On board of flight from Wichita to Dallas for my connecting flight to Las Vegas. First time in my life I'll be going there, gonna spend 6 days 5 nights there, so obviously I'm going to be spending Xmas over there. My family flies in two days after I land and we're going to stay at the Mandalay Bay. As for the first two days I don't know where I will be staying just yet...Plan on just going and see what I like and go with it, you know? Whatever we'll see wassup. I'm extremely excited about it, and to see my family who I haven't seen since I left Miami in October. Should be a fun & new experience, I know don't post pics on here but I do post them on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram so add me on any of those or follow @Villegas1919.
Anyways aside from my vacating this upcoming week. I returned to action last week in Milwaukee against the Wave. I only played the second half, and I felt I did okay but my fitness is not even close to what it used to be, but I'll keep working on that. I had a big scare when I guy landed on my leg rolling on top of me, but thank God I didn't sustain an injury. Anyways the Wave gave it to us and we lost to them. Give them credit though they play really well, and movement off the ball is almost machine like, very good tough team to beat. My knee is still hurting in my training sessions but enough that I can still play through the pain. Our next 4 games are against rivals Missouri Comets. It's gonna be a crazy four game stretch that could make or break our season, we will see. I can promise you that the team, and I though are busting our ass and working hard to get better with every session to compete at the highest level in the MISL. Besides that the only other soccer related news I have about me is that I've been accepted into the USL combine at the end of January and plan on attending it in Bradenton, FL. I'v very excited about it, and it should give me a great chance of being noticed and being offered a contract to play in the USL, then once the season is done, I would come back straight to play with the Wichita Wings.
On a God related note, my constant everyday struggle in battle against sin, has been an up and down these past few months. I progress but fall into sin way too much, it is not easy given the influences around me. But I must attempt to continue to bettering not only myself but my relationship w God each and everyday. And instead of having such a roller coaster relationship, have a constant steady one that will get stronger. Pray for me readers :)
In speaking about relationships Wichita, KS has brought me a lot of fun, new, and even special relationships. I didn't think much of this city coming here like I said, but it has definitely been a pleasant surprise and a lot of fun. The focus though still remains all the same, soccer soccer soccer. Giving God the glory for the talents which He blessed me with. Well I'm about to land in Dallas, for my connection to Vegas. Will blog maybe after Xmas if not next year ;)
God Bless!!!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wichita, KS
So I've been living here now for a little over 2 months now, and I gotta say I've pleasantly pleased with this city, besides the weather! It's only December and its in the 30s already the cold months over here are January and February though so, brrrrrrrrr....Anyways nightlife in comparison to Miami would obviously be a dumb thing, as far as the people and socializing and just having goes Wichita is alright. People here are kind, fun, outgoing, and actually pretty spontaneous. I've met a lot of cool people here so far who I still plan on maintaining a friendship with once I leave Wichita. I doooo gotta admit though, that the way they talk over here gets to me, not in their accents but more so in the I guess midwest slang you can call it. LOL I don't know what it is exactly, but I have noticed there are things that the midwest people just do, like say "really?" after anythingggg you say almost. I mean I laugh it now, cause I just always notice it. Don't take my stats and believe them, but for me I think about 70% of the women you'll meet in this town who are 19-26 are either married, or have kids. They just don't like to wait over here, and I'm guessing when the snow piles up there isn't much to do here....But honestly it's a cool town, I've enjoyed it so far and it's actually a lot bigger and more populated than what I had envisioned. Hopefully Wichita keeps being good to me as it has been besides from my injury of course, and I will get to enjoy my time here, make more friends, and create lasting memories. I'm done blogging for the day this is my third post!!! Enjoy look forward to blogging maybe after the Milwaukee game, for now gotta pack my bags and prepare for the trip.
God Bless
God Bless
USL/NASL
I been trying to prepare or at least get a contract for when I enter the outdoor season at the end of March. I'm looking to play in the USL or NASL for this year. I have spoken with many coaches, and have had trials set up that I have unfortunately been unable to attend because of conflict with my seasoning schedule with the Wichita Wings. Anyways I feel very blessed and thankful for the opportunity to play for the Wings, but the season only runs from October-March, I need to be playing somewhere else during those 6 months. I have gotten an official invitation to the USL combine at the end of January and hopefully there I will earn my contract to play with a team. I know there are coaches who specifically have my profile and know that I'm going, so really the rest is up to me. So that's just a quick little update as far as outdoor soccer goes, and what's to come with that...I might be going to the Philadelphia Union/Harrisburg FC trial in like less than a week, but it really depends on how my knee feels, I would hate to go and perform lousy because of my injury. So that timetable is running out, and I need to decide on that quickly, VERY quickly! I'll post about the USL/NASL whenever any more news comes as far that goes.
God Bless!!
God Bless!!
Hiatus?
Lol I'm sure there was plenty people who were disappointed by me not posting any posts over a month into the season, some of you did let me know that via email, text, etc. lol BUT IM BACK....I hope so at least.
The reason I momentarily stopped blogging was cause after a strong first showing in our first game as a team (and myself individually I feel) I ended up getting injured in the second game of the season getting a level 2 LCL sprain on my left knee. Anyways obviously I was extremely disappointed and didn't really know what to do...I mean i've never had a serious injury, serious being an injury that forces me to sit out, for more than two weeks, or something I can't play through physically. This injury did both of those things to me. I was scheduled to be out 4-6 weeks after getting an MRI check. The date of the injury was November 4th. I remember being in my room after getting the MRI results that night, and doing sprints, cuts, & jumping in the hallways of my hotel telling myself I'll work all day if it'll allow me to get back sooner. I told my trainer the next day what I did and that I wanted to train and he made me do certain movements and kick the ball lightly which showed me, I would have to sit out and do nothing pretty much, because the pain that I really felt kicking a ball, or doing a certain cut was pretty bad. So I went on and I did some exercises, was on meds, and was constantly icing it, and in a brace. But as far as it goes for physical work, I would not be allowed to. I felt like some diva, just sitting on the sideline not training while the rest of my teammates are working hard, I don't know it's just not like me to sit out and watch. I'm a guy who loves to play the game, whether it be a professional match, or pick up in the parking lot back home.
Anyways through this process I wouldn't say I handled it appropriately or was to positive throughout, I was more angry at the situation than anything. I'm also away from home, so that family physical support wasn't there anyway I settled on some temporary satisfactions which got me no where. Thankfully I realized it soon enough, and got back to my roots, prayer, speaking with my family and focusing on getting back. I watched all my teams games live, or online when on the road, which just is torture in a way. I mean you see your teammates playing and you just want to be out there to help them, even when we won 20-4 one game, I wanted to go out and help get a shutout. Nonetheless it has been a long process of recovery, with some setbacks, but more progress than anything thank God. I trained my first full session yesterday, and followed that up with another one earlier today. I'm clearly not 100% I don't have a ton of confidence on the ball, and my thought process is taking a little more time, as I'm getting used to the indoor game again. Thankfully I have greatly experienced teammates who are helping me get back on track right away.
Finally today I get to travel with the team on my first road game, and it won't be an easy one, in fact it'll be the hardest one. Facing the defending champions and currently 6-0 Milwaukee Wave we have lost to them twice so far by a total of 5 points in games that could've gone either way. This will be the third time we face them and I'm excited to make an impact on the game, and do my part in helping the team pull out our first road victory.
Our game is on Friday December 16th you can catch it live on MISLLiveSoccer.com I think coverage for the game starts @ 7PM central time.
God Bless!!!
The reason I momentarily stopped blogging was cause after a strong first showing in our first game as a team (and myself individually I feel) I ended up getting injured in the second game of the season getting a level 2 LCL sprain on my left knee. Anyways obviously I was extremely disappointed and didn't really know what to do...I mean i've never had a serious injury, serious being an injury that forces me to sit out, for more than two weeks, or something I can't play through physically. This injury did both of those things to me. I was scheduled to be out 4-6 weeks after getting an MRI check. The date of the injury was November 4th. I remember being in my room after getting the MRI results that night, and doing sprints, cuts, & jumping in the hallways of my hotel telling myself I'll work all day if it'll allow me to get back sooner. I told my trainer the next day what I did and that I wanted to train and he made me do certain movements and kick the ball lightly which showed me, I would have to sit out and do nothing pretty much, because the pain that I really felt kicking a ball, or doing a certain cut was pretty bad. So I went on and I did some exercises, was on meds, and was constantly icing it, and in a brace. But as far as it goes for physical work, I would not be allowed to. I felt like some diva, just sitting on the sideline not training while the rest of my teammates are working hard, I don't know it's just not like me to sit out and watch. I'm a guy who loves to play the game, whether it be a professional match, or pick up in the parking lot back home.
Anyways through this process I wouldn't say I handled it appropriately or was to positive throughout, I was more angry at the situation than anything. I'm also away from home, so that family physical support wasn't there anyway I settled on some temporary satisfactions which got me no where. Thankfully I realized it soon enough, and got back to my roots, prayer, speaking with my family and focusing on getting back. I watched all my teams games live, or online when on the road, which just is torture in a way. I mean you see your teammates playing and you just want to be out there to help them, even when we won 20-4 one game, I wanted to go out and help get a shutout. Nonetheless it has been a long process of recovery, with some setbacks, but more progress than anything thank God. I trained my first full session yesterday, and followed that up with another one earlier today. I'm clearly not 100% I don't have a ton of confidence on the ball, and my thought process is taking a little more time, as I'm getting used to the indoor game again. Thankfully I have greatly experienced teammates who are helping me get back on track right away.
Finally today I get to travel with the team on my first road game, and it won't be an easy one, in fact it'll be the hardest one. Facing the defending champions and currently 6-0 Milwaukee Wave we have lost to them twice so far by a total of 5 points in games that could've gone either way. This will be the third time we face them and I'm excited to make an impact on the game, and do my part in helping the team pull out our first road victory.
Our game is on Friday December 16th you can catch it live on MISLLiveSoccer.com I think coverage for the game starts @ 7PM central time.
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
So excited!!
I can't get ready for bed, I feel so good, happy & excited for tomorrow season opener versus the Comets! It's gonna be a packed, and loud arena! Man I feel so privileged and blessed to have this opportunity! God is tooooo GOOD, it's amazing. I'm gonna blog up again after we finish our back to back games this weekend. Tomorrow @ home versus the Comets, then away in KC versus the Comets again the next day!! God is with me!!
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Grasp that !! That's powerful!!
God bless!
Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Grasp that !! That's powerful!!
God bless!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Pre Season Support. Wings
My last post was October 14th. Since then we've had 25 training session and signed 6 new players to fill up our team roster. We also had a inter squad scrimmage which ended in a 17-16 final score, with a lot of good things coming from the game. The best? The fact that 3,000+ fans showed up for a scrimmage. It's the most amount of fans I've played in front of in my short career indoor/outdoor. And I gotta say this community has truly embraced the Wings coming back and I'm grateful and feel privileged to be apart of it.
As a rookie stepping into the MISL I think I've made a decent transition of being able to understand the rules, and the style of play, I've also been very lucky, excuse me, blessed to have teammates who are not only veterans but highly respected in the league. I've been able to learn tricks, tendencies, and certain players style of play thanks in big part to these guys and watching some game film. We also have a great coach who is leading our team, and has me feeling confident. One thing I love about this organization although they're in their expansion year there not coming out with a "lets build for the future" attitude. Instead they've come out to the contrary of what most new teams do & that is to win right away. I've read the blogs doubting us saying "teams will win easily against them" but we don't have to respond to those blogs, doubters, or haters, our performance on the field will speak for itself.
Personally I'm not sure what my role on the team is yet exactly but I plan on being a piece of the puzzle to winning this year. I'm busting my ass off, I'm taking no days off, and I'm hungry. November is two days away. In November we begin the season November 3rd to be exact at the Hartman Arena @ 7:00pm come out and see for yourself what were about.
