The Whole Kid-and-Kaboodle - Winter 2022

The Team

Winter 2022 Table of Contents

Jerri’s Corner

The Glorious Wonders of God’s Creation

I viewed this gorgeous artwork in the sky, recently, from the parking lot of New Covenant Church in Humble. Every time I look at the picture of this sunset, I am reminded of God’s love and peace. I am 80 years old and have several health challenges so of course I want to be prepared for my “sunset”. Somehow I can draw strength from God’s handiwork, knowing that if He produces beautiful sunrises and sunsets and gives us an array of colorful flowers and plants just for our enjoyment and pleasure while he has also supplied so many fruit and vegetable bearing plants for our eating enjoyment ( I could go on and on) then I can expect that my personal “sunset” will be just as beautiful, peaceful and exciting. I have many things that I want to do and accomplish but I am ready when He calls me.

On the Cover

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

This beautiful photo of Pagosa Springs, Colorado was taken by Paul Jones of Humble.

KIDS EAT FREE!

Three B’s Bar and Grill

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

Marsala’s Italian Grill

12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree.

Tuesdays, 3 – 10 PM. Atascocita - 5324 Atascocita Road, Atascocita, TX 77346

Denny’s

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

The Adventuers of Sammy and Lindy

Sammy and Lindy learn the power of prayer in Little Holy Ghost Chicks

Sammy and Lindy learn how the power of love and community come together in Harvey and the Hurricane

The Adventures of Sammy and Lindy in Little Piggies Too!

Sammy and Lindy learn the power of prayer, church revivals and family legacy’s in Donald’s Bible

Sammy and Lindy learn that God loves all his creatures in Little Piggies Too!

Emi Lynn

Sweet Baby Jesus

by Milt Eichler

The Christmas Season has arrived, and it is time to celebrate! Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus will be seen all around town, including my front yard. These scenes will contain sweet baby Jesus in his manger, Mary and Joseph, a few barn animals, and occasionally a camel with three wise men. Although the wise men appear on the scene a few years later, they are an essential part of the story.

The wise men followed a star, the Star of Bethlehem. They were searching for a child, but they found a King! When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy! They knew they were about to see Jesus. When they found Jesus, they fell down and worshiped him. They knew they were in the presence of a King!

“The wise men went on their way to find the child. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11

When you notice a nativity scene, look above the manger and find the star of Bethlehem. It is a unique star that represents the glory of God. It is tempting to celebrate the birth of a sweet baby named Jesus rather than the arrival of a powerful King who is Lord. This Christmas, celebrate the birth of Jesus and the arrival of your savior and King!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Merry Christmas!

Milt and his wife Michelle have been part of the Magnolia community since 1997. He serves as Executive Pastor at Magnolia’s First Baptist Church (www.m1bc.org). Their son and daughter were born and raised in Magnolia and are proud graduates of Magnolia ISD.

Dulce Niño Jesús

por Milt Eichler

La temporada navideña ha llegado, ¡y es hora de celebrar! Belenes que representan el El nacimiento de Jesús se verá por toda la ciudad, incluyendo mi patio delantero. Estas escenas contendrán dulce niño Jesús en su pesebre, María y José, algunos animales de granero, y ocasionalmente un camello con tres reyes magos. Aunque los sabios aparecen en escena unos años más tarde, son una parte esencial de la historia.

Los magos siguieron una estrella, la Estrella de Belén. Estaban buscando un niño, pero ¡Encontré un rey! Cuando vieron la estrella, ¡se regocijaron enormemente con gran alegría! Sabían que estaban a punto de ver a Jesús. Cuando encontraron a Jesús, se postraron y lo adoraron. Ellos ¡sabían que estaban en presencia de un Rey! “Los sabios siguieron su camino para encontrar al niño. Y he aquí, la estrella que habían visto cuando se levantó fue delante de ellos hasta que llegó a descansar sobre el lugar donde estaba el niño. Cuando vieron la estrella, se regocijaron enormemente con gran alegría. Y entrando en la casa, vieron al niño con María, su madre, y Se postraron y lo adoraron. Luego, abriendo sus tesoros, le ofreció regalos, oro, incienso y mirra”. Mateo 2:911

