Merry Christmas Maureen

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WHEN THINGS LOOK Impossible & THE ODDS ARE AGAINST YOU, WHEN YOUR OWN Thoughts ARE SAYING YOU’RE Not Going TO MAKE IT, THINK ON THESE THINGS... LOVE, DAD enter >>

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Love, Dad

Transcript of Merry Christmas Maureen

Page 1: Merry Christmas Maureen

WHEN THINGS LOOK Impossible & THE ODDS ARE

AGAINST YOU, WHEN YOUR OWN

Thoughts ARE SAYING YOU’RE

Not Going TO MAKE IT,

THINK ON THESE THINGS...

LOVE, DAD

enter >>

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Dear Maureen,

In your College years away from home when at times you’re anxious, worried or afraid, know that we are praying for you. Never forget you will always have our love and support. Also remember, when you are discouraged, depressed, overwhelmed about something reach out to Jesus, He loves you too, He is waiting to hear from you. Our greatest weakness is our failure to ask for God’s strength. We hope that you recall the importance of having Christ in our lives. The scripture from Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” You will never need to face the fury of life’s storms on your own. During these times when you’re in the rain God says in Hebrews 13:5, “...never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” All you have to do is call on Him. Storms of life come to everyone. That’s why I gave you that pillow. Not all storms are negative; sometimes they can help you grow and develop. Denver quarterback Tim Tebow would affirm that. Storms can motivate you to get better and stronger. Stay in the Faith, do not get bitter, do not start complaining or give up on your dreams.

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God has a plan for your life. Relinquish control to the Lord and quit fighting the storms on your own. God can make you storm proof. When things look impossible and the odds are against you, when your own thoughts are saying you’re not going to make it, think about this excerpt from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s article, “Outward circumstances or conditions do not determine what our lives become nearly so much as do the thoughts that dominate our minds. No one can ever overcome anything until his thoughts are creative and positive.” In the midst of any storms throughout college, I pray that Christ will be your refuge. You will always be an MVP in our book, #14.

Love,Dad

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“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

2/22/13

“Go 2 the Lord in prayer privately, confess any sins and He will bless you in front of your coaches and teammates.”

3/1/13

“So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the

mountains crumble into the sea. For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from

being caught.” 3/13/13

“This has been a gift that has been given to you. Remember always, to give thanks to the Lord. He will fight your battles for you.” 4/20/13

Fa ith

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“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you yes I will help you. I will uphold you with the righteous right hand.” 4/2/14

FAITH

“Remember - call on Jesus who will be your strength.”

4/18/14

“I am the Lord’s warrior. A competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination. I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ.” 6/24/14

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 5/3/13

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FAITH

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

More Verses Here

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36

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Character

“If a capable artist painted you, I would see in the painting integrity courage, and conviction.” 2/9/13

“The power is in the character. Your breakthrough will come in accomplish-ing the small things. Your act of being kind, considerate and obedient will always put you in God’s favor.” 3/28/13

“Your teammates will be drawn to you, someone they can trust and have the respect and credibility. Do not under-estimate yourself, your character, and your quiet leadership will demonstrate this on and off the field.” 3/20/13

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“Don’t miss the opportunity of being a leader of the team by your positive actions on the field and in the dugout. You have the character, talent, and personality to draw a group of ball players together as a team.” 4/17/13

“Always use your words to lift people up regard-less of any criticism that is going on around you.

4/6/14

CHARACTER

“Never give up, continue to be positive, keep my head in the game and continue to cheer my team on.” 11/25/13

“Don’t always follow the path of least resistance either. Go the extra mile helping out...The power is in the character.” 4/8/14

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Confi dence

“Let your softball coaches know you’re confident” 2/7/13

“This is the time you trust in the Lord without wavering.”2/24/13

“I am not giving up, please don’t give up on me.” 2/25/13

“Today you’re going to have a new boldness and confidence, as you are filled with an ‘I can do attitude.’” 3/19/13

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“There is nothing ordinary about you. You’re not defined by your past, you’re prepared by your past.” 3/23/13

“Believe in your God first, believe in yourself and finally your team...You were meant to play ball.”

