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March 2013


CELEBRATION TIME
HE IS ALIVE!   HAPPY EASTER
         Because He lives we will live also. John 14:19       
        
When Jason was a teenager he started his own landscape business. He mowed grass. But instead of buying an expensive pair of tennis shoes or the latest electronic device,
Jason bought bigger and better tools. Then he needed a truck. Karmon, his mother, gave him her 20-year old truck as a graduation present. He graduated when he was 17 by taking some online courses to earn high school credits.
Now he could work full time. Soon he needed space to store his equipment and bought a small piece of land with a barn. At age 20, he parked an RV inside the barn to live in.
Jason didn’t have much time to play around but almost from the day he was born he had time to go to the Almeda Baptist Church which is now Southview Baptist. He also found time to meet a very pretty girl. Now it was time to build a house. At the age of 30, Jason has his own work crew, more equipment, a nice home on ten acres, a wife and three children.
         Jason values his time and uses it carefully. He never did have time for college which might have provided an easier way to make a living, but he has no regrets. He likes his work even with all the hassles of running a business in today’s world of regulations.
         If he could have started a business when his great, great, great, great grandfather came to Almeda, he would not have had many, if any, regulations. But he would not have had any trees to cut since there wasn’t any, nor grass to mow since the cattle roamed freely. 
 IS COLLEGE RIGHT FOR YOU?
         Nearly half of employed college graduates in the US hold jobs that don’t require a college education including 323,200 waiters and waitresses, 115,520 janitors, and 83,028 bartenders.
         About five million college graduates are in jobs that the Bureau of Labor Statistics says don’t even require a high-school education. Richard Vedder, an Ohio University economist, says the trend is likely to continue over the next decade. The problem is an oversupply of college-educated Americans compared to the number of jobs requiring a college degree:
•The number of Americans whose highest academic degree was a bachelor’s grew 25 percent to 41 million from 2002 to 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
•The number with an associate degree rose 31 percent during that period. •Americans with a master’s degree rose 45 percent, and those with a doctorate degree rose 43 percent.
•Labor Department data from 2010 show that there were 41.7 million college graduates in the workforce, while the number of jobs requiring a college degree was just 28.6 million.
•In 1970, about 10 percent of Americans over age 25 had a college degree, while today the percentage has tripled to 30 percent.
Depending on the person, college can be very good.
      A Challenge from Jason and Ron Carlson
"If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test.
 I challenge you to go to any library in the world. You can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions."
History of Almeda
Almeda was a two horse town stretching west of S. Post Oak & East of 288. Call 713-433-1098 to have the book,“Back Yonder In Almeda” mailed to you, or pick up a copy for $12 at Debbie’s Barber Shop.
Read what life was like in the early years of Almeda .
Find out about Almeda, Hooper, Anderson, Riley etc.


PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED IMPROVEMENS ON HWY 288 FROM US 59 TO COUNTY ROAD 60

Hearings held March 5th, at 3100 Shenandoah in the DeBakey High School cafeteria. Presentation starts at 7 p.m.

The same info will be given on March 7th at Berry Miller Jr. High in the cafeteria at 3301 Manvel Road in Pearland.

         The findings of the preliminary engineering and environmental studies, and the proposed roadway improvements which include the •Construction of toll lanes in each direction within the existing grassy median between US 59 and CR 60 •Interchange improvements at IH 610 and Beltway 8
•Construction of general-purpose lanes between IH 610 and Beltway 8 •Improve access to Texas Medical Center will be presented. •Approximately 69 acres of additional right of way would be required (95 percent is agricultural or undeveloped, 5 percent is residential or commercial/industrial)
Women’s Pregnancy Center
WPC reaches out to compassionately meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of pregnant women and their families, while fostering the TRUTH of Jesus Christ in their lives,”·Teaching Biblical principles, Redeeming lost hope, Unifying families and relationships, Training in righteousness, and Healing wounded hearts.
WPC has served SW Houston since July 15, 1986. As a Christ-Centered, pro-life ministry formed “to help a pregnant woman in a state of crisis to understand her options,” we provide counsel and information that will empower her to make informed decisions about the outcome of her pregnancy. “Three churches from Ft. Bend Co. provided the resources that resulted in opening this “place of help and hope.”
8300 Bissonnet suite 160                 713-774-0126
consultant1@wpchouston.com
FROM THE CROSS
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34  
Truly I say to you, Today you shall be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43
Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? (that is to say) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27: 46
Woman behold thy son. Behold thy mother John 19:26 & 27
I thirst. John 19:28
It is finished. John 19:30
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46



CHICKENS
         Young female chickens are called pullets. They grow up to be hens. Hens lay eggs. Young male chickens usually grow big enough to become fryers and then they go to church: Churches Fried Chicken that is. A few males are allowed to survive until they are full grown roosters. They like to crow early in the morning. They also grow spurs on the low part of their leg and can be dangerous.
         Without a rooster, a chicken can lay eggs but it cannot lay fertilized eggs. Fertilized eggs can produce a baby chick in 21 days if the egg is kept warm.
Have you heard the question, “What comes first the chicken or the egg?”
Keep in mind you cannot have an egg that will produce a chicken unless it is a fertilized egg. You can’t have a fertilized egg without a rooster and a hen.
Chickens also have two wings. If you clip the feathers short on both wings it can still fly. If you clip the feathers on just one wing it cannot fly.
Even the eagle needs two wings to fly high. A right wing and a left wing. We, nor chickens, need two right wings or two left wings. Perhaps we need more appreciation for those that are on the opposite side. 

TEXAS LEGISLATURE
In 2011, 5,796 bills were introduced, 1,379 bills passed. March 8th is the deadline to get your rep. to file a bill. Legislature ends May 27th For info on legislators status of bills and dates of hearings go to www.capitol.state.tx.us or go to legislative library www.irl.state.tx.us or call 1-877-824-7038.