Cuando notes un pesebre, mira por encima del pesebre y encuentra la estrella de Belén. Es un estrella única que representa la gloria de Dios. Es tentador celebrar el nacimiento de un dulce bebé llamado Jesús en lugar de la llegada de un poderoso Rey que es Señor. Esta Navidad, ¡celebra el nacimiento de Jesús y la llegada de tu salvador y Rey! “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo que dio a su único hijo, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna”. Juan 3:16 Feliz Navidad

Milt y su esposa Michelle han sido parte de la comunidad de Magnolia desde 1997. Se desempeña como pastor ejecutivo en la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Magnolia (www.m1bc.org). Su hijo y su hija nacieron y crecieron en Magnolia y son orgullosos graduados de Magnolia ISD.

Kemah Boardwalk

Year's Eve Family Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk

LOCAL PARKS AND ACTIVITIES

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 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.

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts can experience many unique fishing opportunities year-round, with access to fishing in Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and

century-old cypress trees, and a pristine floodplain located in a hardwood and pine forest. All features are accessible by over eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails and several unpaved primitive trails. The Spring Creek Greenway, with over 16 miles of paved trail system along Spring Creek, is also accessible from the park’s Judy Overby Bell Trail and Jones Bender Trail.

Homestead and Akokisa Village Self-Guided Tours

Take a step back in time.. Enjoy a look around the park’s historically accurate 1830s Redbud Hill Homestead and Akokisa-Ishak Village. Learn about two very different ways of life. Dec 1 to Dec 31, 2022 7:00AM-5:AM

Beginner Friendly One Hour Hike

All ages Dec. 3rd 1-2pm

Old Fashioned Christmas Experience the traditions of earlier times as the Homestead comes to life with 19th century holiday customs.Enjoy music, holiday crafts and an early visit from Saint Nicholas. Dec. 10th 4-7 pm

stocked fishing lakes. 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 Jones

Park

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a premier 312-acre nature preserve open daily to visitors free of charge. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with

Second Sunday Pickers 2-4pm

sPring Creek Park

This 114-acre facility features one unlighted softball field, one lighted basketball pavilion, two lighted tennis courts, a small barbecue pavilion, a large barbecue pavilion, eight RV/ camper hook-ups, three tent camping sites, one primitive camping area, a playground, trails, picnic tables, barbecue grills, an archery range, a sand volleyball court, and a rest room/shower pavilion.

Free tent & rv CaMPing Overnight camping is offered at no cost to public RV and tent campers at Spring Creek Park. Groups and individuals are permitted to camp up to 7 continuous nights per month. Long-term camping or camping outside of designated areas is not permitted.

M“A” Rated District

Magnolia ISD has received an A with a score of 91 on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) district ratings for the 2021-22 school year. TEA released 2022 A–F accountability ratings for districts and campuses, the rst issued since 2019 due to two years of COVID-related pauses.

MISD had four campuses that received an A – Ellisor Elementary, Smith Elementary, Williams Elementary, and ALPHA Academy. The district also received 22 distinctions.

National Merit and College Board Recognitions

In this record-setting year, 92 Magnolia ISD students have been recognized with academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program for excelling in their classrooms and on College Board assessments.

"We are excited to celebrate this record number of students who have earned this recognition. These students are focused, prepared, and are reaching new levels of success in part with the help from our amazing sta of advanced academic educators who are dedicated to helping their students excel."

Alana Wood MISD Advanced Academics Director

Elementary Advanced Academics

Dedicated to be the best district in the State of Texas.

Intermediate Advanced Academics

5th-grade advanced academic students at Bear Branch and Magnolia Intermediates showcased their roller coaster projects as the culmination to their unit about force and motion.

The students researched, designed, and built their projects using various materials cardboard, pipe insulation, legos, and put them to the test by dropping a marble to see how well they worked.

In the spring, the students will study the American Revolution (5th grade US History) and will focus on using 3-D technology to create a wax museum.

For the nal project of the year, the students will host a “Shark Tank” where students will have the opportunity to create a product and then sell it to an audience.

The Advanced Academics program begins in 3rd and 4th-grade where students explore topics including engineering, digital citizenship, nancial literacy, coding, U.S. legal system, and philanthropy.