4/17/13

“Be bold, more confident and fearless as you finish college this semester. Step out, you can and will make a difference. You are a Hepner.” 12/15/13

CONFIDENCE

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“You won the respect of your teammates and coaches. You have endured betrayal of false friends” 4/26/14

CONFIDENCE

“There is a key person who is the vital link on the team - that’s you. In God’s time, you have transformed yourself into an explosive hitting machine.” 5/1/14

“Say to yourself: I am never giving up, I am never backing down, I am never losing faith.”

5/7/14

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Vision

“Don’t underestimate the power of vision... you have to see yourself accomplishing your dream.” 2/14/13

“Use those negative feelings to motivate and focus. Say to yourself, I made up my mind there’s no stopping me now...”

3/16/13

“You have nothing to lose and every-thing to gain. Remember this... believe you can reach your goal, rely upon God to enable you.” 4/4/13

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VISION

“I am planning to apply to graduate school for physical therapy. If this appeal is approved, this action will help reduce the impending workload this coming school year” 4/16/13

“To reach your full potential, you need to take the limits off of what you think you can do and go for it. The opportunity is now...”

3/7/14

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This archive contains texts from February 2013 to June 2014, listed in the order in which they were sent.

2/7/13

Hi Maureen, you been on my mind and on my heart this week. As always, I have been praying for you. In your own way, let your softball coaches know you’re confident and you’re going to be a major contributor to the team. Most important, put your faith in Jesus. He will take you places where you’ve never been, rely on the power that only Jesus can give to you. Mom and I will be with you in Spirit all weekend. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

2/9/13

Hi honey, if a capable artist painted you, I would see in the painting integrity courage, and convic-tion. You’re a winner in my book. Love you always. Call us when you get a chance.

2/14/13

Hi honey, I was going to text you today. I wanted to say to you, don’t underestimate the power of vision. Have a picture in your mind that will help you determine your success this weekend. Before your dreams can come true, you have to see yourself accomplishing your dream. Get a picture of it, see it happen in your imagination. See the way God sees you, you’re blessed, healthy, strong, talented, and successful. Imagination is powerful, there’s nothing you can’t do. ▶

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This weekend when given the opportunity, picture yourself hitting that ball, running those bases, fielding and throwing that softball. Also be the leader God’s calling you to be. Get in agreement with God who will help bring your dreams to pas. God will be with you this weekend, we will also be with you in spirit and you have family there supporting you. I love you and you will always be My Valentine.

2/22/13

Hi Maureen, just wanted to tell you I love you and I’m praying for you! Remember this well known passage from the Bible, it says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Will be thinking about you today during your 2 games.

2/24/13

Hi honey, keep God in everything that you do, tell God your troubles. First, talk to the master coach (Jesus) and then go talk to your softball coach. There is a time for speaking out! This seems like a good time. Go to the coach with boldness and confidence let her know you’re ready to play. This is the time you trust in the Lord without wavering. You have to realize, if you don’t know already, this team is going to need you to play in order for them to win games. When you start winning games give God the glory and He will give you the desires of your heart. As always, I love you!!

2/25/13

Hi honey! A dad’s recommendation - like mission impossible this message will self destruct in 5 seconds. Maybe it’s time to say to your softball ▶

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coach something like, “I know I can hit, you know I can hit, and I am NOT hitting. I am not giving up, please don’t give up on me. I will be contacting the batting coach you recommended”...you can end it there. Good night I love you!!!

3/1/13

Hi honey, another dad recommendation regarding your faith; rise up past your setbacks, your time is now. When you have a dram in your heart let no one take it from you. Go 2 the Lord in prayer privately, confess any sins and He will bless you in front of your coaches and teammates. Whether you play today or not you will be in my prayers as always. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, love you.

