The Secret is out!!!

What a night! And we pulled it off! Tonight was Marlon's suprise party send off! I have wanted to post about this and the crazy, chaos of planning and being sneaky so Marlon wouldn't know...but I couldn't because he of course reads this from time to time...lol. Now it's all over and I can finally talk...well, type about it!

We had a gathering of at least 50 people. Family and friends gathered in his honor...to send him off and wish him well. Some friends we haven't seen in months, like Jen and Victor to those we see all the time...like Dave and Sue. I am so thankful to my parents and sister/brother in law for all the help they gave me today, as we put together the last little details and snuck food out of the house...lol. Marlon was thoroughly suprised. To see so many people who he loves so much and is proud to call friends gathered together...it was amazing.

He was able to share a little bit about the trip...what he would be doing there and how his time will be spent. Many could not believe that there is an expected 10,000 people at the crusade!! The number of lives that could be touched is outrageous and the feelings of joy that I have...that God would use my husband for something so amazing...words just can't even express. I enjoyed watching everyone trying the Dance Dance Revolution, filling their tummies with the food, random conversations from people who might never meet. Dave and Troy...Pops and Roger...Jenni and Sue...Uncle Jerome and Gary...Sue and Aunt Darlene...amazing. God is amazing. (ps. Amy and Gabby we missed you!)

Will I miss my husband? Oh my goodness...sometimes fear seeps in and I wonder if I will even be able to sleep at night without him there. But then there is a peace that transcends all understanding and I know that his obedience is much more important than the fact that I will miss him. That following God's leading and call to take this opportunity takes precedence. The blessings to flow...I can't even fathom how many lives will be changed, including our own. I am excited for my husband and for the seeds he is planting for eternity. I think of how our lives have changed, even in the past 2 or 3 years. It's outstanding what God can do when you focus on Him and His plans over your life.

Lord, thank you for the amazing man that you gave me in Marlon. Thank you for his courage and faithfulness. Thank you that he stands up for justice, that he follows Your word, that he desires to be obedient, that he cares for me and my feelings, that he desires to grow in You and closer to You. Please bless everyone who came tonight and those who could not. Take away that which is not from you and overflow with abundance that which IS from you in their lives. As Marlon sets out to do the work that You have placed before him, Father, keep him safe. Keep his body healthy and his mind clear. Do not allow Satan to infiltrate his travel, his study or his sermons. He will be very upset at what Marlon is going to do, but I have complete faith that You have put the steps before him and marked the path he is to take. Encourage him, comfort him, nourish him. May mighty things happen in Your kingdom this next month. Amen

3 days?? 3 days??

So Marlon leaves Monday. Crazy! It seems like we were just praying and moving forward with making the plans for this trip and now it's here! I am so excited for him and this opportunity. He has everything he needs (suit bought and sent to be pressed) and we'll start packing tonight just so we don't leave everthing to Sunday. Sunday is church of course, I have to teach a different hour than my normal hour as well...Isaiah has a game...I have a wedding shower...dinner at Pop's with Marlon's family...it will be a busy day and won't have a lot of time available to pack. He has his final itinerary of how his days in both Nairobi and Lusaka will be spent. His laptop is full of the sermons that he will give and ipod full of songs he'll like. We also made sure our web cams work so that we'll be able to see each other a few times while he is gone. That was one thing about his trip last year to the Philippines...it was hard not to see each other. This time he's gone a month and we knew that we'd want to see each other...especially the kids!
I am so thankful to have Marlon as a husband. I think back to the early years of our marriage. There was so much conflict there that we both created. Issues and baggage that had to get cleaned up and taken care of. I remember when His walk with Christ was developing at a much quicker rate than mine and that sometimes created conflict. The best thing that ever happened for our marriage was that we both put our trust in Christ and decided to walk with Him each day. Does that mean we don't have problems? Hardly! I remember looking at Christian couples that never seemed to have issues as deep as ours and wonder if they were just pretending or not dealing with things openly. What I think now...is that there is just a peace that transcends understanding when you are filled with the Spirit. Even when we argue or disagree...there is this underlying love that you know is there and you feel safe and cared for...even in those ugly moments. Whatever happens in our future...wherever ministry path we end up on...I know Christ will be at the center of our marriage and that is something I am grateful for in a way that words can't express.
It'll be a long month...but I can't be selfish and hold him back from God's mission field just because I'll miss him. I have full faith that God will take care of each of us in the way He sees best...until we are all together again!

