Darryl Strawberry visit to WUBC Staff Meeting: PURPOSE and SPARED

Darryl encouraged us to not view our jobs here as a "position" but as a "purpose".
That is so funny - God has now brought that word to me about 3 times this week:  in my "First 5" bible study, in Shannon's sermon two Sundays ago and now

His manager, John Lupo, shared his testimony about God had "spared" him.  How he could've lost his life many times with drugs and alcohol but He spared him.  He is now an evangelist.
Look at where Bobby and I are at - how many times did God spare us to be where we are today?

Trey: Riding bike to school

Yesterday was Tuesday and it was Trey's morning to do NewsHounds at school.  He rode his bike to get there early.
He was on TV again. Need to elaborate on this some more.
On the way home from school, Katherine and I were in my car rounding the corner of our block, and out pops Trey from a bush and proceeds to race us on foot.  Of course he won.  Boy was I suprised to see him jump from a bush.  THAT's Trey!  Always bringing a laugh to our family!!

Sweet Will's Journey with his faith this summer until now (need to finish)

Will has been really maturing in his faith walk and I am so proud of him.  Here are some bullet points taht I will elaborate:

This summer: Florida living room, talking about suicide, etc
Dinner with pop pop and trips to bathroom
Brian Smith teaching: Jonah, not being ashamed, he telling his class the 4 things that are important to him are...
Bringing his "not ashamed" journal to school in his backpack to he is reminded
The Bellaire HS boy that didn't speak english and Will let him play xbox at churc

Also....straight As
Telling me "he loves me" all the time
NJHS
German trip

Katherine: Darkness and Sin

Yesterday in the car on the way to her soccer practice, Katherine asks "mom what does sin and darkness mean?"  We were listening to KSBJ and the song came on that sang about sin and darkness.

I started to explain to her that when you sin you move away from God and that if you don't confess and realize your sin, you could move away from God and.....

She interupted b/c she then realized she already knew what it meant.  She started telling me about how Mr. Caleb taught her about how you have to obey your parents.  She then game me an example  - "if you are up in your room and your mom calls you to come downstairs you are supposed to say 'ok mom, I'm cleaning up now and be right down'."  I think she got the idea!  (Her example was interestingly close to some things we have been talking about at home.  She is a smart girl and listening when I don't think she is.)

Thank you God for bringing Your wisdom to Katherine's heart and mind!!  Thank you that she is connecting the dots to Your work in her life.

Drowning Quote

Emailed from Miss Barbara:

When you feel like you're drowning in life, 
don't worry -- your Lifeguard walks on water.

Katherine

When Bobby and Trey joined us at Wills game, in Bobby's arms, she said "I'm so happy we are all together again." What a cutie!!! She, of course, melted his heart!!
(I do say that to the kids when we drive home after work and school. They are getting some of my positive influence after all!!)

Will's first game pitching this season

Will got into the game as pitcher in bottom of second to last inning. when coach stringer called him to the mound he ran so excitedly to the mound. i was so proud oh him!!! he looked great and no runs came into the game while he pitched. his team took the lead in the last inning (first time all game) and Will closed the game without letting anyone score. At home, after his shower, he said "I'm happy mom."