Here are snapshots of our athletic weekends in September. My prayer is that the lessons they are learning through sports will translate into life lessons as they trust and follow Jesus Christ into adulthood.

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9)

Starting with the firstborn: so far this season, every time he runs a 3-mile race, he accomplishes another personal record. He may not be the fastest on the team, but he is showing great perseverance by continually pushing himself to be faster and stronger.

(He is smirking because of his obnoxious mother yelling at the top of her lungs while snapping pictures of him)

Our family has learned that no matter how big the crowd is, we can always pick out Jake.

Warming up…showing off his flexibility.

While I was pointing my camera at the start line before the race began, I happened to turn around to check on Ruthie. Here’s what I saw.

Wherever we go, she is magnetically attracted to dogs, and this dog’s kind owner let Ruth hold its leash.

When football games are on Saturday, the rest of the day is spent at the field. We set up the tent,

get the grill started,

and chill in between games.

Each of the three football boys plays a different role on their respective teams, but they are all learning the importance of doing their job to the best of their ability for the sake of the team…no matter how small their role may seem at the time.

Derek is proving to be a leader on his team–particularly among the offensive linemen. He loves his team and he loves his job!

Here he is showing off his best side.

When he’s able, Derek likes to help out on the chain gang, keeping track of downs and yards, for his brothers’ games.

Peter has shuffled among several different positions on his team so far this season. He’s easy to spot because he always tends to be where the action is.  Hmmm, not much different than when he’s at home.

And this is why I cringe just a little bit when I find out that my fearless son is going to be carrying the ball.  And he loves this.

When he is finished tearing up the field during his game, he becomes the  water boy for Derek’s team.

This is a father who LOVES to coach. He was actually asked to coach two of the boys’ teams this season. He’s been busy.

Jeremy takes his position at middle linebacker very seriously. He does exactly what the coaches tell him to do.

He often looks like the little squirt on the field.

When he’s not going in for a tackle, he’s keeping his little sister company on the sidelines.

Ruthie enjoys when there are other players’ little sisters to play with.

And of course loves when friends come to watch a game with her.

While Jake’s cross country season is coming to an end soon, it’s hard to believe that there is still an entire month (at least) of football left. Be prepared for yet another photo dump at the end of October!