The Journey

THE

NOVEMBER 2018

magazine 'n a t u r e - b a s e d l i f e'

TOUGH TOPIC S - A L ZH E I M E R' S | IN THE KITCHEN | SPOTLIGHT - CASA HOME TOUR AG G I E

O W N E D

A N D

O PER AT E D

bes t of

NOV E M BE R

6

ELECTION DAY Election Day in the United States of America is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials. These include national, state and local government representatives at all levels up to the president. Get out and VOTE!

11

VETERANS DAY Veterans Day is a sacred American holiday that is often celebrated with somber remembrances and ceremonies that often revolve around speeches, playing of the National Anthem and the flying of the American flag. It is a day of the year where citizens can not only reflect on the service of those who have served in the Armed Forces, but also to thank them for said service.

17

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED PUMPING UNIT LIGHTING The 52nd anniversary lighting of this regional landmark is set to kick-off in the parking lot of the Lufkin Mall on Saturday, November 18th. The celebration begins at 5pm with music, cookies and milk, and the posting of the US and Texas flags. Rudolph will have his red nose switched on around 5:30 and will stay lit from 10am – 10pm throughout the Christmas holidays.

18

ERTH'S PREHISTORIC AQUARIUM ADVENTURE PRESENTED BY ANGELINA ARTS ALLIANCE The creators of Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live want to take your family on an all new adventure to the bottom of the ocean.

Erth's Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure is an experience that invites you to explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles once lived and possibly still live today! There will be two performances at 2pm & 5pm; Ask about VIP seating!

26

MAIN STREET ANNUAL LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as the parade winds through our beautifully decorated historic downtown Lufkin. Christmas contest awards given out to parade winners! The theme for the 2018 parade is "Christmas is for Children."

27

LUFKIN ROTARY CLUB ANNUAL WAFFLE BAKE Join us on November 27, 2018 at 5:30pm to November 29, 2018 at 7:30pm at Angelina College cafeteria to kick off the holiday season by bringing your family to enjoy a waff le supper with local entertainment. All proceeds go back into the community.

3 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 3

10/15/18 12:06 PM

November2018.indd 4

10/15/18 12:06 PM

a l e t te r fro m th e

E DI T OR It’s the season of gathering, the start to my favorite time of year! As you join around the table with your family and friends, take time to recount

GatherTOGETHER with GRATEFUL

h earts!

the things for which you are thankful.

You might have seen the picture f loating around on social media…the one that asks, “What if you woke up tomorrow with only what you thanked God for today?” It might be a bit cliché’, but it makes you think.

I am grateful for my heavenly Father who continues to pursue my heart and is actively involved in my life. I’m grateful for my husband who humbly, yet courageously, leads our family.

I’m thankful for our two girls and the strong young women they are growing to be. I’m also extremely grateful for our extended family who continues to support and encourage us.

Pause and remember the blessings of the year. When you

gather together, start with a grateful heart. It will make your time so much sweeter!

I hope you enjoy the stories we’ve gathered for you this month.

Grab a warm drink and have a great time f lipping through the pages.

Happy fall!

All the Way Home,

Beth

5 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 5

10/15/18 12:06 PM

CONT food & design

family

14

36

HOME TOUR

GA N DY NOT E S

24

40

IN THE KITCHEN

KIDS' CORNER

28

46

TIPS & TRICKS

E V E RY T H I NG E L SE

30

50

L E T ' S C E L E BR AT E

COAC H A SH LE Y

6 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 6

10/15/18 12:07 PM

E NTS community

jour ney outdoors

54

84

2 0 QUE STIONS

62

CHALLENGE

90

SPOTLIGHT

L AU N C H PA R T Y

64

94

W I SD OM F ROM T H E WOR D

66

TOUGH TOPICS

E AT OU T D O OR S

96

OUTDOOR EVENTS

7 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 7

10/15/18 12:07 PM

THE

magazine 'n a t u r e b a s e d l ife'

The Journey Magazine is available free of charge each month per reader. Mail service of The Journey Magazine may be purchased for $15 for 12 issues. Mail check to: The Journey Magazine, P.O. Box 150351, Luf kin, TX, 75915, or contact kogden@luf kinjourneymagazine.com.

OWNER & DIRECTOR: Kim Ogden kogden@lufkinjourneymagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR: Beth Johnson beth@lufkinjourneymagazine.com L AY O U T & A DV E RT I S I N G D E S I G N : Kelly Hudman kkhudman@yahoo.com C OV E R P H O T O G R A P H Y: Drew Seals

COVER INFO - Joey Gauthier's story of why he loves duck hunting was a part of a storytelling documentary series called Blood Origins. Learn more about the project at bloodorigins.com.

F E A T U R E S P H O T O G R A P H Y: Lisa Crow Drew Seals CONTRIBUTORS: Kris Ball Ashley Berry Emily Courtney/Nature's Eye Angela Gandy Javier Horta Becky Reeder Crystal Williams C O N TAC T U S : Mailing: P.O. Box 150351 Physical: 106 E. Lufkin Avenue Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-366-5463 Online: facebook.com/thejourneymagazine instagram.com/thejourneymagazine www.lufkinjourneymagazine.com

November2018.indd 8

10/15/18 12:07 PM

m ee t

OU R T E A M Blake Hamilton is an outdoor extraordinaire. His education experience includes degrees in Pre-law and Forestry/Wildlife Management from Mississippi State University. His extensive experience in the world of conservation has earned him numerous awards and public speaking engagements.

Blake is the Founder and President of Nature’s Eye. Emily Courtney is a lover of all things outdoors. She enjoys living the ‘aunt life’ with her family in Mississippi. She earned a B.S. in Forestry/ Wildlife Management, as well as a M.S. in Agribusiness Management from Mississippi State University. She has served Nature’s Eye since its conception as the Content Media Manager.

Drew Seals in an avid outdoorsman and lives to tell stories through stunning imagery, in both motion and stills. Born and raised in South Mississippi, he traded in his collegiate golf skills to find beauty in the wildest places. He will go to the extreme to capture that one shot. Drew is the photographer and videographer for Nature’s Eye Media.

Kimberley is a former independent business owner with over twenty years of experience. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin Sate University with a B.S. in Forestry/Wildlife Management and a minor in Biology. In addition to office management and client relations, she assists with many other facets of Nature’s Eye.

November2018.indd 9

Kim Ogden loves Jimmy Buffet and all things caffeinated. She earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University and a M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She is the owner of The Journey Magazine and Executive Media Director for Nature’s Eye Media.

Beth Johnson loves the written word and believes in its power to encourage others and positively impact their lives. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and M.S. in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. She is the Executive Editor of The Journey Magazine and Nature’s Eye Media.

Kelly Hudman loves all things design. Whether she is working with digital media or painting a picture, she always strives to create work that will inspire. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Hardin Simmons University. She is the Executive Design Director for The Journey Magazine and Nature's Eye Media.

Tasha Hamilton loves spending time with her husband, Blake, and their two daughters, Rivers and Finely. They are excited to welcome baby number 3 in a few weeks. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Technology from Mississippi State University. She serves as the Executive Assistant/ Technical Advisor for Nature’s Eye.

10/15/18 12:07 PM

November2018.indd 10

10/15/18 12:07 PM

a l e t te r fro m th e

OW N E R

As I sit here typing this letter, I hear two sounds – one is the dryer running with my son’s baseball shoes in them, loudly and aggressively beating up the inside. The other sound is my husband and son playing basketball outside in the driveway. Two sounds that normally I wouldn’t pay any attention to, but tonight, they’re extremely comforting because they mean life has returned to a slower pace if only for an evening.

The last few weeks have been very eventful for our team. We merged with Nature’s Eye, moved our joint offices into our new downtown location, threw a party, met our neighbors, hired new people, and somehow in-between all of that, managed to successfully continue running both our businesses and our personal lives. The days were long, the evenings longer, the phone calls were many, and the emails almost uncountable. Let me give a quick shout-out to unlimited data!

Yet, here we are. We survived; we did it! Building empires isn’t easy on anyone, especially family. It can be difficult to manage kids, marriages, homes, businesses, money, homework and everything else that comes with living in such an incredible town. But at the end of the day, it’s those little things that matter. The hum of the dryer, the pick-up basketball game outside, the dogs chasing each other around the table. Heck, even the rain falling on the roof suddenly sounds more pleasant! It’s all in the details of life.

So happy November, everyone! Here’s to another fantastic month filled with all the details that make life worth living…

Hugs-

November2018.indd 11

10/15/18 12:07 PM

November2018.indd 12

10/15/18 12:07 PM

F

H OM E T O U R | MO S S Y OA K P RO P E RT I E S | I N T H E K I T C H E N | T I P S & T R I C K S | L E T ' S C E L E B R AT E

F O O D & D E S I G N

13 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 13

10/15/18 12:07 PM

P hoto C r ed it - LISA CROW

H A ROL D & C ON N I E E S T E S welcome us home

14 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 14

10/15/18 12:07 PM

November2018.indd 15

10/15/18 12:07 PM

home | H O M E

T O U R

H

Harold and I built this

home 35 years ago. Sitting on a little under 12 acres

of land, it was a beautiful area to raise our family.

