Pumpkin Goodness

Remember our fun trip to the pumpkin patch earlier this week? Well, we came home with two very pretty pie pumpkins, two beautiful, sweet, orange globes of goodness!  I love the variety of fruits and veggies that God has provided through the changing seasons, and pumpkins are one of my favorites! 

A pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread made with fresh pumpkin puree are amazing! They can't begin to compare to the tinny taste of store canned pumpkin.  The puree is really easy to make, you can bake your pumpkins in the oven or in an InstantPot. 

For the oven, preheat oven to 325 degrees F, cut the pumpkin in half, stem to base. Remove seeds and pulp and cover each half with foil.  Bake in the preheated oven, foil side up, 1 hour, or until tender.  Scrape pumpkin meat from shell halves and puree in a blender. Strain to remove any remaining stringy pieces.  

For the Instant Pot it is even easier, place 1/2 cup water in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the pumpkin on the rack and cook high pressure 13 to 15 minutes. Quick release and set aside to cool. Once cooled then cut the pumpkin in half, remove seeds and peel.  It literally lifts off! 

Next, run the meat through the blender with about a 1/2 cup of hot water. I store my puree in two cup serving freezer bags.  You can't pressure can pumpkin puree, the USDA doesn't recommend it.    Most pumpkin puree is very thick and that thickness can vary for each pumpkin and within the jar itself. This thickness makes it difficult for temperatures to penetrate (even under the pressure of a pressure canner). The discrepancy in the viscosity makes it is impossible to layout a uniform recommendation for pressure canning pressures and timing. If the proper temperature is not met in the center of the puree and held there for the required amount of time, the botulism spore can survive the process. If a spore is held in an anaerobic environment at room temperature (like a canning jar), it will grow and multiply.  You can pressure can cubed pumpkins, but I find it easier to freeze.  

My next favorite product from these glorious globe is roasted pumpkin seeds! Wash and air dry the seeds, and then roast them at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  I coated the seeds with 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp season salt. YUM! 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  John 15:1-2

Samson and Dalila Opera

Tonight we kicked off the Dallas Opera 2017-2018 season with Samson and Dalila.  It is the Biblical tale of the Nazarite judge for Israel and his down fall at the hands of the Philistine woman. 

In this telling, Dalila is friendly with the Philistine leaders, the enemies of the Hebrews. High Priest of Dagon is a Philistine who plots with Dalila the overthrow of Samson. Abimelech, Governor of Gaza is a Philistine whom Samson kills in Act 1. Leading to the Philistines desire to be rid of Samson. 

The lead portraying Samson is one of our favorite baritones who recently portrayed Tristan in Tristan und Isolde.  Dalila was played by  Grammy-award winning mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, making her debut at the Dallas Opera. 

The big finale at the Temple of Dagon brought down the house, literally, with the coolest special effects I've seen at the opera!  

Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me.
Please, God, strengthen me just once more"  Judges 16:28

Pumpkin Patch

While Abigail was at school today, Frankie and I visited the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in Gunter, TX with the church preschool.

The farm has pumpkins still on the vine, perfect for pies!  There are hayrides, a 6-foot tall hay maze and a petting farm.  Frankie enjoyed feeding the goats, sheep and cows.  She wasn't a fan of the longhorn. He just about took off my hand when trying to eat a pellet! 

I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,

for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.

Psalm 50:9-10

A Toast!

Twice a month is Abigail's Jr. Toastmasters meeting.  Tonight Abigail delivered her Ice Breaker speech for the new school year.  

The group is filled with many familiar faces from last year's group.  This is Abigail's fourth year in a public speaking program.  Last year she served as an officer in Jr. Toastmasters but he softball schedule this year doesn't allow her to make that kind of commitment this year.  

Public speaking and communicating is an important part of our society. It allows us to form connections, influence decisions, and motivate change. It is a basic life skill.  It's also essential for Christians to be able to articulate their beliefs and have the ability to persuade others to a belief in Christ. 

The group is led by a Twice Distinguished Toastmaster, Ms. Vogel.  The kids love her and she really seems to enjoy working with this group. 

The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority.
Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.  John 14:10

Sunday Studies

We are at week three of our preparations for Texas Bible Bowl. Today we had a guest visit from Sam, one of my National Bible Bowl winners from ten years ago.  Sam was on the team with Caleb, Richard and Blake who took the first place team title in 2008 over 1 Samuel. 

