Front Porch Magazine - Spring/Summer 2026

Save the Children by Ashley

Palmer

Hi, my name is Ashley Palmer. I was born at Fort Rucker Army Base in Alabama, and was a transplant here to Caldwell back in the 90’s. I graduated from Caldwell high and went off to obtain a college degree in business administration and a degree in history. I’ve done a little bit of everything in this lovely life God granted me; from working in another town’s politics/school organizations, teaching, paralegal to owning my own company and many more incredible things. I am married to Larry Palmer and we have some amazing kids, a lot of them actually… the best son in laws God could have brought our daughters… and the sweetest grandbabies. I have a large family, from my mother, mother in law, father in law, several siblings, sister/ brother in laws and the best nieces and nephews. I own Palmer Cleaning Services LLC and manage the back end of my husband’s company Palmer Flooring LLC. I garden, fish, hike, read, write, enjoy the water and spend all my time with the family when I’m not working or furthering my education.

One day not too long ago, things shifted in the world. It shifted in being a parent and the expectations we held over our children. We were no longer encouraging our children to be feeling at being humble servants. Instead we were pushing our kids for the next letter grade, pushing the GPA, pushing that scholarship and to be the absolute best...but without praise, gratitude and God. Our children suffered the insanity, even if we were all completely oblivious to it.

We called in another day, and our children learned from us. Now we face a world when we no longer volunteer our time for the greater good, we do it for college and work resumes. We yell “thank God” it’s no longer a praise, but a phase used in regular conversation. The pressure is on the parent to make sure their children are the best academically and pushing them to focus on monetary gain.

I see people my age out there climbing mountains and zip lining and here I am feeling good about myself because I got my leg through my underwear without losing my balance.

The current world has become overwhelming, schools are pushing ungodly things such as allowing gender issues in general in public schools. Why is this being pushed in some schools, but prayer is being removed? Our world has focused on forcing values that are not in line with biblical views. We are told to accept other people’s views and to be accepting of their beliefs when being a Christian is becoming condemned. Parents are being told that their children are to accept other people’s views, when their children are being told “you’re discriminating against my beliefs.”-

Mdesty in children has become elusive, parents are pushing makeup and suggestive clothing on their children because it’s what the world wants. Parents are pushing for kids to blend in, instead of pushing them to follow the word of God. Why have parents sexualized children? Why are our elementary/intermediate school age children posting tik toks of them dancing suggestively? The fact we have children at 8 years old dancing in crop tops with makeup, extremely short shorts and parents are praising and encouraging this instead of pushing them to study the bible is absolutely insane.

Thankfully, we live in a community where our school system still encourages and participates with Christian values. I know there are several people who have complained about our school district, but I am thankful that my children have been able to experience the same values in school that I was offered. Our community comes together for a day of prayer. I still hear prayers at sporting events and I am blessed to be able to offer my children church through the digital era (youtube and live) so that even during the busiest seasons we can still find time to be thankful and praise.

When a woman asks you to guess her age, it like deciding whether to cut the blue,

red, or green wire to difuse a bomb.

BACKPORCH ANTIQUES & BOUTIQUE

A little about us...

Howdy, my name is Nicole Zaskoda, owner and operator of BackPorch Antiques & Boutique located just across the Brazos River from Aggieland, in Snook!

My husband, Tim Zaskoda and I have a blended family with 5 children and 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Any given day you might find one or more in the store helping us from moving furniture, working on artwork, or just helping behind the counter. Mainly, behind the counter or helping fill your online orders you will find my youngest daughter, Emily Church, and her sidekicks “aka” son’s Clutch or Colt. If you find a extra toy or slobber on your packing slip that is just one of them sending some extra love with your purchase.

We opened in September 2016, a small rental, which we quickly outgrew and then purchased a large very old building downtown Caldwell on the Square, where we resided for over 9 years. However, we started creating Trade Market Days which are great pop-up shopping once a month, we then needed more space and trying to be in two places at the same time was not working; so fast forward to now… We purchased in 2026 a drive thru beer garden with some land and large covered stage area. Since January ’26 we have completely gutted and renovated the drive thru to be a quaint little shop with a mixture of Antiques & Boutique items and Home Décor. We now have room to grow also, as we now offer our Trade Market Days every 2nd Saturday with the Friday before in the Back Yard and under the Pavilion. We can house up to roughly 100 Pop up vendors at the moment with intentions to grow up to at least 150-200 Pop up shopping in the near future.

Some may ask; “WHY”, well I grew up with my Grandmother Sammye was an avid collector of many things and we loved going “Treasure Hunting” for those special little or big items. Then my mother and father opened a store while I was in High School that offered Antiques and Home Décor, my dad also taught me how to build & repair furniture. That is my passion to get in the workshop and repair old pieces or just rebuild them into something completely different. Since I was a young adult, I have always either had several booths in Antique Shops or I was traveling and attending Trade Markets across Texas. So being in Snook with the storefront and the Back Yard to offer Trade Market Days I get to do what I love, hunt and shop! What you can find in the store not including the vintage treasure, you will find Judy Blue Jeans, Umgee, Yellow box, And don’t worry we have not forgotten about the men, we have a great selection of Twisted X knives.

If your around stop by and check us out or browse our online store which consist of mainly our Boutique side of the store. Be sure to check out our Facebook pages also, we have tons of items there.

And if you are feeling crafty please join us on one of our many craft classes, reach out for more information.

I took my 8-year-old daughter to the office on ‘take your kid to work day’. But when we walked into the office she started to cry. As concerned staff gathered around I asked her what was wrong and she said: “Daddy where are all the clowns you said you worked with?”

Nestled next to New Tabor Brethren Church, a ten-minute drive east of Caldwell, sits a place that feels less like a house and more like a carefully tended story. Soft, rolling hills lead visitors through Rosewood Manor’s gates. Peacocks wander the grounds. Roses climb and bloom in every direction. And if you are lucky, Rosie the Chesapeake Bay retriever will meet you like a seasoned hostess, escorting you toward the front steps.

A small bronze plaque by the door captures the spirit of the place with plainspoken gratitude: “This House was built for Alvin and Honey Kutach by two superb craftsmen, Joe Macik and Glenn Williams, our friends, 2003.” It is the kind of sentence that tells you what matters here. Friendship. Work done well. A home built to be shared.

Rosewood’s roots reach back to Dr. Robert E. Basye, the property’s prior owner and a former Texas A&M mathematics professor with an uncommon second calling. Basye bred roses so distinctive that his work earned statewide recognition. Long before Rosewood was known for dinners and weddings, it was known for roses that drew admirers and gardeners.

Dr. Alvin Kutach, Caldwell’s veterinarian for half a century and a devoted orchid enthusiast, came under Basye’s mentorship. Over time, that relationship became family-like, with Basye serving as a father figure to Alvin and a grandfatherly presence to the Kutach children. When Basye grew particularly fond of Alvin’s daughter, Belinda, he even named a new rose variety after her.

Rosewood A Carefully Tended Story

Eventually, Basye had another hope for the property: that Alvin and Honey would build their home there. After more than one persuasive conversation, they did. The building itself became an extension of the garden. Alvin’s friend Joe Macik handled the bones of the work as an independent contractor, while Glenn Williams, a finish carpenter with a fine arts background and an internationally recognized photographer, shaped the details. Honey and Alvin were not passive clients. They cleaned up each evening so the next morning started fresh, and Honey joked that if she parked behind the builders, they could not slip away to another job.

But what truly makes Rosewood Manor memorable is not only its craftsmanship. It is the way the Kutachs have used it as a gathering place for Caldwell and beyond. For years, Rosewood hosted dinners, meetings, showers, and special celebrations. Their meeting room seats about forty, but the spirit of the house expands far beyond any headcount.

Honey, in particular, has spent a lifetime building community with the same energy she brings to hosting. From chamber work to rural advocacy, she helped champion parity for rural towns, organized people across divides, and helped make Caldwell known as the Kolache Capital of Texas. When the Kolache Festival began as a “common denominator” to bring people together, it grew into a point of pride where heritage was celebrated out loud.

Walk Rosewood’s paths and you understand why it fits its name. It is a place where beauty is cultivated on purpose, where strangers become guests, and where a small town’s best traditions are kept alive.

FEditors Note

Dear Readers,

us to you

rom us to you

Insanity is not just something we see on the news. It is something we feel pressing in on everyday life, even here at home. e noise is constant. e tempers are hot. e temptation is to get cynical, to get quiet, or to give up on one another.

So how do we stop it? What can Caldwell, Snook, Burleson, Tunis, and Deanville do to stem the tide as we approach our nation’s 250th year?

e answer is not found in shouting louder. It is found in living truer.

Press on, dear reader. In these pages, Sheri Rios reminds us where compassion and law meet. Father Dornak o ers a lesson that can both upli and convict. A.D. Muller speaks plainly about politics and the moment we are in. is is how the insanity stops: tell the truth with courage in your community. Pray with endurance for wisdom. And let the small-town voice of America ring out from front porches, church pews, storefronts, and kitchen tables.

Sincerely, Sandi & Tyler

on

Faith Spotlight

Burleson County’s

Unique Heritage

People in all walks of life influence those around them. In this column, we will be featuring those who have made an impact in our small towns.

RUBEN BURGUETE

Roots, Family &

Ruben Burguete does not look like the sort of person who came to Caldwell with a master plan. The simpler answer, he says, is that God has not told him to move. And in a town where people still value roots, family, and faith lived out in everyday ways, that steady sense of calling has made Ruben and his family feel right at home.

Ruben serves at First Baptist in Caldwell with the Spanish congregation, preaching, teaching, and discipling believers week in and week out. His rhythm is not flashy. A typical week starts early, with Sunday’s sermon already on his mind. He begins with prayer and Scripture, resisting the urge to jump straight to commentaries. Later comes deeper study, then structure, then the hard work of shaping the message so it can be heard and lived. Ministry also means hospital visits, mentoring, staff meetings, and long conversations that do not fit neatly on a calendar. It includes Thursday Bible study, a men’s study at 6 a.m., and careful preparation for those who want baptism, so that the step is taken with understanding and sincerity. Ruben’s story stretches well beyond Caldwell. Raised in Matamoros, Mexico, he grew up in a pastor’s home and saw up close that the Christian life has to be real at home, not just from a pulpit. He credits his parents for modeling a faith without a “persona,” and for making church feel like family, not just a place. That kind of upbringing did not guarantee he would enter ministry, Ruben notes. A pastor’s child is not automatically called. But over time, God’s call became clear.

His training took him from San Antonio to Baylor for graduate study, and later to complete a doctorate at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Those years were not easy. As an international student with a family to provide for and limited options to work, Ruben remembers months of discouragement, financial strain, and the lonely feeling of being “nobody” in a place where no one knew his history or character. Then Caldwell happened. Through Pastor Steve and a clear need for shepherding among Spanish-speaking families, Ruben and his wife, Karem, prayed and stepped forward. It did not take long before Caldwell became home.

Family is central in the Burguete household. Ruben and Karem met in high school in Matamoros and now have three children, close in age. Friday nights are family nights, often with a movie, sometimes board games, and plenty of time spent at sports and outdoor activities. Like many parents, they juggle practices and games with the deeper commitment they want their children to learn: God comes first. Sports will pass, Ruben tells them, but the Lord remains.

Ruben’s heart also beats for missions. After years of trips to Guatemala, he and church leaders began seeking places with fewer believers, committing to relationships rather than “vacation trips.” That conviction has led to work in Uruguay and now a new effort in northwest France, where evangelical believers are estimated at less than two percent in the region. The plan is simple and relational: meet people in parks, play games, share meals, and open doors for the Gospel. Ruben and Karen even hope to host Mexican cooking classes as a way to welcome neighbors and start conversations.

Why does Ruben believe? He answers without hesitation: he has seen God’s faithfulness. Sometimes that faithfulness looks ordinary, like provision at the right time. Sometimes it looks extraordinary, like a child’s burned feet healed overnight after prayer on a mission trip in Brazil. For Ruben, miracles are “signs,” not tricks to be used, but reminders that God is living and present.

In the end, Ruben is convinced God delights in using small places for great purposes. Bethlehem was small. Fishermen were ordinary. And Burleson County, too, is the kind of place where God can do more than people expect—through a steady pastor, a devoted family, and a faith that keeps answering the call to come.

HIBBELER

KUBECKA

SANDY LOU MILLER

MULLER

KAVON NOVAK

RENITA ODSTRCIL

BRAD OLIVER

WILLIAM RIOS

BECKY SCHENK

JASON SHUTT

SUSAN SKRABANEK

DEBBIE STECK

KAREN VAUGHN

WETTERMAN

WILSON

CONTRIBUTOR

Stop the Insanity

By Brad Oliver, AIC, EGA, SM

The insanity Americans are witnessing today has been fueled not only by the inability to receive the truth, but a lack of understanding of how things could ever have gone this far. Inflation of food, housing, clothes, new and used automobiles, and real estate which directly impact property taxes and insurance of all types are all symptoms of a bigger problem.

In 2020, a new president was elected bringing about drastic social and economic changes. Using inflation as a weapon like no one has ever seen before. Unrestricted immigration is the single most cause impacting the lives of all Americans.

The number of newcomers into our nation ranges from 12 million to as many as 20+ million including those who did not enter through immigration channels. These “Got-Aways” chose to sidestep the law even knowing they would be immediately be released by Border Patrol and would receive transportation to the city of their choice, healthcare, food stamps, monthly check, cell phone, and a letter to be able to work, but why? It was for good cause I assure you. What motivated Biden to allow this to happen? Could it be replacement votes in states where you do not have to be a US citizen or show ID? Could be, but let’s break this down.

The largest city in America is New York at 8.5 million. This means that the possible number of illegals between 2020-2024 exceeds the largest US city in America twice. Why do you think all rental property shot up 31 percent and more over 4 years? New and used homes went up 27 to 57 percent and the interest rate went from 3.94 to over 7 percent. These facts pushed the American Dream out of the range for most young Americans.

The government used Covid as an excuse to add an additional $4.7 trillion in spending through 2023. We don’t even know was much was wasted. This added debt coupled with higher interest rates for government borrowed money is driving up the US Budget at an unsustainable rate. The Republicans supposedly have been trying to scale back the spending to 2019 pre-pandemic levels; however, the Democrats are not having it causing the budget fights which shut down our government now twice since losing the Whitehouse. Anarchy and insurrection are the keys to the success of this Socialist revolution we are witnessing daily aided by the Media which continues to warp the minds with unfettered lies like “Tokyo Rose” in WWII. An honest Media (TV, Internet, and Newspapers) must be returned if America is to survive.

My wife and I are on “Social Insecurity”. Every year we are told by our government the fund is going broke, yet they always find money to support non-citizens who are here illegally. They find billions of our tax dollars to send to other countries through USAID to promote LGBT causes and surgeries of underage children to undergo mutilations because of “so called” health reasons. Insanity is too kind of a word. If a child under 18 cannot buy a pack of cigarettes or make a decision to get a tattoo, he most certainly cannot make an irreversible choice to overturn their God given gender at

birth. Tell me why the US government is involved in any of this? Social Security, Food Stamps, Housing, Healthcare and all of the other safety nets are supposed to set up for US Citizens only. These are not fungible to be used as barter to encourage and prop up the new voting base of the Democratic Socialist Party by intentionally overloading our immigration causing a massive ripple effect in our country. We must stand up first and foremost with our vote, but now with our feet and hands for our democratic republic is in danger. Let’s begin with attending local political events and by writing your representatives to let them know just how your feel. Save America. She needs us right now more than you know.

