Tag Archives: Darco

May 20, 2013

O: When You Tithe…

By D

I’ve been waiting for this post…impatiently.

Disclaimer: All things typed here was done so with the approval via text message of our director of media.

Sometime ago I made a post about tithing at church, and how it drove me insane and openly admitted that I struggled with it. Nothing really has changed from that original position, aside from the churning in my soul of trying to do the right thing, humble myself, and tithe.

So, with stress building up, the account dwindling I decided last week (05/12/2013) that my first fruits were going on a check, to MoVal, and what would happen would be what happened.

Usually, along these lines that many modernist would suggest as ‘reckless’ I would image that everything financial would go wrong. However, the moment that I had placed that check in the passing plate, the unbelievable started. Along these lines, I’d like to show a correlation to a  mixed bag of goodies from what I learned yesterday at MoVal:

Monday (05/13/2013): After receiving a late night phone call from Customs in Atlanta, Georgia I was informed that our crazy patient player from Scotland would be delayed a day and not arrive until 05/14/2013. She had been held up because they couldn’t understand the idea of her playing for the Kansas City Shock and why she’d be in and out of the country so much as of late. Needless to say; she arrived in one piece [finally] on Tuesday.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy

Tuesday (05/14/2013): Aliesha arrived at the airport [on time], and Darco and I went to go meet her there. At the same time, Jim had posted on Facebook that the plant would be closing…for good. While the joy of having one of our internationals in place was great, my mind was instantly numbed with the a million questions of how to assist my family…and not having an answer.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Wednesday (05/15/2013}: I started my day in the gym with a morning run, which was awful, and started working on my schedule for the day; including several meetings with potential investors and other items that I still can speak on. While walking to the car from the gym I received an email from our head coach; she resigned along with the assistant coach. Noting family reasons, I wouldn’t object with the move, and granted them safe journey’s with their new adventures. The reality was; a week and a half away from the Kansas City Shock home opener and there was no coaching staff. I dialed all the Founders and explained the situation. The ladies had their first practice that night; of which I showed up at and broke the news to them. They were given the option to walk away if they’d like. Not. One. Player. Left. On my way out to the car I sent a text to a friend of mine in the soccer world and simply asked if the option presented itself, would they be interested in potentially being a candidate for the head coach position. A few seconds later I received, “Yes. We need to meet.” This eventful day was followed by a meeting with a potential investor that stretched to 1:00 AM on Thursday morning…an hour south of where I currently live.

First team meeting last week.

First team meeting last week.

Blessed are those in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Thursday (05/16/2013): I had been running around with all the events going on within the organization, and on the side note I was working on getting our Australian player into the United States as well. This was also involved in budgeting, financing, and international player travel. She had been crazy patient as well, and I kept pushing her back, and back, and back. Finally, the stage was set for her to get here. However, this also was the same day of a full staff meeting in Kansas City; which stretched to 11:00 PM and went over coaching options. Honesty, especially after Wednesday, it was a very stressful day. I went home worn out, somewhat defeated, and full of questions on how on earth this program was going to get off the ground.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Friday (05/17/2013): The Boston Breakers had come to town and wound up training on our home field [awesome stuff there]. The staff had unanimously agreed to offer the head coaching position to Wendy Louque. Interestingly Wendy had been my consultant and mentor on the soccer dynamics of Kansas City almost since the original creation of the program. Meaning, that in many instances she’s known our battles, struggles, and triumphs. Personally, she’s a nose to the grindstone Christian that’ll set you straight whether you like it or not. Factor in that she has a strong coaching reputation in the Kansas City area, along with being connected to several organizations throughout the region, she was a great find. Who would have thought it would have been someone that had been in the background of the program since Day 1? I was feeling optimistic, went to one of my stores to work that night, and then my phone started going off. Racheal, our Australian was stuck in the airport in Adelaide. I had made a rookie mistake, I booked her one way instead of round trip, blend that in with the visa waiver and that’s enough issues not to be allowed to board. Her mother and I worked tirelessly via Google+ to get the issue resolved, and with some amazing work by Qantas, things were set. However, it was enough for me to lose my appetite for dinner.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy

Saturday (05/17/2013): I finally hit rock bottom. I was stressed at work, I was stressed running, I was stressed at my parents house that night. In the wee hours of the night I saw that I had phone calls from Australia…again. This time Racheal had been delayed in Sydney due to engine issues in the plane [good enough reason to be delayed]. My head was spinning; this week had been a wreck, I was a wreck, time was ticking down for our home opener, so many unknown questions and that didn’t even include my family. I just broke down Saturday night in my apartment. Just lost it. It was after that pity party that things started to make more sense. I had done something that was against my standard norm, I tithed. While it wasn’t the action of tithing that creates insanity, it was doing something that kept me from being stagnant that brought about issues. See, if you’re a stagnant Christian, the devil could care less about you. You’re not a threat, you’re lazy. However, if you do something that provokes spiritual growth in yourself and may align the Kingdom towards continued success…you better be ready because everything imaginable is probably going to be hurled at you…all at once.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Sunday (05/18/2013): A dinner with the players, they were introduced to their new coach [who many of them knew from the past], many small meetings, and plenty of food to go around. Racheal had made it through Customs, and through the storms, we were able to pick her up at 9:53 PM last night. Meaning she slept better, her mother slept better, Darco slept better, and I slept better. The rain washed away the past week, the storm brought with it a new passenger of our ongoing journey, and the new day, a Monday [of all things], further instills in me that this is the right direction.

One From Scotland

One From Scotland

One from Australia

One from Australia

 

Team meeting while introducing Wendy Louque.

Team meeting while introducing Wendy Louque.

How do I know? Because the persecution feels so good.

-D-

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May 5, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Coffee Encounters

By D

It’s always enjoyable knowing that nothing but strange things tend to take place at coffee shops.

Tonight was no different.

While making repairs to my laptop [it was due up for some spring cleaning] Dur and I saw a women walk in wearing a Minnesota Women’s Soccer shirt.

Now, the Starbucks up here is a snare of Kansas City Shock if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Darco mans the register, that’s the first hit. Likely afterwards you’re going to get me in the corner, and if you make it past me it’s only a matter of time before Dur gets you. That’s just how the store works up here in the north. We didn’t plan it, but we all three spend so much time there it only makes sense.

Anyways…

So, this woman walks into the store and Darco nails her; seeing the soccer logos on the shirt. That starts the chain reaction of sports, soccer, and the Kansas City Shock. Eventually the young woman sits next to Dur and myself and we start asking the ’20 question’ game. Through this process a question kept brewing in my head, she was new to the area, went through some fascinating troubling times, and was recreating herself [sound familiar]? That’s when she made note of the softball team at the church she’s going to, which gave way to the question I was begging to ask; church involvement.

“Oh, I go to Missouri Valley. It’s a really small church.”

Missouri Valley = MoVal

Somehow, someway, shameful to myself I’ve missed this woman over the past month. We spent some time sharing our stories of getting to MoVal, love for soccer, her unique love for cultures and travel, and some humor in between. The whole time I’m in disbelief that we’d been at the same church [of 70 people] and completely missed one another.

The story itself is absolutely fascinating, and made for some good laughs. However, personally it really helped as well. I was really, really dialed into MoVal today. I felt comfortable, directed, and alive. It was a great realization to be back ‘home’ after this weeks spiritual findings. More importantly, I had complained to my girlfriend earlier this weekend that I couldn’t hear God, He was silent. Since those moments; it feels like my ears have just now been unclogged. The passion of the people, the messages that I’ve received, the questions, the meetings, everything in the past 48 hours continues to show me that this is God’s plan, it’s His program, and He’s going to do amazing things. I’m just humbled to be able to be a part of it.

