Spring break is over, and it’s time to buckle down and prepare for the upcoming STAAR tests. Speaking of buckling down, if you didn’t have everything in your yard buckled down, I’m positive it is blowing somewhere around the county. All the plans I had for outdoor work went out the door this past week. I needed the down time, but I had painting to complete. My beautiful cow bell chimes rang nonstop for days. I see nothing in sight to slow them down.
Like most teachers, time off means making those appointments that you don’t have time for during the regular school week. I put my digestive issues down to stress, but apparently, I have a kidney stone that must be removed. Since I rarely go to the doctor, when they get their hands on me, they check everything out. Otherwise, I am in great health.
Our students and others around the world have suffered greatly with this pandemic. I believe our youngest students have suffered and will suffer the most. Children take visual clues from facial expressions, learn to sound out words by listening, and understand social interactions by watching. Masks are anonymous; that’s why criminals use them. Then to top off all the loss of teaching time, we add testing to see if schools are maintaining teaching levels. Can there be any sense to what our think tank people are doing? I’m doubtful.
First Baptist Church will be taking up donations for the Eastland and other area fires. We heard today that they had a responder down.
The town of Carbon is in ashes. Some of our local firefighters and farmers are transporting hay and supplies to the area, but the fires are not under control yet. If you would care to donate, please contact Johnny Reeves, Kathy Brockman, or Debbie Phelan, or mail a check to First Baptist Church Richland Springs, Box J, Richland Springs. The need is great.
Our prayer list is long this week. Foremost on the list is rain for the area. These winds and dry conditions make for a tremendous fire hazard. Panzee Fikes is doing well in rehab. Bob Brockman is recovering well after his visit to the hospital. Susan Gossett and Vicki Overstreet had surgery. Prayers are needed for Nettie Oma Carpenter, Nelson Smith, Phyllis Taylor and Donna Taylor, Leonard Hill, Scott Isbell, Dallas, and the Valdez family. Also, the golf team that lost so many students needs prayers.
Our country and this warravaged world need God’s intervention and help. We are poised on the brink of a major war, and no leader has stepped forward to ease tensions. Please pray for the people of Ukraine and the countries taking in refugees. Pray for our border agents who are experiencing a continual onslaught of people crossing the border. Our police officers need protection and support as they work to protect us. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families. God, bless America, and protect her from harm.