Sunday, August 28, 2011

Seminole Indians vs. Midland Christian Mustangs 2011 Game 1

"This game will feel like a playoff game in August."  The writer of the capsules in the Odessa American was right.  He also chose us to win 34 to 28.  I was shocked and encouraged!


Playing Midland Christian is always tough.  They don't have to play by the same rules when it comes to recruiting and the like, so every year they seem to surface with a few new "star players."  Dexter had casually and confidently said, "yes, we'll win," a couple of times, but players had better say that or their coach dads may become upset.  I wasn't sure.


When the guys ran out on the field and down to the endzone to kneel and pray, they came back yelling and shouting and jumping....someone was yelling loud enough to for the stands to hear, "Play it for Jesus!  Play for Jesus Christ!"  These boys have some spiritual maturity and experience that we've never been a part of before.  They are teaching their parents (including me!) about faith.


They are living on the field the way I know God wants them to live in life....for Him, with all their heart.....gutting it out every play......lifting up their teammates and submitting to their coaches.  Human nature so goes against these things. It says, "stand up for yourself, make yourself known, don't give it your all because you might get hurt, it's too hard."
This photo and many others may be ordered from championshipphotos.dotphoto.com.


I was so proud of our offensive line!



I'm learning, slowly (as a girl!) that without the Oline to open the holes, the guy with the ball can't get very far.  Over and over, as this picture shows, our Oline guys did exactly what the coaches asked them, and Juan Espino, Jacob Burtch, Raylee Suarez, Jarod Adams, and David Moncayo ran through the holes for a total of 369 rushing yards.  Since we are typically known as a passing team, the success of the running game was awesome!

Way to go Kevin Froese, Rance Layton, Gonzo Reyna, Dane Browne, Riley Clark, Sam Shirley, Steven Galvan, Brandon Lujan, Austin Betancourt, Jonathan Soliz, and Taylor Gibson!!!!  They are the offensive line, but we affectionately call them the Hogs.

Juan Espino had an amazing night with 150+ rushing yards. 

The MC Mustangs obviously had spent a lot of time preparing to shut Jarod Adams down, but he broke through at just the right several moments, including a leaping catch in the endzone to win the game.  What an ending!

There were several big stories of the night.  After a stellar performance, Jacob Burtch came down on his shoulder near the end of the fourth quarter.  He was having trouble lifting it, but handed off to Juan Espino three times in the last 2 minutes of the game.  Juan ran the ball into the endzone to bring the score to 28-29.  Of course, we were going for the two....

Coach Burtch asked Jacob if he had one more pass left in him; Jacob said yes.  And with God's help, he did.  Jarod reached up and grabbed it, and I believe God was glorified with this win.

A few of the moms prayed over Jacob's shoulder after the game.  The report Saturday was good, just a mild separation of something.  When we were praying, God reminded me of the verse in Psalm 139:13  that says, "you knit me together in my mother's womb."  I believe God knit Jacob's shoulder together Friday night after the game.  

I love watching God work...and I love watching Indian football!





Thursday, August 25, 2011

Chicken with Mushrooms and Provolone



My sweet grandmother would save recipes like these for when I would come visit from college, because my grandfather didn't appreciate them much.  He was more of a meat and beans kind of Texan.  My family loves this chicken dish.


Paper plates were made for football season!
chicken breasts, cut into strips
fresh mushrooms, sliced
canola oil
italian seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
sliced provolone cheese
chicken broth


Heat 1/2 inch of canola oil in a skillet or electric skillet to medium to medium high heat.  


Dip chicken strips into milk, dredge in the bread crumbs.  Fry the chicken in the oil until golden brown.  


Place chicken in a single layer in a 9x13 glass dish.  Lay sliced mushrooms on top, and then layer the cheese on top.  Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth into dish.  Cover with foil.  Cook in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Inspired at School! Thank You Citizen Taxpayers and Oil Companies!

