We had such a great time at the Tyler Tournament!! Every day began with worship and a fresh word for the students and their parents. Such a sweet reminder of why we do what we do. Below are the results for all 5 of my children.
Tyler Tournament Jarrell Family Results
Bethany Jarrell
Original Oratory – 2nd Place – National Qualified (NITOC)
Apologetics – 3rd Place
Extemporaneous – 4th Place – National Qualified (NITOC)
Parliamentary Debate – 5th place – National Qualified (PITOC)
Lincoln Douglas Debate – 6th Place – National Qualified (NITOC)
(Bethany has previously qualified for Nationals in Impromptu)(NITOC)
Bailey & Isaac Jarrell
Duo Interpretation – 3rd Place – National Qualified (NITOC)
(Bailey has previously qualified for Nationals(NITOC)in Impromptu)
Isaac Jarrell
Humorous Interpretation – 3rd Place – National Qualified (NITOC)
Ethan & Noah Jarrell
Duo Interpretation – 3rd Place
Ethan and Noah competed for the 1st time and didn’t place in their individual events but won 3rd place for their duo!! I was so proud of them because after the 1st day they never wanted to speak in public again, but after day two and having a crowd laugh at their duo, they thought it was SO FUN!!!!
We have another tournament in April where Bethany will try to qualify in Apologetics and Bailey is working on her Persuasive. If they qualify they will go to NITOC (nationals) in all the events they went out for.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, November 7, 2011
Discipline
My daughter's essay - I thought it was worth sharing!!
Discipline
Prompt: Do people need discipline to achieve freedom?
There seems to be a negative connotation with the word ‘discipline’ in today’s society. Many people equate discipline with rigorous and legalistic rules and regulations on behavior patterns and habits. However, what many people fail to realize is that the greatest amount of freedom is only attainable through discipline.
Before I move on to how discipline achieves freedom, I would like to dispel a few myths concerning the definitions of discipline and freedom. Many people connect discipline with punishment. As a child, parents use punishments to discipline their child into following proper behavior patterns. This is a good thing; but when the child grows into adulthood, many never move out of that childish phase and begin to see that the true definition of discipline is not punishment, rather it is following behavior patterns that allow for success, growth, productivity, and essentially: their personal freedom. Similarly, people believe that absolute freedom is being able to act without restraint and not have to answer for the consequences, either good or bad, of such actions. This seems to be the antithesis of discipline, but when closely examined, one can recognize this as a fallacy in the mindset to which society clings. Freedom could be defined as unrestraint, but because this leads us to undesirable ends, a re-definition is required. Freedom is the ability to act without infringing upon the rights of others. This thought was first supported by John Locke, an American Philosopher, and has been shown to be a more widely acceptable definition.
Where do these two ideas connect? How does discipline lead to freedom? To put it simply, discipline is the ability to act within proper behavior patterns such as honesty, reliability, productivity and creativity. When one acts without restraint, more than one person is harmed because that definition of freedom does not account for the consequences of actions. When one acts with discipline, the product is a freedom as defined by Locke and allows the person to play upon their strengths and become a more effectual and impactful individual, achieving a greater sense of freedom than the concept of unrestraint could ever comprehend.
What is a practical application of discipline leading to freedom? All through history, there have been a plethora of instances where true discipline led to true freedom. Take for example, the American Revolution: the founding fathers were in pursuit of freedom from Britain and it was only through disciplining themselves and their followers that freedom was attained from the motherland and in the process, found freedom in themselves to live purposeful and impactful lives.
Nothing is more tragic than watching an individual failing to realize their full potential and robbing themselves of a bright and influential future because they refused to discipline themselves. Let us strive to prevent others from accepting the current mindset that discipline is punishment and freedom is a lack of restraint, and help them to connect to the idea that they can live impactful lives when choosing to discipline themselves and ultimately achieve a lasting freedom.
Discipline
Prompt: Do people need discipline to achieve freedom?
There seems to be a negative connotation with the word ‘discipline’ in today’s society. Many people equate discipline with rigorous and legalistic rules and regulations on behavior patterns and habits. However, what many people fail to realize is that the greatest amount of freedom is only attainable through discipline.