On to a little about me, so far Wichita has been great, nice people, I've gotten recognized at the mall and stuff pretty cool. Tomorrow we got two a days still, and after our second session I got a radio interview. I've gone out to check out the city it's a nice city not too populated but it has a good young crowd, the food is pretty decent. We've hit up some hispanic places out here, if you got any recommendations let me know! I'm so excited to start playing already, the team to beat is Milwaukee and we play them twice in the first month of the season! We open up with a back to back against the Kansas City Comets which is our cross city rival. I'm thankful for this opportunity and got to make the most out of it. There are a lot of people I miss & wish I could be with. But honestly this is where I want to be and while everyone is doing their own thing. I'm out here doing me and chasing mine. I didn't hop on a plane and leave Miami to eat shi* out here, I came chasing a bigger picture, this is only the stepping stone. God bless everyone hope to see you locals there on Thursday!
For my Miami people, go to the team website to watch the games streamed online live! WWW.WichitaWingsIndoorSoccer.Com
Also check out Peter Espinosa's blog on the Wings, he put up a pretty cool post about me. Appreciate the support Peter!
Will update probably after out first back to back game. I'll leave y'all with this Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God Bless
As a rookie stepping into the MISL I think I've made a decent transition of being able to understand the rules, and the style of play, I've also been very lucky, excuse me, blessed to have teammates who are not only veterans but highly respected in the league. I've been able to learn tricks, tendencies, and certain players style of play thanks in big part to these guys and watching some game film. We also have a great coach who is leading our team, and has me feeling confident. One thing I love about this organization although they're in their expansion year there not coming out with a "lets build for the future" attitude. Instead they've come out to the contrary of what most new teams do & that is to win right away. I've read the blogs doubting us saying "teams will win easily against them" but we don't have to respond to those blogs, doubters, or haters, our performance on the field will speak for itself.
Personally I'm not sure what my role on the team is yet exactly but I plan on being a piece of the puzzle to winning this year. I'm busting my ass off, I'm taking no days off, and I'm hungry. November is two days away. In November we begin the season November 3rd to be exact at the Hartman Arena @ 7:00pm come out and see for yourself what were about.
On to a little about me, so far Wichita has been great, nice people, I've gotten recognized at the mall and stuff pretty cool. Tomorrow we got two a days still, and after our second session I got a radio interview. I've gone out to check out the city it's a nice city not too populated but it has a good young crowd, the food is pretty decent. We've hit up some hispanic places out here, if you got any recommendations let me know! I'm so excited to start playing already, the team to beat is Milwaukee and we play them twice in the first month of the season! We open up with a back to back against the Kansas City Comets which is our cross city rival. I'm thankful for this opportunity and got to make the most out of it. There are a lot of people I miss & wish I could be with. But honestly this is where I want to be and while everyone is doing their own thing. I'm out here doing me and chasing mine. I didn't hop on a plane and leave Miami to eat shi* out here, I came chasing a bigger picture, this is only the stepping stone. God bless everyone hope to see you locals there on Thursday!
For my Miami people, go to the team website to watch the games streamed online live! WWW.WichitaWingsIndoorSoccer.Com
Also check out Peter Espinosa's blog on the Wings, he put up a pretty cool post about me. Appreciate the support Peter!
Will update probably after out first back to back game. I'll leave y'all with this Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God Bless
Friday, October 14, 2011
Kansas!
New journey, new players, new people, new team, same mentality..I landed in Kansas City on the 12th at around 6. Coach Hollimon was there to pick me up and bring me to the hotel where I'll be living with about 4 other players each of us in our own room. First off what a blessing to be here, I'm so excited to get the season underway! November 3rd is our season/home opener against rival Kansas City Comets. A lot of their players from last years roster have actually joined us so it should be a heated, passionate game! My room set up is really cool, I'm really chilling and don't have much to worry about my former teammate and now current teammate Bryan Perez is living at the same hotel and we've decided he's gonna be Mr. Cook cause Lord knows I can't cook haha...
Well anyways I wanna kinda do some name dropping real quick then get back to the soccer. I have to thank these people for all their support, and help in my personal life. These people have helped me not only progress my soccer career, but my life as a Christian, and personal battles. I wanna thank my parents, brothers, cousins, mentor Douglas, leader Albert, friends Nick, Danny, my second family the Pitman's and for the soccer people who helped me such as Allie, Aidan, & Josh. Anyone I forgot you know I'm very thankful for your help. Of course I got to thank my Lord & savior Jesus Christ, He is the reason I play & I do everything I do.
Anyways soccer wise we have preseason starting on Monday and will be doing two a days to start out, I'm not so thrilled about two a days but I'm so excited to just start training and playing that I can careless! I'm really looking forward to a season filled with good things! I'm excited to use Gods blessing for the glory of His kingdom and advancing it. God bless everyone, miss my people in Miami already but I'm out here chasing dreams and advancing the kingdom of God! Glory....
God Bless
Well anyways I wanna kinda do some name dropping real quick then get back to the soccer. I have to thank these people for all their support, and help in my personal life. These people have helped me not only progress my soccer career, but my life as a Christian, and personal battles. I wanna thank my parents, brothers, cousins, mentor Douglas, leader Albert, friends Nick, Danny, my second family the Pitman's and for the soccer people who helped me such as Allie, Aidan, & Josh. Anyone I forgot you know I'm very thankful for your help. Of course I got to thank my Lord & savior Jesus Christ, He is the reason I play & I do everything I do.
Anyways soccer wise we have preseason starting on Monday and will be doing two a days to start out, I'm not so thrilled about two a days but I'm so excited to just start training and playing that I can careless! I'm really looking forward to a season filled with good things! I'm excited to use Gods blessing for the glory of His kingdom and advancing it. God bless everyone, miss my people in Miami already but I'm out here chasing dreams and advancing the kingdom of God! Glory....
God Bless
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
God knows more than me.
God still speaks to me through so many different places, and areas of my life through different people and situations. What a blessing. Even through all my missteps, God always protects me, guides me, blesses me, and blesses me with his grace and favor. Now that doesn't mean I'm gonna continue to just do whatever I choose, I understand God has been patient with me, and sees my heart. Thank you Lord, I notice everything you do...I really do. Manage your time well, and you'll be able to get what you want. Chase your dreams with enough passion, and sacrifice and you will live your dream not just dream it. I'm making these things happen, the supporting cast of people in my life I have are too strong, if it wasn't for their prayers I wouldn't be where I'm at. Now I will pray not only for my future but for theirs as well. I love all of you who support me, those nearest to me you know who you are, if your thinking is it me? It probably is. I've met so few new people as a result of not going out as much anymore but the few I have met I know are sticking around in my life for good, and have made a bigger impact on my life then the other people i've probably met in the past year. God is good, trust in Him at all time! 8 days left till Wichita, Kansas.
God Bless
God Bless
Saturday, October 1, 2011
21 years of livin'
Today I turned 21 years old, more importantly thought it's my mothers birthday as well. I just had to thank God for all that He has done in my life and the things that are to come. I'm pretty I wouldn't say upset more disappointed with my self and behavior leading up to this weekend. Just gonna go through it real quick.
I planned on having a calm weekend, and instead of spending my birthday like the previous 20 years with friends, and going out having fun. I wanted to just be quiet and thankful for this year, to be where I am at and where I'm heading. My plan was to spend time with the Lord worshipping and giving Him the praise and glory for He is the one who blessed me to be able to live to my 21st year, and has allowed it.....Instead I found myself doing "the same old thang". Thursday I found myself after a soccer game heading to a club with a friend of mine which everyone proceeded to giving me drinks, bottles, and hugs lol...I woke up the next day with a lot of regret, apparently not enough. After a day of helping my father out at his business I got unfortunate news that my church cancelled their Friday service which led me to going to my brothers girlfriends 21st birthday dinner. I had no problem with this at all, in fact the food was great & I had an awesome time. The problem was after they wanted to go out clubbing, I wasn't in the mood really, but again I'm the kid who cancels on everyones plans for my own which usually consist of church things, and soccer and I did feel guilty to say no or just not go, it was her birthday. I had a fun time but again it led to drinking as the clock struck midnight and it was officially my birthday, upon leaving the club i had further regrets. Woke up today at around 11:30-12:00 which made me miss my morning prayer with the Lord, I also missed a prior engagement I had which was to be cleaning cars with friends from the church for a fundraiser, and with a headache....So in so many peoples eyes I've had an awesome birthday weekend filled with fun, and on my exterior I know that's what you conceive and see, but in reality I'm hurting on the inside and feel in a way pressured to not let those who are close to me down. They want to spend time with me on my birthday weekend and make it one that is memorable, and I'm fall for it, but I feel selfish if I were to say I just want to spend it in my room praising God. I don't wanna come off as selfish......
Tonight family & friends are coming over, then my brother plans to lead a group of about 10 of us to a club in south beach which again should be a fun time, but my heart won't be in it. I will enjoy the time I spend though with those closest to me. I'm blessed to have people who love, and care for me so much. I just wish they wouldn't see me wanting to spend time with God instead of going out with all of them as selfish. Oh well I guess today will be another night out, and hopefully I wake up early enough for Sunday church. Then my last week in Miami can be a little more calm thankfully.
October 7th & 8th I'm super excited I'm going to an event called CAP being held at the American Airlines Arena! It's a all day two day event that my church is hosting, and the group that i am going with has big expectancy to feel the supernatural presence of the Lord over our lives! I'm super excited for this especially with it's dates being a few days before I leave it's just set up perfect!
On a soccer note i've been playing pretty consistently two times a week over at the turf fields at KSP. I have a really terrible pain in my right knee that I feel could be from playing on the turf but oh well. I'm extremely excited to head off to Wichita, Kansas. And begin preseason with my team! God has blessed me in so many ways. Thank you Lord for this 21st birthday that I'm able to celebrate. I'm forever grateful. I praise you & give you thanks, here's to another year filled with abundance, success, and blessings. God is love!!
God Bless
I planned on having a calm weekend, and instead of spending my birthday like the previous 20 years with friends, and going out having fun. I wanted to just be quiet and thankful for this year, to be where I am at and where I'm heading. My plan was to spend time with the Lord worshipping and giving Him the praise and glory for He is the one who blessed me to be able to live to my 21st year, and has allowed it.....Instead I found myself doing "the same old thang". Thursday I found myself after a soccer game heading to a club with a friend of mine which everyone proceeded to giving me drinks, bottles, and hugs lol...I woke up the next day with a lot of regret, apparently not enough. After a day of helping my father out at his business I got unfortunate news that my church cancelled their Friday service which led me to going to my brothers girlfriends 21st birthday dinner. I had no problem with this at all, in fact the food was great & I had an awesome time. The problem was after they wanted to go out clubbing, I wasn't in the mood really, but again I'm the kid who cancels on everyones plans for my own which usually consist of church things, and soccer and I did feel guilty to say no or just not go, it was her birthday. I had a fun time but again it led to drinking as the clock struck midnight and it was officially my birthday, upon leaving the club i had further regrets. Woke up today at around 11:30-12:00 which made me miss my morning prayer with the Lord, I also missed a prior engagement I had which was to be cleaning cars with friends from the church for a fundraiser, and with a headache....So in so many peoples eyes I've had an awesome birthday weekend filled with fun, and on my exterior I know that's what you conceive and see, but in reality I'm hurting on the inside and feel in a way pressured to not let those who are close to me down. They want to spend time with me on my birthday weekend and make it one that is memorable, and I'm fall for it, but I feel selfish if I were to say I just want to spend it in my room praising God. I don't wanna come off as selfish......
Tonight family & friends are coming over, then my brother plans to lead a group of about 10 of us to a club in south beach which again should be a fun time, but my heart won't be in it. I will enjoy the time I spend though with those closest to me. I'm blessed to have people who love, and care for me so much. I just wish they wouldn't see me wanting to spend time with God instead of going out with all of them as selfish. Oh well I guess today will be another night out, and hopefully I wake up early enough for Sunday church. Then my last week in Miami can be a little more calm thankfully.
October 7th & 8th I'm super excited I'm going to an event called CAP being held at the American Airlines Arena! It's a all day two day event that my church is hosting, and the group that i am going with has big expectancy to feel the supernatural presence of the Lord over our lives! I'm super excited for this especially with it's dates being a few days before I leave it's just set up perfect!
On a soccer note i've been playing pretty consistently two times a week over at the turf fields at KSP. I have a really terrible pain in my right knee that I feel could be from playing on the turf but oh well. I'm extremely excited to head off to Wichita, Kansas. And begin preseason with my team! God has blessed me in so many ways. Thank you Lord for this 21st birthday that I'm able to celebrate. I'm forever grateful. I praise you & give you thanks, here's to another year filled with abundance, success, and blessings. God is love!!