We believe our home is an expressions of ourselves,

and throughout the years

we’ve built onto it, raised a family in it, watched

grandchildren explore it

and made it into a peaceful retreat that we love. That’s the thing that you can’t

see through photos, but I hope people who come to our home can feel the love that we have for them, our family, and each other.

November2018.indd 16

10/15/18 12:07 PM

Our library was Harold’s baby . He wanted a red oak paneled room so that’s what we came up with. We both love it because it is small and cozy, and in wintertime it is a great place to go with a hot chocolate and a book or just sit and talk or tell stories to the grandchildren. Annie and Sally, our Springer Spaniel babies, love it too.

Something Harold and I both love is the outdoors. This back, screened-in porch and the accompanying outdoor patio is extremely peaceful and a great way to enjoy the outdoors as one continuous space. Many evenings in the fall you will f ind us spending time outside, enjoying the cooler weather while we visit with friends and family. It’s a great space for entertaining.

November2018.indd 17

10/15/18 12:07 PM

home | H O M E

November2018.indd 18

T O U R

10/15/18 12:07 PM

A few years ago we decided to redo the kitchen. Being an 80’s kitchen, it was small, had dark blue wallpaper, smaller windows, oak cabinets, etc. I decided we needed a refresh! I absolutely love English style kitchens, so that was the inspiration behind it. We took down a wall, added a series of windows to make them 8 feet, installed a white washed wooden ceiling, 2 apron sinks, 2 islands, and a refrigerated crisper drawer. To display my copper collection, I found an old metal gate in the yard to hang the pieces on. That was fun! I was exceedingly happy with the way it turned out. When our boys grew up and went off on their own, I hung up my apron as my cooking wasn’t needed anymore. Once the new kitchen was f inished, a friend asked me if I was going to start cooking again now that I had a new kitchen. I said “You’ve got to be kidding…NO, I just like being in the space!”

19 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 19

10/15/18 12:07 PM

The beautiful cabin you see above was a project for me! I wanted to have a clubhouse, but I didn’t want to have to drive 45 minutes to get to it…so Harold and I decided to build one in the back yard. The timbers used to build it came from Southern Forest, a specialty sawmill that is part of our company, TX Timberjack. The beams are similar to the ones they sent up to New York after 9/11 to help at the site. It’s warm and cozy and exactly what I had imagined for a clubhouse. Over the years, we have enjoyed hosting friends and various activities and holidays in this building.

20 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 20

10/15/18 12:07 PM

When I retired at 65, I decided I wanted to learn how to ride horses. Growing up in a beach town in North Carolina, I didn’t have the experience of owning a horse, but I always loved the idea (and now living in Texas, how can I not own a horse?!). When Harold and I f irst moved here and built the house, we really didn’t have time for a horse. Once retirement happened, I decided it was now or never. Now here we are, and my horse, Lesa, (pictured above, right) is smart and so wonderful. I still consider myself a beginner rider, but Lesa helps me and teaches me how to be a better rider.

Protecting them is a big decision...

Go with Texas’s biggest broker.

59 South • higginbotham.net • 936-634-2291 November2018.indd 21

10/15/18 12:07 PM

LAND

AND ITS INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

Create a legacy

MOPTEX.COM/LUFKIN | 888.381.4638 P R O U D LY S E R V I N G T R I N I T Y, S A N J A C I N T O, A N G E L I N A , H O U S T O N , P O L K A N D N A C O G D O C H E S C O U N T I E S

November2018.indd 22

10/15/18 12:07 PM

LUFKIN DIVISION

SABINE COUNTY

POLK COUNTY

$739,394.00

$1,499,000.00

Wonderful mixed use recreational, timberland property in Northern Sabine County, Texas. This 348 acre property has incredible hilly terrain that might remind you of the Ozarks. Terrific wooded hills and creeks make for excellent whitetail deer, hog and small game hunting. The property has road frontage on Hwy 83 and borders the National Forest.

The Double N Exotic Game Ranch represents land with many opportunities! The 237 +/- acres is located in Polk County and just outside Corrigan, TX. The property is high-fenced and has two ponds, one stocked with catfish for fun freshwater fishing. Included in the sale are over 64 animals, including Red Stag, Axis Deer and high value genetic superior whitetail deer.

For more information, please contact Eric Gage, Associate Broker at 1-888-381-4638.

For more information, please contact Eric Gage, Associate Broker at 1-888-381-4638.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY

ANGELINA COUNTY

$190,000.00

$1,727,532.00

Beard Mt. Forest is a mature timberland tract with lots of potential! This 71 acre property is located near Sacul, TX in Northwestern Nacogdoches County. The property has plenty of rolling topography and what appears to be several pond or small lake sites. This mixed-use recreational timberland tract is secluded but appears to have electricity available to it.

Price reduced on this beautiful 548.42+/- acre historic Perry Ranch located on State Highway 7 in Pollok, in northwestern Angelina County.

Located 15 miles northwest of Lufkin (with utilities), this well-established mixed-use recreational cattle ranch boasts two large barns and numerous outbuildings. Bodan Creek runs through the property providing a sanctuary for abundant wildlife.

For more information, please contact Eric Gage, Associate Broker at 1-888-381-4638.

For more information, please contact Eric Gage, Associate Broker or Jeff Zwolinski, Agent at 1-888-381-4638.

MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES, AMERICA’S LAND SPECIALISTS November2018.indd 23

10/15/18 12:07 PM

Cook It All

DuVall

I am Carla DuVall. I have been married to my husband, Cody, for 25 years, and we have 2 children. I have had a love of cooking since I was a little girl.

Southern, Cajun, and comfort foods are my favorite. You can see more recipes like these on my Facebook page, Cook It All DuVall.

24 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 24

10/15/18 12:07 PM

Meaty Mexican Cornbread - INGREDIENTS 1 cup yellow cornmeal 2 eggs 1 cup milk ½ tsp baking soda ¾ tsp salt 1 can cream style corn Mix above ingredients and set aside.

- DIRECTIONS Brown 1lb ground beef and drain.

Add to meat: 1 TBSP cumin 2 tsp chili powder 1tsp salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ of a large onion (chopped) 1 clove garlic (minced) 1-2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped) Mix well.

Grease a large cast iron skillet or large baking dish.

Pour Meat mixture in bottom.

Sprinkle roughly a cup of cheddar cheese.

Pour cornbread mixture over meat.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

November2018.indd 25

10/15/18 12:07 PM

home | I N

T H E

K I T C H E N

Spicy Southwestern Cheese Ball - INGREDIENTS 2-8oz packages cream cheese (softened) 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 package or 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix 1 tsp worcestershire sauce heavy sprinkle ground cayenne pepper Mrs. Dash southwest chipotle seasoning

- DIRECTIONS Mix first five ingredients with a mixer until well blended. Form into a mound or loaf. Sprinkle heavily with Mrs. Dash southwest chipotle seasoning. Chill and serve with crackers or chips.

Recipe may be halved.

November2018.indd 26

10/15/18 12:08 PM

Chili Bean Soup - INGREDIENTS 1 lb ground beef or venison

1 -15 oz can tomato sauce

2 cups chopped onion

1 tsp chili powder

2 TBSP minced garlic

1 tsp cumin

½ cup chopped cilantro

½ tsp salt

2 quarts beef broth (canned is fine)

Dash of ground cinnamon

2-15 oz. cans ranch style beans (may use chili beans or pinto)

Louisiana hot sauce or ground red pepper to taste

- DIRECTIONS Brown ground beef in a large pot. Drain and return to pot. Add onions, cilantro, and minced garlic. Saute with the meat until onions are tender (about 4-5 minutes.) Add the broth, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, cinnamon, hot sauce and salt. Stir well. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 1-1 ½ hours. Serve hot with extra onions or topped with cheese. Wonderful served over rice.

Serves 6-8 Adapted from Justin Wilson’s Homegrown Louisiana Cooking

November2018.indd 27

10/15/18 12:08 PM

home | T I P S

&

T R I C K S

28 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 28

10/15/18 12:08 PM

GET SMART

With Your Smart Phone!

Written by - Javier Horta

I have volunteered to help many times in my life. Most of the time it was to grow personally and to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have done it again, and I hope that you will enjoy my attempt to be a writer. Mrs. Walker would never believe that I would volunteer to write – I fought every essay she assigned to us in the 11th grade. Here we go!

I plan on highlighting technology trends, pointing out dangerous computer viruses and Internet attacks on your computer, and give you some hints on how to protect your machine. I will also point out some cool technology to help simplify work, school and life in general.