Brad Oliver is local to Caldwell for 36 years. He has written technical and training materials for over 40 years and has trained both Insurance professionals and FEMA personnel over the past decade. Currently, he is working with FEMA as a subject matter expert.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

A Blonde Was Hard Up For Money...

A blonde was hard up for money, so she walked around her neighborhood, trying to find a job.

She met a nice man who said he would give her work. All she had to do was paint his porch white. He gave her a bucket of paint and left.

He walked into his house, laughing. He told his brunette wife what he had done. “Frank, our porch covers half of the house! You’re so mean.” his wife replied. Three hours later, the blonde went in the house, and gave the bucket of white paint back to the man.

The astonished man handed her a $100 bill, and asked how she finished it so quickly.

“It takes time, but it was easy.” was her reply. “Oh, and it’s a Ferrari, not a Porsche.”

The Pope vs. Moishe

About a century or two ago, the Pope challenged the Jewish community of Rome to a debate.

The Jews looked around for a champion who could defend their faith, but no one wanted to volunteer. It was too risky. So they finally picked an old man named Moishe who spent his life sweeping up after people to represent them. Being old and poor, he had less to lose, so he agreed. He asked only for one addition to the rules of debate. Not being used to saying very much, he asked that neither side be allowed to talk. The Pope agreed.The day of the great debate came. Moishe and the Pope sat opposite each other for a full minute before the Pope raised his hand and showed three fingers. Moishe looked back at him and raised one finger. The Pope waved his fingers in a circle around his head. Moishe pointed to the ground where he sat. The Pope pulled out a wafer and a glass of wine. Moishe pulled out an apple. The Pope stood up and said, “I give up. This man is too good. The Jews win.”

An hour later, the cardinals were all around the Pope asking him what happened. The Pope said, “First I held up three fingers to represent the Trinity. He responded by

holding up one finger, to remind me that there was still one God common to both our religions. Then I waved my finger around me to show him, that God was all around us. He responded by pointing to the ground, showing that God was also right here with us. I pulled out the wine and the wafer to show that God absolves us from our sins. He pulled out an apple to remind me of original sin. He had an answer for everything. What could I do?”

Meanwhile, the Jewish community had crowded around Moishe, amazed that this old, almost feeble-minded man had done what all their scholars had insisted was impossible. “What happened?” they asked.

“Well,” said Moishe, “first he said to me that the Jews had three days to get out of here. I told him that not one of us was leaving. Then he told me that this whole city would be cleared of Jews. I let him know that we were staying right here.”

“And then?” asked a woman.

“I don’t know,” said Moishe. “He took out his lunch and I took out mine.”

Heavenward in God’s Word The Gospel of John

Rev. Melvin L. Dornak, Pastor St. Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Spiritual greetings to readers of Front Porch! Taking a selection from the New Testament, I felt impelled to choose a Gospel I became familiar with since St. John is my patron Confirmation saint. John, the Evangelist and Apostle, is said to be the only non-martyr and lived until the end of the 1st century or AD 100. Known also as the Beloved Disciple, the authorship is attributed to him though some redaction is considered by one who was centered on “Johannine” thought. From my title, the Apostle John is represented by the eagle based essentially on the “looking up” found in the Gospel such as the Spirit, in the form of a “Dove” descending over Jesus at his Baptism. And from the heavens, a voice cried out: Listen to Him.

The inset photo I took at St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Pope Leo’s cathedral church, features the eagle by his right leg; also, note the head of John looking skyward or, “heavenward” to convey the word of God is reaching out to us in a guided and willed destiny. One of my favorite lines in this Gospel and looking up is: I am the Light of the world (8: 12). Known originally as the Basilica of Our

Savior, this is a reference to Jesus’ words in 8:12 and the beauty of luminosity of the basilica’s interior where God’s people worship toward the Light [Roman Pilgrimage. George Weigel. Pg. 59.].

One highly regarded theologian and Biblical scholar is Rev. Raymond E. Brown+ (1928-1998) who authored a text I relate here: An Introduction to the New Testament, 1997, which includes his commentary on John. Below, Rev. Brown shares a summary about us who can take the unique Gospel scenes of Jesus who meets the Samaritan woman (4:4-42) and the man born blind (9:1-40) into a faithful perspective of fresh insights of God with us:

Everyman and everywoman personify different faith reactions; … the importance of discipleship which is a role that all can share. For John there are no second-class citizens among true believers; all of them are God’s children in Christ. [pg. 378.]

Another interesting highlight is how Jesus makes a point regarding a teaching or truth by his opening words, Amen, Amen I say to you Found only in John whereas the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) see Jesus say Amen only once. As stated earlier, Jesus makes it known to Nathanael (likely the same Apostle named Bartholomew) by Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. [1:51]

Take pleasure in reading this Gospel; Pope Clement of Alexandria called it the “spiritual Gospel.” For us ministers, too, who proclaim it at Mass or Christian/ Religious Services, we are called to listen, understand, and see the Light!

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

An elementary school teacher decides to pole the class on the difficulty of last night’s homework assignment:

How many people were able to complete the assignment without parents help?

About 25% of the class raises their hands. How many people we able to complete the assignment with the help of a parent? About 70% of the class raises their hand. The teacher still notices about 5% of the class did not raise their hands.

She then calls out, “How many people had to help a parent complete your assignment? ************

A little girl is sitting on her grandpa’s lap and studying the wrinkles on his old face. She gets up the nerve to rub her fingers over the wrinkles. Then she touches her own face and looks more puzzled. Finally the little girl asks, “Grandpa, did God make you?”

“He sure did honey, a long time ago,” replies her grandpa.

“Well, did God make me?” asks the little girl.

“Yes, He did, and that wasn’t too long ago,” answers her grandpa.

“Boy,” says the little girl, “He’s sure doing a lot better job these days isn’t He?”

A baby is just born. It has all of its parts and looks quite normal. The only problem is, the baby is laughing. Not just laughing, but laughing hysterically. The doctors and nurses examine the little tyke, from top to bottom and from front to back in front of the worried parents. With his tiny fists clenched and tears rolling down his face, the baby just continues to laugh. One by one the pediatrician unfolds the tiny fingers checking to see if the baby’s hands are all right. As they open the baby’s hand, to their surprise what do they see, but a birth control pill!

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Boniol Farm & Ranch

Nestled in the heart of Burleson County, Boniol Farm & Ranch is redefining how local communities connect with agriculture. This family-owned operation blends traditional ranching & farming values with a modern, customer-focused approach, offering a true farm-fresh-to-the-table experience rooted in transparency and trust.

At its core, the farm is committed to sustainable practices and raising high-quality products, giving customers confidence in where their food comes from. What sets Boniol Farm & Ranch apart is its on-site farm store, a growing destination for families seeking fresh, locally grown goods in a welcoming, down-to-earth setting. The farm’s focus on quality, taste, and nutrition is evident in every product, highlighting both flavor and nourishment.

Boniol Farm & Ranch raises and grows pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, goat, fresh eggs, seasonal produce, jams, canned goods, tallow, lard, homemade treats, and cut flowers, all produced directly on the farm with careful attention to quality. To complement these offerings, the farm collaborates with local partners to provide raw honey, coffee, fresh breads, additional treats, and premium Angus/Wagyu beef, creating a well-rounded shopping experience.

The farm store offers more than just products. Visitors can enjoy an authentic on-farm atmosphere, including the unique experience of watching animals graze just outside the store. This connection between land, livestock, and customer creates a meaningful and memorable visit.

Shoppers are encouraged to stop by on a weekend soon to experience shopping straight from the farm and see firsthand what makes this local business stand out. With a continued commitment to fresh, natural, and humanely raised foods, Boniol Farm & Ranch invites the community to taste the difference that all-natural products can make.

As demand for locally grown food continues to rise, Boniol Farm & Ranch stands as a model for small agricultural businesses, demonstrating how quality, care, and community can come together to create something truly special.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

400 Passengers...

… but only 200 meals were loaded onto a flight from Sydney to New York City.

It was only discovered after takeoff, when the flight attendants started going through their preparations for the meals. So, the airline had messed up and the crew was in a jam.

However, one smart flight attendant had an idea. A couple hours into the flight, she nervously announced:

“Anyone who is kind enough to give up their meal to someone else, will receive unlimited free liquor for the duration of the flight.”

Her next announcement came 6 hours later:

“Ladies and gentlemen, if anyone wants to change their mind, we still have 180 dinners available.”

After working for 50 years, the average Social Security recipient gets $1200/month. After being in America for 50 minutes, the average illegal “refugee” gets $3874/month. And red or blue, that should TICK EVERYONE OFF.

An old, blind, Marine wanders into an all-girl biker bar by mistake.

He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a shot of Jack Daniels.

After sitting there for a while, he yells to the bartender, ‘Hey, you wanna hear a blonde joke?’

The bar immediately falls absolutely silent. In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says,

‘Before you tell that joke I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:

1. The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat.

2. The bouncer is a blonde girl.

3. I’m a 6-foot tall, 175-pound blonde woman with a black belt in karate.

4. The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter.

5. The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler.

Now, think about it seriously, do you still wanna tell that blonde joke?’

The blind Marine thinks for a second, shakes his head and mutters, ‘No...not if I’m gonna have to explain it five times.

Arguing with a woman is like reading the Software License Agreement. In the end, you ignore everything and click “I agree”.

What if someone were to tell you there is an organization in Caldwell that has been faithfully serving Burleson County for 37 years, with an emphasis on the underserved. That this organization is run, from top to bottom, by volunteers, some of whom have been working there for decades. That this organization provides clothing and utility assistance as well as providing a home for a food pantry, one of three servicing the Burleson County area. Some of you may very well have already guessed the Caldwell Christians Care Store. And that’s not a typo folks, it is actually Christians Care. And that little ‘s’ carries a lot of meaning.

Back in 1988, Reverend John Warren, of Cooks Point Methodist Church, as well as Billie Lauderdale, long-time member of the church, attended a break-out session at a United Methodist District meeting. Out of this session, a seed was planted about the need for a food and clothing store supported by donations of money, food and clothing as well as other items. The funds collected would be used to help the community in various ways. Reverend Warren was President of the Caldwell Ministerial Alliance, so he took the idea to them. And that’s how a vision was put into action; very much an ecumenical effort among the churches to bring this to fruition. Thus the name “Christians Care”. The meaning might have been lost over time as the store is commonly referred to as Christian Care, but the name is important. It represents a group of folks from all denominations, checking their doctrine at the door, to work together in a dedicated effort to serve the community.

With a volunteer, dedicated Board of Directors to lead the way and set policy, the store continues to evolve and grow. Volunteers process donations, keeping and salvaging what they can, trying to find other uses for items that might not be right for the store. They research, price and organize. The layout of the store may change week to week to keep things fresh and the inventory moving. These ladies work so hard. A team of men comes in every Monday to process “men-type” donations, making sure electronics are working, doing some repairs and basically doing the heavy lifting. One volunteer handles the interview of potential clients as a vetting process determining the amount of assistance that can be provided, be that utility assistance, vouchers for clothing, or other necessary items. She also manages the finances and answers to the Board. Christians Care provides partial funding for the in-house food pantry, as well as space, equipment and utilities. The food pantry also welcomes cash and non-perishable food items as donations from the public. And cashiers check out customers, listen to stories and oftentimes pray with clients who are going through a rough time. They get to know their clients over time and form a bit of a relationship.

But this story is actually about more than the volunteers. It also includes a community that has been devoted to the organization from the beginning. Churches and Civic Clubs that donate financially, people who donate items, some of which are of great value, think designer purses. We carry items that still have their original tags on them, never been used or worn. These are folks in the community who have decided this is a better use of their purged items than putting them in a garage sale or throwing them away, all in an effort to help their fellow man. And then you have the clients, who countless times will see someone struggling to come up with the money and say, “I’ve got you”. A customer who saw someone shopping and slipped $40 to the cashier to cover their purchases because she knew the person was struggling. It’s not uncommon for a volunteer to see a need and step in and say, “Let me get that for you”. We have recent experiences where clothes have been provided so that someone can go interview for a job, or preach a sermon, or attend a funeral. And it is a regular occurrence at the register to hear, “Keep the change. I know it’s going to a good cause.”

We felt it was time to get our story out there again. Give you a little background, a little insight. To encourage you to come in again if you haven’t been in a while. The inventory turns over pretty fast. If you can’t find what you’re looking for this week, odds are you will find it next week. And we don’t just see people in need. We have serious resellers come into the store, looking for and finding valuable items. And thrifting has become somewhat of a thing with the younger generation. They love coming in to find some vintage clothing or purses. And sometimes, we even have to explain to them what something is.

Yes Caldwell, you have an organization that has been faithfully serving your community and the surrounding areas for 37 years. It is a beautiful story of dedicated Christians with a desire to help others, a grateful clientele and a generous-hearted community. We are open to take donations on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Just drive around to the back and if you see that garage door open, we’re ready to happily receive what you’ve got. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Utility and clothing assistance are available on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. And the food pantry is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We at Caldwell Christians Care thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Written by Debbie Steck

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

Your Wife Just Fell Out

On a rural road a state trooper pulled this farmer over and said: “Sir, do you realize your wife fell out of the car several miles back?”

To which the farmer replied: “Thank goodness, I thought I had gone deaf!”

Battling Salons

A new hair salon opened up for business right across the street from the old established hair cutters’ place.

They put up a big bold sign which read: “WE GIVE SEVEN DOLLAR HAIR CUTS!”

Not to be outdone, the old Master Barber put up his own sign: “WE FIX SEVEN DOLLAR HAIR CUTS!”

Leaving Dan In My Will

A lawyer meets with the family of a recently deceased millionaire for the reading of the will.

‘To my loving wife, Rose, who always stood by me, I leave the house and $2 million,’ the attorney reads.

‘To my darling daughter, Jessica, who looked after me in sickness and kept the business going, I leave the yacht, the business and $1 million.’

‘And finally,’ the lawyer concludes, ‘to my cousin Dan, who hated me, argued with me and thought I would never mention him in my will. Well, you were wrong. Hi Dan!’

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark: professionals built the Titanic.

180 YEARS OLD...UNDER SIX FLAGS

by Tammy Kubecka

Our beautiful and free United States of America is turning 250 years old this year!! Throughout these twenty five decades of good and bad, starting with our hard won independence in 1776, we’re still the greatest country in the world! Our equally beautiful State of Texas will be celebrating 190 years of independence this year, and our very own Burleson County will celebrate 180 years of existence!

Texas, and Burleson County, had a zig-zag route to where we are now, with ownership and jurisdiction shifting over the years, resulting in our famed Six Flags Over Texas. But what are those six flags, and when were they flying over our state?

