David Van Wagenen

Today is December 1^st, and Christmas will be here before you know it. The weather is absolutely gorgeous, and I hope everyone has been enjoying it.

There are no major events going on right now as we head into the holidays. I do want to remind everyone that we will have another soccer season starting in February, with baseball season soon following in April. We are in the process of making flyers and registration forms to handout to the West Dallas community. These will be distributed in the near future once we get closer to the season. If you have any questions regarding athletics or anything else related to Mercy Street, feel free to check the blog or call either of the numbers listed on the website. Mercy Street wishes everybody a wonderful and safe weekend!

Sports Article of the Day: http://insider.espn.go.com/college-football/story?id=7301662&_slug_=how-georgia-bulldogs-beat-lsu-tigers-sec-championship-game-cfb&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fcollege-football%2fstory%3fid%3d7301662%26_slug_%3dhow-georgia-bulldogs-beat-lsu-tigers-sec-championship-game-cfb

Philippians 3:13-14 "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I hope everyone enjoyed the time off with their family and friends. It’s a perfect fall day outside, and I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy it.

We do not have any big events coming up before the Christmas holidays, but I wanted to mention a few things. The Mercy Street staff will have a Christmas party hosted at the Hill residence. It will be a lot of fun, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there. Also, the staff will be off for the holidays from December 19 through January 2. If there are any announcements that come up during the week or important news events to share, we will certainly do so. Have a wonderful day and don’t forget your jacket!

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-free-agents-111128/what-top-nba-free-agents-really-worth

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 "You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a rown that will last forever. I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others."

David Van Wagenen

Hello everyone. I hope everyone had a good weekend, even with the rainy weather. Thanksgiving is a few days away and time is running out to get your turkey!

I want to let everybody know that Mercy Street will be taking off tomorrow and through the remainder of the week and weekend for the Thanksgiving holidays. We will return a week from today, on November 28^th. I also want to thank everybody that was involved in the luncheon on Wednesday as well as the potluck on Saturday. You helped make both events great for the kids and parents. Everything went well and we are excited to make next year’s even better. Mercy Street wishes all of you a safe and fun Thanksgiving!

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/7254456/dallas-mavericks-dirk-nowitzki-find-overseas-team-soon

Proverbs 25:27 “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.” 

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. We held our annual luncheon/fundraiser yesterday afternoon and the weather was perfect. We had our largest crowd to date and were really encouraged by all the people that came. I want to say thank you to Bubbas for catering the wonderful food and all the people that helped to make this event a great success.

The weekend is almost here, and we have a big event in just two days. Our annual potluck will be held outside at Mercy Street in the back by the basketball court. We will provide lots of food, but we also encourage people to bring food as well. We expect a big turnout and are excited about the event. The event will start at 10:00 A.M. and will end at 2:00 P.M. We will be grilling hot dogs, playing games and taking family portraits. We will also have a chili and pie contest as well as horseback rides and karaoke. We encourage everyone to come even if it is only for a short period of time, and invite anyone you think might be interested in attending.

Thanks again for everyone who helped make the fundraiser a success. These types of events are vital to Mercy Street and the goals we are trying to achieve. We are so grateful for the support from the community!

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7227081/shaquille-oneal-holds-little-back-new-book

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon. I hope everybody is doing well.

With soccer season over and the holidays around the corner, we will be transitioning to baseball in the near future. Remember the season starts towards the end of March and will be hosting tryouts and a draft a month or so before we officially begin.

We have a few events going on at Mercy Street this week. There will be a luncheon/fundraiser on Wednesday. Lunch will be provided. We will inform potential donors and members of the greater Dallas community about what Mercy Street is made of, and we will describe to them our goals that we seek to accomplish in West Dallas. It should be a fun and insightful event, and we encourage you, as representatives of the West Dallas community, to participate.

   

This Saturday will feature a community potluck where we will have food and games for the kids. There will also be an area for pictures and activities for adults as well. We had a great turnout last year and expect even more people this year. We will keep you updated and provide any additional information as it becomes available.

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7234180/nba-lockout-players-not-accept-deal-seek-decertify-billy-hunter-says

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

David Van Wagenen

Hey everyone. I hope we all had a good weekend and enjoyed the exciting soccer games that took place a few days ago. The fields were a little damp but that did not deter the kids from having a good time and trying their best. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for all the kids and parents and they seemed to really enjoy it. Surveys were also collected that had been passed out in previous practices and games and received important feedback. We will look at the results and improve as best we can.