3/13/13

Hi honey, I want to share some Scripture I’ve been reading this morning. God says “I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. I hope this scripture will give you hope and encouragement for today. Just remember, your strongest desires, talents and opportunities reveal God’s calling and dream for your life. You were created for accomplishment; you are engineered for success. Keep Jesus in your heart. As always, I will be praying for you this afternoon. I love you always!!!

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3/16/13

Hi honey, you can have victory over rejection (not starting or not playing). This week why you’re away playing softball, keep in mind your emotions are a gift from God. We either control them or they control us. When feeling rejected use your emotions to get fired up. Channel your anger and frustration into positive energy that when given the opportunity to play you’re not going to question yourself or doubt yourself rather I am going to have the best game of my life. Use those negative feelings to motivate and focus. Say to yourself, I made up my mind there’s no stopping me now, I’m going to kill that ball. God will never reject those who put their faith in Jesus. Reach out to God and He will reach out to you. Remember I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Say it until it becomes a reality in your life. As always, I’ll be praying for you and I love you always. Your biggest fan!!!

3/19/13

Hi honey, today you’re going to have a new boldness and confidence, as you are filled with an “I can do attitude.” Your faith will see you through any obstacle because you have a God who watches over you, continue to reach out to Him. No obstacles are too big for you to overcome, claim the personal victory for your outstanding performance before you even step on the field. You got what it takes but you need to be strong in the Lord. Walk on the field this afternoon with te-nacity. Say to yourself, I prepared most of my life to play this game. Nobody, no one can take it from me. God is with you, remain in the faith, let God be your coach. Your time is now, seize the ▶

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moment by staying positive, confident and productive. When you face the pitcher today, say to yourself, she is not match for me. “I am going to kill that ball.” Put God first, I will be praying for you this afternoon, as always, I love you!!! Go get ‘em tiger!

3/20/13

Hi honey, in all this seriousness of softball don’t lose sight of having fun making friends and making memories for life. However you made a commitment to play softball at Towson and you have a game today. Remember what I said, I believe God has designed you to play softball. Be a believer, not a doubter. Deep down inside I knew you always had the ability to play softball at a high level. You should know me by now, I don’t lie, nor over a exaggerate this point because I am your father. You have to believe that you are the most well rounded ball player on the tam. You can play anywhere in the outfield, and bat anywhere in the lineup. Never be discouraged by toxic people. Don’t talk mediocrity and expect to have victory. Your attitude - this team is going to win games, you will need to play. Also, your teammates will be drawn to you, someone they can trust and have the respect and credibility. Do not underestimate yourself, your character, and your quiet leadership will demonstrate this on and off the field. Play your best in the game today and give it to God. God’s blessings in your life are more than you can imagine. Share the same blessings with your teammates. Whether you win or lose today’s game, give it to the Lord, and thank Him with a grateful heart. As always, I will be praying for you. I love you always!!

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3/23/13

Hi honey, don’t be distracted by who you’re playing today. Keep your focus. Remove any neg-ative labels and all doubt. Do not be intimidated. The real battle is only in your mind. You are more than good enough and you got what it takes, you have to believe this. People don’t determine your destiny, God does. There is nothing ordinary about you. You’re not defined by your past, you’re prepared by your past. The years of softball have deposited something on the inside. God does not waste anything, He takes the best of what’s behind you and builds on it. God has give you everything you need to be an outstanding ball player. Thank Him before you even get to the dugout. This is a new day! You can be your own force today when you have the Lord with you, remember, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Don’t look outside of yourself for strength, that’s already inside of you. Don’t let anyone talk you out of what God put in your heart. Follow that dream. Prayer precedes victory. As always, I will be praying for you from the bleachers. I love you always!!!

