Apparently, I’d forgotten to breathe. Not exactly the grand entrance I’d planned.

At seven, I attended my first birthday party at a lake in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Someone jumped on my head while we were swimming, sending me deep into the murky water. For a moment, I figured I’d up missing again.

Thankfully, someone pulled me out, and I lived to celebrate another birthday. I could still breathe!

My first Girl Scout outing wasn’t much better. We’d hiked for miles, eaten spoiled hot dogs, and ended up with stomachaches that could’ve qualified as a troop emergency. Forget earning badges. We needed bathrooms! But we could still breathe.

Then came my first kiss, courtesy of a dare at Crystal Springs Lake. I was a young preteen, and let me tell you, nobody should have to examine a boy’s pimples from that distance. Romance? Hardly. I nearly forgot to breathe again!

My first high school job wasn’t exactly a shining moment either. A milkshake ended up on the wall, a customer tricked me at the register, and my cash drawer came up short. Then I smoked up the place with the popcorn machine. Apparently, oil was an important ingredient. Who knew?

I was soon looking for another job. Breathe, girl, breathe!

The following week, I landed my second job, only to accidentally serve a customer my half-eaten hamburger. I’d wrapped up my lunch during a break and placed it on the warmer. Someone promptly bagged it and sold it.

My reward? Parking lot duty, picking up trash. At least the fresh air was good for breathing!

Years later, after college in California, I worked a bank. One small error sent $150,000 to the wrong account, and the man withdrew it. At a staff meeting, the bank president announced that more than twenty employees wouldn’t receive Christmas bonuses because of me and my mistake!

Mercy! Talk about stealing Christmas cheer!

Thankfully, they returned the money, paid the bonuses, and I could breathe again. Although I was soon hunting another job.

Looking back, my first attempts at things were often disasters dressed up as opportunities.

I fell, nearly drowned, got sick, made messes, came up short, and occasionally got banished.

But I kept going. Ironically, storytelling grew out of all those moments. And I learned math wasn’t part of the journey; instead, writing unfolded, one story at a time.

And here’s one first that turned out beautifully.

I was born a twin, arriving first, probably because I wanted to see my sister’s face.

She was my mirror, my built-in friend, and sometimes my partner in double trouble. We’ve added plenty of chaos to each other’s lives, but we’ve also shared the kind of love that makes the hard days easier to breathe through.

Life doesn’t promise smooth beginnings or perfect endings. Sometimes we’re underwater, sometimes we’re cleaning up our own messes, and sometimes we’re standing in a parking lot wondering how we got there.

But don’t quit. When math doesn’t add up, write a story instead.

One of hope. Filled with joy. Offering insight for others.

And pray often. Serve the Lord with an expectant heart. Reach for someone else who’s struggling to stay afloat. Keep walking, even if you’re crawling. And remember, a bad beginning doesn’t have to become your final chapter. God has a wonderful way of reaching into our messes, pulling us from murky waters, and reminding us there’s still beauty beyond the trouble.

I’ve spent a lifetime learning that lesson, sometimes the hard way. So take another breath.

Give God your worries, your mistakes, and your next beginning.

After all, if you’re still breathing, God’s not finished with your story!

A lot. All who love him suffered, and grieved.

Then, in the bottom of the cell he found himself in, the only reading macome terial permitted a Bible, he found a new freedom inside the very bars that incarcerated him.

I know of another man whose life changed. A middle eastern man. Very intelligent, very well educated, devoutly religious.

He believed Christians were infidels that needed to be exterminated. He made it his purpose to do just that.

A terrorist. He led and participated in the death of Christian men and women, dragged out of their homes, locked away in prison, or killed in the streets. Believers were terrified of him.

One day, he was on his way with legal documentation giving him full authority to search out, arrest, and bring back any Christians he could find.

But there was an incident on the way. A super bright flash of light came out of nowhere and put him to the ground. Then a voice. Everyone with him heard the voice but nobody saw the person speaking. The voice called his name. “Saul…” Then the voice asked him a question. “Why are you persecuting me?”

Saul had persecuted hundreds.

“Who are you?!?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus. You are persecuting Me.” (Acts 9) We now have over a dozen letters this middle eastern terrorist wrote to churches or individual Christians after he enat countered Jesus. Saul’s life changed. He even got a new name given to him by Jesus himself. While Paul’s life was changed, people still were afraid of him. Some even tried to kill him and eliminate the threat. Saul the persecutor became Paul the persecuted!

The story of Paul’s life is fascinating, and we learn from studying his character and his life. But what about those of us who don’t have such a dramatic story as Dan and Paul ? How are people like me to convince anyone about Jesus?

My story is a slow developing story of how the power of Christ changed me. There weren’t blinding lights, nor voices from heaven. I was churched. I learned the facts. I learned all the stories. And the more I learned, the more defined my faults became. That was, and IS the purpose in God giving law. It spells out the standard, His holy standard…the way in which humans were created but did not remain.

So, my struggle was not against anything visible to others, like addiction.

It was the failure in my efforts at self-help and self-improvement. Years of it. Is there evidence of it? I hope so. More likely evident to people who knew me in those legalistic rule-keeping years.

Was there a defining moment? Not so much….a couple maybe. My story is not one of a blinding light, or booming Voice from heaven, nor a feeling that suddenly came over me.