This year, our students are hosting the 2nd Annual Cardboard Regatta. This project is modeled after the MIT Annual Physics Cardboard Boat Race where students work in teams to build a cardboard boat and will test the boat at the MISD Natatorium.

www.magnoliaisd.org

TIMMARK ANGELS

Timothy Darin Bankston 6-27-69/8-16-70 Mark Dean Bankston 4-15-71

Mission: Bringing inspiration and encouragement through the written word and providing hope to both financially and developmentally challenged children primarily suffering from hearing impairments, Down Syndrome and Autism.

TiMMark Angels has been in the making all of my life. In my earliest memories which go back to about 2 years old I always had a love for God and people which

resulted in a strong desire to do something, anything to make a difference. Over the years this was expressed in the way I lived my life and how I viewed life around me.

I lost my son Timothy when he was 13 months old and then 8 months later my son Mark was still born. This had a profound impact on me but still I never lost my love for God or others. I always loved to draw and paint especially people and in the 90’s I was on the phone doodling as I always did when I got still. I sketched the little guys you see on the TiMMark logo., Timothy from memory and Mark from my mind. I immediately named them TiMMark and felt that it would mean something someday.

In the meantime, I drew them on every painting or drawing I did in place of the usual artist signature. I put them on business cards for some of the artwork that I was compensated for. Then it was forgotten.

I satisfied my writing skills while working as Director of Membership for the Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce. After I retired, I realized early on that I was actually a publisher when I started publishing the whole Kid and Kaboodle magazine. I again used the little angels for TiMMark Publications.

Page 4 of the magazine has always had a very small picture of them, and it says a TiMMark Publication. The idea of forming a non-profit has been circulating for a while. I have been asked if the magazine was a non-profit because of the amount that I give away and I always joked that it was not official but yes, it is nonprofit. It has been a ministry for me and in the past a few of my friends and acquaintances mused about the Prayer and Praise on Main being non-profit as well.

I am so excited that it is now a reality. TiMMark Angels a 501(c)3 is striving to enable the eyes of a child to see the world as a safe and happy place.

TiMMark Publications will continue to supply wholesome and helpful reading material including the existing magazine,

the Whole Kid and Kaboodle, children’s books and other works of print that promote faith and family values. Some books will focus on stories of those that have become triumphant though financially or developmentally challenged.

Money raised by TiMMark Publications will fund TiMMark Angels’ efforts to support other non-profits or individual families that will benefit the hearing impaired, those with Down Syndrome and those afflicted with Autism.

TiMMark Publications is also partnering with the New York Life Foundation in support and funding of childhood bereavement. We are able to do this because of the partnership between Albert Melendez, the New York Life Grief-Sensitive School Ambassador and TiMMark Angels.

For more information you can view the website timmarkangels.org and we encourage you to support the magazine, events such as the Prayer and Praise on Main to help and show support to families that need hope and help

Jerri Bankston, the founder of TiMMark Angels has led a life of service, first to God then to her family which included her husband and six children She also enjoyed an extensive career with promoting businesses, first with her own for 20 plus years and then to the Lake Houston Chamber where she served on staff as Director of Membership. Upon retiring, Jerri furthered her creativity by starting a publishing company with the first publication being a family magazine “The Whole Kid-And-Kaboodle” for the area. She has published a book, “God You Must Think I’m Crazy” and has four children’s books ready to be published.

http://grievingstudents.org/

Over the past decade, the New York Life Foundation has served as the largest corporate funder of childhood bereavement support. An important part of our work in this space has been the creation of a first-of-its kind resource for K-12 educators and school personnel: grievingstudents.org. This online tool offers a comprehensive set of materials and modules to help schools better support grieving students. This site was developed and endorsed by the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a collaboration of the leading K-12 education professional organizations convened by the New York Life Foundation and the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.

