April 2023

Free

Hoopla

April 2023

Spotlighting North Central Texas Seniors

Spring Fun

Ultimate activity guide for seniors

Pages 18-20

Also Inside:

Weatherford man organizes clean-up effort

Retired Granbury doctor still helping patients

Azle Manor resident is unofficial welcome wagon

Fort Worth construction superintendent oversees award-winning barbecue

More puzzles than EVER!

Beatlemania was spreading across England this month back in 1963. The fab four’s debut LP came out 60 years ago. It featured “She Loves You,” which didn’t hit the charts in the States until January of 1964.

T T N S

L A L S O K S R E S O E E L E N A H

M K R U D C D R T E L R V E K O T O

C H U B E O L I Q M D D O N C D S U

C E S M M M E G G O Y A L N I R R T

A L L A E E I B E C O Y S O T H E W

R T Y R V T F Y O E U D I N H C H E

T E U I O O Y Q R R R I D X G K W N

N R T N L G R P G E H Y E L I Y A A

E S Q E Q E R B E H A W E L N N S L

Y K Y F T T E L H Y N Z N E S C I Y

Y E P L G H B A A M D K U T Y K T N

H L L J A E W C R T U C O I A T X N

V T E K B R A K R C P A Y T D N V E

O E H F S B R B I P Y B L B D I F P

Y R J P O R T I S D P T L E R Q O C

T X F J P W S R O C J E A U A N A T

I P P F K N B D N T A G W I H X K V

As a REALTOR®, Cynthia understands the decision to move can be difficult, especially for seniors. She can help you navigate your choices and wants to serve as a resource and guide.

Cynthia can guide you through the process of selling or buying your home, making the transaction less stressful. And, as a senior or a veteran, you may qualify for special financing options.

As a business owner that serves Parker, Hood and Tarrant counties, she has vast knowledge of these communities and neighborhoods. Together, we can find the home of your dreams.

Cynthia Henry | CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Phone: 817-894-1822

Email: cynthiahenry@judgefite.com

Web: http://cynthiahenry.sites.c21.homes

The Fruit of Service

by Roger Enlow Hoopla Correspondent

On the way to the nursing home to visit a couple of residents, Dr. Rogers (Doc) Coleman stops by Braum’s and buys milkshakes. The delicious cold treats and Coleman’s gentle conversations put smiles on the faces of the residents.

That’s just one of Coleman’s many good Samaritan deeds he performs for his fellow Hood Countians. The soft-spoken Coleman, 91, is long retired as a physician, but he hasn’t stopped making people feel better.

“I like to say that when Doc retired from a successful career in medicine and business, he really got busy,” said First Christian Church senior minister Justin Jeter. “First, by caring for an ailing wife and volunteering with Ruth’s Place and Interim Hospice.”

The DeCordova resident helped establish Ruth’s Place, a clinic for indigent patients, teaming with other doctors to care for those less fortunate. Coleman was honored in 2016 for his dedicated service.

“He is the most giving person I have ever come across,” Craig Gossard, former director of Ruth’s Place, said at the time. “You would think, being retired, he would be doing things for himself. But he is all about doing things for other people.”

At Interim Hospice he’s among the volunteers whose cheery voices and uplifting spirit bring comfort to ailing patients.

There’s more. Coleman has helped lead a

variety of ministries: a Parkinson’s support group, diabetes support group and respite care ministry, which invites caregivers to drop off a loved one at First Christian for several hours on Friday.

“The caregiver gets a chance to run errands or take a break, and the loved one receives a day of fellowship, food and fun,” Jeter explained. “I don’t know how many hours Doc has spent sitting with people and sharing a little dignity and love. Rogers (we call him Doc) is one of the true saints of our congregation. He’s a generous servant with a deep wisdom and a heart of gold. When I joined the ministerial staff at First Christian Church, I was told by my predecessor that while part of my job is teaching, I would be wise to learn from Doc.”

Jeter shared one of his favorite “Doc” stories.

“When the Disciples Class here at FCC created the Dr. Rogers Coleman Distinguished Service Award, and made him the initial recipient, they got him a cake. When I came down the hall, Doc had cut the cake up so that people wouldn’t see his name on it, and was standing at the counter serving

pieces of it to everyone that came by. True to form!”

Feeling empty and without purpose? Coleman says he has the perfect prescription: volunteer. He insists it’s good for mental, physical and spiritual health.

He refers to an anonymous quote in his Sunday School class:

The fruit of silence is prayer

The fruit of prayer is faith

The fruit of faith is love

The fruit of love is service

The fruit of service is peace

“To me this indicates that service – volunteerism – leads us to a sense of peace, peace of mind, if you will,” Coleman said. “The World Health Organization defines mental health as the ability to love and work. Love and work – that sounds awfully simple, but think with me for a moment. Love requires that we get away from the focus on ourselves – to focus on the needs of others. Besides spouses and families and friends – we love them surely – but there are others needing our love – some near and some far away.

“And what about work? Work implies that we have purpose in our lives, and purpose is the essence of a meaningful life. Life has to have a purpose; our mental

(Continued on P. 6)

Doc Coleman has helped people feel better for decades

‘Love requires that we get away from the focus on ourselves – to focus on the needs of others.’

– Dr. Rogers Coleman

Interim Director of Hospice Belinda Newman with Dr. Rogers Coleman.

health depends on it.”

And how does volunteering improve physical health? Coleman explains it this way:

“The first set of hormones prepares us for ‘fight or flight.’ These are primarily from the adrenal glands and are excreted during all kinds of stressful situations. They are necessary and useful. The downside of these hormones is, used too often, they shorten our lives by causing hypertension, heart disease, strokes and other diseases. You won’t find these hormones secreted when you volunteer.

