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Inside this Issue:
Be Unique
Confident, Secure & with Direction
‘Holy Smokers’ Use Barbecue, Crawfish to Shepherd Less Fortunate
The Power of Imperfection What is the Big Deal About Easter?
April / May 2017
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Letter from the Publisher FORT BEND
Hello Fort Bend and thank you for your crucial support in making Fort Bend Christian Magazine the number one family magazine in Fort Bend! I pray that you will have a wonderful Easter and remember that He is Risen! With this issue, we are thrilled to announce that Caitlin Richards is our
Volume III, Issue V
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Bible Trivia
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Be Unique
15 ‘Holy Smokers’ Use Barbecue, Crawfish to Shepherd Less Fortunate 18 Overcoming the Summer Slide 23 What is the Big Deal About Easter? 26 Christian Faith Drives Teen to Ride Coast-to Coast 30 The Story You Didn’t Hear 35 The Power of Imperfection 40 A Customized Classroom Experience 43 The Buzz About Fort Bend 46 2017 Christian Summer Camp Guide 50 Recipe: Honey Ham in the Slow Cooker Our Mission Statement: “Our mission is to have a magazine devoted to His glory, provide cutting-edge stories important to today’s Christian, promote Christian-Judeo values we find important, and editorial content that your entire family can enjoy.”
For advertising information, contact Joseph Menslage at (281) 497-6455
new Editor! Caitlin is a strong woman of God with outstanding credentials and strong roots in the community. Her family has been in Katy since the 1970’s. She is a second generation Katy Tiger who graduated in 2010. While at Katy High School, she was involved in the Katy Bengal Brigade (drill team) and very active in the Katy FFA Chapter. She has a degree in agricultural communications and journalism from Texas A&M University in College Station. While in school she interned with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Her college education and professional experiences have cultivated a passion for storytelling Caitlin and her husband Jake have been married for three years and enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling to Aggie football games in the SEC. A few of Caitlin’s favorite things include running, cooking and trying to be her own kind of Pioneer Woman and Joanna Gaines. Most importantly, Caitlin enjoys telling the stories of people and sharing what makes them unique, important, and how they are making a difference in the world. This is the perspective she is excited to bring to Fort Bend Christian Magazine! Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com
or email joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com
© 2017 Fort Bend Christian Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or website may be distributed or reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. Advertisements and or editorial content published in Fort Bend Christian Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of Fort Bend Christian Magazine. To SUBSCRIBE: send a check or money order for 30.00 for a 12-month subscription to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024. For EDITORIAL or calendar submissions, please mail them to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.
Cover photo: Wendy & Emily Severance, BeUnique Photo by Laura Chiles Photography, (713) 259-2784.
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Bible Trivia
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1. What was the Jewish feast which was being celebrated the week Christ was crucified? 2. When Jesus entered Jerusalem during what is known as His Triumphal Entry, what animal was He riding on? 3. Why is the Sunday before the resurrection called Palm Sunday? 4. Which disciple cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in an attempt to protect Jesus from being taken as a prisoner? 5. What was the name of the high priest’s servant who had his ear cut off by the disciple and subsequently reattached by Jesus? 6. How many times did Peter deny Christ after the abandoned the Lord? 7. How many pieces of silver did Judas trade the life of Jesus for? 8. How did Judas identify Jesus to the soldiers? 9. In repentance Judas returned the money to the priests that he was given as the price of betrayal of the Lord and then did what? 10. The priests took the money that Judas had returned to them and did what with it? Answers: 1. Passover (Luke 22:1) 2. A young donkey (Matthew 21:1-7; Mark 11:1-7; Luke 19:28-35; John 12:12-15). In eastern tradition it was customary for a king going to war to ride a horse. Yet when the king was at peace he would ride a donkey. The symbolism is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, was coming for purposes of peace between God and man. 3. When Jesus entered into Jerusalem at the beginning of the Passion week, the people welcomed Him as king and Messiah. They covered the road with their garments and palm fronds as a symbol of their worship and acceptance of Him as king (Matthew 21:8; Mark 11:8; Luke 19:35, 36; John 12:12, 13). 4. Peter ( John 18:10) 5. Malchus ( John 18:10) 6. Three times (Luke 22:5457; Mark 14:69, 70; Matthew 26:73-75; John 18:13-27) 7. 30 (Matthew 26:15) 8. By giving Him a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49). 9. Hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5) 10. Bought the potter’s field with the money which is where strangers were buried (Matthew 27:6-8).
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Be Unique By Caitlin Richards Nashville native, Wendy Severance is using her natural gifts and life experiences to make a difference in the lives of teenage girls in Fort Bend. With her new Christian based business, Be Unique, Wendy is helping teenage girls to become young women who are confident, secure and have a positive direction for their life. “With the advancements today in technology and social media, there is a disheartening depletion of self worth and confidence in our young teenage girls,” Wendy said. “We want every girl to understand her value and self worth and know she is fearfully and wonderfully made through Christ for great purpose.” The concept of the Be Unique programs is for girls to gain self-confidence in who they are as individuals from the inside out. “We are all created unique with great purpose,” Wendy said. “These programs bring an awareness to the unique qualities that already exist in each young lady and are the characteristics that set her apart from others.” In 2014, Wendy began piecing together Christian-based concepts to assist teenage girls that would then become Be Unique. Now attending her final year at Fort Bend Christian Academy, her daughter Emily, has been an instrumental part in helping create the programs. “It has absolutely been a team effort,” Wendy said. “I would Continued on page 10
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not have been able to fully comprehend the struggles of young girls in today’s time having not had her input on these issues.” The Be Unique programs are designed to help ease the social transition that girls face from middle school through the high school years - commonly known as the ‘drama years’. Placing an emphasis on family is a priority, Emily shared, because your family is who loves you and wants the best for you. Emily believes those relationships should be cherished and respected, above any other. “For teenage girls and their families, the struggle is real,” Wendy said. “These experiences can affect them for the rest of their lives.” Be Unique offers an Inner Beauty, personal development program, as well as an Outer Beauty, personal appearance program. Together, they are designed to create a well-rounded and sophisticated young lady who shines from the inside out and offers her the best possible start for a joyful and prosperous life.
