Game On

A night off from softball gave Abigail the opportunity to hang out with the PEACH teen group at Angelina's home.  What's not like about music, food, and some minute-to-win-it games?  

So much of Abigail's time is taken up with her two softball teams that she doesn't get to just hang out very often, so it was a good night for the baby girl. A big shout out to Angelina's family for hosting the kids! 

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25

Annual Celebration of Awesomeness

Birthday celebrations continued today for Caleb.  In Kirkwood tradition, the celebration began first thing in the morning, however since it's the Lord's Day everyone got ready for church and then we enjoyed gifts and breakfast.  

Breakfast was simply Pop Tarts and Dr. Pepper for the boy but I made it up to him with grilled steaks and all his favorite trimmings.  His afternoon was filled with well wishes and phone calls from my mom and Granny. The gift du jour was cash, something that is always a hit with college kids!Happy birthday to my Little Man!  

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  Proverbs 9:11

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Jon asked Caleb, the birthday boy, how he would like to celebrate his 19th birthday.  Caleb’s answer included an evening at the ballpark with hot dogs and ice cream.  We’ve celebrated several birthdays at a RoughRiders game.  The Frisco RoughRiders (aka. 'Riders) are the Class AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers major league baseball club; much like the Tulsa Drillers were the AA team for the St. Louis Cardinals when we were growing up.

The ballpark is just a few miles away from our house, in fact when the team wins many times they set off fireworks that we can watch from our front yard.  The stadium seats almost 11,000 people, with stadium seating, box sets and even a pool area for rental just beyond center field. 

"The Rough Riders" was the name of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the Spanish–American War, headed by to-be American President Theodore Roosevelt. The team was named after a historical division in order to comply with the tradition of the major league affiliate, the Texas Rangers, who were named after the Texas Ranger Division.

While we were at the game Caleb ran into his first t-ball coach when he played for the Longhorns.  The kids got a few autographs from players for the Corpus Christi Hooks.  The evening was filled with laughter and a considerable amount of sugary goodness! 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 

For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

Love and Friendship

It counts as an 'educational field trip' if it involves the writings of Jane Austen, right? If so, then today we had an educational field trip with the Hansen's to check out the latest Jane Austen movie, "Love and Friendship."  Somehow I missed getting a picture of the girls at the theater, bummer!  We laughed through the entire movie, it was a very witty interpretation of Austen's book, 'Lady Susan.'  

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

Eyewitness Reporting

Here he is, Hawaiian Falls very own Eyewitness News with Caleb! He's now working in the offices and spends much of his day answering phones providing customer service to Hawaiian Falls patrons.  Many of the calls recently have involved questions like, "is it raining at the park," "what if we come to the park and it starts raining," and "is it going to rain today?"  Caleb does monitor the weather on the laptop in the office, but most of the time he simply looks out the window and gives callers a update on current weather conditions at the park. Management has began referring to him like the Les Nessman weather character from WKRP in Cincinnati with is 'Eyewitness Weather.'  Where Les simply looks out the window and reports on the weather! How fun is that! 

He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Matthew 16:2-3

Teens Write Now

Abigail is her Momma's daughter, she loves to write!  Sometimes it's poetry, other times she written short stories.  She's put a few of her works on her blog and if you've listened to any of her speeches you know how fun it is to listen to her writings. , but most of them are housed in dozens of notebooks in her room.  She's even entered a few contests and had some success which is always encouraging to an aspiring writer.  

This summer Abigail's friend Elaine, pictured center in the upper right photo, invited Abigail to join her for a writer's group.  The girls are participating throughout the summer in a group of high schoolers and college students in a writing group.  Youth get together weekly with an accomplished published author to share their work, exchange ideas and discuss the ins and outs of being a writer. So far Abigail has received great critiquing on her writing.  Getting praise is always fun, but she learns so much more by listening to and processing criticism. It's a life skill we could all use. 

During today's class, Caleb and I played a few games on the touch screen game table.  Don't worry, we moved when some of the younger kids wanted to use the board! 

He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.
 Proverbs 28:23

Mother's Day in June

My little momma made the road trip from Tulsa to Plano.  After our visit in Ada yesterday, we swung by Atoka to meet up with my mom and bring her into Texas.  I'm sure she could have made it just fine but with all of the growth in North Texas I just felt better driving her in myself. 

