FROM THE EDITOR

Creating the Annual Report for CougarNow is always a labor

of love! So many times as educators, before the school year closes, we have already jumped into the new school year. I have the sacred privilege of spending a few weeks reflecting on the past year. Pouring over the names of our generous and loving supporters. Celebrating as I remember the students who rose to the challenge with grit and determination, and finished the race set before them. Moved to tears as I consider the incredible grief that the Uvalde families have experienced and will continue to face in the coming years.

I have started a new spiritual discipline this summer. I’m using the app “Pause” to take a few moments out of my day to calm my spirit and meditate on the Lord. There’s a phrase that John Eldridge uses often during the meditation. “I give everything and everyone to you.” It’s a simple phrase but it becomes powerful in the face of our complicated lives. We have much to celebrate, and many opportunities to live the “abundant” life, but often we are paralyzed by fear, sadness, loneliness, isolation, and regret. Our daughter graduates this year. And so begins a new chapter of learning to let go. I constantly need to remind myself that “I give everything and everyone (including my daughter) to You.” Maybe it’s “I give everything (including my finances) to You.” Or “I give everything and everyone (including all of our students) to You.” Will you take some time in the coming weeks and “pause” with me? Cling to Christ, our creator, our friend for He LOVES us!

1 Peter 5:7 TPT—Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.

- Lisa Blake, Editor

CougarNow

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Volume 18 • Summer 2022

SUPERINTENDENT Jeff Blake EDITOR Lisa Blake DESIGN Brian Cole of Designflux PHOTOGRAPHERS Miriam Murray ’19, Sandey Tenuto Photography CONTRIBUTORS Steve Woods of PrintWoods BOARD OF DIRECTORS Claude (Bud) Allison, Stephanie Brigowatz, Jamie Clifford, David Fitzgerald, Juan Gonzales, Pete Hamstra, Dr. Jeff McGee, Steve Woods

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