tjmag.com • 1
tjmag.com • 3
4 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
6 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
tjmag.com • 7
Deck the Halls this Holiday Season!
Order today at the Brookshire Brothers Deli nearest you! and for additional crowd-pleasing options, browse online at
BrookshireBrothers.com
8 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
president: Stephanie Oliver director of sales: Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com operations: Coran Clark office@tjmag.com managing editor: Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com event photography: Lisa Crow layout and design: Macy Haffey ad design: Samantha Miller staff writer: Cheyenne Simpson cheyenne@tjmag.com marketing consultant: Gabrielle West gabrielle@tjmag.com contributors: Melissa & Tiffani Jessica Tinsley Bridges Sabrina Lumpkin Majal Minguez Rob Moore Angie Nichols Melissa Radke
photo by Stephanie Davis Photography
I
t's the most wonderful time of the year! I have to keep telling myself and reminding myself of that.
Honestly, I do enjoy this time of year. I love the lights, the smells, the sounds, and most of all the traditions and memories made every year. It's just having a year's worth of work, events, planning, all crammed into 25 days. My kids keep reminding me how wonderful this time of year is. I'm not going to paint this picture like we skip around the entire month of December. My kids still fight. I get overwhelmed. There is always laundry to do. There a million things to do but only 24 hours in a day. Just when I'm at my wits end, there is a beautiful story to remind you that Jesus is the reason for the season. Just when my kids scream and argue, the next minute, they are playing so picturesque I couldn't have orchestrated a better production. Jesus always has a way of sneaking in, reminding me how He truly is the reason for the season, and why it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas Blessings to your family this year!
STEPHANIE OLIVER
PRESIDENT
DECEMBER 2014 photo taken by Samantha Miller
15
HOME 16 Burlap & Besties 20 Home Tour 22 Design Tips 24 {DIY} Do-It-Yourself
27
COMMUNITY 28 Inspiring Young Woman 30 Giving Back 32 Helping Hands 34 Sustainable Life 36 Everyday Ministries
39
EDUCATION 40 Star Student 42 Superintendent News 46 Terrific Teacher 48 Athlete of the Month
51 LIFE
52 Beauty 54 Fashion 56 Something Abundant 58 Stretch Marks
59 CHILD
60 Places to Go 66 Look at Me 67 Pretty Babies
69 The 2014 Festival of Trees is on exhibit now at the Museum of East Texas. The Museum is open to the public and cameras are welcome, Tuesday- Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-8pm. The spectacular one hundred and eight trees will be on display through January 6, 2015. The Museum will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
CONTACT US: Mailing:
PO Box 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 75915 Physical:
115 E. Shepherd | Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-7188 | advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast
BUSINESS 70 In the Know 74 Local Economy 76 Landmarks 78 Chamber News 80 Above & Beyond 82 Leadership
85 EAST
86 Hometown Giant 88 Hometown Hero 90 Honoring Heroes 92 On the Field 94 Trophy Hunts 96 Fitness
tjmag.com • 11
huntstoneproducts.com
Everybody seems to be leaning towards green products and earthy, natural looks. Our Manufactured Stone is made right here in Lufkin from Portland cement, light weight aggregate and iron oxide dyes. We have the molds, materials and the resources to make all the products on our premises. We have the flexibility to do custom colors and blends that you can’t get with other manufacturers or natural stone and offer a larger color and stone style selection: Cobble Stone, Field Stone, Ledge Stone or River Rock.
901 Ellen Trout Drive | Lufkin | 936.699.FIRE (3473)
12 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Special effects can be added to Manufactured Stone or created such as keystones, brick ribbons, the Texas Star, Horse Shoes or personalized cut outs.
wood burning stoves | clean & efficient A wood burning stove is a surprise to most people as they are considered a green appliance. They are extremely clean burning and efficient. The least expensive way to heat your home is with a wood burning stove or an insert. You use a quarter of the amount of wood and get ten times more heat out of the appliance than you would in a traditional open fire place. A freestanding stove is an applicance that needs to be installed properly. Hunt Stone & Fireplace is the only business within 90 miles with an NRI (National Fireplae Institute) certification. When you’re putting a fireplace or wood-burning stove in your home, you are dealing with fire! Therefore, safety is a priority to us. We also have wood-burning fireplaces that have the look of a traditional fireplace, but have the high efficiency of the wood-burning stoves. Come into our showroom and take a look at our traditional stoves and fireplaces and the most realisitic gas fireplaces and gas logs you’ve ever seen!
the MOST REALISTIC
gas fireplaces & logs
YOU’VE EVER SEEN!
manufactured stone | inside & out Manufactured Stone is a veneer that can be installed over almost any surface. It applies easily to wood structure, metal buildings, and brick.
tjmag.com • 13
14 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
HOME 16 BURLAP & BESTIES | 20 HOME TOUR | 22 DESIGN TIPS | 24 {DIY}
EARRING HOLDER TUTORIAL ON PG 16
HAND-MADE CHRISTMAS
W
e love to receive gifts that are personalized and/or handmade, so we just assume that’s what other people like, too! Our families can all attest to the amount of hand made things they have gotten over the years! The holidays don’t have to be about being stressed out over spending a certain amount of money on someone; it can be about creating something heartfelt and spending time with your family making gifts for others.
tjmag.com • 15
BURLAP & BESTIES
Hand-made Christmas /// Continued
Snowmen Family Earring Holder photo on previous page
Supplies: • 8x10 frame • cork • pen • exacto knife or scissors • painter’s tape • spray paint • white paint and small craft brush 1. Remove the glass and backing from your frame. 2. Place your frame over your cork and trace around the frame. Then cut your cork to size so it fits in your frame. 3. Use your painter’s tape to make the stripes on your cork. 4. Use the spray paint to paint your cork and let dry. 5. Freehand the name onto your cork using your white paint and small craft brush. You could also use a stencil and just do an initial instead of a name. 6. Once everything has dried, place the cork in your frame and put the frame backing back on, and you’re done!
Supplies: • • • • •
4x4 post 2x4 board saw white paint red paint
• black and orange paint (can be acrylic/craft paint) • paint brush • small craft paint brush • round foam brush, small and large
If you don’t have a saw, don’t let that make you turn down this project. You can get Lowe’s to cut your wood for you! 1. Cut your post to your desired height. To make this easier, you could cut all your post the same height. 2. Paint all your post white and let dry. 3. Cut the base for your “Grandparent” snowmen, ours is 10 inches long. 4. Paint your base red and let dry. 5. Use the black paint with the large round brush and paint on the snowmen’s eyes and buttons. 6. Use the black paint and small foam brush and paint on the snowmen’s mouth. 7. Use the orange paint and small craft brush and paint on the snowmen’s nose. 8. Use the black paint and small craft brush to paint on the snowmen’s names; we just free handed this part. Don’t be afraid to free hand things! Just practice first on a scrap piece of wood or paper. 9. Use the white paint and small craft brush to write “Let it Snow” on your red base and add in a few snowf lakes. Again, you can free hand this part. This is a fun Christmas decoration that the kids can help with and it can be added to as your family grows!
by Melissa & Tiffani
Monogrammed Cutting Board Supplies: • cutting board - get a cheap one since you won’t be able to cut on it once you paint it! • painter’s tape • red paint • white paint • foam brush • stencil 1. Place your painter’s tape on the cutting board diagonal from the bottom left corner to the right side. 2. Use your red paint and paint the corner you taped off. 3. Once the red has dried use the painter’s tape to tape down your stencil. 4. Use your white paint to paint on your letter. When painting over the stencil, make sure to brush off the excess paint from your brush so it doesn’t leak out from the stencil. 5. Carefully remove your stencil. You may have to go back and do a little touching up with a small craft brush. We tied a cute little kitchen towel around our cutting board to finish off our gift!
Party Tip
Melissa is a housewife who loves her husband and son, Ben and Ty, more than anything else on earth. In a previous life, she was a CPA. Her passion for serving Jesus took her and Ben to Africa for two years where, among other things, she learned she can never pack too many crafting supplies. If you want to see a happy girl, give Melissa an old piece of furniture and a paintbrush then stand back and watch the magic happen.
Gift wrapping can be simple and still be cute! Wrap your gifts with brown paper and cut out the initial of who it’s for and tape or glue it on!
Tiffani Brantner is a part-time nurse and student, a constant crafter, party-thrower, "idea-comer-upper", and a richly rewarded wife and mother to Jeff and Cullen. Call her to come and get your old junk, she LOVES it! She'll turn it into something beautiful, create a theme, throw a party around it, and invite you as the guest of honor. You can reach Tiffani day or night at tifandmel@gmail.com. tjmag.com • 17
PLACES & FACES
photographed by Lisa Crow
Lufkin Rotary Club Waffle Bake
Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!
tjmag.com • 19
HOME TOUR
CASA Christmas Home Tour
I
f you have never made it to the CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocates) annual fundraiser, Christmas Home Tour, you are missing out. For those who were unable to make this year's tour, here are a few pictures and ideas for your home. All five homes were absolutely gorgeous. They were all creative and offered unique decorating ideas. For more information on CASA or next year's Tour of Homes, call 936.634.6725.
BELSCHNER HOME
STAGED HOME
BELSCHNER HOME
CUMBIE HOME
STAGED HOME
STEVENS HOME
BOWMAN HOME
CUMBIE HOME
BOWMAN HOME
STEVENS HOME
CUMBIE HOME
BOWMAN HOME
by Sabrina Lumpkin, owner of Bellissima Home
DESIGN TIPS
Last Minute Holiday Decor Made Easy “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” - Norman Vincent Peale
I
t’s starting to look a lot like Christmas, but your home is not looking so magical? No problem; you have time! This compilation of quick and easy, yet impactful, decor ideas can bring a ‘wow factor’ to your space.
No matter your taste, there are ways to work in the latest holiday theme or a vintage look, in a few simple steps!
Mantels
A mantel can quickly become the center focus of a holiday theme. Keep the style and texture of the mantel in mind. If your mantel is more on the contemporary/modern side, use simple, stately objects and repeat in a pattern style with less frill. Tip: Use metallic and glossy items in a contemporary decor. If your mantel has more of a country flair, use branches and gatherings from the outdoors and intertwine with more craft style ornaments. Tip: Tartan Christmas plaid ribbon works wonderfully in a country holiday style. More traditional mantels can be styled in almost any holiday theme. Swags of greenery, intertwined with ribbons and lights, always make a beautiful statement. Tip: Don’t place everything in your theme on the mantel. Place other objects and coordinating pieces around the room to bring your style together.
22 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Dining Areas
Your dining space is an area that can pack a real decorating punch. Adorn the chandelier above your dining table with gold or silver rope or ribbons and attach crystals or ornaments. Scatter these same items below along the center of the table for a finished look. Tip: Simple bows of ribbon tied to your chandelier always add a charming touch for the holidays. (Keep all items away from the bulbs) Tie name tags with ribbon or raffia to inexpensive ornaments to use as place cards on your table. These also make a great gift for your guests to take home. Tip: East Texas is plentiful with pine cones. Use them in your decor, either spray painted or natural.
Kitchen
During the holidays, many families gather in the kitchen area. Add a little cheer to this space by replacing your frequently used items, such as the soap dispenser and paper towel holder, with holiday themed styles of the same. Beautiful ornaments of any style look whimsical spilling over a bowl or a cake plate! Tie a long red ribbon to your pantry door and pin your Christmas cards to it. Tip: Use the same style or theme in the kitchen and dining room for a decor flow.
If you are decorating last minute or just looking to add an extra element this year, remember to enjoy every moment, as Christmas brings a softer and more beautiful décor to your home. Blessings, Sabrina
Sabrina Lumpkin is the creator and owner of Bellissima Home, www.bellissimahome.com, an online shopping experience offering hand selected, premium, designer inspired items for the home. Luxury you can afford! tjmag.com • 23
{DIY}HOME DO-IT-YOURSELF TOUR
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT GIFT BASKET “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasures and presented him with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
L
ast year, my awesome friend, Marian Kinney introduced us to a unique Christmas gift-giving that has now become a cherished tradition in our family. To commemorate the birth of Jesus, we give the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Why did the three wise men give these gifts to Jesus?