Being a conglomeration of prehistoric and later historic native tribes, Texas wasn’t claimed or even explored for centuries. Spain had risen to be a world power in the sixteenth century and claimed all the land they could for their North American empire. That included Texas from 15191685. The territory was mostly ignored except for a few explorers and missionaries. It was too wild and the natives too hostile to be of much use to Spain at the time. In the early 17th century, France began challenging Spain with their own exploration.

By 1810 about 5,000 farmers and ranchers lived scattered in the Spanish territory that would become Texas. In 1684, French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle lead four ships and four hundred people to America, with the goal of setting up a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Navigation issues and non-communication between the ships threw them off course, and they missed their destination completely. The expedition landed at Matagorda Bay along the Texas coast, and La Salle’s entourage was determined to try to set up camp and colonize the area anyway. They planted a French flag on Texas’ soil and for five years attempted to expand their corner of the world as part of France’s Louisiana Colony. It was all a disaster and the territory reverted back to Spain. Spain would claim Texas from 1690-1821.

Mexico had been trying to break free of Spanish Colonial rule for years. The Battle of the Medina in August 1813, pitted Mexican rebels against the Spanish loyalists, and was the bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas’ soil. Despite most of the prominent San Antonio families siding with the rebels and being exiled to Louisiana, the attempt for Mexico’s freedom failed. The rebels feared that Mexico would lose the northern Texas’ territory to the encroaching United States, or it would remain unpopulated due to hostile natives and continued attacks on those who tried to settle the land.

In September 1821, Mexico won her independence from Spain and raised the third flag over Texas until 1836. Of course we all know that Texas won its own independence from Mexico at San Jacinto in April 1836, after a seven month struggle of rebellion and revolution. The ragtag Texian Army fell at the Alamo, but the cause was not lost. With a vision of land and opportunity Texans continued to fight the strong Mexican Army, and in fact, many of the original Mexican families still sided in with the Texans.

From 1836 to 1845, a fourth independent flag flew over the Republic of Texas, and it was truly a law unto itself. It was the wild west personified with continuing conflicts with Native Americans, the Mexican govern-

ment and local political turmoil. Three different flags were used for the Republic, but in 1839, our current Lone Star flag emerged. The blood red, azure blue, and white for bravery, loyalty and purity design is still one of the most recognizable flags in the world.

But life in general was in an upheaval and coupled with a failing economy, the Republic of Texas had little choice but to join the United States of America as the 28th state. On December 29, 1845, the fifth flag began flying over Texas’ soil. The Star Spangled Banner brought an additional element of pride to the Lone Star State. On March 24, 1846, Burleson County was formed, eventually combining parts Lee, Milam and Washington Counties with the original boundaries.

When Abraham Lincoln was elected president, the conflict between northern industrial states and southern agricultural states became more and more evident. Along with a difference in opinion about states’ rights, and the Union abolishing slavery, the American Civil War erupted. Texas seceded from the Union in 1860 and joined the Confederate States of America, and a sixth flag was raised. Texas surrendered to the Union in June 1865, two months after Appomattox, and the United States Flag was once again flown in Texas.

This year will bring numerous celebrations in honor of our Nation’s birthday, Texas’ Independence, and the 180th Birthday of Burleson County. Burleson County Heritage Week in March is always a time to reflect on our past, explore traditions and tell our stories. Six of those stories are represented by six flags. Fly your flags with pride and honor for your state and country, and remember these words:

“I pledge allegiance, to the flag of the United States of America, And to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

“Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, One state under God, one and indivisible.”

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

Employee Motivation

The owner of a company tells his employees, “You worked very hard this year, therefore the company’s profits increased dramatically. As a reward, I’m giving everyone a check for $5,000!”

Thrilled, the employees gather round and high five one another.

“And if you work with the same zeal next year, I’ll sign those checks!”

Traffic Light Camera

A man was driving down the road. He passed a traffic camera and saw it flash.

Astounded that he had been caught speeding when he was under the speed limit, he turned around and, going even slower, he passed by the camera.

Again, he saw it flash. He couldn’t believe it! So he turned and, going at snail’s pace, he passed the camera.

AGAIN, he saw the camera flash. He guessed it must have a fault, and home he went.

Four weeks later he received 3 traffic fines in the mail, all for not wearing a seatbelt.

Ballpen in Space

When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity.

To combat the problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300 C.

The Russians used a pencil.

I put my scale in the bathroom corner and that’s where the little liar will stay until it apologizes.

I hate it when I see some old person and then realize we went to High School together...

Stop the Insanity!?

By Jason Shutt

ere was a commercial on TV decades ago, I think it was about weight-loss, that had the announcer, a very t-looking woman with a shaved head, put her hands up in protest of all the unhealthy habits that lead to obesity and scream out, “stop the insanity!” A similar sentiment seems to pop up o en these days in our public discourse, a sense that everything in the world is going crazy, be it the war in Iran, or progressives pushing transgenderism, or the mental health crisis, or people calling themselves dogs or cats, or the fact that in a public place everyone is staring at a little rectangular device that is “talking” to them. For those that are alarmed by these things, it is natural to look out there: at political policies, at market forces, the entertainment industry, or new technology that disrupts previous social norms. But what is this “insanity?” Is it out there, in the Iranian regime, or Apple, or the porn industry, or the Democratic party, or drug cartels? Was it forced on us?

Alexander Solzhenitsyn (December 11, 1918--August 3, 2008) was a Russian dissident writer who survived the Soviet labor camp system and later wrote about it in a large work of non- ction called e Gulag Archipelago. He experienced the systematic brutality of a Communist regime rsthand. But a er being the victim of so much evil, forced upon him and others by brutal men fueled by ideological lies, he had this to say:

“If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.”

Solzhenitsyn knew this because he knew himself, that the difference between himself and his captors was largely situational, not because he was better than them by nature. To get a sense of what kinds of people we actually are, we can look at the things we habitually do, and think about their long-term e ects. A large number of us opted in for the little rectangular devices that talk (and listen) to us the minute they became available. Our purchases, “innocent” addictions, the links we click, our media viewing habits, or how we interact with other people all send signals that,

in the aggregate, shi society towards sanity or away from it, and make us the kind of people that help or harm. If we would stop the insanity, we must know ourselves.

In the book e Ragamu n Gospel, author Brennan Manning recounts an event he witnessed decades earlier while undergoing treatment for alcoholism at a rehab center. One of the participants, a man named Max, sat in the “hotseat” at one of sessions, undergoing persistent cross-examination from his peers and the lead therapist, who was trying to get a picture of Max’s drinking history. But Max was having none of it, de ecting every question and challenge from the group, trying to recast himself as the one unfairly accused and persecuted. Finally, the therapist placed a call to Max’s wife in front of the group, on a phone wired so that everyone in the room could hear the conversation clearly. He asked her about an incident from the previous Christmas Eve that Max had hinted at but seemed to have no clear memory of. His wife remembered perfectly. Max, a er taking their little daughter on an a ernoon shopping excursion, le her locked in his truck in freezing temperatures with the engine running while he ran in to a local bar to grab a drink with his buddies. He lost all sense of time and emerged at midnight, drunk. e truck engine had stopped running and his little girl was su ering the e ects of frostbite. eir daughter, the wife said over the phone, had to have ngers amputated and would be deaf for the rest of her life.

“No man,” Manning writes, “will forget what he saw that day.” At the completion of his wife’s long-distance account, Max stood up brie y and then collapsed on all fours, shrieking in shame and grief. e therapist approached him, pushed him over with his foot, and roared into his face, “You unspeakable slime! ere’s the door on your right and the window on your le (…) Take whichever is fastest. I am not running a rehab for liars!” But it wasn’t the end of the story for Max. He begged to be allowed to continue the program, and according to Manning, underwent a total transformation. But “tough love” that brooked no nonsense had to force the man to face himself.

“Every careless word a man speaks,” Jesus said, “he will give an accounting for in the day of judgement.” I nd Max’s story compelling—it is one of the most down-to-earth, honest accounts of the human condition I’ve ever read. But it forces me to think about myself in uncomfortable ways. I can no longer blame the system, or politicians, or other peoples’ spending habits, for my enslavement to sin. Nor can I look at my own participation in sin as a

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The Path Forward by Hilda Hellums Baker

In 1996 Hilda Baker moved from Houston to Caldwell determined to put her conviction, that God was still a faithful, prayer answering God into action by building a Christian retreat center in Chriesman.

Hilda is the founder and president of the Cross Roads Retreat, and author of “Stand At The Cross Roads” a book which tells the true story of her struggles as God brought his plan into being through her. Hilda enjoys sharing her faith story with groups and organizations whenever she can.

In 2003 Hilda married Pat Baker and together they continued growing Cross Roads. Along with Pat, Hilda was one of the founders of the former Area 3:16 church. She also serves on the board of Impact Burleson County, a ministry founded by her husband. Hilda also remains an active member of the Brazos Valley Emmaus Community, a ministry for the spiritual development of Christian leaders.

It was 2008 when the insanity began. The United States of America had just elected Barak Obama, our first African American president. That election night inspired gracious oratory by both candidates. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible,” Obama told a cheering crowd of supporters, “who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.” Conceding defeat, McCain said, “This is a historic election, and I recognize the significance it has for African Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight. We both realize that we have come a long way from the injustices that once stained our nation’s reputation. ” We had indeed come a long way as shown by the fact that 55% of white voters voted for Obama, with 53% of that number being over 65 years old. You would not be wrong to think that that demographic would have been expected to be less inclined to vote for an African American.

This graciousness between the two parties began unravelling just nine days into his presidency when he amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act without allowing for any discussion, discussion he had promised during his campaign. That action set the stage for a presidency focused on righting the wrongs done to African Americans throughout history by the United States of America… i.e. our white ancestors. This constant focus on the past, of being slighted, wronged, and disenfranchised by the United States fomented anti-American sentiment. In many cases, a true hatred of America developed. Senator McCain in his remarks acknowledged the hurdles faced

by African Americans, but also pointed out the great strides forward our country has made. Many of my friends, of both races, have expressed the belief that before President Obama we were all much closer, and reject that victimhood mentality. The victimhood mentality is now pervasive in the LGBTQ+ community. These communities expect to be looked down on and are frequently surprised to find out that most people don’t care about their sex life if they keep it between themselves, their partner and God and don’t flaunt it any more than heterosexuals do. In my studied opinion, I don’t think God cares either. Just sayin’.

This tilt to liberalism began infiltrating our schools and universities in the 1990’s with President Clinton, but it took off during President Obama’s term as his administration set out to correct the past wrongs done to myriad special interest groups. During this period life in American began changing at light speed as social media began connecting these disparate groups into powerful entities in ways never before possible. Self-interest replaced public interest and feelings replaced common sense. Parents rights are under attack. The USA was villainized and shamed over past transgressions, and many segments of our society were encouraged to adopt an angry victimhood mentality. And most had good cause to feel wronged in some way, but they took it to far when they began promoting their agenda to our children. This is a deadly, insane, mix. And I believe most people realize that folks making the most noise are not representative of the American people as a whole. I do believe that we have come a long way, and we have further to go, but I think we are getting back of track. The insanity must stop and the only way that can happen is with us…. One on one.

Pastor Corey Brooks, Sr. Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the CEO of Project H.O.O.D. walked across America. His takeaway is that

Continuee on Page 63

STOP THE INSANITYREAL HEALTH CARE

Bio: Caroline DeBerry is the founder and CEO of Tenagrity Solutions (www. tenagrity-solutions.com) –a firm that offers strategy, government affairs, operations, and communications consulting. Internationally respected, Caroline has received numerous awards throughout her career –having served as a senior congressional staffer, federal analyst, C-suite executive in a policy think tank and healthcare nonprofit, among worked with high-ranking officials such as those in the military and the White House and Cabinet Secretaries. She is also a published author; her most recent book is a conversational commentary on the biblical book Esther, titled Esther: The Woman Who Didn’t Know Her Place. Feel free to contact Caroline at info@tenagrity-solutions.com.

“There’s nothing more I can do for you.”

I stared at my in-network doctor. This was insane, I thought. That was the phrase one expects to hear in the case of an older cancer victim. But I didn’t have cancer, and I was in my early thirties.

I did have something. But no one could tell me what it was.

During a prior appointment, he had explained how he was paid and how limited time he had because of the required paperwork for every short appointment.

I already understood the system because of my then 20-year, very successful career in government with a several-year focus on health policy. Unaware of my background, that doctor had shared his plight to warn me he might not be able to help anyone with multi-system, chronic conditions.

I had such a condition. He and several other doctors knew I had it. It was visible with additional invisible symptoms. It was not even entirely unfamiliar. But it did not have a name that they knew. It did not have a known treatment protocol that was covered by insurance. And they did not have the time or the freedom to get needed answers.

Several months later, a doctor from a world-renowned medical institution was attending regular, professional, unrelated virtual meetings with me and noticed the drastic weekly changes in my appearance. He and other medical providers in his family kindly began to investigate with me.

We all independently settled on the same rare condition: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). An article on an NIH website summarized a study involving a medical professional with MCAS; her experience nearly identically mirrored mine. My friend connected me with the M.D. author.

I now have a much better quality of life. My current doctor listens and continually educates himself. I pay a hefty annual fee (and in the first year after diagnosis, I spent almost $30,000 on medicines not initially covered by insurance), but that enables him to truly address my complex condition. For example, my doctor researched my idea of an enzyme deficiency. After I began using FODZYME and made no other changes, I can now eat foods with only mild discomfort that previously led to ER visits and lost 50 pounds in just 3 months.

The foundation of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement was people realizing there was much that traditional medicine was not telling them.

The current healthcare system is insane. To enable real healthcare we need real reforms including more:

• Responsive, less expensive, and more accessible medical education

• Medical providers to address our shortage (and their shortage of time)

• Timely development of treatments and diagnostic tests

• Freedom from insurance-driven restrictions

• Timely research enhanced by technological advancements

• Forums to ensure patient voices are heard and providers can speak freely about their ideas

• Alliance with the economic reality of supply and demand

It is time to stop the insanity through implementation of real health reforms. It is time to realize better health.

The Insanity of Self-Focus

In today’s culture of social media outlets, self focus has become almost unavoidable. We live in a world where nearly anything can become a platform. We’re encouraged to present our lives in the best possible light, highlight our achievements, and make sure people see what we’ve done. Over time, it trains us to think in terms of being seen. We begin to measure ourselves by who is watching, who is impressed, and who is paying attention to us.

Scripture paints a very different picture of what it means to live a meaningful, God honoring life. Again and again, the Bible warns us about the subtle pull of drawing attention to ourselves and invites us instead into humility, service, and quiet faithfulness.

Proverbs 27:1–2 gives us a simple but powerful instruction: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” God knows how easily pride can disguise itself as confidence, and how quickly we can turn even innocent things into opportunities to draw attention back to ourselves.

Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 6:1–18. In this passage, He describes people who did good deeds “to be seen by others.” They prayed loudly, gave publicly, and fasted dramatically, not because they loved God, but because they loved the attention. Each time, Jesus said the same thing: “They have received their reward in full.” In other words, if what you’re seeking is applause, then applause is all you’ll get. But Jesus offers us a different path: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). God sees the heart behind the action. He knows when we are serving others, and when we are serving to build our own image.

This tension between humility and self promotion is something we all wrestle with, especially in a culture that rewards visibility. Recently, I saw a real life example that brought this struggle into focus. I came across two very different kinds of posts on social media. One person shared childhood photos of the people in her line of work, her team, her support system, the ones who keep things running behind the scenes. Each picture highlighted what that person contributes to the team. It was sweet, humble, and focused on others. It honored the people who make the work possible.

Shortly after, I saw a post where another person also used childhood photos of herself, but each one of hers highlighted her own achievements, the awards earned, milestones reached, and professional successes. The tone appeared inspirational, but the spotlight was unmistakably centered on herself and not others.

My point isn’t to judge anyone’s motives. It’s simply to acknowledge how easily any of us can slip into making life about ourselves, even when we don’t intend to. The way we present ourselves, especially online, can reveal more than the words we use. A post can sound positive or uplifting, yet still subtly draw attention back to ourselves. This is not meant to criticize, it’s a simple reminder of a tendency we must be careful to guard against.

Let me clarify, there is nothing wrong with sharing accomplishments. In many professions, it’s necessary. If you run a small business, you naturally talk about the services you offer. If you’re a nurse, you highlight your training and certifications. If you’re a coach, you share the results you’ve helped people achieve. In the same way, anyone who works with clients or the public will share their experience to build trust. That’s normal, healthy, and expected.

The Bible doesn’t forbid sharing what you’ve done. It forbids boast-

ing, the kind that elevates yourself rather than giving glory to God. Jeremiah 9:23–24 gives us a clear warning about the heart behind boasting: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast in this: that they know Me, that I am the Lord.” God isn’t condemning ability, success, or accomplishment, He’s exposing how easily our focus shifts from Him to ourselves. Boasting becomes a problem when it turns into self focus, when the goal is to elevate our own image rather than reflect His goodness. There is a difference between informing and inflating as well as between credibility and drawing attention back to ourselves.

That difference often shows up in the way something is shared. In the example I used above from the social media posts, it wasn’t the accomplishments that caught my attention, it was the shift in tone, from one person celebrating others to another centering on oneself. When a heartfelt idea meant to honor people is mirrored in a way that redirects attention inward, it highlights how subtle the drift can be and it’s a small reminder of how easily we can all slip into making ourselves the focus.

Jesus didn’t just teach humility, He embodied it. In Philippians 2:3–5, Paul says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” What was Jesus’ mindset? A willingness to serve, to stoop low, to wash feet, to put others first.

In a world obsessed with personal branding, Jesus modeled quiet humility. In a culture that rewards self promotion, Jesus rewarded quiet faithfulness. In a society that measures success by numbers, Jesus measured success by selfless service to others.

Micah 6:8 gives us a simple, beautiful picture of what God desires: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Not to build a brand. Not to chase applause. Not to make sure everyone knows what we’ve accomplished. This world says to us, “Tell them who you are”, but Jesus says, “Tell them who I am.” The world says, “Make your name known”, but Jesus says, “Make My Name known.” The world says, “Build yourself up” but Jesus says, “Build My kingdom up.” At the end of the day, the story that matters most is not the one we write about ourselves, it’s the one God writes through us. That story should always be rooted in love, humility, may impress people for a moment, impress and impact people for eternity.

is a licensed Texas REALTOR®. She is a member of the National and Texas Association of Realtors and the local B/CS Association of Realtors. She is currently affiliated with Cross-Town Realty which is located in Caldwell and serves the Brazos Valley area. Renita has been in the real estate business since 2009 and would love to help you with your real estate needs. She may be reached at 979-220-9106 or by email at info@ agentrenita.com

HOAX or Fake News — You Decide

A.D. Muller holds a Political Science degree from Texas State University and is a rancher, refinery equipment agent, and Republican Precinct Chairman in Burleson County. A lifelong conservative activist, he has traveled through Russia and Nicaragua.

Funk & Wagnall’s dictionary defines a hoax as “a falsehood or something intended to fool and entertain.” The pundits and politicos have turned the hoax into political theater and fake news into an art form. They have gone from “the dog ate my homework” to “President Donald Trump is a Russian asset.” Some of the most loathed political falsehoods and hoaxes of the last decade are hard to believe.

COVID. The World Health Organization praised China’s transparency and reported that the virus was a natural spillover from a “wet market” selling tainted bat meat. CNN, NBC, and the New York Times suppressed the lab leak theory and mocked it as false while promoting the bat soup story. Dr. Fauci, who headed the White House Coronavirus Task Force and was later pardoned by President Biden, was found to have potentially had a personal financial interest in the research surrounding the virus, prompting Senator Rand Paul to refer him to the Department of Justice. Mask mandates, school closures, six-foot distancing, and the closing of churches and businesses — though not liquor stores — had little to no scientific

basis, and the death tolls were widely believed to have been inflated. Curiously, influenza deaths nearly disappeared entirely during that same period.

Russia, Russia, Russia. The Hillary Clinton campaign and the DNC paid $9 million for opposition research on Trump, producing a fabricated dossier the FBI used to surveil his campaign. CIA Director

John Brennan amplified the false narrative, and a 22-month, $32 million investigation found no conspiracy. The FBI spied on private citizens, falsified records, and Director Comey was later indicted for making false statements to Congress, though the case was dismissed on a technicality.

The Border Is Secure. Despite assurances from Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, record numbers of illegal immigrants crossed the border with countless unaccompanied minors lost in the system. Border Patrol agents were falsely accused of whipping Haitian migrants, condemned by Vice President Harris and the media as reminiscent of slavery. The agents were cleared, but their careers were destroyed.

January 6 Was an Insurrection. Trump told the crowd to march “peacefully and patriotically.” Not one person was charged with insurrection. The claim that officers were killed was false. One unarmed protester, Ashley Babbitt, was shot and killed by a nervous capitol policeman. Some 1,500 defendants, including decorated Army Ranger Robert Morss — the infamous “Lego Man” — were later pardoned by President Trump. Several states attempted to remove Trump from the ballot and were unanimously overruled by the Supreme Court.

Hunter Biden’s Laptop Was Russian Disinformation. Fifty-one former intelligence officers signed a letter burying the story weeks before the 2020 election. The laptop had evidence of the Hunter Biden trade on his father’s name for cash favors. The FBI knew the laptop was genuine and pressured media to suppress it. Major outlets only confirmed its authenticity after Biden had already won. President Biden pardoned 6 family members.

And the Hoaxes Keep Coming. Whatever happened to the Autopen President, the Biden family pardons, the insistence that Joe Biden was sharp and healthy, the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax, the George Floyd narrative, and “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” — a phrase born from a disputed account that was repeated endlessly by politicians and the media and helped shape national policy? The list goes on. Stop the insanity.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

During a football game

… the coach called one of his seven-year-old players over and said, “Look do you understand what cooperation is? What team play is?” The kid nods.

“Do you understand what matters is not whether we win or lose but how we play together as a team? The little boy again nodded.

“So”, said the coach “Im sure you know when a penalty is called, you shouldn’t argue, curse or attack the ref or call him ugly names? Do you understand that?” Again the little boy nodded.

The coach continued, “And when I call you off the field so that another boy gets a chance to play, it’s not good sportsmanship to call your coach dumb, is it?” Again, the little boy nodded.

“Good!”, said the coach.

“Now go over there and explain that all to your mum.”

Wake Up Call

A man and his wife were having some problems and were giving each other the silent treatment. The next week, the man realized that he’d need his wife to wake him at 5 a.m. for an early flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence, he finally wrote on a piece of paper: “Please wake me at 5 a.m.”

The next morning the man woke up, only to discover it was 9 a.m. and he’d missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and scream at his wife when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed that said: “It’s 5 a.m. Wake up.

Be grateful that no matter how much chocolate you eat, your earrings will still fit.

Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it the most never use it.

PEOPLE ARE NOT EQUAL!

by Sandy Lou Miller

Sandy Miller is a newcomer to Burleson County. She and husband Lee moved to Caldwelll in 2022. Sandy loves to write and has ventured into creating children’s books, poetry, and short stories. The Millers enjoy working their two acres and just appreciating God’s wonderful creations in nature.

Face it. Whoever said ‘all people are equal’ misspoke. There are wealthy and unwealthy people; short people and tall people; red-haired and fairhaired people! Genius-minded people and those who barely got through mathematics in school (that would be me).

I first heard this phrase “people are not equal” on a YouTube video by Pastor Mike Novotny, Lead Speaker for Time of Grace Ministries. Yep – a minister!

Pastor Mike was not talking about race, gender, or ethnic equality – the values we Americans will forever strive to attain. He was talking about how God made each person unique, how He wired you and how He wired me. The purpose He has for you and the purpose He has for me. According to Mike, when you were conceived and born, there was no angel assembly line mass producing humans. “Instead,” states Mike, “each of you is a very, very, very, very, very, very limited edition. You are wonderfully and fearfully made, and God has a profound purpose for your life because you and I and the person to your right and to your left were not made equal”.

You are uniquely you and I am uniquely me. God’s goal isn’t for all of us to be equal. His goal is for each of us to use our uniqueness to bless each other. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ has given you a spiritual

gift, a calling, a purpose. We are instructed to use our unique gifts to love and bless each other. Mike tells us that nine of ten people do NOT have the spiritual gift YOU have been given! Pretty cool, huh?

How do you know what your spiritual gift is? Maybe look to yourself; do you know who you are, who you are not? Pastor Mike suggests you ask yourself the following: What do you like doing? What are you good at? What comes easily to you that is difficult for the next person? What has God put into your heart? This may be your spiritual gift. Are you a good Leader? Good Listener? Good Organizer? Do you have Empathy, Wisdom, A certain Skill? Do you enjoy Speaking, Writing, Teaching, Cooking, Singing, Volunteering, A Gift of Gab? Are you a Good Encourager? Enjoy sharing Hospitality, Giving? Are you good with Repairs, Creating? Kindness is a spiritual gift from God. The list goes on and on.

What are we to do with our ‘spiritual gifts from God’? God tells us in Romans 12:6-10 (NLT), Paul’s message to the Romans:

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Caution! We must watch out for the devil (Satan)! Pastor Mike tells us that Satan does not mind that we have been given spiritual gifts; he just doesn’t want us to use these gifts for good! Satan is the Father of Lies and the Instigator of Pride, eager to tempt us to use our spiritual gifts for the wrong reasons. Do our actions reflect true love for others, or are we letting pride get in the way? Are we looking for personal recognition, peer approval, or hoping to win awards? Are companies more interested in top ratings than doing what is good?

Growing up, I was blessed with athleticism. I always strived to be the best, I wanted that All-Star trophy; I wanted my name in the paper. It was all about me and my pride. It wasn’t until I reached my fifties that I discovered I had a spiritual gift for encouragement and a love for writing, both of which I realized I could use to support and uplift others. I praise God that He gave me these gifts!

Which leads me to spiritual gifts and news reporting. My perception is that with today’s culture, written articles and spoken newscasts often appear to be twisted, misleading, and biased in relation to the truth. Maybe even exaggerated and oftentimes downright mean in the headlines. Are these reporters using their gift of communication for the good of others? Are they using their writing skills to bless others, or as ways to gain attention to their stories, a way to demean others; hoping for peer approval and/ or awards? And the networks who encourage these stories, are they striving for top ratings and awards, as I did as an athlete growing up?

I could give you examples of misleading and/or untrue reporting (my perception); however, it is time to end this article, which I guess can be viewed as written with bias! A couple of quotes to end this biased article of mine.

1 No More Mediocre Me: On Purpose, With Purpose by Pastor Mike Novotny, Time of Grace Ministry, Jan 25, 2026.

“May your ambitions never overshadow your integrity.” (daily.pray.com)

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all. (Thumper (Bambi) 1942)

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.

2 The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt or a leaky tire.

3. It’s always darkest before dawn, so if you’re going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that’s the time to do it.

4. Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.

5. Always remember that you’re unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don’t succeed... Skydiving is not for you. 10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

A doctor and a lawyer were attending a cocktail party when the doctor was approached by a man who asked advice on how to handle his ulcer. The doctor mumbled some medical advice, then turned to the lawyer and remarked,

‘I never know how to handle the situation when I’m asked for medical advice during a social function. Is it acceptable to send a bill for such advice?’

The lawyer replied that it was certainly acceptable to do so.

The next day, the doctor sent the ulcer-stricken man a bill. The lawyer also sent one to the doctor.

Front Porch Magazine would like to thank our advertisers and writers for their continued support.

Contributed by Burleson County Sheriff’s Department William Rios, Sheriff

“The day after our nation’s greatest tragedy — when we were attacked without warning and nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives on September 11th — something remarkable happened. On September 12, 2001, we were not divided by politics, race, income, or background. We were simply Americans.

Flags flew from homes, storefronts, bridges, and vehicles. Churches were full. Blood banks had lines out the door. Strangers checked on strangers. First responders were embraced as heroes. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents stood shoulder to shoulder. We may have been knocked down, but the American spirit stood taller than ever. That day reminded us that freedom is fragile, that security is not guaranteed, and that unity is powerful.

It is fair to ask: what changed?

Today, pride in our country is sometimes met with criticism. Wanting secure borders and safe communities is framed as extreme. But protecting our homeland is not political — it is one of the most basic responsibilities of any sovereign nation.

The United States has always been a nation of immigrants. Legal immigrants have strengthened our economy, enriched our culture, defended our freedoms, and led in science, business, and public service. Albert Einstein, who fled Nazi Germany, came to America and revolutionized modern physics while working at Princeton. In Texas, Tilman Fertitta, the son of Sicilian immigrants, built a Houston-based hospitality empire that employs thousands and contributes greatly to our state’s economy.

What Happened to September 12, 2001

Those stories are not exceptions — they are examples of what happens when opportunity meets legal process and hard work. America welcomes immigrants. But America is also a nation of laws. There is a legal pathway to enter this country, and that process exists for good reason: to ensure safety, order, fairness, and national security. Compassion and law are not opposites. We can be a country that opens its doors to those who follow the legal process while also refusing to ignore criminal activity. What law enforcement officers see firsthand are the consequences when violent offenders exploit weaknesses in the system. Across the country, agencies are tasked with locating individuals who entered unlawfully and later committed serious crimes some of whom had previously been deported or released back into communities. That reality affects real families, real victims, and real neighborhoods.

The men and women who wear the badge do not see this as political. They see it as public safety.

September 12, 2001 showed us who we are at our best: united, resilient, grateful, and proud. We prayed together. We stood together. We put country before party. We honored those who protect and serve. We remembered that freedom requires vigilance.

Perhaps the lesson of September 12th is not that we should “go back,” but that we should move forward with the same spirit — a spirit of unity, accountability, gratitude, and love of country.

We can disagree without hating.

We can debate policy without abandoning patriotism.

We can honor immigrants who come legally while demanding enforcement of the law.

