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Fall Soccer {2013}

Valerie Basham

December 6, 2013

Yep, it’s December. And yep, I’m just now getting these photos of our fall soccer season posted for our family and friends who were interested. I cannot begin to describe how busy my life has been since we moved…and I just realized that I’ve written that phrase more than a few times here lately. Sorry for being so redundant. Perhaps I can explain…

Terry is absolutely loving the ministry work here at Bethel Baptist Church. They had an extensive printing ministry, which, long ago, included the publication of a paper called The Watchman. Terry is privileged to be able to continue the printing ministry for its founder, the late Dr. Forrest Keener. This involves re-starting the paper by writing many articles and filling tract orders for people across the nation and beyond. The church runs the Bible Institute of Correspondence (BIC), which helps to educate both preachers and laymen alike. We are doing a renovation of our building, also! We just completed phase one…only three more to go! As you can see, my husband works all hours of the night and day with these ministries as well as sermon preparation, counseling and outreach efforts. Because we no longer live on the church property (hallelujah), we see him less than ever before. This has made my days a bit longer, but I’m not complaining! I love my job as a wife and mother, however, this new work schedule has required a lot of adjustment on my part. This means my hobbies have fallen to the bottom of the list and often get ignored. I apologize for being so behind, and I humbly thank you for reading. 🙂

Now for those of you who were wondering about soccer (my mother), here are the photos of the other kids’ games. You can view pictures of Laci playing her soccer game HERE.

Leslie is getting ready to play. She was on the brown team, but the orange team was short a player, so she got moved to the orange team for the game.

We got to sit pretty close to the action! Here’s Leslie doing some footwork.

The orange team won!

Mitchell got to play several different positions in his game. He did goalie and defender the most.

The ref is blocking the ball, but he just kicked it!

Running…can you see the ball?

He played his heart out, but his team lost by one point. It was a bummer, but he did his best and that’s what matters! He stopped two goals as goalie, so at least they didn’t win by three!

Lauren’s game was the hardest of all to photograph because I don’t have a zoom lens. Sorry if some are blurry. She did a great job as goalie!

She stopped a goal!

She got to do some running too…I forget her position in this photo.

She blocked another goal! In total, she stopped five balls! She loves this game a lot. Her team lost by just a few points. Again, it could have been worse if she hadn’t done her best at the net.

On the last day, the kids got participation medals and certificates.

Here’s Leslie with her medal.

Laci got a medal and some candy (it was Halloween!).

Mitch got the prize for saying all of his scripture memory verses as well as a medal.

Lauren got a medal and tied for the prize for saying her verses. They had to do a drawing to find a winner, but she wasn’t chosen. However, putting God’s Word in your heart is reward enough.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Lord has been so good to us – to think, we aren’t even sure how they came to know about us to contact us a year ago regarding this ministry! But, that’s a story for another time. 🙂 The homeschool group here as afforded us many wonderful opportunities, like soccer.

Thanks for reading! See you soon…I hope. 🙂

A Fun Festival and a Cozy Fire

Valerie Basham

2 comments

November 24, 2013

In October, my husband was invited to preach at a Harvest Festival hosted by Coweta Baptist Church in Coweta, Oklahoma. This church treated us so kindly! We had a wonderful time of fellowship. I made several new friends that I hope I get to see again very soon. 🙂 Here are a few photos of our time there:

Matt had fun in the bounce house!

They made a very cute maze out of hay bales. Don’t worry, it wasn’t as scary as this looked! Ha!

There was a pond stocked with catfish and a contest for the largest fish caught (catch and release). Matthew almost won! This fish was 21 inches long, the winner’s was 23 inches. Matthew was *elated*! He kept pointing at the eyes! He had it on his hook for a while and was just sitting on the bank, waiting patiently. When Terry saw his pole bent over, he helped him “crank” it in (as Matt said).

Leslie caught one, too! She’s so cute. 🙂

They had a tiny swing, too.