It was good to have a few days to hang out and visit.  We took her over to Hawaiian Falls and showed her where Caleb has worked the last three years.  We also made a run over to Nebraska Furniture Mart, it is one of those stores you just have to see to believe.  Plus, my mom loves all the home decorating ideas.  I think we could have rented a U-Haul and redecorated both houses.

After all that shopping we headed over to Cheddar's for lunch including a large stack of onion rings, always a favorite! It was a short visit but a good one. We're looking forward to her next visit.

Treat older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. I Timothy 5:1-2

Brotherly Love

Road trip!  My boy took the day off work so we could make a trip up to Ada to check out the Gungan's new home! They closed on the new house two weeks ago and we were excited to see their fabulous new digs.  So happy that they are settling in to their new home.

Richard also took off work today so we could all be together.  It was great to see the kids together laughing and hanging out.  Richard took them out on the gator to check out the two ponds on the property and Grandma took us on a tour of the house. 

I miss them so much!  We have the best time laughing together.  For lunch, Richard borrowed the church van so that all seven kids, two moms, Grandma and Uncle Jason could ride together into to town. The best lunch in Tupelo is at the truck stop! It was great!  

As a mom, it was great to see Caleb and Richard goofing off. I never had any doubts when they decided to room together that they would be a good match.  And a year later after 24/7 together they are still the best buddies!  They cut up, pick on and wildly defend anyone who picks on any of their group!  My girls have been blessed to have these extra brothers.  I would claim any of them as my own kiddo!  

We had a great day together and I look forward to the next time! 

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 

A Time to Celebrate

It was our joy today to celebrate Isabel's 18th birthday!  Our families met ten years ago when their family relocated to the states from the Philippines.  Isabel and Caleb are the same age and Katrina and Abigail are both the same age.  We've done many field trips, art class, drama groups, operas, birthdays and theater productions together over the years. We were blessed to share in Isabel's baptism a few years ago as well.  

Isabel's family is actively involved in the International Church of Christ and the girls have grown up doing mission work, church camps, etc. just like our kids.  They have encouraged Caleb in his Biblical Text studies at LCU.  

The party was celebrated with games and some of Isabel's favorite Filipino food.  There was also a fun slide show of Isabel growing up over the years, so many great memories. We're excited to see what this next phase of this very talented young ladies life holds! Happy birthday, Isabel! 

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

Playing with the Big Kids

The Texas State Championship Softball Tournament continued today.  My catcher girl had two games yesterday and another three games today.  The team continued to struggle being a team of 15 & 16 year olds playing in an 18 year old tournament but it was a good learning experience for the team.  The girls lost most of their games but that is part of the learning process.  Many adults haven't learned how to be gracious when losing; sports are a great avenue to develop this life skill.  The girls also learn compassion as they take a knee when a player is injured.  

The pictures of Abigail laughing with the referee make me smile.  The kid has always made small talk with the men in blue who stand behind her. She feels just as comfortable interacting with them as she does with other team mates.  Many of the refs have gone on to give her great catching tips.

Her team will win another day, another tournament; but today they got a little better. 

My son, if you accept my words

    and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom

    and applying your heart to understanding—

Proverbs 2:1-2

Hawaiian Falls Champion Day

Summer time in Texas usually includes fun in the water to cool off.  Again this summer, Caleb is working at Hawaiian Falls, a family-friendly Texas water park offering six locations run with Christian principles.  This year Caleb is working in the office and is also that mysterious announcer voice you hear in the park. 

The staff start each day with a prayer and a rally chant before the doors open.  The music throughout the park is family friendly.  The staff close out the day with short devotional and prayer.  It's just a reminder to the employees that they are act in a way that is pleasing to God in all of their interactions with the public. 

In keeping with that mindset, today Hawaiian Falls opened their doors early for Champion's Day. It's a day where children and adults with disabilities can enjoy the park while it is less crowded.  The staff are prepped with tips for interacting with the Champions.  The music in the park is at a lower volume to avoid anxiety issues.  Additional staff is on duty to help park goers on and off the rides. 

NBC was at The Colony water park today and interviewed Frankie, Caleb and myself about the value of offering such a great day for the Champions.  Caleb came into work early today so he could enjoy some of the day with Frankie.  The middle row of pictures are fun shots a friend sent us when they saw us on tv (thanks, Gracie)! 

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. I Corinthians 12:22-23

Girls of Summer

Just like that, camp and VBS are over and my girl is back at plate catching fastballs!  No more stage make-up and cute pigtails, she back to catchers gear and eye black! 

