April 30, 2019
Wow. Wow. Wow. Bear with me on this one. I have about three blogs smooshed into one. I can not believe that it is finals week & that this is my last blog of the 2018-19 tennis season.
Surprise! Cylie has been at it with her dad jokes as usual. Here are a few I was able to document before Coach scolded me for having my phone out:
DAD JOKE #1: *at hillsdale*
Cylie: wow. Look at that hill.
Halie: yup. That is a big hill.
Cylie: I wonder if that is why they call it, HILLSdale.
DAD JOKE #2:
*Cylie forgets to wash uniform for two matches...texts team the night before match upcoming match to see if we can wear a different uniform.*
NO ONE RESPONDS
Halie: Aw I’m really sorry, Cylie….that really stinks
Cylie: The only thing that is going to stink tomorrow is me.
DAD JOKE #3:
Olivia: ….I’m excited for my new life...
Cylie: I hope she is referring to her new life *In Christ*
Olivia: …& I’m excited to get married….
Cylie: no way, we too.
DAD JOKE #4:
Cylie: let’s drop a mixtape
Team: okay.
*see photo on the right for cover of our mixtape. We are calling it, “Porta Kleen.” Coming to you soon.*
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A for Effort?
Some say that I’ve been avoiding writing the blog, because they believe I am refusing to admit that we lost.
They would, indeed, be correct. Since I last wrote to you, we took three pretty big losses. We lost to Tiffin 6-1 (shout out to Meghan for taking home a win for us).
That Saturday, April 13, we competed against Findlay and took home a 5-0 loss.
This wasn’t what I would call fun, but I was so quickly reminded of what makes my team different from so many others. The girls wrote the Findlay girls notes as usual and the girls were super receptive.
They added us all on social media after the match & one of the girls got Janelle’s number, because she is a Christian and wanted to know how to better encourage her team towards Christ on a daily basis.
WOW WOW WOW. Here are some pictures from the other teams’ Instagrams of our girl’s notes. Super cool. What a reminder that what we do is “Greater than the Game.”
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Also at the Findlay match, Momma G brought brownies for us to celebrate Meghan’s 20th birthday which was a positive note to a tough day.
It was such a joy to celebrate my homeslice ... I really love her.
Before I came to Cedarville, I’d never met anyone who laughed more than me.
Meghan (& Olivia) beat me out by a landslide.This is one area I don’t mind losing in ... her joy is infectious. Here are some pictures from the celebration. |
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After these losses, we were tied for fourth in the G-MAC with Findlay with one more chance to make it into the conference championships.
It was close, but Hillsdale just beat us with an end score of 7-0. So….yeah….not close at all. Hillsdale always puts up strong competition for us, but I thought all in all our ladies played well. Hillsdale swept the conference this year - special congratulations to them!
We ended the season with a 13-7 record and a 10-0 winning streak at the beginning of the spring season! You’re hard work was evident, ladies. I’m so proud of you!
Senior Night
Some say that I’ve been avoiding writing the blog, because they believe I am refusing to admit that Rosie & Liv are graduating. This would again, indeed, be correct. Senior Night took place on April 10th at home against Tiffin. This was such a bitter sweet night for us as it was Rosie & Liv’s last home match. We were able to have a little ceremony & our seniors received flowers. Special thanks to Liv’s momma for making the drive & bringing cookies all the way from Michigan! I am so excited for what they will do in their upcoming careers as a nurse & a designer along with what is to come in each of your upcoming marriages to Alex & Jason. When I asked Matt to make a comment for the blog regarding his last match as a Cedarville tennis player he said, “Goodbye tennis.” He said that he could not say goodbye to Cedarville since he will be living here again next year. Welp, you heard it here first, folks.