LAKE HOUSTON AREA LIBRARIES

Atascocita Branch Library

19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr, Atascocita, TX 77346

Hours: Mon. 11a-8p / Tue. 1p-9p / Wed. 10a-6p Thu. 10a-8p / Fri. 1p-6p / Sat. 10a-5p Phone: (832) 927-5560

Octavia Fields Branch Library

1503 S Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77338

Hours: Mond 1p-7p / Tues 10a - 9p / Wed 10a - 7p Thurs 10a - 9p / Fri 1p - 6p / Sat 10a - 5p Phone: (832) 927-5500

Kingwood Branch Library

4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, TX 77339

Hours: Monday, 1pm-9pm / Tues.10am-6pm / Wed. 10am-9pm Thurs. 10am-9pm / Fri, 10am-6pm / Sat. 10am-5pm Phone: (832) 927-7830

http://www.hcpl.net/location/kingwood-branch-library

Growth Renewal

A closer look at Humble ISD’s newest middle schools

Autumn Ridge Middle School opened in August at 15337 Woodland Hills Drive, near Ridge Creek Elementary. The campus has a similar design to West Lake Middle School, with three stories. Autumn Ridge brings students from West Lake Middle School and Woodcreek Middle School, and feeds into Summer Creek and Atascocita high schools. School colors are dark green, gold and gray, and the mascot is a gator.

has a three-story classroom wing.

“New safety features, incorporation of natural light, and more collaborative spaces for students and teachers make Kingwood Middle a model for what’s possible for schools,” Principal Michael Curl said.

Once the old building is removed, phase two of construction will include a new track and field, a concession booth, and bleachers.

“With each new campus, 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 of Schools Follow Dr. Fagen on Twitter @ElizabethFagen

The original Kingwood Middle School was replaced to provide educational facilities comparable to newer schools. The new campus is in the same location and

Autumn Ridge Middle School

Kingwood Middle School

Autumn Ridge Library

Emerald’s Dance Team with School Board member Ken Kirchhofer, Principal Rosalyn Sweat and Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Fagen.

KMS Assistant Principal James Paschall, Math Instructional Coach Gloria Medel, Principal Michael Curl and SPED Campus Specialist Jennifer Singletary greet students in the new KMS cafeteria.

GROWING IN CLEVELAND

Cleveland ISD opened as a one-room schoolhouse with 25 students in 1908. Over the next 100 years, the district grew to more than 3,000 students housed in five buildings. For decades, Cleveland ISD was classified as a 3A school district with very little growth. But in 2015, that all began to change. And change came quick. Since 2015, Cleveland ISD has grown to more than 11,500 students. Today, Cleveland ISD is classified as a 6A school district and competes against schools including The Woodlands High School, Grand Oaks High School, and College Park High School.

With fast growth comes opportunities. The additional student enrollment allowed the district to expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) and extra-curricular offerings. Students now can enroll in robotics,health sciences, and medical technician courses. Students can even become certified cosmetologists in the district’s state-of-the-art cosmetology lab. And in January, a Green Monster made its debut in the outfield of a newly constructed baseball and softball field at the Cleveland ISD Hal McClelland Sports Complex.

Football and Volleyball season is over; however, Basketball season is just beginning for Cleveland ISD!

Here at Cleveland ISD you will find a lot of our elementary students that look up to our high school athletes, hoping one day to be in their shoes.

Our Athletic Directors, Brian Ricci and Daylyn Harris recognize the impact our high schoolers can have on the younger students, so with a select group of those high school athlete students the Athletic Directors have allowed them to visit the elementary campuses during the morning time to greet the elementary students as they arrive at school. This is, and has been an amazing way for our younger students to become excited about school and see that their dreams are attainable!

Now that we are several months into the school year and jumping into Fall with both feet, this begins an exciting time for our students. As the weather becomes chilly, and cold fronts move in, this gives everyone the feeling of the holidays! Our students become thrilled about the holiday season during school time. Lots of wonderful learning activities for them and the spirit of goodness and kindness is filled at all the campuses in our district. We at Cleveland ISD hope your family enjoys a restful and peaceful Thanksgiving Holiday

Cleveland ISD is led by Superintendent Stephen W. McCanless. Mr. McCanless is a Native Texan, havingbeenraisedinandcompletingallofhispublicschoolyearsinChannelviewISD.

