I have been writing BIBLICAL GEMS for over 50 consecutive years and it appears that ALMIGHTY GOD has always showed a few others the same things that HE showed me, to influence me to write them; because they have been very helpful to show me the writings were sincerely appreciated and helpful.

I look forward to Christmas on the Square each year almost as much as I do the actual day of Christmas. There is something about the parade, people lining the street and all the buildings with their rich history right behind me that wraps me in a warm hug even if it is freezing outside.

What do you know about cranberries? It is something that a lot of us buy during the holidays. Most of us don’t know much about this tart, tasty red berry.Cranberries are native to North America and were originally called the “craneberry” by Pilgrims because the small pink flowers that bloom in the spring resemble the head and bill of a crane.Television commercials have us believing cranberries grow in water, but actually they grow on vines in special beds called bogs which ...

Under the tree was the biggest package he had ever seen. It was wrapped in paper with a huge red bow on it. His eyes widened as he stood staring at the package. Needless to say he was excited! He could hardly wait until he tore the paper off to see what was inside.

Mayor Harry Shapiro signed a Proclamation on the third day of December designating the week of December 3-9 as Beef Week in Texas.Ward Ellis Jr., San Saba Justice of the Peace, tried 17 cases in his court during the month of November. Fines and court costs totaled $393.50 for the month.The San Saba County Singing Convention will be in concert at the Pecan Grove Baptist Church on Sunday Dec.

Reading Recommendations: Altar of Bones, a novel, Philip CarterIn San Francisco, a homeless woman is fatally stabbed by an assailant she's been expecting for years and her cryptic last words unlock a decades-buried secret that changed history.In Galveston, an old man makes a chilling death bed confession-"I am not who you think I am"

1 Samuel 16:7b: “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”President Lincoln had an ability to laugh at himself, especially his own physical appearance. When Senator Douglas once called him a “two-faced man,” Lincoln responded, “If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one?”Although his likeness is widely recognized, Lincoln is not known primarily for his appearance ...

Beauty in Winter Have you noticed how some building owners change out their plants all year long to provide color? One of my favorite places is the building that has Starbucks in it in Marble Falls. Mrs. Kara Stewart and her husband own the building and Kara is the plant person.

Last Sunday some friends mentioned the name of a college that I used to attend. It brought back a lot of old memories but many of them were not good. I was not a Christian then and I just lived to please myself. As I thought about my life it seems like there were two different life styles.

In the early hours Sunday 4/10 inch of rain was received. Puddles of water were standing, it was a gentle rain with no run off which was good. It is all soaking into the ground which we have needed for so long. Monday drizzle off and on all day with the promise of rain for the next couple of days.Cathy Gibson reported that she and Mary Hicks had a Christmas open house Friday at their businesses The Spotted Donkey and Happy Healthy Hair located on Hwy.

I can tell you right off the bat this Canadian does not like the cold. I’m waiting for Wednesday when we are supposed to have a short breather from this cold snap we’re experiencing. I’m just glad the football game on Saturday was not totally miserable. Everyone around me was bundled up cozy.

We were blessed this past week with 20 new residents from our SISTER home in Rising Star whose nursing home caught on fire over the weekend.They all arrived SAFE and SOUND, and although it was a traumatic situation and sudden transition, with all of our Christmas events, they were able to settle right in during an exciting time!Tuesday was our Employee Party, where everyone enjoyed a SCRUMPTIOUS meal at Bar D Brew house.We awarded many door prizes, played games, revealed Secret Santas, excha ...

While looking around San Saba to see all the festive Christmas glitz and glitter, be sure to drive down Woodlawn between 9th and Hope, where you will find an array of lighted outdoor Christmas trees. Patty and Jarvis Shaw modeled the project after their old Austin neighborhood’s much loved tradition.

Kara Daniels, daughter of Todd and Christi Daniels, is pleased to announce the birth of her new baby brother, Carter Lanier Daniels. Carter was born Oct. 17, 2011, 5:09 p.m., in Kansas City, Missouri. He weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz., 20 inches long. Todd is a Major in the Army, and his family is stationed at Ft.

The San Saba County Commissioners Court met on Monday, December 12th at 9 a.m. in the County Judge’s Chambers. County Judge, Byron Theodosis, called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the Court. Commissioner, Kenley Kroll, gave the invocation followed by everyone joining for the pledges to the American and Texas flags.

The Mason Country Opry Christmas Show will be held on Tuesday, December 20, at the Odeon Theater in downtown Mason. The show will begin at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $8.00 and will be available at the door.This will be the final regular performance of the Mason Country Opry.“We have had an incredible thirteen year run,” Opry MC Tracy Pitcox said.

The holiday season is upon us, but don’t let all the festivities make you an impaired driver. More fatal alcohol-related crashes occur between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than at any other time of the year, according to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics. Don’t let yourself or someone you love become another statistic.