Golden Jacket Awards
Some would also say that I haven’t been writing, because of my vast time commitment to the Golden Jacket Awards that took place last week. No surprise here….this again would indeed be correct. This was such a special event for our team as we were able to celebrate our seniors & our season. It was even better than the Espys. Our seniors attended the senior ice cream social dessert reception before the show. A few of the girls from the team were able to help with stage design for the show which was fun! All in all, the night held many laughs and one last time to be together before finals begin.
SAAC Officers 2019-20
On another note, we are pretty excited to have swept the Student Athlete Advisory Committee board this upcoming year: I will be serving as President and our one and only, Cylie Aronsohn, will be serving as Secretary. We are excited to see tennis ever present on the committee. Well deserved, Cy. I am excited to serve alongside you next year!
Team Dinner
Team dinner took place last week at Coach Edlund’s home. Thanks as always to Mrs. Coach for your hospitality & for cooking a yummy home cooked meal. That has been one of our favorite parts of the year: Mrs. Coach’s DELICIOUS baking & cooking skills. Thank you for serving & loving us in this way!
NANA GOT BAPTIZED PEOPLE
One of my favorite highlights was that Cylie, Olivia, Janelle, Coach Lauren, & the English family got to celebrate Easter Sunday by hearing Liana’s public declaration of her commitment to live sold out for the Gospel of Jesus Christ at her baptism. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd as Liana poured out her heart as she declared the freedom she lives in, because of God’s grace in her life. I know that if she knew I was writing this she would want you all to know that it is by God’s grace alone that she has been chosen & freed. I think of I Peter 2:9 which says,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you might declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” PRAISE JESUS!
Summer plans
Some would also say that I haven’t been writing, because that would mean it’s almost summer which means I will be apart from my teammates. Also, correct. Our girls are going to be busy this summer to say the least. I think it is important to highlight their plans, because it gives you a better glimpse into their hearts & the ways they use their talents beyond tennis to bring glory to God. Some of us will have running water and electricity but some will not. Rosie is unsure if her workplace will supply such benefits. Maybe I can update you on that in the Fall. Anyways, here is a little summary of what our girls will be up to this summer:
Olivia Ancil: GETTING MARRIED; sister getting married; finding a job
Cylie Aronsohn: internship in Triage & ER this summer back at home
Janelle English: holding down the fort here at Cedarville taking summer nursing classes
Liana English: online classes & our personal favorite: working at a daycare
Meghan Gallogly: summer classes at BG
Halie Hardwick: Global Outreach Missions Trip with The Luke Commission in Eswanti; summer classes; lake time
Rosie Thompson: GETTING MARRIED; finding a home; starting her new job as the bombest designer EVERRRR
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Before I leave off the blog for the year, I want to give a big thanks to Lauren Jackson for her six years of faithful service to Cedarville Tennis.
I am so thankful that her “maybe” turned into a “yes” when deciding to stay two extra years to coach.
Thank you for pushing each of us to be great and to grow in our walks with God every step of the way.
All that to say, some seasons are harder to leave than others.
This is a sad one ... it has been a pleasure, Coach Laur. |
Looking Ahead
We are excited to have five new girls joining our team this upcoming Fall. We are sad to be losing Rosie & Liv, but I know that each girl comes on the team for a season. Each girl leaves an everlasting legacy & creates relationships that last a lifetime. I am excited to welcome the five new girls into the sisterhood next season and continue to change the face of sports culture for Jesus with each of you!
When I write this blog, I feel as though I taste what Paul must have felt writing his letters in the Bible. My care for each of you runs so deep. I desire nothing more than that all who read this blog would know my Jesus and His great, life-giving love for them. My prayer is that those we encounter would receive the great gift of salvation, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that provides us a living hope (I Peter 1). I will miss you all this summer, but I am so excited for the ways God will get to fulfill His great commission this summer in each of you. You share Jesus’s joy and love like none other. It is one of my greatest joys and honors to know and be known by each of you. I love you.
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie
April 9, 2019
Hello New Creatures. Halie here.
