Alvin, Manvel & Neighboring Communities
PAGE 3
True Love PAGE 6
Remembering Razmo’s Christmas Angels PAGE 8
2020 Area Sports - Year in Review PAGE 13 & 14
Guest Columns
FEBRUARY 2021 Volume 4, Issue 2
A publication of the Alvin Advertiser
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COV E R
STO RY
True Love Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day came about and what it has to do with love. I’m hearing Tina Turner sing “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and thinking maybe she was wondering the same thing, too. LOL No one knows the true origin of the holiday but somehow the day has grown into the holiday most associated with love. Sweethearts who want to keep their relationships running strong know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on February 14. But even the most ardent Valentine’s Day enthusiast might not know just why this day, designed for lovers to express their affections for one another, is celebrated in mid-February. According to the Library of Congress, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, though the date might have ties to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a spring festival celebrated each year on February 15. The holiday was moved to February 14 after the spread of Christianity. The Christian faith had several early martyrs named Valentine, and each of them were celebrated with a saint day on February 14. But the unique history of Valentine’s Day and its association with February 14 as well as its romantic sentiments does not end there. The Library of Congress also notes that, in the Middle Ages, people believed birds selected their mates on February 14. As a result, it was not uncommon for lovers to recite prose to one another on this date. Following are some odds and end trivia on Valentine’s Day and things that are associated with it.
than are heart-shaped boxes of chocolate with Valentine’s Day. Chocolates became trendy in the mid-19th century when the first chocolate bar was made by British company J.S. Fry & Sons by combining cacao powder with sugar and cacao butter to make a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat that was markedly different than the gritty and greasy drinking chocolate that was losing popularity in Europe. Within a few years, competitor Cadbury introduced the first box of chocolates. It was called the “Fancy Box” and it didn’t take long to become wildly popular. The marriage of chocolate and heart-shaped boxes seemed a natural progression, but the National Valentine Collectors Association says that heart-shaped boxes actually predate chocolate boxes. Various heart-shaped vessels, including “betrothal pendants” and silver boxes in the shape of hearts, were popularized a century earlier. There even were heart-shaped porcelain boxes as well as ones for sewing. Having already introduced a chocolate box, Richard Cadbury marketed the first Valentine’s Day box in 1861. It was filled with delicious chocolates, and later could be saved as a keepsake to store special notes or other mementos, according to the North American Packaging Association. Furthermore, the gift fit with Victorian sensibilities in that it was demurely suggestive, NPR reports. Its introduction coincided perfectly with Valentine’s Day, which also soared in popularity around the same time. Giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day also proved popular in North America. The American chocolate company Hershey’s introduced its Hershey’s Kisses in 1907, and in 1912 the Whitman’s Sampler ar-
Few symbols and gifts are more widely associated with a holiday
Continued on page 4
Origins of the heart-shaped chocolate box
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rived. In the 1920s, Russell Stover unveiled their own heart-shaped boxes, which today still include the “Red Foil Heart” and the “Secret Lace Heart.” Russell Stover has since become the No. 1 boxed chocolate brand in the United States. Today, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes holding 58 million pounds of chocolate are sold each year, reports the education resource SoftSchools. They have become a quintessential symbol of Valentine’s Day celebrations.
How did “XO” come to symbolize kisses and hugs?
