THE WHOLE KID & KABOODLE -Spring 2023

Whether

The Team

Spring 2023

Table of Contents

Jerri’s Corner

Love is the Greatest of the Commandments

The following was a quote from Jonas Bohlin with Fullness in Christ Ministries. He felt this was a word from God to us today.

“I see an epidemic in the world today. I see many who profess to follow Me and live according to My Word stabbing and cutting others who love Me and are doing the best they can do. Why is that the case? Do you believe you know about Me more than others? There will come a time, and it will be soon, that My truth will be revealed and all those who know Me will know the truth”

Jerri

These words hit home to me because my heart has always been hurt when I witness and hear those that are so certain that they are right in their views that they discount and condemn those that don’t agree. Yes there are principles and precepts that must be adhered to in our walk with God and you should not condone sins that are specifically named by God in His word to us. But neither should you nit pick over things that are not salvation issues. Beards on men, short hair, long hair, jeans, too dressed up, not dressed enough, prayer language, formal rituals, informal worship, I could go on and on but the bottom line is “Do you know the God of the universe. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit who loves us and gave His life on the cross for us? Almighty God robed Himself in flesh and came to earth to suffer and die in our place. When Jesus left this earth He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and lead and guide us. You don’t have to understand all there is about Him but you need to have communion with Him and earnestly seek supernatural love for others

Deuteronomy 10:12:

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul

Jerri Bankston CEO/Owner/Publisher/Editor

Sherrie

Rebecca Goff Prayer and Praise Coordinator Joe Martin

KIDS EAT FREE!

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.

Marsala’s Italian Grill

12 and under. Kids meal Only with purchase of adult entree.

Tuesdays, 3 – 10 PM.

Atascocita - 5324 Atascocita Road, Atascocita, TX 77346

IHop Humble

Sunday-Saturday 4 – 10 PM

Jason’s Deli’s Tuesdays

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

La Casita, Porter

Monday and Tuesday with purchase of adult meal

Hectors Mexican Restaurant

Sundays and Tuesdays – 10 and under

Dickey’s Pit Barbeque Kingwood

Sundays

Sammy and Lindy learn the power of prayer in Little Holy Ghost Chicks

Sammy and Lindy learn how the power of love and community come together in Harvey and the Hurricane

Sammy and Lindy learn the power of prayer, church revivals and family legacy’s in Donald’s Bible

Lindy in Little Piggies Too!

Adventures

Sammy and Lindy learn that God loves all his creatures in Little Piggies Too!

pre-order yours today by email to:

The Adventures of Sammy and Lindy in Harvey and the Hurricane Emi Lynn

The Adventures of Sammy and Lindy in Little Holy Ghost Chicks

Emi Lynn

The

of Sammy and

Emi Lynn

The Church

“Behold how precious and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” – Psalm 133:1. Last month many in this nation celebrated and acknowledged the birthday of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. He once said, “It is a shameful tragedy…that the 11:00 hour on Sunday mornings in one of the most segregated hours in Christian America…”

Although he was referencing the obvious racial segregation that existed and still exist today, as we still hear people of different races and ethnicities reference, a “black church”, “white church”, “Spanish church”, “Korean church” or some other ethnicity or group and we seem to forget that all of us believers are “The Church.”

In Matthew 16:18, after Peter correctly declares that Jesus “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds, “…and on this rock I will build My church…” All of us Christians are the church, His church, not my church or Pastor so and so’s church but HIS Church. The word “church” in this verse (Mt 16:18) is a Greek word, ekkléssia. This word is derived from 2 other Greek words, “ek”, which means, the point of action where motion proceeds from or originates. The second word, “kaléo”, to call out, a gathering of people.

The word “church” used by the Lord is not a building, it’s a gathering of people called out to be launched into action. This is why I often reference to our congregation that, “Church is not where we go, but what we do. We do church, we don’t go to church.” The church I pastor is, Community Transformation Church in New Caney, and I also try to remind our wonderful congregation that, “We can’t transform the community if we’re not in it.” It is difficult to reach the world for Christ or be a light to a dark world if we limit our Christianity and faith to a pew on Sunday mornings. Let’s fulfill the Great Commission, one community at a time.