Prayer – Does It Make Any Difference
          One theme in the book by Philip Yancey is that genuine prayer changes my perspective and helps me distinguish between what only seems to be real and what is. One reality that seems to be buried by the voices of so called “reason” is the transcendency of GOD above everything. Prayer is the reset button that restores my mind to this truth. All day everyday I’m bombarded with messages of the power of mere men. 
The fate of an innocent man held in the hands of a corrupt judge. The dangers of man induced global warming and the power of man to change the climate and the forces of nature. The control of the global economy by men who answer to no one. The usurpation of authority by corrupt governments around the world. Doctors and politicians deciding whose life has value and whose does not merit the care of a physician or the protection of a society.
Without prayer all of these problems seem real and really big. These are the kinds of things that have motivated people to rush out and buy guns, hoard gold and stockpile food. But with prayer these problems can be seen as they really are compared to GOD as HE really is.
As I was reading Yancey’s book I had this image in my mind of an ant stealing a crumb of food from the KING’S table. How insignificant is the ant in the presence and power of the KING. How much of the KING’S energy would it take to deal with the ant. And what about the crumb. All the world’s power fight over the crumb fallen from the KING’S table. In reality all the wealth of this world doesn’t amount to a single crumb from GOD’s table. And yet men fight and die for this crumb as if this was all there is.
I have no fear of ants because I know the reality of the differences in our size and intelligence. I don’t fear the loss of a single crumb of my food because I know the reality of the proportion of that crumb to what resources I have. The reality of the vastness of GOD’s resources is incomprehensible. Prayer shows the reality that even a 16 trillion dollar debt is only a small crumb compared to GOD’s resources What need could I possibly have that JESUS cannot meet? There is none. God is good.             By Robert Andrews



 EVOLUTION FACTS & IMAGINATION 
   
LUCY
RECONSTRUCTED
      
How did the scientist determine from the bones they found which they called Lucy have dark skin? How could they determine that the eye brows were smaller than on a regular chimp? Since they did not find a fossilized eyeball what made them decide that the iris of Lucy’s eyes were surrounded by white, like a human eye?
         Finding human bones or chimpanzee bones is no big deal, but to find bones that they consider transitional bones is of great value. So when they reconstructed Lucy, she or he needed to have dark skin since they believe the first humans evolved from chimps to humans in Africa. Sound racist? 


CHIMP
The eye brow looks more human and for sure Lucy’s eyes look much more human than a chimps. All this based on those little bones combined with big imagination..

ANOTHER OLD TIMER’S HOUSE BITES THE DUST
If you came to Almeda (which stretched from east of 288 to west of South Post Oak) before 1953, you probably remember Charlie Pretty who lived between the first Almeda Methodist church and Mr. and Mrs. Fellows home on Fellows Road which is now called Bridgeport. The original Almeda Methodist church building is now the property of Christian Life Fellowship.
Although Charlie believed in God and lived next to the church, he didn’t go to church, according to his neighbor, Sue Hughes. Sue found him to be a sweet old man although unusual. When he had to go to a nursing home, he gave Sue a handmade rocking chair.
Charlie’s parents built the first house in Almeda in 1893. Without electricity it was handmade too. The only thing left of his childhood home is a picture. Don’t know if there is even a picture of Charlie’s old house except in our memories.

BURGER KING REPLACES CHURCH
At first the South Post Oak Baptist Church was a mission started by the Almeda Baptist. The property and building was given to the congregation which later became the Fountain of Praise. They moved to Hillcroft. Now Burger King occupies the property.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” Thomas Jefferson


HOMEGROWN STRAWBERRIES
         On Jan. 31st, I called Bob and Margaret Keyworth to brag. My strawberry plant had a bloom. Bob was not impressed. They had strawberries for breakfast. He did admit they only had two berries. They set their plants out in early Nov.

ALMEDA MOE
Moe had a chat with Joe, and asked him how he became so successful. Joe said I surround myself with intelligent people. “How do you know who is intelligent,” asked Moe. Joe said he asked a simple question then he called in Clayton his top executive.“Clayton, if your mother and father had a child and it isn’t your brother or sister can you tell me who it is”? Clayton replied, “It would be me.” So Moe went to his own business and called Charlie, his top man, and asked him the same question. Charlie replied “I’ll get back to you on that Moe.” Charlie started asking everyone else. Nobody could answer the question until he asked the janitor. The janitor said, “That’s easy. It’s me.” Charlie ran back to Moe and said, “I found the answer to your question, it’s the janitor.”
Moe yelled, “You idiot. It’s not the janitor. It’s Clayton.”

Happy Birthday
Rose Andrews turned 93 on December 5, 2012, but she feels like celebrating now since she is getting out of rehab after breaking her hip. Caroline Mayfield celebrated her 89th birthday on Feb. 8th, by going camping (in an RV). Her granddaughter and three greats met her and daughter, Carla, at Palmetto State Park.

HEART ATTACK
60% of people who have a heart attack while sleeping don’t wake up. But if you do immediately dissolve two aspirins in your mouth swallow with a little water, call 911 and a neighbor, say ‘heart attack’, unlock door, sit. DO NOT LIE DOWN!

 A JOURNEY
The wind howls the wind blows
Trials in our lives they come and go
We look here-we look there
We seek answers for our grief to bear
All this has been dealt with so long ago’
That we sometimes forget to use what we know
We cry, we plead, we suffer for naught
When we don’t use what God has already taught’
The Bible, God’s Holy word is a light to our path. Sometimes we don’t go there so our troubles last
He wants to comfort—He wants to abide
So why do we sometimes go and hide
He has given us all things freely and has paid the price
He wants his children to enjoy this life
Follow Jesus’ lead while He was here on this earth
Then He alone will give you new meaning and new birth.        
   By Sherry K.
                               
Condolences


Willie A. Battiste, 69, passed into Eternity on February 2, 2013 in the Houston Hospice on Holcombe Blvd. Willie suffered a stroke on Dec. 24, 2012 and was never able to return home. His funeral was at Winsor Village UMC Church on Feb. 9,2013 and he was buried in Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Willie was a  Deer Park Solvay Plastics company retiree. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Garner Battiste, 2 daughters, Marlena Johns and Sharaisse Landry and 6 grandsons.