This month, I want to focus on being eff icient with the technology in our hands. We are approaching a very busy time of the year. Church events, school programs, and the numerous extra-curricular activities in our lives will have us running around crazy.

Javier is a loving husband, an optimistic father and a grateful son of God and his parents. He has been accused of having too much energy, smiling entirely too much and being too passionate of his Fighting Texas Aggies – Class of 2000.

Our phones have some amazing features that we do not use frequently. The

He spends his time helping people troubleshoot computers, copiers and printers as the owner of Innovative Office Systems.

Feel free to reach him at jhorta@ioslufkin.com or 936-633-6550.

• Remind me to call …. tomorrow at 10am

calendar and reminder apps can work wonders for keeping you organized and helping our brains keep things under control!

It’s very easy to call up Siri or Google and have “it” set the reminder for you.

Click your home button and say some of the following phrases and let your phone do the rest of the work for you: • Add skydiving to my bucket list • Remind me to take my medicine tomorrow at 6am • Remind me when I leave to call….

These are just some ideas to get you started. You also can have your phone help you with setting appointments and meetings with the calendar app.

Just use the terms “set appointment” or “set meeting” and the time for each one and your phone will take care of remembering for you.

I have found it useful to remember clues and hints that the kids or my wife give me for gifts they would like for birthdays or Christmas. We make time for a lot of things in life. Making time to get organized and setting these reminders will be a big help as our lives become a little more hectic in the last couple of months of the year. And once the New Year arrives, we can set reminders to workout or to eat healthy – but let us enjoy the rest of the year before we worry about that!

November2018.indd 29

10/15/18 12:08 PM

home | L E T ' S

C E L E B R A T E

7.

3.

10.

12.

5.

13.

2.

My name is Bambi Stewart, and I have been an Independent Stylist with Plunder Design Jewelry for two years. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, and a mother to three beautiful children. I originally started my journey with Plunder Design simply for the love of the jewelry, but that all changed when I realized how much this opportunity could bless my family. My family is the driving force behind my business.

November2018.indd 30

10/15/18 12:08 PM

GET THIS LOOK 1. ELOISE BRACELET - $24.00 2. ERNESTINE BRACELET - $26.00 3. TAYLA BRACELET - $18.00 4. ELISE BRACELET - $34.00 5. ROCHELLE BRACELET - $18.00 6. MCCALL RING - $24.00 7. PRIMROSE RING - $24.00 8. SHARA RING - $21.00 9. EMMYLOU EARRINGS - $12.00 10. MABEL NECKLACE - $28.00 11. KERRINGTON NECKLACE - $16.00 12. MELODY NECKLACE - $16.00 13. SHAYLA NECKLACE - $24.00

1.

4.

9.

8.

11.

November2018.indd 31

6.

10/15/18 12:08 PM

home | L E T ' S

C E L E B R A T E

1.

3.

2.

GET THIS LOOK 1. JEWEL EARRINGS - $13.00 2. PEARL NECK LACE - $28.00 3. JOANNA NECK LACE - $12.00

November2018.indd 32

10/15/18 12:08 PM

GET THIS LOOK 1. LANA BRACELET - $15.00 2. TAMARA EARRINGS - $9.00 3. MARIBETH NECK LACE - $20.00 4. DELANA NECK LACE - $15.00

For more information on these Plunder Designs, please contact Bambi Stewart.

bambisblingbox.com | (936)229-0211 | bambisblingbox@gmail.com

November2018.indd 33

10/15/18 12:08 PM

November2018.indd 34

10/15/18 12:08 PM

F

G A N D Y N O T E S | K I D S ' C O R N E R | E V E RY T H I N G E L S E | C O A C H A S H L E Y

FA M I LY

35 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 35

10/15/18 12:08 PM

November2018.indd 36

10/15/18 12:08 PM

C

amping

down memory lane...

With the smell of fall in the air, I can't help but think of our famous family camping trips.

And I'm talking about those tent camping trips - not the glamping or camper/RV trips, but real camping. I was even recently reminded by my sister of the fun we would have on those vacations. Those memories are irreplaceable. Some trips I can only look back and laugh on now, but as anyone in my family would attest to, each vacation had more than its fair share of drama, tears, laughter, pain, scares, weather...and I could keep going.

As I sit writing this, I'm giggling while remembering the time we got caught in a hail storm and were all taking shelter under the tiny pavilion on our camping spot. You remember, the one that was just big enough for a small table to sit covered. How's this for a visual? There were at least 15 of us on this vacation, and my little sister was a baby at the time who was tucked away in big brotherin-law’s overalls. The sad part is, this wasn't the only time we had inclement weather during a camping trip. Oh no, we eventually

started to joke that certain family members were bad luck (you know who you are)!

And if it wasn't the weather that had us laughing and wondering if we could catch a break, it was the drama. One trip that comes to mind is when I fell in the campfire as a young girl. Luckily, I don't remember it, and I survived, so no need to call CPS. My mom should have known then to wrap me in bubble wrap. I was doomed for more clumsiness.

However, one trip I do remember is when we were woken up in the middle of the night by my step sister claiming there were snakes circling our tent. And while she was never proven right or wrong, because who really wants to check, I have forever wondered if we were destined to be snake food that night.

I always loved that no matter where we camped, or who went, we would always end the evening by sitting around the campfire and telling stories. I'm sure you have traditions in your family of storytelling, but for us, we took turns piecing scary stories together until we had one goofy story.

Being a young 8-year-old girl, I was secretly really scared when we did this, but I would

37 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 37

10/15/18 12:08 PM

f a m i ly | G A N D Y N O T E S

always try to act like it didn't get to me. Truth be told, I would probably still be scared today if I went out in the middle of the woods at night and let my imagination wander about scary stuff. No thanks! But, these stories would always end with us laughing and crying because we could never stay too serious for too long.

I write all of this to make you laugh at my expense, but more importantly, to make you consider what you're doing this fall/ winter season with your family.

38 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 38

10/15/18 12:08 PM

Can you unplug and take a camping trip? Can you put the phone down and enjoy the weather? Can you skip the football game to take a hike?

Can you just “be� with your loved ones, without all the f luff? Because at the heart of camping, is you. None of my memories included what kind of tent, air mattress or cooler we used. No, they included family.

I challenge you to take a step back and enjoy the change in weather and colors by spending time in nature. And if you are up for a real challenge, go tent camping! You are sure to have priceless memories for the rest of your life.

Gandy Notes Angela is a multi-tasking wife and mother of two boys who keep her on her toes. She loves a good story and enjoys writing.

You can contact her at angelagandy@gmail.com.

November2018.indd 39

10/15/18 12:08 PM

- FEATU RI N G -

COOL CATS There are so many fabulous kids doing amazing things!

Do you know a Cool Cat who needs to be recognized?

Email the details to kogden@lufkinjourneymagazine.com and you just might see them featured here.

LET'SLOL

WO RD FI N D AN D M O RE !

November2018.indd 40

10/15/18 12:09 PM

SPOOKY WORD FIND

AMERICAN

CORN

HOLIDAY

APPLES

DINNER

LEAF

AUTUMN

FOOD

NOVEMBER

BIRD

HAPPY

PUMPKIN

BREAD

HARVEST

TURKEY

T IC

TAC

T OE

41 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 41

10/15/18 12:09 PM

November2018.indd 42

10/15/18 12:09 PM

ss event held in y Release is a Community Awarene Lufkin Community Partners But terfl A fun, family friendly es. erfli butt s and the release of live September ever y year with activitie who are victims of abuse organizations who assist children event that highlights community or neglect in Angelina County.

g n i R E W O P em November2018.indd 43

10/15/18 12:09 PM

CHOCOLAT E PEANUT BUTT ER ACORNS Ingredients: 24 Nabisco Nutter Butter Bits (Mini Round Cookies) 24 Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses 24 Mini Chocolate chips Extra chocolate chips to melt as glue Directions: Gather supplies and place in bowls. Unwrap the chocolate kisses. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt a small amount of chocolate. Take a cookie, smear a small amount of melted chocolate on one side and press the chocolate kiss on top and place on the parchment paper to set. Once set, turn over and place a small amount of melted chocolate on the mini chocolate chip and place on top of the cookies to act as a stem.

LET'S

1.

3.

LOL!

WHAT DO YOU CALL A BEAR WITH NO TEETH?

2.

WHY DO THE FRENCH EAT SNAILS?

WHEN SHOULD YOU BUY A BIRD?

4.

WHO DOSENT EAT ON THANKSGIVING?

ANS WERS - 1. A GUMMY BEAR! 2. THEY DON’T LIKE FAST FOOD 3. WHEN IT’S GOING CHEEP! 4. A TURKEY BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS STUFFED. November2018.indd 44

10/15/18 12:09 PM

THE RIGHT FOOD FOR BABIES Starting solids is an exciting, yet occasionally anxiety provoking time in your baby’s life. Which foods to start, when to start them, which foods to avoid – especially peanuts- are the challenges facing parents. Research within the last decade has revealed some startling new answers that have led to an entirely new approach to food introduction. The Learning Early About Peanut Study and the Enquiring About Tolerance Study both published in the New England Journal of Medicine shed new light on best food introduction practices.

