Summertime
Bliss
What are you waiting for?
GOOD STUFF The Houston Zoo 6200 Hermann Park Drive Houston, TX 77030 (713) 533-6500 Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Last entry 6 p.m.
Cool Nights!
Friday Nights through August 11th The Houston Zoo is once again staying open late, so you can enjoy the animals in the cooler evening weather. Join us for Cool Nights every Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy added music and fun family activities that are sure to entertain kids and adults alike!
General Admission Zoo Members – FREE Children 1 and Under – FREE Children 2 to 11 – $14 Adults 12 to 64 – $18 Senior 65+ – $11.50 Purchase your tickets online (they’re good for 90 days) and skip the ticket lines. Show the digital ticket on your phone when you arrive. Or show your Houston Zoo membership card to enjoy free admission!
It's MORE than just a Zoo... Kathrine McGovern Water Play Park
Open Daily April 1 – October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Water Play Park is FREE with your Houston Zoo admission! This hot weather oasis includes a friendly and colorful sea serpent, a tall ‘fill and spill’ water tree, and a variety of ‘water weavers’, fountains, jets and misters. Nearby are private changing stalls and seating to allow families to monitor their children and watch the fun. An advanced filtration system allows us to maintain excellent water quality while conserving water and energy. *Subject to close for a portion of the day when the air temperature is below 70 degrees or if thunderstorms are in the area, for the health and safety of our guests.
GOOD NEWS
GOOD LIFE
Let us point you towards some good stuff!
Call us or email us if you have any ideas about how we can better serve you.
The Santa Fe Good News Magazine (409) 370-0030 P. O. Box 515 Santa Fe, TX 77510 Email us at: lynn@santafegoodnews.com www.santafegoodnews.com
(409) 370-0030
The Good News turns
10 with this issue...
As we celebrate our 10th year of publishing the Good News, we would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Thank you for every single SHARE, LIKE & CLICK you’ve given us. Thank you for every ad, submission and subscription. We hope to continue serving up the GOOD STUFF for many more years to come. GOOD NEWS is a hard sell sometimes because gore is so much more thrilling, but we feel that anything that’s of GOOD REPORT is what will bless people. And to be a blessing is our only goal. We want to help everyone fight the good fight by sharing all of the encouragement we can find. So thank you so much for reading and sharing the Good News. Praying for God’s very best for you and yours, Lynn Trahan, Editor/Owner
Please support our advertisers whenever you can... They keep the GOOD NEWS coming to you for FREE! DONATE NOW
Do you have a few dollars a month you can spare to help some kids? 3 Santa Fe Goodtell you where your heart is." "Where you spend your dollar will always News
LOOK
at what we get in
August
It’s TEX- MEX time in TEXAS! PRODUCE in SEASON HERE LOCALLY •Cucumbers •Eggplant •Okra •Peas
List provided for us by Froberg's Farm in Alvin TX
Summertime
This is the summer I (fill_____ in the blank) and I'm so glad I did!
Bliss
Visualize your ideal day and live it. Design a dream day for you and you alone. What would you like your life to look like if you were in charge of it? The thing is - you are in charge of it. We allow our days to get derailed and hijacked by circumstances beyond our control and we lose sight of our vision. We get lost in the minutiae of life. Start with the basics; 1. What do you enjoy doing so much that you lose track of time? 2. What makes you smile just thinking about it? 3. What do you wish you could do more than anything else in the world? Following your bliss is about walking in the rhythm of God’s grace for you. It is biblical to enjoy your life, your work and your marriage. We aren’t here to be miserable. Visualize an ideal day in your marriage and live it out - together. Take turns designing what you want. I’m not talking about vague ideas here like - we want to be happy, but real concrete objectives. It’s just like anything else in life... you have to make it happen. If you want to be well read - you have to read. If you want to kayak, you have to learn how. If you want to travel - you have to plan, save, do some research and start packing. Weekdays in my dream life look like... Weekends in my dream life look like this... What are you waiting for?
Nothing lasts forever... Not grief, not teenage years, not sickness or even death. Life goes on from one trial to the next. The trick is to realize everything is just for a season and all seasons contain plenty of sweet moments as well. Be encouraged, this too shall pass!
GOOD STUFF
We are here to encourage you. We are here to assure you that God has everything under control and if you believe in Him, everything’s going to be all right in the end.