Individual and team pictures were supposed to be given out last weekend but the photographer is behind schedule. We are currently coordinating with the Lakewest YMCA to see if we can have the parents pick the pictures up at the YMCA or have the parents come to Mercy Street at a certain time and day. We will keep you posted on the situation and hope to have a decision soon.

Baseball season is approaching and we still need coaches and umpires. If you know anyone that would be willing to help or would like to help yourself, please let us know. Tryouts will be held in February and the draft will follow in March. The season will officially start in late March or early April so get excited for a fun baseball season ahead.

Sports Article of The Day:

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7204688/nba-players-union-consensus-unlikely-owners-offer-source-says

Philippians 3:12-14 
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. I wanted to check in one last time before the big day tomorrow. We have some exciting match-ups that will be played and look forward to seeing the fields full of people. Make sure you get enough rest tonight so you can play to your full potential and bring a jacket or coat because the morning will be cold. Remember we will have food and drinks for sale, so bring some extra cash, and medals will be given out after the games are over.

I had the privilege to accompany Daniel and Lee to C.F. Carver Elementary today to hear Johnny Harris speak to the kids. He talked about his life as an NFL football player, describing ways he dealt with different situations leading up his career in professional football. He also talked about how everybody needs a backup plan, even professional athletes, and stressed how education can lead to different opportunities in life. I was really impressed with his message, and hope we can bring in other influential people to speak to the kids in the future.

Thanks to everyone who helps Mercy Street and the West Dallas community. Have a safe and wonderful weekend and we look forward to a fun-filled day tomorrow.

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/1stand10-11week9/biggest-nfl-games-week-9-john-clayton

Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

David Van Wagenen

Hey everyone. The weather has been changing and it is getting colder day by day. The forecast for this weekend will be in the mid 60’s so make sure you bring a coat of some sort. We don’t want any kids or parents feeling ill because of the current weather changes going on.

Congratulations to all the teams in the 4 and under division as their season finished last weekend. It was a joy to watch our youngest kids learn the game of soccer, and we are excited to see them back next year. The rest of the age divisions finish their season this upcoming weekend. The 6 and under division has 1 final game while the rest of the age groups will have their playoff games and a champion will be crowned from each age group. We will be grilling hot dogs and serving refreshments throughout the games, so bring cash if you want to eat or drink.

This soccer season has been a great success and we are so fortunate to have awesome kids and great parents helping make this possible!

Sports Article of the Day: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=111103/LesMiles

Mark 8:34-38 “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.’”

David Van Wagenen

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween night last night. The weather was perfect for trick-or-treating, and I hope you all were able to take your kids around the neighborhood to get some goodies!

We will focus on shooting today in practice, emphasizing shooting while running, as well as stopping the ball and then shooting. This is an area where the kids should focus their practice leading up to this weekend. We will be serving grilled hotdogs at the conclusion of the games this weekend, and we’ll hand out trophies and crown the champions. It will be a longer Saturday on the fields than normal, so please prepare accordingly. The weather might make Saturday morning a bit chilly, so please send a few extra layers with the kids so they are comfortable throughout the day.

We are excited to see everyone tonight and can’t wait for our last fun weekend of soccer!

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/columnist/carlisle_jeff/id/7174635/mls-playoffs-five-thoughts-action-far-jeff-carlisle

2 Timothy 2:5 “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.”

David Van Wagenen

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the great weather. This is the final week of soccer season and the playoffs will be held this upcoming weekend. Teams are starting to separate themselves from one another, and we are excited to see who comes out to be the leader of the pack.

We will also be handing out another survey at practice tomorrow in case some of you did not receive one at practice. Please fill it out and return it to us at the games this weekend. It will help us greatly in figuring out how to improve the soccer league and improve as coaches. Remember, we have practice tomorrow evening at the soccer fields across from the Lakewest YMCA, and it will be the final practice of the soccer season.

We cannot express how grateful we are to all the parents and kids for making this soccer season so fun and exciting. Thank you again for all your hard work.

