Breaking Holds, Breaking Boards

Tonight was an interesting prayer service, which involved a bit of foreshadowing.  During the prayer meeting, we were praying specifically for the young boys that come to our ministry, the ones that don't have father figures.  This was partly a result of a Wednesday night service where we had some issues with about four different boys, all with the same background described above.  The behavior issues were varied, but the end result was a moment for us to step back and see what more we can do for children in these situations.  Tonight's prayer was one thing, of course.  But our Heavenly Father can do so much, and we are believing that much will be done in the upcoming week at Summer Xtreme.  It will be very special.

This morning was another day of Rank Camp, one where Madison was breaking holds and breaking boards.  That pretty much sums up a lot of her time this week, although there have been some rapid strikes and combos as well.  But the ability she has to break out of holds is impressive... most impressive.  The boards she's breaking are color-coded to indicate difficulty, and the amount of force it takes to break them in two.  Madison is steadily, slowly climbing up in ranking there as well.  The colors almost match the same order that the belts come in.

We picked up Madison from camp, and then headed back home to grab a bite to eat there.  We're doing a bit of driving around this week, but that's the way these summer weeks go.  Madison is just loving this Rank Camp.  She was hesitant about it for the longest time, but I think when she heard one of her friends was going, she too decided to attend.  It may be because she doesn't want to fall behind anyone.  These Rank Camps are sneaky!  In just one week, you advance quite a bit!

We read tonight from "Science Fair," and met Mr. Sternabite for the first time.  He's a great character with a pretty funny intro in the book.  We read from our devotional tonight, and also said our prayers.

Today was the 75th anniversary of D-Day.  It is in fact a huge day.  We were watching the ceremonies this morning, the gathering of world leaders at the shores of Normandy, and most importantly, the gathering of surviving veterans who stormed these very beaches.  It was hard not to be teary-eyed as these elderly veterans stood up from their wheel chairs to salute the President, and salute the flag.  They've done so much through that war - it's incalculable.  We were glad to show Madison some of the ceremonies this morning, and talk about the importance of this day.  We were glad to know she already knew a bit about it.  But this morning's viewing really helped cement the importance of it all