I think I am almost unthawed after Friday night’s big game in Buckholtz. I thanked God several times that the weather men were wrong once again, and it did not rain during the game. I have to say it is more appropriate to watch football wrapped in a blanket than it is fighting off blister bugs in blistering heat! We were not sure what to expect as far as fields were concerned, but they had good stands, a very loud speaker system and lots of parking space. Unfortunately, the concession stand did not have anything warm to drink! Judging from the steady lines around the stand; the concession sales were good. So, we go one more week. This time we head to Comanche. That is a much better drive. Not only is it closer; there is not as much traffic on the road. I had plenty of cause to pray as we drove home. There were at least two big wrecks around Killeen and Copperas Cove. I suspect our precious soldiers were involved. They definitely needed some prayers.

Although I haven’t called back, I had a timely message from Tom Alston. I am always impressed by his level of involvement in the community. Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to add to my knowledge base regarding the tax issue. It is one I should have noted myself, since we have acreage attached to our house. I stated that taxes for those over 65 would not go up, and he correctly pointed out that information is only for the homestead. Taxes on land would go up, especially if you don’t have an Ag exemption. They would also go up if you have more than one house. I was focused on the in town folks who may or may not be having a tough time making ends meet. At any rate, the issue will probably come up again, so if you have rental property or more acreage then your tax burden will increase. I guess it’s a personal decision that each of us has to make. Is having a new school important enough to pay increased taxes? As of the first Tuesday in November, the answer was no.

The kids are already anticipating their Thanksgiving holidays. I can’t believe we are starting our third six-week grading period. There are several families in the community that will celebrate this blessed day of thanksgiving with heavier hearts. I know I speak for the entire collective community when I say we sympathize with their grief. This is such a wonderful holiday. Most of us will be able to see what a blessed nation and people we are. Our lives are rich in daily blessings. We have a standard of living that would be envied by many nations, if they could even conceive of the richness we enjoy. Many countries don’t have safe running water or clean sewage systems. Billions of people live in shacks or under the open sky. That’s not to say we are all rich in "things and stuff," but we are all free to speak, worship, vote and work. Women especially, are richer here than many other nations. I decided years ago that the work required of pioneer women led to the change of thinking in our male population. That is only partially correct. If you look at the price paid by the Suffragette movement during Wilson’s time, you realize our women didn’t meekly go back to the kitchen. Education was the key. Somehow here in the United States, the very first congress decided that for our Democratic Republic to work, the citizens had to be educated. All dictators know that education messes up their program. Praise God for education.

The McKees and the Powells were away this weekend attending the 5

There are several groups providing meals for folks in need. If you are one of those, please contact the Ministerial Alliance in San Saba or one of our local churches, and they will assist you. I was pleased to see that the Golden Corral was providing meals for veterans on Veteran’s Day. We owe our men and women in uniform so much. My daughter –in-law will not be with her family this Thanksgiving; she is attending a training school in Alabama. She will at least be home for Christmas, unlike many of our brave young people who will be facing danger overseas. My son Scott, will then trade places with her, and head for Alabama for six weeks after Christmas.

We read Psalm 103:1-5 tonight. It’s a psalm of praise for all the good things God does for us. As we approach one of our great Christian holidays, please take time to think about the things you have. I thank God for this beautiful country, proud and free. I thank God for my comfortable home; I am in a good and peaceful place. I thank God for the family and friends that make my life richer every day. I praise Him for my salvation, and for the place He has prepared for me when I die. I thank Him for each precious life He has put in my care for a short time at school. May God bless each of you this week as you go about your daily duties. God bless America.

th birthday of the triplets. I am totally blown away by the fact they grew up so fast. I can remember praying that all would go well with their birth! We had a lovely surprise on Sunday as a result of Kay being away, Arlene Stratton stepped in to play the piano for morning service. On behalf of our church family, thank you Arlene, for being a part of our worship service.