God Bless
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Quick
My biggest fear is losing it all...God is good, time is critical, pain is inevitable, maybe I should. Chase the dream, till you achieve it, believe it, I need it.
God bless
God bless
Monday, August 22, 2011
I have a dream
Just putting my thoughts onto this laptop cause it helps me to look back on it, like I did earlier today and help me through tough times, or when my thoughts are all messed up. Anyways I've recently began to think of my dreams in comparison to other soccer players, or teammates, or people I've played with. I don't know but I feel as if people are satisfied with sticking around being mediocre or making enough to get by. Where's the ambition, where's the dream, where's the desire to be the best. There's a difference in between dreaming and being realistic, but it is OK to make big realistic dreams, that take years to achieve, hard work, and sacrifice to attain. But I don't see that in the people around me, I don't see that in the people I've been around.
I have a dream of playing in the USL or NASL IN 2012
I have a dream of being rookie of the year and all rookie team in the MISL
I have a dream of growing my relationship with God and touching/saving souls through Godly works.
I have a dream of playing somewhere in Europe in 3 years.
I have a dream of playing in the 2014 World Cup.
I have these dreams, and I speak them because I believe they are attainable. I've already begun to see the fruits of my labor, but I know it's only a small portion of what's to come if I continue to dedicate myself properly to God and to this game I play. I gotta keep striving, who knows I may not see all my dreams come true, but I can say I tried and live without a doubt. God is good. I will stay faithful to my Lord and savior in doing His will...Distractions are tough to overcome, but I will ask for the Lords strength. Pray for me you have now read my dreams.....
God Bless
I have a dream of playing in the USL or NASL IN 2012
I have a dream of being rookie of the year and all rookie team in the MISL
I have a dream of growing my relationship with God and touching/saving souls through Godly works.
I have a dream of playing somewhere in Europe in 3 years.
I have a dream of playing in the 2014 World Cup.
I have these dreams, and I speak them because I believe they are attainable. I've already begun to see the fruits of my labor, but I know it's only a small portion of what's to come if I continue to dedicate myself properly to God and to this game I play. I gotta keep striving, who knows I may not see all my dreams come true, but I can say I tried and live without a doubt. God is good. I will stay faithful to my Lord and savior in doing His will...Distractions are tough to overcome, but I will ask for the Lords strength. Pray for me you have now read my dreams.....
God Bless
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Pre Preseason, Miami.
Miami, for those who have been reading and know about me since high school know that Miami is generally not good for me. A place filled with, temptation, fake friends, parties, distractions, etc etc. Not a place to be where a soccer player who is truly trying to develop and take his game to the next level, and his relationship with God to the next level. But I'm stuck here with my family (not a bad thing) until October till I leave for Wichita, Kansas for my real preseason with the Wichita Wings. I gotta say I'm really proud of myself so far, I have been able to avoid, going out (as in clubbing, extremely late night events, etc) drinking, distractions, temptations, and wasting money like a fool. I've really learned again to balance myself, truly sacrifice things for the better of myself as a player, and man of God. I really have to thank Allie, I swear I think about her a lot when I think of people I don't want to let down she is the one true person I can say that has literally "pushed" me to continue forward and not give up.
Here is a link to my official signing with the wings. http://misl.uslsoccer.com/home/552893.html
My time in Miami has been good to me so far, I gotta share a story about this one lady I met the other night. The bible study group I attend decided on Friday we were going to go out and evangelize the good news that Jesus love them out in public. I'm not a shy person, but at first with strangers I am. So to break the ice is very difficult for me. We went out in groups of three to Barnes & Noble and decided to see if we could reach out to anyone. Turns out my group and I talk to this one lady named Amy, who was in need of a miracle. It's a long long story that she explained over the course of the night. But it ended with her crying, and hugging us, and begging us to pray for her, it was so beautiful to see God speak through us word of knowledge to another person, and see it affect them instantaneously. Of course I don't want to see someone cry, but in this case this woman needed to cry it was good for her, she was seeking to speak to someone. I'm so excited cause God has already begun to work in her life and I know He will only improve her situation. The hard thing about faith, is we have to believe even when things in the natural don't look possible. That's why I think so many people look at passionate Christians as if they're crazy cause they truly don't understand what that person has gone through. Like I don't know I see God doing miracles in my life everyday. Regardless of what people tell me, that it would've happened anyways if I didn't pray, I can't believe that cause I know my God listens and blesses my life when I stay faithful to Him.
All this talk has got me wanting to pray, I'm gonna do just that now, and get some sleep then back to training tomorrow. #NoDaysOff. Gotta keep striving to get better, cause if I'm not someone else is!! God is good, remember that!!
Oh props to my team Barcelona!! Lovely win today, and now my boy Kareem owes me a 3 goal meal when he comes up to Wichita for his trial with the team during preseason haha. I'm out!
God bless!!
Here is a link to my official signing with the wings. http://misl.uslsoccer.com/home/552893.html
My time in Miami has been good to me so far, I gotta share a story about this one lady I met the other night. The bible study group I attend decided on Friday we were going to go out and evangelize the good news that Jesus love them out in public. I'm not a shy person, but at first with strangers I am. So to break the ice is very difficult for me. We went out in groups of three to Barnes & Noble and decided to see if we could reach out to anyone. Turns out my group and I talk to this one lady named Amy, who was in need of a miracle. It's a long long story that she explained over the course of the night. But it ended with her crying, and hugging us, and begging us to pray for her, it was so beautiful to see God speak through us word of knowledge to another person, and see it affect them instantaneously. Of course I don't want to see someone cry, but in this case this woman needed to cry it was good for her, she was seeking to speak to someone. I'm so excited cause God has already begun to work in her life and I know He will only improve her situation. The hard thing about faith, is we have to believe even when things in the natural don't look possible. That's why I think so many people look at passionate Christians as if they're crazy cause they truly don't understand what that person has gone through. Like I don't know I see God doing miracles in my life everyday. Regardless of what people tell me, that it would've happened anyways if I didn't pray, I can't believe that cause I know my God listens and blesses my life when I stay faithful to Him.
All this talk has got me wanting to pray, I'm gonna do just that now, and get some sleep then back to training tomorrow. #NoDaysOff. Gotta keep striving to get better, cause if I'm not someone else is!! God is good, remember that!!
Oh props to my team Barcelona!! Lovely win today, and now my boy Kareem owes me a 3 goal meal when he comes up to Wichita for his trial with the team during preseason haha. I'm out!
God bless!!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Gods Perfect Timing.
Gods perfect timing I've really begun to truly understand this concept. I know God his plan, but sometimes we get impatient with Him and think we can do it in our strength. Or maybe we begin to think God your taking too long, so I'm gonna go ahead and do this my own way. When you do this you risk missing out and your true blessing from God! God loves me so much, I know this and the best part is He listens when I talk!
So my trip to Wichita was a little crazy I had to go from Jacksonville, to Chicago have a 3 hour layover then fly into Wichita. Before leaving Chicago on the plane thee most craziest thing happened or at least I witnessed it! This old man 3 rows ahead of me starts gasping for air and yelling apparently he was having a stroke. The flight attendant is trained for these situations, she yells to the passengers to help put the man on the ground, the passengers comply and one is a nurse begins to do CPR. They shout he has no pulse, the paramedics are on the way but there is no time to wait, they continue giving CPR for about 5 minutes maybe more and still no pulse they shocked him, and he came back to life literally! It was crazy he was in shock, and was going crazy and yelling random slurs of words. The paramedics finally arrived and later announced that he indeed did have a stroke and that the ladies who helped him had saved his life. It was crazy to me while they were giving CPR I prayed to God to bring him back to life please, and no less than when I finished he began to breathe. God listens!!! I love it, I'm in love with God like a child is with Toys R Us haha.
Anyways that was scary, but eventually we took off and I arrived here in Wichita, Kansas for my trial. Small town but boyyyy it gets hot up here. I spoke with a few people and they said the weather get easily into the 100s in the summer, and that it gets ice cold in the winters with a ton of snow! Anyways I came up here to trial for the Wichita Wings it's a two day trial. Basically all the ones who do well on Saturday get invited back to Sunday. And from there they choose 5-8 players to be invited to training camp and from there they sign about 4 players approx. So before heading to trial this weekend, I had prayed to God to please give me grace and favor this weekend over the coaches, and of course that His perfect will may be done over me! So the next morning I had arranged with the team and hotel for a shuttle to pick me up Saturday morning to take me to the arena, unfortunately they weren't able to and I had to call a cab last minute. The cab arrives quickly we begin talking and I notice he has an I love Jesus sticker, I ask him if he's a Christian, and he is. God is everywhere, and when you begin to seek him you begin to see how he puts people in your life. From there I go to the tryout and excel above the competition at least most of it. I get recognition from the coaches, and they ask me about where I've played before etc. I obviously don't have a ride to the hotel, but get this the GM offers to take me to the hotel and reimburse me for the taxi cost if I make the final cut, AND the head coach offers to pick me up the next morning to take me to training, and finally they offer to take me to the airport as well. I'm the only one who got this type of treatment, if that is not the grace, and blessing of God, and Him giving me favor to the coaches above all the players then I don't know what is!
So Saturday was obviously great, Sunday morning I woke up at 6AM to be able to get some prayer time, shower, get ready, and grab breakfast, turns out the coach called the hotel and they notified me letting me know that he would be coming at 745AM no biggie, I just decided to hang out and watch TV. Once the coach arrived, I met his wife he took me over to the arena and showed me the team locker room, the office, etc etc. It was nice to be in the arena before anyone I stretched out and just warmed up on my own, had some shots on goal, basically got comfortable. So Sundays plan was too cut the majority of players and invite back about 5-9 players to training camp which is basically preseason on October 15th. We were told before practice, that today we were going to be allowed to play a lot more than yesterday and that they wanted to see if we had would it takes to play the fast paced game that is indoor soccer. From there we had some drills that we did for about 45 mins I'd guess then hopped into playing full side 5v5. The game of indoor is different it's a mixture of hockey, basketball, and obviously soccer. I'd explain it, but it takes too long and yeah I'm being a lazy blogger. Google MISL rules, there you can see what it's all about. So anyways I felt I performed pretty good, could've maybe directed the team a little better with my communication skills, but at times I got frustrated. Either way I kept playing at a high level and competing. Once training was done, he called out a couple names that were invited back. My name was not called. Right after though, Head Coach Lebaron asked to speak with me one on one. He said Sammie (assistant coach), and himself were really impressed with my abilities and wanted to offer me a 3 year rookie contract offer. I almost wanted to hug him on the spot just cause I felt like I've come such a long way from struggling on the field, off the field, and even with myself, and to get another opportunity just like the Jax Destroyers offered me, I felt humbled again. I immediately thanked God in my mind and was jumping for joy on the inside. I was just so happy. After that Mr. Hartman the owner of the arena and team, came and said hello to me, and basically welcomed me to the franchise and said you looked good out there, again I was just humbled. God blessed me with this talent and I want to give Him as much glory as possible regardless of what people tell me. From there the GM John took me to the office and spoke to me about the contract. For obvious reasons I won't be disclosing any details of my contract. But from there I told them to give me a week to discuss it with my parents, and have a final decision. They said it was fine, and from there I had to rush to catch my flight. Again being blessed by God with good people being put around me, John (GM) gave me a lift to the hotel, and airport such a great guy by the little I know him, well spoken man.
So now....I just landed in Atlanta I'm on a 1 hour layover from Wichita and flying from here to Miami. It's been almost a month since I been home (feels like more), and I'm not going back home to rest unfortunately instead I'm going back to take care of my fathers business as him and my mom have left to Colombia for a week, and my brother asked me to do him the favor so that he can travel to Puerto Rico. Of course I accepted to do this, I know he'd do the same for me. So I arrive in Miami in a few hours, and can't wait to see my brothers. While in town I'm lucky enough to be going to see the Barcelona vs Chivas game in Miami courtesy of my older brother! Thank you brotha! I feel jubilant right now, and could go on and on with all the people to thank, who have supported me, believed in me, and even those who doubted me, thank you all for pushing me! I'm boarding now my flight to Miami I'm blessed what a weekend. Give God the Glory. Will update you guys when I've made a decision on my contract!
