World Beyond Disney         
     
   Along US-192 south of Orlando, you can turn north into the world of Disney.

   Mrs. Donut and I continued a few miles beyond, to Johnson University, Florida, another world. Admission: Free! 

   Wednesday was one of four days of Bible Bowl competition among high schoolers. Our granddaughter was one some 200 participants...three or four players to a team. 

   Many of these kids may have enjoyed Disney World at some time. This week was the climax of months of study, practice and regional competition. Rather than video games and other idle pursuits, they spent their spare time studying parts of Genesis, 1 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, Daniel and Esther. 

   Granddaughter - I tell her she's my favorite granddaughter, and she replies, "I'm your only granddaughter" - finished her last year of high school. One other year for Bible Bowl she memorized all 28 chapters of Acts. 

   Questions are not easy, and purposely framed to make contestants think fast. 

   Her former Ohio team did well in the past. This year, now attending a church without BB, she drove herself two hours one way to practice with an Indiana team, Mt. Pleasant team 2. (Okay: there is a certain boy over there.) 

   Team 2 lost to their friends in MP team 1, but on Thursday battled their way into the championship. They needed to beat undefeated team 1 twice, in the gymnasium with more than 400 cheering people - students, parents and other adults like us.

   With granddaughter's parents and young brother on the edge of their seats, the first game went "our" way. Final game: Team 1 scored the first 85 points and held a large lead at halftime. Oh well. They're good.  

   Second half: Team 2 quickly tied the score and kept adding on. Only the Lord's return will be more exciting for us. 

   These kids all know that, "hiding the Word of God" in their hearts is more important than winning or losing. But, being rewarded for hard work isn't Mickey Mouse either. Many team and individual awards followed.

      Jimmy