Coach Kubiak-God Sends Leaders

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by Holly Michael in Diabetes, Family, First and Goal, Football

Tags

Coach Kubiak, Denver Broncos, devotional, Faith and Football, First and Goal, Holly Michael, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Leaders, never give up, NFL, t1D, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, Type Won

With the Super Bowl coming up, I’d like to share excerpts from the most amazing football devotional! Jake Byrne’s FIRST AND GOAL – What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up. Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak is taking the team to the Super Bowl! The devotional shares one of Jake’s experience under Coach Kubiak

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Coach – The coach is the man in charge, the guy responsible for the entire team. When the team wins, every fan boasts that it’s because of the coach. When the team loses, fans and media blame him. He is motivator, teacher, and leader. The coach sculpts players into the best athletes they can be in order to win games. He’s also the guy who calls the plays.

Playing for the Texans against Indianapolis in 2013, we were up by three touchdowns after a few weeks of losses.

images-1 copy At halftime, our morale high, we headed toward the locker room with Coach Gary Kubiak behind us.

Texans vs. Colts photo by Holly Michael

Nearing the tunnel, a collective gasp rose from the stadium. My teammates and I stopped and turned. Our leader had fallen onto the ground! Medical staff rushed to his side and officials cleared the crowd away from the scene. An ambulance soon hauled him away. Without the rock that held us all together, without our leader and play caller, we didn’t score again and lost that game.

Later, we discovered our head coach had a ministroke. Already dealing with a losing season, the team’s morale couldn’t get much lower. Then, more bad news. Coach Kubiak was let go. The one man in the organization who was loved by all, the one we trusted and respected, was gone. I’d never seen lower spirits in any team or group of people. The Texans didn’t win another game that season.

Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.” Deuteronomy 34:4-5

Moses—the leader of the Israelites for 40 years—was not allowed to take the people into the Promised Land because he disobeyed God.

When Coach Kubiak was with the Texans, he was a well-loved coach—like Moses was for the Israelites—always taking care of the team and putting players’ interests first. Like Coach and Moses, even beloved leaders can fall or fail unexpectedly. Either way, the team suffers. Our hearts went out to the revered man, but we also worried about what would happen to us. Who would lead us?

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Has someone you admired fallen, failed, or suddenly disappeared from your life? That makes for tough times. You wonder if you’ll pull through. After Coach Kubiak was fired, Wade Philips, defensive coordinator was named as the interim coach that 2013 season and the remainder of a shaky team ambled through a losing season.

God sent Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Later, in the fullness of time, God sent Jesus, His Son, to earth—as God and human—to live among us and be our Savior. When we’re in need of a leader, we don’t have to worry. God always sends someone. We must regroup and move on but never give up.

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Coach Gary Kubiak was hired as the Broncos head coach on January 18, 2015. This Super Bowl Broncos’ Head Coach, Gary Kubiak is the 1st person in NFL history to make a Super Bowl as both a player and head coach with the same team.

12592553_971975222892063_5929848364222004930_n Jake Byrne grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. A type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, he has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger. Jake lives in Dallas with his wife, Emma, and two four-legged kids: Duke the Dogo Argentino and Yeti the Great Dane.

Best cover.jpg Back Cover Blurb for First and Goal:

Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive…but at age 14, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.

Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.

Jake’s journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms. Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal line. You’ll feel as if you’re lined up next to him, facing a very large defender you’re about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You’ll discover…

* what to do when God calls an audible in your life

* how to respond when God puts you on special teams

* why prayer is never an incomplete pass

These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God’s dream for you.

Jake blogs at www.typewon.net.

He can be reached through the following social media:

Facebook Page (Type Won): http://www.facebook.com/typewon1

Twitter: @sugarfreejb82

Instagram: Jakebyrne81

Email: typewonquestions@gmail.com

To Purchase First and Goal

HUDDLE!

25 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by Holly Michael in First and Goal, Football, Jake Byrne

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Ben Jones, Brotherly Love, Cody White, Houston Texans, Huddle, Phil Supernaw, Philip Supernaw, Teammates, Tennessee Titans

You will love this! Reposted here. A sweet story about teammates coming together. My son, Jake Byrne, Cody White (Texans), Ben Jones and Philip Supernaw, tight end for the Tennessee Titans. Behind the scenes brotherly love from teammates.

Source: HUDDLE!

BIG NEWS! Jake Update

09 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Jake Byrne

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

diabetes, football, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, NFL, NFL Player with diabetes, Texans, tight end, type 1diabetes, Type One Diabetes

Jake’s moving again! From San Diego back to Texas. He’s been on the Chargers practice squad and today the Houston Texans signed him to their roster after Owen Daniels (TE) was injured. Daniels will be on injured reserve for quite some time.

Jake was on the Texans practice squad at the end of last season then called back preseason before getting cut and picked up by the Chargers.

We’re all proud of Jake! Thanking God for this news and praying for continued blessings for Jake in Texas! Go JAKE! GO TEXANS!!!!! Follow Jake https://twitter.com/sugarfreejb82

From NBC Sports: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/09/owen-daniels-out-at-least-eight-weeks-with-ir-designation/

CBS: http://houston.cbslocal.com/99-ways-houston-is-better-than-dallas

Trust

29 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Christianity, Diabetes, Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Prayers Needed

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

#89, Betsy Byrne, big dreams, Bishop Leo Michael, diabetes, Dreams, Faith, football, God, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Hope, Houston Texans, Isaiah 40:12, Isaiah 40:27, Jake Byrne, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Nick Byrne, Prayer, Proverbs 3:5-6, Rajun Cajuns, Saint James Anglican Church, St. James Anglican Church, T1, trust, trust God, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes, www.writingstraight.com

Big dreamers must be equipped with bucket loads of trust; trust they will see their dreams to fruition. They need to mix that trust with hard work, confidence, and a little brain power, too. BUT the most important ingredient needed to bind all of this together to really whip that big dream into a reality you can sink your teeth into: God!