Cylie’s Dad Jokes:
No Cylie dad jokes this week. I know, I’m just as sad as you are. Hopefully Cylie will pick it back up for us next week.
Practice
There is no denying it, sometimes practices feel long. But not this week. The warm weather made practice fly by. Though I am thankful for the changing of seasons, I’m extra thankful for the warm after a cold winter. Especially when we get to enjoy the weather while perfecting our trade.
VICTORY
We played Kentucky Wesleyan this past weekend at home and won 7-0 leaving us 10-1 for the spring season. The sisters, Janelle and Liana, along with Cylie & Meghan, clinched the doubles point against Kentucky Wesleyan. Cylie’s uncle came to watch her play which was extra special. We couldn’t have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect and family was all around! Our sweet teammate, Laura, even came back to watch us play which was a special treat for us. The best news of them all, we topped off our victory with scotcheroos from Momma Gallogly. This upcoming Wednesday is Senior Day for Rosie and Olivia against Tiffin and Saturday we play at Findlay.
Bible Study
This week we had Bible study at Coach Lauren’s. A few weeks ago, I was craving cheese and crackers and to my surprise, this week the request was fulfilled. Shoutout to Coach Lauren for seeing my need and meeting it at this week's Bible study. I was deeply touched by the sight of this glorious snack.
Junior/Senior
After the match, a few of our very own headed to the Junior Senior with their respective dates. There is really no denying it, our tennis team cleans up nicely. Liv’s fiance, Alex, even made the trip to dance the night away. I have included a picture of all the tennis kids at JS. You are welcome. We took this photo just for you.
This week’s feature comes from my former teammate & graduate assistant, now assistant coach, Lauren Jackson. She is the the bus ride sleeping specialist, common knowledge guru, all time GPS, and most competitive of all of us. For three months before Lauren graduated, I begged her to stay at Cedarville as a coach. I finally convinced her to at least say “maybe” to this request. When Coach Morris announced that she was indeed staying, I about fell out of my chair. I still feel like I’m living in a dream whenever I think about Lauren staying at Cedarville for two more years. I am thankful for her care, guidance, and encouragement to me. She has faithfully served and made a lasting impact over her six years here. Thanks for staying, Coach Laur. (:
Coach Lauren Jackson
1. What is Jesus teaching you?
What is Jesus teaching me? I feel like you could've asked me that a hundred times this semester and I could have given you something new every time. So...this is tough. Overarching theme though, Jesus has been teaching me to really enjoy my time with Him, and with the people and things that He's created. We've been going through Ecclesiastes in AEX, where Solomon writes in Chapter 5,
"Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil - this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart." I've found such a freedom in being reminded that God did create things on this Earth for us to really enjoy them (as long as we don't begin worshiping them)! I started a note on my phone a few weeks ago titled "Fav things ". I can't spoil all of them but here are a few:
1. Flying out of the same airport at the same time as a friend (this has only happened twice in my lifetime, but I loved it both times)
2. The ESPN jingle
3. Really well trained, clean dogs
4. Those few seconds when the band stops playing, but everyone is still worshiping
5. Pictures of the sky
I've also started asking people questions related to something they've enjoyed that week (a moment, an item, a conversation, etc.) and I highly recommend it.
*Huge should out to Pastor Dalton for this one.
2. A word about your time here
Wow again. What a question. I've lived in Cedarville, Ohio for longer than I have lived in any other city my whole life, and been involved with the University that entire time. I've gotten to spend some time reflecting already over these past six years; how I've grown, and how well I've been loved here. I've learned a little something from everyone I've interacted with. I've gone through some tough stuff, yet spent a lot of time celebrating and being celebrated. This is a special place for sure, and something I'm certain that I will one day miss. I could talk about it for awhile (my office is Callan 221, and I welcome coffee). I love this place.
3. The difference between being on the team and now coaching
Another tough question. When does it get easier?