We can be compassionate without being careless.

Being proud to be an American should never be something we apologize for.

The spirit of September 12th is not gone. It lives in the quiet strength of first responders, in the service of our military, in families raising their children with faith and values, and in citizens who still believe this nation is worth protecting.

If we choose unity over division and responsibility over rhetoric, that spirit can rise again.

God bless the men and women who serve.

God bless the families who sacrifice.

And God bless the United States of America

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

During training exercises, the... Lieutenant driving down a muddy back road encountered another car stuck in the mud with a red-faced colonel at the wheel.

“Your jeep stuck, sir?” asked the Lieutenant as he pulled alongside.

“Nope,” replied the Colonel, coming over and handing him the keys, “Yours is.”

When

The school called today and said “Your Son is Telling Lies.”

“Well” I replied “He must be really good because I don’t have any Kids.”

Poetry by Jim Wilson

Jim Wilson is a retired veterinarian living in the Burton, Texas area.

He graduated from Texas A & M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973 and owned a mixed animal veterinary practice in Abilene, Texas from 19762015. He began writing and trying to keep up with his poetry in about 2000.

His launch was winning a poetry contest in the Abilene Reporter News in 2000. He has published six poetry books in the last 25 years and in many journals, newsletters, and newspapers of various genres. His goal is to get poetry published where it is not traditionally seen.

In 2023 he published his first children’s picture book, Freckles and Speckles Save the Day and that has opened a whole new world.

He greatly appreciates being included in The Front Porch with the hard work, common sense, humor, and spirituality of all the writers in the magazine and the exceptional editing and publishing talents of Sandi and Tyler to produce a top-quality magazine that I am proud to be a part of. Thank you for the opportunity to showcase my work.

Dr. Jim Wilson 5880 Ganske Road Burton, Texas 77835 jwilson@abilene.com 325-668-1842

Legal Alien

I have a simple philosophy of my origin. I came from God. I didn’t have a road map or have to earn my way here. I came naturally.

How can I help you?

I have a simple philosophy of my destination. I am going back to God. I don’t need a road map or have to earn my way back, I am going naturally.

How can I help you?

Life is very pleasant simple place to be. I will stay as long as possible and then go home. Thanks for joining me while I am visiting.

How can I help you?

Be Kind

Be kind to all people, Touch, lift-up, encourage, Throw smiles everywhere.

No matter how young you are, There is not enough time left in your life

to be unkind to people today

Annihilation

Helpless I smashed them flat. Sixteen single family homes built and cared for by single moms.

Scraped off the face of the earth. Smashed with the children in them. Thrown to crash on the sidewalk. Crumbling dirt clod traces scatter.

No retail shopping strip plans. No high-rise condos coming. Red earth dirt dobber nests pasted on white Austin limestone walls.

They weren’t my kind. They had to go. No substantial reason just a human being human.

Opportunity Knows Now

These are the best of times as far as I know.

Do what I can. Help others.

Don’t miss a turn. Don’t complain.

Someday times may be really bad. I may not be able to do or help.

It will be consolation to know. that when I could have - I did.

These are the best of times as far as I know.

STOP The Insanity

Can freedom remain a promise we pass on, or will it become a story we used to tell?

Will faith be pushed to the margins, enterprise punished for succeeding, and truth renamed to suit the loudest voices?

When tyrants test the resolve of free people… when the innocent are treated as disposable… when leaders call evil “good” and demand applause…

We will not be silent.

We will stand.

We will speak.

And we will stop the insanity—the steady drift into fear, confusion, and moral surrender.

You have not weakened us. You have awakened us.

You have reminded us that liberty is not inherited once and for all. It is defended, taught, and lived—again and again.

So we will do what Americans have always done when the hour grows dark:

We will pray.

We will work.

We will vote.

We will serve our neighbors.

We will raise children who know right from wrong.

We will refuse to trade conscience for comfort.

We are gathered as one body, bound not by fear, but by conviction.

Let the small-town voice of America ring out—steady, clear, and unashamed—until the world witnesses what free people still sound like.

Written by J. Tyler Clark

From the Back Porch

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

I walked into a doctor’s office and the receptionist asked me what I had. I said: ‘Shingles.’ So she wrote down my name, address, medical insurance number and told me to have a seat.

Fifteen minutes later a nurse’s aide came out and asked me what I had.

I said, ‘Shingles.’ So she wrote down my height, weight, a complete medical history and told me to wait in the examining room.

A half hour later a nurse cam in and asked me what I had. I said, ‘Shingles...’

So the nurse gave me a blood test, a blood pressure te4st, an electrocardiogram, and told me to take off all my clothes and wiat for the doctor.

An hour later the doctor came in and found me sitting patiently in the numde and asked me what I had.

I said, ‘Shingles.’ The doctor asked, ‘Where?’

I daid, ‘Outside on the truck. Where do you want me to unload ‘em??’

“AND THEN HE SAID…”

Comments purportedly made by patients to physicians during their procedures.

“Now I know how a Muppet feels!”

“Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?”

“Any sign of the trapped miners, chief?’

on the quality of the coffee. The grandmother had never in her life had such a bad cup of coffee, and as she forced down the last sip she noticed three of those little green army guys in the bottom of the cup.

She asked, “Honey, why would three little green army guys be in the bottom of my cup?”

Her grandson replied, “You know grandma, it’s like on TV, ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.’”

A sweet little boy surprised his grandmother one morning and brought her a cup of coffee. He made it himself and was so proud. He anxiously waited to hear the verdict

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

HEARD ON A PUBLIC BUS

Heard on a public transportation vehicle in Orlando.

“When you exit the bus, please be sure to lower your head and watch your step.”

“If you miss your step and hit your head, please lower your voice and watch your language. Thank you.”

MAIL ORDER....

An old fisherman wrote to a mail order house the following: “Please send me one of those gasoline engines for my boat that you show on page 438, and if it’s any good, I’ll send you a check.”

In a short time, he received the following reply: “Please send check. If it’s any good, we’ll send the engine.”

WRONG WAY

As a senior citizen was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang.

Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him.

“Herman, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on 280 interstate. Please be careful!”

“It’s not just one car,” said Herman. “It’s hundreds of them!”

PLAY YOUR AGE

A lady is having a bad day at the roulette tables in ‘Vegas. She’s down to her last $50. Exasperated, she exclaims, “What rotten luck! What in the world should I do now?”

A man standing next to her, trying to calm her down, suggests, “I don’t know… why don’t you play your age?”

He walks away. Moments later, his attention is grabbed by a great commotion at the roulette table. Thinking maybe she’d won, he rushes back to the table and pushes his way through the crowd.

The lady is lying limp on the floor, with the table operator kneeling over her.

The man is stunned. He asks, “What happened? Is she all right?”

The operator replies, “I don’t know. She put all her money on 29, and 36 came up. Then she just fainted!”

I woke up this morning determined to drink less, eat right and exercise... But that was 4 hours ago... when I was younger and full of hope.

stop the insanity in agriculture in Burleson County

Howdy to all and happy spring! Stop the insanity is the theme for this issue, so I will do my best to bring some sanity to agriculture in Burleson County.

One of the most concerning topics for livestock owners in Texas is New World Screwworms. Yes, they are coming and will probably enter the state in 2026. Fortunately, our USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission are monitoring and have begun counter measures for this dangerous pest. I suspect infestation will occur in border counties between Mexico and Texas. Those counties will be quarantined and an enhanced fly eradication protocol with extensive surveillance of this destructive pest will begin. The good news is Burleson County is several layers away from infestation, provided no one breaks the quarantine. Most crucially, monitor any open wounds on animals and navels on neonates for myiasis/maggot infection. If you see maggots in an open wound, submit the larvae to your veterinarian or TVMDL for identification! Even more insanity exists in South Texas. We must also watch for fever ticks. Fever ticks which carry babesia, a blood borne protozoon that causes death in over 90% of animals infected is already in South Texas and there are counties currently quarantine at the border. Also, don’t forget the introduction of a new tick called the Longhorned tick, mealy bugs and tube worms that can carry disease and destroy your pasture, respectively.

What does all this mean to you as a producer? A multi layered pest treatment protocol with daily or every other day vigilance of your animals and pastures is vital. Long Range deworm will provide additional parasite control. Fly control involves a multi-layered approach. Ear tags, dust bags, IGR tubs and spot-on topicals at least every two to four weeks are crucial to keep biting flies at bay. Poor fly control can greatly reduce your herd production.

Continue to vaccinate your calves and cattle for Blackleg, reproductive and respiratory disease. Deworm your herd every 6 to 12 months. Fer-

tility evaluation of your bulls is also highly recommended. I have seen too many times where producers lose 6 to 12 months of calf production because of an infertile bull. Beef prices are insane, don’t miss the boat to sell as many calves as you can.

Agriculture producers have been blessed with record animal prices. Now is the time to improve you herd and facilities. America is the land of opportunity; however, the agriculture industry has been left behind. Inflation, grain cost and many other fixed expenses such as fertilizer and fuels have doubled. Only now can agriculture producers make a little hay.

Paramount for this fight to make our industry profitable once again is the grain market. Politicians and the USDA govern grain prices by subsidizing to the ethanol and biofuel lobbyist/industries. These primarily Midwest and corporate farmers cause inflation of grain prices with subsidy from the USDA and the federal government. It is time this government welfare for Midwest corporate grain producers END! MAN-MADE GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE perpetrated by the democratic left! STOP THE INSANITY OF MAN-MADE GLOBAL WEATHER CHANGE! I’m almost 63 years old and have seen temperature changes and drought that dwarf by far what we are seeing now.

Finally, spring has sprung, so make sure all your house pets are properly vaccinated and on flea/heartworm preventative. This includes all domesticated animals in your household. Stop the insanity and protect your family from rabies and provide a parasite free environment for your pets to thrive in.

Finally, speaking of insanity, thank the Lord Jesus our county and city officials have torn down the abortion that was to be our new city hall. Why did Burleson County need a Taj Mahal for a county building, when city services, county roads and lost or stray animals of the county remain neglected? Who thought an insane construction that was not managed appropriately was needed for Burleson County TAX PAYERS? Why no one was fired or went to jail is beyond me! The gross negligence in this debacle boggles the mind and smacks of INSANITY! I leave you with this, think of all the helpless deserving animals that the city and county officials could have helped by funding a county shelter instead of lining the pockets of general contractors, lawyers and wasting millions of dollars this county could have used for good.

MAGA Jack F McKemie JFM

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

Two judges are out one Saturday bicycling around their neighbourhood. It’s a safe, quiet area, and as they approach an intersection with stop signs, they slow, but don’t stop. It happens that an off-duty officer is there, and he waves them over. He saw what happened, and he’s ticketing both for failing to stop at a stop sign.

The judges agree that they will each hear the other’s case in court, and take care of the tickets easily. The first one is called, and he explains how it’s a quiet neighborhood, there were no cars around, and he looked carefully. The other judge pronounced him guilty, and imposed a fine of $5. Then they traded places. The second judge reeled off the same story, and judge 1 pronounced him guilty. “And I am imposing a fine of $500.” “What??” Sputtered the first. “I only fined you $5!”. “That’s true,” said the second judge, “but it looks like we have a real problem here, and we have to crack down. Why, you’re the second case this morning!”

It’s not my age that bothers meit’s the side effects.

If you find yourself feeling useless, remember: it took 20 years, trillions of dollars, thousands of lives and four presidents to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.

WHO ARE HARRIE’S FRIENDS?

by Karen Fritsche

Harrie’s Friends isn’t a “who” but a “what.” It is a nonprofit fundraising organization dedicated to championing the Harry P. Woodson Memorial Library in Caldwell through active community support.

This essential group is made up of volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills, and expertise to raise funds and advocate for the library’s continued growth.

Our library is more than a place to check out books—it is a vibrant community hub that serves learners of all ages and backgrounds. Each month, an average of 1,700 individuals walk through its doors to learn, connect, and grow. With more than 20 scheduled programs offered monthly, the library plays a vital role in strengthening our community, and Harrie’s Friends exists to help ensure that work continues.

Educational opportunities are a cornerstone of the library’s mission. Ongoing classes include English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Development (GED) preparation, and computer skills training—programs that empower individuals to improve job prospects, build confidence, and navigate an increasingly digital world. These offerings make the library an essential resource for lifelong learning.

The library also provides programs that foster connection and a love of learning for all ages. Toddlers are introduced to early literacy at Bookworms Storytime, and older children stay motivated through Woodchucks, a reading program where participants earn points, “Woodchuck Bucks,” and prizes. Children enjoy a fun evening dur-

ing Almost Night Story Time, where pajamas are the accepted dress.

Just as important are the programs that bring people together. Knot Just Knitting blends creativity and conversation, inviting participants to bring their needlecraft projects while listening to and discussing a book chosen by the group. Another favorite, Coffee Con Amigos, creates a relaxed space for those learning Spanish and those learning English to practice conversation together over coffee, fostering both language skills and friendships.

Supporting the library is an investment in the overall value and vitality of the community. A strong library enhances quality of life, supports workforce development, attracts families, and serves as a gathering place where people of all backgrounds come together. It truly is the heart of the town.

Through their fundraising efforts and community engagement, Harrie’s Friends plays a critical role in ensuring the library has the resources needed to expand programs, maintain services, and remain a welcoming space for all residents.

Funds raised by Harrie’s Friends are used to purchase supplies and equipment not included in the library’s regular budget. These donations help provide items that directly enhance programs, comfort, and accessibility for patrons. Harrie’s Friends depends on the generosity and involvement of the community to continue this meaningful work, ensuring the library remains a vibrant, welcoming resource for years to come.

If you believe in the value of a strong community library, we invite you to join Harrie’s Friends. Your support—big or small—helps keep our programs vibrant and our doors open to all.

To join Harrie’s Friends, email: harriesfriends@gmail.com

Message through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/woodsonlibrary/ Donate by sending to: Harrie’s Friends, 704 St Hwy 21 West, Caldwell, TX.77836

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

When I see ads on TV with smiling happy housewives using a new cleaning product, the only thing I want to buy is the medication they must be on.

I’m not saying I’m old and worn out, but I make sure I’m nowhere near the curb on trash day.

I’M NOT SURE IF I WASHED THE SPIDER DOWN THE DRAIN IN MY SHOWER OR IF IT TOOK ONE LOOK AT ME NAKED AND THEN LEAPT WILLINGLY TO HIS DEATH.

Artificial Intelligence Best Practices

How to effectively and securely use AI tools

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language, and recognizing patterns. By using algorithms and large datasets to simulate cognitive functions, AI can adapt to new information and make decisions with minimal human intervention. AI can be used to power and automate endless different technologies when used effectively. Large Language Models (LLMs), a subset of artificial intelligence, are transforming industries by enabling machines to understand and generate human-like language at scale, making it easier than ever for everyday people to utilize and harness AI’s capabilities. But it’s not just as simple as asking AI to complete a task, providing AI tools with clear direction and instruction is key, whilst also avoiding any inclusion of sensitive information.

To effectively leverage AI tools, it is important to have a foundational understanding of how AI works, including its risks and limitations. These technologies can provide valuable insights and efficiencies, but they also come with potential pitfalls.