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7153136/nba-lockout-david-stern-announces-more-game-cancellations

Philippians 3:12-14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

David Van Wagenen

We held our second to last soccer practice earlier this week and it went great. The kids went through some new passing drills and responded well. The drills consisted of setting up cones in a line and having the kids weave in and out with the ball. We wanted them to try to dribble and maintain speed at the same time to try to simulate being in a game-type situation.

We have a big line up of games this weekend so be prepared to cheer on the kids to victory. The kids have been giving great effort and are motivated to finish strong. The season is coming to a close quickly and these last couple of games will determine the seeding for the playoffs. Keep up the good work kids and parents!

Some parents asked about the team and individual pictures this past Tuesday. We will have an update at the games this Saturday regarding pictures and how you go about picking them up. Also, don’t forget to fill out the survey we handed out at practice earlier this week and bring your completed form to the games this weekend. Your input is very important. Thanks again for everyone who has helped make this soccer season so fun and exciting!

GO RANGERS!

Sports Article of the Day: http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/7154160/2011-world-series-no-reason-second-guess-texas-rangers-manager-ron-washington

2 Samuel 23:12 “But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.”

Just Checking In

Hey Everybody,

       Just thought I would check in with the people an the community that make our sports program the wonderful program it is. I hope this soccer season has been a great experience for you all an hope an pray it will be 10 times better than what your experiencing now. We have had some ups an some downs this year but its nothing that cant be ironed out an that prayer cant take care of. Just remember that.....Jesus loves the children, an I see the children having the time of there lives out at the soccer fields!!!! Lee an I our learning how to run an organized sports program on a dime, so please bear with us as we learn more about familys,kids,coachs, etc. We are trying are very best to cater to all an make everyone happy. As we learn more an we pray for everything an anything to make it better for you all, please feel free to pray for us too!!!On that note I will let you attend to your daily work an keep you updated in the future about  BASEBALL, it is around the corner.

DANIEL ESCALANTE

David Van Wagenen

We are anticipating an exciting practice this evening as our coaching instructor will be back after being absent last week. He will have new passing drills to teach the kids and will reinforce some of the techniques we went over last week.

We held our team and individual photograph session last weekend at the YMCA across from the soccer fields. Everything went well, and I believe the kids and parents enjoyed the process. We want to thank everyone who helped out with the pictures. Everyone’s hard work helped make the weekend a success.

We will be handing out a survey at the end of practice tonight, in an effort to get feedback on how you think the coaches did, as well as how you think the soccer league was run in general. Please fill it out and bring the completed survey to the games this weekend. This survey is very important because it will help us evaluate areas where improvement is needed and help make next soccer season even better. This soccer season has been great but feel that we should always be looking for ways to improve, and this survey is a primary tool we use to gain feedback.

Thanks again to everyone for their hard work, and we look forward to seeing the kids on the practice fields tonight!

Sports Article of the Day: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-brown_world_series_game_five_rangers_102411

GO RANGERS!

1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. We had a fantastic weekend of soccer this past Saturday and enjoyed the cool weather outside. There were some exciting matches played and the kids, and parents were in great cheering spirits.

Remember, you can go to www.quickscores.com/mercystreetdallas to check out your teams’ scores, standings and schedules. We typically upload the most recent scores by the following week, and we hope to have this past weekend’s results posted soon!

We have only two weeks left of soccer as of today, so kids, make sure you focus on what the coaches teach you in practice and try to use it on the field as the season winds down. Raffle tickets have been flying out the door so make sure you get a couple so you can win the new soccer ball we are giving away at the end of the season.

We are always looking for coaches and referees, so if you would like to help, or know someone that would be willing to help, please let us know.

Thanks again for all the support by the parents and hard work put in by the kids. You can really see a difference since the season started, and I am excited about the future for these Mercy Street soccer stars!

Sports Article of the Day: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=sh-henson_world_series_game_four_holland_102311

GO RANGERS!

Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. We were excited to see all of the kids at practice this week. We started practice by focusing on shooting while running, as well as play in some one-on-one matchups. This allowed the coaches to show the kids different techniques while playing defense, and the lessons helped them sharpen their skills…after all, defense is the most important part of the game!

The weather is finally starting to cool down, and we even got some rain a few nights ago. Make sure you still send water with your kids and maybe even have them bring a light jacket to the games this weekend. The wind is making it feel a lot cooler than it is.

This the first year we’ve had a concession stand at the soccer games and sales have been better than expected. It helps Mercy Street, and the kids and parents seem to be really enjoying it as well.