They had a chili cook off the same night, as well as tons of desserts! We ate very well! Terry got to preach right after the meal. It was a great salvation message.

But wait, that’s not all the fun! We also got to go on a hayride. Periodically, the ride would stop and we would see a plywood board decorated like a scene from the Bible. We got to travel back in time and hear about Joshua, Rahab and the walls of Jericho!

It was pretty chilly that night! Here are Laci, Matt and I on the hay ride. He’s just being silly! 🙂

On November 12, we had our first REALLY cold night here in Oklahoma! That meant that we got to use our fireplace for the first time! It was so nice to sit by the fire and read. Hearing the crackling and roar of the flames was something I haven’t enjoyed in my own home since I was a teenager. Boy it brought back sweet memories of my dad, who loved building a fire in the fireplace.

The girls are warming their feet. 🙂

Terry had the idea of making s’mores! When I was young, my dad would help me roast marshmallows. I love those things – slightly brown and nice and melty in the middle. Mmmm! I’m so glad we have a fireplace because our stove top is electric!

Mitchell and The Man roasting marshmallows.

Lauren enjoyed her s’more!

I love autumn. And winter. Actually, I love all four seasons! I’m thankful for the bountiful blessings God sends us each season of the year, and of life.

Oh, and one more thing! Due to the holiday season which is quickly approaching, I may not be able to post again for a while. I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook or somehow, and keep in touch. Feel free to browse my archives, too! I have 948 other posts and nine pages for your viewing pleasure.

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank YOU for reading!
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Glorious Sunrise

Valerie Basham

6 comments

November 15, 2013

I get up early everyday, not because my life is that demanding, but because I relish these quiet moments in the morning alone. I love the stillness of the house while I read m Bible and talk to my Savior. I like planning my day in peace and getting in a workout before the rest of the world comes calling. As I was getting some water yesterday morning {November 14}, I glanced out of my kitchen window and saw a band of orange, pink and purple shining on my neighbor’s window. I was startled at first, wondering what light was on in their house? Then I realized that it was the sunrise! I knew it was beautiful for it to catch my eye in just a reflection on glass! I ran for my phone and stumbled out our back door in my sock feet. One photo told me that it wasn’t going to be clear enough, so I ran back inside and grabbed my Nikon and started snapping the light show that God had placed outside my windows. The 26 degree temperature didn’t faze me; all I could do was gawk at the sky!

Even these photos cannot really do it justice. God’s creation is so amazing! I stand in awe at how the world spins on its axis, the laws of physics which He created and the life He has made. Words cannot adequately describe how lovely, how wonderful, how stunning it all is!

And even more thrilling than watching a glorious sunrise on this Earth, is the thought that I shall one day behold this Creator face to face!

My Flower Bed and Poison Oak

Valerie Basham

6 comments

November 7, 2013

Back in July, (remember, I said I was very behind in posting!) we began trying to fix up the flower bed in the front yard. It led to my getting a nasty case of poison oak. I knew to watch out for poison ivy, because I’d gotten a severe case of that after we moved to Arkansas. But, I mistook the little oak leaves in my flower bed for baby oak trees…oops.

Here are a few photos of my agony. I hope they aren’t too graphic.

If you are concerned, please stop reading now.

After seeking medical attention (a shot and a round of steroids), it improved greatly in a week, and was completely gone in about three weeks.

And the flower bed? Well, thanks to my husband and children, it has made some progress. The following photos were taken in July, before the poison oak outbreak. As you can see, it was a mess!

Terry and Mitch removed the usable mulch and stored it in old plastic containers. Then, Terry dug out some of the dead plants and sprayed it with Round Up. After that, he and the kids covered it all with plastic.

After it was all covered, he replaced the good mulch and bought 15 bags of fresh mulch.

The finished product! So much cleaner and neater! I know, it’s not pretty, but that will have to wait until spring. I hope to add some periwinkle and maybe a few other things when the weather is warmer…and when I’m sure that the poison oak is gone. At least now I know to watch out for it! This view is looking toward the house.