My girl was thrilled to be playing in Allen so her buddy Gracie could come cheer her on!  We also had a few friends from church, the Sanderfords, come out and cheer on her team.  

They are playing up in an 18U (18 year olds and under) tournament, there is a big difference in the 15 year olds and the 18 year olds.  But if the girls want to get better, they need a bigger challenge!  

Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this?

Who is like me and who can challenge me? Jeremiah 50:44

Pretty Purple Fabric Maker

Our final night of VBS highlighted Lydia as a Super Woman of the Bible.  Lydia is the first Gentile convert in Europe that we are told about in scripture.   I like that the women we selected began with women in the ancestory of Christ, to the mother of Christ and forward to a convert after the resurrection and ascension of Christ. 

The story of Lydia include her conversion by Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke.  Caleb portrayed the young Timothy who threw in a few sayings by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, as a shout out to yet other Super Women of the Bible. 

Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke sang, 'Philippi' to the Beach Boy's 'Kokomo.' Sing with me, you know the words, "Derbe and Lystra, oh I want to take you, down in Macedonia let's go spread the gospel, to the Gentiles, baby why don't we go . . ."  

One of my favorite Lydia songs, include the lyrics "well a bless my soul, rock n roll, pretty purple fabric maker" to the 1958 tune of "Purple People Eater!" It was fabulous! Another VBS in the books, I have a little break before I get back to writing another set of scripts. 

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.  Acts 16:14

An Obedient Mary

For night 3 of VBS we took on the story of Mary.  It's the amazing story of a young girl who would trust God so completely that she would risk loosing her life to be obedient to the Lord. For tonight's story would portray Joseph and Abigail's friend Hayley played the part of Mary.  

When I first asked Hayley about playing Mary, I was prepared to beg.  I knew it was asking a lot for a 15 year old to portray a pregnant, unwed girl in front of hundreds of people.  But Hayley very willingly agreed and did a fabulous job.  Her voice is amazing!  

My favorite was her singing the song, 'Dear Future Husband' to Caleb.   Caleb did a wonderful job as Joseph.  As a mom, I found it so encouraging to see these two take center stage knowing it wasn't that long ago that they sat in the audience with their Bible classes. 

Because we were focusing on the Super Women of the Bible, I centered my stories on Mary's faith and obedience to God; her visit to care for Elizabeth while she was expecting John; and then that Jesus would later perform his first miracle at the request of Mary.  

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2:11

Boaz was Once Ruth-less

Night two of Vacation Bible School brought the story of Ruth. It followed the story of Rahab nicely because Ruth would marry the son of Rahab and Salmon.  The story continues the lineage of Christ and this Super Woman of the Bible who acted with courage and bravery in leaving her country to follow Naomi.  

Abigail and I continued to narrate and progress the story from our side stage while Caleb took to the center stage and portrayed Boaz's foreman.  He was the grumpy Jew who expresses the distain for the Moabites.  

Sissy was at home in the four year old class with her kids.  She is so good with them and they love her! 

Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse,

and Jesse the father of King David.

Matthew 1:5-6

Rahab, the pro. . . problem solver

It's that time again for Vacation Bible School, that fun-filled program offered during the summer (“vacation”) months, to increase children and families Bible knowledge.  I've been writing Bible lessons for VBS for the better part of 25 years. 

The last fourteen years I have written Bible stories in the form of stage productions where adults and children come together to learn the Bible story and then break off into age appropriate groups to enhance the lesson.  The adult classes break off into a deep dive lesson and the children will do crafts and hands on learning to apply the lessons taught. 

For the past seven years I have written the stage productions as musicals.  I write the script, the dialog, the stage setting, direction, etc.  Other musically talented ladies at church then take contemporary songs, altering the lyrics to fit the lessons.   

It really is a fun process, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing it all come together.  Writing the scripts generally take me about two months, the ladies will spend many weeks on the songs, back drops, costumes, etc.  Each of the actors will add a little of their personality into the production and by the time we stand in front of 500+ people to perform it is really something to see! 

This year's theme was Super Women of the Bible.  the ladies I was asked to write about include Rahab, Ruth, Mary, and Lydia.  No small task!  Rahab of course, is super because she is listed in the lineage of Christ; she also appears in Hebrew's in the 'Faith Hall of Fame' following her actions at Jericho.  I usually play on the side stage and serve to narrate some of the more delicate portions of the story.  It provides a little comedy relief and can advance the story.  Abigail joined me on the side stage again this year as my daughter 'Carolyn' along with Joey, one of my Bible Bowl kiddos played the part of 'Michael.' 