Love letters are a great way for couples to express their affection and devotion to each other. The sentiments expressed in love letters are as unique as the couples who write them. However, love letters often contain one particular turn of phrase regardless of their authors. When signing a love letter, it’s customary for writers to include at least one “XO” near their names. “XO” is widely recognized as symbolic of wishing “hugs and kisses” to a letter’s intended recipient. This tradition is such an ingrained part of romantic letter writing that few may stop to pause and wonder just how the letters “XO” came to symbolize hugs and kisses. The origins of “XO” are not definitively known, though many historians note that signing letters with “X” dates back to the Middle Ages. Few people could read and write in the Middle Ages, but signing “X” did not require either of those abilities. Christianity played a big part in many people’s lives during the Middle Ages, and “X” was seen as a representation of the Christian cross. So when people signed “X” on legal documents, they were essentially stating the contents of the document were true in the name of Jesus Christ. While Jesus Christ’s teachings are rooted in showing compassion for one’s fellow man, signing a letter with “X” did not symbolize love in the Middle Ages. In fact, that development did not come about until much later. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the first use of “X” to symbolize love and/or kisses in a letter to English naturalist Gilbert White. However, some historians debate the accuracy of that attribution, saying White’s use of the letter “X” in his letter was likely meant to convey blessings on the letter’s recipient. Researcher Stephen Goranson found many uses of the letter “X” to convey love and/or kisses in or after the 1880s, so it’s very likely that
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this was the first time that including the letter “X” at the end of a letter took on the meaning so many people give it now. As for “O” symbolizing hugs, even less is known about how that came about. The late American writer Leo Rosten, whose writings included 1968’s “The Joys of Yiddish,” suggested that including “O” at the end of a letter might have a similar origin story to “X.” Rosten theorized that “O” was used by Jewish immigrants who did not want to sign a document with “X,” which they, like the people in the Middle Ages, interpreted as symbolic of the Christian cross. Exactly when “O” was paired with “X” and came to symbolize hugs is unknown, though various historians suggest the two were not paired until the latter half of the 20th century. Continued on page 5
Alvin, Manvel & Neighboring Communities
Editorial Writers & Photographers Stephen Collins • Michael Edmonds Graphic Designers Linda Knight Donna Hopkins
Advertising Account Executive Hazel Perez advertising@alvinsun.net
Sentiments that the colors of roses are meant to convey
Roses are a popular gift on Valentine’s Day. When accompanied by a box of chocolates, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses is sure to make a sweetheart smile on February 14. Few people may know that the color of a rose is meant to convey a certain message. As a result, even the most head-over-heelsin-love man or woman may not be saying what they mean to say when giving roses. If that special someone has a favorite color of rose, then it might be wise to give that color regardless of what tradition suggests. But when sweethearts have no such preferences, it might be best to keep this guide, courtesy of ProFlowers®, in mind. • Red: Red roses say “I love you.” Red is symbolic of love, especially romantic love. Red also symbolizes beauty, courage and respect. • Pink: Pink is a popular color on Valentine’s Day, but sweethearts should know that pink roses say “Thank you,” which makes them a better choice for friends than lovers. • White: White roses say “I am the one for you.” White symbolizes true love, purity, innocence, reverence, humility, youthfulness, and charm. • Yellow: Yellow roses say “We’re friends and I care about you.” Joy, gladness, friendship, delight, and remembrance are just a few of the sentiments yellow conveys. • Yellow with red tip: Yellow roses may be best for friends, but yellow roses with red tips say “I’m falling in love with you.”
• Orange/coral: Another awe-inspiring color, orange/coral roses say “I want you in my life.” This color indicates desire, enthusiasm and fascination. • Red and white together: A mixed bouquet of red and white roses says “We are a great match.” • Peach: Peach symbolizes intimacy, telling a lover, “Let’s make this a memorable Valentine’s Day.” Different color roses say different things, meaning Valentine’s Day celebrants can find a rose to convey any message they hope to send this February 14.
I can’t help but come back to the first Love
When I was a teenager, there was a fad of cartoons going around that always started out with the heading “Love Is. . .” and according to those cartoons love was just about anything.
According to the Bible, God, himself, is love. God wants us to have his heart and it is not heart-shaped. God’s heart looks likes us - you and I. He is better than chocolate, hugs and kisses or roses because the supply of him never ends, never stops and never dies. So if you are looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift for your “true love” then share a book of love amongst the two of you. Open up the Bible and read about the first love “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. . .” (John 3:16-17) 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Send Us Your News We are looking for local news or photos to publish in the 288 Express magazine Email to: officemanager@alvinsun.net FEBRUARY 2021 . . .
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SPECIAL
F E AT U R E
Remembering Razmo’s Christmas Angels Written by Remembering Razmo’s Christmas Angels organization In 2019, Daniel Gonzales, Patrick Perez, and Erasmo Enriquez ll came together to organize a way to give back to those in need at Christmas time and provide for families that were unable to do so due to financial difficulties. On December 21, 2019, we Lost someone dear to our hearts, a son, a brother, and a friend in Erasmo Enriquez lll. As a way to Honor him and keep his name alive we named the organization after him. He was a very kind-hearted, head strong individual that would give you the shirt off his back. We, as an Organization, like to raise money through BBQ benefits Continued on page 7
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and give back to the community as we provide, toys, clothes and other necessities to struggling families just to see the smile on their face and will continue to do so with the support of the great community of people around us. This year we did two benefits in Alvin on October 24th and December 6th and FIRME CAR CLUB hosted a CarWash in our name. Through the money raised, we were able to help eight families and 28 children. On December 20, 2020, we had a Caravan of Lowriders, SLABS, and other Classic Cars deliver the gifts to the families - thanks to the support of FIRME CC. 2020 has brought alot of troubles and struggles to the Alvin Community and the World, but it has been proven there is still loving and caring people in this world. This year has been a success for the #rememberingrazmochristmasangels and we would like to Thank all our sponsors and supporters.
