The Team
Jerri Bankston CEO/Owner/Publisher/Editor 281-703-7742 jerri42@embarqmail.com
Sherrie Stone Graphic Designer 936-449-0138 sskkjj1@gmail.com
Rebecca Goff Marketing Prayer and Praise Coordinator 713.376.5454 rebecca.goff.07@gmail.com
Joe Martin
Sales and Marketing for TimMark Angels/ Kid andKaboodle magazine for Crockett and surrounding areas 281-702-1572 joemartinshow@joemartinshow.com
Find Us Online!
TiMMark Angels.org. facebook.com/WholeKidAndKaboodle/
Summer 2025
Table of Contents
Kids Eat Free.............................................6
Local
On The Cover
Cousins Julien, Zan and Ella enjoying some summer fun
All publications of The Whole Kid and Kaboodle can be viewed on our website: TiMMark Angels.org. and also on our Facebook Page The Whole Kid and Kaboodle. To receive the magazine by mail, submit your address to: jerri42@embarqmail.com.
Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcomed and encouraged, but we reserve the right to edit and reject all submissions. Advertisers assume all liability for content in their ad, and Kid and Kaboodle assumes no responsibility for sales or misleading advertisements.
Jerri’s Corner
LIFE CAN CHANGE SO QUICKLY
Within days after delivery of the Spring Issue, I fell and broke my hip.
So after surgery and a nightmare three weeks in the hospital, where my health and poor management of my condition almost did me in, my kids brought me home after much confusion and poor treatment. It was a bold move because they had no idea how to handle me. They were told I would have no transportation so they had to get me in the car and drive me home.
I shudder to think at what damage could have been done. But I was happy to be home even though I was very disoriented and still hallucinating. My kids and family jumped in and I had someone with me constantly. They pitched in with different gifts and found home therapy for me after a couple of weeks. It has been a little over two months since it all started.
I said all of this to say that I am thankful for a God that cares for us, and I know I need to slow down and appreciate what life I have left.
I have gone through some bad times both physically and mentally but I have felt God with me. I am still very limited but am getting stronger even though I am confined to home except when I have Drs appt.
I have learned that I need to Slow down, take time for more prayer and time with our Creator.
AND LOVE THOSE KIDS, APPRECIATE EVERY MINUTE OF TIME THAT YOU CAN PRAY FOR THEM. BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR SIBLINGS, GRANDCHILDREN etc. THANK GOD FOR YOUR ANGEL FRIENDS.
I am thankful for the supporters of this ministry and love you all.
Julio’s Mexican Grill
33418 Egypt Ln,ste A,Magnolia, TX 77354 kids eat free with purchase of adult meal
Freebirds World Burrito free meals to kids under 12 with the purchase of an adult entree. Maximum two free kids meals per order.
Lubys
Free Kids Combos, All day Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to close.
Three B’s Bar and Grill
Kings Crossing - 4590 Kingwood Dr., Kingwood Tuesdays, 3 – 10 PM – 12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree.
IHop Humble
Sunday-Saturday 4 – 10 PM
Jason’s Deli’s Tuesdays
Texas
Denny’s
Tuesdays and Saturdays – 4 PM – 10 PM
Kingwood - 22671 Eastex Fwy, Kingwood, TX 77339 1314 & 59 Porter, Texas 242 & 59 - 23412 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357
Dickey’s Pit Barbeque Kingwood
Sundays
Golden Corral
Kids 3 and under always eat free at Golden Corral with one adult buffet purchase.
IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN,
18355 Tomball Pkwy, KIDS EAT FREE THURSDAY , one free personal pizza with the purchase of a regular adult meal purchase. does not include drinks
Dinner 7 nights a week
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11 - 3
�� Welcome to TIMMARK Angels! ��
At TIMMARK Angels, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to feel loved, supported, and encouraged—especially those facing developmental challenges like Autism, Down Syndrome, and hearing impairments. But for many of these children, hope is hard to come by
�� Your
Generosity Can Change a Life ��
Every day, families struggle to find the resources and support they need to help their children thrive. That’s where TIMMARK Angels steps in. With your donation, we can support their dreams. When you donate , you are directly supporting these families. Your generosity helps us provide resources, educational programs, and a network of hope for the children and their parents
�� Every Donation Makes a Big Impact �� ✨ No matter how big or small ✨
Supporting TiMMark publications/the whole Kid Kaboodle magazine and the book ministry is another way for you to show your support.