Roger and Yvette Obregon are the campus pastors for Community Transformation Church in New Caney. They have six wonderful blessings that are their children, that faithfully serve alongside them in various ministries for the church. The New Caney campus is one of six Community Transformation Campuses in the Community Transformation family of churches. The Church’s mission is to transform the community for Christ by empowering, equipping, serving and sending the people of God into the community.

Visit our website to learn how you can help transform your community: www.myct.church

La Iglesia

“He aquí cuán precioso y agradable es cuando los hermanos moran en unidad.” – Salmo 133:1. El mes pasado, muchos en esta nación celebraron y reconocieron el cumpleaños del reverendo Martin Luther King Jr. Una vez dijo: “Es una tragedia vergonzosa ... que la hora de las 11:00 de los domingos por la mañana en una de las horas más segregadas de la América cristiana...”

Aunque se refería a la obvia segregación racial que existía y todavía existe hoy en día, como todavía escuchamos referencias a personas de diferentes razas y etnias, una “iglesia negra”, “iglesia blanca”, “iglesia española”, “iglesia coreana” o alguna otra etnia o grupo y parece que olvidamos que todos los creyentes somos “La Iglesia”.

En Mateo 16:18, después de que Pedro declara correctamente que Jesús “el Cristo, el Hijo del Dios viviente”. Jesús responde: “... y sobre esta roca edificaré Mi iglesia...” Todos nosotros los cristianos somos la iglesia, Su iglesia, no mi iglesia o la iglesia del pastor fulano de tal, sino SU Iglesia. La palabra “iglesia” en este versículo (Mt 16:18) es una palabra griega, ekkléssia. Esta palabra se deriva de otras 2 palabras griegas, “ek”, que significa, el punto de acción donde el movimiento procede o se origina. La segunda palabra, “kaléo”, para llamar, una reunión de personas.

La palabra “iglesia” usada por el Señor no es un edificio, es una reunión de personas llamadas a ser lanzadas a la acción. Es por eso que a menudo hago referencia a nuestra congregación que, “La iglesia no es donde vamos, sino lo que hacemos. Hacemos iglesia, no vamos a la iglesia”. La iglesia que pastoreo es, la Iglesia de Transformación Comunitaria en New Caney, y también trato de recordarle a nuestra maravillosa congregación que, “No podemos transformar la comunidad si no estamos en ella”. Es difícil alcanzar al mundo para Cristo o ser una luz para un mundo oscuro si limitamos nuestro cristianismo y fe a un banco los domingos por la mañana. Cumplamos la Gran Comisión, una comunidad a la vez.

Roger e Yvette Obregon son los pastores del campus de Community Transformation Church en New Caney. Tienen seis bendiciones maravillosas que son sus hijos, que sirven fielmente junto a ellos en varios ministerios para la iglesia. El campus de New Caney es uno de los seis Campus de Transformación Comunitaria en la familia de iglesias de Transformación Comunitaria. La misión de la Iglesia es transformar la comunidad para Cristo empoderando, equipando, sirviendo y enviando al pueblo de Dios a la comunidad.

Visite nuestro sitio web para saber cómo puede ayudar a transformar su comunidad:

www.myct.church

EggTivities at the Woodland’s Children’s Museum

Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16

“Children will delight in egg dyeing, creating a bunny mask, and embellishing egg carton baskets or a bunny box to carry eggs.”

Photos with the Easter Bunny: 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

4775 West Panther Creek Drive #280, The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 465-0955 museum@woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

TGR Exotics Wildlife Park

Annual zoo egg hunt and picnic Saturday, April 16

“This annual event is great fun for the entire family! We will have animal meet and greet in the picnic area prior to the

egg hunt and after the egg hunt. Bring your picnic lunch, enjoy crafts/activities, walk around on your own and see SOME of the animals at TGR Exotics. We will put kids in age-appropriate groups once the reservations have been completed. ”

Gates open at 11 a.m. Close at 2 p.m. Egg hunt will begin at 12:30 p.m. RESERVE EARLY--SELLS OUT QuICKLY!!!”

22115 Sherrod Land, Spring, TX 77389, (281)771-3700

Eggstravaganza at rob FlEming Park

“Celebrate springtime with your family at the Eggstravaganza! Enjoy coffee, donuts and fruit. Play classic games with the Bunny, go on an egg hunt and work on a fun craft to take home! Remember your basket and camera!”