Fannie Jane "Janie" Crippen, 77, passed away February 7, 2013. A big Houston Rockets fan, Janie also loved to read and sew. She grew cotton in her flower bed to make hand-made pillows for her family. At Christmas she made each family member their favorite desert. Janie was very strong in her faith and enjoyed studying her Bible. Preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Charles Crippen, and four siblings, Janie is survived by her son, Mark/Toni Crippen, a daughter, Cathy/Les Hansen; grandchildren: Amanda, Jonathan, Julie, and Megan; great grandchildren: Jeremiah, Jayden, and Joshua.
Janie’s funeral service was at Southview Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Brumbelow officiated. Interment in Davis, TX.
Johnny ‘Pop’ Kembro, 61, was born March 9, 1951, and passed away February 11, 2013. He came to Almeda in 1963. After 20 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Johnny retired, then worked in his younger son’s metal construction business, tended cattle and fences. He was committed to his family and so proud to be a grandfather. Johnny participated in the Commit for Life program donating blood for over 20 years. He was one of the Trinity County Adult Leaders for 15 years and a founding member of the Trinity County Youth Livestock Show. Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Marie; siblings: Michael, David and Susan Kembro; father-in-law, Dick Bockel. He is survived by his wife, Denise; sons: Eric/Tanya, Brian/Kimberly; grandchildren: Kayla and Andrew; a brother: Kenneth; mother-in-law Evelynn Bockel; and brother-in-law, Jim/Lola Bockel Pallbearers were Jim Bockel, J.J. Bockel, Gilbert Haffercamp, Roy Lucas, Robert O’Neil, David Spencer, Keith and Kurtis Thomas.
Harold Barron 77, born March 25, 1935 died Friday, February 22, 2013 Harold lived on FM 2234 his whole life. He was out penning up some steers for youngsters who were coming to take roping lessons.
Preceded in death by three siblings, he is survived by his wife, Oralia; children Sherry Glazener and Steven “Button Barron, eight grandchildren, nine greats and seven siblings. Services to be held at Grand Parkway Baptist Church.









February 2013

ARCOLA POLICE CHIEF DAVID TEZENO BEING SWORN IN BY MAYOR JONES


Tezeno came to work for the City of Arcola in 2007 as a reserve officer primarily to maintain his license which he received at the U. of H. Law Enforcement Academy. He was the guy you never see as he worked from 10 pm to 6 am and on the week ends, hours which suited him just fine since he had a trucking company.

When Tezeno was only seven years old his dad, a diesel truck mechanic, took David on his job one day. Right then he decided he wanted to be a truck driver and that is what he did for 33 years. Driving from sea to shinning sea was like a vacation every day for Tezeno. He loved the open road. Since becoming the chief in October 2012, he has had to turn the driving over to his son and cousin. Being a police chief is a full time job even in the small City of Arcola.

Besides getting a new chief in October, Arcola acquired a canine unit named Otto and his partner, Officer Juarez. They work full time for Arcola and also assist Fort Bend County and Precinct 1. Six reserve officers, still in training and working for free, joined the Arcola police force of four full time officers and four part time officers. Even during the Christmas holidays crime was down. With a total of 14 officers, Arcola has enough manpower to enforce the 55 mph speed limit inside the city limits on Hwy 521.

The department also purchased three used cars. Not enough money in the budget to buy new cars, but Tezeno believes that will change as Arcola will be providing city water which will result in new businesses moving in, and they will provide more revenue. Work is in progress on Compton now.

Tezeno misses the open road at times, but he is taking one day at a time and learning something new everyday.
The father of four children, husband for 23 years to his wife, Diane, and a deacon at his church for seven years, Tezeno says, “I’m here to do the best job I can, while I can.”

Lone Star Recycling & Transfer Station

Wonder what goes in that large building at 4107 Beltway 8? Wonder no more. It is a new transfer station in operation for the last two months by Mr. Bults Inc. or MBI.

After regular size garbage trucks unload at the station, The front end loader drops 12 to 14 scoops of garbage down into an 18-wheeler that can haul over 40,000 pounds of waste to a landfill site. It takes the big trucks 2 1/2 hours to make a round trip. Twenty four to 26 of the big trucks pull out every day. The last truck leaves about 3:30 p.m.

You might think the smell would be really bad but every bit of the trash is hauled off every night and the building is washed down. If you are there around noon on Friday, instead of the smell of garbage you will greeted with the pleasant odor of hamburgers on a grill. Every Friday MBI provides grilled hamburgers for all seven employees and for all the waste truck drivers. These guys, many who work for Waste Connection, might start working 
as early as 1:00 am collecting household waste. They unload then pick up several more loads  until they finish their route ten or more hours later. The transfer station is one busy place, one reason Oscar Zavala, who has had eight years of experience, likes his job.     
  SANDY HOOK IS NOT THE ONLY TRAGEDY


Sandy Hook had to ask people to stop sending their expressions of sympathy. They were overwhelmed with gifts. Anybody who didn’t grieve had to have a pretty cold heart. But where is the grief over 3,000 lives snuffed out everyday in abortion clinics? Boys and girls who will never have a chance to go to first grade.

Is there no grief because the unborn are smaller than first graders? That would be like saying a woman is not as important as a man since women are usually smaller than men.

Or is it because the unborn has not reached a certain level of development? A six year old girl has not developed her reproductive system. Does that mean she is of less value than a 14-year-old?

Or is it because of the environment? If you move from a small house to a larger house is your life worth more? An unborn only has to move eight inches to be born.

Or is it because of the degree of dependency? Is a person’s life worth less if they depend on certain medications to stay alive? Is a human being only valuable if they are valuable to someone else? Or only valuable if they can contribute to society? In that case who should decide which person contributes enough to deserve life?

Planned Parenthood receives $487 million from our government—our taxes. Both Democrat and Republican members of Congress have okayed this expenditure, while this non-profit organization pays 30 of their executives between $200,000 to $300,000 a year to exterminate the most helpless of our society. The man who gunned down precious children committed a horrible crime and is condemned by all of society rightly so, but the “doctors” who abort babies get paid. And we help pay them.

Most of us in one way or another share the blame for the 53 million babies who have been aborted since 1973, but now is the time to choose: individually and as a nation. Will we help the desperate girls and young women to choose life instead of death? Having a baby is tough but being alone and pregnant is overwhelming. Crisis Pregnancy Centers are equipped to help any one who doesn’t know where to turn for help. One recommended is Anchor Point 832-632-1221 in League City to help if a person wants to keep her baby. Adopt Texas at 713-529-4341 is another alternative. These places can help and they need help.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I'm fearfully & wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know this full well. Psalm 139:13-14

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

I’m thankful that the Creator of the Universe knew me, cared for me, and had big plans for me even when I was in my momma's belly.
Jenny Blackmon

Correction: James Wark was at the Houston Gem & Mineral Society not metal.