3/28/13

Hi honey, you have 2 exams and a ball game today. I know you will give 100 percent effort to your academics and to your sport. Stay disciplined and determined to become all that you were created to be. Don’t let the small negative stuff get in your way. Don’t always follow the path of least resistance either. Go the extra mile helping out. Don’t make excuses why you should of or could of. When everyone else around you is ▶

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not nice, you keep the talk and the walk in a manner that would make your parents proud. That is more than a winner in our book. The power is in the character. Your breakthrough will come in accomplishing the small things. Your act of being kind, considerate and obedient will always put you in God’s favor. It is usually not the big things that keep us from God’s best , it is the small things. Don’t confuse small things with being insignificant. God will put big blessings on your life when you do the small positive things daily. Follow what God puts in your heart. As always, I’ll pray for you today. I love you, always!!! Kevin and I will be in the bleachers rooting for you!

4/4/13

Hi honey, today you have nothing to lose. Promise yourself to be strong, that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Be enthusiastic about the success of other ball players on the team, word can help set the directions in people’s lives. Always use your words to lift people up regardless of any criticism that is going on around you. If you don’t play what do you lose?If you strike out what do you lose?If you make an error what do you lose?Nothing!If you do play what can you gain?If you do get a hit what can you gain?If you make no errors what can you gain?Everything!It all comes down to this simplistic statement: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Remember this when you are playing today- believe you can reach your goal rely upon God to enable you. When you make a mistake, we will▶

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always embrace you, we will always lift you up and encourage you and help you get back into the game you love. Forget any mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. You may lose confidence or lost faith in yourself but we haven’t and you shouldn’t either. You’re not going to perform perfectly all the time - no one does. People are going to fall. However, God will help you fulfill your dreams-seek Him. Now get back into the game you’re not supposed to be sitting on the sidelines. As always, I will be praying for you . We will be there in spirit today. I love you always!!

4/16/13

To: Academic Standards Committee:Please consider this request in allowing me to take a four credit course this summer at a community college based on the following circumstances. While at home this summer, I am presently securing a volunteer intern position at a new Jersey physical therapy rehabilitation center. I am planning to apply to graduate school for physical therapy. If this appeal is approved, this action will help reduce the impending work-load this coming school year and an opportunity to improve my GPA for grad school. I have 33 credits left that are very difficult, challenging, and time consuming courses. I also play softball for Towson, a sport that requires a great deal of time and energy during the fall and spring semester. I need your help! This approval, if granted, will allow me to successfully complete my degree requirements, give me enough flexibility to ▶

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continue playing softball and help reduce some of the pressures in my senior year to accomplish my educational goal.

4/17/13

Have a nice day with Poppy Joe and mom. You will have a lot of opportunities today and in the future. Be a risk taker today! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t miss the opportunity of being a leader of the team by your positive actions on the field and in the dugout. You have the character, talent, and personality to draw a group of ball players together as a team. I have seen you accomplish this in high school. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a blessing to everyone. Some talented individuals on the team will not necessarily win games, but a cohesive team, truly supporting one another, will be far more successful. As an upperclassmen, whether you know it or not, you’re a leader. You’re far more sophisticated now. All though difficult to win over some of the toxic people on the team it is possible to turn some negative attitudes around. God put you there at this time for a special rea-son. It wasn’t by accident. Take time to support everyone on the team, look for ways to make their day and it will become contagious. God will always have your back by taking time to be good to people. Do it for Him. As always, I will be praying for you and I will be there in spirit. Love you always!