Saturday, April 16

Fee: $30 Resident (per child) $35 Non-Resident (per child) $5 sibling discount.

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77389 (281) 516-7348

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.

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.

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023 AT 1 PM – 4 PM

Second Saturday Settlers: Blacksmithing and Woodshop

sPring brEak out:

Tour the Redbud Hill Homestead and Akokisa Village

When: Mar 17 2023 10:00AM - 12:00PM

EastEr Egg anD sCavEngEr hunt

“Stop by the nature center to pick up a selfguided geocaching hike for the entire family to enjoy. Use plus codes in Google Maps on your cellular device to help you locate hidden Easter eggs throughout the park, which contain surprises. All ages are welcome. Please wear closed-toe shoes for a hike through the park.” Saturday, April 16

sPring CrEEk Park

This 114-acre facility features one unlighted softball field, one lighted basketball pavilion, two lighted tennis courts, a small barbecue pavilion, a large barbecue pavilion, eight RV/ camper hook-ups, three tent camping sites, one primitive camping area, a playground, trails, picnic tables, barbecue grills, an archery range, a sand volleyball court, and a rest room/shower pavilion.

FrEE tEnt & rv CamPing

Overnight camping is offered at no cost to public RV and tent campers at Spring Creek Park. Groups and individuals are permitted to camp up to 7 continuous nights per month. Long-term camping or camping outside of designated areas is not permitted.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Stephens had the vision to create a unique learning opportunity for future leaders and develop program for students to learn about government leadership and how to be leaders of their community. The Magnolia ISD Student Leadership Program was founded in 2012 and continues today to develop young leaders.

The district's commitment to this program fosters these young leaders to develop a passion for making a di erence and how each one of them can make an impact in their community. The leadership program focuses on leadership development, the civic awareness of local, county, and state government processes, pro t and nonpro t leadership, Fortune 500 business coach, and etiquette.

As part of the program, students have the opportunity to visit the State Capitol and on January 24, 2023, 40 juniors and seniors traveled to Austin and met with Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Cecil

Senator Kolkhorst recognized students in the Senate Chamber and had the opportunity to speak with the students about leadership. State Representative Bell gave student a rare opportunity to go onto the House oor and sit in the seats of the House members. He talked with the the legislative process and the importance of involvement. Senator Creighton, the Chairman of the Education Committee, spent time with the students discussing current legislation regarding policies in education.

www.magnoliaisd.org

Milder, Colby Ancira Strategic Partners and David Anderson of Hillco Partners.

“These types of experiences allow us to better understand leadership, and how it will benefit our future.”

-Amanda

Meyers

Magnolia High School

Senior

Dinner 7 nights a week

Brunch Saturday and Sunday 11 - 3

Dedicated

Congrats

Senior Prom

Atascocita High School

May 6th 2023 from 7pm-11pm

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel

“Roaring Twenties” theme

SummrCreek High School

MAY 6, 2023

SENIOR PROM AT MINUTE MAID PARK

Tickets on sale during April

$70 - $100, buy early

Kingwood Park High School

April 13, 2023 from 7PM - 11PM

TW Marriot

806 Main Street

Kingwood High School

April 22, 2023

The Ballroom at Bayou Place

Splendora High School

Marriott Woodlands Waterway

Apr. 29, 2023 | Starts at 8:00 PM

Apr. 30, 2023 | Ends at 3:00 AM

New Caney High School

Apr. 22, 2023 from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Gran Plaza, 25807 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77380

Cleveland High School

May 6, 2023

Woodlands Waterway Hotel

1601 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Magnolia West High School

04/22/23 from 8PM-12AM

Magnolia Event Center

TRUSTS * BUSINESS PLANNING * WILLS

“Don’t let fate do your planning for you”