Before I move on to how discipline achieves freedom, I would like to dispel a few myths concerning the definitions of discipline and freedom. Many people connect discipline with punishment. As a child, parents use punishments to discipline their child into following proper behavior patterns. This is a good thing; but when the child grows into adulthood, many never move out of that childish phase and begin to see that the true definition of discipline is not punishment, rather it is following behavior patterns that allow for success, growth, productivity, and essentially: their personal freedom. Similarly, people believe that absolute freedom is being able to act without restraint and not have to answer for the consequences, either good or bad, of such actions. This seems to be the antithesis of discipline, but when closely examined, one can recognize this as a fallacy in the mindset to which society clings. Freedom could be defined as unrestraint, but because this leads us to undesirable ends, a re-definition is required. Freedom is the ability to act without infringing upon the rights of others. This thought was first supported by John Locke, an American Philosopher, and has been shown to be a more widely acceptable definition.
Where do these two ideas connect? How does discipline lead to freedom? To put it simply, discipline is the ability to act within proper behavior patterns such as honesty, reliability, productivity and creativity. When one acts without restraint, more than one person is harmed because that definition of freedom does not account for the consequences of actions. When one acts with discipline, the product is a freedom as defined by Locke and allows the person to play upon their strengths and become a more effectual and impactful individual, achieving a greater sense of freedom than the concept of unrestraint could ever comprehend.
What is a practical application of discipline leading to freedom? All through history, there have been a plethora of instances where true discipline led to true freedom. Take for example, the American Revolution: the founding fathers were in pursuit of freedom from Britain and it was only through disciplining themselves and their followers that freedom was attained from the motherland and in the process, found freedom in themselves to live purposeful and impactful lives.
Nothing is more tragic than watching an individual failing to realize their full potential and robbing themselves of a bright and influential future because they refused to discipline themselves. Let us strive to prevent others from accepting the current mindset that discipline is punishment and freedom is a lack of restraint, and help them to connect to the idea that they can live impactful lives when choosing to discipline themselves and ultimately achieve a lasting freedom.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Trip to Narnia
January 3rd we began our second venture into the world of Narnia – to once again enter the world of Aslan with the four Pevensie children and meet many of the fanciful beasts and citizens of Narnia. Last year we met the Great Lion and His love for His creation, we experienced His power of redemption and restoration through the ancient writings inscribed on the stone table as His blameless lifeblood was given willingly in lieu of a guilty soul. We witnessed the death of the White Witch and the restoration of Christmas to a land once covered with ice and stone. Hope once again filled the land as the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve ruled with truth and grace.
Over a thousand years have passed in Narnia since we were last here, the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve have long since been transported back to the land of England and left Narnia to be ruled by a new people known as the Telmarines. The talking beasts have retreated into themselves and the citizens of Narnia live hiding in the woods. They are once again in bondage to their fears, circumstances and living a life of survival while trying to believe the stories of the ancient children and their Aslan who came in and saved their world.
To be invited back into the world of Narnia is both a gift and a privilege. It is an opportunity to learn new lessons for ourselves and the responsibility to communicate the message of hope, love, courage and obedience to those who choose to allow Narnia to be a stop on their daily journey through life. A few of the lessons I learned along the way will forever mark my life and help me to encourage others on the rode they travel.
As we enter into Narnia we sense that Aslan is ever present and yet unseen. Our stage is a splash of yellow, brown and gold, each color catching the light and giving the sense of an open field but with a closer look you see eyes looking straight at you, always seeing, and always knowing. Today in my world I have the splashes of color all around me reminding me of the joys, trials and dailyness of life and yet when I look closely at all the things these colors represent I can see the face of my God, always seeing and always knowing. Lord, today, give me eyes to see You in the colors of my life.
One encounter with a Narnian will forever make you a believer, where once he had only heard the tales of talking animals, giants and dwarfs, so once was the tale of Aslan simply a story. A prince with a purpose to make a change to his world heard the stories and was willing to take the risk of believing. Upon encountering a living breathing Narnian, how could he not believe in the truth that Aslan was real? Daily I encounter real lives that have been touched, changed and freed by Jesus, how then can I doubt His existence. How then can I not believe He is there for me?
Back in the land they once ruled, four children return to a different world. A world that no longer reflects the one they left; no longer filled with the familiar faces, sights or sounds; one that is now foreign to them and beyond their understanding. Fear begins to grip their hearts, wandering lost and without a sense of direction, with no sign of Aslan could they begin to find their way? Would any of them choose to believe and to follow by faith? Without the Word of God as our guide, we tend to wander down paths without direction, lost, looking for our purpose and wondering what our destination might be. God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. As Aslan breathed life on the four children so we have the Holy Spirit who infuses us with power and courage to face the battles we must face.