“The second set of hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland -- when we are at ease, enjoying ourselves, interacting with others in conversation, games and other ways that give us pleasure. They are also secreted when we exercise, and give us a sense of well-being after bouts of good exercise. These are endorphins, and they make us feel comfortable and relaxed and pain free and inwardly satisfied. These hormones are secreted when we volunteer in ways that help others. We are made in such a way that stress shortens our lives, and pleasure lengthens our lives. These are the

results of hormonal systems that are active within us.”

Coleman was born Dec. 28, 1931 in Vernon, Texas, where he learned the value of hard work on the family farm. He started milking a cow when he was 5, an earlymorning routine that continued through high school. His physician father asked him after graduation if he wanted to be a farmer or doctor. Young Coleman didn’t hesitate: “I believe I’ll go to medical school,” he replied.

Coleman married “the love of my life” Mary Lou Price in 1951 and had three children. He studied pre-med at TCU and graduated from Baylor Medical School in Houston in 1956. Coleman had a family practice in Brownwood, where he was board certified in abdominal surgery. He later worked for Blue Cross health insurance, retiring at age 70. His two daughters and son all now reside in Hood County; his oldest daughter is an attorney, his second daughter is a retired minister, and his son, the youngest, retired from the United Nations.

Despite his busy volunteer schedule, Coleman enjoys exercising and reading books.

He gets up early and rides a stationary

Dr. Rogers Coleman, age 91, continues to serve his community because he says volunteerism is both a gift to others and one’s self.

bike for 20 minutes and then lifts weights.

“Rogers Coleman is one of the kindest, most generous, most loving people I know,” Jeter, his pastor, praised. “I don’t have words powerful enough to describe how grateful I am for him.”

Everyone’s got a friend in Bonnie McFarland

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Some of us are still adjusting to Daylight Saving Time, but the residents at Azle Manor say it’s always a little brighter in their community. That may be because a ray of sunshine has lived down the hall for over a decade.

Bonnie McFarland doesn’t remember when she arrived at Azle Manor, but she can’t imagine leaving.

Years ago, she was living independently in White Settlement when a seizure-induced fall caused her to break a hip.

After a short stint in rehab, her children recognized their mother wasn’t able to care for herself anymore and searched for assisted living.

“They canvassed west FW and Azle to find the best, more suitable place that would take Medicaid for their mother, and they found Azle Manor was top,” she said. “It was the best. It had all of the amenities that I needed. They checked the kitchen, the food, they checked how many nurses per patient, they checked how many patients with bed sores, they checked everything, and they found out Azle Manor was best in everything. It was five star.”

But the transition to Azle Manor was anything but smooth.

“When I got here, I still wasn’t myself,” she said. Although she doesn’t remember much about that time, she’s heard stories.

“I was mean,” she said. She discovered later that she had even tried to hit a few of the nurses. So, the doctor at Azle Manor adjusted her medication.

“All of a sudden I started looking around here, rolling up and down the halls and checking everything, admiring everything,” she said. “I just fell in love with it.”

So Bonnie became the unofficial welcome wagon.

“New ones come in and they’re kind of scared when they get here, and I talk to them because I know how I felt when I came here,” she said. “Some of them aren’t happy, so I focus on them a little bit more. I’ve learned you don’t have to say a word. Just give them a little smile.”

When she’s not making new friends, she’s participating in one of the many activities at Azle Manor.

“They have so many activities here –sometimes I’m glad when the weekend comes, so I can rest,” she joked.

“You don’t have to do the activities, but I go ahead anyway because when I keep myself moving, I keep my strength up. At 91 years old, the best thing a person can do is get outta that bed.”

Bonnie’s favorite activity is bingo, but she said it’s the staff and residents that make Azle Manor a wonderful place to live.

“The people here are wonderful. I love our administrator, Kip. He is wonderful. One reason he impresses me, and everyone else here, is that he does the menial jobs. He’s a humble person. If we are shorthanded, he’s in the kitchen, he passes out food, he picks up dirty dishes – and he’s happy doing it.”

Bonnie respects a hard worker because she was one for many years.

“After 18 years of marriage, I found myself a single mom,” she said, “I knew I had to go back to school to support my family.”

“One year we lived on food stamps and a little bit of child support and a little stipident that I got at Harris Hospital Downtown – I went to work part time while I went to LVN school,” she said.

Bonnie’s oldest child would help get his siblings to bed so she could study for the board exam into the wee hours of the night.

“I was so scared I would fail. Our livlihood depended on it,” she said.

But her spirituality helped her through it, as it always has.

“If I keep my mind on Him, I have peace,” she said. “Peace is the answer to everything.”

Bonnie passed the exam and went on to specialize in surgical labor and delivery. She was even named Nurse of the Year in Maternity Services one year. She found her work satisfying, but as we know life is hectic.

“When I was at home, I was busy cleaning house, doing things, reclining and watching telelvision. I kept my mind on the news, and I would go to bed and I wouldn’t feel good,” she said. “But here it’s different. There’s so much here I didn’t notice at home.”

Azle Manor is situated on a large lot with trees and a pasture where Bonnie and others residents can gaze out to see wildlife grazing.

“I’d never noticed how beautiful God made our skies. We’ve got the seasons God has given us here on earth, but the sky never changes,” she said. “You know, I always thought that winter was such a gloomy time, but God is working as hard in the winter if not harder. He’s getting us ready for spring.”

Bonnie McFarland, 2023. COURTESY

Bonnie McFarland worked at Harris Methodist Downtown. This picture was taken when she was named Nurse of the Year in Maternity Services.

COURTESY

Barbecue aficionado says secret is in the spices

By John English Hoopla Correspondent

Ridgemont Commercial Construction in Fort Worth once described Brian Thompson as “result-orientated with the ability to coordinate on multiple projects,” and “various teams simultaneously.”

His fellow competitors at the assortment of barbecue and chili cookoffs the former Fort Worth resident has won over the last 12 years would likely describe him the same way.

Thompson, 67, who works as a senior superintendent at Ridgemont has a passion for barbeque that has taken him all over the state of Texas and earned him countless trophies and ribbons over the years, including a first place award at the Texas State Fair a few years back.

