Our area is poorer this week. So many of us have lost a friend who cared about us, his community, and his Savior. Alan Taylor lost his battle with pneumonia. Just when we thought he was getting better, he left us. At his funeral, several speakers laughed about the fact that Alan always had time for us, for one more story, one more mention of his love for Jesus. He was a gentle, protective man who worked long hours to provide for his wife, Donna, and daughter, Sarah. I will miss his slow talking voice and beautiful country manners. He was far too young to leave this world, but he is with the Savior he loved so much. Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Enjoy your rest, Alan, you will be missed.
It’s been a stressful week. The men and women who were present at the scene of the car crash last week will need prayer and comfort to process the horror of that scene. The young woman’s family is devastated and will face difficult days ahead as they work through this sudden and horrific loss.
One of our teachers, Nelson Smith, suffered a stroke last week. He will have a long recovery period. Students on campus made cards and posters to cheer him. We are hoping that he can return before the end of the year. Spring break is next week. The
Spring break is next week. The return of our students will begin the push for the April STAAR tests. I wish there were other ways to evaluate student progress and outcomes, but the State Board of Education and Texas Education Agency apparently feel satisfied with this particular skills test. I find it difficult to justify the types of questions asked with the developmental level of students. My fifth graders are not all capable of working with abstract questions.
They need more concrete questions. I compare it to the two college entrance tests. The ACT tests knowledge, the SAT tests thinking ability and problem solving. If colleges can have two kinds of tests, why can’t elementary students have that choice?
I missed last week’s column because my computer was tied up. My son and his wife were in from Costa Rica and needed to file income taxes. It is only the second time in fifteen years that I have missed my deadline. Prayers are needed for the
Prayers are needed for the Garcias, the Taylors and several other families who have lost loved ones. Earl Patrick is doing better, Maxine Robbins is motoring around well, Brother Mack is still making the trip back and forth to the border but needs prayers for the issues he faces every day. Panzee Fikes was transported to Marble Falls after a fall. She will undergo hip surgery this week. Our area is desperately in need of rain.
Please pray for the people of Ukraine, as well as our country and leaders who are making important decisions about this Russian aggression. Our border troops and police officers need prayers and help. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.