God Bless
So my trip to Wichita was a little crazy I had to go from Jacksonville, to Chicago have a 3 hour layover then fly into Wichita. Before leaving Chicago on the plane thee most craziest thing happened or at least I witnessed it! This old man 3 rows ahead of me starts gasping for air and yelling apparently he was having a stroke. The flight attendant is trained for these situations, she yells to the passengers to help put the man on the ground, the passengers comply and one is a nurse begins to do CPR. They shout he has no pulse, the paramedics are on the way but there is no time to wait, they continue giving CPR for about 5 minutes maybe more and still no pulse they shocked him, and he came back to life literally! It was crazy he was in shock, and was going crazy and yelling random slurs of words. The paramedics finally arrived and later announced that he indeed did have a stroke and that the ladies who helped him had saved his life. It was crazy to me while they were giving CPR I prayed to God to bring him back to life please, and no less than when I finished he began to breathe. God listens!!! I love it, I'm in love with God like a child is with Toys R Us haha.
Anyways that was scary, but eventually we took off and I arrived here in Wichita, Kansas for my trial. Small town but boyyyy it gets hot up here. I spoke with a few people and they said the weather get easily into the 100s in the summer, and that it gets ice cold in the winters with a ton of snow! Anyways I came up here to trial for the Wichita Wings it's a two day trial. Basically all the ones who do well on Saturday get invited back to Sunday. And from there they choose 5-8 players to be invited to training camp and from there they sign about 4 players approx. So before heading to trial this weekend, I had prayed to God to please give me grace and favor this weekend over the coaches, and of course that His perfect will may be done over me! So the next morning I had arranged with the team and hotel for a shuttle to pick me up Saturday morning to take me to the arena, unfortunately they weren't able to and I had to call a cab last minute. The cab arrives quickly we begin talking and I notice he has an I love Jesus sticker, I ask him if he's a Christian, and he is. God is everywhere, and when you begin to seek him you begin to see how he puts people in your life. From there I go to the tryout and excel above the competition at least most of it. I get recognition from the coaches, and they ask me about where I've played before etc. I obviously don't have a ride to the hotel, but get this the GM offers to take me to the hotel and reimburse me for the taxi cost if I make the final cut, AND the head coach offers to pick me up the next morning to take me to training, and finally they offer to take me to the airport as well. I'm the only one who got this type of treatment, if that is not the grace, and blessing of God, and Him giving me favor to the coaches above all the players then I don't know what is!
So Saturday was obviously great, Sunday morning I woke up at 6AM to be able to get some prayer time, shower, get ready, and grab breakfast, turns out the coach called the hotel and they notified me letting me know that he would be coming at 745AM no biggie, I just decided to hang out and watch TV. Once the coach arrived, I met his wife he took me over to the arena and showed me the team locker room, the office, etc etc. It was nice to be in the arena before anyone I stretched out and just warmed up on my own, had some shots on goal, basically got comfortable. So Sundays plan was too cut the majority of players and invite back about 5-9 players to training camp which is basically preseason on October 15th. We were told before practice, that today we were going to be allowed to play a lot more than yesterday and that they wanted to see if we had would it takes to play the fast paced game that is indoor soccer. From there we had some drills that we did for about 45 mins I'd guess then hopped into playing full side 5v5. The game of indoor is different it's a mixture of hockey, basketball, and obviously soccer. I'd explain it, but it takes too long and yeah I'm being a lazy blogger. Google MISL rules, there you can see what it's all about. So anyways I felt I performed pretty good, could've maybe directed the team a little better with my communication skills, but at times I got frustrated. Either way I kept playing at a high level and competing. Once training was done, he called out a couple names that were invited back. My name was not called. Right after though, Head Coach Lebaron asked to speak with me one on one. He said Sammie (assistant coach), and himself were really impressed with my abilities and wanted to offer me a 3 year rookie contract offer. I almost wanted to hug him on the spot just cause I felt like I've come such a long way from struggling on the field, off the field, and even with myself, and to get another opportunity just like the Jax Destroyers offered me, I felt humbled again. I immediately thanked God in my mind and was jumping for joy on the inside. I was just so happy. After that Mr. Hartman the owner of the arena and team, came and said hello to me, and basically welcomed me to the franchise and said you looked good out there, again I was just humbled. God blessed me with this talent and I want to give Him as much glory as possible regardless of what people tell me. From there the GM John took me to the office and spoke to me about the contract. For obvious reasons I won't be disclosing any details of my contract. But from there I told them to give me a week to discuss it with my parents, and have a final decision. They said it was fine, and from there I had to rush to catch my flight. Again being blessed by God with good people being put around me, John (GM) gave me a lift to the hotel, and airport such a great guy by the little I know him, well spoken man.
So now....I just landed in Atlanta I'm on a 1 hour layover from Wichita and flying from here to Miami. It's been almost a month since I been home (feels like more), and I'm not going back home to rest unfortunately instead I'm going back to take care of my fathers business as him and my mom have left to Colombia for a week, and my brother asked me to do him the favor so that he can travel to Puerto Rico. Of course I accepted to do this, I know he'd do the same for me. So I arrive in Miami in a few hours, and can't wait to see my brothers. While in town I'm lucky enough to be going to see the Barcelona vs Chivas game in Miami courtesy of my older brother! Thank you brotha! I feel jubilant right now, and could go on and on with all the people to thank, who have supported me, believed in me, and even those who doubted me, thank you all for pushing me! I'm boarding now my flight to Miami I'm blessed what a weekend. Give God the Glory. Will update you guys when I've made a decision on my contract!
God Bless
Saturday, July 23, 2011
GOD, and the end of this season
Been getting real close to God and His love as of late. I'm beginning to understand His word a lot more. I feel so late, and so shocked at how far off course I am. I'm working to getting as close to God as possible, some call it radical, but I call it crazy to think otherwise! Were talking about GOD!! See I think the word God is thrown around so lightly that people don't really get the significance of it. But honestly God has the power to just blow wind on those people we idolize, strive to be like, desire to be, and says I can blow wind on them and they'll fall weary. Like I'm starting to see things from Gods point of view. Think about what God thinks, for example. He sees you choose sin (whatever it may be) and say you know what God I'm not ready to give this (sin) up for you, I enjoy it to much. Right there God is thinking what!? So wait up you'd rather do drugs, hurt yourself, have temporary satisfaction, instead of be like and with me?!?! I created the Earth and all the ocean, plants, does this not surprise you my divine power!? God is just confused looking at us, and saying how can you choose sin, and not want to be with me, apart of me! I offer you eternal life, the most the world offers is temporary satisfaction!!...........Sorry if it sounds like I'm yelling I just finally think I have grasped what God really wants, and really begin to look and think about things in a way that's like woah, that's God. I'm gonna quit this rant, but do think about it. Just run to God, give your all to Him He is more than worth it I promise!
On another note a soccer update, today is the last game of the season versus Bradenton we've tied them once at home and lost twice away. This is the last game of the season and it's at home, time to win! I gotta say I've been blessed this summer regardless of this last result. I've made new friends, have had a new experience, have had some of the best conversations ever late at night with my awesome host mother. Our convos would carry on till 1AM sometimes. I've had the pleasure of eating 5 star meals from my host father, and have had the pleasure of getting along with all their kids. But back to the topic of soccer. I have to really thank everyone in the organization, and everyone who has really offered a helping hand. I'm amazed at the support, and unity this community has to help people out. I want to wish my fellow teammates nothing but the best, and hope that God may guide each one of you in your next step in life. Kareem I hope to see you playing pro this season, your a good friend, but a better person wish you nothing but the best. There are to many people to thank, and wish best of luck. So I wish everyone the best of luck, and success in your next step in life!
As for myself I have begun with the help of some great people to attempt to get back into the professional ranks. And now more than ever, I have no doubt that God will take me there. I have no doubt. I have the support of so many people, and I've seen God take my desires, and game to new levels. I'm working hard, and there is still a long way to go but I know the time is coming! God is good! I actually had a dream last night of playing first division in Norway. The colors of the team were like that of the flag, lol I thought it'd be funny to put that in there. Well that's it for me. I got to shower and get to my pregame meal. If you grasp anything from this post, it's to look around you, and be thankful. Then look up and be fearful, but happy cause God loves you. Thanks for reading.
God Bless!
On another note a soccer update, today is the last game of the season versus Bradenton we've tied them once at home and lost twice away. This is the last game of the season and it's at home, time to win! I gotta say I've been blessed this summer regardless of this last result. I've made new friends, have had a new experience, have had some of the best conversations ever late at night with my awesome host mother. Our convos would carry on till 1AM sometimes. I've had the pleasure of eating 5 star meals from my host father, and have had the pleasure of getting along with all their kids. But back to the topic of soccer. I have to really thank everyone in the organization, and everyone who has really offered a helping hand. I'm amazed at the support, and unity this community has to help people out. I want to wish my fellow teammates nothing but the best, and hope that God may guide each one of you in your next step in life. Kareem I hope to see you playing pro this season, your a good friend, but a better person wish you nothing but the best. There are to many people to thank, and wish best of luck. So I wish everyone the best of luck, and success in your next step in life!
As for myself I have begun with the help of some great people to attempt to get back into the professional ranks. And now more than ever, I have no doubt that God will take me there. I have no doubt. I have the support of so many people, and I've seen God take my desires, and game to new levels. I'm working hard, and there is still a long way to go but I know the time is coming! God is good! I actually had a dream last night of playing first division in Norway. The colors of the team were like that of the flag, lol I thought it'd be funny to put that in there. Well that's it for me. I got to shower and get to my pregame meal. If you grasp anything from this post, it's to look around you, and be thankful. Then look up and be fearful, but happy cause God loves you. Thanks for reading.
God Bless!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Late...
My dream is soccer. Help me not to get sidetracked. But it's tough we live in a world that demands something out of yourself at a certain age. I'm not there, I try doing things on the side, but I shouldn't be there. My goal, dream, profession is soccer. Can't I just be happy with what that brings? Why can't I learn to admire the struggle for the reward will be greater once achieved. God is love, He is my life, doesn't that provide enough for me? God you are my provider, but times are hard, I won't lose faith...But I do hope your working behind the scenes of my life, I know I'm not worthy but please help. I'm asking for aide. Distractions, society, things life tell you to do, have, it's late I don't need to be awake right now. Time for bed. Decisions, possibilities, hopes, rest in Your hands, not mine.
God Bless
God Bless
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Jax Destroyers
Maybe it's too early to be writing up a season report since there is four games left, but then again maybe my time is up in Jacksonville? Keep reading..
A season that has been filled with highs and lows, excitement, disappointment, potential, and failure. It's been a learning experience and one that I won't soon forget. I have been apart of the some of the most unluckiest and bizarre situations in football this season. I have also been apart of a great family who I care like they're my own now. I've made mistakes up here, have had success, needless to say this season has been all over the place. BUT if I could wrap the season up so far in four words I'd say they would have to be "what could have been". Because I mean the team we had was just wonderful, I'm talking about talented players, but just sometimes things don't click...Anyways the Jacksonville Destroyers as a franchise is somewhere I would like to play, even next year (if I'm not playing pro). They have a lot to offer, they have a great fan base, and it's truly a blessing to be playing here. Still though, I feel a lot of things could have been handled, gotten done, and been done better. But then again it is a first year franchise so there will be mistakes but you do hope for less than more. Anyways I don't think to many people who read this care so much about the franchise in it self. So in recent developments this past weekend we lost 5-1 to IMG, then won 2-1 versus Ft. Lauderdale. We have had injuries, players leave, and other players just quit this season heading into the Ft. Lauderdale game we saw something most likely unheard of in FL PDL teams at least. Our coach and former professional who was still relatively young under 30 Eric Dutt told us he'd be taking the pitch with us versus Ft. Lauderdale in order to give the team the best chance to win. He definitely looked nervous at first, but as the game went on he got more comfortable with himself and to be honest surprised all of the guys with playing a good game. So after an uplifting motivating 2-1 win, the next day we hear coach Eric Dutt has been fired by management. Now mind you we have had a terrible season results wise, but with 12 days left in a season to let a guy go it just didn't seem right especially after he put himself out there and we got a win you know?
