Postcards Magazine ETX February 2024

Eastex Edition

February 2024

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Cleveland Senior Center • Col. James Ray • Chester Crawford Insurance and Tax Services

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

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FEATURES 8

February 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 2

Community Builders

Cleveland Senior Center Cover Photo by Stacy Adams-Roberts

14 Inspirations

Postcards 2023 Photo Contest Winner 1st Place-Local Living

Col. James Ray

18 Business Focus

Chester Crawford Insurance and Tax Services

FAVORITES Community Calendar -22 Dear Gabby -6 Glorious Grandkids -11 Mustard Seed Moments - 23 Pet Pals -7 Publisher’s Post -5

Puzzle Solutions -16 Sudoku Marketplace -12 Things My Granddaddy Said -17 What’s Cookin’ -21

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Karen Altom Slip-Sliding Away. During the recent deep freeze, my husband told me I didn’t even need to “think” about stepping a foot out our door because the entire walkway was a skating rink. I was glad to oblige, because falling is something I am incredibly good at, but rarely enjoy.

My husband said he is going to write a memoir for our children titled, Daddy Fell for Mama; Mama just Fell!

Publisher Karen Altom

In our part of the country, there are very dangerous things you have to be aware of in order to stay upright. Recently, I was walking up to a friend’s house for a small group meeting and stepped on one of those “straight-from-the-devil,” spiky sweetgum balls. I realized it just as my foot hit it, and there was nowhere to grab.

I fell very slowly--almost in slow motion--and basically just sat down (one of my best falls thus far). As I sat there in the 30-degree weather, I realized the cold concrete was a little like having an ice pack at physical therapy…so I just sat there a few minutes. It then dawned on me I should probably call the hostess (in case they had outdoor cameras) to let her know I was okay.

Associate Publisher Kent Holder

Once the ice and sweetgum ball-falling seasons are past, it will be time to beware of the most dangerous thing in my house…the stray dryer sheet on the laundry room floor. You have been warned!

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

Editor Wes Altom

Be safe, stay upright, and remember to tell our advertisers you appreciate them!

Until next time, ~

Karen

Operations Manager Marshall Altom Advertising Team Kent Holder Nancy Jolly Leah Lamp Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342

Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher.

Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2024 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Kent Holder “Once in a blue moon” is a term I don’t hear much anymore. But February qualifies, as this year is a leap year. So, what to do with that extra day?

As for Valentines, flowers and dining are fairly straightforward. Early in my marriage, I would pick a beautifully-designed, red heart-shaped box. We would embark on our own candy adventure, trying to determine the type of candy in each position. My wife would take a small bite, and if it wasn’t good to her, I got the carcass as my share. Then I wised up and started reading the label to determine the contents. Now, selection didn’t matter. As we were going through the box, my wife asked, ‘Did you read the label?’ I was busted, caught red-handed, and did the right thing and confessed. Now each year, I am asked the same question and answer honestly. It’s become a delicious tradition of transparency.

Despite all the dilemmas and challenges, including excessively cold weather that turns us into human icicles, please take time to have some fun and enjoy life.

Perhaps use the extra day to help others or volunteer to help those in need. After all, helping others is a leap of kindness that makes the world a better place and leaves your heart “warmer than a freshly baked pie.”

Kent

See you around town! ~

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. There are so many remembrances in February…I hope you don’t get confused and send your Sweetheart a groundhog on Valentine’s Day. And try not to get your kite string on National Kite-Flying Day confused with the pasta on National Fettuccini Alfredo Day! Now President’s Day (on the 19th) is an actual holiday, so mark that down somewhere. But try to avoid, at all costs, National Rare Disease Day. I’m not even going to tell you when it is. Send me your questions about any other ridiculousness by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. And Happy Whatever Applies to YOU! DEAR GABBY My dear old husband is notorious for giving me the dumbest Valentine’s Day gifts ever. Some are worth a laugh to remember. Did you know there used to be little heart-shaped antacids with sweet inscriptions?

Have you been given a memorable Valentine gift?