But to that person who is trying and trying, striving for perfection, falling and failing, feeling guilty. And ashamed. And condemned to hell. And hopelessly resigned to it… I am your girl. I can tell you what knowing Jesus will do. Not just knowing ABOUT Jesus.

What is your witness?

What is your story? How can you make a difference in someone else’s life? What do you know from your experience with Jesus that might empower and encourage someone else? What will you do with Jesus? Just keep him in a Bible story?

Or will you keep Him in every moment of every day, every thought, every situation, every conversation, every plan. What might He accomplish if we give Him permission and access AND give Him our obedience and cooperation? It’s scary sometimes! Uncomfortable most times! But it’s not just addicts and legalists that need Jesus.

Every person, every where needs Jesus to be THE deciding force in every moment of life.

If it is ME that is the deciding force, I have made myself my own god, and when I do that…I make myself the responsible party for not only my direction and my choices, but the penalty of making wrong ones!

But having Jesus, there is a Helper always available, and now, there is One responsible for the penalty when I fail. And I still do. So very often.

Reader, do you know Him? Pick up a Bible.

Begin in the gospel of John, and don’t look for rules to follow. Look for a Person, the very Son of God.

The rules define your need. Jesus fills that need. Every single one.

The Bowie County Master Gardeners and Texas A&M-Texarkana’s School of Professional Education and Community Engagement will host the program “The Southern Heirloom Garden” on Monday, November 9, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. The class is free and open to the public. The class will take place in the University Building, Room 326. No reservation is required to attend.

The program will be presented by Dr. Greg Grant, Author and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulture Agent from Tyler, Texas.

Southern heirloom gardens offer a glimpse into the rich agricultural heritage of the South by preserving fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs that have been passed down through generations. These gardens often feature time-honored varieties that were once staples of family farms and homesteads.

Unlike many modern hybrids, heirloom plants are open-pollinated, allowing gardeners to save seeds and continue growing the same cherished varieties year after year. Southern heirloom gardens celebrate both cultural traditions and biodiversity, helping protect unique plant genetics that might otherwise be lost.

Beyond their practical value, these gardens serve as living history lessons, connecting families and communities to the foodways of earlier generations.

As interest in local food and sustainable gardening continues to grow, heirloom gardens are experiencing a renewed appreciation among gardeners of all ages.

By cultivating heirloom varieties, gardeners help ensure these treasured plants remain part of our agricultural landscape for future generations.

For more information, call Brian Triplett at the Bowie County Extension Office (903-628-6702) or Tina Reed at Texas A&M-Texarkana (903223-3039). Persons wishing to attend who have special needs are asked to contact Brian Triplett at least 5 business days in advance so that necessary accommodations can be made.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, and veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Under Texas law, any voter who is in line at their polling location by 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

“We are ready to serve every registered voter in Bowie County,” said Pat McCoy, Election Administrator, of the Bowie County Elections Office. “Our staff and election workers are prepared to ensure a smooth, secure, and accessible election for all residents.”

Voters can find their polling location and review accepted forms of photo identification at www. bowiecounty.org/1239/ Elections. Click the How to Vote or Where to Vote toggles. Additional statewide voter information is available at VoteTexas. gov.

Election Day Information:

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

• Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Find Your Polling Location: www.bowiecounty. org/1239/Elections

• Accepted Photo ID & Voter Resources: Vote-Texas.gov

• Bowie County Elections Office: 903.628.6810 pat. mccoy@bowiecounty.org

• Voters who require assistance or accommodations are encouraged to contact the Bowie County Elections Office at 903.628.6810

Like many Americans, I’ve watched political differences create painful divisions among people who have loved one another for decades. Families who once gathered around the same table now struggle to have a conversation without somebody getting upset, feeling judged, or walking away wounded.

And I’ll confess something: I’m part of the problem, too.

I have strong political convictions. I believe deeply in compassion, equality, justice, and protecting those who cannot always protect themselves. When I see people I love supporting candidates or policies that seem contrary to those values, I struggle. Sometimes I struggle mightily.

But lately I’ve been asking myself a difficult question: Am I allowing my disappointment in someone’s politics to overshadow my love for that person?

As a Christian, I believe Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. He didn’t include an exemption for relatives who vote differently.

That doesn’t mean remaining silent in the face of injustice. It doesn’t mean pretending that words, policies, and elections don’t have real consequences. And it certainly doesn’t mean abandoning our convictions just to keep the peace.

But it does mean remembering that the person across the table is more than a ballot cast or a political opinion expressed.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve allowed politicians who may never know our names to influence how we treat people who have known us our entire lives.

What a terrible bargain that is.

Perhaps the greatest challenge of this political season isn’t persuading somebody else to change their vote. Perhaps it’s refusing to let our own hearts become hardened in the process.

I don’t have all the answers. I’m still working on this myself. Some days I do better than others.

But I’ve started praying a simple prayer: “Lord, help me stand firmly for what I believe without losing the ability to love someone who believes differently.

And if there’s a heart that needs changing, don’t be afraid to start with mine.”

Because elections come and go. Political parties rise and fall. Candidates eventually fade from the headlines.

But when the campaign signs are gone and the shouting finally stops, I hope we haven’t forgotten how to sit down together, pass the mashed potatoes, and remember that we’re family.

After all, love shouldn’t have to win an election to have a place at our table.

Grace. Peace, and Love, Walter Kevin Earl James

This feathered couple lives somewhere nearby.

