Dress Up and Get Candy Day

Be ware of things that go knocking in the night! Oh wait, nothing to be scared of here it's just a few of our homeschool friends celebrating Reilly's birthday. 

Frankie and Abigail went and hung out with the kids.  Frankie had a blast collecting copious amounts of candy.  The girl love her sugar and this is probably her favorite day of the year.  

After the group went trick or treating they came back to Reilly's house for games and a 10th birthday celebration! We are truly blessed with friends who continue to include Frankie in childhood fun! 

Gracious words are a honeycomb,

    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

Taco Tuesday

It's Taco Tuesday!  That means a lunch date with the Baileys! 

This morning I took care of making copies and laminating items for Bible Bowl while Abigail had her college classes.  When she finished up her classes we headed over to Rusty Taco to meet up with our favorite lunch buddies.  

Rusty's has wonderful authentic Mexican street-style tacos and warm chips with queso! Yum!  When combined with great friends it's the perfect way to spend the afternoon! 

Is tasteless food eaten without salt?

Job 6:6

Fall Fun with Friends

Our adventures today took us to The Plaza in Richardson.  The Plaza offers seniors a respite care and a skilled nursing facility. The facility held their fall festival today so one of our home school moms from church made arrangements for our group to help out.  

The kids interacted with the residence in various games like bean bag toss, bowling, ring toss and Velcro darts.  The kids all dressed up in their Halloween costumes, Frankie wore her Bat Girl costume and Abigail was Super Girl.  The activities director brought out the ice crusher and Theresa and I made snow cones for the residence. There were mini corn dogs, candy and prizes for all the residence who participated! It was a really good time!  

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.  I Timothy 5:3

Lessons Learned

Our study of First Samuel is moving right along! The kids have now made it through the first eight chapters. We've heard Hannah's prayer and seen God answer with the Birth of Samuel.  We've seen Israel treat God with disrespect as the brought the Ark into battle without asking God.  We've seen the Ark captured and returned.  In chapter 7 we saw God fight mightily for Israel only to see Israel turn around in chapter 8 to ask for a King when God was supposed to be their King! 

Next Sunday we begin learning about Israel's first king, Saul. I'm so proud of these kids for all their hard work.  I'm very grateful for all the parent helpers who help me get through class with such a big group of kids. 

That day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 1 Samuel 7:10

Happy Francis Marie Day!

This marks the twenty-third anniversary of Frankie's adoption.  It's hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. Every year we ask her where she would like to celebrate and every year she select the same place, Olive Garden! 

We had a great dinner and texted with Caleb in Greece.  The wonderful staff at the restaurant also include sweet wishes to the girl with her chocolate mousse cake. 

Between the benefit breakfast this morning and Frankie's celebration dinner we all went home fat and happy! 

 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5

The Star in Frisco

This was the annual Rebuilding Hope Breakfast for Hope for Haiti's Children.  The fund raiser raises awareness on how to sponsor a child's education scholarship to lift a child out of poverty and provide them the hope of a better life. The sponsorship benefits more than just a child; it benefits the child's family and strengthens their school, church, and community. Funds raised in today's breakfast also help restore homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Hope for Haiti's Children has earned Charity Navigator's exceptional 4-star rating and the "Partners in Trust" Guidestar Exchange Seal, the highest ratings for non-profit organizations! 

Following the breakfast at Omni Frisco Hotel attendees were treated to a VIP Tour of The Star.  The Star is the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters in the newly developed 91-acre sports and entertainment district in Frisco. We had a great time checking out lots of cool memorabilia such as the actual Lombardi trophies, the press room, Super Bowl rings, and even one of Tom Landry's fedoras. 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27

Raspberry Jam

Raspberries!!! My name is Lisa Kirkwood and I have a problem, a canning problem!  I may have been born in the wrong decade.  I love all things domestic including canning, gardening-ish, sewing and Mom-ing.  I love teaching Bible to the kids, writing, and taking pictures.  I love painting, drawing and all things crafty.    

Some days those 'loves' take over.  Currently ruling is the love for canning everything I see or eat, I wonder how I could can it.  I ran up to Tom Thumb for bread and dog treats and came home with bread and fifteen containers of raspberries, no dog treats! 

So I pulled out my Ball Jam & Jelly Maker, an hour, nine cups of sugar and some Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin later I had twelve jars of raspberry jam! 