As a part of the make-up team that brought the characters to life, I was able to see the transformation that each character would go through to become a walking, talking Narnian. Each character brought to life with hair, costume, make-up, dialogue and a vision from the inside out of who they would be. The gift of make-up would transform a small boy into a warrior mouse or a quiet young lady into a rather grumpy bear. Suddenly, they became a part of the tale, a part of the magic of the land, an integral part of the whole of the story.
Some of my favorite transformations occurred with my own children as I watched two of them stretch to portray the opposite of who they truly were created to be. One child who learned a little bit more about having fun and embracing freedom in each area of life. Another who delights in being the storyteller take a back seat so others could have their turn in the storytelling role. While another one found that telling a story and telling it well was hard work. And I learned that when asked to take on something well out of my skill set (being a make-up artist) can be fun and fulfilling when it isn’t about what I can’t do; but, about the opportunity to learn, pray and grow in new areas with the rest of the storytelling team.
My journey into Narnia had many more life lessons, like spirit gum is a sticky mess, glitter gets on everything and doesn’t want to come out, a story worth telling is worth telling well and life couldn’t get any sweeter than doing it with people you love. However, the greatest lesson I took from this encounter with Narnia was that above all else the real King of Narnia forever wants me to trust in His goodness, His love and His plan for my life, even when the trees are unfamiliar and the way unclear.
We said good-bye to Narnia last night with laughter and a few tears we had a grand adventure. Carrying the lessons of our heart into the future with new friends, shared experiences and some new skills under our belts we head out into a greater adventure still
Over a thousand years have passed in Narnia since we were last here, the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve have long since been transported back to the land of England and left Narnia to be ruled by a new people known as the Telmarines. The talking beasts have retreated into themselves and the citizens of Narnia live hiding in the woods. They are once again in bondage to their fears, circumstances and living a life of survival while trying to believe the stories of the ancient children and their Aslan who came in and saved their world.
To be invited back into the world of Narnia is both a gift and a privilege. It is an opportunity to learn new lessons for ourselves and the responsibility to communicate the message of hope, love, courage and obedience to those who choose to allow Narnia to be a stop on their daily journey through life. A few of the lessons I learned along the way will forever mark my life and help me to encourage others on the rode they travel.
As we enter into Narnia we sense that Aslan is ever present and yet unseen. Our stage is a splash of yellow, brown and gold, each color catching the light and giving the sense of an open field but with a closer look you see eyes looking straight at you, always seeing, and always knowing. Today in my world I have the splashes of color all around me reminding me of the joys, trials and dailyness of life and yet when I look closely at all the things these colors represent I can see the face of my God, always seeing and always knowing. Lord, today, give me eyes to see You in the colors of my life.
One encounter with a Narnian will forever make you a believer, where once he had only heard the tales of talking animals, giants and dwarfs, so once was the tale of Aslan simply a story. A prince with a purpose to make a change to his world heard the stories and was willing to take the risk of believing. Upon encountering a living breathing Narnian, how could he not believe in the truth that Aslan was real? Daily I encounter real lives that have been touched, changed and freed by Jesus, how then can I doubt His existence. How then can I not believe He is there for me?
Back in the land they once ruled, four children return to a different world. A world that no longer reflects the one they left; no longer filled with the familiar faces, sights or sounds; one that is now foreign to them and beyond their understanding. Fear begins to grip their hearts, wandering lost and without a sense of direction, with no sign of Aslan could they begin to find their way? Would any of them choose to believe and to follow by faith? Without the Word of God as our guide, we tend to wander down paths without direction, lost, looking for our purpose and wondering what our destination might be. God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. As Aslan breathed life on the four children so we have the Holy Spirit who infuses us with power and courage to face the battles we must face.
As a part of the make-up team that brought the characters to life, I was able to see the transformation that each character would go through to become a walking, talking Narnian. Each character brought to life with hair, costume, make-up, dialogue and a vision from the inside out of who they would be. The gift of make-up would transform a small boy into a warrior mouse or a quiet young lady into a rather grumpy bear. Suddenly, they became a part of the tale, a part of the magic of the land, an integral part of the whole of the story.
Some of my favorite transformations occurred with my own children as I watched two of them stretch to portray the opposite of who they truly were created to be. One child who learned a little bit more about having fun and embracing freedom in each area of life. Another who delights in being the storyteller take a back seat so others could have their turn in the storytelling role. While another one found that telling a story and telling it well was hard work. And I learned that when asked to take on something well out of my skill set (being a make-up artist) can be fun and fulfilling when it isn’t about what I can’t do; but, about the opportunity to learn, pray and grow in new areas with the rest of the storytelling team.