Being on the team had its ups and downs for sure. My teammates are to this day some of my best friends. They were there when my parents weren't doing well, when I was injured, and when I was having a tough semester. They were also there for my birthdays away from family, all the chick-flicks, for our banquets, and the bus forts. They encouraged well both on and off the court.
Now? As a coach I get to take what I knew as a player, and add some of the goals and dreams that I had about what Cedarville tennis could be/the impact we could have and force it on all of you :) Coaching has its ups and downs as well. I don't get to be involved in all the team banter, or hang out with my best friends everyday, but I do get to continue to learn how to serve and love well in every interaction! Plus, it's kind of fun to have 15 little siblings. :)
4. Praise for the team
Ahhhhh! Here it is. The easy question.
I LOVE this team. They have taken my pushing to really utilize this sport for ministry in stride. One more thing I've been learning this semester is about how I can see a glimpse of Jesus' character in people. A few weeks ago I was praying for the team and started to just list off one way in which I really see each girl on this team emulating Christ. You ready?
Liana / Creative - She maybe loves flowers more than me, and has such an eye for what will look good in a picture! Rumor has it you shouldn’t trust her creativity when it comes to smoothie making though...
Janelle / Kindness - No lie, Janelle came out to the courts a few weeks ago and said "Coach Laur, I don't like going in the athletic training facility because I just feel like I go in there to complain". I wish I could've been in there to count how many times she told them thank you before she left!
Rosie / Compassion - Rosie's entire senior design project is based on helping others! She found a problem, and is working to create the solution with the talents she is gifted with. I’m pretty sure something she’s created will save my life someday!
Olivia / Peaceful - Liv is maybe one of the most peaceful people I know. She really takes time to think before she speaks, and is gentle with her words. One of our boys watching her play once said, "Liv is just so nice. I don't know how anyone could ever be mad at her." Couldn't have said it better myself.
Halie / Loving - Halie Hardwick would do just about anything to make those around her feel loved. I’ve already seen lots of handwritten notes, and hours of preparing team events this year. One of my favorite things is hearing Halie’s laugh/voice in the hallway because nine times out of 10 I’m about to have a visitor.
Meghan / Joyful- I don’t think there’s a day that I’ve seen Meghan, and not seen Meghan’s smile and heard Meghan’s laugh. She’s a fighter and an encourager too!
Cylie / Servant-hearted - Guys. Cylie serves this team like no other. She’s a consistent encourager, and the first to offer to help with anything. She’s constantly coming up with new ideas of ways to serve her teammates, and I love learning from her!
Love ya, have a good week!
Coach Lauren
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie
April 3, 2019
Hello New Creatures!
This is a new segment I like to call, “Cylie’s Dad Jokes.”
Dad Joke #1
Halie: Do any of you know the medical term for a pinched nerve?
Cylie: an ouchie.
Dad Joke #2: (@ Cracker Barrel)
*server brings bread*
Meghan: I didn’t like bread growing up
Cylie: What planet are you from?
Meghan: uhh...I don’t know?
Cylie: Must not have been planet bread.
Dad Joke #3:
Cylie: I lost a game the other day, because of my big birthing hips.
Coach Lauren: I saw that. Liv hit about the slowest lob I’ve ever seen. It took 10 light years to come down and Cylie ran right into the ball with her hips.
Cylie: My hips may not help me now, but they will help me labour in life.
All in All, Cylies last words were: “There are too many where those came from.”
Triumph and Defeat
This weekend we were away in northern Ohio playing matches against Ursuline and Walsh. We took home a 7-0 victory against Ursuline leaving us 9-0 for the spring season. Later that evening, we took a 5-0 beating from Walsh. Going into the Walsh match, we knew it was going to be tough competition. Meghan encouraged the team with a verse from John 14:27 which says,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid,” a quote from Jesus before he was leaving his disciples. What a reminder that the Lord gives us his peace and that we shall not fear for the victory has already been won! Even though we lost, our girls fought hard and left all they had out on the court. They are a constant testimony to Jesus in the way they live their lives and in the way they compete. I am so proud of each and every one of you.