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was goodBall Jelly Maker. Genesis 1:12

Happy Birthday, Friend

Today the youngest of Abigail's homeschool 'class,' Elaine, turned sixteen. The group of friends all got together for a fun evening of celebrating Elaine's birthday.   It's hard to believe the girls are juniors in high school, several of them like Abigail, Elaine, Katrina, MiKayla and Abby are all taking multiple college classes!  It seems like they should all be hanging out at field trips instead of driving, working and being all grown up!  I love the girls sweet friendship and cherish that they've all remained close for most of their youth. 

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 10:25-26

Canning Corn, Green Beans & Mixed Vegetables

Next up in stocking the pantry was veggies! I usually try to can what our family will eat in about a six month period. 

First up are the vegetables we use the most: corn, green beans and mixed vegetables. 

In July or local natural, organic grocery store, Spouts had their organic frozen corn on sale. The sale was for the 3 pound bags so I purchased nine pounds of corn!  You can pressure can frozen food.  But some vegetables can get mushy going from frozen to canned. 

At Tom Thumb I picked up fresh green beans and frozen mixed vegetables.  Yes, I could store everything in the freezer but if anything were to happen with electricity I would hate to lose all the fresh produce in my freezer.  Also, I prefer to keep my freezer available for items that can’t be canned. Plus it frees up freezer room for turkeys, ice cream or butter on sale!

First let the frozen vegetables thaw.  I warmed my to room temperature on the stove.  There is no safety issue in canning food that was previously frozen. But they must be fully thawed before canning to ensure that no cold spots exist, and the produce must be treated as fresh in terms of canning methods and full complete processing times; no shortcuts are allowed just because it “was frozen.” And for it to be canned, there must be a defined USDA canning protocol for it — again, no free passes because it was frozen. Low-acid foods must be pressure canned, as per normal.

My research show that produce that can successfully transition from freezer to home canned jars include apples, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, carrots, cherries, corn, juices, and peas. 

Canning the fresh green beans is simply wash, snap, heat and pack in hot jars with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and process in a Pressure Canner for 20 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.

Thawed corn is heated packed in hot Ball Pint Jars covered with boiling water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and process  for 55 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure. The sweeter the corn the more milky look you will have in the look of the water, don't worry it's just starch. 

To can frozen mixed vegetables they will be processed according to the longest cook time for your vegetable from the USDA.  In this case I canned peas, corn, carrots and green beans.  Notice corn process for 55 minutes and green beans only cook 20 minutes. That 55 minute time would leave green beans mushy if served as a side dish. They will work well in dishes like fried rice, pot pies, and soups.  

For lunch I threw yellow rice and home canned chicken bone broth in my InstantPot.  When the Instant Pot clicked off I added the rice, a pint of my home canned shredded chicken and my newly canned mixed vegetables with a whisked egg and voila Chicken Fried Rice! 

Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when He gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because He has heard you" Exodus 16:8

Canning Seasoned Black Beans

One of the things that we have been out of in our pantry is Black Beans.  I’ve actually been forced to buy the grocery store canned variety, gasp! The crazy thing about beans is they are under $2 per pound for dry beans and yet they cost $1.50 for a 11oz can of the ready to eat variety!

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I like to can.  I do think I save money but I also enjoy the process.  Most everything you need to preserve beans you have on hand, in fact the beef broth and tomato sauce were home canned earlier this year.  The cilantro and bell pepper came from our garden!

Canning Seasoned Black Beans

2 pounds dry black beans

1 medium diced onion

6 cloves diced garlic

1 cup diced green bell pepper

2 teaspoons beef bullion

2 teaspoons cumin powder

1 quart beef broth

20 ounces tomato sauce

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 bunch chopped cilantro

Begin by sorting through the black beans for any stones or things that don’t look like beans.  In a large pot cover the beans with about 2 inches of water and soak overnight. In the morning, drain beans, rinse well.

In a skillet sauté onions and cook over medium heat until they just start to brown.  Add the garlic and peppers and cook for about 2 more minutes. 

In a large stock pot or I used my Instant Pot add beans, sautéed vegetables broth, tomato sauce and seasonings.  Bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer.  Simmer for about 30 minutes, remember the beans will continue to cook when they are processed in the pressure canner.

At the end of the 30 minutes add the lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Use a funnel to spoon beans into sterilized Ball Pint Jars leaving about 1” head space.  Wipe down the rim of your jars with vinegar to ensure a good seal on your jars.  Add sterilized lids, finger tight.  Place filled jars in a Pressure Canner.  Process for  75 minutes at 10lbs of pressure.  Recipe Yields: 10 pints

What will we do with these?  They are great as a side dish to Mexican food, soups or made into refried beans.  You can’t home can refried beans according to the USDA guidelines because the viscosity is too thick to allow heat to sufficiently penetrate the interior.  