GOLD was presented to Jesus to honor Him with the very best and most prized possession of the wise men. Gold suggests His royalty as King of the Jews and Lord of lords. FRANKINCENSE was a gift for Jesus’
divinity. During the biblical times, it was used in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God.
MYRRH suggests death and burial and so
represented Jesus’ humanity. It was brought as a gift to acknowledge the human suffering Jesus would experience for our salvation. Thus, the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh came to show JESUS AS KING, GOD AND MAN.
You will need: • gift basket • gold pinecones • empty 5ml bottle of Young Living’s Frankincense essential oil • Extra Virgin Olive Oil • piece of craft paper • string • 4oz spray bottle • 1 oz Witch Hazel ( from drug store or health food store) • distilled water • Young Living’s Frankincense, Myrrh, Orange and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oils
24 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
by Majal Minguez
Instructions: Gold: Orange-scented gold pinecones
Myrrh: Essence of Christmas Spray
• Apply 5 drops of Orange essential oil and 2 drops of Cinnamon essential oil to each pinecone, and then allow to dry.
• Fill a 4 oz spray bottle with 1 oz Witch Hazel, 10 drops of Orange essential oil, 5 drops of Myrrh essential oil and 3 drops of Cinnamon essential oil. Then f ill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water.
• You can use these pinecones as a part of your table centerpiece and it will diffuse the uplifting aroma of Orange and cinnamon oil during Christmas dinner! Frankincense: Anointing Oil and Blessing Scroll • Fill a used empty 5ml bottle of Frankincense oil with extra virgin Olive oil 3/4 full. Then add 10 drops of Young Living’s Frankincense essential oil. • For the Blessing scroll, write your favorite scriptural blessing in a piece of paper, roll it and tie it with a string. I use The Blessing written by Michael W Smith. • Christmas morning before our family opens the gifts, we read the Christmas Story in Matthew 2: 1-12. Then my husband and I anoint our boys with Frankincense Anointing oil (1-2 drops) on the forehead while reading our blessing to them. Priceless moments!
• Spray every room of your house generously. The fragrant influence of Myrrh oil promotes spiritual awareness and uplifts the spirit. Orange oil is refreshing and cinnamon is energizing!!! You can place these in a gift basket or in 3 different boxes labeled “Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.”
“Let’s symbolically give gold to honor Jesus as King. Let’s give frankincense to worship Him even in the midst of our brokenness. And let’s give myrrh as a reminder that He identifies with us in our pain and sorrow”. -www.examiner.com
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
JANUARY WORKSHOPS: January 6, 2015 @ 5:30pm Healing Oils of the Bible Start the year by experiencing and learning about the 12 Healing Oils of the Bible. This is a wonderful Bible study. Invite a friend and please bring your Bible! January 9, 2015 @ 6:00pm MAKE AND TAKE Workshop We will make homemade deodorant, skin toner, hair spray and a facial scrub! January 20, 2015 @ 5:30pm MAKE, TAKE AND LEARN Learn the basics of essential oils and say hello to the top10 oils you can use everyday! We will make massage oil, household cleaner, an air freshener spray and a bath soap mix.
Majal Minguez and her family live in Luf kin. Her youngest son in on the Autism Spectrum. In their journey to recover him from Autism, the family has learned that detoxifying his body and their house are major pieces of the puzzle to Autism Recover. For more information, please follow me on Facebook at “WhollyMerry Majal Minguez” or email me at whollymerry@yahoo.com. tjmag.com • 25
PLACES & FACES
2014 East Texas Half Marathon
26 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
COMMUNITY 28 INSPIRING YOUNG WOMAN | 30 GIVING BACK | 32 HELPING HANDS | 34 SUSTAINABLE LIFE | 36 EVERYDAY MINISTRIES
What does it mean to be a ‘Woman of Worth?’ Does it mean to be successful or worthy of social acceptance? There are a million different answers to this question, however, one East Texas woman found an answer that may just change the meaning of worth in all of our minds.
tjmag.com • 27
INSPIRINGHOME YOUNG TOUR WOMAN Women of Worth /// Continued
M
egan Fridell is your average 22-year-old college student. She makes good grades, goes to class and even maintains a job outside of school, but there is one thing that makes her standout from other students and that’s her outlook on life and love for the Lord. Fridell sees every opportunity she has been given as a way to give back to God and in return share His hope and love with others. “In the book of Colossians 1:3-5 it says, ‘We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.’ The giving that has been done in and throughout my life is not because I am someone great, high and mighty or even because I am a ‘good person.’ It’s because I have taken the opportunities in front of me to give back and to love and serve those around me. I have a longing for others to have the hope that I have in Christ,” Fridell explained. Born and raised in deep East Texas, Fridell has lived a full life already, volunteering her time with numerous mission trips and student ministries, calling each experience an opportunity to give back and serve The Lord. “I have been greatly blessed in my life, not for anything that I have done, but because of what Jesus did,” Fridell explained. Fridell, who is an undergraduate student at Dallas Baptist University, was recently given an opportunity to share her love for The Lord in a class assignment.
28 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
She created a weekend event centered on teaching local girls and women about their worth in The Lord’s vision. “I was very stressed about planning the whole event, getting help with it, and just leading it all in general,” Fridell said. However, it was in the midst of her stress and worry that she was reminded that The Lord is always faithful. “God has shown me over and over how faithful He is. When we take the opportunities to love and serve those around us, He blesses that,” Fridell said. So, with some time and preparation, the Women of Worth weekend event began. Fridell invited a group of junior high and high school girls, along with their mothers from her church. The mother/daughter duos were paired with mentors who had children that were already grown. Throughout the weekend, the mentors and mother/ daughter teams focused on the Book of Ruth and what it means to be a woman of worth in the Bible. Ruth was titled a woman of worth for living a life of self lessness and sharing her blessing that God gave her with those around her. Ruth became the basis of what it means to be a woman of worth in the Bible, but Fridell lead the group of women to also think about how each of them are already women of worth. “Along with focusing on Ruth and being women of worth, we talked about how we are all women of worth if we are His and have accepted the gift of salvation, because of the cross and what Jesus did for us,” Fridell said.
This message was continually discussed throughout the weekend and among the women’s small group discussions. Not only was this weekend about growing individually as women in Christ, but about growing together as mothers and daughters and fellow sisters in Christ. Fridell created a bond by setting up several different activities for the women to enjoy together. “One of the crafts the mothers and daughters did was making Christmas ornaments for one another. Each got a clear Christmas ornament. On the ornament the moms wrote what they see in their daughter to make them a woman of worth. The daughters wrote on theirs what they see in their mom to make them a woman of worth. After they were f inished decorating, the daughters and mothers traded. After they gave each other these gifts, they prayed together for one another,” Fridell said. It was at the end of the weekend that Fridell realized the stress and nervousness of it all was well worth it. She explained, “The weekend ended by me crying, not intentionally! I explained to this wonderful group of women how I was nervous and dreading the weekend, but how phenomenal our God is, how faithful He is, how loving He is, and how good He is.” What started out as a class assignment for Fridell turned into a much bigger lesson than she ever expected to learn and something that reassured her even more of the faithfulness of God. “Nothing could have gone better and all the glory is due to God for sure! It has been another event in my life where God has shown me His steadfast love for us, how he is always faithful and good, and the true value of living a life of worth,” Fridell explained.”
tjmag.com • 29
GIVING HOME TOUR BACK
More Than a Water Well
After two years of fundraising, the students raised $12,760 and brought fresh water to the people of Kalaru in the Nakasongola District of Uganda.
A
group of students at Dunbar Primary have proved that no one is too small or too young to make a difference in this world.
Two years ago, the students in Sue Rolf & Jean Ann Keen’s multi-age class started a project that created a ripple effect so large it impacted an entire village in Uganda. The project was sparked by the inspiration of two people, Jackie and Jonathan Sewava, of Uganda. The students met Jackie in 2012 when Jim Riggs invited her to talk to the class about the global need for clean water. The purpose of Jackie’s visit wasn’t to persuade the children to raise money, but to inform them and teach them about global problems. However, the kids didn’t want to just learn about the problems, they wanted to find a solution to them. That’s just what they did. “I was actually absent from school the day she came to the class, and I was shocked by the way the children greeted me the next day when I came back. Many of them met me at the door that morning so excited by what they had learned from their visitor. They were all talking at once about the need for clean water in Africa and literally begging me to let them do a water well project,” Rolf explained. Much to Rolf’s surprise, the students already had a plan in motion and were determined to raise the $11,000 it would cost to build a well all by themselves. “The children began bringing in Zip Lock bags full of coins on a daily basis. They sold cookies at the ballpark. They had lemonade stands. None of these activities were organized at school,” Rolf said. The students’ enthusiasm spread throughout East Texas, and before they knew it their families, churches, other schools, and community members were donating to their cause.
30 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
photos source: Sue Rolf
After two years of fundraising, the students raised $12,760 and brought fresh water to the people of Kalaru in the Nakasongola District of Uganda. “A project like this teaches what mere textbooks can’t teach and that is how to touch the lives of people in our big world and to love our fellow man,” Rolf said. It also taught them about the global need that we as Americans often take for granted, a lesson that many of them took to heart and will take with them for years to come. “One little girl came to me and hugged me with tears rolling down her cheeks. She said, ‘Mrs. Rolf, I knew this was important, but I did not know it was this important.’ She suddenly understood that many children in other lands do not have healthy bodies and do not get to go to school because they spend all day toting filthy water in cans to their huts.” At the time of the project, the students had no idea their project went far beyond providing just fresh water, it gave an entire village the gift of time and hope. The children teamed up with an organization called the African Hope Children’s Ministry, which focus on building wells in the untouched regions of Africa. Many of the villages that the ministry helps are miles away from the closest clean water well, causing the villagers to spend the majority of their day walking back and forth to get clean water. "Some of the villagers have to walk more than 30 miles a day just to get water, and because they spend all of their time doing that, they don’t have time to go to school or work other jobs to make money for their family,” said African Hope Children’s Ministry representative, Jonathan Sewava. Having a closer well means less time spent traveling to get water and more time to get an education. “If we can educate the youth in Africa, we can create new leaders. If we create new leaders, we can change the future for the people of Africa,” Jonathan said. Whether the students understand how big of an impact they made or not, an entire village and generation have been changed because of their will to help others in need. Rolf said she hopes the actions of her students encourage other people to give back and teach other children that no amount of time or money is too little to make a difference.
tjmag.com • 31
HELPING HANDS
LUFKIN AMBUCS
I
t’s one of the most basic childhood memories that almost everyone has, learning to ride a bike for the first time. However, there are some children that don’t have that opportunity due to disabilities. One East Texas organization is making it their mission to change that by providing that most basic childhood memory to those who so desperately need it. Lufkin Ambucs is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic tri-cycles to those children who are unable to ride a bicycle due to different disabilities. “A good portion of children who get these bikes are not able to sit or walk by themselves, so these therapeutic bikes give them the adaptive equipment they need for independent mobility,” said Luf kin Ambucs President and Founder, Cindy Melvin. Melvin decided to start the Luf kin chapter after realizing there was a real need for these special types of bikes in the East Texas area. “Because I am a physical therapist for special needs children, I saw a need for something like the Ambucs organization in our area. A lot of the children I was helping didn’t have any type of independent mobility,” Melvin explained. In June of 2013, with the help of 5 other people, Melvin established the Lufkin chapter. Since then the organization has grown to more than 10 members and a number of volunteers. Melvin credits the start and growth of the organization to God, saying he’s the one who made it all happen. “I am not really a leader, I am a physical therapist. I was really stepping out of my box, but anytime I needed something someone was always there to step up and take care of it.” Eight months after starting their chapter in January of 2014, the organization
32 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
had their first bike day giving more than 10 bikes to children in need. Since then they have provided a total of 30 bikes to local children. “Watching a child who has never been able to be independent move for the first time by themselves is the most rewarding part about the whole thing,” Melvin explained. However, none of it would have been possible without the help of the national A mbucs organization and local support. “When we started the Lufkin chapter, nationals gave us 10 bikes. In addition, we have had tons of support from the community, especially from local business like Sonic who have raised more than $10,000 for our organization,” Melvin said.