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DEAR VVCR Nothing says “I love you” like a bad Valentine. Many years ago, Dud made the mistake of asking me what I wanted for Valentine’s Day. Rather, I made the mistake of giving him a serious answer. I waited with excited anticipation for the day I received the gift I requested. Did you know that, all these years later, you can buy a ‘dime-in’ ring? Back then, he went to the trouble of having his buddy solder a dime to a metal circle.

It wasn’t so humorous back then (but, yes, it’s funny now). He’s never been able to outdo that one! He still asks me what I want every year, and I have a standing answer--a weed whacker.

I haven’t received one (yet).

GABBY CONFIDENTIAL TO “MY ATTITUDE” So glad you asked. It’s simple. My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are. So don’t blame me.

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Community Builders Story by Kelly Thomas Photos by Cara Williams

Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization Local efforts helping seniors to survive—and THRIVE.

Back Row from Left to Right: Donna Grundy, Frankie Harrison, Tammy Austin, Stacy Olahan, Lucille Scyeeten, Mary Jackson, Darla Moore, Faye Carter, Martha Crittenden, Dolores Espinoza Front Row Center: Stephania Ward, Executive Director

8 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | February 2024

This year, the Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization celebrates their 40th anniversary of dedicated service to our cherished senior community. In a recent conversation with Stephania Ward, Executive Director of the organization, we discovered not only a rich history but also a passionate commitment to providing essential services to our seniors and fostering a brighter future together.

The Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization has been a guiding light for our senior community since its inception on November 13th, four decades ago. Stephania shared about the organization’s remarkable journey and the dedication of its past directors who played a pivotal role in shaping the center into what it is today.

In the beginning, the center was located across the street from its current location in a log cabin building. Thanks to the support of the community, they raised funds and constructed their facility used today, creating a warm and resourceful haven for all seniors.

The center offers a diverse range of activities, including dominoes, quilting, arthritis exercise programs, arts & crafts, nutrition classes, special events, and (of course) the seniors’ favorite - bingo. All activities are made possible through generous donations from individuals like you. They also provide a monthly events calendar available at the center, featuring live music and educational workshops, all designed to enrich the lives of seniors in the community.

At the heart of the Cleveland Senior Citizens

Seniors preparing to play bingo in the main room, their favorite bi-weekly activity at the center.

Organization is their mission to be a beacon of support for seniors, not only within the city, but also beyond its borders. Membership is open to everyone, and they extend a warm invitation to seniors from all walks of life to visit and participate in their programs.

While they do request some information for reporting purposes, their primary aim is to serve as a resource for seniors--offering meals, activities, and a sense of belonging.

Stephania revealed a startling fact: one in four seniors live alone, and one in two of those living alone lack the income to afford their basic needs, such as toiletries, dinner ingredients, or pet food. Additionally, 10 million seniors in our nation face the threat of hunger. The Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization is dedicated to alleviating some of these challenges right here in our area. Stephania considers it a privilege to do this work every day alongside her staff and volunteers. She loves being a part of

Stephania shares announcements and a prayer is said over the lunch meal.

The sewing room, where several ladies meet weekly to quilt and sew.

the community by helping the seniors they serve. They provide daily free lunches, relying on the generosity of donations and volunteers. Currently, they are nourishing 177 homebound seniors, and 250 more visit the center weekly to share a meal and companionship.

Stephania underlines that their mission goes beyond providing meals and activities; it’s about creating a vibrant and caring community for seniors who often face isolation and loneliness. She also emphasized the importance of volunteers and donations.

Every contribution matters, whether it’s an hour of volunteering, a small or large monetary donation, or a skill or talent shared with their seniors. They are actively seeking volunteers for various tasks, from assisting with food deliveries to leading groups and classes, and even minor maintenance work.

Additionally, they rely on financial support to bridge the gap between the cost of their services and the reimbursements they receive. Any donations are wholeheartedly welcome. They even have an opportunity to sponsor a senior for a day, week, or a year.

Transportation remains an area where they are actively seeking to improve. While they are exploring options to collaborate with local transit services, they also hope a donor will February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

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9

sustain their vital programs.

They are currently accepting donations of clothing and household items to stock the resale store.