My journey into Narnia had many more life lessons, like spirit gum is a sticky mess, glitter gets on everything and doesn’t want to come out, a story worth telling is worth telling well and life couldn’t get any sweeter than doing it with people you love. However, the greatest lesson I took from this encounter with Narnia was that above all else the real King of Narnia forever wants me to trust in His goodness, His love and His plan for my life, even when the trees are unfamiliar and the way unclear.
We said good-bye to Narnia last night with laughter and a few tears we had a grand adventure. Carrying the lessons of our heart into the future with new friends, shared experiences and some new skills under our belts we head out into a greater adventure still
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
The prince of fools - a tough word but sometimes the truth hurts!
The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency. It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to an electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president. ...Author Unknown
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thought for the Day
He loves us. Love does not mean making much of us or making life easy. It means making us able to enjoy making much of Him forever - no matter what the cost.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Fiery Furnace Will Fashion Us into the Image of Christ
The Fiery Furnace Will Fashion Us into the Image of Christ and Our Authority Will Increase as We Overcome by Barbie Breathitt
The fiery furnace in Daniel 3 will fashion us into the image of the "Fourth Man."
Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, "Is it true, you do not serve my gods or worship my image? Now, when you hear the sound of my music, fall down and worship what I have made. If you do not bow down and worship my image you will be thrown into the furnace. Then we will see if your god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
The three replied to the king, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand. But even if He does not, and He requires us to walk with Him through the fire, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
This infuriated King Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude changed. He commanded the furnace heated seven times hotter. His strongest soldiers tied up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and threw them into the blazing furnace. The flames of the fire killed the soldiers as these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blistering, fiery furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his worldly advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
Nebuchadnezzar approached the open furnace and shouted, "Come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
"The God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. (Paraphrased)
No one likes to be thrown headlong into a fiery situation, but when difficulties, bondages or limitations are overcome, our influence and authority is increased. Once these three men walked through the fire, the image of the fourth Man was seared on them and world leaders gathered around to hear their wisdom and counsel.
God will keep us safe as we dwell in His presence. He will hide us from the days of trouble and exalt us over our enemies. We will rejoice for the days of testing, trouble, and trials because they perfect us as fine, pure gold. The favor of the Lord will rest upon His golden vessels and He will establish the works of our hands.
Sin, doubt and disobedience keep us from the promise of entering God's rest. When we rest in Christ He will find His resting place in us. It is the Christ in us that gives us power to demonstrate the "greater works" of the Gospel.
The fiery furnace in Daniel 3 will fashion us into the image of the "Fourth Man."
Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, "Is it true, you do not serve my gods or worship my image? Now, when you hear the sound of my music, fall down and worship what I have made. If you do not bow down and worship my image you will be thrown into the furnace. Then we will see if your god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
The three replied to the king, "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand. But even if He does not, and He requires us to walk with Him through the fire, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
This infuriated King Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude changed. He commanded the furnace heated seven times hotter. His strongest soldiers tied up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and threw them into the blazing furnace. The flames of the fire killed the soldiers as these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blistering, fiery furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his worldly advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
Nebuchadnezzar approached the open furnace and shouted, "Come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
"The God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. (Paraphrased)
No one likes to be thrown headlong into a fiery situation, but when difficulties, bondages or limitations are overcome, our influence and authority is increased. Once these three men walked through the fire, the image of the fourth Man was seared on them and world leaders gathered around to hear their wisdom and counsel.
God will keep us safe as we dwell in His presence. He will hide us from the days of trouble and exalt us over our enemies. We will rejoice for the days of testing, trouble, and trials because they perfect us as fine, pure gold. The favor of the Lord will rest upon His golden vessels and He will establish the works of our hands.
Sin, doubt and disobedience keep us from the promise of entering God's rest. When we rest in Christ He will find His resting place in us. It is the Christ in us that gives us power to demonstrate the "greater works" of the Gospel.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Bethany!!
Today, we are celebrating Bethany! It has been 16 years since she became part of our lives and turned this couple into a family. What an amazing 16 years it has been. She has walked with us through laughter, tears, parting and reunions. She of all the kids remembers the struggles and the challenges that have made us into the family we are. She is bright, beautiful, fun and friendly. Bethany delights our heart with her smile and sweet ways. She is greatly loved by this household and each day with her is a precious gift from God. Father, Thank You for sharing Your Bethany with me, she truly is a priceless gift and one we treasure each and every day! Happy Birthday Bethany, We love you!!
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