Create a Group Start your own support group for single new VISION: for every girl with an unplanned pregnancy to have a church moms at your home church! to go to for spiritual, emotional and The new Embrace Life curriculum physical support. and program equips single new moms on how to flourish in their relationship with God and MISSION: to inspire and equip the not only survive in life but THRIVE! These church to love on single and pregnant brave moms will learn spiritual and practical young women and their families. ways to help navigate their way through life while using the Holy Spirit as their compass. WHAT WE DO: The primary goal of Embrace Grace is to empower churches across the nation to be a safe and non-judging place for the girls to run to when they find out they are pregnant, instead of the last place they are welcomed Embrace Grace and Life were created to help because of shame and guilt. encourage, educate and empower young, single moms just like you, and to speak into WHY WE EXIST: your life to make sure that you know that your Emotionally and spiritually healthy dreams are not over. mommies parent emotionally and spiritually healthy babies. God still has an amazing destiny and purpose created just for you, all you have to do is grab a hold of it and believe. He wants to be in relationship with you because He put gifts and talents inside of you that only YOU have. By joining an Embrace Grace or Embrace Life group you will learn how to dream big while also receiving help with the practical and spiritual aspects of life. There is a place for you!
Find a Group HERE
Currently Serving
NEED dinner ideas? CLICK HERE... IDEAS galore!
GOOD FOOD GREAT IDEAS
If you sign up for Christy’s Newsletter HERE it comes with a MONDAY morning email with some GREAT menu ideas for the week from bloggers all over the country. It’s called Meal Plan Monday and it’s an easy way to get GREAT ideas delivered to your inbox!
"Hi, my name is Christy Jordan and I like to feed people."
13 Slow Cooker Recipes That You Will Love! What’s not to love about coming home at the end of the day and having supper waiting? CLICK HERE
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
This is my go-to Sunday dinner. Love this stuff and so easy – way I make the rice in the morning and put it better than takeout! in the fridge, then put the chicken on high before we leave for church. Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Tender Roast And Veggies
Customize this for your family by setting up a selection of your favorite Ever make a pot roast and have taco toppings on the table! it turn out dry? Dry roasts will be forever behind you now! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ One Slow Cooker Recipe: 2 Different Meals
This is the type of BBQ we have in North Alabama with a tender and flavorful pork and a nice clear sauce to This is a great way to cook a pour over it. YUM! roast and get two nights worth of suppers out of it! Steak Tips over Rice (and the importance of a doughnut shop). Ricky’s Favorite Slow Cooker Pork Roast and Veggies The story on this post is very close to my heart and the meal (made with I can get ANYTHING I want surprisingly inexpensive cuts of meat) is just by offering to make this for my close to my husband’s heart! husband! This post includes the entire menu pictured. Cheesy Chicken And Rice Rustic Tomato-less Beef Stew I think this one is my personal I just love a good hearty stew! favorite. Continued.
Crock Pot Lasagna
Georgia Chicken
This post is as old as the hills and the photos are horrible, but it sure is good! A family and company favorite. Crock Pot Chili
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
I love this stuff. Nice and 2. In small bowl, stir together brown sugar, mild (but can be made hotter) with the ginger, and cloves. perfect blend of flavors. 3. Place chicken in bottom of prepared Slow Cooker Apple Butter pan. Pour peaches over. Sprinkle entire thing with brown sugar mixture. A Southern classic at it’s finest. This post also has a link to my 4. Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, tutorial on how to can it with no special or until chicken is fully cooked, basting with equipment needed. the pan juices from time to time. Click the link on the previous page if you’ve found one you want to try!
Ingredients: •4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts* •½ cup light brown sugar •29 ounce can peach slices, drained •¼ tsp ground ginger •¼ tsp ground cloves
*You can use bone-in chicken for this, any cut you like. Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on what cuts you use, so just keep an eye out for doneness.
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GOOD FOOD
RECOMMENDS EDO JAPAN “Much like the river we’re named after, evenings with us flow with relaxation and will transport you to another place.” Hello Fellow Foodies,
GREAT date night place, this is it! It’s nice and quiet and very romantic.