In fact, a year and a half ago, they lived in a shed a few yards from our RV.

The dilapidated shed was falling apart, but Mrs. Vulture felt it would make an ideal home and so she built a huge nest on the floor of her new apartment. Lining it with fluff, it was a cozy, if somewhat smelly, abode and she laid two large eggs in it about the size of emu eggs.

My husband and I were loathe to disturb these mighty birds in their domestic bliss, so we left the shed alone and would only carefully observe through the window once in awhile.

Unfortunately, one of the eggs didn’t make it, and had to be abandoned.

But the other hatched into the fluffiest, funniest looking chick. Covered in a fluff the color of dirty yellow, Junior would stand in such a funny attitude with his wings stretched out and his head hanging down as though he didn’t have the strength to raise it.

It was several weeks before Junior could hold his head up, and he grew to be about the size of a full-grown chicken before he lost his chick-like appearance.

One lovely day he flew off with his parents, and now we will still see a couple relaxing on the top of a set of electrical poles in the nearby field once in awhile.

But my favorite pose is when they are warming up for the day’s activities by stretching out their wings at full length for several minutes and just soaking up that beautiful sunshine.

I can’t decide if it’s a scene out of Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventures.

Apparently, actually being able to observe these birds nest and the hatching and raising of their young is rather a rare treat. A couple will search for weeks for the perfect nesting spot, which is frequently on a flat surface such as the ground or the floor of a shed.

But because of the vulnerability of nesting on the ground, they are extremely careful in choosing their spot.

Well, careful according to vulture standards. But sometimes vultures and humans just don’t see eye to eye on what a good nesting spot really is. We were able to leave them to their homemaking, but if such birds need to be “renested”, it is important to call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and they will send someone who knowns how to handle raptors.

But for us, it was a treat to let them stay and observe Junior’s development first-hand.

God said that everything He made was “very good” during those first days of Creation, and I think it must give Him pleasure now to watch His creatures doing exactly what He made them to do—just plain simple living.

I know I sure enjoy watching them be themselves— from chick to

laundry.

Here are some of the most important ones: 401(k) — If you had a 401(k) plan through your previous employer, you’ll need to decide what to do with it once you’ve joined a new employer. You could just cash it out, but you’d pay taxes and possible penalties. You could leave your 401(k) with your previous employer, if allowed, and if you have been happy with your plan’s performance. Or you could move your 401(k) into your new employer’s plan, which might be a good choice if the new plan has lower fees and attractive investment options. You’d also want to ask whether the new employer offers matching contributions.

Finally, you could roll over your old 401(k) into a traditional IRA, which would give you more investment choices.

HSA/FSA — If your new employer offers a health savings account (HSA) as part of a high-deductible health plan, you may want to take advantage of it. Your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, your earnings generally grow tax deferred and your withdrawals are tax free, as long as they’re used for qualified medical expenses.

Plus, you can carry unused funds through retirement, when you can still use them for qualified medical expenses. Your employer might also offer a flexible spending account (FSA), which can pay for a variety of health care costs, such as deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance.

Generally, if you’re contributing to an HSA, you can’t fund an FSA in the same year, except for a limited purpose FSA.

Waiting period for health benefits — You’ll want to ask your new employer if there’s a waiting eligibility period to enroll in its benefits plan — health insurance, dental, vision, and so on. If so, you may need to get COBRA coverage for a few months to stay in your old plan, unless you can be added to a spouse’s plan.

When you go on your new employer’s health care plan, make sure you know what it covers. Depending on your situation, you might want to add supplemental health insurance.

Life insurance — When you leave a job, your employer-sponsored life insurance will end, unless you have the option to convert your group term life policy into an individual permanent cash value policy. So, you’ll want to be sure your new employer offers at least the same insurance coverage as your old one. But you should also determine whether the group policy offered by your employer is sufficient for your needs.

Depending on several factors, such as your income, spouse’s income and family size, you may need to supplement your employer’s policy with an individual term life insurance policy. Other benefits — Review your new employer’s benefits package carefully to see what’s available. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for their employees, and some even provide college planning assistance for employees’ children. For example, your employer might offer matching contributions to a tax-advantaged 529 education saving plan, which can be used for college, some K-12 expenses and some trade/vocational school programs.

Changing jobs can provide you with an opportunity to expand your career, learn new skills and broaden your social network. And it can certainly be financially rewarding, too — so make sure you know all the benefits involved.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Along with its now famous chuck wagon meal, this year’s event will include a car show, live music, a variety of vendor booths and a silent auction. There will also be a bounce house there for the kids, plus door prizes, a silent auction and a raffle drawing.

The car show will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include trophies for Best of Show Truck, Best of Show Car and Best of Show All-Around. All makes and models are welcome to compete in the car show.

Registration for entries will begin at 7 a.m. and judging will begin at 10 a.m.

The entry fee is just $25.

The highlight for many at the Round-Up will be the Chuck Wagon meal which will begin at 11:30 a.m. This year’s meal includes chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, beans, biscuits, cobbler and tea all for just $20. A child’s plate of hotdogs and chips will also be available for just $5.

The Ranchers’ Table is a non-profit 501c3 ministry based in New Boston that with the help of its board of directors and a host of volunteers works to serve as a ministry to provide high-quality protein products to those in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Ranchers’ Table Founder, Ed Williams, was introduced to cow herding by his dear friend, Mike “Shorty” Smith, who passed away in 2018. After Ed assisted Mike with a building project, Mike surprised Ed with funds and a request that Ed start a cow herd for his grandkids. Ed followed the formula from Mike, started a herd, and now serves as his grandkids ranch-hand.

