welcome to 2011

it's 2011!

and this is an odd way to blog-start 2011, but i'm excited for all that God has in store for 2011, and i'm especially excited for the australian open, starting 17 jan!

i'm pretty sure i've blogged about Rafael Nadal before, but once again as i was reflecting...
i think i'm figuring out why i am such a loyal Rafa supporter.

he displays qualities that i admire and wish to grow in. i guess in a way, his resilience and what he's overcome and achieved reminds me and inspires me in my own journey... and my own hope to rise above and overcome!

i remember when he first appeared on the scene at 18. young, raw and determined.
he's sure come a long way- and what IS the secret to his success?


"Many things, of course, but above all a unrivaled mental toughness and unrelenting determination to keep getting better."


of course he's struggled, he's had dry spells, but he's come back fighting each time.
now, he's not just an expert on clay, he's proved it by completing a career grand slam at the age of 24 (my age!!!)- he's improved greatly and mastered all surfaces.
he brushed up his weaknesses: now he doesn't just have a good serve, he has one of the strongest serves; he is not just an amazing baseliner now but a really strong volleyer! and he has not allowed his knee tendinitis stop him from getting where he is today.

there are so many more impressive stats about Rafa, about what he's achieved just at this tender age of 24, but i think what is the most impressive (and makes me seriously disdain federer who is a sore loser!) is his humility off court: he ALWAYS gives credit to his opponents and encourages them! now THAT is the mark of a true champion.

to sum it up, he's never allowed what people said about him to limit who he can be, and how he could improve. i think i really admire his determination, fearlessness, and desire to improve. it inspires me no end to have seen him fight back time and time again.

this year, i want to continue my journey in God to be a determined and strong fighter. one who will not allow weaknesses, criticism, fear, lies, disappointments.. hold me back from being all that i can be. to believe that God can make me even beyond what i could ever imagine i could be, and to live the life of victory as the heir of Christ, as His child, as His friend that God intends for me to live!

i want to grow such a mental toughness, unwavering resilience; in trusting God, in praising Him, in staying in joy, in claiming His Word... to be able to come back fighting time and time again, re-infused with hope and strength in God, fresh desire to keep growing, in my own personal life, and for the ministries in my hands and the people i lead. and i want to do it all while continually maintaining a posture of humility; before man, and before God.

let the fire burn!