The Journey Parent Podcast

PCA North State Championship Six-Man Football Team

Guests: Coach Shawn Purcell, Tucker Richardson, Jackson McAdams, Reid Thornberry, and Mason Purcell

 

Tucker Richardson is a senior at PCA North and played linebacker and receiver. Tucker earned 1st team All-State honors as a receiver and 2nd team All-State honors as a linebacker.

 

Jackson McAdams is a senior at PCA North and played defensive line. Jackson earned 2nd team All-State honors for that position.

 

Reid Thornberry is a junior at PCA North and played tight end and defensive line. Reid earned 1st team All-State honors for both positions.

 

Mason Purcell is a junior at PCA North and played safety. Mason earned 1st team All-State honors for that position.

 

Coach Shawn Purcell has been coaching football at PCA North for four seasons (26 seasons all together) and this championship is Coach Purcell’s first state championship!

 

The expectations that Coach Purcell set for his team were taken up by the captains and implemented into all facets of the team. One example was that the team cleaned their buses and locker rooms after they were finished - leaving things better than they found them!

 

The 2023 team finished the season with an 11-1 record outsourcing their opponents 668 to 195 over these games. PCA North Lions captured the first team state championship in its history beating Baytown Christian 70-22 for the TAPPS Division III six-man title.

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Wisdom for the Ages and Stages of Parenting

Guest: Karol Ladd

Known as “the Positive Lady,” Karol Ladd inspires men and women around the world with a message of lasting hope and Biblical truth. Karol is open, honest and real in both her speaking and her writing. Formerly a teacher, Karol is the best-selling author of over 35 books including The Power of a Positive Mom, Positive Leadership Principles for Women and her newest book, Becoming a Woman of the Word

 

Wisdom for parents with children in Lower School:

• This can be one of the most difficult times in life - you are stretched thin, tired, and have so many things tugging at you! But at those times when you’re at your weakest, we need to lean into God - when we are weak, He is strong. Remember that you don’t have to “do everything” - look to the Lord for guidance and prudence!
• Psalm 145:14 - The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

 

Wisdom for parents with children in Middle School:

• Important time for parents to be “present” - offer emotional strength and patience as your child adjusts to all the hormonal changes happening in their bodies. Before reacting, ask the Lord for discernment - to see the heart of your child, not just the outside “prickliness.” Middle School students are not a finished product! Great time to listen to the heart of your child - dinner time conversations!

 

Wisdom for parents with children in Upper School:

• Good to guide your children toward activities that help use their God-given giftings. Pay close attention to their “friends” - who is influencing your child? Be hospitable, have those friends in your home to influence them as well. Your children are watching you - model an authentic walk with and love for the Lord!
• The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield

 

Encouragement for grandparents:

• Psalm 145:4 - One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
• Grandparents, now is the time to share that wisdom and experience with the generations coming up! Goal - to do more ministry in your final “lap” than all your years up to this point! Check out Gun Lap: Staying in the Race with Purpose by Robert Wohlgemuth
• Looking for a great place to take your grandkids - check out the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) Discovery Center right here in Dallas!
• Marco Polo app - a video chat app “that brings you closer to the people who matter most without asking you to compromise on trust”

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

PCA’s Emphasis on Worldview and Faith Integration

Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, Dean of Spiritual Development at PCA and Associate Pastor of Apologetics & Cultural Engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church

 

To learn more about the impact of the Dobbs decision, check out this article from The Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Commission called “What Christians Should Know About Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.”

 

The Faith Integration Planner is part of the PCA faculty training initiative to train our instructional staff how to integrate their faith and God’s Word into their lessons plans from PreK-12th grade and in every subject and activity!

 

Faith training begins in the home. Parents need to lead the way by modeling a vibrant and growing faith setting the example for children to follow. PCA is committed to equipping and empowering parents to live out their dynamic and authentic faith and pass on their legacy of faith from generation to generation! Faith integration is most powerful when all three legs of the proverbial stool - the home, the church, and the school - are working together, creating a synergy of faith and a concert of Christian voices speaking truth and encouragement to students.

 

Dr. Johnston has some recommendations for parents:

1. Listen to and share The Journey podcast each week - share it with other parents at PCA and with parents who don’t have kids at PCA - they need to be equipped with the truth as well!
2. Get connected and involved with as many things happening at PCA and the life of your students. Middle School parents especially should be looking to connect with their students during the Pride of Brothers and Society of Sisters opportunities. Also, ask your students about chapel topics, what they learned, and how you as a family can integrate those biblical truths into your family!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Training and Modeling an Attitude of Gratitude

Guests: Sherry Smith, Tricia Panetti, and Emery Petrof

 

Emery - research from the Mayo Clinic - expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits - studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood, and immunity in today’s world. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and disease. If a pill could do this, everybody would take it! Furthermore, a person can not feel both gratitude and anxiety at the same time.

 

Sherry - the most important factor in developing gratitude in my children is modeling it for them to see!

 

Tricia - the attitude of gratitude starts with me - we can’t expect others to have something that we don’t. Gratitude starts with being aware of your surroundings - the world doesn’t revolve around you!