Did someone say, “Bonfire?”
This week for Bible study we got to have a bonfire with s’mores at Tifani’s. Special thanks to Rob and Tyler for such a special idea and to Tifani for faithfully leading us in the Word. We continued our study in James and had time to be in prayer with one another.
This week’s feature is from Rosie Thompson, a senior from Beavercreek, Ohio. We are so thankful for our four years with her and we are going to miss her dearly when she graduates. Rosie brings a burst of humor to our group and always has us laughing. Also...she recently got engaged *yay* to Jason Holloway, a tennis alum from Wright State. Go tennis couples!
Rosie Thompson
Hello! My name is Rosie Thompson and I have been a Cedarville Yellow Jacket for four years. I am an Industrial and Innovative Design major and my dream is to design products that will make people’s everyday life easier! I am excited because I accepted a job in Columbus, Ohio at American Power Electric Company in their innovation department! I am thankful that God has given me this opportunity and I pray that I will represent Him well in a secular environment.
Recently God has been teaching me patience, trust and putting others before myself. One of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:9,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. This verse gives me peace about the future knowing the fact that God is with us wherever we go and by our side every leap we take in life. Thank you God for never leaving us or forsaking us!
Words cannot express how much tennis has encouraged me, pushed me and grown me into the person I am today. I am beyond blessed to have been able to play tennis for Cedarville and to have teammates that not only pushed me athletically, but also pushed me to love God more.
- Love, Rosie
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie Hardwick
March 26, 2019
Cedarville Tennis Followers,
Another week of season is in the books and an exciting one to say the least. We competed against Thomas More last Friday in Kentucky and took home a 7-2 victory. Mrs. Coach made us cookies. Janelle and I like the organic kind (aka chocolate chip), but the rest of the girls were in favor the Snicker Doodle. Nonetheless, special thanks to you for the sweet snacks, but even more for your kind hospitality to us.
On Saturday we played Davis & Elkins. This is always a big match for us and especially this year as we were ranked just below them in Conference Rankings. Our girls were in good spirits before the match and ready to leave all they had out on the court. We had so many family, friends, and loved ones there supporting us. Our sweet Bible study leader, Tifani, was there and her son, Tyler. They even brought us our favorite orange slices. Momma English was also in attendance and came bearing a whole bag of snacks for us all the way from West Virginia. Thanks to an outpouring of Jesus, snacks, and support, we pulled out a huge win against D&E clinching a 6-1 victory leaving us 8-0 for the spring season. Praise God! The sweetest part of the day was that two of our incoming freshmen, Abby and Faith, made an appearance to cheer on the Jackets to victory. We are so excited to have you girls on the team next year.
Bible study this past week was so rich. I will never be able to express the overwhelming joy it is to do life and to be known by these sisters. Our main focus recently has been keeping the main thing the main thing. We had some tough individual losses last week, but at the end when we were able to give our opponents our notes and pray with them, we were reminded that what we are doing on and off the court is far greater than ourselves. One of our opponents yelled, “STOP. You’re kidding. It even has my name on it?!?! Not even my closest friends have ever written to me,” as she tackled one of my teammates with a big hug and a smile that lit up the whole room. So keeping the main thing the main thing. That’s our goal this season and as we head into our matches at Walsh and at Ursuline this weekend.
Who better to feature in the blog this week then our very own Courtyard Marriott Springfield “Female Athlete of the Week”, Meghan Gallogly. Momma G, this one’s for you!