They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. 2 Samuel 17:28-29

Play Time

Abigail has been working at the church preschool filling in when they need helpers.  It's worked out beautifully because the preschool runs Mondays and Wednesdays and alternating Fridays. Her college class schedule is Tuesday and Thursday classes.  

I had to laugh a little today when she came home and hugged me.  She apologized for every time she threw up, wiped snot on me, screamed in my ear, etc. It was a rough day at preschool! 

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 

Psalm 127:3

1 Samuel Chapter Headings Bible Bingo

Another game I created today was a Bible Bingo for the chapter headings in 1 Samuel.  The set contains 30 randomized, 1 Samuel Chapter Heading bingo calling cards. 

Each card contains 24 Chapter Headings and 1 free space.I printed my cards and laminated for long term use. Because they are  laminated the cards can be marked and wiped off with a dry erase marker or used with game chips. 

I have a Caller Card to keep track of Headings that have been called out. The caller will call out a heading and if it is on the players card, they cover that space with a chip. The winner is the first person to cover a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row! 

This is great for a classroom time extender, for Bible Bowl preparation, or just plain fun! The main learning element in this game is as we play I ask the kids what events happened in that heading.  Or question where that happened in the chronology of the book of 1 Samuel. All headings are taken from the English Standard Version. If you would like your own set, I have them available HERE. I also have a small version with only four player cards HERE. 

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  1 John 4:1 

Plano Teen Court

Tonight was another one of our favorite field trips, Teen Court.  I think this was our fourth or fifth visit to Plano's juvenile court program. 

Teen court is a volunteer program for juvenile Class C misdemeanor offenders to present their case to a jury of their peers. Generally the offender will pay for their citation by completing community service hours. 

The offenders are represented and prosecuted by teen attorneys and their sentencing is by a jury of their peers.  The offenders who come to teen court have their court fees waived but must plead guilty to the charges.  

Frankie and Abigail went to the court session and met up with the Bailey's and other PEACH members.  Frankie has been missing the boy and with Abigail's college and softball schedule she was really wanting to hang out with the kids.  Abigail said Frankie had a blast seeing 'the bad guys get caught!'

After wards Abigail treated Frankie to McDonald's for fries and a Coke! 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Bible Jeopardy Review Game

Today I prepared some review games for Sunday's Bible Bowl class.  First up is this Jeopardy game, it is one of the kids favorites.  This is a great trivia style review game. My old game board was getting worn out and it was time for an upgrade.  

Supplies:

22" x 26" foam board

25 Card Pockets

Labels 100, 200, 300, 400 & 500

Category Headings

Double-sided tape

Attach the card pockets to the foam board in five columns with double-sided tape.  Print out the category and points value for each column.  I've uploaded the headings and points value for the pockets.  Use double-sided tape to attach.

To play the game, teams take turns answering questions and earning points.  Click HERE to download the Labels & Pocket Headings. To mix it up a bit I created a dice they can roll to select the category.  The categories for this board are Animals, Places, People, Numbers and Mystery.  The Mystery category has different questions like Quotes, Body Parts, Colors, etc. Click HERE to download the dice. 

For my review cards I print out the questions in a large print and include the answer on the lower right hand corner so that I can place my thumb over the answer to conceal it from the kids. 

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 

I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.  Psalm 119:15-16

Happy Lord's Day

This afternoon was to be the third day of the Ronald McDonald tournament but because of the torrential downpour in Houston all games were cancelled today.  This meant that Jon and Abigail could drive back to Plano after church services.  

Frankie and I drove back on Saturday so that she could help in the four year old class and I could teach Bible Bowl.  Jon and Abigail worshiped with the Lakewood congregation.  The auditorium is being refurbished.  They have pulled up all the wooden theater seats, new carpeting is coming this week.  For services this morning they had out the new seating.  

Jon and Abigail made it back to Plano in time to join our Life Group at the Christian Care Center for dinner.  The Life Group families brought dinner for the residents.  After dinner we enjoyed about an hour of singing hymns to the Lord.  It was amazing to see the joy in the residents singing of an anticipation of a heavenly reward. 

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:19-20

Labor of Love

For several weeks we've been preparing to take items down to the Lakewood Church of Christ in Baytown, Texas where Caleb worked this summer.  The congregation is in the area that was impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  The congregation operates a food pantry and have seen an increase in the number of families needing assistance.  

We asked our church family to pitch in and they responded in an amazing way.  The donated everything from cleaning supplies to canned meat and ready to eat products.  Included in the delivery were all the hand made cards by our church homeschooling families with warm wishes.  