Being from a family of 4 brothers and 5 sisters, McCanless says that education was always a topic of discussionatthedinnertable.Mr. Science from San Jacinto College, his Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Master’s Degree in EducationManagement,bothfrom all course work for his Ed.Din Educational Supervision at Lamar University.. Mr. McCanless’s philosophyis,“Everychildcanlearn;ourjobistosupportandinspiretheminthisjourney”.

havingbeenraisedinandcompletingallofhispublicschoolyearsinChannelviewISD. discussionatthedinnertable.Mr. EducationManagement,bothfrom philosophyis,“Everychildcanlearn;ourjobistosupportandinspiretheminthisjourney”.

The Path of a Butterfly

By Isabella Franco,

When the monarch butterfly first hatches out of its chrysalis, she has never flown before. She also has never gone on this journey before until now. But, that doesn’t stop her. She still flies off on the journey of 3,000 miles all the way from Canada to Mexico.

This reminds me of the story in the Bible when God guided the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. The Israelites didn’t know where they were going, but God led them to the Promised Land safely.

Numbers 9:22 reads: Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.

The cloud in this verse is God and when God left the tabernacle the Israelites followed him to a new camping spot. God also gave food to them. I believe that, just like the Israelites, God is guiding the butterflies’ journey too! God can guide the

Israelites and the butterflies, but he can guide your life too! You just have to read and obey his word.

On the way to Mexico, there are lots of obstacles in the way of the butterflies like birds, cars, spiders, and storms. But God has given the monarchs all that they need to make it to Mexico.

But the biggest obstacle is Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. The butterflies have to make a 100-mile trip across Lake Erie with no stops! Sounds impossible, right? But God has given the monarchs extra energy storage in their abdomen to make the long flight.

This reminds me of the story in the Bible when God helped the Israelites break down the walls of Jericho.

Joshua 6: 3-4 and verse 20 reads: March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven

priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 20 When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.

The walls of Jericho were so thick that people had their homes inside of them! Can you believe that a wall as thick as a house can crumble to the ground in a snap? Or that a little butterfly can go 100 miles without any stops? I believe that, just like how God helped the

Israelites overcome their obstacle, God is helping the monarch butterflies overcome theirs.

Don’t forget that God can help you overcome the obstacles in your life too. You just have to ask and have faith that he will help.

When the butterflies finally reach Mexico, they start to go into hibernation (or a deep sleep) for the winter. When spring comes, they wake up and lay eggs. But sadly, they die right after laying their eggs. You may think that the story ends here, but it doesn’t. When the eggs hatch, they will eat, grow, and turn into new butterflies that will then migrate back to Canada. But, it can take four to five generations for the monarchs to migrate back to Canada! Each generation knows exactly where to go on the journey right after they hatch! Isn’t it amazing how the butterflies know exactly which path is right to take? It’s even more amazing that God knows what path is right for us to take.

Psalms 119:105 reads: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. It’s remarkable to know that God has a special plan just for us. But we have a choice to make. We can listen and obey God or we can go our own way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reads: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

If we choose to trust and obey God he will show us the right path for us to take. But if we choose to go our own way, we will be lost and never be found. So, it is up to us to make the right choice and follow God! Will you choose today to follow God and trust him to put your life on the right path? Who knew you could learn so much about God from the journey of one little butterfly! Thank you.

Isabella Franco, 11 years old, was given the opportunity to share her talents in an event for kids hosted by the Assemblies of God called Fun Arts this past October. In this event, kids get to exercise their skills in different categories. Isabella loves God and nature and was inspired to write the above short sermon blending her passions.

- Memories and Musings - by Julia Nation

“God Friended Me”

“God Friended Me” was a popular television program. In the show God is a friend to Miles on a social media account. God sends a friend suggestion to Miles and Miles with the help of two friends locates the person, finds out what his problem is and helps the person with the problem by the end of an hour. During every episode Miles insists that he does not believe in God, yet he has to help the person in need because it is so exhilarating to be used to solve the problems of another individual.

I enjoyed the show because I know that God uses others to meet needs when they arise in the lives of individuals. Also, I know that God uses those who do not believe in Him to be the solution for individuals who are believers. But God doesn’t have a social media account, and He isn’t sending friend suggestions through the Internet. In fact, in most instances

people don’t realize who specifically helped to meet their need. “Things just work out” is the response we usually hear.

