Three Month Anniversary- My Story

Six months ago I was convinced I would be working in Laos with ELIC (English Learning Institute China) in January after my December graduation.

Five months ago God starting changing my heart.

Four months ago He showed me where He wanted me.

Three months ago I started working for Real Truth Matters.

Today I have my dream job.

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When I began working for RTM, the nonprofit media ministry out of my church, I knew it was exactly where God wanted me. But I never knew it would turn into my dream job.

I mean, it's a well known fact for students that you don't land your dream job immediately after college, much less while you're still in school. That's just not how it works. You have to start out as the low man on the totem pole and sweat, toil and claw your way to the top and hopefully land your dream job before you turn 35. That's how it's done.

Unless God does something else.


As I read through Scripture it seems to me that God doesn't typically act in accordance with the people's preconceived notions but rather He is in the business of blowing people's expectations out of the water and displaying His glorious excellence by opening doors no one can shut and shutting doors no one can open. And, like the unchangeable God He is, He did the same thing for me.

From the very moment I heard about ELIC back in September I wanted to go to Laos and teach university students English speaking/listening/writing classes. Because Laos is a country closed to the Gospel, the classes would be intertwined with the Good News and opportunities for one-on-one time with students to share the Gospel.

I was sold. I began the application process which led to an intensive interview process and I knew God wanted me to follow this process until He closed the door.

However, I thought the closed door would come because ELIC rejected me or said I wasn't a good fit for their organization or the school in Laos.

That didn't happen. In fact, they told me they wanted me to go and that I was a perfect fit.

Yet something in my Spirit was telling me it wasn't right.

"But God," I reasoned, "I could go on this awesome one-year adventure to Laos, love on the university students there, share the Gospel, obey the great commission, get out of my comfort zone and seek to make Your name famous. It would be so good!"

In an almost audible voice I heard this in the depths of my Spirit:

"You're right, you could go and declare My name, you could be on an adventure, be stretched out of your comfort zone, meet new people, experience a different part of the world I created, and be used by Me and it would be good, but it wouldn't be the best."

Then in a whirlwind of prayers, Scripture and more grace than I could ever comprehend, the Lord showed me what was best.

Enter Real Truth Matters.



Never in a million years did I think I would end up at RTM. I wanted to go to the nations, not sit in a little office in Paducah, Kentucky and do whatever they do at RTM (I really had no idea what all they did... I just knew I would never do it. God is so funny), so I just prayed that God would make whatever He wanted clear.

Talking with Bro. Michael
during a mission trip to
Eastern Kentucky.

Then one day the director of RTM, my pastor and friend second dad, Michael Durham, shared his heart with me about his dream of one day having an interactive web magazine and when he spoke those words it was like the Holy Spirit did a little dance in my soul. It was so obvious that this is not just what God wanted me to do, but what He made me for.

I'm a senior at Murray State University with a double major in journalism and youth and nonprofit leadership. I've always wanted to have my own magazine, a Christian sports magazine, and although this wasn't a sports magazine, I knew this was it. This is what God had equipped me for.



Today marks my three month anniversary with the ministry God is divinely using to make His name famous among the nations and I am so grateful for my "job" that has never felt like a job.

I get to talk about God all the time, write stories of how God has saved people and continues to work in their life, design a magazine infused with the Gospel, work with three brothers following hard after the Lord and have staff meetings completely saturated in God's Word.

God. is. awesome. and I am so grateful He never skimps but always gives His children His absolute best. If you need more evidence, just look to the bloody but beautiful cross where He gave His Best to hang with the weight of our sin upon His shoulders.



The first issue of the bi-monthly Real Truth Matters Magazine is awaiting approval from Apple and will hopefully be released on iPads and online in the next couple of weeks. I am so excited to share it with you!

I'm also excited to follow God wherever He leads this ministry and watch Him display His majesty through the declaration and proclamation of His Word to the nations.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness. Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?' Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases." -Psalm 115:1-3

Take Aways: 

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9 

  

"But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”" - 1 Corinthians 2:9 

"Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass." - Isaiah 37:26

"The Lord of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.'" - Isaiah 14:24

It is my upmost desire that God uses this magazine and RTM to show you His glory. To set aflame the hearts of believers around the world, encourage the fainthearted, lift up the downtrodden, strengthen the weak and give comfort to the broken. To equip His church, reach the furtherest points of the world, establish His Kingdom on earth, declare truth in a world of lies and magnify the Lord as the supreme Treasure among all treasures.