281-815-0888

CiCiEsq@gmail.com

www.CiCiEsq.com

CiCi Cunningham, Esq. attorney at law

Grads

Graduations

Sconzo Early College High School

Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 7PM

Humble Civic Center

Atascocita High School

Friday, May 26, 2023 at 8PM

NRG Stadium

Summer Creek High School

Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 9AM

NRG Stadium

Humble High School

Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 12:30PM

NRG Stadium

Kingwood Park High School

Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4PM

NRG Stadium

Kingwood High School

Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 8PM

NRG Stadium

Cleveland High School

May 26

Sam Houston State University

1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

New Caney High School

May 24, 2023

Randall Reed Stadium

Huffman Hargrave High School

Saturday, MAY 27, 2023 at 4PM (Ford Park Arena ) Events

Splendora High School

May 26, 2023 at 8:00PM

Dale Martin Field at Wildcat Stadium, 23411 FM 2090, Splendora, TX 77372

Magnolia High School

May 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM

Reed Arena College Station, TX

Magnolia West High School

May 27, 2023 at 8:00PM

Reed Arena College Station, TX

LAKE HOUSTON AREA

LIBRARIES

Atascocita Branch Library

19520 Pinehurst Trail Dr, Atascocita, TX 77346

Hours: Mon. 11a-8p / Tue. 1p-9p / 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: Mond 1p-7p / Tues 10a - 9p / Wed 10a - 7p

Thurs 10a - 9p / Fri 1p - 6p / Sat 10a - 5p

Phone: (832) 927-5500

Kingwood Branch Library

4400 Bens View Ln, Kingwood, TX 77339

Hours: Monday, 1pm-9pm / Tues.10am-6pm / Wed. 10am-9pm

Thurs. 10am-9pm / Fri, 10am-6pm / Sat. 10am-5pm Phone: (832) 927-7830

http://www.hcpl.net/location/kingwood-branch-library

In April, Humble ISD’s 30 elementary schools will open their doors for the annual Kindergarten Roundup event.

“Kindergarten is the first of many important steps in every student’s education. It is also a great time to learn to work together and foster friendships,” Humble ISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Luci Schulz said.

This event is for families and their soon-to-be kindergarten students for the 2023-2024 school year. A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023, to qualify for kindergarten. The first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year is Wednesday, August 9.

Kindergarten students at Lakeland Elementary enjoy activities in the Kindergarten forest learning pod.

“At Kindergarten Roundup you can expect to learn a bit about the elementary school schedule and what a typical day in the life of a kindergartener looks like,” Foster Elementary kindergarten teacher Jill Honeycutt said. “You will learn important details about how to pick up your child from school, the best way to communicate

with teachers and school staff, lunch schedules, and snack times. You will get the opportunity to tour the kindergarten classrooms to see how things are set up and meet the teachers.”

Dates and times for your child’s Kindergarten Roundup can be found at humbleisd.net/kinderroundup

The Humble ISD Education Foundation is launching a new “Kinder Club” for this event. For a donation of $20 your child will get a Kinder Club shirt with his/her graduation year and a drawstring backpack with educational goodies!

Kindergarten is about developing social and emotional skills through play that will serve our students well their whole lives. It is focused on the developmental needs of our youngest learners. The goal is for our youngest students to build friendships, stay creative and innovative, build skills and love learning.

Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, Humble ISD Superintendent of Schools Follow Dr. Fagen on Twitter @ElizabethFagen

Kindergarten students enjoy playing at Park Lakes Elementary School’s new safari-themed playground that opened in January.

New in 2022-2023

Woodland Hills Elementary

Fairytale Playground

Park Lakes Elementary Safari Playground

Elm Grove Elementary Treehouse Playground

River Pines Elementary Rain Forest Playground

Creekwood Middle Obstacle & Fitness Course

Humble ISD is reinvesting in our community

Over the next six years, new immersive, imaginatively-themed playgrounds are being added at every elementary school along with new outdoor obstacle and fitness courses at every middle school.

• Built on handicap-accessible, poured-in-place rubber surfaces with fall protection

• Open to the public when school is not in session

GROWING IN CLEVELAND

Cleveland ISD opened as a one-room schoolhouse with 25 students in 1908. Over the next 100 years, the district grew to more than 3,000 students housed in five buildings. For decades, Cleveland ISD was classified as a 3A school district with very little growth. But in 2015, that all began to change. And change came quick. Since 2015, Cleveland ISD has grown to more than 11,500 students Today, Cleveland ISD is classified as a 6A school district and competes against schools including The Woodlands High School, Grand Oaks High School, and College Park High School.

With fast growth comes opportunities. The additional student enrollment allowed the district to expand its Career and Technical Education (CTE) and extra-curricular offerings. Students now can enroll in robotics,health sciences, and medical technician courses. Students can even become certified cosmetologists in the district’s state-of-the-art cosmetology lab. And in January, a Green Monster made its debut in the outfield of a newly constructed baseball and softball field at the Cleveland ISD Hal McClelland Sports Complex.