“There are a lot of these kids that need to experience riding a bike regardless of their special needs,” Melvin said. No matter where the child is in the East Texas area, whether it is in Nacogdoches or Jasper, the Lufkin team will do what ever they can to help provide every child who needs a bike with one. Ambucs also recycles each bicycle after the child has outgrown it, which is another way the organization is helping children get the independent mobility they need. Melvin said the growth of the organization is key to getting more bikes to the children who need them. “We are always looking for new members and volunteers. We meet once a month on the 3rd Thursday at First Christian Church of Lufkin and welcome anyone who is interested in our cause,” Melvin explained.
Because there is such a great need for these bikes in the area, and because the price of these bikes are so expensive, the fundraising efforts are never over. The Lufkin chapter is also always looking for children who could benefit “One bike can cost anywhere from from their services and encourages the $300 to $1,000m and we currently have community to reach out and help them 10 children on our waiting list. Ambucs spread the word. and the children’s families are always doing different things to fundraise,” Melvin explained. From garages sales to profit shares the families of these children, along with community members, find different ways to help bring the joys of riding a bike to every child, no matter the circumstance.
tjmag.com • 33
SUSTAINABLE LIFE
A N G E L I N A
N
C O U N T Y
ewton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal or opposite reaction.
G A R D E N
“The greatest benefit of the garden is the positive impact it has on the prisoners,” said Angelina County Sheriff, Greg Sanches.
While this law applies to physics, it can also be applied to many lessons in life. Take for example the Angelina County vegetable garden planted in March of 2014.
The 2.5 acre garden produces a variety of fresh vegetables that are used to feed the inmates in the county jail. The garden is also harvested and processed by those inmates serving time.
The garden was originally planted to help reduce food-cost at the prison, but it ended up serving a much bigger purpose.
However, the garden produces more than just tangible food for them, it also produces positive benefits.
34 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
photo source: Greg Sanches, Angelina County Sheriff
Sanches said since planting the garden inmate morale has seen a tremendous boost, “The inmates that harvest these vegetables are able to see that good things can come from hard work and labor.” The Sheriff said many of the female inmates who help process the vegetables have commented that shelling peas and cleaning greens brings back the good memories of times they spent on their grandparent’s porch, before they became addicted to drugs and involved in activity that led to their incarceration. The garden is a result of the collaboration between the jail, Angelina County judges, the Texas Agricultural Extension Off ice and citizen donations.
It’s a collaboration that has proved to be a success in more ways than one. Since the first harvest, the garden has produced more than 8 tons of vegetables for the Angelina County inmates. Not only has this saved the county money on food, it has also shown a ripple effect into the success of the inmates upon release. “Many of the inmates that were showing no sign of change have actually gone on to get real jobs and really change their lives around,” Sanches said. Sanches hopes the garden will continue to produce fresh vegetables and a fresh start for inmates. tjmag.com • 35
EVERYDAY HOME MINISTRIES TOUR
deniselopez
H
er excitement for crafts and passion for mission work can be felt from the moment she steps on stage, but it’s her love for God that can be felt most of all.
Denise Lopez, the founder of Everyday Ministries, travels the world sharing the word of God through her various mission trips and craft shows. However she hasn’t always used the medium of burlap bows and plaid ribbons to spread the word of The Lord. Lopez spent the past 25 years serving the Lord as a church staffer, spending the majority of her time working with local and international missionaries. “I have always been involved in mission work, whether it was inner city, Brazil or some other country,” Lopez explained. While mission work has always been a part of her life, it wasn’t until 2011 after she went on a mission trip to Ghana Africa that God pushed her in a new direction. “Prior to my trip I was at a church leadership conference and God clearly said to my heart, ‘Engage the rich to help the poor.’ I hadn’t been to Ghana, so I was unclear of what that meant and it was about two weeks before the trip that God said to me again, ‘This trip is not about this trip,” Again I had no idea what that meant, so I was on the lookout for what He was doing,” Lopez said. It was after the baptism of over 60 people at a medical clinic in Ghana that she realized the direction God wanted her to go. “After watching the baptism of these sweet Ghanaian people, I turned to Pastor Odai and said, ‘This is amazing, why don’t more people come?’ He looked at me and said in his Ghanaian English accent, ‘No one will come Denisey.’ Then God again clearly spoke to my heart and said, ‘You could get people to come.’” With a clear understanding of her new direction, Lopez quit her job and started, Everyday Ministries. “I was not excited about quitting because I wasn’t necessarily ready to quit. However, I didn’t wrestle with God over this because I knew clearly that it was what I was supposed to do,” Lopez said. She didn’t wrestle with what God was calling her to do, but she did have her doubts. She explains, “So, when I knew I was to resign I had some second thoughts. I thought, ‘Lord, what if it’s not awesome; I love being awesome,’ and he said to my heart, ‘I didn’t call you to be awesome, I called you to obey.’”
36 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Obey is just what she did, and in return God pushed her doubts aside and began to move mountains for her new ministry. “In the past 3 years we have seen God do amazing things! We have seen life transformations in the villages, in the rescue homes we help with, and in our ladies events across the country,” Lopez said. Not only did God provide Lopez with the opportunity to start her very own ministry, He also provided her the financial means she needed to support her mission work, by allowing her to share her creative holiday decorating tips with other women. So, every year around the holidays, Lopez and her team travel the states in a series of sold out shows they call the Christmas Gathering. These shows, along with the ministry’s store, The Gathering Place, Lopez and her team are able to provide water wells to villages in need, fund a women’s shelter, and even help give back to other causes. In the past 3 years, Everyday Ministries has grown from a small mission to bring people to Christ to a full on business for Christ. Since the start of the ministry, Lopez has started her own women’s shelter that not only provides a home for women
in need, but also provides them with a new start. Lopez has also taken to the streets to help orphaned children by giving them a tangible symbol of love called the PiP doll. “The Lord placed the idea on my heart to do a buy one give one. I knew a lady that could make them and she was gracious enough to give us a pattern,” Lopez said. For every PiP doll that is sold, another is given to a little girl in an orphanage in another country and with her comes a special prayer. “She comes with a note to encourage each little girl to pray for the other little girl on the other side of the world that has no mommy or daddy. We want her to pray that she would know God loves her and for her to have a forever home,” Lopez explained.
The PiP doll can also be donated to the ministries EveryDay Dolly program, which allows Lopez to take these dolls on mission trips to give to girls in need. More than 396 PiP dolls have been sent to 9 different countries and that doesn’t even count the 112 that will be sent out before the end of the year. It doesn’t stop there. Because of Everyday Ministries, more than 100 women have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. In just 3 short years, God has done miraculous things with Everyday Ministries and continues to feed its success all because one person followed his command. One lesson that can be learned from Lopez is that obeying the will of God, even when you don’t understand it, is the most powerful and faithful thing you can do.
PiP dolls and EveryDay Ministries tote bags are available for purchase at MarTeres Tea Room in Lufkin. One-hundred percent of each purchase made will benefit the work of EveryDay Ministries. tjmag.com • 37
PLACES & FACES
photographed by Lisa Crow
Christmas Live Pinterest Style at Harmony Hill
Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!
EDUCATION 40 STAR STUDENT | 42 SUPERINTENDENT NEWS | 46 TERRIFIC TEACHER | 48 ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
LEXI
FRANKENS
Lexi is always competing with herself to be a better version of who she was the day before. tjmag.com • 39
STAR STUDENT 40 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Lexi Frankens /// Continued
I
t’s not everyday you hear about a 15-year-old starting their own business, much less starting college or even buying their own car, but Lexi Frankens isn’t your everyday teenager.
Lexi, a native East Texan, is what you would call a ’go getter,’ because when she wants something she goes for it and works hard until she gets it. This is no surprise to her family, because it runs in her blood. “Lexi comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, her paternal great grandfather, paternal grandfather, and dad were/ are all self employed and very successful. Her maternal grandmother has also always been a great role model for hard work and what comes from it,” said Lexi’s stepmother, Ashley Frankens. Her strong dedication and work ethic shows most importantly in her schoolwork. Lexi is enrolled in the University of Texas Online high school program where she is currently taking both college and high school courses. “She is ahead of schedule in all of her classes! Hopefully when she graduates high school she will have multiple college credits and be well on her way to a degree. She wants to graduate early so she can have a head start in life,” Frankens said. It’s that exact mind set that allowed her to think ahead and work toward buying her very own car this past summer. “She knew she was getting her permit in October, so this past summer she opened and ran a snow cone stand, harvested/ prepared/ canned cactus jelly and dabbled in a bit of photography, taking photos of friends for special occasions,” Frankens explained. By the end of the summer Lexi saved up enough cash to purchase her very own vehicle, and when I say vehicle I don’t mean a hoopty, but I mean a 2010 Mercedes C300.
Lexi spends her time horseback riding and showing her meat goats. “Lexi is totally in love with animals. Which is why she plans on attending A&M University and pursuing a career in zoology, so that she can focus all of her time on the preservation of endangered species, specifically large African animals,” Frankens said. If she hasn’t already blown your mind with her awesomeness, Lexi also has a long list of extra curricular activities that she juggles along with work, school and a social life, like representing the Central 4H on the Angelina County Youth Leadership Board. So, whether she is trying to be the leader at home as the oldest of 4 siblings or the leader of her own business, Lexi continues to push her boundaries and reach for the stars, a quality that truly makes her a star student! “She attributes her competitive spirit to her mom. Lexi is always competing with herself to be a better version of who she was the day before,” Frankens said. However, her parents, David, Ashley, and Rachelle (her mother) believe it’s more than just her self discipline and self motivation that make her a star student, it’s also her kind and giving heart that gives her that little extra shine. “She is always reaching out to kids around her that are being left out and making sure to include them in whatever is going on. When someone’s being picked on, you will find her sticking up for them and reminding others to be kind with their words and actions. I’m not saying she’s perfect, everyone has f laws, but she’s definitely a diamond in the rough,” Frankens said. I think I speak on behalf of every woman reading this article when I say, “YOU GO GIRL!”
But, when she’s not excelling in her schoolwork or plotting her next business adventure, tjmag.com • 41
SUPERINTENDENT NEWS
HUDSON ISD HUDSON BASS CLUB by Donny Webb, Asst. Supt., Hudson ISD
H
igh schools across the nation have recently become much more aware and involved in competitive bass fishing events. The Southeast Texas (SETX) High School Fishing Association is comprised of more than twenty participating districts in the East Texas area. Hudson ISD decided to bring this opportunity to our students as an additional student organization after much interest was shown by the student body and community. While this is a school-sponsored organization, the funding required to participate is either student generated or through sponsorship donations. Fishing is not a cheap sport, as students must pay for membership fees, tournament fees, fuel, equipment, and other associated costs. Hudson Bass Club operates under the national Student Angler Division of The Bass Federation. SETX is an ‘umbrella’ under this federation, which districts can participate locally. Any student in grades 7-12 can participate, provided they have the means of doing such. Students must either fish alone as a team or with a partner. Each team must find a boat captain, who must operate the combustion engine during the tournament. The boat captains basically provide the boat and fuel costs, transport the students on and off the water, and monitor the safety of the students during the tournament.
