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Winter 2020

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An Activity and Resource Guide for Families

Is It Time? Máscara desactivada pagina 11

The Birth of Jesus Christ Harvey and the Hurricane There Was A Bunch Of Them ATASCOCITA • HUMBLE • HUFFMAN • KINGWOOD • PORTER • NEW CANEY ROMAN FOREST • SPLENDORA • SUMMER CREEK kid-and-kaboodle.com

30th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights “A Rock and Roll Christmas”

Coordinated by the City of Humble Beautification Committee

The Annual Christmas Parade of Lights has grown into one of the largest “small town” parades in the Houston area. There is no better way to advertise your company, organization, or to support your community. Kids, parents, and grandparents love the parade and look forward to this event every year! After the parade Santa Claus always visits Uptown Park to take the “wish lists” of children of all ages. With any luck at all, Santa will be able to join us again for this great tradition. Local performers will entertain the crowd at Uptown Park prior to the parade.

The parade is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 6:30pm and will once again be held on historic Main Street. This year’s theme is “A ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS”.

Christmas Parade Route

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The Team Winter 2020 Fall 2020

Table of Contents Jerri Bankston

CEO/Owner/Publisher/Editor

Kids Eat Free....................................................6 Is It Time?.....................................................8-9 Mask Off...................................................10-11 Events..............................................................12 Local Parks and Activities ......................... 14

Sherrie Stone Graphic Designer

The Birth of Jesus Christ.........................16-17 Growth and Renewal in Humble ISD.........20 Harvey and the Hurricane............... ......22-26 A Different Kind of Holiday Season...........28 Just Ask Mrs. Thelma...................................29 Lessons from my mirror...............................30

On the Cover

The cuties on the front cover are Ellie and Grayson with the Christmas tree. They are grandchildren of Alfreda and Carl Turner of Kingwood and Debra and Bennie Henderson of Summerwood. The little lovebirds are Aliyah and Aiden, grandchildren of Troy and Ramona Henry of Huffman. The snowbirds are Julien and Alexandria, grandchildren of Johnny and Lynelle Plant of Kingwood.

Find Us Online! Kid-and-Kaboodle.com facebook.com/WholeKidAndKaboodle/

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Advertise with Us!

All publications of The Whole Kid and Kaboodle can be viewed on our website: kid-and-kaboodle.com and also on our Facebook A TiMMark Publication Page, The Whole Kid and Kaboodle. To receive the magazine by mail, submit your address to: jerri42@embarqmail.com.

Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcomed and encouraged, but we reserve the right to edit and reject all submissions. Advertisers assume all liability for content in their ad, and Kid and Kaboodle assumes no responsibility for sales or misleading advertisements.

Jerri’s Corner “The Peace of God”

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6-7 I need this scripture now more than ever and just saying that reminds me of the beautiful hymn “FOR WE NEED, YES WE NEED.. JESUS NOW MORE THAN EVER” “We are sailing in stormy weatherall His children should get together For we need Jesus now more than ever.” All of my life I have been conservative so therefore a Republican in political views, but I have never let the consequences of an election get me down. I loved Ronald Reagan but I also loved John F. Kennedy and thought he was trying to do the best for the nation. Of course, lower taxes were nice but not a big concern for me because I always had enough of everything. When President O’Bama was elected I rejoiced with the nation about the first black President even though I hadn’t voted for him. When Donald Trump was elected, I was so overjoyed to have our nation, which was founded on Biblical principles, to be headed back in that direction I cry when I see stories of aborted babies and to think of them being pulled apart right at birth is unbearable for me so I have been depressed and sad with the recent election news. My faith tells me that Donald Trump is God’s man and he has done so much already for the kingdom of God in our nation. The prophets and ministers are staying strong in their beliefs for God’s promises which helps me greatly but I still have to battle weakness. I do know this and can declare it confidently, that Jesus Christ is still on the throne and our God is in control.