Here at Cleveland ISD you will find a lot of our elementary students that look up to our high school athletes, hoping one day to be in their shoes.

Our Athletic Directors, Brian Ricci and Daylyn Harris recognize the impact our high schoolers can have on the younger students, so with a select group of those high school athlete students the Athletic Directors have allowed them to visit the elementary campuses during the morning time to greet the elementary students as they arrive at school. This is, and has been an amazing way for our younger students to become excited about school and see that their dreams are attainable!

We are several months into the school year and jumping into Spring with both feet. There are still lots of wonderful learning activities planned for the rest of the year as our Seniors are anxiously awaiting graduation. We at Cleveland ISD hope your family enjoys this wonderful season of Spring where we celebrate Easter and honor our mothers.

Cleveland ISD is led by Superintendent Stephen W. McCanless. Mr. McCanless is a Native Texan, havingbeenraisedinandcompletingallofhispublicschoolyearsinChannelviewISD. Being from a family of 4 brothers and 5 sisters, McCanless says that education was always a topic of discussionatthedinnertable.Mr. Science from San Jacinto College, his Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Master’s Degree in EducationManagement,bothfrom all course work for his Ed.Din Educational Supervision at Lamar University.. Mr. McCanless’s philosophyis,“Everychildcanlearn;ourjobistosupportandinspiretheminthisjourney”.

havingbeenraisedinandcompletingallofhispublicschoolyearsinChannelviewISD. discussionatthedinnertable.Mr. EducationManagement,bothfrom philosophyis,“Everychildcanlearn;ourjobistosupportandinspiretheminthisjourney”.

TIMMARK ANGELS

Timothy Darin Bankston 6-27-69/8-16-70

Mark Dean Bankston 4-15-71

Mission: Bringing inspiration and encouragement through the written word and providing hope to both financially and developmentally challenged children primarily suffering from hearing impairments, Down Syndrome and Autism.

TiMMark Angels has been in the making all of my life. In my earliest memories which go back to about 2 years old I always had a love for God and people which

resulted in a strong desire to do something, anything to make a difference. Over the years this was expressed in the way I lived my life and how I viewed life around me.

I lost my son Timothy when he was 13 months old and then 8 months later my son Mark was still born. This had a profound impact on me but still I never lost my love for God or others. I always loved to draw and paint especially people and in the 90’s I was on the phone doodling as I always did when I got still. I sketched the little guys you see on the TiMMark logo., Timothy from memory and Mark from my mind. I immediately named them TiMMark and felt that it would mean something someday.

In the meantime, I drew them on every painting or drawing I did in place of the usual artist signature. I put them on business cards for some of the artwork that I was compensated for. Then it was forgotten.

I satisfied my writing skills while working as Director of Membership for the Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce. After I retired, I realized early on that I was actually a publisher when I started publishing the whole Kid and Kaboodle magazine. I again used the little angels for TiMMark Publications.

Page 4 of the magazine has always had a very small picture of them, and it says a TiMMark Publication. The idea of forming a non-profit has been circulating for a while. I have been asked if the magazine was a non-profit because of the amount that I give away and I always joked that it was not official but yes, it is nonprofit. It has been a ministry for me and in the past a few of my friends and acquaintances mused about the Prayer and Praise on Main being non-profit as well.

I am so excited that it is now a reality. TiMMark Angelsa 501(c)3 is striving to enable the eyes of a child to see the world as a safe and happy place.

TiMMark Publications will continue to supply wholesome and helpful reading material including the existing magazine,

the Whole Kid and Kaboodle, children’s books and other works of print that promote faith and family values. Some books will focus on stories of those that have become triumphant though financially or developmentally challenged.

Money raised by TiMMark Publications will fund TiMMark Angels’ efforts to support other non-profits or individual families that will benefit the hearing impaired, those with Down Syndrome and those afflicted with Autism.

TiMMark Publications is also partnering with the New York Life Foundation in support and funding of childhood bereavement. We are able to do this because of the partnership between Albert Melendez, the New York Life Grief-Sensitive School Ambassador and TiMMark Angels.