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:30-31

A Time to Celebrate

Today we got to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Ms. Hannah to Reece.  The two are getting married at the end of August.  Hannah is the sweet daughter of Tim and Ms. Kim.  Tim was the pulpit minister at the McDermott church for our first six years in Texas.  They are now ministering to the congregation in Broken Arrow where I grew up.  

It was my privilege to have Hannah in Bible classes as she was growing up.  And, of course, Frankie taught with Ms. Kim and Tim in the precious four year old class at McDermott. 

We are so proud of Hannah and Reece, both graduated in the Spring from Oklahoma Christian University. We can't wait to see what God has ahead for this sweet, beautiful couple. 

How beautiful is your love, my bride!

    How much better is your love than wine.

Song of Solomon 4:10

Mountaintop Experience

Just a few more pictures of the girls in Abigail's cabin and the sweet friendships from church.  The top picture is the lovely ladies from cabin 15.  Below that is our sweet friend Shae and her son Benjamin giving the cabin clean-up reports.  Below that is a bus selfie with the youth from Brown Trail. 

The other photos are the girls from McDermott and a group shot of one of the morning devotion times.  

O you who dwell in the gardens,

    with companions listening for your voice;

    let me hear it. Song of Solomon 8:13

We've Got Talent

One of the fun evening events at camp is the talent show.  Each of the cabins perform a skit, they dress up in whatever they already have in their luggage.  Abigail's cabin did a series of Christian pick up lines.  Some of the girls dressed as boys then one of the girls would deliver one of the lines. 

I can hear the grandparents now, 'Christian Pick Up Lines?'  Here are a few:  'Is your name Ruth? Because you can glean in my field any time!'  Or 'Last night I was reading Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and realized I didn't have your Number!' 

Abigail was one of the 'guys' which cracks me up, because Abigail, Abby and Tate are not girls that have ever needed to pursue any guy! I'm wishing I had video tape of their skit! 

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  I Timothy 4:12 

A Time to Celebrate

This is what Camp Blue Haven is all about, the spiritual growth of these young lives! Three of our McDermott kids were baptized today, Holly, Mallory and Sam. Like the examples we are given in Acts of the eunuch, Lydia and others;  they heard the message and immediately were baptized. Like all of us, they will continue daily to add to their faith and knowledge of the Lord. 

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Peter 1:5-8

Take a Hike

During the day the youth take several hikes in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico.  Some hikes are longer than others.  Abigail, Abby and Tate also took on some extra trails to earn additional badges for their cabin. The cabin earning the most badges earn a special award.  

The badges can be for Bible Memory Work, Encouraging Others, Hiking, Sports, etc.  There are categories that each youth can excel in.  

The top picture are all the McDermott girls that attended session one of Camp Blue Haven.  In addition to hiking the campers zip-line through the mountains, jump off a telephone pole in a trust fall, go rock climbing and other adventurous activities that would make their Grandmothers nervous! 

Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,

    and the hills, in righteousness!  Psalm 72:3

Happy Campers

When you ask our children what their favorite part about Camp Blue Haven they quickly respond "the mountains," "the worship & Bible classes," but quickly it comes down to the people.  Abigail and most of the girls in her cabin have been together for the last five years.  They are all from different congregations including McDermott, Brown Trail and Brownwood Churches of Christ. 

The girls were blessed to have Jacelyn as their counselor again this year.  All of the camp counselors are college student from Christian Universities like Lubbock, who spend the entire summer at Camp Blue Haven.  It is a huge blessing to have older Godly young people who have been trained to mentor and guide these young lives.  

The girls have kept up a group text and they have emailed prayer requests, concerns and celebrations throughout the school year. This year they also began another messaging group with their brother cabin.  Once a week they have a group Bible study together.  

I love that they have found a positive way to use social media to encourage and spur each other on to good works. But I would expect nothing less of this great group of kids! 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.  Hebrews 10:24-25

Senior Celebrtion

What an emotional filled event, the thought that these kids are old enough to graduate doesn't seem possible. Several of these sweet young people we've know for over a decade! These kids and their parents made the commitment to home school and today they get to see the fruit of that labor. 

I know Abigail really missed being out of state for tonight's PEACH graduation but it was to have Caleb home from college because he's the one who has spent so much time with these great young people.  

