Not too long ago I asked my three sons separately what they thought MY number one goal in life was for them. If you think about it, this is a scary question to ask young people. They are brutally honest. Their answers could quite possibly reveal where we spend all of our money, time and energy as a family, whether intended or not. Could it be that we (my husband and I) have stressed the importance of good grades over anything else? Could it be that we’ve placed such a high emphasis on sports that they walk away thinking that we expect future professional athletes? Could it even be that we value relationships with others so much that their social life reigns supreme? I truly didn’t know what my kids would say. But I did know that I really wanted to check myself and my parenting to make sure I was communicating to them (with my words, resources AND actions) what my deepest desire for their lives was – to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
To be a part of Armour Up the past 5 years has truly been the most humbling and rewarding experience. I’ve seen God bring people together in a way that highlights each of their gifts and talents like I’ve never seen before. I’ve seen Him orchestrate relationships and opportunities that are completely unexplainable to the human mind. And I’ve seen a collection of little souls be introduced to His unconditional love in an exciting and energetic way.
These little souls.
All 600 of them.
What a gift.
THIS is my goal/desire for my children. For them to be able to experience the gifts and the joy that are present when we follow His plan. And then to experience the mercy and grace He offers when we don’t. Not only so we can simply receive it ourselves, but also know how to extend it to others. THIS is our prayer, at Armour Up, for all of your children as well. None of us are perfect. We make mistakes daily. And so do they. Here at AU, we put grasping the concept of grace and unconditional love in the WIN column. We hope we have consistently communicated this idea to them this summer.
Thank YOU for participating in this ministry and for supporting us week after week with what we do. We truly couldn’t do this without your encouragement and without you sharing your kids with us!
As for my kids’ answers? I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours! 🙂
Last night was truly spectacular!!! Will and Nathan brought their Sunday best and hit simultaneous home runs. The energy level in the room was parallel to a T Swift concert, and fun was had by all (although Will might have had more fun if Taylor had actually been there in person). Even the kids didn’t ‘shake it off’ but instead said THANK YOU in a big way for all these guys have done.
Will discussed the 4 main points he would love to see your kids concentrate on this school year.
He also took a poll on what would be the best name for a fantasy football team, which I’m pretty sure doesn’t fit into any of the aforementioned categories. But while we’re here…which would you pick?
Brady Gaga
Final Dez-tination.
You Winston…you lose some.
Yep, gospel centered.
He also passed out a bookmark that has a guide to learning how to read the Bible. Download this image for your own personal use or to go through it with your child.
A few reminders as we head into the school year:
Get plugged in – we have a list of opportunities throughout the community for your kids to get involved in a bible study. Please click AU Newsletter 8.19.15 to download our newsletter which has dates/times/locations of fall programs listed (PCBC, HPUMC, St. Michaels, Klife, Ozone, HPPC, PCPC, Watermark and more).
Will Washington will be hosting 56 Night at PCBC this Friday, Aug 21st, from 6-9pm. Please register your child if interested (5th/6th graders only). Click here for more details (scroll to the bottom of page).
Join us for an AU Mom’s Night Out Sept 10th at 7pm to hear Melanie Shankle (aka Big Mama) @ Northwest Bible Church – Theater Room. Click here for tickets (only $30!!).
Tim Hawkins concert tickets still on sale – you DO NOT want to miss this!!! Family friendly entertainment that is one of the best nights you’ll have together guaranteed! Click here for tickets (this concert WILL sell out).
A huge thank you to the following:
Our AU committee families: Catherine & Tom Sharpe, Stephanie & Phillip Linder, Worthey & Courtney Wiles, Casey & Darren Schuhmacher, Paige & Richard Sowden, Kathy & Damon Parkhurst, Julie & Kevin Lippman, Heather & Frankie Basso, Laura & Ryan Thornton, Deedee & Brad Selner, Amy & Bryce Benson, Michelle & Eric Horan, Melanie & Paul Jackson, Lanier & Ken Monk, Lindsay & Matt McMahon, Rebecca & Scott Whitaker, Heidi & Greg Parker, Michelle & David Peck, Becky & Scott Sherwood, Erin & Mac Duncan, Marcy & Chip Simmons
Our fearless leaders: Will Washington & Nathan Harvey
Our support team: Sal Rivas, Rony Rivas, Camron Price, Andrew Norris & Brandon Baker
Our High School Squad: Caroline Lippman, Riley Loter, Alex Moock, Nathan Holden, Matthew McBrayer, Jackson Hubbard, Will Whitlock, Adam Mitchell, Matthew Scott, Jack Fain, Cooper Marchetto and others
Our guest speakers: Cooper Wagner, Elton McIntosh, Tristan Weber, Zach Salter, Jake Howell & John Hinton
Our host churches: PCBC & HPUMC
Our volunteer parents: Too many to name, but THANK YOU for your service!!!
Our Food Providers: The Bohner Family, The Garberding Family, The Ferem Family, The Puckett Family, The Clark Family, The Tanner Family, The Hillesheim Family, The Schreyer Family, The Silva Family and the Lawrence Family.
Our Newsletter Providers: Meg Beaird with Allie Beth Allman, The Class of 2021 Boy Moms Prayer Group, Grandma & Grandpa Peck, HP Iron Sharpens Iron, Dallas Pain Consultants, The Covenant School Families, Friends of Armour UP, Providence Lane Window Coverings, Finley Shirts, Rosewood Resources & Hillcrest Chick Fil A.
It most definitely takes a village to run this machine. So thank you.
We will be praying for your kids and your families as you head into the new school year. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or your kids just miss Will. Email us at info@armourupdallas.com.
Until we meet again…God bless you all.
THE AU TEAM
PS: Just kidding, Camron…you’re way cooler than Vanilla Ice.
