3 words

So, the bully strikes again....only this time he brought my hubby into it (via email and some not so great word choices), and that is just not good. So, I decided that he needs some advice! And, I feel the need to give him some----all with three words!

1. Get a job!
2. Get a hobby
3. stop smoking weed
4. leave us alone
5. buy a dictionary

Now, originally I had about 10 pieces of advice to give him, but some late-breaking developments have caused me to shorten the list. Read the last one carefully, and see if you can figure it out.....it's a funny!

#6-10:  orange jumpsuits are not a good look for anyone

bullying

bullying.....it's becoming or actually, has already become, a buzzword in the media and at schools. All one has to do is just mention that their child is being bullying and everyone stands to attention. Now, nobody wants any child to be picked on, mind you.....especially not me, but a lot of times the one crying foul is the one who instigates the trouble!

We've all encountered bullies......at school, at work, at church, in the store.....they're everywhere. They want their way, RIGHT NOW, and they try to intimidate those around them to get it. They all share one common trait, though, and that is they generally back down when confronted.

In our lives, right now, we have a bully in our midst. He wants what he wants and doesn't care who he hurts in the process. Unfortunately, he's hurt a lot of people, most of them kids....even his own.....with his intimidation tactics and unwillingness to try to cooperate. It's really a shame.

We've tried praying for him, being nice to him, and trying to rationalize with him to no avail. We are at our wits end. There seems to be no easy way to deal with him, and the sad thing is that "bullying" is the word he started crying when he set out on this path of destruction. His kid was being "bullied". HA!

I am not a patient person, and my patience has run out. So, my question is....how can we avoid destructive speech and how can we work together to ward off those who want to tear apart a group? I went to the Bible to look for answers, and this is what I found:

• In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Ps. 143:12
• But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matt. 5:44
• "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Luke 6:27
• But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35

 Now, let me tell ya! When I read that first verse, I thought, Yeah! destroy him!! BUT, then I read the rest of the verses and especially the last part of Luke 6:35 which truly spoke to me. Jesus Christ is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. We can't stop praying and loving just because this guy doesn't take to our ideas. I can't expect my son who has been hurt throughout this process to love this kid if I don't love his father (and right now, I'm still working on it!).

Oh...even after reading and contemplating, I am still angry. I will have to allow the Lord to take the anger from me.....but I won't stop praying for this guy and his family (who probably need our prayers) just because he continues on his path of destruction. I've said all year that I'd love to see a miracle happen and this family come to know the ONE TRUE GOD. But, how will they ever, if we don't show them?

Funny how I started this post expecting it to be a complete rant about someone who makes me ANGRY....and am ending it no longer that upset. God sees the future. He knows what is best for Luke and his musical conquests....so I know that if Steve and I continue to seek the face of God in this matter, that He will guide us through. One man, especially not a servant of Satan (because if we are not for God, we are against Him), can come between God's plan and His people. And, if you don't believe me just ask Pilate or Pharaoh!

our parade

Steve calls these guys "the little band that did" because we did make it to state and then we did come in 7th amongst 55 others in our class and now because we did make it to Epcot to march in a parade. The are now honorary Disney cast members....and they got swag for their efforts. A cool bag that can only be gotten if you perform there, an "oscar" featuring Mickey, and a pin for their lanyards or to put on their bag--a nice pin, too. We are so proud of them and all that they accomplished this year.

faces of joy

They started working last Spring. They marched and trudged through the horrid South Carolina heat. They practiced until their cheeks were soar. They suffered through sleep-deprivation, late nights, and traveling every weekend. And do you know what? It was ALL worth it last Saturday.

Because, that's right folks! The little band that could is the the little band that CAN! Out of 52 1A high schools in the state of South Carolina, the smallest competing marching band also known as the North Central Marching Knights is 7th......and we couldn't be happier, or prouder!

the little band that could

This awesome group of kids......

Qualified to go to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Go,,,,,,KNIGHTS!!

today's a big day

Today, our little band will try to qualify to go to the State band championship. We have to be in the top 6 in our division to get there. The kids have worked their tails off, and we are so proud of them, that I just want them to make it so bad!

People don't really understand the sacrifice it takes to commit to the marching band. They put in more hours than the football team during the season, because not only do they practice the same amount of time each day, play at the games on Fridays, they also give up about 5 Saturdays to compete.

So, Marching Knights, get out their and give it your all......you deserve this!

Socastee competition

WE MAY BE SMALL, BUT WE ARE LOUD AND PROUD!!

NORTH CENTRAL MARCHING KNIGHTS BAND

band

You guys know that when it comes to posting pictures, and especially videos that blogger hates me. So, I will instead direct you here to hear Luke's band at the Homecoming game--which wasn't much of a game, but the band was good!

the last middle school band concert

for Luke, that is. I am so proud of him! He has played the sax for the past three years. He's pretty good, too..............remember that band award?? Well, he has now decided that he also wants to play the trumpet and started his lessons with that last Monday. Here's a few pics, and if you go to Steve's blog, you can see a short video. If you look really closely you can see him in this first picture in front of the tubas.

band

This is a picture of the band, but I don't even see Luke in it! Taken with Steve's phone...my new camera has not yet arrived!
Luke is in the middle school band. He plays the saxophone, and we love listening to him. We love the band, and can't wait for those Saturdays next Fall and Friday nights when he is in high school in the marching band. Although, it will be much different from our previous experience with Stevie where the band was large, as NCHS has about 15 members! They do go to competitions and they actually placed second a couple of weeks ago. So, while we wait for that, we had the opportunity to hear the pep band for the middle school play at the JV football game last Thursday. They were actually good, and we enjoyed it. I really wish their band teacher instilled a little more confidence in them or maybe she needs more confidence in herself, because I'd love to hear them more often. Ahhh....Fall, there's just so much to love about it, and this is just one more thing!