What I love about Jordyn...

Jordyn came when I was very young...when I didn't know much about being a parent and did my best to do right by her and watching her now truly amazes me. This young lady is so sweet and kind. She is often the friend that everyone tells their problems too and if she could help them all she would. Jordyn is very intelligent. How many people get an A+ in a Advanced Placement course?? She has goals and is driven. Jordyn is a responsible young lady who has earned the trust and respect of her parents.

Jordyn loves musicals and anything to do with Disney. We love to sing show tunes together and I swear she is a throwback to the 80s...even though she didn't exist then...lol!

If you know Jordyn, then you know a young woman who is intelligent, conscientious and a dreamer.

Why I love Isaiah...

Ahhh, Isaiah...the oldest boy. This is a peaceful, patient, special young man. (He is 10 after all, I'd better say young man...lol) When he was born he slept through the night at 3 days old! Isaiah is the kind of kid that everyone wants to be friends with. He is a leader and level headed. He is kind and worries about other's feelings. I love that even though it might not be cool to snuggle and hug your mom anymore...he is always checking to make sure that I am okay. That I don't work too hard, that I am taken care of. It's his nature to try and settle conflict, wonder where he gets that from? lol

Isaiah strives to put his best foot forward in everything he does. He is creative and artistic as well as athletic. When Isaiah smiles at you it just warms your heart.

If you know Isaiah...you know a boy full of devotion, love and thoughtfulness.

What I love about Izzy...

My baby. My sweet boy. My cleaning partner. This boy is very, very smart. He does exceedingly well in school--working in the Gifted and Talented Program for a couple of his classes. He loves to learn. Even when he was very young he would ask me to print him out homework. I would find homeschooling websites with printable worksheets and he would do them. Izzy is a daredevil when he's trying to keep up with his brothers, but otherwise he's a pretty cautious kid. This is the one who is constantly blowing out my candles because he doesn't want them left unattended...lol.

I was able to stay home with Izzy for a year before he started school and I think that is part of why he has a special bond with me. Thoughtful and kind, Izzy is the one to bring up who we should say a prayer for and loves to make people cards and pictures. Sometimes he will say the most profound things which always takes us aback because of his age.

If you know Izzy then you know a kid full of love, compassion and wisdom.

What I love about Elijah...

Okay just a mommy being sappy, but I thought it'd be fun for the kids and some of you to know what I love about each of my kids. Since I came upong this picture of Elijah first I thought I'd start with him.

Elijah marches to his own drummer. He is not afraid to be himself, do off the wall things and try new things. He never settles...he will keep at something until he gets it. Elijah enjoys life to the fullest. Each day is an adventure to make a new friend, make someone laugh, get outside and run around! lol You definately won't see him following what anyone else has done or trying to be like anyone else. What a wonderful quality in a child. I hope that is only strengthened as he gets older.

This is the funniest kid I've ever met. We've actually had teachers tell us he could be a comedian..lol. He had comic timing and says the most off the wall things. This is one kid you can't stay angry with!!

If you know Elijah, then you know a kid full of love, energy and spirit.

Give me a break...

That is totally what I was thinking in my head when my Old Testament teacher started teaching class tonight. I just wasn't there. With Marlon leaving so soon, worries about my friend's pregnancy, a lot on my plate at work...I was wondering why I hadn't stayed home! So I just prayed. And instantly I felt revived, felt ready to listen and focus on what Samir was saying. I tell you, that man is brilliant! If you ever have opportunity to take one of his classes I would encourage anyone to do so. Doesn't even matter if you plan on getting a degree or just want to have better knowledge of the bible--what you will learn is amazing!