The San Saba Scottish Rite Club held its quarterly stated meeting on Thursday, Dec. 8th at the Lodge hall in San Saba. Twenty-five people were present for supper.After the meal a video program, A Visit with General Albert Pike (Part 1), was shown. Albert Pike, who lived from 1809-1891, was solely responsible for reorganizing the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry that Masons recognize today.

The Sharon club met December 6th at the St. Luke's Episcopal Fellowship Hall with Charlotte Hill and the Social Committee as hostesses. All members were present and one guest. We had a delicious Mexican supper and Chinese Christmas exchange. Also secret pal gifts were exchanged. We had a rousing good time.

The San Saba County Historical Society, Inc. is very pleased to announce the arrival of its special third edition of The Call of the San Saba written by Alma Ward Hamrick and first published in 1941. This reprint commemorates the centennial of our County courthouse and contains both the photographs from the first edition and the “Who’s Who in San Saba County” section which was added in the second edition (1969).

What is Z-u-m-b-a? It’s not in the dictionary; however, Cynthia Brand is an Instructor of a Zumba Class in San Saba at The Father’s House Youth Building, so I went to one of their meetings on Thursday, December 8th to find out about Zumba. The Zumba Program is an exhilarating effective easy to follow dance that blends Latin-inspired, calorie burning moves that is helping millions of people toward physical fitness, joy and health.

The Church of the Open Door will be hosting a puppet show this Sat. Dec. 17th at 4:00 p.m. at the Church located north of San Saba on highway 16.Jana Childers and her Bible Buddies are proud to present "When Jesus was Born." A musical performed by the puppets. Children of all ages are invited.

With the arrival of the winter months and holiday season, there are additional health hazards that are of concern for animals; some are potentially fatal. A few of thesehealth risks could be brought into the home inadvertently, thereby increasing a pet’s possibility of exposure. To keep the season safe, protect animals from contact with or ingestion of the following:1.

Receipts totaled 4002 head for the week. The market continued its strong tone after the advance in the market these last 5 weeks. One set of 5 steers weighing 308 pounds sold for $228cwt and another set of steers weighing 576 pounds sold for $171cwt. Stocker steers sold $5 higher and the heifers sold $5-$6 higher.

B.E. Porter, age 89 of Bend, TX, died Tuesday December 6, 2011 at home. B.E. was born November 7, 1922 in Lampasas County, TX; the son of Velmer E. Porter and Nona (Henderson) Porter. He started school at Center and attended Lometa, Nix and Lampasas schools. B.E. joined the Army Air Corps and trained at Sheppard Field, Alliance, NE; Sedalia, MO and Camp McKall, NC.

Bill Owen, Jr. passed away at the age of 80 on Monday, December 12, 2011, in Abilene, Texas. Bill was born on November 11, 1931 to William Linn Owen, Sr. and John Zack Millican in San Saba, Texas. After graduating from high school Mr. Owen enlisted in the Navy and achieved the rank of Ordinanceman.

Carlos R. Mata was born on July 23, 1948 to Fernando and Josefa Mata. He passed away on December 6, 2011 in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 63. Carlos loved life and his family. He had a great interest in the outdoors, and it was shown through his love of fishing.

On Wednesday, December 7th, the Richland Springs Elementary and Junior High UIL academic contestants travelled to Brooke-smith, Texas for the district 30 meet. The Coaches accompanying the students were; Bonnie Burkhart, Heather Slater, Kristen Loudermilk, Valerie Gossett, Sue Ransom, Paula Miller, Amanda Brand and Nelson Smith. Kathy Brockman came out of retirement for one day to help with the meet.

Ruby Mae Schoen passed away December 11, 2011in San Saba, Texas, at the age of 89.Ruby was born in Church Point, Louisiana, August 3, 1922. She married Willie B. Schoen, October 5, 1944 in Opelousas, Louisiana. After marriage the couple made their home in Priddy, Texas.Ruby is survived by her children, Dana and her husband, John Wells of San Saba, TX; Willie Schoen and his wife, Allie of Brookesmith, TX; grandchildren, Trint Tupin and Amanda, Rusty Tupin and Amber,Derek Schoen and Heather, M ...

Willie Mozelle Newlin passed away December 5, 2011 at the age of 84.Willie is survived by her daughter, Beverly Newlin of San Saba; granddaughters, Melissa and husband, Phil Cavness of Cherokee and Dedra Simmons from Lometa; greatgranddaught-ers, Brittany Cavness, Briana Parisher, and Tori Parisher; sisters, Marie Harris, Elsie Smethers, and Bernice Holloway, all of Fort Worth; numerous nieces and nephews.Service was held Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Heritage Funeral Home.