This blessing would not be possible without your help. Eric Delgado and the Segura Family, Nancy Garcia, Jessie Coronado, Maggie Cerevantez, Rachel and Orlando Santenllano, Brian Martinez , Dominic Garza, Willie Alfaro, Erasmo Enriquez and Theresa Enriquez, Israel Enriquez and Taylor Chapman, Jordan Enriquez, Mirna Aguilera, Tabitha & Johnathan DaSilva, Julie DeLeon, Aaron & Melissa Perez, Nessa Cincenros,Tara Chapman, RollBoy Mendoza, Eric Estrada, Mary and Amanda Sorta, Norma Roofner, Haley Cruz, Jose and Jessica Cruz, Kristina Quintana, and Jeannette Lopez. Samantha Gustafson, Daniel Gonzales and Laura Perez, Ruben & Lisa Barba, Juan Trevino, Louisa Reyes, Cordova Family, Patrick & Sidney Perez, Andrew and Dominique Garcia, EMANUEL WORSHIP CENTER, ALL N CARCLUB, FIRME CARCLUB, Pastor Mike and ONE CHURCH, SELFMADE DIESEL, Mike with Independence Consultant Insurance, Rosemary Cervantez and Toys for Tots.
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A I S D S P O RT S N EWS
2020 Area Sports year in review:
Pandemic cancels spring athletics, alters fall schedules By Stephen Collins Sports Editor While the 2020 sports year got off to a record breaking start for a pair of area hoop teams, things soon took an abupt turn less than three months into the new year due to the Covid-19 virus. Seasons were cancelled and even when it appeared to settle down into the fall, several high school teams around the Houston area were forced to quarantine for the two-week period and schedule new op-
ponents. The community also mourned the losses of KACC’s Bill Lewis, who served as the “voice of AISD Football” for over three decades and long time AISD athletics supporter Joe Lipscomb. Here’s a look at some of the top local sports stories for 2020. Shadow Creek Basketball teams both turn in best ever playoff seasons - Fresh off the Sharks’ state football championship feat, both Shadow Creek varsity basketball teams delivered their best ever playoff seasons. The SC girls (32-5) advanced to the regional semifinals, while the boys (29-4) made it to the regional finals with only Hightower getting in the way of the Sharks’ trip to state. The Lady Sharks pulled off a second half rally to edge Richmond Foster 55-49 in the Class 5A Regional Girls’ Basketball Playoff Quarterfinal at the “Shark Tank” to gain the program’s first ever trip to the regional tournament. Sophomore guard R`mani Taylor (game-high 19 points) and junior forward Bre`yon White (11 points) fueled a 12-2 run in the fourth to finally help the Lady Sharks pull away. White completed a threepoint play to give Shadow Creek the lead for good at 41-38, while Taylor sank both a three-pointer and field goal to increase the margin to 50-40 with a little over two minutes remaining. The Shadow Creek boys advanced to the regional title game with Continued on page 9 A publication of
“Your Source For News & Advertising”
Advertising Contact: Hazel Perez advertising@alvinsun.net Guard R’Mani Taylor and the Shadow Creek Sharks advanced to the Region III-5A Girls’ Basketball Tournament for the first time in school history, while the Shadow Creek boys also had a history making campaign with a trip to the region finals. (File photo)
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a 62-49 semifinal victory over Manor on Friday. The Sharks erased a 13-10 first half deficit with a 17-3 run in the second quarter and fended off the Mustangs the rest of the way. The Sharks maintained an 11-point cushion after three periods at 40-29 and pulled away in the fourth, thanks to Trey Lightener’s field goal, a dunk by Walker and Jones’ three-point play with the sophomore guard converting at the free throw line after being fouled on a drive to the hoop. Covid halts soccer playoffs and then diamond seasons The virus reared its ugly head in early March with the UIL soccer playoffs being the first casualty. Both Shadow Creek and Manvel boys had already earned postseason berths and Alvin was in postition to clinch a spot as well with victories in its last two
Senior ace hurler Jodie Aguirre and the Alvin Lady Yellowjacket Softball girls opened the season with a blazing 20-1 start and appeared headed towards the team’s second year state appear appearance, only to see the pandemic also rear its ugly head with the remainder of the season being canceled. (Photo by Michael Edmonds)
The Alvin High School Varsity Soccer Boys were on the verge of making the Class 6A playoffs with wins in their last two regular season games, but that chance was derailed with the rest of the regular season and the UIL Soccer playoffs both being canceled by the Covd-19 virus. (File photo) regular season games, only to see that chance denied. On the girls’ side, Manvel and Shadow Creek had also locked up berths. At the same time, softball and baseball endured an even more frustrating fate with their seasons being cancelled only a few weeks into action. The Alvin Lady Yellowjackets blazed an incredible 20-1 trail through the season’s lone month, emerging as one of the early major contenders for the Class 6A crown. The Lady Jackets were ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 2 nationally by Maxpreps, while also ranking second in the Texas Girls Coaches’ Association poll. With the Sharks already providing history-making seasons in both football and basketball, the Shadow Creek Softball girls were making their own early mark, opening with 14 victories in their first 16 games. Defending 5A state champion Angleton was among the Lady Sharks’ victims with SC pulling off a stunContinued on page 10 FEBRUARY 2021 . . .