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KIDS EAT FREE! –

Three B’s Bar and Grill

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Denny’s

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Marsala’s Italian Grill

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La Casita, Porter

Kings Crossing - 4590 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood Tuesdays, 3 – 10 PM – 12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree.

12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree. Tuesdays, 3 – 10 PM.

Tuesdays and Saturdays – 4 PM – 10 PM Kingwood - 22671 Eastex Fwy, Kingwood, TX 77339 1314 & 59 Porter, Texas 242 & 59 - 23412 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357 Monday and Tuesday with purchase of adult meal

Atascocita - 5324 Atascocita Road, Atascocita, TX 77346

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IHop Humble

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Hectors Mexican Restaurant

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Fiesta Azteca Kingwood

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Dickey’s Pit Barbeque Kingwood

Sunday-Saturday 4 – 10 PM

Sundays

Tuesdays after 5 PM

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Texas Roadhouse Kingwood Dress-Up Mondays - Call for details.

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Huddle House Huffman 24110 FM 2100 Suite 100, Huffman, TX 77336 Mondays and Tuesdays

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Sundays and Tuesdays – 10 and under

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Jason’s Deli’s Tuesdays

ts a week Dinner 7 nigh ay and rd u Brunch Sat -3 11 ay d Sun

Time to plan a 2021 Revenge vacation (Bad 2020)_ Call me at 281-744-5761 to help with those 2021 plans or email me at: lisa@springchicken.com

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Is It Time? Many moms with teenage daughters often wonder when it is time to take them to see a gynecologist. It can be a sensitive topic to discuss and is sometimes avoided all together. However, it can be important to start good health care habits early. Teenage girls can be self-conscious and have many questions they do not want to ask mom. It is encouraged that parents to bring their daughters in for an initial consultation during their early teen years. This allows the teens to ask questions of an objective source. Physicians can then begin building relationships that hopefully develop into a continuum of care. Though current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest an initial pap smear isnâ€™t needed until age 21, having the opportunity to talk with a medical practitioner builds rapport, trust and healthy self-esteem and helps decrease anxiety associated with future gynecological exams. It is important that young women be comfortable discussing topics they consider embarrassing and become more comfortable talking about their health. The first appointment does not have to include a physical exam. Some physicians prefer to chat with the mom and patient together, then with the daughter alone. They could discuss a wide range of topics ranging from peer pressure, sexual activity, abstinence, hygiene, drugs, and alcohol. It is important to cover it all in a nonjudgmental setting to avoid sounding like their parent.

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by Dr. Louis Mann, MD

There are certain circumstances where a physical exam may be necessary at the first or second visit. For example, if a young girl is not showing signs of puberty by age 13 or she has not had her first menstrual cycle by age 18, she may need evaluation. Identifying delayed puberty development can help ensure the patient reaches full growth potential, retains bone health, and avoids poor self-esteem. If the young patient has been sexually active, then an exam is warranted to screen for sexually transmitted viruses/infections. Painful periods, or dysmenorrhea, can be another reason that young teens may want to visit the gynecologist. If a young woman is missing school for example, due to intense pain, an appointment should be considered because there are things we can do to help. The first step would be to keep a menstrual calendar and pain diary to better assess what is going on. An additional reason for extremely painful periods could be endometriosis, a disorder where tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis is a serious but treatable condition that often under diagnosed. This is a disease affecting women during childbearing years and may lead to infertility. Sometimes painful periods may be more than just painful periods; if you are not sure, you need to see a gynecologist. These are just a few of the problems young women may face as they mature and should be addressed with a womenâ€™s healthcare provider. Our primary goal is a healthy and happy woman. Prevention, education, and regular visits are means to achieve that end. As parents it is hard to see our little girls grow up, but we need to give them every opportunity to have safe and healthy lives. Whether it is with a teen to discuss puberty or a young woman heading off to college, an appointment with a womenâ€™s health provider is part of transitioning to adulthood.