We’ve got a real treat for you this issue and not just because of the GOOD FOOD We double checked this one for we found... you because it was such a treat for us to go there twice. The wait staff is the quality of It’s also a great treat because of that of a good cruise ship, they really wait the wonderful atmosphere. If you need a on you and deserve their tips. The place is
GOOD FINDS
Liberty Faux Real Trade Days It is the THRILL of the hunt!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
gorgeous and the food is excellent. We had the L.S.U. and TNT rolls the first time and Hibachi chicken and another L.S.U. roll the second time. Both times the service was top notch and the food was awesome. If you like cooked sushi, you’ll like Edo Japan. We can’t talk about their raw sushi because we’re not brave enough to try that yet. Until next time, eat locally whenever you can, your neighbor’s kids will really appreciate it.
Galloping Foodie
Edo Japan
2028 9th Ave N Ste 400 Texas City, Texas (409) 359-3950 Ratings out of 5 's Presentation Taste Service Atmosphere Quantity Price
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9:30pm Friday-Saturday 11am-10:30pm
CORNER SPIRIT & SOUL
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“If not for you Lord, I would have given up a long time ago.”
Look at all that is good...
Grace
Look for the good in everything.
It ’s not what you say, but how you say it.
Let go of looking at the negative once and for all. Don’t wait to be happy until it is all fixed or done - that day will never come.
Sometimes it ’s not what you do, but how you do it.
Enjoy me. Enjoy all I have done for you. You have so much to be grateful for. Open your hands and receive all that I have for you. Author Unknown
To keep the peace make sure everything you say and do are said and done politely and respectfully.
If this happens or that happens, it was supposed to happen and God knew about it. He would have stopped it if he wanted it stopped, but everything that he allows to happen is part of His plan. So stop trying to run things. You have the best possible party planner known to mankind at your disposal.
CALL (409) 945-9782 TIME has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters in life. Email Laurine Murtagh, Distributor just CLICK HERE
or CLICK HERE to ORDER!
GOOD STUFF
The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence
He believed... That in order to form a habit of conversing with GOD continually, and referring all we do to Him; we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty. More of what he believed from an excerpt... That when an occasion of practising some virtue offered, he addressed himself to GOD, saying, LORD, I cannot do this unless Thou enablest me; and that then he received strength more than sufficient.
In his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found That when he had failed in his duty, everything easy, during the fifteen years he only confessed his fault, saying to that he had been employed there. GOD, I shall never do otherwise, if You leave me to myself; “tis You must hinder That he was very well pleased with my falling, and mend what is amiss. That the post he was now in; but that he was after this, he gave himself no further as ready to quit that as the former, since uneasiness about it. he was always pleasing himself in every condition, by doing little things for the That we ought to act with GOD love of GOD. in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen. That GOD never failed to grant it, as he had often experienced.
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COUNTRY LIFE
SUMMERTIME in the country... Noun: BLISS 1.perfect happiness; great joy. “she gave a sigh of bliss”. Synonyms: joy, happiness, pleasure, delight, ecstasy, elation, rapture, and euphoria.
And it only comes around once a year!
LIKE them on Facebook for NEWS, DEALS, and IDEAS! CLICK HERE.
There are many ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity near you... Habitat has volunteer, homeownership and ReStore donation and shopping opportunities in your local area. *Please contact your nearest Habitat to learn more.
A good deal for you, your community and the environment.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. They sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. ReStores are independently owned and operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.
Bay Area HFH ReStore 1101 W Nasa Pkwy Webster, TX 77598 restore@bahfh.org (281) 332-1118 Pasadena HFH ReStore 1520 S Shaver St Pasadena, TX 77502 www.pasadenahabitat.org (713) 472-0997 Houston HFH ReStore 6161 S Loop E Houston, TX 77087 www.houstonhabitat.org/restore (713) 643-1100 Fort Bend HFH ReStore 13570 Murphy Rd Stafford, TX 77477 www.fortbendhabitat.org (281) 403-0700 Southern Brazoria Co ReStore 12 Cir Way Lake Jackson, TX 77566 habitatsbc.org (979) 285-0090 Northwest Harris Co ReStore 13350 Jones Rd Houston, TX 77070 Habitatnwhc.org (281) 890-5585 Montgomery County TX HFH ReStore 9407 SH 242 Conroe, TX 77385 www.hfhmctx.org/restore (936) 441-5888 Bryan/College Station HFH ReStore 2211 Maloney Ave Bryan, TX 77801 (979) 775-8122
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CALL or you can email me HERE.