We believe in the power of the written word to uplift and inspire families. Through our publication, The Whole Kid and Kaboodle Magazine, we provide good, helpful, and wholesome information while promoting faith and family values.
We invite you to partner with us as a sponsor of The Whole Kid and Kaboodle Magazine! By becoming a sponsor, you will not only align your brand with our values but also make a tangible impact in the lives of children and families in need.
Here’s how your sponsorship can help:
��Reach a Targeted Audience: Connect with parents, grandparents, and families seeking family-friendly content.
��Enhance Brand Visibility: Gain increased exposure through strategic logo placement and advertisements within the magazine.
��Support the Community: Your support enables us to provide valuable resources, events, scholarships, and educational programs for deserving individuals.
We have various sponsorship packages tailored to different levels of support, and we’re open to customizing a package to fit your specific marketing goals and budget.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact:
Jerri Bankston, Executive Director/Publisher at: jerri42@embarqmail.com.
#TIMMARKAngels #inspiration #hope #supportFamilies
#autismawareness #downsyndrome #hearingimpairments #faithandfamily #sponsorship #TheWholeKidAndKaboodle
�� Check Out Emi Lynn’s Inspiring Book! ��
We are excited to share that Jerri Bankston, the founder of TiMMark Angels, has written a powerful and inspiring book under her pen name, “Emi Lynn,” titled “God, You Must Think I’m Crazy.”
In this heartfelt memoir, Emi Lynn shares her journey of faith, resilience, and determination as she navigates the challenges of life and the mission of TiMMark Angels.
Tania and Carlos Hernandez have been married more than 20 years and made their home in Houston until they were captivated by the City of Humble. While driving down Main St. to reach the camera store, they stopped at the railroad tracks and on the right noticed a building for rent. Looking back, they now realize that it was part of God’s plan for them to visit the camera store. God had spoken to them about this place and there it was, the exact building, white, old and abandoned with a tree in front. Located on Main St. in Humble, Texas, It is now the Eden House of Prayer.
Main Street in Humble is a very special place, where you may encounter people from all walks of life with all different ethnicities. There are antique homes, parks, and important landmarks. The fire station, courthouse, police station and other government offices make their home there.
As they were renovating the building and restoring the power, they noticed a word written on one of the walls, paraiso which means paradise, no coincidence, especially when it was compared ito the name of the church, Eden, which also means paradise. The doors were opened with many difficulties during the first year. Now, as they enter their second year, they vow to stay and vow they are there to pray for families and to provide a place where God can minister to these families of all walks of life.
One of the most beautiful stories is a person who had no place to live, and whom became known to many as he walked along Main Street, has become part of the congregation. He is now one of the most loyal and regular attendees of the church. Eden House welcomes anyone who needs a family and wants to see their lives transformed.
7 W Main St Humble Texas 77338. Edenhouseofprayer.com.
Tania y Carlos Hernández han estado casados por más de 20 años y establecieron su hogar en Houston hasta que fueron cautivados por la Ciudad de Humble. Mientras conducían por Main St. para llegar a la tienda de cámaras, se detuvieron en las vías del tren y a la derecha notaron un edificio en alquiler. Mirando hacia atrás, ahora se dan cuenta de que era parte del plan de Dios que visitaran la tienda de cámaras. Dios les había hablado de este lugar y allí estaba, el edificio exacto, blanco, viejo y abandonado con un árbol al frente. Ubicado en Main St. en Humble, Texas, ahora es la Casa de Oración del Edén.
