Columns & Editorials

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

It appears the uncertainty and inconsistency in public education is getting to be too much for educators across Texas. A decline in student behavior is a growing concern. Many north Texas teachers have taken to social media to lament a significant increase in negative student behavior with little authority or administrative support to manage it effectively. Teacher absences are adding to current concerns in education. Overcrowded classes are being split between teachers who are present, often leaving unqualified aides/paraprofessionals responsible for teaching students.

It may not be easy for Christians to praise GOD in this time of trouble, but I think this is the time we should praise Him the most. GOD told us long ago that these times were coming and we should not be amazed or fear. Think about the time when Jesus will call all true Christians up to meet Him in the air. It may be a long time off, but I can’t help but believe it is coming soon. I may not have lived a perfect life for GOD, but His promise to us is that we are saved and safe forever. How could any promise be better than that? I can praise GOD because He always seems to be at His best when I am at my worst. That does not mean that we get by with our sins, but it means that GOD has given us forgiveness as long as we live in these bodies. I should say that we still pay for the sin we commit here in this life. That is, if we do something to ruin our health GOD will forgive us for the sin, but He will “not” restore health to our bodies. If I eat enough sweet stuff to rot my teeth out, GOD will forgive me for eating wrong, but He will not make us new teeth. The dentist has to do that. I praise GOD because He is totally just and perfect and does not deal with us according to our sins, but according to His prefect love for us. I can’t understand that but I know it is true.

Has GOD abandoned America? No: I don’t think GOD would abandon any nation when they call out and turn to Him. Also I don’t believe GOD would abandon any person if they do the same.

Dear Aunt B,

Once upon a time, I was in charge of training work resource solution professionals (the nonpc term would be staffing company salespeople) for a 6-state radius. I taught them important things like how to get past the receptionist, how to figure out who the decision-maker in that company is in the first place, how to present yourself as the solution to a problem, and, most importantly, how not to get thrown out of an office building. It was a great deal of fun. People respond well to people that want to help them, as I did. Also, when a salesperson doesn’t have to do any selling for a few days and they get free lunches, they’re typically super happy. The training material was top notch, too. I still use it to navigate daily life. For instance, if you’re going to sit down with someone who has the power to either give or deny their business to you, it’s best if you’re able to make a great first impression. Unless you are familiar with their company culture, show up looking like a blank slate. Be bland. Dress for a funeral. Don’t wear anything avant garde, right down to the nail polish color and the portfolio you carry. Make sure the backs of your shoes look polished and that your hem is on point. Mimic your contact’s body language. Subliminally, they’ll see you as being like them. If you’re like them, they will like you. People only buy from people they like. And, definitely, know your stuff. If they’re a publicly traded company, know their stock value. Find out how many locations they have, total number of employees, etc. Who are their competitors? And, lastly, always always always know their mission statement so you can work key points into casual conversation. Trust me on this. Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, or you need to persuade anyone concerning anything, know what makes them tick. Use it against them. All is fair in love and business meetings.

The Layden Senior Citizens Center of Forney welcomes you at 101 Main Street in City Hall; open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please enter the front or through Handicap accessible doors located at the back of City Hall where reserved parking for seniors is also available.

When you and your life partner work together to achieve your important long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement lifestyle, the experience can be greatly rewarding. However, your success will require commitment and discipline. So, what steps should you take along the way?

Last Saturday my son TJ posted cryptic message that involved his friend Shane Smith. It said:

Assessment as a tool to determine content mastery is necessary in the learning environment. Currently, the state of Texas uses the State Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to assess students’ mastery of content over the school year. The outcome of this data is used to determine things like graduation or promotion eligibility, teacher efficacy, grade level readiness, student content mastery, or campus and district performance. The test is the same across all Texas districts.

I received sad news this week, that former Kaufman County Judge Wayne Gent passed away. Judge Gent served for a total of 20 years in a split term as Kaufman County Judge. He has a distinction that will never be matched. He was the second to last Judge to serve Kaufman County as a Democrat and the first Republican Kaufman County Judge.

People are “not” animals or like animals. People have a “soul” and are made in the image and likeness of GOD Himself. People have the responsibility for being a steward of the earth and the condition of it. Animals do not have a soul. GOD did not breathe in their nostrils like He did to Adam. GOD placed the earth and everything in it under the authority of Adam and all who come after him. People are made to worship GOD and obey His instructions given in the Bible.

Dear Aunt B,