Dr Mann was born in Queens, NYC one of five siblings and spent her early childhood in the Bronx before moving with her family to New Orleans where she attended Mercy Academy then again moving and finally settling in Las Vegas Nevada where she graduated from Bishop Gorman High School. She received her BS in Biology from the University of Nevada , Las Vegas and her MD degree from the University of Nevada Reno Medical School. Dr Mann completed an internship in Family Practice in Las Vegas before receiving her top choice OBGYN residency program at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. After completing her residency, Dr Mann stayed on as faculty as Associate Professor of OBGYN at UT Health Science Center for one year where she greatly enjoyed teaching the residents and medical students. Â Dr Mann has been in Kingwood for the past 24 years.. where she raised , and is very proud of , her four wonderful children. Dr Mann spends any of her spare time with her children or her 3 beautiful grandchildren. Besides having a passion for her field as a gynecologist .. Dr Mann has an avid interest in weight loss management as well as diabetes.

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Mask Off This question was once asked, “If you could choose what you want most in life, what would you ask for?” The most common answer was “Peace.” It seems that since the opportunity for peace is always near we could choose it. However, we can’t have mask on and pursue peace. Wearing MASK protects people from the Coronavirus but spiritual mask keeps us from being free to obtain peace. So I have decided to take the Mask OFF. It is risky behavior to just let go of situations, people and disappointing situations that hurt me. The best way to find peace is to be honest about where you are in your walk and take the mask off! The mask of insecurity, the mask of pride, the mask of selfishness, the mask of depression, and the big one, THE

By Eric Lacey

MASK OF DIVISION. These masks do not work well against the sin pandemic. The bible puts it this way, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14. In every offense against you, seek peace. In our country today, our joy is being compromised as Christians are content to live a lifestyle of division. We put masks on for people that don’t look like us, vote like us and fundamentally disagree with us. Let’s take our mask off and bear ye one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. As we take the mask off, I contend that we relinquish our desires and embrace his desire for us. So I choose to forgive. I choose peace. I choose love. Life is too short to allow issues rob me of my peace. If I offended you, I’m sorry! If I made you mad, let’s work it out! No pretentious behavior. No mask. I just want Gods presence pervading every aspect of my life. Open the eyes of our hearts so that we can see Democrats and Republicans, Black and Whites come together and see the mask of indifference removed. You may ask what will it take to finally take the mask off? Here are a few suggestions to prayerfully consider. 1. Pray for God to give me strength to let go of the mask. 2. Pray for a city that takes off the mask of RACISM. 3. Seek to walk humbly and understand a different perspective. 4. Invite a person of a different race or socio-economic background to dinner and just listen to understand. 5. Ask yourself how can I Show Love? Now let’s watch God revolutionize our community together.

Eric Lacy is Pastor of True Love Christian Church and is the CEO of True Love Childcare in Humble Texas. In June, Pastor Eric helped bring the city of Humble together for its first ever Unity Walk. Eric has been married 21 years to Chantine Lacy and they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Pastor Eric’s mission is to show love to all people in all walks of life and watch God transform communities through the power of Unity.