“It is not a cotillion program,” Wendy explained. “It’s far, far more. There is no program around like this one. It was a passion of mine to create a program that would help all young girls find what makes them unique through Christ. I want them to understand their importance and self worth and that compromising ones values in order to fit in socially is not necessary in order to achieve a joyful and happy life!” The Inner Beauty program is designed to specifically bring out the unique qualities that already exist in each young lady. It creates a Continued on page 13
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self-awareness that assists in strengthening their relationship with Christ as well as forming stronger, more respectful relationships within the family unit. The classes in the Inner Beauty program help form a positive direction in life for the girls, cover issues in social media, and promote a healthy lifestyle with good nutritional habits. Overall, through the Inner Beauty
program, the girls will experience an increase in self-confidence, create a positive self-image, define boundaries to protect their values and gain an understanding of God’s plan for their life. The Outer Beauty personal appearance program teaches the girls technical applications in visual poise and body movement, proper instruction in skincare, facial symmetry and daytime makeup application. The program will cultivate a look and behavior of self-confidence that includes posture
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and walking, dinning, and wardrobe selection. The Outer Beauty program even covers the theory of color through combinations of complimentary colors. The fun and interactive program is perfect for girls learning how to dress and discover their own personal style. Wendy confesses it has taken her lifetime of experience and education, coupled with her daughter’s personal experiences, to form the Be Unique Programs. It has been a passion of hers to create something that would help not only her daughter, but all young girls. Looking back on the things she’s done in her life, Wendy realized that all of her life experiences have really been necessary for her in creating the Be Unique Programs. “I think it is important for everyone to find their passion, something they love and are good at doing, and figure out a way to make a living doing it – that’s ultimately how to use our natural God given gifts,” Wendy said. “It’s through this process, we find great purpose.” Previously the owner and director of Academy of Models and Talent in Nashville, Tennessee, Wendy has worked in various areas of training including high fashion print work and runway modeling as well as training for film, documentary and music video production. She has worked in pageant coaching, judging and also trained the 1995 Miss Teen Houston. The Be Unique programs are offered year round for teenage girls. For the first time this summer, Be Unique will offer summer camp options. The summer camps are designed to be fun and interactive and include the following topics: Inner Beauty, Color Me Beautiful, Daytime Makeup, Visual Poise, and Health and Nutrition. Registration is now open online at www.beuniquetoday.com and may fill quickly as class size is kept to a minimum in order to meet the needs of each young lady. For more information about the Be Unique programs, log onto their website at www.beuniquetoday.com. To visit their beautiful new studio, contact Wendy Severance to schedule an appointment at 281-394-7004.
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‘Holy Smokers’ Use Barbecue, Crawfish to Shepherd Less Fortunate By Jessa McClure Steam pours out of a large, metal crawfish cooker as Jimmie Wilson, clad in a cowboy hat and an apron, stirs several dozen pounds of “freshwater lobsters” with a Cajun stir paddle. He adds a family recipe of spices, while people line up to taste his famous dish. “I grew up in Midland, TX and barbecuing was a way of life,” Wilson said. “I learned how to cook crawfish from living in New Orleans for 19 years. Family members taught me how to do it rather well.” Wilson is known county-wide for his delicious concoctions, and he is using his skills to head a group called Holy Smokers. Not only does the group of barbecue and crawfish connoisseurs create meals that have won awards, but they also use their proceeds to give back to the community and further the kingdom. The Holy Smokers founder first got the idea for the group when he attended the pumpkin patch festival at Holy Cross Episcopal Church where he is a member. “[The church] brought in someone to serve sandwiches and were not receiving any of the funds from that,” Wilson said. “I decided that we needed to do our own barbecuing and sell it ourselves.”
April / May 2017
With the help of the men’s ministry Wilson happens to be the leader of, he created Holy Smokers, a cooking team that specializes in barbecue and crawfish boils. “We do all of the cooking for our pumpkin patch now, which is a Continued on page 16
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month-long event,” he said. “This past fall we served about 8,000 to 9,000 sandwiches. And all of that money went to help us with our outreach programs.” Wilson and his team use the funds from these events to donate supplies and Christmas gifts to groups like Positive Black Males, the women’s center, and Free the Captives. But they don’t stop there. They listen to the people in their community, and lend a helping hand whenever they can. “We’re always trying to bring people to God,” he said. “We see where their beliefs are and where they’re at in their lives. We see if they have an issue that we can help them with, and we try do that. We want to shepherd people.”
The group of men feel like they lead blessed lives, and they want to be able to bless those who are less fortunate. “We want to try and pay it forward,” Wilson said. “And being able to help others and make them smile is pretty cool.” The group, who has been cooking up great meals for nine years, not only cooks for local parties and events, but they have also been hired to do some high-profile meals for Rice University and several top oil companies. Because of their success, Holy Smokers was able to raise more than $30,000 last year. And they’re hoping to bring in more than that this year. “We would like to get it up to $40,000,” he said. “We have a lot of things that we’d like to get done.” Wilson said a lot of times people look the other way when it comes to helping those in need. He hopes that seeing Holy Smokers out in the community will inspire others to use their skills to help out where they live. “Maybe what we do will show people that they can do the same thing,” he said. “We just want to positively affect as many people as we can.”
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Overcoming the Summer Slide By Dr. Rebecca Deurlein There is a slide that is associated with summer, and it has nothing do with fun. The summer slide refers to the dip kids tend to make during the summer months when they are away from school and the daily habits of studying and learning. I wouldn’t call it an epidemic, but it is by all means real, and for many kids, the summer slide can be devastating. Who’s hit hardest? Interestingly, the summer slide can affect a wide range of students in various ways. 1. Kids who already struggle in school. These students depend on the daily practice and a designed curriculum to continually progress and avoid the backward slip. When the routine and learning expectations are removed, their mind relaxes and material they previously knew slips away, sometimes as if they have never learned it. If you’ve ever tried to learn another language, you know what happens when you don’t practice it regularly. The same happens with all students, but these kids are hit especially hard. 2. Kids who are making steady progress toward a goal. If your kids know where they’re headed and what they want to see for themselves in the future, they’ve likely counted on teachers, coaches, school counselors, and the other aspects of school life to help them march steadily toward their goals. Remove those support systems, and kids oftentimes lose their focus and sometimes even their drive. 3. Kids who are doing great in school. Imagine you have committed to healthy eating and for 9 months you’ve adopted and maintained a healthier lifestyle. You’ve lost weight and are feeling great, and you think you’ve got this beat. Then you depart on a two-month cruise, replete with 24-hour buffets. What are the chances you’ll maintain true to your committed healthy path? And how much work will you have to do to get back on that path whey you return?
4. Kids who seem aimless or without a view of the big picture. These kids complete assignments or study for the short term - the grade or the GPA - versus studying for lifelong learning. They count on external forces such as due dates, reminders from others, and direction given by adults to outline their days and keep them moving forward. During the summer when these expectations disappear, so does their progress. If any of these sound like your children, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to engage and educate your children year-round. Heads up though, kids have a hard time accepting their parents as teachers and tend to balk at doing work during the summer months. That’s why I recommend a great tutor or summer program catered to your children’s needs and interests. Both serve unique purposes. Tutors can work with your children according to the specific needs and learning styles. They can
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Continued on page 20
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be a refreshing change from the traditional classroom and build relationships with your children that are supportive and encouraging. Summer programs offer another way to learn: collectively, as part of a social group, and usually in a hands-on, fun way that makes learning seem less like academics and more like exploration and discovery. Both of these methods of staying fresh work wonders and turn the summer slide into a huge summer step in the right direction. Looking for personal tutors and help with keeping your kids on track? Check out Rebecca Deurlein’s Teenager Success 101 for a special summer session that meets your kids wherever they are. Go to www.teenagersuccess101.com for more information! Rebecca Deurlein is the author of Teenagers 101: What a top teacher wishes you knew about helping your kid succeed, and CEO of the path to success company Teenager Success 101. She blogs and writes internationally, speaks to parents across the nation, and loves every minute of living in Sugar Land, TX. Find her on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Huffington Post, or through her own blog A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding Teenagers. All can be accessed at www.rebeccadeurlein.com.