This is my language arts classroom.
As a coaching family, we have moved around Texas some.   I have lived in the Texas Hill Country, the rolling plains of North Texas, and West Texas.  People ask occasionally, "How can you stand to live with no trees or lakes or malls nearby?


It's true.  The closest Texas mall is an hour away from my present home.  Outside of those planted and watered on purpose, there aren't many trees other than scraggly mesquites.  To add insult to injury, my town has had about .3 of rain since last October.  There is sand and wind, small grocery stores and very few restaurants.


What my town in West Texas does have is very, very good.  Good schools, good people, good local restaurants, and good churches.  I decided to take pictures of my school.


We are blessed with citizens who believe education is important and oil companies that pay a lot of taxes, so we afford nice facilities.
This is the back of my classroom
Our new junior high was opened last Christmas.  When I am in my room, in the teachers' lounge, in the hallways or cafeteria, I am inspired.  The students seem calmer, more ready to learn.  Along with having an amazing principal and vice principal, I think I might be in teacher heaven!


I have had several new students from places such as Houston, Georgia, and Wyoming. Their parents have found jobs out here in an economy stimulated by oil.  I hope these students come to love West Texas like I do....the big skies, bright stars, fantastic sunsets and sunrises, and dry air.  I love, love, love it!!


I found these hanging lights at Target.  They use the same bulbs as Scentsy warmers I think.  Even after hours, I can touch them and they are only a little warm!

My desk in a perfect state of productivity :)


Teacher's Lounge....Hi Fay!  She's another coach's wife.

Front Office

Cafeteria


This is Mrs. Winston.  She's an amazing writing teacher.  She received those beautiful flowers because her laptop was accidentally completely erased.  Ouch!

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Very Best News

Sunday morning in the parking lot before church, Dwight prayed asking Jesus to come into his heart!  Woo Hoo!!  Pride, excitement, relief.  


He has been talking about it on and off for a couple of months.  At the end of several services when the pastor has offered the altar for prayer or decisions, he has wanted to pray, so we did, but he was still "thinking about Jesus coming into his heart" so we prayed about other things and people.


Chad and I felt lead to ask Dwight if he wanted to talk about it Sunday before church, and he did.  It was so awesome seeing Chad explain to him, using our sliding bathroom door,  how sin stands between us and God.  God knocks on the door of our hearts, like Revelations 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."


We get to decide whether to answer Him with a yes or a no.  When we say yes, Jesus opens the door, because He took all our sins to the cross with Him.


When we walked into church, Jase, the youth and children's minister was near.  Dwight went right up to him and said, "Jase, I asked Jesus to come into my heart!"  Dwight was so excited!  And so are we.


Accepting Christ means beginning a relationship with God here on Earth and growing closer and closer until it's time for us to join Him in Heaven for eternity.  Looking forward to that time helps life to stay in perspective.


My dad had the testing done for his prostate cancer August 1st.  His lymph nodes were clear, but there were a few spots on his bones.  His doctor in Houston prescribed nine months of chemo which he would take in Abilene.


It turns out, both of the chemo medicines are unavailable in Abilene due to a shortage in manufacturing.  So, my parents are planning a temporary move to Houston in the next week.  What is scary is that these chemo meds are the most successful, and they are not being prescribed where they are unavailable....but that's an issue of God's will. 


I am so grateful for Dwight's decision to follow Christ.  I am deeply thankful that my parents have a close relationship with God, and He WILL be with them every step of the coming nine months.  God is good all the time! 



Sunday, August 14, 2011

Seminole Indians vs. Pecos Eagles in the First Scrimmage

 This is the first completely biased (in favor of the Seminole Indians) report of the 2011 season.  


As my grandmother would have me begin, the weather was absolutely beautiful.  God blessed us with sub 100 degree temps, and since the scrimmages didn't begin until 6, the sun had dropped below the home stands and the breeze had picked up ever so slightly.  A full moon rose over the varsity scrimmage, set brightly against a clear royal blue backdrop....really, really amazing!

