Leadership Training for Christ - Day 2

Day two of Leadership Training for Christ holds a full days worth of events.  The youth are able to use their developed skills in chorus, song leading, drama, puppets, sing language, speech and many others. 

It was wonderful to see my Bible Bowl kids displaying their skills in so many different talents. Several of our little girls gave speeches and they came to watch as Abigail delivered her speech. 

My older Bible Bowl guys all took part in leading congregational singing and in speech.  They were amazing and have grown and matured in their faith so much this year.  I'm so very proud of each of them! These guys will be prepared to give an answer for their faith and the courage to boldly stand up for what they believe! 

The Lord your God was your king - 1 Samuel 12:12

Leadership Training for Christ - Day 1

Friday night at North Texas Leadership Training for Christ is kicked off with Bible Bowl.  This Bible Bowl is the same material, the book of 1 Samuel as Texas Bible Bowl but on a lot easier level.  

Tonight's test is only 100 questions for 7th - 12th graders and 75 questions for 3rd - 6th graders. McDermott took 80+ 3rd-6th graders to Bible Bowl. On Wednesday night I hung out with our McDermott kids as they prepared for tonight. 

There will be over 6,000 youth participating in Leadership Training for Christ in North Texas and thousands of kids across the U.S. participating this year.  Can you imagine if each of those kids then go out and spread the gospel to just 10 people the impact they would have on the world?! 

He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

LCU Chap Day

Today Caleb had texted that he would be busy between classes today with Chap Day activities. Caleb participates in Lubbock Christian University's Ambassador program promoting the school to potential students. 

Chap Day is a group campus visit which includes a department fair, chapel, campus tour, lunch, and activities for students interested in LCU.  

Later today Abigail saw this post on Instagram. A friend of hers was participating in Chap Day.  Sure enough, right there in the middle on the back row is Caleb! How fun! 

We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Texas Bible Bowl Class 2017-2017

We're getting close to Texas Bible Bowl.  For me, the test concluded close to fourteen months of preparation.  Hour and hours are spent writing the 150+ page Study Guide.  Then there are hours spent formatting and preparing the text that allows my students to distinguish between people, place and other helpful information.  

This year I prepared over 1,000 flash cards to help the kids master the information.  Then there's the chapter heading cards, multiple games, almost 120 pages of lesson plans, 26 page sample test, over 30 practice tests . . . . 

I overheard someone say that the kids scores at competition was a direct reflection of the work each child but into their studies but I would like to think their scores are also a reflection of the work I put into preparing them AND their work. 

Regardless, these guys know so much more than they did about the book of I Samuel when we started class six months ago.  They have clear understanding that God was suppose to be Israel's king and when you look to any one or any thing to take God's place it won't go well! 

I'm so proud of all their work!  Now if you'll excuse me I'm already working on the Study Guide for the book of John for next year. 

Commit your work to the Lord,

    and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

HSAA vs. Lebanon Trail

This afternoon the HSAA Angels faced the Lebanon Trail Blazers. Lebanon Trail is the newest high school in Frisco, Texas.  It has a student body of 925+ in grades 9-11.  It is one of nine high schools in the city of Frisco! 

It's ball field facilities are the nicest we've played at to date!  It's a crazy contrast to our home school team! 

Our catcher girl had a good game both at and behind the plate.  Abigail had two plate appearances with two hits and one RBI. Not only that but the stands were filled with her fan club! Gracie and Katrina came to watch the girl do her thing. Also Ms. Julie brought Rebekah, Naomi and Rachel to watch Abigail play. This is the closest field to home that we play on all season. 

 In the end the Angels lost to the Trail Blazers. But it was a really good game! 

And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed. Acts 16:40

Lyndon Johnson's Great Society

Today was a field trip day, which has always been the best part of homeschooling.  Sissy and I met up with Bailey's and other PEACH friends at the Wyly Theatre.

Last year the Dallas Theater Center put on a production of All the Way.  Today's The Great Society continues the story of Lyndon B. Johnson’s turbulent presidency.  