Main Street en Humble es un lugar muy especial, donde puedes encontrarte con personas de todos los ámbitos de la vida con todas las etnias diferentes. Hay casas antiguas, parques y monumentos importantes. La estación de bomberos, el juzgado, la estación de policía y otras oficinas gubernamentales tienen su hogar allí.
Mientras renovaban el edificio y restablecían la electricidad, notaron una palabra escrita en una de las paredes, paraiso que significa paraíso, no es casualidad, especialmente cuando se comparó con el nombre de la iglesia, Edén, que también significa paraíso. Las puertas se abrieron con muchas dificultades durante el primer año. Ahora, al entrar en su segundo año, juran quedarse y juran que están allí para orar a las familias y proporcionar un lugar donde Dios pueda ministrar a estas familias de todos los ámbitos de la vida.
Una de las historias más hermosas es la de una persona que no tenía dónde vivir, y que se hizo conocida por muchos mientras caminaba por la calle principal, se ha convertido en parte de la congregación. Ahora es uno de los asistentes más leales y regulares de la iglesia. Eden House da la bienvenida a cualquier persona que necesite una familia y quiera ver sus vidas transformadas.
7 W Main St, Humble, Texas, 77338. Edenhouseofprayer.com.
Summer Movie Night “The Parent Trap” Tuesday, June 3, 2025 5pm to 8pm Hosted by the LSC-Kingwood Student Nurse Association (SNA)
LSC-Kingwood Campus [SCC] - Student Conference Center, 108/109 20009 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339
Fun for the whole family! refreshments will be available for purchase.
Open House Social-Ballroom Dance Party! Open to the Public, come and check out our Dance Studio! Bring your Friends! Fri, 06 Jun, 2025 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Lake Houston 18321 West Lake Houston Parkway, Humble
Live music, food trucks, and a classic car meet on Main Street. Contact Information 310 E. Main Street, Humble, TX 77338 https://www.facebook.com/musicandmotorshumble
Saturday, June 14 · 11am - 5pm CDT Spring Chateau, 4010 Farm to Market 2920 Spring, TX 77388 Momma-Palooza 2025 Tickets and information available on our website. https://mailchi.mp/9cbfb88c9058/mommapalooza
The Goonies: Film with Live Orchestra Houston Symphony | Free Show The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Gates at 7:00 PM Show at 08:00 PM
Saturday, June 21 · 11am - 5pm
Doors open at 10:30am Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway Humble, TX 77338
Come for a great day filled with family fun, food, over 100 vendors with ALL things BACON. If you LOVE BACON, you won’t be disappointed! adults $10 and kids 16 and under are free.
FREE DOG TAGS & MEET AND GREET EVENT!
10am - 2pm PetSuites Kingwood 25748 Loop 494, Kingwood, TX 77339
EVENTS
July
Star-Spangled Salute Houston Symphony | Free Show | 07/03/2025
Gates at 6:30 PM Show at 08:00 PM
July 3, 2024 - July 4, 2024
Time: All Day
Location: The Woodlands, Texas
Address: The Woodlands, TX 77380
Contact: 281-210-3800
Cost: FREE
The 49th Annual South County 4th of July Parade promises to be a spectacular celebration of American pride, bringing the community together for a day full of fun, patriotism, and family-friendly festivities.
Date and Time: Saturday, July 4th, 2025, at 9:00 AM
Location: The parade will wind its way through the heart of Market Street in The Woodlands, offering attendees an ideal view of the colorful floats and spirited marchers. Market Street, known for its upscale shopping and dining, will serve as the perfect setting for this vibrant community event.
Don’t miss our big 5th of July Patriotic Fireworks Celebration, Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. KINGS HARBOR
(346)571-5300
Discover Your Future at the Generation Park Campus
San Jacinto College’s Generation Park Campus is more than just a place to take classes — it’s a launchpad for your future. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, advance in your current one, or transfer to a four-year university, our campus offers quality education that fits your goals and lifestyle. With small classes, modern facilities, and in-person and online options, we provide a supportive learning environment that makes it easy to earn your degree or certificate.