So after class on the way home I was thanking God for answering my prayer and I thought of a sermon Marlon gave on prayer a few years ago. In October, I will visit John Burke Correctional on my own which means I will not only lead worship, I will also give the sermon...and I think I am going to tweak the talk on prayer. Tweak because some things will be the same==like the 4 answers to prayer, but the in between will be different. I think the first thing I learned about prayer that I had not known before I was a Christian was that God won't answer your prayer if it is not within His will. For example, there were times before I was a Christian that if someone hurt me intentionally I would pray that they would get hurt or feel what I felt. God isn't going to answer that prayer. God wants us to be at peace and doesn't punish others because I fancy Him to. Another thing about prayer is that sometimes the answer isn't what we think it should be. At those times it's easy to fall into a trap of thinking that God doesn't hear you or that maybe He doesn't know best. He sees the big picture, we often only see our small area. For those of you who might not know Christ it may sound a little wacky...but if you do then you know what I am talking about. Releasing your life to Him really changes not only your perspective but also takes away some of the worry about whether or not things will be okay. Put all of your faith in Him and follow His lead and you can't go wrong!

Busy day tomorrow. Tuesdays are always a little hectic. Hubby in prison (hehe..that always makes me giggle to see it written down) work of course, then football for one, soccer for another and Tuesday Nite Live at church for me and Izzy. Jordyn gets to stay home to do her AP work and have a little quiet time. Marlon was so sweet to switch his night of work at Norris Adolescent Center from Tuesdays so that he can be the carpool dad and I don't have to miss my bible study. So we all end up getting home between 7:30 and 9:00.

Well, off to switch the laundry (what else is new--with 4 kids is it ever all done!) and then bed. One of these days I'll get in bed before midnight!

Fun Day

Yesterday was really a fun day. Because of Jubilee Sunday at our church, there was no Sunday School to go to. What a wonderful time to all sleep in a little bit which we don't very often do. A couple of errands in the morning and then Isaiah had his game at noon. They played well, but lost 2-1. It was a great game and it's always exciting when it's neck and neck right down to the last minutes. He is starting to see what he does well AND what he needs to work on to improve. We always try to process with him after the games so that a loss doesn't weigh on him the whole day.

Then we did lunch with my family. My parents, my aunt, my sister and her 2 daughters...as well as the 6 of us! What a group! We went to Golden Corral where we haven't been in ages. Their steak is very good and it's always nice to hang out with everyone--even if it gets a little chaotic with our big group!

In the evening Marlon and I went to John Burke Correctional. We weren't able to go last month because of Marlon's surgery so it was very nice to be back. The worship was so powerful and heartfelt. I love leading worship, but I love it best when each one in the room is truly worshipping with full abandon. Not worried about what's coming next, not focusing on the person next to them who doesn't sing very well, not worried about hitting all of the right notes...you can truly feel the Spirit surround you. The ladies were eager for the word and had a lot to chat about afterwards. One woman who I've been speaking with each month when we go, will now be moving to half way house before being released in a couple of months. She has made great strides in forgiveness and standing on the truth of the Word. She is working with her social worker to find a church home near the halfway house and asks for prayer to stay focused on God and surround herself with strong Christians who can help hold her accountable. She sometimes feels like because she is in prison her walk is different than someone who isn't. I told her while her day to day life may look different because she is in prison...we all struggle with different things at different times and having other Christians to help hold us accountalbe is a good thing. Nobody is perfect and nobody has a perfect life. I remember before I became a Christian I knew Christians who made me feel like you had to lead a perfect life in order to really be a "true" Christian. Only after becoming a Christian did I realize that the only perfect person to walk the earth gave His life for each of us. While I do have a responsiblity to follow His path and allow Him to direct me, I can't try to be perfect because it will never happen. I shared this with her and it seemed to calm some of her fears. It was such a God thing too because in Marlon's sermon he spoke about Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." What God desires most from us is our obedience. In being obedient to the Word we will show our love, our adoration, our desire to be like Him.

Sorry got off to a tangent there...lol. Anyway, it was a fun day!

On my mind today...

As I went about my business today (running to the bank, Isaiah's game, watching the U-13 game early, visiting my grandma's house)this has been in my mind. How do we get the young people in our communities to respect themselves and behave with self discipline? Of course the pat conservative answer is that they deserve whatever they get as a result of their own actions...the pat liberal answer is that we need to just take the reins and take care of them.