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April / May 2017
What is the Big Deal About Easter?
By Pastor Richard Harris Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church
What first comes to your mind when you hear the word “Easter”? When I was a kid I thought Easter meant pastel clothes, bunnies, plastic eggs and chocolate, or melted chocolate if you grew up in Houston. As a kid I was always confused about the connection between bunnies and eggs. Bunnies don’t lay eggs. And why is the big bunny hiding the eggs? The truth is that Easter is Easter because 2,000 years ago Jesus rose from the grave. I became a Christian as a young adult. During my first year as a Christian, I learned the significance of both Christmas and Easter for my new faith and life in Jesus. However, everyone I knew, both Christians and non-Christians, was so much more excited about Christmas. I often wondered why Easter did not get the same excitement and buildup as Christmas each year? Easter ought to be a big deal for Christians because it highlights both Jesus’ death and His resurrection, and without His death and resurrection there is no Christianity. Think for a moment about the good news of Easter and all that Easter proves to be true. First, Easter proves that there is a God and that the God of the Bible is the one true God. Second, Easter proves that Jesus really is the divine Son of God. Jesus claimed to be God’s Son and that the one true God
of the Bible would raise Him from the dead three days after the Roman authorities executed Him. The Easter resurrection was God’s way of substantiating Jesus’ claims. Third, Easter proves that all who have faith in Jesus are justified before God. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 4:25 that Jesus “was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Jesus’ death is the atoning sacrifice that fully purchases salvation for all who place their faith and trust in Him alone as Savior. Fourth, Easter proves that followers of Jesus are no longer in bondage and slavery to their sins. In Romans 6:4 Paul wrote, “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead Continued on page 24
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by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter morning proves that through faith in Jesus we have His help and power to resist temptation to sin and to walk in newness of life. Finally, Easter proves that all true followers of Jesus have a sure and certain eternity with God in the new heaven and the new earth. Remember what Jesus said in John 14:2 – 3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” God’s raising Jesus from the dead on the first Easter is confirmation of all of this. Again, why do so many Americans, including many Christians, think so little of Easter compared to other seasons of the year? I think Eugene Peterson is on to something in his book Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places when he writes: “The do-it-yourself, self-help culture of North America has so thoroughly permeated our imaginations that we don’t give much sustained attention to the biggest thing of all, resurrection. And the reason we don’t give much attention to it is because the resurrection is not something we can use or manipulate or control or improve on. It is interesting that the world has had very little success in commercializing Easter, turning it into a commodity, the way it has Christmas. If we can’t, as we say, ‘’get a handle on it’ and use it, we soon lose interest. But resurrection is not available for our use; it is exclusively God’s operation.” The ridiculously good news of Easter is a challenge to most Americans because it is all about what God has done to save sinners. And God’s salvation is one of grace. Grace is completely and utterly undeserved and
unearned by us. This is hard for us to understand. If we are honest, I think we want to feel that we have contributed to, and at least partially earned, everything we have, including our relationship with God. However, the God of the Bible offers salvation that is by grace alone. He offers salvation that is done for us. We do not live lives of moral perfection. Jesus does it for us. We do not die the death that our sins deserve. Jesus does it for us. In Ephesians 2 Paul describes our condition apart from a relationship with God as being “dead in [our] transgressions.” We do not raise ourselves from this spiritual grave. God raises us from the dead to new life in Christ because of what Jesus has done for us. This is why Easter is such a big deal!
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Christian Faith Drives Teen to Ride Coast-to Coast Scotty Parker is a seventh grader from Charleston, South Carolina who is on a mission to raise awareness of the 1.8 billion people around the world who lack access to safe water. The motivating scripture passage, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” is Scotty’s guiding force. Two years ago, he rode his bike across the state of South Carolina and raised over $70,000 to draw his home state’s attention to the crisis and help bring safe water systems to communities in Honduras. Now, at nearly 13-years old, his sights are even higher. After Scotty’s first ride, his mother Pam said, “We’re all a little nervous about what he might do next.” But even Pam couldn’t have seen the magnitude of Scotty’s next ride coming. However, the Christ-centered teen chooses not to be the center of attention. He never fails to remind every person he meets that his ride is not about his own achievement, but about the children all over the world receiving safe water and the Living Water of Jesus Christ for the first time. Today, Scotty is training for his biggest challenge yet: a coast-to-coast bike ride, from Santa Monica CA to Charleston SC, this summer. View his biking route across 11 states and follow his blog, visit scottysride.com.
Miranda Chaney is a fashion designer and stylist in Houston, TX who was inspired by European fashions after studying abroad in Granada, Spain. She recently decided to use her inspiration and step out on faith and design a collection of cocktail dresses for women. Her collection is set to be released in Fall 2017 and will be sold online through her website – MirandaChaney.com.
He will set out in June and return in August, with a personal goal of raising $500,000. Scotty’s heart breaks for the children around the world who have to drink dirty water, making them sick and unable to attend school. The funds he raises will go to making sure that thousands
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Scotty will finish the last leg of his ride in his hometown with supporters and co-riders celebrating his achievement at Water Mission’s headquarters in North Charleston, SC. Scotty partners with the Water Mission™ organization, a Charlestonbased Christian engineering nonprofit that designs, builds, and implements safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries and disaster areas. Since 2001, Water Mission has used innovative technology and engineering expertise to provide access to safe water for more than 3.2 million people in 53 countries. Water Mission has over 250 staff members working around the world in permanent country programs located in Africa, Asia, North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. Notably, Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission their top rating ten years in a row, a distinction shared by only one percent of the charities rated by the organization. To learn more, visit watermission.org.
of children will never have to drink unsafe water again. Scotty logs about 100 cycling miles per week for training, in addition to running, swimming, and most importantly, school. In 2016, he biked 3,799 training miles, ran several sprint triathlons and a half marathon (355 miles total), participated in multiple other charity rides, and finished the first half of seventh grade. Scotty and his family spend weekends, breaks, and school nights preparing for the Ride by cycling through South Carolina, mountain training around Asheville, and navigating the East Coast on bikes to build stamina and perseverance. As he traverses the Smokey Mountains and crosses the Mojave Desert, the motivation that pushes Scotty to ride each and every mile is found in the beaming smiles of children tasting safe water for the very first time.
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Katy & Bend was created by Johnny Hawkins. Since 1986, over 32,000 of his cartoons have appeared in leading publications such as Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Living, Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s World, Faith Today, Focus on the Family and over 900 other publications.