So that was tough to see and nobody was really sure of who the next head coach was going to be, so a lot of guys began to say there packing up and leaving before or after this weekend and not going to complete the season. In the mix of all this "drama" so to speak, I began doing my own searching with the help of some people. I ended up speaking with the head coach of the playoff bound Orlando Kraze. The coach put it to me very simple after him seeing me play before and looking for a left back. He said "You have a place to stay already, and training is at 8AM tomorrow hope you can make it." As a soccer player when a coach is giving you that much confidence and desire to be somewhere it's always really comforting. So with that I wanted to give it some thought and see what was going to happen with my already team here in Jacksonville before making a final decision.
We proceeded to our training ground at the specified time with our director and new head coach Aidan Davidson. Aidan was the former GK coach, who had left the team earlier this year, and now was coming back as head coach with 12 days left. I'd be lying if I said the team was not disappointed to see Eric leave, but by the same token I don't think anyone was upset that Aidan was our new head coach. Mainly because he played 20 years of soccer at the professional level, in the premiership over in England. So his resume with that alone, speaks for itself. And the man obviously has knowledge of football. So now I was in a predicament, on whether to leave to a playoff team for the ending of this season, or finish out what I came to do this summer with Jacksonville. After a lot of thought, speaking with family, friends and peoples who opinion matter most to me. I gotta say I got my most important conversation from Josh the assistant coach, him and I talk a lot about a range of topics but the two big ones are always God and soccer. So after speaking with everyone and thinking things through my decision was to stay with Jax. I was upset with myself, because the night before the meeting I had sat down with God prayed and worshipped and felt this sort of unsure feeling of where to go. My mind was set on Kraze, but with God when you have an unsure feeling then what your thinking is more often than not wrong. I mention this because I want to publicly say that I struggle submitting myself with sometimes Gods decisions for me. I thank God He put people in my life like family, and friends to help me with my decision, but in the end I care about what God has next for me. So if you ever struggle with decision making, let God have control and SUBMIT yourself to Him. He will guide you better than anyone can.
So with that my decision is to stay with the team, complete this season and see where I go from there. In other news Allie and I have been making huge pushes to get my name out there and get possible trials. Allie as always one of the biggest helps in my soccer career, and we are doing everything possible to have something come my way. I will keep everyone updated on trials that I might have or go to, as the time comes. For now we got a new head coach 11 days left in the season it's time to work hard, and finish strong. So follow the team on our website @ WWW.JAXDESTROYERS.COM and on Twitter at @JaxDestroyers . That's it for me today, I'm blessed with so many great people around me from the Pitman family which I'm staying with to the coaches God has put in my path. This summer has been a good one in my eyes personally I believe and it's not done yet, time to go out with a bang! Never stop chasing...accept that failure, struggle, and not the best conditions will be given to you but as I've always said on this blog. "Las cosas con mas sacrificio dan las mas grandes recompensas". The things with the biggest sacrifice, will always have the best rewards. For those of you going through hard times as well, remember blessings in disguise.
God Bless
A season that has been filled with highs and lows, excitement, disappointment, potential, and failure. It's been a learning experience and one that I won't soon forget. I have been apart of the some of the most unluckiest and bizarre situations in football this season. I have also been apart of a great family who I care like they're my own now. I've made mistakes up here, have had success, needless to say this season has been all over the place. BUT if I could wrap the season up so far in four words I'd say they would have to be "what could have been". Because I mean the team we had was just wonderful, I'm talking about talented players, but just sometimes things don't click...Anyways the Jacksonville Destroyers as a franchise is somewhere I would like to play, even next year (if I'm not playing pro). They have a lot to offer, they have a great fan base, and it's truly a blessing to be playing here. Still though, I feel a lot of things could have been handled, gotten done, and been done better. But then again it is a first year franchise so there will be mistakes but you do hope for less than more. Anyways I don't think to many people who read this care so much about the franchise in it self. So in recent developments this past weekend we lost 5-1 to IMG, then won 2-1 versus Ft. Lauderdale. We have had injuries, players leave, and other players just quit this season heading into the Ft. Lauderdale game we saw something most likely unheard of in FL PDL teams at least. Our coach and former professional who was still relatively young under 30 Eric Dutt told us he'd be taking the pitch with us versus Ft. Lauderdale in order to give the team the best chance to win. He definitely looked nervous at first, but as the game went on he got more comfortable with himself and to be honest surprised all of the guys with playing a good game. So after an uplifting motivating 2-1 win, the next day we hear coach Eric Dutt has been fired by management. Now mind you we have had a terrible season results wise, but with 12 days left in a season to let a guy go it just didn't seem right especially after he put himself out there and we got a win you know?
So that was tough to see and nobody was really sure of who the next head coach was going to be, so a lot of guys began to say there packing up and leaving before or after this weekend and not going to complete the season. In the mix of all this "drama" so to speak, I began doing my own searching with the help of some people. I ended up speaking with the head coach of the playoff bound Orlando Kraze. The coach put it to me very simple after him seeing me play before and looking for a left back. He said "You have a place to stay already, and training is at 8AM tomorrow hope you can make it." As a soccer player when a coach is giving you that much confidence and desire to be somewhere it's always really comforting. So with that I wanted to give it some thought and see what was going to happen with my already team here in Jacksonville before making a final decision.
We proceeded to our training ground at the specified time with our director and new head coach Aidan Davidson. Aidan was the former GK coach, who had left the team earlier this year, and now was coming back as head coach with 12 days left. I'd be lying if I said the team was not disappointed to see Eric leave, but by the same token I don't think anyone was upset that Aidan was our new head coach. Mainly because he played 20 years of soccer at the professional level, in the premiership over in England. So his resume with that alone, speaks for itself. And the man obviously has knowledge of football. So now I was in a predicament, on whether to leave to a playoff team for the ending of this season, or finish out what I came to do this summer with Jacksonville. After a lot of thought, speaking with family, friends and peoples who opinion matter most to me. I gotta say I got my most important conversation from Josh the assistant coach, him and I talk a lot about a range of topics but the two big ones are always God and soccer. So after speaking with everyone and thinking things through my decision was to stay with Jax. I was upset with myself, because the night before the meeting I had sat down with God prayed and worshipped and felt this sort of unsure feeling of where to go. My mind was set on Kraze, but with God when you have an unsure feeling then what your thinking is more often than not wrong. I mention this because I want to publicly say that I struggle submitting myself with sometimes Gods decisions for me. I thank God He put people in my life like family, and friends to help me with my decision, but in the end I care about what God has next for me. So if you ever struggle with decision making, let God have control and SUBMIT yourself to Him. He will guide you better than anyone can.
So with that my decision is to stay with the team, complete this season and see where I go from there. In other news Allie and I have been making huge pushes to get my name out there and get possible trials. Allie as always one of the biggest helps in my soccer career, and we are doing everything possible to have something come my way. I will keep everyone updated on trials that I might have or go to, as the time comes. For now we got a new head coach 11 days left in the season it's time to work hard, and finish strong. So follow the team on our website @ WWW.JAXDESTROYERS.COM and on Twitter at @JaxDestroyers . That's it for me today, I'm blessed with so many great people around me from the Pitman family which I'm staying with to the coaches God has put in my path. This summer has been a good one in my eyes personally I believe and it's not done yet, time to go out with a bang! Never stop chasing...accept that failure, struggle, and not the best conditions will be given to you but as I've always said on this blog. "Las cosas con mas sacrificio dan las mas grandes recompensas". The things with the biggest sacrifice, will always have the best rewards. For those of you going through hard times as well, remember blessings in disguise.
God Bless
Sunday, June 26, 2011
What I been striving for..
As my blog went on and on I had thought what was the purpose of this. And well I always hoped to inform people I had lost touch with, but my main goal with this is to show people, show YOU, that anything is possible with God. Any dream, idea, hope, desire, that you have is possible regardless of the situation your in. Today I got the best email I seriously have ever gotten to this day. I can't remember an email lifting up my spirits as this one did. There are so many kids, people, who have this same dream I have, have this same goal I have. I'm just ONE of over 10 million or more kids around the world who have the dream of playing soccer professionally. Well today I receive a random email from a boy named Nick from Budapest (the power of the internet connecting people from all over the world). He tells me he came across my blog, and he's been blogging for about 21 months, with details about his daily trials in life, his training sessions, trials with teams, and how he has NOT found success yet. But this kid is so confident, so optimistic, so sure he's going to make it. He makes me remember when I was thinking like that. He's still in search of his first professional contract but his hard work ethic, and dreams have taken him a long way already. And he is on his way I promise you this kid will have a contract offer before the end of this year, and I will post a congratulatory blog to him. But anyway he thanks me for writing, and tells me to continue pressing on, to not give up, to fight for my dreams! Nick this part is for you, as you wrote that email, you likely thought nothing of it, but let me tell you, you have reminded me of what it is to want something bad again, what it takes, the hard work, and you have lifted my spirits! Thank you Nick.
Anyways ya might be wondering why my spirits are down...Well this email comes on the brink of bad news/good news, and a very poor mistake in my game today against first place team Central Florida Kraze. 11 days ago, I caught an injury on the top of my foot, appeared to be a foot sprain, I trained right through it and would ice it occasionally after some training sessions. From there two days ago, during the game at IMG, I was on the wrong end of a bad, and wreck less tackle. This led to me injuring my foot during the game and coming off in the 40th minute.
After getting treatment on it yesterday, the trainers revealed I was definitely hurt, and should not play todays game, and I could have a fractured foot. Good news though today the doctor took a look at me, and said you have a bad ankle sprain but I can't tell you if you shouldn't play or not, only you know the degree of pain you feel, and whether or not you should play on it. I've never been the one to sit out, and never will be, that's just me. So I told coach I wanted to play and start, he said he wouldn't start me but would bring me off the bench. I wasn't too happy about it, but I'm there to support my team and hope for a win. We score a goal about 25 minutes into the game and are up 1-0. With that we go into the half.
At the start of the second half I come in and am feeling pretty good, nothing really worth noting till about the 75th minute or so, when we get another goal and are ahead 2-0! Everything is looking great, then.......the 85th minute struck. We have a great attack that leads to what SHOULD HAVE been called a PK but instead play resumed they got on our side of the pitch and won a corner kick. From the corner they win a second header wide open and smash one home. 2-1. 87th minute I lose a ball after taking tooooooooooooo many touches on our half, they quickly attack get into the box, they're player CLEARLY dives, and they get the call for a penalty kick 2-2. Then we start to press into the attack, and we have a beautiful thru ball creating a 50/50 ball with our player and their goalkeeper. There keeper completely misses the ball destroys our player INSIDE the box, but the goalie only gets a yellow card, and we get rewarded not a PK, but a free kick. Off the free kick we hit the cross bar take a shot hit the post again! Continue pressing on get a corner kick, and we couldn't capitalize and that wrapped up the game. 2-2 final.
Needless to say I was feeling hurt again, and feeling even worse for being the cause of the build up for their second goal. But luckily I'm blessed with a great family, who has always been there for me when times are hard, and things don't look good and ya wanna quit. I'm also blessed with beautiful friendships like those who always are trying to help me, from words of encouragement to, helping me with the next step in my career. Those people know who they are, and I am TRULY thankful like you guys wouldn't believe for every text message, phone call, tweet, fb message etc etc. Anyways this post is just a thankful one, for those who keep me up when I'm down. For those of you who are down, listen even if your far away from the love of your family and friends, the love of God is always just a prayer away. He's waiting for you, in fact He's waiting for me right now, I need to get into prayer and worship my God who is so good to me! Thank you heavenly father, for blessing me with all the people you continue to put into my life, and for all the things and people I already have. I am truly thankful, because I do notice you as you work on my life. I love you my God. God is love.
God Bless!!
Anyways ya might be wondering why my spirits are down...Well this email comes on the brink of bad news/good news, and a very poor mistake in my game today against first place team Central Florida Kraze. 11 days ago, I caught an injury on the top of my foot, appeared to be a foot sprain, I trained right through it and would ice it occasionally after some training sessions. From there two days ago, during the game at IMG, I was on the wrong end of a bad, and wreck less tackle. This led to me injuring my foot during the game and coming off in the 40th minute.