HUNTINGTON ISD RED DEVIL PRIDE by Travis V. Carrell
E
very morning at 7:30, I walk into Huntington High, confidence ablaze and hopes close in tow. I walk with this confidence because the school I go to openly fosters an attitude that every student should strive to do his or her best. The staff are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed in all areas of study and make sure to always project a positive
SETX held the first tournament of the year on December 6, where a national record was set for the largest number of student anglers participating in a competitive high school bass tournament. With 377 high school teams, there were about 750 students from all parts of East Texas fishing. Hudson ISD’s own team of Kagen Nevills and Bayley Roland finished with an impressive limit of five bass landing them with a 2nd place finish. Congratulations to these two young men. These students were awarded with a very nice trophy, fishing equipment, and $1500 in scholarship funds. The Hudson Bass Club strives to not only be a new student organization, but also to provide for the entire Hudson community of fishermen. Our regular meetings are open to the public, where guest speakers, professional fishermen, and various organizations share their knowledge of competitive bass fishing, techniques, ethics, legal regulations, and much other information. Our current sponsors include: PMC Auto Group, Timber Country Real Estate, Medicine Chest Pharmacy, Al Meyer Ford, Whatabuger, J.E. Kingham Construction, Regency Cleaners, Saturday Bass Anglers, Stanley Jigs, Carroway Funeral Home, Longhorn Mulching Inc., Sun Coast Resources, and Angelina Excavating. Hudson thanks these sponsors for making this organization possible. We are always looking for sponsors to help offset the costs of this student organization. Please contact us if you are interested. Hudson Bass Club currently consists of ten fishing teams. For more information about our program, please check us out on our district website under student organizations. Hudson is proud to serve students through many academic, athletic, and extracurricular organizations. It is through all of these venues that allow students to grow and become leaders and great citizens of our community.
attitude. Our school, though it is one of the lowest-funded in the area, has some of the best programs in and outside of the classroom. Our athletics department is in the process of reviving and renewing its reputation, specializing in training staff to be not only coaches on the court, but mentors and teachers as well. The department also seeks to create self-discipline in students through the use of their new “Red Devil Boot Camp” program. The department has also had numerous additions to its staff, including coaches Eugene Villanueva and Diego Horta, who teach upper-level Spanish and geometry respectively. This helps the coaching staff create a relationship with their students in the classroom and on the field.
Our fine arts and preforming arts programs have continued their success, as well. The Destination Imagination group has a number of teams competing this year and look to continue performing on the world stage. Speaking of acting, our oneact play program is shaping up to have a better program than ever before. The group has already preformed a Halloween-theme play and are currently working on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as well as a competition play “Radium Girls.” Likewise, the HHS Band has also continued to prosper. Under the leadership of Head Director Mr. Jeff Sorey, Assistant Director Amanda Knowles, and yours truly serving as Drum Major, we have increased our overall numbers as well as our number of competing musicians for the AllRegion tryouts. Last but not least, the HHS Highsteppers, our school’s dance team, are looking to continue the success of previous years as well. They are under the direction of Mrs. Miranda Clifton and Senior Captain Sarah Holcombe.
LUFKIN ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION by Sheila Adams, Lufkin ISD Spokesperson
T
he Luf kin ISD Education Foundation is more than just a fundraising catalyst for the school district; it’s a way to change the dynamic of a classroom and the minds of students through innovative teacher grants. Teachers are the best source of creative ideas in the classroom. Most teachers reach into their own pockets to fund activities they have planned for the day, but when it comes to the really fantastic dreams and ideas, they need finances for resources and curriculum to take their classroom learning to another dimension. That is what the LISD Education Foundation is all about - bringing community members, local businesses and the Luf kin ISD staff together to pool resources in order to fund these amazing initiatives that will make the learning experience at Luf kin ISD even more exceptional.
Our robotics program is looking to outdo their previous accomplishments. After three years of competing on a world stage, and acquiring an impressive ten member team and their own personal 3D printer, they now look to not only return to the world stage but also to rank as one the best programs on the planet. They are currently led by Team Manager Peggy Albritton, Coach Kris Kirkland, Senior Co-Captains Colton Strickland and Lance Hamilton, and Senior Engineer Rance Truss. Our graduating senior class is comprised of future doctors, priests, detectives, psychologists, authors, future educators, and rock stars. Huntington High School, now more than ever, stands as a pillar of excellence. The renaissance that HHS is currently going through can best be described by a quote from our own superintendent, Mr. David Flowers: “It’s a great day to be a Red Devil. I’m out.”
The Foundation raises money through annual giving, a banquet honoring the top 20 seniors and their teacher of inf luence, and the Dollars for Scholars program where community members pay according to how many football touchdowns the Luf kin Panthers score on their home games. The High Five Club is exclusively for Luf kin ISD staff where they donate $5 a month in exchange for a t-shirt and the opportunity to wear the shirt with jeans on Mondays to promote the LISD Education Foundation. Overall, the Foundation has raised tens of thousands of dollars in their first year of operation. The grant process is unique in that the teachers will submit a proposal anonymously and have it reviewed by a committee for validity and creativity. Once the recipients have been chosen, a “prize patrol” group of board members, selected donors and community members will stroll the campus halls and award the teacher with a “big check” in front of his or her students and colleagues. It’s a momentous day when all of the hard work has come to fruition and ultimately, the LISD students are the true beneficiaries. The Education Foundation Board, under the direction of President Becca Chance, has done an outstanding job of forming the foundation and developing fundraising programs to make its inaugural year a huge success. Members of the board believe that a greater education for our students will ultimately lead to a greater community for all. The first round of grants will be distributed in December, so be ready to hear lots of screams of happiness from the campus halls when the “big checks” start making their debut. You, too, can support the Luf kin Education Foundation. Log on to www.luf kineducationfoundation.org or find us on Facebook under Luf kin Education Foundation.
tjmag.com • 43
ST. CYPRIAN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL VOICES OF LEARNING by Dr. Sherry Durham
I
f you want to know what St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School is all about, you only need to walk through our halls and listen. You will be surrounded by the sounds of engagement and learning. Fourth and fifth grade classes present a low buzz as students have conversations during exploration of math concepts in cooperative groups, novel studies in language arts offer elbow partner questioning techniques, and pre-k students are exploring new content in learning centers. Students are discussing integrated service learning opportunities in the community which benef it their friends and neighbors. Quiet demeanors of our school honor guard posting the f lags each morning reveal the respect these young people have developed for their assigned patriotic task. The art room is filled with spontaneous chatter as students discover their creativity and imagination. The teacher is introducing various mediums and techniques to students incorporating individual design and color choice. Walking past the computer room you will notice students are constructing robots and developing coding and engineering skills. The room is sometimes quiet except for the click and whirr of machines connecting our students to the future. The new dyslexia therapy classrooms are echoing with confident voices of students accessing the general curriculum with Ipads and software providing supported learning experiences for student success. Music classes are busy practicing for their Christmas programs and off campus performances connecting schools, family, and community. Spanish classes are learning about Hispanic culture with a field trip planned to a local restaurant where only Spanish will be allowed to be spoken as orders are placed. You will hear students practicing “por favor” and “gracias”. The sustainable garden area resonates with students working to clean the area and preparing the soil for a fall soup garden with onion, carrot, sugar pea, and cabbage plants. Using the Eden Garden concept and utilizing compost prepared onsite, this project utilizes innovative conservation strategies for irrigation and soil development. St. Cyprian’s Students at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School attend Chapel daily.
44 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
is designated as a Green School and this endeavor is the culmination of planning and learning modules through Project Learning Tree and Project WET. Our new wetland area offers students the opportunity to learn about water quality. Monday morning chapel services at 8:15 weekly offer an open invitation for family and community members to join our teachers and students at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church. Sounds of student led scripture readings, traditional prayers, and praise songs echo from the tall windows to the bell tower. Blessings for the school day ring in our ears all day long as we remember that we are all children of God. The sounds of friendship and collaboration are easily identif ied. In the cafeteria, student and teacher voices are humming with talk of the day’s events and expectations for afternoon activities. Teachers are engaging with parents, students, and colleagues in thoughtful discussion of best practice and how to assure students are successful academically and socially. At the end of the day as students exit our doors, listen to the sounds of singing and laughter. You will also hear tales of a happy day at school where learning is valued and people are respected. St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School is a good place for children and adults.
46 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
tjmag.com • 47
48 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
OUTSTANDING ACADEMICS • PCA is a comprehensive free public charter school serving students in grades PreK-12th grade. • PARAMUS Early College High School students grades 9-12 take Dual Credit courses at Angelina College and can earn up to 60 college hours or an Associate’s Degree. • PARAMUS is the only ECHS designated by the Texas Education Agency in the greater Angelina County area.
PINEYWOODS COMMUNITY ACADEMY
College Preparatory Charter School Accredited Through Texas Education Agency
OUTSTANDING ACTIVITIES • UIL District 23 1A sports at the Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels including boys and girls basketball, track, cross country, golf, and tennis. • UIL Academics, Destination Imagination, and Robotics activities elementary through high school. • Award winning choral music and theater program.
OUTSTANDING ADVANTAGES • Class sizes of 20 students or less provide individualized instruction and a student-centered approach. • Students can arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. and stay as late as 6:00 p.m. to accommodate working parents.
602 S. Raguet • Lufkin • 936-634-5515 • www.pineywoodsacademy.org tjmag.com • 49
PLACES & FACES
photographed by Lisa Crow
Downtown Lufkin Christmas Parade
Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!
LIFE 52 BEAUTY | 54 FASHION | 56 SOMETHING ABUNDANT | 58 STRETCH MARKS
AVEDA + NEPAL FIGHT
POVERTY with paper tjmag.com • 51
HOME BEAUTY TOUR
by Rob Moore
GIVING BACK WITH AVEDA
I
t’s hard to to believe, but the holiday season is here! Why not give everyone on your list what they really want – the gift of relaxation! We have gift sets and gift cards and are happy to customize a special package for any budget.
In addition to the fabulous experience and product everyone on your list will receive, you will help fight poverty and provide hope for a better future with your purchase. Once again this year, Aveda has partnered with the people of Nepal to fight poverty with paper. Our beautiful gift set packaging is hand-crafted green paper that has been pressed, dried, and dyed in Nepal by indigenous peoples in forest communities helping support over 2,000 families and preserve 34,000 acres in the Himalayas. Aveda gifts to your loved ones help to improve lives in Nepal in many ways. • Helps Women - Women are 8 0% of the workforce who make our paper. It helps the whole village when women earn income because they give back to their families and the community. • Strengthens Families - More families can afford to send children to school. We’re helping give 2,000 families a brighter future. • Protects Forests - Protecting 34,000 acres of forest fights climate change. • Supports the Art of Papermaking - The Nepali people say this strong and beautiful acid-free paper can last for 1,000 years. So, stop by Bella Salon & Boutique where you can find the perfect gift and make a difference in the world!
For more information on our team and services, check us out at www.bellasalonoflufkin.com, on Facebook at Bella Salon & Boutique, Instagram at bellasalonoflufkin, or visit our salon in person right in the heart of Downtown Lufkin. 105 West Shepard | Lufkin, Tx 75901 | 936-634-2004 Rob Moore is a stylist and makeup artist at Bella Salon. 52 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
NOT FDIC-Insured
NO Bank Guarantee
MAY Lose Value
tjmag.com • 53
FASHION
by Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Creator of jesslea.com
Festive Holiday PARTY DRESSES
W
ith party season just around the corner, it’s time to turn your attention to finding that perfect party dress. This year it’s all about lace, sequins, embellishments, and of course the color red. When it comes to party dresses, budget buys can still look stylish. Here are 7 affordable and festive holiday dresses for celebrating the season in style.
Bisou Bisou Embellished Peplum Dress, JCP, $47.99 Cap Sleeve Lace Fit N Flare Dress, JCP, $49.99 Color Blocked Jeweled Neck Dress, Target, $39.99 Jacquard Shift Dress with Jeweled Neckline, Target, $39.99 Luxology Sequin Blouson Dress, Belk’s, $60.00 V-Cutout Shift Dress, Old Navy, $29.94 Como Sleeveless Skater Dress, JCP, $34.99
Jessica (Jess) is a 28-year old brunette born and raised in Lufkin. She is in love with fashion and wearing high heels, even though she’s 5’10’’. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Fashion Merchandising degree. She and her husband live in Houston with their 2 dogs, Bella and Bentley. She is an assistant buyer for a department store in Houston, Texas. She has her own fashion blog, Jess Lea where she shares her love for fashion on a budget. 54 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
photo by The Silhouette Studio
tjmag.com • 55
SOMETHING ABUNDANT
TELLING YOUR STORY New n(y)ōō/ adjective -not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time.