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Máscara desactivada Esta pregunta se hizo una vez: “Si pudieras elegir lo que más quieres en la vida, ¿qué pedirías?” La respuesta más común fue “Paz”. Parece que, dado que la oportunidad de paz está siempre cerca, podríamos elegirla. Sin embargo, nopuedo tener máscara y buscar la paz. El uso de MASK protege a las personas del Coronavirus, pero la máscara espiritual nos impide ser libres para obtener la paz. Así que he decidido quitarme la máscara. Es un comportamiento arriesgado dejar de lado situaciones, personas y situaciones decepcionantes que me lastiman. La mejor manera de encontrar la paz es ser honesto acerca de dónde estás en tu caminar y quitarte la máscara! La máscara de la inseguridad, la máscara del orgullo, la máscara del egoísmo, la máscara de la depresión, y la grande, LA MASCARA DE DIVISION. Estas máscaras no funcionan bien contra la pandemia del pecado. La Biblia lo dice de esta manera, “Aléjate del mal y haz el bien; buscar la paz y perseguirla.” Salmo 34:14. En cada ofensa contra ti, busca la paz. En nuestro país de hoy, nuestra alegría se ve comprometida mientras los cristianos se contentan con vivir un estilo de vida de división. Nos ponemos máscaras para personas que no se parecen a nosotros, votan como nosotros y fundamentalmente no están de acuerdo con nosotros. Quitémosnos la máscara y os llevemos las cargas de los demás y cumplamos la ley de Cristo. Al quitarnos lamáscara, sostengo que renunciamos a nuestros deseos y abrazamos su deseo por nosotros. Elijoperdonar. Elijo la paz. Elijo el amor. La vida es demasiado corta para permitir que los problemas me roben mi paz. ¡Si te ofendí, lo siento! ¡Si te hice enojar, resolvamoslo! Sin comportamiento pretencioso. Sin máscara. Sólo quiero la presencia de Dios que invada todos los aspectos de mi vida. Abran los ojos de nuestros corazones para que podamos ver a demócratas y republicanos, blancos y negros unirse y ver la máscara de la indiferencia eliminada.

Por Eric Lacey

Usted puede preguntar ¿qué se necesita para finalmente quitarse la máscara? Estas son algunas sugerencias que debes considerar con espíritu de oración. 1. Oren para que Dios me dé fuerza para soltar la máscara. 2. Oren por una ciudad que se quite la máscara de RACISM. 3. Trate de caminar humildemente y entender una perspectiva diferente. 4. Invitar a una persona de una raza diferente o antecedentes socioeconómicos a cenar y simplemente escuchar para entender. 5. Pregúntate ¿cómo puedo demostrar amor? Ahora veamos a Dios revolucionar nuestra comunidad juntos.

Eric Lacy es Pastor de la Iglesia Cristiana del Amor Verdadero y es el CEO de True Love Childcare en Humble Texas. Enjunio, el pastor Eric ayudó a unir la ciudad de Humble para su primer Unity Walk. Eric ha estado casado 21 años con Chantine Lacy y tienen 4 hijos y 5 nietos. La misión del pastor Eric es mostrar amor a todas las personas en todos los ámbitos de la vida y ver a Dios transformar comunidades a través del poder de la Unidad.

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EVENTS November 20

The Ice Rink

at The Woodlands Town Center Open daily Friday, November 20, 2020 thru Monday, January 18, 2021. 2005 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381

January 23

December

Shop local at Brenham Trade Days Winter Market on Saturday, January 23, 2020 from 11 to 4 pm at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Washington County Fairgrounds 1305 E Blue Bell Rd, 110, Brenham, TX 77833

Dickens on the Square

Downtown Galveston Island Dec 5 at 10 AM – Dec 6 at 6 PM

29 - 30

Kingwood Town Center

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK 2020 Saturday December 5th 10am to 6pm

12 Holiday at the Harbor

Join us as we kick off the holiday season. King’s Harbor on Saturday, December 12 from 1 - 4 PM!

Roscoe’s Fishing Adventure

Come out and participate in Dow Park Pool’s 7th Annual Winter Fishing event in our public pool! Admission is FREE!! But we ask for all participants please register at the Deer Park Community Center, over the phone or online. Registration is open now! Bring your own cooler to transport the fish that you catch! Friday - Saturday, January 29th - 30th **January 29th: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Special Populations, Veterans and their families only. Registration must be done in person. January 30th: 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Open to the public Must register for event. Registration can be made online 12 p.m. - 3 pm : Help us get all of the fish out of the pool! First come, first serve. Catch as many fish as you can! **Must call or come in to register for Fridays event.