How

Can I Be Most Effective with

AI

When using AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), it can be challenging to get the exact answer you’re looking for with general or vague questions. It’s important to remember that AI is not all-knowing; they rely on the clarity and specificity of your input to generate useful responses. To get the best results, start by providing context. For example, if you want a cybersecurity perspective, prompt the AI to “act as a senior cybersecurity analyst.” This helps guide the model’s reasoning. Next, be clear about the format you want—whether it’s a bulleted list, a summary, or a stepby-step explanation you can direct the AI the specificity of your desired response. One of the strengths of LLMs is their ability to retain context throughout a conversation, allowing you to refine and iterate on responses until they meet your needs. After your initial prompt, you can always reference back to your previous inputs to the AI to guide and remind it of your specifications.

While AI is an extremely effective tool, it is not always a replacement. Large language models’ responses are based solely on the data it is trained on, meaning it’s not necessarily specialized. While AI can be viewed as a multi-tool, it is not necessarily equipped with the sharpened expertise that a professional in a specific field holds. General LLMs like ChatGPT, MS-Copilot, Claude, etc, do not have expert information and should only be used as a resource: not a definitive answer. When using answers from AI, always be sure to verify the information provided is accurate. Sometimes, AI can give you a false response with false references and citations, this is called a hallucination. To avoid hallucinations, you can use multiple LLMs to cross-examine the responses and achieve the most accurate result. Be sure to also do your own research apart from AI to confirm the validity of the information.

Practices to Avoid When Using AI

Be extremely vigilant about the data you share with any AI tool, only share the minimum amount of information necessary to achieve your desired outcome. Over sharing can increase the risk of data breaches and misuse.

• Don’t over-rely on AI: Since AI or LLMs are not always accurate, it is best not to over rely on its responses. Always do additional research to verify its responses.

• Do not input personal or sensitive information: AI models are trained on data input and human feedback given to the system. This means that the information users provide can resurface if prompted by the right questions. This poses a huge concern for any protected and confidential information. AI should not be used for sensitive information as this could lead to unintentional exposure of the data.

• Don’t use AI for legal advice: While AI can provide resourceful information, it should not be used for legal advice. Please reach out to a human expert for more accurate and reliable information.

• Do not make decisions solely based on AI: AI is a very useful tool but it is limited to the information it is trained on. In order to make proper decisions, do not just listen to AI’s recommendations but also consider other details.

In Summary:

While AI offers significant productivity benefits, users should be mindful of its limitations, verify its responses, and avoid over-reliance, especially for sensitive information or legal advice. Use AI as a complimentary tool to enhance, not replace, human expertise. Utilize AI to increase your productivity while being mindful of how much data you input into AI tools. Always strive to input the minimum amount of data necessary to complete your desired task and only avoid inputting sensitive data.

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC Tracking #767525 Exp 07/2027

Kavon Novak, Fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ‘91, is a Registered Investment Manager, Wealth Advisor with LPL Financial. He holds a Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 license. Kavon has been in the financial industry since 1998 and is a multi-year “Outstanding Client Service” award recipient. He serves as a Caldwell City Alderman and is an active member on the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Board of Directors. In addition, he is involved with the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce, the Caldwell Men’s Lions Club, and the Caldwell Rotary Club. For a complementary financial consultation call 979-255-8796.

Bio: J. Tyler Clark is a coeditor and ad manager for the Front Porch Magazine. He is an estate planning and probate attorney based out of Caldwell, TX. He also is the Founder and CEO of the Christian Higher Education Foundation which helps increase access to Christian colleges and universities.

Probate court is where grief too often collides with government red tape. At the very moment a family should be planning a funeral, coordinating time off work, and comforting one another, Texas can require them to navigate a formal court process just to access accounts, pay final bills, and settle a loved one’s affairs. For many families, the frustration isn’t just emotional—it’s practical: mortgages still come due, utilities must be paid, and funeral homes rarely wait on court paperwork.

If you die without a will, the state applies a one-size-fits-all plan for your property—regardless of how unique your family actually is. The Skrabaneks’ situation won’t match the Kubenas’, and neither will look exactly like yours. Blended families, second marriages, adult children, minor children, family land, and closelyheld businesses all create complications that “default” rules can’t predict. Estate planning is simply choosing your own instructions instead of leaving them to the state.

And the cost of doing nothing can be steep. A traditional probate (or even a simplified muniment of title) starts with about $420 in court fees in Texas, before you factor in bonds, filing fees, and attorneys’ fees—often unavoidable in probate. If the court requires a bond, the amount can be tied to the value of the estate, which adds one more expense at the worst possible time. On top of that, every filing becomes part of the public record. Many people are surprised to learn that probate can expose private family and financial information.

Even when the law seems “clear,” probate can become a battlefield. Gray areas, disputed documents, and competing interpretations of prior cases can turn siblings into opponents—especially when the difference is the kind of money that makes people lawyer up. The person appointed to manage the estate (the executor or administrator) may feel like they are doing a second full-time job, answering questions, tracking deadlines, and trying to keep peace in the family while the court process drags on.

Probate C an Be INSANE

The good news: you have options. A properly executed last will and testament can bring clarity, reduce conflict, and put you—not the state—in charge. You can name who receives what, who is responsible for carrying out your wishes, and who is trusted to handle decisions for minor children. A no-contest clause can help discourage lawsuits when appropriate. Many families can also use non-probate transfers—like beneficiary designations, transfer-ondeath accounts, or a Lady Bird Deed for a homestead—to keep certain assets out of probate altogether.

And for those wanting even more control and continuity, a revocable living trust can provide additional benefits while still keeping flexibility during your lifetime. It can allow for smoother management if you become incapacitated, reduce the need for court involvement at death, and make it easier to administer property in a way that is efficient and private.

Stop the insanity—take the reins of your legacy now, and give your family peace of mind later.

Michael’s Song

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.

They find out that the new baby is going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sings to his sister in Mommy’s tummy.

Then the labor pains come. Every five minutes … every minute. But complications arise during delivery. Hours of labor. Would a Csection be required? Finally, Michael’s little sister is born. But she is in serious condition. With siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary’s Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee.

The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric specialist tells the parents, “There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst.”

Karen and her husband contact a local cemetery about a burial plot. They have fixed up a special room in their home for the new baby — now they plan a funeral.

Michael keeps begging his parents to let him see his sister. “I want to sing to her,” he says.

Week two in intensive care. It looks as if a funeral will come before the week is over. Michael keeps nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in intensive care. But Karen makes up her mind. She will take Michael whether they like it or not. If he doesn’t see his sister now, he may never see her alive.

She dresses him in an oversized scrub suit and marches him into ICU. He looks like a walking laundry basket, but the head nurse recognizes him as a child and bellows, “Get that kid out of here now! No children are allowed!”

The mother rises up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glares steely-eyed into the head nurse’s face, her lips a firm line.

“He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!”

Karen tows Michael to his sister’s bedside. He gazes at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. And he begins to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sings: “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray.”

Instantly the baby girl responds. The pulse rate becomes calm and steady.

And Michael keeps on singing.

“You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away…”

The ragged, strained breathing becomes as smooth as a kitten’s purr.

And Michael keeps on singing.

“The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms…”

Michael’s little sister relaxes in rest, healing rest. Tears conquer the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glows.

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”

`Funeral plans are scrapped. The next day — the very next day — the little girl is well enough to go home! Woman’s Day magazine called it “the miracle of a brother’s song.” The medical staff just called it a miracle.

These stories shines a light on everyday compassion, showing how kindness, empathy, mental wellbeing, and positive community still make a real difference in a world that often feels distant and cold.

The winter my block froze solid, I started checking on an older woman who lived alone at the end of the street. I’d bring soup, clear her steps, make sure her heat was still on. One afternoon she asked me to sit. Then returned with a worn wool hat. She said she’d knitted it the year her husband died, just to get through the evenings. She put it in my hands and whispered, “You made it easier. Let this keep you warm.” I still wear it every winter, like a small shield made of kindness.

Circle of Kindness

day also turned much lighter.

Last week I came home drained after a rough talk at work and almost ignored a cat crying under a streetlight. She had a tag, so I called. A woman answered, trembling: “That’s my son’s cat. He’s gone. She’s all I have left.”

When she arrived, the cat climbed into her arms and she just held her like a lifeline. She looked at me and whispered, “Thank you for stopping.” Somehow, my horrible

My stepson Jake hasn’t spoken to me in three weeks. Tonight I found him sitting in the driveway at 1 AM, and something told me to go outside. He was crying. Actually sobbing.

I sat down on the curb next to him and waited. Finally he said, “My dad called. He’s not coming to my graduation. Again.” His bio-dad had promised and bailed for the third year in a row.

“I’m sorry,” I said, because what else could I say? He looked at me and said, “Why do you stay? I’m horrible to you. You could just leave.” My heart broke.

“Because I see you, Jake. I see how hard you try, how smart you are, how much you’re hurting. And I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.” He leaned his head on my shoulder, and we sat there until sunrise. He’s called me Dad ever since.

Welcome to Heirloom Haus by

Hollie Hibbeler

My love for vintage and antiques began long before The Heirloom Haus ever had a name. From a young age, I was drawn to old things—the kind with history, character, and a story waiting to be told. My mom instilled in me a powerful belief: that something doesn’t have to be brand new to be better. Many of the most meaningful things in life are the ones that have already lived a little.

Antique stores, flea markets, and forgotten corners of shops quickly became places of wonder. Every piece seemed to hold a story—who once used it, where it has traveled, what celebrations or everyday moments it has been part of. A delicate piece of glassware sat on someone’s holiday table. A worn wooden box may have held letters, jewelry, or family keepsakes. The imagination of those stories is what truly drew me in.

Over time, collecting became a passion. Shelves filled with treasures, each one chosen for its beauty, craftsmanship, or simply the feeling it carried from another time. Selling a few pieces online grew into a thriving little vintage business. Folks were taking home pieces of history and giving them a new life.

That passion for preserving the past and sharing it with others led to the creation of The Heirloom Haus; built on the idea that vintage pieces deserve to be cherished. Each bringing its own story before arriving on our shelves, each piece is waiting for its next chapter in someone’s home. A piece of glassware, a handmade quilt, a brass figurine, a perfectly worn piece of furniture--every treasure carries the spirit of the past into the present.

Come visit The Heirloom Haus where stories are rediscovered, memories are sparked, and timeless treasures find their way into new homes. What started as a love for old things and the stories they hold has grown into a dream that continues to bring people together through history, beauty, and nostalgia.

And in many ways, the story is just beginning.

I watch this generation try and rewrite our history, I’m sure of one thing: it will be misspelled and have no punctuation.

The Salty Sailor

by Karen Vaughn

I wrote this in January 2018 as a quick FB post. It has since, to my astonishment, traveled around the world. Shared by thousands, posted in local newspapers, shared on major websites, etc.

Sometimes God uses the no-nonsense, salty sailor to get the job done. Appreciating what the man is doing doesn’t mean we worship the salty sailor or even desire to be like the salty sailor. It doesn’t even mean God admires the salty sailor. Maybe He just knows he’s necessary for such a time as this.

I believe with all my heart that God placed that salty sailor in the White House and gave this nation one more chance in November 2016. Donald Trump is what he is. He is still the man he was before the election. And without guilt, I very much admire what that salty sailor is accomplishing.

He’s not like me. That’s okay with me. I don’t want to be like him. I will never behave like him. I know we’ve NEVER had a man like him lead our nation. It’s crazy and a little mind blowing at times. But I can’t help admire the ability he has to act with his heart rather than a calculated, PC, think tank-screened, carefully edited script. I still believe that is WHY he became our President and WHY he’s been able to handle a landslide of adversity and STILL pass unprecedented amounts of good legislation for our country AND do great works for MANY other nations, including Israel.

I’m THRILLED with what he’s doing for my nation, for the cause of Christ (whether intentional or unintentional, doesn’t matter to me), and for the concept of rebuilding America and putting her FIRST. I will not be ashamed of my position because others don’t see him through the same lens.

Should it matter to me if a fireman drops an f-bomb while he’s pulling me from a burning building? Would I really care about what came out of his mouth in those moments? Heck no! I’d CARE about what he was DOING. He wasn’t sent there to save my soul and I’m not looking to him for spiritual guidance. All I’m thinking in those moments is, “Thank you, Jesus, for sending the fireman.”

This man is crass. Okay. He’s not careful with what he says. Okay. You feel offended that he’s not a typical statesman. Okay. But he is rebuilding the nation my son died for…the nation I feared was on a fast track to becoming a hopeless cause. Forgive me if I’m smiling.

Poisoned Giant by Robert Morss

Army Airborne Ranger, Penn State Grad, High School History teacher, Public Speaker, Author, CEO of LeggoMan Productions, and Presidentially Pardoned January 6th Political Prisoner.

Robert Morss has already lived a full life with a focus on Keeping the American Republic, Preserving / Rediscovering Western Civilization, and honoring Christ as King and Messiah.

Robert was born in Reno Nevada. He currently resides in Texas within the United States of America.

“It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country by their conduct and example to decide the important Question, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.” – Alexander Hamilton

We stand upon the edge of a knife as an American society. The choice that lies before us will determine whether or not this Great Republic of ours will survive. We can continue to follow the specter of indolence and comfort to a seductive pit of hell, or strive to make our Founding Fathers proud by displaying that those brave men did not waste their hallowed sacrifice on their posterity.

At LeggoMan Productions, we seek to honor what our Founding Fathers and our King and Messiah Jesus Christ has done for us. We seek to slice through the smothering fume of “entertainment” and false gods, to provide an alternative for our American brothers and sisters to consume. An alternative that not just entertains, but inspires, informs, elucidates, and motivates. At LeggoMan productions, we pride ourselves on capturing the veracity and violence of the Old Testament in modern film to provide irresistible movies for such a time as this. We cannot fool ourselves any longer. This Republic will not survive if cowards and sellouts are commanding this vessel. We can indeed save this sinking ship of a nation should LeggoMan Productions be successful at our mission; inspire the next generation to take the helm of our country and steer her back toward free waters.

LeggoMan Productions is captained by a man who wears a coat of many colors. He is an Airborne Ranger, Penn State Grad, High School History Teacher, Author, Public Speaker, and a Presidentially Pardoned January 6th Political Prisoner. If anyone knows what the scourge of tyranny feels like on American soil, its Robert Abraham Morss. He and his team of valiant, noble, and relentless patriots have answered the call of our American ancestors. It is time to usher in the next generation of freedom fighters. It is time to rise to the occasion from sea to shining sea. Through telling better stories is how our Poisoned Giant of a society can choose the righteous way truth and life. This great American society of ours will liberate itself from the yoke of sloth and spinelessness by joining LeggoMan Productions in the culture war. Together, we shall earn and witness the American Renaissance and last another 250 years.

“The Sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the Gift Of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people: then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of Our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted Freedom, we shall in Reality be the most object slaves.” – Samuel Adams

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

A fifteen year-old boy came home with a Porsche and his parents began to scream, “Where did you get that car???!!!” He calmly told them, “I bought it today.”