CHANCE BUSH NAMED STATE GAME MVP DEFENSIVE PLAYER - UIL director Mark Cousins presents Chance Bush the Defensive MVP plaque. (Photo by Pam Starr)

COYOTE FANS GATHERED AT ABILENE’S SHOTWELL STADIUM - Fans braved the cold to support their local heros one last time in 2011. (Photo by Pam Starr)

Kristen Harrell, 12 year old daughter of Jr. and Dorothy Harrell of San Saba killed this 10 point buck on November 23rd. She was hunting with her Dad in the Colony area when the buck showed up and she took her chances on the 192 yard shot and dropped him with one shot.

REACHING STATE IS A TEAM EFFORT - The Coyotes are a team of dedicated student athletes who work hard to achieve their dream. (Photo by Pam Starr)

SSHS students Mari Zapata and Lauren Dawson were just 2 of the students working the Salvation Army bucket in front of Super S for the last 2 Saturdays. You have one more Saturday to donate as you are able to help those in need locally. Merry Christmas from SSHS Student Council, National Honor Society and PALs!

Students from San Saba High School Spanish Club went to see Argentinian recording artist Justo Lamas in concert last week. It was the final US tour for Justo, and the students enjoyed getting autographs and photos made with this famous singer. Spanish Club sponsor is Tracey Thomas.

Three San Saba County 4-H’ers participated in District 7 4-H Food Show held Saturday in Abilene. L to R: are Melanie Hedley, daughter of Mark & Michelle Hedley of Richland Springs, Emily Esquivel, daughter of Larry & Amy Esquivel and Sydnie Norris, daughter of Jennifer Norris. Hedley was a senior participant in the Fruits & Vegetable category and placed 2nd in her category.

JUNIORS CELEBRATE THE SWEET VICTORY - Chance Bush, Patrick Phillips and Trevor Tinney savor the state championship victory. (Photo by Pam Starr)

DENIM REEVES NAMED STATE GAME MVP OFFENSIVE PLAYER - UIL director Mark Cousins presents Denim Reeves the Defensive MVP plaque. (Photo by Pam Starr)

Last week, Coach Jeff Pannell announced the San Saba Armadillo players that were awarded all-district honors. Let’s take a look at why.Co-newcomer of the year was junior Nathan Amstead. Amstead did not begin the year as a starter. By the time district play began, Amstead was anchoring the defensive line at nose guard.

We had a full week of basketball last week, which was good for us, but a little tiresome. We started the week off by playing Goldthwaite at their place on Dec. 6. As it usually is when we play Goldthwaite, it came down to the wire. It was a back and forth contest and neither team could ever keep a lead for long.

Submitted by: Kolt age 9There are several Christmas books available at the Rylander Library, perfect for this time of year. One you might like to read is Just in Time for Christmas by Louise Borden. It is a story about a lost dog during the holidays. Another Christmas book with dogs, is The Fright before Christmas by James Howe.

WOW! The Richland Springs Coyotes are 2011 Division II 6-Man State Champions. The Coyotes, looking like a well-oiled machine, methodically controlled the game on both offense and defense. When the dust settled at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium, the Coyotes were victorious by a 76-28 margin over the Motley County Matadors. The road to the state championship takes over 4 months, from the first day of practice to the culmination in the state championship game.

The San Saba Ladies Golf Association met on December 8, 2011 for their annual Christmas party at the RV Community Room with ten members present for the festivities: Jo Anne Hardy, Jo Ann Snow, Debbie Lee, Dorothy Sterner, Peggy Cockrell, Sandee Smith, Hattie Rogers, Janet Hoyt, Pat Ribb, and Anita Miles.

It’s been quite busy in Cherokee lately! Our junior high Indians and Lady Indians both defeated Lometa on Monday. The high school Lady Indians traveled to Menard on Tuesday and fell to a very tough Lady Jacket team. Our elementary and junior high students participated in the district U.I.L. competition and did very well.

The JV boys basketball team is off to a good start so far this season. My apologies for not having an article last week, but here is a re-cap of the boy’s games.The young Dillos got off to a good start, hosting Johnson City on November 29th. The Dillos had a good night winning by the score of 47-12.

Much of this information is taken from the Fall 2011 Heinemann Journal (Learning to Read and Loving to Read, Debbie Miller, pg 16-19). In Making Learning Whole, David Perkins quotes a statement from the psychologist Jerome Bruner, who wrote in 1973, “ We begin with the hypothesis that any subject can be taught effectively in some intellectually honest form to any child at any stage of development.” I believe in intellectually honest teaching.

After pulling the Camel Dissolvables from their test markets (Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Portland, OR) late last year, Reynolds America, owners of the Camel Dissolvable products, have re-designed their Sticks, Strips and Orbs. The company has identified two new cities of distribution; Denver, CO and Charlotte, NC. The re-design appears to be primarily in the packaging, which continues to look similar to candy dispensers.