Please continue to support and encourage our soccer superstars!

Proverbs 13:4 “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”

David Van Wagenen

This past weekend provided the most exciting action yet on the soccer fields. The kids worked really hard to put the new techniques they have learned in practice into action. The progress they’ve made has been remarkable.  I can see major improvements in their ball-handling skills, as well as passing. The younger age groups have been great about not using their hands. I’m so proud! We have been stressing teamwork and passing because often times they get caught looking down. It’s hard to learn to trust your feet when dribbling. As always, I am excited for practice tomorrow and am looking forward to running some new drills that focus on teamwork!

November 5^th marks the last day of soccer games. We’ll have playoff games and after the games are over, we’ll have a fun, end-of-season party where we’ll crown the champions and hand out trophies.

Keep up the hard work parents and players as you have made this soccer season a huge success thus far. We are looking forward to some exciting final games in the next few weeks!

Matthew 17:20 “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

David Van Wagenen

I hope everybody has practiced at home and is preparing for a fun-filled weekend of soccer games. The games count more and more as we get into the second half of the season so kids, think about what the coaches have taught you in practice and try to bring those skills onto the field this weekend. I am excited to see the kids show off the skills they have learned thus far, and am so proud of the kids for working so hard to improve. They really are an inspiration to coach!

I want to mention that baseball season will be starting in March and we will start accepting registration forms towards the end of February. Baseball was a big success last year and think we will have an even bigger turnout this year. We will also assemble an all-star team and will pick the members toward the end of the baseball season.

Speaking of baseball, GO RANGERS! We hope you all are enjoying watching and cheering on the Rangers as they finish up this weekend in the ALCS. Keep your fingers crossed for a win on Saturday!

Keep up the hard work and practice as much as you can. We look forward to seeing everybody at the soccer fields tomorrow. Happy Friday!

Romans 15:1-2 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

David Van Wagenen

We had our best soccer practice yet earlier this week. The kids loved the new drills and really improved on passing and ball control skills. For one of our drills, we lined up 4 cones and the kids dribbled the balls around each cone, there and back. This drill is a great tool to help soccer players improve their agility on the field, and is an easy drill to practice at home too. Encourage your kids to practice dribbling around various objects in the yard, no cones necessary!  Even an extra hour a week can really help to improve their accuracy and nimbleness during our games.

Additionally, we had the kids play one-on-one matches, also to help them improve ball control, but this time, against an opponent. We are encouraging our teams to pass the ball to one another more often so they are forced to look up and dribble at the same time. Learning to rely on their teammates also promotes teamwork, a very important, but often forgotten skill in soccer.

We had our biggest interest yet for raffle tickets during this past weekend’s games, so make sure you get one before time runs out! We have a full line-up of games this weekend, so be prepared to cheer loudly for our soccer superstars! The gorgeous fall weather is sticking around this weekend. Come out and enjoy it!

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

David Van Wagenen

Hello team members and parents. The soccer season has been flying by and I can’t believe we are already halfway through the season. I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful weekend. We are thankful for getting some much needed rain in Dallas and fortunately for the kids, it came after a competitive round of soccer games on Saturday. The kids played hard and were flying around the field all morning long. Thank you parents for your tremendous support as you have kept the kids motivated and having fun. We love how enthusiastic our parents, grandparents, friends and family have been on the sidelines each game. You all are an inspiration to us as coaches, and we appreciate your enthusiasm, as I’m sure do the kids. Keep it up!

Please remember to get your name in the drawing for an awesome soccer ball that one lucky person will win at the end of the season. At $1 a pop for a raffle ticket, you won’t find a better deal on a brand new soccer ball! 

We are looking forward to practice today, and we have some challenging drills planned to test the kids’ skills. Keep up the energy and good work parents and players! We can’t wait for a fun practice today. With sun and a high of 84°, it doesn’t get much better than this! See you all at the soccer fields tonight.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. “

David Van Wagenen

Good morning and what a wonderful day outside! The weather here in Dallas has been absolutely perfect and the kids are having a blast getting outdoors for some soccer. We had a great practice yesterday and the fields were packed once again. We ran some new drills that tested dribbling skills and ball control. The kids did a great job and are really trying hard to improve in practice. Their efforts are translating onto the field during our games, and as coaches, it is so rewarding to see this hard work pay off. Keep encouraging your kids to practice, practice, practice!