For more information you can view the website timmarkangels.org and we encourage you to support the magazine, events such as the Prayer and Praise on Main to help and show support to families that need hope and help

Jerri Bankston, the founder of TiMMark Angels has led a life of service, first to God then to her family which included her husband and six children She also enjoyed an extensive career with promoting businesses, first with her own for 20 plus years and then to the Lake Houston Chamber where she served on staff as Director of Membership. Upon retiring, Jerri furthered her creativity by starting a publishing company with the first publication being a family magazine “The Whole Kid-And-Kaboodle” for the area. She has published a book, “God You Must Think I’m Crazy” and has four children’s books ready to be published.

http://grievingstudents.org/

Over the past decade, the New York Life Foundation has served as the largest corporate funder of childhood bereavement support. An important part of our work in this space has been the creation of a first-of-its kind resource for K-12 educators and school personnel: grievingstudents.org. This online tool offers a comprehensive set of materials and modules to help schools better support grieving students. This site was developed and endorsed by the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a collaboration of the leading K-12 education professional organizations convened by the New York Life Foundation and the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement.

- Memories and Musings - by

Julia Nation

The Day It Rained Crawfish

The day was a Thursday in July of 1954 when it rained crawfish in Humble, Texas. To have a rainy summer day in Humble was not unusual. To be able to catch crawfish in the ditch after the rain was not unusual. But this July day was not usual.

Each day, for three days, rain had come down at a slow, steady pace. My dad, who was a farmer, said that if it didn’t quit raining soon, we would be flooded. Our house was three feet off the ground, and there was a hole in the

floor behind a door. My mother had explained that Daddy drilled the hole to let the water out of the house during a flood. So, I assumed that Daddy knew about rain and floods.

But that Thursday morning it began to rain harder. Daddy did his usual storm ritual – he went out on the front porch and paced back and forth, saying, “Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!”

My sister and I were in the house listening to him. “Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!” The rain came down harder.

Finally, we went outside to see if we could console Daddy. That’s when we saw THEM! The water was about one and one-half feet deep in our yard and the biggest crawfish you’ve ever seen were all over the place.

There were black crawfish about five inches long; the gray ones had to be six or seven inches long, and the red pinchers were eight inches or longer with four inch claws. They looked like small lobsters. Those crawfish were popping up in the water so fast that it looked like they were raining from the sky!

We surveyed the situation quickly!! We knew what to do. We put on rubber boots and gloves. We retrieved the big Red Flyer wagon from the back porch, and to the front yard we went. We grabbed those crawfish as fast as possible and put them in the wagon. Fried crawfish tails was one of our favorite foods. We knew we would have plenty to eat that night.

We must have had fifty pounds of crawfish when we finished. We pulled the wagon to the back porch, and that night we had our fill of fried crawfish tails. The tails were the largest and sweetest ones we ever had. And we have never forgotten the day that it rained crawfish in Humble, Texas.

Julia Woodyard Nation was born in her home two miles west of Humble. She is a graduate of Aldine High School, but her family was active in the Humble area. Julia received her BS degree from Mary Hardin-Baylor College, Belton, TX. In 1974, Julia and her family moved to Humble where she became involved in a local church and owned and operated a bookstore for nine years. Julia taught in public

schools for over thirty years and retired from the Humble ISD. She enjoys traveling and has visited all fifty states. Julia is also a published author. Her book “The Substitute Workshop “ is a preparation guide for teachers and substitutes. For more information on her book: thesubworkshop.com

The Problem is Solved

By Deborah Elum, Author & Producer

I knew exactly what the problem was; it was the squirrels. They had become a year-round problem.

In the spring, the squirrels ate most of the fruit from my peach tree. During the summer, they ate the cover of the barbeque pit. This winter, they chewed a hole through the wooden boards of my roof.

They had no longer become just cute little creatures running around and around trees in my yard. Or the adorable animals I watched burying pecans. No, they had become a problem,

and I needed a solution. I tried to rid the yard and roof of them with a remedy from the hardware store, but that did not deter them.

One day, one of my neighbors began to feed a cat someone had abandoned. Soon, the number grew from one cat to six of them. The cats venture into my yard or the roof to chase and sometimes overtake the squirrels. Lately, I have yet to see one squirrel.