Generation Park meets the evolving needs of the community. The campus features programs in highdemand fields and emerging technologies, including the upcoming Center for Biotechnology. It also houses the Center of Entrepreneurship, offering resources and mentorship for those wanting to start or grow their own businesses. At Generation Park, you’ll find the resources, support, and opportunities to take your education — and your future — to the next level.
Ready to launch?
Our 57-acre campus near Summerwood and Beltway 8 in northeast Houston is the perfect place to start.
LOCAL PARKS AND ACTIVITIES
Carter Park, Collins Park, Dennis Johnston Park, Jesse h. Jones & nature Center, kiCkerillo-MisCher Preserve, anD PunDt Park
Offers canoe/kayak launches at for those interested in canoeing/kayaking Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and associated waterways. Reservations are required to use a launch to access Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, or associated waterways. Reservations are not required to use the launch at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve to access Marshall Lake.
Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can experience many unique fishing opportunities year-round, with access to fishing in Spring Creek, Cypress Creek, and stocked fishing lakes.
PiCniCs
Offers free picnic pavilions with electricity and grills by reservation only at Burroughs Park, Dennis Johnston Park, Meyer Park, and Spring Creek Park. Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center and Mercer Botanic Gardens also offer free picnic pavilions by reservation only, but electricity is not available at these locations.
Any parks not listed above that offer small picnic pavilions, picnic tables, or grills are available for use without a reservation on first come, first served basis only during normal park hours
Jones Park
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a premier 312-acre nature preserve open daily to visitors free of charge. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with century-old cypress trees, and a pristine floodplain located in a hardwood and pine forest. All features are accessible by over eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails and several unpaved primitive trails. The Spring Creek Greenway, with over 16 miles of paved trail system along Spring Creek, is also accessible from the park’s Judy Overby Bell Trail and Jones Bender Trail. the Davy CroCkett national
Forest
The Davy Crockett National Forest, named for the legendary pioneer, contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties,
the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins. The Davy Crockett National
Forest was proclaimed a National Forest by President Franklin Roosevelt on October 15, 1936.Free Tent & RV Camping.
Mission teJas state Park
Enjoy the peace of the Pineywoods and glimpses of the past at Mission Tejas State Park. Midway between Dallas and Houston, the park is at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Whether you want to rest or play, you’ll be glad you came!
Hike, Fish, Camp, Nature watch, Explore history, Reserve a group site for your next gathering Davy CroCkett sPring & Brewer Park
Davy Crockett Spring & Brewer Park in Crockett, TX, is a peaceful green space nestled in the heart of the town and is a great place to spend the day with your
family. This park has a playground, picnic tables, and plenty of green space for games and activities. Take a stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees. And if you’re feeling competitive, challenge your friends to a game of basketball or volleyball.
REGISTER TODAY!
COLLEGE. CLOSE TO HOME.
Explore the many workforce programs and degree plans that Lone Star College-Kingwood offers!
Polysomnography (Starting in Fall!)
Healthcare
Visual Communication
Engineering
Teaching
Fire Science
Computers & Networking
Process Technology
Welding & HVAC
Police Academy
And more!