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The Manvel Mavericks and two-way player Jordon Vaughn (28) won the 10-5A Division I football crown and posted playoff victories over Beaumont United, Dripping Springs and Hightower. (Photo by Michael Edmonds)
ning seventh inning comeback on the road. The Manvel Lady Mavericks, who also appeared to be on their way to another playoff berth, handed the Lady Sharks one of their two losses. Shadow Creek was off to its best start in school history on the baseball diamond with 10 victories in their first 12 games and a early season triumph over traditional power Bellaire. Sebastian Soliz joined Juan Guzman and Lloyd Richards with RBI’s in the contest against the Cardinals. The high school track season was also wiped out by the pandamic. Manvel Football advances to state quarterfinals for second straight year - The Manvel Mavericks went 9-2 and advanced to the state football quarterfinals for the second straight year.
The Mavs dominated Foster to win the 10-5 A title and then posted playoff wins over Beaumont United (63-0), Dripping Springs (38-21) and Hightower (31-7). Manvel also led Cedar Park by a 42-38 count early in the fourth quarter of the state quarters in Bryan, before being outlasted in a 52-42 shootout. Wit the 6A and 5A football seasons also starting late due to Covid, the schedules also took an unique twist with Mavs’ game with Hightower taking place on Christmas Eve and their state quarterfinal with Cedar Park being played on New Year’s Day. Competing in its first year in 6A, Shadow Creek went 6-4 and knocked off Clear Creek (556) and CE. King (42-28) in the postseason. Yellowjacket Football breaks losing skid - Alvin Football enContinued on page 11
Manvel Lady Maverick Volleyball turned in another impressive season, advancing to the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals, thanks to the hitting of 22-5A offensive player of the year, senior Aryn Johnson. (Photo by Michael Edmonds)
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dured additional frustration in with head coach Tim Teykl resigning following allegations from two players that he used racially offensive words, prior to the Yellowjackets’ season opener in Alvin against Houston Stratford on Sept. 25. Teykl was initially placed on administrative leave by the district, before resigning during AISD’s investigation of the incident. While the Yellowjackets also suffered eight straight defeats to open the season, the two misfortunes ultimatily took a backseat in the Yellowjackets’ season finale, where they topped Dulles 21-10. Alvin won for the first time since Oct. 27, 2017, when they edged Clear Falls 27-24. Following the win over Falls, the Jackets endured a tough stretch over a three- year period, which spanned 30 games overall. Despite falling behind early on a open touchdown drive by the Vikings, however, Chad Strban’s squad overcame the early deficit on Thursday and closed the season with a bang. The Jackets, who also had 14 first downs in the contest, outgained Dulles by a 291-161 margin and held the Vikings off the scoreboard during the final 24 minutes. Manvel’s Trask among Heisman finalists - University of Florida and former Manvel Mavericks’ quarterback Kyle Trask finished fourth in the official voting for the Heisman Trophy Award with the results being released on Jan. 6 in front of a nationally televised audience. Alabama’s Devonta Smith became the first wide receiver since 1991 to win the honor. Trask became the seventh Gator ever to finish in the top four voting for the Heisman. The other finalists were Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and Alabama QB Mac Jones. Trask is also a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose award, along with former Manvel Mav-
Thanks to tackles like this one by middle linebacker Easton Winfield, the Alvin Yellowjackets picked up their first varsity football win since late in the 2017 season with a 21-10 triumph over Dulles in the 2020 season finale. (Photo by Michael Edmonds) erick teammate and fellow signal caller D’Eriq King, who’s now at the University of Miami and the Davy O’Brien award, as well. Trask, who served as King’s back-up at Manvel, closed his collegiate career with 4,125 passing yards this season and 43 touchdowns. The former Maverick leads all Division I players in total touchdowns (46), TD passes and passing yards per game (375). All three volleyball programs make postseason - All three AISD volleyball programs earned postseason berths with Manvel and Shadow Creek advancing to the regional quarterfinal and bi-district rounds, respectively. Manvel finished as the runnerup in 22-5A with a 14-2 record and went 20-6 overall with playoff victories over Crosby and Lamar Consolidated. Alvin also made it to playoffs for the first time since 2015, but was forced to take a bye in bidistrict playoff match with Clear Springs, due to a covid case in the program. The Lady Jackets went
18-8 overall and 9-5 for a third place finish in district, edging
Shadow Creek in a five set playoff seeding classic in Manvel.
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G R A D UAT E N E W S