As we approach a New Year,” I tend to reflect back on the times that I know God used others to meet needs in my life. One occasion was in 1968 when I was a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. I needed a parttime job that paid more than the babysitting position I had. When I saw an ad in the newspaper for a cashier at Sears, I felt God said, “That’s the job for you.” My lack of experience did not deter me from applying for the job. During the interview, I insisted that I was able to handle the tasks required of a cashier and I was hired. The seasoned employees told me that when the manager returned from the interview, she said, “She has no experience, but she says she can do the job.” Working as a cashier at Sears is where I met my husband. God had used the manager to meet more than one need in my life.

In the 1980s, I again needed a job. We had closed two businesses and my husband wanted me to return to teaching. I had no idea where to look for work, but I was having lunch with two friends from college and felt that I needed to tell them about my need of a job. We had lunch on Thursday, and on Friday my friend Vicki called my house to tell me about a teaching position in a small school district north of Humble. That position was a new beginning in teaching for me, and Vicki was excited that God had used her to meet my need.

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. It’s rare that we know immediately when God uses someone to meet

a need in our life. It’s usually years later when we can look back and see how God provided in a situation. I do know that God is not sending my name as a friend suggestion on social media. However God works, though, I am thankful that He does work in mysterious ways and guides individuals to help each other every day.

Julia Woodyard Nation was born in her home two miles west of Humble. She is a graduate of Aldine High School, but her family was active in the Humble area. Julia received her BS degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Belton, TX. In 1974, Julia and her family moved to Humble where she became involved in a local church and owned and operated a bookstore for nine years. Julia taught in public schools for over thirty years and retired from the Humble ISD. She enjoys traveling and has visited all fifty states. Julia is also a published author. Her book “The Substitute Workshop “ is a preparation guide for teachers and substitutes. For more information on her book: thesubworkshop.com

The Free Gift

By Deborah Elum, Producer & Author

Recently, I needed to return an item I purchased online from a distributor. For convenience, the distributor had a return kiosk inside another store in my area. When I gave the store clerk my item, he handed me a coupon for ten dollars off any purchase in the store. So, I found a black blouse on sale, initially priced at sixty dollars. As I pulled out my wallet to pay the difference, I was told I did not owe anything. The coupon and the additional sales discount covered the entire cost. This was the first time I bought something and did not have to pay. I considered it a gift that the store had given me. That experience was a reminder of the gift that God gave us. That gift is our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. When we received Him into our hearts, we received salvation, love, peace, joy, and much more. In the Book of Isaiah 9:6, the Prophet Isaiah foretold of His birth, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The wonderful news is that we can share Jesus with everyone, anytime, and anyplace. We don’t have to wait for a store open or wait for a sale to receive Him. He is a free gift to all who will receive Him as Lord and Savior. As we celebrate the joyous seasons of Christmas and the New Year, we must let people know that Jesus is the Reason for every season. I pray that if you don’t know Jesus, you will invite Him into your heart today.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the

shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name

with us.”

Listen to Deborah’s Podcast at: https://redcircle.com/shows/changing-your-life-with-the-word

“A fabulously fun read and just downright hilarious!”

It is Time for a Church Overhaul! The Pastor of Sunnydale Community Church just does not know what to do. He is at his wits end with a church of rowdy ladies, a dysfunctional Deacon Board, and one nosey secretary. A Church with Spots and Wrinkles is a hilarious comedy by Deborah Elum.

Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com.

Grab a cup of coffee and hold on to your funny bone as a pair of twin sisters put a smile on your face, laughter in your heart, and joy in your soul. This light-hearted comedy about sisterhood, romance, and friendships will leave you thirsting for more. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! by Deborah Elum. Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com.

Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin

Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God

Matthew 1:22-23

“A Book that is Good to the Last Drop!”

DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM!

By: Jaime Wallace

Abusers have triggers. In my professional experience, triggers can be unemployment, drugs or alcohol, loss of control, infidelity, or financial issues. After learning this it should be no surprise to you now that a recent meta-analysis has shown that “domestic violence incidents increased 8.1% after jurisdictions imposed pandemic-related lockdown orders.”1 The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has seen an uptick in DV cases post pandemic and we are working hard to get these numbers down in our community.