Grace Church
Jun 16, 6:00 PM – Jun 18, 8:30 PM
Tomball Campus 31731 TX-249, Pinehurst, TX 77362
True North VBS 2025
June 16, 2025 — June 19, 2025 9:00am (CDT) to 12:00pm (CDT) 24570 FM 1314 Porter, TX 77365
Grace Church Jun 23, 6:00 PM – Jun 25, 8:00 PM Liberty Campus 1935 N Hwy 146, Liberty, TX 77575
High Point Fellowship 12308 US-59 BUS, Splendora, TX 77372
NEW THIS YEAR --- NIGHT TIME VBS Completed K-6th Grade June 8-12, 6:00pm-8:00pm @GracePoint Fellowship 426 Corporate Woods Drive Magnolia, TX 832-934-2900
LAKE HOUSTON AREA LIBRARIES
Atascocita Branch Library
19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr, Atascocita, TX 77346
Hours: Mon. 11a-6p / Tue. 10a-8p / Wed. 10a-6p
Thu. 10a-8p / Fri. 1p-6p / Sat. 10a-5p
Phone: (832) 927-5560
Octavia Fields Branch Library
1503 S Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77338
Hours: Mon. 11a-8p / Tues 10a - 6p / Wed 10a - 8p
Thurs 10a - 6p / Fri 1p - 6p / Sat 10a - 5p
Phone: (832) 927-5500
Kingwood Branch Library
4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, TX 77339
Hours: Mon. 10am-8pm / Tues.10am-8pm / Wed. 10am-8pm
Thurs. 10am-9pm / Fri, 1pm-6pm / Sat. 10am-5pm
Phone: (832) 927-7830
http://www.hcpl.net/location/kingwood-branch-library
Hours: Monday: 9am - 8pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Main Phone Number: 936-442-7704 Branch Manager: Elaine Taylor 936-522-2792
Humble ISD
welcomes students from throughout the Houston region
Humble ISD, ranked in the top 7 percent of Best School Districts in the nation by Niche, is now accepting students who live throughout the Houston region. Parents who are able to provide transportation may apply to take advantage of all that Humble ISD has to offer. Students
are admitted to elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the 2024-25 school year. The application is available at www.humbleisd.net/open-enrollment.
Innovation drives education at Humble ISD. The district is engaged in a robust school construction and facilityenhancement program that includes new, imaginativelythemed, handicappedaccessible playgrounds at elementary schools; outdoor fitness centers at secondary schools; modernized buildings featuring natural light; inviting collaborative spaces; and career labs.
Humble ISD students benefit from safe learning environments, including a
North Bend Elementary’s “Ski Lodge/ Winter Sports” outdoor play and learn area is a resource for students and the community in Humble ISD
Atascocita Springs Elementary students learn through play on the new Jurassic Park themed outdoor space in Humble ISD.
Humble ISD high schools offer 40 programs of study and 179 CTE courses that provide training in barbering, culinary arts, criminal justice, health sciences, information technology, to name a few. In addition, there are more than 100 Advanced Placement courses, an International Baccalaureate Program, and dual credit classes in partnership with San Jacinto Community College, Lone Star College - Kingwood, and The University of Texas OnRamps program. Students also can participate in JROTC programs from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. With more than 40 job-ready certifications to choose from,
police officer on every campus, an award-winning Humble ISD Police Department, student wellness counselors, and strong family involvement.
Starting in elementary school, Humble ISD students engage in art, music, library, STEM, and physical education in addition to core subjects. A unique offering for middle school students is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) wheel where 6th grade students explore future careers in agriculture, criminal justice, finance, health science, hospitality, information technology, and more.
students can graduate high school and have the skills and credentials to get started on their career right away. Humble ISD students’ SAT scores exceed state and national averages. Humble ISD has some of the most competitive athletics and fine arts programs in the state of Texas, including mariachi and eSports.
Families who are interested in joining a tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts are encouraged to apply as out-of-district students today. Spots are limited.
Kingwood Park High School students in Humble ISD dedicate a tiny home to a veteran as part of the Big Heroes, Tiny Homes student-led community collaborative project
Atascocita Middle School students compete in the Top Hat Junior Chef competition in Humble ISD
River Pines Elementary’s Rainforest playground is part of Humble ISD’s “Eat, Play, Learn and Grow” vision
Joe Martin
Marketing for TimMark Angels/ Kid and Kaboodle Magazine for Crockett and surrounding areas
I met the Judge at his momma’s restaurant, “The Moosehead Lodge,” where most people come to eat great food and to congregate. I was instantly intrigued by Judge McCreight and. we sat in his office about an hour talking about him and his visions for the future. His wife serves on the Mid-Coast Medical Center Hospital Board and have a daughter Madilyn He loves to (as his momma states) fish, fish and fish, He is also an avid golfer and belongs to the Latexo Texas athletic boosters. When in Crockett perhaps you may wish to stop by the Moosehead Café, 412 E Houston Ave, Crockett Texas 75835 where you might find “The Judge” Mike McCreight chomping down on some of the great Moosehead breakfast venue. I thought you might enjoy hearing about Mikey from a mother’s point of view.
