAVING A GOOD NAME.
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
PASSION
Prov. 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Prov. 28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. (source of our courage – righteousness)
Prov. 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Prov. 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.
GRATITUDE
Prov. 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
INTEGRITY
Prov. 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Prov. 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out
Prov. 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Prov. 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and goal.
SERVANTHOOD
Prov. 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
WISDOM
Prov. 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Prov. 8:35-6 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.
perspective on WEALTH
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans make up 50% of the world's richest 1%.
When you look at the world's population as a whole, it only takes $34,000 a year per person - after taxes - to be part of the world's richest 1%.
A family of four with after tax income of $136,000 would be among the world's richest 1%.
HUMILITY AMIDST SUCCESS
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway
“On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.” ― Michel de Montaigne, The Complete Essays
“If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.” ― Epictetus
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Enjoy the JOURNEY. . .more than the PRIZES
humility_amidst_success.doc
File Size:73 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
PREPARATION FOR ADVERSITY
1. When you or your family’s health is bad:
God wants to spend time with you, so give it to Him!!
(Job 23:10; I Peter 4)
2. When unfairly criticized by fans, friends or media !!
Christ was perfect, and mankind killed him a week after giving him a parade. (I Peter 2:12, Mt. 19:17-25)
3. When close friends betray you . . .
He understands, He too was betrayed.
God says trust Him not man. (Ps. 55:12-19)
4. When angry . . .
A soft answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1).
Pray for wise words.
5. When successful . . .
Be gracious. (I Cor. 4:7; Job 1:20-22)
6. When others are blessed at your expense:
Enjoy sharing the limelight (Heb. 13:16)
God always has our best interests in mind.
Psalm 84:11 – For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
preparation_for_adversity.doc
File Size:53 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
Prov. 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down – is a man who lacks self-control.
Prov. 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path. He who hates correction will die.
Prov. 5:22-3 The evil deeds of a wicked man trap him: . . . He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Prov. 5:22-3 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him: . . . He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.
Prov. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Prov. 19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
Prov. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Prov. 25:16 If you find honey, eat just enough – too much of it, and you will vomit.
I Cor. 6:12 Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial . I will not be mastered by anything.
Prov. 6:32-33 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.
Prov. 7:27 Her (the adulteress’)house is a highway to the grave, leading down to. . . death.
Prov. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Prov. 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
Prov. 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astry by them is not wise.
Prov. 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. ( you might have it for awhile but you’ll lose it)
Prov. 23:29-33 (Drunkenness and it’s woes)
PERSEVERANCE
Prov. 24:16 For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
HUMILITY
Prov. 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
MESSAGE - Please don’t get suckered into the temptation of bragging, predicting accomplishment or exhibiting a big head. Be humble, be quieter, be wise. Be wary of being “set up for the fall”. The real honor that we are looking for – HONOR THAT ONLY COMES FROM HAVING A GOOD NAME.
Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
PASSION
Prov. 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Prov. 28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. (source of our courage – righteousness)
Prov. 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Prov. 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.
GRATITUDE
Prov. 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
INTEGRITY
Prov. 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Prov. 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out
Prov. 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Prov. 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and goal.
SERVANTHOOD
Prov. 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
WISDOM
Prov. 17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Prov. 8:35-6 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.
perspective on WEALTH
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Americans make up 50% of the world's richest 1%.
When you look at the world's population as a whole, it only takes $34,000 a year per person - after taxes - to be part of the world's richest 1%.
A family of four with after tax income of $136,000 would be among the world's richest 1%.
HUMILITY AMIDST SUCCESS
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ― Ernest Hemingway
“On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.” ― Michel de Montaigne, The Complete Essays
“If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.” ― Epictetus
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Enjoy the JOURNEY. . .more than the PRIZES
humility_amidst_success.doc
File Size:73 kb
File Type:doc
Download File
PREPARATION FOR ADVERSITY
1. When you or your family’s health is bad:
God wants to spend time with you, so give it to Him!!
(Job 23:10; I Peter 4)
2. When unfairly criticized by fans, friends or media !!
Christ was perfect, and mankind killed him a week after giving him a parade. (I Peter 2:12, Mt. 19:17-25)
3. When close friends betray you . . .
He understands, He too was betrayed.
God says trust Him not man. (Ps. 55:12-19)
4. When angry . . .
A soft answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1).
Pray for wise words.
5. When successful . . .
Be gracious. (I Cor. 4:7; Job 1:20-22)
6. When others are blessed at your expense:
Enjoy sharing the limelight (Heb. 13:16)
God always has our best interests in mind.
Psalm 84:11 – For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
preparation_for_adversity.doc
File Size:53 kb
File Type:doc
Download File