Meghan Gallogly
I’m Meghan Gallogly and I am an Allied Health sophomore on the tennis team. God has been teaching me that our hearts are so prone to wander. I realized how much I fall in a matter of minutes. God has taught me that I need Him in every second of every day, every breath that fills my lungs, and in every thought that takes part in my motives, drives and ambitions. He has taught me how little I am and I must become less in the grandeur of His majesty. Who am I that is deserving of unfathomable and unending grace? Jesus has taught me that He is the definition of redemption. Yes, a sunny day full of fellowship and laughs is redeeming after a day full of discouragement and failure. However, Jesus has taken on all feelings: the good and the bad. He took on pride, anger, worry, anxiety envy, and He never had an impure thought that spurred up in His being. That is unfathomable because Jesus is everything that I am not: perfect, blameless, pure, etc. I’ll pray that I continue to be challenged to use these only in relation to our savior Jesus because He is and only is the One who will fit this persona. The only One who is unwavering when we are wavering, faithful when we are unfaithful, encouraging when we are discouraged, peaceful when we are restless. This will always be Jesus, and never be us. This year the tennis team has encouraged me on and off the court to work hard. Coming into fall season I was reminded that all my work is to God and furthering his kingdom. And now in the spring season, I want to continue to glorify God through my matches whether that would be improving my attitude on the court and towards my opponent, giving the endurance of each point relying on God’s strength to hit the ball with accuracy, and to do everything I can in an effort to show Christ to my opponent.
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie
March 19, 2019
Hello Faithful Women’s tennis followers,
New Vlogs!
Spring Break Day 2
Spring Break Day 3
Feud of Last Saturday’s Trip:
Is Bob Evans a restaurant or a breakfast place? This argument ensued for an entire meal before the boys finally asked our waitress. She gave her expert opinion and claimed that Bob Evans was a restaurant known for their breakfast. Never the less, the argument continued on for the entire five hour bus ride home. If you have a strong opinion on the matter, or really any potential argumentative topic, please email Matthew Norris Brumbaugh at
mbrumbaugh@cedarville.edu. I’ve never met anyone who loves to argue as much as this guy. It’s truly a gift. Also, I’d like to apologize to our followers as the men have overshadowed us this week, because of this never-ending feud.
VICTORYYY:
The women’s tennis team took home another dub this week winning 4-3 against Virginia-Wise. Rosie & Liana won at #1 doubles and Janelle & I won at #2 doubles grabbing the doubles point. Olivia, Meghan, and I grabbed the singles wins. As a whole, our girls played well and are looking forward to our upcoming matches this weekend against Thomas More and Davis & Elkins.
Liana English
Teammate Feature:
Hello! My name is Liana English and this is my second year of being on the tennis team at Cedarville University. I am studying to be an elementary teacher! Recently, God has been teaching me that even in unwanted seasons, He never stops being good to me, nor does He cease to be enough for me – today, tomorrow, and forever. Psalm 16:11 says,
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The deep love my teammates have for the Lord is the greatest thing about being on the team. Every single one of my teammates helps me in a different way to strive to be more like Christ.
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie Hardwick
March 11, 2019
It was a great 2019 Spring Break trip for Cedarville men's and women's tennis! It was so great, I want to share with you this VLOG by Timmy O'Brien!
Hang on tight for the long bus ride to the Sunshine State in this 18 minute recap of Day 1!
Click
here for Spring Break Day 1 VLOG!
February 26, 2019
Hello Everyone!
The first blog of 2019 has me feeling all sorts of ways. The past few months the team has been grinding it out in preseason which hasn’t been easy, but I’ve felt my teammates pushing me to work harder as I am surrounded by their drive and focus on the courts. They have truly been giving it their all in preparation for our upcoming matches. I don’t want to jinx us, but I feel our best season yet coming on.
We started out the season with the a win this past Saturday against Muskingum. Their coach messaged us after the match and said, ‘My girls were in the best moods they have been in after their matches because of your girls. They were so humble and understanding." I’m am so thankful to have teammates that share Jesus and love on others so well. You girls are awesome!