It is recommended that solids be introduced between four and six months of age. Regarding which foods, the answer is quite simply any food. Your baby’s first food could be meat, fish, eggs, even peanut butter. It is recommended that the foods be puréed and that children be fed 2 to 3 tablespoons of single foods twice today. Children should be exposed to new foods at least every other day. The new mantra regarding solids is early introduction and frequent exposure. Studies conclude that early and repeated exposure to foods reduces the subsequent likelihood of developing food allergies.

We encourage parents to expose their babies to diverse foods every single day.

TABLE MANNERS • BEFORE YOU COME TO THE TABLE , WASH YOUR HANDS. • ALWAYS ASK IF YOU CAN HELP W ITH SET T ING THE TABLE .

• WAIT UNT IL EVERYONE IS SERVED BEFORE EAT ING. • NEVER , EVER CHEW W ITH YOUR MOUTH OPEN. • DO NOT INTERRUPT WHEN SOMEONE IS TALKING. • ALWAYS ASK - NEVER REACH TO GET SOMETHING. • ALWAYS PUSH YOUR CHAIR IN WHEN F INISHED. • ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU.

November2018.indd 45

10/15/18 12:09 PM

Written by - KRIS BALL

One Day At A Time WRITTEN BY

KRIS BALL

46 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 46

10/15/18 12:09 PM

W

We were driving to the Luf kin Panther homecoming game last month when this subject came up. The boys were dressed in their purple t-shirts, and Brett had brought his always welcomed cow bell in the truck. Nothing says Friday night football like the old cowbell. There is always a buzz in our town this time of year on Fridays. It’s especially nice when the weather starts cooling off. Sitting in the bleachers becomes a little more tolerable than in August.

So, we are driving to Abe Martin Stadium and Brett starts talking about wanting to be a football player when he grows up, something that was probably on his mind simply because w wee were going to the game. Then Luke says something about being in the Army and directs h is attention to me. Brett chimes in and says, “Daddy, what did you want to be when you his w ere little?” That’s a question I hadn’t thought about in a long time, and I never really had were a solid answer for them.

All the careers that I can remember being interested in had to do with show business. I

wanted to be a wrestler for a little while. Not like an Olympic wrestler, but more like Hulk Hogan or the Ultimate Warrior wrestler. I had a brief stint wrestling under the moniker “Sean Smooth” with the highlight of my career being at the high school gymnasium in Alvin, Texas. There’s still a VHS tape f loating around somewhere to prove that it happened. It’s funny. I need to dig it out and show my boys. They would love that, I bet.

I really liked to write in high school. I kept a journal where I would write things down in as they popped up in my life. Not a diary, a journal. I wrote quite a bit about my parents’ divorce and when I moved to Luf kin for the first time. I had visited Luf kin almost every summer and around the holidays. My mom’s parents have lived in Luf kin forever, and my dad’s family had a peach orchard in Douglas, right outside of Nacogdoches. My brother and I would spend a couple of weeks a year at each of their houses visiting when schedules would allow. My brother stopped making the trips to Luf kin when he got in high school. He worked during summers and had his own stuff going on. I, on the other hand, could never wait to get back to Luf kin. I called Luf kin home long before I ever moved here.

The first time I moved to Luf kin was to attend the 9th grade at Junior High East. My parents were going through a divorce and my grandparents invited me to come stay with them and see how things went. I remember my mother on the phone with my grandfather saying, “Here, your Papaw wants to talk to you.” Crystal clear, I can hear his voice, “Partner, me and Grandma want you come live with us for a little while. What do you think about that?”

I responded, “When are you coming to get me?” There is no telling the discussions that my mom had with them prior to this decision, but I was glad they decided on it. I was here for that summer and the entire 9th grade year.

47 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 47

10/15/18 12:09 PM

I wrote about it a lot in my journal, mostly about girls and what was happening on the golf team.

I wanted to stay and go to high school in Luf kin, but I ended up moving back to Mt. Pleasant to be with my mom. I asked my grandparents years later why I wasn’t able to stay with them. Grandma said, “Baby, your momma needed you home.” I understand that now. It was hard to understand that when I was 13 or 14. I finished high school in Mt. Pleasant and graduated in 1998. I believe graduation ceremonies were on a Saturday and I moved back to Luf kin that Sunday. I started Angelina College that summer, as well.

Looking back, it’s like something here in Luf kin was always drawing me back in. Like I didn’t really have a choice about it. It makes sense now, of course. It’s easy to see why things happened the way they did after they’ve all unfolded. I believe that there are things in life that you have no choice about, like your parents or your children. After thinking about it, I realize I never had a choice about whether or not I would call Luf kin home. God had plans on me coming here so that I could meet my wife, and more importantly, so he could give us Brett and Luke.

It’s amazing to think that when God created the Earth, the oceans and the sky, that in His mind He already knew about my two boys. The same God that tells the sun when to rise is the same God who used my parents’ divorce for the good of Brett and Luke. Had my parents not been divorced, I would’ve never come to Luf kin that year. I would have never danced with Leslie at that Junior High East – West mixer. I would’ve never had that English Literature class with her at Angelina College. We would have never gotten married and had our first son, Brett. We would have never experienced the miracle of Jesus healing our little boy that was born not breathing.

You see, God has been working in me since the day I was conceived. Just like God planting this idea that I may want to write long ago, but it taking me 37 years to let my guard down and tell people about it. He works in all of us that way. God is rearranging our lives every minute so that the end result is exactly what it’s supposed to be. Deaths, divorce, addictions, bankruptcies, are some examples of horrible things that many of us have to endure, but they are not punishments.

They are merely bumps on the road. A road that leads to a much bigger picture. Bigger than anything we can wrap our minds around.

My life is not perfect. My marriage is not perfect. My kids are not perfect. I will never claim that they are. What I have is a “daily reprieve, contingent on the maintenance of my spiritual condition.” This allows me to see through hardships and problems as they arise and chase after the much bigger prize. I’ve learned in the last 33 months if I’m not moving forward with my recovery, I’m moving backward. I’ve learned that looking back on my past in a negative light does nothing but steal me away from the present. And I’ve learned that God will reveal more to me “one day at a time.”

48 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 48

10/15/18 12:09 PM

I’m so fortunate that God lets me write for this great magazine.

I’ve known I wanted to write for a long

time, I just finally have something worth writing about.

Proverbs 3:5, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God is good ALL the time. Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

Kris Ball

HOPE MATTERS

ALZHEIMERS AWARNESS MONTH

Kris Ball grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Texas but has called Luf kin his home for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University.

He brief ly toured as the

Ringmaster for the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus. He was disbarred from the circus community after supporting the efforts to continue with live elephant performances.

Kris has been married to his lovely wife, Leslie for 13 years. They have two boys, Brett who is 7 and Luke who is 5. In his spare time, he enjoys farming, hunting and coaching t-ball.

NO OVERTIME CHARGES! We are here when you need us!

7 DAYS A WEEK 7 AM TO 7 PM

PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF EAST TEXAS!

1-888-905-7655

mcwilliamsandson.com

November2018.indd 49

10/15/18 12:09 PM

Living … Today

Your Best Life wr i t ten by ASHLEY BERRY

50 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 50

10/15/18 12:09 PM

I

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the 4th quarter of 2018!!!

Fall is here, and I cannot wait to have Thanksgiving lunch, dinner, and leftovers with my family! And my favorite holiday, Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus!

And then… before we all know it, the New Year will be here.

NEW RESOLUTIONS • A more realistic weight loss goal, because last year… that was just too much. No more cussing…not even when you’re mad, maybe.

• More quality time with family… no more phones at the dinner table. We’re going to church, no matter how bright the lights are and how loud the music is. Starting the business you’ve put off for years.

• Saying I love you more.

Allow me to speak these simple words into your heart…

You can be the best you right now, November 2018. Not only can you be the best you, but you deserve to be the best you today.

WE’RE ALL A WORK IN PROGRESS! Not one of us is perfect… Perfection should never be the goal.

Struggles come to make us stronger- don't get stuck focusing on what happened… keep moving forward. There is more JOY in overcoming than there is in quitting.

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY! No one really cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

Who you ARE speaks so much louder than your words, be a person of action… not just words. Know when to question, give input, and just listen. Always do it with the right heart.

INVEST IN YOU… TODAY! You are your very best option, and without you… there is no YOU. Take good care of you TODAY! Learn to say NO... it's the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself. Your self-value lies within YOU… FIND IT! If you don't, you will be where you are today 10 years from now… still waiting on the New Year to be the best you possible.