Donated inventory for new resale shop.

come forward to help them acquire a van to pick up local homebound seniors who are unable to drive themselves, ensuring no senior is left without the essential services they provide.

To bolster their efforts, the Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization has exciting plans.

They are opening a resale store on February 1st, which will be onsite at the center. It will provide affordable clothing and household items and assist in generating income to

The organization has forged strong partnerships with local groups, organizations, and small businesses, including Liberty County, City of Cleveland, Entergy, Walmart, Heaven’s Army, Covenant with Christ, Calvary Baptist Church, North Cleveland Baptist Church, Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels Texas, and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. They also collaborate with the Houston Food Bank to receive food donations, ensuring they can continue to offer healthy meals to all area seniors.

As our conversation concluded, Stephania shared her profound love for the Cleveland community and the deep sense of family she feels within it. She put emphasis on

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acknowledging and thanking the various organizations and individuals who support their mission.

Stephania invites the community to join them in making a difference. They welcome new small businesses, organizations, and volunteers willing to give their time, provide donations, or contribute in any way to their mission.

Their goal is to reach every corner of the Cleveland community, to let everyone know who they are, where they are located, and what they do on a daily basis.

To volunteer, make donations, or learn more about the Cleveland Senior Citizens Organization, please visit them online at https://www.clevelandtexas.com/230/SeniorCitizens-Center or follow them on Facebook @ClevelandSeniorCitizensOrganization.

You can also reach them directly at 281-8921174 or visit in person at 220 Peach Ave, Cleveland, TX 77327. Monday – Friday from 6am-2pm. Consider how you can volunteer or donate today and make a meaningful difference in the life of a senior!

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Inspirations Story by Ruth Fields Submitted Photos Ruth &Col. James Ray with POW bracelet

Col. James Ray

How a simple bracelet led to lifelong connections with a real hero.

14 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | February 2024

When I was an eighth grader in 1972, the Vietnam War was always in the news. Lots of people, including many of my friends, wore POW/MIA bracelets. Each simple bracelet was etched with the name of a prisoner of war or a soldier listed as missing in action, as well as the date of capture or loss. The goal of the effort was to raise awareness of the plight of military personnel who were missing or held captive.

First Baptist Church in Conroe met once a week to pray for Ray’s safety and release.

One fine morning in 1973, the prayer group had a guest appearance by the former POW himself. I’ll bet there were some sweaty eyeballs that day.

A captive audience

This sounded like a good idea to me, and I had enough babysitting money to pay for a bracelet, so—like millions of other Americans—I ordered one. Mine was etched with “Capt. James E. Ray” and “5-8-66.”

Months went by.

My dad was the head football coach at La Porte High School, and a member of his coaching staff was married to a woman who had gone to Conroe High School. I’ll never forget the day their son looked at my bracelet and announced, “Mom! She’s got James Ray on her bracelet!” I soon learned that Ray had gone to Conroe High School, and furthermore, he had graduated from Texas A&M University, where my father, grandfather, two uncles, and a cousin had attended. He was a U.S. Air Force pilot whose F-105 fighter-bomber had been shot down over North Vietnam.

I wrote to Ray’s family through the POW/ MIA awareness organization, and his mother wrote back. She told me her son had been reported missing on Mother’s Day of 1966.

About nine months later, his status was changed from missing in action to prisoner of war. Three years after his capture, his parents finally got a letter from their son. Mrs. Ray wrote, “That was a great day!”

In early 1973, the POWs came home. Some of my friends wore bracelets that bore the names of soldiers who did not return, but “my” POW came home, and I watched the TV coverage closely. Ray had been released after spending six years, nine months as a POW—a length of time that seemed overwhelming to me. Years later, I did the math and realized that at the time of his release, Ray had been held captive for almost exactly half my life.

La Porte isn’t far from Conroe by Texas standards, so my dad drove me to Ray’s homecoming celebration at the Conroe High School stadium. All over town, yellow posters announced “Welcome Home Major

James Ray.” (Unfortunately, the townspeople jumped the gun--Ray hadn’t been promoted to major yet.) At the conclusion of the ceremony, the honoree rode around the track in a convertible, waving to the people in the packed stadium. When the car came around to where we were sitting, my dad, a maroonbleeding Aggie, flipped Ray a thumbs up.