It was such a blessing to meet random people, and make random connections [especially if they can understand why soccer fans must have scarves] in His name. The coffee tasted that much better tonight.

This week appears to be daunting; it’s hard not to be fearful. However, God is going to do something amazing. It’s going to be big, insane, and awesome. I haven’t felt this alive in watching Him do His thing in months.

Let the sparks fly.

-D-

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April 25, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Humanity

By D

My body feels like death.

Anyone remember the ‘truck stick’ from football video games via Play Station? If you do, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

I feel like I’ve been mowed down. Last night I went in for my running for the day, as conducted via the schedule. The first two miles were alright, but kind of boring. I’m trying to follow instructions by running at a pace that I can carry on a conversation. However, by the end of mile two I was so desperate to go to bed that I cranked the mother up and run a sub-6 third mile.

I. Hate. My. Life.

It hurts to walk, sit, move, type, breathe, think…everything.

Thankfully though; some time as being a human, mid-20 adult is due up this weekend.

Double date tomorrow night [after a three mile run and work]. Saturday has some Peeps Soccer in action, a few stores, a two mile run, and then Sporting on the television with MC and Jim, with my beloved girlfriend cooking some wonderful dinner. Then Sunday…by Sunday I’m done with work for the month, it is an official ‘rest’ day on the training, and I will relax.

-D-

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April 23, 2013

O: Bells

By D

I always enjoy going back into the archives to see what I was thinking a year ago; entertainingly it is actually the same exact thing as tonight:

Restless.

I’m not 100% sure, but sleep isn’t coming to me very easily tonight. I’ve off on my monthly trip to the middle of…nothing, and I should be asleep, getting prepared for a fascinating day tomorrow. However, the physical tiring just isn’t there yet.

From the very beginning of this site; I made it clear that I would always be 100% honest and transparent with the audience [you, the reader] in times of positive and negative. For example; though I brushed off what went on last week; truth is…I haven’t slept well since last Sunday. No clue why, but even though I wasn’t directly involved or near the events that transpired, just knowing where I was supposed to be, how the scenario could have played out, and by the emotional state of those who are close to me…it actually shook me up. Maybe I’m just getting older, but realistically I was scared until I was back into my apartment back home. That’s the honesty that I’m aiming for; including last weekend’s note about being divorced and living with that realization and the consequences that come with it.

So, along with that ongoing theme, honesty, I’m going to sidetrack from the despair and sorrow, ignore the soccer, and approach a very…very…delicate topic:

Marriage

Realistically that was a term that two years ago I would have never considered speaking again; at least in direct relation to myself. Many pages in this exact website outlined the reasons why I wouldn’t consider it, the pity party, the sorrow, the late nights, and the horrors that really was my past life.

However, part of the unique structure of this website wasn’t just to explore the background of my life, but to also show the present, and think about the future. From our past we’re able to lay a foundation, from the present we explore new identities that will later describe our future. Sometimes I think that I got so wrapped up in the past that I forgot what my own future could hold; outside of just the soccer field and the sandwich store.

Would I ever obtain a new job? Would I advance within the company? Those are questions I’ve never really explored before; my current job is such a blessing I couldn’t think past it, especially with spinning off the Kansas City Shock, but what does lie down the road? I don’t envision cutting checks for myself with the Shock anytime soon. Will I keep my pattern, or change things up? I just find it interesting that up until this past week I hadn’t even considered what else could be out there.

What about the team? Oh my gosh, I have no idea. That Kansas City Shock is a dream…a literal dream. It doesn’t even comprehend with me the absolute amazement of watching that program grow and blossom. There’s so much to do still, but man…what a story so far. Even last week in Boston, talking to the general manager for a National Women’s Soccer League team out there, the commissioner for the league, etc…it’s just insane, and the back story. I mean, come on, a group of individuals with a similar dream striving to succeed with it. People from every walk of life, losing sleep, time, and patience to follow a collective dream. You don’t get too many of those stories anymore. I cannot for the life of me imagine my life without such an incredible plot line; a complete blessing.