Did you know that it takes about seven attempts for a survivor to leave their abuser and stay separated for good? One reason is because “leaving is the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship.”2 Keep this in mind the next time you ask yourself why they stay. When you find out that someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, first thing is first- armor yourself with patience and lots of it! It may be frustrating for you, but it can be life or death for them. What do I do while waiting patiently?

DO NOT GIVE UP ON THEM! Now that you know “getting out” of the relationship is not as simple as a break up text or walking out the door, provide them with information to keep them alive and the tools to help them once they commit to getting out. Survivors must make an exit plan and stay alive in the process.

Safety tips:

• Figure out what that plan is- when, how, where will you go, etc… and practice it!

• Know your abuser’s triggers so that if you cannot leave, you can at least avoid kitchens, bathrooms, and garages where there are weapons.

• If you have children, teach them to not protect you, but to hide and call 911 or run and find a neighbor. Have them memorize your address. Tell them it is not their fault and that violence is wrong.

• Save the National DV Hotline number: 1-800-799-7233. They can direct you on the next steps to take, where to go, who to talk to, and how to survive.

• Let a neighbor know what is going on. Have a code word or a code like lights flickering on and off when help is needed.

• If charges are filed, many resources will be available. A victim in Montgomery County will never have

1 Alex R. Piquero, Ph.D et al “Domestic Violence During Covid-19, Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Impact Report: COVID-19 and Domestic Violence Trends, National Commission on Covid-19 and Criminal Justice

2 Respond- Working to End Domestic Violence: https://www.respondinc.org/dv-facts-stats/

Jaime Wallace is the Chief of Domestic Violence (DV) at Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. The DV section falls under the office’s Special Victims Division. ADA Wallace is responsible for reviewing all domestic violence cases to assess the severity and lethality of the each case. This review includes not only the law enforcement offense report, but also the nature of the relationship between the two parties, the manner and means of the assault, and the criminal history of the defendant.

ADA Wallace became a prosecutor right out of law school. She’s been with the District Attorney’s Office over three years now trying anything from misdemeanors to first degree felonies. As a wife, mother, and resident of Montgomery County, she is proud to serve her community and advocate for victims of domestic abuse. The DV section’s first priority is protecting the victim. In addition to her duties in the office, ADA Wallace is involved in outreach presentations within our community. One topic near and dear to her is being proactive by sharing how to protect women and children from becoming victims, as well as how to respond to a friend or family member when you find out they are being abused by their partner.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” ― Ben Carson

One of the best feelings in the world is giving. I learned this lesson early in life, from my oldest brother, Percy, who shared with me many times what he calls the greatest Christmas he ever had.

As a young boy, Percy remembers our family living in a tworoom shack in the woods with no electricity, no water, with a tin stove, the burner was a round wick like in a coal oil lamp. For Christmas that year, he and our brother, Raymond, cut down a small pine tree and planted it in the yard. They made glue out of flour and water, cut strips from old newspapers, made a paper chain, then wrapped the chain around the tree for decoration.

Later, Percy went to the store with our dad. Percy doesn’t remember where he got the penny from but there was a

game at the store you could play for a penny with punch out spots with one spot being the winning one. He is not sure if he won the prize or if the store owner let him win, but he won a cedar box with candy inside. He gave the cedar box to our mother, and he gave the candy to his siblings. Our mother kept her cedar box no matter how many times we moved after that Christmas. Your greatest gift is the ability to share your blessings; it is what makes life meaningful for yourself and for others. It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

For God o loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16

Paula Enloe worked as a legal assistant for over 25 years and is a certified family law mediator. She is the author of the book “Lessons From My Mirror - Change Begins With Me.” Paula and her husband Noble, began having Bible Studies in their home when Covid-19 restricted public gatherings in church buildings. When their group began to grow, they founded the Family Worship Center of Plum Grove, Texas. In 2022, they moved into a building but continue to keep the home setting inside with couches, tables and chairs. Their motto is “Doing Church Differently”. They count it as their greatest privilege to share the love of Jesus to each person they come in contact with daily.