February 13

12, 18 & 19

MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL AND PARADE 2021 Saturday February 13th Noon to 6pm

1892 Bishop’s Palace Holiday Tree Tours

409-762-2475 1402 Broadway Avenue J Galveston, TX 77550

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Too much to do & not quite enough time on your hands?

GoBuzzingo.com Cabling Data Voice Fiber Phone Internet Wi-Fi TV Flat Screen Install TV Antenna Security Cameras

Kid-and-Kaboodle.com 13

LOCAL PARKS AND ACTIVITIES

Due to precautions related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), some Precinct 4 programs and activities may be curtailed, postponed, or canceled. Please check with the appropriate venues and sponsors before making plans. Precinct 4 Parks Spring Creek Park

Offers free camping to the public, offers full hook-up tent and RV campsites. Primitive camping is also available exclusively to nonprofit groups at Fritsche Park and Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve.

Jones Park

There’s nothing like Jones Park’s annual Old-Fashioned Christmas to get you in the Yuletide spirit! Held the first Saturday in December, visitors are taken back in time for an evening of food and festive entertainment. Reservations are required for this event.

Carter Park, Collins Park, Dennis Johnston Park, Jesse H. Jones & Nature Center, Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, and Pundt Park

Offers canoe/kayak launches at for those interested in canoeing/kayaking Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and associated waterways. Reservations are required to use a launch in a Precinct 4 Park to access Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, or associated waterways. Reservations are not required to use the launch at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve to access Marshall Lake. Precinct 4 does not rent or sell canoes or kayaks, but offers free canoeing activities on a regular basis through Trails As Parks (TAP) events .

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts can experience many unique fishing opportunities year-round in Precinct 4, with access to fishing in Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and stocked fishing lakes. Precinct 4 does not rent or sell fishing equipment, but offers free fishing activities on a regular basis through Trails As Parks (TAP) events.

Picnics

Offers free picnic pavilions with electricity and grills by reservation only at Burroughs Park, Dennis Johnston Park, Meyer Park, and Spring Creek Park. Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center and Mercer Botanic Gardens also offer free picnic pavilions by reservation only, but electricity is not available at these locations. Any parks not listed above that offer small picnic pavilions, picnic tables, or grills are available for use without a reservation on first come, first served basis only during normal park hours

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Homestead Heritage Day

is held the second Saturday in February. Many of the different eras of Texas’ fascinating history are showcased at this festival. The Redbud Hill Homestead comes alive with old-fashioned, hands-on activities for kids, period re-enactments, and a bustling, filled-to-the-brim day complete with reenactors, historians, and volunteers. See how the early inhabitants of Texas made and used their tools and weapons. A skirmish provides a living-history look at the authentic weaponry, costumes, and significance of Civil War battles. Volunteers and staff show visitors how early settlers built and protected their homesteads. You might even get to taste some authentic pioneer cooking!

Carol A. Nagel

“Your CAN Do Realtor Specialist”

Texas WIC is here for you. As a WIC Client, you’ll get: • Healthy food • One-on-one counseling with nutritionists • Easy recipes • Breastfeeding support • Health and immunization screenings • Personalized support Are you eligible? Realtor, TAHS, CSSN, GREEN, REO/BPO, SMP, GRI, E PRO

Cell 713.516.4000 yourcandoagent@gmail.com

Imagine… Christmas dinner with family all around A candlelight Valentine’s evening with your loved one All in your beautiful new home.