Candidates can sign up in February for May 2013 election races for city council, school board, and other local races according to Rodrigo Carreon.

According to Jerry Berck, he got the biggest deer every killed in the State of Texas. He doesn’t have a picture but with a slight smile Jerry says, “Trust me.”

Almeda Moe

Moe’s grandmother asked Moe to please come over and help her. “I’ve got a jigsaw puzzle I just can’t get started, she said” “Have you tried getting all the straight lines together,” Moe asked. “I can’t find any straight lines. Nothing works.” “What is it suppose to look like? What is the picture on the box.” “It looks like a rooster,” she replies. Moe drives over to her house and she hands him the picture of the rooster. She shows him where all the pieces of the puzzle are spread out on the table. Moe puts his arm around her shoulder and says, “Grandma, I think...I think we ought to have a cup of coffee and then put these corn flakes back in the box.”

NEW WATER BOARD MEMBER

Mr. Greg Fleck, has been appointed to the Fresno water board. He is filling the vacancy left by David Stoneham who has moved to San Augustine. Fleck, who bought the Morris Storage business has lived in Fresno for 13 years with his family. Fleck says, “I’m learning the procedures. The more I see, the more I appreciate what the board has done.”

Commissioner on Your Corner Commissioner Richard Morrison, Precinct 1, will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting in Fresno on Feb. 7th at the Mustang Community Center at 4525 FM 521 from 6:30 P.M. till 8:00P.M. He will be discussing concerns the residents may have.

Condolences

William May 93, passed away January 24, 2013 at his home after spending a week in bed with the flu. May had spent the last 67 years in charge of the pumping station on the Brazos river south of Arcola. His services will be held January 30th at Froberg Funeral in Alvin. He will be buried beside his wife at the Fresno Cemetery. May is survived by a son and several grandchildren.

TEXAS CATTLEWOMEN

According to Dorothy Chesser, a style show, dinner, and silent auction Feb. 5th will bring in money to be used to provide the meat for the Father’s Day drawing at Pyburns, scholarships, a dinner for families of patients at the Ronald McDonalds House for 50 people, and grilled hamburgers with side dishes at the Fisher House for 20 to 25 at the VA Hospital. Once a year for 20 years the ladies have served at the McDonald House and for five years at Fisher House.

A GOOD MAN

If you needed help you could count on Joe. He was dependable and helped all who asked. He was true to his wife, a good father and took his religion seriously. He was well known as a good man. But one day the bottom fell out. A tornado ripped through town and destroyed his uninsured home and his business. Inventory was scattered for miles. His wife survived but they lost all their children. The trauma was almost more than a human being could bear. Stress caused health problems. Why? Why? Why? He had lived his whole life wanting to please God. God had been good to him, but now.

His wife blamed him and in her grief turned against him. His longtime church friends came to console him, suggesting that he wasn’t as good as he seemed to be; he better admit his secret sins. Joe denied any secret sins but he prayed. Don’t all things work together for good to those who love God? Over and over he almost demanded an answer. Why God? Why have you allowed my life to be ruined? Joe wanted an explanation. Finally, God did answer.

He answered with questions showing Joe just how little he knew and how little control he had over anything. Joe got a new vision of God and of himself. Joe didn’t get an explanation but he began to see things in a new light. Instead of demanding an answer to his misfortune, he asked God to forgive him for he saw himself as God saw him and he saw God as HE is.

Then God healed him, doubled his fortune, and gave him more children.

Joe’s real name is Job. You can read all about him in the Bible. The book of Job comes just before Psalms in the Old Testament.

SCIENTIST


On Feb. 24th at 9pm a young man from Rice U. was presented in a favorable light as he fights to have the Christian viewpoint of how the world began removed from the textbooks in LA. He based his argument that scientist believe in evolution therefore any opposing view is frivolous, causing confusing and should not be presented in the textbooks.

But there are thousands of scientist, many with doctor degrees, who do not believe in the theory of evolution. Evolution is something people have been taught to believe in without questioning. Dr. Kent Novine asks questions. Since evolutionist believe that our universe began with a big bang, He wants to know what caused the explosion? And since we have laws to govern the universe where did the laws come from? What about energy, where does it come from? Which evolved first, the termite, which can’t digest wood or the tiny critters inside the termite that digest the wood termites eat? Type Kent Novine in your search engine and learn some things you won’t find in the text books

For 40 years, scientists with the Institute for Creation Research have proven that many of the so called facts of evolution are wrong. Type ICR in your search engine and they will give you material with scientific facts that might surprise you.

VINSON LIBRARY
3810 West Fuqua 832-393-2120
Open Tue. & Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 12-8 Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5. closed Sun. & Mon. www.houstonlibrary.org
Multi-center open Mon. thru Fri.
TAX HELP every Tue. and Thur. from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at Vinson Library.

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY
8411 Sienna Springs Blvd 281-238-2952 Diabetes Health each Tue. 6:30-8:30 Spanish computer classes Feb. 5th & 12th at 10am must register.
SAT test Feb 9th 10am to 2:15 pm
Sienna Book Club Feb 11th
Culinary: Feb. 18th 1:30 –chocolate.
Classic Movie for Black History Month Sat. Feb. 23, at 2:00 pm, . For more info, call 281-238-2900.
Crime Mystery Book Club Feb. 26th 7pm Before I Go to Sleep
Genealogy 101 Feb. 27th 10 am.
Learn how to Research Public Records Thur, Feb. 28, 10:00 am, Register at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us click on “Calendar,” select “Sienna Branch,” and find the program or call 281-238-2952.
Mother Goose every Tue. 10am
Toddler Time Thur. 10am
Story Time Wed. at 10am For other programs call the library
TAX HELP Every Tue. & Thur. 12:30 to 3:30 at Mo. City Branch @1530 Texas Parkway.

Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes." Bonhoeffer




 

































January 2013

Almeda Moe


Moe’s grandpa drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he pushed it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing," he thought as he flew down Hwy 521, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police officer from Arcola with blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this!" and pulled over to await the officer. Pulling in behind him, the officer got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, then said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a new reason for speeding--a reason I've never before heard -- I'll let you go."