Ray responded in kind.

Unbelievably, our family soon learned that the pastor of our church, Dr. Ray Mayfield, had been the pastor of Ray’s church, First Baptist Church of Conroe, when Ray was in high school. Our pastor contacted the recently-released POW—who was practically a celebrity by then—and invited him to speak at our church. I got a front row seat that day and was thrilled to get to meet “my” POW. I knew many people who had worn POW bracelets, but I didn’t know anyone else who had experienced a face-to-face meeting.

To say that Ray’s homecoming was an inspiration to me would probably be an understatement. I kept a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine clippings; I took off my bracelet, bent it flat and saved it in the scrapbook. I remember many details from this time, including my admiration for Ray’s heroism, his military bearing and his obvious delight to be home. One story left me particularly in awe. I heard that for years, Ray’s father and a few men from

Six years later, I was a sophomore journalism major at Texas A&M, taking a course that required students to write one article per week for publication in The Battalion, the campus newspaper. One day, my brother, who was a junior in the Corps of Cadets, told me that Col. James Ray would be speaking to cadets. Would I like to cover the event for The Battalion? I could probably count on one hand the number of college classes that I skipped, but I cut a class that day to attend Ray’s presentation. I loved it when his speech included the perfect ending to my article: “Ray said he doesn’t mind talking about his experiences as a POW because ‘I kind of enjoy it when it’s my turn to talk to a captive audience.’”

Ray spoke to a captive audience once again on Veterans Day 2023—50 years after his release—at the invitation of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Of course I attended. Many of Ray’s high school classmates were there, and I witnessed lots of hugs. During his presentation, Ray talked about the unlikely jobs he’d held before entering the U.S. Air Force that had helped him when he was in pilot training.

He also mentioned a Conroe teacher whose husband had been a Japanese-held POW during World War II, and how he had been able to read some of the man’s first-hand accounts about his experiences as a POW. “I know this was kind of preparing me for some events later on,” Ray said.

Ray mesmerized the audience with details about his dangerous mission, his fiery aircraft, and the radioed warnings to “Get out, get out, get out!” He reported that he “used escape and evasion techniques for about four and a half minutes” before his capture.

He then described in detail the horrific torture he endured. There were also lighter moments, such as his tales of retaliatory pranks on over-zealous upperclassmen while he was a freshman at Texas A&M. He then told about using some of the same techniques to outwit his captors in Vietnam.

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 15

4 9 3 5 8 2 1 6 4 6turn 3 7to5 2 1 it’s 8 9 my “I kind of enjoy it when 3 7audience.”

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Prisoners were kept in solitary confinement when space allowed, Ray said, but as the war lingered, the number of POWs grew. At one point, he lived with three other men “in a room that was smaller than a lot of walk-in closets.” He noted that there was a Southern Baptist, a Mormon, an Episcopalian and a Jew in the same cell, but their shared belief in Judeo-Christian principles helped them through their ordeal.

9 America 7 2 worth 3 8 the 6 4defending.

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7 6 8 1 3 9 2 5 4 At the end of the presentation, Dr. 1 4 9 7 5 2 6 8 3 Suann Hereford, executive director 2 of 5the 6 3 8Museum, 4 7 asked 1 a 9 for Heritage show of hands. How many attendees 4 3 7 9 1 6 8 2 5 had worn POW bracelets with Ray’s 9 1At 2least7 20 5hands 3 went 8 name?

4 6 up.

Then, she asked how many people had their bracelets with them. A handful of Sudoku us raised#5 our hands. Apparently, I was Ray also told the audience why he was not the only 5 2 who 9 inspired 8 6 by 3 was willing to serve and endure unspeakable 7 1 4 person Ray’s heroism. hardship. He quoted part of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

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9 2 3 4 6 8 5 7 1 For more information about Ray’s 5 wartime 7 9 1 4 watch 8 6 experiences, 2 3 the 9 7 Warrior 3 5series 1YouTube.