NEW Feature... TEXAS Parks Houston Area Events Also...
Check out some really GREAT PLACES to Swim in TEXAS by clicking HERE.
August 2nd Morning Paddle Galveston Island State Park
August 5th Star Party (Sun Fun!) Galveston Island State Park
Adult paddling program (ages 13 yrs+), must RSVP in advance.
Are you ready for the Great American Solar Eclipse? (Aug. 21st)
August 4th Turtle Patrol Galveston Island State Park
August 6th Bay Explorations Galveston Island State Park
Citizen scientists needed for turtle patrol and hike.
Pull a net and learn where your shrimp, fish, and crabs live!
August 5th Growing Up WILD Workshop Sea Center Texas Learn to share conservation with children: Professional Development for anyone who works with young children August 5th Beach Exploration Galveston Island State Park
State Park High-tech treasure hunting workshop! August 12th Star Party (Sun Fun!) Galveston Island State Park Are you ready for the Great American Solar Eclipse? (Aug. 21st) August 12th Sunset Paddle Galveston Island State Park
August 11th Turtle Patrol Galveston Island State Adult paddling tour with Park sunset views, RSVPs only. Citizen scientists needed for turtle patrol and hike. August 12th Beach Exploration Galveston Island State Park
August 13th Bay Explorations Galveston Island State Park Pull a net and learn where your shrimp, fish, and crabs live!
Discover the life that lives at the edge of the sea... August 18th Turtle Patrol Galveston Island State Discover the life that lives August 12th ‘Make and Park at the edge of the sea... Take’ Arts & Crafts Lake Livingston State Park Citizen scientists needed August 5th ‘Make and for turtle patrol and hike. Take’ Arts & Crafts Lake Be creative with natureLivingston State Park themed arts and crafts! August 19th Go Fish! Learn to Fish Event Be creative with natureAugust 12th Geocaching Galveston Island State themed arts and crafts! 101 Galveston Island Park
Learn the basics of fishing August 20th Bay Explorations Galveston through fun, hands-on Island State Park activities August 19th Beach Exploration Galveston Island State Park
Pull a net and learn where your shrimp, fish, and crabs live!
Discover the life that lives August 26th Kid Fish 2017 Sea Rim State Park at the edge of the sea... August 19th ‘Make and Take’ Arts & Crafts Lake Livingston State Park Be creative with naturethemed arts and crafts! August 19th Star Party (Sun Fun!) Galveston Island State Park Are you ready for the Great American Solar Eclipse? (Aug. 21st)
Bring the kids out for our annual kids fish event. It’s a free event for ages 1-12. The first 100 kids will receive a FREE rod and reel and event t-shirt. Tackle and bait will be provided. August 26th Beach Exploration Galveston Island State Park
August 26th ‘Make and Take’ Arts & Crafts Lake Livingston State Park Be creative with naturethemed arts and crafts! August 26th Sunset Paddle Galveston Island State Park Adult paddling tour with sunset views, RSVPs only. August 27th Bay Explorations Galveston Island State Park Pull a net and learn where your shrimp, fish, and crabs live!
*All of these programs are usually FREE and Discover the life that lives usually, all equipment is at the edge of the sea... provided. (Park entrance FEES are required, however children under 12 are FREE.) For MORE events and information CLICK HERE.
While Texas will not experience a full eclipse this time around we will get to see a unique sight as the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun. Where: Mother Neff State Park Headquarters What to bring: A water bottle. Sun viewing glasses will be provided. Cost: Program is free with paid park admission. Adults: $2, Children 12 and under: Free. Download yours here https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/ media/pwd_bk_p4000_0000aa.pdf or pick up a copy at any state park near you.
For more information about this event… CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to buy tickets and get the latest details!
Lewisville Gun Show Premier Event Center Lewisville August 5 & 6, 2017 Lewisville, Texas Pasadena Gun Show Pasadena Convention Center August 12 & 13, 2017 Pasadena, Texas Mesquite Rodeo Mesquite Convention Center August 12 & 13, 2017 Mesquite, Texas
Check out our NEW feature... We’re making it even easier for you to remember the GOOD STUFF!
SAVE it. SHARE it. KEEP it.
SCREEN
SHOT IT!
, e v o l t u o b a s i e n i z a g D O O G This ma e h t ll a & s e u l a v , d l r o w family e th n i d n fi at h t s g we can n i h t d e e n e w e becaus . e p o h o t s inspire u
LIVE by it!