MAKE YOUR PLANS PLAIN! Don't over complicate things. Learn to ADAPT! There are things in life we simply cannot plan for. If at f irst you don't succeed… put on your big girl panties and TRY AGAIN. DO IT TODAY, NO MATTER HOW HARD IT MAY BE! Say I love you today. Get healthy today. Make the commitment today. Give up the habit today. Move on today. Start today.

Be intentional; don’t wait. We are never promised tomorrow.

November2018.indd 51

10/15/18 12:10 PM

November2018.indd 52

10/15/18 12:10 PM

PRESENTED BY -

C

2 0 Q U E S T ION S | S P O T LIGH T | L O C A L TA L E N T | W I S D OM F ROM T H E WO R D

COM M U N I T Y

53 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 53

10/15/18 12:10 PM

co m mu ni ty | 20 QUESTIONS

M

twenty questions

G

-WITH-

NATA L I E T H O R N TO N Executive Director at CASA of the Pines 54 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 54

10/15/18 12:10 PM

1

O S C A R M AY E R O R WIENERSCHNITZEL?

LOL, I’ve never had a Wienerschnitzel.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MIDNIGHT SNACK?

IT’S A BEVERAGE. What is a favorite online video?

3

ELTON JOHN’S “DON’T GO BREAKING MY HEART”

I once saw a montage of videos of people when they received a cochlear implant, so inspiring.

DIRTY DANCING

12

15

What is something you say that people would consider “your saying”?

GOOD TO GO

18

What was the last gift you gave someone?

EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.

November2018.indd 55

THE WATER!

6

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

RESOURCEFUL

If you were the CIA director for a day, what would you do?

9

LAY LOW. Your purse is on fire and you can only save two things. What would it be?

MY PHONE AND MONEY. What is your go-to chick flick?

MANDY MOORE

WHICHEVER IS OVER

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

7

If you could hire any actress to play you in a movie, who would it be?

4

Sunrise or sunset?

What would you tell your 18 yearold self?

RELAX

16

I give you a porcupine as a gift.

What do you name it?

JORDAN

13

Favorite words of wisdom?

FIGURE OUT WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO YOU, WORK TIRELESSLY ON THAT, THEN LET THE REST OF IT GO.

17

If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive), who would it be?

DECEASED FAMILY OR FRIENDS.

WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Chris Pratt

14

What is the last thing you bought online?

BLINGO BINGO PRIZES If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?

20

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO IN LIFE? Enjoy today and make the best of it.

Because one day you are going to be old and in a nursing home.

A BIRD 10/15/18 12:10 PM

20th Annual

CASA of the

PINES Home Tour

Thursday, December 6 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM Brenda and Sam Johnson 107 Deer Trace Circle David Frankens 215 Colonial Hills Drive Jill and Scotty West 3 Shady Oak Court Vennessa and John Childerss 715 Mantooth The Pines Theater 113 South 1st Street

November2018.indd 56

10/15/18 12:10 PM

BRENDA AND SAM JOHNSON 107 DEER TRACE CIRCLE SOUTH 1.8 MILES ON FM 58 RIGHT ON PLATT ROAD LEFT ON DEER TRACE HOME IS ON THE LEFT

Home for the Holidays. On Thursday, December 6th you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the most beautiful homes in the Luf kin area during the CASA Christmas Home Tour, presented by FedEx. This year is the 20th year for the tour, and it will prove to be one of the best tours yet. These homes will be f lowing with holiday decorations and style. The CASA of the Pines Christmas Home Tour is a candy store for Christmas lovers!

The tour begins at 2:30 pm and concludes at 8:00 pm. It is a come and go tour and a participant should probably allot 2 hours for the entire tour. Tickets are available at The Very Thing, Merle Norman, and the CASA office. An individual ticket is $15, with the price increasing to $20 on December 1st. Corporate and individual sponsorships are still available.

All proceeds benefit CASA of the Pines. Imagine a foster child's life during the holidays. Now imagine that same foster child celebrating Christmas in an adoptive home, with a rehabilitated parent, or in the arms of loving aunt and uncle. These are the holiday dreams that CASA works to provide for the abused and neglected children of the East Texas area. If you are interested in becoming a CASA advocate, and becoming a voice for an abused and neglected child, contact the CASA office at 936.634.6725.

November2018.indd 57

10/15/18 12:10 PM

DAVID FRANKENS 215 COLONIAL HILL DRIVE FROM LOOP AT CHESTNUT SOUTH 2 MILES ON FM 58 LEFT ON COLONIAL HILL DRIVE HOME IS IN THE CURB AT THE END OF THE ROAD, LONG DRIVEWAY AND GATE

JILL AND SCOTTY WEST 3 SHADY OAK COURT CROWN COLONY SUB. 2ND ENTRANCE RIGHT ON CHAMPIONS LEFT ON AUGUSTA, PINE VALLEY, INNISBROOK, AND SHADY OAK COURT HOME IS IN CUL DE SAC

November2018.indd 58

10/15/18 12:11 PM

VENNESSA AND JOHN CHILDERSS 715 MANTOOTH TRAVELING WEST ON FRANK AVENUE RIGHT ON RAGUET LEFT ON MANTOOTH HOME IS ON THE LEFT

THE PINES THEATER 113 SOUTH 1ST STREET DOWNTOWN HISTORIC THEATER

November2018.indd 59

10/15/18 12:11 PM

c o m m u n i t y | WOM E N I N B U S I N E S S

November2018.indd 60

10/15/18 12:11 PM

WOM E N in

BUSI N E SS

Julie Nelson

Julie Nelson grew up in Sabine County, but she

kayaking gear. Julie says, “We may not be able to

visited Nacogdoches often. After high school

provide gear for all outdoor sports right now, but I

graduation, she continued the family tradition of

truly believe we will get there.” They still operate

attending Stephen F. Austin. She graduated with

BACE Energy, but on a smaller scale.

a degree in agribusiness in 2004. She married her

“The Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

husband, Buck, and although they moved away from

was critical in taking all our research and ideas and

Nacogdoches, they continue to maintain friendships

compiling them into an impressive business plan that

there.

we took to our f inancial institution,” Julie shares.

Julie’s family of 6 loves the outdoors. They spend a

They use the plan to measure their daily progress.

lot of time f ishing and hunting from the coast to the

She continues, “They gave me peace of mind and

mountains and everything in between. Even their

were a great support system.”

family vacations are centered around chasing the

They have experienced many obstacles in starting a

reds on the coast and the elk and mule deer in the

small business. From securing f inancing to f inding

mountains.

a location to establishing vendors and hiring

Last winter, Julie and her son were headed to a high

employees, there have been many trying times.

school bass f ishing tournament on Sam Rayburn.

“Sometimes we forget that things are bigger than

They needed to grab a few things before getting

us and we just need to have faith. I had to remind

to the lake, but she wasn’t sure where to stop. The

myself to do all I could do and let God handle

larger outdoor retail stores were further south than

the rest. I have my husband to thank for the daily

her journey would take her. She needed somewhere

reminder to have faith!”

close where she could gather the needed f ishing

The couple saw their sweat, tears and worry come

supplies and other outdoor gear.

together; their hard work paid off. They strive to

She came home and discussed the need with her

f ind a balance between work and family, and this job

husband. The research began. They knew that the

allows them to do that. At Tall Timber Outdoors,

East Texas Kayak trail was drawing a large crowd,

everyone is family. Julie says, “There may be days

and the nearest kayak gear couldn’t be couldn’t be

when you don’t need anything, but I want you to

found for 70 to 100 miles away. They also knew

stop in, have a cup of coffee and share a f ishing or

that participation in high school and collegiate bass

hunting story. The community is important to us.”

f ishing was sky rocketing.

Tall Timber Outdoors is located at 2221

In 2014, Buck and Julie opened a small oil and gas

Stallings Dr N, Nacogdoches, TX 75964.

service company, BACE Energy. Their success with

You can also visit their website at www.

this company allowed them to pursue Tall Timber

talltimberoutdoors.com

Outdoors, the place to f ind all your f ishing and

61 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 61

10/15/18 12:11 PM

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AND WE'RE HAVING A BABY!

I tried to get down the stairs to head to the hospital, but then I had my 2nd painful contraction. I let out a very loud, painful moan and Shane (half-way joking) yelled from the other side of the house, “Knock it off Sapphira; people are still sleeping.” I heard my oldest sister Tamisha yell from her room, “Prea are you about to have a baby?” (Did I mention my oldest sister and her 2 children were also living at Miranda’s?)

As I stood at the top of the stairs, I knew I was not going to make it to the car. My knees got weak and my water broke. Both of my sisters came running from different directions and everyone sprung into action. Darry started gathering delivery tools and Shane reassured the kiddos that mom was going to be alright.