Job. Soccer. Life. Church. Change. Seasons. Family? I told my girlfriend, even before we started dating, that I date with the intent to marry; that’s it, no exceptions. She took hold of that notion with a death grip and will not let go. There isn’t enough time or space to type out all of the incredible examples, but there is one word that perfectly describes the overall sensation:

Faithful.

She is faithful, loyal, and forgiving. She tolerates so much from me that it is humbling. There’s constant chatter of marriage, colors, weddings, rings, honeymoons, and everything else under the sun. Make no mistake; those conversations take place on nearly a daily basis. At first, I wasn’t fond of it. Call it aching scars, but I just wasn’t thrilled with the concept. Now though? I can’t imagine anything different. Don’t worry reader; you will get your happy ending to this story…eventually [can't give away all the spoilers, can I]. It’s so refreshing; part of the thing that I love about this relationship is that we see each other nearly every day, and when we don’t [like right now due to business, and last week due to Boston] it hurts. Call me a sap, but it hurts being away from her. We drive each other insane…I mean insane [along with our friends], but man…life without her? Impossible. Even today, now that our TV is up and functioning [give it up for HDMI cables] I invited Jim and MC to our apartment for the Sporting game and dinner. While it is an openly known reality that my girlfriend and I do not live with each other, we’re always in the same apartment [which I just renewed for another nine months...hehe], going over the same paperwork, looking over each others finances, and testing new cooking methods. I trust her 100% with my life, and that is something that I cannot honestly tell you I did with my ex-wife; nothing against her, I was just that prideful. It’s nice being open and honest with my girlfriend; sometimes it’s painfully honest, but the rewarding feeling afterwards is so refreshing. To know that I’m one jacked up soul and yet this precious creature still loves me unconditionally…man…I was missing out! I can’t express to you with enough words the absolute joy of knowing that there is a soul out there…that without them by your side…you’d struggle to exist.

I think I’ll just leave this post like that. There is life outside of soccer, there life outside of work, outside of travel, and most definitely outside of your past.

Sometimes your life is simply written on the side a hot mocha.

-D-

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February 15, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Unwanted

By D

I slept in today…

Mistake number one.

I sleep with my phones on silent.

Mistake number two?

I woke up around 9:32 AM to an array of text messages and missed phone calls.

I thought that was why I placed my phones on silent to begin with.

That’s when I started to read messages from Dur, explaining to me that my girlfriend had called the ambulance and her [my girlfriend] mother had been taken to the hospital. Immediate thought: stroke.

So, this resulted in me flying out of bed, calling my boss, canceling my meetings, and realizing that I’d be working on Sunday. Why? I wasn’t working today, I needed to get to the hospital.

For the next ten hours I spent more time in the hospital then I had in nearly six years. The whole time keeping close eye on my girlfriend.

I love protecting.

Seriously, it’s one of my favorite past times [and full time]. I absolutely love keeping track of her. Most days we run around, going nuts, and shaking the whole world apart, but today…she needed me to actually be a man. Aside from the moments that she was in the room with her mother [who is currently in ICU], I was by her side, never missing a step. More hugs then I can count, and always keeping my hand on her.

I couldn’t let her out of my sight. Suddenly, in one swift move, it felt as if I could trust no one we were coming in contact with. It was an incredible feeling, over protective, helicopter mode that I’m not known for.

But it was perfect for the moment.

I didn’t do anything amazing, save the day, or anything of those likes. I just know I did the right thing today by never stepping away from her.

As for her mother; she was getting a bit better by the time we left. Remember, with my girlfriend it is her and her mom. No husband, my girlfriend is the only child, and that’s all. She’s had too much CO2 built up in her body and isn’t getting enough oxygen in, and some irregular blood pressure with some kidney issues as well. That’s all I know. Tomorrow, we both have to work in the morning, but by the time I return home it’ll be round two of being a hawk over her.

