Cashing in Hard Work for a College Education

5614 2ND ST • KATY, TX (281) 391-2299 M-SAT: 10AM - 5:30PM SUN: NOON - 5PM

www.ktantiques.net www.facebook.com/ ktantiquesmall

Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Found Treasures, Unique Finds, Furniture & Old/New/Seasonal Decor.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE FAITH. ACADEMICS. ARTS. ATHLETICS.

her next semester. She not only sold the gift baskets online, but also attended craft shows. During one show, Karen’s story picked up at tention from a local television news outlet. Karen was interviewed on-camera at her booth, and the cameras drew even more customers. “It ended up creating enough attention that the next day a Sam Houston State University alum got offered to help pay for her college tuition,” says Paul.

Even with the added support to cover costs, a college education has added expense of books, gas and other supplies, which she is still working to cover. Now into the spring, Karen is offering special gift baskets focused on the spring holidays, birthdays and other special events. A popular item is the student study basket. It comes with study supplies and snacks for friends and family to send to their col lege student away from home.

Patient-Centered Primary Care for the Entire Family

Experience Modern, Friendly, Patient-Focused Healthcare • Complete family practice serving the entire family – children through adults • Conveniently located in Brookshire • Our approach addresses the whole person • We take time to treat, respect, and listen to our patients • You’ll leave feeling cared for and equipped with information needed to make informed decisions about your health • Serving the Houston area for over 20 years Dr. Clyde McMorris, MD, has been providing friendly, patient-focused patient care since 2000.

New Location! Grand Opening March 3! 4019 S. Front St. • Brookshire, TX 77423 Phone: (281) 934-1000 • Fax: (281) 934-1020 www.brookshirefamilypractice.com As for Karen, she is earning her criminal justice degree online so she can continue to work to pay for her education. She now has a new job though at Simmons and Fletcher as a marketing assistant.

Recipe: Vegan Southern Tofu Scramble

By Hannah Menslage Assistant Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine & Katy Christian Magazine

Ingredients

Scramble • 8 ounces extra-firm tofu • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil • 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced) • 1/2 red pepper (thinly sliced) • 2 cups kale (loosely chopped)

Sauce • 1/2 tsp sea salt (reduce amount for less salty sauce) • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/4 tsp chili powder • Water (to thin) • 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional)

For Serving (optional) • Salsa • Cilantro • Hot Sauce • Breakfast potatoes, toast, and/or fruit Directions

1) Pat tofu dry and roll in a clean, absorbent towel with something heavy on top, such as a cast-iron skillet, for 15 minutes.

2) While tofu is draining, prepare sauce by adding dry spices to a small bowl and adding enough water to make a pourable sauce. Set aside.

3) Prep veggies and warm a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and the onion and red pepper. Season with a pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Cook until softened - about 5 min utes.

4) Add kale, season with a bit more salt and pepper, and cover to steam for 2 minutes.

5) In the meantime, unwrap tofu and use a fork to crumble into bitesized pieces.

6) Use a spatula to move the veggies to one side of the pan and add tofu. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add sauce, pouring it mostly over the tofu and a little over the veggies. Stir immediately, evenly dis tributing the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until tofu is slightly browned.

She is now able to gain experience in the field, run her business and attend school.

“When I offered her the job again, she accepted,” says Paul. “I’m glad she did. I can teach somebody marketing techniques and how to execute plans, but I can’t teach somebody to be as motivated as her.”

Through her business, It Pays My College Tuition, Karen has also been able to give back to others. During December and January, she was able to fundraise support to donate 32 gift baskets to children Texas Children’s Hos pital. Karen was so moved by her experience at Texas Children’s Hospital she is now a volunteer.

“I never thought any of my faxes or my online business would get me this far,” says Karen, “but I am happy with the results.”

With her motivation, creativity and hard work, the future for Karen looks bright. It will be exciting to see what all she accomplishes as she continues to move forward in life. Learn more about Karen’s story and her business by visiting itpaysmycollegetuitionkarensears.com.

Katy & Bend was created by Johnny Hawkins. Since 1986, over 32,000 of his cartoons have appeared in leading publications such as Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Living, Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s World, Faith Today, Focus on the Family and over 900 other publications.