Cinderella Stories, Baseball Victories and Love

- by Gina Parris

Have you ever witnessed a victory that was more than just a win? I bet you have.

Yesterday I watched the last game of Firstborn’s junior college baseball conference playoffs. I left at noon for a game that started at 2:00 pm in blazing heat, and ended at 9:30 pm in a flooded field, with freezing – but ecstatic fans!

At the end of four days of play, our underdogs were better than nine other teams, including two that are nationally ranked. They were undefeated tournament champs, and proved what we all love to believe:

Cinderella lives!

The post-game celebration had to be at least as magical as any fairy-tale Royal Ball. The players, coaches and parents laughed, played and lingered on the field in jubilation. The boys, who had worked so hard all year, sometimes in resentment, looked once again like Little Leaguers. The smiles were uncontrollable. One of the superstar pitchers clutched the giant trophy close to his chest as if it were a baby.

“Well you have no idea,” he whispered, “I DID go through nine months of hell for this!”

All of us who are mothers, laughed hard.

“Oh yes, we have an idea!”

I kept thinking about that scene on the drive home. What in the world would cause me to give up 12 solid hours one day, and change next week’s plans for baseball? Isn’t it just a game?

Well, yes, and no.

Yes. It’s a game. No, it’s not just about a game.

It’s about the lessons.

• It’s about setting goals and being willing to endure hellish moments of conditioning to reach them.

• It’s about overcoming the doubts of everyone around you, and the doubts inside your self.

• It’s about facing your own demons and errors and losses and choosing to still go on the field looking for victory.

• It’s about loving your coach one day, hating him the next, loving him again, and realizing that commitment is worth it in the end.

• It’s about trusting that ultimately, the Game knows.

• It knows that for better or for worse, what you do in private will show up before the crowd.

• It’s about character that is developed and that can never be taken from you.

• It’s a about taking talent that you are born with, and turning it into skill through hours and hours of dedicated practice.

• It’s about giving birth to the dream you’ve carried inside you for so long – and realizing that it’s never easy.

Baseball. Cinderella. Giving birth.

What else in life might those things remind YOU of?

I am reminded of so many things, but right now, it reminds me of marriage, of family, of commitment and pain and pleasure and anger and ecstasy.

I think of the days those boys signed their letters of intent to play ball. Surrounded by parents and coaches and athletic directors, the moment was full of hope and enthusiasm.

Like the bride and groom – surrounded by their wedding party.

The marriage begins.

The honeymoon is magical.

And then, Real Life sets in. There are good times and bad, for better or for worse.

Victory. Pain. Anger. Frustration. Victory. Loss. Victory. Happiness. Pain… and on it goes.

Finally one day the players, the lovers, decide that the commitment was worth it all. When that happens, they realize they will do whatever it takes. They will choose to keep playing to win.

That’s why we love a victory on a field. It represents more than winning a game. It speaks to the champion’s heart inside of each one of us.

I don’t know about you – but I certainly will keep playing to win! As I do, I’ll be right here…

In your corner!

Gina

Spiritual Keys to Your Own Royal Wedding Right Now

It is clear that the recent wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was a sort of big deal. Millions of people watched  it live and all around the globe, the New York Times says perhaps as many as 3  billion people watched some of it in some way. (I know I’ve done the math on that one too and it really doesn’t add up!) Any way…

Whether you were among those who watched, who cared, or who could care less, a few things are certain.

1. We love a “Cinderella Story.”  Since we even use this term in sports, I know  it must  be true.
2. Most people see themselves more as the “commoners” watching the wedding, than as a royal bride or groom, or even an actual guest of the wedding.
3. Given the choice – most of us -whether male or female, would be thrilled to marry for love AND marry into endless wealth at the same time.

I say it is time to time to change our identity, enjoy our own Cinderella story and celebrate true Royal Love & Abundance right now. Here’s 3 tips to make it real:

There is no such thing as a “commoner.”  Every human being is extraordinary.

1.-Being a child of God is being the child of the King. That makes you royalty. You have nothing to prove and everything to give.

2 -If you are a follower of Christ, than you are already considered his Bride. I won’t  pretend to understand what all that means, but if he is called the Prince of Peace and you are his bride, then you are a Princess of Peace. Hey maybe once you are married you become the Duke and Duchess of Peace. How often do you walk around rejoicing that you are a Duchess of peace? We would stress out less if we knew we were of the household of “shalom.”

3-About marrying into love and endless wealth: There truly is not shortage of love for you. The unlimited God loves you., and his supply is limitless. Most of the limits we see in our life are totally self-imposed.