Sam Houston State University Ceremonies held December 22, 2020.
Emily Favian Manvel, TX, Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication
McNeese State University Ceremonies held Dec. 17-19, 2020.
Justin David Wiley Alvin, TX, Bachelor of Science in Finance
Gregorio Martinez Manvel, TX, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing
Christian Perez Garcia Manvel, TX, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, Summa Cum Laude
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Where photos were not available, the college logo has been substituted.
G U E ST
COLUMN
Just Another Voice By James Hopkins
Ownership Isn’t Enough Possess it – Yarash (Heb) – a primitive root; to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place) Lev. 20:24 – but I have said unto you, ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it… Num. 13:30 – and Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Num. 33:53 – and ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it. Deut. 1:8 – behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which I the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. Deut. 1:39 – moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it and they shall possess it. Deut. 2:24 – rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amotite, King of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. Deut. 2:31 – and the Lord said unto me, behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee; begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land. What exactly is it that we own? Well, I guess the answer to that is everything! Jesus said, everything that The Father has, he has given me; and now, I give it to you. Colossians 1:13 says that God has “translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”. Jesus has given us all things, so we own them. However, he has also told us to enter into them and to possess them. Ownership (God gives) and possession (you take). For example: I have a pickup. I own it. I have a clear title. It’s mine. However, if I don’t enter into it, start it up and drive it, it serves no practical purpose whatsoever. Why shouldn’t it be the same way with “The Word of God”? Enter in, start it up and let it take you to places like healing, deliverance, prosperity and any of the hundreds of promises in this “land flowing with milk and honey”. When God told the children of Israel he had given them the land of Canaan, he also told them to enter into the land and possess it. Instead of entering in; they rebelled. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness; all the while owning a land that was “flowing with milk and honey”. I was saved when I was a little boy. So, I owned everything pertaining to life and Godliness that God has given to every person
that has ever been saved. However, if you were to observe my life closely you probably wouldn’t have found much evidence to prove that I was a child of God. Here’s the point: as far as God was concerned, he had done all that he could do. He gave but, I had failed to possess. On the other hand with Jesus there was much evidence that he not only owned but, possessed. For instance, did you notice that when Jesus spoke, he spoke with authority? Jesus did only what he saw the Father do (John 5:19) and would only say or speak at the Father’s command (John 12:49). Here’s what I see: I’ve believed for a long time that our promised land is “The Word”. So, Jesus entered into the Father’s word and possessed it as his own. He then spoke it as his own, which is perfectly legal because the Father gave it to him. Jesus not only possessed the Word, He became the Word. Therefore, He never had to preface anything that he said or did with something like; the Father says this or The Father says that. He spoke with the authority that he had been given because it was now His authority. We have every right to possess anything that has been given. And, I believe, we don’t walk in victory a lot of times because we own what God has given, but, we don’t possess what God has given. 2 Cor. 5:17 tells us: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new”. So, we must enter into the “new” to drive out the ‘old’. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks volumes: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. My bible tells me that God’s ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts (Is. 55:9). If we have truly entered in and possessed this promised-land that we call Lord and Master, then we have possessed His thoughts and ways. We should now be living in His thoughts and ways. So, not only have we invited Christ into us to possess all that we are, but, we have entered into Christ to possess all that He is. Jesus is “our promised land”. Yes, we have ownership, but, have we taken possession of the promised-land to become all that he is? Have we crossed over to enter in and drive out the previous tenant; the “old man” and all of his worldly low-level thoughts and ways, or, have we taken possession of a new ‘higher’ life? Now, let me wrap this up and tie a bow on it. 1 John chapter 4 tells us that “God is Love” (verses 8 and 16). Then verse 17 says this: “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world”. Does that mean we could literally be God’s Love in this world? Now, there’s something to enter into and possess! Because of Him, James FEBRUARY 2021 . . .