“The Judge” Mike McCreight
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace
Judge Mike McCreight
700B South 4th Street Crockett, Texas 75835
I am Joni Clonts, the mother of Michael McCreight Jr., aka Mikey, who is the current Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 for Houston County, Texas. Our story begun July16, 1982 at Spring Branch Hospital in Houston, Texas when a 9 lb 22 inch baby boy came into my life. My life was changed forever for ever that day. I had someone who I loved and would love me. He was not able to leave the hospital when I did, and by the way I was crying, people would have thought that my child had died. A week later he was released. As a new mother, I was surprised finding out babies were born with their
eyes opened. We survived many things the first few weeks. Mikey was born into a family that believes in helping and serving people. As far back as the Civil War, his family was there to help others. We moved to Crockett in 1992. Both his grandparents and their family have deep roots here in Houston County. We built a home in the
they were here because of my Mikey, Ryan Martin, Kyle Duren and others.
These officers were pinned down by a gunman out at the lake. That evening when I found out I went to Mikey hugged him and ask him why he not told me earlier in the day. He said mom,” It is a part of my job”. That was the right answer but not for his mom. I started telling him after that if he ever needed back up to call me. So far, I have never received that call.
Shady Grove community. Over the years I think about his accomplishments, and I am very proud of my son. Mikey attended the Police Academy and when he was 21 became a Deputy for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. We have 11 other law enforcement officers in our family. Like I said, serving others runs deep in our family.
A few years ago I saw SWAT come through Crockett. I had no idea
Twenty-one years later he ran for the position of Justice of the Peace and won the election.
He may be the Justice of the Peace but Mikey will always be my “baby”
A Counter of Grace
Deborah Elum, Author & Producer
As I stood in line at the pharmacy, I couldn’t help but notice the growing frustratioan of the gentleman in front of me.
“We can’t refill your prescription,” the technician explained, her tone calm but firm.
“But I’m out of medicine! I need a refill,” the man insisted, repeating the words several times with rising urgency.
The technician patiently tried to clarify. “Sir, based on your prescription, you should have enough tablets left.” She paused, then asked, “How much are you taking daily?”
The man responded confidently, “One tablet, just like the instructions say.”
At her request, he handed over the bottle. She carefully read aloud from the label: “Take half a tablet daily.” The misunderstanding was clear—the man had been doubling his prescribed dose without realizing it. Because of this, his insurance wouldn’t allow a refill yet.
That’s when the pharmacist, witnessing the growing tension, stepped in. “Just give him the refill,” he instructed. A decision made not from policy, but from compassion.
Standing there, watching it all unfold, I was struck by how this small act mirrored the heart of God. Like the pharmacist, God sees our struggles, our moments of desperation, and extends His mercy even when we’ve misunderstood or strayed. He doesn’t withhold love or provision based on our mistakes but meets us with compassion and grace. He sees our confusion, our desperation, and rather than turning away, He draws near. His provision isn’t based on our perfect performance, but on His perfect love and boundless compassion. Every day, whether we recognize it or not, we stand at the counter of God’s grace which He offers freely, generously, and without end. It brought to mind the comforting words from Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV): “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
You can contact Deborah Elum at P.O. Box 1594, Humble, Texas 77347-1594 or calling (281) 570-4947.
“A Fabulously Fun Read And Just Downright Hilarious!”
It is Time for a Church Overhaul! The Pastor of Sunnydale Community Church just does not know what to do. He is at his wits end with a church of rowdy ladies, a dysfunctional Deacon Board, and one nosey secretary. A Church with Spots and Wrinkles is a hilarious comedy by Deborah Elum. Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com or LULU. COM
“Grab a Cup Of Coffee and Hold On To Your Funny Bone!”