-D-

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February 1, 2013

#getyourpraiseon

By D

Ever wonder if creating a women’s soccer program in Kansas City was a bad idea?

Following this:

It all started in Indianapolis two weeks ago. Three of our staff members [and a short moment with Dur] headed to the NSCAA National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. I stayed back in Kansas City to work on business [and I was also told 'owners' have nothing to do there]. Upon their return, I got an earful about the ladies from Legacy Football Club, and also about the crew from the Boston Breakers. Two programs that over the past year we have developed very strong ties with. I was also informed about how many people at this convention [trust me, it is huge] knew about the Kansas City Shock. A positive from the marketing standpoint of our program.

That was the normal part.

So, Dur comes into Starbucks after her adventure to Indy and asks me if I knew someone named Amber Gwinn. Well, this immediately sparks interest because I do know an Amber Gwinn. Amber was the assistant coach at Southwest Baptist while I was working in the athletic department. Between her and the head coach [now Survivor celebrity] Ben Wade, I learned a ton about women’s soccer. It turns out that Dur met her in Indianapolis. Additionally, it turns out that Amber coaches in Reno, it also turns out that Amber is in direct contact with Jenn and Vanessa of Legacy; also based out of the Reno/Sparks area. Needless to say, the women who easily intimidated me in college [I think I spoke to Wade more then I did her of all the time I was there...out of fear] has connected digitally on Facebook and Twitter, and I just chuckle at the connection of how that comes about. Weird stuff, right? While all of that was going on, our director of merchandise was chasing down Puma at the convention [compliments of Legacy, who run all of their gear through Puma]. Well, in Kansas City currently Sporting Kansas City runs through Adidas, FC Kansas City runs through Nike, and guess what? Yes, even though it was never the initial plan, it looks like we’re going with Puma. Puma is looking at getting into the Kansas City market [a soccer hot spot] and they carry the color orange that we’ve grown to love. Factor in Boston Breakers also running Puma prior to joining the new league that’s been formed, and the stage was already set for a fascinating introduction for Puma with us. Of course I can’t steal Jamie’s [director of merchandise] thunder, so that’s all I can say on that topic. Though very cool.

It gets better.

The following weekend myself and Darco headed out to Las Vegas for the Women’s Premier Soccer League conference. First of all, Las Vegas is a terrible, nasty city. I couldn’t handle that thing for more then a few hours at a time. Regardless, I spent all Saturday in a conference room listening to the league president chat. Afterwards he took us to the standard Las Vegas buffet [my stomach is still recovering], and we sat and talked. By the time I was preparing to leave, he makes mention of Weber Creative Arts. Yes, our beloved Weber Creative Arts in Kansas City that kills our graphic design stuff on a daily basis. He wants to know if they’d be interested in doing design work for the league office. I’m serious! I told him that I connect the two groups, but while I was walking out I was simply thinking, “Remember when that married couple [who I went to college with, who knew K8 that put us together, who also knew Amber Grwinn at the same time] started working on our designs, and filed for their own company?” Needless to say, I was thrilled to send that e-mail to them when I returned to the hotel.

BUT IT GETS BETTER!