Grandpa paused and then said: "Three years ago, my wife ran off with a police officer. I thought you were bringing her back.”
“Have a good day, Sir,” replied the officer.

Almeda Moe spent the last week of 2012 in the hospital due to a slight miscalculation. For Christmas he gave his son an I-pad, his daughter an I-pod, and his wife an I-ron.

KINFOLKS
Families meet and greet during the Christmas holidays. Uncles, aunts, cousins– cousin? You say you are my third cousin once removed. Could you explain that please. According to the encyclopedia, first cousins are the children of a brothers and sisters. The children of first cousins are second cousins to each other. The children of second cousins are third cousins to each other. But a child of one of the first cousins is a first cousin once removed.. A grandchild of one of the first cousins would be a first cousin twice removed. Got that   HAPPY HOLIDAYS The PC police don’t want us saying Merry Christmas anymore. If they knew the meaning of holiday, they might object to Happy Holidays, too. As listed in the Collegiate Dictionary the meaning of the word holiday is holy day. May each of you have many happy holy days this new year.

ARCOLA NEWS
A proposal was made that the Mayor’s salary would be increased from $400 a month to $500 a month. City council members would receive $200, an increase from $150. According to council member Effie Jones this proposal would go into effect only for those newly elected in 2013, and for those reelected in 2014. If a special meeting is called the mayor will also receive $200 and council members will receive $75.
A vote was taken on the proposal. Council member Jones, Rojas, and Jackson voted for, Hilton voted against and Tuffly was not present.

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Galveston!
Professor, author, and historian William Davis, from Virginia Tech, will be the keynote speaker at the Battle of Galveston 150th Anniversary Celebration to be held January 11th through 13th, 2013.

The event is hosted by Galveston Historical Foundation. I have been on the planning committee and I can tell you - this is going to be an awesome event!

Through a Humanities Texas grant all lectures will be free and open to the public. And we have some incredible speakers on tap. Only the exhibit at the Texas Seaport Museum, a few tours, and the Southern Banquet will have fees. Most exhibits, the lectures, and the living history events are free. Lectures include: “The Sinking of the USS Hatteras by CSS Alabama”
“The Monstrous Regiment of Women – Women Soldiers in the Civil War” (by Dr. William Davis)
“Warrior Women, Lady Spies in the Civil War”
“The British Opinion of the American Civil War”
Go to http://galvestonhistory.org/Battle_of_Galveston.asp for a schedule of events and to sign up/buy tickets. Also, they are looking for volunteers for ticket-taking and other easy tasks. If you want to get involved, call Jami Durham at 409 765 3409. Helen D. Mooty Director, Galveston County Museum 409 766-2329 office 281 910-3521 cell
helen.mooty@co.galveston.tx.us Sent in by John Walker

WILLIE “Bill” ANDREWS, 87, passed away December 9, 2012 Bill was born in Houston on May 19, 1925 and came to Almeda in 1936. He served his country during World War II with the 320th Squadron, 90th Bomb Group "Jolly Rogers" of the U.S. Army Air Corp. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross "for extraordinary achievement" in the Southwest Pacific. He returned to Almeda after the war where he spent the rest of his life. The foundations of several homes in Almeda attest to the fact that Bill learned from his father how to pour a concrete foundation properly. He worked as an inspector of concrete work for the City of Houston for 22 years after he had spent several years as an electrician. Always busy and desiring to serve others, he became a 50 year member of the Masonic Order.
Preceded in death by his brothers: Jim, Albert, LeRoy, Robert (Cotton), and Johnny; sisters: Vera, Nellie, Linda and Lois, Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dahlia Rae Tyler Andrews; brother, Wesley Andrews; daughters Connie Andrews, Evelyn/Lonnie Sasser, Barbara/David Grosskopf; grandchildren Scott, Kristen, Stephanie, Jason, Theresa, Jennifer, and Allison, 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Service were at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 6927 Main, Houston 77030 or charity of your choice.


DOROTHY JEAN Gehring MORTON 87, passed away December 18, 2012. When Dorothy first attended Almeda School she lived on Almeda Genoa Road, a dirt road back then. For entertainment she watched pilots doing stunts at the Minor- Stewart Airport located where 288 crosses Almeda Genoa. She learned to fly but didn’t want to solo. Dorothy worked years for Western Union, Witco Chemical, and as a volunteer for M.D. Anderson Hospital. She was a member of Eastern Star and Almeda United Methodist Church. Dorothy died peacefully at Holly Hall Retirement Community, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Robert I. Morton; parents F. N. and Anne Gehring; brothers Raymond and Johnny Gehring; sisters Mary Lea Langston and Annie Bass. She is survived by daughter Judy (Tighe) Truax and husband Wayne Truax; sister Amelia Murphey; She worked years for Western Union, Witco Chemical, and as a volunteer for M.D. Anderson Hospital. She was a member of the Bellaire Chapter of Eastern Star and Almeda United Methodist Church. Buried at South Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Dorothy to MD Anderson Hospital or the Almeda United Methodist Church.

TWAS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Twas the day after Christmas when all through the house
all the creatures were stirring even the mouse.
The stockings all tattered lay on the floor
the gifts back in boxes to return to the store
so off they go in their gas-powered sleigh
as they drove out of sight I heard father say
BAH HUMBUG by Billy Keyworth

Most of us have experienced the disappointment of having the “perfect” gift exchanged, or re-gifted or sold in a garage sale for a fraction of its cost. Through out time, the only purely perfect gift came from a perfect person in the form of a perfect baby who lived a perfect life. Many have exchanged this perfect gift for temporary pleasure. Others stuff it away in a closet and forget it or sell the perfect gift for a tiny, tiny fraction of its worth like Judas who accepted 30 pieces of silver for the One who created silver and gold and diamonds and the heavens and earth.

Yet there are others who would gladly lay down their lives before they would deny or reject the perfect gift—the gift that makes us acceptable to God.