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The Story You Didn’t Hear By Gary Gillen Depending on where you get your news, you might be aware that some immature millennials, some call them snowflakes, are still unable to cope with either the loss by Hillary Clinton or the win of the Presidency by Donald Trump. The courts have, yet again, blocked President Trump’s order to pause immigration from several countries, which, depending on your source of news, is either an effort to protect Americans from terrorism or a blatant anti-Muslim action. According to the liberal news, the Senate Democrats are bravely keeping President Trump’s cabinet nominees from undermining the Obama legacy or if you believe conservative sources, they are endangering Americans by blocking these appointees from assuming office and leaving entire Federal agencies under the control of Obama appointees. However, there is another story you may not have heard about. It is a story the national media and particularly the liberal media hasn’t reported because it isn’t in New York, Washington,DC or California, not east or west coast. It’s a story about millennials who aren’t snowflakes. Young people who don’t need safe spaces, who don’t feel entitled. It’s about young people who help others without being asked. It’s about Americans in “flyover” country. People who work hard every day, go to church on Sunday, help their neighbors, pay their taxes and ask for nothing from the government. They don’t protest; they work. They don’t
feel entitled; they appreciate the opportunities this nation offers them. They don’t demand government handouts; instead they help each other. Two of them, 20 and 22 years old (millennials) died trying to open gates to allow cattle to escape a fast moving fire driven by 70 mile per hour winds. Any death is tragic, and the deaths of this young couple and others in the fires are no less so. Many have lost their entire herds Continued on page 32
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of cattle, their homes, their barns and every living thing, plant or animal, on their ranches. This fire will end their way of life. The scale of these fires is staggering and that makes the deafening silence of the media all the more unforgivable. Well over one million acres in the panhandle of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas have been devastated by these fast moving infernos. Let me put this in perspective. Fort Bend County is comprised of 885 square miles. This fire is twice that size. The fire is larger than Rhode Island, larger than Delaware; it is the size of Connecticut. Lives have been lost as well as tens of thousands of cattle and hundreds of homes. The way of life of so many lost or altered forever, yet the media hasn’t cared enough to even report it. Farmers and ranchers in flyover country have poured their generosity on this hard hit region. This is another story you aren’t hearing on the liberal airwaves. Ordinary, hard-working people are giving from the heart, sending food and money to the victims of this awful tragedy. GoFundMe accounts have been set up to pay for funerals. Caravans of trucks are transporting thousands of bales of hay to feed the surviving cattle. The response to this tragedy is what makes America great. We are generous, we are caring and we step up in a time of need. But you wouldn’t know that if you watch the mainstream media.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at Gary@GaryGillen.com
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The Power of Imperfection By Jordan Harrell I’m a laid-back perfectionist. Seriously, it’s a thing. I am completely at peace going out in public looking like I just got electrocuted in the shower, fully clothed, while cutting my hair, but I won’t even attempt (fill-in-theblank) if there’s a small chance of failure. I don’t know if that’s being a perfectionist or just a coward. Being the type of person that has to excel at everything, while also being a stay-at-home-mom, while also being a terrible homemaker (i.e. the current state of my kitchen) is like putting lots of bad ingredients into a blender and turning it on without a lid. It didn’t take long for my stuff to splash everywhere. When I got married, I realized very quickly that I wasn’t the perfect wife. It was shocking to no one but me. Much to my dismay, I wasn’t as good of a cook as I’d planned on being; I wasn’t as good of a hostess as I’d planned on being; I wasn’t as good of a decorator as I’d planned on being; I wasn’t as good of a housekeeper as I’d planned on being. Then came kids, and all the grand ideas that would win me “Best Mom Ever” and my children “Best Raised Children Ever” started bubbling up within me. I just knew I’d craft the Holy Spirit right into them, install an incredibly spiritual and relaxing bedtime routine, and make whimsical memories, guys, every single day, all while maintaining an adorably
immaculate home. So, when I never really got around to doing a daily craft and bedtime almost always ended with “GET. IN. BED. RIGHT. NOW.” through gritted teeth and all the most prominent memories seemed to involve tantrums or poop and my home was hardly adorable and never clean, the perfectionist in me (whom I lovingly refer to as Satan) started to whisper things… Continued on page 36
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Every other mom is doing more than you. And doing it better They won’t turn out okay if you keep this up. He couldn’t possibly love someone that can’t get their crap together. You are ruining this. You are SO not enough. About a bajillion years ago, God chose Gideon to save the Israelites. In the story (Judges 6-8), Gideon is not so sure God chose the right person for the job and asks God to prove it… twice (Ahem. YES. That would be me.). Once Gideon realizes that God’s not messin’ around, he gathers up as many men as he can find to go defeat the Midianites’ army of 135,000. He’s feeling a little meager at 32,000, but trusts that God is with him and heads out anyway. He’s already an underdog. This is already destined to be a Cinderella story. Gideon’s army is like the Butler of the Bible. But GUESS WHAT?? God sees that underdog army and tells him, “You have TOO MANY men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her…” get rid of some. There are too many, he says. The victory might be mistaken for a triumph of your own strength, he says. GET RID OF SOME, he says. You want to see me work? You want to know I’m here? You want to know how much I love you and am for you. Get rid of some. Get them out of my way. Gideon sheds 22,000 men. He is now down to 10,000 soldiers to battle the Midianites. So, get this. God says, listen … “There are still too many men.” It is still possible that victory could mistakenly be attributed to your army. GET RID OF SOME MORE. So, Gideon siphons them down to a mere three hundred.
God tells Gideon to take THREE HUNDRED men to battle against an army of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND. 300 to 135,000. As a former sixth-grade math teacher, I can reduce like a boss: that is ONE to every 450.
Sometimes, when I look at my three children and my husband, they seem like 135,000 Midianites, which would explain the mess in my living room. I feel the need to muster all my own strength, do more, try harder, power through. I plan and plot ways to guarantee victory, guarantee perfection in my children, in my marriage, but then the Lord gently reminds me,
Stop striving. Stop working so hard to do this all on your own. Trust me to do my job.
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In the end, when this is all said and done, I want you to be able to see MY glory. Not yours. SO, GET RID OF SOME. GET OUT OF MY WAY. That part about not being enough? It’s true. I’m absolutely not enough. I can’t do it all. God intended it that way. He created me. He purposefully placed gaps, imperfections, in me so that he might come fill them, if I’d only let him. My imperfection magnifies his perfection. My incompleteness points to his completeness. My insufficiencies create space for him to work. I can use them as a megaphone to shout,
“My God covers it all, fills it all, does it all, because I tried and I can’t. Anything good that happens here, that was not me, that was Him.” Mamas, if you’re floundering and flailing, if you’re gasping for air, stop trying to fill your own gaps by doing more and trying harder. You can’t. You won’t fit. Just get out of his way and make space for Him. Then, he can display his power. Then, you can find his peace. Raising a family, one that makes it to the other side loving the Lord and liking each other, that would take much more than a clean house and a perfect mom. That would take a miracle. A miracle. Like if an army of 300 defeated 135,000. Something like that. Jordan and her husband Clark live in North Richland Hills, TX with their three kids, ages 4, 3, and 1. She is a teacher turned stay-at-home-mom and attempts to blog on the blessed occasion that all three kids’ naps align. For stories that will make you feel better about yourself, visit her blog at jordanharrell.com.