But things got off to a rather inauspicious start for Thompson, who realized early on he needed to upgrade his equipment.

“I’d been cooking for a while,” Thompson said. “I had a small little backyard smoker and I was cooking for myself –that was how I got started. I did one competition with that in Irving, Texas and didn’t do any good. Then I got a new, larger smoker and started doing better. I started traveling to competitions and really liked it and liked the people. I don’t win all the time, because not everyone has the same taste buds, but I love to compete.”

Thompson said he initially started competing for Ridgemont at an event sponsored by the TEXO Association and moved up from there.

“I love cooking,” Thompson said. “I cooked for other people and they told me I should enter these competitions, and I thought well, what the heck. I looked up a

competition organization called the IBCA (International Barbeque Cookers Association), and I started cooking. Of course, I had a lot of learning to do. There’s a lot of tricks to it, but the main thing is to get your profile out there.”

Competitions usually feature 30 to 60 teams and there is some luck involved.

“Finding that taste they are looking for can vary,” Thompson said. “Once I started learning a few things, I was running middle of the pack. Then as time went by, I started getting closer and closer to the top 10. Once I got there, I felt like I was headed down the right road and just kept going.”

Thompson and his cook partner, Jessica (his stepdaughter), compete in several categories, including ribs, steak, beans, chicken, pork butt and brisket, and they have taken home first place in every category except chicken.

“I still have to work on my chicken,” Thompson said.

He has even developed his own personal seasoning for his ribs.

Thompson said for anyone looking to getting into competition, he has a bit of advice.

“Don’t get upset if you don’t win,” Thompson said. “You’ll have that. No matter how good you are, you’ll have that.

You’ve got to keep a positive attitude. If you go in there with the attitude that you’re going to whoop everybody, you’ve got a rude awakening coming. Because that won’t happen.

“If you’re a novice, that will not happen because you are going against people like myself, who have been down that road, learned the tricks and know what we’re doing. That’s who you’re competing against. See, I’ve never minded losing. I just enjoy competing.”

Thompson reiterated that tastes vary and it can be a tight rope finding that perfect flavor.

“The one thing that I can really put my finger on is your spices,” Thompson said. “You really have to cater to both sides. Warm versus hot, sweet versus sour— you really have to learn to play the game.”

A construction worker by trade for more than four decades, Thompson now competes on the Outlaw BBQ circuit in mostly charitable events where the winnings are donated to various causes.

Making his home in Pottsboro these days, Thompson said he has already established a barometer for how long he plans to continue to compete.

“Until I can’t turn over a brisket,” Thompson said. “That’s when I’m done.”

Brian Thompson and his wife Darlene at the TEXO cook off.

One bag at a time

Jeff Oakes organized citywide clean-up crew to tackle littering

by John English Hoopla Correspondent

When Jeff Oakes first started the Facebook group Love Weatherford just before the Thanksgiving holiday last year, it had less than 10 members.

By mid-March of this year, more than 700 members had cleaned up over 25 miles of road in and around the city of Weatherford with plans to do even more in the future.

A stay-at-home father of eight children, six of which still live at home, Oakes said the group was created with a specific purpose in mind.

“We want to improve Weatherford,” Oakes said. “So what we’re doing right now is picking up trash. Once we get a little further on, we will be doing other things, but for now it’s trash. I think we’ve picked up almost 800 bags of trash, which is over four tons.”

Oakes, 58, said he got the idea one Sunday during church services.

“We went to church and were told we should be more active in the community doing things to help out,” Oakes said. “And I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to clean up my street.’ So I went out with my wife and cleaned up our street and the neighbors loved it. The street looked better and there was a really wonderful feeling that came with that. When we got to the end of the street, we were like, ‘You know what, let’s do the next street.’”

And on it went from there.

“We live about 20 miles outside of town, and I have to drive to Weatherford every day,” Oakes said.

Wherever he goes, Jeff Oakes makes an effort to make it a better place.

“Whenever I’m driving back, I’m always really upset by how much trash I see. And we just thought, ‘We’re going to clean all the way to town.’ This has been so good for my family and I that I thought there have to be other people who feel the same way.”

And Oakes was exactly right.

Word started to spread about the Love Weatherford group, and membership expanded exponentially.

“The coolest thing is that the city has called us,” Oakes said. “They contacted us and they are just as excited about what we

are doing as we are. They’re like, ‘The mayor wants to meet you, and the city manager wants to meet you.’ I went into code enforcement and we were told they knew all about us and loved what we were doing.

“The city has just been wonderful. We need their help and they need our help and they can only afford to hire so many people, so we are a force that the city doesn’t have.”

Originally from California, Oakes worked as a builder before injuring his back several years ago.

Oakes and his family have lived in seven different states over the last 22 years, but the Parker County man said he and his family have finally found their home.

“Texas is where we are going to stay,” Oakes said. “We love this state so, so much.”

Oakes said the group asks members to pick up one bag of trash a month, which takes about 30 minutes, though most members do more.

The clean up so far has been mainly along the roads, but Oakes said the group is hoping to expand into different communities.

“We’d like to eventually help people who can’t afford or aren’t physically able to take care of their lawns,” Oakes said. “We want to be able to help those in need to improve their yards.”

Oakes said he will continue to volunteer for as long as he is able for one important reason.

“I spent the first portion of my life chasing after things that would make me happy,” Oakes said. “And they didn’t make me happy. So now I enjoy doing something that truly make me feel good inside, which is serving others. I’m not perfect, I’m far from

it; I make mistakes like everyone else, but I like to think that I’ve found what really makes me feel good. Everybody does what they do because they are searching for hap-

piness. I’ve just found the thing that makes me feel the best is pleasing God.”

For more information or to make a donation, go to www.loveweatherford.org.

Love Weatherford volunteers have been working tirelessly to get the community clean.

