CHAPTER 1 - THE DREAM OF A YOUNG CHILD
1) What dreams and aspirations did you have as a young child? Have they changed? If so, why?
2) Do you consider your dreams limited by your imagination or by the expectation of others?
3) Have you ever got involved with the wrong crowd that influenced your behavior in a negative manner? What steps, if any, did you take to remove yourself from this negative influence? If your best friend stepped into an elevator with you and pressed the button, would you describe your relationship as one that is helping you grow closer to God or pulling you farther away?
4) Did you have a role model growing up that impacted you in a positive way? Do you think having a positive role model is important?
5) What sports or hobbies did you excel at in school? What were the defining factors that drew you to these activities?
6) Do you believe that every child is extraordinary? Did you embrace your identity and charm growing up?
7) Is the concept of "delayed gratification" something you apply to your life? If so, why do you think it is important?
8) Have you ever taken a risk to reap a greater reward? Do you have a similar story to share of taking a bold step forward like "The Ultimate Lip Synch Contest"? Have some fun with this question : )
CHAPTER 2 - THE ANTICIPATED RECRUITING PROCESS
1) Have you ever experienced a significant injury in the sport you played? How did your teammates react?
2) Do you believe encouraging your teammates fuels their spirit and motivates them to reach higher and farther?
3) Have you ever experienced a crushing defeat in the sport you played? Did you handle the loss with dignity and class or with a bad attitude?
4) If you attended a college sports training camp, did you have a positive or negative experience? Why?
5) Did your team have the opportunity to beat your opponent in a particular sport for the 1st time in school history? If so, how did it make you feel?
6) Do you consider yourself informed and educated about transitioning from high school to college? Is this upcoming decision causing stress in your life? How can meditating and applying Philippians 4:6-7 to your life release this stress?
7) If you have ever taken a college recruiting trip or visit, do you have an experience to share that made you feel uncomfortable similar to being offered alcohol? How did you handle the situation?
8) What factors played or will play into choosing the college you attend? Are you more interested in the college atmosphere or the quality of education being offered?
CHAPTER 3 - FIRST SEMESTER AT COLLEGE
1) When you left home for the first time, do you remember feeling a freedom of responsibility? How is that different from solely a sense of freedom?
2) Would you agree the transition from adolescence to adulthood occurs when a person truly understands the consequences of their decisions and how they affect other people?
3) Do you have an interesting roommate story to share where there was a clash between each others beliefs and values? If so, was it difficult to hold true to your beliefs and values?
4) Have you been or are you in the process of getting redshirted in college? Do you view the redshirt process as an opportunity to grow physically and mentally while building a strong academic base?
5) Do you think some student athletes put all their eggs into one basket being their respective sport? What is the danger of not having a plan B like a viable college degree? Do you think student athletes, in general, do a good job of preparing for life after their sport?
6) Are you surprised that obtaining a college degree has been statistically proven to lengthen a player's career and increase their earning potential in the NFL?
7) Have you ever signed an autograph for a fan? If so, how did it make you feel? Did it make you more aware of your responsibility of being a positive role model?
8) In your opinion, do you think college students choose majors they can see themselves doing or do they simply choose the easiest major to complete? What are the pitfalls of choosing a major based solely on the title or salary of that major's potential employment opportunity?
CHAPTER 4 - JUGGLING ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS AND A SOCIAL LIFE
1) How committed are you to obtaining an education and playing your respective sport? Does your level of commitment accurately reflect your results thus far?
2) Did mentors play a role in your academic or athletic pursuits in high school or college? Do you think mentors are important? If so, why?
3) Do you view failure as an opportunity for personal growth and mental toughness?
4) Does lack of confidence seem to be a recurring problem for students and student athletes in high school and college? What makes us doubt our abilities? Do you think hard work, optimism and hope build confidence?
5) Is abstinence something you are committed to until marriage? How does knowing that someone could be dating your future wife or husband right know impact the way you treat and respect your significant other?