I made my way to the bathroom and eased down onto the Rub-A-Dub bath mat. Tamisha was supporting my head and

In December 2017 Shane and I found out we were expecting our

Miranda was in position to deliver the baby. At this point, we

3rd child. We knew it was going to be the caboose, and because

had a doctor, 3 nurses, and me, the nurse practitioner and ex

we already have a boy and girl, we wanted this one to be a

labor and delivery nurse of 12 years. I knew we could do this.

surprise. As we progressed in the pregnancy, we sold our home

I prepared Miranda for what she would see, and with one push,

and moved in with my sister and brother-in-law Miranda and

she delivered the baby’s head. I was aware that the cord was

Darry Meyer and started to build our new home.

wrapped around the neck, so I walked her through taking care of

As we grew closer to our due date of August 25th I was getting

that. I had a tiny, short pity party for myself and let out a couple

all my ducks in a row. I had an outf it made for each member of

of “I can’t do this’s” until Darry stepped in and said, “Sapphira,

the family, I hired a photographer/videographer to capture the

SHUT your mouth and give us one more push!” So, I instructed

whole delivery day and big brother and big sister meeting their

Miranda on the next steps and she did exactly as I said. The

new sibling, and I discussed with Dr. Suiter how I wanted Shane

baby came out without any diff iculty. Tamisha assisted with the

to participate in the delivery.

2nd cord that was wrapped around the baby. Miranda held her

This year the f irst day of school fell on Monday August 20,

up like the scene on the Lion King and announced loud enough

2018. We had Hutson starting 3rd grade and Hayslee starting

for all of Autumn Lake to hear,” It’s a GIRL!”

Kindergarten. My goal was to get the kids settled in on their

Henlee Dell Clark was born on August 20, 2018 at 6:18am.

f irst day of school and then I would be ready to welcome the

She was placed on my chest, and I immediately requested a

5th and f inal Clark. So, on August 19th we gathered in a circle

stethoscope to listen to her. We cut the cord and got a bulb

as a family of four and all said our prayers before bed. I prayed

syringe from the ambulance who was called just in case we

specif ically for the baby to come on its own time and that I

needed them. We collected cord blood and called Dr. Suiter to

would not have to be induced.

have her meet us at the hospital.

The next morning, on August 20th (the f irst day of school) I

As we all 5 sat on the bathroom f loor still wearing our pajamas,

woke up as usual around 5:30 am to go to the bathroom. I wasn’t hurting, but I also wasn’t feeling baby move as she normally did in the mornings, so I got my doppler headed to the living room and listened. The heartbeat was perfect. About 5:45 I starting to feel some mild cramping, so at 6:00 am I woke up Shane and told him that I thought today might be baby day.

I had it all planned out. We would drop off the kids at school

all I could do was laugh a little and say, “Did we seriously just deliver a baby at home?” But we couldn’t sit there long, because we had seven kids to get out the door for their f irst day of school.

I kissed the kids and told them daddy would be right back to take them to school once he dropped off me and Henlee at the hospital. Miranda and Tamisha got everyone ready for school and even had time for a ‘f irst day’ picture.

for their f irst day, and then we could head to the hospital to

Dr. Suiter met us at the elevator and I was taken to a room.

get checked out. I let my sister Miranda know about our plan

Mine and Henlee’s exams were perfect. I did my 24 hours in

and I headed to get dressed. As I was walking back up the

the hospital and we were both released. When I look back it all

stairs, I got to the top and had my f irst painful contraction. I

still feels like a dream. In every situation we must remember it

immediately told Shane, “Scratch the shower; we need to head

is never OUR plan, but God’s. He is so GOOD.

to the hospital.”

November2018.indd 62

10/15/18 12:11 PM

November2018.indd 63

10/15/18 12:11 PM

c o m m u n i t y | W I S D OM F ROM T H E WO R D

CURE

A FOR SPIRITUAL BOR E DO Written by Becky Reeder M Becky Reeder is a wife, mom, teacher and writer from Luf kin, TX. Though her roots are in Kentucky and Indiana, she has lived in Luf kin since 2012. She teaches business and technology at Hudson Middle School, but has a heart for teaching God’s word and shares her life-story through her blog. When she is not writing or helping her husband lead college students at Harmony Hill Baptist Church, she is traveling or working on a new painting and design projects. Becky has been married to Michael for 28 years.

They have four children and one grandchild.

November2018.indd 64

10/15/18 12:11 PM

I

get bored easily. Before I know it, I am stuck in a rut. Usually, it is in a cooking rut. I put together the same ingredients, to create the same dish for the same people – day, after day, after day. I am a better-than-average cook, but new recipes take more time and extra effort than the same old monotonous meal. If I am not careful, I lose my love for cooking.

Recently, I purchased an app that has helped me get out of my most recent cooking rut. I pick recipes from a long list of options, the app puts together my grocery list and after a few more clicks, I am pulling up to the pick-up line where someone else loads my groceries into the car.

It’s genius. I am happy. My family is happier. Good-bye cooking rut, at least for a while.

Sometimes, it feels like every aspect of my life is in a rut. I am unsatisf ied and f ind myself coming undone by the mundane.

Something inside of me wants more than ordinary.

I can’t pinpoint the cause, but it’s there. A feeling of stuck.

After I’ve tried and failed many times to come unstuck, I’ve discovered it’s most often a spiritual rut that has me wondering if there is more. But more of what? More happiness. More excitement. More challenges. More choices.

More things. More… everything.

What I need is more Jesus.

Most of us have experienced dissatisfaction in our spiritual walk. If we’re not careful, we’ll try all the latest Christian fads, trends and movements to move us from stuck to spiritual and still be unsatisf ied.

There is nothing wrong with using tools to help teach, but don’t neglect the Teacher.

There is something about new technology, Pinterest-like pages in a Bible and crowded conferences that can create a new excitement in our relationship with Jesus, or at least a new excitement in something. We need to ask ourselves when working to climb out of that spiritual rut, “Am I focused on the method or the Messiah?”

We’ve all seen trends come and go, but Jesus remains the same. You won’t get un-bored in your spiritual walk by anything else than a better relationship with Him. So, where do you start getting unstuck? If you are feeling bored with Christ, there is something wrong. You need to have a heart-to-heart with Him. Every time I have a feeling of stuck, I f ind that God is asking me to either grow, or get up and do something. Sometimes, an exciting new adventure is awaiting, but usually the adventure is simply in my day-to-day life with Christ.

Grow.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever!” 2 Peter 3:18 In this verse, to grow in the grace and knowledge has two possible meanings. Gnōsis, which translates grow in the knowledge of Christ, or epignōsis, a personal encounter with

Christ.

Get to know God better by reading the scriptures and spending time with him. It seems so easy. Sit down, open your Bible, read and pray. But we live in a world of distractions that keep us from spending quality time with God. Quality time is focused time. It is personal and intimate. He is the great Teacher and if we are to learn about him, we need to be a good student. Study God’s word with the expectation it will change your life and stop long enough to listen for the Spirit to speak to your heart. His Word will teach you and it will change you.

Ask yourself and God, “Why don’t I spend more time in the Word and in prayer?” Make an effort to change what’s in your way. Remember, getting out of a spiritual rut is a battle.

Don’t get discouraged. It is well worth the f ight.

As you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, your eyes will be opened to new and exciting truths that make for a new and exciting life.

Get up and do something.

“Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:11 Most of us work hard but do we work hard at serving the Lord, enthusiastically? If you are in a spiritual rut, it could be that climbing out means you need to get up and do something… for somebody else.

If you are like me, you go to work, then come home with barely enough mental and physical energy to care for family and take on a long list of to-dos. Just the thought of doing one more thing makes you tired.

I understand. You are doing something! But does God want more?

Only God can answer that question for you. You will never know unless you ask. Chances are, the more you grow, the more he will ask you to go.

You will get tired. You will be uncertain. But you won’t be in a spiritual rut.

Every Thursday night I am tired. It is near the end of the week. Friday Eve I call it. Just one more day of work and f inally some rest. There is something inside of me that would love to sack out on the sofa and binge watch episodes of an action-packed drama series on Thursday nights. But God has asked me to get up and do something else – serve him.

I can’t tell you that God gives me this burst of energy as I head out the door. But I can tell you that I’ve never regretted going and doing what God has asked me to do. You won’t either.

The next time you are bored with God, will you go to his Word and spend time with him, or will you f ill your heart with a temporary f ix? Will you be willing to get up and do something, or will you f ind a million and one reasons you can’t?

I’ve had to ask myself these same questions, sometimes over and over again. But God always has an answer. He has an answer for you too.