 

Emery - we start every prayer with gratitude - and just because we can, doesn’t mean that we should. We also look for opportunities to give back to others.

 

Sherry - a heart of gratitude is developed through hands that serve.

 

Tricia - learning to verbalize gratitude/appreciation/thankfulness is vital for our kids. Time in the car can be a great training opportunity with your kids!

 

Looking for an opportunity to serve the Lord and your community, connect with  the incredible ministries of GraceBridge and Operation Christmas Child. Also appreciate what God is doing in and through the lives of our PCA students/community through Minimester collections, service opportunities, and evangelistic outreach.

 

What Bible verses/stories come to mind when you talk about gratitude with your family?

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

• Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

• Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Thinking about the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict through a Biblical Worldview Lens

Guest: Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, Dean of Spiritual Development at PCA and Associate Pastor of Apologetics & Cultural Engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church

 

The Jewish people were chosen and given land by God. Not only is this land under dispute, but the very existence of the Jews is under attack today!

 

The Palestinian chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is not simply a call to throw off unwanted oppression from the nation of Israel, but is a call for genocide - the elimination and extinction of the Jewish people.

 

Ideas have consequences, bad ideas have victims.

 

The Khartoum Resolution was put forth in September 1967 and is best known for the “Three Noes” - no recognition, no negotiation, no peace.

 

Many have made this observation: if Israel laid down their weapons, the people of Israel would be eliminated; but if Palestine laid down their weapons, there would be peace in the Middle East. As Christians, we need to be asking what are the worldviews that are driving each side of this conflict and why are they using force - to protect people or to eliminate them?

 

Check out some recent materials that Dr. Jeremiah Johnston helped produce to help us understand this issue:

 

God’s Love for Israel and the Jewish People  By Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD 

 

Christianity & Islam: The Key Differences, Prestonwood HomeLife Resource

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Will Texas Support Parental Rights with School Choice Legislation?

Guest: State Representative Matt Shaheen, Texas State House District 66

 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called the Texas Legislature back into a special session where they are only allowed to address the issues that the governor has placed on their docket. One of those issues that the legislature has addressed is increasing border security along the Texas/Mexico border.

 

Legislation has been passed making it illegal to enter the US illegally - sounds strange, but it's a very important aspect so that individuals who enter the country illegally can be arrested without having to break another law in the US. Here is one story about this legislation.

 

The governor has also asked the legislature to address parental freedom and financing options for school choice legislation. Here is one article that gives more information about the bill passed by the Texas Senate, which may not be passed by the House.

 

Governor Abbott signed the largest property tax relief bill in Texas history, $18 billion, and you should be getting the good news about property tax reductions soon!

 

Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is a devout Christian and has come under attack for his Biblical views and values - read more about the battle for Christians entering into the political arena with views that run counter to our current culture. To learn more about Speaker Johnson's 7 Core Principles of Conservativism, click here.

 

To learn more about the PCA Mock Trial program under the tutelage and leadership of Kim Stidham, click here.

 

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

PCA From a New Parent Perspective

Guests: Matt and Lindsey McGuire and Drew and Carolyn Herndon, PCA North parents

 

Make sure you’re looking for our parent training resources - PCA isn’t just a great place for your students to grow spiritually, it’s an awesome opportunity for the entire family to grow spiritually as well.

 

Parent Perspective Panels - next scheduled events

Plano - Friday, November 3rd from 8:30-9:30 am in the Horner

North - Thursday, December 7th from 8:30-9:30 am in The Gathering

 

Special speaker for parents - Clint Davis will share important information for parents about navigating technology and social media - he gives valuable information and practical steps to protect and prepare your entire family. Clint will be speaking at the North Campus on Monday, November 13th from 6:30-8:00 pm in The Gathering - invite a friend (you don’t have to be a PCA parent to attend). If you are unable to attend, this information is being recorded and will be released on our YouTube channel shortly.

 

In addition, check out the weekly Panetti Parent Parcel posts each week in the Minute With Mike email. These posts are written from a Biblical perspective and include several outstanding resources that will help you grow in your faith in a particular area of life.

 

PCA is here to equip parents, to lock arms with you on this incredible journey of training up kids to be the godly men and women that God has intended and designed them to be! As Director of Parent Engagement & Ministry, if I can serve you and your family, please reach out to me at dpanetti@prestonwoodchristian.org - it would be an honor to walk alongside you!

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Parenting an Anxious Heart

Guest: Erin Williams, LPC, PCA Upper School Counselor, Plano campus

 

APA defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes”.

 

Exists on a spectrum from everyday “good anxiety” to debilitating clinical anxiety

 

Anxiety that helps you get things done vs. anxiety that keeps you from doing things

 

Anxiety demands 2 things

• Certainty: “I have to know whatʼs going to happen next…and I want to control it!”
• Comfort: “I want to feel safe and comfortable…or else I want out!