Do you miss receiving letters and cards in the mail? Make new friends by joining a Hoopla Pen Pal Circle! Circles are limited to 10 people so communicating with your circle only costs you the price of 9 first-class stamps. We ask that you strive to mail your new friends at least once per month. To join, send a card or letter to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, TX 76086. Please note: no business solicitations are allowed in these circles.

Happy Birthday

Celebrate Jivie’s 58th birthday by enjoying

Favorite Color: Yellow

Favorite Type of Dog: Border Collies

Favorite Bottled Water: Topo Chico

Favorite YMCA Instructor: Carole at Northwest YMCA

5315 Boat Club Rd, FW, TX 76135

Favorite Shoes: Crocs

Favorite Shark Movie: JAWS

Favorite Non-Shark Movie: Cocaine Bear

Favorite Radio Station: The Ticket 96.7

Favorite Kitchen Cleaner: 409 (Birthdate – 4/9)

Favorite Place to Kayak: FW Nature Preserve

9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, FW, 76135

Favorite Bird: Robin

Favorite Flower: Bluebonnets

Favorite Jalapeno: Hot

Favorite Canned Tomato: Red Gold

Favorite Pickle: Sour

Favorite Clothing Store: Goodwill

Favorite Burger: Bullfrog Grill

6700 Azle Ave, FW, 76135

Favorite Frito Pie: Bullfrog Grill

Favorite French Fries: Bullfrog Grill

Favorite Singer from Pennsylvania: Todd Rundgren

Favorite UK Cosmetic Store: Lush

Favorite College: Texas A&M

Favorite Tool: Duct Tape

Favorite Hairdresser: Tara at Sherrie’s Hair & Nail Salon

7000 Lake Country Dr, FW, 76179

Favorite Seafood Restaurant: Red Lobster

Favorite Fireplace Wood: Pinion

Favorite News Source: Tie between The Daily Mail & Nextdoor App

Favorite Season: Summer

Favorite Spice: Salt

Favorite Spice Girl: None

Favorite Outfit: Anything off the Floor

Favorite Cheese: Extra Sharp Cheddar

Birthday, Jivie!

To

58 favorite thangs

Favorite German Old Lady Toilet Water: 4711 Koln Cologne

Favorite Place to Buy 2% Milk: Braum’s

Favorite Outdoor Lake Patio: Augie’s Sunset Café

6172 Park Rd, FW, 76135

Favorite Pork: Bacon

Favorite Jeans: Torn

Favorite Cheeto: Crunchy

Favorite Peanut Butter: See Above

Favorite Baba Ghanouj: Galilee Falafel & Shawarma

6116 Lake Worth Blvd, FW

Favorite Preacher: Joel Olsteen

Favorite Banned Baseball Player: Pete Rose

Favorite Girl Scout Cookie: Thin Mints

Favorite Girl Scout: Adrian

Favorite Hotdog Condiment: Mustard

Favorite Place to Have Jewelry Fixed/Resized: Collections

708 S Saginaw Blvd, FW, 76179

Favorite Wine: David’s Homemade Red de Pflugerville

Favorite Bundt Cake: Harvey Wallbanger

Favorite Nut: Brazil

Favorite Liquor: Bourbon

Favorite Licorice: Black

Favorite Beer: Shiner

Favorite Bar: Eagles Nest Sports Grill

8455 Boat Club Rd, FW, 76179

Favorite Seat on Airplane: The Front

Favorite Male Author: Larry McMurtry

Favorite Female Arthur: Bea

Favorite Neighbor Kids: Jacob, Jordan and Joel

Favorite Cinnamon Rolls: Ginger Brown’s

6312 Jacksboro Hwy, Lake Worth, 76135

Love Robin, Bogey & Grizzy

Get Up & Go

Another full month of fun curated especially for North Central Texas seniors

• First Monday, one of the state’s oldest air-open markets, March 31-April 2, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. No entry fee.

• Bark in the Park includes a dog-friendly 5K and 1-mile fun runs, T-shirt, swag bag, medal, post-race refreshments, vendor booths, games, food and music, April 1, start at Mutts Cantina, 5317 Clearfork Main Steet, Fort Worth (The Shops at Clearfork), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register your dog, visit www.loveandpawsrescue.com/ bark-in-the-park

• Raffle Night with Casino Games benefitting Weatherford Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, April 1, Ninth Grade Center activities building, 1007 S. Main Street, Weatherford, 6 p.m. Call 817-613-7692 or 817-597-4871 for tickets, $10 admission. 18 and over only.

• Bird Walk led by Master Naturalist Billy Teels, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, April 1, Acton Nature Center, 6500 Smoky Hill Court, Granbury, 7 a.m.

• Spring Book Sale, bring your own bag and fill it for $5, April 1, Springtown Courthouse Annex, 210 N. Main Street, Springtown, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Springtown Library.

• Festival of Food Trucks, over 40 food trucks, plus live music, karaoke, activities for kids, pooch parade and pet adoption, April 1, Saginaw High School, 800 N. Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $20 per carload.

• Junkin’ in the Hood Spring Market with lots of vendors, food and music, April 1, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Free Community Yoga Class, bring your mat and water, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, The Trailhead at Clearfork, 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 9 to 10 a.m.

• Casino Night, $10 to enter event with a minimum of 10 plays, advance tickets earn extra plays, April 1, WISD Ninth Grade Center, 1007 S. Main Street, Weatherford, 6 p.m. Must be over 18 to enter/play. Call 817-613-7692 to buy tickets in advance.

• Craft Night (for adults), make and take proj-

ect, instruction and supplies free, April 4, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles Street, Weatherford, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Knitty Gritty Knitting and Crochet Group, for all ages, no experience necessary, April 4, 11, 18, 25, White Settlement Road Public Library, 8215 White Settlement, 3 to 4 p.m. Bring your own yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook.

• Hood County Senior Center Dances, featuring music by country/western bands every Thursday night, April 6, 13, 20, 27, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore St. Granbury, 7 p.m. $5 per person,

• Bluebonnet Quilting Bee, April 6, 13, 20, 27, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m.