Grab a cup of coffee and hold on to your funny bone as a pair of twin sisters put a smile on your face, laughter in your heart, and joy in your soul. This lighthearted comedy about sisterhood, romance, and friendships will leave you thirsting for more. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee! by Deborah Elum. Price $12.95. Available at Amazon.com or LULU. COM.
The Reverend Suzanne Hollifield
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Crockett, Texas
Beyond attendance at St. Vincent’s Episcopal Church in Bedford, Texas, my parents were shining examples of following in Jesus’ footsteps. My mom and dad who was the son of an Episcopal Priest taught my brother and me to love God and serve others.
In the first grade, I heard my first calling around the dinner table with my family. At this dinner, my mom shared with our family that she was disqualified from our city’s police department. She failed the physical fitness test. In that
moment, I felt called to be a police officer. I wanted to serve others as my mom had hoped through policing. My preparations included playing every sport so that I would develop strength and be prepared for any physical fitness test an eventual police department would require. Playing sports brought me more than strength, speed and agility. It taught me Jesus’ principles for living a life in Christ. I learned respect, kindness, justice, discipline, and mercy through sports and friendship with others. On the night I graduated from high school, my brother gifted me a gold cross and necklace I still wear today. The gift included a note that encouraged me to touch the cross when I was scared or needed God’s guidance and to also touch the cross as a sign of thankfulness and gratitude. My brother said, “Always go to the cross.”
After high school, I earned a degree in Criminal Justice. As graduation approached, I began applying for police departments in Texas. The Houston Police Department offered me a position in the police academy for August 1994, and I said, “Yes.”
After graduating, I was deployed to the northeast area of Houston. After a minimum time on patrol, I received an offer to transfer to the Homicide Division where I was assigned to the Family Violence Unit. During the next five years, I investigated cases involving intimate partner violence and utilized my experience working at a Women’s Shelter in college to better serve the woman and children who came in crisis to the shelter.
After five years serving on the Family Violence Unit, I received an offer to join the Major Offenders Division at the Houston Police Department. I was assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Taskforce. For over twelve years, I proactively investigated criminals who were exploiting minors on the Internet.
After serving on the FBI’s Cyber Crime Taskforce, I accepted an assignment to work on the Animal Cruelty Squad. The “squad” was comprised of me and one sergeant. for the entire City of Houston. For five years, I investigated cases involving abandoned and cruelly treated animals. During the second year on this squad, I answered a telephone call from an investigator at PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The investigator provided me with information that launched one of the most heinous cases in my career. Every investigative skill was deployed during this investigation and the brutality of this case led me to pray without ceasing and gripping the cross I wore around my neck. I opened my Bible on an exceptionally difficult day during this investigation and read Isaiah 41:13 (NRSV). The scripture says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 became my lifelong rally cry. The image of the Lord holding my right hand and helping me has been a source of enormous strength when life’s waters get rough.
Prior to retirement, I spent one year as a liaison for the Houston Police Department to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The mission was to learn tactics from the New York Police Department about how to reduce violent crime in Harris County, Texas. This mission is ongoing and law enforcement in Houston and Harris County cooperate with each other daily to continue the work I left behind.
I retired from the Houston Police Department after twenty-three of services and joined the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
I was given many awards during my career at the Houston Police Department (including the Heroes Award from The 100 Club for my work on a case while I was on the FBI’s Cyber Crime Taskforce), but the most tender accolade was the ‘Compassionate Citizen’ designation given to me by Ingrid Newkirk, founder and president of PETA. Ms. Newkirk traveled to Houston to personally give me this award during a ceremony at the Hobby Center for the work I did on an animal cruelty case that still occasionally haunts my dreams.
The Montgomery County’s District Attorney’s Office (MCDAO) showcased the prosecutorial side of the Criminal Justice system. When I joined MCDAO, I was assigned to the Family Violence Unit. I worked with two dedicated prosecutors and a Victims Assistance Coordinator to care for victims and their children during the legal processes. Again, I was given the honor of walking alongside people who were hurting and needed help.