Eight million women, infants, and children get WIC benefits. WIC is for pregnant women, new parents, infants, and children under five. If you are on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF you already qualify. Come see us at our Humble WIC Center: 8950 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338 or Call us at (713) 407-5800

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The Birth of Jesus Christ

Emi Lynn

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel meaning “God with us” Isaiah 7:14

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ was a teenager living in Nazareth, a city of Galilee. She was engaged to a man named Joseph and before they came together , the angel Gabriel was sent from God with a message for her. Gabriel came in unto Mary and said “Blessed are you among women, you are highly favored and the Lord is with you. Fear not, for you shall conceive and bring forth a son and you shall call him Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest.” Mary said to the Angel, “How can this be since I know not a man” The angel answered, “The Holy Ghost will come upon you and God will overshadow you therefore the Son of God will be born of you.” When Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost, Joseph, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, thought to put her away privily. While he was thinking on these things, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Fear not to take Mary for your

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wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” So Joseph did as the angel had bidden him and took Mary for his wife. In those days, everyone had to travel to his own city of birth to be taxed, so Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David. While they were in Bethlehem, Mary brought forth her first born son, Jesus, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the Inn. .At this time there were wise men from the east that came to Jerusalem inquiring “where is he that is born King of the Jews because we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him” When they departed, the star which they saw in the east, went before them until it came and stood over the baby, Jesus. When they saw the child with Mary, his mother, they fell down and worshipped Him. They opened their treasures and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In the same country there were shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock. And suddenly the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were deeply afraid. The angel said unto them, “Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

“For a child will be born unto us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

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There was a Bunch of Them

by Emi Lynn

The family that lived across the street had five children. I was an only child until age nine. The three oldest were at our house all the time which was fine with me. The oldest, a boy, was a year older than me but we were the best of friends and played cowboys and climbed trees together.

The next, a girl, was my age who went just about everywhere with us, even on vacation. She wasn’t my best friend but she was so easy going and never openly disagreed with me, thus my parents’ choice. The third child, a girl, was a year younger and was someone to be bossed around. The family was totally unchurched. Until they moved away, when I was about fourteen, they became a mission for me. All of them went to Sunday School from time to time with my family (which by my 11th birthday included two little brothers) especially the girl that was my age. Once, I even persuaded their father to go to Church. I rode back with them and all the way, he teased me and asked questions such as “How do 18 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com

you know there is a God”. My last big push was right before they moved. An uncle came from up north to visit. He was there quite a while and when he told me he couldn’t go to Church because he didn’t have a white shirt, I went home to get one of my Dad’s shirts. I was surprised that my Dad was not happy about it and said he would probably never get it back. (He was right) The target of my evangelistic efforts did go to Church but that was it. These people were incorrigible as far as I was concerned. I had some contact with the family as a young adult and tracked one of them down again about ten years later. Then I lost all contact with them. A few years and moves later, I had a chance encounter with the son and found that his Dad had become a Christian as well as himself. Two sisters were actively serving God in other states and two family members were missionaries including my friend’s husband, and her son was a youth pastor in a Church not far from me. I was so elated. I may have given up on them but God didn’t.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:11

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“What’s exciting about Bond 2018 is that we’re not just building the same things we’ve always built, the same way we’ve always built them. We’re bringing in not only the construction and design experts, but also the people who actually use the space, and making sure that their ideas are included throughout the process. We’re looking at where education is going and what kind of opportunities we want available for students. I believe that the students who experience these new schools are going to really love them, and love learning in spaces that are different and interesting.” Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, Humble ISD Superintendent Follow Dr. Fagen on Twitter @ElizabethFagen

New Kingwood Middle School - 2022

Humble ISD’s Enrollment Is Up

Quest Early College High School Major Renovations - 2021

Middle School #10 near Balmoral - 2022 Humble High School Major Renovations - 2022 Learning Pods in new Lakeland Elementary School and Elementary School #30 - 2021

For more projects, visit https://www.humbleisd.net/bond2018

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From the author of “God you must think I’m Crazy” “Little Holy Ghost Chicks” and “Donald’s Bible” Emi Lynn

“Are you guys sure you are going to take good care of Harvey while I’m on vacation?” “We are, We are” Lindy said excitedly to her cousin Zannie.