• Texas Hold Em Poker Night, April 6, 13, 20, 27, Silver Saddle Saloon, 124 N. Houston Street, Granbury, 7 to 11 p.m. No buy-in, $200 cash prize. Must be 18 or older.

• Walking Club, April 6, 13, 20, 27, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 8:30 a.m.

• Happy Hour at the Kimbell Art Museum, live entertainment, April 7, 14, 21, 28, Kimbell Art Museum, Kahn Building (Cafe), 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 5 to 7 p.m. Free

admission. Snacks and beverages available for purchase.

• Gardening Club, April 6, 13, 20, 27, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 9 a.m.

• Springtown Senior Center Dances, country/ western bands every Thursday and Saturday night. April 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, Springtown Senior Activity Center, 1070 N. Main Street, Springtown, 7 to 10 p.m. Bands and unanticipated closures listed on Facebook. $5 admission.

• Karaoke at Brock’s Food and Drink, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 7:30 to 11 p.m., 4021 Acton Highway, Granbury.

• Fort Worth Botanic Garden Plant Sale, April 6-8, Park in Lot D (3408 West Freeway) and enter through the Lot D Gate. FWBG Members Only

Pre-sale Thursday 2-6 p.m. General Public Sale Friday 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• First Friday at the Modern offers special programming, April 7, Modern Museum of Art, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth. The museum offers free admission every Friday.

• A Big Ball at the Posse Grounds, includes music by Radney Foster, April 7, Parker County Sheriff’s Posse 2251 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford, 6 p.m. Call Shane Harris at 682-333-6139.

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better April 2023

• Parker County Master Gardeners Association Plant Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 8, rain or shine, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford. Cash or check only.

• Hootenanny with musical guests Aaron Watson, Kyle Park, Thomas Michael Riley, and Mark David Manders, April 8, Somervell County Expo Center, 202 E. Bo Gibbs Drive, Glen Rose, 5 p.m. Call 254-897-4509 for tickets.

• Disc Golf Mini Tournaments, April 8, 15, 22, 29, Granbury Disc Golf Course, 600 West Moore Street, Granbury, 2 p.m. (weather permitting). All levels welcome. Show up 15 minutes early to pay the $12 entry fee and warm up.

• Girls Night Out on Granbury Square, includes live entertainment, dining, shopping and door prizes, April 8, Granbury Square, 3 to 7 p.m. Ask for punch card for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.

• Experimental Aircraft Association, pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. April 8, Pecan Plantation Airport, 9600 Airpark Dr. Granbury, 10 a.m.

• Keep Weatherford Beautiful Trash Off, a competition to see which volunteers can collect the most trash, includes goodie bags, lunch, plus trophies for winning team, April 8, Heritage Park Food Park off of Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No entry fee.

• Dog Days at Botanic Garden, April 8-9, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Fort Worth, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hydration stations for dogs provided. Members get free admission. Dogs $5 each. General admission for non-members plus $5 per dog.

• Lola’s Local Farmers Market, featuring 30+ locally-grown and produced vendors, live music, bar bites and food trucks, pet friendly, April 9, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

• Lake Granbury Art Association, April 10, Shanley House Gallery, 224 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6 p.m.

• Food Park Lounge Night, includes live music, several food trucks, April 11, Heritage Park off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, 6 to 9 p.m.

• Granbury Knitting Guild, includes knitting classes for beginners each month, April 11, First Presbyterian Church, 303 Bridge St. Granbury, 9:30 a.m.

• Craft Night (for adults) make and take project, instruction and supplies free, April 11, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6-7 p.m. Make reservations on Hood County Library website.

• Dance with music by Freightliner Country Music Band, $10 per person at door, food available for purchase from 6 to 7 p.m. April 12, Fort Worth Elks Lodge, 3233 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, 6 to 9 p.m. Hosted by Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County but open to all.

• Twentieth Century Club, welcomes women of all ages to a potluck luncheon meeting with a program by local Master Gardeners, April 12, Twentieth Century Clubhouse, 321 S. Main Street, Weatherford, noon.

• Movies That Matter Film Screening, a bimonthly series program intended to create awareness about diversity, inclusion and issues impacting human and civil rights, April 13, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Free.

• Second Thursdays at Amon Carter Museum, featuring cocktails, creativity and conversation, April 13, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 5 to 8 p.m. Free event with reservations required. Call (817) 989-5013.

• Spring Creek Musical, live music in outdoor venue, April 14, Spring Creek Tabernacle, 104 Spring Creek Road, Weatherford, 6 p.m. Free admission.

• Mineral Wells Senior Center Dance, featuring the music of The Lonesome Fugitive, April 14, 102 N.W. 6th Ave. Mineral Wells, 7 p.m. $5 admission includes snacks and drinks.

• Parker County Sheriff’s Posse BBQ Cook-off, 80/20 payout, live band on Friday night, raffle, April 14-15, Rodeo Grounds, 2251 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford. Call 940-550-5019 for details on competing or judging.

• Oink Oink Festival - a Traditional German Pig Roast includes great music, games, vendors, street dance Saturday night, April 14-16, Granbury Square, Friday 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Willow Bark, a day of four-legged fun featuring a dog costume contest, weenie dog races, live music, kids activities, April 15, McCall Elementary, 400 Scenic Trail, Willow Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Spaghetti Dinner benefitting American Heritage Girls Troop TX0407, April 15, North Side Baptist Church, 910 N. Main Street, Weatherford, 4 to 7 p.m. $10 includes salad, bread and dessert.

• Zimbabwean Sculpture Exhibit at Botanic Garden, opens April 15, Fort Worth Botanic Garden 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Fort Worth, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Must buy general admission to the garden, unless you’re a member.