Remember to buy a raffle ticket for the new soccer ball that will be given away at the end of the season. Tickets are going fast, and will continue to be sold during the weekend games. At just $1 each, you don’t want to miss out on the possibility of winning a new soccer ball!

The weather forecast continues to look good for this weekend, and we are expecting a huge turnout for the games. If you have any questions regarding your child’s game time, you can go to www.quickscores.com/mercystreetdallas to view the schedules. We look forward to seeing everybody out there this weekend and we wish the best of luck to the teams. Congratulations to all of the kids for their teamwork and dedication.

PROVERBS 12:14 “From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.”  

Mercy Street Sports

Hey Everyone, Hope you all are doing fine! Just thought I would give you the weekly up date about the soccer program. As some of you knew some did not know that our coach for the Longhorns( James Wayne) son was not doing well an was in a coma last week. Well we have good news, he is awake an doing fine an James is in very good spirits. We had a small incident this past week at the fields Saturday, an I don't want to go in to detail about, but do want to say, Us as parents need to not worry about the small things that go on during a soccer game or any youth game, lets just thank the LORD that our child or children can have fun an play a sport. Its fine to cheer an get excited about them but always cheer them on in a loving way win or lose, good or bad, they are trying there little hearts out.

 As far as the league its self, we are doing fine an I see the crowds getting excited an amped up like I never seen before. I heard one parent tell a staff member of ours that they use to play an J.C. Zargoza in Ledbetter an that it was boring ,an over here with Mercy Street/YMCA that its krunck an hype.... For some that don't know krunck means like over,over, over the top exciting!!!!! So that made me feel real good about the program. Well I could sit here for days an write but I won't so KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYBODY AN THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP AN SUPPORT! Have a blessed day, Daniel E.

David Van Wagenen

Good afternoon everyone. We are three weeks into the soccer season and have had an overwhelming response from the kids and parents in the West Dallas Community. The kids are starting to grasp some different soccer techniques and concepts that the coaches teach during practice. They are greatly improving week-by-week. The weekend games have been very competitive and exciting to watch, with many coming down to the final minute of regulation. The sidelines have been packed for the games, and we truly appreciate all of the time and effort from the parents to help make this experience fun for the kids.

Starting this past weekend and continuing throughout the season, we are selling raffle tickets for a brand new soccer ball. Tickets are $1 each, and we will draw the winning raffle ticket at the end of the season.

We have a big week ahead and look forward to seeing you all out on the fields. Thanks again to all the coaches and parents…this would not be possible without your help!

PSALM 105:4 “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

soccer,soccer,soccer!!!!

Hey everybody, this weeks (9-27-11) soccer clinic went well as planed, I know it seems like I say that every time I post but honestly its running an going well ( thats not Daniel & Lee's doing...... that's the Lord Jesus Christ doing!!!!!!!!). We had about 60 or so kids show up an participate an just have a good time learning about soccer. I am very excited an happy that we can give our kids of West Dallas something positive to look forward to after they leave school. Some of the kids in our soccer program have never even had the opportunity to kick a soccer ball, so for them its like a dream come true to them. So that being said I would like to thank THE LORD first an foremost for putting me in this situation, I also would like to thank the volunteer coach's, an last but not least I wanna thank the parents. This is going to be a very exciting soccer year, so keep up the good work everybody an thanks for everything. JOHN 14:16  Jesus said to Him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

Daniel E.

Wonderfull Saturday again

This Saturday(9-24-11) was a great an woderfull turnout once again, there was the 4U team playing an have fun not even knowing what goal to score in but they scored anyways, our 6U division was having a blast an parents were getting so execited I was getting excited too.Then our 8U division was looking good an doing what they were taught at the clinics plus what ther coach"s have been going over with them... Coach's I can see the improvements just in a week. An the 10U division was so pumped up with Team Walker an Team Longhorns going at it, not sure if thers a rivary allready but its a nice friedly rivary.LOL. An last but not least our 12U teams traveled to the Mooreland YMCA an played over on there fields, it was very competive games, at one point in the game we scored a great goal an Lee had to stop me from running on the field an getting so pumped an excited!!!! That being said I went home an sat down an rested an just said to myself..... Those kids were happy an having fun an thats why Lee an I do what we do. It was a great feeling! I LOVE WHAT I DO AN WHY I DO IT!!!!!! Daniel

Great soccer clinic yesterday

I just want to thank everybody that helped out at the soccer clinic yesterday(9-20-11),it ran smooth an well. I would like to invite all the coaches out on a weekly basis to interact with our lovely kids of West Dallas. I also would like to thank all volunteers an parents for signing up with Mercy Street Sports. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!! Thanks from Daniel. 

