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!

Peace...

Quite a bit has happened since I last wrote (which was only a few short days ago) Isaiah's soccer team U-11 SFIU took 1st place in the Hartford Tournament. They worked hard, but there really weren't a lot of teams on the same level as ours so they need to keep that in perspective and not think that league games will be the same ease. They are really gelling together nicely and working as a team. I was also impressed by our coaches. Isaiah told us after one of the games that the coaches told them to take it a little easy on the other team, also there was one boy on SFIU who had not yet gotten a goal (the only one on the team) so they told all of the boys to get it to this boy as often as possible to make sure that he got a goal before the day was over. I love knowing that while winning is important...having integrity and good sportsmanship is as well.

Monday I started school! It is going to be a ton of work/reading...but a ton of fun as well. The teacher is so incredibly knowledgable. He speaks about 8 languages including Arabic, Hebrew and Aramaic...so he KNOWS the bible. He knows truth in its authority and authenticity. I like that. Having the head knowledge to go along with what my heart and experience already knows to be true will be very wonderful!

Today was Marlon's surgery. It went great! He ended up in surgery for only about 45 minutes! He did have two hernias instead of one so the mesh repair that the surgeon did is bigger than he had anticipated. I am praying that his recovery will be smooth and that he will rest as long as he needs to and not try to push it too soon. God is so faithful and I continue to thank Him for all fo the blessings he bestows upon us. Seeing him being wheeled away I had a lump in my throat because I was nervous...but I knew that God had him and wasn't going to let anything happen to Him that wasn't in His plan. I just wanted to give him a humongous hug when they brought him back to the room! Thanks to everyone who prayed! We are grateful to have such faithful friends and family who love us!