Photo thanks to Karen Flowers!


The info for this blog is based on my observations and feelings with input from the offensive coordinator (my hubby), and a junior player (my son).  I plan to interview the head coach when the games begin.  


The goal for the scrimmage for the offense was
Score, and score often!

The Indians scored five times in forty plays,  four with the first team, once with  the second team.


1.  Jacob Burtch handed off to Jarod Adams who ran for @30 yards for the td.
2.  Jacob passed for @12 yards, and Jarod ran for 58 yards for the td.  It was a 12 yard curl route.  Jarod made two defenders miss him.  After my husband made me write down curl route, I was reminded I need to buy a straightener for my hair...curl route means nothing to me.  :)
3.  Two yard run by Jacob for the td;  Dexter Longley ran 6 yards with the ball during the series!!
4.  Second team...Ryan Johnson ran for four yards for the td.
5.  Five yard pass from Jacob to Benny Enns for the td.

Caleb Koedyker outruns an Eagle to score a touchdown that was called back by the refs.
 Later in the series, Benny Enns scored.
This photo can be purchased on championshipphoto.dotphoto.com.


Juan Espino, Raylee Suarez, Ramon Juarez, and Taylor Jaquez all carried the ball.
Caleb Koedyker, Jarod, Isaac Hernandez, Benny, JR DeLosSantos, and David Moncayo all caught passes.
Ryan did well as the second string quarterback.
Offensive line did a good job, especially with pass blocking.


The defensive goal for the scrimmage was:  Do your job!

Jordan Thompson intercepted a pass from the Pecos qb!  Coach Burtch is celebrating enthusiastically with Jordan after the interception...
This photo and others can be purchased from championshipphotos.dotphoto.com


A goal line stand kept Pecos from scoring from the 6 yard line.
The defense showed a lot of fire...they were much more agressive on the field than last year.
Pecos did not score at all...the Indians shut them out!

Andre Ysasi and Dexter scramble to tackle the Eagle with the ball.
This photo can be purchased from championshipphoto.dotphoto.com. 



Next week, the Indians scrimmage the Littlefield Wildcats in Littlefield Thursday night, August 18th.   Freshmen begin at 5:00, JV at 6:15, and Varsity at 7:30.  See you there!



Thursday, August 11, 2011

My Favorite Season







I love football season.  We've never been at a district this long (7+years).  I taught a lot of these boys when they were sixth graders. Many of them have grown up in church while we watched....they feel like my almost sons.  I pray for their success this year, but moreso, I pray for their spiritual growth as they learn how to be men of God out on the football field.  By the way, Dex is #85.
 Love you, Indians!!


Sunday, August 7, 2011

Shocking!

For the first time in my 37 years as a Christian, I raised my hands when we were singing during church this morning!  I've raised my hands before at home by myself, just not in public.


People have raised their hands in all the Baptist churches I've attended since leaving home after high school.  I've just sort of ignored it.  That was great for them, not for me.


Then, our in-your-face preacher, Matt, began to challenge us about a year ago to really be involved in the worship services...he wasn't specific though I know he wanted us to really praise God from the bottom of our hearts.  So, I did, looking just the same as always, and it was genuine.


As time passed I re-noticed some women I really respect and consider mentors and close friends, Clara, Valerie, Sonia, Amber, and others raising their hands as they sang, usually with their eyes closed, swaying slightly sometimes.  This time, instead of just noticing them, I wondered how they did it without worrying about the people around them seeing them.  My justification was, "I certainly don't want to distract people!  I don't want to draw attention to myself."


At the beginning of the summer, my sweet friend, Shelbi loaned me some books that I took to be light, mindless reading called the Yada Yada Prayer Group series.  The first one convicted me further.  