After all of my years in social work and ministry...my thoughts are somewhere in between. There are kids who do not have respect for themselves, let alone authority. There are kids who honestly can not see past tomorrow because they truly don't know if they'll even HAVE a future. Why plan for something that may not occur. Our families have broken down to the point of treating 14 year olds like they are grown. Our parents let their kids run wild and then complain when they're held accountable for their actions. Then there are the outskirts. Those are the people who live on the outskirts of what is really going on in the world and want to point fingers and get angry over shootings-etc....but they certainly aren't going to do anything about it until those things move into their community.

Start with one. One kid, one smile, one kind word, one prayer...one chance. Don't treat young people like a pet project that you are going to "save" from themselves. Each day as you come into contact a young person...make a difference. If you don't come into contact with a young person...you aren't looking because they are everywhere. They are the clerks at the store you go to, the cashier at McDonald's...they take your ticket at the movies and walk past your car as you pick up your child. Don't think a hard nose teenager is a lost cause. Don't. It is never too late. Showing love and compassion go a long way and the Holy Spirit can do amazing things with just a little.

I think what got me thinking about all of this was a phone call I had with one of the girls from Teen MOPS. We only talked for a short bit...but I could tell that she seemed much more chipper and happy after we talked. There have been plenty of times when I was tired or worn out when she has called and I've quickly gotten off of the phone...but taking that 10 minutes today to chat and make plans for later in the week really made a difference. Don't miss out on creating those relationships. Invest in our future.

Will it ever end??

I have very good friends who are going through hell right now. I don't use that word lightly but there is no other way to describe it. I don't know all of the details from the beginning of the summer or who started what first...but it has ended in a horrible situation. You may have read in my previous blogs about some stuff that has spread into our soccer world and that I truly feel it isn't about soccer at all. I've been vague to protect the innocent, but after what I heard tonight it's time to say something direct.

Tonight I took dinner to Troy and Amy's house and they shared with Marlon and I voicemails that they have recieved in the past couple of days. Now mind you, Amy is in the middle of a very difficult pregnancy, just put on bedrest. What I heard made me want to puke...in a very weird, sing song voice a person (it sounded like either a woman or a young boy whose voice hasn't changed) said over and over..."Dead baby...dead baby...recruit a dead baby..." Who does that? I am putting this in my blog because I believe that there are people who know who left that message that read my blog. Please stop. If you know who it is...make them stop. Of course they call private and the only trace can be to a verizon cell...because anyone who leaves that kind of sick message wouldn't want anyone to know it was them. I am praying right now for whoever left that message. Praying that they would see the error in their ways. Whatever your feelings are for Troy and Amy...no matter how much you dislike his coaching techniques...no matter how you feel wronged...there is no excuse for such a message. Beef between SFIU and KMSC---hardly! Soccer beef doesn't play out in sick messages like that...not unless someone has mental health issues or substance abuse. And why do I think it's someone linked to soccer...because of the recruit statement. (Earlier there were complaints put in that Troy recuited players.) The soccer issue has grown to the point that someone mailed the parents on KMSC team pages from his blog! This also was done anonymously. How convenient. I give big kudos to the parent who commented that while some of what Troy put on the blog was certainly said in bad taste (and I am not saying I don't agree)...the bigger issue is who felt it was okay to use all of their addresses in that way. If that happened to me I would feel so violated. Sharing addresses/phone numbers for carpooling, soccer details is one thing...having the gall to use it for your own personal agenda is something else entirely. Those parents have every right to try and find out who mailed those sheets. I would do the same.

Even crazier...to help alleviate bad feelings Troy had Amy remove his blog. However someone copied and pasted pages of his blog on a new site. Then they tried to stir up the pot again by telling people..."he didn't remove the blog...it's still there". Do not be fooled. This person mispelled Troy's last name. Duh...also the comments that the few of us who knew about the blog left...are gone. Even if you change your blog so that commenting is no longer available...any previous comments will stay. Duh again...that's basic blogging 101.