“Y’all remember that time Angie ran into the house with the minivan?” One of my brothers said it while tossing Chex-mix into his big, smart mouth. I whined from my spot on the couch, “Do you have to tell this story again?” To be fair, we were all engaged in this car trip down memory lane, sharing our most cringe-worthy stories with the soon-to-be driving oldest grandchild of our extended family. We covered the first vehicle make and models, moved onto the times my older brother hopped into his old gold Ford Probe and drove to our high school while making me walk. In the rain. While he sped past, pointed and laughed. Then we reminisced the time my younger brother high-centered his new Ford Mustang (babies of the family...they get everything, right?) in a cow pasture. Things escalated quickly from there to the family favorite story of, “The Time Angie Ran Into the House with the Minivan.” Somehow this particular story has been told at every family gathering from the time I was 15 years old. You might as well hear it. At least here I can tell it my way because this article has my name on the top of it. Learning to drive in my mom’s giant Aerostar, feeling less than confident about pulling into the driveway for the very first time, I missed the brake and rammed the cedar post of our front porch knocking it backward a good six feet.
56 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
You probably would enjoy my younger brother’s version of this story better. He’s perfected the comedic timing since the day he witnessed the whole event from the backseat. “It was like slow motion. We were going point f ive miles an hour! If you saw it from a distance, it would look like a ninety year old woman had a stroke, passed out and rolled her car into a pole. I was only ten, but even I knew she could’ve at least steered away from the house!” Everyone laughs and laughs. I die a little inside. Again. Good times. The holidays are lovely for gathering with family-those loved ones who’ve known you your whole life, who are all too eager to bring up the childhood and teenage shame you never want to speak of again. Nothing like the holidays and your family to keep one humiliated humble. I adore those stinkin’ brothers of mine. Can’t help it. Yes, our families often witness our most shameful moments and sometimes are eager to bring it back up. Spending time with family can sometimes tempt one to believe she is still that same old “mess-up” she’s always been. However, in honor of a new year, I want to encourage you with the age-old, timeless news of “new.” “...if anyone is in Christ, [s]he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” --2 Corinthians 5:17 That is great news! Especially after the humiliating moments we relived around the turkey and dressing. Those of us who confess Jesus
by Angie Nichols
as God’s Son, believe in His life, death, and resurrection, and call upon the Name of the Lord for salvation, are new. You and I are not the mistakes we’ve made. I am not the immature child I once was, or the b!+(#y teenager I use to be. Oh, there are people who knew the old Angie who might have a hard time believing it, but my God says I am a new creation. There are those who see my current failures and mistakes who might not buy it, but the Word of the Lord names me anew--not on the basis of my perfection, but on His. As much as I love the gospel message and believe its absolute precious truth, some days I f ind it almost impossible to live out the new--especially when I still feel dogged by the old. Do you, too? Here is a simple concept I believe God showed me in His Word. He used it to teach me a very practical way of walking the new when the enemy, others, and even I call me the old.
The former is a testimony of the redeemed; the latter is a tale of the deceived. This Love story culminates with a wedding (See Rev. 19:7) The Bridegroom exchanges the “something old” for “something new”. A woman of the Word, a bride of Christ, is able to share about her old shame while displaying His ever new grace in the forgiveness of it (See John 4:28 -29). A woman speaking out of her shame displays a lack of faith in Christ’s ability to redeem her failures or make something beautiful out of the dust. Here is the thing: Christ does not take the wounds of your shame lightly. He doesn’t expect you to just get over it, move on, or forget and deny it entirely. Nor does He want it to dictate your choices, make you a life-long victim, or one who can only focus, live and speak out of perpetual humiliation. Unbelief in a “new” status will always debilitate a heart from ref lecting Christ’s glory and can never fully display His abundant blessings. He is all about healing you for the glory of His Father.
“So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign LORD.” -- Ezekiel 16:62-63
It’s a new year. I pray you will believe with fresh conf idence in a new you. Your failures, your shame, your belief in His covering of them, your “new”--all of it--He already knew. Your God delights to see you walk in newness of life, singing a new song, believing Him for a new thing.
When I first read this, I thought God was essentially saying, “I am making a promise to you. I will cover all your sins and mistakes. But because of your mess-ups, keep your mouth shut. You can’t be trusted to say a word about Me.”
So no, don’t open your mouth because of your humiliation. Instead, speak boldness from a promise of grace. And “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story... (Psalm 107:2)”
However, as I sat with the LORD and reasoned with Him, considered His works, wrestled with His absolute holiness and trusted His loving nature, He showed me a profound truth:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” --Isaiah 43:18:19a
There is a BIG difference in speaking ABOUT your shame and speaking OUT of your shame.
Angie Nichols is the founder of Something Abundant Ministries, serving women through worship, ministry, and Biblical teaching and the author of Something Abundant: growing from a child of God to the bride of Christ. Her passion is for women to know the beauty of an abundant life knowing Christ as Bridegroom. She is married to Chris and they have one daughter, Mycah. For more information, to read Angie’s blog, or book speaking events visit: somethingabundantministries.org.
tjmag.com • 57
STRETCH MARKS
by Melissa Radke
Count The Lights
T
here’s a Christmas game we play in the car with our kids. We call it Count the Lights, because we are super creative and full of whimsy. Here are the directions: when you see a Christmas light scream, “ONE,” as loud as you can! Then, “TWO,” and so on and so forth. We hate it. We don’t drive anywhere during the month of December that there isn’t constant screaming, competitiveness, crying, belittling, demoralizing, obnoxious shouting (and on one particular occasion a wrestling match) in our car. And yet, we do it. Because they like it. And we like them. So as I’m sitting here tonight writing this article and looking at the lights on my tree f licker in the dark, I think about the lights we passed tonight. We might have missed a few, but overall every one - from the farmhouse lights to the bakery with a tree in its window - was accounted for. There’s just something special about lights at Christmas. We line our porches with them. We wrap them around trees. We make cocoa and popcorn as we drive around and look at them. What is it about lights at Christmas? Forgive me, my lovelies, for not writing an article about how busy Christmas is and how we should just pause........
(ugggghhhh, we know! We should pause! We get it!) Instead I wanted to take a moment and speak to those of you who may f ind that it isn’t the busyness that entangles you during the holidays - but the sadness. I know who you are. I’ve met you. I hugged you at the cleaners the other day. I listened as you spoke about how it’s your first Christmas without your mom. Or your first holiday as a single parent.
I count the lights that took me out to lunch the other day and hugged my neck. I count the sweet little light that teaches my kids and sends me emails of encouragement. I count the lights that I work with every day. I count the light at Chick-fil-a that says, “Hi, Mrs. Melissa. Tell your kids ‘hi’ for me!” I count the light that colors my roots and talks to me like an old friend.
I remember you saying your husband had been laid off and money was tight.
I count the lights that surround the table at Thanksgiving as we hold hands to pray.
I watched you tear up at Wal-Mart.
I count the lights I tuck in every night.
I held your hand at the visitation.
I count the best-looking light that I curl up with every night.
I sat beside you in the hospital. You and I have a lot in common. This season brings on the darkness early and the cold, foggy weather layers itself on my heart as well. Sometimes, while everyone is bustling about, I’m simply trying to keep my head above water and my heart above sinking. My heart hurts at Christmas, too. I lost someone I loved very much on Christmas Day. And sometimes that heaviness rolls in when I least expect it. In unexpected ways. And tears come, out of nowhere, and all at once.
And above all, I count the light that led the way for three cold Kings one night long ago. All the way to a stable. All the way to our world. Thank heaven for that light. Lights are out there for you this season. I promise. They’re turned on; you just have to notice them. You just have to look for them. You just have to start counting them. I’ll play along with you.
And that’s when I begin to count the lights.
Melissa Radke is married to the best looking man in town, whom she affectionately refers to as The Attorney General. They have two children, Remi and Rocco; you have probably seen their picture in the Most Wanted list at your local schools. She loves movie popcorn, telling her friends what to do with their hair and being the center of attention. You can find her anytime at melissa@luf kin.org or Chik-fil-A. You are encouraged to ask for her autograph. In fact, she insists. 58 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
CHILD 60 PLACES TO GO | 66 LOOK AT ME | 67 PRETTY BABIES
Annual Lighting of Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit photo by Lisa Crow
tjmag.com • 59
PLACES TO GO
Santa’s Road Trip
1st Stop:
Santa’s Wonderland College Station, TX 2 hours 12 minutes from Lufkin
OPEN Monday-Thursday 6pm-11pm
Fridays 6pm-midnight
Saturdays 3pm-midnight
Sundays 3pm-11pm
* Open until January 4th
TICKETS • Adult- Santa’s Hayride & Santa’s Town $25.95(online)/ $29.95 (Gate) (plus tax & $1.50 Service Fee) • Child- Santa’s Hayride & Santa’s Town $20.95 (online)/ $24.95 (Gate) (plus tax &1.50 Service Fee) • “Super Saver”- (only available on select dates) Adult- $21.95 (plus tax &1.50 Service Fee) • “Super Saver”- (only available on select dates) Child- $16.95 (plus tax &1.50 Service Fee) • V.I.P. Horse & Carriage Tours- $39.95 (online)/ $45.95 (Gate) • Drive-Thru Tours- $27.00 (Gate)
S
anta’s Wonderland in College Station is the biggest holiday attraction in the state of Texas and a great place to take the family this holiday season. From hayrides through a one of a kind light show to the unique shopping in Santa’s Town, there is something for every member of the family. If hayrides aren’t your thing, don’t worry! You can experience the spectacular light show from the comfort of your very own car with the Drive-Thru Tours. If you want to go for a more romantic evening, you and your special someone can stroll through the dazzling lights on the VIP horse and carriage rides. After your light show, don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Town and shop the night way with a cup of hot cocoa and some world famous kettle corn. Santa’s Wonderland is an experience that you and the family will remember for years to come!
2nd Stop:
Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights Natchitoches, LA 2 hours from Lufkin
T
OPEN
he Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a long-standing festival in Louisiana and is the 3rd “Best Holiday Light Show” in the nation according to Yahoo.com, just behind the Rockefeller Center and Disney World. This festival is not only known for its light show and festival of light parades, but it’s firework show as well. Every Saturday night a magnificent display of sky-high fireworks are shot over Cane River Lake and choreographed to the jingles of holiday favorites. During the day there is live music and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, along with arts, crafts and abundant amount of holiday food.
November 22, 2014- January 6, 2015
TICKETS See website for schedule & pricing: www.christmasfestival.com
3RD Stop:
Christmas Capital of Texas Grapevine, TX
3 hours 14 minutes from Lufkin See website for schedule of events & times: www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ christmas-capital-of-texas
Events include: • North Pole Express • ICE! & Lone Star Christmas • Christmas at the Palace Theatre
C
elebrate the magic of Christmas in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas! Grapevine is the perfect place to create wonderful Christmas memories with your family and friends this season. You’ll be amazed at the more than 1,400 Christmas events in 40-plus days, as you see Grapevine sparkle with millions of lights, enormous decorations, animated characters and a whole lot more! Whether you›re looking for a night out with the family, an opportunity to enjoy the holiday with someone special or a unique holiday getaway, Grapevine offers some of the most magical moments of the season! (Source: Grapvinetexasusa.com)
• Christmas on Main • Lighted Evening Events • Christmas Wine Trains • Christmas Around Grapevine
tjmag.com • 61
4th Stop:
The Polar Express Train Ride Palestine, TX
1 hour 16 minutes from Lufkin
DATES December: 5-7, 12-23, and 26-28
TIMES 3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, and 8:00pm
TICKETS • Standard Class
Child $20
Adult $40
Adult with Lap Baby $40
• Lone Star Class
Child $45
Adult $69
Adult with Lap Baby $79
• Diamond Class
Child $75
Adult $99
Adult with Lap Baby $109
62 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
A
ll Aboard! The Polar Express™ comes to life this holiday season as the Texas State Railroad rolls out of the Palestine station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively decorated vintage train cars! Don’t forget to bring your camera! We can think of no better place than The Polar Express to snap that favorite family holiday photo. Dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each guest to savor while music from The Polar Express movie plays en route to the North Pole. Passengers in Lone Star Class and dome cars drink from special, official The Polar Express mugs (limited edition and not available elsewhere), which become theirs to keep. Make sure to have your tickets handy, because your conductor will be by shortly to punch each child’s ticket before arriving at the North Pole, the iconic book, The Polar Express is read by the voice of actor Liam Neeson, as your Chef turns the pages to share the beautiful illustrations in the original book. If the children prefer to read along from their seat, books are available at the time of your ticket purchase and will be waiting for you at the station! With Palestine far, far away, only 30 minutes will have passed since the train left the station as The Polar Express™ magically arrives at the outskirts of Santa’s North Pole village, where Santa Claus himself and his elves joyously welcome the train! As you stay comfortably settled and warm in your seat, Santa and his helper elf board the train! During the return trip, Santa will greet each child with his signature holiday spirit and the first gift of Christmas: a bell cut from his sleigh. It is said that only children and those who still believe can actually hear the bell ring. Join in the singing as your Chef or Conductor lead Christmas caroling on the 30-minute return trip. For those wanting the magic to last or to do a little Christmas shopping, visit our gift shop in the station for special The Polar Express™ gifts and merchandise. Oh, one last thing, children are encouraged to wear their PJ’s; adults who still believe have been known to wear them, too! So, are you coming? All Aboard! (Source: Texas State Railroad )
tjmag.com • 63
tjmag.com • 65
LOOK AT ME
LOOK AT ME! brought to you by
Smoothie King of Lufkin
4505 S Medford Dr. • (936) 632-5464
Like us on
1 2
3 1. Parker Rhodes finds leaves in the discovery center.