The idea for the Ranchers’ Table ministry started in a living room on a quiet morning when Ed was recovering from a life altering battle with COVID-19.

While listening to a television preacher, Ed felt God say, “Give a cow.” That’s it. Just “Give a cow.” From that moment on, Ed knew he had to start this ministry with the help of friends and family to help those less fortunate.

Organizers would like to thank several sponsors for making this year’s 3rd annual event possible with those sponsors including Farmers Bank and Trust of New Boston, Huntington Bank in New Boston and New Boston Service Company.

To reserve a vendor booth for this year’s event, or for more information, call Rita Vazquez at 903-277-5256, or check out the organization’s Facebook page by searching Ranchers Table Texarkana. You can also view their website at www. therancherstable.com

Not out loud, of course.

Her voice came through two sheets of paper that had survived thirty-three years, tucked away by a friend who probably never imagined what a treasure she was keeping.

And it all happened because I needed blankets for the homeless.

I’d stopped by one of my mother’s longtime friends’ homes to pick up donated blankets for street ministry. The two women had worked together years ago, and somewhere along the way, this friend had saved a devotional my mother wrote in 1993.

She handed me a copy, and suddenly, I had something I hadn’t expected to find—a piece of my mother in the present.

The devotional was titled “Out Where It Is Deeper.” My mother wrote about caring for Dad after his massive stroke, the exhaustion she experienced, and the faith that carried her through days when the responsibilities seemed bigger than her strength.

I remembered those days, but reading her account brought back things I’d forgotten.

Including one little word.

Wink.

That’s what my mother called my dad. Wink! I’d completely forgotten that nickname, but there it was, sitting in the middle of her story, as though she’d just called out to him from another room.

Funny how a single word can unlock a room full of memories.

Dad was twenty-two years older than my mother. Yes, twenty-two!

I’m sure a few eyebrows rose when they married.

Perhaps people wondered what two people with that many years between them could have in common.

Apparently, enough to build a life together. Their marriage worked, even with its challenges.

Before his stroke, Dad loved people, fished, handed out bulletins at church, enjoyed life, and carried a cheerful spirit that my mother remembered in her writing.

Her words reminded me of something I already knew but don’t always stop to appreciate. I had a wonderful father, and his life was far bigger than the illness that changed it.

Dad died in 1998, five years after Mother wrote that devotional. And there I sat, twenty-eight years later, reading about him through her words.

But something else struck me.

My mother wasn’t pretending life was easy.

She admitted her weariness, her struggles, and her need for God’s help.

Sometimes we forget our parents were people before they were our parents. They had worries we never understood, prayers we never heard, and moments when their strength ran terribly thin.

The devotional centered on Luke 5, where Jesus told Simon to launch into deeper water and let down his nets. Simon had already worked all night without catching anything, but he obeyed.

My mother understood those deeper waters.

She’d been there, tired and uncertain, yet trusting the Lord to see her through. Now, years later, her words encourage me. I keep wondering what might have happened if her friend had thrown those pages away. Or if I’d never stopped by for those blankets.

It makes me think about the things we save: old letters, handwritten recipes, notes inside Bibles, and stories tucked into drawers. What seems ordinary today may become priceless to someone tomorrow.

So write that letter. Tell that story. Save a few words for the people you love. And if you’re holding something written by someone else’s loved one, consider passing it along.

You never know what memory might be waiting inside.

My mother couldn’t have imagined that in 2026, her daughter would be smiling over the name Wink and remembering the two people who gave her life.

I went looking for blankets that day. And God sent me home wrapped in a memory.

He worked nights and would ask me to get our baby boy up in the middle of the night and go to his parents ‘brick house’. I did a few times, but I hated it. He and his family had lost their house in the tornado that hit Daniels Chapel in 1971.

He had not forgotten.

Miraculously, they were not injured but it was a total loss.

When I was a child, I made a mad dash across our back yard to my aunt’s storm cellar. The wind was blowing so hard I had to crawl. But there was no damage that I can remember. I just remember it was dark and I couldn’t walk against the wind, but there were younger siblings less able than I was. So I crawled while my parents carried them.

When the tornado took my hair salon in 2022 I wasn’t there. I knew there was a storm coming but I was not concerned. Then the messages started coming and we drove out to see absolutely nothing left of my little salon except the vinyl plank flooring. Everything else was strewn across the fields behind it.

Tonight there is a hurricane threatening a friend’s home. She is taking precautions. And I am praying for her safety!

Storms come. We get warnings. We pay attention and take precautions, or we don’t. The storm changes directions, or comes straight for us. It intensifies or it weakens.

The weather computer models make guesses.

Weather reporters blab on and on about it and stand outside in it as if seeing them standing in the wind might make a difference in the outcome. Why do they do that?

Being told, or even shown, sometimes makes a difference, sometimes not…humans just don’t always heed warnings. I am reminded of an old hymn.

Careless soul, O heed the warning, For your life will soon be gone; O how sad to face the judgment, Unprepared to meet thy God.

My friend on the Alabama coast is making preparations. She knows the storm is coming. She does not want to be unprepared whatever turn it might take. Her house has been thru storms before, tested and still standing. The foundation is solid, it is built for times just like this.