The voicemail disturbed me because I think it's a clear indication that we aren't dealing with someone in their right mind...or someone who has such lack of respect that they could do something worse. How do you expect something to end when a family continues to be terrorized?

Lord, I pray a wall of protection around Troy and Amy...their children, their child to be born. Do not let Satan get them. Help them stand united and focused on what is important. Whoever is leaving these voicemails, sending anonymous letters, playing on the computer...please convict their heart. Let them see what they have done and repent. Fill Troy and Amy's mind with your peace. Let them not harbor hurt feelings or pain for the people that would try to hurt them. You tell us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us; to pray for those that mistreat us. I am praying right now for whoever is doing these harmful things. Lord, put positive people in their lives, if they need counseling or someone to talk to...bring those people to them. Bring only good things to them and their family, help them enjoy life and find success that they might turn their energy and focus on Troy and Amy. I know that when we pray in the name of Jesus and boldly proclaim the truth in Your name we will find peace. If we reject the truth and follow evil we will have to deal with Your wrath. Your word in Romans tells us this. Help Troy and Amy turn to you, turn to each other and turn to their friends to help them get through this difficult time. In the heavenly name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ....Amen.

Above the drama...

Can you imagine with all of the heartache in the world, with real societal issues where there are kids in the balance of life and death each day...parents would get so worked up about SOCCER?

My son loves soccer. He is good at soccer. His desire is to become the best he can and maybe someday even benefit from a soccer scholarship. His dream? Of course to play Major League Soccer someday. Will this happen? Who knows. His life is in God's hands and my first priority is to teach him that. His decisions in life will hopefully be guided by listening to the spirit. Knowing that, would I allow petty jealousies and complaining manipulators sway my feeling about soccer or his coach or his being involved? Certainly not. Um....it's soccer. As parents we have a choice to be above the drama. To teach our kids that you know what...there are some people who make poor choices. They choose to be hurtful, unforgiving, harbor anger in their hearts, and gossip about others. We can rise above that.

Since joining select soccer I have had opportunity to meet wonderful parents who love their kids and are excited to see them succeed. I have also seen the other side. Parents who are so cut throat they lose sight of what's important. Also parents who take personal differences and instead of keeping them private-involve a whole team! Bizarre. I know that we all have our downfalls and that we all make mistakes, but setting out to purposely hurt someone is simply wrong. There's no cookie cutter way to make it sound right. The bible says in Colossians 3:12-14,
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

In soccer lessons can be taught. Behavior on the field can show your child that you can't judge by the outside, God looks on the heart. Unfair calls can show your child that things aren't always fair, but that doesn't mean anyone is out to get you. The fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...they can be taught and shown and displayed. But soccer, is not worth destroying relationships. Is not worth bringing pain to someone.

It's soccer.

Just Thoughts...

Should be in bed...but I just can't sleep. So many thoughts racing through my head. There is a lot to do before Marlon leaves. He still needs to raise some support. He is definately going to need a suit for the crusade. He had thought that he'd have the opportunity to have one before now, but that plan fell through and he is down to the wire now. He has to finish studying for his sermons and the Crusade while he is in Africa. We have to get the air conditioners out of the windows, figure out exactly what he's taking...all of this while still continuing our hectic life.

Even with all that...there's so much thanksgiving! Blessed that he has been cleared to start back at the prisons next week...he needs to connect with those guys for a couple of weeks before he leaves...blessed that we have so many friends and family that have stepped forward to help with the finances of the trip...but more importantly pray for us while he is gone and for his safety in Africa. Blessed that I have the kind of job where I can adjust my hours to take care of the kids while he's gone. No matter what kind of stress or problems may come while he is gone...I know that God has got us and if I keep my faith in Him and stay obedient to His word...He will bless us tremendously.

School pictures tomorrow. The boys are excited that they don't have to wear uniforms this year for school pictures. Jordyn is going to her dad's this weekend. She is excited to spend time with her new baby sister. Elijah has his first football game on Sat. Marlon and Isaiah are spending the day Sunday with soccer...watching some of the U-13 tournament in IL and then enjoying a pro soccer game in IL as well. What a great gift that was!

Well...I guess I'll let the dog out and head on up to bed. Have a good night!!