SHOP LOCAL
Premier Gun Shows at Big Town Big Town Event Center Aug 19 & 20, 2017 Mesquite, Texas
whenever you can...
The Original Fort Worth Gun Show Will Rogers Center, Amon Carter Exhibit Hall Aug 26 & 27, 2017 Fort Worth, Texas
because my parents say I eat a lot!
Allen Gun Show Allen Event Center Sept 2 & 3, 2017 Allen, Texas
SCREEN SHOT THIS! SAVE it. SHARE it. KEEP it.
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We are ALWAYS FISHING for GOOD NEWS... if you have any call us!
409) 370-0030
OUR VISION Peace for every woman, every child, every man, every day. Our Services •24 Hour crisis hotline •Court accompaniment •Assistance with filing protective orders •Information and referral •Education and awareness •Violence against women support groups •Legal advocacy
•Counseling •Police/Hospital 24 Hour accompaniment •Professional training’s and workshops •Clothing assistance •Post shelter follow-up program •Housing assistance •Case management Bay Area Turning Point is...
Where and When Can I Help? 18207 Egret Bay Blvd. Houston, TX 77058 RESALE Shopping Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed Tuesday– Saturday 10:00Am- 6:00Pm
BATP is a non-profit; community based social service agency providing a variety of services, including shelter, to families in need and public education/crime prevention activities in the Greater Bay Area. We service those impacted by family violence and sexual assault (including stranger and non-stranger sexual assault). VOLUNTEER Resale is always in search of dedicated volunteers!
DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED: Tuesday – Friday 10:00M To 5:00Pm Saturday 10:00 Am To 2:00 Pm The Resale Shop benefits the clients of Bay Area Turning Point in two ways: 1. It provides our clients who have left home and are starting new lives with shopping vouchers that allow them to purchase clothing and other items needed without a charge. 2. It generates funds from the sales of goods to the general public to support direct services for clients like shelter, counseling, and advocacy. For every $45 donation received, Bay Area Turning Point is able to provide a safe haven for an adult and 2 children for 1 night.
Sort, stock, price or sell and have fun while making a difference! If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the volunteer page or contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator. *Donations to the resale shop are tax deductible according to the IRS regulations for charitable contributions. Your generous donations keep the shop stocked.
GOOD LOCAL STUFF The following Master Gardener Programs are free to the public. Location: Galveston County AgriLife Extension Office in Carbide Park at 4102 Main Street (FM 519) in La Marque Texas.
GARDENING BY THE SQUARE FOOT Tuesday, August 1st 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Galveston County Master Gardener John Jons will present a workshop teaching the basics of small space gardening.
A HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO WEED CONTROL Tuesday, August 15 th 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Come learn how much you can grow in just a small 4’ x4’ garden. It includes basic design, planning, soil preparation, plant selection and establishment, as well as insect, pest, disease control, and general care.
Do you have a bumper crop of something growing in your yard that you did not plant? Is your lawn more weeds than grass? What can you do about the problem weeds that are taking over your yard?
This is a great introduction to a gardening program. For Galveston County residents needing help on horticultural issues... Call the help line @ 281-534-3413 ext.1 and press option 1 to ask a Master Gardener.
This presentation by Galveston County Master Gardener John Jons will include common species identification, Integrated Weed Management plus chemical options, and practical solutions for controlling weeds in the home landscape. e-mail: galvcountymgs@ gmail.com to pre-register. They are both FREE!
COMING October 14th! GALVESTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER ANNUAL FALL SALE Location: Galveston County Fair Grounds in Jack Brooks Park – Rodeo Arena, located at Hwy 6 and Jack Brooks Road in Hitchcock Texas. HUGE PLANT SALE!
Summer... Hair gets lighter, skin gets darker, water gets warmer, drinks get colder, music gets louder, and nights get longer. Life gets better in the summertime!
Is is time for a ROAD TRIP?
“A life without love is like a year without summer.” Swedish Proverb SAVE it. SHARE it. KEEP it.
SCREEN
SHOT IT!
LIVE by it!
n a C u Yo W O N n Liste ! e d i W World
Tell all of your friends!
The LAST WORD
Fresh air, wildlife, sunsets, scenic overlooks, sunrises and God are free. What more is really necessary in life?