The play depicts the president's fight a “war on poverty” at home and his war in Vietnam begins to spiral out of control. The cast includes Johnson's political enemies as he fought to pass civil rights legislation and social programs.  It's filled with a cast of legendary characters—from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Bobby Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

The play is a fascinating piece of history that over glamorizes Johnson's presidency and boast his socialist policies.  It goes to great effort to make Johnson appear almost noble.  The play, which was billed as a student performance was laced with volumes of unnecessary profanity.  

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, 

purified seven times.  Psalms 12:6

HSAA vs. Dallas Christian

Today the HSAA Angels were playing at Dallas Christian Academy. The history with Dallas Christian hasn't been the best over the years.  They have a history of poor sportsmanship, so there is always a bit of trepidation at facing them. HSAA Angels Varsity got things started in the first inning. An error scored one run for HSAA Angels Varsity.  But by the bottom of the first inning, Dallas Christian tied things up.

But by the second inning the Angels began to pull away with two additional runs.  Abigail had four plate appearances with 2 hits, 1 run and 2 RBIs.  The final score was an Angel's 20-6 victory over Dallas Christian! 

the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies,
to give you the victory.  Deuteronomy 20:4

A Formula for Kindness

Today we got to deliver gifts to the pantry.  We have a sweet friend at church who is a pediatrician.  Every few months she give us a generous donation of  baby formula for the pantry.  And by generous I mean an entire cart full of  canisters of formula.  

Many of the guest to the pantry are set up with the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program which assists with formula and baby product. But some of our guest aren't set up with WIC yet and this formula is a huge expense to strained budgets.  

We are blessed that people can look at their areas of excess and find a way to bless others! 

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Boldly Go!

As we're getting closer to Texas Bible Bowl, I've brought in a few special guests into the class to encourage our kids. Today Barrett, our High School Youth Minister came in to encourage the kids in their studies.  Barrett wasn't able to make it to our Game Night so he popped in today to tell the kids how proud he is of their studies. 

Caleb also was home for Spring Break so he led our review games today.  The kids are always excited to see him, it makes my mom heart happy! 

. . .he preached boldly in the name of Jesus  Acts 9:27

HSAA Angels Varsity Beats Bowie 5-3

Today the HSAA Angels Varsity took home a 5-3 victory over Bowie High School in tournament play at Fort Worth Christian. 

Abigail had three plate appearances with one hit and a run batted in. 

The funniest thing was because today was St. Patrick's Day Abigail had brought shamrock stickers for the players to wear for the game.  But before the game began Abigail was joking with the refs that since they were in all blue they might get pinched.  She then proceeded to put shamrock stickers on the refs cheeks!  

So funny!  The Bowie coach joked that she was unfairly biasing the refs because she had protected them from getting pinched! That girl has a knack to pick up a conversation with anyone!  She definitely never met a stranger. 

The people showed us unusual kindness,
for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all. . . Acts 28:2

HSAA at Lake Country Christian

Today the HSAA Angels Varsity took on Lake Country Christian in Fort Worth.  It was an even matched up game until the fifth inning when HSAA brought in several runs to lead to the final score of 8-2 for an Angels win!  

One of Abigail's team mates had her first out of the park, home run hit!  It was very exciting! But the very best part of the game for this mom was having all five of us were together at the ball fields! 

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

Fresh Re-Starts

This week we have had contractors in and out of the house.  It seems the new roof we put on only three years ago leaked with all the recent rain!  This week roofers came and scraped off the roof and re-roofed the entire house and the workshop.  

Today another crew of contractors came in and scraped and replaced the water damage on the inside of the house.  When they began bringing in scaffolding and plastic sheeting for the living room the kids and I took as our cue to take off.  We left Jon and Padme' in charge and we went to see the new Black Panther movie.  

I have to tell you we are getting a little spoiled having a Studio Movie Grill so close to our house and we take advantage of their $5 movie day on Tuesdays so we don't need much of an excuse to see a show!  

By the time we returned home all scaffolding and plastic sheeting was gone and what remained was new shining and fresh! 