Here’s the view looking toward the street. Terry is very proud. 🙂 Now, I need to work on the beds around the house! Oh boy.

Autumn in Oklahoma

Valerie Basham

2 comments

November 7, 2013

I love photographing autumn! This is my first fall season to spend in Oklahoma, and so far, I’m enjoying it! We have nice crisp days, plenty of wind and some pretty colors to enjoy. We don’t have as many trees here as we did in Arkansas, but then again, in Arkansas, we had few deciduous tress. Pine trees don’t change color, so I suppose the colors are close to the same here. I wanted to share a picture or two of the view from my window.

These leaves caught my eye one morning, against the gray sky.

My pumpkin. 🙂

As I was heading inside, I spotted these flowers in the flower bed around my house, next to our sprinkler.

I’m not sure what they are, but they really brightened this cloudy day! Autumn colors are one of God’s many blessings.

Daily Blessings and a Verse on Suffering

Valerie Basham

2 comments

November 5, 2013

I can’t believe it’s already November! We have been having busy, full days here at the Basham hacienda. Each day, I do my best to have my quiet time with the Lord first. From there, I try to get in a workout, get ready for the day, and then get the kids going. My oldest two kids need my laptop to view their math lessons on CD, so I only get to blog if I get up really early and beat the rush. 🙂 By afternoon, I’m usually too brain dead to write anything except an email or two, so I just haven’t gotten to blog. I have so much to share though. God is so good and he “daily loadeth me with benefits”, as it says in Psalm 68:19. If I had the time, I could post twice a day on the blessings God pours out! I do try to keep a personal journal, jotting down His goodness, to have some record of it.

In October, we celebrated six months in Oklahoma! So much has happened in that time! I can’t believe that six months ago, I had a life in another place. It’s amazing how quickly we can learn to adapt and adjust to a new home and city. We have met so many wonderful people in that time! I love living here, and the kids are adjusting well. I am so grateful for God’s help in this transition.

Terry took a trip to Southern Seminary last week for the Expositor’s Conference. He was able to meet some kind pastors and get several good books. He says he learned a lot, but I thought he was already pretty smart. 🙂 It was interesting taking care of the five kids alone. It was my first time to be alone that long here. I missed having family nearby (I used to live an hour or so from my mom), but my church family has showed me how much they care. I know if I had a need, they would be there for me. Anyway, I really missed my sweetheart. Whenever he is gone, I not only appreciate all he does around here, but I realize that he truly is my best friend. He got plenty of bear hugs upon his return, and he delighted everyone by bringing us all a little souvenir. The older kids got a nice pen, Matthew and I got T-shirts, and the little girls got tiaras for when they play dress up (everyday). The photo above shows them modeling them.

The kids just finished their first soccer season in our homeschool group. I hope to share some more photos of that soon. They had a blast! It was a lot for me and Terry to keep up with, but it was worth it. Mitchell is enjoying piano lessons from two teachers – one is focusing on classical and one on hymns. He loves music and is doing well. We just met some wonderful people in Coweta, Oklahoma, last weekend. I have never been treated so kindly by people, except by my own church family! And, after a stressful week last week, I really needed the encouragement. Again, God is so good! I hope to share photos of that, too, soon.

I just wanted to let you know I’m alive and well, praise the Lord, and give you a run down of what we have been doing. I hope to share more specific posts in the near future.

This morning, I read these verses, which were both convicting and a blessing:

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ~ Heb. 2:9-10

I noticed that Christ, the “captain of their salvation” was made perfect through suffering! I often complain about suffering, yet, it is though that very suffering that Christ conforms us into his image. Last Wednesday night, while my husband was away, one of the men of our church brought a message on suffering from Romans 7. My husband preached last Sunday morning a sermon called “What Suffering Can Get You”, and now this. I’m not sure, but I think the Lord wants me to understand that suffering for Him is a good thing, a thing that shouldn’t be feared, but embraced. I think He wants me to trust Him and claim His promises and have stronger faith. I have a long way to go, but by His grace, I will get there.