4/17/13

Yesterday, a number of people were saying a lot of nice things about you, not only about your performance in the game this weekend but also ▶

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as a person. These sincere comments made for a nice two hour drive home for your mom and dad. This coming weekend could be your finest hour of the season. Don’t get upset with your coaches or toxic players. Stay committed and dedicated to your goals. You still have not reached your best yet! You’re capable of doing a whole lot more and this team is giving you the chance. Run with it! Not only take the lead for your team, but lead the team. Be a cheerleader, talk it up even when it is difficult. Believe in your God first, believe in yourself and finally your team. You can beat Hofstra and your better at the bat against better pitchers. You were meant to play ball. I have seen it, you know it, don’t doubt it. Your light will shine it’s brightest when it’s the darkest. I made this statement to you before, Towson will need you to play in order to win games they all know it. Live the rest of your life knowing that no matter what happens as you travel the peaks and valleys of life, you are forever safe in the arms of Almighty God. Remember your strength comes from the Lord. I pray for your constantly. You are just a prayer away yourself. In all your business with studies and athletics in college keep the Lord in your life! As always, I love you. Have a great week and I’ll see you Friday at the game.

4/20/13

Yo #14, you are one of a kind. Expect God’s favor this weekend. You’re going to rise up and overcome every obstacle, You will smash the competition. Take every opportunity to play your best, and acknowledge our Lord. He will bless you abundantly. You’ll never get this weekend back, enjoy every moment of it. This has been a gift ▶

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that has been given to you. Remember always, to give thanks to the Lord. He will fight your battles for you. Mom and I will be with you in spirit all weekend from the bleachers. As always, I love you!!!! Have a great weekend!

4/23/13

Hi honey, please drop me a message when you arrive at school safely. Also, I saw this decorative wall art and it said: you are the twinkle in my eye, star in my sky, beat of my heart, smile on my face, bee to my honey, song in my heart, love of my life. So when you get to school call me so I don’t have to worry. Love you!

5/3/13

Hi honey, I usually turn to the Scriptures when I’m happy or down and out. Here’s a couple of Scriptures to read before you go to bed tonight. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you yes I will help you. I will uphold you with the righteous right hand.” The one Scripture you are most familiar with, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“ Think on these verses, the Lord will help you, just ask. Finally, not from Scripture but from the old fart, winners are just ex-losers who got mad. I am going to kill that bat!!! Love you, good night.

11/25/13

Sorry, Maureen, this has been an extremely hectic day. I am leaving now to pick up Kevin at the airport. This is only a glance over and not ▶

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a lot of time to think about each question. Number 3 positive hustle a hundred twenty percent role model focused determined and motivated goal oriented. Number 4 over analyzed everything can be at times too driven. Number 5 nothing to lose and everything to gain. I want to be able to play well enough to make first team all conference. Number 6 potential the players won’t sacrifice for the good of the team talented ball players. Number 7 cohesiveness at times. Play more like individuals sometimes more concerned about playing than winning. Winning is secondary discipline push through. Number 8 push the envelope, continue to fully develop confidence we can do attitude give it my all offensively and defensively as a senior to be a role model for the underclassmen. Number 9 starter or not I will not change my attitude regarding assisting the team in anyway to be a winner cheerleader anything necessary to win. Number 10 unfortun- ately errors occur, never give up, continue to be positive, keep my head in the game and continue to cheer my team on. You know, if you read my comments to you before your games last year, a lot of good information in that.

12/5/13

Maureen, this is your last college message for 2013. Be bold, more confident and fearless as you finish college this semester. Step out, you can and will make a difference. You are a Hepner.

3/7/14

This is your last hurrah number 14. Your last and final year for college softball. To reach your full potential, you need to take the limits off of ▶

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what you think you can do and go for it. The opportunity is now, don’t let fear or failure hold you back. Stretch yourself with everything you’ve got, you’re made of the right stuff and you have what it takes. You have to believe this! You’re going to make a difference for this team; you’re going to out class, outperform, and outshine as an impact player. You are a game changer. You have been equipped with everything you need to live out your dream, reach out and grab it. Again, you have to believe it! Don’t forget, you can’t do it alone-give 100 percent at practice and give the rest to God. You have to believe that God will help you be successful. Your strength will come from the Lord. This desire to play softball did not happen by chance. God created you and knew everything about you before you were even born. He created you with a purpose in mind. This part of your life just did not happen by accident. Give God the glory and keep God in everything that you do. Your mom and I will be there this weekend to cheer you on! As always, we love you!