The next day, Darco and I took a brief 6.5 hour trip through…well…nothing from Las Vegas to Reno/Sparks. Why? Simple. Jenn and Vanessa live in Sparks, and earlier that week I had received a message from Vanessa saying that there was going to be a dinner waiting for us when we arrived. When you’re hopping airports and cars, a home cooked meal you take every time. We arrived in Sparks right around 4:00 PM and headed over to the house of Paul and Jamie. When we arrived we found a house COVERED with girls who were ALL keepers [no wonder Jenn enjoys them so much] running around, eating food [it's a soccer girl problem], and creating chaos. It was awesome! The couple, Paul and Jamie greeted us and started chatting. What I hadn’t realized was that this was the same Paul that a few days earlier on Facebook stated on the Kansas City Shock Facebook page that we needed to stop at the Death Valley Candy and Nut Company. Darco and I had made a specific goal to stop there [THEY HAVE GUMMY, GREEN ARMY MEN!]. It was awesome knowing that the guy we went out to get that trip on video was standing in front of me [eye-to-eye, this family is so tall]. We talked shop, our program, Legacy, and family. That’s when the really cool stuff started to happen. Paul travels a lot, getting shoe companies to sell specific types of shoes from Germany and Austria [I hope I got that right]. He has a lot of business in Kansas City, and is a die hard Sporting fan. He also has done a little business in St. Joseph [remember, he lives in Sparks] at a store called Browns Shoes. This store just happens to be managed by my friend Tom, the same Tom that was with me in Guatemala and the same Tom that is an elder at MoVal. Paul brought up Tom’s name, and this is after I looked at Darco in the car and said, “I’ll give it ten minutes before Tom’s name comes up”…jokingly. I had no idea how serious that would be. The concept of Tom and Paul knowing each other from the business side [Tom's a bit fuzzy on it] is mind blowing, but when I told Paul that Tom and I were part of a group of missionaries in Guatemala this summer, he perks up, “Oh yeah, I’ve got some friends that are full time down there…” and starts rattling off all of these people they know in the mission field. That’s the same time Jenn pipes up and says, “Yeah, Shawn takes gear down to Guatemala for clinics.” “Really? We’ve got all sorts of stuff from cleats and stuff…” While all that was going on, the missionaries mentioned in the conversation [who I've forgotten names of...I'm sorry] triggered a conversation from back home. These names are known by the community that I live in as well [did I mention that this was going on in Nevada], as it turns out Jamie and Paul are actually from the Chicago area originally and were deeply involved in the area. Most notably for me was this:

Halfway across the United States I was in the presence of some seriously compassionate Christians.

While sitting down for dinner [and working on a very stout dark ale that I'm not overly familiar with] we discussed everything from youth soccer, travel, soccer, food, soccer, all the way to business; including questions about the Kansas City Shock, our business model, and the future of our program and Legacy FC. Somewhere within that conversation I brought up Pro Ebiria, a glove company for goal keepers. The Kansas City Shock’s very first sponsor back in July of last year, and we continue to do business with them to this day. They make the gloves for the keeper for Sporting Kansas City. Pro Ebiria just released a youth style glove [size and all] at their usual exceptional price, and the president of Legacy FC just happens to be a former keeper at the Univ. of Nevada [Jenn] and coaches goal keeper clinics and camps. Well, as you would imagine, because I love working with local businesses [see Weber] I pitched Pro Ebiria to Jenn. Now those two are in contact with one another; imagine if Pro Ebiria is selling youth gloves to a youth program out in Sparks, Nevada? Huge marketing potential, helps a local business, they’re amazing gloves, and hopefully assists a growing program out west.

After having my mind blown from that amazing few hours; Darco and I traveled back to Las Vegas that night [another 6.5 hours of two lanes and desert] and arrived in Las Vegas at 5:30 AM [we got to airport by 8:00 AM to depart, a miracle in itself].

At this point, if you’ve kept up with the whole process, you’re probably pretty entertained. Don’t worry though; there’s so much more…

The following days were a whirlwind, including a literal meeting every single day [I was off from Subway for the week]. Tuesday was very stressful, and a rather disheartening meeting over a very, very important aspect of the Kansas City Shock. However, while leaving in the pouring rain our head coach contacts me, tells me a magazine is doing an interview with her; Dos Munos, a bilingual Spanish/English piece that is distributed through Kansas City. For us, that’s a huge deal; we have made it a professional and personal goal to get a stronger access into the Hispanic community of Kansas City. This was a massive step in the right direction. I definitely didn’t realize what kind of first step that was.

The rest of the information is monumental huge, but for fear of press leaks I can’t be too descriptive…for now.