I want my life to be a testimony like that. Don’t you? When life’s storms come, I want to be found still standing in the aftermath. Not blown across the field. Not crouching in fear but standing in faith.

I want to. But I confess there have been times I went into a tailspin. Panic and fear replacing calm assurance, an adrenaline rush kicking me into fight or flight mode.

By the time you read this, hurricane Isaias will have made landfall. At this writing, I watch from afar knowing my friend faces the threat, but not knowing what lies ahead for her. What will be damaged or lost? Will the house stand another hurricane? Did they prepare enough?

The truth of life in this earthly realm is that we really can’t prepare for every storm that blows our way. We can’t maneuver around them, run from them, or board up enough to keep the winds out.

But there is One who is master over every single storm. Every difficulty we face is an opportunity to experience God’s presence, His power, and His redemptive rescue.

Reading the story of Job in the Bible teaches us that while our Creator God does not cause all of life’s difficulties, it must pass before Him. He sets limits on what the enemy is allowed to do. For those who love and serve Him, He even brings good from the struggle. (Roman’s 8:28) Our Father brings beauty from ashes. Joy instead of mourning. Praise instead of heaviness.

(Isaiah 61:3) I remember no joy as I surveyed my bare little salon floor. No beauty as I combed across the field picking up what I could find to salvage. No praise that all of it was lost.

But after the waves settled, it came. Praising Him that no life was lost.

Beauty in the love shown, the arms that helped and held me.

The heaviness lifted as He nudged me on to see what He had for me next.

Look for the beauty in your storm. It usually takes a concentrated, on-purpose effort, but look for it. It may be a small thing, but don’t miss it!

Part 1 of 4 Over the next several weeks, I want to spend some time writing about something God has really been stirring in my heart lately — drawing near to Him.

Over these next four articles, we’ll look at God’s desire for relationship with us, some of the things that keep us from drawing near, and what it really means to remain connected to Him.

Not just knowing about God, but really knowing Him. Because I think sometimes, even as Christians, we can get so caught up in doing all the things we think we’re supposed to do that we miss the very relationship we were created for!

I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been guilty of that.

Don’t misunderstand me. Reading your bible, serving, attending church - those things are important! But I wonder how often we become so focused on doing things for God that we miss what He has desired all along.

And what is it that He had desired all along?

Relationship.

Not just knowing about Him, but actually knowing Him. Walking with Him. Trusting Him. Allowing Him to be part of our ordinary, everyday lives.

When we look at Scripture from beginning to end, we see something remarkable.

The Bible begins in Genesis with God creating humanity and placing Adam and Eve in a garden where they could enjoy fellowship with Him.

Then, flip to the back of your bible in Revelation 21:3, and read:

“Look, God’s home is now among his people!

He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (NLT) The Bible begins with God dwelling with His people, and it ends with God dwelling with His people. Everything in between reveals a God who continues making a way for that relationship.

Before we ever had a desire to draw near to God, He desired to be near to us.

When God created Adam and Eve, He provided everything they needed.

But the greatest gift in Eden wasn’t the beauty of the garden or the abundance of provision.

It was fellowship with their Creator.

Genesis 2:25 tells us they were both naked and felt no shame. We tend to focus on the fact that they weren’t wearing clothes. But think about that. No shame. Nothing to hide. No fear of being exposed or wondering whether they were good enough.

They could live openly before God.

But then sin entered the picture, and everything changed.

Genesis 3 tells us that after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they hid from His presence.

And I wonder how often we still do the same thing today.

Not necessarily by walking away from church or abandoning our faith.

Sometimes we hide behind our busyness, accomplishments, or even religious activity.

We keep doing all the right things on the outside while neglecting our relationship with God.

I think we sometimes confuse spiritual activity with spiritual intimacy.

We can be busy doing things for God while neglecting our relationship with Him. It’s easy to know about God, but not to truly know God.

When we’re consistent in prayer and Scripture, we feel good about where we are spiritually. But when life gets busy or we struggle, guilt creeps in, and instead of drawing near, we pull away.

But here’s what I want us to understand. We don’t read our Bibles, pray, or serve to earn God’s love.

Those are ways we grow in our relationship with Him and respond to the love He’s already shown us.

Relationship with God was never meant to be another box to check off.

James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

What a beautiful invitation!

Maybe the question isn’t whether we believe in God or whether we’re doing enough for Him.

Maybe it’s this: Am I really growing in my relationship with Him, or have I become satisfied with simply knowing about Him?

God didn’t create us for distant religion. He created us for relationship.

And through Jesus, He’s made a way for us to draw near.

So maybe it’s time we stop measuring our relationship with God by how much we’re doing for Him and start asking ourselves how well we’re actually getting to know Him.

Because at the end of the day, God isn’t looking for more religious activity. He wants our hearts.

We don’t draw near to God to convince Him to love us. We draw near because He already does.

The family conversation your estate plan is waiting for

Finishing your estate plan is a big step, but failing to notify the people involved can lead to confusion and complications when it’s time to use it. Since the events that bring those plans into action, such as an accident, serious illness or hospitalization, rarely come with a warning, talking with your family about your estate plan before a crisis occurs can provide clarity and help reduce uncertainty, conflict and stress later

Would your loved ones know what to do?

About half of Americans turning 65 today will need some form of longterm care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you became unable to make medical or financial decisions, documents such as powers of attorney and advance directives can help ensure someone you trust can step in.