6) Do you believe that we cannot always control our circumstances but can control the way we react to them?
7) What benefits can be derived from displaying patience and perseverance as a student or student athlete?
CHAPTER 5 - THE BIGGEST DECISION YOU'LL EVER MAKE
1) What is the biggest decision you will ever make? How can this one decision change your perspective on life?
2) Can good works get you to heaven? If someone were to say yes, how does Ephesians 2:8-9 contradict that assumption?
3) Since it is by grace through faith we are saved, how can professing and believing Romans 10:9-10 change your life?
4) What is the only unforgivable sin?
5) What is the difference between being religious and being a Christian?
6) Do you remember a specific time in your life when you professed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you 100% sure you would go to heaven if you died today?
7) Who is the one person in life that will never let you down and why?
8) How can a new Christian's life be radically transformed by the following free gifts of salvation: forgiveness of sins, gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternity in heaven?
9) Should Christians have a different view of their time, talents and resources compared to non-Christians? If so, why?
10) If you are a Christian, do you utilize the Holy Spirit to discern between right and wrong?
11) Does 1 Corinthians 3:16 give you a greater understanding of taking care of and respecting your body?
12) Have you ever shared your faith in Christ with another person? Would you agree that sharing the gospel becomes easier as you progress in your faith?
13) Do you have a life verse you would like to share? If so, how has it motivated you to glorify God through all you do?
14) Do you think enough student athletes view steroids as short-term gains for long-term side effects? What if more student athletes utilized the Holy Spirit for long-term gains and eternal well being?
15) How can Psalm 23:1-4 be comforting if you sustain an injury in your sport or are going through a difficult time in your life?
16) Do you acknowledge that God is sovereign in your life? How can Job 1:20-21 be an encouragement when going through trials or tribulations?
CHAPTER 6 - SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
1) Have you ever had a coaching change in the sport you play? If so, how did you handle the transition?
2) When you pray to God, do your requests take into consideration that He knows what is best for you? Do you have an example to share of praying with His will in mind?
3) How can personally applying 2 Chronicles 1:9 significantly impact your prayer life and relationship with God?
4) If you have considered transferring to a different school, have you earnestly prayed to God for direction and guidance? Does meditating on Proverbs 3:5-6 give you a comfort and peace about your future?
5) Do you believe in prayers being answered by God? Would you consider the result of my prayer in the middle of Pennsylvania an answer from God or a coincidence? Is there an example of an answered prayer you would like to share?
6) Is there a special pre-game routine you go through to remind you of who you are playing for? For example, is there a special shirt you wear or do you write a favorite Bible verse on your taped wrists?
7) Whether you are making a tackle, catching a pass or hitting a ball, as you play your sport, do you give God all the glory and honor and play through the strength of the Holy Spirit? Have you thought about how this can speak volumes to your teammates about your personal relationship with Christ?
8) Would you agree that being baptized is a proclamation of your faith to other believers and does not affect your salvation? How does Ephesians 2:8-9 support that being baptized does not affect your salvation?
9) When you are surrounded by temptation at every turn and consciously decide not to give into peer pressure, do you believe you are molding yourself into a leader? Why is this important from a Christian standpoint and how could choosing to be a follower negatively affect your witness for Christ?
CHAPTER 7 - YOU'RE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOU THINK YOU ARE
1) How can aiming to get 1% better every practice make you a better athlete? What if we take this approach to growing closer to Christ?
2) Does the saying "When you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail" refocus your attention on the importance of preparation?
3) Does your strength and confidence come from Christ? How can meditating on Philippians 4:13 inspire you to do great things?
4) Have you created a game plan for excelling in the classroom? How can the 1st and 10 in the classroom approach help you become a better student? Which of the five steps do you struggle with the most?
5) Would you agree the classroom often takes a backseat to sports with student athletes? Don't you think it should be the other way around considering your education will be utilized for the duration of your life?