4 5
2. Diboll Primary PreK-4 students in Ms. Bradley’s class are excited about the science experiment! They mixed baking soda and vinegar which caused the balloon on the bottle to expand, then deflate. This was called a disappearing ghost activity. (L-R) Mia Veliz, Melody Crager, & Jose Salazar. 3. Juan Zapata paints a turkey. 4. Nayeli Villanueva and DeYdrea Mark trace leaves. 5. Lufkin FUMC baby Jesus reunion picture for 2014. Everyone in the photo portrayed Jesus in the manger scene in our Evening in old Bethlehem. 6. Kenzleigh Wilder and Greyson Morris match numbers in math center.
66 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
6
2
3
PRETTY BABIES
1
4
1. Kayne Askey. 10/11/14. Proud Parents: Jamie & Shawn Askey. Photographer: Shaw Photography. 2. Andrew Tyler Carrier. 10/21/2014. Proud Parents: Geno & Kristin Carrie. 3. Cason DeLaPaz. 5/7/13. Proud Parents: Amber Bass & Joey DeLaPaz. Photographer: Shaw Photography. 4. Wyatt Thomas Fischer. 9/30/14. Proud Parents: Allison & Austin Fischer. Proud Grandparents: Jane & Mike Medlin / Jerry & Marilyn Fischer / Belinda Brown / the late Allen Brown & Debbie Brown.
5
6
7
8
5. Britton King. 6/21/13. Proud Parents: Brittany & Ryan King. Photographer: Shaw Photography. 6. Barrett Brooks May. 6/30/14. Proud Parents: Tommy & Emily May. Proud Grandparents: Darrell Brooks / Mary May. 7. Arianna and Ariel Shepherd. 7/28/13. Proud Parents: Ashley Garrette & Adam Shepherd. Photographer: Shaw Photography. 8. Emmett Ronald White. 8/26/13. Proud Parents: Clint & Tonya White. Photographer: Shaw Photography. E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com. Please include name, date of birth, parents & grandparents. Submissions are free of charge.
Committed. Great OB physicians. One wonderful place to have your baby. We believe babies and moms should be surrounded by comfort and care. With an average of 20 years of OB experience, our nursing staff knows how to make you feel at home. Amenities include spacious labor/delivery/recovery rooms with Wi-Fi, and a sleep sofa for guests. We even offer an on-staff lactation consultant. These are just a few reasons why we were voted “Best Place to Have a Baby” and “Best Nurse” by Lufkin Daily News readers in 2012. To find a physician or learn more, call 936-699-CARE or visit WoodlandHeights.net.
WoodlandHeights.net WHMC is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
tjmag.com • 67
68 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
BUSINESS 70 IN THE KNOW | 74 LOCAL ECONOMY | 76 LANDMARKS | 78 CHAMBER NEWS | 80 ABOVE & BEYOND | 82 LEADERSHIP
Travis Clardy, Texas State Reprepresentative, hosted a “Just Add Water” workshop in cooperation with the Waters of East Texas Center (W.E.T. Center) at Stephen F. Austin State University.
tjmag.com • 69
IN THE KNOW
LOCAL NEWS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES TRAVIS CLARDY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE
I
n preparation for the upcoming 84th Legislative session, I have spent many hours this fall meeting with constituents, local and state leaders and various agency officials to discuss concerns and solutions to issues that will impact the future of Texas and particularly, East Texas. It’s a priority for me to stay in touch with constituents and keep them informed about developments in state government that could affect them. In late October, it was my honor to participate in The Texas Tribune’s Trib Live event “A Conversation with Nichols and Clardy” on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University with my friend and colleague, State Senator Robert Nichols. The senator and I covered issues and answered questions about the previous 83rd Legislature on topics such as education, transportation, water, and health care and gave a preview of the upcoming 84th Texas Legislature. Later in the month, to bring focus on one of East Texas’ most valuable resources, I hosted a “Just Add Water” workshop in cooperation with the Waters of East Texas Center (W.E.T. Center) at Stephen F. Austin State University. It was my pleasure to bring together a broad cross-section of stake-
holders involved in developing, managing and conserving East Texas water resources with professors and students of the SFA’s W.E.T. Center. With Lake Naconiche, the last reservoir built in Texas, as our backdrop, we were introduced to potential solutions and promising technological developments for monitoring water flows and water quality, wetland development and eradicating giant salvinia. Not only do we have an abundance of water in East Texas, but I am certain we have the people with the expertise and knowledge to address the critical water issues for our entire state. Finally, it was great to visit with many of you at the Nacogdoches County town hall meeting on November 17. This was the first of three separate town halls held around House District 11 to solicit input from constituents regarding state policy on issues that matter most to them. Education seemed to be an important focus of many of the questions from the audience, which included several educators and also a large group of Nacogdoches High School students completing a class project. The 84th Legislative Session begins on January 13, 2015. I count it a privilege and honor to serve as your representative. As the session draws near, please do not hesitate to contact my District Office at 936-560-3982 to make your thoughts known or seek assistance with any state related issue. As the Holidays draw near, Judy and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
TRENT ASHBY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE
I
hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and were able to spend time with family and loved ones. The Christmas season is now upon us, and on its heels is the 8 4th Legislative Session. The legislative world is buzzing with anticipation of what I believe will be a productive session for our great state. Until then, here’s what else is happening at your State Capitol. Water Plans Get Underway
The Texas Water Development Board voted in November to approve rules for the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT), opening the gates for communities that want to apply for funding. Now entities such as cities, counties and water districts can apply through the TWDB to fund water infrastructure projects with the help of low-interest loans that will be subsidized by the $2 billion voters approved last November. That money is the amount officials believe is needed to fund the State Water Plan for the next 50 years. More than 560 unique water supply projects (including pipelines, desalination plants, etc.) will be ranked at the local and regional levels, and then eventually ranked by the TWDB according to each project’s priority status. The deadline for applications is next February, and the board will spend this Spring prioritizing the projects based on certain criteria. The board will use a point system that allows projects to earn points based on the size of the population it would serve, the amount of help it would provide to rural and urban populations, the level of need (including emergency projects), and the amount of local contribution. The carve out for rural Texas was especially important. Voters made the right decision when they chose to invest in our state’s water future, but now is the time for myself and my colleagues to ensure that the implementation of this plan is fair, transparent and makes the best use of state dollars. Texas Forestry Association Celebrates a Milestone In what was a special and unique event for me, I joined members and friends of the Texas Forestry Association as we planted a Bur Oak tree on the Capitol lawn in recognition and celebration of the TFA’s 100th anniversary. These folks work diligently each day to promote and protect the forest industry and all of those who are impacted by it. Forestry, logging and manufacturing are all vital components of our regional economy, and I will continue to work closely with my colleagues to ensure that these jobs and industries are not only protected, but hopefully strengthened. Bill Filing Begins Several legislators, including myself, have pre-filed bills ahead of next year’s legislative session. Bills I have already introduced work to protect our public defenders in Texas (in the wake of the tragic Kaufman County murders), as well as ease the tax burdens on veterans and farmers. I will be going into more detail on many of these pre-filed bills in the coming weeks. Some other proposals of note include open carry of handguns, a statewide ban on texting while driving, and a protection for teachers who want to post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. More than 350 bills have been pre-filed, and that number will grow between now and the beginning of the 84th Legislative Session.
tjmag.com • 71
ROGER VAN HORN NACOGDOCHES MAYOR A Beautiful Saturday Morning—Surprised by Joy
I BOB BROWN LUFKIN MAYOR
T
he Christmas Season in Luf kin starts as soon as we wash the last Thanksgiving dish.
Rudolph the Red Nose Pumping Unit was actually lit up on November 22nd, so we get in the spirit early. Isn’t it great to live in a city that has such long standing traditions that started years and years ago? Thank you Luf kin Industries (GE) for continuing this crowd pleasing tradition. The Downtown Christmas Parade, the East Texas Museum Christmas Trees, the Walk Through Bethlehem of the George H. Henderson Exposition Center, Dr. Sid Roberts’ First Baptist Church and New Beginnings Baptist Church Choir Presentation, and Harmony Hill Baptist Church Children’s Choir Program, are just a few of the seasonal activities we have a chance to enjoy. Sales tax drives our progress in the City of Luf kin and we certainly appreciate you for shopping with our local merchants. We have businesses that have been here in Luf kin for nearly 100 years, and we have brand new businesses joining us this Christmas Season. Please be careful during this hustle and bustle season. Stay focused as you travel, make sure your home decorations are safely installed, and as you celebrate the season remember the reason we celebrate this time of year. Our Police and Fire Departments are ready on alert if needed, but we hope that they are just on stand by and not responding to events during the season. Luf kin is a great city to live, work, worship, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Be safe and aware of the needs of others as we celebrate the season.
72 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
was invited to take part in a celebration of Arbor Day. Members and friends gathered in Bonita Creek Park on a beautiful Saturday morning to plant 100+ trees along Pearl Street and Bonita Creek. This was my first experience in high volume tree planting. After a brief ceremony that included an appropriate proclamation and a lesson in effective tree planting, the enthusiastic group dispersed to complete the task. Fortunately the majority of planting sites along Pearl Street had pre-dug holes and was prime real estate toward which most volunteers moved. Members of the SFA baseball team and some forestry students who were there to help seemed fitted for shovel work. Thinking as I walked—Mayoral duty done, will help with a couple of trees then move on with the day—I received a gift. Some kids caught my eye, 7 to 10 years I suspect, struggling with shovels to prepare a planting site in unbroken ground. Their weight was insufficient to penetrate the turf though aided by a volunteer. Drawn by the enthusiastic effort, these children ultimately changed my plans and made my day. I had such joy digging in the earth with the kids, discovering grubs, June bugs, and worms. One young man was suspicious when I told him that the grubs became June bugs. The creepy, crawly, things fascinated the kids who preferred digging with their hands. I was stuck with the shovel work. During all this activity, the kids were told that I was the Mayor, and this produced exclamations and requests for my autograph—my first such request. I laugh as I remember the ‘rest of the story.’ One young lady produced paper and pen for my autograph and they each tucked them in their pockets. We had gotten back to work when one of the kids asked, “Where do you live?” I replied, “I live in Nacogdoches—I’m the Mayor of Nacogdoches.” My reply produced gasps of disappointment. They said, “I thought you were the Mayor of Texas!” The girl who produced the paper followed with, “I thought you were the mayor of America.” I laugh as I write these words. I have reflected on and told, with joy, this story many times since. We live in a great town—volunteers willing to give of themselves and the innocence and enthusiasm, of those kids. I was truly blessed and surprised by joy on that Saturday morning.
tjmag.com • 73
LOCAL ECONOMY
E
LUFKIN very year more than 300,000 people pass through the City of Lufkin, and it’s for this reason that Lufkin saw great economic growth in 2014.