“Lindy,” Sammy said, “Yummy, Sweetie and Sugar love Harvey. We should pray for him too.” “Dear God, also please take care of Harvey, just like you do for Mommy and Daddy and our little chicks”, Lindy said as she finished her prayer. 22 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com

“Sammy, Lindy, look at the TV. They named a storm after Zannie’s Tortoise.” said Mother “Is it a bad storm?” Sammy asked. “I think it might be” Mother said sadly.

“This hurricane is really getting scary” Daddy said at dinner one evening. We have to pray for all of our safety as well as our family and friends.”

“Don’t forget Yummy, Sweetie and Sugar and Harvey too. It is not his fault that he has a bad name.” Sammy cried softly. “Of course it’s not and it’s not a bad name. They use a lot of names for storms” Daddy said, as he hugged Sammy.

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“Look, Look” Lindy shouted. “It’s Aunt Sassies pastor hugging that lady on TV.” “Why is she crying,” Sammy asked. “She is crying because she is sad that the flood waters came into her home and she had to leave” Daddy answered with a worried look on his face.

“I am worried about us,” Sammy said to Lindy as they looked outside and saw all of the water in the yard.

“We need to leave our house while we can still drive on the roads”, Daddy said to mother. “If we don’t we will have to be rescued by boat.”

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“Sammy and Lindy, I want you to be brave” Daddy said. “We are going to pack a few things and go to Aunt Sassies. Put the chicks in their basket and Harvey in his carrier.”

“Heavenly Father, we ask you to take care of our family and all our friends and keep us safe. In Jesus name,” Daddy prayed. “And don’t forget to keep Yummy, Sweetie, Sugar and the good Harvey safe from the bad Harvey” Sammy added.

Aunt Sassie was so happy to see everyone, even Harvey. She knew that Zannie loved him and she knew it was not his fault that the bad hurricane was named Harvey too.

“Aunt Sassie, we prayed for you and everyone, even Zannie’s Harvey,” Lindy said proudly, “so we know Jesus will keep us safe.”

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Everyone had a good time visiting and eating all of the good stuff that Aunt Sassie cooked and Daddy was constantly checking the roads and the weather.

“Our house still does not have water in it”, Daddy said happily one day. “And the roads are now passable.” “Can we go home soon?” Sammy asked. “I think so” Daddy replied. “Like TODAY.“ Aunt Sassie was sad, but everyone else, even Harvey the tortoise, was happy when Mother said “we are going home today.”

Sammy and Lindy could not believe all of the people that were helping other people after this bad hurricane. They were so proud of their Daddy and their Uncle Dub when they rescued others in Uncle Dub’s boat. Uncle Ras didn’t have a boat but he set up his smoker on a vacated strip center and passed out seven hundred hot dogs with all of the trimmings to families that were working on their flooded homes. Sammy whispered softly to Lindy. “God loves His people and they really love each other too!!” 26 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com

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A Different Kind of Holiday Season Deborah Elum, Author & Speaker

One minute, I was holding one of my earrings in my hand and the next, I was crawling around on the bedroom floor diligently searching for it. I dropped it right before inserting it into my ear. One of my new diamond stud earrings was nowhere in sight! I was not quite sure where it landed. After searching for over two hours, I began to wonder if it was lost for good. One thing for certain, one ear with the earring looked very different from the other ear without one. It reminded me of how different this holiday season looks compared to last year. For many families, this year will mean fewer faces around the dinner table, fewer gifts under the tree, fewer places to shop, and fewer churches that will be open. The impact of COVID-19 can be felt even in a season meant to focus on thankfulness and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. No matter what is going on around us during this season, we must always be thankful that we were once lost in sin but now we have been found because of God’s amazing love and grace. After three hours of searching, I found my other earring at the bottom of a clothes hamper because it was shining. Similarly, even though it is a different kind of holiday season, we know that Jesus sacrificed His life so we too can shine for Him in a dark world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 KJV

Many women are trapped by the fear of rejection and the approval of others. This book shares tips on how to live beyond past fears of what others say about you. If This is Life, I’m Not Getting Out of Bed shows you how to free yourself from the captivity of past rejections and fear. It’s time to get up and stop allowing negative words to determine your future. It’s time for you to take back control of your LIFE! Available on Amazon.com, ISBN: 978-1-7339510-2-9, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 90 pages, $10.95.