Sam stopped by to encourage the kids in their Bible studies and in their Christian friendships.  After he left the kids started talking about a rematch against the old winners and this years team!  I think that would be a great idea! 

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

Game Time in Longview

Our day began sometime before five a.m. today.  At five we were on the road headed to Longview, Texas for a softball tournament.  Abigail has bumped up to an 18U team, tEAMSMiTH because of her upcoming birthday in December. 

This was the first tournament, first games for the team to play together. The girls played three games, unfortunately they lost all three games.  But by the third game they were playing like a team and beginning to connect! 

Just like sports and winning offers lessons in being gracious winners and compassion for the opponent, there are lessons in losing.  Lessons the girls and parents worked on today included patients, not becoming frustrated, the importance of encouraging team mates and so much more. 

Hopefully next weekend in Houston they will have better results!  The girl caught for two games and played second base on the other game.  

Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.  2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Not Standardized Students

If you noticed, Abigail was absent from our church homeschool groups meetup this morning.  The girl had to take the PSAT this morning at Willow Bend Academy, fortunately she had a few friends join her. 

Standardized tests are not perfect. We all know smart, knowledgeable people who struggle on standardized tests. But neither is it useless. They do measure both specific knowledge and valuable thinking skills.  A strong PSAT score also translates into college scholarship money. 

Many people think of kids who play sports as dumb jocks but that isn't true.  When we were at Lubbock Christian University's softball camp they were telling the girls they needed a minimum of a 25 on the ACT test and have to be NCAA Eligible to play ball, which Abigail has met both.  To put that in perspective Dallas Baptist University only requires a 21 for admittance! 

If an athlete is considering playing college sports they have to be smart or they won't be able to meet the demands of classes with the added load of a sports schedule!  On a side note, her scores are great but I'm more impressed with her character, integrity and heart! She also has a great group of friends that hold that bar up for her! 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Household of Faith

Such a great morning!  A couple of weeks ago our houmeschoolers at the Church of Christ on McDermott Road were asking how we could help the victims of Hurricane Harvey the devastated so much of the Houston area.  

I reached out to the Lakewood Church of Christ in Baytown, Texas where Caleb interned this summer to see what kind of needs they had.  They are in need of cleaning supplies and pantry items for the community they serve in Baytown.  

With that our home school families got together bringing items to help out the Lakewood congregation.   The kids also made cards of love and encouragement for the recipients!  

After wards the kids played and decorated cookies!  Frankie was very pleased with her colorful cookie! We're so lucky to have such generous and compassionate friends!  

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:10

Heartfelt Friends

Once a month Frankie and I get together with our Heartfelt Group, and tonight we actually snapped a picture. 

The Church of Christ on McDermott Road has probably thirty Heartfelt Ministry groups.  Each group pairs up Heartfelt Moms, empty nest moms, with Heartfelt Sisters, mom with children still at home. 

It is truly a Titus 2 ministry of the older, godly women ministering to the emotional and spiritual needs of the younger women. Friendships are formed and it gives that large congregation a small intimate feeling. 

We spend time in fellowship and laughter talking life together. And then open up God's Word to feed our souls and spiritually spur each other on! It is such a blessing that Frankie is included in this group and loved on by these sweet ladies.  Tonight we discussed our gifts and how the body of Christ works best with everyone doing their part and that not every one's role is not the same but all are necessary.  What a powerful message in a world full of competition. 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5

Whatever is Good

Tonight was the last double header of the fall session for the inaugural season of the HSAA Angels.  The girls began with a game against Naaman Forest High School, a Garland ISD team.  The girls are playing really well together an should be ready for the Spring season. 

Our youth minister Barrett and his wife Jenna came out to cheer on Abigail. Jeanna played high school ball and the girls have had a great time talking softball.  Abigail had another triple and an RBI.  She walked on her second at bat and scored.  The final score was 5-4.

In the second game my catcher girl split time behind the plate and playing 2nd base. This game was against J. J. Pearce High School, a Richardson ISD school.  Abigail had a double and a single being moved on around the bases by her teammates to score both times. It was a fun game to watch because the girls are really playing like a team! Final score was 9-0, HSAA for the win.  

One of my favorite parts about playing homeschool high school sports is that at the end of each game they invite the opposing team to join them on the mound in prayer. Abigail leads a prayer as the girls from both teams join hands.  It is a prayer of gratitude for the day of ball, safety as they continue to pursue sports and kindness towards all.  The girls are learning that softball isn't just about the game it's also about how you treat people, all people! 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Colossians 3:23-25