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Since my last blog post, a lot has happened. If I were to be honest, this season has gone in the opposite direction that I anticipated. I went through one of the worst, if not the worst, slump I've had in my basketball life, as well as having some of my poorest performances ever as a basketball player. Also at times, it has felt like the barriers were insurmountable or that I was powerless to control things around me. From a basketball standpoint, I’m obviously disappointed, but God is always working -- even through life's struggles and disappointments.

Recently, I've been really challenged with living with joy. To me, happiness is dependent on one's circumstances, but joy rises above life's circumstances. Trust me, there have been many times this past season where I was filled with frustration, many situations where I felt overwhelmed and many nights where I couldn't sleep much because I was thinking about the game. But through it all, I've been learning how to surrender the results to God, how to walk by faith and not by sight, how to be renewed through times of prayer/Scripture and how to fight for a life of joy in the midst of trials. For example, instead of obsessing over how to change things I have no control over, I'm learning to give each game to God and I’m learning to simply be grateful for each day I get to be healthy, on the court, and doing what I love. Going through trials has allowed me to focus and depend on Christ more.

It hasn't been an easy journey, but it has been a rewarding one. I can see myself surrendering the results to God (even though my preparation, work ethic and effort still stay the same) more and more. I complain less and am more grateful. I feel much more peace and joy, even when it seems like things around me aren't going as I had hoped. I'm becoming less obsessed with escaping life’s trials and more concerned with joyfully living each day with my heavenly Father. I'm able to rest more in the fact that my identity is in Christ and that I am God's beloved son -- I can see God more clearly and feel His comforting love more intimately through it all.

Even though I am still in the midst of a tough season (and even if all my efforts don’t turn the circumstances around), I can rest in knowing that God is faithful and always has a perfect plan. Of course I’m human and I go through emotional highs and lows, but I try remind myself of God’s promises. Romans 8:28 says that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." Romans 5:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” These verses talk about how no matter what’s going on in life, we can trust God that He works everything for good, and we can have joy and peace as we faithfully surrender our lives and trust in Him. After all, God loved me so much to sacrifice His son, Jesus Christ, for my sins -- I know God always has my back! Wow...Scripture is powerful!!

My entire life has been a collection of miracles and instances where God has taken a "bad" situation and turned it into a good one. And who knows…maybe God is preparing a miracle out of all this. When I focus on who God is and how much He loves me, I am able to live with joy and freedom from life's pressures or the results of basketball games. I hope that as I go through this "valley" I can encourage you to turn to God and put your hope in Him!!

Off the court, I'm still on my cooking grind! Here’s a couple photos of some things I cooked recently: lamb chops and the BBQ bacon cheeseburger. I've officially named my kitchen "JLin n Out.” Voted best burger in LA! Haha

I also got a chance to see my family as they came into town for the holidays! We spent some quality time together and opened some gifts. I got a random assortment of gifts, including some clothes, home décor, a bathrobe, board games (like Loaded Questions) and more! 

Lastly, I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! In 2015, I want to live with more joy than I did in 2014. I think that's a great New Year's Resolution for me. 

Thanks everyone for reading my blog, showering me with encouragement and diligently praying for me! I seriously have the best fans in the world!!

 

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