Why are relationships so difficult? Whether you're single, dating, engaged, or even married - I think at some point, we have all had questions of what it looks like to pursue a relationship, with God at the center. 

I sat down with my wife, Grace, and special guest and friend, Andy Archer, to talk through some of the real questions and challenges that we were faced with during all stages of our relationship - as well as what God taught us throughout each stage. While we know we don't have all the answers, we felt led to address some of the real questions that our generation has surrounding relationships. 

Grace and I start from the beginning and talk through the evaluation and pursuit stages of our relationship and all the way through engagement and into marriage. Like everything else in our lives, when we invite the Lord in, we allow him to work in incredible ways.  

Special thanks to Andy for facilitating the discussion! Tune in next week to hear my powerful conversation with him!

Kerry Carpenter led all of minor league baseball in homeruns in 2022, ultimately getting the call up to the Detroit Tigers, making his major league debut after the all-star break. He quickly became one of the top prospects in all of professional baseball. But as he shot up the ranks in the minor leagues and onto the scene with the Detroit Tigers, it's his faith that has gotten the attention of so many. 

Kerry shares his powerful testimony of what it took for God to bring him to the foot of the cross. Kerry speaks with humility and kindness, but radiates his passion for Jesus in everything that he does. His story is a reminder of the power, peace, and hope that we have, when we choose to enter into a relationship with Jesus. 

Welcome Back! It's been way too long, but I'm so excited to launch Season 2 of the CAP! 

Isaiah 43:19 says "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." 

I'm so excited for what Season 2 has in store and I can confidently say that He is doing a new thing! But I also think this verse speaks well into today's episode. Newly re-named, Grace METZ, joins the podcast to share her testimony of growing up playing every sport under the sun and shares an incredibly relatable testimony of what it looks like to go from secular darkness to living in the light of the glory of God. Grace articulately describes her push and pull relationship with God and what it finally took to pursue a lasting and intimate relationship with Jesus. 

I think so often we draw near to God when times are difficult, but rely on ourselves when times are good. This merry-go round of a relationship with God is exhausting and draining and not at all the kind of relationship that God desires FOR us and WITH us. Grace's testimony shares relatable and practical tips for how to enter into a lasting and fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The Title IX legislation is in the process of trying to be changed - so what is happening and what do believers need to know?  We are joined by a special guest to walk through what this means for high school and collegiate athletics, and how this proposed change will alter the landscape of athletics forever. 

We take a biblical look at whether this proposed change is biblical, and what God's word tells us for how we should proclaim truth, even in the face of intense opposition. 

How do we find the balance between rest and hard work? The Bible says a lot about both, but how do we know which one we need? In this episode, I sat down with Track athlete Jacob Snyder where we talk about what that balance looks like. 

Hard work seems to be a phrase athletes constantly hear, are pushed to reach, but find that enough is never really enough. And what about when our "rest" turns into 3 months of couch potato-ing. Does this balance even exist? 

In this episode, we find that the self-determination to accomplish a physical goal can be directly translated into the consistency that our walk with the Lord should have. We find that when we keep God at the center, He is the one who establishes our steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."  

'If I told you my story... you would hear life, but it wasn't mine.' 

In this episode, I took this opportunity to share a part of my own story. I officially wrapped up my college athletic career and when I look back at where I started to where I finished, I'm left in awe of our Almighty God and the work that he allowed me to be a part of. God blessed me beyond belief throughout my career - but when I look at the legacy I get to leave, it has very little to do with the mark I left on the field. 

I didn't always do it right and I didn't always do it well, but praise God for a Heavenly Father who chooses to use us in spite of our weaknesses - because in our weakness, his power is made perfect (2 Cor 12:9). 

I hope you're encouraged by my story, but most of all, I hope you're able to see deeper into who our Heavenly Father is and his perfect love - continually reaching out to us. 

Song Quoted: My Story - Big Daddy Weave

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1 Peter 1:7 says that your FAITH is more precious than GOLD... Woah. Of all the things we have ever worked for as athletes and in life, Jesus says that our faith should be at the top of the list. 

I was able to sit down with 1st Lieutenant Riley Compton, where she shares part of her testimony from College Softball, to the Marines, to now competing for Team USA in Bobsled. However, of all the awards, achievements, and personal successes, Riley shares how they all fall short of the glory of God. She shares what she has learned in each season of life, and how God has used the different seasons to reveal more about who He is. 

This is a conversation you won't want to miss! Make you sure you check it out and follow her on Instagram @ri.compton  

Leaving for college, I thought I was ready for the new freedoms and new responsibility that come with "The College Life." And although it may not surprise anyone to learn that college parties do exist, and college kids love their booze, I found that I had been severely underprepared to defend my beliefs and choices, without any Biblical context to support my decisions. While a party and alcohol may not be unique to collegiate athletics, it seems to be a decision that at some point we are all forced to make. This episode uses Biblical evidence to better understand how his word should guide our decisions. So often we think of our faith as a list of "Do's and Don'ts", but when we dive deeper into what God truly wants FOR us, we find that a true love relationship with Jesus doesn't leave us in a gray area, more confused than when we started, but rather turns our hearts toward the things that God cares about.  

Want Christian Athlete Paradox Apparel? Check out the link below! All proceeds will go back into the podcast to upgrade software and get more content out sooner! Thank you all for your support! 

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