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A Customized Classroom Experience By Caitlin Richards Bridge Preparatory Academy crafts a classroom experience especially for their students. Understanding just how a child learns best can be difficult, but Bridge Preparatory Academy specializes in it. Bridge Preparatory Academy co-founders Jeffrey and Jackie Lockett know the challenge first-hand. They searched the Houston area for a learning environment that would serve their child with high functioning autism well. After looking at several great schools in the area and not finding what they were looking for, they decided to create it. “We couldn’t find a school that would challenge him, but also give him the support and accommodations he needed,” Jackie said. “We were also looking for something with a Christian worldview. So we created a school with those three things in mind.” With Jeffrey’s 20-year educator background and Jackie’s experience in law and education, they researched, planned and established Bridge Preparatory Academy. They designed Bridge Preparatory Academy to be a place where children, like their own child, would be taught in the way they learned best.
“Our whole goal is to create a school that is very learner centric and personalized, celebrates the learner’s uniqueness, and is college preparatory, as well,” Jackie said. “We want to prepare them for whatever post secondary education choice they make- whether it’s college or directly into the
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workforce.” After opening their doors in the fall of 2015, they found a number of families were in search of a similar program. Bridge Preparatory Academy is now in their second academic year. The Lockett’s son is now thriving in school along with 16 other students. “Bridge Preparatory Academy is for any student who would thrive in a small, learner-centered environment,” Jackie said. “We have a small student teacher ratio, lots of opportunities for students to have hands on learning, and various ways for them to show mastery. Any student who would thrive in a setting like that would do well here.” The educators at Bridge Preparatory Academy are proficient in working with students who may have learning challenges, due to high-functioning autism, attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, or dysgraphia. Gifted-andtalented students who have a different learning style would also excel at Bridge Preparatory Academy. “They may have a challenge but the challenge does not have to stop them from accomplishing their goals,” Jackie said. Students are grouped by grade into three different classes named after famous bridges. Currently, the Golden Gate Bridge class is a combined fourth and fifth grade class, the Helix Bridge class is a combined sixth and
seventh grade class, and the Brooklyn Bridge class is a combined ninth and tenth grade class. Depending on the levels of the students enrolled, these classifications will vary and classes may be added. When it comes to some of the core classes like reading and math, students are ability-grouped. This allows for the student to be taught at their curriculum level in the best environment. “A student may be on grade level for math, but may be below level in reading or may be even above,” Jackie said. “Ability-grouping allows students to go to a different class for reading or math that is a better fit for them, but then go back to their grade-level class for everything else.”
Students are taught core curriculum like English, math, history and science, electives such as photography, Spanish, and performing arts, and also social skills. Social learning is very important at Bridge Preparatory Academy in order to create well-rounded students. Throughout the week, students are given collaborative opportunities to explore and master appropriate social interactions. Another part of the Bridge Preparatory Academy’s education, is character and leadership development. The character development program is Locally owned & operated by quality healthcare professionals based on biblical principles and reflects the core values of Bridge Preparatory Academy – reverence, respect, responsibility and relationships. Students are Gulf Coast Hospice of Houston is locally owned and operated by caring also given opportunities for leadership through its elected student council. healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring the utmost comfort to our Bridge Preparatory Academy values small classroom ratios and will patients and their families. Care decisions are made locally and immediately continue to no matter their growth. Each Bridge Preparatory Academy – with no need to consult with a corporate office in another city or state. student receives a learning profile that outlines their accommodations and strengths, the strategies that will be used to help the student achieve success Through a team of healthcare professionals, hospice provides: in the classroom, and updates on their achieved progress. “We have the appropriate rigor for our students,” Jackie said. “The way • Medications and other methods of pain and symptom control. we do that is we teach them the way they learn best by taking a neurodevel• Medical care focused on maintaining patient comfort. • Assistance with personal care. opmental approach and identifying their learning styles. Our philosophy • Help coping with spiritual questions and concerns at the end of life. and the program we utilize looks at not only their challenges but also their • Bereavement services to help patients and families deal with grief. strengths.” • Companionship and emotional support. A student’s learning profile is not only a guide for the educators, but also for the students. Students are educated on their learning profile to become self-advocates and understand the style of learning that fits them best. Educators also take a special interest in what a student enjoys so they can tailor their teaching to better captivate the student’s attention. For example, a teacher will relate a certain concept to the student’s interests so they can effectively and efficiently learn a concept. Technology is also an important part of the program. Laptops and iPads enhance the Bridge Preparatory Academy learning environment. However, Bridge Preparatory Academy believes computers can never replace the direct instruction of a Continued on page 42 April / May 2017 For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 41
Our Family Serving Your Family
Call Us Today at 713-772-2700 134 Eldridge Road, Suite F Sugar Land, Texas 77478 www.GCHospice.com
caring, professional teacher. “At Bridge Preparatory Academy, our students are experiential learners, interacting with teachers and classmates daily, rather than solely working through an online curriculum on the computer,” Jackie said. Bridge Preparatory Academy’s facility has specialized furniture and design to aid students in their learning experience. Currently, students may choose to work at standing desks or sit in alternative seating while working. They also have a comfortable workspace specifically designed for student collaboration. The one-acre of outside green space nicely accommodates daily recess and biweekly P.E. classes. Bridge Preparatory Academy wants to help students face their challenges head on by equipping them with a customized classroom in every way possible. Jeffrey and Jackie are both veterans and come from a background of facing challenges head-on. They firmly believe in not shying away from a challenge, and telling not only their children but also Bridge Preparatory Academy students they can do hard things. “We believe in a growth mindset and when you really grow the most is when you are in the struggle,” Jackie said. “We want to equip our students with the tools and confidence to get through their struggles because that’s when they grow the most.” The future of Bridge Preparatory Academy sure looks bright not only
Law Office of Marissa Garcia
for the school but for the students. Interested families can visit www.bridgeprepacademy.org to learn more about the customized classroom Bridge Preparatory Academy has to offer.
Charis Academy The vision of Charis Academy is to mold a generation of children who will excel in intellect, knowledge, and Christian virtues.