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Business Focus

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Story by Rosa Coss Photos by Libby Rogers

Chester Crawford Insurance and Tax Services

Income Tax • IRS Representation • Insurance • Notary Public

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Meet Chester Crawford, owner of Chester Crawford Insurance and Tax Services. He’s been doing business for the past 40 years.

Crawford attended college at Sam Houston State University, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1980.

Soon after, he began working at Huntsville National Bank as a bank teller. “I was the first black male bank teller in Huntsville. I always thought I wanted to work in banking, but that never happened,” said Crawford. While working at the bank, a man started talking to him about working as an insurance agent.

Soon after, he obtained his insurance license and opened his own business in December 1981. Since then, he has been providing insurance and tax services to the Huntsville community and surrounding area.

Crawford “wears many hats” while serving the community in various capacities. He is an Independent Insurance Agent who works with various companies. This allows

Crawford to search for the best policies for his clients. Through the years, he has been able to build trusted relationships with his clients and prospective clients through networking, word of mouth, and referrals. His agency offers life and auto insurance, homeowners, and renters insurance.

Additionally, Crawford is an enrolled IRS agent and prepares tax returns for individuals, small businesses, S Corporations and partnerships. S Corps are sometimes formed when small businesses start growing.

They are business entities that offer tax advantages while maintaining the flexibility of ownership. Crawford also stated he advises

clients regarding IRAs, 401k rollovers, and much more.

According to Crawford, being an enrolled IRS agent means he can represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Being awarded the status of an enrolled agent is the highest credential presented by the IRS. This elite status comes with a great deal of responsibility to adhere to ethical standards.

Enrolled agents are also required to complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Crawford is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the National Society of Tax Professionals. Both of these organizations

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February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 19

provide year-round tax continuing education.

As if those things weren’t enough to keep him busy, Crawford is a TitleMax Automobile Appraiser. Utilizing the TitleMax App, he uploads photos of vehicles and other pertinent information from the borrower to submit to TitleMax the value of the vehicle. Finally, Crawford also serves as a Texas Notary Public for anyone needing certification of legal documents, etc.

Crawford is a Life Member of the SHSU Alumni Association. He has been a member of the first Greek fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, for 43 years.

Crawford said he enjoys being a part of this fraternity because it promotes brotherhood, develops leaders, and believes in providing service to communities. It teaches men how to become better men, and it has also been a great way to make connections outside of the local community.

Crawford and his wife Pam live in Conroe. She is also an SHSU alum. She worked in oil and gas for 36 years and recently retired. When he’s not at work, Crawford enjoys spending time with his wife and going to church. They attend IMPACT Church of The Woodlands, the same church he and his wife have been going to since they were married 25 years ago. He is also a part of the music and worship ministry at his church. He enjoys traveling, and they have been fortunate to have visited various countries. “Two of my most favorite places have been the Vatican, because it’s breathtaking, and Pearl Harbor…it moves me, every time I go.” He also enjoys exercising and runs two miles every day.

On a final note, Crawford reminds everyone that tax season is here, and he is available to help you prepare and file your tax returns.

100 Highway 190 E Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 291-1887 20 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | February 2024

What’s Cookin’ Limoncello Ricotta Cake Ingredients Cake: cooking spray with flour 1 1/2 cups cake flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 cup white sugar 15 ozs whole milk ricotta cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup limoncello 2 Tbs fresh lemon zest 2 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract Icing:

75 minutes. Cool cake in the pan for 30 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: To make icing, mix together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons limoncello, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, and pinch of salt until completely smooth and combined. Pour icing over cooled cake.

Cook’s Note If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, simply cover it with aluminum foil and continue to bake until it is done.

1 cup powdered sugar 3 Tbs limoncello 1 Tbs heavy cream 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest, or to taste

IT’S NOT ABOUT GETTING LISTINGS.

1 pinch salt

You won’t hear realtors say that very often, but I mean it. My goal isn’t listings...my goal is helping you get done what you need to get done.

Directions Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with a baking spray containing flour.