Just as important is making sure your loved ones know those documents exist and where to find them. Without access to them, even close family members may be unable to access bank accounts, pay bills or make medical decisions on your behalf without going through a court.

Who should be included in an estate plan conversation?

When you’re ready to talk with loved ones, start with anyone named in a formal role in your estate plan, such as a financial power of attorney, health care proxy, trustee or executor. You may also want to include family members who are likely to be involved in your care or inherit assets.

Think about the dynamics of your family as you plan the conversation. Some families are comfortable discussing everything together, while others communicate more effectively through smaller group discussions or one-onone conversations.

What should your family know about your estate plan?

Start with your values and the goals behind your decisions. Explaining what matters most to you can help family members better understand your wishes.

From there, review practical details, including who serves in key roles, where important documents are stored and how to contact your estate-planning attorney.

You may also want to discuss your care preferences if you were to lose independence and any decisions that family members might find surprising. For example, if inheritances will not be divided equally, sharing your reasoning now may help prevent misunderstandings later.

Most importantly, leave time for questions. The goal is not to cover every possible scenario in a single meeting. It’s to create understanding and give loved ones confidence about what matters to you.

If a single conversation feels overwhelming, consider breaking it into a few shorter discussions over time.

Need help starting the conversation?

Many people worry about how family members will react or feel unsure about where to begin.

A financial advisor can help you prepare for the conversation and, in some cases, facilitate it. Having a neutral third party involved can help keep discussions productive and ensure everyone leaves with greater clarity about your wishes.

The Bowie County Elections Office encourages registered voters to take advantage of the early voting period for flexibility and convenience.

Early voting allows registered voters to cast their ballot at any early voting location within Bowie County during the designated period, regardless of their assigned precinct.

Early Voting locations are:

• EV1 Bowie County Courthouse 710 James Bowie Dr., New Boston, TX

• EV2 Southwest Center 3222 W. 7th St, Texarkana, TX

• EV3 Cross Point Texarkana Church 3130 University Ave Texarkana TX “Early voting gives Bowie County residents more time to participate in this election,” said Pat McCoy, Election Administrator of the Bowie County Elections Office.

“We encourage voters to plan ahead, review their polling location options, and find a convenient time to cast their ballot.”

A complete list of early voting locations, dates, and hours for Bowie County is available at www.bowiecounty. org/1239/Elections. Voters may also access statewide election information, including accepted forms of photo ID, at VoteTexas.gov.

Early Voting at a Glance:

• Early Voting Period: October 19 – October 30, 2026

• Locations & Hours: www.bowiecounty. org/1239/Elections.

• Accepted Photo ID Information: www,votetexas, gov

• Bowie County Elections Office: [903.628.6810] | [pat.mccoy@bowiecounty. org

Voters who require assistance or accommodations at the polls are encouraged to contact the Bowie County Elections Office in advance at 903.628.6810.

DeKalb HOPE invites everyone to attend an Organizing Meeting on Saturday, October 24th, at the DeKalb Storm Shelter.

The purpose of this important meeting is to welcome new members, elect a new Board of Directors, and take the next step toward strengthening our organization and its impact on the community.

This meeting is open to the public. Whether you are already involved with DeKalb HOPE or are simply interested in learning more about our mission and how you can make a difference, we encourage you to attend.

Your voice, your ideas, and your involvement matter!

Together, we can continue building HOPE for DeKalb and our surrounding communities.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 10 a.m.

DeKalb Storm Shelter Everyone is welcome.

Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency, traffic)-Red River Army Depot Hooks, arrested: Bobby Wade Forte Jr.

TUESDAY Burglary of a Habitation- Palmer Drive Hooks, taken: copper wiring Theft by Deception-Red River Road South Maud, taken: U.S. Currency Theft Over $750 and Under $2,500-County Road 1230 Texarkana, taken: Dewalt brand leaf blower, weed trimmer and battery Criminal Mischief Over $750 and Under $2,500-Buchanan Loop Road Texarkana Theft Over $100 and Under $750-Presley Street Leary, taken: 1993 pop-up camper Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility-West Front Street Texarkana Harassment-North State Line Avenue Texarkana Warrant Service (Fail to Register as a Sex Offender)- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Larry Ray Morphew Jail Sanction for Evading Arrest with a Vehicle-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Rayvaughn Deshawn Perkins Jail Sanction for Possession of a Controlled Substance-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Doyle Allen Jail Sanction for Possession of a Controlled Substance-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Alivia Renee Hendrix Found Property-South Kings Highway Texarkana, recovered: men’s black wallet with personal effects Assault on a Public Servant- North State Line Avenue Texarkana Warrant Service (Criminal Mischief Over $750 and Under $2,500)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Alenjandra Arreola Warrant Service (Aggravated Assault)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Elias Montez Jr.

Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Evading Arrest with a Vehicle)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Antwon Lamont Willis Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Benjamin Lee James IV Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: David Anthony Simmons WEDNESDAY Resisting Arrest or Transportation- West Front Street Texarkana, arrested: Maleek Delshun Collier Found Property-Barkman Creek Road Leary, recovered: Sig Sauer .22 caliber handgun Death Investigation-State Highway 98 New Boston Deadly Conduct-Jones Lane Hooks Assault by Contact-West Front Street Texarkana Warrant Service (Theft Over $2,500 and Under $30,000 x2)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Anthony Tyler Malone Warrant Service (multiple traffic)-West 7th Street Texarkana, arrested: David Brandon Looney THURSDAY Warrant Service (Assault Against an Elderly Individual)- North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Sonya Satterwhite Welfare Concern-Private Road 13261 Texarkana Abandon or Endanger a Child-Private Road 13261 Texarkana, arrested: Joyquise Shabree Clark Assault Against an Elderly or Disabled Individual-James Bowie Drive New Boston Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility-West Front Street Texarkana Assault Causing Bodily Injury-West Front Street Texarkana Commitment Sentence for Possession of a Controlled Substance-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Joshua Dwain Jones Warrant Service (Harassment of Public Servant)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Tracy Lashon Williams Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Possession of a Controlled Substance)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Sharon Loujenia Gilleo Warrant Service (Fail to Appear on Attempt to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fail to Appear on Possession of Marijuana, Fail To Appear on Accident Involving Damage, Fail to Appear on Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fail to Appear on Evading Arrest with a Vehicle)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Trustin Deshaughn Cleveland Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Lamarcus Moore Public Intoxication-Presley Road Texarkana, arrested: Rolando Villa-Senor FRIDAY Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) Under 1 Gram-Farm to Market Road 2148s Texarkana, arrested: Tamera J. Taylor Warrant Service (traffic)- Farm to Market Road 2148s Texarkana, arrested: John William Taylor Jr.

Harassment-North State Line Avenue Texarkana Assault Causing Bodily Injury (family violence)-West Front Street Texarkana Disturbance-State Highway 8 South Maud Warrant Service (Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Terroristic Threats, DWI)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Roanld Wayne Scudder Warrant Service (Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Marcus Ramond Leslie Warrant Service (Prohibited Substance or Item in a Correctional Facility)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Daylon Kentrell Scott Warrant Service (Probation Violation for DWI 2nd)-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Casey Joann Plunk Jail Sanction for Attempt to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance-North State Line Avenue Texarkana, arrested: Cole Laurence Warren SATURDAY Evading Arrest with a Vehicle- State Highway 8 South Maud, arrested: Tyrel Austin McManigal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Tramadol, Hydrocodone, Gabapentin) Over 3 Grams and Under 28 Grams-Farm to Market Road 3378 Texarkana, arrested: Lindsey Carlile Assault Causing Bodily Injury-West Front Street Texarkana Terroristic Threats-U.S. Highway 67w Simms Theft Over $750 and Under $2,500-George Thomas Road Texarkana, taken: 2 pressure washers, cutting torch Burglary of a Habitation- Sanderson Loop Texarkana, taken: Craftsman chain saw, 30” Sony television, paint sprayer, Hart air compressor, Hart cordless drill, Hart work light Warrant Service (traffic)- Hagler Lane Texarkana, arrested: Waylon Chance Crudup Warrant Service (Probation Violation for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon)- U.S. Highway 82 New Boston, arrested: James Earl Kingston Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency x2)-Farm to Market Road 1397 Texarkana, arrested: Timothy Cole Thompson SUNDAY Warrant Service (multiple traffic)-U.S. Highway 59s Texarkana, arrested: Janna Nichole George Evading Arrest, Fail to Identify, Warrant Service (Fail to Appear on Theft Over $100 and Under $750)-Buchanan Road Texarkana, arrested: Brandon Keith Lewis Evading Arrest with Previous Conviction, Warrant Service (Hold for Other Agency)-Buchanan Road Texarkana, arrested: Larry Wayne Brown Theft Over $100 and Under $750-County Road 1213 Texarkana, taken: $400.00 in U.S. Currency Criminal Mischief Over $750 and Under $2,500-Stone Road Texarkana Burglary of a Building-West 7th Street Texarkana, taken: Husqvarna pressure washer, Husqvarna pole saw, Billy Goat leaf blower, assorted tools, children’s clothes Criminal Mischief Under $100-Randy Drive Texarkana Dog Bite-County Road 1118 Maud Residential Fire-George Thomas Road Texarkana Suspicious Circumstances- Cayman Street Texarkana ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY BY BCSO 41 People Arrested by BCSO 73 People Arrested by Other Law Enforcement Agencies and Turned to BCSO 6/1 Civil Papers Cleared/ Served by BCSO BCSO PRISONER TRANSPORTS 87 Inmates Transported to Court 8 Inmates Transported to the Texas Department of Corrections 7 Inmates Transported for Medical Treatment 11 Inmates Transported for Other Reasons 113 Total Number of Persons Transported (Except Arrests by BCSO) 6,084 Total number of Miles Driven for Above Listed Transports

The defendant, Lance Wilson, was then sentenced to serve a total of 125 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice prisons.

Wilson was living at the Westridge Apartments in Texarkana at the time of the assaults and the assaults occurred at his residence there.

Wilson was charged with five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, crimes that carry a sentence ranging from five to 99 years each.

The Bowie County jury wasted no time in finding Wilson guilty on all five charges, and rather than have them decide his sentence, Wilson opted to have his punishment decided by 102nd District Court Judge Jeff Addison.

Bowie County Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter handled the prosecution of the case and told the West Bowie Post that during the punishment phase, Judge Addison had two flash drives containing thousands of pictures of child pornography to consider. Those flash drives were discovered during a search of Wilson’s semi-truck.