Marissa Garcia
Attorney at Law & Certified Mediator Free Consultation
Guardianship • Probate • Wills & End-of-Life Documents Interfaith Ministries Building 3303 Main Street, Suite 305 Houston, Texas 77002 Phone: 713.201.9740 | Fax: 713.528.4888 marissa@marissagarcialaw.com | Se Habla Español
marissagarcialaw.com
Pre-School - 7th Grade (3 Years - 12 Years) 8:00 am - 3:00 pm • Before and After School Care Available Upon Request* Highly-Qualified Teachers with Vast Experience in Education Small Classrooms That Allow Tailored Instruction Spacious and Clean Facility with a Gym and Outdoor, Fenced Playground *Additional fee may apply.
To Schedule a Tour, Contact Molly Thomas or Shija Puri at (281) 713-4115 . (Located at New Hope Lutheran Church)
1424 FM 1092 (Murphy Rd.) | Missouri City, TX 77459 April / May 2017
42 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com
The Buzz About Fort Bend
Calvary Episcopal Preparatory fourth graders recently returned from their annual field trip to San Antonio to see the Alamo, the missions, and other historic landmarks of Texas.
Fort Bend Christian Academy high school sophomore, Benjamin Kopfer, was recently ranked 1st in State and was invited to participate in the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-State Band for the second year in a row.
Nine Calvary Episcopal Preparatory students from CEP’s seventh and eighth grade U.S. history classes qualified to compete at the Regional History Bee, held recently at Holy Spirit Episcopal School in Houston. One of these students, Aidan Stimatz, placed in the top eight for his grade, and qualified to move on to the national competition in Atlanta this summer.
Third grade Calvary Episcopal Preparatory students recently completed their service project in which they made blankets for the animals who find themselves at Rosenberg Animal Shelter waiting for adoption. In addition to the blankets 3rd grade students brought in supplies to be donated to the animal shelter and presented the supplies and blankets to the Rosenberg Animal Shelter.
Holy Rosary Catholic School’s award winning Theater Arts Department presented the play “The Velveteen Rabbit” to area preschools. Visiting schools were treated to a wonderful performance and then a meet and greet with the cast afterwards. This heart warming play chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit and his desire to become real, through the love of his owner.
Last month, Fort Bend Christian Academy hosted its “Set the Stage, Cheers to 30 Years!” gala and auction to celebrate the school’s 30th anniversary. The event raised money for the school’s spiritual and academic programs and expanding technology.
April / May 2017
For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 43
The Buzz About Fort Bend
The Central Fort Bend Chamber welcomed Finnegan Auto Group with a ribbon cutting ceremony at their Grand Opening of the Auto Repair and Collision Center located at 2950 FM 2218, just south of U.S. 59 on F.M. 2218 in Rosenberg.
1st grader, Jayden Barron represented Calvary Episcopal Preparatory recently at the District Spelling Bee. Jayden amazed his fellow classmates as well as CEP by becoming the youngest winner Calvary’s history. Although he did not make it to the finals he is already preparing for next year!
Chief Gary Adams of the Richmond Police Department provided business owners, Elected Officials and other members of the Chamber with information on the many happenings within his department. He expressed the importance of providing outstanding service to the public stating, “Together we can make a difference, and it is truly a privilege to work for the city of Richmond”. The Department received 16,594 calls for service in 2016.
Students from Clments High School recently took part in the Crowd Pleasers North Houston Showcase competition held at Magnolia High School.
Calvary Episcopal Preparatory had a full house for their annual Father Daughter Dance. Dad’s escorted their excited daughters to the dance and spent a fun filled night of dancing, food, and crafts.
The Central Fort Bend Chamber held its Annual Award luncheon at the Gallery Furniture Atrium. This event is a long standing tradition of honoring Chamber and community members whose commitments to enhancing their communities and growing businesses have set them apart. In addition, the formal passing of the gavel from the 2016 Chairman of the Board, Jeff Haley to the incoming 2017 Chairman, Jim Russ occurred.
44 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com
April / May 2017
Capstone Classical Academy
The Best Kept Secret in Katy
Manners, Morals and Motivation Lifting Spirits and Changing Lives
Grades 5 – 12 • Ask About Our Fun Filled Enrichment Fridays Do you need a different education environment for your child? Want one that fosters a student’s spirit and uniqueness and provides a high quality education? Students at Capstone do well in our small, non-traditional and non-stress setting that allows for different learning styles. Acceptance is based on interviews, recommendation letters, and the student’s academic ability. *Students on the autism spectrum accepted on an individual basis.
Accredited by the National Association of Private Schools “They will soar like eagles...” – Isaiah 40:31
19407 Park Row #210
832-314-1400
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眀眀眀⸀愀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀 䌀愀氀氀 一漀眀℀ ⠀㜀㌀⤀㌀㤀㜀ⴀ㌀㠀㌀㌀ 䄀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀ 䤀琀ᤠ猀 䰀椀欀攀 䄀搀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最⸀⸀⸀伀渀氀礀 䈀攀琀琀攀爀℀ 圀栀椀氀攀 漀琀栀攀爀猀 愀爀攀 琀栀椀渀欀椀渀最 漀甀琀猀椀搀攀 琀栀攀 戀漀砀Ⰰ 䄀搀眀攀戀瘀攀爀琀椀猀椀渀最 椀猀 最漀椀渀最 戀攀礀漀渀搀 琀栀攀 戀漀砀 琀漀 栀攀氀瀀 漀甀爀 挀氀椀攀渀琀猀 最愀椀渀 瀀爀漀洀椀渀攀渀琀 攀砀瀀漀猀甀爀攀 漀渀 琀栀攀 洀愀樀漀爀 匀攀愀爀挀栀 䔀渀最椀渀攀猀 氀椀欀攀 䜀漀漀最氀攀Ⰰ 夀愀栀漀漀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䈀椀渀最⸀
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April / May 2017
For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 45
Fort Bend Christian Magazine’s
2017 Christian Summer Camp Guide
BellaVision Montessori 25358 Canyon Fields Dr Richmond, TX 77406 (281)-21-BELLA cd@bellavisionmontessori.com
Come check out our brand new facility, located off of 1093 and 723 in the Westheimer Lakes neighborhood. BellaVision Montessori offers a variety of activities targeted toward every child’s
unique individual needs. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, participate in field days, find new talents, create something beautiful, try new activities, gain Team Building Skills, and make lasting friendships through the many activities that BellaVision provides. At BellaVision kids have fun while building self-confidence, practicing teamwork and gaining independence. Please contact us for any additional inquiries.
