All the big rains have circled around the San Saba and Richland Springs area, but we have had a few tenths to water our trees. I am looking for one of those four-inch rains. I fear we are going to lose many more trees this winter. They just have no strength left to hold on to life.
I feel that way sometimes when I listen to all the garbage and hatred online and on the television. Then I realize that I am not a tree, I have a Savior and a God who can lift my spirits and keep me going. I keep hoping that once the elections are over in November things will settle down, but I am beginning to have doubts. The narrative seems to be that if Trump wins, the fight will continue. The other narrative is that if he doesn’t win, the election is rigged. This is not what the Founding Fathers wanted. I just don’t know how to get back to graceful acceptance of a win. Now it’s duke it out until the next election. Just in case the politicians don’t know it, we the people are tired of the infighting. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. So, say the words of that song.
I had my first chicken egg this week. For a moment I was so proud of that accomplishment. Then I asked my self what did I have to do with the accomplishment of that little hen? We do that with our children as well. People congratulate us on our children, but did we do anything to make them pretty or talented? Sounds a little arrogant doesn’t it? Then I thought of the hundreds and thousands of hours we put into training our children to be good citizens, and the hours that I have put into keeping these silly chickens alive, and I am proud that little hen laid an egg. I am really proud of the men and women my children have become, with or without my help. I may not eat that little egg. I love my kids.
Strangely enough, I feel the same way about my students. I agonize over the ones who are struggling, whip myself up into a lather when I see a student with talent decide to throw in the towel and quit learning. My joy is complete when a student I taught in their early years goes on to achieve success. I love my students.
The Friday night opening game was a success for both the junior high and varsity teams. The Austin Royals came to play and gave the boys a good game. The junior high game was a close 27-21 with a last-minute score. The varsity score does not reflect the caliber of the game. Final score was 55-8, but we went well in to the third quarter. Unfortunately, Cody Martin may have broken his arm in his first ever football game. Our prayers go out to Mom first and then Cody and Dad. I know the absolute horror of a mom when your child goes down. We want to go down and cry all over them and scream at the kid on the other team, yell at the medics to help and shush everyone around us, but they don’t let us. I can laugh at myself now, but not at the time. On behalf of Franky and
Esmeralda Soto and the First Baptist Food Pantry, I want to give a huge shout-out to Coach Burkhart and the school kids for their tremendous support. The contest winners for the most items brought were the 2nd graders, followed by the high school kids. My six students brought in over 100 items. Thank you to all who participated. The pantry is open from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday. Please come by and share in the blessings of the pantry. Spread the word, come, and let us help you provide for your family.
Our Pastor Mack Elkin has been called up for training. He left for South Carolina after the service. We are going to miss his dynamic and insightful preaching for the next three months. Hopefully, that will be the last time he has to be gone for more than two weeks at a time. That doesn’t mean we will slack off and stay home. We will be there praising Jesus and worshiping God in our attendance and tithing.
I was hoping to have Monday Church up and running for the kids by the 14th, but it looks as if it will have to start on the 21st. There are detailed plans that must be made for a fourhour VBS/church. The kids are excited, and the program is going to be awesome. Hours of operation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Pickup for those who need it will be from 9:45 a.m. until 9:55 a.m. Hang on to your whistle, the Rocky Mountain Railroad is coming soon.
The next two games are on a Thursday. The reason behind this is so that both junior high and high school can play on the same night. There are going to be some tired kids on Friday morning. The teachers will no doubt be zombies as well. The next home game is September 25th against Ft. Worth Covenant. The game will be followed by our traditional Fifth Quarter meal. If you haven’t paid your booster dues, they will have someone on hand to take your dues. Also, there is a wide selection of last year’s shirts on sale for $5.00.
Election day is fast approaching. Please remember to register and vote. If you are not sure, check out party platforms and see if they match your mind set. The news wants to make it about two men, but the fact of the matter is they are the least of the issue. Stand for what you believe, and vote for the party that believes in what you think is right for this country.
Please pray for our beleaguered police officers, for the riots that are damaging our country and for our businesspeople who are fighting to stay alive in this shut down. My own daughter-in-law is about to lose the collateral that she put down for the opening of her new gym. The shut down came just months after she opened. She is one of many such heart-breaking stories. Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. Pray for our President, Congress, and medical personnel. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. Have a great week everyone.