As you all know, a special part of my blog features my teammates. I desire to give them an opportunity to share, because I love to hear the ways God is working in and through them. I was reminded how much I love this part of the blog following the end of 2018 as I re-read the old blogs and my soul was deeply encouraged by the words of my teammates. This blog will feature Olivia Ancil. So without further ado, Mama Ancil, this one's for you!
Olivia Ancil
My name is Olivia, but I also go by Liv! I am a senior nursing major at Cedarville and have had the incredible blessing to be able to play on the tennis team throughout my four years here. I just finished up what is called preceptorship, which is basically working for half of the semester as a full-time nurse! This experience taught me so much about nursing and about loving others well and I am so thankful for it. I must say though, I am very excited to get back into a normal class schedule for the last half of this semester to be more involved on campus and in tennis for my last few months here!
The Lord has been teaching me so much recently of what it looks like to trust Him completely. By word, I would be quick to say that I trust the Lord and His will in my life. While this is true, I feel like fear, doubt, and worry often fill my heart and mind when I don't even realize it. I have been loving the song "Sparrows" by Jason Gray...the chorus says "If He can hold the world He can hold this moment. Not a field or flower escapes His notice. Oh, even the sparrow knows He holds tomorrow." This song comes from Matthew 10, where Jesus says to not fear, because we are of much more value than the sparrows, even the hairs on our head our numbered! God knows us more than we know ourselves and He loves us more than we could ever comprehend. Worry and fear have no place when wrapped in the arms of Jesus. You and I are held in our Maker's hands and we only need to trust Him and His perfect plan.
I am counting down to the days until I graduate and get married (!!!), but also not wishing any day away. Time is flying by, now more than ever, and I just want to savor each moment and treasure each sweet memory. I am so thankful to be on this special team and constantly be pushed closer to Christ by each of my lovely teammates. Now as we move into our season in full action, as Dr. White would say, "Let's dominate in the name of Jesus!"
Love,
Liv
We leave this Saturday for a week spent training and competing in the sun.
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie Hardwick
October 9, 2018
*MUST READ UNTIL THE END - SURPRISE GUEST!*
Another busy week is in the books for the Cedarville women’s tennis team. We practiced diligently this past week in preparation for our final match on Saturday against IU East. We also celebrated Coach Dee Morris’ retirement from coaching with a dessert reception. We had the honor of celebrating with her as she was surrounded by family, friends, and alumni for her years of dedication and faithful service to Cedarville Athletics. Well deserved, Coach.
Prior to our match on Saturday, I sat on the court with my teammate Janelle English, and as we mentally prepared for our match, we paused to put things in perspective. In the lense of eternity, winning this match didn’t matter, but what does matter is the way we conduct ourselves on the court and to those around us. The Lord was so gracious to remind us in that moment that He is using this match to make us more like Jesus, to make us more holy. It is incredible how the Lord uses a simple thing like tennis to provide an opportunity for each of us to grow in holiness.
During each point, we are able to practically apply the fruits of the Spirit to push, not only ourselves, but our opponents to be the best that we can be in order to glorify the Lord. I have been diving into I Peter this week. Who better than Peter to emphasize the call to holiness? I Peter 1:14-16 says, "
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." What an honor beyond what we deserve to grow in holiness as student-athletes at Cedarville.
One thing I want to do in the blog each week is highlight a teammate. One of the sweetest parts of being around my teammates is the ability to grow from each of them as they all exude various attributes of Jesus to me. I do not believe that I would be doing the blog justice without highlighting each of them...and what parent does not love it when their kid is highlighted?! So without further ado, our first guest teammate is sophomore, Cylie Aronsohn.
My name is Cylie Aronsohn! I am from Pittsburgh, PA. Go Steelers! Here at Cedarville University I am studying to become a nurse. I have always enjoyed interacting with and caring for people which is why I am pursuing a career in nursing. One day I would love to be a geriatric nurse and possibly serve in home care.