• Classic Cars & Crawfish, outdoor market and authentic crawfish, April 15, Market on Camp Bowie, 7709 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale, Fort Worth’s largest running outdoor monthly market featuring artists, creators and collectors, plus music and food, April 16, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

• Granbury Quilting Guild, April 17, United Cooperative Services Community Room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy. Granbury, 6 p.m.

• Spring Fling, hosted by the Parker County Extension Education Association, includes speakers, entertainment and lunch, April 18, Couts United Methodist Church, 802 N. Elm Street, Weatherford. Wear your Easter bonnet. $15.

• Main Street Book Club discussing “The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen,” April 18, Azle Memorial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

• Book Club discussing “Death in Mud Lick,” by Eric Eyre, April 18, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St. Weatherford, 6 to 7 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

• Artful Moments for Dementia Patients and Caregivers, exploration of Amon Carter museum exhibits, hands-on activities, April 20, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Register online at cartermuseum.org or call 817-989-5013.

‘You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” –Dr. Suess

• Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival spans 27 blocks from downtown courthouse to Sundance Square, April 20-23, Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. No admission fee.

• Taste of Parker County, taste competitors’ entries and vote for your favorite, April 20, Heritage Park off of Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45 at the door.

• Plant Sale, hosted by Lake Granbury Master Gardeners, April 22, behind Hood County Annex I, 1410 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (or until sold out),

• Hungry Hound Hustle, 5K Fun Run and 1-mile Dog Walk, April 22, MUTTS Canine Cantina, 5317 Clearfork Main Street, Fort Worth, 7:30 a.m. race-day registration and packet pickup. 5K (with one-dog max), 1-mile (with 2-dog max).

• Train Time at Clark Gardens, G-scale trains on display, April 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clark Gardens, 567 Maddux Road, Weatherford, Tickets $20.

• Rodney Carrington Stand-up Performance, April 22, Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, 7 p.m. Tickets $49.50 to $199.50. Available through TicketMaster.com.

• Granbury Writers’ Bloc, for writers, authors and those who love the craft of writing, April 23, Waterview, The Cove, 101 Watermark Blvd. Granbury, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• Last Monday Matinee, viewing “Devotion”, April 24, Azle Memorial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle, 2 p.m.

• Brazos Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert Series, April 24, Granbury First United Methodist Church, 301 NE Loop 567, Granbury, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free.

• Lynne Buchanan demonstrates her contemporary painting style at the The Weatherford Art Association meeting, April 24, 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Barlow Hall, 125 South Waco Street, Weatherford.

• Granbury Stamp Club, includes buy/trade time before/after meeting, April 25, Bentwater Activity Center, 1800 W Emerald Ct. Granbury, 7 p.m.

• Book Club discussing “Take My Hand,” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, April 25, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Food Park Lounge Night, includes live music, several food trucks, April 25, Heritage Park off of Santa Fe Drive in Weatherford, 6 to 9 p.m. Free entry.

• North Fort Worth Book Club discussing “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires,”

a novel by Grady Hendrix, April 20, World Blend, 5410 Basswood Blvd. Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Jimmy Fortune in concert, April 20, The New Granbury Live, 110 N. Crockett, Granbury, 7 p.m. Call 1-800-340-9703 for tickets.

• Lone Star Murder Mystery Dinner and Show, ages 18 and up only, April 22, The 81 Club at Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m. Call 817-624-7117 for tickets, $66.

• Pate Swap Meet, includes 8,700 vendors featuring automobile, motorcycle and transportation-related merchandise, April 27-29, Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Veterans Luncheon, a free veterans appreciation lunch by Roll-Call.org, April 28, NAS Fort Worth JRB, Fort Worth, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 817-507-5879 or visit www.roll-call.org.

• Texas Drive Fore the Cure, April 28, Harbor Lakes Golf Club, 2100 Clubhouse Drive, Granbury, 8 a.m. shotgun start, $200 per golfer, $750 per foursome.

• The Bellamy Brothers perform, April 28, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.), 18-and-up only. For tickets, call 817-624-7117, $18-$35.

• Granbury Wine Walk, April 28-29, Historic Granbury Square, 100 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $45 ticket includes tastings for all 20 wineries, plus a commemorative wine glass. Tickets valid both days but are limited in number. Visit www.granburywinewalk.com to purchase in advance.

• Mineral Wells Senior Center Dance, featuring the music of Michael Cote and Bryan Daniel, April 28, 102 N.W. 6th Ave. Mineral Wells, 7 p.m. $5 admission includes snacks and drinks.

• Charity Cornhole Tournament, $5 ticket, $20 for 5 tickets, 50% payout, April 29, Harberger Hill Community Center, 701 Narrow Street, Weatherford, Doors open at 10 a.m. Bags fly at 11. Benefits Outreach of Love Church.

• 42 Tournament at Lewstock, sign up 8 to 8:45 a.m. play starts at 9 a.m. $40 per team. Trophies awarded. April 29, Spring Creek Tabernacle, Spring Creek (just outside of Weatherford).

• Casino Night, benefitting youth baseball, tiers from $30 to $500, April 29, Crossroads, 701 Bear Cat Road, Willow Park, 7 to 11 p.m. Must be 18.

• Fort Worth Red Dress Gala, includes dinner, drink and dancing, casino tables, auctions, $100 per person, April 29, The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, 7 p.m. Tickets available at fwreddressgala. com.

Making a difference

North Side Baptist Church

Caregivers

Legacy Oaks of Azle celebrated caregivers in March. Each caregiver was presented a goody bag and cake. The community has approximately 38 caregivers. “Each one of them plays such an important role in our team here at Legacy Oaks of Azle,” shares Darla Pate, Executive Director. “We appreciate them so much!”

Members of North Side Baptist Church brightened the Center of Hope dining room with smiles and table decorations and helped serve lunch.

Granbury Woman’s Club

The Granbury Woman’s Club recently held a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds for their scholarship program. Three scholarship winners will be announced at the next meeting on Thursday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The club house is located at 306 N. Travis Street in Granbury.