“I would say Lufkin’s economy is healthy and stable,” said City of Lufkin Economic Development Director, Thad Chambers. With well over 20 0 small and franchise businesses throughout the city, Lufkin has become a HUB for the deep East Texas area. While the big name franchises bring in the majority of the consumers, it’s the small, locally owned businesses that keep Lufkin alive. “Small businesses have a huge impact on the area and also tend to drive the bulk of
new growth in our area across all business sectors,” Chambers said. Since the City of Lufkin has no method of tracking its new businesses, it’s unclear how many were opened in 2014. However, when a new business does come to town, it has almost an immediate effect on the local economy. “The timing of the impact on the community varies widely by the size and type of business. A small retail business that moves into an existing space has a quick impact as the taxable sales begin almost immediately, but the impact on the overall economy is relatively small,” Chambers said. It’s the bigger businesses like the Pinecrest Energy Center gas-fired power plant that will make a large and significant impact. “It’s going to take longer to make an impact due to the very lengthy permitting and planning process, but once the 30-month construction process begins on the $700 million project, the impact will be significant,” Chambers explained. Until then, the City of Lufkin expects to see the same amount of growth, if not more, in 2015 as they did in 2014. According to a city market report, by the time 2017 rolls around the city will grow to a population of 83,023.
Thad Chambers | City of Lufkin Economic Development Director
74 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
I
NACOGDOCHES n 2014, twenty new businesses opened their doors in the City of Nacogdoches, creating a much needed increase in local revenue.
“Economic development slowed during the recession, but it is beginning to exhibit signs of a strong recovery,” said Nacogdoches City Manager, Jim Jeffers. Several existing businesses even increased in size and employment this year adding to the recovery of what has been an unpredictable economy. “It is always difficult to project what the future holds with economic development, there are numerous external variables that can alter those projections favorably or unfavorably. However, Nacogdoches is expected to have a robust year in 2015,” Jeffers said.
growing by the thousands every year, and as the population grows so does the need for more businesses. With the help of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, small and large businesses are actively recruited to the area, creating a continued possibility for growth. “When a new business comes to town, the impact is immediate, but it is the size of the business and number of jobs created that determines how soon that impact might be felt throughout the community,” Jeffers explained. For being the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches is keeping up the pace in the field of Economic Development.
However, the projections are looking favorable for Nacogdoches because the University is
tjmag.com • 75
LANDMARKS
The Beginning of
The Ellen Trout Zoo “I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, only a hippopotamus will do!”
W
e have all heard this song and while many of us would never actually expect to get a hippo for Christmas, the opposite can be said for one of Lufkin’s pioneers, Walter Trout.
In 1965 Trout was given a 500-pound River Hippopotamus as a Christmas gift from his dear friend C.B. Wentworth. The hippo, which was later named Hippy, was a gift that not only changed Trout’s life, but would also make an impact on the Lufkin community forever. “Hippy’s arrival was the catalyst that launched the Ellen Trout Zoo into existence,” said Ellen Trout Zoo Director, Gordon Henley.
Charlotte Henley, Director of Educational Services in the Lufkin Zoo, with hippo | August 1980
76 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Now you may be wondering why in the world someone would give a hippo as a Christmas gift, well you’re not alone. Many have thought the same exact thing, but as the story goes it’s unknown why Wentworth chose a hippo out of all exotic animals, only that he gave Hippy as a gift with the Luf kin community in mind. As the story goes, several years before Trout received Hippy, he along with several other Rotary Club members were planning to start a zoo in Luf kin. It wasn’t until Walter mentioned this idea to Wentworth at a Rotary board of directors meeting that Wentworth set a plan in motion that would take everyone by surprise.
Since then, the Ellen Trout Zoo has expanded to over 700 animals from around the world and has boosted the local economy by brining in thousands of visitors every year. Not only did Hippy create an environment for East Texans enjoy, but also created a learning environment for future generations to learn about the importance of wildlife conservation. “It provides a major source of recreation, tens of thousands participate in educational offerings making it a valuable source of informal education,” Henley said.
Months after that meeting, Wentworth purchased a 500-pound male baby river hippo from the Dallas Zoo and donated it to the City of Luf kin.
To this day, the Zoo still keeps a very active hippo exhibit with both above and below waterline viewing, which according to many who visit is the best attraction there.
According to an article published in The Rotarian, Wentworth had planned on sending the Hippy with a big red bow around him, but Hippy had other plans and arrived unadorned.
Hippy died on May 21st, 1997 at the age of 32, and while Hippy isn’t physically here, Henley said his presence and memory still touch those who knew him and those who never will.
With or without the bow, Trout was definitely surprised and had only one thing to say, “Good Grief!”
“He was the star attraction of the Ellen Trout Zoo during his lifetime. Today there are only three Zoo employees who were around Hippy, but he still has a special place in their hearts,” Henley said.
Since Walter and the other Luf kin Rotarians had not yet built the zoo or a hippo enclosure for that matter, baby Hippy was sent to the Monroe, Louisiana Zoo until his home was ready. Eighteen months later a hippo pen was completed, and six months after that The Ellen Trout Zoo opened for business. Strangely enough, the second animal to arrive at the zoo was also a gift. According to that same article, when word of Wentworth’s gift got around, David M. Del, President of the University of Tampa offered the zoo a 370-pound, 12 foot long monster-sized alligator. Walter and the Zoo Committee accepted the gift and quickly built a habitat for the new family member.
While we may never know if Wentworth chose a hippo because of the 1902 classic, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, we do know that his gift was a f lagship for an entire community. “Hippy impacted East Texas by providing a means for East Texans to connect to the natural world and learn how these animals f it in nature and why it is important to conser ve them in the w ild,” Henley said. I think it’s safe to say that the entire East Texas Community thanks Mr. Wentworth for his Christmas gift that keeps giving year after year.
tjmag.com • 77
CHAMBER NEWS
Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Nacogdoches Farmers Market, 107 Pearl St., (936) 213-0640, www.nacogdochesfarmersmarket.com. Market Manager Buckley Mac-Inerney and member of the Farmers Market Board of Directors welcomed Chamber members, sponsors and guests.
Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly remodeled Blue Ribbon Gift Shoppe at CASA of Deep East Texas, 115 E. Main St., (936) 560-4711, www.casaofdet.com. Chair of the Board of Directors Roger Van Horn, board members, staff and friends welcomed Chamber members, sponsors and guests.
Shelton's Place Ribbon Cutting! Weddings, Receptions, Birthday Parties, Family or Class Reunions...they can do it! You will want to have a party after you see this venue.
78 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Complete Compliance Services, LLC, 5032 Justin St., Ste. 303, (936) 205-9905, www.complete-compliance-services.org. Co-owners Debra Dailey and Diana Hall, Compliance Specialist Diane Hord and Office Manager Rebecca Martin welcomed Chamber members, sponsors and guests.
Congratulations to the Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber Staff - 5-Star Accreditation from the U. S. Chamber - only 89 with this designation nationwide!
Burke Ribbon Cutting! They have a beautiful new building at 1522 W. Frank. Burke is a non-profit, mental health authority.
tjmag.com • 79
ABOVE & BEYOND
The Gift of Sight
F
or the past 24 years, the Lehmann Eye Center in Nacogdoches has been giving East Texans the gift of sight. Every year around Thanksgiving Dr. Robert Lehmann and his team choose 20-30 patients in the East Texas area that are in need of cataract removal, but can’t afford it. So, with the help of a patient assistance program, Dr. Lehmann, Dr. Young and their team at the Lehmann Eye Center donate their time, talent and money to give each patient the Gift of Sight. “What better time than the holiday season to give people the gift to see their family and friends,” Dr. Lehmann added. Dr. Lehmann started the Gift of Sight program after he noticed several of his patients diverting surgery because they couldn’t afford. It was at that time he began donating his time and resources to help people see again.
“I think it’s important to give back period. It’s kind of our moral and Christian obligation,” Dr. Lehmann said. Many of the patients that benef it from this program are losing their sight because of diseases like cataracts, which affect more than 2 million Americans every year. But, thanks to advanced technology and medicine patients are only in surgery for 15-20 minutes and some report having clearer vision almost immediately after. “It is one of the most rewarding things to be able to have someone say that they can see again thanks to your help. It’s what keeps us going every year,” Dr. Lehmann said. Out of the hundreds of patients Dr. Lehmann has helped, he said there was one patient in particular that
Dr. Lehmann | Lehmann Eye Center
80 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
made a lasting impression on him because of the joy that the Gift of Sight brought her. “It was one of the f irst years we started, and she was a 13-year-old girl who had congenital cataracts. After we did her surgery, she could immediately see a difference. Just to watch the joy on her face was truly remarkable,” Dr. Lehmann explained. As the Gift of Sight program continues to help people in need, Dr. Lehmann said he hopes to encourage other business and Physicians to give back as well.
tjmag.com • 81
LEADERSHIP
DOG PARK Who let the dogs out?
Who? Who?
L
eadership Luf kin, that’s who! Thanks to the Leadership Luf kin Class of 2015 Luf kin will now have its very first dog park!
The 1-½ acre dog facility will be located at the Grace Dunne Richardson Park off the south loop. The park will include two play areas, one for dogs under 25-pounds and one for dogs over 25-pounds. Both play areas will also include water fountains and playground equipment. Leadership Luf kin class project coordinator, Starla Bickerstaff, said the class decided to raise money for a local dog park because it was something they felt the Luf kin community needed and would benefit from. “Every year the leadership class participates in a class project and the project has to benefit the majority of the community and has to be permanent,” Starla said. “We decided that this would be something that the Luf kin community could really benefit from because there isn’t one in Luf kin and right now if you want to take your dog to the park you have to drive 30 minutes to Nacogdoches,” Bickerstaff said.
82 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
However, the class must raise $45,000 and build the park by graduation in May in order to make the dog park a reality. “The class funds this project for the city, so we have to fundraise the entire cost with the help of the community,” Bickerstaff said. The class began fundraising in November and in just the first 2-weeks the class raised 10% of their goal and even received 1-year of free dog food from Brookshire Brothers to be raff led off at one of their fundraising events. “So far we have received really great feedback and have received some really generous donations,” Bickerstaff said. While there is still a long way to go, Bickerstaff and the class believe that with the help of the community they can reach their goal and provide Luf kin with a quality dog park it so desperately deserves. The class is accepting any kind of donation. Whether it’s goods they can raff le off or monetary donations, the class is happy to accept anything that can help them reach their goal. If you would like to donate to the Luf kin Leadership project you can contact Starla at (936) 853-8611 or any Luf kin Leadership class member.
tjmag.com • 83
84 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
east 86 HOMETOWN GIANT | 88 HOMETOWN HERO | 90 HONORING HEROES | 92 ON THE FIELD | 94 TROPHY HUNTS | 96 FITNESS
2x World Series Champion Brandon Belt
I
©S. F. Giants
t was in the 2nd inning of the 8th game against the Los Angeles Dodgers that San Francisco Giants first baseman and Hudson’s very own Brandon Belt was hit with a pitch that broke his left thumb and caused him to sit out for more than a month.
tjmag.com • 85
HOMETOWN GIANT
©S. F. Giants
2x World Series Champion Brandon Belt /// Continued “When it first happened, I didn’t even realize it hit my thumb. I thought it hit the bat, but when I started running the bases it really hit me,” Belt said.
“Coming back from those injuries, I really wanted to focus on the future and what we could do to salvage the season a little bit,” Belt added.
While the Giants went on to win that game 3-1, they had lost one of their key players. Luckily for them, Belt recovered. However, only 2 weeks later he was hit yet again, this time it was in the face causing him to sit out for 8 weeks with a concussion.
To say he help the team salvage the season would be an understatement. Belt came back on the field more motivated than ever, swinging his biggest career hit at the top of the 18th inning in the 2nd game of the National League Division Series and leading the Giants to a National League Division Series title. This game was also recorded as the longest game in Major League Baseball post-season history.
