Read Time: 4 min 49 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

Michigan and UCLA are the new kings and queens of college basketball.

The Wolverines beat UConn 69-63 in the men's championship game on Monday. The win caps a remarkable turnaround under second-year head coach Dusty May. The boys from Ann Arbor stood (very) tall all year. Their “shortest” player, Elliot Cadeau (6'1"), was named Most Outstanding Player. He dropped 19 points to give Michigan their confetti shower. (Watch this year's "One Shining Moment" here.)

On the women's side, the UCLA Bruins put a bruisin' on South Carolina 79-51 Sunday, with five players scoring double figures. It's the school's first-ever women's trophy and coach Cori Close's first time cutting the net (see why they do that here). She's led the Lady Bruins for her entire fifteen-season head coaching career. 

Off the court, President Trump signed an executive order on Friday that whistles for new college sports rules. The order limits how many times athletes can transfer schools (one) and how long they're eligible (five years). It also limits outside groups from paying athletes to play at a particular school. The move aims to protect women’s and smaller sports from losing funding to big-money programs like football and basketball.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sports can be a field where spiritual fruit grows. Through sports, we experience the thrill of victory, resilience from defeat, the beauty of teamwork, and the delight of play. As you watch, cheer, and discuss sports, keep an eternal perspective by focusing on growing Christlike character, not just the scoreboard.  

“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 
Romans 5:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Believers measure winning differently than the rest of the world.

Most college athletes experience disappointment and failure more often than victory. For every player who makes the Final Four, there are thousands who don’t even make the tournament. But that doesn’t mean their work was worthless, because (hopefully) their discipline and friendships have shaped them for the better. 

In the same way, Christians can expect to face failure and hardship on this side of eternity. But what will matter when Jesus returns is not how many wins and losses you rack up on your score sheet, but who you seek—and who you become—in the process (John 17:3; James 1:2-4).

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Give all kinds of work your best effort, for God’s glory.

March Madness is an opportunity for college athletes to showcase a lifetime of hard work and talent. And it’s easy to marvel at a 6’10” superstar… but God has made you for beautiful, hard things too. You are his workmanship, created to bring Him glory whether you’re doing schoolwork, cleaning your room, practicing piano, changing diapers, or plugging data into a spreadsheet: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 CSB).

Gen Z Word of the Week: Keep it 100 in your pregame pep talk.

Family Fun: Go outside and play knockout, start a round of wastepaper basketball, or shoot some digital hoops.

Whipped Cream on Top: Rushing to get home like...

What’s Encouraging Special Needs Caregivers
The book The Special Needs Parent*

Some seasons of parenting stretch you. Others completely reshape you. Raising a child with special needs often does both. 

Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini have been there. Over 40 years of lived experience raising a son with disabilities has taught them biblical wisdom, practical insight, and the kind of radical honesty that only comes from living it. Their book The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected explores these themes while always pointing back to the steady strength God gives them each day.

Whether you’re walking this journey or just want to understand those who are better, this is the resource you need. Learn more about The Special Needs Parent today.

Who’s Helping Us House Hunt
A brother/sister in Christ from the Christian Real Estate Network*

Buying or selling a home isn’t just another “add to cart” during your late-night scroll—it’s one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And you’re going to want a trustworthy Realtor® along for the ride. That’s why we love Christian Real Estate Network. 

They’re a network of vetted agents who bring godly counsel, help you wisely steward the resources God has given you, and pray for God’s leading and provision throughout the process. It’s invaluable to partner with someone who’s not only knowledgeable on the home-buying process but also views your move as a ministry. 

Connecting is free… find your Christian Realtor® today!

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