I was contacted by another team of a different women’s soccer league a few days ago, I think Wednesday, they’re curious on what kind of work Weber Creative Arts can do. Alright, now this is where I start to freak out. I mean, the league office has already contacted Weber Creative and this other team from an entirely different league is contacting me about them as well. I mean, realistically, that’s how you grow a business. To see something like that take off; on the personal level it is huge, but on the business side with the program that helped kick start Weber; it’s unspeakable. I hope that as time progresses I’ll have more information about that to share. Additionally, since the first meeting this week fell through, I got a tip for another meeting set up by our general manager this morning. I had no idea how big of a meeting it would be. I want to share this information with so, so badly and I hope I’ll be able to soon, but just trust me when I say it is monumental. Factor that in with an amazing meeting yesterday with the owner of a company called The Soccer Lot; he has built a mobile platform for 5v5 soccer that can be played in an area the size of a basketball court. What happens if we install those outside of our home games? What happens if they open up in Sparks, Nevada? Boston, Massachusetts? Of course, I’m completely speculating, but the possibilities to assist another growing business in Kansas City is never ending!

Did I mention that I had a meeting inside Kansas City City Hall this week? No? That happened to. I was able to speak with the adviser of Mayor Sly James for about an hour on the Kansas City Shock; strictly looking for recognition and nothing else. First, I couldn’t believe that they responded to my inquiry. Second, I couldn’t believe I had a meeting at City Hall [across the street from one of my Subway's]. Finally, I was meeting with the right hand man to the mayor of Kansas City; people that is no small position! We talked start up businesses, technology, growth, and economic development. In a very scary sense; I felt right at home. What will that meeting translate into? I have no idea, but something will come up; it’s sure to.

I want to take this point to make three clear points:

  1. Thank you for taking the time to read this extensive piece of information
  2. All of this took place in the matter of just under two weeks
  3. YOU CANNOT DENY THAT THERE IS SOMEONE A LOT BIGGER THEN ME, THE STAFF, OUR PROGRAM, OUR CITY THAT IS DOING SOMETHING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING THINGS! 

I’m living a dream, and from this site, by now we all should know that my credit goes directly to God for taking care of me and never ceasing to blow me away.

-D-

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January 29, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Vegas Part IV

By D

In the pouring rain…

Darco and I got into Kansas City around 6:00 last night. After a short ride home, bags were kept shut, I did some paperwork, and called it a night.

By 9:00 I was moving out the four this morning, back to Kansas City for a project I’ve been working on…forever. Slightly nervous, and prayers are appreciated.

I expect my body to give up to solid sleep tonight.

-D-

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January 27, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Vegas Part III

By D

Up early again. Heading north and driving through the desert. Looking for Starbucks. Nice and warm in Vegas. It’s 38 and snowing in Reno, Nevada. I also started sweating due to the heat in Phoenix. This area definitely gives Missouri a run for its money on extremes.

Still have plenty of energy, but I’m fearful of tomorrow for sure. We’ll be getting back to Vegas around 2:00 AM and our flight leaves at 10:00 AM.

No rest for the weary.

-D-

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January 26, 2013

Mobile Minutes: Vegas Part I

By D

That was a whirlwind of a day! Got to KCI late due to work interference, barely made the flight.
Wound up in Phoenix with under an hour to cross the terminal before flight number two left for Vegas.
Rolled into Sin City, found In-N-Out Burger, drove the strip, found the hotel.
Destroyed a four beef patty burger, fries, and Coke. I’m falling asleep while I type this.
Very stressful day, but tomorrow the crazy really kicks in. Convention time.
All is well in the city that never sleeps.

-D-

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January 24, 2013

O: Snake Eyes

By D

It’s been a whirlwind of a week. Just a blitz of many sorts. I’m going to fight the sleep and try to get something pumped out tonight before dozing off…

Ideally the imaginative mind of myself has been at work since Sunday, and yes it all started at MoVal.