Sixty and Better

Sixty and Better, a nonprofit that serves seniors in Tarrant County, took 60 seniors on a trip to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The Japanese Garden was especially significant for one participant as it reminded her fondly of her husband who is now passed, and the memories he shared with her about his time in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Japan.

Teacher Laurie Jones finds her passion after retirement

By Cindy Thomas-Buscher Parker County Retired School Personnel

Laurie Jones didn’t start out to be in theatre. She only wanted to sing.

“When I was in ninth grade my mother took me to the head of the music department at Texas Christian University to see if my voice warranted lessons,” she said.

The department head said he saw potential, so she took voice lessons all through high school and sang in the Paschal High School choir. After graduating, she attended The University of Texas in Austin.

“I started out as a music major but didn’t care for the courses in theory,” she said.

So, she switched her major to elementary education and graduated from UT-Austin in May of 1978.

“Before I graduated, there was a job fair at UT. All the school districts came there to interview prospective teachers. At that time, Arlington ISD along with Houston ISD were considered to have the top jobs. I interviewed with Arling-

ton ISD, was offered a position, and accepted the job licketysplit,” she said.

She and her future husband, Wally, decided to live in east Fort Worth since Wally accepted a job in Weatherford.

“Each day, Wally would drive west, and I drove east. We did that for one year, then I decided to apply for a position with Weatherford ISD,” she said. “I was hired to teach kindergarten at Travis Elementary. Soon after, we moved to Weatherford.”

It wasn’t until after her children were born that she considered getting a master’s degree. But, at that time, it only provided $1,000 extra income per year.

“You couldn’t take courses online, you needed to attend in person. I didn’t want to leave my babies,” she said.

Although going back to school didn’t appeal to her, something else did.

“I became involved in theatre when the girls were approaching middle school age. I saw an ad in the paper for auditions to perform at Theatre Off The Square.

“I thought to myself, ‘When

I read stories to my students, I often read with considerable animation, maybe I could do this!’”

Laurie auditioned for “The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf.” She was cast for one of the lead parts, Judge Owl.

“That was my first play in Weatherford. I had a ball! Lifelong friendships were made,” she said.

Despite her new-found love to theatre, Laurie was very involved with her daughters’ school activities; so, it was a few years before she acted in another play.

“Wally and I were both cast for the play ‘Pack of Lies,’ directed by Jon Kruse. We realized we both loved acting,” she said. “Wally had never acted, except when he was a little boy and was cast for a playhouse production at Casa Manana.

Laurie is now the president of the Parker County Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit also known as Theatre Off The

Square. The group presents roughly eight shows each year at the theatre, located at 114 N. Denton Street in Weatherford.

“Acting is an art form that allows one to be characters who are not at all like one’s self. That is a definite challenge but well worth it!” she said. “I have been many different characters through the years, both in dramatic and comedic roles. Most actors prefer one or the other; I prefer comedic roles. I didn’t think that I would, but I enjoy hearing the laughter of the audience, and I love the challenge of making them laugh.”

Laurie says another challenge is learning the lines.

“It is most difficult, and every actor has their way of learning them. The camaraderie of fellow actors on the stage, however, helps the process of learning the lines and the blocking (where you stand and move). Acting is, for me, a most rewarding experience.”

Laurie Jones on stage.

Wally and Laurie Jones

COURTESY

Spotlight on Senior Artists

COURTESY

Barbara Brown, acrylic painting, March Artist of the Month, Pecan Plantation Art Guild.

COURTESY

Iok-Hou Pang, “Bluejay,” February Artist of the Month (1st), Society of Watercolor Artists.

COURTESY

Lori Williamson, “Morning Hibiscus,” February Artist of the Month (2nd), Society of Watercolor Artists.

COURTESY

Linda Parks, acrylic painting, March Artist of the Month, Pecan Plantation Art Guild.

COURTESY

The Weatherford Art Association chose the top three artists for February 2023. They are, from left, Patricia Harder (1st), “A View From The Lodge,” watercolor; Jerry Shidal (3rd), “Cattle Barn,” acrylic painting; and Mandy Knudson (2nd), “American Pride,” acrylic painting on saw.

Old World Italian Cooking

Should investors ‘go it alone’?

If you’re going to enjoy a comfortable retirement, you should know, among other things, how much money you’ll need. And you may have a much better chance of knowing this if you get some professional help.

Consider these findings from a 2021 study by Dalbar, a financial services market research firm:

help you gain a clear idea of your retirement income picture can certainly be reassuring. But there may be other reasons why “going it alone” as an investor might not be desirable.

Money Matters

by Mary H. McDow, Edward Jones Adviser

• Investors who worked with a financial advisor were three times more likely to estimate what they would have saved at retirement than “do-it-yourself” investors.

• More than two-thirds of investors with a financial advisor were satisfied with the amount they would have saved at retirement, compared to about 27% of the do-it-yourselfers.

How do financial professionals help their clients in these ways?

First, consider the issue of determining how much money will be needed for retirement. It’s not always easy for individuals to estimate this amount. But financial professionals can help clients like you arrive at this figure by exploring your hopes and goals. How long do you plan to work? What kind of lifestyle do you anticipate enjoying in retirement? Where would you like to live? How much would you like to travel? Are you open to pursuing earned income opportunities, such as consulting or working part time?

Next comes the other key question: How much money will be available for retirement? This big question leads to many others: How much do you need to save and invest each year until you retire? About what sort of investment return will you need to reach your retirement income goals? What level of risk are you willing to take to achieve that return? What is the role of other income sources such as Social Security or any pensions you might have?

Having a financial professional

For example, when the financial markets are down, as was the case for much of 2022, some investors make decisions based on short-term volatility, such as selling investments to “cut their losses,” even if these same investments still have solid business fundamentals and good prospects for growth. But if you work with a financial professional, you might decide to stick with these investments, especially if they’re still appropriate for your long-term strategy. Other times, of course, the advice may be different — but it will always be advice based on your goals, needs and time horizon.