One thing that God has been teaching me lately is just how amazing it is that the Gospel is a free gift. Galatians 1:4 illustrates this well: "
Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live." There are many times when I incorrectly think that the works that I do or the way that I live my life causes God to love me more. Because of Christ, God loves His people completely, perfectly, and unwaveringly. Although I have always known that the Gospel is a free gift and I cannot earn it, lately I have been resting in that more. It has caused me to be more overwhelmed by the majesty of our loving God and increasingly aware of my desperate state of need before our holy God.
This year I have been super encouraged by my teammates. I have seen their hearts for the Lord and their desire to be in awe of the God we serve. It has been convicting and encouraging to me. I am so thankful for each and every one of the girls on the team. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by girls who point me toward Christ. Not many college athletes are fortunate enough to have an entire team of God-fearing girls around them on almost a daily basis. These girls spark a fire in my soul to love God more. Just the other day I was scheduled to play a challenge match against one of the girls on the team. During the day, before we were going to play, she texted me randomly and told me about what God has been teaching her in her devotional life lately. How amazing to be encouraged in the Lord by a teammate you are scheduled to play a match against later in the day! Praise God!
Looking forward to the rest of this fall season and all that God brings our way in the spring!
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie Hardwick
October 2, 2018
Hi Everyone!
My name is Halie Hardwick and I am a junior allied health major on the Cedarville women's tennis team. Sadly, our sweet blogger, Kendall Heydt (now Grant) graduated and got married. She brought so much joy to our team and beautifully depicted what it looked like to be a Christ follower and a member of the Cedarville women’s tennis team. Honestly, I am a little apprehensive to be taking her place as the blogger, but I am trusting that good things are to come. I am looking forward to writing to all of you as I know that this is an area that will challenge me to reflect on God’s grace in my life and in the life of our team.
This last five weeks have been filled with lots of change. Our Head Coach of 42 years stepped down and Coach Alan Edlund stepped into the women’s coaching role. Though we miss Coach Morris, Coach Edlund has been a huge blessing to our team. He cares so deeply for each of us and desires to push us towards righteousness. We have had the opportunity to play some tough competition the past few weeks, but it has been a joy to be pushed as we know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope (Romans 5). As my sweet teammate Liana English reminded me today, God uses even the smallest things to grow us. It is a joy to grow in character and in Jesus through tennis.
On a side note, a few weeks ago, our team got together to have a night of fellowship and prayer. I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful prayer-filled evenings of my life. It was incredible to share our struggles and watch Jesus fill us with His peace that transcends all understanding. We also had our first Bible study with our new chaplain, Tifani Bronson, who has been so gracious to lead us and so vulnerable in sharing her heart with us. We are all feeling super humbled by her willingness to lead us.
One of the biggest things that I have been learning about God is that there is one thing He will not deny me of...and that one thing is Himself. God is so gracious to meet me and to answer that prayer. Matthew 5:6 says,
"blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be satisfied."
As a team, I think Jesus has been really revealing himself to us through our families. They are so good to us. Not only do they come and support us, but they come bearing food and lots of love. One of my favorite things about being apart of the women's tennis team is the family that I’ve gained, not just the girls, but their families, too. It is such an honor to have my teammates whose parents love me like I am their own. Rosie’s family hosted the men’s/women’s teams for dinner, Laura’s mom baked us cupcakes and cookies, Meghan's mom made us brownies, Mrs. English brought snacks for us at an away match, my family made dinner for the men’s and women’s team last weekend. Seriously...how undeserving, yet they still selflessly serve and care so deeply for each of us. It has been one of my the deepest honors and greatest joys having such a huge support system behind us.
I am looking forward to adding a special segment to my blogs each week. You will have to wait until next week though...I have to give you a little something to keep y’all coming back. Just know it will be good.
Needing Jesus Always,
Halie Hardwick
Halie Hardwick is a junior at Cedarville University from Yorktown, Ind. and is a Dean's List student majoring in allied health.
