b'Cowgirl With A PenTEAM WORKBy Naomi LoomisPlease follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thecirclelranch. Visit our website at thecirclelranch.com and send any comments to Loomis489@yahoo.com. I would love hearing from you.O ne thing about livingWe have to be good communicators. I know that in the boondocks, youcommunication is the key in any sport. I also know never know what thethat communication is important when we are on weather is going to be. Recently, we had a too closeGods team. Prayer is the key to communication with for comfort experience. We had a storm but it wasour God.a different storm. While our neighbors to the north, maybe eight miles away, were getting baseball hail, theTo be an awesome team player, we dont neighbors to the west were getting a heavy downpour,have to be extroverted or indulge in self-and we were getting a lightning storm. The lightningpromotion. In fact, great team players have all kinds storm was crazy. We were out doctoring a coupleof personalities. All we really need is to be active, we calves when it hit. We were at our north place on theneed to participate and we need to play our role. To ranch and as we headed home we could see smoke.be an awesome team player, we need to put our teams The fire was really weird; it was like a ground rollingobjectives above our own and take the initiative to get fire. The wind was strong and out of the north. Thenthings done without being asked. In the end, our team the wind switched and headed south and so did thewill win.fire; southward toward our home. We are thankful for the local volunteer fire department that we call friendsSo what about being a team captain? Do you and neighbors. We are thankful to God for sendingthink that God assigns some of us to be team the wall of rain and for his protection. Fortunately thecaptains right along with him? Team captains are ring of fire died. We are thankful for the teamwork. team leaders. When God assigns us to be a captain we need to listen, communicate and respect those that When I was in school, a while back, our PE teacherare on our team. Being a Godly example is what Im would pick team captains. It was then the captains jobreferring to.to pick his/her team. I can remember the feeling that I would get when I got picked. It felt good. Right? DoTeam captains think positive. Being optimistic you remember the feeling of being picked? I do and Ireally means to be hopeful of something good. When dont ever want to forget it. Its the same feeling I gotGod puts us as captain we need to motivate those when God pick me to be on his team. You see, strongaround us by saying, We can do this together, I will players are the backbone to every team. But being onjoin you. God doesnt want our team to fail. Positive Gods team requires some responsibilities.thinking enables us to perform at a level that we would never think would be possible.We have to work together. When we work together, we can double our strength and get moreTeam captains pray for their team. God knows done. We all have something unique and special toour skills, well in fact. God knows everything and we offer Gods team. We must realize the gifts God hasneed to pray that God will direct us every day. Team given to us through his love, together our team willcaptains know what their teammates are capable of have so many options and great advantages to sharedoing, and not only pray for them, but also gives their with others on our team. teammates opportunities to succeed.We have to have each others back. Being onTeam captains understand that it takes a team Gods team is so special. Its like checks and balances.to win. I know that it takes a team every day to help We have someone watching our back. God will helpme and my family. Right? Yes, I am thankful for those us if we falter or lose sight of our goal, just like a goodthat pray for my family and me. I am also thankful friendship. A good friend doesnt always agree withthat God listens to my prayers for those around me. It you, what you do, or what you say. A real friend istruly does take a whole team working together to win someone that is willing to challenge you to be a betterour game called life.person. A team player encourages his teammates to be better players. Teamwork and friendship work inTeam captains know their teammates similar ways. personally. Being a captain takes time. Timeseems to go so quickly, but it is actually the most We have to fill our spot. Teamwork relies onimportant gift we can give our team. Yes, sittingeveryone knowing their position and fulfilling it. down in the quiet, praying and listening is always crucial. Taking time to get to know our teammatesWe have to love our team mates. Teamworkis important as well.requires a good foundation of truth and love. This is sustained by the forgiveness of God. We must followTeam captains are mentors. This one is so Gods example and forgive each other. We also need toimportant and like I started before it takes time. encourage others. Mentoring will help win this game of life. Listening, giving affirmations, being a friend, loving, caring, 14 October 2023'