I hope you all have a great week!

Amorphous Solid – Science Experiment

Valerie Basham

2 comments

October 14, 2013

Hello, and happy Monday! I just wanted to pop in and show a brief video of Mitchell’s latest science experiment. He is using Apologia’s Young Explorer series, the newest book in the series, which is Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics by Jeannie Fulbright. This experiment was particularly fun! 🙂

Soccer {Autumn 2013}

Valerie Basham

2 comments

October 12, 2013

This is our family’s first experience with soccer. All five kids are involved, even our three year old! Matthew hasn’t been doing too much with it. He’s shy and younger than the other kids on his team, who are a whopping four years of age. 😉 Here are some photos of our soccer players.

All ready to go on the first day!

Matt with his own little soccer ball. He was nervous.

He finally – when it was almost over – tried to kick the ball a bit.

Laci had her first “real” game, against other kids on her team, last Thursday. They scrimmage every week, but this game had a ref and an audience. 🙂 I enjoyed snapping some photos of her playing. She gave it her all and did her best. She is prone to be bossy, so this team effort is helping her learn to listen better and work with others. I was proud of how hard she played.

She started out as defender.

She stopped the gray team from scoring!!

She’s on the far left, running. And, I think she should have gotten a foul! lol!

Some footwork as she goes for a goal. She almost scored!

Running hard!

She also played as goalie, midfielder, and forward.

I don’t know if I got photos of each position. When she was goalie, she basically just stood there. lol

I love this one! 🙂

Can you tell they won? 🙂 You would think it was the World Cup by this expression!

Leslie and Mitchell have a game next week, so I will have more photos then. Matthew also had a game the day Laci did, but he was too tired to play. Our practices are during his normal nap time.

Thanks for reading!

School Plans for 2013-2014

Valerie Basham

1 comment

October 12, 2013

Leslie’s first science project, the solar system.

We are finishing up our ninth week of school and I’m just now sharing our plans for the year! Oops! Blogging and I have not been meeting up too often since our move. In case anyone is interested, I thought I’d share what we’re doing this year. Since we are well underway with our year, I can also let you know how it’s going! 🙂

Lauren, 9th Grade

Algebra I – Saxon and DIVE. We really, truly love Dr. Shoreman! Lauren is having a much easier time with Algebra than I did, and I’m so glad! We began with Saxon last year and Lauren’s test scores in math increased after using Saxon.

Literature – Abeka‘s Themes in Literature; various library books. She reads about three books each week.

Writing – We are using materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing, thanks to my friend, Stephanie A. for telling me about it! I am doing this with both Lauren and Mitchell. This is a very in-depth program which required my doing a nine hour seminar over the summer. I am not teaching it as well as the creator of the program does on the DVDs, but I’m doing okay. Her grammar and spelling are being taught through all of her writing assignments.

Geography – Abeka. This course includes map study and a study of different cultures. It’s been interesting and mildly challenging.

Science – Apologia’s Physical Science. Lauren would say this course is “ok”. It is work! There are experiments, and each one requires a lab report. The notebook journal has questions to answer and other activities. I love the fact she isn’t just “reading” science, but “seeing” it, too.

Bible – Alpha-Omega LifePacs. This was a bit harder than she anticipated, but she has adjusted and is doing well with it.

PE – Volleyball and Soccer through our homeschool group.

Mitchell, 6th Grade

Math – Saxon 7/6 DIVE. Last year after using Saxon, Mitch’s math score on the Arkansas standardized achievement test increased by three grades! He is using DIVE for the first time this year, mostly to free up more of my time, and he seems to enjoy it.

History – Alpha Omega LifePacs. He hates it, but he’s doing okay with it. I’m not too happy with it, either. There are several questions where the answers are not in the book, they are more “state your thoughts” type questions. I would prefer a more direct approach for a 6th grader, but we are making it work.