Upon hearing the case and reviewing all of the evidence, Judge Addison sentenced Wilson to 25 years and a $5,000 fine on each of the five charges with an order that the sentences be executed consecutively, not concurrently, better known as stacked sentences.

That ruling determines that Wilson’s total time of incarceration will be 125 years with a total fine of $25,000.

Wilson had been held in the Bowie County jail since his arrest in January of this year on bail set at $750,000.

Assistant DA Carter stated after the sentencing, “One of the things I have said about this case is the wheels of justice don’t always turn as fast as we would like, but I am grateful for the fact the jury heard the evidence and reached a quick and proper verdict.

The victim said during this trial that she had carried this shame for a long time until she realized it was no longer her shame to carry. When she realized that she knew it was time to come forward. I am glad that justice was served and she and her family can now move forward.”

A software error has caused another problem with Texas’ voter registration logs, KUT radio’s Texas Newsroom in Austin reported.

The glitch caused by “an extra address validation” affected Texans who updated their names and addresses on the state’s government record portal, texas.gov, between Sept. 1 and last week, according to an email sent by the Texas Secretary of State’s office.

Many of the updated records were still missing voters’ new addresses, election officials said.

As of Friday afternoon, those addresses are now showing up for Texas county election officials, according to an email from the Secretary of State’s office.

Alicia Pierce, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said the agency sent 15,000 records back to counties. She said the problem has been resolved, and voters will still be able to cast a ballot.

This latest problem comes only days after Texas election officials said they cleared an earlier voter registration backlog. That issue was caused by an error prompted by a Texas Department of Public Safety software update.

It impacted more than 500,000 voter registrations submitted since October 2025.

New polls: Dems lead nearly all statewide races

A new poll from the University of Texas at Austin shows Democrats with narrow leads in nearly all statewide races, the Houston Chronicle reported. However, polling in each statewide race is within the margin of error. Only Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico polled positively with 50% of the voters.

James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, said Democratic competitiveness is driven by a sizable gap in enthusiasm between Democratic and Republican voters — at least 10 percentage points.

“That’s really significant,” Henson said. “That is going to be what the last two weeks of this campaign are about — it’s about Republican campaigns trying to drive up Democratic negatives and trying to stir what is right now a pretty uninspired Republican electorate in the state.”

No Democrat has won a statewide race since 1994.

Abbott says he won’t debate Hinojosa

Incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott says he is better off holding campaign stops around the state than facing his Democratic opponent Gina Hinojosa in a debate, the Chronicle reported.

“The most important thing that a governor can do is to show up in communities,” Abbott said during a stop in Tyler.

“What voters want to see and hear, they want to see their governor in their community. They want to have the ability to ask their governor questions.” Abbott is seeking a fourth term. This is the first race in which he has not debated a Democratic gubernatorial challenger.

Hinojosa held a news conference outside the governor’s mansion last week with side-by-side lecterns — one empty.

“It is really on-brand for Greg Abbott to spend more money to tell lies about me, rather than showing up in person to debate me,” Hinojosa said. “These lies are funded by his billionaire donors.”

State appeals order requiring AC in prisons Lawyers for the state have appealed a federal judge’s order that all state prison cells be climate-controlled before 2030. The appeal was filed with the Fifth U.S.

Circuit Court of Appeals, the Texas Standard reported. The state also asked U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman to suspend his order, arguing it could disrupt critical operations in the prison system while the appeal continues.

“Throwing chaos and confusion into TDCJ’s ongoing plans to install complete air-conditioning, before the Fifth Circuit has a chance to rule, needlessly wastes finite resources, and frustrates TDCJ’s efforts to acquire funding to address operational and life safety measures to protect its population while moving... expediently to install air conditioning,” the filing said.

In September Pitman issued his ruling in a case filed by prison rights advocacy groups.

The groups argued that forcing inmates to endure triple-digit temperatures inside prison cells was unconstitutional. Just more than a third of the state’s prisons are climate-controlled, while 90,000 incarcerated Texans don’t have air conditioning.

The legal fight began with a 2023 complaint filed by Bernie Tiede, a high-profile inmate featured in the film “Bernie.”

Comptroller Huffines plans $3M office renovation

Republican Controller Don Huffines plans to use $3 million in funds from a state agency that manages and invests state funds to renovate his offices, according to The Dallas Morning News. Records obtained by the paper show that Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Co. would pay for the renovation of the comptroller’s executive suite. Huffines is the GOP nominee for comptroller and was appointed by Abbott to serve out an unexpired term. He faces state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, in November. She called the proposed use of trust company funds “highly inappropriate.”

“The comptroller is supposed to keep those funds segregated,” she said. “You can’t raid it for operational expenses in the comptroller’s office.”

Since being appointed, Huffines has vowed to cut government spending; 41 comptroller employees were fired in recent weeks.

Home, auto insurance rates trending down

Both homeowner and auto insurance companies have filed proposed premium rate decreases since July, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The agency said the proposed decreases affect about 700,000 Texas policyholders. Homeowner rate changes have averaged a 4.3% decline over the past 90 days, according to TDI.

“Lower rate filings are an encouraging sign for Texas consumers, and we’re pleased to see some relief beginning to reach the market,” said Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford. “As rates moderate, Texans should take advantage of the competitive market, shop around, and make sure they’re getting the best value for their coverage.”

Nearly 160 companies sell auto and homeowners insurance in Texas.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com