“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Grand Island, N.Y., is a small community where everyone knows each other. It’s on an island between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and it’s where I grew up. My parents still live in New York and my dad, Cal, actually serves as FCA’s state director, and my mom, Sherrie, is his administrative assistant.

"However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

After wrapping up her college volleyball career at Michigan State University, Jen Jones assumed coaching would be a natural career choice. Instead, she followed God’s leading into the weight room and up to the training table. Now an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Texas A&M, Jones is focused on building athletes who are strong in both body and spirit.

Chosen Topic: Arrogance

Dictionary definition: “An offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.”

My definition: “To be boastful or disrespectful in an attempt to appear smarter, wiser or better than someone else.”

Chosen Attribute: Commitment

Dictionary definition: “The act of engaging oneself; a pledge, promise or obligation.”

My definition: “To hold steadfast to something. To set your mind on a specific goal without deviating from that direction no matter what comes your way.”