21 days and counting...

So Marlon leaves in 21 days. For Africa for those who didn't know. His strength is getting better every day...but I'd be happier if he would just lay low like he's supposed to. He acgtually had to get a couple more stitches this past week because he popped some. Please pray that he would stay off his feet 90% of the time at least until Thursday when he goes back to the doctor.

It's so odd how calm I am about his leaving. That's partly how I know God's hand is on this trip because I am normally a worrier. Whatever happens while he's there...stressful days, naughty kids, problems...I will be able to handle them with His strength. As I plan and schedule out the time I promise to take my family and friends offers to help. I don't want to get burnt out. But Marlon and I both said that I will need to go on an overnight once he returns!! Staying busy while he's gone will help me not miss him as much. Having the cameras for the computer and laptop will make the skype phone calls even better. One of the hard parts about his mission trip to the Philippines last year was that we couldn't see each other or talk often. With the skype program and camera, we should be able to talk at least once or twice a week while he's gone.

If you see him around...wish him well and encourage him. I think he still has a little concern about how we will be without him and will everything be okay. I want him to go with full devotion to God's plan for his time there. One day at a time.

Isaiah soccer

Today was the first official game of the season. The boys played really good and as a team really are starting to work together. Isaiah had some wonderful assists and his confidence continues to build.

Watching him on the soccer field...I continue to be amazed at how he's grown and what he's learned just since Aug. when practices started. I thank God for his health, athletic ability, discipline, dedication and drive to succeed. So blessed. So blessed.

1st Day of school

Here is a picture of the boys on the first day of school. I wanted to take one of Jordyn too but she refused and said I was a dork...lol.

The boys love their new school. Even though there is the added hassle of dropping them off and picking them up on the other side of town...it is totally worth it to see their happy faces and eagerness to go to school each day. I am so happy that we followed God's leading on this and put in the transfer this past January. Jordyn is doing amazingly well already. She had summer homework that she is just getting grades back on and so far has 50/50 on one and 99/100 on the other. I am continually amazed at her dedication to school and desire to succeed. Her personal goal is to attempt 4.0 all through high school to qualify for all kinds of scholarships. Her ultimate school choice is Notre Dame...so we'll see what lies ahead.

Very tired tonight and I also have a horrible headache. I got it last night and it just will not go away. I am pretty stuffed up so I think it's a sinus headache. Waiting for a last load of laundry and then off to bed.

Phil's Graduation

So Phillip graduated from college! Today his parents through a party for him and then we all went to the Universoul Circus together. It was such a fun day! It was good for Marlon to get out of the house. Yesterday he came down and visited at Grandma Calderon's with everyone and then we went to my parents to roast marshmallows and then today the party and circus...he is sleeping very soundly right now!!

Here are some pictures from today


Isaiah makes his rounds selling Pocket Peelers for his soccer fundraiser

Phil makes the boys work for his $10...lol


Handsome Phil gives his thanks to everyone who has impacted his life.

Hartford Tournament

Here are some fun pictures from the Hartford Tournament!


Always last minutes instructions before the game!

Doesn't warming up look fun!


U-11 SFIU Champs! Aug. 25-27 2006 Hartford Tournament

1st Day of School

First day of school! First day of school!! Woohooo!! (see Angi, someday you'll react like this...lol) I love the school year. Our family works and functions so much better during the school year. There's so much more structure, a set schedule we can have a rhythm of life to. This year Jordyn is in 10th grade. She has two AP (advanced placement) classes and an honors class. She is very excited and loves school. The boys are switching back to Heyer this year. White Rock had some amazing teachers, but overall too much bullying, chaos on the playground and racial remarks from other students. It's exciting that they get a fresh start. At the open house all of the teachers remembered the boys. (Well not Izzy has he started at White Rock) Izzy is a little nervous...he doesn't know as many people as the boys. However, cool thing...one of the teen MOPS girls has a son in his class. So that should be nice.

Also, my cousin's wedding is today. So my parents are picking me up from work and then we're heading to the east side.

Marlon continues to get stronger each day! Pray for his continued great recovery.

Have a great day! I'm off tgo go wake up the boys!