New Soccer Website

Go to our new website to print off game schedules, final scores, and highlights go to quickscores.com/mercystreetdallas.

Devotional For the day

(2) E.D.I.T. (Erasing Destructive Inappropriate Trash)

Have you ever had a paper handed back from a teacher that was covered in red ink with the word 'edit' written across the front page? We immediately become frustrated because we spent so much time on the paper as it was and now the teacher wants us to go back and fix our mistakes. Our lives can become very similar. We think we are doing great and then God reveals to us another sin in our life that we need to edit. At times it can be a painful and frustrating process to say the least. Although if we are obedient enough to continually edit our lives and to get rid of things that are destructive or inappropriate when we die and we hand God our report card He'll be able to look at us and say, “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!” What will he say to you? Remember life is a never ending editing process. If we are not editing something in our lives right now than the chances are that we aren't walking in tune with God. “God I pray that You would forgive and erase all of our sins, Father reveal the sins to us that we are too blind to see. In Jesus name, Amen.”

1 Timothy 4:16 "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Soccer Clinic

Yesterday was an amazing day, there was about 80 to 90 kids learning soccer skills from our Mercy Street coaches and ex-pro soccer play Danny Dapaah and wife Hannah. The kids learned drills on how to dribble, and score goals. The kids had a scrimmage and build relationships with kids from different schools in the West Dallas neighborhood.  

Devotional for the day

Remembering the day of 9-11. It was a sad and tragic day losing the lives of many at the Twin Towers in New York City. I remember going into the cafeteria on my college campus looking at the television hearing and seeing people crying in the background. As the reporter on the news station reported that two planes where high jacked and had crashed into the twin towers killing many people. Standing there in shock a professor made an announcement stating that we need to pray. So, everyone gathered in the cafeteria for prayer. We prayed for the families, the people of New York, the government, and those who were in the planes as well as those who were in the buildings. I remembered someone praying for God to keep us (the USA) under his protection, not to remove his hand of protection from the US, knowing that when God is in control and protecting you,  He will bless you and NO One can hurt you. Some great scriptures to look at in Genesis chapter 37 to chapter 48, talking about the life of Joseph, Jacob's son. As a boy Joseph was loved by his father  more than his other brothers, and he was giving a dream by God. When he told his brothers his dream they hated him and plotted to harm him. Joseph brothers sold him into slavery and lied to his father that he died, "Not" knowing God was protecting him. Joseph had being in slaved, and imprisoned but the Lord God was always with him and blessed him with favor in the sight of men. Joseph, ended up ruling over all of Egypt next to Pharaoh, having the opportunity to save his family life during a 7 year famine. God brought restoration between Joseph and his family and blessed them. So, as we remember 9-11, let's pray to the Lord God to cover us with His hand of protection, that we personally and the United States of America will experience life and freedom to the fullest.

The Rap Up: We as human being are here to bring God glory, through our relationship with Him. We must get to know Him by reading the Bible, praying, meditating on the scriptures, and worshiping God in praise and worship. Let your light so shine that God may receive the glory.        

Soccer Kickoff Party

Thank you, everyone for attending and making the soccer kickoff party a(n) success. Prizes were handed out, the food was delicious, and the games were fun. The highlight of the day was seeing all the adults run the challenge course. One of my favorite runners was Mr. Jerry Wagner, Mercy Street own high school mentor coordinator who took off like a flash of lighting and hit hard like a rock, but rolled over to run through a hurdle to almost win. Some people may say, he left it all on the field, leaving nothing behind. Thank you parents, kids, YMCA staff, and Mercy street staff for helping. Jamonica Washington from the Lakewest YMCA held it down.  

Soccer Party Tomorrow!

Come on out tomorrow from 9am - 1pm to the front of  The Lakewest YMCA.  We'll have hot dogs, music, games, bounce house and best of all - we're celebrating the start of the Soccer Season!

If you have no signed up, you can register and pay there!