Science – Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics. This is a new book that was just released in September. We are liking it, or rather, Mitch is liking it. With all of my other teaching, he is reading it and doing the experiments on his own. I am nearby to make sure he doesn’t get hurt or break anything. And to take pictures, which I hope to share soon!

Grammar – Easy Grammar, grade 6 and Daily Grams. We love this program! This is our third year to use it.

Writing – He is doing the Institute for Excellence in Writing also, as I mentioned earlier.

Bible – Alpha Omega LifePacs. It’s just as challenging for him as the history.

Vocabulary/Spelling/Poetry – Abeka

Reading – Abeka Literature for 6th grade and library books

PE – Soccer

Music – Piano lessons. He is able to take lessons from a professional teacher, as well as our professional church pianist! One is teaching classical, the other is helping him with his hymn playing. One thing is certain: God has given him a talent in this area, and we pray he will return it to the Lord always.

Leslie, 3rd Grade

Math – Saxon Third Grade Intermediate. This has been a good transition into using Saxon materials. There are fewer lessons in this book than the other books (4th grade – 8th grade), but it seems to be just right. I love the way Saxon reviews constantly. They are using lots of money as learning tools, so I did invest in some play money for that purpose. Already I’ve seen some improvement in her math skills!

Grammar – Easy Grammar, grade 3. I taught the preposition unit first, but I then skipped over to nouns and now we are on verbs. The book is set up to teach prepositions first, assuming that the student knows nouns and verbs and direct objects from the beginning. Leslie hasn’t learned any of that yet, so I’m having to do some jumping around. It won’t be long till she will be able to move straight through the book, though. The lessons are manageable and I LOVE the way Dr. Phillips explains linking verbs!

Reading – Abeka 3rd grade readers, library books and read aloud selections with mom.

Writing – Abeka penmanship

Spelling/Vocab/Poetry – Abeka, Grade 3

Science – Apologia Astronomy. She is enjoying using the junior notebook with this program. I read the textbook pages to her, then she does the notebook pages and experiments. It’s been really fun.

History – Abeka, Grade 3

Bible – ACE Bible Reading Paces for 3rd grade.

PE – soccer

She is also hoping to join the knitting class in our co-op in January.

Laci, 1st Grade

We are using Abeka for all of Laci’s subjects. She is my fourth child to teach to read, write and do simple math, so I am using what I’ve used for the other three – Abeka. I am *very* familiar with their phonics program. I have all the visuals for math and phonics and I want to get as much use out of them as I can.

She is doing Arithmetic 1, the Abeka readers for grade 1, Spelling and Poetry 1 and Cursive penmanship for grade 1. She is doing well, and doing it all in her own unique “Laci” way! 🙂 She loves drawing, painting, putting on “shows” (plays) and playing soccer.

This is a brand new year for us! I am in my tenth year of homeschooling, but my first year to homeschool in Oklahoma. It’s been a challenge for me to adjust to our new house and town. It’s been a big change to have so many extra-curricular activities to put in the schedule, but somehow it’s all working out. I am so thankful for the Lawton Christian Home Educator’s support group. Our children are getting to participate in activities that I didn’t think would ever be available for us as homeschoolers. I never spent much time worrying about it, because we were content just having each other, but it is a huge bonus! 🙂

And as always, I find myself learning more than the children. No, not math or English, but lessons like patience, love, forgiveness and mercy. I am learning how much I need His help, and that He is enough to meet every need of my heart and life.

20 Questions to Ask a Jehovah’s Witness

Valerie Basham

2 comments

October 6, 2013

This past Wednesday, my morning was interrupted by a visit from two female representatives of the Jehovah’s Witness group. I was not feeling well and in the middle of school, so the visit was a surprise to say the least. Before I even answered the door, I was scolding myself at how ill prepared I was. I cannot count how many times I have opened my doors to them over the years. Too many! And as I type these words, I am feeling the frustration at my ignorance anew.

