The Journey: PCA Parent Podcast

Freedom Weekend 2024

Guests: Coleman Bales (North campus, junior), Trinity Elliot (North campus, senior), Katelyn Teague (Plano campus, senior), and Campbell Panetti (Plano campus, junior)

 

Freedom Weekend at Prestonwood is February 2-4, 7 at both the Prestonwood Plano and North campuses. To find out more about Freedom Weekend, MDWK (MidWeek) Bible studies, LifeGroups on Sunday, Lead Team,  Beach Camp, Parent Resources, and other ways to connect with Prestonwood as a student or parent, check out www.prestonwoodstudents.org

 

Parents, there is also a parent training opportunity on Sunday morning, February 4th at the Plano campus with Lisa Clark in Room A112 at 9:30 am.

 

To join in praying for Freedom Weekend text PRAY4FREEDOM to 74788.

 

To learn more about the student choir mission trips, check out www.prestonwoodstudentworship.org. Students are able to get involved in additional opportunities like Fall Follies and the Gift of Christmas (GOC) as well.

 

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

Encouraging and Equipping Book for Every Parent

Guests: Johnny Farr and Nick Bellamy

 

As we look to equip you as parents for meaningful and intentional spiritual training, pointing you to good resources and books is a practical way to prepare you to better train your children “in the fear and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We will also look to address other media avenues, such as movies, to help equip you, the parents, for those quality conversations around the dinner table or on your drive to and from school.

 

Our first resource that we are reviewing and strongly recommending is Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp.

 

From the book Parenting:

Introduction

Good parents don’t always produce good kids, and parents should constantly be asking themselves where they get the set of values that tell them whether they have “good” kids or not.

 

Chapter 1 Calling

Principle: Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God’s tools to form a human soul.

 

Chapter 2 Grace

Here’s the humbling conclusion that God, in grace, led me to: I am more like my children than unlike them - and so are you!

 

Chapter 4 Inability

Parenting is not about exercising power for change in your children. Parenting is about your humble faithfulness in being willing to participate in God’s work of change for the sake of your children.

 

Chapter 5 Identity

Principle: If you are not resting as a parent in your identity in Christ, you will look for identity in your children.

How do you know if you’re putting your identity on the shoulders of your children?

1. Too much focus on success.
2. Too much concern about reputation.
3. Too great a desire for control.
4. Too much emphasis on doing rather than being.
5. Too much temptation to make it personal.

 

Chapter 6 Process

Principle: You must be committed as a parent to long-view parenting because change is a process and not an event.

 

Chapter 8 Authority

Do you humbly own the rebellion of your own heart as you deal with the rebellion of your children in a way that causes you to exercise authority with patience and grace?

 

Chapter 9 Foolishness

Principle: The foolishness inside your children is more dangerous to them than the temptation outside of them. Only God’s grace has the power to rescue fools.

 

Chapter 12 Control

Principle: The goal of parenting is not control of behavior, but rather heart and life change.

 

Chapter 14 Mercy

Principle: No parent gives mercy better than one who is convinced that he desperately needs it himself.

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

PCA Preparation for College and Life

Guests: PCA Alumni Pateel Toranian (‘23), Isabelle Simpson (‘20), and Hunter Hall (‘20)

 

What a blessing it was to hear from Pateel Toranian (Class of 2023, currently at the University of Texas - Austin), Isabelle Simpson (Class of 2020, currently at Texas Tech University), and Hunter Hall (Class of 2020, currently at Texas A&M University) - they shared some practical wisdom with our US students at chapel and I was able to catch them before they returned to college to have their share about the impact that PCA has and is making in their lives and spiritual journeys.

 

All three of these students had parents who were involved in their spiritual development as well as the other “legs of the stool” - involvement in a good Bible-teaching church and the Christ-centered, Biblical worldview intensive aspects of Prestonwood Christian Academy. The Biblical worldview training that a student receives at PCA is not only foundational for success at PCA and in college, but also for a “successful and prosperous” life as defined by God’s economy (see Joshua 1:8). All three of these students are continuing their spiritual maturity while in college - they are all plugged into a solid church and Christian community and continuing their own personal spiritual growth!

 

When we talk about The Portrait of a PCA Graduate, the concepts that are important are a reverence for God, an eternal perspective, humility, a rigorous academic learning process, and high expectations and accountability. Each of these students embody those characteristics of a PCA Graduate!

 

How much do you have to hate someone - statement from magician Penn Jillette following a situation where a man shared about the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ.

 

The students also shared about the incredible and eternal impact of PCA’s Minimester program - coming up again in March - be praying for our students who will be traveling across the globe to share the love of Jesus!

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

PCA Re-enrollment 2024 Conversation

Guests: Angie Gray, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer for PCA, and Emery Petroff, PCA’s Ambassador Board member, Finance and Operations committee

 

PCA’s re-enrollment begins on January 15 and concludes on January 31 for existing PCA families. At that time, spots will be open for those looking to enroll their students in PCA for the next school year who are not currently enrolled at PCA. Re-enrollment is a vital component of maintaining the spirit and vibrancy of the PCA community and over the years more than 90% of families at PCA chose to re-enroll their students for the following year, which is a remarkable achievement. Part of the decision-making process for families considering PCA is the tuition and each year that tuition amount is determined by key leadership personnel at PCA and approved by the FiOps committee, and then the entire Ambassador Board at PCA. Dr. Goddard recently sent out an email informing parents of the minimal increase of 2% for the 2024-25 school year and the conversation with Angie Gray and Emery Petroff will hopefully help you understand how this decision was reached. As Dr. Goddard wrote in his email, “We realize and appreciate the sacrifice you [parents/families] make each year to provide your children with a Kingdom education. We are grateful for the privilege of partnering with you to provide a Kingdom education for your student. Together we will continue our mission, establishing students for life and building Faith-Filled Lions.”

 

If you have any questions about re-enrollment as a current PCA family or wish to learn more about enrolling your child(ren) at PCA in the future, please contact Angie Gray, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer at 972-930-4007 or via email at agray@prestonwoodchristian.org

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

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!