6) Why do you think pride and stubbornness prevent individuals from receiving Christ? Do you think people have a harder time admitting they are sinners or changing their lives to reflect a Christ-centered life?
7) Is there a story behind your jersey number? Is the number symbolic of a past experience or event that makes it special?
8) Do you have a special relationship with your father? If so, does he know how much you love and appreciate him? If not, what steps can be taken to rebuild that relationship?
9) Would you describe a leader as someone who is accountable for their actions and serves as an example for others to follow? Do you think it is important for a leader to motivate and encourage others during a difficult time?
10) Did you ever experience "playing in the zone"? If so, did the Holy Spirit play a factor in your performance?
11) Do you set-up boundaries in your mind that limit your potential? What if we tear down those boundaries and truly trust Jesus to achieve our potential?
12) When thinking about being an authentic and genuine role model, do you feel like younger players are overlooked by the older players in regards to having a positive impact in their life? Do you go out of your way to positively encourage and influence the younger players through your relationship with Christ?
13) Do you fall into the trap of dwelling on bad plays which in turn steal your love for the game? What if you just took one play at a time, learned from your mistakes and focused on being successful?
14) Do you have a nickname in the sport you play? If so, how does it accurately describe your style of play?
15) Do you remember the last game you played in your respective sport? Are you thankful for the unique opportunity you had to glorify God through your sport?
CHAPTER 8 - LIFE BEYOND COLLEGE ATHLETICS
1) Do you have aspirations to play your sport at the next level? If so, are you prepared to enter the working world if your sport at the next level doesn't work out?
2) Are you pretty savvy managing your time for both athletics and scholastics? Have you ever thought about how valuable time management, social skills and an optimistic attitude are to employers searching for qualified candidates?
3) Have you ever won an award and publicly given all the glory and honor to Jesus Christ? If so, what was the reaction? How did it make you feel?
4) When this life comes to an end, are there any other alternatives to Heaven or Hell? Who do you have to go through to get to Heaven according to John 14:6?
5) Do you think hanging up the cleats in your respective sport will be difficult? Would extending your career in the sport you play affect your quality of life down the road?
6) When deciding where you want to work after college, do you think the cost of living should factor into your decision?
7) Have you considered taking your last summer off before entering the working world?
8) Would you agree that gaining practical experience in internships is beneficial because employers want to hire people they know something about? Have you been persistent in obtaining internships throughout college?
9) Is a new job that requires travel something that appeals to you? How would this affect your daily routine (faith, family, church, etc..)?
10) When looking for true love, what do you think should be the most important thing to have in common? What problems could arise if your significant other is not a Christian?
11) Do you remember where you first were when you told your significant other/spouse that you loved them? Do you try to love your significant other/spouse like Christ loved the church? How could this type of love significantly impact your relationship?
12) Have you ever had a coach that was encouraging and really motivated you to achieve your God-given potential? Do they know how much you appreciate their involvement in your life?
13) Do you think there is a general misconception that Christians do not know how to enjoy life? How does understanding God has a purpose for your life bring excitement with each new day?
14) How does knowing you were created in God's image and that He wants to have fellowship with you make you feel?
15) Do you feel unqualified to do God's work? Is it motivating to know He uses the unqualified and makes them qualified through His mercy and grace?
16) Do you believe that nothing on this earth could ever fill the void in a person's heart except the God who created him or her? How does receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior fill that void?
17) Are you aware of putting on the whole armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:14-17? Would you agree that understanding and applying the word of God in your life is a significant weapon to fight and overcome temptation?
18) Is partaking in the Great Commission as described in Mathew 28:19-20 a high priority in your life? How faithful have you been in serving God if you rated yourself on a scale from 1 to 10?
19) Are you willing to walk on higher ground, awaken the spirit within and soar to new heights by faithfully walking through open doors to serve God?
20) Has this book impacted your life in some way? If you would like to share your thoughts or comments, please email us at viera40@msn.com.
