As we prepare for the DI Regional Competition this Saturday, February 24, we would like to make you aware of the following pieces of information.
Listed below is the schedule for the Region One Competition, which will be held at Waterford Mott High School, which is located at 1151 Scott Lake Road in Waterford, MI.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
It was one of those phone calls that you dread receiving as a parent. Just the tearful tone of hearing "MOM?" when I answered the phone last week instantly told me there was a problem and her following statement of "I've made a huge mistake and I'm so scared" confirmed my mother's instinct.
Through the tears, she told me of her need to take a cab back to her school.
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10: 27 & 28
Over my 21 years of serving as principal, I have watched the concept of a "Snow Day" evolve throughout the years. In the beginning of my principal career, I would receive a phone call from the Walled Lake Bus Garage around 4:45 a.m. indicating that Walled Lake Public Schools were closing. This information would require me to contact every radio and television station, as well as the entire staff. Finally, when the last phone call was made, I was able to enjoy the best part of the process... sitting and watching our school name appear at the bottom of each television channel.
I love to laugh, and one of my favorite Christian comedians is a gentleman by the name of Michael Jr. However, recently Michael Jr. posted a video regarding the birth of his daughter that had a very deep and thought-provoking message.
As we began this week of thanking God for our school, we intentionally designed our celebration to start by focusing on our school motto, "Give Me Your Eyes". To accomplish this goal, we offered a "Family Mission Project" where families could come to school and work together to help those who are in need.
As a result, this building was buzzing with excitement last Sunday when 47 families gathered to assemble 400 lunches for the NOAH Project, a warming center for homeless people in Detroit.
On Monday, our 8th graders had the opportunity to travel to Central Methodist Church, the host site of the NOAH Project, and help distribute the lunches to its guests. Once the students arrived NOAH, they were put to work by packing additional snack bags and plating donated baked goods to accompany the lunches that we brought.
When the church opened its doors that morning to the community, our 8th graders had the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus by distributing lunches, serving beverages, and visiting with the guests.
"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto me." Matthew 25:40
"Give Us Your Eyes, Lord" and help us do something significant to help the homeless people in Detroit!
Sign up for Family Mission Project Ends this Friday!
Supervising the lunchroom for many years, I have learned a lot! I have been extremely impressed with how willing children are to eat the healthy foods packed in their lunches. I have learned about family favorite meals, such as "pizza casserole", "taco pie", and "slimy chicken". For the past two years, I have watched our current first graders demonstrate their promising culinary skills by making daily food "creations", such as pickles and cheese on top of applesauce, or potato salad smeared on pizza. However, there is nothing more exciting than a loving note found inside a lunchbox. Often, I am greeted by an excited child waving a piece of paper and proclaiming "look what I got!"
"He who watches over you will not slumber" Psalm 121:3
Do you know someone who can always experience and retell the most hilarious stores? I have been blessed with a few such entertaining people in my life. When I receive texts from them or there is a knock on my office door, I instantly smile because I know that I am in for a good laugh!
A few years ago, one of my very funny friends just happened to appear at my office door and his twinkling eyes were already indicating that he had a great story to share.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights." James 1:19
If I were to ask you what was one of your favorite Christmas gifts, how would you answer? Maybe it was your first bike, or a favorite doll, or the classic Red Ryder BB gun?
Looking back, I have received so many wonderful presents, but last year, I was given an extremely special gift when I unwrapped this one from my son and daughter- in -law:
"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto Me." Matthew 25:40
Bella Raffin is an eight year old little girl and dear family friend of the Rancour family. In July, her parents took her to the doctor for what they thought was a lower back injury from gymnastics. On July 28, 2017, Bella was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, Stage 4 cancer. Since then, Bella and her family have been in an aggressive battle with this disease, trusting and knowing that the Lord is always with them.
Last week, Bella had surgery to remove the tumor and will continue with her sixth cycle of chemotherapy. This week,
"Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart as working for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23
Many young boys have dreams of playing for their hometown team in the National Hockey League. Well, for David Booth, grandson of one of our St. Matthew congregational members, Mr. John Booth, after a journey of hard work, perseverance, and waiting, the Lord blessed this dream and made it a reality this year!
Growing up, David attended Peace Shelby Twp. Lutheran School from Kindergarten through Grade 8 and started playing hockey at a young age. After four successful seasons at Michigan State, the Lord continued to open numerous doors for David in the NHL and Russia Hockey League. Yet in one interview, David confessed that ever since he was able to lace up his skates, his dream was to play for the Detroit Red Wings.