“With what money?” demanded his parents. “We know what a Porsche costs.”

“Well,” said the boy, “this one cost me fifteen dollars.”

So the parents began to yell even louder. “Who would sell a car like that for fifteen dollars?” they said.

“It was the lady up the street,” said the boy.” I don’t know her name--they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen dollars.”

“Oh No,” moaned the mother, “she must be a child abuser. Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see what’s going on.”

So the boy’s father walked up the street to the house where the lady lived and found her out in the yard calmly planting petunias! He introduced himself as the father of the boy to whom she had sold a Porsche for fifteen dollars and demanded to know why she did it.

“Well,” she said, “this morning I got a phone call from my husband. I thought he was on a business trip, but it seems he has run off to Hawaii with his secretary and doesn’t intend to come back. He asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So I did.”

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

MOVIES CHANGED

For the first time in many years, a an old man traveled from his rural town to the city to attend a movie. After buying his ticket, he stopped at the concession stand to purchase some popcorn.

Handing the attendant $1.50, he couldn’t help but comment, “The last time I came to the movies, popcorn was only 15 cents.”

“Well, sir,” the attendant replied with a grin, “You’re really going to enjoy yourself. We have sound now..”

I once dated a girl with a twin and people always asked me how I could tell them apart...It was simple, Alison painted her nails red, and Bob had a beard.

DEFECTIVE NAILS...?

Two guys were doing construction on a house. One of them who was nailing down siding would reach into his nail pouch, pull out a nail, and then either toss it over his shoulder or nail it into the siding.

The other guy, figuring this was worth looking into, asked, “Why are you throwing those nails away?”

The first guy explained, “If I pull a nail out of my pouch and it’s pointed towards me, I throw it away ‘cause it’s defective. If it’s pointed toward the house, then I nail it into the siding.”

The second guy was outraged. He yelled, “You moron! The nails pointed towards you aren’t defective! They’re for the other side of the house!”

I told my wife she should ‘embrace her mistakes’..... She gave me a big hug.

We Called It Spooky

Not slid. Not toppled. Flew. He did not try to explain it. He grabbed his gun and ran outside like the house had chased him into daylight.

The old house sat back from the road like it was thinking its own thoughts. Two stories. A wide porch. Hallways so broad a kid could run full speed and still feel small. If you asked my family, it was “just an old farmhouse.” If you asked my brothers, it was something else entirely.

Grandad bought the field years before I was born, and folks said the land had been used for burials long before there were deed books and fence lines. He could point to places where the soil changed, where the ground looked different, as if it remembered. We laughed when he talked like that. We were children. We believed in flashlights and bravado.

Then my grandmother died, and the house seemed to grow louder at night.

My youngest brother was practically raised by Grandad and stayed over there more than any of us. He swore you could hear footsteps in the attic after dark, slow and steady, back and forth, like someone pacing with a purpose. Nobody was ever up there. That was the trouble. When you climbed the stairs and pushed open the attic door, there was only dust, rafters, and silence. But the silence never stayed.

One afternoon my sister came home and found our older brother sitting under a tree with a shotgun across his lap. He looked pale, like he had sprinted a mile. He told her he had walked into the kitchen and seen a plate of food sitting on the stove. Then, without warning, it lifted and flew across the room.

You might say he was messing with her. You might say kids exaggerate. But if you were alone in that house long enough, something unusual happened. It was not always evil. It was just… wrong-footing. Like reality had loosened its grip on the ordinary.

The worst moment for me came on a night I promised my mother I would wake her at ten. She worked nights. She leaned in the doorway and made me swear it. I said, “No problem.” Of course I fell asleep.

Then my bed shook hard, as if someone had grabbed the frame and rattled it once, fierce and sudden. I sat straight up. I stared at the clock. 10:00 exactly.

And in the glass insert of the porch door, directly in front of me, there was a shape. Not a face. Not a person I could name. Just a presence where no presence should have been. I did not scream. I could not. I watched until it was gone, and then I lay there wide-eyed, trying to argue myself back into a world that made sense.

Years later, the telephone started ringing in that same house. I would pick up and hear nothing. Hang up. It would ring again. Nothing. After the third time, I got my keys, walked out, and left.

We call it spooky. We call it haunted. But maybe the better word is unsettling. And that is why it belongs in an issue themed Stop the Insanity. Because the hardest kind of insanity is not just what happens out there in the world. It is what happens inside us when fear takes the wheel, when we stop trusting what is good, when we start living like the dark gets the final word.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

PRO TIP #22

RING YOUR DOORBELL ON YOUR WAY TO BED. THIS WILL CLEAR THE DOGS OFF THE BED.

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING OLDER IS THAT I DID ALL MY STUPID STUFF BEFORE THE INTERNET.

DREAM

After she woke up, a woman told her husband, “I just had a dream that you gave me the most beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?”

“You’ll know tonight.” he said with a smile. The woman could hardly think of anything else all day and she couldn’t wait for her husband to return home.

That evening, the man finally came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it excitedly to find a book entitled…“The Meaning of Dreams”

Shopping trip...

Jennifer watched as the cashier rang up her purchases. “Cash, check or charge?” she asked, after folding the items Jennifer had bought. As Jennifer fumbled for her wallet, the cashier noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.

“Do you always carry your TV remote with you?” the cashier inquired.

“No,” she replied. “But my husband, Jeff, refused to come shopping with me, so I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him.”

Steps to Overcome the Insanity of Stress

By Ruben Burguete

Associate Pastor of Missions and Outreach at First Baptist Church Caldwell TX. Happily married to High School sweetheart Karem for 16 years. Proud father of Sophia, Ruben and Kalel. Life’s goal is to continually join God in making disciples of all nations.

The American Institute of Stress, states that “83% of US adults suffer from stress. The American Psychological Association says that the average child today reports more anxiety than child psychiatric patients in the 1950’s. Jesus knew how much stress damages our souls. Jesus said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30 ESV). Jesus presented three steps that will lead us beyond the insanity of a stressed life to the fullness of life and that Jesus wants us to have.

The first step is to come to Jesus. He said, “Come to me” This means that if we are tired and burdened, it’s because we’ve been going in the wrong direction, pursuing the wrong goals, or seeking rest in the wrong places. We all know what it’s like to go in the wrong direction and have the GPS tell you to make a u-turn. That is precisely what many of us have to do today. We need to turn around from the lifestyle we’re currently living in order to go to Jesus.

The second step is to let go. The reason people get overloaded is that they’re trying to control everything. Well, today I have to tell you something dear friend. You’re not the master of the universe. Don’t play God. It’s ridiculous. You don’t have the ability to do it all. Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you.” The purpose of a yoke is to make the load lighter by dividing it between two. But it is also a symbol of association. When a yoke is placed on two animals, they go in the same direction, same place, same time, same pace. When Jesus uses this metaphor He is asking that we summit to Him; His will, His direction and His own pace.

The last step is to follow the example of Jesus. Jesus said, “learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. Simply put, do it his way. If anyone lived a balanced and healthy life, it was Jesus. What is it that we need to learn? In a world where we are taught that “dog eats dog” we need to let Jesus lead us in a lowly and humble life.

This isn’t something you achieve overnight. No, it’s a learning process (discipleship). Reducing stress in life isn’t going to happen in an instant. Why? Because stress is the accumulation of tension in life. Overload is the result of bad habits. So, the question is very simple. Why don’t you trust God 100% and leave everything to Him? Accept Jesus’ invitation to find rest for your soul; rest from the insanity of stress!

If

the millennials turn on us, we can use cursive writing as a

secret means of communicating with our people.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

Recently on a routine police patrol parked outside a local neighborhood bar the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes with the officer quietly observing.

After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his own car which he fell into. He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.

Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a dry night), flicked the hazard flasher on and off, tooted the horn, and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little, and then remained stationary for a few more minutes as more patrons left in their vehicles. At last he pulled out of the parking lot and started to drive slowly down the street.

The police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and carried out a breathalyzer test. To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence of the man having consumed alcohol at all!

Dumbfounded, the officer said, “I’ll have to ask you to accompany me to the Police Station. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken.”

“I doubt it,” said the man, “Tonight, I’m the designated decoy.”

Immigration by Susan Skrabanek

It is true that our nation is a nation of immigrants and as a conservative Christian I totally believe in immigration, LEGAL immigration. The liberal media likes to paint the picture of conservative Christians being ANTI-IMMIGRATION but that is truly not the case for me and my family and most of the citizens of this great community. There is clearly a difference between being anti-immigration and being antiillegal immigration. Being anti-illegal immigration means that you do not want foreign nationals entering your country through illegal means. You must understand the distinction between these two because they are completely different positions with very different implications. Anti-immigration equals opposing immigration altogether, regardless of whether people arrive legally or not. Anti-illegal immigration equals opposing only unlawful entry or residence, while accepting that legal immigration is legitimate.

Growing up in the Caldwell area, I have been around immigrants my entire life. My maternal grandfather immigrated to Texas from Moravia in 1910 and arrived in Galveston, along with his younger brother at the tender age of 17. In 1915 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War I. He was able to join the Army prior to becoming a citizen but in 1917, while serving our great nation, he became a citizen. Like so many Czechs that came here in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, he came to seek freedom and build a better life in our great country. The little bit of the Czech language I recall came from growing up around my Grandpa Masar.

When I was a teenager, my father managed the coat hanger factory and employed many immigrants. I remember a young, single father of three boys coming into our lives not knowing a word of English. My parents provided them a place to stay in exchange for doing work around the farm. This family is still living in our community and it brings me great pride to see the productive citizens they have become. In the late 1990’s I was working at Dime Box ISD and my husband and I were asked to sponsor a family of six from Mexico for citizenship. This was a huge financial commitment but we made the decision to give this family the opportunity to be in the United States legally. After several years, the entire family became citizens. I can still see the smile on the oldest boy’s face when he appeared at my front door, holding an American flag the day he passed his citizenship exam. My family remains close to this special family to this day and all the children are now successful Americans.

As I continued my education career, I encountered numerous students and parents that were in the United States as Lawful Permanent

Residents. I am very proud of those that took the legal path to citizenship and are now proud Americans.

Over the years I have had many close friendships with immigrants. Most came here as lawful permanent residents as they were married to US citizens but eventually took the legal steps to become citizens. Although the path to citizenship can often be long and expensive, I am honored to call these immigrants my friends.

These personal relationships I have had with immigrants clearly show that I am not against immigration. I have treated them with the respect they deserve. Our county should allow healthy immigration into our lands. But, we should also maintain some semblance of borders and ensure the people that do get here, do so in a fair, organized and legal manner.

Susan Skrabanek (Trcalek)

Born and raised in Caldwell

Married for 44 years to Gary Skrabanek.

One son, Kyle and his wife Mikaela and two precious grandchildren, Lydia and Truett

Spent 25+ years teaching (Dime Box and Caldwell ISD) Retired in 2015 Independent Insurance Agent for 30 years (SPJST & RVOS)

Member of New Tabor Brethren Church

Active in the New Tabor Christian Sisters, New Tabor SPJST and CSA lodges. Proud of my Czech heritage

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

GOD MADE US BOTH...

“Did God make you, Grandpa?”

“Yes, God made me” the grandfather answered.

A few minutes later, the little girl asked him, “Did God make me, too?”

“Yes, He did,” the older man replied.

For a few minutes, the little girl seemed to be studying her grandpa, as well as her own reflection in the mirror, while her grandfather wondered what was running through her little mind.

At last she spoke up. “You know, Grandpa,” she said, “God’s doing a lot better job, lately, isn’t he?

BUT OFFICER...

A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street.

“But officer.” the man began, “I can explain”.

“Just be quiet,” snapped the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back...”

“But officer, I just wanted to say....”

“And I said to keep quiet! You’re going to jail!”

A few hours later the officer looked in on his prisoner and said, “Lucky for you that the chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood when he gets back.”

“Don’t count on it,” answered the fellow in the cell. “I’m the groom.”

PROTECTING THE COUNTRY

I’ve been an ICE agent in Taylor, Texas for 20 years. While it has been a rewarding job and an honor to serve my country in this way, we have recently been painted as the villain in a story that the media and politicians have completely twisted.

The media would have you believe that the illegal immigrants are separated from their families and put in cages until they can be deported to their country or another other than their country of origin. The reality is that at our facility these families have it better than you think. Kids go to real schools with certified teachers. They have PlayStations, organized sports, three meals a day. We’re doing everything we can to make a difficult situation bearable, but we’re still enforcing the law. That’s our job.

One of the most tragic casualties of our oscillating political system and most demoralizing parts of the job is watching the revolving door for repeat DWI offenders. We detain someone after an arrest, only to see them released back out and then brought right back in again after another DWI. To me, that is not compassion or justice. It is a system that treats illegal immigrants more favorably than it treats the safety of the community, and it makes the country less safe.

Everyone wants to criticize ICE under Trump, but where were these same critics when Obama was deporting people in record numbers? His administration removed more people than any president before him, but you didn’t see the same outrage, did you? The difference wasn’t the enforcement—it was who was sitting in the Oval Office. We do the same job regardless of who’s president, but apparently that only matters when it’s politically convenient.

The people screaming about “abolish ICE” have no idea what would happen if we disappeared tomorrow. You think the cartels care about your moral posturing? You think human traffickers are going to pack up and go home? We’re the ones standing between order and chaos, and we don’t get thanks for it—we get doxed and death threats.

I’m proud of what I do. I’m protecting this country. I’m making sure that people who want to come here do it the right way, the legal way. And if that makes me unpopular with the Twitter mob, I’ll sleep just fine.

An ICE agent is a federal law enforcement officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tasked with enforcing federal immigration and customs laws within the U.S. interior. They investigate transnational crimes (e.g., trafficking, smuggling) and manage the arrest and removal of undocumented immigrants.

We’re Not Meant to Carry This Much

Becky Schenk is a real estate professional based in Burleson County here to help you sweeten the deal with local insight and personalized service. Honey, let’s move! Reach her at 979-587-0059.

There was a time when life felt smaller. Not easier, just smaller. You knew your people, your place and your rhythm. What someone was going through wasn’t something you carried unless they told you themselves. There was space between lives. There was quiet. Now… there is no quiet, just the constant buzz of everything all at once, whether it belongs to you or not.

We know everything about everyone all the time. We see the good news, the bad news, the diagnoses, the breakups, the promotions, the struggles, the opinions, the losses. We scroll past someone’s joy and someone else’s grief in the same breath. And without realizing it, we start carrying pieces of all of it. That’s the part no one talks about. We weren’t designed to hold this much. Not this many stories. Not this many emotions. Not this many

versions of other people’s lives layered on top of our own. And yet, here we are trying to function like it’s normal.

Somewhere along the way, we also stopped acknowledging a quieter kind of loss. The kind where no one dies. The kind where someone is still alive, still out there living their life… but they’re no longer part of yours in the same way. There’s no funeral for that. No one sharing our grief… No casseroles. No moment where the world pauses and says, this mattered. But it does. It matters when a friendship slowly fades into occasional checkins.When conversations that used to come easy start to feel forced. When history is still there, but the connection isn’t. We don’t always fall out anymore. We don’t always have a reason. Sometimes, we just… grow in different directions. And instead of naming it, we carry it. We carry the memories, the what-ifs, the quiet wondering of when things changed. We carry versions of people who don’t exist in our lives the way they used to. Add that to everything else we’re already holding, and it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed without being able to explain why.