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G U E ST
COLUMN
The Postscript by Carrie Classon
Freshly Baked Bread
Carrie Classon “I’m going to bake bread!” my husband, Peter, announced. Inwardly, I said, “Oh, no.” Baking bread is not easy – until it is. Every person I know who bakes bread will agree. If there’s someone out there who tried baking bread for the first time and it was a great success, I would like to hear about it because, in my experience, you have to bake a lot of bad bread before you bake anything close to edible. I was afraid Peter was about to find this out. But what I said was, “Great, honey!” A lot of people are trying to bake bread these days. Our store is still low on yeast and was out of flour for weeks. I wonder how many bags of flour and bottles of yeast are sitting around unused after a first, disastrous attempt. I remember when I first decided to bake bread. “I’m going to bake bread!” I announced. There was no one around to discourage me. I don’t know how many loaves of terrible bread I baked. I lost count. I tried all sorts of recipes. I blamed the altitude and
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the flour and the yeast. Nothing worked. I kept producing these heavy, unappetizing loaves and the only thing that prevented me from giving them to the birds was my landlord, a portly man, who came by to chat almost every day. He would eat absolutely anything with enough butter and honey on it. So, my landlord ate loaf after loaf of terrible bread until one day I tried the “No-Knead Bread,” which my brother-inlaw recommended and, quite unexpectedly, I made edible bread for the first time. This was more than ten years ago and, since that time, I have not experimented with another kind of bread. I will put nuts and raisins and cranberries and wheat bran in my bread on occasion, but the basic recipe remains the same because I figure I am lucky to have found one kind of bread I can manage. Peter was inspired to bake
bread because he remembered the bread his mother made when he was a child. The recipe was on a 3x5 index card she’d labeled, “My Good Bread.” “Did she have bad bread?” I asked Peter. “No. This is the only bread she made.” I never met Peter’s mother. She died before Peter and I met. But other than giving birth to Peter, I’ve no reason to believe she had any superhuman abilities. I’m guessing she learned to bake bread like everyone else – she failed until she found something that worked for her. That’s why she called it “My Good Bread,” to differentiate it from the countless loaves of terrible bread that proceeded it. And it was obvious she wrote the recipe for herself. There was no oven temperature given, no baking time, and the ingredients were arcane. I’ve never seen “cake yeast” in the store and I’d
have to guess that “potato water” was water she had boiled potatoes in. She used a type of graham flour that, as far as Peter can determine, is no longer made. Still, Peter was optimistic. A few hours later, the results were in. “My bread is a failure!” Peter announced. The bread was tasty enough, but it crumbled as soon as it was cut. “Well,” I said, “you’ll just have to try again!” And I suspect Peter will. Because there is a reason we bake bread. It is frustrating and time-consuming and failure-prone, but really there is nothing in the world like a loaf of freshly baked bread. Till next time, Carrie Carrie Classon’s memoir is called, “Blue Yarn.” Learn more at CarrieClasson.com.
Newest Elected Alvin Manvel Chamber Board Members
Betty Thornton
Gerald Montieth
Jody Droege
Carolyn Waites
Alvin Pest Control
TDEC
Russell Bynum
Hillwood Communities
Dale Winter INEOS
L O C A L B U S I N E S S
First State Bank
Manvel Library
D I R E C T O R Y
Tim Hubbard
Alvin Police Dept
Greg Blanchard
Ascend Performance Materials
Luis Medina
Essayons Productions
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