65 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 65

10/15/18 12:11 PM

M

c o m m u n i ty | T OUGH T OPIC S

In Memory of

MAW MAW Written by - Crystal Williams

My Grandmother, Armatha, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and watching its effects on her was an eye opening experience. I believe that the Lord has a purpose for everything that happens in this world and in our lives, but this was hard. My Grandmother loved the Lord with her whole heart for her whole life. She lived out the ways the Bible taught and loved so sweetly and tenderly that she is tremendously missed by all of us. My 10 cousins and I loved our Maw Maw Maxey. See, at Maw Maw’s house you never went hungry. If she knew we were coming, she would always have some of our favorite things lined up on her brown counter tops. If we were lucky, she had tea cake dough in the freezer for us. Like little drops of heaven, we would devour every single little ball of raw tea cake goodness she had saved, and then we still ate those fresh tea cakes she had stored in that brown cookie jar. Those tea cakes made her a celebrity in the little town of Diboll, Texas. She would make them for everything. Those tea cakes always had this one def ining look that I could easily identify, three f inger imprints. See, when Maw Maw would make her tea cakes she would sing a little jingle. We would listen and watch as she made perfectly round delicious cookies with three small f inger prints right in the middle. She would pat into the dough while the f ine particles of f lour f illed the air. I can still hear her meek voice singing “and you pat it, you pat it, patty pat pat it” as she made dozens and dozens of tea cakes. Those three f inger imprints in each cookie spoke more than anything else I remember about my Maw Maw. Those f ingers had hugged and helped 11 little grandchildren and numerous other neighborhood kids grow up. Fingers that f lipped through the pages of a tattered and used Bible every, single, day. Fingers that held my sweet Paw Paw’s hands for over 50 years. Fingers that would clap together and sing to make little babies dance a jig for as long as I can remember. Those f ingers were also out stretched to Jesus when the Lord called her home. It was sad to watch her memory deteriorate and her body grow weak. She became confused, easily upset and disoriented as time progressed and the disease ravaged her mind. We were all so upset to see someone who had so self lessly given of herself to so many other people now have to suffer with this terrible disease. But we never lost faith in the Lord because she taught us better.

Even when her mind and body were riddled with Alzheimer’s, she never gave up her seat on the pew at church. I remember the Christmas celebrations full of homemade Christmas candy and delicious Thanksgiving meals spent with family. She would sit on this white stool in her kitchen and talk with us, laugh with us and just love us.

McWilliams and Son chose Alzheimer’s Awareness because of our Maw Maw. Because she was our light, our sweetness and our tea cake maker. She is our muse, our purpose for f ighting for a cure for Alzheimer’s. We remember the good times before the disease. I remember her by the quaint Christmas tree in her living room or standing at the stove with a wooden spoon. I remember what her Bible cover looked like and its worn contents – an old, blue Bible my mom had given her as a thank you for all the summers Maw Maw watched me and my siblings while mom attended college. I was 8 years old that summer and Maw Maw’s house was one of my favorite places to be. Now, we “go purple” for Maw Maw, and I thank the Lord every day for the sweet, sweet memories.

November2018.indd 66

10/15/18 12:11 PM

67 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 67

10/15/18 12:11 PM

GOING LOW (CARB)

FOR THE HOLIDAYS! By: Brooke Dunnigan, Dietetic Intern

The holiday season is full of tradition, family gatherings, and lots of delicious food! Holiday dishes remind us of our fond childhood memories, though we often find ourselves drifting into a food coma. It's difficult to avoid the added sugar and mountains of carbs when the majority of American holiday foods revolve around high starch and sugary foods. This recipe features a classic: green bean casserole, but without all the added fat and carbs. Enjoy this diabetic friendly low carb dish with your loved ones!

LOW CARB SKILLET GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE RECIPE: INGREDIENTS 1 pound fresh green beans 2 (1 oz) slices whole-wheat bread 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic 1 1/2 oz grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 4 oz white mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk 2 tablespoons dry apple cider 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

PREPARATION: Preheat broiler to high.

In a large saucepan filled with boiling water, add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Plunge green beans into ice water after cooking and drain well.

Place bread in a food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Add parsley, 1 Tablespoon oil, garlic, and 2 Tablespoons cheese.

Heat the remaining 2 Tablespoons in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms and sautĂŠ for 8 minutes.

To the skillet, add flour, stir, and let cook for about 1 minute.

Stir in stock, milk, and apple cider. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the remaining 4 Tablespoons of cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the beans to the mixture and toss to coat.

Evenly top the green bean mixture with the breadcrumbs; broil for 2 minutes. Make sure to watch it closely so the topping doesn't burn!

November2018.indd 68

10/15/18 12:11 PM

Green beans are a healthy low carbohydrate vegetable suitable for the holiday season. If you can get your hands on fresh green beans, try them out! If fresh isn't an option, try frozen or canned (low sodium). A serving of green beans can provide daily recommended values around 10% for folate, 25% for vitamin C, and 15% for vitamin A. They are rich in minerals like manganese, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. These vitamins and minerals work as antioxidants to help fight disease, aid in wound healing, promote healthy vision, and many more benefits. Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining a healthy weight and stable blood sugars. What's even better: one serving of this skillet green bean casserole is only one carb choice! So whether you're heading to a friend gathering, Thanksgiving, or holiday party, try out this skillet green bean casserole!

For more Diabetes education, attend the Diabetes-friendly cooking demonstration / education seminar at Woodland Heights on Thursday, November 15 at 11am. For more information or to RSVP, call 936-637-8688.

Recipe source: https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/skillet-green-bean-casserole

69 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 69

10/15/18 12:11 PM

November2018.indd 70

10/15/18 12:11 PM

November2018.indd 71

10/15/18 12:11 PM

November2018.indd 72

10/15/18 12:12 PM

& PLACES

FACES

F O R E S T F E S T I VA L , A N G E L I N A C O U N T Y A I R F E S T , N AT U R E ' S E Y E / J O U R N E Y M A G A Z I N E L AU N C H PA R T Y & LU F K I N B I S T R O

( P L A C E S & FA C E S P H O T O S P R O V I D E D B Y L I S A C R O W & D R E W S E A L S )

73 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 73

10/15/18 12:12 PM

p l a c e s & f a c e s | F O R E S T F E S T I VA L

November2018.indd 74

10/15/18 12:12 PM

The Texas State Forest Festival began in 1938 and continues today as one of the premier annual events in East Texas. Held during the month on September, the TSFF draws crowds approaching 30,000 and generates a net profit of over $60,000 per year – a tremendous accomplishment for such a legacy event.

75 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 75

10/15/18 12:12 PM

p l a ces & fa ces | A NGE LI NA COU N T Y A I R F E S T

November2018.indd 76

10/15/18 12:12 PM

The third annual Angelina County AirFest featured aerial performances, displays, souvenirs, food vendors and more.

Rides were available in Pilot Beth Jenkins’ “Devil Dog,” a B25 Mitchell Bomber, before the show, and the ReMax Skydiving team brought in the flag during the national anthem. Guests were also able to get close to the planes and meet the pilots. Profits from this event will benefit the Toys for Tots campaigns in Angelina and Trinity Counties.

77 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 77

10/15/18 12:13 PM

p l a c e s & f a c e s | N AT U R E ' S E Y E & J O U R N E Y M A G A Z I N E L AU N C H PA R T Y

November2018.indd 78

10/15/18 12:13 PM

Nature’s Eye & The Journey Magazine hosted a Launch Party for their new downtown location and merger of their companies. Together, they now operate as a parent company, encompassing subsidiaries ranging from property development and real estate, to media services and publication. Visit them in person at 106 East Lufkin Avenue in beautiful downtown Lufkin.

79 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 79

10/15/18 12:13 PM

c o m m u n i t y | LU F K I N B I S T R O

November2018.indd 80

10/15/18 12:14 PM

This annual tasting event offers an elegant, entertaining evening on the downtown streets as Lufkin’s finest chefs showcase their tastiest cuisine paired with an incredible selection of wines and craft beers from across the globe. Event goers danced the night away to live music and squeezed in some late-night shopping with Lufkin’s downtown merchants.

81 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 81

10/15/18 12:14 PM

November2018.indd 82

10/15/18 12:14 PM

re a d e r ' s | S HOWCA S E

• South Loop Crossing • 4605 S Medford Dr • (936) 632-2333

Congratulations El Taquito Mix for joining the Chamber. We are so happy to have you and look forward to supporting your business. Local friends, if you have not tried them out yet, get there as quick as you can – 919 Ellis Avenue in Luf kin or call them at (936) 223 – 1976.

Congratulations, Goodland Dentistry on joining the Luf kin Chamber of Commerce. Goodland Dentistry’s mission is to treat, educate, and prevent oral health problems for patients of all ages. They try to make dental visits comfortable and stress-free for families. Now accepting new patients, visit them at 3063 S. John Redditt Drive, or call them at (936) 202 – 2469.

Congratulations to Parkwood in the Pines on their new facility located at 902 Hill Street in Luf kin.

Parkwood in the Pines is a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility located here in the heart of the Piney Woods. For more information, contact them at (936) 637 – 7215.