For the past several weeks I’ve been in a rut; a spiritual rut. I knew that owning a business, a unique one at that, would be difficult at times. However, the biggest struggle I’ve had out of it all has simply been the doubting and the fear. Those of you familiar with the ongoing story line of the Kansas City Shock know that it has been an…entertaining…journey to say the least. It wears on you though, especially when you’re not strapped into your faith.

I wasn’t strapped and I was being flung around. Every day I was more tired then the next, I was getting sick, I was told to rest, I couldn’t sleep, etc…something was just off. I’d lost the momentum, the drive, and realistically…the faith.

That’s when I stepped into the church last Sunday and watched as our preacher, Duck Dynasty quotes and all, took the ‘stage’. Now, he yells because he is passionate, he stomps because he’s passionate, but he tells the truth because God works through him.

God put a target on my forehead.

For the next several minutes [hours?] I listened as Jared went through a sermon about knowing when God expects you to take a risk. That is something I can relate to. So, Darco, Dur, and myself started keeping track of the points he was making, comparing them to what I knew about the Shock, and for the first time in a long time I made a very startling discovery:

I’m exactly right where He wants me to be.

I’ve dreamed of the day of taking risks, but I never dreamed it would be done through soccer. I mean, you want some risks…try building a women’s soccer program in a market that’s never had it, then be the youngest person in the United States to command it, factor in a handful of people from every walk of life, an extremely young [and very talented] head coach and that’s enough to cause some concern. Factor in another team starting at the exact same time in the exact same city in a completely different league that is literally ran by the US Soccer Federation, and has nation team players. Throw in a few people that want you to fail, and a soccer ‘blogging world’ of the area that doesn’t give a flip, and honestly…that’s a recipe for problems.

The scariest part?

It. Is. Still. Working.

I stepped out of church and my girlfriend, who I love dearly, looks at me and says, “Well…I guess that answers that question…” and proceeded to get into the car.

So, at this point I made a bold [repetitive] decision that I was going to listen to God, not fall into doubt, and believe that I’m on the right path.

Since that point two things have happened:

A. I’m sleeping so much better at night, it’s insane.
B. I have had so many hurdles thrown in my way, my head is still spinning.

Being able to sleep is very, very nice [can I get an "AMEN!"], but really the second point is the more fascinating area. It’s incredible, when you’re focused, when you see the hurdle you easily read that it isn’t there because you’ve made some mistake. It’s there to knock you loose, shake you down, and cause you to stumble. Incredibly, for all the hurdles that have been found this week, it’s only caused the push to become harder and harder.

When you’re following the grace of God and hurdles come up, they should merely be that reminder that you’re on the right path.

There are still so many issues that I don’t have answers for at the moment, and the temptation of doubt just nips at me all day long. I can’t give up though; He’s brought me too far on this amazing journey, and I firmly believe that this is just the beginning.

Tomorrow I begin the next leg of the journey; the traveling of 2013. So far on the list is already Las Vegas, Nevada; Sparks, Nevada; and Boston, Massachusetts [that leads up to May]. This weekend is the AGM for the league that the Kansas City Shock is apart of. Darco [traveling buddy] will be chilling with me as we head over to ‘sin city’ and then later up into the northern area of Sparks, Nevada [Reno] to see some great friends of ours. I most definitely would ask for prayers on Saturday, I’m not sure what this thing is going to be like, but I know that it is a great opportunity for God to show off some amazing stuff, and I believe it can happen.

Per all fun travels, I’ll be running “Mobile Minutes: Vegas Part [#]” through the weekend; photos, video, and everything else Darco and I can come up with. Also, if you’re on Twitter be sure to follow the hashtag #wpslAGM for a closer look into how Saturday is going.

He has some big things coming up, I know He’s just waiting to put me on my face…again…

-D-

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in #kcSHOCK, Daily Events, Dating, Dreams, Faith, Friends, Humor, Reality, Temptations, Travels

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