 

Our bodies, our brains, our emotions weren’t meant to handle all the information all the time

 

A world that feels scary and threatening (it has always been like this but not we have access to see school shootings, wars, violence live on social media)

 

Social media

• “There’s not a single exception. All screen activities are linked to less happiness, and all non-screen activities are linked to more happiness.” Jean Twenge’s article in the Atlantic
• Designed to create anxiety, depression, angst, a sense of urgency, wanting to look & feel different, needing something new
• Teens (and adults) used to exist in small(ish) circles so maybe they were still struggling with comparison to neighbors, peers, teammates, etc. but now they are comparing themselves to EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE … including images, stories, personas that are fake/false/not real. 

Parenting positives and negatives in handling anxiety…

• Negative
  • High expectations and pressure to “succeed”
  • Avoidance - worry says to STOP so you have to keep going
  • Not setting limits, boundaries (your job as a parent is to keep your kids safe and healthy -> mind, body & soul)
  • Projecting anxiety onto your children
    • Anxiety is a learned behavior
    • This doesn’t mean don’t be anxious but it does mean that as a parent you need to do the work! (generational trauma/sin)
• Positive
  • Tolerate and normalize discomfort (instead of saving our kids from it)
  • Learn by doing, failing, & succeeding
  • Handle the uncertainty of life -> resiliency
  • Be more flexible -> malleability
  • Problem solve (vs. ruminate)

• Simplify life
• Healthy families: time together, positive communication, appreciation & affection

• Strong biblical foundation & limits on social media 
• Teens being spiritually confused + largely influenced by social media = destructive thinking (Center for Bible Engagement)

 

Books for parents of teens with anxiety

• Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety (Dr. John Huffy)

Books for parents with anxiety

• Get Out of Your Head (Jenny Allen)

Podcasts

• Flusterclux with Lynn Lyons (non-Christian, but very practical stories that are helpful, more pointed toward clinical anxiety)

 

2 Corinthians 10:5 “We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One” (TPT).

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

PCA Civility Clause

Guests: Kristan Williams (MS Principal Plano campus), Jillian Bryant (Assistant Athletic Director Plano campus), and Gabe Boyd (parent North campus)

 

NOTE: Clint Davis will be speaking to parents about all things relating to social media - Tuesday, Oct. 24th at the Plano campus and Monday, Nov. 13th at the North campus, both from 6:30-8:00 pm

 

How do we engage, as Christian parents, with PCA - from athletics to academics and all facets of the school…especially when we feel that there is an issue or concern that we wish to express and address?

 

General Principles for Parents:

1. Train up your children to self-advocate, to speak for themselves where and when appropriate - and to start with expressing their concern directly to their coaches or teachers.
2. If parents need to engage with their students, start the communication process with the coach or teacher directly - and make sure that all communications are presented in a Christ-like manner that honors the position and person you are communicating with.
3. If you feel that an issue remains unresolved, you can work your way up to the next level after addressing it first with the coach or teacher.

 

Parents - in athletics, coaches are not going to talk about playing time or other athletes, but they will help you understand how your athlete can improve on skills or attitude.

 

Parents - ask your students questions about situations, but also learn to listen to other perspectives before you draw conclusions on issues.

 

Parents - what teachers and coaches observe at school might be different than what you observe at home; situations are different, expectations are different. If your student is caught or accused or doing something wrong, it is an opportunity to train your children to respond with humility and develop maturity in the process.

 

Parents - teachers and coaches are not perfect, either. Please extend them the same grace that you expect them to extend to your students. When mistakes are made by anyone, create an atmosphere of cooperation and allow for forgiveness and restoration. Conversations can be conducted without condemnation. When engaging in conversations and meetings, assume positive intent and look for a workable solution.

 

Parents - remember that you are modeling proper behavior and attitude for our children. If a mistake is made, apologize and seek reconciliation. It’s easier to forgive others when you’ve been forgiven much!

 

The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves by Alexandra Hudson

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!

Developing a Love for Reading with ”Dr. Books”

Guest: Dr. Daphney Harris, PCA North Librarian

 

The Texas Legislature recently passed a law that will hold book vendors accountable for the material that is being distributed in their books - if material is inappropriate for children, these vendors will not be allowed to sell their books to Texas public schools or libraries. This new law called the Removing Explicit and Adult Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act was signed into law by Texas governor Greg Abbott following this most recent legislative session.

 

PCA library on the Plano campus has recently finished an audit of their books to better ensure that all books on the shelves and available for PCA students are aligned with our mission and are age appropriate material and content. If you find material in a book that you find inappropriate, please let your librarian know so they can help best protect and prepare our students.

 

As a parent, how do I develop a love for reading in my children:

1. Find resources/books that our children are interested in
2. Avoid “bad” books that waste time and warp minds
3. Start reading to your younger children
4. As your children get older, engage in meaningful discussions about books that they are currently reading
5. Set goals to help challenge your children to read - the practice of reading is important for the Christian student - God’s Word is written and if we can’t read well, we will be frustrated trying to draw close to God through Scripture

 

Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in an Age of Show Business by Neil Postman

 

Parents, what are you reading? You model the importance of reading for your children - lead by example.

 

Parents, do a little research on finding good, clean, and appropriate books for your children - start with reading out to Dr. Books - her email is dharris@prestonwoodchristian.org 

Special shout out to Jared Wood for allowing us to use his music - check him out at JaredWoodMusic!