Out with the old- in with the new, hello to the New Year 2011! I hear groans all over the county as the holidays close down and the next semester of school begins. I’m getting a flash – the loudest groans are from… the teachers? Surely not! Surely our kids will be eager to start back to work? The push is on to make sure everyone is on track to pass the TAKS, but wait, first we have the Youth Fair to complete. I can guarantee a large number of my students will be stressed and stretched preparing for the big day. Although the TAKS is not as much fun, I’m sure my students will be ready. They are well able to stretch and meet the demands of a small school.

There are wonderful advantages to a small school. Most of our classes are small and teacher help is readily available. You can participate in many activities, sometimes even when you don’t want to. A recent transfer to Richland complained to me that he was being made to enter UIL competitions. He had never entered some of the competitions before. My grandchildren attending larger schools compete against thousands of other students to even get a spot on one of the teams. Not so in a little school, if you have a smidge of possibility, you are good to go. Some may view that as a curse. Our athletes usually have to play at least three sports, as well as compete in academic UIL activities. Many of them also participate in 4-H activities, like the upcoming fair, and Mrs. Hall needs them for One Act Play. By the time they get to tennis, which is when I need them, they are all worn out and worried about final exams! To me it seems exciting and challenging. So many kids in large schools never face the challenges of multiple activities that our small school presents.

We watched a presentation on the star of Bethlehem. The presenter has a site called Bethlehemstar.com. He followed computer gene rated star patterns and historical documentation to determine if the star was true. I don’t need anyone to prove to me the star was there, but it was a great show. I love the fact that science is finally catching up with the Bible. Many scholars are predicting that the Christians are about to face great persecution. A few years ago I thought that the danger would come from overseas, but I am rethinking that idea. I would never thought to have lived to see the day when our own president would announce to the world that we are not a Christian country! We just went through the Christmas season with attacks from all sides. I can only presume these people haven’t actually read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution. Many other countries are experiencing revivals, but our churches are struggling. I sincerely hope we do not become like Europe, with its beautiful but empty mausoleums. God doesn’t want beautiful buildings; He wants a living vibrant church.

I’ve been watching commercials for some of the new "hit" programming due to come out shortly. I have yet to see one that would appeal to anything but the basest of instincts. They are rude, crude and sensual. That is when they aren’t pretending to be crudely funny. I hope my kids aren’t watching this stuff, but I’m afraid they are being polluted by some of this junk. I guess if you make something a cartoon character; you can get away with saying anything. I hate to get preachy about some of this stuff, but I can remember the time when we wouldn’t let women, clad in revealing underwear, prance around the stage during family viewing hours. Yet, I have watched Victoria’s Secret models prance and expose themselves for many long weeks. The whole concept is indecent and frankly a little silly. I wonder what I ate for dinner that caused this diatribe. Maybe it was too much football?

I know what one thing was for sure. I saw a post from one of my ex-students. When I responded to a remark that I thought was uncalled for; another of his friends pointed out that my son had volunteered to go to war, and should have known he could get killed! I was glad I didn’t know where he lived! I guess I’ll have to pray that he gets wiser.

I’m told Annie Granados is in the hospital, and her prognosis is not very good. Trish Patterson also made an unplanned trip to the hospital. Alfred Garrett is, or maybe was by now, in the hospital for diabetes related issues. Please keep Ronny McCarty’s family, Cleta Smith, Gail Brand and Richard Lines in your prayers. Gail lost her twin sister to a sudden heart attack. Charlotte Conley is undergoing treatments which are extremely difficult, and she needs our prayers for healing and strength. Bonnie and Junior Evans, as well as Wayne and Gladys Powell need prayer. Kay McKee told me things get tough when there are two people in one house on walkers! I’m thinking having Wayne down for the count is like having a hungry badger cornered. Sing Wayne, sing! In everything give God praise! There are so many more names on our prayer list. Don’t forget we need more rain, although the inch or so that we had over Christmas was much appreciated.

In case anyone is reading this column for the first time, fear not, I’m really a fairly positive person. I know God is in control. I forget myself and try to help Him from time to time! We all know how well that works!

I have not made any resolutions this year. Mostly because I don’t keep them, so why waste my time? I gave a speech on resolutions to a Susan G. Komen group one year. I linked resolutions to the four personality groups. Sanguines randomly and enthusiastically resolve all kinds of things, and keep them for at least two weeks. Cholerics are determined to fix things, and make sure everyone else in their sphere does the same. Melancholy folks want it perfect, but know it won’t happen, so they don’t set resolutions. The phlegmatic group can’t be bothered by all that nonsense. They don’t waste time and energy on resolutions. So whatever your personality group, relax, do what you can, and let someone else worry about things.

Please pray for our President,our new politicians and our precious troops. We have many changes to make this year. Our troops are preparing to come home, some of them, and our government is preparing to make some major changes. God needs to be in the midst of all of that. Please Lord; guide our leaders as they make decisions that change our lives. Please keep our troops safe. God bless America.