It seems a royal wedding is a Big Deal – You are royalty and to someone, you truly are a big deal.

Have fun!

I’m in your Royal Corner!

-Gina

What Nakai Said:

“Gina, I listened to your Royalty Within Audio LITERALLY all night long on my mp3 player. I was leading a tour group in Italy and the next day we were checking into a hotel in Florence. When we checked in,  they upgraded me to the HUGE Princess Penthouse in the hotel that was over 1200 square feet looking over the river and every inch of this place was pure luxury. I was dumbfounded, and about to tell them it was a mistake (This room had to be $2,000 a night!) But they said it was mine, and I remembered that I am Royalty! I know that renewing my mind helped make that little miracle possible. I love that audio – and listen to it every day. Bless You!”

-Nakai Waynick, owner Celebration Travel – Shelbyville, TN

If you don’t have this audio then get it now: The price is going up next week: Royalty Within

Some Marriage Saving Advice for Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger from the World of Baseball – by Gina Parris

Last night I fell asleep while Firstborn’s baseball playoff game was still being broadcast. It was  the seventh inning, it was late at night, due to an earlier rain delay, and they were ahead 4 to 0.

I woke up to a text message from Jordan that  had come at midnight saying only,

“Walk off suicide in the 10th. hahahaha Crazy-ness!”

What??? Do you ever feel like you miss all the fun? I watched the replay video of the last inning and laughed my head off as the exuberant dogpile went after Jordan Parris. Heck, he had just come into the game in that inning!

I also woke up to news of a separation announcement between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. They are splitting up shortly after their 25th wedding anniversary. Since most of my life lessons in this house come from our world of baseball, it got me thinking, about how love is like baseball. In fact, perhaps even Arnold and Maria could have discovered some turnaround tips from baseball.

1. It’s much more magical in the beginning.

One of my younger sons also plays baseball – Little League. He always shows up beaming with passion for the game. When he’s at bat, he is best friends with every catcher and the men in blue. If he forgets to smile, at least 5 parents from the sideline beg for that big cheeser. If he is pitching, he can rarely wipe that smile off his face. When his team loses – he tries hard not to cry! I remember when Firstborn was like that.  He is nearly 20 now, and the infatuation has mellowed to a deeper, complicated kind of respect and love, but it takes effort some times to keep the flames alive.

One day my friend, Dr. Tom Hanson asked Major League Slugger, Carlos Pena what he thinks about when he is hitting. Carlos enthusiastically answered, “I pretend it’s Little League!”

You know, this works in relationships too.  When you are in this game for the long haul, it helps to remember what you did in the early days! Instead of focusing on how it’s “not as fun as it used to be,” try this: Remember how YOU used to act in the beginning. How did you show up to engage with your spouse? How did you act? What did you do or think differently then compared to now?  You were attracted to that person for a reason. Focus on those reasons.

Another thing I notice about baseball is -

2. Sacrificing is a noble thing to do!

Love is, after all, a team sport. The object is victory – together.  When Jordan laid down the bunt last night, it was not so he could be the star. We love the glamorous walk-off homeruns for that. No, this play wouldn’t even reflect in his batting average. Yet, it would win a game and keep his team alive to the next level of post season play.  The team exuberance was for everybody.

When you make sacrifices for your Love, do you feel like a martyr, or are you excited for the possible outcome? Sometimes it gets exasperating to feel like your own needs are second, but when you focus on what you can do for another, somehow you get rewarded.

Speaking of rewards – somehow no matter what the future holds, it is worth is to play ALL OUT.

3. Playing HARD is the only way to play.

In baseball – half- hearted attempts will end careers. In marriage half-hearted attempts will end a relationship, or at least greatly reduce the value brought to it. Why is it so easy to become the most careless with those we love the most? Worse then, once we start dreaming of “free agency,” the temptation to leave can get to be too much. Life is complicated. Love is complicated. Baseball is complicated. (ha!) But giving your all is always the way to go.  At least you don’t have to wonder what could have been if you hadn’t held back.  And besides, its just more fun when you are truly engaged.

I wonder if Arnold and Maria have been miserable for a long time. Usually any marriage is made up of memories – good ones and not so good ones. Those that make it to the “marriage hall of fame,” are usually those that chose to focus on and create more good moments – more treasured memories. I wish them all the best, and won’t pretend that there are 3 simple answers to it all. Still, may they find victory in the process, and may we all take time to treasure what we DO have today.

Until next time, keep playing to win and enjoy YOUR game.

