The weather here in Richland Springs can only be called wonderful. Cool, crisp mornings are perfect for early morning coffee or tea on the front porch. Thanks to dust and fire in the air, both sunrises and sunsets have been viewed in full technicolor. Hopefully, the promised rains for next week will materialize, and our pastures and lawns can get a little relief.
Last Friday night’s football game was played in comfortable weather. As the game progressed, the weather cooled off to perfect playing temperatures. If you haven’t kept up, the final score was 119 to 112 in favor of the Coyotes. A very tired group of athletes and fans showed up for 5th Quarter under the Tabernacle. Thank you, Coach Burkhart and Mrs. Starr, for encouraging those tired young folks to show up. I guarantee they would rather have headed to bed. Thankfully, we had a great turn out, and the ladies from Shiloh brought delicious desserts. The First Baptist ladies had some super good chili dogs with all the fixings. I want to say thank you to the men who moved all the tables and chairs back and forth. As I said earlier, the athletes and coaches were tuckered out, but, proudly led by Coach Burkhart, they showed their appreciation to the community that turns out every week to support them.
If you didn’t come to town Sunday, you will have missed the benefit for young Camilla Patina. Camilla was involved in a car accident that left her with serious medical issues. Hosted by Frank Pearce and his daughter, they served a delicious sausage and pancake breakfast with all donations going to the Patina family for medical expenses. We have a very loving and giving community. We prayed for the family during our church service this morning. The prayer list this morning was longer than usual.
This week is open house and book fair. This is Mrs. Barker, formerly Gossett)’s grand fund raiser of the year. The last few years have not been good thanks to covid restrictions. I’m sure she is hoping for a momentous event this year.
Although it may not be official, the news has been leaking out that she is leaving us after the book fair. She is needing to take part in the family business due to recent changes. We cannot imagine the library without her sweet spirit and smiling face. Students for years back have fond memories of her many acts of love for them. She has fought fiercely for library improvements, new books, and prizes for readers. Her monthly and yearly incentive parties have been a muchanticipated event. Please come this week and wish her the best on this new journey. She will be missed.
I was reading some material on the recent uptick in vaping. The statistics are so staggering they are unbelievable. Our young people have accepted the media garbage that this is the newest fad. The vaping vendors have made them so that vapes are easily hidden and consumed. They have not reduced the chemicals in these deadly smoking machines. This industry should have been put out of business many years ago. My message is to the adults who are supplying our youth with this garbage. Please stop buying this dangerous trash for our young people. The same goes for adults who think it’s cool to buy alcohol so that kids can meet out in the pasture or at a willing adult’s house to drink. We must protect our youth and let them live to face the future.
I need to find time to go and give blood. My O negative blood is valued by blood banks. One company calls me every month. I keep telling them there are no blood banks in my area. I am not driving to San Angelo or Abilene to give blood. Scott and White is having one in San Saba.
If you are looking for a church home, we have four in this town: the Church of Christ and First Baptist across the street from each other on FM 45, the Christian Church across the railroad tracks, and Shiloh which is a little further out of town on FM 45. Each church has its own flavor and unique style. Find your place, and spend time with God. This is a sweet little country town filled with a variety of people. Why not come visit a local church, go to a game, take part in one of the many church activities and get to know your town.
Rain is foremost on our prayer list this week. They say we are likely to get some this week. All too often, the rain bypasses this area. So, say your prayers that we will get a soaker. Gerald McKee is headed to the cancer doctor in Houston this week. Ron Stewart was bitten by a young rattler and needs our prayers. Heather Lewis, Vera Ralston, Jessie Stewart, Ricky and Mickie Allen, Al and Billie Behrens, the Red Gibson family, and many others need our prayers for their medical issues. There are several others whose names I do not have but have been brought up. Diego’s sister who is 23 is ill and needs our prayers. George and Donna Hill were in church today, but both have serious health issues. Maxine Robbins was at the game Friday; she is doing so much better. Our President, Congress and local governments all need our prayers. Please, God, be with our border agents, police officers, and first responders. Pray for our citizens and special translators trapped by the Taliban. Lord, please make a way for them. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families. Have a wonderful week everyone.