Mommy is on the go! She loves to drive fast and always gets into trouble. With such a busy schedule, she never slows down even when she takes her son to school. Anything can happen when Mommy is behind the wheel! Slow Down Mommy! is a picture book that is packed with adventure. Available on Amazon.com, ISBN: 978-1-7339510-1-2, 8.5 x 8.5 inches, 46 pages, $10.95.

Deborah’s other books are also available on Amazon.com. 28 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com

Join the hilarious First Lady of Comedy, Mrs. Thelma Johnson, with her nononsense wisdom and her sassy “tell-it-like-it-is” attitude each issue.

Dear Mrs. Thelma, My 50-year old brother has held a grudge against my sister and me since we were kids. When he calls me, he always talks about how he was punished for something we did. He is still angry with me because we broke our mothers’ antique platter and he was blamed for it. I have asked him to forgive us but he still refuses to accept our apology. Why won’t he forgive us, Mrs. Thelma? - C. H. Dear Ms. Feeling Guilty, Baby, asking why he won’t forgive you is like asking why is the world round? Like the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” Too many people hold grudges from their childhood that they won’t let go. Your brother holding on to that grudge is like a mad rattlesnake. If you keep getting close to an upset rattlesnake you know what will happen? He will always bite ya. One thing for sure, don’t let him keep poisoning you with his unforgiveness. The only thing you can do is to pray for him and ask the Lord to touch his heart. Remember, Mrs. Thelma loves ya, Sugar. Visit Mrs. Thelma at www.itsathelma.com. Used by permission.

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A Lesson in Pruning

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffett Several years ago, we planted a live oak tree in our front yard. My husband prunes the tree each year in the early winter months. The first year I questioned why he was trimming them back because they seemed to be growing so well. He told me, “You will see next year how much fuller and taller it will be.” He knew that if he didn’t take them through a cutback, removing dead, dying, or weakly attached branches from the tree it would actually limit its growth, and it would not be as tall and thick as it should be. It has now grown into a tall, beautiful tree that helps shade our front porch from the Texas heat. In the same way, God sometimes takes us through a pruning season. He cuts things back not to limit us, but to get us prepared for new growth. God is not going to cut you back without a purpose. When you go through a cutback, a loss, things you don’t understand, remind yourself, God has the pruning shears. He is not going to prune you, to where you end up with less: less joy, less strength, less resources. That may happen temporarily, but if you will keep abiding, that cutback is leading to more fruit. God wouldn’t have allowed it, if he wasn’t going to bring you out better, stronger, wiser, with new growth. The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has changed people’s lives in many ways. You may have been affected with a cut back, a job loss, or other changes not related to the pandemic, but like my husband told me about our tree, God is saying, watch where you are going to be next year. When my husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2016, he had to take chemotherapy treatments for 8 months. He was unable to do the physical work required for our logging business and we had to sell all our equipment. Today, he is cancer free, and has a new land clearing business, including a project with an all-star basketball legend – an opportunity he would not have had if he would have remained in the logging business. Trust God in the process. You will come out of the pruning season into a growing season, out of not having enough into having more than enough. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 (NKJV) Paula Enloe is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She has been a paralegal for over 25 years and is a certified family mediator. She and her husband, Noble, speak and minister to churches testifying of how God brought them healing into their home and their marriage, after he was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2016. They count it as their greatest privilege to share the healing and transformational power of the Name of Jesus to each person they come in contact with daily.

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