After getting treatment on it yesterday, the trainers revealed I was definitely hurt, and should not play todays game, and I could have a fractured foot. Good news though today the doctor took a look at me, and said you have a bad ankle sprain but I can't tell you if you shouldn't play or not, only you know the degree of pain you feel, and whether or not you should play on it. I've never been the one to sit out, and never will be, that's just me. So I told coach I wanted to play and start, he said he wouldn't start me but would bring me off the bench. I wasn't too happy about it, but I'm there to support my team and hope for a win. We score a goal about 25 minutes into the game and are up 1-0. With that we go into the half.
At the start of the second half I come in and am feeling pretty good, nothing really worth noting till about the 75th minute or so, when we get another goal and are ahead 2-0! Everything is looking great, then.......the 85th minute struck. We have a great attack that leads to what SHOULD HAVE been called a PK but instead play resumed they got on our side of the pitch and won a corner kick. From the corner they win a second header wide open and smash one home. 2-1. 87th minute I lose a ball after taking tooooooooooooo many touches on our half, they quickly attack get into the box, they're player CLEARLY dives, and they get the call for a penalty kick 2-2. Then we start to press into the attack, and we have a beautiful thru ball creating a 50/50 ball with our player and their goalkeeper. There keeper completely misses the ball destroys our player INSIDE the box, but the goalie only gets a yellow card, and we get rewarded not a PK, but a free kick. Off the free kick we hit the cross bar take a shot hit the post again! Continue pressing on get a corner kick, and we couldn't capitalize and that wrapped up the game. 2-2 final.
Needless to say I was feeling hurt again, and feeling even worse for being the cause of the build up for their second goal. But luckily I'm blessed with a great family, who has always been there for me when times are hard, and things don't look good and ya wanna quit. I'm also blessed with beautiful friendships like those who always are trying to help me, from words of encouragement to, helping me with the next step in my career. Those people know who they are, and I am TRULY thankful like you guys wouldn't believe for every text message, phone call, tweet, fb message etc etc. Anyways this post is just a thankful one, for those who keep me up when I'm down. For those of you who are down, listen even if your far away from the love of your family and friends, the love of God is always just a prayer away. He's waiting for you, in fact He's waiting for me right now, I need to get into prayer and worship my God who is so good to me! Thank you heavenly father, for blessing me with all the people you continue to put into my life, and for all the things and people I already have. I am truly thankful, because I do notice you as you work on my life. I love you my God. God is love.
God Bless!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Blessed
Not going to recap what's been going on since my last post. But I'm blessed for having people like YOU in my life! Yeah you reading this! So blessed for the people God puts in my life whether it be a conversation on facebook, text, in person, an email. Just amazing how little things come together to such greater things.
I've done plenty wrong, and apologize to those whom I have offended and have created new friendships off of my new thought process, my new outlook on things. Treat people with smiles, with happiness you just might change there day! GOD IS LOVE. Lets reflect that everyday with everything we do yeah? Unless your playing FIFA on PS3 then show no love and woop your opponent haha...but seriously do show love at all times. I love you, whoever you are that is reading, and however you stumbled across this..But more importantly God loves you, and He will fill you, complete you like no drug, amount of alcohol, or amount of worldly pleasure can.
Okay that is all, going to bed now.
God Bless
I've done plenty wrong, and apologize to those whom I have offended and have created new friendships off of my new thought process, my new outlook on things. Treat people with smiles, with happiness you just might change there day! GOD IS LOVE. Lets reflect that everyday with everything we do yeah? Unless your playing FIFA on PS3 then show no love and woop your opponent haha...but seriously do show love at all times. I love you, whoever you are that is reading, and however you stumbled across this..But more importantly God loves you, and He will fill you, complete you like no drug, amount of alcohol, or amount of worldly pleasure can.
Okay that is all, going to bed now.
God Bless
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Jax vs Mississippi
First game of the season on the road, nice big field but it was some real hard turf I didn't like it very much but oh well. Their team was very well organized they had weak links which I felt we attacked well. But in the end we were unable to come out on top. The final score was 3-1 but the game was a lot closer than what the score shows.
The game started out I think with everyone a bit of nervousness as it was our first game as a new franchise and our first game of the season. The referee was a bit of a joke in my mind, but what can we do. They scored a goal off a counter attack that came off of our corner kick, Gonzo appeared to get fouled we got no call they countered us and just like that 36 minutes into our first game we were down 1-0. In about the 43rd minute Fries made diagonal run where him, the ball and goalkeeper all collided...The ball continued rolling along as the goalkeeper swept Fries off his feet. Referee?? No call. We went into the half down one goal..
The second half we came out very aggressive and dominated we kept attacking there goal till about the 60 some odd minute when we finally had a corner where the ball bounced in the area Gonzo hit it towards goal, deflected off of one of there defenders and into the net! 1-1.
We kept more possession of the ball and worked it up onto their side then at around the 70th minute or so we made a pretty bad mistake defensively and they capitalized and made the score 2-1 after that we went into full attack mode to try and steal a point on the road, instead in stoppage time in about the 93rd minute they hit a thru ball and got their third goal on a break away and that was that.
On a positive note I love the way our team responded after being down 1-0 at halftime, and it was our first game together ever, so I expect good things in our next game and for the season. The player of the game for me was Doug Parra making a ton of saves, very impressive. Now were in Nashville and we kick off tomorrow at 7pm good luck to us. We miss you guys back at Jacksonville and can't wait for this Thursdays home opener but first we need to tackle this game and go back home with 3 points!
God Bless
The game started out I think with everyone a bit of nervousness as it was our first game as a new franchise and our first game of the season. The referee was a bit of a joke in my mind, but what can we do. They scored a goal off a counter attack that came off of our corner kick, Gonzo appeared to get fouled we got no call they countered us and just like that 36 minutes into our first game we were down 1-0. In about the 43rd minute Fries made diagonal run where him, the ball and goalkeeper all collided...The ball continued rolling along as the goalkeeper swept Fries off his feet. Referee?? No call. We went into the half down one goal..
The second half we came out very aggressive and dominated we kept attacking there goal till about the 60 some odd minute when we finally had a corner where the ball bounced in the area Gonzo hit it towards goal, deflected off of one of there defenders and into the net! 1-1.
We kept more possession of the ball and worked it up onto their side then at around the 70th minute or so we made a pretty bad mistake defensively and they capitalized and made the score 2-1 after that we went into full attack mode to try and steal a point on the road, instead in stoppage time in about the 93rd minute they hit a thru ball and got their third goal on a break away and that was that.
On a positive note I love the way our team responded after being down 1-0 at halftime, and it was our first game together ever, so I expect good things in our next game and for the season. The player of the game for me was Doug Parra making a ton of saves, very impressive. Now were in Nashville and we kick off tomorrow at 7pm good luck to us. We miss you guys back at Jacksonville and can't wait for this Thursdays home opener but first we need to tackle this game and go back home with 3 points!
God Bless
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
First 48
I promised a few people I'd blog especially Allie so here I go! A lot of exciting stuff has been going on since arriving Monday. Let's start off with Monday, I had a nice family going away breakfast, while celebrating my little brothers 14th birthday, it was really cool I enjoyed everyones company who was there and was sad/excited to leave on my little brothers birthday for obvious reasons. Anyways if you everrrrrrrrrrrrrr have the option of driving alone or with someone for more than 2 hours choose with someone, on my 4 1/2 hour drive from Miami to Jacksonville it was extremely boring I literally entertained myself by singing along to all the different types of music I had on my iPod. I gotta admit I'm gonna be trying out for American Idol when it comes around, haa.
So upon my arrival to Jacksonville, I got ready for my first training session with the team we are still missing something like 4-6 players I think, but the majority of the group is here and at first glance we have a pretty solid team that I'm excited to be apart of. I think the most exciting part of being with the Jax Destroyers is the community and how they are so involved with getting our name out there, and getting us support. This community up here seems like it just filled with such great spirited, positive, heart warming people. It's really a pleasure to be apart of this team, and it's got the feeling of maybe something special being able to come out of this season despite being a new team in PDL. I don't really know the level of competition in PDL so I can't really speak much of where our team would rank or anything. I really do love the professionalism that this club has from its board members, coaches, trainers, and training sessions. Coach Eric Dutt and his staff seem to be doing a wonderful job, and I'm really liking how things are shaping out through two days. A little premature, but at least were off on the right foot.
I have been immensely blessed with my living arrangement!! It's really crazy to me, how one of the women on the board Susan Pitman accepted to take me into her home, and live with her and her family. It is her, her husband, their two sons of age 15, and 17 and a dog and a cat. They have given me my own room, have allowed me to eat their food, use their bathrooms, TVs, everything whatever I need. It's crazy they basically took a stranger and allowed them to live with them. As we got to know each other over the past two days, I have learned they are Christians, and are fully devoted. I mean seriously, do you reallyyyyyyyyyyy think that's a coincidence? I sure don't, I know God does things His way for His reason, I can already feel my faith being strengthened by just being around them. Such a great and positive family, they have been more than gracious with me and I can't thank God enough.
I'm gonna cut this blog off here, but things have just been going awesome all around, I really can't complain. God has blessed me with favor, grace, and just continues to bless me with great situations! I'm looking forward to season filled with Gods glory! I'm off to an interview with Web.com to try and hopefully get a summer job which will be exciting :) We travel tomorrow to Mississippi to play the defending southeastern region champs, it ain't no thang though, we got a good team , and I look forward to pulling out a good result! Also if your on facebook go like the "Jax Destroyers" page and show support, thanks guys! This wasn't proofread so bear with me!
God Bless!
So upon my arrival to Jacksonville, I got ready for my first training session with the team we are still missing something like 4-6 players I think, but the majority of the group is here and at first glance we have a pretty solid team that I'm excited to be apart of. I think the most exciting part of being with the Jax Destroyers is the community and how they are so involved with getting our name out there, and getting us support. This community up here seems like it just filled with such great spirited, positive, heart warming people. It's really a pleasure to be apart of this team, and it's got the feeling of maybe something special being able to come out of this season despite being a new team in PDL. I don't really know the level of competition in PDL so I can't really speak much of where our team would rank or anything. I really do love the professionalism that this club has from its board members, coaches, trainers, and training sessions. Coach Eric Dutt and his staff seem to be doing a wonderful job, and I'm really liking how things are shaping out through two days. A little premature, but at least were off on the right foot.
I have been immensely blessed with my living arrangement!! It's really crazy to me, how one of the women on the board Susan Pitman accepted to take me into her home, and live with her and her family. It is her, her husband, their two sons of age 15, and 17 and a dog and a cat. They have given me my own room, have allowed me to eat their food, use their bathrooms, TVs, everything whatever I need. It's crazy they basically took a stranger and allowed them to live with them. As we got to know each other over the past two days, I have learned they are Christians, and are fully devoted. I mean seriously, do you reallyyyyyyyyyyy think that's a coincidence? I sure don't, I know God does things His way for His reason, I can already feel my faith being strengthened by just being around them. Such a great and positive family, they have been more than gracious with me and I can't thank God enough.
I'm gonna cut this blog off here, but things have just been going awesome all around, I really can't complain. God has blessed me with favor, grace, and just continues to bless me with great situations! I'm looking forward to season filled with Gods glory! I'm off to an interview with Web.com to try and hopefully get a summer job which will be exciting :) We travel tomorrow to Mississippi to play the defending southeastern region champs, it ain't no thang though, we got a good team , and I look forward to pulling out a good result! Also if your on facebook go like the "Jax Destroyers" page and show support, thanks guys! This wasn't proofread so bear with me!
God Bless!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Pensive...
I feel jotting some shi* down...
Anyways April 15th official signing to PDL Jax Destroyers.
Lotta feelings going thru me at this point in time and for the last couple of weeks, a lot decisions that I question and requestion if that's even a word.
Parents are in Europe have been there for almost two weeks they get back Cinco de Mayo.
Osama Bin Laden is dead, but it's not news to me...the media chooses what we hear, and what we don't.. What do I care for, same corrupt people running our government.
Looking forward to this summer, a nice getaway and just soccer everyday, God has given me a second chance to prove myself to be able to handle myself on my own, and succeed for His glory. I guess time will tell if I do my part this time around.
Temptation is a bit**
Enough....
God Bless..
Anyways April 15th official signing to PDL Jax Destroyers.