4/2/14

A text I sent you last May,Hi honey, I usually turn to the Scriptures when I’m happy or down and out. Here’s a couple of Scriptures to read before you go to bed tonight. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you yes I will help you. I will uphold you with the righteous right hand.” The one Scripture you are most familiar with, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ▶

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Think on these verses, the Lord will help you, just ask. Finally, not from Scripture but from the old fart, winners are just ex-losers who got mad. I am going to kill that bat!!! Love you, good night

4/6/14

Hi honey, today you have nothing to lose. Promise yourself to be strong, that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Be enthusiastic about the success of other ball players on the team, word can help set the directions in people’s lives. Always use your words to lift people up regardless of any criticism that is going on around you. If you don’t play what do you lose?If you strike out what do you lose?If you make an error what do you lose?Nothing!If you do play what can you gain?If you do get a hit what can you gain?If you make no errors what can you gain?Everything!It all comes down to this simplistic statement: you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Remember this when you are playing today- believe you can reach your goal rely upon God to enable you. When you make a mistake, we will always embrace you, we will always lift you up and encourage you and help you get back into the game you love. Forget any mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. You may lose confidence or lost faith in yourself but we haven’t and you shouldn’t either. You’re not going to perform perfectly all the time - no one does. People are going to fall. However, God will help you fulfill your dreams-seek Him. ▶

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Now get back into the game you’re not supposed to be sitting on the sidelines. As always, I will be praying for you . We will be there in spirit today. I love you always!!

4/8/14

Hi honey, Temple ball game tomorrow. I know you will give 100 percent effort to your sport. Stay disciplined and determined to become all that you were created to be. When you have the Son of God as your anchor you have the security the certainty, and the assurance to stand humbly (in front of your team members and coaches) with boldness and confidence to conquer any situation whether on the field, at the plate, in the dugout, or in life. Don’t let the small negative stuff get in your way. Don’t always follow the path of least resistance either. Go the extra mile helping out. When everyone else around you is being mean-spirited and negative you keep the talk and the walk in a manner that would make your parents proud. That is more than a winner in our book. The power is in the character. Your breakthrough will come in accomplishing the small things. Your act of being kind, considerate and obedient will always put you in God’s favor. It is usually not the big things that keep us from God’s best, it is the small things. Don’t confuse small things with being insignificant. God will put big blessings on your life (and He already has ) when you do the small positive things daily. Follow what God puts in your heart. As always, I ‘ll pray for you today. I love you always!!! I will be in the bleachers rooting for you. Remember this, cream always rises to the top!

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4/18/14

Remember, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me-call on Jesus who will be your strength.

4/26/14

Maureen, you have been on an incredible journey these past four years in college. As your senior year winds down, this will be a weekend for you to remember. You won the respect of your teammates and coaches. You have endured betrayal of false friends yet continued to keep the right attitude along with your wonderful smile. This weekend do your best by giving it your all. Don’t forget to thank your Heavenly Father who gave you the ability, skills, talents, and gifts. Through your commitment, determination, and hard work you have developed into an outstanding division 1 ball player. You have a God who loves you and you’re on His team. It is an incredible way to connect and serve God by honoring him with your actions and attitudes on the ball field. As the season comes to a close, I have watched my daughter’s dream come true. It’s not always how we start out in life that matters but how we finish. As always, you’ll be in my prayers and I will be rooting for you on the side lines. Love you always.