While I was working at the MCDAO, I felt called to ordained ministry. The call came through a dream that insisted I contact my priest at St. James Episcopal Church in Conroe, Texas and share God’s desire for me to be in ordained leadership for the church. I immediately responded to the call out of obedience and initiated the process to become ordained in The Episcopal Church. A few weeks after the first dream, I had an affirming dream. This time, I was walking alongside Jesus in a forest, and He said to me, “I need you to guide God’s people.” I responded to Jesus in this dream and said I would.
The Episcopal diocese of Texas was responsible for my years' work gathering volunteers to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey Before we finished the work, COVID struck. My work pivoted to a food pantry in an Episcopal Church in Spring, Texas. I worked in the pantry until I started Seminary of the Southwest, an Episcopal seminary. Prior to my return to law enforcement, I continued to serve people at Starbucks and care for animals at the shelter. No matter where I stand in life, I pray to be a light and beacon of hope like Jesus is for me.
I returned to the MCDAO over two years ago and went back into the investigator position with the Family Violence Unit. I’m currently the investigator for our office assigned to Children’s Safe Harbor. I’m on a team of highly experienced investigators and prosecutors who dedicate their lives to the protection of children from physical and sexual abuse. While continuing to work, I graduated from The Iona School for Ministry, a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas that provides training for bi-vocational priesthood. I was ordained into the deaconate in June of 2024 and immediately began serving All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Crockett as their Deacon-in-Charge. On February 28, 2025, at 7 p.m., I was ordained to the priesthood at All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
Through the mountains, the valleys, the busy streets of Houston and Montgomery County, and the quiet moments of prayer, God has never failed to meet me where I am, hold my hand, and lead me forward. Each chapter of my life—from law enforcement to ministry—has been a response to God’s call to serve and love His people. I am humbled and grateful to stand as a witness to God’s boundless grace and love.
To God be the glory, always and forever. Amen.
BEAUTY IN BROKENNESS
This is for all those who have been broken and pieced back together.
A story was shared with me by a friend who spent time in prison. For all purposes she should have been angry and bitter, but instead she began reading and studying the Bible. She became actively involved in women’s Bible studies and support groups there, where she developed a stronger sense of self-worth and purpose. She went on to become a mentor for other women. She went in broken and came out emotionally and spiritually stronger.
The story was about a 15th century Japanese army commander who broke his favorite tea cup and sent it out for repairs. It came back repaired with ugly metal staples. He then commissioned his craftsmen to create a better way of repair. The
result was a technique that emphasizes the cracks rather than hiding them, using gold to enhance the object’s unique history and beauty. This process is now known as the Japanese art of Kintsugi (“golden repair”). It’s not about restoring the original perfect state, but rather about acknowledging the past and creating something beautiful and more valuable with the imperfections.
How often do we feel like giving up when we are broken? It’s so easy to listen to those negative voices of discouragement that try to tell us our broken self is permanent. Especially when we are hurt or damaged and in need of repair. Sometimes we are so broken that it transforms us. It changes us. We come back from that deep pain, different than who we were before. Sometimes it opens up our eyes so that we can truly see. Other times it opens up our heart so that we can truly feel and love. And you are never too broken for God to use your story. Like the art of kintsugi, God repairs the brokenness in our lives and makes us more beautiful through the process. That’s the power of brokenness.
Psalm 147:3: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Paula Enloe worked as a legal assistant for over 25 years and is a certified family law mediator. She is the author of the book “Lessons From My Mirror - Change Begins With Me.” Paula and her husband Noble, began having Bible Studies in their home when Covid-19 restricted public gatherings in church buildings. When their group began to grow, they founded the Family Worship Center of Plum Grove, Texas. In 2022, they moved into a building but continue to keep the home setting inside with couches, tables and chairs. Their motto is “Doing Church Differently”. They count it as their greatest privilege to share the love of Jesus to each person they come in contact with daily.