BeUnique
5529 FM 359, Suite E Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 394-7004 beuniquetoday.com Be Unique offers Christian based Inner and Outer Beauty programs for teenage girls. At their beautifully decorated brand new studio, they offer a variety of classes designed to assist teenage girls
PREK3 - HIGH SCHOOL • CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION COLLEGE PREPARATORY • OFFERING SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK, CHOIR & MORE NOW ENROLLING PREK3 – 9TH GRADE
Middle School Now Open High School Opening Fall 2017 Dedicated to providing academic excellence and spiritual growth that equips our students to become courageous leaders as they serve Jesus Christ in our changing world.
www.WestlakePrep.org | 281-341-9910 23300 Bellaire Blvd. | Richmond, TX 77406
PREK3 - HIGH SCHOOL • CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION • COLLEGE PREPARATORY OFFERING SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, TRACK, CHOIR & MORE
46 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com
April / May 2017
in the challenges they face through the transition of the middle school and high school years. Together, the Inner and Outer Beauty programs include the guidance in creating a sophisticated and well rounded young lady who is confident within herself, secure in her Convenient to the Katy, Fulshear and Sugarland areas, Be Unique is launching their 2016 summer camp programs for girls ages 1215. Inner Beauty and Outer beauty camps are available and include some of the following topics; Posture and Walking, Visual Poise and Body Movement, Skincare, Facial Symmetry, Daytime Makeup, Wardrobe selection, Importance of Conversation, Social Dining, Table manners, Cell Phone Etiquette, Health and Nutrition and Social Media Awareness. Enrollment is now open for their fantastic Summer camp programs. Class size is small in order to meet the needs of each young lady so space will be limited. To learn more about their summer camp programs, go to BeUniqueToday. com under “summer camps” or contact Wendy Severance directly at BeUnique359@gmail.com or 281-394-7004.
Camp Yahweh 402 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 634-8926 theparc.org
The PARC is now registering for Camp Yahweh, our summer day camp program. Our day camp provides a Christ-like environment for the children in our community to experience exciting, fun-filled activities e all summer long. Our goal is to offer a consistently high quality program that serves both children and parents. Enthusiastic and responsible staff will ensure that your child is safe and enjoys camp. Throughout the summer, staff will plan activities on-campus, such as gym time, group games, theme days, and arts and crafts. A variety of fun field trips and swimming takes place each week. We serve children ages 5 years old through 5th grade. Camp is open Monday- Friday from 7:00 am6:30 pm starting June 5th-August 19th with the exceptions of July 3rd & 4th and August 18th. If you are interested in registering, please contact our Daycare Director Elaine Jones at elaine@ theparc.org or (281) 634-8926. Hope to see y’all this summer!
Now Enrolling for Summer Camp! Experience fun this Summer
at BellaVision Montessori. • Field Days • Splash Day • Cooking Classes • Engineering • Team Building • Science Experiments • Arts and Crafts • Nature Exploring • Pajama Party • Soccer Shots • Gymnastics • Parents night out ~ About Bella Vision Montessori ~ Our Philosophy is one of continuous improvement in the education of young children. At BellaVision Montessori School, we embrace Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief that childhood education must be progressive. It should provide a keen insight into the Montessori method of teaching concepts to children within the context of their physical, educational and social environment.
Call or Stop by For a Tour of Our Brand New Facility - Now Open
Camp West 2225 Porter Rd. Katy, TX 77493 campwest.org
Camp West is a fun and exciting summer day camp located on a beautiful 42-acre development in Katy, Texas. Facilities include a great sports complex with a double, full-size air-conditioned gymnasium, indoor rock wall, and two ball fields. The six acre lake and park includes a 3000 sq. ft. pavilion, massive deck, two zip-lines over the lake, 40’ cargo net, 20’ water trampoline, floating
April / May 2017
25358 Canyon Fields Dr. | Richmond, TX 77406 281-21-BELLA bellavisionmontessori.com For Advertising Information, Call (281)(3552) 497-6455 |• www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 47
jungle gym, Summit Express Water Slide, Freefall Water Slide, 14’ Iceberg Climbing Wall, Rockit Water Rocker, Spin Wheel Running Track, two fishing lakes, and much more. Campers will begin each day with a high-energy, interactive performance. There will be times for worship, games, and live character skits. They will then participate in planned indoor and outdoor activities. After lunch, it is time to break out the sunblock and race to the lake! While at the lake, campers will zoom down the zip-line, whiz down the water slide, and play on the water inflatables. Snacks are available at the “Snack Shack.” The camp fee includes three snacks per day. Parents can pickup pleasantly exhausted campers at 3:30 PM. For private parties and groups go to www. thehiddenlake.org.
Fort Bend Christian Academy 1250 7th Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 263-9175 fortbendchristian.org
Fort Bend Christian Academy Summer Camp 2017 will be full of fun and educational classes and field trips! Morning classes include Robotics, Arts, Computer and more, and afternoon trips include Constellation Field, Pump It Up, Urban Air Trampoline Park and more! The day camps are open to all students entering grades Pre-K to 5th. Athletic camps for various ages include middle school Volleyball, Basketball for grades 1st to 6th, Football for grades 2nd to 8th and many more! For more information and to register, visit www. fortbendchristian.org/summer17. Fort Bend Christian Academy located in Sugar Land, Texas, is a private, college-preparatory school serving grades Pre-K through 12. It is the mission of FBCA to equip students to thrive spiritually, academically, socially, and physically.
Fort Bend Family YMCA 4433 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-9622 ymcahouston.org/fort-bend-family
The Fort Bend Family YMCA offers a variety of camps targeted toward every unique individual. Camps at the Y all share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships through the many activities that the Y provides. The YMCA Day Camp provides youth with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution and leadership skills. Kids have fun while building self-confidence, appreciating teamwork and gaining independence. Day camp activities allow kids to create arts and crafts, explore science and technology, swim, participate in field trips, and appreciate nature. The Y also offers a teen camp experience for youth ages 11-15* in a safe atmosphere with a highly trained, fun and energetic staff. Teen Camp offers leadership and service learning opportunities to keep teens engaged in meaningful activities during
the summer months. Teen Camp is filled with fun and exciting events so your teen won’t feel like they are in a day camp but like they are hanging out with friends. We also offer Sports Camp, Specialty Camp, Family Camp, and Camp Cullen- our overnight camp! Please contact us for any additional inquiries.
Fort Bend Music Center 12919 Southwest Fwy Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 494-5885 fortbendmusiccenter.com
Why not take the plunge and become part of the Fort Bend Music Center family this summer? Our popular summer music camp is a great place to start. Campers ages 7 through teens get the first five lessons in piano, guitar, brass, percussion, and voice. Over the two and one half hours per day , they’ll move from station to station. Essentially, each camp is like getting the first month of lessons in five different instruments. What about the younger crowd? Kids ages 18 months through 6 enjoy five days of one hour music camp madness. Campers will learn piano, singing, and rhythm…while developing their love of music. Kids get so fired up by summer music camps, that the new beginner group classes fill up fast. Music camp is a great foundation…and a wonderful way for kids to experiment with something new. So, don’t wait…register for music camp today!
Holy Rosary Catholic School Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp 1426 George St. Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281) 342-5813 holyrosary-school.org
Holy Rosary Catholic School is hosting a Challenger British summer camp from August 7 through the 11th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Challenger Sports’ British Soccer Camp is the most popular soccer camp in the country and is based upon one of the most innovative approaches to coaching youth soccer in the US and Canada. Their experienced International staff study the game at all levels and will help players improve their core techniques and become more confident on the ball. With programs for each age, the curriculums includes a variety of foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, freestyle soccer, small-sided games and coached scrimmages. World Cup style games are held each day where campers compete for their adopted country and are encouraged to learn about different customs and cultures, and our core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership. Please go to: challenger.mycustomevent.com for more information or to register.