5/1/14

I wanted to share some thoughts with you prior to your last three games of the regular season. Do you believe your efforts on the softball field made a difference for Towson softball team this year? You know the answer. The use of a metaphor illustrates my point. Each ball player on the ▶

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team is a “link in the chain.” One person gets on base, another person brings her home. Others shout out encouragement from the dugout while another person pinch runs for a teammate ETC, etc, etc. Each person in the process is a “link in the chain” However, there is a key person who is the vital link on the team - that’s you. In God’s time, you have transformed yourself into an explosive hitting machine. The path you traveled wasn’t easy. Your family and close friends always believed in you. The reality of the last 8 years can be condensed into a few sentences. You played four years of varsity high school softball and eventually became a started and broke records. You played four years of division 1 softball and eventually became a starter and broke records. You earned the respect and made believers of your teammates, coaches, family, friends and spectators in the stands. God uses our lives to teach us about Him and how He is in the midst of every circumstance-even while it is still unfolding. God gave you a great gift and you have worked hard at it through your athletic skills and passion. Sitting on the sidelines over the years and realizing one of the greatest blessings from God was to watch my daughter grow, develop and fulfill her dreams. As your father, I observed a number of positive attributes that developed through high school and college. You built confidence, you have faith in God and you believe in yourself, you persevered through hardships, when you failed-you kept trying, you stood up for yourself, you forgave others, you learned from your experiences and finally, faith, family and fitness become a priority. This weekend of the final regular season make a bold statement- ▶

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”We are Winners.” You know the reason for your hope. Thank God for every moment you had. Face your fears with faith. Don’t doubt yourself! Enjoy every moment of this weekend. I will be back on the sidelines for the playoffs. As always, I’ll be there in spirit, I’m praying for you. Love you always!

5/7/14

I am writing to you the night before your playoff games from room 409. We are coming to the last chapter of your softball career. The Script for the final chapter has not been written yet. That will be played out tomorrow on the softball field. Tomorrow afternoon when facing JMU, say to yourself: I am never giving up, I am never backing down, I am never losing faith. Share your enthusiasm with your teammates. It will become contagious. Take your determination and commitment to overdrive. Rise to the challenge that is set before you. Reach down deep to the dedication and love of softball that got you here in the first place. Allow for your attitude and confidence to prevail. You are a Hepner!! You are a special person who became an extraordinary ball player and athlete. You have overcome a number of life challenges and you only got stronger through it. You have contributed tremendously to a winning season for Towson. The coaches know that. Today, they shared that with me privately. You are and have been a key link in that softball chain. The framed letter I wrote to you on January 20, 2012 says it all. “When circumstances seem to be insurmountable and overwhelming know that we are praying for you.” Trust in the power of faith, that will give ▶

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you the strength to face the Giants tomorrow. Reach out to Jesus, He will greatly bless you. In the eyes of God, you are important to Him. He wants the best for you. Just ask for His help! He said, ask anything in my name and I will do it. Ask Jesus to always be a part of your life and be your Lord and Savior (as your family did). Defeat comes from looking back. Distraction comes from looking around. Discouragement comes from looking down. Victory comes from looking up! With all the playoff activity this week don’t lose sight of having fun and making college softball memories that will last a lifetime. Before stepping into the batter’s box, you’re claiming victory over the pitcher. You will hit that ball because you know you can. In fact, “You’re going to kill that ball.” Do not underestimate yourself. You are better at the bat when you play against better pitchers. I have watched you over the years play softball (from the time you picked up your first bat). I will be in the stands silently cheering for you from the heart. The conclusion to your College softball book will read, “You are and always will be an MVP in my book #14.”

6/24/14

Maureen, tonight say to yourself, I give my all, all the time. I do not give up, I do not give in, I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior. A competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination. I am confident beyond reason because my confidence lies in Christ. Take it easy on the competition tonight. And have a good time.

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BIBLE VERSESThis archive contains Bible verses chosen specifically for you.

1 Peter 5:7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Philemon 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20-21Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 5:24 I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

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Acts 16:30-31 Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household."

1Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

1Corinthians 15:51-52 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep but we will be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be change.

Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

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Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dis-mayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Mark 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Revelation 3:20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If any-one hears my voice and opens the door. I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “ Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

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P.S. A NOTE FROM YOUR FATHER

When I am gone, please read the book I left for you and Kevin to read.

What to Do, by Dave Breese

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