In the book of 1 Samuel 17, the problem for the Israelite army was a giant named Goliath. Goliath would taunt them daily to come out and fight with him. However, it was not a soldier from the Israelite army that responded to his threats. Instead, God sent help from an unexpected source. A young boy named David showed up one day during the battle.

David triumphed over the Philistine, Goliath, with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then, David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath and used it, and the problem was solved. Sometimes we do not know who will show up to help us. It may be a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. God always has someone to come to our aid in our time of need.

“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.

“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 light-hearted 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

Earn a certificate in weeks, not years, at Lone Star College–Kingwood!

View a complete list of course offerings at LoneStar.edu/continuing-education. For more information, email LSCKCE@LoneStar.edu or call 281.312.1660.

A+ Certification

Can be completed in one semester.

The A+ Certification Training Program prepares individuals for a career as a computer technician in the information technology industry.

Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate

AutoCAD

Draftsman Certificate

Can be completed in three to four months. This certification will prepare individuals for entry-level employment opportunities in drafting and design.

Electrocardiography Monitor Technician Certificate

Can be completed in four to six weeks! Electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor technicians are responsible for monitoring patients’ heart statuses in a hospital environment.

Medical Coder Certificate

Can be completed in eight months. Medical coding professionals review health records and convert medical diagnoses, procedures, services, and equipment into medical codes that are required for billing and reimbursement.

Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate

Can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks!

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides healthcare under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care centers, personal homes and assisted living facilities, serving as critical liaisons between the RN or LVN and the patient.

Can be completed in five months. This program prepares students to perform various clinical and administrative functions in a facility, which may include preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations, scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records, interviewing patients, measuring vital signs, administering injections, and using equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.

Dental Assistant Certificate

Can be completed in five months in the weekday track, eight months in the Saturday track. Dental assistants fulfill a wide variety of roles that include preparing patients for dental procedures, ensuring the sterility of the dental environment, assisting dentists during procedures by providing tools and materials, working with suppliers to schedule deliveries, helping patients schedule appointments, and educating patients on proper oral health.

Phlebotomist Certificate

Can be completed in five to six months. Phlebotomy technicians are professionals who draw blood from patients. Blood samples are forwarded to laboratories to check for blood borne symptoms. Phlebotomists can work in all kinds of medical facilities, from hospitals to private laboratories.

Substitute Teacher Certificate

Can be completed in one month!

The Substitute Teacher Certificate is designed to prepare students with the tools needed for classroom management, lesson planning and guidelines as a substitute teacher.

SPRING FORWARD

The four seasons of the year are often used to symbolically refer to the various stages of our life. Transitions are a part of life and change is inevitable. I think that is why springtime is my favorite time of the year. Spring means change and renewal.

The past two years have brought a lot of change in my life. We sold our family homestead and downsized into a small home. It was a change we never thought would happen. We loved our home, but it was time for a change. We were also having church in our home. It has grown so much we had to rent a portable building and now looking for a larger building. This is something we have never done before. I tell people all the time, I don’t know everything I need to know about what we are doing, but we are learning as we go. And if we are going in the right direction, we will make progress day after day, little by little. Speed will not take you to success but the right direction will.

Not everyone will be able to accept the changes in your life. It could be that their season in your life has ended. And that is ok. But there will be ones who will stay. They will offer their guidance and allow you to make the final decision. They will sincerely celebrate you without jealousy. They will remind you of your greatness when you have forgotten. They will keep you grounded. My two sisters have always been a part of my life. They continually remind me that I am stronger than I even believe myself. Keep those people close to you, especially during the changing seasons of life.

Ecclesiates 3:1-3 tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build.”

Depending on where you are in the world, some of us

“Letting go isn’t the end of the world; it’s the beginning of a new life.” ~Unknown are moving into spring, going into summer, others are moving into Autumn or heading for winter. Depending on your preferences, some of us are more excited than others about the season you are in.

If you are like us and are in a season of expansion, know that it is okay to be uncomfortable. New beginnings can be messy. All seasons of life, even the ones you like the least, represent new life. Hope can carry you through every phase, every season of your soul… that’s what hope does. You hurt and you heal, you build and release, and it’s all part of the same process: it’s life. Each season is a signal that you’re not stuck. And even though you’ll lose some things, you’re strong enough to keep going long after you think you can’t.

Remember every season brings with it new life. Keep moving forward.

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.