When our not so perfect gifts are rejected, we can partly understand, the grief God must feel when those He so dearly loves reject or put small value on the gift of His only begotten Son, the most precious gift a father could give.
As much as you desire to be with the ones you love, God desires to be with us. He proved his love. John 3:16

GRAND PARKWAY TOLL RD. SEGMENT C

The proposed route for the Grand Parkway Toll Road connecting 99 at 59 to 288 will run right through the Rosharon State Prison Farm on 521. It will make a connection with 288 about seven miles south of Hwy 6 and north of FM 1462. The email address for public comment is segmentccomment@grandpky.com The deadline for comments is suppose to be Dec. 20th, but perhaps they may still read them.



James Wark draws a crowd at the Houston Gem and Metal Society. He is demonstrating the lost wax casting procedure to make jewelry. That procedure was used in India about 5,000 years ago and for making jewelry in Egypt 3500 years. It is still used for precision items like dental plates. James has made several rings using the gold he gets from discarded computers. Only takes about 250 computer boards and a ton of patience to get an ounce of gold. He is not worried about somebody else preventing him from getting all the computers he wants since there is a constant supply as schools, businesses, and the government are continually updating. If you want more info on how to mine gold from computers go to Google, type in James Wark and click on Precious Metal Mine by James Wark. While making a living recycling, Wark acts for fun and added adventure. His latest movie is coming out in January at 258 movie theaters where he will play the part of a sheriff in “Search for the American Dream”.


BE GOOD TO POLICE OFFICERS

At a routine traffic stop a Houston police officer was shot and killed. We might forget that news in a few days but officers will remember. They never know who is behind the wheel, an honest citizen who was in a big hurry, a drunk, a drug smuggler, or a nut. If you get pulled over the best thing to do is put both hands on the steering wheel in plain sight or lower your window and have both hands visible on the door. The police officer’s job is stressful enough. They have families, too.

WARNING TO GUN OWNERS

Be careful how you answer questions when you go to the doctor. A former vet went to the VA. He was asked: did he feel stressed, did he feel threaten, did he feel like harming someone? He answered no and then found out if he said yes to one of those questions it would have gone on his medical record, reported to Homeland Security and he would have lost his concealed hand gun permit.

Jackie B. emailed that she had a visit with a doctor who was a member of the Association of Family Physicians and that all their doctors are required to use a standardized form with the following questions. Do you have any guns in your house? Do you own any guns? If so, how many? Are your guns secured in your home? How? Her answer was None of your business!!

According to the National Institute of Justice's report "Guns in America: National Survey on Private Ownership and Use of Firearms", guns are used over 1.5 million times a year in self defense. That means that firearms are used 40 times more often for protection than for murder.

From a Texas Redneck Gun Owner " There are no words to explain evil acts by a nut with guns. Conn, and New Jersey have the strictest gun laws in the USA next to Chicago. The first thing out of the Gun Control crowd is ban all guns. Just delete the 2nd amendment and start picking them up!! They just need something to blame to make them feel better . It's a kneejerk reaction from the same bunch every time a tragedy occurs.
It's a fact, crazy people are gonna kill. Look what a handful of Muslims did to kill 3000 Americans with something as common as a box cutter . Didn't need a gun for that. It's a sick feeling watching those tormented parents. (in Conn.) The nut could have done the same thing with a sword or a homemade bomb or who knows. Just get on the internet and you can find out how to make poison gas. Killers will kill. They have since dawn of Man. Hitler took all the guns from his citizens in the late 30's as did Japan from their people. Disarm and control, You saw how all that worked out! I don't mind a background check on buyers. I went thru that and the FBI got my prints on file, but I can legally protect my home and family in public, if not me, then Who will? Guns don’t make us killers. I firmly believe there is a long range plan to disarm the U.S. citizens. These people are cunning and patient. We already got a President that ignores the Constitution and does as he wishes and nobody challenges him. When they take away our right to defend, we become nothing but sheep to slaughter if we don't do as they wish. I could go on and on but most folks have their minds made up. Maybe if we quit letting our kids play the violent shootem up video games and got Hollywood to quit glamorizing mass body counts in their movies and got God back into the schools things would be different. Something in our society has changed us.
Ed. Note: Written by a man who was the victim of a senseless shooting. My thoughts: address the use of legal drugs.

Vote Passed 398-1 —- 32 Not Voting
The House cleared a Senate bill that would remove the pejorative “lunatic” from the United States Code. The lone House dissenter was Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, who insisted that lunatic should be retained, pointing to his fellow Members of Congress as living, breathing examples of the term. The bill awaits the president’s signature.

TREE STUMP GOOD RIDDANCE
Want to get rid of an old tree stump. I had a stump about ten inches in diameter. I placed three empty plastic milk gallon containers on top of it As you know the plastic is made from oil which when set on fire soaked into the stump. It burned brightly for a few minutes then just smoldered. The next morning there was a hole in the ground where the stump and the roots had burned out.

A SIGN FROM A GOVERNMENT AGENCY The Park and Wildlife Dept. put up a sign: Please Do Not Feed the Animals." Their stated reason for the policy is because the animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves.
Something to think about.

MEDICAL CARE IN ALMEDA
While living in Houston near Brays Bayou, Alice Bockel, who was born in 1872, would go to the drug store and buy vaccine. She and her husband Johnny would vaccinate each other. (Not sure what for.)

Mr. John Barclay twisted his arm on an oil rig. He carried a five pound bucket of cement and gradually increased it to 20 pounds to straighten out his arm.

Audree Harris Monrad said when she got a nail in her foot, her mom wrapped it in wool material and smoked the foot in a bucket to pull out the pain and infection.

Verna Parks Bunjes went to Memorial hospital where every body went in the ‘20’s. She died there having a baby. She is buried in the Almeda Cemetery.

The life and history of the town of Almeda, founded in 1892, is in the book Back Yonder In Almeda. Call 713-433-1098 for more information on where to pick up a copy or have the book mailed to you.

VINSON LIBRARY
3810 West Fuqua 832-393-2120
Open Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 12-8, Fri. 1-5, Sat. 10-5. Closed Sun. and Mon. Web site www.houstonlibrary.org
Multi-center open Mon. thru Fri.