83 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 83

10/15/18 12:14 PM

your | C H A L L E N G E

give yourself

Time 84 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 84

10/15/18 12:14 PM

A RE YOU A PRO OR JUST A HOBBY IST? SHA RE YOUR BEST PHOTOGR A PHY WITH US A ND GIVE YOUR JOUR NEY SOME EXPOSURE. SELECTED PHOTOGR A PHS WILL A PPEA R IN THE JOUR NEY M AGA ZINE. PLEASE SEND YOUR HIGH RESOLUTION (300 DPI ) IM AGES TO kkhudman@yahoo.com INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CONTACT INFORMATION AND ANY TITLE YOU WISH TO GIVE YOUR PHOTO. WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR JOURNEY IN THE BEST MAGAZINE!

NATALIE JORDAN CHEERING ON THE PANTHERS

HAVING FUN AT CATTLE BARON - BY MARIAN CORLEY

MY LITTLE PUMPKIN - BY BECCA MCMAHON

MY HEART IS SO FULL! THANK YOU PASTOR STEPHEN COURTNEY - BY MICHELLE BRILEY

HOOK 'EM - BY LEEANNE HAGLUND

November2018.indd 85

- BY JULIE HINSON

10/15/18 12:14 PM

SO EXCITED FOR SARAH & CHASE! - BY LINDA STAFFORD

YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE 2018 HVACR WOMEN OF THE YEAR! CONGRATS CRYSTAL WILLIAMS! - BY TIFFANY NASH

OUR TINY #90 - BY KIM-LYNN BUCKLEY

ENJOYING ST. JOHN! - BY KENDALL BEATTIE

SUNRISE AT MONJEAU LOOKOUT! RUIDOSO, NM - BY JENNIFER HAAS BLACKLEDGE WEST TEXAS TURKEY PEAR -BY KELLY HUDMAN

ENJOYING THE VIEWS IN SANTORINI, GREECE - BY ALICIA HOWATT

November2018.indd 86

10/15/18 12:14 PM

November2018.indd 87

10/15/18 12:14 PM

#naturebasedlife

NATURESEYECONSULTING.COM | 888.381.4638 November2018.indd 88

10/15/18 12:14 PM

J

O F F I C E L AU N C H PA R T Y | E AT O U T D O O R S | O U T D O O R E V E N T S

JOU R N EY OUT D O ORS

89 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 89

10/15/18 12:14 PM

November2018.indd 90

10/15/18 12:14 PM

OFFICE LAUNCH

Party Writtten by - Emily Courtney

When we f irst began our journey as a company, we equated ourselves to one acorn, in kind with our logo. Indeed we were just a singular entity, doing the work that is our passion. Little did we know then that we were actually planting that one acorn as a seed that would sprout and grow into a vastly branched tree of companies. Nature’s Eye now operates as a parent company, encompassing subsidiaries ranging from property development and real estate, to media services and publication. Through our growth, we have held true north and remained focused on our vision of making the greatest impact on conservation possible, leading others to do the same by living and promoting a Nature Based Life.

We reached a point of growth where we realized we needed a central location for our corporate off ice, from which each of our branches could operate. We needed to be connected to the community in Luf kin’s business and social pulse, and we found a prime space in the historic downtown district. In addition to providing a hub for our corporate operations and a home base for community events, it will allow us to utilize our Showcase Farm property and lodge for other purposes.

Back in October, we hosted a Grand Opening event at the off ice, in conjunction with a launch party for our merge with The Journey Magazine. Here’s a peek inside the new off ice, and few photos from the event. You can read more about the merger on our journal at naturebasedlife.com. We’re excited to share this new phase of our journey with you, and hope you’ll follow along by subscribing there and across all of our social media platforms. And of course, by stopping by to see us at our new corporate off ice in downtown Luf kin!

91 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 91

10/15/18 12:15 PM

92 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

November2018.indd 92

10/15/18 12:15 PM

November2018.indd 93

10/15/18 12:15 PM

o u t d o o rs | E B A C T K OY UA TR DD O B OA R SS I C S

November2018.indd 94

10/15/18 12:15 PM

W

WILD W ILD TURKEY CHILI Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes | Yields: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS -

2 cups cooked turkey meat

2 cans (15 oz) white beans (cannellini, great northern) 2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt & black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat and sautĂŠ the onion until tender.

Add the garlic, green chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne.

Once the garlic and chilies are well sautĂŠed, add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Garnish with shredded cheese if desired before serving.

95 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

November2018.indd 95

10/15/18 12:15 PM

O NOVEMBER E VEN T S C ALENDAR

November2018.indd 96

UTDOOR 96 | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8

10/15/18 12:15 PM

TEXAS

Here in East Texas, we just happen to be living amidst some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country. This is partly due to our own gorgeous state, but also partly because we happen to be neighbors with states that call themselves “Sportsman’s Paradise” and “The Natural State”. This puts us in prime position for all the outdoor fun anyone could handle. Check out these few places and events we’ve gathered here, and drop by the website of each individual state for a more comprehensive calendar!

JR. STATE PARK Join Ranger Amy to learn some of the unique histories of East Texas.

NOVEMBER 10:

TYLER STATE PARK BIRDING TOUR – TYLER STATE PARK We’ll travel into the park to find birds, observe them in the wild, and add them to your lists.

Visit tpwd.texas.gov for more info and registration.

TPWD EVENTS NOVEMBER 2:

STORIES IN THE STARS – MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE PARK Join us to listen to constellation stories and look through a telescope!

NOVEMBER 10:

WATERCOLOR PAINTING – MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE PARK

An area as beautiful as Martin Creek Lake is meant to be painted! Join us to slow down, relax, and paint. We will provide all the supplies you need to paint your own watercolor masterpiece.

NOVEMBER 17:

WINTER SURVIVAL – TYLER STATE PARK

NOVEMBER 3:

KIDS’ WILDERNESS SURVIVAL – TYLER STATE PARK

Learn how to keep from getting lost, what to do if you are lost and how to make a handy survival pack!

NOVEMBER 7:

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM, EAST TEXAS HISTORY – MARTIN DIES,

November2018.indd 97

Whether you are camping, traveling, or at home, a plan for winter weather is needed long before it gets cold.

NOVEMBER 23:

11TH ANNUAL “WALK OFF THE BIRD” BIRD WALK – TYLER STATE PARK Get away from the shopping madness with a serene visit to the woods.

10/15/18 12:15 PM

OUTDOOR EVENTS November2018.indd 98

NON- TPWD EVENTS NOVEMBER 3:

7TH ANNUAL SEABOURNE NATURE FEST – SEABOURNE CREEK NATURE PARK (ROSENBERG, TX)

tribes.

For more information call (888) 677-7853.

NOVEMBER 17:

NOVEMBER 17: BIRD BANDING – GULF COAST BIRD OBSERVATORY (LAKE JACKSON, TX) Visit www.gcbo.org for more info.

NOVEMBER 23 DECEMBER 22:

NOVEMBER 16:

HOLIDAY LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA – ARKANSAS MUSEUM OF NATURAL RESOURCES (SMACKOVER, AR) The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources' Oil Field Park comes to life with a variety of sparkling vignettes to delight the young and young at heart. Each lighted scene represents the sights of the winter holiday season. Enjoy over 300,000 lights as they twinkle and delight the youngster in all of us. After viewing the lights come into the museum to warm up with hot chocolate and do that last minute shopping in our gift shop.

CHRISTMAS IN ROSELAND– THE GARDENS OF THE AMERICAN ROSE CENTER (GREENWOOD, LA)

LOUISIANA

Part of our border with Louisiana is made up of the expansive and extremely popular Toledo Bend reservoir. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the eastern shore of this beautiful system of lakes, Louisiana maintains two state parks here, North Toledo Bend and South Toledo Bend. They are two of the most scenic and visited parks in the state, and are both an hour and half drive from Lufkin.

Many other parks host a wide range of activities and events, and there is plenty of outdoor recreation to be found outside the park system as well.

Visit louisianatravel.com for more info on individual events.

NOVEMBER 2-3:

GATHERING OF THE TRIBES –

FORT ST. JEAN BAPTISTE STATE HISTORIC SITE, NATCHITOCHES The Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana will have an education day for local 4th grade students on Friday, Nov. 2. On Saturday, Nov. 3, the general public is invited to dance with visiting

This is the nation’s largest park dedicated solely to roses.

For Christmas, the park is transformed into Christmas in Roseland, a winter wonderland of 8-foot tall Christmas cards, twinkling lights, carolers, and more.

NOVEMBER 17-24:

83RD ANNUAL WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST & WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL – STUTTGART, AR

ARK ANSAS

Stuttgart annually hosts the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie Festival. Held every Thanksgiving Week, the festival is the largest outdoor expo in the Mid-South promoting the sport of duck hunting.

The Arkansas wilderness is famous for it’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a little different scenery to explore for a long weekend, you might find it here. There are ample opportunities for all types of outdoor recreation at Arkansas state parks, as well as fun and educational family activities.

Visit arkansasstateparks. com for more information on individual events.

10/15/18 12:15 PM