Step 2: Sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

And I’ll tell you the truth while doing it.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together eggs and sugar on medium-high speed until mixture has lightened in color and tripled in volume, 5 to 7 minutes. Mix in ricotta, olive oil, 1/4 cup limoncello, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and vanilla until combined.

Step 4: Pour in half of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add in remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Pour cake batter evenly into the prepared springform pan, then place the springform onto a baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 65 to

If you’re ready for a different realtor experience, I’d love to visit with you!

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kelly@kellylawson.realtor

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 21

February

2024 Thru 8

CALENDAR 10

Houston

Houston

Houston

“Steel Magnolias”

Monster Jam

“Cinderella”

adplayers.org

nrgpark.com

houstonballet.org

Thru 11 Houston

13-14

“Pictures from Home” alleytheatre.org

Conroe “Wait Until Dark”

Mardi Gras Galveston

Huntsville

“Little Women”

“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

mscopas.org

are Dead” shsutickets.com

24-25

The Eagles w/Steely Dan

Conroe

toyotacenter.com

Big Top Shopping Festival bigtop.show/conroetx2024

17 Conroe

mardigrasgalveston.com

24-Apr 8 Dallas

59th Annual Go Texan Parade Email cwwmetro@gmail.com

3 Huntsville

Conroe

Chilly at the Lodge

“Rodeo Roundup”

chilly.joseyscoutlodge.org

conroesymphony.org

Ennis

College Station

Czech Music Festival

“Forever Young”

visitennistexas.com

mscopas.org

8-11

College Station

Houston

2-13 Galveston

22-24

16

owentheatre.com

6

22-Mar 3

Huntsville Chicago Tribute: Authority Texas

Beaumont

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Mardi Gras SETX

Pasadena

mardigrastx.com

Greater Houston Train Show

8-25

sanjacmodeltrains.org

San Antonio San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo

College Station

sarodeo.com

“The Doo Wop Project” mscopas.org

Conroe “West Side Story” crightontheatre.org 22 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | February 2024

dallasarboretum.org

24 Huntsville 2nd Annual Feathered Friends Gathering Email phyllis.txblues@gmail.com Shake Rattle & Roll oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

27-Mar 17 Houston Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo rodeohouston.com

29-Mar 2

21

9-25

Dallas Blooms

Montgomery Walden Follies waldenfollies40.com

Mustard Seed Moments

by Wes Altom

Have You Ever Been to Egypt?

Perhaps a better question is: Are You There Now?

don’t even understand.

The Israelites spent over 400 years in Egyptian captivity, culminated by a rescue which included ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea as they fled. More than one author has noted that, in spite of these miracles involved, it was probably much easier for God to get the Israelites out of Egypt than it was for Him to get Egypt out of the Israelites.

We need to embrace the assurance from Genesis 1; also, we should each find time to be still and reflect…so we can remember who (and whose) we are. One ticket out of Egypt, please.

Four centuries of being treated like and told their only value as a slave was in how many bricks they could produce certainly took a toll on their self-image. God sought to repair this partly through Sabbath, which reminded them to rest periodically and remember who they are, and through handing down the creation story found in the first chapter of Genesis, which tells and reminds that mankind is the crowning jewel of His GOOD creation.

God saw all that He had made and it was VERY GOOD, and there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (from Genesis 1, immediately after the creation of mankind)

Many of us may be seemingly trapped in an Egyptian-like culture today—one all wound up in production. It’s all wound up in whether or not I’m skinny enough, I’m smart enough, I have enough possessions, I can impress the right people, I’ve got the right degree, I’ve made it in the right career. We’re slaves to a system of brick-making that we

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W E S ERVICE MOS T M AKES AND M OD ELS. Scan QR to visit our website or give us a call at (281) 806-7333.

516 S. Washington Ave. Cleveland, TX 77327

February 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 23

d n a r i a e h t d n n a i r s i i a e e v th L ove is tin Lo t e l o r v e h C t e n l i o r r a v e M h t aat Martin C

r i a p a r e i k a a p m a n e a k c a e m w n a c we

420 W. SOUTHLINE ST. 420 W. SOUTHLINE ST. CLEVELAND, TX CLEVELAND, TX