Praying for the refreshing of the hearts of saints,

Lessons from the basketball court

For those of us who love sports and the Lord we know the traditional "sports verses" in the Bible:

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:12-14)

 "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Cor. 9:25-27) 

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31)

And who can forget everyone's favorite?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)

Those verses (among others) are popular verses for athletes to recite and train with and the truths of those verses run deeper than the waters they swim and contain promises lasting longer than the yardage of plays they complete.

But have you ever thought about John 10:27 as a "sports verse"?

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." -Jesus

I certainly had not. But that was before.

Before I became sports editor of The Murray State News. Before I started writing for the Associated Press. Before I fell in love with the Murray State Racers basketball team.

Before I started listening at basketball games.

Have you ever stopped and just listened at a basketball game, particularly a game showcasing the skill and splendor of an undefeated Top-25 ranked team?

Donte Poole goes for a
layup before the Racers
beat Memphis 76-72 and
 earned their first Top-25
Ranking of the season.
Photo by Sophie
McDonald/The News

Well, my job as sports writer requires a whole lot of listening and a whole lot less cheering (OK, no cheering) and it's amazing what you see (and hear) when you just be still and listen.


Let me break it down for you:

You walk into The Bank (the CFSB Center in Murray, Ky.) and the smell of popcorn hangs in the air and the blaring music greets you with exhilarating force. You find your way to your seat among the sea of blue and gold and begin talking, laughing and carrying on with your friends. After a few minutes the pep-band begins playing, the cheerleaders are leading the place in chants to boost school spirit and the announcer booms over the loud speaker the starting lineup of the visiting team. Then it comes down to No. 15 Murray State (16-0, 4-0).

The Racers before defeating
Lipscomb 89-65 Dec. 15.
Photo by Sophie
McDonald/The News

All eyes go to the screens hanging in the CFSB as music that somehow seeps into your veins produces an adrenaline rush while the screen flashes highlights from Murray State's history.

You can't help but get pumped up.

Finally the announcer gets to the Racers' starting lineup and the place goes nuts. Screams go up all over the arena and stay that way after tipoff and well into the first half where Isaiah Canaan already has over 20 points and 3 assists and Donte Poole is landing the 3s in seemingly effortless fashion.

Murray State fans are one of a kind.
Photo by Sophie McDonald/The News

Despite the crowd's screams, loud enough they border on ridiculous, the squeaks of the shoes on the court, the managers and player's shouts and communication, the announcer's shouts--"Jewaunnnn Longgg, 3-point shot!"--and the thumping of the basketball on the hardwood that matches your heartbeat, there is one thing the players must zone in on.

In the midst of what seems like the entire world either clapping or booing them, players have to calm themselves down enough to listen to the one voice that knows the game better than they do. The voice that can offer direction, guidance, wisdom and experience beyond the players' abilities.

The voice of their coach.

I watch from my seat on press row and see Ed Daniel, Latreze Mushatt and Stacy Wilson pass the ball around the court with a final pass to Canaan who dribbles in place while the shot clock runs down. Everyone in the CFSB Center is on their feet and in the midst of the cheers, whistles and middle-aged men scorning and mocking the referees, Canaan looks to one person- coach Steve Prohm.

Prohm shouts direction and commands and Canaan does the only reasonable thing- he obeys.

Steve Prohm speaks with
Isaiah Canaan during the
Lipscomb victory. Photo by
Sophie McDonald/The News

You can continue the game in your head if you want, the Racers finish the game up by 10 and remain unbeaten. What seems like the entire town is packed into the CFSB and they celebrate the victory in true Murray State style.

My point is this: Our Christian walk is not that different from the life of a basketball player.

We have an enemy who wants to see us go down while a world is screaming at us to give into the pressure and temptations. We have a support system and a crowd behind us (our brothers and sisters in Christ) but despite all the distractions and obstacles we must zone in and listen to the only voice who can take us to victory safely- the voice of our coach, the God of the universe.

We have to know His voice, but knowing it isn't enough. We have to follow its instructions, we have to trust, we have to obey.

In a phone interview last month, Ivan Aska told me how the Racers keep winning. Like the rest of the players, he said it all comes down to their beloved coach.

"We’re going to bring it all to the table because we want to win and have fun and he’s telling us to have fun and if that’s what the master is saying that’s what we’re going to go out and do," he said. "That's how we do it."

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it's done. You go out there and do what the Master says and indeed great victory will follow, because when you honor the Lord, He will honor you. He promised.

"Far be it from Me, but those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed." -1 Samuel 2:30

Trust your coach. Look to Him. Know He will never do anything to lead you astray- He wants victory just as badly as you do. All we have to do is follow our coach in obedience. Don't overcomplicate the process.

Coming up to Bat

The following is my first column as Sports Editor for the Murray State News:

In the big leagues, stepping up to bat for the first time has to be scary. You’re anxious, excited, intimidated and maybe a little queasy. 