Lotta feelings going thru me at this point in time and for the last couple of weeks, a lot decisions that I question and requestion if that's even a word.
Parents are in Europe have been there for almost two weeks they get back Cinco de Mayo.
Osama Bin Laden is dead, but it's not news to me...the media chooses what we hear, and what we don't.. What do I care for, same corrupt people running our government.
Looking forward to this summer, a nice getaway and just soccer everyday, God has given me a second chance to prove myself to be able to handle myself on my own, and succeed for His glory. I guess time will tell if I do my part this time around.
Temptation is a bit**
Enough....
God Bless..
Monday, April 11, 2011
Jacksonville
First off...This city is beautiful! Nice people, peaceful, calm, everyone has seemed genuinely nice. I've enjoyed this trip so far, it's tough so flying alone, and staying alone, having zero human contact for most of the day cause your in your room since you have no car, and know nobody here. Anyways I first off want to thank God, for this opportunity to come up here to try out with a PDL team which is basically a summer league soccer team. It's there first year having a team, Eric Dutt the coach allowed me to come up here for the last trial this weekend yesterday was my first day and in two hours will be my last day, then a select few (including me I've been told) will play against Jacksonville University. Things are looking real good, and I think the most important factor, element, or whatever you want to call it is that I have allowed God to take control, and stopped trying to make things happen in my own strength. I remembered now that I am not able, or good enough to make this happen but God is my sole purpose and reason for continuing to pursue this dream. I believe it's Gods calling for my life. So things so far on this trip have definitely been a positive! I'm not gonna front though, I've been lonely up here I don't feel I have many people to talk to back home that I could really open up to, but thankfully before I came up here my boy (thank God for this niggas life) Albert he told me "You should never feel lonely, God is there for you, He is all you will ever need, don't seek a person seek him." He's completely right, I'm seeking for this physical compassion or love from a woman that I don't need right now. I'm not gonna lie it would be nice to have that, I remember when I did and it's awesome to have that other half pushing you and supporting you but I'm here cause of Gods grace and I have to continually seek Him, and bring Glory to His kingdom. I want to thank God for all the people He's been putting along my path that are helping me to really grow as a person! I'm gonna leave this blog saved up for now and will recap after my last training session and game......
Okay I got there at about 1:15 with training starting at 3:00 so I was VERY early. Goalkeeper coach pulled up at about 2, he's from England and played pro and asked me about my background and said he liked the way I play, and he could tell I had previously played pro, we spoke for a decent amount of time, and he truthfully gave me a lot of confidence going into the training session. This last session was very light and we were put apart about 16 of us from the majority of the players trying out. We trained lightly and were spoken about what formation we were going to play against JU...So training was fine, I did well scored two goals in a 8v8 game and we wrapped up at about 4:30. From there we went all of us 16 players to Subway and one of the assistant coaches payed for everyone, along with a Gatorade! That must've been the biggest Subway bill they have ever seen. Anyways after that we went to the training ground to play our game against JU. I was chosen as one of the starters and the game kicked off. JU has a pretty good bunch, at least offensively they have some foreign international players who definitely know what they're doing. I played a pretty good game overall, I was dead tired in about the 80th minute and asked to be sub, so I rested the final 10 minutes. JU had a very good attack and scored on penalty kick, which wasn't a penalty kick there player and our goalie collided on a 50/50 ball and they gave the call to the player...Stupidest call ever but what can you do. We were fortunate enough to get a goal in about the 86th minute to tie it up at 1-1 and the game ended with that result. After my game I was rushing to see if I can make my flight in time, before I left the coaches all congratulated me, and then head coach Eric Dutt pulled me to the side to have a few words. He pretty much said they really liked me, and my style of play. I have to work on my fitness, and my technical ability just a bit, and I should really be good to go. He also mentioned the best news for me of the day which still has me smiling, that was "we definitely want to sign you, so i'll keep in touch with you in the upcoming days." Finally after so much struggling because of my self and the positions I had put my self into. I've come to God stayed close, kept a humble heart, and finally I'm playing soccer again. It may not be a professional contract or anything but it's a start, and you better believe I'm going to work and not take this for granted. On top of that not do things in my own strength but for Gods glory. I have some awesome mentors in my life who are definitely going to keep me close, and reminding of Gods word and his unconditional love!
Anyways so boom I rushed out of there with a big smile on my face Rafael Diaz, my driver who's Colombian had brought his family with him, to take me to the airport. It seemed as if I wasn't going to be on time, but whatever along the way we spoke his family, and I. And wouldn't you know it his family has a very close relationship with God. We got into speaking about Gods kingdom, and it's beautiful I don't know how to explain it, but it's like when you see God putting the right people in your life. I mean seriously how many personal drivers are going to first of all open up to you like that, second of all be close to God, third of all they have their own radio station which they sing, and preach basically Gods word. I mean God is just moving in my life, and it's amazing and a blessing to see the people he's bringing along the way. I can definitely see myself hanging out with them when I get back into town May 10th.
Unfortunately I was unable to make my flight in time, I tried speaking to any tenant but nobody at all was working. The airport literally looked deserted. I mean I'm from Miami were somewhat like New York, in the sense that the city is constantly in movement and people are working around the clock. Well not the case here, there was zero tenants and zero flights leaving the airport. I weighed my choices, spoke to a cop, and he said I could go up the street to the Clarion Hotel or sleep here till about 4-5AM and wait till the workers to come in. I called the Clarion and they gave me a discounted rate for missing my flight, and now I'm here just ordered some room service, and I'm ready to hit the bed and figure out my flight arrangements for tomorrow back to Miami. I'm still happy though, I'm not letting something like this take away my high. I'm thankful for having an awesome God who's still here for me, despite all the things I've done to Him. Thank you God, I love you, I'm grateful...Gnight guys see you in Miami soon. Love y'all.
God Bless
Okay I got there at about 1:15 with training starting at 3:00 so I was VERY early. Goalkeeper coach pulled up at about 2, he's from England and played pro and asked me about my background and said he liked the way I play, and he could tell I had previously played pro, we spoke for a decent amount of time, and he truthfully gave me a lot of confidence going into the training session. This last session was very light and we were put apart about 16 of us from the majority of the players trying out. We trained lightly and were spoken about what formation we were going to play against JU...So training was fine, I did well scored two goals in a 8v8 game and we wrapped up at about 4:30. From there we went all of us 16 players to Subway and one of the assistant coaches payed for everyone, along with a Gatorade! That must've been the biggest Subway bill they have ever seen. Anyways after that we went to the training ground to play our game against JU. I was chosen as one of the starters and the game kicked off. JU has a pretty good bunch, at least offensively they have some foreign international players who definitely know what they're doing. I played a pretty good game overall, I was dead tired in about the 80th minute and asked to be sub, so I rested the final 10 minutes. JU had a very good attack and scored on penalty kick, which wasn't a penalty kick there player and our goalie collided on a 50/50 ball and they gave the call to the player...Stupidest call ever but what can you do. We were fortunate enough to get a goal in about the 86th minute to tie it up at 1-1 and the game ended with that result. After my game I was rushing to see if I can make my flight in time, before I left the coaches all congratulated me, and then head coach Eric Dutt pulled me to the side to have a few words. He pretty much said they really liked me, and my style of play. I have to work on my fitness, and my technical ability just a bit, and I should really be good to go. He also mentioned the best news for me of the day which still has me smiling, that was "we definitely want to sign you, so i'll keep in touch with you in the upcoming days." Finally after so much struggling because of my self and the positions I had put my self into. I've come to God stayed close, kept a humble heart, and finally I'm playing soccer again. It may not be a professional contract or anything but it's a start, and you better believe I'm going to work and not take this for granted. On top of that not do things in my own strength but for Gods glory. I have some awesome mentors in my life who are definitely going to keep me close, and reminding of Gods word and his unconditional love!
Anyways so boom I rushed out of there with a big smile on my face Rafael Diaz, my driver who's Colombian had brought his family with him, to take me to the airport. It seemed as if I wasn't going to be on time, but whatever along the way we spoke his family, and I. And wouldn't you know it his family has a very close relationship with God. We got into speaking about Gods kingdom, and it's beautiful I don't know how to explain it, but it's like when you see God putting the right people in your life. I mean seriously how many personal drivers are going to first of all open up to you like that, second of all be close to God, third of all they have their own radio station which they sing, and preach basically Gods word. I mean God is just moving in my life, and it's amazing and a blessing to see the people he's bringing along the way. I can definitely see myself hanging out with them when I get back into town May 10th.
Unfortunately I was unable to make my flight in time, I tried speaking to any tenant but nobody at all was working. The airport literally looked deserted. I mean I'm from Miami were somewhat like New York, in the sense that the city is constantly in movement and people are working around the clock. Well not the case here, there was zero tenants and zero flights leaving the airport. I weighed my choices, spoke to a cop, and he said I could go up the street to the Clarion Hotel or sleep here till about 4-5AM and wait till the workers to come in. I called the Clarion and they gave me a discounted rate for missing my flight, and now I'm here just ordered some room service, and I'm ready to hit the bed and figure out my flight arrangements for tomorrow back to Miami. I'm still happy though, I'm not letting something like this take away my high. I'm thankful for having an awesome God who's still here for me, despite all the things I've done to Him. Thank you God, I love you, I'm grateful...Gnight guys see you in Miami soon. Love y'all.
God Bless
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Why do we hurt those who love us most..?
As I mentioned in my last post God will take things away as quickly as He gives them to you. He will many times give you what you've been asking Him for to test you, to see how you react once you have it, and if you can't handle it right He'll take it away I thank God he took soccer, money, and friends away from my life as they were all harming me in one way or another. Anyways in this post I plan on talking about, family, love and forgiveness in a way that they all tie together.
A question often asked is "Why do we hurt those who love us the most?". Well why do we? Why do we hurt our family, our closest friends, and our loved ones, and treat them as if our relationships with them had no meaning sometimes? I think the answer comes down too as we grow up we do things opposed to what our parents say, example don't jump on the bed we do and anger them, once they get angry we ask for forgiveness and it is given to us. Same thing with God people ask God for forgiveness and He grants it to you. That's why I think first of all God's love is so under appreciated. Since it's an unconditional love, one you don't work for it's not so appealing since you can have it "whenever" and since if you hurt it you feel you can walk all over it...you get what I'm saying? Same thing comes into play with our families they tell us not to do something we still do it, because we no to a certain extent at the end of the day they'll forgive us and things will go back to normal. With these two types of love being used as our foundation as the first loves we know. It causes us to have that mindset, I'm not saying it gives it a reasonable excuse what I'm saying is maybe that's why we hurt that girlfriend/boyfriend/best friend that we all have, cause sometimes were accustomed to having that infinite love from a loved one that no matter what they forgive you. I know I sure was accustomed to it, and thought I could basically get away with anything. But I've learned just cause someone loves you doesn't give you the right to hurt them, that is why usually when you first meet someone that you like you try to make sure you do things right, for that persons feelings can grow, and they begin to trust you. Once you feel you have enough of their love, you likely feel inclined to be able to do things, and have no repercussions if you say your sorry. But that's not how things work, and you should never picture them like that....Im gonna end this post here, just cause I feel like I'm going to keep ranting & I'm tired I've had a long day, I have to be up early tomorrow for my class, and need this sleep. Basically Love God, Love your family, Love those who treat you well and Love you for you. Don't take things for granted thank God for what you got.
God Bless!!