Lone Star Karate 222 FM 359 Richmond, TX, 77406 (281) 513-5566 lonestarkarate.com
Here at Lone Star Karate , we strive to help you maintain a healthy balance between your workout goals and your life. We offer personal training sessions programmed with your goals in mind and are available for appointments throughout the week and weekend. Our fitness boot camp programs run for six weeks at a time and are geared towards helping improve the overall fitness of the body. Group workouts are also offered Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. Lone Star Fitness members will receive discounts to all of the classes that are offered at the Lone Star facility. This includes Self Defense, Karate for Kids, and any seminars that are offered throughout the year. We have regularly scheduled nutritional seminars and women’s only self defense seminars. Contact us for more details.
Iron Cross Gymnastics 225 Gonyo Ln # 202 Richmond, TX 77469 (281) 342-4766 ironcrossgymnastics.com
Iron Cross Gymnastics is currently enrolling for Summer Camp 2017! Our Tag Line is “Have Fun - Stay Fit - Be Active” because that is exactly what we are going to do at camp! This year our Summer Camp is a twelve week experience that starts June 5th and ends Aug 25th! Camp starts bright and early at 7am, and ends at 3pm, we have extended hours from 3pm - 5pm for a small extra charge of only $5 per day! Activities this year include, Gymnastics training for two hours per day, martial arts, dance, cheer, games, arts and crafts, special guest speakers, weekly themes, kids karaoke, out-door activities such as water days, pizza parties and so much more! This is going to be our BEST SUMMER YET! For more information go to www.ironcrossgymnastics. com and click on services, then summer camp! If you would like to find out more about our enrollment pricing and specials please call 281-3424766 (IRON) Your kids are guaranteed to have an amazing experience this summer with our friendly staff and family! Beat the Heat and ENROLL TODAY!
Montessori Kids Universe 2600 Cordes Dr, Ste D Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 299-5187 montessorikidssugarland.com
The Montessori Kids Universe summer program takes kids around the world in 60 days and is a whirlwind of activity! With Fort Bend being the most diverse county in the nation, MKU brings all of the varied cultures under one roof for international study mixed with summer fun. Our in-house field trips afford our preschoolers the opportunity to learn about all the countries in the world in the safety of the school environment. Our Montessoricertified teachers offer engaging lessons presented through hands-on activities and outdoor fun. We host guests from our community and beyond so even our youngest preschoolers get to experience the world outside our school.
48 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com
April / May 2017
Montessori Kids Universe is a year-round preschool for children ages 3 months to 6 years and offers a full Kindergarten program. Signing up for our summer months guarantees children a spot in our regular school schedule and gives them a chance to learn all about our authentic Montessori program. Our school features the Reggio Emilia program, a daily enrichment class that introduces students to STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We are the only school in Sugar Land offering this program, and our parents rave about the progress their children are making. For more information about our school or to schedule a tour or reserve a spot in our summer program, call (281) 299-5187 or check out our website at montessorikidssugarland.com.
Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery 104 Industrial Blvd # Q Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 565-0957 sugarlandartcenter.org
Here at the Sugar Land Art Center, our camp lessons are focused on Fine Arts using a variety of media to create projects based on each week’s new theme. Camp runs Monday through Thursday, and your child will bring home a finished project each day! We accept kids ranging from 5 to 14 years old. Both half-day and full-day camps are available. Each week brings a new theme to life with lessons focused on a variety of mediums, including acrylic,
watercolor, clay, and oil pastels. Your child will channel their creativity into sketch, paint, sculpture, and collage. Camp size is limited to 12 students for maximum attention per student, and all of our teachers are highly skilled and hold degrees in the Arts! Most excitingly, the Student Art Show is held at the end of the summer where “Best of Show” awards are given and celebration is held for all. This is also a great opportunity for high school art students to volunteer!
Typhoon Texas
555 South Katy Fort Bend Rd. Katy, TX 77494 (832) 426-7071 typhoontexas.com/typhoontexas-houston
View Our Full 2017 Christian Summer Camp Guide at fortbendchristian magazine.com
Kick off your summer the right way with a trip to Typhoon Texas! With over 300 million gallons of water, this trending new water park features over 30 slides and includes a kid’s area, a massive lazy river, and a wave pool. One of the most popular rides is the Monster Storm, a six-person raft ride which is perfect for the whole group. Duelin’ Daltons, a seven-story free fall slide, is considered the roller coaster of water slides at Typhoon Texas; it’s the perfect slide to get your thrill on! Typhoon Texas also features live entertainment, delicious food, and tons of Texas pride. Visit us this summer, and buy your season passes today!
THEIR SUMMER TO SHINE Youth Summer Programs FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA T.W. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA
Y summer programs offer the perfect opportunity to make playing and learning a family goal. • Day Camp • Youth Sports • Swim Lessons • Sports Camps Join the Y and enjoy lower member rates for your summer programs.
Register today at ymcahouston.org. FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA 4433 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, TX 77459 • 281-499-9622 T.W. DAVIS FAMILY YMCA 911 Thompson Hwy, Richmond, TX 77469 • 281-341-0791 YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
April / May 2017
For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com • 49
Recipe: Honey Ham in the Slow Cooker Yield: 8-10 servings Ingredients • 3/4 c. packed light brown sugar • 1/2 c. honey • 1/2 c. water • 1/4 c. Dijon mustard • 10 whole cloves • 1 (8- to 10-lb.) spiral cut ham Equipment • Measuring cups and spoons • Small saucepan • 6-qt. or larger slow cooker • Baster or brush Directions Make the glaze: Combine the brown sugar, honey, water, mustard, and cloves in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the glaze is homogeneous and fragrant from the cloves, about 5 minutes. Remove the cloves with a spoon. Prepare the ham: Place the ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, making sure you can put the lid on. You may have to turn the ham on its side, or trim a bit off the top if your ham is too large. Gently pull apart the ham’s slices and separate them. Add the glaze: Pour the glaze over the ham, trying to cover as much
For Students Seeking Excellence! After school tutoring, PSAT/SAT/ACT prep, & speed reading
• Grades 6th - 12th
• College prep / planning
• Self paced, individual curriculum
• Limited enrollment
• Low teacher student ratios
• Extracurricular activities including karate
222 FM 359 • 281-513-5566 www.GatewayAmericaPrep.com
of the ham as possible, but not worrying too much, as the glaze will fall back into the slow cooker. Cook the ham: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Every hour (or as you remember), baste the ham with the glaze. You can also flip the ham halfway through cooking, if desired. Serve: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Serve with the thickened glaze. Recipe Notes: The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Store leftover ham in its juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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