Then there’s this idea we’ve been sold. That peace is boring. That if life feels calm, something must be missing. So we fill it. With noise.With opinions. With constant connection. With things that keep our minds busy and our hands full. But the truth is, peace only looks boring when you’ve been used to chaos. Peace is quiet mornings where nothing urgent is waiting for you. Peace is not needing to explain yourself all the time. Peace is relationships that don’t require constant maintenance to stay intact. Peace is the absence of heaviness you didn’t even realize you were carrying. It’s not empty. It’s relief.

Maybe that’s where we start. Not by fixing everything. Not by disconnecting from the world entirely. But by recognizing what’s actually ours to carry and what isn’t. Every story you see isn’t yours to hold. Every outcome isn’t yours to worry about and every version of someone’s life isn’t yours to process. And not every person is meant to stay. Some people were part of a season that shaped you and that matters. But holding onto them in the same way, long after things have changed, only adds weight you don’t need. We’ve normalized overload. We’ve made it acceptable to be constantly cognizant and connected. Always carrying. But maybe the real “insanity” is this: Believing we’re supposed to handle all of it and still feel okay. You’re allowed to put some of it down. All of the noise, the pressure and the relationships that quietly shifted. The stories that were never yours to carry in the first place. You’re allowed to choose peace even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Because peace isn’t boring. It’s what’s left when you finally stop carrying what was never meant to be yours.

Heavy, hearty, and heavenly--that’s how I remember Mr. Renzo Duren’s watermelons in the ‘40’s and ‘50’s. They had thin rinds and sweet meat. The fanciest French cuisine was three day old collards compared to these gourmet delicacies.

The Durens were our closest neighbors. Mr. Renzo, Mrs. Ora and their daughter, Verdine, lived on a farm at the corner of Big A road and Kings Highway. Mr. Duren plowed his fields with a crotchety horse named Bob.

My neighborly duties each year included helping him save seeds from his best melons. Verdine would call, “daddy says he needs a boy to help him with a little job.” That meant he was going to cut one of those behemoths. He would get the melon out from under the bed in their spare bed room, where it had been kept for a couple of days to cool off. Mrs. Ora would give me a pie pan to put my seeds in. They were black as crow’s heads.

The fragrance from the massive melons activated my saliva glands like artesian wells. Luscious nectar dripped off my chin and arms. The flavor is etched in the memory of my taste buds. There’s never been a boy who helped his neighbor with more gusto than I. Mr. Renzo always complimented me on a job well done. One full moon evening a fellow conspirator and I decided it would be fun to raid Mr. Renzo’s watermelon patch--steal from the good man who would give me all the melons I wanted (that’s brilliant). Under the light of the big moon we each selected a large melon. We lugged them into the edge of the woods, cut them and began eating the warm, sweet flesh.

It was the best of melons, it was the worst of melons (forgive me Charles Dickens). It was a good melon--but not to me. Mrs. Fannie Spinks, my Sunday school teacher at Prays Mill Baptist Church, had been teaching us the ten commandants. She lingered long on the eighth, “Thou shall not steal.” That Biblical admonition was reverberating in my head. Every bite was a sermon to my soul. An eternity later, assaulted by a glut of guilt, I finished that melon of misery.

My burdensome boil of backsliding came to a head the next day. Mr. Renzo and I had robbed a bee tree. After we got out of range of the irate bees we sat down on a log to rest and eat some of our bounty. I snaked my hand into my pocket for my knife to cut a piece of honeycomb. Puzzled, I said, “my knife’s gone.” Mr. Renzo siad, “I’ve got it,” and handed me my pearl handled Barlow. “I found it this morning in my watermelon patch.”

Horror hurtled through my heart, sqeezed my throat and set my face afire. I was saturated with shame. I attempted to sputter an apology but he waved it off. He winked at me, patted me on the back with a sticky hand and said, “You have to be careful where you lose you knife.” He seemed to forget my indiscretion. I never have.

The Path Forward

Continued from Page 23

we are not nearly as divided as DC claims. On his walk he met hundreds of people and said, “not one of them asked about party lines, protests or the latest squabble on social media. They talked about where they were headed, their jobs, their kids’ futures, the price of feed, church, football games and how to help others or keep kids off the wrong path.” He argued,” that those in the spotlight treat one another more harshly than the people on the streets.” I think that’s a fact, because they still believe that will advance their special interest.

We can stop the madness by embracing the truth of what unites us that Pastor Brooks encountered along his way across America by embracing, faith, family and neighborly love. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36 (NIV)

Love is an Action We Take for Others

Continued from Page 65

spread the word and make donations as you can, and are always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to donate physical items such as clothing, they ask for you to bring your donations to the roll up doors at the rear entrance of the store on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. They are located at 208 W. Buck Street in Caldwell.

Impact Burleson County at 500 S. Main Street in Caldwell provides help with substance abuse and other compulsive behaviors with Celebrate Recovery and has open recovery groups on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6pm. Contact Impact Burleson County at 979-575-7704. This is a Christ Centered 12 step Recovery group and all are welcomed. It’s not only about recovery but about Christ. Their slogan is “We get well here!” Impact has partnered with Christian Care to assist people with food and clothing as needed.

To receive assistance at any of the food pantries, you simply need to sign up with a driver’s license and a bill with name and address on it. These services are available for anyone who needs help with food. Another source of food for Seniors is at the Senior Citizens centers in Caldwell and Somerville which provide hot meals Monday through Friday.

Recently, The Way in Cade Lake church opened at 1005 Elm Drive under Paster Ken Hardy. The Way replaced an earlier ministry called New Beginnings that had been started by the Unity of the Brethren of Texas on the same location. The Way is a completely new ministry in Cade Lakes. The Way offers Sunday services at 10:45 with a hot breakfast, followed at 11:30 with a regular worship service. There is an Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting there at 6:30 pm on Mondays.

A Spanish Bible study at 7pm on Tuesdays, and on Wednesday they provided a hot meal at 5:30 pm followed by a Bible study at 6:30 for kids and adults. Every second Saturday of each month, The Way provides hot meals to the community for lunch as well as providing free hygiene items and clothing. On average they provide 300 hot meals every 2nd Saturday. The Way has recently added two other buildings to provide free hot showers and laundry services and the plan to open this twice a week for those in need. The Way is sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Caldwell and recently the Cavalry Baptist church has been providing donations and volunteers as well.

Pastor Ken says, “God called us to create disciples, follow Jesus Christ in the way that he lived and the commandments He gave all of us to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

The Way is always accepting donations of clothing, toiletries, and personal hygiene items. If you would like to help or need assistance, please contact Ken Hardy at 979-567-1078.

Remember, love is an action we take for others. Isaiah 58:10 says “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” We are told to let our lights shine. Be the difference. We are called to be God’s hands and feet to a hurting world. Please consider what you can do, how you can volunteer, and do so with a generous heart, and sharing the love through your actions.

Stop the Insanity

Continued from Page 622

private matter—every careless word or action on my part has its ripple effect and feeds the larger ills of society. But what I can do is stop the insanity in my own heart by unplugging from the larger insanity in the world, choosing to look away from You Tube and toward the Scriptures, to return good for evil, to forgive an enemy, to keep my mouth shut and leave a gossip session, to guard other peoples’ reputations as my own, to pray for leaders instead of criticizing them, to recognize and seek help for addictions, to slow down in traffic and let other people cut in if they want to (why should their impatience cause me to sin?). There are many ways to sow righteous seeds that make for a harvest of peace.

Bio

Jason Shutt is Administrative Manager at Hope Pregnancy Center. He lives in College Station with his wife and five children.

About Hope

Hope Pregnancy Center of the Brazos Valley is a faith-based, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing a safe and confidential place for those experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Services (all of which are free) include pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, options consultation, parenting classes, and material aid based on an “earn while you learn” system. More information may be found at www.hopepregnancy.org.

LOVE IS AN ACTION WE TAKE FOR OTHERS

Written by Ed Wetterman

Ed Wetterman is a teacher who preaches every Sunday at The Way in Hogg, Texas located at Cyndi’s Hogg Hangout. services at 11. It’s always come as you are, love God and love others. All are welcomed.

Many folks believe that Love is a feeling or an adjective that describes what we feel for another person, but the true meaning of Love is that it is a verb, an action that we take for others. We are called to Love God and Love Others. Christ told us to feed the hungry, help the needy, and to look after the widows and orphans. We are called to action.

Deuteronomy 15: 7-8 states “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”

Burleson County Texas in the 2020 census registers as 17,642 citizens and is currently expected to be about 20,000 residents. It is estimated that about 14% of our residents live below the poverty line. That is about 2,800 of our neighbors. One of the poorest areas of our county is Cade Lake, just northwest of Caldwell off Hwy 908. Cade Lakes began construction in 1964 and consists of two main lakes, East Lake and West Lake, that are connected by a narrow channel and are situated on upper Davidson Creek. Unfortunately, after selling many lots near the lakes, the original developers did not finish the project, and leaving the neighborhood as it was.

Today there are many dirt roads that cover 2.06 square miles and had an official population total of 507 in the 2020 census. As the development stopped, land prices fell, and many moved away or sold their lots. Many were simply abandoned and this led to many poor moving in and squatters became an issue. Over the past 50 years, the numbers of homeless and poor moving into the area have grown.

There are many wonderful homes in Cade Lake, but there are also places of extreme poverty. There are many people living there that were not counted in the census. Several locals have spoken of many homeless camps and there are trails in the woods that lead to these camps.

There are homes that have been abandoned or burned. Many of the dirt roads are pure sand or have so many great holes that it is nearly impossible to drive down them. The needy of Cade Lake are obvious when you see the lines at the local food bank every other Saturday.

Every part of our county has poor areas with poverty though much of it is found in the north western half. The truth is that many of our neighbors need our love, assistance, and support.

Unfortunately, when you have this level of poverty, there is also a large amount of crime and illegal drugs with meth being very prominent. Many children are growing up without running water, electricity, and surrounded by the drugs and worried about having enough food and quality shelter. The costs of these crimes are obvious. The website Crimegrade.org reports that Burleson County ranks in the 34th percentile for safety. This means that it is safer than 34% of other counties in Texas, but less safe than the other 66%. The drug related crime rate in our county is 5.11 per 1000 residents in a typical year. The chances of being a victim of a drug related crime are 1 in 150 in the northern parts of the county. The projected costs of these crimes in 2025 are $673,426, or $38 per resident and $90 per household. To put this in perspective, Harris County is only $22 per resident.

So how can we help make Burleson County safer and help those in need? What can we do to help our neighbors, to show love, to make things better? There are some amazing and great folks working to do this, following 1st John 3:17-18, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

The local food bank at Cade Lake is In Gods Hands Ministry Food Pantry located at 680 Lakeview Drive in the Cade Lake Estates subdivision. It is open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10am to 12:30pm and is operated by Melinda and David Palicka. They have run the pantry for the last 21 years and credit the amazing volunteers that show up and work every time they are open. They have seen the number of families they help grow. Five years ago, they were helping a little over 400 families. Now their rolls include 500 to 550 families every other week. When the government shut down occurred last November, they served 779 families and 2268 individuals with food to eat. Melinda says the biggest need they have right now is a new building as the one they are currently using is very old and is not really sufficient for the amount of people they are helping. They are always looking for new volunteers as well. If you can help with the building, want to volunteer, or just find out more about what you can do to help our neighbors, please contact them at 979-900-9093.

There is another great food bank and resource available at the Elizabeth Lutheran Church off Highway 21, just east of Caldwell at 165 County Road 307. The Community Pantry is open on the third Saturday of each month from 7:30am to 10:00am. They distribute food for many in need and their website says, “These are hard times for many families and when resources run low at the end of the month we want to be there to help.” They are always seeking volunteers and consider themselves an “Equal Opportunity Provider.” Willie Hobbs reports that they hand out about 95 pounds of food per family per month and about 45 pounds of it is nonperishable food every month. One area of need is that they would love to partner with another church to provide food to those who can’t leave their homes and the elderly of Burleson County. They just need someone willing to pick up the boxes and deliver them. Anyone interested in volunteering, providing monetary assistance, or helping with bringing food to those who can’t leave their homes or the elderly ministry please contact the church at (979) 5674286.

The Cade Lake Blessing Box is run by Patricia Blocker as an independent ministry. She provides blessing boxes and food boxes as needed with food, clothing, hygiene, and more. To contact Patricia text @cade.lake.blessings.box.

In the city of Caldwell, there is the Christian Care Store which also offers a food pantry on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9am to 11:30am. Caldwell Christians Care provides assistance to those in need within Burleson County through their dedicated food pantry and financial aid. They rely on generous donations that allow them to provide these essential services. Caldwell Christian Care started in 1988 and continues to grow. If you would like to get involved, please call 979-567-9711 for more information. They ask that everyone help Continued on Page 63

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

BAD INVESTMENT

Shultz, a lawyer, bribed a man on the jury to hold out for a charge of manslaughter, as opposed to the charge of murder which was brought by the prosecution. The jury was out for nearly a week before they returned to court with the manslaughter verdict.

When Shultz paid the juror, he asked him if it had been hard to persuade the other jurors to get the charge of manslaughter.

“Sure did,” the juror replied, “all the others wanted to acquit him.”

JIGSAW

A blonde found herself very lonely when her husband used to go away to work every day. So one day she decided to try a jigsaw puzzle to keep her mind occupied. She lay all the pieces out on the table but she could not get any two pieces to fit together. A few hours later her husband come home to find her very upset and almost in tears. He asked her what was wrong and she replied-

“I cant solve this stupid jigsaw puzzle! Its supposed to be a tiger but I cant even get two pieces to fit together!” The husband looked at the table, took a deep breath and said-

“Ok I will make us both a cup of tea and we’ll sit down together and put all the frosties back in the box.”

NOT GUILTY?

After a two-week criminal trial in a very high profile bank robbery case, the judge turns to the jury foreman and asks, “Has the jury reached a verdict in this case?”

“Yes, we have, your honor,” The foreman responded.

“Would you please pass it to me,” The judge declared, as he motioned for the bailiff to retrieve the verdict slip from the

foreman and deliver it to him.

After the judge reads the verdict himself, he delivers the verdict slip back to his bailiff to be returned to the foreman and instructs the foreman, “Please read your verdict to the court.”

“We find the defendant Not Guilty of all four counts of bank robbery.” stated the foreman. The family and friends of the defendant jump for joy at the verdict and hug each other as they shout expressions of divine gratitude.

The man’s attorney turns to his client and asks, “So, what do you think about that?”

The defendant, with a bewildered look on his face turns to his attorney and says, “I’m real confused here. Does this mean that I have to give all the money back?”

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN MY GREATEST ACOMPLISHMENT IS JUST KEEPING MY MOUTH SHUT.