I’ll be right here…

In your corner,

Gina

Check this Out:

Last night while I was sleeping (through innings 8, 9, and 10) I was listening to this very cool CD from The NEW think right now.com I really love these CD’s and they are a big help when I feel stuck in any way mentally. I truly recommend you get some. In fact – get 3 because the 4th one is free. I even have one to make me more organized. Don’t laugh. It helps alot!!  Go get them: The NEW Think Right Now.com

A portion of their meeting consisted of the most delightful thing: They call it their “Happy Bucks,” and it’s a time when guys get to stand and give a few dollars in honor of something that made them happy that week. What a hoot! Many of the dollars were given in relation to football games, (and NFL cheerleaders) and the whoops and hollars seemed to grow with each gift. Two of the men were celebrating wedding anniversaries that week. One man gave forty bucks for forty great years, while his friend, who was a little less prepared, gave one dollar and sheepishly promised an IOU.

Over a dozen people donated Happy Bucks that night. My host leaned over and explained that at the end of the year they give the money to a charity. I figured that was a lot of money over a year of weekly meetings. By the time they were finished giving, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. What a great approach to giving!

Giving in response to gratitude is one of the keys to prosperity, especially when it’s done with great joy! This morning on the way to school, I launched an impromptu “gratitude party” in the car. I was amused at all the happy ideas that poured from my kids’ mouths. They were interrupting each other with gratitude. As we drove, the happiness grew. Their day was off to a good start.

How can you implement this idea into your home? How might you bring it up as part of your date night? As you spend time with your spouse, think about ways you can give to others out of happiness.

Did I give any money away in response to such thankfulness? Of course! But money is not the only thing you can give. I encourage you to stop and count your blessings today, and as you do, just ask yourself, “What could I give in response to this?” It is a fun way to live.

2 Corinthians 9:7
…for God loves a cheerful giver.

You might laugh a little at our wedding picture here!

Many times we feel that we will somehow protect ourselves by not totally committing. It’s like if we fail then, perhaps it will hurt less or something. However, I encourage you today – as much as it depends on you, make the COMMITMENT to yourself and those around you, that you are in it to win. Commit to whatever it takes to bring out the best in the people around you. Whether you are building a marriage, a family, or a business – your power is in your ability to keep going. I thank God a zillion times that we did not give up in the tough times. What do you think? Can we commit to success even if those around us do not? Share your thoughts below.

I’m in your corner!

Have you ever just had a bad day? Have you ever felt lousy when you weren't even sure why? Wouldn't it be great to know how to be happy when you're feeling crappy?

I made this video to help us understand a few things:

1. From the time we are little we are bombarded with messages about how we SHOULD act, look, behave. As women we have one set of ridiculous conflicting messages, and men don't have it any easier.

2. It's good to question everything! Jump off the merry go round long enough to ask "Why? – and "says who?"

3. The answer just may be because everybody is looking for the fabulous feeling that really comes from just following Two Commandments.

What do you think? Do you know how to relax, and reframe it all to be happy when you feel crappy? Please share your thoughts below.

I'm in your corner!!

Gina

I have a question for my married readers:

Have you ever felt like the “Sexy” has left your Love Life?  Or that
the Fun Times have all but disappeared?

Well you may not know this ’cause I don’t talk about it much over

here in the Built To Win Club, but I created a program to Make your
Marriage Sexy again.

It takes all the secrets I use with elite athletes, namely - managing
your mindset and mastering your ENERGY, and applies them to

winning your most intimate game – TONIGHT!

After all, what is the point of all this success we achieve if we can’t
even hit a home run in the bedroom?

So, if you or your spouse is open to moving from AVERSE TO AROUSED
in about 20 minutes, than I have a Booty-licious Black Friday Special for
you.

It’s called “The Romance Rescue – How to Have Really Great Sex
When You’re NOT in the Mood.”

(Yes, the problem is that for various reasons, at least one of you is
NOT in the mood. For years in my marriage, that person was ME.)

If anyone can help you here, I can!

Here’s what I know for sure:

1. We ALL want connection, passion and intimacy in our marriage -
and you can experience more of that TONIGHT.

2. The steps that make se.x fun again will also make you healthier,
wealthier and happier.

3. The same tapping technique that gets rid of anxiety on the playing
field, can make you sexy, responsive and orgasmic!

Plus…

4. YOU DESERVE to feel great – TONIGHT!

So here’s what I want you to have:

- Instant Access to video coaching from me in three 20 minute
segments to HEAT THINGS UP NOW!