Several weeks ago, one of our Sunday school teachers shared twenty questions to ask a Jehovah’s Witness. I know from experience that the JW’s are very prepared for any argument you pose to them. To say they are “indoctrinated” is putting it mildly. They are like an army of witnessing, and rightfully so: they believe it is their ticket to “paradise” and that persecution is adding feathers to their spiritual cap – so they love criticism! Wow. If only those of us who truly know the Lord were as prepared, as disciplined and as eager to face opposition as these false witnesses are! That convicts me.

One thing you cannot do to the JW is give them an opening to speak. Can their greatest strength can be turned into their greatest weakness? Perhaps so. Let them talk, but give them the things to talk about. Here are the 20 questions. May we all use this tool to get some of the Jehovah’s Witnesses to turn to the true Gospel, and may it begin in me.

*The following questions were written by Natalie Pappas in 1997.*

NOTE: Do not invite them into your home. Also, try to direct your questions to the “newer” recruit, the one who is more reluctant to speak. Please study these passages of scripture ahead of time to prepare yourself.

1. May I ask a quick question?
2. What gospel are you preaching?
3. Do you know there is only one gospel?
4. Do you have a Bible with you?
5. Will you turn to Galatians chapter one and read the first 10 verses aloud?
6. Do you know where the Bible defines the gospel?
7. Would you mind turning in your Bible to 1 Cor. 15, and reading verses 1-11?
8. Do you believe that you are only getting a chance for eternal life? Or do you know for sure that you are saved?
9. Would you mind turning in your Bible and reading 1 John 5:13 aloud?
10. Do you believe Jesus was resurrected? (They believe he died a spiritual death, and therefore, a spiritual resurrection.)
11. Can a “spiritual body” hang on a cross? Pay for our sins? Be buried in a tomb?
12. Is there anything in the context of these verses which would change the context from a bodily death to a spiritual death? A bodily burial to a spiritual burial? A bodily resurrection to a spiritual resurrection?
(If they say “Yes” ask them, “Where?” If they appeal to other verses, say “But those aren’t the verses we were discussing.” Also, if they start asking any questions or diverting to other subjects, simply tell them you don’t want to discuss that now. Stay on track.)
13. Did you know that Jesus himself prophesied that his resurrection would be bodily?
14. If/When they look at you in amazement, ask them to please read John 2:13-25. Feel free to share how much you enjoy studying God’s Word, the Bible. Tell them you appreciate their reading the verses in context.
15. Would you mind please reading John 20:24-29?
16. Was Jesus saying, “Here, Thomas, touch and see my FAKE hands, my FAKE side?”
17. Is it in Jesus’ character to be deceptive?
18. Can one be a perfect Savior and then turn around and be deceptive?

These 18 questions have given them much to contemplate. But before they go, ask them two more questions:
19. Do you go door to door and preach the gospel as it is defined from the Bible?
20. Are you going to change the gospel you preach now when you go door to door? (Clearly, you have proven several questionable items in their presentation!)

Thank them for coming by and giving you the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. Let them know you ALWAYS enjoy sharing the Gospel with others.

We are cautioned in 2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Do not say “God bless you!” Or, “I appreciate what a great job you folks are doin’!” They are doing an evil work, even though it is often done in naivete or ignorance. Likewise, we do not want to be nasty or hateful. Christ came to share the truth with all sinners, just like me. I want to use this opportunity to do the same.

You can print this post by selecting the green “Print PDF” button below this post. To use less ink when printing, just tick the “remove images” box at the top of the print menu, so you won’t print the picture. Then select “Print” or “PDF” at the upper left hand corner. If you select “PDF”, you will need to click the “Download Your PDF” button that will appear, and wait for the file to download to your computer. You can then save and print at your leisure.

I plan to practice these questions on my kids. Next time a Jehovah’s Witness knocks, I want to be prepared to share the Gospel. This is a great time to be alive, and to share Christ with others. I, for one, need to be a better ambassador for Him! (2 Cor. 5:20)

One more thing! Here’s a link to a site that will help in witnessing to JW’s. It is run by a former elder. It is called Comments from the Friends.