A question often asked is "Why do we hurt those who love us the most?". Well why do we? Why do we hurt our family, our closest friends, and our loved ones, and treat them as if our relationships with them had no meaning sometimes? I think the answer comes down too as we grow up we do things opposed to what our parents say, example don't jump on the bed we do and anger them, once they get angry we ask for forgiveness and it is given to us. Same thing with God people ask God for forgiveness and He grants it to you. That's why I think first of all God's love is so under appreciated. Since it's an unconditional love, one you don't work for it's not so appealing since you can have it "whenever" and since if you hurt it you feel you can walk all over it...you get what I'm saying? Same thing comes into play with our families they tell us not to do something we still do it, because we no to a certain extent at the end of the day they'll forgive us and things will go back to normal. With these two types of love being used as our foundation as the first loves we know. It causes us to have that mindset, I'm not saying it gives it a reasonable excuse what I'm saying is maybe that's why we hurt that girlfriend/boyfriend/best friend that we all have, cause sometimes were accustomed to having that infinite love from a loved one that no matter what they forgive you. I know I sure was accustomed to it, and thought I could basically get away with anything. But I've learned just cause someone loves you doesn't give you the right to hurt them, that is why usually when you first meet someone that you like you try to make sure you do things right, for that persons feelings can grow, and they begin to trust you. Once you feel you have enough of their love, you likely feel inclined to be able to do things, and have no repercussions if you say your sorry. But that's not how things work, and you should never picture them like that....Im gonna end this post here, just cause I feel like I'm going to keep ranting & I'm tired I've had a long day, I have to be up early tomorrow for my class, and need this sleep. Basically Love God, Love your family, Love those who treat you well and Love you for you. Don't take things for granted thank God for what you got.
God Bless!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I'm back...
This is definitely one of the longest in between posts I've had, and for that I apologize. I just want to say that it hit me. So many things hit my mind during this absence of blogging. I seriously don't know where to start but I guess I'll try and start from where I left off.
So I basically left my last post by saying I was going to make 2011 a big year, on my own, and be productive to start off I honestly wasn't. Just reading the last paragraph I remember the person and thought process I once had, and what my thought process is now...Amazing how about 75 days or so can alter your mind set. You see this all goes back to when I was in high school, I was close to God and in obedience with my parents, and doing things under Gods wisdom. He promised me in the bible I will give you more than you dream about, I dreamed about realistically at the time to get a full scholarship to a division 1 program in the country. God blessed me with a professional soccer contract! What a blessing right?? See the things with blessings is how you use them, I used mine incorrectly. I thought once I signed that contract I could do things on my own, and it made me believe so more, when girls put me on a pedastool, I had money for a kid my age, had a nice whip, and basically was "living a dream". But as old saying goes, easy come easy go. And just like that my dream was snatched away from me a year and a half in. When your being paid bi weekly for playing, not really working you think money will never stop coming in. You think girls will never stop calling, you think friends will not stop inviting you to clubs, you think all these things. But just as quickly as they came when you were what you felt was on top, they leave even quicker. Friends abandon you, girls won't call as much or anymore, money is at short, and all those things that you used to think filled you up, really leave you empty and thinking "Damn I wasted my time". But see time is never wasted, when you sleep your body is recovering so there a plus in that time "wasting" period, sort of a silver lining so to speak. So what's the silver lining on this one, is that I learned and realized I can't do things in my own strength, and people are as fake as they seem. I'm blessed to have learned these personal experiences at the ripe young age of 20.
So to be straight up about my soccer career, I can't really blame anyone but myself this is the first time I publicly take this blame. I spent more time partying then training, I spent more time kicking it with girls, then kicking balls, I spent more time learning about Miami's nightlife & girls then about learning the game of soccer. I let all those things get to me, and that's a recipe for failure and it proved it self when it happened. I don't regret it, cause I think sometimes you need to fail to realize certain things, and only with failure would I have been able to realize these things.
My relationship with God has grown immensly over the past month. I have gone to a spiritual retreat, participated in bible study groups, testimonial speakings', and a decipleship. I'm so blessed to have so many people that truly just simply care for me as a person, not for the person I am or my personal status. I just really have to thank my family, and friends who have supported me through my tough times.
Where I'm at now? Living back at home in Miami kicking it..Training really hard on my own in hopes of a second opportunity from God to play professional soccer, I tried simply training with my former team Miami FC now known as Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and they denied me. I was quite shocked to be honest, but that's fine. I love doubters, and trust in God 100% that he'll play me once I'm ready. I don't plan on living a double life anymore, as in doing drugs, then looking down upon those that do it, partying so often, looking for girls, sex, and that type of nightlife fun as an outlet. I will instead look to God for that now. I'm also finally enrolled in university it's being paid for and I'm currently attending Keiser University but it's a pretty expensive private university and I plan on switching schools. I tried seeing if I can go back to NCAA to play soccer, but unfortunately I can't, although I can still play in NIAA I don't think I will. I'm studying for a business administrator degree, in hopes of getting that and taking over the family business which I've spoken so highly of. That pretty much wraps it up, I'd like to thank those who have continued to stay in my life through my tough times, and didn't perish, and for those who are moving with me to a better future. I'm blessed in such a large amount that I've never even counted that high. I love you God, and thank you all for reading sorry for my hiatus, I'm back and will hopefully be regularly blogging AT LEAST once a week. By the way I haven't proofread this so sorry for any mistakes in advance!
-God bless!
So I basically left my last post by saying I was going to make 2011 a big year, on my own, and be productive to start off I honestly wasn't. Just reading the last paragraph I remember the person and thought process I once had, and what my thought process is now...Amazing how about 75 days or so can alter your mind set. You see this all goes back to when I was in high school, I was close to God and in obedience with my parents, and doing things under Gods wisdom. He promised me in the bible I will give you more than you dream about, I dreamed about realistically at the time to get a full scholarship to a division 1 program in the country. God blessed me with a professional soccer contract! What a blessing right?? See the things with blessings is how you use them, I used mine incorrectly. I thought once I signed that contract I could do things on my own, and it made me believe so more, when girls put me on a pedastool, I had money for a kid my age, had a nice whip, and basically was "living a dream". But as old saying goes, easy come easy go. And just like that my dream was snatched away from me a year and a half in. When your being paid bi weekly for playing, not really working you think money will never stop coming in. You think girls will never stop calling, you think friends will not stop inviting you to clubs, you think all these things. But just as quickly as they came when you were what you felt was on top, they leave even quicker. Friends abandon you, girls won't call as much or anymore, money is at short, and all those things that you used to think filled you up, really leave you empty and thinking "Damn I wasted my time". But see time is never wasted, when you sleep your body is recovering so there a plus in that time "wasting" period, sort of a silver lining so to speak. So what's the silver lining on this one, is that I learned and realized I can't do things in my own strength, and people are as fake as they seem. I'm blessed to have learned these personal experiences at the ripe young age of 20.
So to be straight up about my soccer career, I can't really blame anyone but myself this is the first time I publicly take this blame. I spent more time partying then training, I spent more time kicking it with girls, then kicking balls, I spent more time learning about Miami's nightlife & girls then about learning the game of soccer. I let all those things get to me, and that's a recipe for failure and it proved it self when it happened. I don't regret it, cause I think sometimes you need to fail to realize certain things, and only with failure would I have been able to realize these things.
My relationship with God has grown immensly over the past month. I have gone to a spiritual retreat, participated in bible study groups, testimonial speakings', and a decipleship. I'm so blessed to have so many people that truly just simply care for me as a person, not for the person I am or my personal status. I just really have to thank my family, and friends who have supported me through my tough times.
Where I'm at now? Living back at home in Miami kicking it..Training really hard on my own in hopes of a second opportunity from God to play professional soccer, I tried simply training with my former team Miami FC now known as Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and they denied me. I was quite shocked to be honest, but that's fine. I love doubters, and trust in God 100% that he'll play me once I'm ready. I don't plan on living a double life anymore, as in doing drugs, then looking down upon those that do it, partying so often, looking for girls, sex, and that type of nightlife fun as an outlet. I will instead look to God for that now. I'm also finally enrolled in university it's being paid for and I'm currently attending Keiser University but it's a pretty expensive private university and I plan on switching schools. I tried seeing if I can go back to NCAA to play soccer, but unfortunately I can't, although I can still play in NIAA I don't think I will. I'm studying for a business administrator degree, in hopes of getting that and taking over the family business which I've spoken so highly of. That pretty much wraps it up, I'd like to thank those who have continued to stay in my life through my tough times, and didn't perish, and for those who are moving with me to a better future. I'm blessed in such a large amount that I've never even counted that high. I love you God, and thank you all for reading sorry for my hiatus, I'm back and will hopefully be regularly blogging AT LEAST once a week. By the way I haven't proofread this so sorry for any mistakes in advance!
-God bless!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Defeated or Realization..
Damn..Thursday Jan 6th my first day of back to training. They took us basically to a mountainside very high up, alright soccer fields with one of the most beautiful overhead views of a beach I've ever seen. I wish I could've taken picture of it. Anyways I was off to my first training session with Barranquilla FC (2nd division team Junior is the owner of them as well) I don't know why they told me to train with them, but I'm willing to train wherever they tell me. Anyways it started out well some warming up, movement, stretching some short passes, long passes mixed up. Then we played a 90 minute match.......For the first time in my very short 18 month career I have never felt that I couldn't keep up. It finally caught up to me, the partying, the going out, the kicking it at home, even the I'd rather eat and workout then go to the park and run. I was physically incapable of lasting on the field, I couldn't run anymore I was burnt out, I seriously felt like I was going to pass out. After the training session they told me to be at el Estadio de Romelio at 6am for a scrimmage game I assume on Saturday. I was sort of just glad to have another chance, as I'm here on trial so after every training session my fate is brought to me by either inviting me to another training session or sending me home...
Anyways after the long bus ride, then taxi ride home. I finally fell into my room and just turned on the shower and sat on the floor with cold water falling at my back. I prayed, and even then it couldn't make me feel better...Like I said I just felt so defeated. I don't know if it maybe just hit me that I'm not going to make it as a professional, or is this a test from God saying if you REALLY want this show me, and truly dedicate yourself. Nonetheless I'm not just going to give up, I'm gonna try and until they send me home I will. I hope that day doesn't come but if it does, I will be heading back to school and enrolling in University to pursue my degree and take over the family business. BUT until that day I will continue to strive for what I want. I have faith things will turn out the way God has planned for them to. I don't think this was all accidental or any of that. I trust in God and He says in the bible before you are promoted, I must see how you handle adversity and failure. I know I've talked about this in the past, so I guess I have to push through this again.
I've always said this blog is my life, not my success, not my failure, it's life. It's real it is what it is. So yeah gotta hustle, gotta grind, Lord make your will mine. I'm out everyone stay up & keep pushing forward 2011 BIG year were only one week in, 358 days left to make it a productive one get to it!
God Bless..!
Anyways after the long bus ride, then taxi ride home. I finally fell into my room and just turned on the shower and sat on the floor with cold water falling at my back. I prayed, and even then it couldn't make me feel better...Like I said I just felt so defeated. I don't know if it maybe just hit me that I'm not going to make it as a professional, or is this a test from God saying if you REALLY want this show me, and truly dedicate yourself. Nonetheless I'm not just going to give up, I'm gonna try and until they send me home I will. I hope that day doesn't come but if it does, I will be heading back to school and enrolling in University to pursue my degree and take over the family business. BUT until that day I will continue to strive for what I want. I have faith things will turn out the way God has planned for them to. I don't think this was all accidental or any of that. I trust in God and He says in the bible before you are promoted, I must see how you handle adversity and failure. I know I've talked about this in the past, so I guess I have to push through this again.
I've always said this blog is my life, not my success, not my failure, it's life. It's real it is what it is. So yeah gotta hustle, gotta grind, Lord make your will mine. I'm out everyone stay up & keep pushing forward 2011 BIG year were only one week in, 358 days left to make it a productive one get to it!
God Bless..!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sh-- that made me laugh...
Lol I got these pics from my friend Valentina shes kinda wack but a cool girl....hope you enjoyed them those were a few I loved the Brad Pitt one...aight im out...
God bless
Monday, January 3, 2011
Colombia..
Short post...Got here yesterday missed everyone out here, they make me feel right at home. Went to the training ground today, and was told to come back Thursday @ 3pm and report for training, and then again Saturday. From there I don't know what's next...So till then push ups, core, sit ups, reading of the bible, eating, music, and internet, will take up my days. My parents get here Saturday but Friday comes my cousin Isabella I've talked about her a lot and told you guys how important she is to me, so it's gonna be really cool to have someone like that around for a little bit at least. Nothing like support from those who love you the most. My parents get here Saturday but won't be in the same city but hopefully I'll have a day or two off to drive out to Cartagena to see them. Anyways those of you back in Miami who actually took the time to hang out with me, call me, text me, email me, tweet me, facebook me, etc to wish me well before I left and good luck, thank you! I have a good feeling of faith right now and am ready to work...You may not have seen it in the past but if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time — victory is on it's way...
God bless!
God bless!
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