Furthermore, if you’re investing on your own, you may always be measuring your results against the major market indexes, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But in reality, your portfolio should contain a wide range of investments, some of which aren’t contained in these indexes, so you might not be assessing your performance appropriately. A financial professional can help you develop your own, more meaningful benchmarks that can show the progress you’re actually making toward your goals.

In some areas of life, going it alone can be exciting — but when it comes to investing for your future, you may benefit from some company on the journey.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Mary H. McDow, 102 Houston Ave. Suite 203, 817-598-0882. Member SPIC

Our relaxed and open atmosphere is the perfect place to dine with family and friends. Our food is prepared fresh, to order.

Where pet owners can get assistance with pet food

With the cost of pet food on the rise, many seniors are finding it difficult to provide their furry friends with the nutrition they need. Fortunately, there are a number of food banks, senior centers, shelters and rescues offering assistance in our area.

Tarrant County

• Arborlawn UMC Food Pantry 4917 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, TX 76109

• Benbrook Senior Citizen Center 1010 Mercedes Street

Benbrook, TX 76126

• Community Crossroads 1516 Hemphill Street

Fort Worth, TX 76104

• Community Food Bank 3000 Galvez

Fort Worth, TX 76111

• Community Link 300 Belmont Street Saginaw, TX 76179

• Fort Worth HOPE Center 3625 E Loop 820 S. Fort Worth, TX 76119

• River Oaks UMC Food Pantry 4800 Ohio Garden Road River Oaks, TX 76114

• Spay Neuter Network 3117 E. Seminary Drive Fort Worth, TX 76119

• Watauga Active Adult Center 7901 Indian Springs Road Watauga, TX 76148

• Westaid 7940 Camp Bowie West Blvd Fort Worth, TX 76116

• White Settlement Senior Center 8211 White Settlement Road White Settlement, TX 76108

Hood County

• Mission Granbury (on occasion) 3611 Plaza E Ct, Granbury, TX 76048

Parker County

• Azle Adult Activity Center 601 Southeast Pkwy Azle, TX 76020

• Parker County Animal Control 403 Hickory Lane Weatherford, TX 76086

• Weatherford Whiskers 807 E. Park Avenue Weatherford, TX 76086

Bob White (seated), Daughter Anita White & Grandson Zack Bellenger

n Find the Frog

Cindy Bond of Fort Worth won last month’s frog contest. Enter this month’s by emailing to tell us where you found a hidden frog (sample above). Email entry to seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 30 days.

n Solutions

n Live Theatre Picks

THE BOOK OF DOG

Theatre Off the Square

Ticket Info: 817-341-8687

Tentative Dates: April 28 - May 14

Synopsis: The story of how a stray dog, Marvin, changes the lives of one family.

SPAMILTON!

Casa Manana

3101 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth

Ticket Info: 817-332-2272

Tentative Dates: March 28 - April 14

Synopsis: A musical parody that tells the story of a very famous writer/ director/star trying to save Broadway from mediocrity and oblivion. Along the way, this sharp and lovable genius not only takes aim at Broadway’s current mega-hit, but manages to make hysterical minced meat out of many classic and new Broadway shows.

DOGSBREATH DEVEREAUX, THE DASTARDLY DOCTOR OR NURSES! FOILED AGAIN!

Popcorn Players

114 Porter Drive, Azle

Ticket Info: 817-238-7529

Tentative Dates:

Coming Soon

Synopsis: Dogsbreath Devereaux, M.D., plots to wed and do away with the wealthy widow Lotta Cash. He enlists the aid of the nasty nurse, Hilda Hatchet, and promises to marry her once he disposes of Lotta. Set in a clinic filled with zany patients, this melodrama is sure to leave your audience in stitches.

MATILDA

Granbury Opera House

133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury

Ticket Info: 817-579-0952

Tentative Dates: April 7 - 30

Synopsis: Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. The school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook, North Side Baptist Church

Restoration

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

– Deuteronomy 30:19

Most families have some broken parts – broken relationships, broken marriages, broken children, -because our families are made of human beings. Whether you want to believe it or not, we are all broken. We have trouble understanding sometimes why we have these imperfect lives and broken families when we love the Lord, and we believe He loves us.

Only God Himself can love us perfectly. No human being can love like He does, and we are totally incapable of loving others the way He does, even with the very best and truest intentions. We are human, and in our humanness, we make a mess. We make a mess of family, marriage, relationships, jobs, and the list goes on. Are you haunted with thoughts like this - I have made too much mess for God to ever restore me or my life? My family – the broken relationships – He will never bless us. He cannot fix this. With the best of intentions, some of us think we can help bring broken relationships back together, but instead we make a bigger mess of things. God may use us, but only He can do this. Only He can fix what is broken in our lives.

Some people believe that ungodly behaviors in family lines are results of generational curses. Generational curses are believed to be patterns of wrong behavior passed down from generation to generation in families. Certainly, there are consequences of the be-

haviors of those who go before us that sometimes affect more than one generation, but every generation has the choice to not be defeated by the actions of those who have gone before them. Rebellious behavior and ungodliness are choices that we make, and though its convenient to blame them on our ancestors, before we can break free from anything, we must lay the responsibility where it belongs – on ourselves. We can choose to break these cycles with

the power of God. His blessing is stronger than any hold that we may believe there is on our own life or those in our families. His love and grace are strong enough to love us unconditionally through all our bad decisions and wrong turns. His mercy and forgiveness are strong enough to break the power of sin and His sacrifice broke the power of death forever. There is nothing He cannot conquer for us and through us.

Satan wants nothing more

than for you to believe that your family is too broken to be blessed by God. And God wants nothing more than for you to know the power of His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. God is a God of restoration. He is all about fixing the broken parts of our lives and families and redeeming them for His glory. That is His goal – redemption. It is not shame. It is not condemnation. It is not defeat. It is redemption, made complete in Him.