Tonight Ethan, Hannah, Lilly, Maya and Isabel all completed their high school education.  We have so many great memories together from fields trips, science classes, prom, English Country Dancing, drama, and so many others.  We'll miss having them at our PEACH events but are excited that many of them are staying in the area for college. It's been such a blessing know my kids were growing up alongside such a Godly group of kids and having the support of Godly moms along the way.   

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

James 5:12

Mountain Top Experience

This morning Abigail and a group of kids took off from the Brown Trail Church of Christ for Camp Blue Haven.  The camp is located in the beautiful mountains of Nevada, New Mexico.  

This will be Abigail's fifth year as a camper at Blue Haven.  The kids have a ten plus hour drive ahead of them but fortunately on the chartered bus it will be a fairly comfortable trip.  It's amazing, the kids have WiFi; they can watch movies on drop down screens every few rows; plenty of snacks; and a bathroom on the bus.  

They will stay the night at a hotel tonight and then pull into camp in the morning in time for morning worship services at the camp.  On Sunday night Abigail and some of the other fifth year campers will get to light the opening bon fire. 

I know she will have a great time and I'm looking forward to pictures and hearing the great stories of her week. 

God who formed the mountains by your power,

    having armed yourself with strength, Psalm 65:6

Fuzzy's and Friends

Our friends the Baileys have been vacationing in Southern California, hanging out at great spots like Disneyland and Warner Brothers Studios.  They have just returned and Abigail takes off tomorrow for a week in New Mexico.  So we got together for a three hour lunch today at Fuzzy's Taco Shop to catch up! 

I've got to say, I'm a little jealous of the tour of the Gilmore Girls set at Warner Brothers studios!  It was fun to see the character photos the Disney princesses and I understand Robin was really excited to meet Kylo Ren from Star Wars! 

I'm sure when these two are back together Abigail will have stories of mountain climbing, rappelling, and zip-lines! 

How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

Psalm 119:103

Feed Just One

On our food pick up today we found out that the coolers at Metro Relief were down.  That means there was no way to keep meats, cream desserts and cheese dishes cold.  

We pulled out the breads and cookies and non-refrigerated items and loaded the shelves at Metro.  Then we called our friend R.J. at Minnie's Food Pantry and asked if he had room for food.  R.J. is the son of Cheryl Jackson the founder of Minnie's.  Minnie's is named after R.J.'s grandmother and serves as a tribute to a single mom who struggled to provide food for her family. 

We loaded up one of his coolers with Tom Thumb & Starbucks pastries and Papa John's pizza. The food will go out to Minnie's guests on Monday.  Minnie's is the food pantry in Plano where the kids and I volunteered for several years.  It was a bit of drive as the kids got older and had more school work, and we were fortunate to fine Metro Relief in our own neighborhood.  It was good to see our friend and to check out all the improvements they've made to their operation.  

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,

    but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

Proverbs 14:21

Seedtime and Harvest

I don’t have a green thumb; in fact if I did it would clash with my “I’m not a Waitress” OPI red polish! 

Every year we stick plants in the ground and hope for the best! All the rain we’ve had along with the raised beds and cages that Jon and Caleb built have led to a photo worthy post! The peach and fig trees are loaded with fruit! Every one of the tomato plants has half a dozen fruit, and we have handfuls of banana and jalapeno peppers every morning!

Jon may have found the right combinations of water, shade and bunny/squirrel prevention!  We also have a pretty impressive herb garden going that includes cilantro, dill, basil, and mint. 

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?

    Does he continually open and harrow his ground?

25 

When he has leveled its surface,

    does he not scatter dill, sow cumin,

and put in wheat in rows

    and barley in its proper place,

    and emmer as the border?

Isaiah 28:24-25

Blessing Bags

Some of our great homeschooling friends, the Baileys, worked with their church home to create and assemble blessing bags for the homeless.  The bags have great items like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, Kleenex, and snacks that the homeless can use.  

Most shelters offer shower facilities but if you are living on the streets there are a few facilities that will allow the homeless to come in and shower.  

The snacks are not things that slip into a backpack and won't be affected by the Texas heat.  We delivered the bags to our friends at Metro Relief and they went out with the bus ministry the same day.  

On Thursdays the Metro Relief bus serves the homeless in south Dallas, on Fridays they head out to Fort Worth and on Saturdays they hit another portion of south Dallas.  When the bus goes out to an outreach they serve lunch, offer hair cuts, play basketball and pray with the homeless.  

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40