On page 49, After a verse or two of "Lift Him Up!" the cream-suited worship leader had stopped the musicians...and talked about a verse in Hebrews 13, about offering a "sacrifice of praise" to God. "Have you ever stopped to think what a sacrifice of praise is?" she'd asked... "If it comes easy, if it doesn't cost you anything...it's not a sacrifice!....Some of you other folks see women dancing and shouting and weeping, and you're thinking, uh-uh.  No way am I going to make a fool of myself."
     I squirmed a little.  Now she was stepping on my toes.
The worship leader stopped at the podium, leaned across it, and lowered her voice...
"I want you to close your eyes and start thinking about what Jesus has done for YOU.  Some of you were on drugs, your mind so muddled you had no idea what day it was, much less how many kids you had....some of you have thought of suicide...maybe even tried it, but God stopped you....And some of you thought you were pretty good.  You kept all the major commandments and managed to avoid the big mistakes.  But let me tell you--you were still going to hell until Jesus saved you!"


You HAVE to read the book to see what happens, but the book was speaking to me.  Maybe I am too worried about what people will think, or too ego-centric thinking they actually think anything!!


One thing about it, I hope practice will make perfect.  Twice I accidentally made contact with the elderly couple sitting in front of me.  I bonked the man in the head when I brought my hands down one time, and brushed up against the lady's hair one time on the way up.  The bit of hair stayed sticking up, but I didn't want to alarm her by smoothing it down.  Sorry, sweet lady, please be patient with this baby praiser.


Hopefully it will go a little more smoothly next time.



Friday, August 5, 2011

Real Review of Rift in Time

I want to give you a little more information about Rift in Time because the book deserves a decent shot at my convincing you to read it!


Archaeologist Adam Livingstone, though not a Christ follower, finds himself using the Bible as a legitimate research guide.  His successes splay him across the news, attracting attention from friends, and also from evil.


Eager to enjoy the bounty of Livingstone's accomplishments is  beautiful Candace Montreaux, who happens to not be very interested in archaeology.  Adam is torn between her beauty, the curious desire to know more about the Bible, and his archaeological success that gives people the desire to kill him and his cohorts.


Several times in this book, I wanted to jump up and yell, "WooHoo!!!" because God is so awesome.  Michael Phillips captures some of the intricate relationships between God's creation and His Word.  I love that stuff!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

I Guess I'm a Parable Girl; Rift in Time

I just finished Rift in Time by Michael Phillips.  It was exciting, scientific, and adventurous.  There were bad guys, a little romance, and lots of spiritual truth.  I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who loves science and adventure.


I struggle to finish non-fiction books.  I have a hard time remembering what they said.  But put a Christian fiction book in my hand, and God's truths explode from the pages for me.  I always thought it was a little pathetic that Jesus always had to use parables for the disciples and other people to understand.  But I now realize, I'm one of those that need the story...I'm a little pathetic, but blissfuly happy reading them.


Rift in Time is a fiction book based on real research the author has compiled about how the earth has changed since Adam and Eve were in the garden.  Phillips's ideas are really cool and really possible.  His prologue about his research made me think something interesting:


I think God gives scientists truth (allows them to find it) when they are seeking it for His glory.  What do you think about that?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Night Before the First Day of Football Season

Last night at 10:00, I lay as still as I could listening for the deep, steady breathing that signals  my husband has fallen off to sleep.  It was stressful.  He had to be at the field house at 5:30.  He was trying not to think about who wouldn't show up, who wouldn't understand the new offensive schemes, etc, etc, etc.  


He is a high maintenance sleeper.  Sometimes he has a hard time getting to sleep.  Sometimes staying asleep, sometimes waking up too early.  If he falls asleep and I come to bed and wake him up accidentally, he can't get back to sleep....it goes on and on.  But I will not be one of those couples that sleeps in different rooms!  :)


So, last night I lay very still, not sleepy at all, and waited for him to drift off.  One of many such nights I have to look forward to over the next 4-5 months.  I wouldn't have it any other way!


For those that care, we had 99 come for the first day.  A few are not back from baseball, work, etc.  It was a good first day!