There is a common saying among tennis players that has never really sat well with my soul for a number of reasons.  I’m sure you’ve heard it as it runs something along the lines of: “in tennis, love means nothing or zero.”  And while perhaps “love” does equal zero at the end of a set if you were unable to convert a game in your favor…every point in the game starts at love. You can probably see where I’m leading with this already.

When I began my full-time career as a collegiate tennis coach, essentially building upon what most coaches would look at as a historically failing program, I knew I wanted a philosophy that would demonstrate something positive as well as reflective of my own identity in Christ. Since I work at an independent private institution, it is not naturally going to be a Christ-centered environment where faith proclamation is the norm. Therefore, my philosophy for my team, and one that simply sums up what I truly believe about life following Christ is this: love is only the beginning…we must start from there.  

As I thought over the weekend, jotting down different domain name ideas; searching the internet for comparisons, I finally just prayed over coming up with the best new name.  This morning, following my morning prayer, it came to me. I quickly did a search and chose my blog’s new name.

So here I sit with a renewed purpose and meaning for my writing inspiration into the investment of A Life Starting at Love.  And for the purpose of a short and intentional URL, you can find it at startingatlove.com now.  My intention will be to eventually hook this blog in with my rarely used Twitter account, link to my poetry, provide spiritual encouragement, and continue writing about any spiritual revelations I have as I live my life following Jesus Christ and studying The Word.

However, as I learn to navigate a new theme for my blog page, bear with me as I develop those skills to make the reading experience better. It may take me awhile with my regular full-time work to dedicate the time and effort into learning new skills. But after all, if I’m going to start anywhere today, what better place to begin than with love? 

-Loni