We must trust in God. Have confidence in God. And use the brain power He gifted us with to know that ultimately, we can do nothing without Him.

I never understand how people disregard the power and strength of God while struggling to make their dreams become reality. Last night, during a Bible study at our church, St. James Anglican, our facilitator, Dan Hartshorn, drew our attention to Isaiah 40:12 which describes God: Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span.

Now, if you can measure the waters of the earth in the hollow of your hand and measure the heavens with the span of your hands, you have some really big hands! And these big hands are not only big, but loving hands. Why would we ever want to do anything without those big hands helping us? Seems pointless, really.

I’ve been working hard to finish a third novel and prepare for a very important writer’s conference. I’ve got really big dreams that I want to become reality.

My son Jake, a rookie in the NFL with the Houston Texans has big dreams too. He’s playing a very important pre-season game tonight (Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys) where he will be put in to play the entire game to really prove himself. Both of us realize that we need to rely on God’s power and strength so much now. Jake is a type one diabetic. He will surely need God’s strength tonight and always. Please pray for him. #89

Funny, but reading the above verse, verse 12 in Isaiah 40, I read a little lower to verse 27 and had to text it to Jake. It begins with God addressing Jacob, so appropriate for my Jacob, too: ²⁷Why do you say, O Jacob and speak, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God’? ²⁸Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.²⁹He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.³⁰Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;³¹but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Jake’s text response: “Love it! Thank you. I should be good to go for this one!!”

Yeah, I think we’ll all be good to go, trusting in our God.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will direct your path!

And thanking God for daughter Betsy getting an internship this week. (below, left of big brother Jake)

…and getting ready for the next football game. younger son Nick (University of Louisiana-Lafayette-Ragin Cajuns), also a tight-end, will play against the Arkansas Razorbacks this Saturday! We’re pretty excited about that, too! Go Nick!!!

God bless you all and I really appreciate your prayers and support!

Are You a “Real” Writer? Is This Even the Correct Question?

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Jake Byrne, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Blog, career, family, goals, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Kristen Lamb, NFL, Nick Byrne, Real Writer, success, www.writingstraight.com

Thanks for this article below, Kristen Lamb.

Are You a “Real” Writer? Is This Even the Correct Question?.

Now, because I am a “real writer” and have a real writer’s conference I’m preparing to attend, I’m retreating into Novel Land where I’m going to attempt to finish my third novel (only on chapter 7) in a little more than three weeks.

See you some time in September, unless I have some really big news to announce before then.

In the meantime, please keep my son Jake, #89 Houston Texans Rookie in your prayers during the upcoming pre-season games. He’s a “real NFL player.” Go Jake! In these crucial days to come, hoping both of continue toward successful careers. SO to daughter Betsy too, to the left of Jake. She’s having a birthday next week! She’s a “real cutie!” And proud of son, Nick too…in camp with the Ragin Cajuns down at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Go fam!

Football: Jake update

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

#89, diabetes, football, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, juvenile diabetes, NFL, t1D, Texans, type 1, type 1 diabetes, Type One Diabetes

Jake played his second preseason game last night for the Houston Texans. We’re so proud of him. And the fact that he’s only one of two players in the NFL with Type One Diabetes, makes his success even more sweet! He’s doing great! Keep him in your prayers that he earns a spot on the final roster! Next game is August 25th, next Sunday against the Saints!

Go Jake!!!

Success: Are We There Yet?

07 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Holly Michael in Family, Football, Inspiration, Jake Byrne, Writing

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Betsy Byrne, Bishop Leo Michael, Blog, football, goals, Holly Michael, Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, Houston Texans, Jake Byrne, Kristin Lamb, Nick Byrne, success, University of Louisiana-Lafeyette, Writing, www.writingstraight.com

With two books with an agent and plugging along on the third novel, I feel like I’ve been climbing a mountain and have reached an outcrop that overlooks a crystal clear pond. (Thanks for the photo, Betsy–stole from daughter’s Facebook)

I’ve done a lot of climbing and am so ready to splash around in the refreshing waters of success.

Daughter Betsy, above, is enjoying a little down time this summer after work and before getting ready for her last semester of college.

Son Nick is at the University of Louisiana, beginning football camp.

Hubby, Bishop Leo Michael, as usual, is working hard for the Kingdom of God.

We’re all pushing toward our goals…some big, some small.

But, I think son Jake, a rookie in NFL camp with the Houston Texans #89 (on the left with the black cap), must feel a lot like I feel right now…

…we’ve worked hard and have reached some wonderful heights, but we’re ready to bathe in the waters of success. He’s hoping to make the final cut on the team. I’m hoping for a publishing contract.

So for now, we keep working and pushing ahead toward our goals.

So, what does it take to successfully reach goals? Maybe, never giving up. There’s lots of good advice out there. Each morning, I look for inspiring quotes to text to my kids, especially the boys who are really challenged in football camp.

Here’s a few success quotes:

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And considering success and pruning….check out Kristen Lamb’s blog today. She inspired me to write this post…Have a wonderful time on your path to success, whatever your goals may be.