-Mp3′s of the sessions

-Transcripts of all that you heard

- My personal guarantee

Look, I made this program for my girlfriends after having this
conversation a thousand times at the pool and wherever we
gathered. (Of course we talk about sex!)  It’s been life changing
for my friends, and finally it’s available for the public.

Oh yeah, and half the people who use it are men,
so that’s good too.

Anyway – here’s what you need to do:

1. Head over to THE ROMANCE RESCUE and
sign up for your fr.ee video

2. Watch the video which is a full 20 minutes of helpful
info (you’ll get the link to it in your inbox)

Optional: skip that video and procede to step 3

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page with the video
on it and ORDER the program that will get you the results
you want as you simply follow along.

4. FOLLOW ALONG on the videos that will come in your inbox.

(Of course you know me well enough to know they contain no porn!)

Okay now,

Take a deep breath, stop all this craziness, and go stir up some
passion!

I’ll show you how.

I believe in you – and your marriage!

In your corner,

Gina

Quick – DON’T MISS OUT. This price won’t last:
THERomanceRescue.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Gina Parris is an internationally sought-after
peak performance speaker and coach who
helps individuals and organizations all
over the world to reach their full potential – Joyfully!

www.GinaParris.com
(931) 461-7836

Are you reaching your FULL potential?

If you can’t see the video, click here:  Gina’s Trafficking Vid

Here’s the link to the contest.  Stop Child Trafficking Now – Vote

You’ll find @SCTNow under the Pacific Region with a lovely logo that looks like this:

No one likes to think about child-trafficking right here in the USA, but in every American city there are plenty of people who know just where to go to pay to have sex with a child. The average age of a trafficked child is 11 years old, and there are an estimated 200 THOUSAND children at risk for this exploitation right in the USA.

Stop Child Trafficking Now is the only organization that works to stop this hideous crime at the demand level by employing retired Navy Seals who infiltrate these crime rings and bring predators to justice. Law enforcement cannot do what SCTnow does for them.  It would be too expensive and take away from every day crime work.

Please vote. We only have until Aug. 21st. Vote every day.

Bless you! I’m in your corner!

Here’s the link to vote again:

Stop Child Trafficking Now -Vote

Remember @SCTnow is under PACIFIC region.

Sex, Lies and Religion – by Randy Elrod

It is not often that I open a book by a minister and immediately find a description of his euphoric  sex-on-the-beach encounter with his wife as a sacred experience. That is when I realized two things about this book:

• 1. Not everyone will like this material.

• 2. I will probably love it.

Randy Elrod presents a thoroughly researched paradigm shift in the way spiritual people approach sex. He is talking to Christians in this book (the brave soul,) but I think it calls to those who have cast away their Christian faith as well.

Sex, Lies and Religion is in its own words, “controversially redemptive” in its purpose.  Controversial because not all people can reconcile paragraphs that deal with the very practical i.e. “how to use a vibrator to make erections last longer,” with the spiritual concept of intercourse symbolizing intimacy with our passionate Redeemer.

As Elrod delves into how to masturbate without going blind OR becoming a pervert, many a Sunday School Teacher may blush  in horror (While students from 12 to 120 may  cheer out loud.) When he deals with the lies about fantasy (ergoing the football kind) he offers compassionate clues into the yearnings of humanity.

Whether tackling lies about nudity,  gender equality, self-pleasure, sexual fantasy or “yada,yada, yada,” he continually offers  truth to set the reader free from condemnation. Elrod writes with the pen of an artist, philosopher and poet, painting pictures that glisten with supernatural love, acceptance and eroticism. He scoffs at the religious notion that the body is evil and unspiritual. He embraces the idea that ALL we do can be spiritual and draw us closer to God.

If I have any concerns with this book it would be that it is sometimes so deep and idealistic that its beauty may be lost on the average guy who likes to drink beer and play poker on his non-church days. The song of songs after all, calls not just to poets and philosphers but to all who have ever yearned to give and receive true love.  It is in the presence of such overwhelming goodness, that vices and “unholiness” lose their appeal.

I love the book Sex, Lies, and Religion. Not just because it dares to go where no minister has gone before, but because it vibrates (no pun intended) with life that is abundant, love that is undefiled, and redemption that is complete.

Please comment below: Did you grow up with condemnation surrounding sex in your household/church/school? What might “redemption” look like in your most intimate relationship?

If you liked this post, please subscribe to this blog or sign up for your free gifts on the right.

I’m in your corner,

Gina Parris

P.S. You can order Sex, Lies & Religion from Amazon right here. This is not an affiliate link.