“It was a very frustrating regular season. The injuries I had were pretty unfortunate because there was nothing I could do about them,” Belt said. So for what seemed like forever to Belt, he sat on the bench watching his team work their way toward the World Series. “Being on the disabled list is not fun at all, especially when all you can do is sit and watch,” Belt explained. With a serious injury like a concussion, Belt thought he was out for the season, but after one of the nation’s top sports doctors set up a recovery plan, he was back on the f ield before the end of the regular season. “The doctor’s plan allowed me to regain my focus, and from that point on I did whatever I could to make it back on the field,” Belt said. With only 2 weeks left in the regular season, Belt was off the bench and on the field helping his team make their way to the World Series. 86 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
“It was tiring, extremely long, and very cold. It was a relief when it was over,” Belt said. The game clocked in at 6 hours and 23 minutes, but this wasn’t Belt’s first record-breaking game. “I also played the longest game in NCAA history, with 25 innings,” Belt shared. The Giants went on to also win the National League Wild Card game and the 2014 World Series. This is the 3rd time in 5 years that the Giants have won the World Series, two of which Belt was a part. Belt said that after all he had been through this past season, winning the World Series made up for it all. Now that the 2014 season is over, Brandon, his wife Haylee, and their 3-month-old son are back in East Texas taking a much need month off.
©S. F. Giants
“When the season ends, I am ready to get back home and be out in the middle of nowhere spending time with my family and friends,” Belt said. However, a month off for a professional baseball player doesn’t mean he isn’t still working. When Belt is home he still continues to work out and even get in some batting practice at the field where it all began. “I love going back to my high school, because I recognize that it was there that I became a better person and a better ball player.” Belt also credits his coaches for teaching him the basics that started his career, and in return he shares that advice with aspiring ball players, telling them that 90% of his success comes from motivation and determination. “Obviously it takes a little bit of luck getting with the right people and the right coaches, but if you are determined and not willing to accept failure as an option you will make it,” Belt advised. Even though Belt is only home for a few months every year, he tries to spend as much time as he can giving back to the community that has given so much to him. “It’s fun winning all of these games and getting notoriety, but what makes it even better is having people to come home and share it with, which is how I view this community. That’s why I like to give back to them,” Belt said.
When he isn’t spending time at Hudson High School or giving back to the community, he tries to stay out of the local spotlight, but when he does venture out there is one place you can always count on finding him. “Every time I come home I have to eat Tex Mex, and since I have been home I have probably been to Los Jarritos in Diboll 10 times.” While Belt plans on staying in San Francisco for many more years to come, he said he would always be a Texas boy at heart and even plans on raising his family in the Piney Woods. “I can’t envision myself going anywhere else; I love it here and I want my son to have the same experiences I had,” Belt said. As for managing a new baby and a professional baseball career, Belt said it’s different, but makes things a lot more enjoyable. “I try and keep my head focused on the game when I’m on the f ield, but of course I have a little bit extra to worry about,” Belt said. The 2014 season will be a hard one to top for Belt, but said he is continually getting better and his career can only go up from here!
tjmag.com • 87
HOMETOWN HERO
Bill Cameron
F
rom testing communication systems to operating some of the most advanced military technology, Bill Cameron did it all.
Cameron, who is now a retired Colonel, served in the Army Signal Corps for 27 years as a tactical communicator and was responsible for planning and executing strategic communication for Operation Just Cause and the incursion into Panama. He also served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. “I never expected to be doing what I was doing, but I really enjoyed it,” Cameron said. In 1967 he began his military career right out of high school when he enrolled into the ROTC program at Arkansas Tech University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Science, Cameron went on to the Armed Forces Staff College and the U.S. Army War College where he got his Microsoft Certified Professional Systems Engineer certificate. Cameron later received his Master’s from Western Michigan University. During his time in the military, Cameron’s main responsibility was to ensure all forms of communication were functioning properly and to fix them if they weren’t. After returning home from his tour in Vietnam, Cameron became a Notification Officer and then a Family Service Officer. “When a soldier died in combat or went missing in action, it was my job to be there for the family to help plan the funeral or be there for them with whatever the needed,” Cameron explained. Out of all of his jobs in the military, he said that was one of the toughest and most emotional. After retiring from the Army in 1994, Cameron and his wife, who was a nurse in Vietnam, packed their bags and ran as fast as they could to the City of Lufkin.
88 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
“I’m not from this area; I’m from Arkansas. However, I had been to Lufkin once before to go fishing on the lake and I just fell in love with the area,” Cameron said. Soon after moving to the area, Cameron was hired on as the head of the City of Lufkin’s IT Department. It was here that he created Lufkin’s very own access television channel, KLTX, Channel 15. Cameron retired from the City of Lufkin and now runs his own consulting firm called, Cameron Consulting. When Cameron isn’t working with clients or playing with the latest technology, he’s outside enjoying some of life’s little pleasures, like fishing and target archery. Cameron and Elaine have two sons, Lance and Robert. Robert is also a veteran. Since they are a strong military family, Cameron and his wife are a part of several different veterans’ organizations and continually support the veteran forces. “It’s important to us to support our fellow veterans because they need to know that people are here to support them,” Cameron said. Cameron is also a writer in his spare time and has several published articles in Gettysburg Magazine, as well as The Encyclopedia of the American Civil War. While his hometown may not be in East Texas, he is proud to be a part of a community like Lufkin.
tjmag.com • 89
HONORING HEROES
Crime Stoppers Banquet
O
ver 250 peace officers and support personnel from law enforcement agencies throughout Angelina County gathered for the 21st Annual Crime Stoppers of Lufkin Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet.
While it was no place a criminal would want to be, it was a place for the community to honor those men and women who protect and serve Angelina County. “Through the Crime Stoppers of Lufkin Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet, we bring together Angelina County’s law enforcement with the individuals and businesses that want to express their gratitude for those who protect and serve,” said Crime Stoppers of Luf kin Executive Director, Detective JB Smith. Since most encounters between law enforcement and the public are under less than favorable circumstances, the banquet allows the law enforcement personnel to see how truly appreciated they are by their community. “The average citizen rarely encounters a law enforcement employee, and when they do they’ve been involved in a vehicle crash, their child is lost, their home has been burglarized, etc. So, seeing the best among the community they serve only at the low points in those persons’ lives and dealing with criminals every day can leave them feeling under appreciated and disconnected from the positive elements in their community,” Smith said. Thanks to the generosity of more than 60 sponsors, each law enforcement personnel were able to enjoy a steak dinner and win a variety of door prizes valuing over $18,000.
90 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
January
31
2015
First Baptist Church of Lufkin
106 E Bremon d Ave Lufkin, TX
RACE DAY SCH EDULE 7:0 0 to
Packet Pick Up 7:45 AM & Late Registr ation
8:00 AM
Kids Run Start
8:30 AM
5K &10K Star t
10:00 AM
Awards
CHIP TIMED EV
ENT
Prizes for: Top Male Top Female Age Group Wi nners
www.LufkinC
rimeStopper s.com
LufkinCrimeSt oppers@Gm
ail.com
Register at:
www.OneSt
opRace.com
All proceeds b enefit Crime S toppers of Lufk Contributions in, Inc., a 501(c)(3 are tax deductib ) non-‐profit le according to organization. IRS guidelines and limitation s
• Hydraulic Hose Assemblies Made • Full Line of Metric Fittings • Industrial Hose Assemblies • Pressure Gauges • Hose Reels • Cylinders & Valves • Air & Hydraulic Filters • Air Conditioner & Brake Lines • 24 Hour Emergency Service • In Business Since 1979
1930 Kurth Dr. • Lufkin, TX 75904 936-634-0702 • www.aaxioninc.com
tjmag.com • 91
ON THE FIELD
Lumberjack
Basketball
#DreamBigger #AxeEm
VISIT sfajacks.com FOR THE SCHEDULE & ADDITIONAL INFO!
2014-2015 Roster
92 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
0
THOMAS WALKUP
10
TREY PINKNEY
1
DEMETRIOUS FLOYD
11
CLIDE GEFFRARD
3
JARED JOHNSON
12
DALLAS CAMERON
4
TY CHARLES
15
BOBBY KING
5
JUSTIN DOTSON
21
JASON MARTIN
photos source: Hardy Meredith
Coaches BRAD UNDERWOOD - HEAD COACH MIKE BOYNTON, JR. - ASSISTANT COACH
25
JAXON HOLDEN
STEPHEN GENTRY - ASSISTANT COACH
30
TANNER CLAYTON
ERIK PASTRANA - ASSISTANT COACH
31
CONNOR BROOKS
PATRICK SCHULTE - VIDEO COORDINATOR
33
CALEB JOHNSTON
DYLAN LOCKWOOD - DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS
34 JACOB PARKER
MARK MITCHELL - STRENGTH & CONDITIONING ASST. DIRECTOR
TROPHY ROOM
TROPHY HUNTS
Bobby Tolar. Kerr Wildlife Management Area. 11/18/14.
Bobby Tolar. Clay County, Kansas. May 2014.
Bobby Tolar. Triple B Ranch. March 2014.
Sepulvado deer. 94 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
Bobby Tolar. Clay County, Kansas. May 2014.
Aubrey Webb. Big red snapper, caught off coast of Georgia. 50 lbs, which set a world record!
Kasey Clifton. 12 pt. Hard Luck Hunting Club. Pollok, TX. 11/7/14.
Bobby Tolar. Triple B Ranch. March 2014.
Hudsyn Wulf.
Aubrey Whipkey. Opening day of 2014 Turkey Season. El Mirador Ranch. La Pryor, TX.
Huxley & Bobby Tolar. Triple B Ranch. 11/19/14.
Cooper Horton, 8 yrs old. 8 pt buck. October 2014. Son of Rayburn & Kelli Horton.
Tim Glass. 218” buck. Licking County, Ohio. 11/15/14.
Whitney Whipkey, 8 yrs old. 1st deer. 3 pt. El Mirador Ranch. La Pryor, TX. 11/24/14.
Kaci Waggonner & dad Joey enjoying her last youth hunt together.
Ace Nelson, 7 yrs old. First buck.
Westin Wulf.
Wes Hand. 8 pt. Trinity County.
Marlee Burgess.
Send a photo of your trophy hunt & information to photos@tjmag.com. Submissions are free of charge. tjmag.com • 95
FITNESS
HARD WORK brought to you by
HAAS ATHLETICS
2109 W Frank Ave, Lufkin (936) 238-4023
T
homas Edison once said, “There is no substitute for hard work,” and I couldn’t agree more; we have to work hard for the things we want. A dream will be just that if you are not willing to put in the time and hard work to see that dream become a reality. We are all too quick to think our dreams are always out of reach and we will never do or be what we truly want. So many times we end up settling for what is easy or convenient. However, we only get one life so why not live the one we want rather than what is expected. When I think of someone like Walt Disney, Thomas Edison or Howard Schultz, I become inspired. Not necessarily because of the actual work they have done, but because they got to live their dreams. They didn’t become the people we know today by doing the bare minimum or coasting through life. Success like theirs takes getting up every day with determination and giving it
96 • THE JOURNEY • DEC2014
your all. Individuals like these are proof that even if a dream seems unattainable right now, and people may tell you you’ll never make it, you can accomplish anything if you work hard enough. In a time where society is always looking for the easy way or things to be free, people forget the rewards of hard work. It isn’t always about the tangible benefits. The satisfaction of accomplishing your goals, seeing your dreams come to light, and the knowledge that you earned it through hard work and dedication is much more satisfying. We tend to be much more appreciative and value the things we work for than things that are simply given to us. I’ve heard people say, “Well, what if I fail?” or “What if it doesn’t work out?” Well, what if it does? How will you ever know what you can accomplish if you never try and you are never willing to put in the work it takes to get there? Never be afraid
to take a chance on yourself when it could mean living the life you want. It may not be what others think you should do or what is expected, but you have to have faith in yourself and be willing to work harder than everyone else. If you go to bed every night knowing that you worked hard and did your best, you will never regret trying. You will never get to where you want or become the person you want to be if you do not put in the work. Always be the hardest worker in the room, stay humble, and never lose sight of your dreams. If it is important to you, you will find a way to make it happen. Always dream big, and never settle for okay or satisfactory. If there is something you truly want, do not be afraid to work for it, and never worry about the time it will take to accomplish. The time will pass regardless, so work hard and live your dreams.
tjmag.com • 97
PERSONAL INJURY | FAMILY LAW OIL & GAS | ESTATE & PROBATE
Let my family help yours. Rebecca C. Brightwell, PLLC | Attorney at Law 115 Gaslight Blvd, Ste B | Luf kin, TX 75904 | 936-639-2550 98 • THE Not JOURNEY DEC2014 Certif•ied by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization | Licensed by The Southern and Eastern District Federal Court
tjmag.com • 99