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY
8411 Sienna Springs Blvd 281-238-2952 Tue., Jan.15, at 10:00 am. Learn to create a digital story with photos, special effects, soundtrack music, text, using your own voice narration and how to publish the finished product on the web via YouTube. Free but reservations are required. Call or register online at (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us),
Jan. 8th, at 10:00 am, in Learn how to download e-books to Kindles.
Children’s Book Week, January 20-26, Teddy-Bear Picnic and Story Time on Saturday, January 26, beginning at 10:30 am and at 1:30 pm, The Family Reading Club will begin on Sun. Jan. 20th to March 2. For other events go to their web site or call.

FOR SALE
BBQ & Firewood Pecan & Red Oak
Call 832-621-9579

Large native pecans $3.00 a pound.
Call 713-433-1098.

Gardall Safe $350 or best offer
W. 50.4” H. 60” Inside 50” Deep wide 40.5 dial w/handle
Fish Tank $100 w/fish & accessories 40gal. 12” wide 18” high 29 1/2” across Call 281-745-2079

Solid wood table $75
Dining chairs $10 each
Dresser $50 Piano Bench $50
Butcher block counter top $75
Double Hung Door $50
Old Singer Sewing Machine in cabinet $50 Call 713-437-0731

Pet Nanny 30 years experience
Pearland area 832-621-9579

Ads $1 a line. Call 713-433-1098































































DECEMBER 2012

BETRAYED


He loved her. She was so gentle, kind and pure. Hah! She was pure. How could she have betrayed his trust. A million thoughts ran through his mind. He still loved her but what man, what honorable man, in his town would take a woman for his wife who was pregnant by another man. His reputation would be ruined. But what should he do? He hated to think of how she would be treated if he made her a public example. No, he would put her away privately. Why didn’t she just tell him the truth instead of making up that story about an angel. He could have believed her if she said she was raped. But noooo, an angel, not just any old angel, but the angel Gabriel, told her the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you and for that reason that holy offspring which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. What possessed her to come up with a story like that. Maybe her cousin Elizabeth was talking about the promised Messiah, but didn’t Mary realize that he would know that the prophet Micah said the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David, in Judea, not from their miserly town of Nazareth in Galilee.

He had to make a decision soon.

That night the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife for that which has been begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall be bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins.”

What she said was true! Joseph took Mary as his wife but did not have a sexual relationship with her until she gave birth to her firstborn Son. Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1

Have a Very

Merry Christmas

The safest place in the US is the church, where only .001% of all deaths occur. Compare that with 20% fatalities in automobiles, 17% deaths in the home, 14% walking, 16% during other forms of travel and the most dangerous place the hospital where 32% deaths occur.

Have a safe holiday season and be thankful we live in a country where it is safe to be in church. Pray for those where it is not safe to attend church and celebrate the birth of our Savior.

WINDSOR VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS
Franklin Hall, Roschelle Marshall, Richard Johnson in back
Joe Bibbs, Leon Sessions in back, and Jim Traylor
As soon as I can locate the picture I will post it.

Early every Tuesday morning you will see these men working to improve their neighborhood. They make the entrance into the 900-home community inviting, keep abandoned property from getting trashy, pick up litter, trim, weed-whatever it takes. To them age is no excuse to improve your environment.

In May 2010, five volunteers of the Windsor Village Civic Club were concerned that the neighborhood was going down. Property values had dropped. The work started as a temporary clean up, but the above six men not only found plenty of work to do regularly, they enjoyed it. They look forward to Tuesday mornings as others help out when they can.

According to Yvonne Ray, who is president of the civic club, the attendance at the civic club meetings have increased from five to fifty. Citizens are realizing they can make a difference. Yvonne and Dean Brooks encourage the work crew with a hearty breakfast.

One draw back the volunteers have is that no one speaks Spanish and they have no way to communicate with some of the residents. If you would like to help, you can talk to someone near the entrance on Tues. at 8am.
They hope others will follow their example.

FEEDBACK
Rodrigo Carreon wants to encourage you to contact your state representatives as they are now considering the bills that they will work on next year. Rodney Ellis is our senator in the state. He can be reached at 713-236-0306. Ronald Reynolds Dist 27 call 512-463-0494. He does not have a local # listed. Alma Allen is Dist. 131 call 713-776-0505. Your voter registration tells you what district you are in. Not sure who your representative is call long distance 1 888 836 8368 or go to the web at www.state.tx.us for a local number or email contact.


Almeda Moe

Moe was in his yard when an elderly lady came crashing through his hedge into the yard. He helped her out of the car and commented that she was quite old to be driving. “I’ll have you know young man I am old enough I don’t need a driver license,” she proudly said.

“I didn’t know you could ever drive without a license, Moe replied.

“Oh, yes,” said the lady. “The last time I went to my doctor, he took my driver’s license, cut it up, threw it in trash, and said that I would not be needing it any longer.”

Fresno Joe

Moe was shocked when he went to see his buddy, Joe. “Why in the world are you tearing out the walls in your house?”

Joe replied, “My wife read in Our News that when you walk through a door your mind becomes a blank slate and you forget what you were going for in another room. So she decided if we tear out all the walls then she wouldn’t forget.

GOT OLD BOOKS ?
D. K. Estelle collects books written before 1956. Call 832-876-2358.

GARAGE AND SHEDS HIT


Recent targets of thieves are tools. One deterrent is a keyed dead bolt lock on both sides. If they break through a window they can’t get out through the door. Always report a theft which will help us get more patrolling done in the area. Call the sheriffs department at 713 221 6000 or the Houston police department 713 884 3131.

PECANS

Easy pecan pie recipe: Beat 3 eggs. Stir in 3/4 cup of sugar, add one cup of dark Karo syrup and one cup of pecans. Optional, one teaspoon of vanilla. Pour mixture into 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Bake one hour at 300 degrees.

Another recipe: Mix one stick of margarine with two cups of sugar. Add three eggs and three tablespoons of flour. Mix well then add one cup of buttermilk, one cup of pecans, one teaspoon of vanilla and a dash of nutmeg. Pour in ten inch unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Pie shell: one cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/3 cup of shortening. Cut shortening into flour until it is small pieces about the size of peas. Then add three tablespoons of cold water. Form ball and roll out on floured board to fit the pie pan.

SUGARED PECANS FOR CHRISMAS

Pour two quarts of pecan halves into large bowl. Bring to boil three cups of sugar and one cup of water. Boil on medium heat until mixture reaches the thread stage - dip a spoon into the mixture, lift it up and as it dribbles down, it makes a thread. Not a string. Then pour over the pecans and stir about two minutes until sugar mixture crystallizes.