Caleb and Abigail met up with Donald Pratt at the church and filled their shelves with all the love sent by our Plano friends! 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  Galatians 6:10

25th Annual Ronald McDonald Tournament - Day 2

The Ronald McDonald Tournament picked up again this morning.  The tournament is hosting over 300 teams ages 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U.  Imagine the logistics of scheduling 300 teams on ball fields all across Houston.  Each team is guaranteed six showcase games over the weekend. Each game is 90 minutes. If the weather permits there will be 3 Power Pool groups per 16U and 18U at the Scrap Yard. These will be chosen by TCS National rankings. Right now the weather doesn't look promising for ball games on Sunday afternoon. 

The girls played two games with one 4-2 loss and a tie in game four.  All four games were very competitive so they will only continue to get better!  The pitching was a little slower in the select league than what Abigail has been seeing in high school ball.  They were all fun games to watch, no one likes to watch a blow out game. 

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:4-5

25th Annual Ronald McDonald Tournament

Triple Crown Sports is hosting the 25th Annual Ronald McDonald Tournament this weekend.  Abigail's 18U select team, TeamSmith competed in two games today. 

Abigail caught for the first game with two at bats.  It was a hard fought game with a final score 3-2, a loss for TeamSmith.  In the second game, Abigail was the DH (designated hitter).  They had a good game and were really playing like a cohesive team.  TeamSmith for the win 4-2.

In the evening the team went out for dinner at Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant.  It gave the girls the opportunity to bond off of the softball field that will hopefully translate into better teamwork on the field.  Tomorrow brings on two more showcase games! 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Unarmed and Not So Dangerous

Today we made the trip to Houston for a long weekend of softball.  On the way to Houston we stopped of at Huntsville to see the Texas Prison Museum. 

It turned out to be a good day to stop by because Former Warden Jim Willett who wrote the book, 'Warden: Texas Prison Life and Death from the Inside Out' was visiting the museum. 

One of the most chilling exhibits at the Texas Prison Museum is "Old Sparky," the decommissioned electric chair in which 361 prisoners were executed between 1924 and 1964. This legendary device, made by prison workers, was in storage at the Walls Unit Death House before being donated to the museum.

One of the most fascinating exhibits was the work of photographer Barbara Sloan called, Last Statement.  It is a look at the victim’s of both sides left behind following an execution.  It include the last words of the guilty as well as the statements of the victims family members who witnessed the execution. 

It was a fun stop and great way to stretch our legs after driving for three hours! 

The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Genesis 39:21

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

A Day of Rest

There are times like last night when the busy-ness of life calls for a late Saturday night out before the Lord's Day. It could be ball games, date night or like last night homecoming. The 'rule' in our house if the event is wholesome and appropriate, then a late night is approved as long as the following Sunday morning is pleasant.  That the kiddo or parent who stayed out doesn't allow a lack of sleep to create a grumpy Sunday morning.  

Sunday morning is the very best day of the week.  It is the day we come together to celebrate what Christ did for us and to praise Him.  You can't do that grumpy! 

This morning I'm thankful that the kids have grown up with that understanding!  Here is our Sunday:  8:30am-9:45 Abigail and I worked in the nursery while Frankie and Jon went to services.  10:00-10:45 Bible Class for all.  11:00-12:30 Teach Bible Bowl.  12:30-2:30 Life Group.  3:00-5:30 Softball practice for Abigail! That's a long day, especially for a young lady who was out past midnight! It was even a long day for this mom who stayed up waiting on the young lady to come home! 

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:22

North Texas Homeschool Homecoming Dance

Tonight was the 11th annual North Texas Homeschool Homecoming!  The kids have been looking forward to it for months! The Gungans came down and brought Ms. Hannah with them.  Little Ms. Abigail was thrilled to be with her buddies.  They met up with Gracie, Gabe, Molly and Crissy at Olive Garden for dinner and then headed off together for an evening of fun. 

The North Texas Homeschool Homecoming Dance is open to homeschoolers in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.  It is a fun, safe evening for all.  The event has a huge partnership with the homeschooling families.  Their are parents who have pre-screened the music played by the DJs.    

The event also hosts other dance alternative options for the evening like game tables with chess, card games, board games, etc. There was catered food and refreshments, a photo booth, a fantastic light show and more! 

Of course being an event organized by homeschooling moms there was a dress code for the guys and girls. One of the funniest rules was 'no kilts for the guys!' Only at a homeschool event would that need to be written! 

Abigail and her friends had a great time. Abigail said her cheeks hurt from laughing so much.  I'm so thankful for her sweet circle of friends! 

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7