That’s how I feel about becoming sports editor; it’s as if I’m coming up to bat for the first time and am trying to remember everything I learned in training. 

As I pick up my bat, which is more like a pencil, and head to the plate, which is more like a desk, my mind

reflects on all the people who have helped me reach this position.

Images of my general managers, my mom and dad, float through my mind. If it hadn’t been for them and their

encouragement I never would have made it this far. They are the best coaches I could have ever asked for and I am so thankful for their counsel, wisdom and example.

The photographs in my mind keep cycling as the pre-game jitters continue to work their way through my system. The role of trainer has been filled by Greg Waddell, whose encouragement, patience and guidance has set the foundation for my time on this team. I’m so grateful for his leadership and friendship which has been influential and instrumental in my development and growth.

As I approach the batter’s box, I remember all the time spent in preparation and visions flood my mind of teachers, mentors and friends who make up the coaching staff that has propelled me to this moment.

The walk to the plate seems unusually long as I remember the reason I fell in love with the game of sportswriting in the first place. With words one can capture so fully the raw emotions of a moment in life, the triumph and thrill of victory and the bitter taste of defeat. It has become a passion and a source of adrenaline; I love every part of it. 

Before reaching home plate I look back to the dugout and see the team, comprised of my classmates, peers and fellow staff members from The News. The team offers support, accountability and motivation to persevere even under the most difficult of circumstances. The team pushes you to find a way to win when it seems impossible, to pursue excellence with diligence and to exemplify the characteristics of a champion

at all times. For them I am exceedingly grateful. 

My mind drifts back a few moments when I was in the dugout, waiting to be called to play. Despite the lulls in the game, I enjoyed viewing the game from that perspective. There was a level of safety and ease found in being surrounded by teammates and endless cups of Gatorade.

This new perspective, however, forces me out of my comfort zone and into the exciting world of responsibility

and pressure. Accompanied with that, is the overwhelming fear of letting the team down. Despite the fear, excitement is creeping in my system as my long-held dream of being a sports journalist becomes reality.

Suddenly aware of the crowd, I glance at the faces filling the stadium. Countless people who have impacted my life smile their encouragement and I draw confidence just from their presence. I see my sister and her husband, as well as Kaitlin, Loree and so many others whose footprints on my heart will never be replaced or forgotten. I am so thankful each of you are a part of my life.

However, it is my owner, God, who has my biggest thanks, for it is He who bought me with a price and added me to His eternal team. It is an honor to play for Him.

The journey to the plate is almost complete. As I take the last few steps one goal resonates within me: to  represent my owner and team of Racers well. I may foul and strike out a few times along the way, but I vow to myself and the team to always give the very best effort possible and to share my passion of sports,  particularly Murray State sports, the Olympics and the St. Louis Cardinals, to the best of my ability. 

The slideshow in my head is finished and the nerves have started to subside. Excitement is taking over and a calm spirit has settled within me. My cleats are firmly planted in the dirt and I raise the bat and look to the

pitcher. He takes a sign and throws. I see the ball well and swing hard.

This is going to be a great season.

Giving Thanks

As much as I like to be original, I'm following in the path of my brother-in-law (Whitt Madden ) and others like him who have made lists of what they are thankful for.


So on this day, the last Thursday of November, I will share a few of the things that make me thankful.

• Salvation from the horrible sickness of sin that is given only from and through the Lord Jesus Christ. "Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free//For God the just was satisfied to look on Him and pardon me."
• The cross. This life doesn't make sense without it.
• The Word of God that is living and active and real.
• My family. I've been so blessed with godly parents who love Him and desire to live in a manner that brings glory to Him.
• Murray. The cute little city and school, but especially for the family of believers God has allowed me to be a part of. I am continually overwhelmed by their faith, testimony and desire to serve the Lord in all things, I'm so blessed to have friends my own age who are seeking the Lord's will for their lives and striving to live according to it.
• God's amazing provision.
• C&C (coffee and conversation) with my sister and brother-in-law.
• Music. Especially worship music like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Tenth Avenue North, and others who sing the truth and display God's majesty through song.
• Books; like Radical, 50 Reasons Jesus Came to Die, When God Writes Your Love Story, and more.
• This summer and all the lessons God taught me through the experience.
• The Church.
• Scripture that says I am the bride of Christ.
• Fall.
• Spring.
• Baseball (St. Louis Cardinals).
• My iPhone.
• Cameras.
• Christmas decorations.
• Love. Infinite, free, matchless, deep; the Love that came to die so we could live. Love that covers all.

It is so important for us to be filled with thanks before and after we are filled with food. Be thankful today and everyday.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." -Hebrews 12:28-29