VINSON LIBRARY

3810 West Fuqua 832-393-2120 Open Tue. 10-6, Wed. 10-6, Thurs. 12-8
Fri.1-5 Sat. 10-5 Closed Sun. and Mon.
Web site www.houstonlibrary.org
Multi– center open Mon. thru Friday.

SIENNA BRANCH LIBRARY

8411 Sienna Springs Blvd. 281-238-2900 Web site www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

Sienna will be closed Dec. 22-25.

A special puppet show will be held on Dec. 8th at 10:30 and again at 11:30. Special Holiday Story Times will be Dec. 15th Sat. and Dec. 31st Mon.

TIPPING FEE

Recently the BFI landfill tipping fee provided $50,000 to the Fort Bend Corps, $37,000 to Meals on Wheels, $37,000 to the YMCA and $37,000 to the Fresno Fire Dept.

FIVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Starting Dec. 20th, KHCB at 105.7 FM will play Christmas music without any commercials. KHCB is a non-commercial Christian radio network with 26 English stations in TX, LA, OK, and Fl as well as ten Spanish stations and one Vietnamese/Chinese station at 1400AM. For the other station listings call 713-520 5200 or listen on their website at www.KHCB.org

Condolences

ROBERT MOSLEY, 36 passed away November 17, 2012 at his home near the corner of Jupiter and Anderson Road. A graduate of Madison High School, he enjoyed playing football and was an outstanding athlete. Robert was a truck driver who had an outgoing personality and a wonderful spirit. He died of smoke inhalation in a fire in his bedroom where apparently he had been smoking. A neighbor commented she had never seen so many fire trucks and people trying to help save his life. Preceded in death by his mother Gladys Mosley, Robert is survived by his wife, one son and one daughter.


THE VAST MAJORITY ARE INNOCENT?

Visitors to a prison said that they firmly believed every person who claimed not to have done what they were accused of, were innocent. It seems only two people out of more than 600 claimed to have not done the actions for which they were arrested. All the others claimed innocence of a crime not because they didn't do the illegal action but they had an excuse WHY they did it, and they felt people just didn't understand why, in their circumstance, the action was justified. SOMEBODY ELSE WAS TO BLAME.

1, God will still be on His throne
2. Jesus will still be King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
3. The Bible will still have all the answers to every problem.
4. The tomb will still be empty.
5. Jesus will still be the only way to heaven
6. Prayer will still work - it will still make a difference and God will still answer prayer
7. The cross, not the government, will still be our salvation
8. There will still be room at the cross.
9. Jesus will still save anyone who places their faith and trust in Him.
10. God will still be with us always - He will never leave us . forsake us.

PHOTO TAKEN ABOUT 1915  Here again I need to learn how to save scanned photos so I can retrieve them.

Ida Harris, Daisy Parker, and Laura Anderson represent three families who came to Almeda before 1895. When Laura Anderson taught school in 1926, the older brothers of Almeda school students were constantly inquiring about the progress of their younger siblings. Not one of those young men were able to win the fair maiden. Laura dedicated her life to teaching.

Daisy Parker’s father, Anson Parker, built Parker’s Hardware, although from 1900 to 1915 the building served as a grocery store/post office and later a gas station. Daisy worked right across Almeda Road at the railroad depot. When no passengers or freight needed to be dropped off, the train slowed down enough that a conductor could hang a mail bag on a depot hook.

The home of Ida after 1915.

Before 1915, Ida’s home was the Almeda hotel built by developers. People came by train from up north to view the sunny south. The developers usually had some one meet the train and transport the prospective clients in a fancy buggy to the hotel even though the hotel was in easy walking distance along the board walk from the railroad track to Bridgeport.

The 1915 hurricane washed the board walk down to the Gulf of Mexico and damaged the hotel. By then most of the land had been sold so the developers sold the property to John Harris. Much later, the home was remodeled and made into four apartments.

Of the three families, the Harris family is the only one that still has members living in Almeda.

For the history of the Almeda area order Back Yonder in Almeda by Rose “Sis” Andrews. Call 713-433-1098 or pick up a copy at Debbie’s Barber Shop or Bob’s Inspection Station for $12.

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government, least it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry 1736-1799

Dr. Tony Evans gave an excellent series of sermons on KHCB on government based on the principals laid out in the Bible. He put those principles into four groups: self government, family government, church government, and civil government. He explained how if one group doesn’t do their part and another group takes on their responsibility it results in the mess we are in now.

The Bible gives fathers the responsibility of providing and training of the children. He is responsible for choosing a church and school and seeing to it that his child is being taught properly. If the church is not teaching his child according to the Bible, he should choose another church. If the school goes against the word of God, he should provide education somewhere else. It may cost time and money. His wife is to assist him (Genesis 2:18). But it is his responsibility. Ephesians 6:4 Genesis 18:18-19 Deut. 4:9, Deut. 11:19, Ps. 78:3-6.

Well taught children will be more likely to govern themselves as adults. Most of our prisons would be empty as children would have learned how to discipline themselves. The need for welfare by the government would be out of business. “If any would not work neither should he eat,” II Thessalonians 3:10.

The responsibility for those who cannot work falls on the family and then the church. Think about it. A good although imperfect family, with natural love for one another knows far better than the government if a person needs help or needs a lesson in self discipline or a lesson in humility. Not humiliation. A good example is the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 which is also the story of how God feels toward us when we return to Him.

The Bible teaches that church government and civil government should be separate as illustrated when the great King Uzziah tried to take over the job of the priests and immediately became a leper as related in II Chronicles 26:3-23. Through out history and today we can see that when the civil or church government tries to rule over both, it doesn’t work. Communism is a prime example of government overstepping their authority. Our founding fathers saw how the church of England used the government to enforce their beliefs. That is why they demanded Amendment I in the Bill of Rights: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

ONE WAY TO PETITION
1. Go to www.congress.org
2. Select the option to write to your representatives, remembering that they are supposed to represent you whether you voted for them or not.
3. Drop them a quick note to let them know your thoughts and that you are paying attention to how they vote.
More comments by James Andrews at jdat747.blogspot.com