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Playing with the Big Guys

Sunday afternoons are filled with Texas Bible Bowl and then select softball practice with TeamSmith.  Today the fields were double booked for the last portion of ball practice.  TeamSmith was finishing up their drills when the field was flooded with the sweetest four year T-Ball team.  Rather than hashing out practice schedules the coaches paired up the young hopefuls with their high school counter parts and continued practicing.  

It was a real treat for the aspiring ball players and a nice break to the riggers of practice for the girls! The young catcher's mom wanted a picture with Abigail and her buddy A.C. before the girls left the field, too cute! 

The glory of young men is their strength,

    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Proverbs 20:29

Aaron Watson Concert

Caleb came home for spring break yesterday and then made the trip to Oklahoma with Abigail to visit friends.  The kids went up to celebrate Hannah's birthday.  They joined the Gungan's at Riverwind Casino for the Aaron Watson concert. 

Watson was born in Amarillo, Texas and attended Abilene Christian University, where he began learning guitar.  He has a classic country sound like George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. Watson's 2015 album The Underdog reached No. 1 on Top Country Albums that year, and in 2017, he had his first major radio airplay hit with "Outta Style", which reached top 20.  

This was Hannah's first concert and the kids kept it a secret that they were coming up.  Caleb, Richard and Melissa were all off for LCU's Spring Break.  The kids had a wonderful evening together and I know the girls stayed way too late giggling and enjoying their time together! I'm grateful for the amazing friends God has provided for my kids. 

Now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.
2 Kings 3:15

Celebrate Life

Birthdays are just about the best day of the year, but a birthday for a four year old is exponentially better!  Today one of the sweet kids at preschool had his birthday.  His mom brought cupcakes for the class. In a mere matter of moments the stickiness and squeals of glee erupted!  So much excitement and joy in a matter of moments! 

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. Luke 1:14-15

HSAA vs. Lebanon Trail

Most of the opponents Abigail's home school high school team faces are other private schools.  But today they had the opportunity to face a public high school team.  Lebanon Trail has almost 1,000 students and is a UIL 5A school. 

The girls had a hard fought game and it stretched their skills to face a stronger team.   Below is Game Changer's write up on the game: 

HSAA Angels Varsity Out-Hits Competition, Yet Lebanon Trail Takes The Win

HSAA Angels Varsity fell 9-5 to Lebanon Trail on Tuesday despite out-hitting them six to five.

In the first inning, HSAA Angels Varsity got their offense started when Teresa Bless singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

Lebanon Trail knotted the game up at five in the bottom of the second inning, when an error scored two runs for Lebanon Trail.

Lebanon Trail pulled away for good with one run in the third inning. In the third Ryleigh Horton's wild pitch allowed one run to score for Lebanon Trail.

Lebanon Trail scored three runs in the fourth inning.

Abigail Ratliff toed the rubber for HSAA Angels Varsity. She went two innings, allowing five runs on two hits and striking out one. Horton threw two innings in relief.

Bless went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead HSAA Angels Varsity in hits.

"Do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.” 2 Chronicles 13:12

Game Night

Texas Bible Bowl is rapidly approaching and the kids have been working hard studying. Tonight is the night when they get to have a little fun and showcase their hard work. 

Frankie, Abigail and I spent yesterday shopping and setting up for the big event.  The kids competed in sorting chapter heading cards, Jeopardy, Tic-Tac-Toe, Ha! and Survey Says. 

My student's moms made sure there were plenty of drinks and snacks for the big event.  The moms also were great to help keep score and clean up after all the fun. 

The kids seemed to have a great time and I made sure there were prizes for game winners.  The kids get so excited to show off what they've learned and it's a wonderful evening for Moms and Dads to cheer them on! 

"If you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it." Acts 13:15

The Samson Movie

There are several great movies in theaters now. The girls wanted to see the new Samson movie put out by Pure Flix.  It's not the Cecil B. DeMille epic scale but it is leaps and bounds above what Hollywood is putting out as entertainment.  

The movie is the story of the biblical strong man from the Book of Judges.  It's a nice visual reenactment of the familiar story. The movie is a respectful and heartfelt portrayal of a story whose power is undimmed over the millennia. I found some humor that the mother of the man of strength is the Bionic Woman! You've got to love the irony! 

For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-34